Category: ktvz-local-news

Campbell Porter

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 71-year-old Prineville man seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk Saturday, Oct. 3, has been identified by his church as Father Joseph Kunnelaya, who is recovering after surgery on his left leg.

In an update posted on Facebook, St. Joseph Catholic Church of Prineville said Kunnelaya came through surgery and doctors are hopeful he can move out of the intensive care unit soon.

A post on the Church’s Facebook said he was conscious and in good spirits, and doctors were not concerned about a brain injury. His shoulder also was injured but is healing on its own, the post said.

A Prineville Police officer witnessed the collision at approximately 8:44 a.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and Northeast 7th Street.

Police said the pedestrian was walking south along North Main Street and crossing Northeast 7th Street when a vehicle turning east onto Northeast 7th Street struck him.

He was flown to St. Charles Bend for emergency medical treatment and was initially reported to be in critical condition.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Officers found no indication that impairment was a factor. Police said sun glare and other environmental conditions may have reduced the driver’s visibility and contributed to the collision.

The Prineville Police Department investigated with assistance from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.

The church said visitors were not allowed at the time of its initial post. Anyone wishing to send Kunnelaya a card can drop it off or mail it to the parish office, which will deliver it to him. The church also asked for continued prayers for him, his family and the medical staff caring for him.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, the Bend Police Department is reminding motorists of Violation of the Basic Rule. It means you should never drive faster than is reasonable or prudent for the road conditions.

Even if the speed limit is 35 miles per hour, that speed could be too fast for the conditions. If there’s snow on the road or sun glare affecting your vision, slow down.

“We’re coming into winter. That means that our road surfaces are going to change… Now, another important thing to consider is that it’s not just road surface that we need to be aware of,” said Officer Tommy Charles. “It’s other environmental conditions and factors so we want to make sure that everyone is proceeding at an appropriate speed, one in which you can react to any environmental hazards that might pop up on the road. Any blind turns or anything like that.”

The bottom line — adjust your speed to the conditions and help keep bend roads safe.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum announced Tuesday that the Scio Rural Fire Protection District has received a $1.19 million federal grant to enhance firefighter safety and operational capabilities. The funding will directly assist the local department in expanding fire prevention efforts and maintaining adequate response personnel.

The grant was awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Program, known as SAFER. Bynum advocated for the funding by submitting a formal letter of support to FEMA during the application process to help address staffing shortages and retention needs in rural communities.

Scio Fire Chief Kevin White described the operational challenges faced by rural departments when balancing immediate emergency response costs with long-term staffing requirements. White noted that rising operational expenses often force small districts to make difficult financial choices.

“As costs continue to rise faster than available revenue, small fire districts like ours face difficult choices about how to best use limited resources,” White said. “Recruiting, training and retaining volunteer firefighters can too often be delayed as we focus on meeting the immediate costs of providing emergency services. This grant is an important investment in the future of our department and our community. It will strengthen our efforts to recruit and retain volunteers, grow our membership and ensure we have the people and resources needed to provide the high-quality emergency services our community depends on. We are grateful for this support and the opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable fire department.”

Rep. Bynum emphasized that securing federal funding directly impacts local emergency response capabilities for residents across Oregon’s 5th Congressional District.

“When you call 911, you shouldn’t have to wonder if there are enough firefighters to answer,” Bynum said. “This $1.19 million is a big deal for Scio, Jefferson and the communities they serve. It means more support for the people running toward emergencies and a stronger response when our neighbors need help most. This is exactly what bringing federal dollars home should look like.”

Albany Fire Chief Chris LaBelle noted that SAFER grants allow regional departments to expand their preventative safety services alongside emergency response efforts.

“These grants are a significant opportunity and an important first step in building the capacity our Fire & Life Safety Division needs,” LaBelle said. “A community our size, with the growth and unique industries we have, requires a more proactive approach to risk reduction. This position moves us in that direction and supports our mission to Prevent and Protect from Harm.”

Redmond Fire Chief Ryan Herrera highlighted the role federal grant programs play in addressing firefighter health risks, including occupational cancer exposures. Herrera noted that Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Bynum in advocating for fire service support across Oregon.

“Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Senators Merkley and Wyden and Congresswoman Bynum for their support,” Herrera said. “With members of our organization having navigated a past cancer diagnosis and with the recent passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Kienzle from a Line-of-Duty cancer, this funding marks another meaningful step forward in our commitment to carcinogen reduction and improving the long-term health and safety of our firefighters.”

In addition to the award in Scio, FEMA issued SAFER grants to several other fire departments across the Pacific Northwest. Boise Fire Department in Idaho received more than $2.3 million, while South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in Port Orchard, Wash., and Spokane County Fire District nine in Mead, Wash., each received more than $1.7 million. Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District in Oregon was awarded more than $1.1 million and North Whidbey Fire and Rescue in Oak Harbor, Wash., received $1 million.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School District in Prineville, Ore., received a $15,000 grant from the Rural Oregon Community Foundation for a new student program. The funding will support the district’s Western Way of Life – Student Leadership Initiative, which aims to develop leadership skills and promote rural traditions.

Each school within the district will have the opportunity to establish a Western Way of Life Club under the initiative. These clubs will focus on community service, local agriculture, outdoor skills, conservation and traditional crafts. Grant funds will assist with staff coordination, supplies and student activities.

The program also incorporates lessons designed to build resilience among students. Specific focus areas include goal-setting, optimism, personal responsibility, healthy relationships, recognizing unsafe situations and knowing how to seek help. Students will participate in community partnerships, guest speaker events, field experiences and student-led service projects.

Joel Hoff, superintendent of the Crook County School District, emphasized the connection between local traditions and student development. “Our community has a strong rural identity and a long tradition of working together, serving others and taking pride in where we live,” Hoff said. “This initiative gives students opportunities to build leadership skills while connecting with our community, local industries, agriculture and the Western way of life.”

The grant expands on previous collaborative efforts between the school district and the foundation. Steve Holliday, president of the Rural Oregon Community Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s ongoing commitment to the area. “We are excited to deepen our partnership with the Crook County School District,” Holliday said. “Our spring program ‘Boots & Roots’ has been a great foundation to build upon. We are committed to preserving and promoting the western way of life in rural Oregon.”

The Rural Oregon Community Foundation supports education, scholarships, agriculture, ranching, animal welfare and programs celebrating Western culture across Central Oregon. Its work connects young people with traditions, skills and local communities throughout the region.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — The field of competitors in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest has been narrowed to four semifinalists after the second round of voting concluded yesterday.

The annual competition, presented by Oregon Business & Industry, is currently in its fourth year.

The four remaining products in the contest are PNW Assistive Technology’s Wayfinder Ride-On Toys from Eugene, Tillamook’s Sharp Cheddar Cheese from Tillamook, Tucker Sno-Cat’s Model 1600 Over Snow Vehicle from Medford and Work Sharp’s RMX Reverse Tanto Folding Knife from Ashland.

Voting for the contest began two weeks ago with 16 finalists representing products manufactured across the state, from Ashland to Portland. A panel selected the original field from scores of products nominated by Oregonians during the spring and summer.

Members of the public are casting votes on the Oregon Business & Industry website during the semifinal round to narrow the remaining field to two products. Voting for this round will close on Monday, Oct. 12.

The winner of the 2026 contest will be announced Oct. 28 at OBI’s annual Vision Oregon Event in Portland.

Click here to cast your vote.

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Kelsey Merison

CLACKAMAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum announced her support Monday for the Medicare for All Act, saying rising healthcare costs are forcing too many Oregonians to choose between medical care and other basic expenses.

Bynum, D-Oregon, made the announcement during an event at the Portland Waterfront, where she said the legislation would help expand access to healthcare and address the financial burden facing families.

“Healthcare is a human right,” Bynum said. “You weren’t supposed to have to budget your human rights into your paycheck. That isn’t agency. It’s time to give the people their healthcare. To give them their agency. And that starts with Medicare for All.”

Bynum said she has spent the past two years hearing from Oregonians about challenges with insurance costs and access to care.

She highlighted the story of Annie, a Bend resident who is self-employed with her husband and gets health insurance through the marketplace. Bynum said the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits will increase the couple’s premium by $700 a month.

Bynum also pointed to Oregonians who rely on Medicaid, including a senior from Albany who told her that a hospitalization or surgery could potentially leave her homeless.

Another person Bynum discussed was Rose, a 7-year-old with an ultra-rare genetic syndrome who uses a feeding tube and wheelchair. Bynum said Medicaid has helped Rose receive physical therapy that allowed her to begin taking steps.

Bynum said cuts to Medicaid could put that care at risk.

The congresswoman also criticized Republicans’ recently passed federal spending legislation, which she opposed, saying healthcare cuts and the expiration of enhanced ACA tax credits will increase costs for Oregonians.

According to Bynum’s office, about 28,000 people in Oregon’s 5th Congressional District could see higher healthcare costs because of the expiration of the tax credits, while another 25,000 could lose coverage entirely.

Bynum said her own family pays more than $20,000 a year out of pocket for healthcare.

“The system does not make sense to me,” she said. “We have to turn the whole system on its head.”

Bynum said healthcare access is directly tied to people’s ability to make decisions about their lives, including starting a business, caring for family members and seeking medical treatment.

“Access is agency,” she said.

Dr. Antonio Germann, a rural family medicine doctor, praised Bynum for supporting the Medicare for All legislation.

“I am ecstatic to see bold leadership by Rep. Bynum to put patients first and promote sound policy that brings equitable health care access to my community,” Germann said.

Retired family nurse practitioner Tom Sincic also voiced his support, saying Bynum understood the burden health insurance costs place on workers and small businesses.

Bynum said her support for Medicare for All is aimed at ensuring Americans can access healthcare without having to choose between medical care, housing and other basic necessities.

“It’s time to give the people their healthcare,” Bynum said. “And that starts with Medicare for All.”

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Kelsey Merison

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Drivers in Madras should expect temporary traffic impacts this week as city crews complete roadway maintenance on B Street.

The City of Madras Public Works Department will conduct crack seal maintenance Tuesday, October 6, through Wednesday, October 7.

Work is scheduled from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Detours will be in place while crews are working, and motorists are asked to use caution when traveling through the area.

The city says the maintenance is intended to help preserve the roadway and appreciates drivers’ patience while the work is completed.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts will have several opportunities to explore the night sky this week during the Cascade Astronomy Festival.

The festival runs through Saturday, Oct. 10, with free lectures, solar and nighttime viewing events, and an astronomy swap meet.

The festival’s free lecture series begins Tuesday, Oct. 6, with “Dark Skies in Oregon: The Current Reality vs the Potential” at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will be led by Dr. Bill Kowalik of DarkSky Oregon.

Other free lectures include:

Friday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m.: “Feeling Small in a Big Cosmos” with Dr. Shane Larson Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m.: “Here Comes Your Cosmic Perspective: Our New Place in the Universe” with Dr. Scott Fisher of the University of Oregon and Pine Mountain Observatory

The festival will also offer several opportunities for solar viewing. Free viewing is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Sunriver Resort’s Backyard; Wednesday and Friday, Oct. 7 and 9, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Old Mill District; and Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Central Oregon Community College behind the Coats Campus Center.

For those interested in stargazing after dark, nighttime viewing will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Trailhead Lodge. Another event is scheduled Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the COCC Campus Track behind the Coats Campus Center. Organizers say telescopes will be available, with a constellation tour planned for 9 p.m.

The festival will wrap up Saturday with a free astronomy and space-related swap meet and marketplace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the COCC Coats Campus Center. No registration is required for the swap meet.

While many events are free, organizers say registration is required for the festival’s lectures, and tickets are available for some events.

More information, registration and tickets are available at CascadeAstronomy.org.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from COCC faculty member, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College faculty members were preparing to walk off the job Monday. Instead, they were celebrating a tentative contract agreement reached Friday night that averted the planned strike.

The COCC Faculty Forum and college administration reached the tentative deal October 2nd after nearly a year of negotiations. The agreement came just days after 96% of union members voted to authorize a strike beginning Monday, October 5th.

Sara Henson, a COCC professor of human development, said the agreement followed years of organizing and preparation.

“We spent a year doing research. We spent a year doing our affiliation campaign with OEA, and then a year preparing and negotiating our new contract,” Henson said. “So this is a culmination of a lot of work by a lot of people for a long time.”

The Faculty Forum says the proposed contract would provide first-year salary increases ranging from 13% to 27% for full-time faculty members. The lowest starting salary would increase by $14,000, while some adjunct faculty members could see their take-home pay rise by as much as 50%, according to the union.

Henson said the potential gains are especially meaningful for adjunct instructors and their families.

“To talk to our adjunct faculty and have them in tears, to say how truly life-changing this is for their families, has been so gratifying and just really solidifies why we worked so hard,” Henson said. “Our faculty are amazing.”

The proposal also would lower health insurance contributions for many faculty members and shorten the longest route to the top of the salary scale from 23 years to 15 years, the union said.

Henson said those changes could help COCC retain experienced educators and recruit new faculty members as others retire. She also said the proposed compensation would bring COCC faculty more in line with their counterparts at other community colleges across Oregon.

“It really helps our members to be able to stay and live in Central Oregon,” Henson said. “We’re deeply invested in the college and the community, and I’m really excited to transform that energy into helping move this college forward.”

Union members must still vote to ratify the tentative agreement before it becomes official.

Earlier Story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Developing now, Central Oregon Community College faculty have reached a tentative contract agreement with the college — narrowly avoiding a strike.

The COCC faculty forum and college administration reached the deal Friday night, just days before a strike was set to begin Monday.

Full-time faculty will receive salary increases of 13 to 27 percent in the first year.

The lowest starting salary will increase by $14,000, to $75,000 dollars.

Adjunct faculty will also see substantial pay increases, with some expected to see their take-home pay increase by up to 50 percent.

The agreement also increases overload and summer pay, shortens the time it takes faculty to reach the top of the salary scale, and reduces health insurance contributions for many faculty members.

The agreement still needs to be ratified by faculty members before it becomes final.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s Fire Prevention Week, and fire officials are reminding you to be careful when charging your devices.

This year’s campaign focuses on safe charging, including the risks of using cheap or unapproved chargers.

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, between 2020 and 2025, there were 96 battery related fires in Oregon linked to a charger.

Fire officials say you should use the charging cord that came with your device, or one approved by the manufacturer. Once your device is fully charged, unplug it.

Avoid leaving devices charging longer than necessary, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Officials say these small habits can help reduce the risk of a fire and keep your home and family safe.

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