Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, adding interview with departing Fire Chief Jeff Blake)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Fire and EMS is grappling with a severe financial shortfall that has forced deep spending cuts, the temporary relocation of its headquarters, and the upcoming departure of Fire Chief Jeff Blake.

What began as a successful merger of the county’s fire and ambulance services has now spiraled into a budget crisis, draining reserves and straining operations.

Blake says the funding gap is not a result of overspending, but of missing revenue and slow reimbursements — problems that began after the former EMS district was dissolved.

“When we merged EMS and fire together, the merger went really, really well,” Blake explained Tuesday to KTVZ News. “But from the time the dissolution happened, we weren’t able to bill for any revenue from Medicare, Medicaid, or any insurance companies.”

Without that billing capability, the district has been surviving on its reserve funds.

Even when payments do come in, they amount to only about a third of what the district bills. In response, Blake says the agency has cut $1.5-1.6 million from its budget while simultaneously seeing a 15 to 20 percent increase in call volume.

One of the latest cost-saving measures is temporarily relocating the headquarters to the old EMS station on Culver Highway during construction on its fire station. The move is expected to reduce expenses by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Despite the budget cuts, Blake emphasizes that service levels for residents remain strong. However, the strain of managing the crisis has weighed heavily on leadership. By mutual agreement with the district’s board, Blake will step down as chief on Nov. 29.

“It’s really hard,” he said. “I am passionate about the fire service and about this community. I don’t want to be any sort of barrier for the success of this organization moving forward. It’s bittersweet — some days I think I made the right decision, other days it’s a little difficult.”

The district’s board is now reviewing options to stabilize funding and ensure that Jefferson County’s fire and medical services can meet demand. As he prepares to leave, Blake says he hopes residents will continue to back the agency and its first responders through the challenges ahead.

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KTVZ – News Team

(KTVZ) Tuesday, October 7th marks National Taco Day!

National Taco Day used to be celebrated on October 4th but was adjusted so that it would always fall on the first Tuesday in October.

Many restaurants, like Taco Bell, are celebrating with taco specials.

Are you celebrating the occasion?

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening this Friday, October 10th, from 4 to 7 p.m., head on down to Café Yumm! in Bend’s Old Mill District to support Think Wild Central Oregon!

20% of sales will be donated to the wildlife rehab hospital to care for its wildlife patients.

Think Wild says the money will fund wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education programs in Central Oregon.

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KTVZ – News Team

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is inviting the public to view artwork entered in the annual stamp art contest!

That’s happening on Tuesday, November 4th from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the ODFW headquarters in Salem. The event is free and open to the public.

The headquarters will host the display of submissions for the 2026 Habitat Conservation Stamp, Upland Game Bird Stamp, and Waterfowl Stamp art contests.

Visitors will be able to cast their vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ in each category.  

The winning artist in each contest receives a $2,000 award and winning artwork will be used to produce collector stamps and other promotional items with sale proceeds benefitting Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats. 

Sales from the purchase of Waterfowl, Upland Game Bird and Habitat Conservation stamp products help fund research, surveys, habitat improvement and conservation projects.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Celebrate an unforgettable evening of music, community, and connection as the Central Oregon Mastersingers proudly present ‘Rooted in Song’, featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist and composer Moira Smiley for one night only.

That’s happening Wednesday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. At the Tower Theatre in Bend.

As a special highlight of the evening, concertgoers will experience the world premiere of ‘Northern Flicker’ which is a new work commissioned by the Central Oregon Mastersingers to commemorate the choir’s 20th anniversary.

The piece honors the ensemble’s two decades of musical excellence and community impact while also drawing inspiration from the rugged beauty and natural rhythms of the Central Oregon landscape.

During Smiley’s visit, she will also lead outreach workshops with local high school choirs, fostering connection and creativity among the next generation of singers.

Choirs from Central Oregon high schools have been invited to participate as well, with students joining from Trinity Lutheran School, Caldera High School, Bend High School, and more.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening this Saturday, October 11th, at Silver Moon Brewing in Bend, there’s a Moonlight Haunted Market!

Get in the spirit of spooky season–you can shop from local vendors, enjoy live music, and more.

The all-ages market is from 4 to 11 p.m. and is free to attend.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Monday is World Habitat Day, a time for communities around the globe to reflect on the fundamental right to housing and the ongoing challenge of ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.

In Bend, this year’s observance carries special weight as local advocacy group Bend YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) stages an event titled “Remembering Our Neighbors.” The gathering serves to honor residents forced to leave the area because rising costs have made it impossible for them to remain.

Bend YIMBY, a volunteer-driven organization, is dedicated to advocating for an increase in all types of housing throughout the city—ranging from townhomes and apartments to infill development. The group’s central goal is to promote affordability and ensure that people who work in Bend can also afford to live there.

With the city’s rapid growth and soaring cost of living, many long-term residents find themselves priced out of their neighborhoods, resulting in a loss that, organizers say, resonates across the wider community.

“Anyone who’s lived in Central Oregon for some time has likely faced the heartbreak of seeing neighbors and friends uprooted as housing prices climb,” explains John Heylin, volunteer and organizer with Bend YIMBY. “Frankly, the cost of living here is incredibly high, making it increasingly difficult for people to stay. After years of watching friends leave, I wanted to host a memorial event—because those departures represent a real loss for the community.”

The “Remembering Our Neighbors” event goes beyond simply recalling those lost to the housing crisis. The aim is to prompt honest conversations about what Bend stands to lose if the trend persists and to motivate collective action around solutions.

Bend YIMBY hopes the event will spark dialogue about practical steps to address the crisis—such as boosting the overall housing supply and supporting policies that lower barriers and costs for building new homes. The organization’s message remains clear: maintaining Bend’s vibrance depends on enabling residents of all income levels to call the city home.

The “Remembering Our Neighbors” event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday night at Bevel Brewing, creating space for community members to gather, reflect, and chart a path toward a more affordable future for all.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) announced Monday the five Growth Stage finalists who will compete at the 2025 Bend Venture Conference, taking place October 16–17 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. 

In just a few days, these exceptional finalists will take to the main stage. The Growth Stage competition at BVC highlights companies that have demonstrated significant traction and are poised for rapid expansion. Following considerable due diligence, companies in this category have historically been awarded funding ranging from $100,000 to $ 2.5 million from the BVC LLC and partner venture capital (VC) funds. 

In alphabetical order, the Growth Stage finalists that will compete at the BVC are: 

Airbuild (Portland, OR) – Airbuild creates modular, self-powered systems that capture carbon, purify water and turn waste into biochar. 

Bold Reuse (Portland, OR) – Bold Reuse reduces costs and waste from single-use packaging through reusable packaging systems, a Bold Reuse is critical infrastructure for the circular economy. 

MarineSitu (Seattle, WA) – MarineSitu provides marine infrastructure monitoring through their AI software platform, preventing costly interventions, saving time and increasing efficiency. 

Photon Marine (Portland, OR) – Photon Marine is building the world’s most capable electric fleet. 

Rapta (Tigard, OR) – Rapta supercharges U.S. manufacturing by increasing capacity 30% through eliminating 98% of errors and accelerating workflows 10x faster. 

“The Growth Stage finalists are a powerful reflection of where the market is heading,” said Jon Stark, CEO of EDCO. “These companies are proving that innovation and scalability go hand in hand, and the Bend Venture Conference provides the stage for investors to connect with founders who are ready to accelerate their growth.” 

Now in its 22nd year, the Bend Venture Conference is the Pacific Northwest’s largest angel investment conference and a hub for entrepreneurship in the region. Since its inception, BVC investors have awarded more than $14 million to startups. The event is the cornerstone of the High Desert Innovation Week, happening Oct 13-17 in Bend, a multi-day program that brings together local entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to showcase the region’s startup resources and celebrate its collaborative culture. 

The Bend Venture Conference cannot guarantee that investments will be awarded in any specific amount. The final amounts to be distributed depend on the investment commitments received from third-party investors, as well as the ability of the winning companies and investors to agree on the terms and conditions of the investment. 

Tickets for the 2025 Bend Venture Conference are available at bendvc.com. 

2025 BVC Title Sponsors 

About Bend Venture Conference (BVC) The annual BVC, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. Over the past 22 years, BVC has served to evolve and grow the startup ecosystem throughout Central Oregon and beyond. Since its inception, more than $14 million has been invested in 59 companies as a result of the conference. This year’s conference will gather entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and students at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon on October 16-17, 2025. bendvc.com 

About Economic Development for Central Oregon  

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com. 

About High Desert Innovation Week 

High Desert Innovation Week is an annual celebration of Oregon’s entrepreneurial spirit, held each October in Central Oregon. Organized by the Central Oregon Innovation Network, Cultivate Bend, Bend Outdoor Worx, and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), the week brings together organizations, startups, and innovators from across the region to showcase the unique resources, collaborative culture, and diverse industries that make Oregon a hub for innovation. Over five days, events highlight craft, technology, and community, spanning sectors from consumer products to climate tech and outdoor recreation. hdinnovationweek.com. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man accused of hitting his 5-pound Chihuahua with a shovel last spring was back in court Monday, but a ruling on his mental fitness to proceed to trial was delayed yet again.

The attorney for John Coe Richardson, 76, said his client has undergone two mental health evaluation sessions, but the report of those findings is not back yet, as the evaluator has been involved in an ongoing trial.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alison Emerson set a new hearing date for Nov. 3.

As Monday’s brief hearing began, Richardson asked the judge how she was doing. She responded, “Fine, and how are you?”

“Better than I deserve, your honor,” he said, standing beside his attorney in the courtroom.

Richardson is charged with first-degree aggravated animal abuse, a Class C felony, and a misdemeanor count of second-degree animal abuse.

As KTVZ News has reported in our Problem Solvers reports, Richardson suffered severe brain injuries and PTSD during his time as a Marine combat veteran in the Vietnam War. Because of these injuries, his lawyer has said it’s also crucial that he gets two of the three dogs seized from him – Paco and Evie.

Richardson, also acting as his own attorney, has filed multiple motions for dismissal of the charges over the ensuing months, court records show.

In his latest, 15-page summary filed late last month, Richardson again claims his three dogs were seized in late April without a court order and that his property was wrongly seized, including the wrong shovel used in the alleged crime – “correct shovel remains in garage.”

As the latest hearing ended, Emerson told Richardson, “We have received your letters. We just have to get through this step (regarding his mental fitness to proceed) before we can review those.”

“I get it, your honor,” Richardson replied.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County High School Principal Jake Huffman has agreed to pay a $1,000 fine to settle a state ethics investigation over free use of public facilities, including the gym, for his private for-profit wrestling business.

Huffman also recently reimbursed the school district for more than $5,000 in unpaid facilities rental fees, according to the order that goes before the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for a decision on Friday. He said he was unaware he was violating the state ethics law at the time.

The Prineville Review and KTVZ News reported in early May that the ethics commission voted unanimously to open a formal investigation of Huffman’s possible violation of state ethics laws.

Investigators looked into whether Huffman used school resources for the wrestling business, the Central Oregon Wrestling Academy (COWA), without paying the required rental fees.

A stipulated final order on Friday’s ethics commission agenda says COWA used school district facilities without paying any fees from April 2022 to April of this year.

The investigation also found the organization used the high school gym facilities without a contract and without paying a fee until last December, using time and space contracted by a separate non-profit, the Cowboy Mat Club.

The nonprofit told the ethics panel that the two organizations coordinated the use of district facilities to provide instruction for advanced wrestlers, and that the nonprofit contracted with the school district for that use.

From last December through this April, COWA had a facilities use agreemwnt with the district to use the gym without having to pay a fee, “despite being a for-profit business that would have been charged a fee of $20 per hour” under the district’s facilities policy, the order states.

By using school district facilities for COWA practices, it says “Huffman avoided the cost of paying for his private business’s expenses,” — something that “would not have been available,” if not for his official position.

The order says Huffman failed to notify the school board in writing of the “actual confiict of interest each time” COWA used the gym for his wrestling business.

A month ago, Huffman, on behalf of COWA, made two payments to the school district, totaling $5,260, reimbursing the district for the usage fees he should have paid for gym use, the order says.

According to the commission, Crook County School District Superintendent Dr. Joel Hoff has written a letter to the ethics panel, saying Huffman “has taken full responsibility and has paid all retroactive fees to the district.”

Hoff describes Huffman in the letter as “a dedicated and ethical educator who consistently upholds district policies and maintains the public trust (and who is) deeply committed to serving our students, staff and community with integrity.”

Huffman, meanwhile, “contends that there was neither knowing nor intent” to violate state ethics law” and “was unaware that he was committing any violations,” the stipulated order says.

It says he “contends that his involvement with COWA was not a source of material financial gain,” disputing allegations that it had more than $700,000 in revenue. Instead, he said “COWA’s annual gross income is approximately $13,000 and its annual net earnings ranged from an annual loss exceeding $14,200 to a small profit if $1,774.”

The settlement terms include a $1,000 civil penalty, saying Huffman “wishes to conclude this matter … without completing the investigation phase.”

Reached by phone Monday by KTVZ News, Huffman said, “It’s been a really long process, and I’m just looking forward to it being concluded.”

“It hasn’t been an easy thing to deal with, but I’m looking forward to moving on,” he added.

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