KTVZ – News Team
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening this Saturday, October 11th, at Silver Moon Brewing in Bend, there’s a Moonlight Haunted Market!
Get in the spirit of spooky season–you can shop from local vendors, enjoy live music, and more.
The all-ages market is from 4 to 11 p.m. and is free to attend.
Claire Elmer
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Monday is World Habitat Day, a time for communities around the globe to reflect on the fundamental right to housing and the ongoing challenge of ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.
In Bend, this year’s observance carries special weight as local advocacy group Bend YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) stages an event titled “Remembering Our Neighbors.” The gathering serves to honor residents forced to leave the area because rising costs have made it impossible for them to remain.
Bend YIMBY, a volunteer-driven organization, is dedicated to advocating for an increase in all types of housing throughout the city—ranging from townhomes and apartments to infill development. The group’s central goal is to promote affordability and ensure that people who work in Bend can also afford to live there.
With the city’s rapid growth and soaring cost of living, many long-term residents find themselves priced out of their neighborhoods, resulting in a loss that, organizers say, resonates across the wider community.
“Anyone who’s lived in Central Oregon for some time has likely faced the heartbreak of seeing neighbors and friends uprooted as housing prices climb,” explains John Heylin, volunteer and organizer with Bend YIMBY. “Frankly, the cost of living here is incredibly high, making it increasingly difficult for people to stay. After years of watching friends leave, I wanted to host a memorial event—because those departures represent a real loss for the community.”
The “Remembering Our Neighbors” event goes beyond simply recalling those lost to the housing crisis. The aim is to prompt honest conversations about what Bend stands to lose if the trend persists and to motivate collective action around solutions.
Bend YIMBY hopes the event will spark dialogue about practical steps to address the crisis—such as boosting the overall housing supply and supporting policies that lower barriers and costs for building new homes. The organization’s message remains clear: maintaining Bend’s vibrance depends on enabling residents of all income levels to call the city home.
The “Remembering Our Neighbors” event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday night at Bevel Brewing, creating space for community members to gather, reflect, and chart a path toward a more affordable future for all.
KTVZ
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) announced Monday the five Growth Stage finalists who will compete at the 2025 Bend Venture Conference, taking place October 16–17 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend.
In just a few days, these exceptional finalists will take to the main stage. The Growth Stage competition at BVC highlights companies that have demonstrated significant traction and are poised for rapid expansion. Following considerable due diligence, companies in this category have historically been awarded funding ranging from $100,000 to $ 2.5 million from the BVC LLC and partner venture capital (VC) funds.
In alphabetical order, the Growth Stage finalists that will compete at the BVC are:
Airbuild (Portland, OR) – Airbuild creates modular, self-powered systems that capture carbon, purify water and turn waste into biochar.
Bold Reuse (Portland, OR) – Bold Reuse reduces costs and waste from single-use packaging through reusable packaging systems, a Bold Reuse is critical infrastructure for the circular economy.
MarineSitu (Seattle, WA) – MarineSitu provides marine infrastructure monitoring through their AI software platform, preventing costly interventions, saving time and increasing efficiency.
Photon Marine (Portland, OR) – Photon Marine is building the world’s most capable electric fleet.
Rapta (Tigard, OR) – Rapta supercharges U.S. manufacturing by increasing capacity 30% through eliminating 98% of errors and accelerating workflows 10x faster.
“The Growth Stage finalists are a powerful reflection of where the market is heading,” said Jon Stark, CEO of EDCO. “These companies are proving that innovation and scalability go hand in hand, and the Bend Venture Conference provides the stage for investors to connect with founders who are ready to accelerate their growth.”
Now in its 22nd year, the Bend Venture Conference is the Pacific Northwest’s largest angel investment conference and a hub for entrepreneurship in the region. Since its inception, BVC investors have awarded more than $14 million to startups. The event is the cornerstone of the High Desert Innovation Week, happening Oct 13-17 in Bend, a multi-day program that brings together local entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to showcase the region’s startup resources and celebrate its collaborative culture.
The Bend Venture Conference cannot guarantee that investments will be awarded in any specific amount. The final amounts to be distributed depend on the investment commitments received from third-party investors, as well as the ability of the winning companies and investors to agree on the terms and conditions of the investment.
Tickets for the 2025 Bend Venture Conference are available at bendvc.com.
2025 BVC Title Sponsors
About Bend Venture Conference (BVC) The annual BVC, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. Over the past 22 years, BVC has served to evolve and grow the startup ecosystem throughout Central Oregon and beyond. Since its inception, more than $14 million has been invested in 59 companies as a result of the conference. This year’s conference will gather entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and students at the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon on October 16-17, 2025. bendvc.com
About Economic Development for Central Oregon
EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.
About High Desert Innovation Week
High Desert Innovation Week is an annual celebration of Oregon’s entrepreneurial spirit, held each October in Central Oregon. Organized by the Central Oregon Innovation Network, Cultivate Bend, Bend Outdoor Worx, and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), the week brings together organizations, startups, and innovators from across the region to showcase the unique resources, collaborative culture, and diverse industries that make Oregon a hub for innovation. Over five days, events highlight craft, technology, and community, spanning sectors from consumer products to climate tech and outdoor recreation. hdinnovationweek.com.
Barney Lerten
(Update: Adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man accused of hitting his 5-pound Chihuahua with a shovel last spring was back in court Monday, but a ruling on his mental fitness to proceed to trial was delayed yet again.
The attorney for John Coe Richardson, 76, said his client has undergone two mental health evaluation sessions, but the report of those findings is not back yet, as the evaluator has been involved in an ongoing trial.
Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alison Emerson set a new hearing date for Nov. 3.
As Monday’s brief hearing began, Richardson asked the judge how she was doing. She responded, “Fine, and how are you?”
“Better than I deserve, your honor,” he said, standing beside his attorney in the courtroom.
Richardson is charged with first-degree aggravated animal abuse, a Class C felony, and a misdemeanor count of second-degree animal abuse.
As KTVZ News has reported in our Problem Solvers reports, Richardson suffered severe brain injuries and PTSD during his time as a Marine combat veteran in the Vietnam War. Because of these injuries, his lawyer has said it’s also crucial that he gets two of the three dogs seized from him – Paco and Evie.
Richardson, also acting as his own attorney, has filed multiple motions for dismissal of the charges over the ensuing months, court records show.
In his latest, 15-page summary filed late last month, Richardson again claims his three dogs were seized in late April without a court order and that his property was wrongly seized, including the wrong shovel used in the alleged crime – “correct shovel remains in garage.”
As the latest hearing ended, Emerson told Richardson, “We have received your letters. We just have to get through this step (regarding his mental fitness to proceed) before we can review those.”
“I get it, your honor,” Richardson replied.
Barney Lerten
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County High School Principal Jake Huffman has agreed to pay a $1,000 fine to settle a state ethics investigation over free use of public facilities, including the gym, for his private for-profit wrestling business.
Huffman also recently reimbursed the school district for more than $5,000 in unpaid facilities rental fees, according to the order that goes before the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for a decision on Friday. He said he was unaware he was violating the state ethics law at the time.
The Prineville Review and KTVZ News reported in early May that the ethics commission voted unanimously to open a formal investigation of Huffman’s possible violation of state ethics laws.
Investigators looked into whether Huffman used school resources for the wrestling business, the Central Oregon Wrestling Academy (COWA), without paying the required rental fees.
A stipulated final order on Friday’s ethics commission agenda says COWA used school district facilities without paying any fees from April 2022 to April of this year.
The investigation also found the organization used the high school gym facilities without a contract and without paying a fee until last December, using time and space contracted by a separate non-profit, the Cowboy Mat Club.
The nonprofit told the ethics panel that the two organizations coordinated the use of district facilities to provide instruction for advanced wrestlers, and that the nonprofit contracted with the school district for that use.
From last December through this April, COWA had a facilities use agreemwnt with the district to use the gym without having to pay a fee, “despite being a for-profit business that would have been charged a fee of $20 per hour” under the district’s facilities policy, the order states.
By using school district facilities for COWA practices, it says “Huffman avoided the cost of paying for his private business’s expenses,” — something that “would not have been available,” if not for his official position.
The order says Huffman failed to notify the school board in writing of the “actual confiict of interest each time” COWA used the gym for his wrestling business.
A month ago, Huffman, on behalf of COWA, made two payments to the school district, totaling $5,260, reimbursing the district for the usage fees he should have paid for gym use, the order says.
According to the commission, Crook County School District Superintendent Dr. Joel Hoff has written a letter to the ethics panel, saying Huffman “has taken full responsibility and has paid all retroactive fees to the district.”
Hoff describes Huffman in the letter as “a dedicated and ethical educator who consistently upholds district policies and maintains the public trust (and who is) deeply committed to serving our students, staff and community with integrity.”
Huffman, meanwhile, “contends that there was neither knowing nor intent” to violate state ethics law” and “was unaware that he was committing any violations,” the stipulated order says.
It says he “contends that his involvement with COWA was not a source of material financial gain,” disputing allegations that it had more than $700,000 in revenue. Instead, he said “COWA’s annual gross income is approximately $13,000 and its annual net earnings ranged from an annual loss exceeding $14,200 to a small profit if $1,774.”
The settlement terms include a $1,000 civil penalty, saying Huffman “wishes to conclude this matter … without completing the investigation phase.”
Reached by phone Monday by KTVZ News, Huffman said, “It’s been a really long process, and I’m just looking forward to it being concluded.”
“It hasn’t been an easy thing to deal with, but I’m looking forward to moving on,” he added.
Claire Elmer
(Update: adding new video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Film Festival kicked off Wednesday evening, marking over two decades of celebrating independent film, creativity, and community in Central Oregon.
Known as one of the region’s premier arts events, the festival draws filmmakers and film lovers from around the world—and right here in the Pacific Northwest.
This year’s lineup features dozens of films spanning a wide range of genres and styles. Attendees can also take part in filmmaker panels, workshops, and special screenings designed to deepen the connection between creators and audiences.
Festival organizers say 2025 will bring even more opportunities for engagement. Celin Sevinc, BendFilm’s Director of Programming, says one major change is the event will now run for five full days.
“The main difference between this year and previous years is that we’ve added a whole day to the festival,” Sevinc said. “It’s a five-day-long festival of all sorts of films that appeal to all kinds of audiences. We have a very laid-back vibe in Bend, and all the films, filmmakers, jurors, and special guests are in one place interacting with the audience. There’s just a lot more opportunity to connect between people because of that.”
Screenings and events will take place Wednesday through Sunday at multiple venues across Bend. Organizers say attendees will be able to experience powerful stories that inspire, challenge, and connect.
Tickets, along with the full festival schedule, are available at BendFilm.org. You can view the full event guide here.
KTVZ
McKENZIE BRIDGE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A month after lightning sparked the Foley Ridge Fire in the Willamette National Forest, more than 100 firefighters are still on the scene, working on a shaded fuel break and repair work from the firefighting efforts.
Here’s the final daily update on the Foley Ridge Fire:
Start Date: 09/06/2025
Percent Containment: 79%
Size: 497 Acres
Cause: Lightning
Personnel: 124
The Foley Ridge Fire is 79% contained. This will be the final regularly scheduled written update. Additional information will be shared if any significant changes or activities occur.
Current Situation: The McKenzie River Type 3 Incident Management Team remains in command of the incident. Equipment and firefighting personnel continue work along the shaded fuel break and on suppression repair. As these efforts are completed, resources are being released to assist with other incidents or to return home.
Local Resource Advisors from the Willamette National Forest continue to oversee progress on the shaded fuel break and suppression repair operations. They work closely with crews and equipment operators to ensure all work meets the Forest’s specifications. Supplies and equipment continue to be backhauled off the fire and returned to the cache to be cleaned and refurbished for future use.
Recent precipitation across the fire area has greatly reduced residual heat within the fire perimeter. Firefighters will continue to monitor for hotspots and visible smoke, and conduct mop-up operations as needed.
Equipment and firefighting personnel remain in the area. Please drive cautiously and be aware of crews and vehicles slowing down to enter and exit off the road systems.
Weather: Warmer and drier conditions have returned, with temperatures forecasted to reach the upper 70s through midweek and gusty winds expected through Monday evening. Despite drier weather, further fire growth is unlikely. Another round of precipitation is forecasted to arrive late in the week.
Road Closure Update: Foley Ridge Road remains closed. Highway 242 (McKenzie Highway) is open. For the current status of Highway 242, please visit tripcheck.com.
Forest Closure Update: The Willamette National Forest has reduced an emergency closure order for the Foley Ridge Fire, which was reported Sept. 6, 2025, on the McKenzie River Ranger District. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, has been modified to provide increased access thanks to successful efforts by firefighters to mitigate hazards and complete contingency fire lines. The closure order is in effect Sept. 29, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025, unless modified or rescinded sooner.
Closed Trailheads – Rainbow Falls Trailhead and Separation Lake Trailhead
Inaccessible Trailheads – Foley Ridge Trailhead
For the complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the Foley Ridge Fire closure order, visit
https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/foley-ridge-fire-closure-order
To report a wildfire, please call 911.
Evacuation Update: There are no current active evacuation notices in Lane County.
Harley Coldiron
(Update: Adding the name of the unlicensed day care operator, details from Sheriff observations)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Authorities in Crook County are investigating the tragic death of a toddler who drowned after falling into a small livestock trough at an unlicensed daycare in Crook County. Records from Oregon’s Child Care Safety Portal reveal that Tralina Fulton was running the childcare facility without a state license at the time of the incident.
On September 9, emergency responders arrived at Fulton’s residence and reported seeing 14 children in her care, including several one-year-olds. All were being cared for unlawfully, as state regulations require licensing and strict oversight for facilities with any number of young children.
Deputies said life-saving measures, including CPR, were performed on the child before they were airlifted to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, where the toddler later died. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the body of water involved was a small animal trough on the property.
State regulators emphasize the critical importance of checking a daycare’s license before enrolling children. Alicia Gardiner, director of the state’s Child Care Licensing Division, explained that licensed programs face regular inspections and stringent water safety requirements. “We do inspect licensed facilities regularly to ensure the grounds and physical premises are a safe place for children,” Gardiner said.
The Department of Early Learning and Care has launched a separate investigation into Fulton’s operation, noting that situations like this are handled with “extreme seriousness.” Officials say they are working to identify and contact parents of children at the unlicensed center and will post updates on the state’s child safety portal for public awareness.
Parents are strongly urged to use the child safety portal to research any facility’s license status and reported violations. State law also requires every licensed daycare to display a physical copy of its license, which parents should request to see in person.
Investigations continue as authorities seek to prevent similar tragedies and ensure all childcare programs comply with Oregon’s safety regulations.
Specific rules can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/delc/providers/pages/child-care-rules.aspx .”
Our media partners at the Prineville Review contributed to this report.
Earlier story:
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — On September 9th at 11:45 a.m. Crook County Sheriff’s Office received a call that a 20-month-old had fallen into water at a daycare in Prineville. When deputies and police arrived, they performed CPR until an ambulance arrived.
The 20-month-old was taken to Prineville Saint Charles and then air transported to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland. The 20-month-old, unfortunately, did not survive.
“This is a terrible tragedy for our community, and our thoughts are with everyone involved,” said Crook County Undersheriff Bill Elliot.
KTVZ News was originally alerted to a possible tragic fatal incident in September and made multiple phone calls, emails, and voicemails to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office. At the time, the Sheriff’s Office said the incident was not fatal and wouldn’t release information about the facility.
After KTVZ News and our media partner at the Prineville Review received multiple tips that the infant had passed away, the Sheriff’s Office was once again contacted in October.
KTVZ News has asked the Sheriff’s Office to clarify what type of facility the 20-month-old was in care of, and what type of body of water the toddler fell into. We’ve also reached out to the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care for more information.
It’s not clear when the Sheriff’s Office was made aware that the 20-month-old had passed.
The Sheriff’s Office is still investigating and working closely with the Crook County District Attorney’s Office.
Undersheriff Bill Elliot gives thanks to the Prineville Fire Department and the Prineville Police Department for their assistance.
KTVZ
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – FEMA is proposing new requirements for communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.
The draft plan for Oregon shifts the NFIP’s focus to include protecting fish habitat in floodplains, in response to federal endangered species concerns.
The proposal includes a “no net loss” standard for floodplain development, meaning any new construction or changes within a floodplain would need to be offset elsewhere. The rules would affect 31 counties and 230 communities statewide.
FEMA says the proposed changes are meant to comply with the Endangered Species Act and better protect habitat while reducing long-term flood risks.
The group Oregonians for Floodplain Protection say the plan would add costly new requirements for development, potentially driving up construction expenses and local government costs.
Communities that choose not to adopt them risk losing eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program, which would make residents ineligible for federal flood insurance and disaster assistance.
The deadline to submit written comments to FEMA is Monday, October 6, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Public comments can be submitted through their website.
KTVZ
SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Makin’ It Local is pleased to host their annual October Feed Sisters Food Drive, in cooperation with the Sisters Kawanis Food Bank.
For more information, including a list of events and donation opportunities, please visit www.feedsisters.com.
Volunteers entirely power the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank and have been serving local families in Sisters for over 40 years. As part of the Sisters Kiwanis Community Service Foundation, the food bank remains a vital lifeline for neighbors facing food insecurity.
Over the past few years, the demand for services has increased significantly. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of people helped more than doubled. Last year alone, they welcomed about 3,100 family visits and distributed nearly 100,000 pounds of food — enough to support:
5,500 adults and 1,800 children who are housed
911 adults and 161 children experiencing homelessness
The Food Bank’s mission has always been straightforward: to ensure that every resident in need in Sisters has access to healthy food in a welcoming, low-barrier environment.
Currently, the items needed most are: Peanut butter, strawberry and grape jelly, beef stew, canned chicken, corn flakes, refried beans, beef ravioli, chili, canned tuna, chicken noodle soup, and cream of chicken soup.
Together, we can continue to fight hunger in Sisters — neighbor to neighbor.
Makin’ it Local invites the community to join in supporting local families through food donations and special events this October. Guests who bring nonperishable food items during store hours or at featured events will be entered to win fabulous prizes, including locally made art, gift cards to favorite restaurants such as The McArthur, Open Door, and Frankie’s (formerly Sisters Depot), as well as other surprises.
Ongoing Food Donations at Makin’ it Local Visit Makin’ it Local during regular hours to drop off donations and enter prize drawings. In addition to the prizes and raffle items, Makin’ it Local is matching the first $200 of nonperishable food items donated.
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 am–5:30 pm | Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Location: 281 W Cascade Avenue, Sisters
Special Food Drive Events (all events at Makin’ it Local, 281 W Cascade Ave, Sisters, Oregon)
Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Network Meeting Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 8:30–9:30 am Connect with business and community members over coffee, pastries, mimosas, and more. Chamber members attend free; non-members $10. Donations encouraged—bring nonperishable food items to enter the prize drawings.
Downtown First Friday in Sisters Celebration Friday, October 3, 2025 | 4–7 pm Sip and shop while supporting the cause. Enjoy Oregon wine, cider, beer, sparkling water, and Makin’ it Local’s “famous” gingersnaps and treats. Bring nonperishable food donations for a chance to win a prize. Oregon wines curated by Friends and Vine of Sisters, Oregon. First Friday in Sisters, a monthly event by the Sisters Business Association, is a chance for locals and visitors to come together, explore downtown, and celebrate the businesses that make our community thrive.
Fourth Friday Art Walk at Makin’ it Local Friday, October 24, 2025 | 4–7 pm Celebrate local art and community giving. Purchase raffle tickets to win one of two framed original paintings by Makin’ it Local artists—100% of raffle proceeds benefit the Sisters Kiwanis Foundation. Live music from 4:30–6:30 pm, with wine from Friends and Vine, hors d’oeuvres, and appetizers served. Bring nonperishable food donations to enter additional prize drawings.
Halloween Food Drive at Makin’ it Local Friday, October 31, 2025 | 10 am–5:30 pm A festive way to give back. Donate food items for a chance to win prizes and Halloween goodies. Raffle tickets for original framed paintings benefiting the Sisters Kiwanis Foundation will also be available.
About Makin’ it Local: We’re Makin’ it Local — and we’re all about celebrating Oregon! 🎉
From art and photography to fine crafts, jewelry, ceramics, and unique gifts, our shop is filled with incredible creations by local talent. You’ll find work from our featured artists like Kathy Deggendorfer, Lindsay Gilmore, Rachel Dantona (Hikerbooty), James Parsons (Extreme Oregon), Michelle Snyder (Quail Lane Press), Susan Porteous (Green Bird Press), Julie Hamilton, Susan Luckey Higdon, Kara Frampton (KF Stoneware), Teri Axness (Muddy Ranch Studio), Charlotte Wallace, Jennifer O’Reilly, Erik Abel, Kari Phillips, Miguel Hernandez, Phyllisha Schneider (Novel Pottery), and Ashley Scholtes (Mitch Jewelry).
Our spotlight artists include Megan Marie Meyers, Sheila Dunn, Pete Alport, Christian Murillo, and more.
✨ Come see us for Seriously Great Art ✨ 📍 281 W Cascade Avenue, Downtown Sisters, OR 📲 Follow along: @makinitlocal | makinitlocal.com
Fall Hours (Sept 1 – Oct 31, 2025): Mon–Sat 10 am–5:30 pm | Sun 10 am–4 pm
