Rhea Panela, Author at KTVZ

Gov. Brown orders indoor event limits, outdoor masks in bid to end COVID-19 surge

July 13, 2020 11:45 am Rhea Panela, Barney Lerten

In a bid to halt a surge in COVID-19 cases across Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown took two major steps Monday, banning most indoor gatherings of more than 10…

National Guard soldier’s surprise Bend homecoming caught on camera

July 13, 2020 10:52 am Rhea Panela

An Oregon National Guard soldier from Bend returned home to happily surprise his family and friends over the…

Forest Service warns of more human-caused fires due to bigger crowds in the woods

July 9, 2020 1:44 pm Rhea Panela

The Deschutes National Forest says the warmer weather plus drought conditions, paired with human error and more activity in the woods, could be a…

450 Bend businesses receive PPP loans to help with COVID-19 impacts

July 8, 2020 11:05 am Rhea Panela

Bend schools, nurseries, lumber companies and breweries are just some of the businesses and organizations that have received federal loans through…

Bend Chamber says it’s getting mixed feedback about mask mandate

July 7, 2020 7:33 pm Rhea Panela

Some Bend businesses have faced some challenges after Gov. Kate Brown ordered all Oregonians to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces,…

Area residents want railroad crossing safety addressed in Wickiup Junction plan

July 7, 2020 12:34 pm Rhea Panela

After the Oregon Department of Transportation opened up its proposed Wickiup Junction refinement plan to public comment, residents said the current…

C.O. schools, parents preparing for students to return to classrooms this fall

July 2, 2020 12:57 pm Rhea Panela

More bus routes, flexible learning options and alternative classrooms could be some of the changes families and students can expect this fall as part…

Lots of masks seen among La Pine shoppers as state mandate begins

July 1, 2020 8:49 pm Rhea Panela

Most La Pine shoppers appeared to be complying with Gov. Kate Brown’s statewide mask requirement, which took effect Wednesday for public indoor…

‘Blast the Virus!’: La Pine July 4th fireworks display will go on

July 1, 2020 10:37 am Rhea Panela

Wednesday would have been the first day of La Pine’s annual four-day Frontier Days…

Bend, Redmond businesses say they will enforce mask mandate

June 30, 2020 4:01 pm Rhea Panela

Now that Gov. Kate Brown has issued a statewide mandate requiring face coverings in all indoor public spaces, starting Wednesday, some Central Oregon…

Pappy’s Pizzeria’s Bend location to close, make way for car wash

June 29, 2020 6:44 pm Rhea Panela

A Bend pizzeria is closing its doors to make way for a car wash. Pappy’s Pizzeria in Bend will permanently close its doors at 9 p.m.…

Sen. Ron Wyden tells C.O. virtual town hall he’s ‘proud of peaceful protests’

June 29, 2020 10:42 am Rhea Panela

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., answered questions online from Central Oregonians Monday in a “virtual town hall” that focused largely on current issues such…

Long-delayed resort west of Redmond could begin ‘soon,’ despite another appeal

June 25, 2020 12:34 pm Rhea Panela

Central Oregon conservation groups are still pushing back against plans for a destination resort west of Redmond near Cline…

Deschutes commissioners extend discussion of Hwy. 97 safety project plans

June 24, 2020 11:44 am Rhea Panela

Deschutes County commissioners met Wednesday to consider a proposal to amend the Redmond-to-Bend safety project that will add a raised median along…

Bend police chief candidates discuss recent events, earning community’s trust

June 18, 2020 8:35 pm Rhea Panela

The city of Bend hosted a virtual community stakeholder town hall Thursday to introduce and pose questions to the five candidates vying to be the…

Deschutes commissioners discuss Smith Rock neighbors’ parking concerns

June 17, 2020 7:26 pm Rhea Panela

Deschutes County commissioners and state park officials met Wednesday to discuss possible solutions to the latest parking issues on streets near…

Bend businesses show solidarity with LGBTQIA+, people of color

June 17, 2020 12:17 pm Rhea Panela

Some businesses in Bend are participating in a campaign that aims to show solidarity and inclusivity with LGBTQIA+, transgender, black and indigenous…