Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from Governor Kotek and Hayden Homes President)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — State and local leaders gathered Monday in Bend and Sisters to spotlight Central Oregon’s progress toward building more affordable homes as part of an ongoing statewide housing push.

Governor Tina Kotek joined members of the Oregon Legislature, local builders, and community advocates at Parkside Place, the first stop on a regional tour of new housing developments. 

The tour was arranged to visit real-world examples of Central Oregon’s housing production efforts, public-private partnerships, infrastructure challenges and land use processes – all of which influence development, regionally and statewide.

Participants included leadership and membership from the state Senate and House housing committees and officials with the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO), and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

The visit aimed to show how recently passed legislation (HB 4079, HB 3318, and SB 1537) is helping increase the supply of homes for middle-income families — those who earn too much to qualify for assistance but are still priced out of the market.

“The largest economic challenge for our state is not having enough housing, and having housing at the different price points that people need,” Kotek said. “We know the cost of living here in our state is a challenge.”

The Parkside Place neighborhood, developed by Hayden Homes, is among the projects supported by new state measures designed to streamline permitting and strengthen partnerships between private builders and state housing programs.

“I’m really proud of all the folks here — the builders and community leaders — who are making this work,” Kotek said during the visit.

Hayden Homes President Steve Klingman praised the cooperation between public and private sectors, calling it an encouraging sign for long-term solutions.

“The influence of your (Gov. Kotek’s) leadership is opening doors and creating conversations that we have not seen in decades,” Klingman said, adding that Parkside Place “will be home for the hard-working families who are not able to live and work in Bend due to the high housing costs.”

The governor’s stop in Bend was part of her broader effort to meet Oregon’s target of building 36,000 new homes per year. The tour continued in Sisters, where the delegation learned about additional projects aimed at easing housing pressures across rural communities in Central Oregon.

Both state and local officials say these efforts show what’s possible when investment and zoning reforms align to meet Oregon’s growing housing needs.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services is notifying about 757,000 Oregonians who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that they won’t receive new benefits after October 31 due to the federal government shutdown, Gov. Tina Kotek said Monday.

“This is a cruel and unacceptable situation,” Kotek said in a news release. “President Trump should focus on feeding families by negotiating a deal with Congress, not doing other things like deploying troops in American cities on taxpayers’ dime.”

Here’s the rest of the governor’s news release, in full:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is at a standstill as a result of the federal shutdown.

On October 10, the Trump Administration notified states that due to the shutdown, it was directing them not to begin the process of distributing November SNAP benefits until further notice. The Trump Administration continues to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sending a clear message that the Administration is prioritizing other matters ahead of putting food on tables for Oregonians.

SNAP food benefits go to 757,000 people in Oregon every month — roughly one in six residents. Approximately 210,000 of these SNAP recipients are children, and 130,000 are adults ages 65 and older. Any delay or reduction in food benefits in November will cause unnecessary hardship and hunger for hundreds of thousands of people in Oregon during the month of Thanksgiving. In Oregon, it would hit rural communities and economies particularly hard because of the high number of households utilizing SNAP benefits.

ODHS reaffirmed its commitment to work at the state level to get information to Oregonians.

“We know that hundreds of thousands of children, older adults and hard-working families and individuals depend on SNAP food benefits to get enough food,” said ODHS Acting Director Liesl Wendt. “In collaboration with the Governor’s Office we are closely monitoring the situation and will share updates as soon as we receive information from the federal government about the ability to issue SNAP benefits.

“In the meantime, during this time of uncertainty, we encourage everyone who receives SNAP to familiarize themselves with the free food resources in their community and to make a plan for what they will do if they do not receive their food benefits in November on time.”

ODHS will continue to provide updates through:

ODHS official website odhs.oregon.gov

Official ODHS social media channels

Partner organizations

ODHS encourages SNAP participants to:

Check your EBT card balance regularly

Continue following SNAP rules and reporting requirements

Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels

Sign-up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case

Know where to find emergency food resources in your community.

Visit the ODHS Food Resources website to find local programs and food support.

Visit the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder website.

Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting www.211info.org.

Older adults and people with disabilities:

Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources.

Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.

Sign-up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app as the fastest ways to get notifications about your SNAP benefits. About SNAP in Oregon

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore.{KTVZ} — A 26-year-old Bend man remains in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle Friday night on Northeast Third Street, according to Bend Police. 

The crash happened around 8:16 p.m. on October 17 between Thurston and Underwood Avenues.  

Officers responding to the scene found a white Toyota RAV4 stopped in the northbound lanes and a man with severe injuries in the roadway. Police say officers immediately performed lifesaving care until Bend Fire medics arrived and took over.  

The victim was transported to St. Charles Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition. 

The driver, a 61-year-old man from Idaho, told police he was traveling north on NE Third Street when he struck a man who was crossing the road with a bike. Police say the driver called 911, remained at the scene, and fully cooperated with investigators. 

Third Street was closed in both directions between Revere and Underwood avenues for about two and a half hours while Bend Police’s traffic reconstruction team investigated. 

As of Saturday, no citations had been issued, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Parrilla Grill in Bend is hosting a Halloween costume drive through the end of the month, collecting new or gently used costumes for local kids in need.

Families are also welcome to stop by and pick out a free costume while supplies last.

Donations can be dropped off at Parrilla Grill, 635 NW 14th Street in Bend.

Costumes will be donated to The Bethlehem Inn, Stepping Stone Shelter, COCC Thrift Exchange, and Growing Tree.

The Bethlehem Inn is especially in need of costumes for children size 10 and under.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding interview with advocate, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Across the country — and right here in Central Oregon — new teen drivers are hitting the road every day. But safety remains a major concern. In 2023 alone, more than 2,600 people in the U.S. were killed in crashes involving teen drivers, according to national data.

This week marks National Teen Safe Driving Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of inexperienced driving and promoting safe habits behind the wheel. For Tammy Gweedo McGee, that message is deeply personal.

McGee is the founder and executive director of the Gweedo Memorial Foundation — an organization she created in memory of her son, Conner.

“What happened to my baby shouldn’t have happened,” McGee said. “He was a typical teenager with great friends and great family. All he did was get in a vehicle.”

Conner, a 16-year-old honor student and dual-sport athlete, was killed along with two friends less than a mile from home. The driver was another teen — unlicensed, underage, and speeding at twice the legal limit.

“When you drive reckless, that’s not an accident. That’s a crash,” McGee said. “The driver didn’t wake up planning to kill himself and two of his friends, but the choices he made did that.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens. In Oregon, teens make up less than 7% of licensed drivers but are involved in nearly 20% of serious crashes. Police across Central Oregon say they continue to see many of the same risk factors — speeding, distractions, and multiple teen passengers.

McGee now uses her family’s story to encourage others to act. “I can’t bring him back,” she said, “but what I can do is help other people. We want parents and teens to sit down together. Have that difficult conversation. Be the parent, not the friend right now.”

Her message during Teen Safe Driving Week is simple: Speak up, model good habits, and never assume it can’t happen to you. Advocates believe with awareness, education, and honest discussions at home, more young lives can be saved.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Class is back in session but kids are not showing up.

As of the 23-24 academic school year 33 percent of all students in the Bend-LaPine School district were considered chronically absentee.That is one in three students are constantly missing class.

The Bend-LaPine School District has decided to take action.

On Saturday, School District officials in conjunction with the Governor and Oregon department of education held a phone bank to reach out to those in the community thanking them for their continued attendance.

KTVZ News spoke with Steve Cook the Superintendent of Bend-LaPine schools to learn more about the event.

“We’re making phone calls to families of students who have just got really great attendance and these calls or to call and acknowledge and just celebrate valuing our, education process and sending kids to school,” Cook told KTVZ News. “We know that makes a big difference if kids show up. We know showing up makes all the difference. We know that to be good at school, you’ve got to be at school. So we want that for our kids.”

Over 40 Volunteers were on the phone or writing postcards to families.

Among those volunteers include Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Director of the Oregon Department of Education Doctor Charlene Williams.

KTVZ News Spoke with Doctor Williams who was excited about the event.

“In some other cases, it’s that sense of belonging and connectedness. So when we’re asking them why are you coming to school this year? They’re saying they really connect with their teachers or they really found a great peer group. They’re on the volleyball team,” Dr. Williams told KTVZ News. “Those things matter because the students don’t show up. They can’t learn. So it’s important that we take every moment to celebrate their success.”

Education is a fundamental issue in Oregon. According to State assessment, last year, only 30% of students were proficient in science, 43% were proficient in English language arts, and 31.5% were proficient in math. Officials are hopeful that as students come to class more regularly, those rates will dramatically increase.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The world’s last remaining Blockbuster threw a blockbuster-sized bash Saturday to mark 40 years since the chain first opened in 1985. Fans from across the country flocked to the Bend store on Northeast Revere Avenue for music, trivia, and ’80s flair.

The “Last Blockbuster Block Party” transformed the Bend parking lot into a nostalgic time capsule filled with local food trucks, live bands, and movie-themed fun. Themed events included an ’80s costume contest, karaoke backed by a live band, and trivia challenges dedicated to movie classics from Back to the Future to The Goonies.

A fully decked-out DeLorean parked outside the store drew visitors eager for photos, while nearby booths from community partners like Kona Ice and Cascade Indoor Sports provided refreshments and games. A portion of today’s proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

Store manager Sandy Harding called it their biggest celebration yet. “It’s amazing to see how much people still care about Blockbuster and what it represents,” she said.

While the Bend location only became a Blockbuster in 2000, it has since become a global cultural landmark. Visitors from around the world travel to browse its shelves of more than 26,000 movies, buy exclusive merchandise, and take photos beneath the famous blue-and-yellow sign. The store even inspired a Netflix documentary, further cementing its nostalgic legacy.

Though the Bend store didn’t join the Blockbuster family until 2000, it has since become a global landmark with more than 26,000 movies, exclusive merchandise, and visitors from around the world. Once part of a 9,000-store empire, Blockbuster’s legacy now lives on in Bend, proving there’s still magic in rewinding tapes and reliving movie nights.

Harding says the anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about keeping a local tradition alive.

“We’re not just celebrating Blockbuster,” she said. “We’re celebrating Bend, our shared history, and the simple joy of watching movies together.”

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KTVZ

(Correction: The courtesy images previously attributed to Larry Cole were incorrectly credited. The correct attribution is Aaron Knouse.)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Thousands of Central Oregonians took to the streets Saturday for “No Kings” rallies protesting the Trump administration. Demonstrations were held across the High Desert in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.

In Bend, demonstrators gathered at Drake Park for a “Community Action Fair.” The event featured speakers, music and sign-making before marching to Peace Corner.

Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, speaking at KTVZ studios in Bend, called the turnout “a powerful display of our First Amendment in action.” She added, “People are showing what they believe in and asking what kind of country they want to help shape. For me, that’s about building a better future for America’s children.”

In Redmond, more than 1,200 people filled downtown streets.

“We’re part of a nationwide day of demonstrations by millions of people all saying the same thing: we don’t do kings in America,” said Jen Laverdure with Indivisible Redmond.

About 200 people attended a rally in La Pine, which featured Senator Jeff Merkley, while roughly 1,000 gathered in Prineville. Attendance figures for Bend and Madras are still being finalized.

This follows the nationwide “No Kings” protests on June 14, held on President Donald Trump’s birthday to oppose actions taken by his administration.

Organizers said Saturday’s participation was roughly two million higher than at the first No Kings demonstrations held in June, making it one of the largest single-day protest movements in U.S. history. All events were registered as lawful and peaceful, with coordination among local authorities.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cybercrimes like phishing, extortion and personal data breaches are spiking nationwide, with claimed losses totaling more than $16 billion in 2024, reports the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center — a 33% increase from the year before.

As part of national Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Central Oregon Community College is hosting a free 90-minute seminar, “Community Cybersecurity Training: Practical Tactics for Recognizing and Protecting Yourself Against Fraud,” on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Hitchcock Auditorium on the Bend campus. No registration required.

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

Open to all ages, and with no technical background needed, the hands-on learning experience will be presented by COCC’s cybersecurity faculty and students.

Attendees will gain real-world skills to identify scams before they strike, from fake tech support calls to artificial intelligence-generated voice and video impersonations. Using actual examples from successful scams, the seminar will cover essential digital habits and the psychology behind scam tactics.

“Cybercrime isn’t just a big business problem, it impacts families, retirees and small business owners right here in Central Oregon,” said event organizer Eric Magidson, professor of computer and information systems at COCC. “This event is about empowering our community to stay safe online, and we’re proud that our students are helping lead the effort.”

Cybercriminals, Magidson added, are increasingly using AI to create convincing voices, emails and videos that mimic trusted individuals or institutions. According to the Federal Trade Commission, losses among older adults to impersonation scams have quadrupled since 2020, often costing victims thousands of dollars.

For more information, contact Eric Magidson, professor of computer and information systems, at 541-383-7262 or emagidson@cocc.edu.

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

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  BrightSide Animal Center says it’s thrilled to partner with Subaru of Bend this October to celebrate Subaru Loves Pets Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to helping shelter animals across the country. 

In support of this mission, BrightSide is hosting a special “Name Your Own Adoption Fee” Day on Wednesday, October 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at BrightSide Animal Center, located at 1355 NE Hemlock Ave., Redmond. This special event allows potential adopters to choose their own adoption fee, helping pets find loving homes while making space for more animals in need at the shelter.  As a nonprofit organization, BrightSide kindly recommends any amount of donation to support the ongoing care of animals and help save even more lives. 

To further the impact, Subaru of Bend is hosting a month-long pet supply donation drive at their dealership located at 2060 NE Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97701. Donations of pet food, toys, leashes, blankets, cleaning supplies, and other essentials can be dropped off daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

On National Make A Dog’s Day –  October 22, Subaru of Bend will welcome adoptable BrightSide pets onsite from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visitors are invited to meet the animals and participate in our effort to “Fill a Subaru Ascent” with pet food and supplies for the shelter. 

This event gives people a chance to give what they can and maybe a little extra to help the next pet in line.” said Savanah Wellman, Assistant Director at BrightSide Animal Center. We’re really hoping this event helps some of our long-term animals finally go home, like three of the huskies who came to us back in May from a neglect case. While they have received love and care here, what they truly need is a family and a place to call home.” 

For more information on adoptable animals, how to donate, or upcoming events, please visit www.brightsideanimals.org or call (541) 923-0882 

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