Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Culver’s sense of community got a major boost thanks to one local’s dedication. This month, our Pay It Forward segment spotlights resident Cindy Dix, who was recognized for her relentless efforts and work in making a new recreational space in Culver a reality.

With the support of Mid Oregon Credit Union and Dutch Bros Coffee of Central Oregon, Cindy Dix received this month’s Pay It Forward award — a $500 gift as thanks for years of fundraising and commitment to her community.

Cindy was presented with the award as a surprise during the grand opening of Culver’s newest skate park and pickleball courts — a project she was instrumental in making a reality. After years of selling scooters and making caramel corn to raise funds for the project, this award is simply the cherry on top.

“What makes me the happiest is seeing all these kids behind me on their skateboards and down at the other end on their bikes,” Cindy shared after the unexpected announcement, adding, “It means a lot that people know I just gave my all for this project and kept working. There were a ton of people that helped out, but it means a lot to be appreciated”.

School officials and students joined in the celebration, presenting Cindy with a book signed by elementary students expressing their gratitude for the new outdoor play spaces.

Culver Schools superintendent Stefanie Garber praised Cindy as “the example for all of us of what it means to pay it forward,” while Kyle Frick of Mid Oregon Credit Union presented the award, saying, “Thank you for all you do”.

Thanks to Cindy’s dedication and the wider community’s support, the new skate park and pickleball courts now offer fresh opportunities for kids to play and families to gather, boosting safety and active recreation in Culver.

KTVZ and its partners encourage nominations for future Pay It Forward — if you know someone making a positive difference in Central Oregon, you can visit the page here for more details.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 29-year-old snowboarder was rescued Sunday afternoon after being injured on the Cinder Cone at Mt. Bachelor, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. 

Deputies say Search and Rescue volunteers were called out just after 12:30 p.m., when the man fell and hit a rock while riding, resulting in severe pain to his hip and ribs. Because of steep terrain and limited access, Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol requested help from Search and Rescue to safely bring him off the mountain. 

A team of fifteen volunteers hiked up to the location to reach the injured snowboarder. After stabilizing him, they carefully carried him down to a snowcat access road, where Mt. Bachelor staff used a snowcat to transport him to the West Village parking area. 

Bend Fire & Rescue then took the snowboarder to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for further evaluation and treatment shortly after 5 p.m. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to its Search and Rescue volunteers, Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, and Bend Fire & Rescue for their swift response and teamwork during the incident. 

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — A beloved Pacific Northwest favorite is making its way to Bend. Signs are officially up at the new Elmer’s location on NE 3rd Street, which is taking over the building formerly home to Shari’s Restaurant. 

The family-style eatery, known for its hearty breakfast plates and welcoming atmosphere, is putting the finishing touches on the space. This week, the exterior received a fresh coat of paint accented with Elmer’s signature blue trim. Outside, banners are up advertising job openings, and newly installed neon signs are lighting up anticipation for the grand opening. 

Elmer’s plans to officially open its doors to the public on November 24th, just in time for the holiday season—a perfect addition for locals and visitors looking for a warm, homestyle meal in a familiar setting. 

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nearly four years after the death of Barry Washington Jr., dozens gathered in downtown Bend this weekend to celebrate his life and unveil a permanent memorial in his honor. The crowd filled the corner of Northwest Wall Street and Oregon Avenue—the same place where Washington was tragically killed in 2021—to dedicate a new bronze plaque marking his memory.  

Family members, friends, and community leaders spoke at the ceremony, including Washington’s mother, LaWanda Roberson, and Redmond City Councilor Clifford Evelyn. Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler reflected on how the community united following the tragedy, saying that the memorial symbolizes not only remembrance but resilience. “As someone who has been a prosecutor and a victims’ rights attorney, I’ve seen how gun violence shatters lives,” Kebler said. “I’m proud of our community and how we have followed through—today is a momentous occasion, and we will continue to remember Barry”.   

The 2.5-foot bronze plaque, created by Noble Bronze, features Washington’s image along with a Bible verse and a personal quote. It stands on the sidewalk at the corner where his life was taken. The project was entirely funded by community donations through the grassroots group Central Oregon Earthseeds, without taxpayer money, and was approved under the City of Bend’s “Memorials and Monuments in Public Rights of Way” program.  

Washington, who had recently moved to Bend from the Bay Area, was 22 when he was shot outside a nightclub in September 2021. The encounter began after he complimented a woman and escalated into a confrontation with her fiancé, Ian Cranston.  

In 2022, a jury convicted Cranston of first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon, sentencing him to ten years in prison.  

For many in Bend, the memorial represents more than remembrance—it is a call for unity and compassion.  

Saturday’s dedication, marked by emotion and solidarity, reinforced a collective commitment to healing. For Bend residents, the monument now stands as a lasting testament to Barry Washington Jr.’s life—and to the community’s continuing pursuit of justice and togetherness. 

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Aerial Arts is taking Halloween at the Old Mill to new heights, bringing its annual spooky showcase back to the community.

“They put on a really big Halloween spectacular for all the kiddos to do their trick-or-treating,” said owner Kendall Knowles. “We’ve been putting on a Halloween show where our performance troupe, about nine performers this year, will each do their own solo act, being scary, spooky, or just plain crazy.”

Knowles said the tradition has become one of the studio’s favorite community events.

“It’s so much fun to see the kids’ reactions,” she said. “Each of our performers really leans into their character, some are creepy, some are funny, and all of them are amazing to watch.”

Knowles said her journey to opening Central Oregon Aerial Arts began more than a decade ago.

“I grew up here, we moved up here in 1989 from California,” she said. “I went to college in Reno, Nevada, and got really involved in the arts community there. I moved up here in 2012 and opened Central Oregon Aerial Arts in 2013.”

Instructor Lauren Fletcher said the studio offers a welcoming environment for anyone interested in trying aerial arts, even those with no prior experience. “We love people who’ve never done it before,” Fletcher said. “We teach everybody individually. You can drop in any time, learn a few poses, and get a few picture-worthy moments while getting stronger.”

Fletcher said what makes the studio unique is how personal the experience is.

“Everything is connected to the person,” she said. “As quickly as you need or as slow as you need, we’re going to make sure you’ve got exactly what you need.”

She added that the art form has flourished locally. “We’ve definitely seen aerial arts explode,” Fletcher said. “As the longest standing studio in Central Oregon, we’ve had a chance to really watch it go from a small art form to a performance-based community.”

The group’s Halloween show is one more way they’re sharing that art, and a little bit of Halloween magic, with Central Oregon.

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Barney Lerten

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Court of Appeals has affirmed the long-debated rezoning of 710 acres west of Redmond for 10-acre rural homesites, but the fight still may not be over.

The court’s 34-page ruling (see below) affirmed the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals decision to uphold Deschutes County’s approval of the rezoning from exclusive farm use to residential zoning.

Since the initial land-use process in 2022, the plans actually have come before county commissioners twice, the second time on a LUBA remand, and Commissioners Tony DeBone and Patti Adair have voted in favor, with colleague Phil Chang opposed.

One key issue has been poor-quality soil in that location: “It grows rocks,” Adair said before last year’s vote.

Land-use watchdog groups Central Oregon LandWatch and 1000 Friends of Oregon have been fighting the plans from the start, along with area farmers and ranchers and several state agencies concerned about conversion of farmland to rural housing. Issues have ranged from water supplies to loss of wildlife habitat.

Below are a news release from the project developers, a statement from Central Oregon LandWatch and the ruling itself:

Oregon Court of Appeals Affirms Deschutes County’s Approval of Rural Residential Rezoning for 710-Acre Property

Redmond, OR, October 22, 2025 — The Oregon Court of Appeals (COA) has issued a final ruling affirming the decision of the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) to affirm Deschutes County’s decision to rezone a 710-acre parcel northwest of Redmond from Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) to Rural Residential (RR-10).

Dale Stockamp, the lead investor in 710 Properties, LLC, the applicant that sought approval of the zone change, commented: “We are thankful that, based on the science, evidence, and land use law, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed both Deschutes County’s and the LUBA’s affirmations of our zone change application. As the majority owner of the project, and with my commitment to give all my profits to the great work that non-profits here in Central Oregon and beyond are doing, I hope this is the end to land use appeals, the cost of which will only reduce the financial resources that will be earned by the project to benefit tens of thousands of people.”

This COA affirmation is another successful milestone for 710 Properties in a lengthy legal process involving appeals challenging the County’s initial 2022 approval. The case before the COA involved multiple petitions and unsuccessful arguments challenging LUBA’s order. The Court addressed various assignments of error raised by petitioners: Redside Restoration Project One, LLC; 1000 Friends of Oregon, Central Oregon LandWatch, and neighbors of 710 Properties. Key issues revolved around interpretations of land use regulations, the definition of agricultural land, and adherence to procedural requirements. The court rejected all challenges and affirmed LUBA’s final order and decision.

LUBA affirmed the County’s determination that the land is not suitable for farm use due to poor soil quality, lack of irrigation water rights, and challenging topography. The COA also found that LUBA and the County sufficiently evaluated potential impacts on nearby agricultural operations and determined that rezoning would not interfere with ongoing farm practices.

Over the past few years, though no profit has yet been made, 710 Properties, LLC, the legal entity behind The Peaks 360 rural residential housing community, has demonstrated its long-term commitment to investing in Central Oregon’s communities through consistent financial contributions to key nonprofit organizations. Donating over $300,000, including $25,000 annually to Furnish Hope, NeighborImpact, and The Giving Plate reinforces its role as more than just a real estate development—it’s a sustainable means for strengthening the region’s social and environmental fabric.

The subject property—largely undeveloped—had been designated for agricultural use for decades but has no history of agricultural use as it lacks the infrastructure, water rights, and productive soil necessary to support successful agricultural operations. The approved rezoning allows for a thoughtfully planned, low-density rural residential development while maintaining Deschutes County’s oversight of environmental and community impacts.

About The Peaks 360

The Peaks 360 is a 710-acre rural residential housing community located northwest of Redmond, Oregon. Designed to meet the changing needs of homebuyers while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability, it stands apart by dedicating the majority of its proceeds, including the majority owner’s commitment to give all their profits to nonprofits, including many local nonprofit organizations that strengthen the Central Oregon community.

For more information about The Peaks 360 and its community-driven initiatives, visit www.thepeaks360.com.

Statement from Central Oregon LandWatch:

COLW is disappointed that Deschutes County’s decision to rezone these 710 acres has been affirmed. 

Together with our co-appellants, we are considering next steps.

This land is native sagebrush-juniper rangeland that neighboring ranchers were ready and willing to utilize to support their livelihoods. 

This land also serves as winter refuge for our region’s imperiled mule deer herds.

Commissioners Patti Adair and Tony DeBone voted to remove this land from the exclusive farm use zone, while Commissioner Phil Chang opposed.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) had all submitted a joint, three-agency letter opposing the development as contrary to law and noting the risks to the agricultural land base, the aquifer, and wildlife habitat.

Carol Macbeth, Staff Attorney for Central Oregon LandWatch, said:

“This land is precisely the type of agricultural land that our state’s land use system was created to protect from sprawl. Nevertheless, two out of three Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners chose to disregard community needs and interests, ignore the concerns raised by agriculturalists, wildlife biologists and land use experts, and instead grant the wishes of luxury developers. LandWatch’s work to safeguard the working lands that make our region one-of-a-kind continues, and this disappointing decision strengthens our resolve.”

Oregon Court of Appoeals rulingDownload

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — High winds are moving through Central Oregon causing power outages throughout the region. A KTVZ News photojournalist reported that all of downtown Bend lost power, including streetlights. Video shows stores still operating, even without lights.

Street lights in downtown lose power.

A store in downtown Bend, operates in the dark.

Downtown Bend patrons head indoors after strong gusts.

A tree topples in Drake Park from gusts.

You can track power outages in your community here.

Pacific Power sent KTVZ News this statement in preparation for today’s inclement weather:

Pacific Power is monitoring an approaching storm that could impact customers in parts of Oregon and California this weekend. The weather forecast indicates the potential for strong winds and rain beginning Friday night into Sunday, which could increase the potential for power outages.   

Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the storm, and crews are on standby ready to respond to weather-related outages. 

Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages. State and local emergency management organizations also recommend that Oregonians and Californians have an emergency plan and be prepared for up to 72 hours without essential services.  

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services announced Friday the opening of its new nature-based occupational and physical therapy clinic, a space where children can build strength, confidence, and connection through movement, outdoor experiences and hands-on interaction with animals and nature. 

Here’s the rest of the organization’s news release:

Unlike conventional therapy settings, this clinic replaces fluorescent lights and sterile walls with open skies, fresh air, and the gentle presence of animals. Here, therapy happens not just on a mat or table, but in motion: on sensory trails, in gardens, alongside farm animals, and in dynamic spaces designed to spark curiosity and joy. 

“There’s something uniquely powerful about connecting with animals and nature,” said Polly Cohen, Executive Director. “When children move with purpose, when they reach, climb, play, and explore, they don’t just meet their therapy goals. They build confidence, resilience, and a deeper sense of belonging in the world around them.” 

Nature-based occupational and physical therapy integrates evidence-based pediatric care with the therapeutic benefits of the natural environment. Research shows that children often regulate more easily outdoors, engage more fully with their therapists, and build motor and sensory skills in ways that feel less like therapy and more like play. 

The new clinic includes: 

Two dedicated pediatric therapy rooms designed for occupational and physical therapy, supporting personalized, goal-oriented sessions.  

A fully equipped therapy gym to build strength, coordination, and functional movement.  

Farm animal interaction zones, where children practice purposeful movement, sensory processing, and communication skills in a calm, motivating environment.  

Outdoor sensory trails and play areas that turn exploration and movement into powerful therapeutic tools.  

This expansion builds on Healing Reins’ 26-year legacy of serving Central Oregon through adaptive horsemanship, physical and occupational therapy utilizing equine movement, mental health services, and specialized programming for veterans and first responders.

By adding pediatric nature-based occupational and physical therapy services, Healing Reins meets a critical and growing need in Central Oregon. 

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KTVZ

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County authorities are investigating an incident in which gunfire from apparent target shooting crossed a canyon and struck near a worker in the Opal Springs area southwest of Culver, according to Sheriff Jason Pollock.

Pollock said in a Facebook post late Thursday that deputies were called on Tuesday to a report of shots fired in the canyon between Crooked River Ranch and Culver. An employee of Deschutes Valley Water reported hearing rounds hitting the gravel close to a building where he was working.

Map of shots fired investigation.

Deputies and detectives responded and determined the shots came from the Crooked River Ranch side of the canyon, on Bureau of Land Management property near the far north end of the ranch, Pollock said.

The sheriff said evidence indicates someone had been target shooting at an old garbage can about 30 yards from the canyon rim — apparently unable to see what was beyond their target.

Because of the steep elevation drop separating the two sides of the canyon, bullets that passed through the target continued across the canyon and landed near the worker’s location, Pollock said, adding that no one was injured.

Pollock said the sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate and is reminding recreational shooters to always be sure of their backstop – and to know what lies beyond the area they are shooting toward.

Anyone with information about what happened is being asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 541‑475‑6520 and ask for Deputy Brandon Talbott.

Pollock told KTVZ News on Friday that he had no new information to share about the investigation.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Bend Fire and Rescue, a 911 call shortly before 4 a.m. Friday morning led responders to a storage facility on Bend’s east side, where a caller reported smoke coming from the building.

Upon arrival, crews spotted smoke coming from the Storage Solutions complex on Twin Knolls Drive. They quickly extinguished the fire and worked with the owner of the storage complex and its managers to identify and notify those with units impacted.

The fire is still under investigation but Bend Fire said it appears to have been accidental. Damages are estimated to be around $125,000.

Read the full press release below:

“A passerby called 911 just before 4am Friday morning after noticing smoke coming from a storage complex that backs up to Bear Creek Rd at Janalee Pl. Crews responded to the area and searched both storage complexes in the area until finding smoke coming from a building in the Storage Solutions complex on Twin Knolls Dr. Fire was found in one unit and spreading to adjacent units in that building. The fire was quickly extinguished, and crews began removing contents from adjacent units to prevent further damage to property.  

The owner of the storage complex and the managers assisted in identifying the owners of the individual units and notification will be on going. The fire is still under investigation but appears to be accidental. The building damaged consisted of seventh (17) 10ft x 30ft large storage units, all but 2 were occupied with storage. Three units were damaged by fire and the rest have differing levels of smoke damage. Estimated loss to the building is $25,000 and content loss is $100,000.

Most storage locations require, or at least suggest, occupants obtain insurance coverage for your contents. Check with your insurance provider to see if storage items are covered under your current policies or if additional coverage may be needed. The design of these storage complexes does limit damage to just the single building, one of 16 buildings in the complex. Any storage outside of the building that burned was not affected.”

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