Author: KTVZ

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Residents from across the Northwest gathered in Central Oregon this weekend for Bend WinterFest 2026. Despite a lack of significant snowfall, attendees enjoyed a wide range of festivities including food, crafts and live entertainment.

The event drew visitors from as far as Idaho and Portland to celebrate the season in Bend. Activities included a dog show featuring frisbee-catching pups, while various local vendors showcased their products and services to a community eager for winter-themed engagement.

Vendors at the festival reported positive interactions with the crowds throughout the weekend. Sarah Wellman, owner of Well Created, noted that people attending the event seemed genuinely interested in the local businesses.

“We’ve been having a great time. All the other vendors and people have been amazing,” Wellman said. “People are just so kind and generous and, really, genuinely interested in what we’re here to. To sell and bring.”

Other business owners emphasized the social aspect of the gathering. Nataliya, owner of Crepe Oh! Holics, described the event as a festival that unites the community.

“Winterfest is really very cool,” Nataliya said. “Festival, this unites people, community. So we just enjoy to be here.”

The festival grounds featured unique amenities such as fires and saunas to complement the winter theme.

Avalon Disko, co-owner of Zap Trip Mobile Tattoos, highlighted the specific atmosphere of the event. “I like the area we’re at,” Disko said. “We have all these fires and dogs and saunas. So. Yeah, it’s been fun.”

While the spirit of the event remained high, many participants noted the unusually low snow levels for February. Silas Baker, a resident of Bend, said he wished for more snow but still found the celebration exciting. Lincoln, co-creator of Sasquatch, described the lack of snow as “kind of bad” and expressed his hope for its return.

“I really, I hope for snow to be here,” Lincoln said.

The absence of snow raised concerns for some about the upcoming summer months. Bend resident Lacey mentioned that while the weather remains cold, the lack of snow could lead to more wildfires.

Tracey Barnett, co-owner of Crazy About Crystals, pointed out the inherent unpredictability of the region’s weather. “It’s cold, but there’s no source for it, right? We’re in central Oregon. You never know if you’re going to have snow by 5 feet or 5 inches,” Barnett said.

Participants and organizers at the festival said they are still hoping for fresh snowfall to arrive soon.

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Spencer Sacks

La Pine, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine home was saved Thursday morning after a fire that started in a nearby shop spread to the residence. Firefighters contained the flames on Burlwood Lane and reported no injuries.

The fire broke out when an RV inside a shop ignited. Dispatch reports indicate the blaze then moved from the shop to the home before crews arrived to intervene.

Firefighters responded to the scene on Burlwood Lane to find the shop fire threatening the main house. Crews were able to quickly contain the flames, which prevented the house from being destroyed. No residents or emergency responders were hurt during the incident. New images from the scene show the extent of the response from local crews.

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Campbell Porter

Benito has already overcome incredible odds and now, this little pup is ready for his forever home.

The Oregon Humane Society rescued Benito, along with 16 other animals, from a neglect case in Lake County. When responders found him, the 3-month-old terrier-chihuahua mix had a dangerously low body temperature of just 91 degrees, about ten degrees below normal.

Thanks to some quick thinking, the rescue team stopped at the Humane Society of Central Oregon for emergency care. Since then, his recovery has been remarkable.

Benito’s foster family says he’s already showing off his quick learning skills during training.

Now healthy and full of personality, Benito is looking for his new family; just in time for Valentine’s Day. You can meet him and other adoptable pets at the Humane Society of Central Oregon’s open house this weekend or go to their website.

Pet Pals is brought to you by The Backyard at GoodLife Brewing Company.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An 85-year-old woman died Thursday after being struck by a vehicle in a Safeway parking lot in Bend.

Melinda Ann Lyons was hit at approximately 1:10 p.m. at the store located at 320 SW Century Drive.

Lyons was attempting to cross the parking lot to enter the store when she was struck by a silver Ford Eco Sport. Bend Fire medics transported Lyons to St. Charles hospital, where she later died from life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the vehicle, 77-year-old Evelyn Ranae Olsen, was traveling at approximately 15 mph through the parking lot when the collision occurred. Olsen remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.

The Bend Police crash reconstruction team responded to the Safeway parking lot following the report.

Following the investigation, Olsen was cited for careless driving that causes an accident with serious injury or death to a vulnerable user.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Downtown Bend will be bursting with handmade hearts this Valentine’s weekend, all part of a community tradition that’s all about kindness, creativity, and spreading love.

Students from the Waldorf School of Bend, along with residents of Fox Hollow Retirement Community, will rise early Saturday morning to “Heart Bomb” downtown Bend by covering it with colorful, handmade paper hearts. Each heart carries a personal message meant to brighten someone’s day.

KTVZ visited the school Friday afternoon, to see how the students’ hearts were coming along.

“This year, a couple of our co-creators actually decided to let the students write new messages, so you might see some new ones this year,” said teacher Rebecca McGuire. “But the message overall is that we really want to express love and spread kindness in our community. It’s really valuable for our students to see the joy of making something for someone else and just spreading love.”

This marks the 12th year the Waldorf School has carried out the Valentine’s Day tradition. Students and volunteers will begin placing hearts around downtown starting at 7 a.m. Saturday.

If you spot one, organizers encourage you to take it: keep it for yourself, or pass it along to someone else who might need a little extra love this Valentine’s Day.

If you spot the beauty downtown Saturday, please feel free to send photos and videos in through the share tab here on our website.

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Barney Lerten

ROSEBURG, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Ford Family Foundation’s Visual Arts Program has announced Warm Springs artist Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs, Wasco, Yakama) as the inaugural recipient of the 1905 Legacy Award. 

Named in honor of Hallie E. Ford’s birth year, the 1905 Legacy Award recognizes outstanding Oregon artists whose extensive careers and sustained excellence have significantly impacted the artistic community of Oregon. 

The award will be given every five years and is accompanied by $50,000 for the artist to use as they see fit. It is bestowed by nomination and reviewed by an anonymous panel of arts professionals. The 1905 Legacy Award joins the Hallie Ford Fellowship in the Foundation’s Visual Arts program as a further demonstration of Hallie Ford’s deep commitment to supporting Oregon artists. 

“We are pleased to honor Hallie Ford’s vision for Oregon visual arts with the 1905 Legacy Award,” says Kara Inae Carlisle, president and CEO of The Ford Family Foundation. “I cannot think of a more fitting inaugural recipient than Lillian, whose lifelong dedication to culture, craft and community has brought joy to so many while honoring the history and legends of her people.” 

Pitt’s artwork has been exhibited globally, and she continues to garner institutional attention – a tribute to her longstanding status as an artist central to the Northwest’s cultural life. Among the awards and recognitions Pitt has received: 

1990 Oregon Governor’s Award for the Arts; 

Oregon Chiles Foundation Award from the High Desert Museum, Bend, OR;  

Leadership Award from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, Portland, OR;  

Honored Citizen by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon;  

History Maker by the Oregon Historical Society; and an 

Honorary Doctorate from the University of Portland in 2022.  

Lillian Pitt’s life and works are featured in The Story of Lillian Pitt. An exhibition of her work will be on display at the Museum of Warm Springs, opening May 21. More information on the 1905 Legacy Award is available on The Ford Family Foundation’s website. 

About The Ford Family Foundation Visual Arts Program 

The Visual Arts Program honors the late Hallie Ford, co-founder of The Ford Family Foundation, who left a legacy based on an interest in, and a lifelong support of, the visual arts. The Hallie Ford Fellowships are the flagship element of the Visual Arts Program. In addition, the program offers grants to visual artists for unanticipated career opportunities; supports artists-in-residence programs; brings curators and critics from outside the region to Oregon for studio visits and community dialogue; supports exhibitions, catalogues and other forms of documentation; and awards grants for small capital projects.   

About The Ford Family Foundation The Ford Family Foundation believes in the power of rural communities. It is a private, nonprofit foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions so that children have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life. www.tfff.org 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This month, as MountainStar Family Relief Nursery continues celebrating its 25th anniversary year, the organization is inviting the community to show love in a powerful, practical way — by supporting families through its February Community Care Project. 

At MountainStar, love shows up in small, steady actions that strengthen families and build resilience during times of stress. February’s Community Care Project focuses on collecting hygiene and household cleaning supplies, essential items that help families maintain healthy, safe homes and reduce the daily pressures that can lead to crisis. 

Heres the rest of their announcement:

“Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action,” says Kara Tachikawa, Executive Director of MountainStar Family. “For families facing overwhelming stress, access to basic supplies can be the difference between coping and crisis. This month is about showing care in ways that truly matter.” 

Requested donation items include: 

Toothbrushes and toothpaste 

Soap, shampoo, and conditioner 

Feminine hygiene products 

Household cleaning supplies such as all-purpose cleaner, disinfecting wipes, sponges, and laundry detergent 

Donations may be dropped off throughout February at MountainStar locations in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville. 

All donated items will be assembled into care kits and distributed directly to families enrolled in MountainStar’s programs, helping parents create stable environments where children can feel safe, supported, and nurtured. 

February’s Community Care Project is part of MountainStar’s 25th Anniversary Community Care Series, a year-long set of monthly opportunities designed to build community resilience through prevention, compassion, and collective action. 

“As we mark 25 years, we’re celebrating the many ways our community shows up for one another,” added Tachikawa. “This month, we invite everyone to lead with love and be part of the care that strengthens families.” 

For more information about MountainStar’s 25th Anniversary, February’s Community Care Project, or ways to support children and families, visit www.mtstar.org. 

About MountainStar Family Relief Nursery  MountainStar prevents child abuse and neglect through therapeutic early childhood programs, home visiting, and wraparound family services. With five sites in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville, MountainStar strengthens vulnerable families and helps children build safe, stable futures. Learn more at www.mtstar.org.  

Community Care Projects 

Each project or action is an approachable way to show support and care for individuals and groups in our local communities. Community care can be shown through low cost basic supplies for children and families, tangible actions within your neighborhood or city, or engaging in volunteering or learning opportunities. In 2026, MountainStar will provide monthly opportunities to show community care. 

Partners for Kids 

MountainStar is deeply grateful to our community for stepping up to support vulnerable children and families. We are proud to highlight the businesses that have joined Partners for Kids – their generosity and advocacy for child abuse prevention help build a stronger, more stable future for our community. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — United Way of Central Oregon announced this week the successful results of its 2025 initiatives, “highlighting a year of significant growth in financial security, transportation access, housing stabilization, eviction prevention, food security, emergency funding, health and hygiene, and basic needs initiatives.” 

“From the launch of innovative new programs and initiatives like Ride United and United Way CARES to winning the Central Oregon Gives Basic Needs category,” UWCO said in a news release it “continues to build and expand the regional infrastructure that helps families across Central Oregon access essential resources.”

Here’s the rest of their announcement, in full.

2025 Year-in-Review: Impact & Innovation 

Throughout 2025, UWCO focused on launching new programs and services that remove barriers to financial stability, health, and resilience. 

Transportation Access: UWCO’s Ride United pilot program delivered 450 rides to work, job interviews, school, food pantries, grocery stores, housing, shelter, healthcare, childcare, and other essential services as well as joined with other nonprofits to expand their transportation services. 

Housing Stabilization: UWCO introduced its Resilient Families Fund – a proactive approach to preventing homelessness before it starts – by providing emergency assistance for rent, groceries, and utilities. Just launched, the fund has already supported three families with nearly $4,000 in crisis relief. 

Grantmaking & Food Security: In spring, UWCO’s volunteer Emergency Food & Shelter Grants (EFSG) Board allocated $60,000 to 10 nonprofits, prioritizing vital food access for children and families. 

CARES (Community Access to Resources & Essential Supplies): The bold new United Way CARES initiative saw immediate success through UWCO’s first Collection Drive. The community rallied to provide nearly 1,200 diapers and 1,000 period products, as well as incontinence products and other personal hygiene supplies, donating essential items for those most in need. 

“Through our programs, we are opening doors to opportunity through Ride United, keeping families housed and fed through our Resilient Families Fund, delivering essential supplies to folks in need through United Way CARES, and supporting nonprofits that strengthen families’ food security through Emergency Food & Shelter Grants,” said Diana Fischetti, UWCO Regional Executive Director.

“Soon, we’ll be powering our new CARES Laundry Truck to bring services directly to our most vulnerable communities, moving our disaster resilience work forward, and expanding our housing stabilization work.” 

Fueling the Mission: Community Support and Success 

2025 was anchored by an outpouring of community generosity. UWCO celebrated a major win during Central Oregon Gives, raising nearly $100,000 – funds that will directly support our neighbors through UWCO’s new initiatives. 

United in Purpose: Partnerships Creating Regional Impact 

UWCO continues to build and sustain partnerships with many critical regional organizations. UWCO conducts the bulk of Ride United client case management internally, and the organization also has recruited and trained Ride United Partners that connect their clients with UWCO’s transportation service: Family Access Network, KIDS Center, Latino Community Association, Mosaic Medical, The Giving Plate, and Thrive.  

UWCO’s Emergency Food & Shelter Grants funded Deschutes County agencies focused on food security. Those ESFG Partners are Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend, Central Oregon Veteran & Community Outreach, Family Kitchen, Friends of the Children, Jericho Road, Shepherd’s House Ministries, St. Vincent De Paul Bend, St. Vincent De Paul La Pine, St. Vincent De Paul Redmond, and The Giving Plate. 

A Vision for the Future 

As UWCO looks toward 2026, the organization remains committed to expanding partnerships, programs, services, and initiatives that provide critical access and services to community members and foster regional stability. 

For more information about UWCO’s impact, visit http://www.unitedwaycentraloregon.org. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: adding video of bald eagle)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The folks at Think Wild Central Oregon wildlife hospital are thrilled to care for rescued animals of every persuasion, with a typical goal of returning them to the wild. So this was a sad week, as they were unable to save two adult bald eagles – America’s official symbol – for very different reasons. 

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office animal control officers tried on Wednesday to save a bald eagle found lying near the fog line, having been struck by a vehicle on Eagle Crest Boulevard at West Highway 126, the agency said in a Facebook post. 

They safely captured and brought the bird to Think Wild, but DCSO said that “despite every effort to manage pain and provide oxygen, the injuries were too severe, and the majestic eagle crossed the rainbow bridge,.” Still, they thanked “everyone who worked tirelessly to give this eagle a fighting chance.” 

Last Sunday, another bald eagle was rescued at Brasada Ranch Resort that was “suffering from severe lead toxicity,” according to Molly Honea, Think Wild’s development and communications manager. 

It’s not really a coincidence for the two unfortunate incidents in recent days.

“As breeding season begins, eagles and other wildlife are becoming more active and seeking nesting habitat and increasing food intake, so they can support their young when the time comes,” Honea explained to KTVZ News. 

“With the foggy weather and limited winter daylight, roadkill becomes more prevalent,” she said. “And opportunistic eaters like eagles often take advantage of these easy meals, putting themselves at risk along roadways.” 

“Eagles will also eat gut piles left behind by hunters, as well as marmots and ground squirrels that people shoot for population control,” Honea added. “If any of these food sources have been shot with lead ammunition, which fragments upon impact, the eagles can easily become sick from lead poisoning.” 

Honea said blood tests found the bald eagle rescued at Brasada Ranch “had lead levels higher than our machine can even test.” The reading was at least 62 ug/dL (micrograms per decileter) — which Honea said is six times the level considered clinical lead poisoning. 

Physical symptoms in raptors include weakness, drooped wings, inability to stand, green diarrhea and neurological damage, often appearing “drunk.”  

The American Eagle Foundation cited an eight-year study of samples across 38 states that found 47% of bald eagles and 46% of golden eagles had signs of chronic lead poisoning, which is the result of repeated lead exposure. As many as 33-35% of eagles had acute lead poisoning from exposure to high lead levels.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says bald eagles breed in 32 of Oregon’s 36 counties and are found throughout the state during non-breeding season, with an estimated 570 breeding pairs.

America’s bald eagle was brought back from the brink of extinction after the federal government banned the use of the pesticide DDT in 1972. It was listed as an endangered species six years later, but after a recovery that took decades, the bird was removed from the federal listing in 2007 and from the Oregon threatened species list in 2012.

The bald eagle was adopted as an emblem of the United States by the Second Continental Congress in 1782, appearing on the Great Seal to represent strength and freedom. It was formally designated the country’s official national bird by President Biden on Dec. 24, 2024.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, Central Oregon judges offered their “Cupid’s Docket” matrimonial ceremonies a day early – on Friday.

As in Friday the 13th.

But true love won’t bend to a bit of superstition, at least not for these happy couples in a nicely decorated courtroom, as Deschutes County Circuit Judge Raymond Crutchley performed the ceremonial honors.

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