Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Portland man suffered a severe arm injury in an ATV rollover crash on Sunday at Walton Lake Sno-Park, an official said.

Deputies were dispatched around 11:15 a.m. Sunday to the reported ATV crash in the gravel pit at the sno-park, located on the Ochoco National Forest about 15 miles east of Prineville, Crook County Undersheriff Bill Elliott said in a news release.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a Polaris side-by-side that was lying on its top. 

The driver, a 32-year-old Portland man, had accelerated the ATV and began losing control, Elliott said.

“The ATV fishtailed in an arc until it rolled once, landing on its top,” the undersheriff said. “The driver’s arm was stuck under the ATV, causing severe injury to his left arm.”

A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was not injured. 

Crook County Fire and Rescue arrived and provided medical care until Air Life could land and take the driver to the hospital.

Elliott added, “There were no signs of drug or alcohol use during this incident, and everyone in the ATV was wearing a seat belt.”

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Behavioral Health has announced a used Clothing Bonanza for young adults aged 14 to 27 at The Drop locations in Bend and Redmond. The free event aims to support young adults as they prepare for colder months and upcoming social events.

Participants can select from a variety of gently used clothing options, including winter jackets and formal dresses for homecoming or other events. The donated items will be showcased for easy browsing, the county said in Monday’s announcement.

In addition, Goodwill Jobs Connection will be offering assistance with resumes and exploring job opportunities during the event.

Event details:

Bend Location:

Address: 1340 NW Wall St.

Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2-5:30 p.m.

Redmond Location:

Address: 244 Kingwood

Date & Time: Thursday, Oct. 16, 1-4:30 p.m.

The Drop serves as a welcoming hub for youth and young adults in Deschutes County. It offers a space for connection, personal growth, and support. The Clothing Bonanza is open to the entire community; attendees do not need to be enrolled in The Drop programs to participate.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding info and video from KTVZ News trip to Mt.Bachelor, comments from Director of Operations)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Winter arrived early on Mount Bachelor with a fresh blanket of snow Sunday night — about five inches at the base by morning.

KTVZ News cameras captured a wintry scene of fog and frost across Mount Bachelor Village, where trees were coated in ice and visibility dipped low through the early hours. While the resort hasn’t yet opened for the ski season, the overnight snow has staff eyeing the forecast and ramping up preparations for winter operations.

“We’re still in a wait-and-see situation after the five inches we received last night,” said Dustin Smith, director of mountain operations. “We have several projects still underway that we need to wrap up before opening, but for now, we’re targeting November 28th.”

Maintenance crews are currently servicing ski lifts and clearing vegetation around the mountain ahead of the busy season.

And although the slopes remain closed for now, visitors still have a reason to head up the mountain. Mount Bachelor is debuting its new “Movies in the Mountains” series — a lineup of drive-in films projected in the village parking lot.

The first showing, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” is set for October 17, with the soundtrack broadcast straight to car radios.

KTVZ has issued a Local Alert Weather Day as the area is expected to receive a mix of rain and snow. Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions by clicking here.

Credit: Mt. Bachelor

Here are some reminders and additional information from Mt. Bachelor:

“The resort is closed and the slopes are uncontrolled and unpatrolled. Biking on Mt. Bachelor trails is NOT allowed during this time. Hikers should call 911 in the case of an emergency. 

Looks like our snow dances paid off! The mountain is covered in white and the snowstake is out, so keep tabs on the webcams to get stoked for Opening Day on Friday, November 28. Conditions permitting, we’ll spin Skyliner, Little Pine, and Pine Marten lifts to kick off the 2025/26 season. 

Lock in your season pass or daily lift tickets online.

In the shoulder season, join us for nostalgic drive-in movies on October 17 and 24. We’ll be showing Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus – two classics that the whole family will love – slopeside in the West Village parking lot. Check out our Events Calendar for details and to purchase tickets. 

As a reminder, Sun Country Tours in Bend is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday and 10:00am to 5:00pm Saturday-Sunday. The Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop is open Friday-Sunday starting October 17th. Shop from the best selection in the PNW, and don’t forget we offer Season-Long Rentals at the best value in town. Visit our Schedule & Operating page for more details.

Follow us on social @mtbachelor or sign up for our email newsletter to stay in the know.”

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KTVZ

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Sisters is inviting community members to an Open Forum on city plans for a new Northwest Park on Tuesday, October 21, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Sisters City Hall (520 E. Cascade Avenue).

This event is an opportunity to learn more about the progress made on planning for the new Northwest Park, including review of three initial conceptual design alternatives. Here’s some background around the project.

Here’s the rest of Monday’s announcement about the forum and park plans:

The project team has gathered input in a variety of ways, including an open house, stakeholder interviews, online survey, and review of the Sisters Parks Master Plan to develop the conceptual design alternatives that all contemplate the feasibility of a multi-purpose recreational facility.

The conceptual alternatives were presented to the City Parks and Advisory Board and the City Council in September for initial input. We now bring the alternatives to the public at this open forum for an opportunity to review, discuss, and share which concept and amenities you feel will serve the recreational interests and needs of the community at this site.

Located near the southeast corner of the Highway 20 and Barclay Drive roundabout, development of the Northwest Park will be guided by a comprehensive Master Plan developed in partnership with landscape architect consultant NV5. This plan will reflect community needs and priorities, outline potential phases of development, and help identify funding opportunities to bring the vision to life.

We look forward to seeing you on October 21 – your input is essential to shaping this exciting project!

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man who went missing after a Sunday afternoon motorcycle ride was found dead Monday morning in the Horse Ridge area, about 19 miles east of Bend, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced.

Here’s the full announcement from DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr:

41-year-old Eric Blayney went riding on OHV trails on Sunday but never returned home. His friends and wife became concerned and reported him missing to the Bend Police Department at 3 a.m. this morning. Blayney had the Life360 app on his phone, which helped determine his last known location.

Friends began searching for Eric at 7 a.m. Monday in the Horse Ridge area. Forest Patrol deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist in the search.

At 10:41 a.m., Blayney’s friends found him unresponsive on a private road that runs next to the OHV trail.

His friends and deputies began CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a device that can deliver a shock to try to restart the heart. When medics arrived, they pronounced Blayney dead at the scene.

While the accident is still under investigation, it’s believed Blayney may have turned off the trail and onto a private road by mistake. That road was blocked by a gate made of two metal poles and a chain. His motorcycle was still in fourth gear when it was found, suggesting he may have hit the chain while traveling at a high rate of speed.

Blayney was riding alone. His wife was notified by friends and Bend Police about his death. The crash appears to be a tragic accident.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest sympathies to Eric Blayney’s family and friends.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — Central Oregon’s familiar sunshine is slowly giving way to chilly mornings and crisp evenings. While the changing colors and cooler weather paint a beautiful picture, the seasonal shift is having a noticeable impact on both local businesses and people living on the streets.  As summer fades into fall, the rhythm of life across the region begins to change. Fewer tourists fill the sidewalks, and the busy hum of summer starts to quiet down. 

“It can get a little bit slow in between, said an employee at 3rd Street Beverage. “And in the summertime, we’re really busy with all the people coming here for the water, recreation and everything. And all the hiking and stuff we have around here. And leading into the wintertime, we get the skiers and of course the holidays. Everybody comes in and gets their alcohol and other beverages for other parties or, you know, family coming in.”  For some store owners, that slowdown provides a chance to regroup before the holiday season. But for others — especially those without a place to call home — the changing seasons can be at times, unbearable.   “Drastic. You can die out here,” said Nicholas Reta, a man and his fiancée, who are originally from California, but later moved to Redmond. Now, they are looking for shelter in Bend.   The arrival of fall often brings a mix of anticipation and concern across Central Oregon. Businesses prepare for the seasonal dip in foot traffic, while service providers brace for higher demand as temperatures drop and nights become harsher. 

And as winter edges closer, it’s clear the change in seasons affects everyone — from those running a small business to those just trying to stay warm.  While Central Oregon winters can be unpredictable, one thing remains constant: every year, the shift from sunshine to snow brings big changes for everyone who calls this region home. 

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Timbergon Modular says it is launching its newest modular home solutions in Redmond, “designed for flexibility, efficiency, and modern living.”

“From ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and multi-family units to resort-style communities, these homes are built off-site for faster construction, less waste, and consistent quality,” the company said in Monday’s announcement, which continues in full below:

Each unit is permit-ready, meaning the structure itself is approved within the City of Redmond jurisdiction. Property owners will still need local permits for placement, utility connections, and site prep.

Three Ways to Build with Timbergon Modular:

ADUs: Perfect for rental income, guest housing, or multi-generational living.

Multi-Family Developments: Apartments, townhomes, duplexes or even Cottage Clusters that generate consistent rental income.

Resort Communities: Residential developments near leisure destinations, ideal for short-term rentals and elevated living experiences.

Timbergon Modular’s goal with these new builds is to redefine residential development in Central Oregon, delivering high-quality, modern housing faster, more efficiently, and with design flexibility that meets the needs of homeowners and investors alike.

“Modular construction allows us to deliver homes faster and at a significant lower cost compared to traditional construction,” said Vicente Gonzalez, Founder of Timbergon Modular. “Whether for personal living or investment, our homes combine affordability, durability, and ergonomic design.”

To celebrate their latest project, Timbergon Modular invites the community to the ribbon-cutting of their new 9-unit multi-family complex. Attendees will get an exclusive first look at the modular home build, showcasing the innovation and design of Timbergon’s modern modular solutions.

Event Details:

When: October 24th, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Where: 470 NW Fir Ave., Redmond, OR

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Just below our feet, there is a universe that is busy, active and alive. Next Saturday, the High Desert Museum invites visitors of all ages to explore the interconnected, underground world of soil in the original exhibition, Soil Alive!

Here’s the museum’s Monday announcement that explains what it’s all about:

Soil is made from minerals, air, water and decaying bits of organisms. But soil is not just a bed of crunched up rocks and other materials. Soil is alive.

Presented in English and Spanish, Soil Alive! is a family-friendly, interactive exhibition, taking visitors on a subterranean journey. On the way, they will encounter mycorrhizal networks, burrowing animals and microscopic organisms.

“Soil Alive! beckons visitors underground to explore a world that is hidden from sight,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “We wanted to convey the excitement of this habitat, so people learn that soil is a living, breathing and busy world that is integral to the health and stability of our ecosystem.”

Like fingerprints, every region’s soil is unique. Many factors inform a soil’s individual characteristics. These factors can range from volcanic eruptions and historic floods to droughts, snowfall and wildfires. Soil is also the result of living organisms, which perform a delicate exchange of moisture, nutrients and sugar. 

It’s this idea that Soil Alive! hopes to communicate above any other — that healthy soils are the result of thousands of relationships. These relationships are seemingly endless: between ponderosa pine tree roots and mycorrhizal networks; between pygmy rabbits and sagebrush shrubs; between farmers and ground-nesting bees; between soil crusts and native grasses; between beavers and cattails. The relationships transform simple dirt into living soil. 

Located in the Brooks Gallery of the Museum, the exhibition will be organized into four sections, or landscapes: the Ponderosa Pine Forest, Sagebrush Steppe, Alfalfa Seed Field and Flooded Wetlands. Each of the landscapes has a Soil Ambassador, a cute creature who welcomes visitors and guides them on their underground adventure. The Beaver, Alkali Bee, Pygmy Rabbit and Pogie the Fungus will show off their homes in the High Desert.

Dim light and amplified soil sounds recorded from underground such as clicks and rustling will greet families as they enter a tunnel-like passageway, giving the illusion that they are traveling underground. Visitors will learn about the four landscapes, meet the ambassador animals and discover different types of soil before venturing deeper into the gallery.

The exhibition itself is packed with interactive, hands-on elements that allow visitors to see, touch, hear and even smell life underground. From soil recipes and smell stations to digital experiences, families will learn that no matter what the individual characteristics may be, all soils have one important thing in common: They form the foundation of the West’s ecosystems.  

In the Sagebrush Steppe, a giant magnifying glass can be pointed at a wall-sized digital illustration, enlarging soil areas and illuminating organisms living in the biotic crust or living layer of the soil. Information bubbles pop into view as the Pygmy Rabbit, who lives below the sagebrush plants, explains that while the soil is dry, it grows some of the rabbit’s favorite foods including shrubs and flowers.

Over in the Ponderosa Pine Forest, Pogie the Fungus will encourage visitors to help mycelium “arms” connect their home in one root system to a ponderosa sapling nearby using hand gestures. The motion-activated, wall-sized feature illustrates how the fungi give the tree nutrients and water in return for sugar. As a result, the sapling and mycelium flourish on screen.

In addition to showcasing the wonders of this subterranean community, Soil Alive! digs into the issue of invasive species such as the jumping worm and cheatgrass.

Jumping worms eat the top layer of the soil, turning the soil’s texture into coffee grounds, which causes the soil to lose moisture. Invasive plants such as cheatgrass have shallow roots, stealing moisture from the soil’s top layer. Visitors will learn how to protect and conserve soil, including staying on designated trails, growing native plants and letting those pesky piles of fallen leaves become homes for small mammals and insects.

Soil Alive! promises to be a captivating and enlightening experience for Museum visitors of all ages, offering a glimpse into a subterranean universe full of activity and brimming with life.  

Soil Alive! is open through March 29, 2026. The exhibition is made possible by the Oregon Invasive Species Council, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Gold 107.7 FM, with support from Waypoint Hotel.

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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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University–Cascades released a preliminary fall enrollment report Tuesday that it said shows continued and steady overall growth, and a marked increase in enrollment in high-demand fields.

The campus is serving a total of 1,384 students, including a 2% increase in undergraduate students and 221 new freshmen. The latter is a 3% increase over last fall, according to the news release, which continues in full below:  

“These early numbers reflect the strength of our academic programs in preparing students to meet local and global challenges, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the growing recognition of OSU-Cascades as a destination for students seeking a personalized and innovative university experience,” said Sherm Bloomer, chancellor and dean of OSU-Cascades.

The strongest enrollment increases were seen in recently launched undergraduate degree programs designed to help meet regional and state workforce needs. OSU-Cascades’ engineering programs grew by 19%, driven by a mechanical engineering program launched in 2024, which enrolled 37 new students this fall.

Similarly, enrollment in the biochemistry and molecular biology program, designed to support the region’s growing biotech sector, grew by 50%.

Now in its fourth year, the environmental sciences program grew by 40%. It was developed to connect students with career opportunities in public agencies and private industry across the Pacific Northwest.

The cohort of new freshmen reflects a 15% increase in students from Central Oregon over last fall. The average high school GPA for first-year students was 3.54. Of the 132 new transfer students, 45% transitioned from Central Oregon Community College through the institutions’ long-standing Degree Partnership Program.

The total student body also reflects strong ties to the region and state, and other qualities:

79% of students are from Oregon, and 44% are from Central Oregon.

In addition to Oregon, students represent 35 U.S. states, including Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Missouri and Texas.

25% are the first in their families to attend college.

39% of undergraduate students demonstrate high financial need.

Five percent of students are completing all of their coursework online through OSU’s award-winning Ecampus, supported by OSU-Cascades academic advisors. 

Of the total 469 transfer students, 53% participated in the DPP program through COCC.

236 students are pursuing master’s degrees or a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

The youngest degree-seeking student is 17 and the oldest is 62.

OSU-Cascades’ official enrollment will be finalized during the fourth week of fall term.

Meanwhile, Oregon State is the largest university in Oregon for the 12th straight year with 38,460 students, according to preliminary enrollment figures released Tuesday. OSU’s full enrollment announcement is posted here.

About OSU-Cascades:  Oregon State University’s campus in Bend brings higher education to Central Oregon, the fastest growing region in the state. Surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades is a highly innovative campus of a top-tier land grant research university, offering small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning. Degree programs meet industry and economic needs in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, natural ecosystems, health and wellness, and arts and sciences, and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. OSU-Cascades is expanding to serve 3,000 to 5,000 students, building a 128-acre campus with net-zero goals. 

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KTVZ

(Update: video added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College has received a $1.36 million federal grant that will provide 140 low-income, first-generation students per year with specialized assistance to help them graduate from COCC and transfer to a four-year university.

The U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO Student Support Services grant began on Sept. 25 and will continue for four years, pending congressional approval after year one, COCC said.

This is COCC’s first-ever TRIO grant, and the college joins 10 other Oregon community colleges and eight Oregon four-year universities in offering these programs.

Here is the rest of COCC’s news release regarding the TRIO grant:

“TRIO students have incredibly high persistence and completion rates,” said grant lead Andrew Davis, dean of student engagement at COCC. “Selected applicants will be assigned a success coach, and then have access to wraparound services like designated tutors, transfer-degree workshops, tours of universities and other supportive, motivational resources.”

The Oregon TRIO Association states in its 2025 report that 77% of participating students in the 2023-24 year graduated with a bachelor’s in six years.

COCC’s TRIO Student Support Services grant will primarily fund dedicated staff to assist students, including a project director, student success coaches and several tutors. The team will advise and encourage students as they complete their studies at COCC and move on to a four-year university. COCC also received a grant from the State of Oregon’s First-Generation Student Success program that will fund a portion of the TRIO program.

Today’s TRIO programs align three well-established federal educational initiatives, the first of which originated with the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, all designed to serve disadvantaged students. TRIO, which now includes nine separate grant programs, is credited with identifying the concept of the “first-generation” college student — “an individual whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree” — first introduced in 1980.

TRIO programs enjoy widespread bipartisan support in Congress and have been consistently funded by the federal government since their inception in 1964. Notable alumni of TRIO support include Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., first Hispanic NASA astronaut Franklin Chang Díaz and NBA All-Star Patrick Ewing.

According to a report from the Council for Opportunity in Education, 45.6% of TRIO participants at two-year institutions completed an associate degree or transferred to a four-year institution, compared with 31.4% of eligible nonparticipants.

For COCC’s 2024-25 academic year, more than 26% of credit students identified as first-generation and 23% identified as low-income.

For more information, contact Andrew Davis, dean of student engagement, at 541-383-7592 or apdavis@cocc.edu.

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