Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mid Oregon Credit Union invites the community to participate in its popular annual Holiday Dough fundraiser, supporting local charities that provide food and other needed items to individuals and families experiencing financial challenges during the holiday season. 

Holiday Dough kicks off this week and continues through Friday, December 5. Members and the community can donate at all Mid Oregon’s eight branches, online at midoregon.com/dough or over the phone at 541-382-1795. One-hundred percent of the contributions stay in the community where they are collected and benefit these local nonprofits: 

The Giving Plate (Bend)—Coordinating the Bend Food Project, Community Store Grocery Project, Kid’s Korner Market, Kid’s Korner Mobile Pantry, and Kid’s Korner Snack Packs (formerly Backpacks for Bend). 

La Pine Christmas Basket Association—Providing Christmas food baskets to low-income families, singles, and seniors in southern Deschutes County area.   

Redmond Jericho Road—Providing hot meals, backpacks of food, emergency and housing assistance to those in need in the Redmond area. 

Madras Community Food Pantry—Supplying food to families and individuals. 

Crook County Holiday Partnership (Prineville)—Providing holiday support to seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, and families who are less fortunate in Crook County. Funds are used for food, gifts, and related items.  

Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank—The food bank’s Christmas program provides holiday meals to approximately 175 families. The food bank relies on cash donations to help buy items that are not normally donated, such as meat and dairy products. 

“We know that many families are already feeling the pressure on their food budgets and planning a festive holiday meal can be challenging,” says Kyle Frick, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations for Mid Oregon Credit Union. “We are grateful for the community’s generosity and happy to facilitate this effort that relieves the pressure of food insecurity for many of our local families.” 

Since 2013, Mid Oregon members and the community have donated over $48,000 to local food banks through Holiday Dough—helping to fold more hope into the holiday season for local families. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend-La Pine Schools Excellence in Education awards culminated Friday afternoon with the presentation of the Educator of the Year award to Loren Renfroe, language arts teacher at Sky View Middle School in northeast Bend.

Superintendent Steven Cook and other district officials made the surprise presentation.

Renfroe has been with Sky View for two years. Before she joined Bend-La Pine Schools, she was an English teacher at Round Rock Independent School District in Round Rock, Texas. 

“Loren builds bridges between academic rigor and real-world relevance,” Dr. Cook said. “She pairs high expectations with empathy, accountability with compassion, and creates a learning culture where belonging drives achievement.”

In addition to her classes, Renfroe is also the instructor of Sky View’s leadership class and co-designed the Career Technical Education Wheel course, integrating communication, technology, and design thinking through hands-on experiences with local professionals and Oregon State University faculty.

She has led professional development in the Readers and Writers Workshop and student-led conferences. She serves on both the campus and district language arts leadership teams, helping shape literacy instruction across Bend-La Pine Schools.

“Loren steps into leadership roles across multiple areas, strengthening parent communication, fostering school culture, and enhancing instruction,” said Julie Stroinski, Sky View Middle School Principal. “As an instructional leader, Loren has taken the initiative to expand learning beyond traditional coursework. Whether supporting colleagues, guiding students, or strengthening school culture, Loren leads with innovation, reflection, and a deep commitment to success for all.”   

Dr. Cook was joined Friday afternoon at Sky View by School Board Chairman Marcus LeGrand, Board Director Amy Tatom, Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk, Executive Director of Middle Schools Stephen DuVal, Bend Education Association President Sarah Barclay, and other District leaders.

On behalf of Renfroe, representatives of MidOregon Credit Union presented Sky View with a $500 check. 

The district presented the first two Excellence in Education awards earlier this week. On Tuesday, Caldera High School Principal Chris Boyd was honored as Administrator of the Year. On Wednesday, Welcome Center Liaison Liz Vargas was named Support Staff Member of the Year.

The Excellence in Education awards honor custodians, counselors, kitchen managers, classroom teachers, educational assistants, office managers, bus drivers and other district employees who have had a positive impact on students.

The recognition began last spring, when Bend-La Pine Schools honored dozens of staff members from across the district who distinguished themselves with their leadership, innovation, outstanding professional practice, and positive contributions at work and in the community. From that group, 13 finalists have been celebrated this fall.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An airline that announced three new destinations from Redmond Airport this summer already has dropped one planned route, months before it was set to start.

Breeze Airways, based in Salt Lake City, had announced in mid-July that it would be serving Redmond starting next spring with non-stop flights to Burbank and Las Vegas and one-stop “BreezeThru” flights to Provo-Salt Lake City.

Breeze says its Las Vegas and Utah flights are still set to begin in mid-March, but “Breeze Airways has confirmed they will not be offering the Redmond to Burbank route as originally planned,” Redmond Municipal Airport Customer Service and Administrative Supervisor Jodi Low confirmed Friday to KTVZ News.

However, Low said Alaska Airlines has followed through on its plans also announced this summer and began daily non-stop service Oct. 26 between Redmond and Burbank.

“This ensures continued direct access to the Burbank area for Central Oregon travelers,” she said.

Avelo Airlines had announced in July it would be ending all of its Redmond flights before the end of the year. But Avelo’s flights to Burbank ended Oct. 20, more than a month earlier than the planned Dec. 1 conclusion, leaving customers scrambling for new flights and refunds.

Breeze Airways representative McKinnley Matson told KTVZ News on Friday that the flights to Las Vegas mean options to connect to other airports in Southern California airports also will be available.

“While we never enjoy cutting service (especially before it begins), we occasionally need to make adjustments to our schedule in order to maximize our limited resources,” Matson told us.

“These cuts are rare, as Breeze continues to maintain one of the highest market retention rates in the industry,” she added.

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced Friday it has issued temporary rules to help reduce the risk of spreading Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)/Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy.

The rules filed on Wednesday “will immediately strengthen Oregon’s ability to prevent the entry and spread of EHV/EHM by requiring additional safeguards for horses entering the state or attending high-risk events,” ODA said in a news release that continues in full below:

ODA was recently made aware of an outbreak of EHV/EHM in horses that were at or associated with barrel racing and rodeo-type events in Texas and Oklahoma. Several cases of EHV/EHM have been confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma associated with these equine events, with numerous reports of additional cases and equine deaths pending investigation.  

Oregon currently has no confirmed cases of EHV/EHM. ODA is coordinating with the affected states to quarantine any horses that have returned to Oregon after being exposed at the Texas and Oklahoma events.  

Rules Overview 

All exhibitions where equines will be present must register with ODA at least 20 days before the event.  

Specific records must be collected at the time of entry. 

At least one designated veterinarian is involved in planning the exhibition and is available to provide care.  

Each exhibition where equines are present must have a designated isolation area. 

Exhibition requirements and registration: ODA Animal Health Website  

Filed rules are online at:  Rulemaking at ODA 

Equine Herpes Virus Information: 

EHV‐1 is spread from horse to horse through contact with nasal discharge or spread as aerosol droplets.  Infected horses may not show clinical signs of the virus but may still act as carriers.  

Horses can also contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles.  People can spread the virus from horse to horse through contaminated hands and clothing. 

Owners should watch for signs and symptoms and practice biosecurity measures.  Good biosecurity practices include thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come into contact with affected horses, and individuals who treat or come into contact with infected horses must follow appropriate disinfection protocols when handling multiple horses. 

Additional information and resources: 

A Guide to Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection 

AAEP EHV FAQ 

AAEP General Biosecurity Guidelines 

CDFA – AHFSS – AHB – Biosecurity Toolkit for Equine Events 

Oregon Department of Agriculture Equine Herpesvirus Webpage 

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., took a tour Friday of the $180 million Redmond Airport terminal expansion project, calling it a “flight path for growth” and saying that also includes a need for several more air traffic controllers. He later met with local officials, businesses and family members about economic issues.

You can watch the senator’s two Redmond news conferences here in full, as livestreamed on KTVZ+.

“We’re working for more capacity to handle future crowds,” such as the upcoming holiday season, the senator said at the airport, joined on his visit by Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch and Airport Director Zachary Bass.

Wyden donned a “Fly Redmond” baseball cap and talked about how he and fellow Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley teamed up to secure $45 million in federal funding for the airport project, which is adding 80,000 square feet of space, covered jetways for boarding planes and much more.

“If you ask me, this is really a flight plan for growth in a wonderful part of Central Oregon, so this community can soar to even greater heights,” Wyden said.

He also noted that the Redmond Airport currently has four air traffic controllers at its FAA tower.

“They really need six, and they’d like to have eight,” he said, adding, “You cannot have big-league quality of life with Little League infrastructure, and that’s what’s so important about this community and this airport.”

Later, Wyden met privately, then held a news conference at NeighborImpact in Redmond with local elected officials, business leaders and others who expressed concerns about current economic conditions, including tariff impacts on businesses, rising health-insurance premiums and other issues.

“All across our state, working people feel like they’ve been hit with a wrecking ball,” the senator said. He later said he requested the meeting to “get the latest reality about life on the ground,” accusing the administration of telling “fables.”

State Senator Anthony Broadman and Bend Mayor Melanie Keebler were in attendance and spoke during the media conference portion of the event.

Adam Black, the kitchen manager at Shepherd’s House in Redmond, described how the rise in food costs has affected him.

“We’ve been watching food costs rise consistently. We have people who come in daily who are struggling,” Black said. “We’re happy to provide food boxes, but we can only do it so long as the food stays affordable.”

In advance of his visit, Senator Wyden made a substantial donation to Shepherd’s House.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A week before it was planning and hoping to open, Mt. Bachelor announced Friday that a lack of adequate early snowfall will delay its opening date for the season. No new date has been announced.

“After careful consideration assessing the snowpack and studying the latest weather forecasts, we have made the decision to postpone our scheduled November 28th opening day,” the resort posted on its website and told season pass-holders by email.

“We are committed to opening as soon as conditions allow, which typically requires about a 24” base,” the resort said.

“Keep doing your snow dances and checking the webcams, and we’ll post updates on a new timeline for Opening Day as soon as we can,” Mt. Bachelor said.

In the email to pass-holders, Bachelor President and General Manager John Merriman said, “As you know, early-season conditions at Mt. Bachelor vary greatly from year to year. Given the terrain here, we need to see about a 24” base in order to open and stay open. “

“Our team continues to take advantage of every snowmaking opportunity, and it’s great to see snow and cold temps in the forecast,” he continued. “We are fortunate to average over 400” of snow annually, so we know the snow will come. Once the snow arrives, we’ll be ready to kick off one of the longest seasons in North America. Our teams are prepped, our plans are in place, and the energy across the resort is inspiring, as always.”

Despite the delay, Mt. Bachelor still planned to have its Friday night Winter Kickoff Party at the Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room from 5-7 p.m., with music by DJ The Cosmic, balloon art, games, prizes, and free beer for the first 100 pass-holders. 

The resort also said that “guests will automatically receive a refund for products purchased prior to opening. Refund process will take 7-10 days.” 

The resort also said the Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop at Mountain Gateway will be open Saturday and Sunday this week with what it called “the largest selection of ski and snowboard gear in the PNW, plus season-Long rentals at the best value in town, available every weekend, at Mt. Bachelor or in Bend. Fall shopping perks include 10% retail discounts for pass-holders when you flash your pass, and non-passholders who spend $300 or more. And, enjoy a free gift with every purchase over $150, while supplies last.”  

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Are you looking for something to do following Thanksgiving? The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced free fishing days on November 28th and 29th statewide!

All residents and non-residents are encouraged to participate. Enjoy free fishing, crabbing and clamming! ODFW says free fishing days are a great chance to take someone new fishing and celebrate Oregon’s natural resources.

No fishing or shellfish licenses or tags are required those two days. All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions.

ODFW will stock trout in several popular lakes in the Willamette Valley in anticipation of the event, which draws both experienced anglers and those new to the sport.

If you participate and catch a fish (or a few!) make sure to snap a photo and submit it to us for your chance to be featured on our weekly ‘Big Ol’ Fish’ segment. Make sure to include the type and size of your fish, where you reeled it in, and who is in your photo! Click here to submit.

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Silas Moreau

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Camp Fire Central Oregon has received the prestigious Culture of Safety Award from Camp Fire’s national headquarters, recognizing the organization’s commitment to creating safe environments for youth.

The award was presented at the 2025 Camp Fire National Leadership Conference. Camp Fire Central Oregon was one of just six affiliates selected for the honor out of 44 candidates across 24 states.

The recognition celebrates the organization’s efforts to promote both physical and emotional safety through its wide range of youth programs, including after-school activities, summer camps, leadership initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.

The affiliate also invests heavily in staff training, with 61 team members completing specialized courses in abuse risk management and youth protection this year.

This marks Camp Fire Central Oregon’s second national recognition in three years, following the Leadership & Values Award in 2023. The repeated honors highlight the organization’s ongoing excellence in youth development and safety leadership.

For more information about Camp Fire Central Oregon programs and initiatives, visit campfireco.org.

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Triton Notary

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ)– More than 100 students at the Warm Springs K-8 Academy received a special gift this week: brand new backpacks filled with school supplies, thanks to a community-wide effort supporting local families.

Backpacks of all colors and designs lined the tables as students picked out their favorites, each one packed with pencils, notebooks, and more to help them feel ready for school.

Jodi Begay, a Family Access Network advocate for Warm Springs K-8 Academy told KTVZ News “it meant a lot to them. It was great hearing all their like it was their best day ever. And you know. you think it’s a simple, basic thing, but it is a need and it fulfills so much in a child.”

The event was made possible through partnerships with organizations near and far, focused on helping students and families on the Warm Springs Reservation.

Troy Capps, the assistant principal for Warm Springs K-8 Academy said “knowing that there are people that are just carrying about the reservation and our kids, and you see the smile on their faces and you see the excitement. That’s priceless.”

The Sydney Paige Foundation and Sunriver Christian Fellowship partnered for the effort, committed to making sure kids feel equipped and confident for school.

KTVZ News also spoke to Robert Sessler, a volunteer for the Sydney Paige foundation who said “there’s much more to this than just giving a backpack and school supplies what you’re doing is you’re getting children excited about school again, feeling like they’re part of the school, especially if they’re a low income area.”

It’s the little moments that made a big difference.

Kally Elliott, a pastor for Sunriver Christian Fellowship told KTVZ News “See, little girls chose the same ones with hearts on it. They stood in front of me and said, we have matching backpacks. She turned to her friend and said you have to wear your backpack tomorrow. So it’s just this really, sweet moment where they you could see their joy of, we have the same thing. We’re twins.”

Organizers hope the event inspires more community involvement, helping give every child a strong start to the school year.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Camp Fire Central Oregon announced Thursday that it has been honored with the “Culture of Safety Award” from Camp Fire National Headquarters.

The prestigious award recognizes the organization’s outstanding commitment to going above and beyond in promoting a positive safety culture within Camp Fire Central Oregon, as well as its proactive leadership in prioritizing physical and emotional safety across its diverse offerings — from afterschool programs and summer camps to teen service initiatives, leadership opportunities, and volunteer engagement.

Camp Fire Central Oregon leadership accepted the award at the 2025 National Leadership Conference in late October. The nonprofit youth development organization was one of six affiliates that received a national award, selected from a pool of 44 affiliates across 24 states. 

According to a statement released by Camp Fire National: “Camp Fire Central Oregon exemplifies unparalleled commitment to youth protection and abuse prevention, establishing a gold standard through continuous, comprehensive staff development that extends throughout the entire program year—far beyond initial onboarding.

“The organization’s leadership actively pursues professional development in abuse risk management, including the Program Supervisor Series, nationally acclaimed Stewards for Children training, and specialized seminars on Working with Minor Employees and Teen Leaders. In an extraordinary testament to their culture of safety and well-being, 61 staff members completed one or more youth protection courses through Learning Lab this past year.”

Camp Fire Central Oregon’s commitment extends to holistic youth well-being. It has earned the prestigious MESH(+) Seal from the Alliance for Camp Health and was selected as one of only two affiliates from the entire network to participate in the Institute for Youth Mental Health.

“The reality facing our young people is that anxiety, depression and stress-related illness from social media addiction and academic pressure are on the rise,” says Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s operations director. “Additionally, Gen Z has been described as the most isolated generation, dealing with a youth loneliness epidemic and rising suicide and drug overdose rates.

“These are hard topics for anyone to talk about. At Camp Fire, we know growing up is hard, and that is why it is imperative that we train our staff and volunteers to know how to recognize and respond when they see that a child is at risk of emotional, mental, or physical harm.”

This is the second time in three years that Camp Fire Central Oregon has been honored by Camp Fire National Headquarters for its success. In the fall of 2023, Camp Fire Central Oregon received the “Leadership & Values Award”, a further testimony to its consistent commitment to youth development—an essential mission in our world today.

“At a time when young people face unprecedented pressures—from mental health challenges to social and environmental uncertainty, safety, belonging, and getting outside and engaged in nature, away from screens, all are more important than ever,” says Kecia Kubuta, Executive Director of Camp Fire Central Oregon. “This award reflects our entire team’s dedication to ensuring every youth feels seen, supported, and safe to be themselves.”

About Camp Fire Central Oregon

Founded in 1910, Camp Fire is a national youth development organization that engages kids and teens in building essential skills. Its mission is to connect youth to the outdoors, to each other, and to themselves. A proud affiliate, Camp Fire Central Oregon has ignited youth potential since 1916 through experience-based programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster belonging. Programs include afterschool and no-school day options, teen leadership, STEAM and environmental education, and summer camps—all designed to help youth thrive. Through hands-on learning, real-world problem-solving, and meaningful relationships, young people discover who they are, what they care about, and how to make a difference. Learn more at campfireco.org.

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