Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire officials on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland and Prineville District BLM said Friday they will end public use fire restrictions due to increased moisture, cooler temperatures and decreased daylight hours.

Here’s the full announcement by Central Oregon fire officials:

Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, public use fire restrictions will be lifted, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will decrease to IFPL I, which requires a one-hour fire watch after equipment is shut down for the day and onsite water and/or a fire extinguisher and tools to prevent the spread of any fire. The fire danger rating is currently “moderate.”

Campfires are allowed across the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and on Prineville District BLM lands not currently under seasonal campfire restrictions.

Seasonal annual river corridor campfire restrictions remain in place for BLM-designated campgrounds along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day, and White Rivers, as well as on BLM-administered lands along Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.

These restrictions prohibit campfires, charcoal fires, or any other type of open flame. This includes a ban on the use of portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices. Commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner.

Remember to have plenty of water and a shovel on-hand when maintaining a campfire. Make sure your campfire is cold to the touch before you leave it unattended.

Prineville District BLM

Public use fire restrictions will remain in effect in La Pine until October 31st. For more information about Oregon/Washington BLM restrictions and closures, please visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device or using an explosive is always prohibited on National Forest System lands in Central Oregon and currently prohibited on BLM-administered lands in Central Oregon.

Information on current restrictions or the current Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) can be obtained by contacting your Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737.

For current wildfire information, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: More details from Bend Police)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An 83-year-old Bend man was cited for reckless driving Friday morning after crossing the double-yellow line on Third Street while trying to pass several vehicles, causing a three-vehicle crash near the railroad underpass, police said. 

One driver suffered a minor injury in the crash that occurred around 9:30 a.m. near SE Scott Street, where the four-lane road narrows to two lanes before reaching the underpass.

Bend Police Communications Manager Jessica Rich said the cited driver was heading north in a white Kia SUV when he crossed the double-yellow line while trying to pass several vehicles.

His SUV struck a utility trailer being towed by a southbound orange Nissan pickup truck, Rich said. That caused the Kia to spin and hit a third vehicle, a red Mazda sedan that was also heading south.

Rich told KTVZ the southbound driver was unable to avoid the oncoming car when it came into his lane. 

The driver was cited in lieu of custody and released at the scene, Rich said.  

Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor in Oregon that carries a maximum possible sentence of a year in jail, a minimum 90-day license suspension, a $6,250 fine and five years of probation or supervision. 

Third Street was closed for about an hour while officers investigated the crash and towed the vehicles from the scene, Rich said.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding video, comments from BestCare, Recover Together Bend)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – BestCare Treatment Services says they’re seeing more people walk through their doors because of kratom, a substance some turn to for pain or anxiety.

Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant containing mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Low doses can stimulate while higher doses can sedate, like opioids.

“The perception is that this is safe and natural,” BestCare’s medical director, Billie Cartwright, said Friday. “That perception isn’t not necessarily true. Kratom actually is a plant. But ‘natural’ doesn’t necessarily mean safe.”

BestCare Addiction Clinic says they’re now seeing a few patients each week coming in for help with kratom use. Some people in recovery have relapsed after trying it.

“It totally reactivates their addiction that may have been stable and in remission,” Cartwright said.

Some have developed a dependency, despite having no prior history of addiction.

“I’ve seen another set of patients, you know, an older population that is using it for pain,” Cartwright added.

BestCare warns 7-OH is far stronger than mitragynine, especially in synthetic or concentrated products. It has already been banned in some states, including Florida.

Back in August, KTVZ spoke with Recover Together Bend about the dangers it poses.

“7-OH can be as potent and at times even more potent than morphine and heroin themselves. The problem lies in the fact that it’s unregulated,” said Dr. David Campbell of Recover Together Bend.

The CDC identified 91 kratom-involved deaths in 2016-2017. Only seven were kratom-only. Most involved fentanyl, opioids or benzodiazepines.

Naloxone may help in mixed overdoses but isn’t always effective for kratom alone, according to BestCare.

Cartwright mentioned adverse effects include nausea, liver injury, seizures and psychiatric symptoms.

This year, the Food and Drug Administration referred 7-OH to the Drug Enforcement Administration for possible scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act. This referral targets synthetic and concentrated 7-OH products, not traditional kratom leaf.

Local Resources & Support:

BestCare Addiction Medicine Clinic: 541-668-9070

BestCare Withdrawal Management Services: 458-218-2027

Recover Together Bend Withdrawal Management Services: 832-398-1138

Call 911 immediately in case of overdose.

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KTVZ

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Republic Services, will provide the final scheduled free shred event of 2025 on Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Terrebonne Elementary School parking lot.

This residential-only shred event is not intended for business or commercial use. Paper clips and staples may remain attached, but plastic bags and three-ring binders cannot be accepted.

Participants are asked to bring no more than four boxes of documents per household. If you have more than four boxes, please contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 for disposal options.

The event will also include safe medication disposal. Accepted items include:

Prescriptions

Patches

Ointments

Over-the-counter medications

Vitamins

Samples

Pet medications

Not accepted: Sharps, thermometers, inhalers, aerosols, or pressurized containers.

The event also provides proper disposal of American flags. Community members may bring worn or tattered flags for respectful retirement. In addition, non-perishable food donations will be accepted and donated to a local food bank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents, unwanted medications, and worn flags—all while supporting the local community.

Terrebonne Elementary School is located at 1199 B Ave, Terrebonne, OR 97760. 

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College is staging ‘Jobfest’ events for career-seekers at its Bend and Redmond campuses, with nearly 40 local companies and agencies set to participate.

They will take place October 2nd and 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Additionally, both campuses will hold free resume-building workshops ahead of the ‘Jobfest’ events:

-Bend campus: Tuesday, September 30th in Cascades Hall, room 240a from 11 a.m. to Noon.

-Redmond campus: Monday, October 6th in the Technology Education Center, room 135 from 3-4 p.m.

No registration is required. You can find additional information on COCC’s website.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A staple of the Redmond coffee community branches out to Bend. Junction Roastery prides itself on coffee and tea with artisan and local ingredients. It also established itself as a social spot in the Redmond community and wants to bring a version of that to Bend. The second Junction Roastery will go in the area where Black Strap, an outdoor clothing company, is located on Southeast 9th Street. Fans of the Redmond coffee company are excited for a new location and Junction thinks it’s going to be a big hit in Bend.

Bo Olson, Owner of Junction Roastery told KTVZ News “We actually really, really care about getting it right and making a connection with our guests every day and creating regulars. Everybody that comes into Junction, it’s kind of in the name. We bring all walks of life in. We hope everybody leaves feeling a little bit cooler and having a little bit of a better time and a higher vibration when they leave the doors.”

The new space also allows more room for roasting on the spot. Junction Roastery will offer its signature coffee, baked goods from Sister’s Bakery, and teas from Metolius Organic Tea. The expected opening is around Thanksgiving.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Alfalfa-area resident Lorinda Maxwell, the owner of “Kameo Poodles,” has been granted conditional release as her animal neglect case moves forward in Deschutes County Circuit Court.

At prosecutors’ request, Deschutes County Circuit Judge Randy Miller added a condition to Maxwell’s release during Thursday’s arraignment that prohibits her from owning or living with domestic animals of any kind as the case proceeds.

It was Maxwell’s first court appearance, facing 49 counts of second-degree animal neglect, all Class C felonies. Another court hearing is scheduled for October 10 to determine whether Maxwell must permanently forfeit the 49 animals seized from her property. 

Maxwell is accused of operating a puppy mill where 49 animals, many of them poodle puppies, were found by deputies. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the dogs were found crammed into cages, suffering from poor health and in desperate need of grooming. 

Speaking Thursday with KTVZ News, District Attorney Steve Gunnels described the conditions as “unsanitary,” with insufficient food and water. Photographs from investigators show filthy crates littered with old food and feces. 

The poodles are currently being cared for at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, but remain Maxwell’s property and until next month’s forfeiture hearing. Prosecutors are asking the court to permanently transfer ownership of the dogs to the shelter, allowing them to be adopted into new homes. 

Maxwell is scheduled for arraignment October 16th on an expected formal grand jury indictment.

“This is probably one of our bigger animal forfeiture and animal neglect cases,” Gunnels told us, noting the recent sharp rise in abuse cases across Deschutes County. His office has assigned two attorneys with specialized training to prosecute such crimes. 

The DA also credited area law enforcement with stepping up enforcement efforts.

“What we’re seeing right now is pretty aggressive law enforcement to find those instances where people are abusing or neglecting animals,” he said. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend’s biggest little art show returned to the High Desert Museum. Organizers say this year promises to be the most impressive yet.

The 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery, features more than 8,000 miniature masterpieces created by 350-plus artists.

Here’s the full announcement:

Celebrating original artwork created by established and emerging artists, The 20-Dollar Art Show opens Saturday, October 4. For two weeks, visitors, art enthusiasts and fans can explore the exhibition, find their favorites and plan their shopping wish lists. Walls throughout the Museum will showcase rows of creative, colorful miniature art.

Then, an Extravaganza Kickoff event takes place on Friday, October 17 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with music, food and drinks. For the low, low price of $20, each of the thousands of artworks will be available for sale. It will be the first time visitors can purchase their mini masterpieces, with all proceeds going to the artist. As in previous years, timed ticket entries will be available for 5:30 pm entry, 6:30 pm entry and 7:30 pm entry.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, special Extravaganza events will keep rolling from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm! At least a thousand new works will go out each morning while artists create one-of-a-kind artwork on site. Tickets will be required for the morning sessions for non-Museum members. Those exclusively visiting The 20-Dollar Art Show to browse and buy Saturday and Sunday afternoons may do so without paying admission, as well as on Monday, October 20.

Tickets for the Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday morning events go on sale at 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 24 at highdesertmuseum.org/20-art-show-info. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for ages 16 and younger. Timed entry tickets are first come, first served. Last year, all tickets sold within minutes.

“The 20-Dollar Art Show continues to grow every year with an awe-inspiring array of miniature art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a favorite exhibit, and it is an honor to host this beloved community event that supports local and emerging artists.”

The brainchild of Stuart Breidenstein and Abby Dubief of the former Bright Place Gallery, The 20-Dollar Art Show began in 2013 to help local artists sell their art while also making it affordable and accessible to the public. When the gallery closed in December 2019, the show had already grown beyond its walls. After a break during the pandemic, the show found a new home at the Museum. Since 2021, the Museum’s walls are packed with miniature artworks every fall.

“We are excited that so many artists are participating this year,” said Breidenstein. “We’re not only overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of work, but also by the quality. As the show grows, we’re continually inspired by the one-off gems these mostly unknown artists can create.”

Breidenstein and Dubief produce the show each year, helping to hang the art at the Museum, which can take days to complete. As artists themselves, both contribute pieces to the show. Other popular local artists featured in the 2025 exhibition include Sondra Holtzman, Janet Kilgore, Carrie Erickson, Jessie Zenor and Mike Wise. Participating artists range from age 8 to 80.

Each piece of art is a maximum of 36 square inches, making them truly miniature. The art ranges from watercolors and macrame to oil portraits and acrylic landscapes. Some include a touch of humor while others tell a story or carry a message. When all the art is on the Museum’s walls, the mini artworks do not seem so small anymore, said Dustin Cockerham, Senior Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum.

“We build temporary walls to help display all of these amazing miniatures,” said Cockerham. “This year, the exhibition will be on view for two weeks before the sale begins. It’s worth visiting and exploring all the art, not just so you can pick your favorites beforehand but to see the scale of the exhibition and the breadth of creativity.”

Window shopping in the days prior to the extravaganza is one of the best ways to view the exhibition and prepare for the sale. Browse the walls of art, experience all the inspiring styles, colors and themes, and find your favorite mini masterpieces. Viewing the exhibition before the October 17 Extravaganza is included with the price of admission.

The 20-Dollar Art Show is open through Monday, October 20 and is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and The Clabough Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

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

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Lynsey Harris

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s only dedicated bunny rescue, Embers Wildflower Bunny Rescue, is helping abandoned and surrendered bunnies find loving homes. Founder Lindsey Provost joined KTVZ to share how the community can get involved.

Provost introduced to us two of the sanctuary’s residents, Malachite and Crystal, who have been patiently waiting for their forever homes.

Malachite was found in the wild as a baby, far from where a domestic bunny should be, highlighting the importance of rescue efforts.

Embers Wildflower Bunny Sanctuary was inspired by Provost’s own bunny, Ember.

“He showed me how special bunnies are,” Provost said. “We take in bunnies that need new homes, and our goal is to find homes for as many as possible. Some will live out their lives here in sanctuary.”

The sanctuary is in need of volunteers to provide proper care and attention for the bunnies. Provost emphasized that adopting a bunny is a serious commitment: “They are a 10-year commitment and require more than just a small cage. There’s a lot to learn about taking care of them properly.”

The adoption process begins with a questionnaire on the sanctuary’s website, followed by sharing pictures of a potential home setup. After that, prospective adopters can schedule a visit to meet the bunnies.

Currently, Embers Wildflower Bunny Sanctuary has more than 41 bunnies ready for adoption.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With nearly 40 local companies and agencies set to participate, Central Oregon Community College is staging JobFest events for career-seekers at its Bend and Redmond campuses pm Thursday, Oct. 2 and Tuesday, Oct. 7, respectively, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both dates.

These events are free and open to the public. Visit cocc.edu/departments/cap/career-services/jobfest for details and a list of participating employers.

Additionally, both campuses will hold free resume-building workshops in advance: on the Bend campus in Cascades Hall, room 240A, from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Sept. 30, and on the Redmond campus in the Technology Education Center, room 135, from 3-4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6. No registration is required.

“JobFest is a chance to explore different career fields and learn more about individual organizations,” said Diane Pritchard, COCC’s director of career services, academic advising and placement, or CAP services. 

Attendees can discover employment, internship and volunteer opportunities while determining the types of skills and experiences required for those positions.

For more information, contact COCC’s CAP services at 541-383-7200 or capservices@cocc.edu.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact campus services at 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability such as hearing impairment, contact student accessibility services at sas@cocc.edu or 541-383-7583.

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