Category: ktvz-local-news

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson will speak at The Tower Theatre in Bend on May 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. The Deschutes Historical Museum is presenting the event, which is timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Atkinson’s presentation, titled “Fate of the Day: The War for America, 1777-1780,” is part of a partnership with the Oregon Historical Society’s Mark O. Hatfield Lecture Series and the official America 250 Oregon statewide commemoration. He is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for his narrative histories of American wars.

Atkinson has written eight narrative histories covering five American wars. His works include “The Long Gray Line”, the Liberation Trilogy — “An Army at Dawn”, “The Day of Battle” and “The Guns at Last Light” — and “The British Are Coming”, which is the first volume of his Revolution Trilogy. He also recently appeared in Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” on PBS. His detailed account of the conflict between Americans and the British offers both deeply researched history and a fresh perspective on the demands a democracy makes on its citizens.

Before his career as an author, Atkinson worked for two decades as a reporter, foreign correspondent and senior editor at The Washington Post. His final assignments included covering the 101st Airborne during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and reporting on roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007.

Born in Munich, Germany, Atkinson grew up on military posts as the son of a U.S. Army officer. He earned a B.A. from East Carolina University and an M.A. in English literature from the University of Chicago.

Tickets for the event became available on Feb. 3 through The Tower Theatre website. General admission tickets are $30, while members of the Deschutes County Historical Society or Oregon Historical Society can purchase tickets for $25. A general admission ticket bundled with a Deschutes County Historical Society membership is available for $45. All ticket purchases incur an $8.00 Tower Preservation Fee at checkout. For more information, individuals can contact info@deschuteshistory.org or call 541-389-1813.

Thanks to VeroFiber, the Deschutes Historical Museum is offering a limited number of free tickets to teachers on a first-come, first-served basis. Teachers interested in obtaining a free ticket should email Kelly Cannon-Miller, executive director of the Deschutes Historical Museum, at kelly@deschuteshistory.org with their school affiliation.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — A solemn ceremony in Oregon honored fallen law enforcement officers on Tuesday.

The annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony was held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy where the state’s memorial stands.

The event brought together families, colleagues, and public safety leaders from across Oregon to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The memorial now bears the names of 199 officers dating back to the 1860s, including law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from agencies at every level.

The Oregon ceremony is held each year ahead of National Police Week in Washington, D.C., where more than 23,000 fallen officers are remembered nationwide.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild Central Oregon says that one of it’s own, Kylie Lanuza, has been awarded the 2026 Bob Sallinger Memorial Summer Fellowship from Bird Conservation Oregon!

This fellowship honors the legacy of Bob Sallinger, a longtime Oregon conservation leader whose work combined science, collaboration, and a deep commitment to protecting wildlife and wild places.

Think Wild says Kylie’s work embodies that same spirit. She leads the nonprofit’s community science efforts, engaging volunteers in hands-on wildlife research that directly supports conservation across Oregon.

Congratulations, Kylie!

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Triton Notary

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) Lieutenant April Huey of the Redmond Police Department has been elected as the first President of the Oregon Association for Women in Criminal Justice, an organization formed in March 2026. This new association is dedicated to supporting women working within Oregon’s criminal justice system.

The Oregon Association for Women in Criminal Justice (OAWCJ) was established as a Special Chapter of the Oregon Peace Officers Association. Its mission is to support, empower and connect women in the state’s criminal justice system through mentorship, professional development, networking, recruitment and training opportunities. The OAWCJ aims to foster leadership, collaboration and resilience while promoting excellence within the profession.

Lieutenant Huey has served with the Redmond Police Department since 2003. She was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2022, becoming the first female Lieutenant in the department’s history. The values of the OAWCJ align directly with Lt. Huey’s leadership style.

In 2022, Lt. Huey started Central Oregon Women in Law Enforcement (COWIL), a non-profit organization. COWIL focuses on mentoring, supporting and inspiring current and future women in law enforcement across Central Oregon. She currently also serves as President of COWIL.

Police Chief Devin Lewis for the Redmond Police Department, expressed support for Lt. Huey’s new role. “RPD is proud to have Lt. Huey serving as President of OAWCJ and looks forward to supporting her and the association as they inspire women in law enforcement,” Lewis said.

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Harley Coldiron

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — Fire crews kicked off a prescribed burn Tuesday near Pine Mountain, just southeast of Bend, sending visible smoke across parts of Central Oregon. The operation is expected to continue through Friday, depending on weather conditions, and can be seen from Highway 20, Bend, and surrounding communities.

What’s Burning

The Pine Mountain burn is targeting about 330 acres as part of ongoing forest management efforts aimed at reducing wildfire risk.

At the same time, additional prescribed burns are happening in western Oregon’s Middle Fork Ranger District, meaning smoke could stretch beyond Central Oregon into areas like La Pine, Crescent, and even parts of the Willamette Valley.

Officials say these burns are intentional and carefully managed, but they still come with real impacts.

Closures Around Pine Mountain

Because of the active burn, the Pine Mountain area is currently closed to the public.

That includes:

Forest Service Road 2017

Pine Mountain Campground

All nearby dispersed recreation areas

Popular activities like off-highway vehicle use and paragliding are also temporarily off-limits.

Crews say those closures will stay in place for several days, even after the burning stops, while firefighters complete mop-up and patrol operations to make sure everything is safe.

When You’ll Notice Smoke the Most

For many in Central Oregon, the biggest impact won’t be closures; it’ll be the smoke.

Residents in La Pine and Crescent, in particular, could see smoke settling in overnight and during the early morning hours when winds are lighter. That’s when air quality tends to dip the most.

If you’re sensitive to smoke, it’s a good idea to:

Keep windows and doors closed overnight

Limit outdoor activity during smoky periods

The Weather Factor

This burn is happening during a stretch of warm, dry weather across Central Oregon, conditions that are ideal for controlled burns, but also a reminder of how quickly the landscape is drying out.

Crews will continue to monitor weather conditions closely, and any changes, like stronger winds, could impact how the burn progresses.

What Happens Next

Ignitions are expected to continue through the end of the week, with smoke remaining visible across the region.

Once the burn is complete, firefighters will stay on scene for several days before reopening roads and recreation areas, only after they’re confident everything is secure.

Expect visible smoke, temporary closures, and some early-morning air quality impacts as crews work to reduce wildfire risk heading into the warmer months.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from COCC President)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College President Dr. Greg Pereira delivered a “State of the College” address Tuesday morning on the Bend campus — highlighting growth, challenges, and the institution’s impact across the region.

Pereira emphasized a central message: despite ongoing challenges, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) continues to move forward and play a vital role in Central Oregon.

“The key takeaway from today’s state of the college is that COCC is an absolutely incredible institution –that, despite challenges that come up, we always find a way forward, and we’re doing incredible work in this community,” Pereira said.

The college serves a 10,000-square-mile area and plays a major role in workforce training and regional development. One out of every 41 jobs in Central Oregon is tied to COCC, which contributes an estimated $349 million annually to the local economy.

With growing demand for career and technical education, COCC is expanding its footprint. Pereira highlighted the recent completion of a 22,000-square-foot expansion at the Madras campus, which will support programs including nursing, medical assisting and early childhood education.

“We’re also doing an incredible expansion of our Redmond campus to really expand our opportunity to provide career and technical education in that region,” he said.

Like many community colleges nationwide, COCC is facing funding challenges. Pereira said the college is working to stay creative and adapt in order to continue delivering quality education.

“Some of the biggest challenges we’re facing are related to funding. So we have to be innovative and we have to think a little bit differently about how to ensure that we continue to provide the best education as possible for our students,” he said.

Affordability remains a key focus. More than half of COCC students receive financial aid, and the COCC Foundation awards about $2.2 million in scholarships each year.

While Tuesday’s address took place in Bend, “State of the College” events are also planned for Redmond and Prineville. Those meetings will focus more specifically on how the college is serving each local community.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) issued a joint safety warning to recreational boaters in Oregon as warmer weather returns. The agencies highlighted the persistent danger of cold water and increased navigation hazards due to anticipated record-breaking low water levels this season.

Oregon’s waterways are expected to experience lower than normal levels because of limited snowpack and emerging drought conditions.

The warning emphasizes that even with warm air temperatures, the water in most Oregon waterways remains under 70 degrees year-round, allowing hypothermia to set in quickly. The expected record-breaking dry season will lead to changing conditions and a concentration of recreationists in popular waterbodies.

Officials advise boaters to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature and to consult the OEM Blog for tips on cold water exposure. Falls overboard are the leading cause of accidental drowning. Most fatalities from drowning are due to cold water shock, which is sudden immersion into cold water. Data from the 2019-2024 U.S. Coast Guard Accident Statistics shows that roughly 84-87% of fatal boating incident victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Lower water levels can expose hazards that were not visible in prior years. Ashley Massey, Public Information Officer for the Marine Board, explained, “Low water can expose submerged rocks, stumps, sand or gravel bars and other hazards to navigation that may not have been visible in previous years.” Massey added that even familiar lakes and rivers can look and behave differently during drought, with river currents potentially becoming stronger in some areas and stalling in others. She advises boaters to prepare for any situation, allow ample time for launching and taking out and boat with others who can provide aid if necessary.

To help recreational boaters stay safe, the OSMB and OEM offer specific guidance. All boaters should wear a life jacket, choose waterways that match their skill level to avoid becoming stranded and carry all required equipment in good working order. It is also recommended to share a float plan, including destination, boat type and expected return time, with a trusted person. Boaters should operate slowly, stay alert for quickly changing conditions and monitor water levels closely. Motorized boaters should check local regulations and review the boat ramp status map for low-water ramps, while paddlers should operate closer to shore.

Motorized boaters need deeper water to operate safely and must watch their wake, operating at slow-no wake speeds in narrow and shallow areas. Both types of boat users should avoid unfamiliar or narrow channels during low-water conditions. Using a depth finder, setting shallow-water alarms and monitoring depth are also recommended. All boaters should monitor weather forecasts, tides and changing water conditions and be courteous to other boaters by keeping launching areas clear.

In Oregon, children 12 and younger must wear a life jacket when underway on any boat and life jackets are required for all boaters on Class III whitewater rivers. Operators of motorboats more than 10 horsepower must carry a boating safety education card. Additionally, paddlers operating non-motorized boats are required to have a waterway access permit. More information on safe boating practices and legal requirements can be found at Boat.Oregon.gov.

Erin Zysett, an OEM spokesperson, reiterated the agencies’ commitment to safety. “Safety is always our top priority,” Zysett said. “We want all people in Oregon to enjoy time on the water responsibly. Stay informed. Respect the unique hazards water presents. Be prepared. And help protect our waterways and communities.”

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Handmade Market will return to downtown Bend on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 100 independent makers and artisans will showcase their crafts. It’s free to attend and all-ages are welcome.

Produced by Urban Craft Uprising, the market offers a curated selection of ceramics, clothing, jewelry, fine art, and home decor. This event has become a beloved community gathering, providing shoppers with unique, quality pieces while supporting independent artists and small businesses.

Lindsey Ross of Urban Craft Uprising emphasized the market’s mission. “The Bend Handmade Market celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of our regional maker community,” Ross said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to discover unique, quality pieces while supporting independent artists and small businesses.”

The market adds to downtown Bend’s lively atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to explore local restaurants, cafes, and businesses throughout the day. Each vendor is carefully selected to ensure a high-quality, diverse mix of handmade goods. These selections reflect the creativity and spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

The event offers attendees direct access to artists and makers. They can learn about their processes and purchase one-of-a-kind items directly from the artists. The market is known for its carefully selected vendors and community atmosphere.

The Bend Handmade Market has been a staple of Bend’s cultural calendar for the past 3 years.

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Matthew Draxton

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County Fire and Rescue and St. Charles Prineville are collaborating to offer a free “Stop the Bleed” class on Monday, May 18. The course will teach participants how to manage life-threatening bleeding emergencies before professional first responders can arrive. The session is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

This community initiative is being held during May, which is designated as “Stop the Bleed” Month. The class provides essential skills that could be critical in saving a life during a severe bleeding incident.

The training is designed to be hands-on, providing practical experience for attendees. Interested individuals must register in advance due to limited space in the course. Further information and the registration link are available on the Crook County Fire and Rescue website.

Those interested in attending the free class on May 18, should register promptly due to the limited availability.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Stroke Awareness Oregon will host the “Leading With a Purpose” event on May 5th, 2026, at the Tetherow Pavilion in Bend. The evening is dedicated to exploring how leadership creates meaningful impact and supports the organization’s mission to provide stroke education and resources.

The event, centered on the theme “Impact Through Leadership,” will bring together a panel of respected leaders. They will share real-world insights on building influence, driving change, and leading with intention. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Stroke Awareness Oregon’s mission to provide stroke education, prevention resources, and support programs for stroke warriors and their families.

The panel is made up of five leaders:

• Deborah Flagan, Vice President of Community Engagement & Giving at Hayden Homes (Moderator)

• Patrick Bailey, Area Director, Willamette Valley Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Former Oregon State University Baseball Coach

• Michelle Mitchell, Co-Founder of Humm Kombucha; COO, Design Bar Interiors

• Tia Lewis, Shareholder & Land Use Attorney, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt

• Jo Wells, Facilities Architect & Project Manager, City of Bend

The event schedule includes a networking cocktail hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Following this, a moderated panel discussion will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Community members interested in attending or learning more about the event can visit LWAP.eventbrite.com. Additional information is available by contacting Taylor Laidlaw at tlaidlaw@strokeawarenessoregon.org or 541-350-8117.

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