Author: KTVZ

Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – After serving the East Bend neighborhood for years, the East Bend Library is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of an era for the community. The branch first opened during the Great Recession, providing much-needed relief as library usage surged and the downtown Bend location became increasingly busy.

“During recessions, we found that library usage goes way up,” said Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg. “Opening the East Bend Library gave our community relief and also positioned us to serve the growing population on the east side of Bend.”

The closure comes as the branch’s lease comes to an end later this year, and library leaders were unable to negotiate an extension.

But the story doesn’t end there. A new Central Library location, set to open in the spring, is nearing the end of construction. Designed with community input in mind, it will feature expanded meeting spaces, children’s discovery areas, and a large collection of books.

Before the doors close, the East Bend Library is hosting a farewell celebration on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 12 to 2 p.m., honoring the staff and patrons who have made the library a beloved local institution. Guests can expect food, refreshments, and a few special treats during the event.

Reflecting on her time at the library, Dunkelberg shared a favorite memory: “I watched a 4-year-old girl walk in and just say, ‘The library.’ It brought home how important this place is in people’s lives. That’s such a special moment.”

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s annual year-end giving campaign is back, and it comes at an important time for the community.

Beginning Thursday, community members can visit centraloregongives.com to support more than 80 local nonprofit organizations working to strengthen the heart of our region during these trying times for nonprofits. 

From tackling affordable housing and supporting mental health services to rescuing animals, protecting our environment, and fueling local food banks, Central Oregon Gives remains the region’s most comprehensive and engaging philanthropic platform.

Donors can explore each nonprofit’s mission and contribute directly to the causes that mean the most to them — all from one easy-to-use online hub.

Returning in 2025!The campaign continues to grow with the Family Giving initiative, designed to inspire the next generation of donors. Families can involve their kids in decision-making, and young donors (under 21) can select a special checkbox to be eligible for this year’s Family Giving Incentive, provided by Mountain Burger, which offers a free dirty soda during the campaign.

This year’s campaign is supported by generous local sponsors, including First Interstate Bank, the category sponsor for Basic Needs. In total, $30,000 in bonus prize funding is available to nonprofits that raise the most in their respective categories.

For every donation of $25 or more, donors also receive a thank-you incentive from a local business—ranging from a cup of coffee or pint of beer to wellness passes or dining discounts. Incentives rotate weekly, encouraging donors to check back often and continue giving throughout the season.

This year’s incentive donors include:

Backporch Coffee

Pinky G’s Pizzeria

Stoller Wine

High Desert Frameworks

Silver Moon Brewing

Cascade Lakes Brewing

Sisters Coffee

Moon Fire & Sun

3rd Street Beverage

Metalheads Boutique

Makin’ It Local

Radian Day Spa

Lay It Out Events

Mt Bachelor

Evoke

Powder House

Hoodoo

Hawkeye & Huckelberry

Old Mill

Worthy Brewing

Snow Dermatology

Tecupfuls

Mountain Burger

Tower Theatre

Last year, Central Oregon Gives surpassed $1 million in donations for the third consecutive year, and since launching in 2018, has helped raise nearly $5 million for over 100 local nonprofits. Every dollar raised goes directly to the participating organizations with no management fees.

Top fundraising organizations will receive:

$15,000 for the overall campaign leader

$2,500 for the nonprofit receiving the most donations of $25 or less

$2,500 for each of the top earners in the remaining categories

Visit centraloregongives.com  to browse nonprofits, make a donation, and follow along as Central Oregon’s generosity unfolds this holiday season.

To partner with Central Oregon Gives as a matching donor or sponsor contact info@centraloregongives.com.

About Central Oregon GivesThe Central Oregon Gives campaign is a project of the Lay It Out Foundation, the non-profit arm of Lay It Out, Inc., publisher of The Source, and producer of several community events..

The program raises funds for Central Oregon nonprofits through tax-deductible donations made via an interactive digital platform at centraloregongives.com.

Each donor who contributes $25 or more receives a thank you gift from a local business, such as a pint of beer or cup of coffee. Donors are also entered to win larger prizes. Nonprofits that raise the most also receive additional donations from generous foundations or local businesses. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire & Rescue crews rushed to put out a pair of house fires reported within 90 minutes of each other on Wednesday. An official says both were linked to home heating causes that serve as a timely reminder for others, with winter weather at hand. 

Shortly after 11 a.m., firefighters were sent to a home in the 61600 block of Southeast Evie Drive, east of 27th Street and north of Reed Market Road, where residents reported smoke was coming from their fireplace, Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said.

The fire was found to be limited to the gas insert fireplace. Wood had been added to the gas fireplace insert and turned on. The wood ignited and, as the fireplace was not designed for this type of fire, started to smoke inside the house and through exterior vent, Derlacki said.

The fire was extinguished with minimal damage to the house and contents, but Derlacki said the insert will need to be replaced. All three occupants evacuated safely, and damage was limited to the insert, about $2,500. 

“This is a good reminder to always use heating appliances as designed,” Derlacki said. “Whether it’s a gas fireplace insert, a space heater, or outdoor propane heater, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on safe operation.”

“A common issue we see this time of year is when outdoor heaters are brought into unventilated spaces such as garages, shops, or enclosed tents, the fire official added. “The outdoor heaters produce a large quantity of carbon monoxide. If the heaters are not ventilated, the CO can build up and create a hazardous atmosphere.” 

Derlacki also spoke with KTVZ News on scene: “Those instant fire logs are usually wood shavings that are packed together really tightly, with some natural binder, so it’s not toxic when it burns. They’re great for getting fires started. A lot of people use them in woodstoves, or out camping – but again, they’re not designed to go into gas fireplaces like that.”

The second fire was reported around 12:20 p.m. by the property owner in the 64300 block of Deschutes Market Rod. The owner was on site and had lit a fire in a woodstove inside an unused manufactured home, Derlacki said.

Shortly after the fire started, smoke was seen coming from the roof, and he called 911. Crews arrived quickly and began fighting the fire.

Derlacki said Wednesday’s gusty winds spread the fire in the concealed roof space as crews worked to extinguish it. The fire was eventually stopped, but the 1978 manufactured home is considered a complete loss, at $10,000.

“In this case the woodstove had not been used for many years, and it’s unknown the condition of the flue or attic space before the fire was started,” the fire official said.

“Having your woodstove inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional can greatly lessen the chance of these types of fires,” Derlacki said. “They can ensure the flue is still properly connected, that no combustibles have made contact with the flue in the past year, and that the flue is thoroughly cleaned from any creosote buildup.

“Burning clean dry firewood will ensure a good clean fire and reduce the creosote buildup over the winter,” he added.

Bend Fire encourages anyone who has any questions about their fireplace to contact them, a heating and cooling company or your friendly neighborhood chimney sweep.

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KTVZ

(Adding video and quotes from Sheriff Ty Rupert and La Pine Resident Jamie Donahue)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s office held its first of a multi-city town hall tour.

The town hall on Thursday was about re-establishing trust between the sheriff’s office and residents of Deschutes County.

Trust which was broken after years of turmoil.

This town hall was a step in the right direction.

Sheriff Ty Rupert spoke about earning the publics trust during the town hall.

Sheriff Rupert said, “so I ask you not to trust me right now because I’m a person I trust, I’m a person of my word. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t, but you give me time, and I can assure you that I will show you that you can trust me and that you can trust our office.”

Throughout the evening, Sheriff Rupert spoke about his history with the department, his goals for the future, and overhauling the culture of the department.

During the question and answer portion of the event, residents shared their frustrations about the department, and specifically how they feel like they’re left behind.

“There’s a lot of changes last year. It feels like we got stripped of everybody that we cared for. wholehearted call them family. They all knew who we were. Our seniors felt comfortable with their people. They knew they felt comfortable there,” Jamie Donahue, La Pine Seniors and Activity Center Executive Director said at the Townhall “I just feel that our community has lost a lot.”

While there was some tension on Thursday, the evening ended with a moment that was as heartwarming as it was meaningful; a hug between a frustrated resident of La Pine and the sheriff.

A hug to rebuild that trust that’s been lost.

Thursdays town hall was just stop one on the multi-city tour of deschutes county.

But Sheriff Rupert told KTVZ his goal for this tour is to rebuild trust with the community

At the end of the event, the sheriff announced that he’d be seeking a full “elected” term as Sheriff of Deschutes County, 

But he was quick to mention, the election is not his first priority. Rather his priority is the stability of the department.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is launching a series of community town hall meetings, beginning with the first event in La Pine on Thursday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the La Pine Senior & Activity Center.

Hosted by Sheriff Ty Rupert, these town halls provide an opportunity for residents to engage directly with the Sheriff’s Office, ask questions, share concerns, and offer ideas to help shape the future of public safety in their communities, the agency said Wednesday.

“I believe in being open, honest, and real with the people we serve,” Rupert said. “We work for the taxpayers, and they deserve to have direct access to their Sheriff. These town halls are about rebuilding trust, hearing what’s on people’s minds, and understanding directly from citizens on how we can better serve them.”

Following the La Pine event, additional town halls are planned in Sunriver, Sisters, Terrebonne, and Bend. Dates and times for those meetings will be announced soon.

For updates on future town hall dates and locations, visit sheriff.deschutes.org or follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on social media.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert Museum announced Wednesday a new honor, the first of its kind in the region, called the Schnitzer Prize of the West, that will award $50,000 annually to an individual or small group whose work addresses environmental and conservation challenges of the American West.

The initiative will have a particular focus on honoring innovation, social impact, and uncommon collaboration, the museum said. The open call for self- and third-party nominations runs on the High Desert Museum’s website began Wednesday and runs through January 1, 2026.

Here’s the rest of the prize announcement:

In a moment when the American West—and the world-at-large—is confronting unprecedented ecological challenges, the Prize seeks to highlight innovative responses to urgent issues such as water scarcity, tribal rights and sovereignty, land-stewardship, changing climate, and more—offering models that can be replicated in other areas of the country facing similar pressures.

Since its founding in 1982, the High Desert Museum has been dedicated to sharing the stories of the High Desert through wildlife, art, cultures, history, and interdisciplinary experiences, creating a shared connection and dialogue among its community.

The Prize builds on this commitment to conservation and on past initiatives such as the Earle A. Chiles Award—which recognized significant “Win-Win” contributions to managing the High Desert region’s natural resources—as well as the Museum’s partnership with lifelong Portland resident and West Coast businessman Jordan D. Schnitzer, a dedicated steward of the local community and the region’s advancement.

“The Schnitzer Prize of the West is an exceedingly timely and relevant effort to shine a light on the innovators, collaborators and visionaries among us,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D, Executive Director of High Desert Museum. “Their work demonstrates that we can look toward our future together even as we consider the economic and ecological challenges before us.” 

“The Schnitzer Prize celebrates remarkable individuals and teams, who through their uncommon collaborations, are producing actionable solutions to the legacy challenges we face in the West,” said Jordan D. Schnitzer, President of Schnitzer Properties and The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

Administered through the High Desert Museum, Prize nominations and applications will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of advisors comprised of former tribal leaders, ranchers and farmers, water policy and river restoration practitioners, a poet laureate and renowned historian, directors of prominent academic centers that focus on the study of the American West and more. To learn more about this dynamic group, visit the High Desert Museum website.

The Prize is now accepting nominations, and selected nominees will be invited to submit a formal application in early 2026. Nominations not selected in this inaugural cycle will automatically carry over for two forthcoming cycles. The Prize Winner will be announced in the spring of 2026. In addition to the $50,000 cash prize, the Winner will also receive a unique piece of art during an award ceremony in Portland, Oregon.

For more information on the Schnitzer Prize of the West, nomination eligibility, and selection process, please visit highdesertmuseum.org/schnitzer-prize.

About Jordan D. Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation

Jordan Schnitzer has a vibrant legacy supporting the High Desert Museum. He is the visionary and sponsor of the Schnitzer Prize of the West.

Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Jordan carries on the legacy of his late parents and their belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the CARE Foundation and its leaders have given over $300 million to fund hundreds of nonprofit projects that touch lives and enrich communities.

Schnitzer is also a prominent West Coast businessman. He is President and CEO of Schnitzer Properties, one of the West Coast’s Top 10 private real estate owners with offices in six Western states. Schnitzer is also an ARTnews Top 200 Art Collector globally and shares his vast contemporary art collections at no charge to museums and institutions and supports accompanying programming, educational opportunities and publications.

About the High Desert Museum

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes National Forest firefighters are continuing pile burning operations Wednesday across the forest, officials said.

Here’s the Forest Service roundup of current pile burning locations:

The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District will conduct pile burning operations 10 miles northwest of Bend and about five miles north of Tumalo Falls. Ignitions are planned on up to 246 acres. Ignitions may continue in this area throughout the week, if conditions are favorable.

Residents along Skyliners Road and in Bend are encouraged to keep doors & windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning.

The Crescent Ranger District is planning to conduct up to 229 acres of pile burning including 8 miles southeast of La Pine, with 29 acres directly adjacent to the Wickiup Estates subdivision and other units within a quarter mile to the northwest, east and south.

Burning operations on 17 acres are planned 12 miles south of Crescent and just south of the Highway 97 and 58 junction. One acre is planned on the north side of Highway 58 in the Odell Lake area. Smoke may be visible from Highways 58 and 97 and Wickiup Reservoir.

Residents in Wickiup Estates and La Pine are being encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts, which are most likely overnight and in the early morning.

Firefighters implement pile burning to reduce vegetation generated from active forest management such as timber sales and pre-commercial thinning treatments. The piles are concentrations of leftover materials associated with vegetation management activities being done to help maintain and restore forest and ecosystem health while reducing hazardous fuels loading.

Piles may smolder, burn, and produce smoke for several days after ignition. Once ignited, firefighters monitor piles until they declare the piles out. Please do not report ignitions. While smoke may linger in the area, removing these large accumulations of woody debris during the winter months minimizes fire danger.

Pile burning operations are carefully planned and implemented under specific conditions. Firefighters work with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Forestry smoke forecasters to identify conditions that will minimize smoke impacts on people and communities. While prescribed burn officials take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after ignitions. Most smoke impacts occur during the night and early morning hours.

For more information on pile burning and smoke preparedness in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive prescribed burn text alerts. Follow along on X @CentralORFire.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Motorcyclists of Central Oregon will be putting on a motorcycle toy run this Saturday, November 8th, to gather toys and gifts as well as fundraise to support families in need in our community.

All proceeds will support the Marine Corp League Detachment 1308.

They are partnering with Summit Health and Veterans of Central Oregon and taking over what Toys for Tots has done in the past, as Toys for Tots will not be in operation in Central Oregon this year.

Last year, Toys for Tots distributed to over 8,000 children throughout Central Oregon.

Motorcyclists of Central Oregon was established in 1996 with the mission to bring motorcyclists from all local groups, clubs and independents together to support our communities, primarily around Christmas time with toy drives.

Saturday’s toy run will be at General Duffy’s in Redmond from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be arm wrestling, axe throwing, and corn hole competitions, a strolling poker run, kid’s games, live music and other fun activities.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — November 6th marks a special milestone for Central Oregon’s News Leader.

KTVZ is celebrating 48 years of serving Central Oregon.

Since first signing on the air in 1977, KTVZ has grown right alongside our region – evolving with the communities we’re proud to serve.

While some faces have changed over the years, our commitment to Central Oregon has never wavered.

Our mission continues: telling your stories with integrity, innovation, and a deep connection to the place we call home.

As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary, we want to say thank you for welcoming us into your homes, your businesses, and your lives for 48 incredible years.

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Cami Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Design conference is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year—and for the first time, the event will be held at the OSU-Cascades campus, marking a new chapter for this popular gathering.

The conference, which unites artists, designers, and makers from diverse backgrounds, is known as a unique place to explore ideas around branding, advertising, and sparking new creativity.​

It’s a gathering of artists, designers, and makers from all sorts of backgrounds. The event offers attendees a chance to reexamine their businesses’ branding, discover new advertising strategies, and most importantly, gain fresh inspiration.

Shannon Lipscomb, associate dean at OSU-Cascades, emphasized the campus’s role as a community hub: “One of our goals at OSU-Cascades is to really be a place of gathering and of learning for people of all ages and in all areas of life. And so the Bend Design conference, being here on campus, we’re excited for community members to come learn about campus, to come learn together.”

The conference runs Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring speakers and engaging sessions throughout the day. Artists participating in the conference will also open new exhibits at the Scalehouse Gallery in downtown Bend. Then, Saturday will feature a series of hands-on workshops, offering even more ways to connect and learn.​

Workshop ticket prices vary depending on how many you’d like to attend, but for students at OSU-Cascades, the conference is free with a valid student ID. Tickets and full conference details can be found here.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — The Bend Park and Recreation Board is taking a closer look at how city tax breaks and development incentives could affect the long-term funding of parks and community spaces.

During this week’s meeting, Park District officials discussed how tax exemptions and financing tools—such as tax increment financing (TIFs)—are being used to promote affordable housing and spur redevelopment across Bend. While those programs are designed to support city growth, board members said they may also reduce the revenue that funds essential services.

Board Director Jodie Schiffman voiced frustration over the growing disconnect between the district and the City of Bend. She emphasized that the two agencies are not operating in alignment, and that existing tax exemption programs are limiting the amount of property tax money directed to local services, including parks.

Park Planner Rachel Colton explained that while the city’s focus on growth brings opportunity, it also comes with trade-offs. “Unfortunately, we don’t have many mechanisms to offset lost revenue,” she said. “Our primary funding comes from property taxes, system development charges, and user fees. Beyond potential bonds or levies, there aren’t many ways for us to recoup those funds.”

According to city estimates, current and proposed tax exemptions could total around $40 million in foregone revenue for local districts over the next 30 years. That figure has prompted park leaders to ask difficult questions—chief among them, how to replace the lost funding and how much influence the Park District has in the city’s tax decisions.

“For the TIF districts, those are specified by Oregon law,” Colton noted. “But we have no approval authority over them.”

Colton added that property taxes are what sustain the district’s daily operations. Reductions through exemptions and TIFs, she warned, directly impact park programs. “For example, a projected $800,000 loss in property taxes equals the amount we provided in scholarship programs last year,” she said.

These discussions are expected to continue through the fall as Bend evaluates its housing and redevelopment strategies.

City and park officials alike acknowledge that finding a balance between growth and sustainability will be one of the community’s biggest fiscal challenges in the years ahead.

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