Author: KTVZ

KTVZ News Partners

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Chamber of commerce announced Sara Odendahl as its new CEO beginning November 3rd.

The full press release is below:

The Bend Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Sara Odendahl as its new CEO effective November 3. Sara has served as the interim CEO since June 30, in addition to continuing her duties as the Chamber’s Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives.

A seasoned government affairs professional, Sara has led the Chamber’s policy and advocacy work since coming on staff in 2023. Sara has been an instrumental member of the Chamber’s leadership team and co-led the organization’s Workforce Housing Initiative and newly launched Regional Business Alliance.

“Sara has gained incredible trust in Bend and Central Oregon for her effectiveness and collaboration in advocating for business at the local and state levels,” said Tia Lewis, Bend Chamber Board Chair. “She is highly respected and will be a steady hand at the helm as the new CEO.”

The Bend Chamber initiated a national search to secure a new CEO in June. To start the process, executive search firms were vetted and The 360 Group was selected as the recruitment partner. The 360 Group is a well-established regional firm that routinely works with a variety of community-focused associations. This partnership enabled the Chamber to identify candidates who understand Bend’s unique place, dynamics, and opportunities. Casting the net nationally allowed for a comprehensive search of strong leaders near and far.

The initial process included in-person stakeholder meetings with Chamber staff, as well as the formation of a selection committee comprised of the five Bend Chamber Executive Board members and six at-large members of the Bend business community. Those early discussions clarified the organization’s cultural attributes, strengths and growth opportunities, challenges, expectations and preferred traits of the new CEO. The results of that due diligence became the basis of a detailed position profile that was shared nationally.

Applications from Virginia to Washington were received and vetted for those that most closely aligned with the Chamber needs. By September, interviews with a select group of candidates began, and, from those meetings, three finalist candidates were invited for in-person interviews. The three finalists provided presentations based on a prompt and written answers to a battery of values-based questions from The 360 Group and the selection committee.

Ultimately, after thoughtful consideration of the information gained from the interview process, the result was a unanimous decision by the selection committee to appoint Sara Odendahl to the permanent CEO position. Her experience and skillset best aligned with the Leadership Profile that was developed and make her uniquely qualified for this high-profile position within the Bend business community.

“It’s an incredible honor to lead the Bend Chamber at such an important moment in our history. Our strength has always come from collaboration—between businesses, community partners, and the people who make Bend thrive. As we approach our 100-year milestone, I’m excited to build on that legacy and ensure the Chamber continues to be a trusted voice and convener for our region’s future,” said Odendahl.

Before joining the Bend Chamber, Sara Odendahl served as an independent consultant supporting the Chamber’s Advocacy Council and leadership team on local and state policy priorities. She brings more than a decade of experience in political consulting and public policy, including extensive work at the Colorado State Capitol advancing initiatives in business, health care, early childhood education, and regional economic development.

Sara began her career in strategic communications, leading public awareness and issue campaigns for advertising and marketing agencies. Since relocating to Bend in 2019, she and her husband, Kent, have co-founded Work-Collective, a thriving coworking community with two Bend locations.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Colorado Denver. Known for her collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and coalition-building skills, Sara is committed to guiding the Chamber into its 100th year and beyond with a focus on partnership, advocacy, and long-term regional prosperity.

The selection committee has the utmost confidence in Sara’s ability to lead, grow and position the Chamber to serve Bend’s businesses and community, while prioritizing thriving businesses of all sizes and livability for all residents.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge in Bend has announced it’s welcoming in Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson, for her ‘Party People: A Cookbook for Creative Celebrations’ book tour, in collaboration with Courtney McBroom, the former Milk Bar Culinary Director.

Bend’s very own Chef Carlos Anthony, who you might recognize from Food Network, will serve a four-course menu inspired by Party People.

Hawk & Huck’s event manager, Alexa Marin, says each ticket will include a signed copy of the cookbook, welcome cocktails, a family-style dinner feast with the celebs, meet-and-greet moments, and a few more fun surprises you’ll have to come and see for yourself!

It’s happening Sunday, November 9th at 6 p.m. and tickets are $200 per person.

Click here to purchase tickets and learn more. Buy now to secure your spot!

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KTVZ

(UPDATE: adding video)

SILETZ, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Lincoln County father has been charged with child neglect in connection with the drowning death of his 2-year-old son, whose disappearance earlier this year prompted an extensive search effort, according to KGW.

Court records show that Aaron Paulsen faces one count of second-degree child neglect in the March death of his son, Dane Paulsen. The charge alleges that Paulsen “unlawfully and with criminal negligence (left) Dane Paulsen … unattended in or at a place, for such period of time as was likely to endanger” the child’s health or welfare.

A Lincoln County grand jury returned the indictment on Oct. 16, and a circuit court judge issued an arrest warrant for Paulsen a week later. His bail was set at $20,000, and he is scheduled to be arraigned on the charge next Monday.

Dane was reported missing from the family’s home along Highway 229 in Siletz in early March. The boy was last seen playing in the front yard, according to law enforcement at the time.

His disappearance triggered a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies — including the FBI — local residents, and volunteers from other regions. Authorities initially circulated a description of a vehicle of interest, but investigators later located the vehicle and ruled out any connection, according to KGW.

Search teams focused on the Siletz River and nearby wooded areas, continuing daylight and overnight operations for several days and extending into a second week.

Ten days after Dane’s disappearance, an independent diver discovered the child’s body in the river roughly three miles downstream from the family’s home, KGW reported. Investigators later determined that Dane had wandered to the river’s edge and drowned. Authorities found no evidence of foul play.

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KTVZ

(UPDATE: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek declared a 60-day “food security emergency” late Wednesday and directed $5 million to Oregon food banks as the nearly month-old federal government closure apparently will mean an end, for now, to food benefits for thousands of Oregonians.

Here is the full news release from the governor’s office:

Governor Kotek Declares Food Emergency, Directs $5 Million to Food Banks, and Calls Oregonians to Action as Federal Shutdown Cuts Off SNAP Benefits

President Trump refuses to use reserve funds during government shutdown, 757,000 Oregonians to lose food benefits

TOKYO — With thousands of Oregonians facing hunger as the Republican-controlled federal government shutdown halts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Governor Tina Kotek today announced a coordinated state response that includes three actions: declaring a 60-day food security emergency, directing $5 million to Oregon’s statewide food bank network, and calling on all Oregonians to support their neighbors in need.

Governor Kotek’s emergency declaration activates state agencies and resources to ensure emergency food can reach vulnerable families while the federal government fails to release taxpayer dollars dedicated for food assistance during a shutdown. The Governor also renewed her call for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release emergency contingency funds already authorized under federal law to sustain SNAP benefits nationwide.

“It’s unacceptable that families are being used as leverage in a political standoff in Washington, D.C.,” Governor Kotek said. “While the Republican-controlled Congress fails to do its job, Oregon will do ours. We stand up for each other, whether it’s fires, floods, or any other crisis. I call on all Oregonians to do what they can to help their neighbors.”

The state’s website for food resource information at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is regularly updated for anyone in need. Go to needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov. People can also call 2-1-1 for referral information.

Emergency Declaration and State ResponseThe Governor’s 60-day emergency declaration establishes a statewide incident command organized by Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). Keeping the declaration active through the months of November and December means Oregonians will have greater access to emergency food during the holiday season.

The declaration will also ensure that when the shutdown ends, Oregon will be best positioned to turn SNAP benefits back on as swiftly as possible. Due to partnerships with vendors, administering benefits can take several days, and the declaration would minimize time to put food on tables.

Immediate Funding for Food BanksThe Governor identified funding that could most quickly be distributed to Oregon’s network of food banks. She has directed ODHS to deploy $5 million from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) carryover funds to Oregon’s network of food banks. TANF carryover is unspent federal TANF funding from prior years that remains available until used. Carryover can support short term crisis benefits without creating new ongoing requirements, which is ideal for this emergency.

This funding will support food purchasing, distribution, and local operations to ensure families can access emergency food boxes.    

A Call to Action: Help Your NeighborsGovernor Kotek issued a statewide call to action for all Oregonians to help neighbors from going hungry and help their communities weather this crisis:

Donate. Donate today here or visit: OregonFoodBank.org/SNAP-Gap. Host a fund drive (the Oregon Food Bank has a guide on how to do this). Support the Regional Food Banks in the OFB Network. Oregon’s food bank network buys in bulk and can stretch your dollar further. If you would like to donate food, like canned goods, check in with your local food pantry to see if they are accepting food donations. 

Share when you shop. Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) is stepping up for Oregonians to donate to Emergency Food Assistance Organizations using Oregon’s Bottle Bill. OBRC is activating its Emergency Fund Oct. 30th – Nov. 30th to support 12 nonprofit organizations providing vital food assistance to Oregonians in need. To help or learn more visit bottledrop.com/food. Oregon’s grocers are also stepping up as they support hunger relief efforts every day and partner with our local food banks. Consumers will start to see in-store checkout campaigns and food collection points at many grocery stores next week to fund holiday meal programs and pantry essentials. She urges other Oregon private businesses to step up too, and the Governor is prepared to leverage public-private partnerships to put food on tables. 

Volunteer. Food banks rely on volunteers to package food, stock shelves, and assist shoppers. Visit Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder (in 19 languages) to access food today or support your local food pantry. If you would like to donate food, like canned goods, check in with your local food pantry to learn if they are accepting food donations and what they need. Check out volunteer opportunities here.

Governor Kotek is also directing the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to expand its ongoing charitable giving campaign to include statewide non-perishable food donations and run through December 5.

Additionally, the Governor will continue to demand that USDA use every available fund of Oregon taxpayer dollars so no Oregonian will go hungry. Earlier this week, she and other Oregon leaders sent a letter to USDA Secretary Rollins.

About SNAP in OregonSNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will continue to provide updates to the public through:

The official website odhs.oregon.gov

The official ODHS social media channels

Partner organizations

Additional media alerts

ODHS encourages SNAP participants to:

Check EBT card balance regularly

Continue following SNAP rules and reporting requirements

Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels

Sign up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case

Know where to find emergency food resources in your community.

Visit the needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov

Visit the ODHS Food Resources website to find local programs and food support.

Visit the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder website.

Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting www.211info.org.

Older adults and people with disabilities: Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.

Sign up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app as the fastest ways to get notifications about your SNAP benefits.

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John Carroll

Riley is in the 4th Grade at Elk Meadows Elementary school and is a fan of the rain. She loves the way it calms things down as well as the smell of new rain on the ground.

She is also a fan of Halloween, dressed today as a clown, a scary clown. Riley is looking forward to “Trick or Treating” this Friday, mainly for the candy but also for the fun. She also enjoys to scare her family members at this time of year.

Thanks Riley for putting on the Clown costume and helping us with the weather.

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Barney Lerten

Update: Thursday morning information from police

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Bend Police, the investigation continues Thursday morning following Wednesday evening’s shooting in the Safeway East parking lot.

“The victim’s injuries were non-life-threatening and he has been treated and released. Detectives believe that this was a targeted incident. The suspect in this shooting is not in custody. As the investigation is ongoing, only limited information is being released at this time,” Sheila Miller, Bend Police Department’s Communications Manager said in a press release.

Update: Official press release from Bend Police Department at 7:53 p.m.

Below is the official press release from the Bend Police Department.

News Release from Bend Police Dept.Posted on FlashAlert: October 29th, 2025 7:53 PM

Date: Oct. 29, 2025  

Case #: 2025-00064718 

Incident: Bend man shot in parking lot of Safeway East 

Date / Time of Incident: Oct. 29, 2025 / 6:07 p.m.  

Location: Safeway East, 2650 NE Highway 20, Bend 

Victim: 18-year-old Bend resident 

At approximately 6:07 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, Bend Police responded to a report of an assault and shooting in the parking lot of Safeway in the 2600 block of NE Highway 20 in Bend.  

When officers arrived, they found an 18-year-old man Bend resident with serious injuries from a gunshot wound. Bend Fire & Rescue transported the victim by ambulance to St. Charles Bend. 

The suspect in this incident is not in custody at this time. Officers believe this was an isolated incident, and that there is not a threat to the general public.  

There is a large police presence in the area as detectives and officers continue to investigate the incident, and we ask community members to continue to avoid the area.

Previous report:

At approximately 6:07 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, Bend Police responded to a report of an assault and shooting in the parking lot of Safeway in the 2600 block of NE Highway 20 in Bend.  

When officers arrived, they found an 18-year-old man Bend resident with serious injuries from a gunshot wound. Bend Fire & Rescue transported the victim by ambulance to St. Charles Bend. 

The suspect in this incident is not in custody at this time. Officers believe this was an isolated incident, and that there is not a threat to the general public.  

There is a large police presence in the area as detectives and officers continue to investigate the incident, and we ask community members to continue to avoid the area.

One person was shot in the parking lot of the East Bend Safeway Wednesday evening and a suspect fled and remains at large, police told KTVZ News.

Numerous law enforcement converged on the parking lot to investigate the reported assault. Nearby St. Charles Bend went into “modified lockout” for a time, though police at the time cited no threat to the general public.

Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller told KTVZ News that the shooting victim was rushed to nearby St. Charles Bend, which went into “modified lockout” for a time.

Earlier, she said officers were quickly on scene of the assault, reported at 6:07 p.m.

“They have a pretty big area cordoned off,” Miller told us.

Bend Police were being assisted in the on-scene investigaton by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Redmond Police.

In a Facebook post around 6:30 p.m., police said, “There is no known threat to the general public at this time.” Miller confirmed to us that was still the case an hour later.

“An investigation will continue for an extended period of time and community members are asked to avoid the area,” police added.

St. Charles Bend Public Information Officer Alandra Johnson told us shortly after 7 p.m., “In partnership with local law enforcement we went into a modified lockout due to the nature of the activity in the area.”

Emergency patients were not diverted elsewhere, Johnson said, as they “continued to screen and allow people into the Emergency Department (while all other doors were restricted.) And that has now been lifted.”

KTVZ News is sending a crew to the scene and monitoring developments and will have more details as they become available.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding Redmond School District)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County School District officials, like others around the region, state and nation, are working to make sure parents know about the options to keep families fed well as SNAP food benefits are poised to be cut until the federal government shutdown is resolved.

Here’s a message that was shared Wednesday with KTVZ News by Crook County Interim Superintendent Joel Hoff, who said, “Beginning next week, the district is expanding several student support services in response to the potential SNAP benefit reductions scheduled to take effect on November 1st.

“We have been collaborating with NeighborImpact and other community partners to identify the most effective ways to support and serve local families in need. Our top priority is to ensure that every single CCSD student has access to the food they need.

“Below is the message that will be shared with our families this afternoon, outlining our efforts to assist students and the ways community members can get involved.”

Dear CCSD Families,

We anticipate that the potential November 1st postponement of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will affect many of our students. Beginning next week, we are taking the following steps to help address this temporary food shortage and provide immediate assistance to our students in need:

🥪 After School Snack Expansion: Elementary schools will now offer sandwiches and snacks to students at the end of each school day for the time being. Additional after-school snack options will also be available at our middle and high schools.

🛍️ Weekend Food Bag Program: Students can take home weekend bags filled with non-perishable food items. You can sign your student up for this program here.

 🤝 Community Partnerships: Local organizations are working hard to connect families with food resources. More information on local food resources for families can be found at Crook County Food Resource Calendar and State of Oregon Food Bank Locator. 

❤️ We Need Your Help: If you’d like to donate non-perishable food items to support our Weekend Food Bag Program, please drop them off at the District Office, located at 471 Ochoco Plaza Dr, Prineville, OR 97754. See the list below for specific requested items.

If you’d prefer to contribute funds to support the Weekend Food Bag Program, please contact the District Office for more information (541-447-5664).

We remain committed to ensuring that every student in our district has access to the nutrition and care they need to be successful. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students and community during this time. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your school or the district office.

Requested Food Donation Items Include:

Granola Cars 

Fruit Cups

Cereal

Oatmeal 

Chips

Crackers

Peanut Butter

Beef Jerky

Canned Soups

Top Ramen

Mac-n-Cheese

Hormel Meals

Pop-Tarts

Popcorn

Tuna

Uncrustables

Pudding

Spaghetti Sauce

Pasta

Bend-La Pine Schools Director of Communications Scott Maben told us, “We will be sharing similar information with our staff and families about community food resources, including these lists from Thrive Central Oregon:

La Pine/Sunriver

Bend

“Keep in mind that Bend-La Pine Schools no longer charges families for any school meals. Breakfast and lunch are free for all. This contributes to food security for many families who will struggle from the SNAP stoppage,” Maben said.

Redmond School District Public Information Officer Logan McGinnis told us, “Redmond School District is committed to ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals each day. Through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, all students in the district receive breakfast and lunch at no cost.”

“Each school has a Family Access Network (FAN) advocate who works directly with families to connect them with local food supports and other essential resources.Families seeking additional community food resources in Redmond and Terrebonne can visit Thrive Central Oregon’s local food resource guide,” McGinnis said.

Jefferson County School District Director of Communications Joseph Prechtl told us, “Our district provides breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost through our participation in the Community Eligibility Provision Program. In addition, students enrolled in our afterschool program receive dinner at no cost. 

“Several of our schools are offering weekend food programs, and have for a while. 

“We also have FAN (Family Access Network) advocates for each school who work directly with families to connect them with local food resources and other essentials supports.

“Those are just some of the ways we are helping our students and families gain consistent access to nutritious meals” Prechtl said. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Oregon Public Utility Commission has approved a small reduction in rates for Cascade Natural Gas customers that goes into effect this Friday.

But the change could be hard to spot, as the average customer’s monthly bill will fall by less than $1, the PUC said Wednesday.

The agency says the small rate decline is the result of several annual filings, including a drop in natural gas prices.

Customer Impact

The combined result of those annual filings means the monthly bill of a typical residential customer, using an average of 56 therms per month, will decrease by $0.86 or 1.39 percent, for a new monthly bill of about $60.74.

The amount bills will fall for each customer varies, depending on customer type (residential, commercial, or industrial) and their energy use.

Reasons for Adjustment

Each year, the PUC reviews the actual cost of natural gas and approves adjustments annually to rates accordingly through a process called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (or PGA).

The PGA allows utilities to pass through the cost of purchasing natural gas to the customers without a markup on the price.

This year, the PUC said, “natural gas prices were moderate, and Cascade Natural Gas collected more than needed from customers last year. As a result, the PGA, combined with decisions on other rate-related filings that also go into effect October 31, resulted in a decrease in customer rates.”

PUC Chair Letha Tawney said, “Oregon’s purchased gas adjustment mechanism reflects that the cost of natural gas is driven largely by regional, national, and global factors outside the utility’s control, but it holds utilities accountable for careful management within those market conditions.”

“We are fortunate this year to see the stabilizing supply and demand of natural gas ease financial pressures on customers,” Tawney added.

It’s the second straight year Cascade Natural Gas customers will see a drop in rates. Last year, the impact of the lower rates was more sizable, as the average residential monthly bill fell by $9.47, or about 13.2%.

Before that, in the fall of 2023, a rate hike increased the average customer’s bill by $2.56 a month, or about 3.2%, and a 25% rate hike in 2022 boosted the average monthly bill by about $15.

Manage Energy Use and Bills

The PUC also offered these tips on ways to manage your natural gas costs:

Explore rebates and energy-saving tips through the Energy Trust of Oregon.

Learn about the CARES bill assistance program, help with past-due bills, and the Budget Pay Program that spreads costs evenly throughout the year, call Cascade Natural Gas at 888-522-1130 or visit their website for more information.

Reach out to local Community Action agencies to find out what other support is available.

Cascade Natural Gas serves more than 75,000 customers in the Bend region and parts of Northeast Oregon.  

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KTVZ – News Team

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — A soapy problem returned to Sunriver as bubbles flowed out of the fountain you see right when you drive in through the main roundabout. The bubbles even covered up the tall Sunriver sign spilling into the roadway.

Suzanne McNally, a visitor to Central Oregon from Portland said, “I was surprised, it’s, like, really cute and wondering what made them happen.”

A worker in Sunriver Village, Wendy Wilson, said, “I was literally driving through the roundabout, and I saw this puff of bubbles. Bubbles so big, like, up in the air. And I was like, what is that? And just kept looking. I was like, huh.”

This is not the first time this has happened, as people have been pulling this prank for years in Sunriver. Officials, say it could potentially impact wildlife as the area is filled with deer and elk migration.

We reached out to Sunriver Police to see how they handle these situations, though we have not yet heard back.

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