Author: KTVZ

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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Kade Linville

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From questions about water sustainability in town and upcoming development plans, to questions about traffic safety and building renovations, Mayor Ed Fitch answers your questions about Redmond and its many public programs.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Fitch at any time as part of our monthly segment – just click here.

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Cami Porter

BEND, Ore. –(KTVZ)– Puppies frolicked and played in the courtyard of the Whispering Winds retirement community today. The people at this assisted living center got a visit from puppies hosted by the local dog rescue group Street Dog Hero, but this visit was not just a fun day for the dogs, nor just a treat for the residents. Street Dog Hero was there to say thank you to a group of knitters from Whispering Winds who’ve been making and donating blankets for the dogs.

Sue Edgerton, a resident of Whispering Winds told KTVZ news “We love making them. We don’t know what they look like after the dogs drag them around for a while, but we love giving them and we have fun talking and getting together and knitting or crocheting.”

Street Dog Hero recently took in several new puppies from Madras and from Oklahoma. All the puppies who visited Whispering Winds are available for adoption.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Museum invites visitors to experience the culmination of a yearlong program that dove into the diverse perspectives of wildfire in Central Oregon. Explore the artistic voices of young students in Kids Curate, open now through Sunday, June 1.

Every year, Kids Curate integrates art, science and history into classrooms and field-trip experiences with one Central Oregon elementary school over the course of the school year. The program culminates in an exhibition created by the students on the Museum’s walls. Caregivers and families celebrate the students’ work at an exhibition opening event.

“Students engage with the topic deeply through hands-on experiences to better understand many viewpoints throughout the year,” said Bonnie Lee and Oliver P. Steele III Curator of Education and Engagement Molly Wilmoth. “We’re grateful to partner with the educators at a school to provide this intensive and in-depth learning experience.”

Third and fourth graders from La Pine Elementary School participated in this year’s project. Months of learning have culminated in a series of artworks.

Each of the students’ canvases depicts a unique perspective on wildfire, a phenomenon of particular interest after last year’s Darlene 3 fire in their community. With the help of Museum educators, La Pine teachers and experts, the students explored our complicated relationship with fire in the High Desert.

As a result, more than 100 pieces of art will adorn the walls of the Desertarium Gallery at the Museum. The exhibition is an external representation of the internal process.

Museum educators first met with the students in October 2024 and continued to meet with them every other week. Through different educational disciplines – from science and art to social studies and history – the students learned about wildfire on the landscape and then translated those perspectives into art. This ranged from fire as a threat to fire as a helpful, natural process. Their new understandings of fire are highlighted through the exhibition.

As part of the Kids Curate program, the Museum included two outside voices to help the students in their yearlong learning. Ariel Cowan, regional fire specialist with the Oregon State University Extension Service, helped the students explore fire as both scientists and community members. She took part in the students’ field trip to the Museum in late February 2025, providing information on how fires can damage structures in a community but also spur new forest growth.

Artist Jake Kenobi, also known as Spring Break Jake, visited La Pine Elementary three times during the year to share his techniques with the students. From how he creates his artwork to the incorporation of feelings and emotions onto the canvas, Kenobi invited the students to see fire as more than just heat and combustion.

After gathering materials in the forest at the Museum, Kenobi assisted students in creating “studio potions.” Acrylic paint supplemented with pinecone bits, soil, pine needles and manzanita leaves adorn the canvases on display.

In addition, Kids Curate provides participating students with the pride of publicly and prominently displaying their artwork and the tools needed to continue their artistic practice.

More information about the Kids Curate program can be found at highdesertmuseum.org/kids-curate.

The 2025 Kids Curate program and exhibition is made possible by The Bloomfield Family Foundation, Braemar Charitable Trust/Trust Management Services LLC, the Chambers Family Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, the PGE Foundation and the Oregon Arts Commission. Additional support comes from Bennington Properties.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Week is not just an event — it’s a movement to showcase the vital roles women play in their communities. 

Bend-Redmond Habitat’s Women Build Week event is being held at one of their newest build sites in the area Daly Estates, which includes nine townhouses.

In response to a mostly unmet need, they are offering one- and four-bedroom homes; two- and three-bedroom homes have been typical in their other neighborhoods.  

Habitat hopes to not only bring light to the disparities women face, but assist in a solution. With 75% of Habitat homeowners being single mothers, this week hopes to encourage equity and recognition.

“We have over a hundred volunteers out here this week. It’s also an education and empowerment event … the majority of our construction staff is a woman-led construction team,” said Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity CEO Carly Colgan.

Women aren’t just building the homes – they’re buying them. Seven of the nine homebuyers in the Daly Estates neighborhood are households led by women. 

The event intends to shed light on issues women typically face when trying to get into homeownership. Lower wages than their male counterparts and higher rejection rates for obtaining a mortgage are two of the major obstacles. 

Volunteers have the opportunity for hands-on training alongside professional construction workers. To help fuel motivation, powerful messages and stories of resilience were shared during a crew lunch break. 

“We can build homes. We can build opportunity. And most importantly, we can build hope,” said Colgan.  

One of the future homeowners was also present, saying: “I’m so grateful that Habitat chose to partner with me and my family. That is the biggest blessing. And thank you so much for all of you that are here.”

For many of the volunteers, it’s also an opportunity to find connection and meaning in the work.

Volunteer Laura Voisinet said, “It’s so great to meet other women who want to join up with you, and you make friends by the end of the day. And to meet face-to-face the people’s lives that you’re helping to change – you want to keep coming back and doing that some more.”

Continuing to work through rainy and windy conditions, the dedication of those involved has been apparent. This week’s event has been a shining example of one of the messages Habitat hopes to spread — “Strong women build strong communities.”

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Triton Notary

Today, the NFL released the 2025 schedule. There are a few dates to remember, the Seattle Seahawks will face the San Francisco 49ers for a week one matchup on Sep. 7th. The Seahawks will have a bye in Week 8 before finishing the rest of the season. All the games in bold below are “regional” teams.

2025 NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULEThurs. Sept. 4NFL Kickoff Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia EaglesSun. Sept. 7Week 1  Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo BillsSun. Sept. 14Week 2  Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota VikingsSun. Sept. 21Week 3  Kansas City Chiefs at New York GiantsSun. Sept. 28Week 4Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys*Sun. Oct. 5Week 5  New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills*Sun. Oct. 12Week 6Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs*Sun. Oct. 19Week 7Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers*Sun. Oct. 26Week 8Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers*Sun. Nov. 2Week 9Seattle Seahawks at Washington Commanders*Sun. Nov. 9Week 10Pittsburgh Steelers at L.A. Chargers*Sun. Nov. 16Week 11 Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles*Sun. Nov. 23Week 12Tampa Bay Buccaneers at L.A. Rams**Thurs. Nov. 27Week 13Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens*Sun. Nov. 30Week 13Denver Broncos at Washington Commanders*Sun. Dec. 7Week 14Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs*Sun. Dec. 14Week 15Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys*Sun. Dec. 21Week 16Cincinnati Bengals at Miami DolphinsSat. Dec. 27Week 17*PEACOCK EXCLUSIVE* From Sat. pool*Sun. Dec. 28Week 17Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers*Sun. Jan. 4Week 18NFL #Game272 – TBD

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The KTVZ Studio was bustling with questions and great stories from Sandy and Bruce Cummings as they made a special visit Wednesday. The couple came to tell stories and give advice from their decades of work at NBC.

Sandy worked as a Senior Producer for Dateline, and Bruce served as a Senior Producer for NBC Nightly News. They have worked with everyone from Tom Brokaw to Jane Pauley and Keith Morrison.

The couple has lived in Bend for over a decade and are proud KTVZ viewers.

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Barney Lerten

Beginning with the landing of a U.S. Army MH-47G Chinook on its Bend campus athletic field, a Central Oregon Community College dedication event for its newly revamped Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Resource Center will celebrate veterans and a new space for student veterans beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at the Coats Campus Center.

Members of the community are invited to attend this free event, with refreshments served.

The official ceremony, complete with color guard, national anthem and folding of the flag in honor of the center’s namesake, Robert Dale Maxwell, a WWII Medal of Honor recipient, will take place from 4-4:45 p.m.

Event speakers include Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, U.S. Army veteran and director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Command Master Chief J.W. Terry, U.S. Navy, retired, who serves on the Central Oregon Veterans Outreach’s board of directors.

An open house of the Robert D. Maxwell Veterans Resource Center precedes and follows the ceremony, until 6 p.m., and crew members and active-duty U.S. Special Operations Forces with the “Nightstalker” MH-47G Chinook will remain on the ground to engage with the community and share their experiences.

One of the most advanced helicopters in the world, the MH-47G is specifically designed to support complex and high-risk missions in any environment. It’s the U.S. military’s only special operations rotary-wing unit supporting all branches of U.S. Special Operations Forces. This event provides a rare opportunity for the community to see the aircraft up close.

Maxwell, who passed away in 2019 at age 98, served in Europe and Africa during World War II as a U.S. Army communications technician and received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor, for throwing himself on a German grenade in a battle near Besancon, France, on Sept. 7, 1944, to save the lives of others.

Following the war, Maxwell settled in Oregon and used the GI Bill to study automotive technology. He became an instructor, first teaching at Bend High School in downtown Bend before helping COCC launch its automotive program in 1958, where he served for eight years. For many years, the college has offered an automotive training scholarship in Maxwell’s name, sponsored by High Desert NAPA.

Funding for the updated resource center — which included a relocation and a remodel — came from $600,000 provided by the U.S. Department of Education, combined with $81,128 from the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs to support tuitions and emergency assistance for veterans. For the current academic year, 7.2% of certificate- and degree-seeking COCC students identify as veterans.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should call 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability, such as hearing impairment, contact disability services at 541-383-7583.

—

Central Oregon Community College is celebrating 75 years of opportunity. Founded in 1949, COCC — Oregon’s first community college — marks a major milestone this academic year (2024-25) of bringing higher learning, connection and enrichment to the region.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Legislative priorities for the 2025 Central Oregon Caucus focus on the region’s unique needs around economic development, housing, wildfire and transportation, the newly formed caucus said Wednesday.

Caucus co-chairs Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) set out the priorities in the caucus’s inaugural agenda.

The Central Oregon Caucus formed this year, composed of legislators representing parts of Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties and representing a bipartisan, bicameral approach. The caucus will facilitate collaborative policymaking and improve the lives of Central Oregonians.

“Central Oregonians expect and deserve collaboration from public servants,” said Senator Broadman (D-Bend).  “This caucus and our priorities center on housing, economic development, and ensuring the middle of our state is a safe, sustainable place to live.”

“Forming the Central Oregon caucus is an important first step. It allows legislators representing the region to speak with a united voice,” said Representative Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). “For far too long, decision-making in Salem has been dominated by more populous regions of the state. Central Oregonians deserve the strongest possible representation.”

Top Priorities Include:

Economic Development

CORE3: Statewide Emergency Response and Training Center

House Bill 2411: Helps fund industrial land projects

Collaborating with local organizations to grow local businesses and fully leverage state funding for economic development

Housing and Community Services

Removing regulatory barriers to housing development

Prioritizing housing infrastructure

Funding for a new Pediatric Mental Health Care Facility for youth east of the Cascades

Wildfire and Natural Resources

House Bill 3135: Managing juniper growth

Senate Bill 83: Addressing challenges with wildfire maps and strengthening recovery planning

House Bill 3349 and House Bill 3350: Supporting Rangeland Fire Protection Agencies

Transportation

Investing in rural roadways

Winter road safety

Maintaining bridge infrastructure

The Central Oregon Legislative Caucus is co-chaired by Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville). Members include Representative Jason Kropf (D-Bend), Representative Emerson Levy (D-Bend), Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner), Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), Senator Diane Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls), Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane), Senator Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), and Senator Todd Nash (R-Enterprise).

The caucus meets regularly to keep Central Oregon constituents front and center in Salem.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: More comments from Bend Airport Manager Tracy Williams)

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Oregon lawmakers announced Wednesday that seven Oregon airports, including the Bend Municipal Airport, have secured about $22.7 million combined in federal grants for infrastructure improvements to taxiways, drainage, snow removal equipment and more.

“These federal investments to modernize and improve airports large and small throughout our state benefit Oregonians relying on these facilities for their communities’ economic health and for everybody’s safety during wildfires and other emergencies,” Senator Ron Wyden said. “I’m gratified these resources are heading to Oregon, and I’ll keep battling to provide similar funds for airports all across our state.”

“Oregon’s regional airports serve as vital hubs for our communities, including supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Senator Jeff Merkley said. “This federal funding will allow several Oregon regional airports to tackle important projects like expanding taxiways, construction projects, and new equipment. I’ll continue to fight to ensure Oregon has the resources for safe and efficient travels for the folks who rely on Oregon’s airports.” 

“I’m pleased to see that airports in NW Oregon and across the state are receiving federal investments to improve the reliability of our transportation system,” said Rep. Bonamici. “Because of these modernization projects, Oregonians and anyone traveling to our beautiful state for business or pleasure will be safer. I will continue to advocate for other important transportation and infrastructure projects that will help Oregonians and the Oregon economy thrive.”

“Airports are vital infrastructure for our communities—supporting local economies, emergency response, and everyday travel for Oregonians,” said Rep. Val Hoyle. “I’m proud to see federal investments coming to Eugene and Corvallis to improve safety, modernize facilities, and prepare these airports for future growth. These upgrades will make a real difference for our region, and I’ll keep fighting for resources that strengthen our transportation and infrastructure.”

“I’m glad to see these federal investments coming to airports across Oregon,” said Rep. Salinas. “Modernizing and improving Oregon’s airport infrastructure is critical to the safety and economic growth of communities both large and small. I’ll keep fighting to deliver the resources that Oregonians need and deserve.”

“It’s important to me that as people come in and out of our beautiful state that we give them the best possible experience,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum. “This funding provides the resources to do just that, improving safety and reliability and helping Oregon airports modernize and grow. I was ecstatic to see this announcement, and I’ll always fight for projects that improve Oregonians’ quality of life.”

“Investing in our airports means investing in the safety, connectivity, and economic strength of our communities,” said Rep. Dexter. “I’m thrilled that more than $15 million is headed to PDX. This funding—fueled by the Biden Administration’s historic infrastructure investments—is a clear example of what it looks like when the federal government shows up for local communities.” 

The $22.7 million in airport improvement grants from the Federal Aviation Administration will be distributed as follows:

$15.22 million to the Port of Portland for Portland International Airport to rebuild 2,700 feet of the existing paved taxiway A pavement that’s reached the end of its useful life.

$3.14 million to the Port of Portland for Hillsboro Airport to build a new 1,300-foot taxiway K to reduce delays and accommodate more aircraft operations.

$2.14 million to Bend Municipal Airport to rehabilitate 12,000 feet of the existing southwest, northwest, and west taxi lanes pavement to extend their useful lives.

$1.66 million for Eugene’s Mahlon Sweet Airport to build new airfield drainage for wetland mitigation to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

$261,938 for Corvallis Municipal Airport to build a new 1,100-foot taxi lane to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

$215,000 for Burns Municipal Airport to acquire snow removal equipment.

$76,000 to Joseph State Airport to reseal 5,210 feet of existing Runway 15/33 pavement and joints to extend its useful life. This project reseals 6,990 feet of the existing Taxiway A pavement and joints to extend its useful life.

“Reconstructing and adding taxiways at PDX and Hillsboro Airport is vital to maintaining the transportation system that our region relies on,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. “We appreciate the continued support of Senators Wyden and Merkley on projects that help to ensure safe and efficient operations at our airports.”

“Funding for this important airport capital improvement project will support asphalt patching, crack sealing and repair, surface sealing, and new painted striping on paved surfaces at the Bend Municipal Airport,” said Airport Manager Tracy Williams.

Williams told KTVZ News on Wednesday that the funds were anticipated.

“Each July, I travel to Washington D.C., meet with the Representatives on the Hill,  thank them for their support, provide an update on projects they supported, and make any ask if necessary. Merkley, Wyden, and Chavez-DeRemer have always been strong advocates.  I put in a call, but have not met Bynum yet. She’s on my radar!

“The grant will cover 95% of the total project,” Williams said. “Some of the work will begin late summer 2025.”

Williams also told us that the airport’s new control tower “is coming along nicely (slight delays outside our control) and should be substantially complete by the end of this year.”

“On behalf of the City of Burns and the Burns Municipal Airport, we sincerely appreciate the recent grant awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration for the acquisition of essential snow removal equipment,” said City Manager Judy Erwin. “This funding will significantly enhance our operational capabilities during the winter season, ensuring safer and more reliable service for all airport users. The support from the FAA continues to be instrumental in maintaining and improving the safety and efficiency of our airport infrastructure. This equipment will allow us to better serve general aviation, emergency services, and regional operations, especially during severe weather conditions.

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