Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Warm Springs man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 11 years in federal prison for using online social media and messaging platforms to coerce and sexually exploit a 15-year-old minor victim.

Leonard Polk, 25, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release, federal prosecutors said in a news release late Tuesday, which continues in full below:

According to court documents, in December 2024, Polk met the minor victim through Snapchat, an online messaging application. Using Snapchat and Facebook Messenger, Polk persuaded the minor victim to send sexually explicit images. Polk then picked up the minor victim and brought her to his house on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where he sexually abused her on multiple occasions.

Polk was arrested in Washington on January 21, 2025, and the minor victim was rescued, after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information that Polk had brought the minor victim from Oregon to Washington.

“Protecting children remains our highest priority. This case serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers that exist on social media and the predators who use these platforms to exploit our youth,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Let there be no doubt: if you target children in our community, we will use every resource at our disposal to protect them and ensure you are held fully accountable.”

On February 11, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Polk with sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abuse – incapable victim. On July 14, Polk pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

The case was investigated by the FBI Portland’s Bend Resident Agency and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

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.

This 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office scam warning, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Several members of a Bend church have become the latest intended targets of a gift-card scam that has been around for years but appears to be getting more sophisticated all the time, sending out emails impersonating the pastor, possibly with the help of artificial intelligence. 

A parishioner at Nativity Lutheran Church alerted KTVZ News he was one of church members to get the scam emails, and Pastor Chris Kramer confirmed and provided the details to us. 

Kramer said a similar, less sophisticated scam involved the church about five years ago. 

This time, he said, parishioners began getting bogus emails early last week that claimed to be from Kramer, including his name and photo, likely harvested off the website. They speak of a “delicate” situation – and ask the recipient to buy Target gift cards and provide the numbers off them. 

“Apparently, they have read our newsletter, got a little sense of my writing style,” the pastor said. Asked if he thought it likely involved AI, Kramer replied: “Absolutely!” 

Kramer said the “predatory” Target gift card scam targets -no pun intended – the “particularly generous and the elderly, who are not necessarily so sophisticated in the ways of the computer world.” 

And Kramer repeated words familiar to many: “We’d never ask anyone on an email, ever, to give anyone gift cards.” 

Another Bend church was the target a year ago, he recalled, and more recently a Medford church.

The scammers manage to compromise someone’s computer, finding names and harvesting email addresses from an unprotected computer.  

The parishioner who contacted KTVZ wrote that the pastor “has mentioned (the scam) several times previously, so we were ready. But the messages are so ‘genuine,’ you can understand how some people have been stung. Target has been great about notifying and refunding, etc.” 

As for finding the scammers, it’s not likely, if not impossible. 

“It’s not local, and these people are probably in India or China or Russia – or who knows?” Kramer said. “I read an article about the slave trade, where they force the slaves to do this work.” 

“We need to get the word out,” the pastor said. “Please, no pastor will ever ask you to go buy gift cards!” 

At least five church members bought the cards after getting the scam email, and Kramer said he’s only aware of one who apparently didn’t get Target to deactivate the card in time, to the tune of $600 until a refund. 

“A couple of them did upload the cards, as the scammers told them,” Kramer said. “They then called the church to see if they did it correctly, and we told them, ‘No, no! Call Target!’ They deactivated the card.” 

And the scammers, whoever and wherever they are, can be … stubborn. 

Kramer said one parishioner who got the gift card deactivated in time to avoid a loss heard from the scammers once again, who said “It didn’t work – could you try it again?” 

Kramer also contacted Bend Police last week to report the issue, according to Communications Manager Sheila Miller. 

Overall, she said, the department has gotten about 315 calls reporting scams or online fraud so far this year.

Apparently coincidentally, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office posted this Scam Alert on their Facebook page on Tuesday:

“Scam calls have picked up and this morning we have had an influx of calls about them. Here’s what you need to know:

1. We will never call you to say you have a warrant

2. We will never ask you to pay us

3. Hang up as soon as you hear bitcoin

4. We do not have badge numbers at the Sheriff’s Office

5. We will not call you about missing Jury Duty

6. You can ALWAYS hang up and call our office to verify any phone call you get, scam or just questionable.

Please look out for family members that are not on social media. They do often target the older generations. Share this information with your family, friends, and neighbors.”

The Federal Trade Commission website to report such fraud says it has been tempoarily shut down due to the partial government shutdown but still links to consumer.ftc.gov. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (https://www.ic3.gov/) also is still in operaton.

The Oregon Department of Justice also has a hotline and website to report consumer fraud. The Consumer Hotine at 1-877-877-9392 is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., staffed by volunteers who field more than 50,000 calls each year. The website also has a searchable consumer complaint database.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Tax season may be months away, but Central Oregon’s AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is already recruiting volunteers.

The fully volunteer-run program provides free tax assistance to older adults with low to moderate income at six locations across the region. In 2025 alone, the program served more than 2,300 individuals in Deschutes and Jefferson counties, returning nearly $2.3 million in tax refunds to local residents.  

“This is a rewarding way to give back,” said Rebecca Von Stein, District Coordinator for Central Oregon Tax-Aide. “You don’t need to be an accountant, just someone who wants to help others and is comfortable preparing your own return or assisting friends and neighbors. We’ll provide all the training you need.” 

Volunteer roles include: 

Tax Preparers – Work directly with clients to prepare and file returns 

Client Facilitators – Greet taxpayers and help with paperwork 

Technology Assistants – Provide support for hardware setup and usage 

Volunteers receive training in January to prepare for the February–April tax season. Most commit to about two half-day shifts per week, with flexible scheduling available to fit a variety of needs. Tax-Aide will return in 2026 with free tax assistance available at six community locations, including the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, COCC Campus – Cascades Hall, Latino Community Association, La Pine Senior Activity Center, Redmond NeighborImpact, and Warms Springs Community Action Center. 

“Volunteers are the heart of this program,” Von Stein said. “With more people stepping up, we can serve even more Central Oregonians who rely on this service.” 

Those interested can learn more and apply at aarpfoundation.org/TaxaideVolunteer or call 541-668-7634. 

AARP Foundation 

AARP Foundation works for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity. As a charitable affiliate of AARP, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy, evidence based solutions, and by strengthening supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.  

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Pump prices continue to ease in Oregon and most states, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday, but a recent California refinery fire could send them the other direction locally.

Here’s this week’s gas prices report from AAA Oregon/Idaho:Cheaper winter-blend gas and relatively low crude oil prices are putting downward pressure on pump prices. However, drivers here on the West Coast may see prices rise again after last week’s refinery fire in Southern California.

For the week, the national average for regular declines three cents to $3.12 a gallon. The Oregon average loses six cents to $4.13 a gallon, while Bend’s average dropped about a nickel to $4.01 a gallon.

A huge fire broke out at the El Segundo Chevron refinery last Thursday evening. This facility is one of the largest in California, producing about 40% of Southern California’s jet fuel as well as about 20% of its fuel for cars.

“Having a major refinery like this offline can cause gas prices to rise due to reduced supplies,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “The refinery fire comes about a month after the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. These types of outages can have a tremendous impact on retail gas prices in the West Coast region.”

The fire was contained to one processing unit and no injuries were reported. The full impact of the fire is still being assessed and there’s no estimate on when the refinery might reopen. 

Another factor that could impact gas prices this season is a major storm. This year’s Atlantic hurricane season has been less active than some years, but the season continues through November 30. Any storm that targets the Gulf Coast can have an impact on the production and distribution of oil and gas.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $4.13. The highest price of the year so far is $4.297 on September 13 and 14. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.12. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week, 26 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 28 a week ago:

Clackamas $4.27

Clatsop $4.14

Columbia $4.24

Coos $4.13

Crook $4.09

Curry $4.25

Douglas $4.07

Grant $4.36

Harney $4.38

Hood River $4.03

Jackson $4.12

Jefferson $4.

Josephine $4.19

Klamath $4.04

Lake $4.26

Lane $4.00

Marion $4.04

Morrow $4.02

Multnomah $4.34

Polk $4.01

Sherman $4.08

Tillamook $4.24

Wallowa $4.20

Wasco $4.14

Washington $4.32

Yamhill $4.20

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. decreased from 8.96 million b/d last week to 8.52 million for the week ending September 26. This compares to 8.52 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 216.6 million barrels to 220.7 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels per day compared to 9.7 million barrels per day the previous week.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country. The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) had been mostly in the low-$60s to mid-$70s since September 2024. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then prices fell back into the $60s on the belief that the conflict would not have a major impact on global oil supplies.

Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production. The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August.

Crude oil is trading around $61 today compared to $62 a week ago and $77 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023.

While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, concerns remain that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices.

But this year, the cartel boosted production by 411,000 barrels per day in May and June, and July, 548,000 barrels per day in August, 547,000 barrels per day in September, and 137,000 barrels per day in October.  

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 51% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 18% is refining, 16% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country is holding steady at 13.50 million barrels per day for the week ending September 26. The record high is 13.63 million barrels per day for the week of December 6. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 42 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. Delaware (-12 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Oregon (-6 cents) has the ninth-largest decrease. Texas (+1 cent) has the biggest week-over-week increase in the nation.

California ($4.65) is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the third week in a row. Washington took over the top spot for a week in September when the Olympic Pipeline was out of operation. This week, Washington ($4.51) is second, Hawaii ($4.48) is third, and Oregon ($4.13) is fourth. These are the four states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 18 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 28 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.59) and Mississippi ($2.68) and. No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.07 this week, compared to $2.02 a week ago.

Oregon is one of nine states with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is eight cents less and the Oregon average is six cents more than a month ago. This is the third largest month-over-month jump for a state in the nation. Utah (+10 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the nation, while Alaska (+7 cents) has the second largest monthly increase. Colorado (-27 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop.

Oregon is one of 11 states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is five cents less, while the Oregon average is 46 cents more. Oregon has the second largest year-over-year increase in the nation. Washington (+48 cents) has the largest increase. Colorado (-40 cents) has the largest yearly drop.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Last week’s refinery fire at the Chevon El Segundo refinery in Southern California could cause prices in the region to rise, depending on how long the facility is out of operation.

Rank
Region
Price on 10/7/2025

1
California
$4.66

2
Washington
$4.51

3
Hawaii
$4.48

4
Oregon
$4.13

5
Nevada
$3.91

6
Alaska
$3.85

7
Arizona
$3.52

8
Idaho
$3.48

9
Utah
$3.39

10
Illinois
$3.29

As mentioned above, California is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the third week in a row. Washington is second – it held the top spot for one week in September due to the outage of the Olympic Pipeline. Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, and Arizona round out the top seven. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the 20th week in a row.

Four of the seven West Coast states have week-over-week decreases: Oregon (-6 cents), Washington (-4 cents), Arizona (-3 cents), and Alaska (-2 cents). California (+1 cent), Hawaii (+1/2 cent) and Nevada (+4/10ths of a cent) have small increases.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast rose from 87.9 to 88.5% for the week ending September 26. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate fell from 93.0% to 91.4%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region increased from 30.05 million bbl. to 30.29 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices rose slightly to start this week after OPEC+ agreed to only a relatively small boost in production instead of a more robust increase. The cartel says it will increase production by 137,000 barrels per day in November, the same amount it announced for October. On Friday, oil prices traded near a four-month low.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 1.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 416.5 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI added 40 cents to close at $60.88. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI gained 81 cents to settle at $61.69. Today crude is trading around $61 compared to $62 a week ago. Crude prices are about $16 less than a year ago. ($77.14 on October 7, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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KTVZ

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As a member of the Oregon State Bar for over 50 years, David C. Glenn has served as a role model for professionalism within the 22nd Judicial District. Throughout his career, Mr. Glenn has exhibited civil and courteous behavior in court proceedings, shown the utmost respect for his clients, fellow attorneys, court staff and the bench.  

The judges of the 22nd Judicial District present the David C. Glenn Professionalism Award annually to an attorney who exhibits exceptional professionalism in promoting the legal profession with the 22nd Judicial District. The 2025 David C. Glenn Professionalism Award recipient is Timothy R. Gassner.  

The David C. Glenn Professionalism Award 2025 

During the award presentation, Presiding Judge Annette C. Hillman stated, “Mr. Timothy Gassner and I both started working in this community around the same time in 2004 on opposite sides of the table, he was hired at the law firm of Glenn, Sites and Reeder and I was hired by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.  Mr. Gassner went on to become a partner in the law firm before establishing his own practice. 

“Over the last 21 years, I have had the pleasure to see Mr. Gassner grow and develop in the legal profession and become a valuable member of this community.   He works diligently for his clients and advocates strongly for those with mental health and substance abuse issues caught up in the legal system.  I have observed his compassion for his clients and his professional demeanor often makes a challenging and emotional court hearing so much easier to handle as a judge.”  

Judge Daina A. Vitolins added, “Mr. Timothy Gassner is a zealous advocate for his clients.  He thoroughly evaluates and investigates his cases and is a good trial attorney.   He is also professional and courteous to opposing counsel.  Not only does Mr. Gassner bring excellence to the legal profession, he invests his time and energy into building a stronger community, especially for kids.”  

Judge Wade L. Whiting shared his appreciation for Mr. Gassner’s dedication to the Recovery Court program. “As a founding member of our Recovery Court program almost 20 years ago, Mr. Gassner has consistently shown a passion in assisting defendants on their path to sobriety. Mr. Gassner maintains excellent contact with his clients outside of court proceedings and ensures they are compliant with court orders. Going above and beyond the typical role of attorney is what enables his clients to be so successful in the program. Mr. Gassner works hard every day to ensure his clients achieve their best outcome in court.”    

   

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, adding interview with departing Fire Chief Jeff Blake)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Fire and EMS is grappling with a severe financial shortfall that has forced deep spending cuts, the temporary relocation of its headquarters, and the upcoming departure of Fire Chief Jeff Blake.

What began as a successful merger of the county’s fire and ambulance services has now spiraled into a budget crisis, draining reserves and straining operations.

Blake says the funding gap is not a result of overspending, but of missing revenue and slow reimbursements — problems that began after the former EMS district was dissolved.

“When we merged EMS and fire together, the merger went really, really well,” Blake explained Tuesday to KTVZ News. “But from the time the dissolution happened, we weren’t able to bill for any revenue from Medicare, Medicaid, or any insurance companies.”

Without that billing capability, the district has been surviving on its reserve funds.

Even when payments do come in, they amount to only about a third of what the district bills. In response, Blake says the agency has cut $1.5-1.6 million from its budget while simultaneously seeing a 15 to 20 percent increase in call volume.

One of the latest cost-saving measures is temporarily relocating the headquarters to the old EMS station on Culver Highway during construction on its fire station. The move is expected to reduce expenses by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Despite the budget cuts, Blake emphasizes that service levels for residents remain strong. However, the strain of managing the crisis has weighed heavily on leadership. By mutual agreement with the district’s board, Blake will step down as chief on Nov. 29.

“It’s really hard,” he said. “I am passionate about the fire service and about this community. I don’t want to be any sort of barrier for the success of this organization moving forward. It’s bittersweet — some days I think I made the right decision, other days it’s a little difficult.”

The district’s board is now reviewing options to stabilize funding and ensure that Jefferson County’s fire and medical services can meet demand. As he prepares to leave, Blake says he hopes residents will continue to back the agency and its first responders through the challenges ahead.

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KTVZ – News Team

(KTVZ) Tuesday, October 7th marks National Taco Day!

National Taco Day used to be celebrated on October 4th but was adjusted so that it would always fall on the first Tuesday in October.

Many restaurants, like Taco Bell, are celebrating with taco specials.

Are you celebrating the occasion?

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening this Friday, October 10th, from 4 to 7 p.m., head on down to Café Yumm! in Bend’s Old Mill District to support Think Wild Central Oregon!

20% of sales will be donated to the wildlife rehab hospital to care for its wildlife patients.

Think Wild says the money will fund wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and education programs in Central Oregon.

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KTVZ – News Team

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is inviting the public to view artwork entered in the annual stamp art contest!

That’s happening on Tuesday, November 4th from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the ODFW headquarters in Salem. The event is free and open to the public.

The headquarters will host the display of submissions for the 2026 Habitat Conservation Stamp, Upland Game Bird Stamp, and Waterfowl Stamp art contests.

Visitors will be able to cast their vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ in each category.  

The winning artist in each contest receives a $2,000 award and winning artwork will be used to produce collector stamps and other promotional items with sale proceeds benefitting Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats. 

Sales from the purchase of Waterfowl, Upland Game Bird and Habitat Conservation stamp products help fund research, surveys, habitat improvement and conservation projects.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Celebrate an unforgettable evening of music, community, and connection as the Central Oregon Mastersingers proudly present ‘Rooted in Song’, featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist and composer Moira Smiley for one night only.

That’s happening Wednesday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. At the Tower Theatre in Bend.

As a special highlight of the evening, concertgoers will experience the world premiere of ‘Northern Flicker’ which is a new work commissioned by the Central Oregon Mastersingers to commemorate the choir’s 20th anniversary.

The piece honors the ensemble’s two decades of musical excellence and community impact while also drawing inspiration from the rugged beauty and natural rhythms of the Central Oregon landscape.

During Smiley’s visit, she will also lead outreach workshops with local high school choirs, fostering connection and creativity among the next generation of singers.

Choirs from Central Oregon high schools have been invited to participate as well, with students joining from Trinity Lutheran School, Caldera High School, Bend High School, and more.

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