Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For the second straight year, the Latino Community Association will cancel its Latino Fest, a long-standing celebration of Latin American cultural diversity in Central Oregon, the organization announced Wednesday.  

“Because the festival is a public event in a public space, we cannot guarantee that attendees, performers, or vendors will be safe from racial profiling or threat of federal law enforcement intervention,” said LCA executive director Catalina Sánchez Frank.  

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

For more than eight years, Latino Fest has been LCA’s celebration of different countries, racial backgrounds, ethnic groups and immigrant identities. The event, held at Sahalee Park in Madras, has included music and folkloric dance performers, parades of horses and floats, authentic food vendors, and activities for kids and families. Past events have attracted thousands of participants. 

Instead, the organization said it “will focus its resources on its programs that impact the immediate safety of the community: teaching people to observe, document, and report about activities that violate their rights and offering other essential services that keep families together and safe.” 

LCA’s staff members include an attorney, a fellow attorney and several accredited representatives recognized by the US Department of Justice. It also partners directly with non-profit and for-profit licensed immigration attorneys to ensure families have access to high-quality, affordable legal assistance. For more information on these programs, visit www.latinocommunityassociation.org. 

“By skipping the festival again this year,” Sanchez Frank added, “we choose instead to protect each other from the anti-immigrant sentiment and aggressive enforcement tactics currently being perpetrated in our region.” 

About LCA:  Since 2000, the Latino Community Association has been a vital hub for the Latino community in Central Oregon, offering family support, workforce development, and advocacy to ensure immigrants can thrive and contribute to the region’s social and economic fabric. 

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend and the Bend Police Department launched an Automated Traffic Enforcement program Wednesday, issuing warnings to drivers who speed or run red lights at three key intersections.

The program aims to reduce motor vehicle crashes and improve traffic safety for all road users in the community, starting with a 30-day warning period.

The 30-day warning period marks the initial phase of the Automated Traffic Enforcement program. This initiative specifically targets high-crash intersections identified through previous incidents and community complaints.

During this period, drivers will receive warnings by mail for violations detected by the new camera system.

Cameras are now active at three locations:

Westbound lane of SE Reed Market Road and Third Street

Southbound and westbound lanes of NE Neff Road and 27th Street

Northbound lane of U.S. Business 97 and Powers Road.

The cameras capture images and video of vehicles that do not stop for a red light, including a complete stop before a right turn, or that speed through these intersections. Warnings for these violations are issued to drivers via mail.

Signs alerting drivers to the automated traffic enforcement cameras are installed near each monitored intersection. Additional signs are also placed on major routes as drivers enter city limits.

The Bend Police Department provides more information about the Automated Traffic Enforcement program on its website.

Following the warning period, citations for speeding and red-light violations will begin to be issued on May 15.

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Silas Moreau

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the community about an active phone scam where callers are impersonating deputies and demanding payment for bogus fines.

These fraudulent calls have been reported over the past several days.

The scammers are using phone number spoofing technology to make calls appear legitimate to residents. They falsely claim that recipients have missed a court date or face criminal charges, demanding payment to freeze or delay legal action.

While no financial losses have been reported, this type of scam is designed to pressure individuals into making quick payments.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office stated that these scammers even use the names of real Sheriff’s Office employees. However, they often make errors, such as incorrectly referring to Sheriff Ty Rupert as “Lieutenant Rupert.”

The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that no deputy will ever call to ask for payment, request financial information, or threaten arrest if payment is not made.

Community members who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of any law enforcement contact by calling non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911. Residents should also report scam attempts to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Sharing this information with friends, family and vulnerable community members is also advised.

The Sheriff’s Office continues to monitor this active phone scam. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow the provided guidance to protect themselves from potential harm.

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Kelsey Merison

WARREN, Michigan (KTVZ) — A community dog treat and toy stand, built by Trisha Rowe and her daughters, has become a popular spot in a quiet Warren, Michigan neighborhood. The family created the free stand to bring joy to local dogs and their owners passing by their home.

KTVZ first aired this story on Sunrise and a viewer reached out to inform us that there is a similar library in Eagle Crest!

Take a look at these photos from Susan O’Donnell:

As you can see, it’s a part of the ‘West Ridge Little Library’–you can see a box of dog treats in the bottom right corner by some books. And down below, a dog stick library! Thanks for sending these in, Susan.

The Michigan initiative was inspired by the numerous dogs that regularly walk past the Rowe family’s house, prompting them to find a way to contribute to the community.

The simple wooden box, known as the Corner Dog and Treat House, offers an assortment of free, dog-safe snacks, tennis balls, toys, and other unique items. Rowe and her daughters, who own five dogs themselves, aim to make neighborhood walks a little brighter for everyone.

The stand provides all items free of charge to any furry friend and their owner.

James Noe, a Michigan resident, praised the concept. “I honestly think it’s genius, you know, you see the, the book libraries everywhere. I’ve never seen anything other than the books be done,” Noe said.

Lynne Lundgren, another Michigan resident, discovered the stand while walking her dog. “We just discovered it last night and my dog loved it,” Lundgren said.

Rowe explained her motivation for building the stand. “There’s about 20-30 dogs always walk past our house, so we’re like, hey, what can we do to help?” Rowe said.

The stand features various items, including some made by Rowe and her daughters using their 3D printer. “We 3D printed some poop bag holders. So you can actually put your poop bags in there if you want to, or while you’re walking, you can actually tie it in until you get home to then throw it away,” Rowe said.

The community has responded positively, with many walkers taking treats. “We had a couple of people that have walked by and taken treats and everything. I kind of explained what it was and they were super excited about it,” Rowe noted. The stand also includes a doggy stick pile.

Other local dog lovers have offered to contribute to the project. Rowe mentioned, “A few people that own treat businesses that reached out and want to do samples and just put them in to donate to the dogs and that way you can actually support local businesses in the long run, but they’re also helping donate.”

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Summit High School’s “Chaos Theory” robotics team is preparing for the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston, Texas, after a strong performance at the Pacific Northwest District Championship.

The team made history at the district level with their recent achievements, setting the stage for their global competition later this month.

“Chaos Theory” was initially ranked number one among 126 teams from Oregon, Washington, and Alaska at the Pacific Northwest District Championship. They concluded the event ranked number two overall, finishing ahead of the reigning 2025 World Champion, who placed third. The team also secured their third Industrial Design Award of the season.

The public can see the team and robot on Thursday, April 16th, at Ridgeview High School. “Chaos Theory” will participate in the Central Oregon Aerial Drone Competition, which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, offering a chance to meet the team and see their robot.

Last year, “Chaos Theory” advanced to the semi-finals at the World Championship, competing against top teams globally. Their run ended after a narrow defeat. They will return to Houston with 600 teams from around the globe, competing from April 29th to May 2nd.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Autism Movement (COAM) is preparing to host two community events in Redmond in the coming weeks. The Shine Together Community Night is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th and the Shine Together Autism Walk & Festival will follow on Saturday, May 2nd. Both events will be held at General Duffy’s Waterhole.

These upcoming events are designed to foster community connection and inclusion while raising funds for local autism programs, services, and family support.

The Shine Together Community Night, happening this weekend, will be a free and family-friendly evening. Attendees can enjoy music, games, prizes, and opportunities for connection. Families can also pick up event gear and wristbands to prepare for the main walk.

The Shine Together Autism Walk & Festival, set for Saturday, May 2nd, will feature a walk, live music, kids activities, sensory-friendly spaces, and community resources. The festival is COAM’s largest fundraiser of the year.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening Next, CASA of Central Oregon will host its annual Casablanca: A Masquerade Gala on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon in Bend.

This signature fundraising event raises critical funds to support advocacy for children in foster care in Central Oregon.The gala ensures that each child in foster care has a consistent, caring adult by their side, providing stability and hope.

All proceeds from the evening support the recruitment and training of Court Appointed Special Advocates, known as CASAs. These volunteers play a vital role in advocating for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Guests attending the gala will enjoy champagne, passed appetizers, a hosted bar and a plated dinner. The event will also feature robust live and silent auctions, a local restaurant gift card raffle, a wine wall and a dessert dash. Emily Kirk, an anchor with Central Oregon Daily News, will emcee the evening.

CASA Executive Director Heather Dion of Central Oregon, stated the importance of community support for the organization’s mission, “Casablanca is not only a celebration, but a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish together,” Dion said. “With the support of partners like EC Electric and our incredible donors, we are able to continue showing up for children who need stability, advocacy and hope.”

Last year, 489 children spent time in foster care across Central Oregon. Currently, 77 of these children still need a dedicated CASA by their side to advocate for them. CASA of Central Oregon recruits, trains and supports these community volunteers to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and permanent home.

Community members can support the event in various ways, including by attending the gala, becoming a sponsor, or volunteering. Donations of experiences, services and unique items for the auction are also being accepted until May 1.

For more information about the event, to purchase tickets or to get involved, visit casaofcentraloregon.org/casablanca or call 541-389-1618.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) The final phase of the Wilson Avenue Corridor Project is scheduled to begin construction on Monday, April 27, 2026. This phase will require a full closure of Wilson Avenue between Ninth Street and Centennial Street, with work estimated to be completed in July.

This stage of the project focuses on railroad improvements at the Wilson Avenue crossing. Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway will replace track and signal equipment, while the City’s contractor will replace the adjacent sidewalk and roadway pavement. This modernization project aims to improve safety and east-west connectivity along Wilson Avenue.

The full closure of Wilson Avenue will impact all users, including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. For safety reasons, the public should not enter the work zone or attempt to cross the railroad tracks while the road and sidewalk are closed, as railroad warning signals and crossing arms will not be reliably functional during this time.

The public is encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted detours and allow extra travel time in the area. The detour route for vehicles includes Ninth Street, Reed Market Road and Third Street. Pedestrians and bicycles will be detoured via Centennial Street, Reed Market Road and 15th Street.

Access to businesses will remain open throughout the construction period. Commuters should expect heavy equipment, noise and dust during this phase. The estimated completion date in July is subject to change.

The Wilson Avenue Corridor Project is a multi-phase initiative to modernize the corridor from Second Street to 15th Street. Previous phases included installing two new roundabouts at Ninth Street and 15th Street, improvements to the Third Street intersection and traffic signal, new roadway pavement and the addition of new sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle facilities.

The City is working closely with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway to complete this railroad work as efficiently and safely as possible.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Home gardeners should prepare to protect sensitive plants from possible upcoming cold weather. Dropping temperatures can damage vulnerable plants and fruit tree blossoms.

Normally, early spring would be a time for planting. But, Central Oregonians should hold off for now. Some plants might already have cold damage. Amy Jo Detweiler, a community horticulturist for the OSU Extension Service, pointed out plants that were struggling in these temaptures.

Detweiler further explained, “you have fruit trees, for example, that are the blossoms are starting to open up, you might want to protect those because if the blossoms get cold injury or damage to them, then you won’t get fruits set on that plant. And we’ve already seen a little bit of that happening with certain fruit trees that bloomed earlier this, this month.”

To protect plants, consider purchasing frost cloth or using plastic or fabric sheets. Alternatively, individual plants can be covered overnight with a pot or bucket.

Understanding a plant’s origin is also beneficial. Plants raised in the valley may not be acclimated to lower local temperatures. These plants should be brought inside to ensure their survival if conditions allow.

Gardeners should take immediate steps to protect vulnerable plants in anticipation of cold temperatures. Moving unadapted plants indoors or covering them with protective materials can prevent damage and safeguard future fruit yields.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend-La Pine School District board recently moved a resolution forward to address concerns about public education technology. The proposal specifically aims to change how iPads are distributed to students in kindergarten through second grade and how artificial intelligence is used in classrooms.

The goal of this initiative is to improve student-to-student interaction and reduce dependency on technology in learning.

Currently, the school district provides iPads to students in kindergarten through second grade. The board heard from parents and teachers for close to 10 minutes, expressing a desire for the board to approve a policy that would change how iPads are distributed to students, as well as regulate the use of AI.

A teacher at Bend-La Pine Schools shared her perspective on the absence of iPads in her classroom. “There’s a buzzing as my students talk read move about the room. (…) And yet I feel pride because in absence of their Ipads my students have learned to be learners,” the teacher said.

A parent of a student at Bend-La Pine Schools expressed concerns about their child’s technology use. The parent noted their child’s understanding of the world.

“And then I get to school and I see him go to a room and he joins the rest of his classroom of sitting down in front of an ipad,” the parent stated.

Reporter Spencer Sacks observed that no one expressed opposition to removing iPads from classrooms, especially for students in kindergarten through second grade. When the board discussed the proposal, members spoke about the need to gather more information to inform their decision. One specific piece of information the board seeks is data on websites currently used by students.

Director Amy Tatom indicated that YouTube was the most visited website in Bend-La Pine schools. This resolution is part of a broader year-long change within the district regarding technology use. Earlier this school year, the board approved a ban on cell phones inside schools.

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