Author: KTVZ

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 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Destination Rehab has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation to expand access to free, community-based programs for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease in Central Oregon.

The organization said, “This grant will directly support the launch and growth of three specialized programs: Rock Climbing for Health, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery classes, and Walking Soccer.  These programs are designed to improve mobility, confidence, and social connection for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.”

Operations Director Corey Boudreau told KTVZ News the $15,000 will be combined with funding from other, local grants. 

“The best thing about it is the programs will all be free to participants!  Really cool,” he told us.

Thanks to this new grant funding, they said they are able to expand their programming to meet the needs of more individuals with Parkinson’s in our community. Caregivers are welcomed and encouraged to participate in various ways, fostering shared experiences and deeper connection.

For more information about these programs and to sign up, please visit: https://www.destinationrehab.org/community-programs.  

About Destination Rehab Destination Rehab is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with neurologic conditions through one-on-one physical therapy, fitness, and community programs. By providing accessible opportunities for physical activity and social connection, Destination Rehab helps participants achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

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Barney Lerten

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A climber who reportedly fell dozens of feet at Smith Rock State Park on Friday afternoon was not seriously hurt. In fact, authorities said he was up and walking around a short time later and declined medical treatment.

Redmond Fire & Rescue took the initial call shortly after 3 p.m. to the well-known Monkey Face feature at the popular climbing spot.

Initial, unconfirmed scanner reports were that the climber had fallen some 60 feet from the base of Monkey Face. But a short time later, follw-up reports indicated he was “awake and talking,” telling those on scene he had come off the end of his rope.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers were called out and on their way to the scene to assist when they got word they could turn around and head back, that the climber “was up and walking out,” Deputy Shane Zook told KTVZ News.

Because SAR’s response was canceled and a command post was terminated, no report was taken to flesh out the details, Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney told us.

But DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said he was told: “The climber, miraculously, is okay and walking around, and declined medical care.”

Carr called it “the best-case scenario, given how far the climber fell.”

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bethlehem Inn has launched its annual Harvest for Hope Food Drive to help stock pantries and prepare for the winter season.

Both the Bend and Redmond locations are calling for urgent food donations to support the Inn’s Meal Program, which provides three daily meals for every participant seeking shelter through Bethlehem Inn.

Requested items include coffee, coffee creamer, oatmeal, cereal, snack packs, fruit cups, lunch meat, sliced cheese, granola bars, breakfast bars, fresh fruit, vegetables, and instant soup cups.

The Inn currently serves up to 180 adults and children each day. With the need for food growing as winter approaches, community donations are critical to keeping this program strong.

Contributions can be dropped off Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 20363 Mervin Sampels Road in Bend or 517 NW Birch Avenue in Redmond.

Local businesses are also hosting donation boxes for non-perishable items. A full list of partners and additional information can be found at bethleheminn.org/harvestforhope.

Bethlehem Inn is Central Oregon’s leading emergency shelter, committed to transforming lives together through shelter, help and hope for individuals and children experiencing homelessness.

Services in Bend and Redmond provide shelter, safety, case management services, and over 100,000 meals annually for more than 1,100 individuals.

To learn how to join us in being part of the solution, please visit www.bethleheminn.org. You can follow us on Facebook/BethlehemInnCentral Oregon or @BethlehemInnBend on Instagram.

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — During Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11), the American Red Cross reminds everyone of the dangers of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S. 

Here’s the rest of their news release marking the week and providing some crucial safety tips:

Home fires claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined. To help protect your household, test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.

“Home fires can occur any time, any place,” said Priscilla Fuentes, Red Cross Cascades Region CEO. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. This is critical because fire experts say you may have less than two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late.”

Tips for creating your home fire escape plan and practicing your 2-minute drill:

Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.

Smoke is dangerous. Get low and go!

Decide where to meet once you get outside. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.

Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things.

If a fire starts, you may have less than two minutes to get to safety. Time your fire drill and find out: what’s your escape time?

While practicing your escape plan, teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.

Smoke alarm safety:

Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.

Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. Most of the 65,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year nationwide are home fires. This year alone, local Red Cross Disaster Action teams have responded to more than 490 fires in Oregon and SW Washington.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,479 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. 

Sign up for a FREE smoke alarm installation and education by going to Redcross.org/cascades.http://redcross.org/cascades

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Every October, communities across the nation come together to raise awareness about domestic violence and support those affected by it.

This year, Saving Grace invites Central Oregon to take part in a month-long campaign of events and community action as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)—to honor survivors, bring visibility to survivors’ stories, and foster a community where safety, hope, and healing are always within reach. 

Throughout the month, Saving Grace will host several public opportunities to engage and support local survivors and their families: 

Purple Party at Silver Moon Brewing  October 17th (6 – 11 pm) A community celebration featuring bingo, music, drinks, and a chance to come together in solidarity with survivors. Guests are encouraged to wear purple—the official DVAM color representing courage, survival, and peace. Get your tickets at www.saving-grace.org/dvam  

DVAM Community Events  Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo at Silvermoon Brewing – Sunday, October 5th (10 – Noon) River’s Place Car Show – Saturday, October 11th (11 – 3 pm) Spider City Brewing Pint Night – Friday, October 24th, (5 – 7 pm)  Deschutes Brewing Public House Pint Nights – Tuesday, Oct 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th (4-9 pm)   

Online Raffle Featuring exciting prizes from local businesses, the raffle raises funds to support free and confidential services including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, hospital response, and our 24-hour helpline. Coming soon!   

Not Alone Campaign  Share your story, message of support, or donate to the NotAloneHere campaign, highlighting survivor experiences in our community. www.givebutter.com/notalonehere  

These events come at a time when agencies providing services to survivors across Oregon are facing significant funding shortfalls due to federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) cuts and stalled legislative action. Saving Grace, however, remains fiscally strong thanks to our community, and is committed to continuing our 47-year legacy of standing beside survivors.  

“DVAM is more than a month on the calendar — it’s a call to action,” said Abby Rowland, Executive Director at Saving Grace. “Whether someone has experienced domestic violence firsthand or knows someone who has, October is the time to stand up and say: No one is alone. Not here, not ever.” 

For more information about events, to donate, enter the raffle, or to get involved, visit www.saving-grace.org/dvam. 

About Saving Grace Saving Grace provides free, comprehensive services to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking across Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties. Through crisis support, prevention education, and community engagement, Saving Grace works towards a future free from violence. 

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Barney Lerten

IDANHA, Ore. (KTVZ) — An 85-year-old Redmond man died in a crash on Oregon Highway 22 near Idanha earlier this week, Oregon State Police reported Friday.

Troopers were called out around 11 p.m. Tuesday night to the single-vehicle crash in Marion County.

OSP says their initial investigation has found that Richard Wayne Braxling, 85, of Redmond, was driving a silver Chevy Silverado heading west that left the highway for an unknown reason and rolled over.

Braxling was alone in the pickup and died at the scene, troopers said.

Their on-scene investigation did not close Highway 22.

OSP says it was helped by the Idanha-Detroit Fire District, Lyons Ambulance, the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Terranaut Brewery is marking its first anniversary in Bend this weekend with an all-day celebration, highlighting both its success and the challenges facing local businesses. The milestone comes as many restaurants across Central Oregon grapple with rising costs and higher rents.

The anniversary event runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, featuring new specialty beers unveiled every three hours until 6 p.m. Guests can also enjoy live music, a raffle, and a food truck serving fresh fajitas.

Co-owner Katie Dunbar says building a welcoming space has been key to Terranaut’s growth in Bend’s competitive craft beer scene. “We knew we had to set ourselves apart,” she said. “For us, atmosphere and community were just as important as our brews.”

The celebration will also include a friendly “Hammerschlagen” competition, where participants race to drive nails into a wooden board—a favorite among local brewers.

Terranaut Brewery is located on High Desert Lane, just off Empire Avenue in Bend.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Are you looking for something to do this weekend in Central Oregon? Matthew Draxton highlights three local events, from the return of the Bend Fall Festival to a free costume swap.

For many more and to submit your own events, visit https://events.ktvz.com.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here at KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon’s youth through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. 

We have six incredible community partnerships that we’re highlighting through a monthly segment called ‘Making a Difference’.  

This month we’re spotlighting Assistance League of Bend, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization committed to supporting the local community through a mix of programs and projects. 

“We’re the leading provider of new school clothes for children in need across Deschutes County, where 1 in 10 children are living below the poverty line,” said Ann Schmidt, the vice president of marketing communications for the nonprofit.

Volunteers are passionate about supporting the local community, through a variety of programs like Operation School Bell.

“Operation School Bell is our signature program, and that’s where we provide new school clothes for kids… Having new clothes, it’s not a luxury,” Schmidt said. “When a child can go and pick out the clothes that they want to make sure that they actually fit, that they’re comfortable in them, it boosts their self-esteem, and they’re more likely to actually go to school.”

Another well-known endeavor from the nonprofit is Cinderella’s Closet.

“Cinderella’s Closet is how students can borrow at no cost, all the things they need to show up for Homecoming,” said Schmidt. “Dress, shoes, purse, you know, makeup, everything. We do that again in spring for prom.”

These programs are funded through community donations and fulfill a crucial need—for both kids and adults.

“We also do several programs to support seniors in need. And then we provide comfort items to folks going through cancer treatment,” Schmidt said.

The annual Raise a Glass for the Kids fundraiser is slated to take place November 14th and tickets are still available.

“We are aiming to support about 2,700 children. So 125 times 2700 is a pretty significant investment,” Schmidt said. “How we’re able to bring that to life is through generous donations and fundraising.”

Operation School Bell is taking place now through the end of October. Cinderella’s Closet is also open for Homecoming October 4th, 11th, and 18th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Click here to learn more about Raise a Glass.

Click here to learn more about the Assistance League of Bend.

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