Author: KTVZ

Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding new information about crash, Officer Craven)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A tragic crash in Southern California has claimed the life of a Bend native who was serving as a police officer with the La Mesa Police Department near San Diego.

Authorities say Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was killed Monday night while assisting at the scene of a multi-vehicle collision in San Diego County. The California Highway Patrol said Officer Lauren Craven stopped her patrol car to help others involved in an earlier crash when another driver struck her vehicle and several others.

“While outside of their patrol vehicle, another vehicle struck the La Mesa PD officer as well as the other vehicles involved in the crash,” California Highway Patrol Captain Reggie Williams said. “Unfortunately, the La Mesa PD officer lost their life during this tragic crash.”

The investigation remains ongoing. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers said they are reviewing all factors leading up to the deadly collision, but reminded drivers to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights on the roadside — a state law designed to protect emergency personnel and those they assist.

Lauren Craven grew up in Bend and graduated from Summit High School in 2019. While in high school, she worked at the local Ben & Jerry’s and a Chevron station where she was known for her friendly energy. Former counselors at Summit said Lauren always wore the biggest smile and was uniquely kind. 

According to the La Mesa Police Department, Lauren Craven joined the agency within the past few years and quickly became known for her professionalism and compassion both on duty and off. The city of La Mesa and law enforcement agencies across San Diego County have expressed condolences and lowered flags in her honor.

The CHP said the chain-reaction crash involved multiple vehicles on the eastbound side of I-8, near the community of Alpine. Video from the scene showed heavy damage to several cars and emergency units blocking the roadway for hours while investigators collected evidence.

Authorities said they have not yet determined what caused the initial crash that Officer Lauren Craven stopped to assist with. Toxicology results and witness statements are part of the ongoing investigation.

In light of the tragedy, highway officials again urged drivers to obey California and Oregon’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes or slow to a safe speed when approaching stopped emergency or service vehicles displaying flashing lights.

We will continue to keep you updated on this developing story. 

Earlier story — SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KTVZ) — 25-year-old Lauren Craven, who graduated from Summit High School in Bend in 2019, was killed while in the line of duty Monday evening in San Diego-neighborhood Grantville.

According to our NBC News affiliate station, NBC 7 in San Diego, “As a car was traveling east on I-8, it hit another car, then overturned in the lanes and was struck by another car. A La Mesa police officer, who was on duty, saw the crash and got out of their car to render aid, when another car hit the officer, as well as the other cars. Then, a second car hit all of the vehicles, California Highway Patrol Cpt. Reggie Williams said. CHP confirmed two people are dead, including the officer and the person who initially crashed.”

NBC 7 also stated a total of five cars were involved and the other victims were transported to local hospitals.

The La Mesa Police Department said Craven joined the department in February of 2024.

“We ask that the La Mesa community keep Officer Craven, her family, and the La Mesa Police Department in their thoughts and prayers,” La Mesa Lt. Travis Higgins said in a release.

KTVZ News also would appreciate hearing from friends of Craven who can help us tell her story. You can reach Claire at claire.elmer@ktvz.com and the newsroom at stories@ktvz.com.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The first annual Old Mill Classic Cruz Car Show took place on July 19th in Bend’s Old Mill District and was able to raise $10,000 to donate to Battle Buddies of Central Oregon.

According to a spokesperson from Old Mill Classic Cruz, more than 200 car enthusiasts came together to showcase their vehicles, and the money for Battle Buddies of Central Oregon was raised through sponsors, registration fees, and other donations.

Read the full press release below:

“Following a successful summer event, the Old Mill Classic Cruz is proud to announce a donation of $10,000 directly to Battle Buddies of Central Oregon to support its mission to support the wellbeing of veterans and first responders by providing canine companionship and training through their K9 Training for Heroes program.

The funds were raised during the first-time annual car show held on July 19, 2025 and alongside the beautiful Deschutes River in The Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon.

The event brought together over 200 car enthusiasts and community members to showcase a wide range of stock and custom classic vehicles. A portion of every sponsorship, registration fee, and donation contributed to the total amount raised for this local charity event.

“We are grateful to our 38 sponsors, to the 200+ participants who attended, to donors, and to several volunteers that helped make this donation possible”, said David Boynton. “This is more than just a car show, it’s about honoring those who’ve served, connecting the community, and showcasing the beauty of the Bend car culture in an unforgettable way. Our community’s passion for cars has translated into real tangible support for Battle Buddies and we are thrilled to help them continue their important work.”This donation will allow Battle Buddies of Central Oregon to provide training, adoption, and medical assistance to the special Buddies they support. “The generosity of the local car community is truly inspiring. This donation will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve and we are thankful for their support” said Kristine Olson, Executive Director.

The Old Mill Classic Cruz car show is an annual community event dedicated t o bringing car lovers together for a day of appreciation for classic and unique automobiles. It also serves as a platform for supporting Veterans causes and giving back to the community in the future.

Battle Buddies of Central Oregon is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization, an all-volunteer staff of patriotic citizens dedicated to preventing veteran and first responder suicide. Their mission is to prevent veteran and first responder suicide through canine companionship, training, and their goal is to provide professional canine obedience training in preparation for the canine good citizen test. For more information, visit their website at battlebuddiesco.org.”

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KTVZ – News Team

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging the public to provide feedback on the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan. The department said the plan outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding, and recommends actions to improve trails on public land in Oregon over the next 10 years.

According to the department, “The recommendations cover all non-motorized and motorized trails on public land and waterways in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. Trail users, land managers, and partners are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28 online. They can also join a virtual open house/webinar to learn more about the plan Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon. (A recording will available for those who can’t attend).”

You can register in advance by clicking here.

Read the full press release below:

“The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan, which outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails on public land in Oregon over the next 10 years.  

The recommendations cover all non-motorized and motorized trails on public land and waterways in Oregon, not just Oregon State Parks. Trail users, land managers, and partners are encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28 online.  

They can also join a virtual open house/webinar to learn more about the plan Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to noon. (A recording will available for those who can’t attend). Register in advance at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-4YrUfpeR2yFNBF-8Ihqpg 

“We appreciate the time and energy trail users and partners have put into helping us develop the next trails plan, which will guide investments to make our trails even better in the future,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning.   

“Each year, more than 80% of Oregonians use trails across the state, generating over $890 million in spending at local businesses and contributing to Oregon’s overall economy.” 

The Oregon Recreational Trails Plan covers non-motorized trails (hiking, biking, equestrian), motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails, and non-motorized boating and water trails. It helps provide guidance to not only Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, but to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners. 

Information for the draft plan came from multiple sources including statewide surveys of trail users and recreation providers conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, multiple follow-up focus groups with specific user groups in May, and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is published every five years.  

The current Oregon Statewide Trails Plan covers 2016 to 2025. Once the public review and comment period ends, staff will incorporate feedback and present the 2026 Oregon Recreational Trails Plan to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.  

For questions about the draft Oregon Trails Plan, please visit our website or contact OPRD Statewide Trails Planner Jessica Horning at Jessica.r.horning@oprd.oregon.gov.  “

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, Highway 97 will have a single-lane closure southbound in Bend near milepost 144 today, October 21st, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The department says drivers should expect delays and asks motorists to please slow down and watch for crews and equipment in the work zone.

Also, on Wednesday and Thursday nights, Highway 97 will have single-lane closures north of Bend between mileposts 132 and 134 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. {KTVZ} — The Crook County Fair Board met Monday evening in Prineville, focusing on one of the most significant topics on its current agenda — the fair’s contract with the Crooked River Roundup (CRR). 

During the meeting, representatives from the Crooked River Roundup Board voiced their dissatisfaction with the existing short-term contract governing the 2025 rodeo and race season. The agreement, valued at $25,000, was described by CRR Race Chair Doug Smith as inadequate given the economic impact the Roundup brings to the fairgrounds and the local community. 

Smith and other CRR leaders outlined several priorities for future consideration, including: 

A 20-year contract term 

Rent tied to event profits rather than fixed annual increases 

County support for potential grandstand upgrades 

Shared access to grant funding used for facility improvements 

Fair Board member Casey Kaiser acknowledged the challenges of reaching a balanced agreement. To facilitate progress, the board recently created a formal advisory committee, with Kaiser appointed as a designated member. The committee’s role is to collect and analyze information related to past and current contracts to help Fairgrounds Manager Casey Daly develop a recommendation for future negotiations. 

“The job of that committee will be to provide information to the director that will help him form a recommendation to the board on how to handle the contract with the Crooked River Roundup,” Kaiser explained. 

According to Kaiser, three governing bodies are part of the discussion — the Crook County Fair Board, the Crooked River Roundup, and the Crook County Board of Commissioners. Coordinating between these groups means the process will take time. 

“There are places where our interests align perfectly between the fairgrounds and the Crooked River Roundup,” Kaiser said. “And there are places where our interests differ. These are two very important entities in the community, and negotiating this contract just takes a little bit of time.” 

The advisory committee will first gather background and financial information on previous contracts before presenting its findings to Daly. Once reviewed, Daly will compile his own analysis and make a recommendation to the Fair Board for potential action. 

No timeline has been announced for when the process will be completed. 

For details about the Fair Board and its members, visit the Crook County Fair Board webpage. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, text of statement)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock posted a statement on the agency’s Facebook page Monday evening, refuting rumors of immigration raids and saying the local officers, some in plainclothes, actually were part of a national domestic violence sweep.

Here’s the full statement from the sheriff:

Clarification on Recent Law Enforcement Activity in Madras

There have been several misleading and false social media posts claiming that “ICE agents” were operating in the Madras area this week. Let us be clear, no Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved in any operations in Jefferson County last week.

The individuals seen in recent videos and photos were Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives, Madras Police Officers, and Jefferson County Parole and Probation Officers, participating in a National Domestic Violence Sweep.

As part of this coordinated national effort, law enforcement agencies across the country locate and arrest individuals wanted for domestic violence related crimes, including serious offenses such as kidnapping, assault, and coercion. In Jefferson County, our deputies were assisting in the apprehension of a wanted felon tied to domestic violence crimes.

Some members of the team were in alternate vests or plain clothing due to operational roles. These differences in appearance do not make them “fake officers,” nor do they indicate outside federal involvement.

Unfortunately, misinformation has spread online, creating unnecessary fear and division. Posting and sharing false information without facts or verification is not only irresponsible, it also undermines the hard work of the men and women who risk their safety every day to protect victims and keep our community safe.

If you have concerns or questions about law enforcement activity, we encourage you to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office directly, rather than relying on speculation circulating on social media.

The safety of our community, and our transparency with the public, remain our highest priorities.

Sheriff Jason Pollock Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new Oregon Zoo license plate sponsored by the Oregon Zoo Foundation will be available at Oregon DMV, starting Nov. 3.

The plate’s design is a nod to the Oregon Zoo’s endangered Asian elephant population and Portland’s nickname of the Rose City, DMV said in Monday’s announcement, which continues in full below:

Artist Jeremy Nichols, whose mural work can be seen around Oregon and beyond, designed the plate to encourage the preservation of the natural world around us.

Oregon Zoo license plates cost an additional $40 to buy for the first time and with each renewal or replacement, in addition to regular registration renewal fees or replacement plate fees. You must pay the surcharge or redeem a pre-paid voucher.

About $35 of the surcharge goes back to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to support conservation education, species recovery and animal wellbeing.

The license plate design was approved by the Oregon Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Oregon Zoo Foundation and Oregon State Police, and tested by the Washington State Tolling Division.

The Oregon Zoo plate joins DMV’s lineup of specialty registration plates, including Crater Lake, Cultural Trust, Gray Whale, Oregon Ducks, OSU Beavers, Pacific Wonderland, Pollinator Paradise, Salmon, Smokey Bear, Trail Blazers, Watch for Wildlife and Wine Country.

How to apply

The Oregon Zoo license plate will be available through Oregon DMV beginning Nov. 3, by mail, at DMV field offices or through a licensed dealer. DMV does not accept early applications.

While you can apply for an Oregon Zoo plate at DMV2U for renewal or as a stand-alone replacement plate, you cannot redeem pre-paid vouchers online. To use a voucher, customers must apply in person at a DMV office or send their transaction by mail to DMV Headquarters. DMV staff will verify the paper voucher by entering the voucher number into the system.

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KTVZ

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A three-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon at a Crook County intersection fortunately led to only minor injuries, Oregon State Police reported.

Oregon State Police told KTVZ News the crash occurred around 1:10 p.m. Sunday when the driver of a westbound gray Ford F-350 pickup began merging into a the traffic lane, in the way of a silver BMW that also was heading west.

Troopers said the BMW driver tried to avoid a crash by going around the pickup on the right shoulder, but lost control and spun into the path of an eastbound gray Toyota Camry.

OSP said all of the occupants were wearing seat belts, and airbags deployed in the BMW and Camry.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Economic Development for Central Oregon has announced the winners and companies receiving investment at the 2025 Bend Venture Conference, which took place last week at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. 

Here’s Monday’s full news release from EDCO:

Now in its 22nd year, the Bend Venture Conference has become one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier events for entrepreneurship, innovation and investment. 

Over the course of two days, ten finalists presented their ideas and business models to an audience of hundreds of investors, business leaders and community members, competing for investment and cash awards. 

BVC connects investors and industry leaders with startup founders ready to scale, featuring separate tracks for early and growth-stage companies. The conference drives exposure, funding and long-term relationships that strengthen Central Oregon’s economy and supports promising startups. 

This year, $278,000 in investment was committed across six companies, with additional investment deals still being finalized. An additional $25,700 was awarded in cash to two companies, both from Central Oregon. 

“For more than two decades, the Bend Venture Conference has been a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Jon Stark, CEO of EDCO. “Each year, we see extraordinary innovation and dedication from the companies that take the stage. The connections and capital generated through BVC do not just change the trajectory of these startups, they strengthen the economic fabric of our entire region.” 

Early Stage: 

The Early Stage Track features companies that are in the proof-of-concept or early-revenue stages and that are testing their products in the market. These companies are evaluated by judges based on revenue potential, proof of market, scalability, and the founder’s experience and grit. 

Toast Wear Inc. (Bend, OR) – Received a $25k cash award made possible by the generosity of local community members, including Taylor Brooks, Rod Ray, Horan MediaTech Advisors, and Scott and Annie Allan. Cold is universal. Your gear is personal. Toast solves both with a personal thermostat for your jacket, making existing apparel your go-to for warmth. 

Yak Incorporated (Portland, OR) – Received a $15k investment from the Founder First fund. Yak is the all-in-one, automation and AI-powered platform that automates audits for accounting firms, cutting admin work in half and ending auditor burnout. 

SokoLife (Eugene, OR) – Received a $5k investment from the Founder First fund. SokoLife is revolutionizing cardiac care with innovative, non-toxic patches for congenital heart defect repair, reducing reinterventions and healthcare costs. 

Growth Stage: 

The Growth Stage track at BVC highlights companies that have demonstrated significant traction and are poised for rapid expansion.  

The Growth Stage finalists that were awarded investment this year are: 

Rapta (Tigard, OR) – Was awarded a $110,500 investment by BVC investors. Rapta supercharges U.S. manufacturing by increasing capacity 30% through eliminating 98% of errors and accelerating workflows 10x faster.  

Photon Marine (Portland, OR) – Was awarded a $65,000 investment by BVC investors. Photon Marine is building the world’s most capable electric fleet. 

Bold Reuse (Portland, OR) – Was awarded a $50,000 investment by BVC investors. Bold Reuse reduces costs and waste from single-use packaging through reusable packaging systems, a Bold Reuse is critical infrastructure for the circular economy. 

MarineSitu (Seattle, WA) – Was awarded a $32,500 investment by BVC investors. MarineSitu provides marine infrastructure monitoring through their AI software platform, preventing costly interventions, saving time and increasing efficiency. 

In addition, the EDCO Board of Directors awarded a $700 cash award to BVC Future presenter Levi Waters, from Caldera High School, founder of ClimbGrade. 

By standardizing grades, ClimbGrade empowers climbers to track progress accurately, helps setters design fair routes and gives gyms a consistent benchmark that strengthens their accountability. 

Brian Vierra, EDCO’s Venture Catalyst Director, noted, “The quality and diversity of companies at BVC this year truly underscores the maturity of our startup ecosystem. Our investors are not only funding great ideas, they are backing founders with the drive to build scalable, high-impact businesses that will create jobs and opportunities.” 

All investments are awarded following detailed due diligence of each presenting finalist. The final amounts to be distributed depend on the investment commitments received from third-party investors, as well as the ability of the winning companies and investors to agree on the terms and conditions of the investment. The Bend Venture Conference cannot guarantee that investments will be awarded in any specific amount. 

2025 BVC Title Sponsors 

About Bend Venture Conference (BVC) The annual BVC, hosted by EDCO, is one of the largest angel conferences in the country. Over the past 22 years, BVC has served to evolve and grow the startup ecosystem throughout Central Oregon and beyond. Since its inception, more than $14 million has been invested in 59 companies as a result of the conference. For more information, visit bendvc.com 

About Economic Development for Central Oregon  

EDCO is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com. 

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — If conditions are favorable on Wednesday, fire managers with the Ochoco National Forest plan to conduct more than 3,300 acres of prescribed burning operations in the Maury Mountains’ 2 burn unit.

The burn unit is approximately 3,330 acres, located along Forest Service Road 16, about 16 miles southeast of Prineville and three miles south of Post. Ignitions are expected begin at 9 a.m. and may take up to two days depending on weather, fuel, and smoke dispersion conditions, according to a pair of news releases issued Monday that continue below:

Smoke may be visible from surrounding areas, including Post, Paulina, Prineville, Redmond, and Bend. Residents along Highway 380, Forest Service Road 16, and nearby roads should expect possible smoke impacts, especially overnight and early mornings.

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety.

Firefighters from the Ochoco National Forest will conduct the burn. Crews may use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to assist with ignition and holding operations. After ignition, engine crews will stay on site to secure the perimeter and conduct patrols; smoke may linger for several days.

Meanwhile, the forest also planned to begin pile-burning operations Monday, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through November 28, 2025 as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.Pile burning planned in the following areas:

Forest Service land south of Big Summit Prairie

2024 Crazy Creek Fire area

2024 Rail Ridge Fire area

2024 Wiley Flat Fire area

Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns. Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns.

What does this mean for you?

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources.

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Ochoco National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

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