Category: ktvz-local-news

Triton Notary

Editor’s Note: A video previously attached to this article incorrectly showed a City of Bend logo. The Downtown Bend Business Association is conducting this survey.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) The Downtown Bend Business Association has developed a Draft Downtown Parking Management Plan and is seeking community input. The organization emphasizes that the plan is not finalized and no new policies are currently being implemented.

The City of Bend is responsible for making all parking decisions and setting policy. The Downtown Bend Business Association serves as a guide in this process, working to define challenges and ensure community voices are represented in conversations about parking.

The Downtown Bend Business Association is asking the public to provide feedback through several steps. Community members can watch a short video to understand the background of the draft plan and what the association has heard so far. They can also review the draft plan to see the ideas being explored to address parking challenges. Finally, residents can complete a community survey to share their experiences, concerns and priorities regarding downtown parking.

The association states that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for parking. It acknowledges that what works for a business owner may differ from a visitor’s needs and an employee’s perspective might vary from a resident’s. The Downtown Bend Business Association is taking time to listen to ensure any future direction reflects the community’s actual needs.

The Downtown Bend Business Association will continue gathering feedback and listening to the community. This input will help shape what comes next for downtown parking, ensuring future directions reflect real community needs.

Editor’s Note: A video previously attached to this article incorrectly showed a City of Bend logo. The Downtown Bend Business Association is conducting this survey.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A brush fire erupted along Tumalo Road between Valeview and 92nd today, prompting a swift response from Bend and Redmond Fire Departments. The fire, which likely originated from hot debris from a passing vehicle, was quickly contained and prevented from spreading to homes or vehicles, though several fences sustained damage.

The fire stretched for hundreds of yards along the north side of Tumalo Road and burned less than an acre. The first fire engine from the Tumalo fire station arrived to find neighbors and passersby actively attempting to stop the fire with shovels and hoses. Three brush engines from Bend and one from Redmond completed the extinguishment.

Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki of Bend Fire & Rescue indicated that hot debris from a failing brake or catalytic converter was the likely cause, as the vehicle traveled west on Tumalo Road toward Old Bend Redmond Highway.

Fire officials noted that fire season has arrived earlier than usual, making roadside vegetation dry enough for hot vehicle parts to ignite fires. Residents are reminded to check their vehicles and trailers before traveling to prevent similar incidents. This includes ensuring catalytic converters and brakes are in good condition and that no chains or metal drag from vehicles or trailers, which can spread sparks into dry brush.

Bend Fire & Rescue emphasizes the importance of vehicle maintenance as summer approaches and vegetation becomes even drier. Drivers should continue to ensure their vehicles are in proper working order to prevent brush fires.

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Tyson Beauchemin

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — David Clyne, interim city administrator for Madras, is prioritizing clear financial preparation and up-to-date budgets in time for a new, permanent city administrator.

Clyne, who serves as interim city administrator for the city of Madras, has nearly 40 years of combined experience acting as a city administrator or manager in Oregon and Colorado He has been contracted by Madras to serve in this capacity until October.

In an interview with KTVZ, he expressed optimism about the city’s fiscal health, despite the city being behind on preparing for upcoming audits and budgets.

Regarding the city’s financial standing, Clyne said, “I’m pretty confident we’re not where people thought we were. I think people were using the, you know, the ‘bankruptcy’ word that was getting tossed around here. That’s not the case.”

“Oregon has a really tough situation with measures five and 50 that were passed in the 90s.” Said Clyne, referring to legislation which capped property taxes. He also cited Oregon’s absence of a sales tax as another potential revenue stream the city didn’t have access to. “So we’re severely limited on the typical public revenues that are available in a lot of other places.”

Clyne also aims to inspire the next city administrator to develop a unified, long-term plan for Madras. He believes this vision should be shared between the city and the community, rather than being a simple list of projects. In previous roles in other cities, Clyne often met with the public to ensure their goals aligned with community needs.

Another pressing issue for Clyne is the strain being placed on the Madras police department. He expressed a need for a permeant police chief, and hiring more officers. The search for a new police chief is on pause till the city recruits a city administrator

Clyne was also impressed by the warm welcome he’s received in Madras. He expressed an appreciation for the natural beauty in the area, saying “The climate’s incredible, but it’s also a city that is really postured itself in a way that it can really do something very special going forward.”

Currently, the city is considering pre-finalists for the permanent city administrator position.

Next week, the city will select finalists for interviews. Officials hope to hire the permanent city administrator by June 9.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles Health System’s Trauma Program will honor former trauma patients Wednesday, May 20, at St. Charles Bend. The event will feature 17-year-old Paige Wood, a local teen who will share her recovery story after surviving a traumatic car crash last summer.

Wood’s crash occurred when she fell asleep while driving and her presentation aims to highlight the importance of avoiding tired driving.

The event will provide a space for survivors to connect with St. Charles caregivers, first responders and fellow medical trauma patients. Attendees can also visit therapy dogs, explore a resource fair and enjoy a free lunch. Speaking about her experience is a healing process for Wood and she seeks to spread a vital message about road safety.

Heidi Wood, Wood’s mother, expressed her pride in her daughter’s efforts. “I’m so proud of Paige. She’s really trying to raise awareness,” Wood said. “And as parents, we realized that in all our years of parenting, we had never talked to our kids about what to do if you’re tired when you’re driving.”

Trauma survivors are invited to begin connecting with care teams and other survivors starting at 10:30 a.m. May 20. Lunch and speakers are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Conference Rooms A and B and the outside patio at St. Charles Bend, weather permitting.

St. Charles Trauma and Emergency Services cared for more than 2,700 traumatically injured patients in 2025. This figure represents nearly three times the number of patients the department treated a decade ago. Falls account for the most common injury, followed by motor vehicle crashes, ATV/snowmobile/dirt bike crashes, motorcycle crashes and bike crashes.

Jeremy Buller, trauma program coordinator in Bend, highlighted the significance of the event for those involved in patient care. “We often see these patients on the worst day of their life,” Buller said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to also see them healing and recovering.”

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also manages family care and specialty clinics in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. The private, nonprofit Oregon corporation is Central Oregon’s largest employer with more than 5,000 caregivers. Additionally, more than 400 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members collaborate with the system to provide community care.

Former trauma patients who wish to attend the event and connect with their care teams can RSVP on the St. Charles webpage.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Rep. Bynum, Sisters Mayor, and Fire Defense Board member)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — With wildfire risk no longer confined to a few months, local and federal leaders are urging Central Oregonians to prepare now, before the next fire sparks.

Oregon Representative, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, met Monday with local leaders and fire officials, with a following press conference at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District building to discuss wildfire readiness and prevention ahead of what could be another high-risk year.

“Wildfires are no longer seasonal,” Bynum said. “They are year-round threats that are growing more intense, more destructive, and more dangerous.”

Bynum emphasized the need for expanded training, stronger mitigation efforts, and increased public education. In addition, her push for federal funding to fill the gaps.

“This meeting today shows how coordinated our different agencies are and how willing they are to work together,” she said. “There was one central message — we need to be prepared.”

As fire seasons grow longer and more severe, the focus is shifting from reacting to fires to preventing damage before flames reach homes.

Bynum compared wildfire preparedness to a football game, with homeowners playing a key role early on.

“The first three quarters are what homeowners can do — home hardening and preparation,” she said. “When the fire department comes in, that’s the fourth quarter. They’re in defense mode.”

Fire officials echoed that message, stressing that the work done around homes can make all the difference.

“The front end of fighting any wildfire is really all the work people do around their homes,” said Bill Boos of the Fire Defense Board. “That’s what determines whether a home is savable or not.”

In Sisters, recent fires have served as a wake-up call, prompting more residents to take preparedness seriously.

“More people are getting interested in preparing their homes and having an evacuation plan ready,” said Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz.

Still, challenges remain — especially when fires spread quickly.

“Making sure you have a go-bag and a plan, and thinking about neighbors who may need extra help, is critical,” Letz added.

Leaders say coordination between agencies is stronger than ever, but ultimately, protecting homes starts with individual action.

Officials urge residents to take steps now to prepare for wildfire season, including creating defensible space, hardening homes, and having evacuation plans in place.

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Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon trees are facing another challenging year as climate change continues to impact the state. This spring’s conditions are similar to those in 2015, a period marked by peak high temperatures and drought. These current conditions follow a winter that tied 1934 for the warmest since accurate records began in 1896.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported the record-tying warm winter, signaling continued stress for the region’s tree population.

For at least two decades, trees in Oregon have experienced chronic stress from hot droughts. The compounding effect of frequent or prolonged warm and dry conditions has taken a significant toll on many trees. These conditions include higher than average temperatures, inconsistent precipitation patterns where more rain falls than snow and earlier snow melt.

Christine Buhl, a Forest Entomologist with the Oregon Department of Forestry, explained that a warm or dry spring is particularly detrimental for trees. “A warm or dry spring is particularly harmful for trees as this is their most active growing period. This stress reduces growth, weakens defenses against opportunistic insects and diseases and can outright kill tissues or whole trees,” Buhl said.

Buhl also noted that warmer winters create more favorable conditions for tree pests. “Warm winters reduce pest deaths from cold, increasing their growth or number of pests. It also extends the range of less cold-tolerant pests and lengthens their feeding periods,” she stated.

To help landowners manage their trees amid these conditions, Buhl offered several recommendations. She advises planting species and seedlots only within their current and climate-projected range. When planting seedlings, it is best to avoid dry seasons and keep roots moist and out of direct sun to ensure proper establishment.

Landowners should also work to reduce competition for moisture by controlling weeds and decreasing stand density to match the carrying capacity for the specific tree species, site quality and climate. If currently adapted species or seedlots are struggling, Buhl suggests shifting toward a nearby, more drought-tolerant seedlot, or in extreme cases, a more drought-tolerant species.

Other practices include using native understory vegetation and mulch to help retain soil moisture. Landowners should avoid root compaction caused by heavy equipment when the soil is wet. Additionally, fertilizing should be avoided if a site is already drought-stressed, as fertilizer increases biomass and thus water requirements.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Renowned cellist Peter Wiley will lead a free public master class on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Bend, Ore. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Heritage Hall in the First Presbyterian Church.

High Desert Chamber Music and the Cascade School of Music are presenting the master class, which is open to all interested individuals.

The master class aims to provide an inspiring educational opportunity for young musicians. Its presentation is made possible in part by Brooks Resources Corporation and sponsored by the Oregon branch of the American String Teachers Association.

Wiley enjoys a distinguished career as both a performer and educator, bringing a wealth of experience to the students and attendees.

The selected student participants, Peyton Cape, Ryley Jun, Hyun Lee, Julia Ma, Koyuki Blaumer and Tzippora Kreston-Duckles, range in age from 13 to 16. These students represent communities from Portland, Salem, Lake Oswego, Corvallis, Camas, Wash., and Bend. Their teachers include Jay Bednorz from Cascade School of Music, Hyun-Jin Kim, Steven Pologe, Anne Ridlington and Jason Duckles.

Wiley is an Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and a two-time Grammy Award nominee. He performed for 12 years with the Beaux Arts Trio and later with the Guarneri String Quartet until its disbandment. Wiley currently teaches at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Bard College Conservatory of Music.

Isabelle Senger, executive director for High Desert Chamber Music, noted the lasting impact of Wiley’s previous visit to Bend. “Peter’s last visit to Bend nearly a decade ago made a profound impact, particularly through his master class,” Senger said. “To see another generation of dedicated students, many traveling from across the region, eager to take part in this opportunity speaks to how meaningful these experiences can be.” High Desert Chamber Music aims to bring exceptional chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon through its acclaimed series of classical chamber music concerts.

Robert Lambeth, executive director for Cascade School of Music, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting music education. “We’re proud to support Oregon students at every stage of their musical journey and we invite all music students to join us for the Master Class—an inspiring opportunity to learn, grow and be part of an exceptional musical experience,” Lambeth said.

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Matthew Draxton

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bowman Museum will present “Interviews with Our Past,” a free program bringing local history to life through a live, news-style broadcast on May 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at its location at 246 N. Main St. Prineville, OR 97754.

Steve Lent will act as news anchor, leading attendees through Prineville and Central Oregon’s early history with historical reenactors.

This one-of-a-kind program blends storytelling, historical interpretation and interactive performance. It offers a fresh and entertaining way for the community to connect with the region’s past.

Attendees will experience multiple snapshots in time, gaining insight into the people and events that shaped the community.

As the evening’s news anchor, Lent will guide the audience by delivering updates from specific time periods and conducting live “interviews” with historical figures portrayed by reenactors.

The program is presented with support from the Crook County Historical Society and the Friends of the Crook County Library. The event is free and open to the public for all who wish to attend. For more information, the Bowman Museum can be contacted at (541)447-3715 or Bowmanmuseum@gmail.com.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — “Chaos Theory,” Summit High School’s FIRST Robotics team from Bend recently reached the semi-finals at the FIRST World Championship in Houston. This achievement caps what may be the most accomplished season in Central Oregon robotics history.

The team also made history by winning the Industrial Design Award at all four competitions they entered this season. No team in the history of the game has ever won this award at every competition in a single season.

The Industrial Design Award recognizes the team whose machine best demonstrates industrial design principles, balancing form, function and aesthetics. An independent panel judges this award at each event.

At the World Championship, judges had no prior knowledge of the robot or the team, evaluating “Chaos Theory” against 600 programs from around the globe, including multi-year world champions. The team consistently received the same positive result.

The FIRST Championship, held in Houston, is the largest youth robotics event globally. It draws more than 50,000 attendees from 66 countries across three programs, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The FIRST Championship took place from April 29 through May 2 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. “Chaos Theory” competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition, which is the high school flagship program, within the Archimedes Division.

“Chaos Theory” finished its qualification matches ranked 10th out of 75 teams. During Alliance Selection, the team emerged as Alliance Captain #seven. Through the selection process, a top-eight captain chose to join another alliance, moving the captain position down to “Chaos Theory.”

The team then selected its partners, built its alliance and competed in the Division Playoffs. They were ultimately defeated by powerful alliances that included teams holding multiple World Championship titles.

This season marked “Chaos Theory’s” second consecutive trip to the World Championship. In the previous season, the team also reached the semi-finals.

Before arriving at the World Championship this season, “Chaos Theory” had already achieved a significant milestone. They became the first team from Central Oregon to enter the Pacific Northwest District Championship ranked number one, topping 126 teams across Oregon, Wash. and Alaska. They finished that event ranked second, defeating the reigning 2025 World Champion.

The “Chaos Theory” team consists of approximately 25 students and eight mentors from Summit High School. More than 30 sponsors provide support for the team.The team returns to Bend today. After a period of rest, they will begin preparations for the next season, which is scheduled to kick off in January 2027.

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Matthew Draxton

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Community Foundation awarded 258 grants totaling nearly $5.2 million to nonprofit organizations across all 36 Oregon counties. In Central Oregon, 18 nonprofits will receive grants ranging from $12,000 to $20,000.

The funding aims to strengthen community well-being, build arts infrastructure, expand economic opportunities and stabilize families throughout the state.

Most of the funding, $4.77 million, was distributed through the Community Grants program, benefiting 252 organizations.

This cycle, the Community Grants program prioritized organizations serving small, rural communities and those that are either culturally specific or culturally responsive, with nearly half of the grants allocated to economic vitality and livability initiatives.

The Community Grants Program provides flexible funding for nonprofits to address needs such as stabilizing staffing, strengthening essential programs and maintaining infrastructure. This support helps organizations meet rising demand and back community-led solutions in both rural and urban areas.

The Oregon Community Foundation, founded in 1973, works to improve the lives of all Oregonians through philanthropy. Each year, the organization distributes more than $200 million in grants and scholarships statewide in partnership with donors and volunteers.

Beyond the Community Grants, other programs received funding, including Arts and Culture Grants totaling $250,000 to build the arts sector. This includes support for the Oregon Arts Education Collective, which connects educators and advocates to cultivate an arts ecosystem across the state. An additional $50,000 in Arts and Culture Grants supports the Van Evera Baily Fellowship, designed and administered by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon in partnership with the foundation, to advance professional development for design and building professionals.

Economic Vitality Grants contributed $37,500 to nonprofits helping communities build and sustain strong local economies. These grants support efforts to expand entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses and increase access to opportunity. An additional $30,000 was allocated for Housing Stability in Oregon grants, supporting research into best practices for organizations assisting Oregonians in maintaining housing and achieving stability.

Furnish Hope Founding Executive Director Megan Martin a Central Oregon nonprofit, explained that her organization started furnishing homes over seven years ago. “We believe that everybody needs a place to call home and that there are people all throughout our community that are working really hard to get back on their feet after something unexpected and oftentimes traumatic has happened,” Martin said. Furnish Hope has furnished more than 3,000 homes in seven years, averaging 50 or more homes each month. “We say: ‘We see you. You’re not defined by your circumstances. Your life has meaning, purpose and value. You are worthy of every single one of these items,'” Martin added.

On the North Coast, the Yachats Youth & Family Activities Program received a grant to provide high-quality preschool, summer camp and after-school activities. Executive Director Kristina Anderson stated, “We try to keep tuition as low as possible so that we can ensure services to all families who walk through our doors.” The program has operated for more than 30 years.

Henderson House, located in the Northern Willamette Valley, is the only confidential domestic and sexual violence service provider in Yamhill County. Henderson House Executive Director Fay Schuler said, “The mission of Henderson House is to provide culturally aware outreach, education and services for victims of domestic and sexual violence through leadership, hope and respect for thriving families.” Schuler noted the organization was founded and is currently led by survivors and offers culturally relevant services to the Latinx population.

In Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley Mentoring connects youth ages 9-24 with trained, caring adult mentors. Rogue Valley Mentoring Executive Director Laura Pinney shared her organization’s mission: “Rogue Valley Mentoring is a nonprofit based in Southern Oregon with a mission to transform entire communities through the mentoring of youth.” Pinney added, “Our work makes a difference because it addresses a fundamental human need: connection.” The organization has been operating for more than 20 years and serves youth across Jackson County facing challenges such as poverty and social isolation.

Row River Fire Response Executive Director Kathleen Istudor in the Southern Willamette Valley, discussed the organization’s ongoing efforts. “We started this work in 2022 with a goal of fire protection in the valley and in 2024, the community came together to create a volunteer fire district,” Istudor said. “Along the way, we have come to see how connected we are, not just to each other, but to the land, the watershed and the people beyond our valley.”

Row River Fire Response is working to build a main fire station for its volunteers in 2026.

The full list of the 18 Central Oregon nonprofits are below:

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