Author: KTVZ

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. –(KTVZ)– Pilot Butte Middle School held a showcase extravaganza. It was a night showcasing capstone projects by the eighth graders. They were encouraged to develop a project about something they care about and something that can make their community a better place. Many of these projects produce real results and work with local groups like Street Dog Hero or The Shepherd’s House.

Penelope Stout, a PBMS 8th grader told KTVZ news “A big part of it was that with the school assignment you have all the resources you need laid out in front of you and you do it. For this it was different because you kind of had to go and figure out yourself and communicate with people and talk to people and kind of do it for yourself and so yeah that was pretty cool it was different and I liked it.”

Brynn Johansen, another PBMS 8th grader told KTVZ news “This night and this project was an opportunity for all of the students at Pilot Butte to show something that they really cared about and be able to um work in their community and actually make a difference.”

Some students actually gave TED talk style presentations for their projects alongside these serious projects there were also games and food.

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon experienced its most severe wildfire season on record in 2024, with an estimated 1.9 million acres of forest and grassland burned.

“The 2024 fire season definitely was exceptional,” said Ben Walen, a forest resource officer with the Oregon Department of Forestry.

With summer quickly approaching, the threat of wildfire is once again top of mind, and it’s changing the way we build and protect our communities.

More and more neighborhoods in Central Oregon are joining Firewise USA, a nationwide network of neighborhoods actively working together to decrease the risk of wildfires.

Oregon ranks second in the nation for the number of Firewise communities, just behind California.

32 communities were added across the state last year, bringing the total to nearly 300.

“There’s 70-plus Firewise communities in Deschutes County alone,” Walen said.

The program is grounded in science, showing fire doesn’t consume everything in its path. By adjusting vegetation and fuels around the home, homeowners can significantly reduce the chances of a fire igniting nearby.

One of the core components is defensible space around the home.

Bend Fire & Rescue Fire Inspector Melissa Steele said, “What we’re talking about is that critical, immediate zone. That first five feet around your home. When there are embers flying everywhere, when there’s a wildfire in the area, what is it landing in?”

Defensible space can look like spaced-out trees and shrubs, removing mulch and using fire-resistant plants. Anyone can practice defensible space, but in Firewise communities, you’ll see many houses adopting a set of standards.

Kirk Schueler is the president and CEO of Brooks Resources, a real estate developer in Central Oregon. The company has helped develop neighborhoods that participate in the Firewise USA program, including Discovery West in Bend.

“Most of the neighborhoods on the west side, in fact most of Bend, is considered to be in the wildland urban interface where there is some higher risk of fire damage,” Schueler said.

Firewise isn’t just for neighborhoods. Central Oregon Community College will become the second school in the United States to join the program.

Paula Simone, associate professor of fire science at COCC, said, “I think we’re the first one in Oregon, so hopefully that will be an example for others to follow, which would be great.”

The college recently hosted a wildfire preparedness fair, sharing information about Firewise and defensible space with the community.

While wildfires can’t be prevented, many people feel more confident knowing they’re taking steps to protect what matters most.

“We live in Central Oregon,” Steele said. “It is a high-hazard area. We can’t change that. What we can change is the risk to yourself and to your home.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Doorbell cameras can catch wonderful scenes of nature and life – but sometimes, they can also record a very frustrating, even dangerous encounter.

That’s what was captured and shared with KTVZ News this week by a southwest Bend resident, Jonathan Elwing.

“We just caught our neighbor’s two large loose dogs running onto our property and chasing a herd of six deer off (babies included), ran the deer into the street and blocks away,” he told us.

Elwing called it “a perfect example of why dogs should not be unleashed where not allowed (especially when they chase wildlife, which is not only against Oregon law, but is a grave threat to the poor wildlife who have enough to contend with as they struggle to survive in the ever-encroaching urban environment).”

He told us he called police about what happened, and he thought it was an especially timely message to share, considering the current joint effort by the Bend Park and Recreation District and Bend Police to remind pet owners about leash requirements and the safety benefits of keeping dogs on leash.

BPRD’s park stewards have been partnering with Bend PD community service officers this week, visiting several parks and trails to talk with dog handlers about expectations and park rules.

KTVZ News contacted Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller, who pointed out that the consequences can indeed be costly – and not just for the wildlife, other dogs or people off-leash dogs can encounter, harass … or sometimes far worse.

The yearly Bend Parks/Police engagement campaign aims to inform community members about the possible enforcement actions for letting dogs run off-leash. It can include a 30-day exclusion from park district property and/or a $250 fine and being held responsible for a dog’s actions in civil or criminal cases.

“Dogs are required to be controlled on a tethered leash inside the City of Bend, unless they’re in a designated off-leash dog area or on private property (for example, your yard, or the yard of a friend who has given you permission to have your dog off-leash there),” Miller told us.

“If you are the owner of a nuisance animal (one which, according to Bend city code, injures or kills an animal belonging to a person other than the owner or keeper of the animal, bites a person, chases people or vehicles, that sort of thing), you could be cited for a Class A violation.”

“Our community service officers typically will try to educate community members first – and then, if your dog continues to be a problem, you could be cited.”

“As you can imagine, our officers and CSOs must prioritize emergencies and threats to life and property before nuisance dogs, but if a dog injures someone or an animal, that would be a more emergent call for us to respond to.”

“The leash law applies to everyone – even you!” Miller said. “You may think your dog is nice, and that you have control of your dog. But it’s not always about your dog – it’s about other people and other dogs around you. So putting your dog on a leash and having control of your dogs is important, for everyone’s safety.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The sixth-graders in the science class of Trinity Lutheran Middle School teacher Alisa Jeffries enjoyed a different sort of test this week, which could be described as: Just add water.

It was the second annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, held Tuesday at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center’s pool.

The students had built boats using only cardboard and duct tape during their STEM unit on buoyancy.

In partner pairs, the students spent six class periods designing, drawing and building the boats they thought would be most successful in a cross-pool race.

“Mrs. Jeffries was impressed by the success of their boats and how well they worked together in the design process,” we’re told.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Deschutes National Forest officials, the planned continuation of prescribed burns Friday northeast of La Pine has been canceled due to unfavorable conditions.

Firefighters will plan a future date to continue the prescribed burns.

Currently, the burn north of Sisters is still scheduled.

Earlier information:

The Deschutes National Forest plans to conduct two more prescribed burn operations on Friday, totaling over 300 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters ranger districts, if conditions remain favorable. 

Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct up to 236 acres of ignitions on the Thor Units 11 and 12 Prescribed Burn, located about four miles northeast of La Pine, directly along the north and south sides of Paulina Lake Road, one mile west of Ogden Group Camp.  

Ignitions are slated to begin around 10 a.m. A pilot car and flaggers will be in place along Paulina Lake Road during ignitions. No road or trail closures are anticipated.

Smoke will be visible from La Pine, Sunriver, Highway 97, and the surrounding area. Residents in La Pine and Newberry Estates are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. Smoke impacts are also possible across Highway 97 during ignitions and overnight and in the early morning hours. 

Meanwhile, Sisters Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct up to 79 acres of ignitions on the Highway 20 Unit 63 Prescribed Burn, located roughly half a mile east of Highway 20, south of Indian Ford Creek near the Sisters Tie Trail.

Ignitions are slated to begin around 10 a.m. Smoke will be visible from Sisters, Highway 20 and the surrounding area. Residents in Sisters, along Indian Ford Creek, and the surrounding area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts.

Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. Smoke impacts are also possible across Highway 20 and Indian Ford Road during ignitions and overnight and in the early morning hours. 

No trail or road closures are anticipated. A small section of the Sisters Tie Trail runs through the burn unit, signage will be posted clearly marking an alternative route. The public is encouraged to avoid the Sisters Tie Trail while prescribed burning operations are occurring.  

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner. 

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A recently canceled $10,000 federal grant awarded to Central Oregon Community College’s rural youth camps from the National Endowment for the Arts, eliminated due to federal program cuts, is being fulfilled by emergency funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation.

COCC said Thursday that its program was one of just 80 nationwide to receive the stand-in support.

Replacing the “Challenge America” award from the NEA — announced by the college in January as the first-ever grant from that agency — the aid will be used to develop and expand art-focused summer youth camps at COCC’s branch campuses, including offering camps for free or at reduced cost for rural families. 

The grant will allow students from Jefferson and Crook counties, age 10-15, to attend a multi-day nature journaling and sketching “Field Notes” camp, held in August.

Families can view all camps and register at cocc.edu/youth

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Sisters is working with consultant NV5 on the development of a Master Plan for Northwest Park, located near the southeast corner of the Highway 20 and Barclay Drive roundabout, city officials said Thursday.

Here’s the full announcement, from the city’s web page:

The process of developing the master plan aims to assess the community’s recreational needs and interests and determine how the park can best serve the community.

The plan will provide guidance for future development, including potential phases of construction, and enable the city to explore various funding opportunities.

With careful planning, Northwest Park will enhance outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors year-round. 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

An open house will be held on Thursday, May 22nd from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Sisters Community Recreation Center (Former Sisters Elementary School at 611 E. Cascade Ave.).

The open house will serve as an opportunity to learn more about the project and share thoughts on the park’s design. Anyone with an interest in the future of Sisters’ parks and public spaces is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided. Your input is vital in shaping the future of this exciting community project!

This site will be updated periodically with additional project information, so visit again to stay up to date.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Solid Waste Department has expanded its household hazardous waste disposal options at Knott Landfill in Bend, giving residents the opportunity to drop off hazardous items every Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., free of charge.

Solid Waste recently brought its hazardous waste disposal program in-house, transitioning away from using an outside vendor. This shift enabled the department to increase its HHW collection days from two weekends a month to Friday and Saturday every week.

“We’re excited to be able to offer Deschutes County residents free household hazardous waste collection every week,” said Greg Brady, Deschutes County Hazardous Waste Supervisor.

“Improper disposal of household hazardous waste can impact the environment, as well as community health by leaching toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater. We hope that by expanding our collection days, we can reduce the amount of hazardous waste ending up in the county landfill.”

Unfinished paint containers are among the most common household hazardous wastes found in the county landfill, largely because people are unsure how to dispose of them correctly. Another frequently tossed out item is rechargeable batteries, like those found in cell phones, laptops, power tools and toys, but this can be dangerous because lithium-ion batteries are known to start fires in the landfill.

Solid Waste encourages residents to set aside their unfinished paint cans, rechargeable batteries and other household hazardous waste materials and then drop them at the Hazardous Waste Facility when it is convenient.

The county’s Hazardous Waste Facility at Knott Landfill accepts a wide variety of hazardous waste, including unused paints and stains, cleaning compounds, pool and spa chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers rechargeable batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, propane tanks, and more.

The Hazardous Waste Facility also accepts business hazardous waste for a fee. Businesses must pre-register and qualify as Very Small Quantity Generator. Fees are based on volume and type of material.

To learn more about common hazardous waste materials, visit the Solid Waste Department website. For questions about the Household Hazardous Waste program, please call (541) 317-3163.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s athletes are stepping into the spotlight like never before. KTVZ is proud to announce the launch of its new weekly sports show, Beyond the Score, hosted by Sports Director Dylan Anderman. The show premieres Sunday, June 15th at 10:30 p.m. on KFXO (FOX) and will re-air on KTVZ+, giving viewers multiple ways to tune in and connect with the heart of local sports.

Beyond the Score will move past final stats and game-day highlights to tell the personal, powerful, and often untold stories of the people driving Central Oregon athletics — from high school athletes and dedicated coaches to inspiring community members behind the scenes.

“This is more than just highlights,” said Anderman. “It’s about telling stories that matter — stories that make Central Oregon sports special. Growing up here, playing on the fields and courts of this community, I know firsthand how much heart and effort goes into every season, every game, and every practice. This show is about honoring that.”

Anderman, a Central Oregon native and former collegiate athlete, has long championed local sports coverage with a focus on inclusivity and representation. His vision for Beyond the Score is to ensure every athlete and supporter — no matter their background or experience — feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

“Dylan brings a unique authenticity to this project,” said News Director Gregory Deffenbaugh. “He understands our viewers because he’s one of them. He’s lived the experience of being a local athlete, and he’s dedicated to ensuring everyone in the Central Oregon sports community feels seen and valued.”

KTVZ General Manager Ron Parodi shared his excitement for the new series: “Beyond the Score is a reflection of our commitment to telling local stories in meaningful ways. Dylan’s passion and deep community roots make him the perfect voice to lead this show. We’re proud to bring this kind of storytelling to viewers across Central Oregon.”

Airing weekly on Sundays at 10:30 p.m. on KFXO (FOX) with replays on KTVZ+, Beyond the Score will feature exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes access, and deep dives into the triumphs and challenges of Central Oregon’s sports community.

“We want this show to be something the community feels a part of,” Anderman said. “If you know someone making an impact in the local sports world, we want to hear about them. This is their platform.”

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: OSP issues new info, tally of seized animals)

BANDON, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police said Tuesday that 310 animals have been seized and relocated from the West Coast Game Park Safari, where a raid took place last Thursday after a lengthy criminal investigation. Three others were euthanized due to their condition.

Their latest release is below.

On Sunday, May 18, just before 10 p.m., investigators concluded their search of the West Coast Game Park Safari and cleared the area. As a result of the search, 310 animals were seized and relocated to accredited and/or permitted animal sanctuary or rescue facilities.

No animals were released into the wild or unattended as a result of the search warrants.

Unfortunately, due to their physical condition, a chicken and a kinkajou were euthanized. This is in addition to the camel that was euthanized on the first day of the search (and is not the young camel featured in the previously distributed photograph).

Investigators are now processing all of the evidence obtained during their four-day search of the property. Due to the ongoing investigation and future adjudication of the case, no further information is available for release.

Oregon State Police thanks our partners and the multiple animal sanctuary and rescue organizations who assisted during the multiday incident. These efforts would not have been possible or successful without their continued assistance.

—

Earlier OSP update:

Update: Animal care specialists continue assessing animal welfare at West Coast Game Park Safari

A complete inventory and forensic assessment of animals is continuing today and seized animals will be transported to appropriate, reputable facilities where they will receive specialized veterinary care. The preplanning for the operation accounted for the relocation of all seized animals.

Veterinarians and staff with the Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Department of Agriculture evaluated animal welfare on scene. This assessment includes an animal’s physical condition, food quality, water supply, sanitation, enclosure conditions, and care sufficient to preserve their health and well-being.

Animal care has been a primary consideration during the investigation. Teams of veterinary staff evaluated dietary needs of the animals and supplied fresh feed for each species. The Oregon Humane Society purchased food and staff from all agencies are assisting in animal feeding.

During initial assessments on Thursday, May 15, one camel was diagnosed with multiple serious medical conditions and suffering. Onsite veterinary staff determined the animal’s condition was sufficiently grave and treatment or transportation would likely result in death. Unfortunately, humane euthanasia was the appropriate option.

On May 15th, the Wild Game Safari Park near Bandon was served multiple search warrants following a lengthy criminal investigation into the facility’s operations, according to Oregon State Police.

It comes just months after an extremely critical report by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. KTVZ News was one of the few outlets in Oregon to report on the USDA’s inspection.

Since then, it appears the Oregon State Police have been criminally investigating the popular game park.

West Coast Game Park Safari was visited by Oregon State Police in coordination with multiple local, state, and federal partners. Agencies searched for evidence related to animal care and welfare, permitting, licensing, and business practices.

Credit: Oregon State Police

In a Thursday morning release, OSP said:

“Oregon State Police is working in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coos County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon Department of Justice, and the IRS Criminal Investigation. Participating agencies provide regulatory oversight or bring specialized expertise in animal care to assist investigators with evaluating evidence gathered during the property search.”

The park is closed while investigations continue. No further information is available at this time, but Oregon State Police tell KTVZ News they expect to have more information on Friday.

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