Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation Board of Directors announced on Thursday the appointment of Kevin Perkey as the organization’s new executive director.

“Perkey joins MBSEF following an extensive search process and brings a deep background in nonprofit leadership, strategic growth, and community engagement,” the organization said in a news release Thursday that continues below.

“As a Bend resident and parent whose children have participated in MBSEF programs, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative role MBSEF plays in developing young people through sport,” said Perkey. “I’m excited to build on that proud legacy by working with our coaches, staff, and families to continue elevating MBSEF as a premier organization that helps every athlete reach their full potential.”

Perkey has built a career leading nonprofit organizations through pivotal moments of growth and change, combining strategic vision with operational excellence. He and his family have lived in Bend since 2021, and his two sons have participated on MBSEF’s Freeride Development and Competition Teams as snowboarders.

“Kevin’s experience, leadership, and passion for youth development make him an ideal fit for MBSEF,” said Howard Friedman, President of the MBSEF Board of Directors. “We’re confident he will continue to advance the foundation’s mission of helping athletes achieve their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals.

Perkey is currently transitioning from his previous role and is expected to assume full-time responsibilities as Executive Director by early November.

The MBSEF community welcomes Kevin as he leads the organization into its next exciting chapter.

More About Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation:

The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) is a leading winter sports organization and nonprofit based in Bend, Oregon since 1986. Skyliners Ski Club, MBSEF’s root organization, originated in Central Oregon in 1927. The vision of MBSEF is to positively impact the life of every athlete it serves, and it is proud to be the recipient of the 2024 US Ski and Snowboard Development Club of the Year. For more information on MBSEF, its programs, and how to support MBSEF athletes, visit www.mbsef.org.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Every great solution begins with a curious mind. Put on your detective hat and dive into “Know Problem” this November with the Deschutes Public Library.

Investigate the deepest mysteries of the universe and let your curiosity meaningfully contribute to science. Join a collective meditation and sharing circle to honor nature. Flow through mindful movement with a guided yoga class. Kids can solve problems of physics and engineering with hands-on play and solve math problems using fun and games.

All programs are free and open to the public. Programs marked with an asterisk (*) require registration. 

Intro to Restorative Justice Principles 

Explore the principles and history of restorative justice with Stand-in Restorative Justice LLC. Build healing through restorative justice dialogues and learn how they can bring parties together to address and understand harm. 

Wednesday, November 5 • 2:30 p.m. • Sunriver Library | 56855 Venture Lane, Sunriver 

Wednesday, November 12 • 10:30 a.m. • La Pine Library | 16425 1st Street, La Pine 

 Bike Repair Basics in English y Español* 

Practice hands-on skills to keep your bike safe and ride-ready. Participants can practice fixing a flat, adjusting brakes and gears, and basic chain maintenance. Registration required. 

Wednesday, November 5 • 5:30 p.m. • Larkspur Community Center | 1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend 

Wednesday, November 12 • 5:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond 

Family Planetarium Exploration 

Join the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory for an interpreter-led tour of the solar system in their inflatable planetarium. Recommended for children ages 6 and up; children must be accompanied by a caregiver. There will be two viewings: 2:00–2:30 p.m. and 2:45–3:15 p.m. Space is available on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Friday, November 7 • 2:00–3:30 p.m. • Sisters Library | 110 N Cedar Street, Sisters 

Chill Flow: Adult Yoga* 

Leave your problems behind through mindful movement. Join a relaxing yoga class as we breathe, stretch, and flow together, seeking to ease the mental chatter and soothe our bodies through movement. Registration required. 

Friday, November 7 • 4:00 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond 

Saturday, November 15 • 11:00 a.m. • La Pine Library | 16425 1st Street, La Pine 

Hack Your Space: AI DIY Edition* 

DIY isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about imagining what could be. Glow up your space with “Mr. Fix It” to combine the power of AI with a simple toolbox to take on fun, creative projects at home. Intended for participants ages 12 and up. Registration required.  

Saturday, November 8 • 10:00 a.m. • Downtown Bend Library | 601 NW Wall Street, Bend 

Saturday, November 8 • 1:30 p.m. • Redmond Library | 827 SW Deschutes Avenue, Redmond 

Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause: Understanding Hormones 

Learn about what perimenopause and menopause are, the common symptoms that accompany them, and how to manage this natural phase of life. Andrea and Jillian are experienced Nurse Practitioners with a shared passion for providing comprehensive, evidence-based care in gynecology and reproductive health. 

Sunday, November 9 • 10:30 a.m. • Downtown Bend Library | 601 NW Wall Street, Bend 

Sunday, November 9 • 3:00 p.m. • Sisters Library | 110 North Cedar Street, Sisters 

Sensory Photography* 

Practice solving the problem of aligning your heart, mind, and gaze with the photograph. In this workshop, experience the image and question the act of photography in a world where it seems everything has already been captured. Intended for ages 16 and up. Registration required. 

Sunday, November 9 • 1:00 p.m. • Downtown Bend Library | 601 NW Wall Street, Bend 

Stories of the Land Meditation 

Join us in building community around stories of the land that we all share and call home. This program starts with a guided meditation practice and opens into a sharing circle to learn of others’ connections with the land around us. 

Wednesday, November 12 • 5:30 p.m. • Downtown Bend Library | 601 NW Wall Street, Bend 

From Curiosity to Contribution: A Community Science Intro 

Bring your excitement and curiosity for an introduction on becoming a community scientist. Leave with ideas, tools, and the confidence to find a community science project that brings you enjoyment and connection while you make a positive contribution.  

Friday, November 14 • 2:00 p.m. • Sisters Library | 110 North Cedar Street, Sisters 

Saturday, November 15 • 1:00 p.m. • Sunriver Library | 56855 Venture Lane, Sunriver 

Pop-Up Exhibits with the Children’s Museum of Central Oregon 

Solve problems of physics and engineering with hands-on building and play. Check out the Children’s Museum of Central Oregon’s favorite exhibits during this open playtime. Intended for children ages 0–11; all children must be accompanied by a caregiver. 

Wednesday, November 19 • 10:30 a.m.–noon • La Pine Library | 16425 1st Street, La Pine 

Common Cooking Problems and How to Overcome Them* 

From soggy vegetables to dried-out meat, learn to fix common kitchen fails. Hear a brief instruction of how to overcome common cooking problems, like everything sticking to your pans, burning your food, and under-seasoned food. We then combine all these concepts and make a dish to enjoy together. Registration required. 

Wednesday, November 19 • 6:00 p.m. • Arome | 432 SW 6th Street, Redmond 

Exploring Central Oregon’s Ungroomed Ski Trails 

Join Eric Ness and Sue Sullivan from the Central Oregon Nordic Club (CONC) for a presentation on how to enjoy the freedom of cross-country skiing. Get a look at the essential equipment, key preparations, and the best places to find solitude on Central Oregon’s abundant ungroomed trails. 

Wednesday, November 19 • 6:30 p.m. • Downtown Bend Library | 601 NW Wall Street, Bend  

For more information about these programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz Goodrich at lizg@deschuteslibrary.org or 541-312-1032. 

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Heart of Oregon Corps and Thistle & Nest just celebrated a major milestone in their partnership to expand affordable housing in Prineville: the wall-raising of a new two-unit dwelling that will provide safe, quality homes for local families.

The milestone was marked with a small community celebration on Wednesday, as partners, youth participants, and supporters came together to see the walls lifted into place and honor the impact of this collaborative effort, the two organizations said in a news release Thursday that continues below: 

The partnership leverages the unique strengths of each organization.

Heart of Oregon Corps, a local leader in youth workforce development, equips young people with hands-on construction experience, career skills, and mentorship.

Thistle & Nest brings deep expertise in affordable housing development, using a community land trust model that makes homeownership attainable and sustainable for the local workforce while ensuring long-term affordability for generations to come. 

“Raising these walls is about more than construction—it’s about raising community,” said Shelley Aube, YouthBuild Program Director at Heart of Oregon Corps. “Our youth gain real-world skills while contributing directly to addressing Central Oregon’s housing needs. This project exemplifies how community collaboration can create lasting impact—both in the buildings we construct and the people we empower.” 

Heart of Oregon youth participants are actively involved in the construction process, gaining valuable trade skills, industry-recognized certifications, and real-world experience. Thistle & Nest provides the technical guidance and development expertise that make these homes possible. Together, the organizations are building not only structures but stronger community connections, workforce pathways, and opportunities for local families to thrive. 

“Working alongside Heart of Oregon Corps allows us to create homes that are meaningful on multiple levels,” said Amy Warren, Executive Director at Thistle & Nest. “Families gain stable, affordable housing, youth gain career experience, and the community benefits from a skilled, empowered workforce.” 

The shared-wall townhome style unit, slated for completion in mid-2026, marks an important step toward addressing the region’s affordable housing challenges and showcases the transformative impact of strategic partnerships.  

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About Heart of Oregon Corps Heart of Oregon Corps empowers 225 local youth ages 16-24 annually through employment, job training, education, and service to Central Oregon communities. To learn more, visit www.heartoforegon.org.  

About Thistle & Nest Thistle & Nest is committed to providing services, support, purchase opportunities and stewardship for buyers of affordable owner-occupied housing. To learn more, visit www.thistleandnest.org.  

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The city of Redmond said Thursday it’s seeking applications to fill current vacancies on several city committees and commissions.

Here’s the city’s full news release:

Applications for youth ex-officio positions are also being accepted. Youth ex-officio positions were created to encourage youth involvement in city business and to create an opportunity for them to voice their concerns and ideas on community issues. Applications are available online at www.redmondoregon.gov and will be accepted until positions are filled.

The following committees and commissions are seeking to fill open seats:

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Residency: Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) 1 position w/terms expiring 2028 (term starts right away) 1 youth ex-officio position w/term expiring 2026

Downtown Urban Renewal Advisory Committee Residency: None 1 position w/terms expiring 2029 (term starts January 1, 2026) 1 youth ex-officio position w/term expiring 2026

Housing and Community Development Committee Residency: Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) w/Specific Seat Requirements 1 position w/terms expiring 2026 (term starts right away) 1 position w/terms expiring 2028 (term starts right away) 1 youth ex-officio position w/term expiring 2026

Nuisance Appeals Board Residency: UGB 1 position w/terms expiring 2026 (term starts January 1, 2026) 1 position (Alternate Member) w/terms expiring 2026 (term starts right away) 1 position (Alternate Member) w/terms expiring 2027 (term starts January 1, 2026)

Tourism & Lodging Advisory Committee Residency: None 1 position w/terms expiring 2029 (term starts January 1, 2026)

To learn more about the City of Redmond’s commissions and committees please visit our website at www.redmondoregon.gov/government/commissions-committees. Applications are available online, via email or may be obtained by contacting Redmond City Hall at 541-923-7710.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or serving on a city committee or commission, please contact Kaya Duddy, Deputy City Recorder at 541-923-7755.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Madras man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Thursday for trying to persuade a purported “child” – actually an undercover Deschutes County sheriff’s deputy – to meet him for sex and to send him sexually explicit material.

Ernesto Torres, 45, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison and a 20-year term of supervised release, prosecutors said in a news release that continues below.

According to court documents, starting in July of 2024, Torres used Facebook Messenger to chat with an apparent 15-year-old girl. The “child” was an undercover deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

In the ensuing months, Torres requested sexual images, discussed sexual acts he wished to perform, and tried to set up a meeting with the decoy child. Last Dec. 1, Torres drove from Madras to Redmond to meet with the child. In the chat records, Torres expressed a desire to take the child to a cabin roughly 50 miles away, they said.

Eighteen days later, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Torres with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct.

On Jan. 10 of this year, Torres was located and arrested by agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) pursuant to a federal warrant. On July 15, he pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.

This case was investigated by HSI and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Matthew Nelson, Special Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, and William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children.

Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed.

To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

The case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit  www.justice.gov/psc.

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Brand new bikes were unveiled at R.E. Jewell Elementary in southeast Bend Thursday afternoon, kicking off a new program for kindergarteners.

The school introduced its All Kids Bike program. It’s a national initiative that makes learning to ride part of P.E. class.

Funded by a $9,000 donation from Cascade Natural Gas and the MDU Resources Foundation, the program includes training, an eight-lesson curriculum, 24 Strider bikes with helmets, and storage racks.

After a short presentation, students hopped on their new Strider bikes for their first ride.

“They were super excited,” said Don Moore, regional director for Cascade Natural Gas. “They’re going to learn how to ride here in the gym then eventually put some pedals on and have some fun together.”

All Kids Bike gives hundreds of thousands of children each year the chance to learn a life-changing skill that supports physical development, boosts mental health, and builds confidence.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Beginning on Monday, Nov. 3, the one-way traffic on Franklin Avenue between Fourth Street and Eighth Street will switch directions (eastbound open, westbound closed) to complete the next phase of construction on an improvements project, the city said Thursday.

The temporary traffic direction switch will open the eastbound traffic lane and close the westbound traffic lane. This temporary configuration is expected to be in place through early December, the city said in a news release that continues below:

This switch is necessary to allow for construction work on the north side and remaining areas. Access to local businesses and residential properties will be maintained throughout construction, and appropriate signage will be in place to guide the traveling public through the work zone.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as we move into this next phase of the Franklin Avenue Improvement project,” said Todd Johnson, Senior Project Engineer with the City of Bend Engineering Department. “This project will improve safety for all users. As always, we urge drivers to slow down, pay attention to signage, and allow for extra time when traveling through the work zone”.

The full project is ahead of schedule and, weather permitting, is expected to be completed in early December.

For the eastbound detour map and more information about the project, visit bendoregon.gov/midtowncrossings.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man accused of shooting at another man on a busy northeast Bend street over a year ago was sentenced Thursday to nearly seven years in federal prison for being a felon in possession and use of a handgun.

Chief Judge Michael McShane sentenced Aaron Brandon Polit, 45, to 80 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels said in a news release.

On August 28, 2024, Polit was apprehended in possession of a firearm after he fired a handgun on Northeast Second Street in Bend, prosecutors said. An eyewitness with a concealed carry permit detained Polit at gunpoint until Bend Police arrived to take him into custody.

Gunnels said Polit was found to possess a handgun, a shotgun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. He has prior felony criminal convictions for assault, narcotics possession, and child neglect.

As KTVZ News reported after the incident, police said Polit parked on NE Emerson Avenue, got out of his Jeep holding a handgun, called out to a nearby man and fired at least one shot. A bystander with a concealed weapons permit drew his gun and confronted Polit, who dropped his gun.

Responding officers found a 9 mm handgun on the street, and police said a search of the Jeep turned up body armor, a 12-guage shotgun and ammunition.

Polit first was charged in Deschutes County Circuit Court, but the firearm charges were quickly adopted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Eugene. A federal grand jury indicted Polit on Sept. 19, 2024. The case was handled by county deputy district attorneys and assistant u.S. attorneys Andrew Doyle and Matthew Nelson in both jurisdictions.

Doyle filed a motion to dismiss the local indictment Thursday as a result of plea negotiations that led to the federal sentence, court records show.

The two prosecutors said, “This case is yet another example of a ‘value-added’ sentence secured through our successful strategic partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office. We would like to thank the office for their continued support on local cases and making the community safer as a result.”

The district attorney’s office also thanked Bend Police Department criminal detectives and the FBI for “their thorough and detailed investigation.”

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Municipal Airport and Redmond Fire & Rescue will conduct a full-scale emergency response disaster training drill Thursday, October 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m., as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Several emergency response vehicles and personnel will be onsite, and RDM officials said in Thursday’s announcement that they “would like to reassure travelers the exercise will not impact commercial flight operations.”

Here’s the rest of what they shared:

The FAA requires airports to conduct realistic commercial passenger aircraft disaster training drills once every three years.  Approximately 75 participants will act as passengers with a wide variety of challenges including triage of realistic mock injuries, transportation of the injured, identification and reunification of passengers with their family.

RDM and Redmond Fire & Rescue have coordinated with multiple regional partners to practice, learn and prepare together, including: Black Butte Ranch Fire Department, Bend Fire Department, Sisters – Camp Sherman Fire District, Crook County Fire and EMS, Sunriver Fire Department, Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue, St. Charles Health System including all Redmond, Prineville, Madras and Bend campuses, Deschutes County Health Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office including Search and Rescue (SAR), Oregon Health Authority, Life Flight, Air Link, The American Red Cross, Hillsboro Aero Academy’s Ascend Flight Student program, and local air carriers and the Transportation Security Administration representatives that serve RDM.

“Redmond Fire & Rescue personnel train year-round to ensure we respond with precision and professionalism. Participating in full-scale disaster exercises like this is vital for maintaining the readiness and coordination of all emergency response stakeholders. This exercise provides an opportunity for Redmond Fire & Rescue and the Redmond Municipal Airport to refine procedures and strengthen collaboration with public safety agencies, hospitals, and other support partners,” stated Fire Chief Ryan Herrera.

The airport will be open during the disaster drill exercise. Flight operations will not be impacted by the drill.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Alfalfa-area woman accused of running a puppy mill from her home was arraigned Thursday, one day after a grand jury’s 50-count indictment. Her attorney said she will plead not guilty to all 49 felony counts of second-degree animal neglect and a new charge of violating dog breeders’ standards of care. 

Lorinda Maxwell, 62, who was arrested last month and operated the business Kameo Poodles, appeared remotely by phone for the brief hearing before Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alycia Herriott. 

Although the judge scheduled a Dec. 10 plea hearing, Maxwell’s defense attorney, Geordie Duckler, told her Thursday they will “ask for a plea of not guilty to be entered on all charges.” 

The new charge, a Class B misdemeanor, alleges Maxwell possessed 10 or more dogs and intentionally failed to “provide the standards of care applicable to dog breeders.” 

The listed specifics include not removing waste from their enclosures at least once a day, not removing the dog during such cleanings and failing to maintain a record for each sexually intact dog over eight months of age, including the birthdate if known, as well as when she acquired the dog and a record of any veterinary care. 

Herriott directed Maxwell to keep in touch with her attorney and obey all terms of her conditional release, which include not owning or living with any domestic animals as the case proceeds. 

Maxwell initially refused to surrender the 44 dogs and three cats Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies seized from her property. She later agreed to do so, and they have been up for adoption in recent weeks at the Humane Society of Central Oregon. 

HSCO Director of Community Partnerships Lynne Ouchida told KTVZ News Thursday that while many have been adopted, they still have 10 of the poodles remaining at the shelter or in foster homes.

“HSCO continues to provide extensive veterinary and daily care for the dogs,” she said.

Lorinda Maxwell indictmentDownload

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