Author: KTVZ

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening this Saturday at the Downtown Bend Library, just in time for spooky season–there’s a free costume swap!

Do you have a gently used costume you’d like to pass on? Or, are you on the search for a new, free costume? Well–this is the perfect opportunity for you.

This event is for all ages, and all kinds of costumes.

There will also be extra costumes on hand, so no one will go home without one.

The library asks you to please bring clean, gently used costumes only–and you’re encouraged to drop off costumes ahead of the event so that they can be sorted. 

The event runs from 10 a.m. until Noon.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community committees, boards and commissions are a great way to get involved with local government. The City of Bend has openings on several Council-appointed advisory groups that make recommendations to City Council or City administrative staff.

Applications are being accepted for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Budget Committee, Core Area Advisory Board, Human Rights and Equity Commission, Landmarks Commission, and Planning Commission.

Advisory body members are eligible for a stipend ($40/meeting, not to exceed $500/year) to help lower barriers to participation (See information below).

Applications are due on October 31, 2025, by 5 p.m.

Visit bendoregon.gov/committees to learn more and to apply.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) provides policy, code and funding recommendations to the City Council in alignment with the goals outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan. AHAC is recruiting three members, one at-large representative (partial term ending 1/1/2028), one affordable housing developer representative (partial term ending 7/1/2026), and one representative from the Central Oregon Builder Association (full three-year term, ending 1/1/2029). Members appointed to partial terms may seek reappointment for up to two consecutive three-year terms, not including any partial terms. For more information, visit the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee webpage.

Contact: Racheal Baker, Affordable Housing Manager, 541-323-8550 or rbaker@bendoregon.gov.

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee receives the City Manager’s proposed biennial budget and budget message, which explains the proposed budget and significant changes in the City’s financial position. The Budget Committee may make additions or changes to the proposed budget, at which time the committee will approve the document and forward it to the City Council for adoption. The Budget Committee also approves a rate of total ad valorem property taxes to be certified for collection. For more information, visit the Budget Committee webpage.

The Budget Committee is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy for a four-year term.

Contact: Dan Quick, Budget & Financial Planning Manager, 541-330-4005 or dquick@bendoregon.gov.

Core Area Advisory Board

The Core Area Advisory Board oversees the implementation of the Core Area Tax Increment Finance Plan and actions that support development in the Core Area, including oversight of the $195 million of maximum debt that can be issued to invest in projects in the area. The plan identifies a variety of projects and a funding source (tax increment) to invest in the area over the next 30 years as it transforms into an urban, mixed-use area where people can live, work, and play. For more information, visit the Core Area Advisory Board webpage.

The Core Area Advisory Board is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy for a partial term ending 1/1/2027. Please review the membership representation requirements.

Contact: Jonathan Taylor, Urban Renewal Project Manager, 541-322-6332 orjtaylor@bendoregon.gov.

Human Rights & Equity Commission

The primary goal of the City of Bend Human Rights and Equity Commission (HREC) is to advise the City Council on policies and practices that impact equity, human rights and inclusion within the community. The Commission works to identify barriers to equity and to recommend strategies for dismantling those barriers. The Human Rights and Equity Commission strives to create systemic change that benefits the entire community by centering the voices of those most impacted by inequity. For more information, visit the Human Rights and Equity Commission webpage.

The Human Rights and Equity Commission is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy for a partial term ending 1/1/2028.

Contact: Katherina Barguil, Community Relations Manager, 541-323-5992 or kbarguil@bendoregon.gov

Landmarks Commission

Candidates for the Landmarks Commission are required to be a community member residing within the Bend Urban Growth Boundary with an interest in architecture, history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, landscape architecture or related disciplines. For more information, visit the Landmarks Commission webpage. 

The City is inviting interested community members to attend one of the regular monthly Landmarks Commission meetings to learn more about serving on the commission. Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at City Hall. Please check the City of Bend calendar for details. 

The Landmarks Commission is seeking candidates to fill a partial alternate term (ending January 1, 2028). Alternates for this commission play an active role and may take part in any deliberation. Alternates may be counted as part of the quorum and may vote if their participation is necessary to make a quorum. Please note, alternates are not eligible for the stipend program. 

Contact: Heidi Kennedy, Senior Planner, 541-617-4524 or hkennedy@bendoregon.gov.  

Planning Commission

This group is the appointed citizen body that provides recommendations to the City Council on land use policies and development standards, makes land use decisions on certain planning applications, and provides a public forum for community values, visioning, and strategic thinking in long-range planning. For more information, visit the Planning Commission webpage.

The Planning Commission is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy for a four-year term.

Contact: Renee Brooke, Planning Manager, 541-330-4008, rbrooke@bendoregon.gov.

Stipends

The City of Bend offers a stipend program for City advisory board, committee and commission voting members who choose to participate. The intent is to expand opportunities for community members to connect with the City and lower barriers to engagement. The program will provide members of City advisory boards, committees and commissions with a stipend of $40 per meeting, not to exceed $500 per person annually. This stipend covers assumed costs of volunteering on an advisory group such as travel, parking, stable internet connection and other expenses. Please note, non-voting members, alternate members, and Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization Budget Committee members are not eligible for the stipend. View the Advisory Body Stipend Program Policy for additional information.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond police late Wednesday released the identity of a Redmond man whose body was found near Pelton Dam in Jefferson County and said he was the victim of a homicide that occurred in Deschutes County.

Here is the news release issued by Redmond Police Lieutenant April Huey:

On September 25, 2025, at approximately 12:30 P.M., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of suspicious circumstances call in the area of Pelton Dam, located approximately five miles northwest of Madras, Oregon, near the Deschutes River and Lake Simtustus, in Jefferson County.

Upon arrival, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies located an adult deceased male, later identified as 43-year-old James W. Herrera of Redmond. Due to the nature of the discovery, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office activated the Major Incident Team (MIT). The MIT is a collaborative investigative team composed of law enforcement agencies and District Attorney’s Offices from Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties.

The investigation and evidence gathered in the initial response determined that this homicide occurred in Deschutes County. The Redmond Police Department has been assigned as the lead agency in this ongoing investigation.

No further details are being released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Redmond Police Department at 541-693-6911 or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 541-475-6520.  

The Redmond Police Department would like to thank MIT, the FBI, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Warm Springs Police Department, the Bend Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and the District Attorney’s Office, for their assistance in this investigation.  

KTVZ News has reported on a large police presence over the weekend at a Redmond apartment complex at NW 25th Street and Elm Avenue. Police confirmed there was an active investigation but did not initially provide further information.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley met with members of the press Wednesday to answer questions relating to the government shutdown and federal troops in Portland.

This past weekend, President Trump announced that he is directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to mobilize and federalize the Oregon National Guard.

This garnered a significant response from Oregon Democrats, including Senator Merkley. 

“Now, there is under Title 10 two exceptions for this,” he told reporters. “Those two exceptions are one, an invasion. Second, a rebellion. Well, clearly there is nothing happening in Portland that meets what those terms were meant to imply.”

Merkley is just one of many Oregon Democrats denouncing President Trump’s plan to ‘militarize’ Portland.

Over the past several days, weeks, and months, there have been significant calls for New York Senator and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign. 

KTVZ’s Spencer Sacks asked Senator Merkley about these calls and if he believes Senator Schumer is the right man to lead the Democrats.

Sacks said, “There have been calls for Senator Schumer to step down as minority leader. Do you support those calls and do you think he’s the right man for the job?” 

Sen. Merkley responded, “I think it’s a totally inappropriate question. He was elected. He serves for a two-year period, and I haven’t heard anybody in the Senate call for him to step down.”

As both the government shutdown and federal troops in Portland continue, we’ll have continuing coverage on KTVZ News.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Trouble with a furnace made for big trouble for some northwest Bend homeowners Wednesday evening when a fire broke out that caused $250,000 in damage, Bend Fire and Rescue reported.

Occupants of the home on Imbler Drive noticed smoke in the hallway leading to the garage, so they evacuated and called 911. Bend Fire & Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said Wednesday.

The first fire crews to arrive found smoke coming from under the house and throughout the interior. The fire was found in the hallway where the furnace is located and had spread under the kitchen area, Derlacki said.

The fire was extinguished, but not before there was significant damage to the floor of the home, the fire official said. Damage is estimated at $250,000 to the structure and contents. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, two chief officers and one investigator responded to the fire with a total of 23 personnel.

“The fire appears to have started due to a failure or malfunction of the furnace,” Derlacki said. “The ducting for the furnace travels under the house to the room vents. The fire spread under the house through the floor opening at the base of the furnace.”

The homeowners are working with their insurance company to begin the cleanup and repairs. 

“This is a good time of year to get your heat source serviced before we get into winter,” Derlacki advised.

“Whether its brand new or decades old, annual service is recommended on all types of heating appliances. Ensure flues for woodstoves are cleaned professionally at least annually. Having furnaces, pellet stoves, wall heaters, heat pumps, etc serviced annually can ensure their safe use. This also allows for preventative maintenance and cleaning to make them more efficient and last longer.”

Also, Derlacki said, “Ensure proper clearance around all heat sources before using them. 36 inches is recommended space around heat sources clear of combustibles and access by children.

“As always, ensure you smoke alarms are working as we head into winter,” he said. “Carbon monoxide detectors are a great addition to any home using wood or gas to heat to ensure you and your family know if CO is present.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The sentencing of a Portland man convicted by a Deschutes County jury of planning a mass shooting at a 2023 Smith Rock climbing event has been delayed three weeks, at the request of his defense attorney. 

After a three-week trial, a jury took less than three hours last month to find Samson Garner, 41, guilty on 26 felony counts of attempted murder, assault and unlawful use of a weapon. 

In a motion to postpone the sentencing, defense attorney Joel Wirtz said, “Because of unexpected protracted contract negotiations with the state agency to provide public defense representation in 2025-2027, I have unable to meet and prepare for sentencing in this matter.” 

He requested a two-week delay “in order to clear this issue off the organization’s priority and (so) our team can focus on serving our clients.” 

Circuit Judge Alison Emerson instead rescheduled the sentencing for three weeks later, on October 23rd. 

Meanwhile, Chief Deputy District Attorney Mary Anderson submitted her sentencing memorandum this week, asking the judge to impose a 30-year prison term. 

Anderson wrote, “The defendant’s intent to kill multiple people, within categories of park goers at Smith Rock State Park, is a course of conduct and multiple offenses demanding consecutive sentences.

“While Oregon does not have a crime for attempting a mass killing event, the intent to kill multiple people is qualitatively different than the intent to kill a single person. The defendant’s intent to kill multiple people and plans and related actions designed to impose additional cruelty to the climbers demonstrates his focus on target selection for impact of the greatest potential harm and cruelty. The state asks the court to impose a sentence of 360 months.”

Related to the issue mentioned by Wirtz in his motion, Public Defenders of Marion County filed an “emergency lawsuit” this week against the Oregon Public Defense Commission, challenging enforceabiliity of the state contract for public defenders, which took effect Wednesday.

They are sharply critical of a new quota system for public defender caseloads, saying under its terms, “it would be impossible in most instances for public defenders to effectively protect and preserve their clients’ constitutional rights.”

They said under the contract, the state would eliminate funding for four Marion County public defenders and a supervising attorney position, while assigning new cases to attorneys whose caseloads are already full.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crisp air, colorful leaves, and plenty of community spirit can only mean one thing: It’s almost time for Camp Fire Central Oregon’s 4th Annual Autumn Family Faire!

The annual celebration takes place Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Troy Field in Bend—and it’s completely free for all ages!

Families can look forward to a lively afternoon filled with autumn-themed games, creative crafts, live entertainment, robotics fun, a festive photo booth, a giant bouncy castle from Bouncing Off the Walls, the popular zombie laser-tag tent, and delicious eats from local vendors, including Bobablastic refreshments and grub, Junior’s Grill Build Your Own Mac-N-Cheese, and Kona Ice.

Costumes are encouraged, and guests will also have a chance to win a 50/50 raffle supporting Camp Fire’s youth scholarship fund. Camp Fire partners will feature booths, and a highlight this year, weather permitting: aerial arts by Lava City Cirque.

The Autumn Family Faire is powered by volunteers, and Camp Fire is inviting both teens and adults to be part of the festivities. Teen volunteers can gain valuable experience (great for resumes and college applications), while adults will enjoy an easy way to connect with others and give back to the community.

“Every year, this event grows bigger and more joyful because of the people who show up—not just families attending, but also the volunteers who make it all possible,” says Joey Hamilton, Camp Fire’s marketing and development director. “We can’t wait to see Troy Field come alive with costumes, creativity, and community spirit. Locals, visitors, volunteers—everyone is invited!”

Volunteer Opportunities

Flexible shifts available for both teens and adults

Teens: Register through Camp Fire’s Teen Connects program and work alongside experienced event staff: https://campfireco.org/teenconnects/

Adults: Sign up online for one or more shifts: https://campfireco.org/specialevents/

Volunteer Perks: Morning shifts include complimentary coffee and pastries; all volunteers enjoy a pizza lunch (dietary needs can be noted in advance)

For more information about the 2025 Autumn Family Faire or volunteering, visit campfireco.org/specialevents or contact Camp Fire Central Oregon at 541-382-4682 or info@campfireco.org.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, Senator Broadman’s comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After being passed by the Oregon Legislature with bipartisan support earlier this summer, a tax on oral nicotine in House Bill 3940 has now taken effect.

The amendment of HB 3940 regarding oral nicotine was presented by Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) as a solution to help fund Oregon’s wildfire efforts — both prevention and recovery.

The tax adds 65 cents on nicotine pouches with up to 20 units, plus an additional 3 cents per extra unit. Prior to the implementation, oral, synthetic nicotine was not taxed in the state of Oregon, unlike more traditional tobacco products.

KTVZ News spoke with Broadman on Wednesday about the tax and how it’s being implemented.

“We want to make sure that we’re working with our public health partners, and working with the rest of our revenue picture. to make sure that every tax, whether it’s nicotine or fuel, is applied fairly and equitably,” Broadman said.

“People see the importance of funding wildfire mitigation, and I think that’s why this bill was so popular throughout our state,” he added.

 One-third of the new oral nicotine tax’s proceeds will go to Oregon’s Landscape Resiliency Fund, and two-thirds will go to a Community Risk Reduction Fund.

“The most effective way to fund wildfire is to get it early is to prevent the fires from turning into conflagrations at all,” the lawmaker said.

With many Oregonians already struggling with cost of living, increasing the price of any product isn’t always the most popular decision, but officials say the tax is small compared to other states and helps discourage the use of addictive substances.

Broadman said he will continue to fight for more funding for Central Oregon, to ensure our forests and communities are healthy and safe.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — “Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees” is returning to the Tower Theatre on October 19th.

This ultimate tribute to The Brothers Gibb captures the magic of the bee gees with spot-on vocal harmonies, dazzling visuals, and big-screen video that takes you back to the golden era of the ’70s.

It’s a full Bee Gees experience, from high-energy dance anthems to soulful ballads.

For tickets and show information, click here.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services is announcing federally required changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon.

These changes are required under House Resolution (H.R. 1), a federal law passed on July 4, 2025. More than 740,000 people in Oregon currently receive SNAP benefits, and ODHS expects more than 313,000 people enrolled in SNAP may be impacted by the H.R. 1 changes.

“We are announcing these changes today so that families can prepare for the impact we expect many Oregonians who depend on this resource will feel,” said Dana Hittle, who is co-leading ODHS’ federal response team. “Oregon families enrolled in SNAP receive an average of $300 a month, and any reduction makes it harder for families to put food on the table. Oregon has no choice but to follow federal law that will result in increased hardship across our communities, but we remain committed to helping families adjust and prepare.”

ODHS will begin notifying affected households in mid-October. The people who will be most affected by the new federal law include older adults, immigrants and people living in rural communities with limited access to transportation.

Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement:

“The federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are simply wrong, and they will hurt Oregon families. I strongly oppose these changes. Our top priority now is making sure every impacted Oregonian knows what’s changing and where to turn for help. No one should have to choose between food and rent, and my administration is mobilizing to ensure that those affected get the information and referrals for other help that they need.”

The changes won’t happen to everyone at once — they will roll out over the next year.

For people who already get SNAP: The changes will affect those who applied or recertified between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025. Notices will be sent around Oct. 15, 2025 to this first group of people who are impacted. The first group will have SNAP benefit reductions or closures on Nov. 1, 2025. For people approved for SNAP before July 4, 2025, the changes will happen over time throughout the next year and a notice will be sent.

For people who apply or reapply for SNAP after Oct. 1, 2025: The new rules will apply right away.

Key changes affecting people in Oregon

These changes will affect three main groups of SNAP recipients: households receiving utility assistance, able-bodied adults ages 18 through 64 with no child under age 14 in their SNAP group, and certain lawfully present immigrants.

Utility assistance and SNAP benefits

Households previously eligible for the Heating and Cooling Full Utility Allowance (FUA) through energy assistance programs like Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or “Heat and Eat” will see changes.

Only households with at least one member who is age 60 or older or a member with a disability will automatically qualify for FUA.

Approximately 29,000 households will lose this allowance, reducing their SNAP benefits by an average of $58 per month.

About 9,600 households who applied or renewed between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will be reduced Nov. 1, 2025.

Another 20,000 households will see benefits go down when their SNAP is reviewed.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)

Beginning Oct 1, 2025, people with ABAWD status in 6 counties (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Benton, and Hood River) will be reviewed at application or renewal for required work rules.

People who don’t meet work rules may lose SNAP benefits after 3 months.

The work rules will apply to adults ages 18–64 without a disability or without children under age 14 in their SNAP household. Previously the work rules applied to adults ages 18 to 54 without a child under 18 in their SNAP household.

People with ABAWD status must work or participate in a qualifying activity for at least 80 hours per month.

Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults aging out of foster care are no longer exempt from the work rules.

Tribal Members and people who meet the federal definition of “Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian” are newly exempt from the work rules.

In January 2026 these ABAWD requirements will be implemented statewide.

It’s estimated that 310,000 adults will have to be newly evaluated to see if they have to meet the work rules.

Refugees, Asylees and certain other lawfully present immigrants

Refugees, asylees, trafficking survivors and other conditionally allowed non-citizens who were eligible for SNAP as of July 3, 2025, will lose eligibility under H.R. 1.

In Oregon, it’s estimated that at least 3,000 individuals will no longer qualify for benefits.

About 1,000 people who applied or renewed their SNAP between July 4 and Oct. 1, 2025 will get notices around Oct. 15, 2025. Their SNAP will end on Oct. 31, 2025.

Another 2,000 people will lose SNAP when their SNAP is reviewed.

Notifications to households

   Around Oct. 15, 2025, ODHS will mail notices to:

Roughly 9,600 households receiving energy assistance to notify them that their SNAP benefits will be reduced starting November 1, 2025.

Approximately 1,000 refugees, asylees and other lawfully present immigrants whose SNAP cases will close on Oct. 31, 2025.

Affected households do not need to take any action. ODHS will adjust benefits automatically.

Preparing for changes

If you think you may be in one of the impacted groups, go to www.oregon.gov/odhs to learn more.

Watch your mail for notices from ODHS and open them right away. The first wave of notices will be sent on Oct. 15, 2025.

If you think the ABAWD work requirements may apply to you, don’t wait to start planning how to meet them. Call the ODHS ABAWD team directly at 833-947-1694 or SNAP.ABAWDTeam@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

Know what other food resources are in your community.

The ODHS Food Resources website can help.

Older adults and people with disabilities can connect with Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon to learn about government programs and community resources at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.

Reach out to 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your zip code to 898-211 or visiting www.211info.org

Contact ODHS

If you have questions or need help understanding these changes, contact ODHS:

By phone: Call 1-800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome

In person: Visit a local office (find one online)

By Mail: (Requests must be received by the deadline)ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309

By email: Send requests toOregon.Benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Online: Submit requests through a ONE Online account

About SNAP in Oregon:

SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford 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. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year. But even with SNAP benefits, many families still struggle to meet their basic needs, especially amid the rising cost of food and housing. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is committed to making sure people in Oregon receive the right amount of SNAP food benefits they qualify for.

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