Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Municipal Airport is not currently slated to receive federal immigration agents or face closure despite the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Jayde Hawkins, the airport security manager, clarified the facility’s status following reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are being deployed to several major U.S. airports to assist with staffing.

The deployment of ICE agents comes as Transportation Security Administration officers at Redmond and across the country are working without pay due to the budget impasse. While U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on March 19 that small airports could be forced to shut down if the shutdown continues, Redmond officials maintain that the terminal remains fully operational without any expected changes to its schedule.

White House border czar Tom Homan said ICE agents are being utilized in support roles rather than for passenger screening. These tasks include guarding exits and handling other non-screening duties to assist airports experiencing staffing shortages. According to federal officials, these agents are intended to mitigate operational impacts caused by officer callouts or resignations at larger hubs.

ICE agents have already been reported at airports in Atlanta and New York Other locations that could see federal agents include Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is currently the only West Coast location identified as a potential site for ICE support.

Lauren Bis, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said the agency would not confirm specific locations of the federal agents. Bis cited operational security reasons for the department’s refusal to verify where ICE officers are currently deployed.

Hawkins, who also serves as the primary airport security coordinator, said Redmond does not currently require federal support because the facility is not experiencing the same staffing crises seen at larger travel hubs. “We are not going to see that here in Redmond. Or at least we’re not aware of anything that would be headed our way any time soon,” Hawkins said. “The impact or the support that they would do is just for those staffing issues that they are seeing in some of the larger airports where they are seeing, officers quitting or officer callouts that are, impacting them operationally in order to be able to operate their checkpoints.”

Regarding the potential for closure, Hawkins addressed the airport’s categorization as a small facility and suggested that Redmond’s inclusion in federal warnings may have been an error. “Redmond is not closing anytime soon. Our doors are open. We operate. Our building is. Our terminal is open 24 over seven 365,” Hawkins said. “I believe our name came up just because of the category of airport that we fall into. And so I think there may have been some miscommunication that impacted us in that sense.”

Some TSA officers at Redmond Airport have been employed at the facility for 20 years. In response to the shutdown, the local community has organized to provide essentials for these unpaid workers. Donated items include gift cards, non-perishable food and various household supplies.

Community members who wish to donate items to TSA officers can drop them off at the Redmond Airport administrative office. Hawkins stated the terminal will continue to operate on its normal 24-hour schedule.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The business membership program Purpose in Expenses distributed nearly $69,000 to Central Oregon nonprofits during a community celebration on March 13 in Bend. The event, known as PIE Fest 2026, brought together business owners and nonprofit leaders for live check presentations.

The gathering marked the sixth year of the program’s partnership model, which connects local businesses with community organizations to turn operating expenses into charitable donations. Through this system, the program has generated more than $250,000 in global donations over the last two years.

Pahlisch Homes provided the largest single contribution of the evening, donating $21,925 to the Bend LaPine Education Foundation CTE Programs. The funds are designated to support career and technical education for students in the local school district.

Subaru of Bend contributed a total of $12,000, which was distributed equally among three organizations. Oregon Adaptive Sports, FAN Prineville and the Bend LaPine Education Foundation CTE Programs each received $4,000 from the dealership.

Beaver Coach Sales presented a check for $10,476 to Oregon FFA. The donation is intended to support the development of agricultural leaders through the state’s branch of the National FFA Organization.

The Boys and Girls Club of Bend received $7,000 through the “I Like PIE” community fundraising run, which included contributions from various program members. Additionally, the Tower Theatre Foundation received $5,000 through the PIE direct giving program.

Other local businesses participated in the live check presentations to their designated nonprofit partners. Team Hyundai of Bend presented a check to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, while Sebastian’s Seafood provided funding for the High Desert Museum. Happy Danes Auto Repair made two separate contributions to Ronald McDonald House Oregon.

Further donations were presented by Shift Naturals and ThAiPas to the Central Oregon Trail Alliance. Tim Kia of Bend supported the Neighbor Impact Head Start Program, Kirby Nagelhout presented to the Deschutes Children’s Foundation, RUMPL donated to Central Oregon Landwatch and Second Wind Sports provided funding for Protect Our Winters. The Latino Community Association received a check from PIE in partnership with BBSI. Family Access Network, also known as FAN, received donations from Ruffwear and Embark.

The invitation-only event featured a curated dinner with home-cooked tapas prepared by PIE co-founder Cristina Morales and Thai cuisine from ThAiPas. Entertainment for the evening included live piano music performed by Paula Dreyer.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An adult bald eagle is recovering at a Bend wildlife hospital after being found grounded and unable to fly in Prineville. The bird, identified as Bald Eagle 26-54, spent more than 24 hours in a field before being rescued and transported to Think Wild for urgent care.

Upon intake, the veterinary team diagnosed the eagle with multiple traumatic injuries. These included a scapular luxation, or shoulder injury, pulmonary contusions, and a maxillary beak fracture with blood present in the mouth. The bird also showed signs of wobbling and ataxia at the time of its rescue.

The eagle has shown signs of improvement while receiving pain management, fluids, and assisted feeding. The bird was recently moved to a larger raptor enclosure. Staff report the eagle is beginning to perch well, reach higher spaces, and hold its wings with more symmetry. Currently, the bird still requires supportive feeding and ongoing evaluation of its strength.

While the eagle recovers from physical trauma, the facility also monitors for lead poisoning, a common issue for local raptors. Sally Compton serves as the executive director for Think Wild. Compton explained that most poisonings occur when birds eat the carcasses of animals killed by lead ammunition. When lead ammunition enters an animal, it can splinter up to 12 inches, infecting the carcass with lead.

Compton described how the toxin affects the birds as it enters the bloodstream. “As it permeates through their system, gets to their brain, gets to their internal organs, that’s when they start to really feel those symptoms,” Compton said. While the results for this specific bald eagle were positive, Compton noted that for most animals, the poisoning is fatal.

Think Wild has treated 85 animals for lead poisoning over the years. Of those cases, three have been bald eagles. Almost all of the animals brought in with the illness have died. The facility is supported by donations for food, medical supplies, and staff time, which can be sent to their Erickson Road location in Bend.

If the bird’s progress continues, the next step in its rehabilitation will be the introduction of gentle flight therapy. The team will continue to monitor the eagle’s ability to regain strength for an eventual return to flight.

The Problem Solvers have spoken to hunters and outdoorsmen about the benefits and downsides of using lead while hunting. Find that story here.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Downtown Bend Library will close for a comprehensive remodel on April 10, 2026, marking the first major renovation in the building’s nearly 30-year history. The closure coincides with the opening of the new Central Library, which began offering drive-thru services on March 23, 2026.

The downtown facility is expected to remain closed until spring 2027 to allow for expanded public spaces and updated amenities. During this period, the new Central Library at 61956 SE Santorini Street will serve the community through a phased opening, with full public access scheduled to begin in May 2026.

Construction renderings.

Rendering of upgrades.

The Central Library drive-thru, located at 61956 SE Santorini Street in Bend, provides holds pick-up from noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Patrons can return books, DVDs and magazines 24 hours a day at the drive-thru book drop. To use the pick-up service, visitors must select “Central DRIVE-THRU” as their location in the library’s online catalog. When a hold is ready, drivers enter the lane near the east entrance and ring a bell at the window for assistance from staff.

The automated return system requires users to hold their items near a sensor on the chute to unlock it before placing materials in the return slot. This drive-thru facility is limited to standard library materials. Larger items, including curriculum crates, book club kits and materials from the “Library of Things,” cannot be accepted at the drive-thru. These items must be returned inside the Central Library building once it opens to the public in May.

Drive-thru return.

The Downtown Bend Library remodel is the first comprehensive update for the facility since it opened nearly 30 years ago. Once the construction is finished, the building will feature more public space and updated amenities. Library officials have set up a dedicated section on their website to answer frequently asked questions regarding the temporary closure and the specific changes planned for the downtown location.

Renderings of the upgardes library.

The Central Library is scheduled to fully open to the public on May 11, 2026. The Downtown Bend Library remodel is expected to be completed in spring 2027.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Bend hosted an open house, on Tuesday, to share information about the Franklin Project and others, including the Hawthorne Crossing. Members from several city teams were on hand to answer questions, explain design changes, and gather feedback from residents.

Todd Johnson, Senior Engineer with the City of Bend, said community input plays a key role in shaping city projects.“the reason why we have these open houses is just the feed back. It really helpes shape the design of what we build.”

He added that new bike infrastructure is designed to make cycling safer and more intuitive.“As you’re coming out of the protected bike lane you can go on the cycle track which is curb separated bike path.”

Around one hundred people attended Tuesday’s event. Reactions were mixed, though many said they left with a better understanding of what’s planned.

Bend resident Tamara Houston appreciated seeing the infrastructure designs up close.”It did. You know, I think one thing that’s, tricky for everybody is like, what’s happening when we take out car lanes. And so, like, looking at some of the infrastructure designs that they put in place to help accommodate bikes and cars and, and maybe actually, it’s not that different than what it is, it’s just that the bikes are separated and the pedestrians are separated from the cars a little differently”

As for the Hawthorne Project, city officials are exploring the possibility of expanding crossing areas, but those ideas are still in the early stages.

While many residents expressed excitement about improved bike and pedestrian access, several business owners voiced concern about what construction and lane changes could mean for their businesses.

The Hawthorne Connections Study focuses on two road segments intended to fill gaps in the city’s bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The first segment involves Hawthorne Avenue between Third Street and Fifth Street, which would provide safer access to destinations such as the Juniper Swim & Fitness Center. The second segment covers Harriman Street between Greenwood Avenue and Franklin Avenue to improve access to the planned Hawthorne Crossing bridge. This bridge is designed to carry pedestrians and cyclists over the Parkway and Railroad.

The Midtown Crossings Project includes final design details for Franklin Avenue from Harriman Street to NE Fourth Street. Planned improvements for this stretch include new separated sidewalks and bike lanes, upgraded lighting, landscaping and signage. The project also involves new railings near the undercrossing, painting and various water and stormwater management infrastructure. These changes are intended to reduce traffic conflict points and calm vehicle speeds.

The Second Street waterline project aims to replace aging infrastructure to improve the resiliency of the water system across Bend. Crews will replace an existing 12-inch cast iron water main with an 18-inch ductile iron main. This upsized pipe will increase water capacity between the Awbrey Reservoir and the Pilot Butte Reservoir while bringing the system up to current standards.

Utility construction on Franklin Avenue between NE First Street and NE Fourth Street is scheduled to begin in April.

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Kelsey Merison

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Solid Waste will host three free household hazardous waste collection events in Redmond, Sisters, and La Pine this April. The one-day events are designed to help rural residents dispose of toxic materials safely and reduce the number of trips required to the county landfill.

While the Knott Landfill in Bend accepts hazardous waste weekly, many rural transfer stations are not currently equipped to handle such materials. Greg Brady, the Deschutes County hazardous waste supervisor, said the initiative is intended to protect local resources from contamination.

“Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can harm the environment and community health by allowing toxic chemicals to leak into the soil and groundwater,” Brady said. “We hope that by offering these free, one-day events we can reduce the amount of hazardous waste going into the county landfill.”

The schedule for the collection events begins in Redmond at the Negus Transfer Station, located at 2400 NE Maple Ave. This first event is scheduled for Saturday, April 4th.

The following week, on Saturday, April 11thh, the county will host a collection at the Sisters Recycling Center at 328 Sisters Park Drive.

The final event will take place on Saturday, April 18th, in the South County Services Center parking lot at 51340 U.S. 97 in La Pine.

All three events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents may bring a variety of common household chemicals to these sites. Accepted materials include oil and latex paints, stains, thinners, solvents, and various fuels. Garden products such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers will also be taken, along with pool and spa chemicals. The events will also accept oil-soaked rags, aerosols, mercury-containing thermometers, and rechargeable batteries.

Certain automotive and household items are also eligible for free disposal. Staff will accept vehicle fluids including coolants, lubricants and brake, transmission and fuel fluids. Small propane tanks, such as those used for barbecue grills or camp stoves, are allowed, as are fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs.

Some materials are strictly prohibited from the one-day collection sites. These include business-generated hazardous waste, medical waste, and explosives such as fireworks or ammunition. Organizers will not accept compressed gas cylinders, other than the specified propane tanks and no containers larger than five gallons will be allowed.

For those who cannot attend the April events, the county offers year-round hazardous waste disposal in Bend. The Knott Landfill household hazardous waste facility, located at 61050 SE 27th St., accepts these materials every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at no charge. Residents can also find more information through the Inside Deschutes County Podcast or by calling the Department of Solid Waste at 541-317-3163.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services is asking for the public’s help to find 15-year-old Brandy Bird, who went missing from Beaverton on March 13th. Officials believe the teenager is in danger and is likely in the Portland metro area.

Urgent Search for Missing 15-Year-Old Brandy Bird in Oregon

Bird is also known by the name Sky Flores or Sky Florez. She is described as five feet three inches tall and weighs 140 pounds. While her hair is naturally blond, officials noted it may currently be dyed multiple colors. She has distinct physical characteristics, including piercings on her nose, eyebrow, and lip and a rose tattoo on her left arm.

The teenager was last seen in Beaverton and is known to frequent the Hillsboro and Portland areas. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating her disappearance under report number WCSO 50-26-3482. Additionally, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has issued report number 2081609 regarding the case.

Anyone who believes they have seen Bird is urged to contact 911 or local law enforcement immediately.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Elk Vintage, a locally owned boutique, is set to open its first permanent storefront in Bend’s Old Mill District this spring. Owners Jeni Gallacher and Andria Hattenhauer will move the business into the historic Little Red Shed with a grand opening scheduled for May 1st.

The 400-square-foot building is the oldest structure in the district and originally served as a fire hose shed for the Brooks-Scanlon mill. The new shop marks a transition for the owners, who built the brand through regional pop-up markets and community events across Central Oregon.

The business grew from the owners’ history of hosting pop-up shops and participating in markets throughout Central Oregon. They previously sold items at Gathered Wares, Consignment Collective, Dogwood at the Pine Shed, and various events in Camp Sherman. Gallacher, co-owner of Elk Vintage, said the transition to a physical store was a gradual progression from their personal collections. “At first, it was just, ‘We have a lot of cool stuff,’” Gallacher said. “Then it turned into, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we had a store?'”

Co-owner Hattenhauer said the size and historical nature of the structure, which sits near City Home, aligned with their vision for the boutique. “We had seen the Red Shed before and thought, ‘That would be the perfect spot,’” Hattenhauer said. “It’s the right size for what we want to do, and the fact that the building itself has history makes it even more special.” 

The boutique will feature a mix of vintage clothing, accessories, and small home goods sourced from across Oregon, as well as online platforms and regional buying trips. Gallacher’s contributions to the collection focus on vintage T-shirts, denim, and rock-n-roll styles.

Hattenhauer provides a different perspective with classic sweaters and timeless pieces. Gallacher said the inventory is selected to ensure shoppers find unique items. “All of our pieces are one of a kind,” Gallacher said. “You’re not going to walk in and find something everyone else is wearing.”

Each item in the shop is washed, steamed, and prepared before it is available for purchase. Hattenhauer said she hopes customers feel a sense of discovery when visiting the boutique. “We love the idea that a vintage piece finds you,” Hattenhauer said. “That’s what we want people to feel when they walk in.”

The grand opening is scheduled for May 1st from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. as part of the First Friday Art Walk. Regular store hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with new inventory arriving on a weekly basis.

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Kelsey Merison

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins launched a national public awareness campaign on Tuesday, which is National Agriculture Day, to promote the new “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard.

The standard, which went into effect on January 1st, 2026, ensures that meat, poultry, and egg products carrying the label come from animals born, raised, harvested, and processed entirely within the United States.

The initiative aims to increase transparency and support American ranchers following significant losses in the domestic agricultural sector. Since 2017, the United States has lost more than 100,000 family farms, representing a 17% decline in operations. The new standard ends the prior practice of allowing imported products to use the label after only minimal processing.

The new policy requires that companies using the voluntary claim meet verifiable requirements for their entire supply chain. Agriculture Secretary Rollins said the goal is to provide a fair environment for domestic producers who invest in American operations.

“Our great patriot ranchers and producers grow, raise, and harvest the world’s safest, most affordable, and abundant food supply. American consumers want to support America by buying American and this label will strengthen our food supply chain through transparency, fairness, and trust,” Rollins said. “This new standard policy ensures producers who invest in a fully American supply chain can compete fairly, and it gives consumers the confidence they deserve about the food they bring home.”

The awareness campaign comes at a time of shifting market conditions for the livestock industry. The national cattle herd has reached a 75-year low, even as consumer demand for beef increased 9% over the last decade. In October 2025, Rollins released the USDA Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry, which focuses on rebuilding domestic capacity and improving transparency.

Small Business Administration Administrator Loeffler said the label helps sustain family-run businesses by ending unfair competition. Loeffler credited recent efforts to reduce the “massive red tape” that she said has previously burdened the agricultural sector.

“When we choose to purchase from American producers, we get a superior product while supporting the hardworking family farms who put it all on the line every day to feed, clothe, and fuel our nation,” Loeffler said.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy noted that the labeling also supports national health goals. Kennedy said the program helps families follow dietary guidelines by providing honest information about where their food is sourced.

“‘Product of the USA’ labeling puts American producers first, gives families clear, honest information, and empowers them to choose food raised right here at home,” Kennedy said.

Click here to learn more.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire and Rescue took to social media Monday to share an update on a tiny survivor.

According to the agency, many concerned residents have reached out in recent weeks following a structure fire in SE Bend.

‘Dude’ the tortoise was rescued from the fire and is alive and well. Now, after a brief stay with the south station crew, he’s recovering at The Reptile Zone while his family is in temporary housing.

Below is the full post from Bend Fire and Rescue:

“We heard many of you were concerned about the special family member that survived the structure fire in SE Bend a couple of weeks ago.

We wanted to provide an update to let you know that “Dude” the tortoise is alive and well!

After a brief stay with our south station crew, Dude has been graciously taken in by The Reptile Zone while his family is in temporary housing. We are so glad everyone is safe, including the Dude.”

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