Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — BEND, Ore. — With hundreds of running shoe styles on the market, runners often face a challenge in choosing footwear that helps them perform well and lowers the risk of injuries.

Oregon State University–Cascades researcher and biomechanics expert JJ Hannigan will share insights into how running shoes influence biomechanics and injury prevention during a Science Pub presentation on Feb. 17.

Hannigan, who serves as an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and co-director of the FORCE biomechanics lab, will explain how different shoe designs can affect movement patterns and overall performance. His presentation will also outline key features runners should consider when choosing shoes for both training and racing.

The Science Pub will be held from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium in Edward J. Ray Hall at OSU-Cascades. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for networking and dinner, followed by Hannigan’s presentation at 6 p.m.

Tickets cost $22 per person and include a light, pub-style dinner prepared by OSU-Cascades chefs. A no-host bar will also be available. Registration is required, and on-campus parking is free.

To register, visit osu-cascades.edu/science-pubs. OSU-Cascades employees and students can email events@osucascades.edu for tickets. Those needing disability accommodations may contact 541-322-3100 or events@osucascades.edu.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ News launched a new initiative to end each newscast with a positive story from around Central Oregon, called “There’s Good News.”

For our first edition, we highlight students at Highland Elementary in Bend. They “blasted off” this week on an imaginary mission to Mars, turning a school day into an out-of-this-world learning adventure.

Kindergarten through fifth-grade students said their goodbyes and “launched” on a pretend rocket ship to the Red Planet, as families gathered on the playground to cheer them on.

The event is part of the school’s “Scottish Storyline” method, where students step into a story to help bring lessons to life.

After weeks of research and planning their Mars journey, launch day gave students a chance to apply what they’d learned in a creative, hands-on way.

The trip may be imaginary, but teachers say the experience reinforces real lessons in curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Valentine’s Day, Think Wild is partnering with local businesses to offer local, sustainable gifts and delivery services throughout Central Oregon.

“Purchase a gift package for a friend, tweet-heart, or significant otter, and support local wildlife!” the organization said in a news release Wednesday that continues below:

Each Valentine’s Day gift package includes a locally-grown everlasting dried flower bouquet, toffee from Holm Made Toffee Co, local honey from Broadus Bees and The Royal Bee, and a personalized wildlife card.

Additional items such as private wildlife release opportunities, songbird and squirrel nest boxes, and naming opportunities are also available.

For example, wildlife kitchen sponsorships include a custom plaque displayed in the wildlife hospital kitchen, where a name, quote or message can celebrate the recipient and their love for wildlife every single day.

Delivery service within Central Oregon can be added for an extra fee. Funds raised support local wildlife conservation, education, and rehabilitation. 

To purchase a Valentine’s Day gift, visit Think Wild’s website (thinkwildco.org/valentines-day) and order by 4 pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Orders can be picked up at Think Wild’s wildlife hospital at 62410 Erickson Rd. in Bend between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. Deliveries will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

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About Think Wild

Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to inspire the High Desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation. We provide veterinary treatment and care at the wildlife hospital, staffed by expert wildlife rehabilitation staff, animal husbandry volunteers, and our staff veterinarian. We also provide wildlife habitat installations, native plantings, and wildlife education programming for youth and the community, and can help with conflicts with wildlife. Wildlife injuries can be reported to our Wildlife Hotline at 541-241-8680, which is monitored seven days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit us online at thinkwildco.org, or on Instagram or Facebook @thinkwildco. 

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Claire Elmer

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a phone scam involving callers who claim to be members of law enforcement. Officials say the scammers are contacting residents and falsely telling them they’ve missed jury duty or have an active warrant out for their arrest.

The sheriff’s office says the callers often demand immediate payment to resolve the issue, frequently requesting unusual forms of payment such as gift cards or cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin.

Authorities emphasize that these demands are a clear sign of a scam, and legitimate law enforcement agencies will never call and request money for a warrant, fine, or missed jury duty — especially not through gift cards or digital currency.

Deputies say the scam is designed to create a sense of fear and urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly before verifying the information.

Anyone who receives one of these calls is urged to hang up right away, avoid sending any money or personal information, and contact the Crook County Sheriff’s Office directly to confirm whether the claim is real.

Residents can reach the Crook County Sheriff’s Office at 541-447-6398 to report suspicious calls or ask questions. Officials remind the public that awareness is key to stopping scam activity before it causes harm.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With hundreds of running shoe styles available, runners are challenged to find a shoe that will help them run well and reduces the risk of injury.

At the next Oregon State University–Cascades Science Pub on Tuesday evening, Feb. 17, researcher and biomechanics expert JJ Hannigan will explore how running footwear affects biomechanics and injury risk.

Hannigan is an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at OSU-Cascades and co-director of the FORCE biomechanics lab.

“He will explore shoe designs and how they influence movement patterns and how, by selecting the right footwear, runners can avoid the risk of injury,” the school said in Wednesday’s announcement.

Drawing on research conducted in FORCE Lab, Hannigan will outline features runners should consider as they select shoes for training or racing on the road or trail.

The Science Pub will take place from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium in Edward J. Ray Hall at OSU-Cascades. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for networking and dining with the presentation to follow at 6 p.m.

Registration is required and on-campus parking is free. 

The event is $22 per person, which includes a light, pub-style, pre-lecture dinner. The no-host bar will offer beer, wine, cider and soft drinks.

To register, visit beav.es/science-pub-running. Space is limited to 120 attendees. OSU-Cascades employees and students should contact events@osucascades.edu for tickets.

For accommodations for disabilities contact 541-322-3100 or events@osucascades.edu

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Matthew Draxton

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — A local baby food company is making the most of Super Bowl Sunday. Square Baby, initially founded in 2018 by Katie Thomson, is using an ad spot to spread awareness about early exposure to food allergens, with a clever and cheeky twist.   

They’ve created the “Deez Nuts” campaign to educate and encourage parents to introduce food allergens to their babies.

Julie Gonser, a professional chef and mother, shares her thoughts on the campaign saying, “The Deez Nuts campaign is brilliant because not enough new parents are talking about allergen introduction, and there’s a real fear around it.”

Gonser and her daughter Beau are navigating food introduction together.

She continued, “as a new mom, I was not aware of allergen introduction. I just thought throw all the food out there and and let them try it. So, being introduced to Square Baby was not only about food, but it was about education for me.”

The ‘Deez Nuts’ campaign aims to spread awareness of resources available to parents when it comes to introducing allergens to young children.

Thomson reflects on the last few months coming up with and executing the campaign. She said, “I think it’s going to be a big hit. I think it’s going to raise some eyebrows. I think it’s going to start some conversations about food allergy prevention. And that’s really what it’s all about.”

Thomson point to the LEAP study being “really the first one that showed that introducing allergens like peanuts as early as 4 to 6 months of age helps prevent, peanut allergies by up to 80%.” 

According to Food Allergy Research and Education, eight percent of children and eleven percent of adults have at least one food allergy. Plus, food allergies have risen 50% from 2007 to 2021.

Thomson cites a CBS News Report saying “we’ve seen 60,000 baby’s lives have been saved since the new introduction guidelines have come out. I mean the science is undeniable.”

Gonser adds, “I don’t think it has to be a fearful approach. You just gotta educate yourself and take baby steps. pun intended.”

 The ad leans on humor, as seen through it’s name, which emphasizes one fo the biggest allergens parents are facing with their kids: a nut allergy,

In the 30 second Super-bowl Sunday commercial expect to “see babies rapping on the hood of a car with a Square Baby license plate. We see little infants as scientists showing the data and food allergies declining.”

More information on the ‘Deez Nuts’ campaign can be found at the Square Baby website, along with additional resources and educational material on early allergen introduction. It will also include a full menu of allergen options for parents to pick through.

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Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore., said Wednesday she’s secured over $6 million in federal funding for affordable housing, community infrastructure and child care initiatives across Oregon’s Fifth District, including $2.25 million for a pair of affordable housing and highway safety projects in southwest Redmond.

The largest is $2 million for the Cinder Hollow affordable housing project. ODOT, meanwhile, is receiving $250,000 for signal and pedestrian improvement projects at Highway 126 and Southwest 35th Street. Details follow below.

In July, Bynum fought on behalf of her constituents for over $14 million in Community Project Funding requests to be included in the draft Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bills.

On Tuesday, funding for six of those projects was included in the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Funding Package that was signed into law.

“I’m excited to deliver over $6 million in federal funding for Oregon’s Fifth District,” Rep. Bynum said in a news release. 

“These dollars go exactly where families need them: early learning, community gathering spaces, safer streets, stronger infrastructure, and affordable homes,” the lawmaker said. “From Gladstone to Redmond, these projects will make daily life better across the district. I’m committed to bringing funding home that makes Oregonians’ lives better.”

Bynum said the passage of this legislation brings the full amount of money she has secured for Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District through Community Project Funding to $14,725,250.

The projects receiving funding include:

$1,500,000 for Gladstone Early Childhood CenterRecipient Name: City of GladstoneProject Purpose: This project would fund capital construction for the Gladstone Early Learning building, a critical project that will bring much-needed early childhood education and care services to the community. It will provide full day early childhood education for up to 64 children through Head Start and Early Head Start.

$1,200,000 for Happy Valley Community CenterRecipient Name: City of Happy ValleyProject Purpose: The project would fund development of a 65,000 square foot community center to serve athletic and community needs not otherwise available in or near the city.

$850,000 for Kellogg Creek OR-99E Community Project (Kellogg Project)Recipient Name: City of MilwaukieProject Purpose: Funds will be used for Kellogg Project bid documentation and long-lead construction material procurement required for replacement of the vulnerable 177-year-old transportation structure over Kellogg Creek. This will efficiently address public safety, earthquake vulnerability, maintenance concerns, remove pollutants, and reduce flooding.

$2,000,000 for Cinder Hollow Affordable Housing ProjectRecipient Name: City of RedmondProject Purpose: Funds will be used to support the development of at least 30 owner-occupied homes, all affordable at or below 80% AMI, through development of required on- and off-site infrastructure. The site off SW 31st Street is currently owned by the City, with RootedHomes Community Land Trust selected as the master developer of housing.

$850,000 for Roundabout at Shaff and Wilco RoadRecipient Name: City of StaytonProject Purpose: Funds will be used to construct a roundabout necessary to facilitate private investment and economic development on approximately 80 acres in West Stayton.

$250,000 for OR 126: 35th Street Signal and Pedestrian Improvements (Redmond)Recipient Name: Oregon Department of TransportationProject Purpose: This project would construct a new signal, pedestrian and bicycle crossings and ADA features at the intersection of OR Highway 126 and SW 35th Street in Redmond, where a safe crossing between residential areas to the north and recreational facilities to the south is urgently needed

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday it will be holding three town hall meetings in upcoming weeks.

Undersheriff Bill Elliot said the first town hall meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb. 12 at the Powell Butte Community Center from 6-8 p.m.

The second town hall meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Crook County Justice Center in Prineville.

The third and final town hall will be held on Monday, Feb. 23 at Juniper Canyon Baptist Church, beginning at 6 pm.

“We look forward to seeing everyone at the meetings,” Elliott said.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit, which reinstated charging fares this week, announced two new initiatives Wednesday to support transit access and regional connectivity in Central Oregon. The agency says it’s launching the Community Movement Fund and an expanded Bus Advertising Program.

The Community Movement Fund was created to assist residents who may face financial barriers as CET resumes fare collection. The agency had temporarily suspended fares on all non-recreational routes in 2020 to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue for the Community Movement Fund will come from community contributions and corporate sponsorships. CET said in a news release that the funds will go help provide transit tickets for people who rely on transit for work, school, medical appointments and other essential services.

The agency is partnering with local nonprofits and social service agencies to manage the distribution of the fare support.

Andrea Wasilew, outreach and engagement administrator at CET, said the initiatives are designed to help residents maintain their independence.

“For many residents, a bus pass isn’t just a ticket – it’s mobility, independence and opportunity,” Wasilew said. She noted that the fund is intended to ensure no riders are left behind as the agency transitions away from the fare-free model.

Fund sponsors will receive recognition through various channels, including the CET website, social media spotlights and the agency’s annual Mobility Impact Report. Some sponsorship tiers also include advertisements in monthly newsletters and on the interior and exterior of buses.

In addition to the philanthropic fund, CET is expanding its commercial Bus Advertising Program to allow local businesses and nonprofits to reach thousands of daily riders.

Wasilew said the expanded programs allow the business community to play a larger role in the regional transportation network.

“By expanding our advertising and sponsorship options, we are creating more ways for the Central Oregon business community to be an active partner in our transit ecosystem,” Wasilew said.

Organizations or individuals interested in the fund or advertising placements can contact Wasilew at 541-639-5002. or awasilew@coic.org.

Cascades East Transit provides fixed-route, city connector and recreational shuttle services across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, as well as the Warm Springs community. The agency also offers general public and specialized Dial-a-Ride services. According to its mission statement, CET aims to deliver high-quality transit that reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability and enhances quality of life.

More information about the fund and advertising opportunities is available on the agency’s website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County announced Wednesday it has appointed Jeff Curtis as the new director of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. Curtis, the former CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Association and Alaska State Fair, will begin his new duties next Monday.

Curtis replaces Geoff Hinds, who left the position in September. The county selected Curtis from a pool of candidates following a nationwide recruitment process. Erik Kropp, deputy county administrator and interim fair and expo director, expressed confidence in the new hire.

“We’re excited to have Jeff join the Deschutes County team,” Kropp said. “We are pleased to have identified such a well-qualified candidate that brings a proven track record leading large complex organizations.”

Curtis brings two decades of executive leadership to the role, having served as the CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation for 18 years. Most recently, he spent more than two years as the CEO of the Alaska State Fair.

His professional expertise includes managing multiple event facilities, corporate sponsorship sales, festival operations and public communication.

Curtis earned a Bachelor of Arts in sports management from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.

He has held several leadership positions on regional and international boards, including serving as the board chair for the International Festival and Events Association. He also served as a member of the Mat Su Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

In his new position, Curtis will oversee the daily operations and marketing of the 340-acre facility. The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a leading tourist destination in Central Oregon, attracting nearly 1 million visitors annually. The center hosts more than 400 events each year, including the county fair and rodeo, motocross, trade shows and concerts.

The facility includes 200,000 square feet of indoor event space and 120,000 square feet of covered livestock and equestrian arenas. The grounds also feature 400 horse stalls and a full-service RV park with 105 spaces.
Curtis is scheduled to begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 9.

In his new position, Curtis will oversee the daily operations and marketing of the 340-acre facility. The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a leading tourist destination in Central Oregon, attracting nearly 1 million visitors annually. The center hosts more than 400 events each year, including the county fair and rodeo, motocross, trade shows and concerts.

The facility includes 200,000 square feet of indoor event space and 120,000 square feet of covered livestock and equestrian arenas. The grounds also feature 400 horse stalls and a full-service RV park with 105 spaces.

Curtis is scheduled to begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 9.

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