Author: KTVZ

Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: Added Video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Students feel they are often left behind when it comes to their physical and mental well being.

According to a new report by the Oregon Health Authority, more than 1 out of 5 students reported not having their physical and mental health care needs met.

In 2022, more than 29,000 students in 8th and 11th grades were asked questions related to their physical, mental, and emotional health.

KTVZ got an exclusive interview with a co-author of this report, 18 year old Senior Alexis Zou who was excited for the report.

Zou told KTVZ News, “What made this report especially valuable is that it’s one of the first times that we’ve really looked at the open ended data that students are describing their experiences in their own words, and then communicating that in the form of a report to make sure that their experiences are being heard and that they feel seen, and that we can take the steps necessary to address the issues that they’re struggling with.”

This study comes on the tail of the Covid-19 pandemic that saw schools all across the nation being shut down and moved online. Students said the pandemic disrupted physicals, as well as getting prescriptions. Not only was that a factor, according to the CDC, 44% of high school students said they experienced persistent feelings of sadness, or hopelessness during the pandemic. 37% reported poor mental health most, or all the time.

“Speaking from my point of view and also some of the trends that I saw in the data, I think covid definitely had a really big impact on how students felt,” Zou told KTVZ News “It all passed by and all blurred together because we were all isolated during that time. We couldn’t interact and socialize with our friends. For me, I was a seventh grader. That’s a really important time for getting out and talking, meeting new people. We were unfortunately deprived of that during the pandemic.”

Schools decided to take action, and make sure kids have more resources to access physical and mental health care.

KTVZ News spoke with Crook County Middle School Principal Marques Hase, who shared how the school is bettering care for students.

Hase told KTVZ News, “We have two counselors here at the school and student success coordinator that do a lot of support with students just in the day to day of life at school. They are constantly talking with parents about options in the community for outside counseling or outside supports that may be wanted and or needed from the families.”

This is an ongoing problem students, parents, and schools are grappling with. But Zou shared with KTVZ News it was important for her to address these issues and make sure nobody is left behind.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday at Ridgeview High School in Redmond, three judges from the Oregon Court of Appeals paid a visit to hold oral arguments and answer questions from students about the work of the judicial branch.

It’s part of an ongoing program where the court travels to schools across the state, allowing students to see Court of Appeals arguments firsthand while learning about the role of the courts and related careers.

“It’s huge to have the Oregon Court of Appeals decide that they want to come and do this in front of about 400 students. That (the students) get to see how it works, because I’m of the mind that a lot of people really don’t understand the appeals process and how that functions. And so the kids get to watch it and they get to ask questions and all the things that you want them to do to learn about how the judicial branch works,” said Susan Kernutt, a social studies teacher at the school and one of the organizers of the days events. “I want them to feel like they want to be more involved in our democracy and understand how the government works, and so they can talk about it with other people and be more civic-minded… I’m just really stoked to do this today.”

Earlier this month, the court heard oral arguments at Lakeview High School in Lakeview. It also visited schools in Portland and Corvallis this year.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Food Project is weaving generosity and artistry together this weekend with its fourth annual quilt sale, set for Saturday, November 1, at the Unitarian Fellowship of Central Oregon on Skyline Ranch Road in Bend.

More than 300 handmade quilts, created and donated by over 80 Central Oregon quilters, will be on display and available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The quilts, which range in price from $50 to $550, feature a variety of designs, sizes, and color patterns.

All proceeds from the sale will benefit local children through the Bend Food Project and The Giving Plate’s Kid’s Korner program. Last year’s sale raised more than $37,000 to fight food insecurity, and organizers hope to raise $38,000 this year.

For more information or to preview quilts for sale, visit www.bfpquiltsale.org.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Youth Villages’ Holiday Heroes campaign is underway, and the nonprofit is looking for more heroes to help make the season special for more than 500 children and young people engaged in services in Portland, Salem and Bend.  

Holiday Heroes fulfills wish lists for holiday gifts and winter essentials for youth and families who are working to strengthen and stabilize, as well as young people impacted by foster care, the organization said in a news release this week, which continues below:  

Holiday Heroes has been serving Oregon for more than 13 years by connecting corporate and community volunteers to fulfill the holiday wishes of local youth. Each child in services submits a wish list of three gifts they hope to receive, along with clothing sizes, hobbies and other useful information to shop for that child. Heroes are asked to spend $100 for each young person, and the deadline to participate is Dec. 10. 

“Youth Villages Oregon cares for hundreds of families and youth through its community-based programs across Portland, Salem and Bend,” said Shauna Lugar, director of development for Youth Villages Oregon. “With the help of the community and individuals, we can provide joy and happiness to children who may have not received anything otherwise.”  

Individuals, companies and groups (church, civic, social) can help by either shopping for a child or sibling group’s wish list or making a financial contribution to Holiday Heroes. Everything raised during Holiday Heroes provides gifts to local children during the holidays, while also supporting the basic needs — food, clothing, shelter, beds, etc. — of the young people in LifeSet, a program offering life-changing guidance to youth aging out of foster care.  

To sign up, visit our Holiday Heroes website here, and you will receive the requested number of wish lists. The drop-off date for delivering the gifts to Youth Villages is Nov. 1 through Dec. 10 at the Youth Villages offices, located at 5331 South Macadam Ave., Suite 287 in Portland and at 550 NW Franklin Ave., Suite 228 in Bend. Youth Villages will accept donations for Holiday Heroes throughout the month of December to ensure every child who enters care has a holiday they will always remember. 

About Youth Villages 

Youth Villages is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Working through direct services, partnerships with other high-performing agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 5,000 employees serve more than 47,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 29 states and Washington, D.C. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations. Learn more at youthvillages.org. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The BLM’s Prineville District plans to burn piles on nearly 100 acres near Eagle Crest west of Redmond, starting next Monday.

BLM crews originally planned to start the 98-acre burn operation on Wednesday, but it was postponed, a representative told KTVZ News.

“The burn reduces the potential for a future wildfire to move from public lands to private land,” the

Crews expect to finish the work in one or two days and will monitor the area, they said.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Museum’s original exhibition Sensing Sasquatch has won the 2025 Autry Public History Prize, which recognizes exceptional work that contributes to a broader public reflection on and appreciation of the North American West.

The prize was awarded to the High Desert Museum on October 17 at the annual Western History Association Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the museum said Wednesday in a news release that continues below:

In remarks from the Autry Prize Committee, the exhibition was praised for its “originality of work and the collaboration of the project team.” The committee also applauded Sensing Sasquatch for its “major contribution to Public History and the field of the North American West.”

The Autry Public History Prize is awarded annually. The award consists of a $1,000 prize, made possible by the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. Past winners of the prize range from museums to libraries to state historical centers.

Blending history, art and mixed media, Sensing Sasquatch explored the cultural significance of Sasquatch across Indigenous cultures in the High Desert. In pop culture today, Sasquatch, or Bigfoot, often appears on beer cans, stickers and billboards. Yet for some Native people of the Indigenous Plateau, Sasquatch represents a story that is more profound and spiritual.

Open from March 2024 through January 2025, Sensing Sasquatch challenged visitors’ perceptions, encouraging them to reconsider the conventional depictions.

“We are so proud of the collaboration and dedication of the Museum team for their research and creative spirit in producing this unique and impactful exhibition,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We worked very closely with Indigenous partners and artists to make their voices the core of Sensing Sasquatch. We are honored to have the exhibition recognized by the Western History Association and the Autry Prize Committee.”

Advisor and scholar Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D., (Nez Perce/Cayuse) and the Museum conducted research into the significance of Sasquatch to Indigenous peoples – from linguistic study to examining archival documents. The result was an exhibition that told a compelling and respectful story about the past, present and future of Sasquatch.

The Museum also commissioned five Indigenous artists to craft pieces reflecting their encounters with and perspectives on the enigmatic figure. Rocky LaRock (Salish), Charlene “Tilly” Moody (Warm Springs), Frank Buffalo Hyde (Nez Perce/Onondaga), HollyAnna CougarTracks De Coteau Littlebull (Yakama/Nez Perce/Cayuse/Cree) and Cash Cash each contributed unique artwork that sparked conversation, curiosity and wonder.

A car disappearing into a forest scene greeted visitors at the exhibition entrance. The car’s collection of stereotypical Sasquatch stickers was a contrast to the content inside the gallery, beginning with a digital language map that highlighted the diverse array of names used to refer to Sasquatch across the Indigenous Plateau.

Buffalo Hyde’s multimedia piece Enigma portrayed Sasquatch as an interdimensional being with the ability to traverse history, time and space. LaRock’s Shapeshifter mask evoked a large being emerging from the forest, and Moody’s Around Us Watching piece provided a glimpse into the forest in the shape of a Sasquatch.

Other artworks in the gallery were Cash Cash’s Sasquatch’s Rattle No. 1 and Sasquatch’s Rattle No. 2, which Sasquatch perhaps wields. In the center of the gallery stood CougarTracks DeCoteau Littlebull’s The Protector, a towering mixed media Sasquatch sculpture.

Visitors were also encouraged to use their senses as they explored the Spirit of the West Gallery. A scent station invited visitors to envision an encounter with Sasquatch through smell, and they could feel the buffalo hide used in Moody’s piece. Forest sounds filled the gallery, and the motion-activated sound from Buffalo Hyde’s Enigma delighted visitors of all ages with its deep, ground-shaking subwoofer.

Sensing Sasquatch was made possible by Visit Central Oregon Future Fund, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Bigfoot Beverages, Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, Redmond Municipal Airport, Central Oregon Daily News, Bend Magazine, Brooks Resources Corporation, Old Mill District, and 100.7 The X, with support from Travel Oregon, Waypoint Hotel and Bend Pet Express.

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 and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, 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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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Wednesday, Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone announced that he will be seeking re-election to Position 1.

Here’s a full breakdown of everyone running so far for Deschutes County Commissioner.

In a press release, DeBone pledged to “continue championing rural priorities and balanced growth”.

Read the full press release below:

“Current County Commissioner Tony DeBone announced today that he will seek re-election, vowing to continue his practical, people-first leadership and commitment to preserving the character that defines the region.

DeBone, who has served in position one on the Board of Commissioners for 15 years, said his decision to run again stems from a deep dedication to our community.

“During my time on the Commission, I have ensured our rural communities have a place at the table, and all voices are heard in Deschutes County” said DeBone. “I’ve worked hard so that our whole county remains a safe, vibrant place to live—without losing the character that makes it special.”

Throughout his tenure, Commissioner DeBone has prioritized public safety, infrastructure investment, economic stability, and fiscal responsibility—always with a focus on ‘putting people over politics’. His practical approach to leadership has helped guide Deschutes County through both periods of rapid growth and unprecedented challenges, all while ensuring that long-standing community values are respected and protected.

DeBone has been a consistent advocate for balanced growth, ensuring that as the county evolves, it remains rooted in the principles that make it a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

“I want everyone in our community to have the opportunity to thrive! Deschutes County provides common services for everyone from the County Health Department to Assessment/Taxation to Public Safety and Infrastructure. My focus has always been on cost effective solutions that work and I will continue this pragmatic approach.” DeBone said.

As he looks toward another four year term, DeBone says he remains committed to delivering results for Deschutes County residents, while continuing to honor the character of the region’s rural and urban communities alike.

For more information about Commissioner Tony DeBone, visit https://www.electtonydebone.com”

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, October 25th from Noon-4 p.m., you’re invited to get a first look at the new Jackstraw apartments near Bend’s Box Factory.

‘Fall Fest on Lava Pass’ will have live music, free pumpkins, kid-friendly activities, complimentary drinks, and a chance to take a look at the new 300+ unit apartment complex and business hub.

Lava Pass is a new living street designed as a community gathering place between Jackstraw and the Box Factory. It can be closed to cars for special events.

All are welcome to enjoy this free community event.

You can stop by at 310 SW Industrial Way in Bend.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — More than 750,000 Oregonians who receive food assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could see their benefits halted by the end of October if the federal government shutdown continues, Governor Tina Kotek warned this week. 

According to Governor Kotek, Oregon’s SNAP recipients include over 200,000 children and 130,000 residents aged 65 and older. The governor said that if the shutdown extends beyond October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be unable to fund November’s payments, leaving families without critical food assistance until the government reopens. 

In a statement shared on social media, Representative Emerson Levy highlighted the impact at the local level: “15,494 households in Deschutes County depend on SNAP benefits.” 

Governor Kotek placed responsibility for the potential funding lapse on President Trump’s administration, saying: 

“The President continues to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He’s still trying to bring the military into Oregon communities, spending millions every day on unnecessary missions. It’s clear the President’s priorities have nothing to do with the health, safety, and prosperity of American families. Every month, SNAP benefits help roughly one in six Oregonians have something to eat. Your existing EBT funds are safe, but you will not receive a new monthly deposit in November unless the government reopens and can process the benefits.” 

In a separate statement to KTVZ, Representative Jason Kropf criticized the administration’s handling of the situation: 

“The Trump administration is risking a situation that will actively harm our neighbors, especially those in rural communities, rather than pass a funding resolution that keeps Americans from going hungry.” 

Redmond City Councilors Cat Zwicker and Kathryn Osborne also weighed in with a joint statement, emphasizing that food support should not be a political issue: 

“SNAP benefits are not partisan—they serve households across every demographic and community.” 

KTVZ spoke with several homeless individuals in Central Oregon, who declined on-camera interviews but expressed fear about the future of their benefits. They said they were reassured their October funds are secure but remain anxious about what could happen if their SNAP payments stop in November. 

It is important to stay informed by checking the official state and federal resources for updates: 

Oregon Department of Human Services website: oregon.gov/odhs 

Federal SNAP Agency website: fns.usda.gov/snap 

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wild birds begin to migrate during the transition into fall, the risk for transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to domestic birds will increase, as seen recently in five backyard poultry flocks, one in Deschutes County, the Oregon Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.   

So far in October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed the presence of HPAI in five mixed-species backyard poultry flocks located in Deschutes, Malheur, and Wallowa counties – three of them in Wallowa County alone, according to a news release that continues in full below:

Samples from the flocks initially were sent to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University for testing. OSU confirmed the presence of HPAI, and NVSL verified the results a few days later in each case.  

In response, Dr. Ryan Scholz, the State Veterinarian for the Oregon Department of Agriculture, placed the farms under quarantine. A team from the ODA then humanely euthanized all the poultry on the properties.

ODA said that none of the animals from the farms entered the food supply chain or were intended for the commercial food market.  

Since May of 2022, Oregon has reported three affected commercial poultry flocks and 47 backyard flocks.

It is essential to note that when meat and egg products are properly prepared and cooked, HPAI does not pose a risk, and these food items remain safe for consumption. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health.  

Now is the time to review and implement biosecurity protocols to reduce disease transmission from wild to domestic birds or livestock.     

Restrict access to your property and keep your birds away from other birds.  

Keep a designated pair of shoes to wear around your birds, wash your clothing after visiting them, and use disinfectants correctly.  

Clean and disinfect cages, poultry equipment, and car tires after visiting a farm store, poultry swap, or other location with birds present.  

Keep new birds separate from your flock for 30 days; quarantine returning birds from the rest of your flock after visiting a poultry swap or other event.  

Do not share equipment or supplies with others, but if you must, disinfect them first.  

Wash your hands before and after bird handling.  

Any instances of death or illness among domestic birds should be reported immediately to the ODA by calling 503-986-4711.  

More details can be found at ODA’s Avian Influenza webpage.

To report the death of wild birds, please get in touch with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Refrain from collecting or handling the birds; instead, call 1-866-968-2600 or email Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov. 

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