Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife hospital and conservation center, said Monday it recently admitted an orphaned northern flying squirrel for rehabilitation.

The young female squirrel was found on July 20, 2025, in the middle of a trail at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park near Bend. The finder initially thought the squirrel was deceased, but she began to move when approached, prompting the finder to contact Think Wild for assistance.

Here’s the organization’s full release on how the flying squirrel is doing: 

At intake, the squirrel, estimated to be a few weeks old, was underweight, hypothermic, and showing signs of external parasites, including fly eggs on her back and tail. She also had mild dehydration, but no serious injuries.

After receiving an initial exam and treatment, she was placed in a heated incubator to regulate her body temperature and begin recovery. 

This is the first time Think Wild has treated a flying squirrel patient, so staff contacted Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Wildlife Care Center for treatment protocols.

Following these protocols, staff are offering the young squirrel five feedings a day, with a formula designed to support her growth and weight gain. As of last week, she has also begun eating solid food, including crushed rodent blocks, greens, and fruit. 

Unlike their name suggests, flying squirrels do not truly “fly,” but glide from tree to tree, using a membrane that stretches between their limbs. They are nocturnal and primarily feed on plant material, tree sap, fungi, and small animals such as insects and bird eggs. They are typically found in old-growth forests, where they can nest high in the trees, away from predators.  

“There are two species of flying squirrels in Oregon: the Humboldt’s flying squirrel and the northern flying squirrel. Recently documented as a new species in 2017, the Humboldt’s flying squirrel is typically smaller and darker, but the two species are very difficult to distinguish without genetic analysis, and work is still being done to accurately determine their distribution, says Kaly Adkins, ODFW’s regional wildlife diversity biologist.

“They are not commonly observed, due to their mostly nocturnal behavior and use of tree cavities for nesting,” Adkins said. “However, flying squirrels can be found in both hardwood and coniferous forests throughout Oregon.” 

Bert Skillen, a local wildlife biologist, said, “Flying squirrels are fascinating creatures who play an essential role in maintaining the health of our forests. They help promote forest health by eating fungi, especially truffles, and dispersing the fungal spores throughout the forest with their droppings. These fungi are critical for trees to take up nutrients.

“Flying squirrels are also an important prey species for the endangered spotted owl,” Skillen added. “A fun fact is that flying squirrels do not hibernate, but they will congregate together in one nest tree in the winter to stay warm. As many as 50 flying squirrels have been found in one nest tree during the colder months – that’s a lot of cuteness in one place!” 

Think Wild took in a rare, orphaned northern flying squirrel, seen at intake exam and being hand-fed formula, peering out from enclosure that simulates tree crevices

Adkins added, “Although this species faces threats of climate change, habitat loss and invasive species, (they are not) currently listed as a species of greatest conservation need in the state of Oregon.”

Though northern flying squirrels are not a species of immediate concern, successful rehabilitation of this young patient will help her continue her important role in maintaining forest health and supporting the ecosystem, Think Wild says. She will continue to receive care under strict protocols designed to promote weight gain and independence. Once she is strong enough, the goal is to release her back into her natural habitat. 

To support the care of this young flying squirrel and other patients like her, Think Wild invites the community to make a donation to the nonprofit wildlife center. Contributions are tax-deductible and help cover food, medical treatment and housing needs.

Donations directly support the rehabilitation of Central Oregon’s native wildlife and can be made at www.thinkwildco.org/support-us/donate.  

About Think Wild 

Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to inspire the High Desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through rescue and rehabilitation, outreach and education, and conservation. We provide veterinary treatment and care at the wildlife hospital, staffed by expert wildlife rehabilitation staff, animal husbandry volunteers, and our staff veterinarian. Wildlife conflicts or injuries can be reported to our Wildlife Hotline at (541) 241-8680, which is monitored seven days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit us online at thinkwildco.org, or on Instagram or Facebook @thinkwildco.   

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, passed by the Legislature in 2021, officially took effect on July 1.

With this new change, residents can now recycle food and beverage cartons, pizza boxes and small scrap metal (less than 10 pounds) in their curbside carts, county officials said in a news release Monday:

The RMA makes recycling simpler by creating one easy-to-follow statewide recycling list. It also brings significant changes to how packaging, paper, and food service ware are funded, collected, and recycled.

“I’m excited for what the RMA means for Deschutes County residents,” said Tim Brownell, Director of Solid Waste. “In the coming months and years, we will be expanding recycling opportunities throughout the county and ensuring that materials are responsibly recycled. Residents with curbside service should watch for updated recycling guides from their providers. Recycling saves resources, reduces climate impacts, and creates local jobs.”

What’s Changing in Deschutes County?

Deschutes County has updated the list of items that will be accepted in curbside recycling carts and drop-off centers to align with the new Uniform Statewide Collection List.

Newly accepted in curbside carts:

Food & Beverage cartons (milk, broth, juice)

Pizza Boxes (no food residue)

Small scrap metal (under 10 pounds or 18 inches)

No longer accepted in curbside carts:

Shredded paper (can be recycled at Deschutes Recycling, located at Knott Landfill, or any Deschutes County Transfer Station and placed in a shredded paper bin).

Before the RMA, recycling programs varied widely across Oregon. The new law requires that producers of packaging, printing, paper, and food service ware help fund consistent recycling services statewide.

Learn More

Deschutes County Recycling Information: https://www.deschutes.org/solidwaste/page/recycling-what-can-i-recycle

About the Recycling Modernization Act.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interview with Bend man, full story, Forest Service response)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As recovery efforts continue following the recent tragic tubing accident at Dillon Falls that claimed three lives, a local man says it’s a painful reminder of his family’s past tragedy. 

In the 1980s, Danny Vanni lost his cousins, Steve and Ben, when they were swept over Dillon Falls.

“When I heard this had happened, I relive what happened with my two cousins. And I’m like – that shouldn’t happen again,” Vanni told KTVZ News.

Numerous people have lost their lives to the dangerous rapids over the decades, including a Bend man who died in 2022.

Vanni’s cousins had been floating with Ben’s three young sons, who miraculously survived.  While Steve was found immediately, in a heartbreaking way, it took three more weeks before Ben was found. 

“The good news is, three little boys lived. My aunt had a really tough time, because she saw her grandson floating on something in the water, and it turned out to be Steve’s body. He just told them, ‘Hang onto my neck and don’t let go – no matter what.’ And he didn’t,” Vanni said.

Prior to his cousins’ terrible accident, Vanni says a safety cable was stretched across the river. The cable gave people a final chance to pull themselves out, if they missed the final take-out point before the rapids. 

Vanni claims the cable was taken down to film the movie ‘Up The Creek’ and was never replaced. 

“There was a safety cable there just for people coming around the bend, when all of a sudden realize they’re not on the smooth, easy river part,” Vanni said. “And the idea was to hold on to the cable and pull yourself to the edge, or tie off and wait for rescue. But, they took the cable down for, I believe, a shot they needed of a raft going over the falls. They never put it back.”

KTVZ News reached out to the Deschutes National Forest to confirm the cable’s past existence and whether there’s any option to install something similar. At the time this story first aired, they said they’re currently looking into the situation and will provide information as soon as possible.

Vanni said he is speaking out in hopes the community and those in charge will come together, to prevent future tragedies from affecting another family. 

“Keep all politics and all ridiculousness out of it. Please put the cable back. That’s all we’re asking. We’re a cool town. Let’s keep it safer,” Vanni said.

With one devastated family still waiting for closure, 10 days after the most recent accident at the Falls, safety is top of mind in the Central Oregon community. 

Vanni hopes some good will come from these unimaginable losses. “My heart goes out to this family that’s lost people. I know that feeling and our prayers are with them,” Vanni said. 

After this story first aired, KTVZ News received this response from the Forest Service: 

“Our thoughts are with the individuals, families, friends, and communities affected by the incident at Dillon Falls on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Our staff don’t have historical context to share about whether or not there was a cable across the falls in the 1980s. Installing a permanent line or cable across the river would pose additional safety risks, because the water level fluctuates depending on the runoff and the time of year. Additionally, there are some skilled kayakers who enjoy this stretch of water, and we want to ensure that this access remains available and unimpeded for them, so we do not inadvertently create safety issues for those users as well.

We have evaluated options to help boaters and floaters be aware of the dangers of the rapids along this stretch of river but have not found ways to engineer a permanent solution that does not end up creating more safety issues for all users.

The Deschutes National Forest has focused on preventing accidents by posting signage at numerous points along the river with an emphasis on Know Before You Go. We encourage the public to understand the stretch of the river they plan to recreate on in advance, have deliberate discussions about how to safely exit the river, and ensure everyone has the proper protective equipment for the activity they are engaging in.”

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KTVZ

UPDATE: Leon Lyle Haight has been FOUND.

Below is the press release from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that Leon Lyle Haight, the 84-year-old man reported missing from Paulina Lake Campground, has been safely located.

Early this morning, a civilian volunteer who had been searching overnight found Mr. Haight in a remote area just south of Devil’s Horn, east of where his vehicle had been discovered Sunday. Medics evaluated Mr. Haight at the scene, and he declined transport. He is currently being reunited with family by Deputy Dillon Hicks.

Mr. Haight was last seen Saturday morning and was believed to have wandered away from his campsite. His vehicle was located overnight by a local resident off FS Road 2121-200, high-centered with food, firewood, and personal items inside. Deputies and Search and Rescue teams tracked his footprints into the forest and continued search efforts through the night and into Monday morning.

We thank all the deputies, SAR personnel, medics, and especially the community members who volunteered their time and efforts to help locate Mr. Haight.

For non-emergency inquiries, contact dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing elderly man who was last seen at Paulina Lake Campground earlier today.

Leon Lyle Haight, age 84, of Salem, Oregon, was last seen at the family’s campsite around 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 27th. He is believed to have wandered off while relatives were away from the campsite. When they returned, they discovered Mr. Haight and his vehicle were gone. The family also noted that a camp axe was missing, and Mr. Haight had previously mentioned they were nearly out of firewood.

Mr. Haight is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 169 pounds, and has a full gray beard, although the most recent photo provided by the family shows him clean-shaven. He has no known medical or mental health conditions, but does have a history of wandering. 

He is believed to be driving a silver 2008 Honda Civic 4-door sedan with Oregon license plate 988 DRD. Law enforcement and family have checked the area’s roads and access points, but have not located his vehicle. The Salem Police Department also visited his residence in Salem, but he was not found there either.Mr. Haight’s family remains at the Paulina Lake Campground in case he returns. Anyone who may have seen Mr. Haight or his vehicle is asked to contact the Deschutes County non-emergency dispatch at (541) 693-6911.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Suspect arraigned, plea hearing set; no change in bail)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A California man arrested last weekend in a recent stabbing at a Bend gas station that nearly killed the victim appeared in court from jail Thursday afternoon after two no-shows due to illness earlier in the week, and the judge kept his bail at $500,000.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alison Emerson set an August 28 plea hearing for Kirk Raymond Reed, 36, of Apple Valley, California.

Reed told jail officials he was too ill to appear on video from the county jail for arraignment on Monday. He also did not appear at Tuesday’s rescheduled hearing, but was on hand for Thursday’s brief arraignment on felony charges of first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

Asked by his court-appointed defense attorney, Nicholas Patterson, Reed agreed to wait until a later date to address whether his bail could be reduced.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) August 4 — A California man stopped and arrested over the weekend for stabbing a man in the arm at a Bend gas station last month said he was too sick to appear in court for arraignment Monday. But a judge hiked his bail from $100,000 to $500,000, due to his lack of ties to the area and the victim’s life-threatening injuries. 

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Randy Miller reset arraignment for Tuesday afternoon for Kirk Raymond Reed, 36, of Apple Valley, California after a jail deputy told him Reed said he was feeling ill and unable to attend Monday’s hearing by video from the jail. 

Reed was indicted Friday on charges of first-degree assault, a Class A felony, and unlawful use of a weapon, a Class C felony, and a $100,000 bench warrant was issued for his arrest. 

Bend Police spotted Reed driving south on Highway 97 early Sunday morning and he was arrested by Sunriver Police during a traffic stop at the Pinnacle 365 gas station-convenience store. 

Deputy District Attorney Mara Houck told the judge that the victim “was almost killed” by Reed, who apparently has not been in the area for long and has no ties to the community. 

“The victim was bleeding heavily from his arm,” she said, and suffered what “turned out to be a life-threatening injury.” 

“He almost bled to death,” Houck said, but a quickly applied “tourniquet saved his life.” 

Judge Miller increased the bail amount to $500,000, pending Tuesday’s arraignment. He also directed Reed that if released, he is to have no contact with the victim or the ARCO gas station where the stabbing occurred, and not to possess or use “weapons of any kind, including knives.” 

Bend Police announced Reed’s arrest earlier Monday.

“During the course of this investigation, Bend Police identified 36-year-old Kirk Raymond Reed of Apple Valley, Calif., as a suspect in this stabbing,” Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said. “Officers also identified multiple vehicles associated with Reed.” 

Around 12:34 a.m. on Sunday, Bend Police spotted one of the suspect vehicles associated with Reed traveling south on Highway 97. About 10 minutes later, Sunriver Police officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at the Pinnacle 365 on Venture Lane in Sunriver.   

Reed was taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, Miller said. I

“Bend Police wish to thank the Sunriver Police Department and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance on this arrest,” Miller said.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — July 26 — A 33-year-old Bend man is recovering after being stabbed in the arm on Friday night at a gas station on the south end of Bend. 

The incident happened around 9:35 p.m. at the ARCO gas station off of South Highway 97. According to Bend Police, bystanders and responding officers rendered life-saving care before the victim was taken to St. Charles in Bend, where he is in stable condition. 

The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. He is described as an adult male with tattoos on his chest and arms, short brown hair, and a mustache. 

As of Saturday morning, no arrests have been made. Police say the investigation is ongoing. 

If you have any information, you are encouraged to contact Bend Police. You can call their non-emergency line at 541-693-6911.

KTVZ will continue to update you on this developing story. 

You can read the full statement from Bend Police below:

News Release from Bend Police Dept.Posted on FlashAlert: July 26th, 2025 9:40 AM

Date: July 26, 2025  

Case #: 2025-00043431 

Incident: One stabbed at gas station, suspect flees 

Date / Time of Incident: July 25, 2025 / 9:35 p.m.  

Location: ARCO South, 61100 block of South Highway 97, Bend  

Victim: 33-year-old Bend resident 

At approximately 9:35 p.m. on Friday, July 25, Bend Police responded to the ARCO gas station on South Highway 97 for a report of a man who had been stabbed.  

Witnesses and responding officers provided lifesaving medical care to a 33-year-old man who had been stabbed in the arm. The victim was transported to St. Charles and is in stable condition.  

Officers learned that the suspect, identified as an adult male with tattoos on his chest and arms and short brown hair and a mustache, had fled the scene. This is an ongoing investigation.   

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Barney Lerten

(Update: three missing children located)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The three young children who went missing with their mother in Bend earlier this week have been found, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

The children were found at a residence in Klamath County following an extensive search effort led by the DSCO, with assistance from the Oregon State Police.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Josh Spano traveled to Klamath County with an OSP Trooper to recover the children. After more than an hour of calm and compassionate negotiation, the children’s mother, Desirae Gross, agreed to relinquish custody. They were safely turned over to ODHS without incident.

No additional details will be released at this time out of respect for the children’s privacy and the sensitive nature of this case.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the public’s concern and support throughout the search. The most important outcome is that the children were found safe.

Dale Beaver, age 2, Isabella Beaver, age 1, and Ethan Biven, age 3, went missing with their mother, Desirae Gross, from Bend on Tuesday. The Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division said early Friday evening it “believes that they may be at risk and is searching for them to assess their safety.” 

Here’s the rest of the DHS missing child alert, with details about the three children:

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find the children. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of the children or the mother should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  

The family is believed to be in the Bend area, potentially at a houseless encampment along North Highway 97.  

Name: Dale Beaver Pronouns: he/him Date of birth: 11/16/2022 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Report #25-40500 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2057007 

Name: Isabella Beaver Pronouns: she/her Date of birth: 1/9/2024 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Report #25-40500 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2057007 

Name: Ethan Biven Pronouns: he/him Date of birth: 12-15-2021 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Report #25-40500 National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2057007 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger, and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety.

As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child. 

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.  

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Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors.

These individuals bring deep community roots, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to the mission of creating affordable housing and strengthening neighborhoods across South Deschutes County. 

Please join us in welcoming: 

Patrick Jackson, Loan Officer at New American Funding 

Jessica McIntyre, REALTOR®, La Pine Realty 

Jennifer Michaud, Branch Manager at US Bank La Pine 

Robin Mirrasoul, Retired La Pine Business Owner 

“We are honored to welcome Patrick, Jessica, Jennifer, and Robin to our board,” said Kim Gammond, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver. “Their combined experience in housing, finance, and community development will help us further our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” 

These new board members will play an integral role in advancing Habitat’s mission, supporting homebuilding initiatives, and expanding outreach in the La Pine and Sunriver communities. 

For more information on our board, volunteer opportunities, or how to get involved, visit: www.habitatlapinesunriver.org. 

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Founded in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver has built more than 40 affordable homes in three neighborhoods, including Putney Place. Habitat provides more than 100 critical, health and safety repairs to neighbors across South Deschutes County each year, and runs a thriving ReStore in La Pine. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Oregon (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department wants to better understand the public’s values and priorities for the future of state parks through a new survey as it launches a strategic initiative to reimagine how parks are funded, operated and supported.

OPRD faces a potential 14% budget shortfall for park operations by 2027, even with recent fee increases. The gap is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and changes in lottery funds. The strategic initiative will work to address that shortfall before 2027.

“For more than a century, Oregon’s parks have been a source of pride, joy and connection for communities across the state,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption. “But the way we fund the system has not kept up with how Oregonians use and value it today. We’re not waiting for the crisis—we’re planning ahead to build a more resilient and relevant park system.”

OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback from visitors and potential visitors about their priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities, as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.

The survey is open to everyone and will help inform decisions about the future of state parks. Those who complete the survey have the option of entering a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking permit. 

Oregon State Parks continues to experience record visitation with more than 56.6 million estimated visits in 2024. It is one of the most visited park systems in the country.

This level of use significantly increases wear and tear on aging park infrastructure, driving up maintenance needs and long-term operational costs.

Parks’ funding comes from three main sources. A little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from the agency’s share of recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. Oregon State Park operations is not funded by general fund taxes.

“We already operate leanly, but we’re also taking a hard look at costs and spending decisions as we plan the future. We’re building new partnerships with Oregon businesses and growing opportunities for visitors to experience state parks in new and innovative ways,” Sumption said.

In addition to operating more than 250 state parks and maintaining hundreds of historic structures, the agency also manages the ocean shore, the State Historic Preservation Office, ATV safety programs and permits as well as multiple grant programs for trails, ATVs, historic structures and local government projects.

For more information about the survey or to learn about ways to support parks, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/ or take the survey at bit.ly/stateparksurvey.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Clydesdales’ travel delay, downtown Redmond event canceled)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center said Wednesday it’s learned that the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales have experienced an unexpected travel delay and won’t not arrive in time for the Grand Opening Day of the 2025 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo.

“While the Budweiser Clydesdales will not be with us on Opening Day, we’re still working closely with the team to bring them to Central Oregon,” the announcement said.

Meanwhile, the city of Redmond announced, “We have been informed that due to transit delays, the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales are unable to make their scheduled appearance in downtown Redmond on (Thursday evening), July 31. They will still be at the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo for visitors to enjoy.

Fairgoers can still experience world-class horse displays and meet impressive equine teams every day of the Fair. On site and on display for the full run of Fair are the Lone Pine Clydesdales from Walking H Ranch and the Percherons from Lazy M Ranch in Terrebonne—both providing demonstrations and photo opportunities daily.

All equine exhibitions are included with Fair admission.

For up-to-date information on Fair happenings, visit DESCHUTESFAIR.com

About the Bi-Mart Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo:

The Bi-Mart Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, presented by Indian Head Casino, is Oregon’s largest county fair, offering five days of action-packed entertainment, family fun, rodeo excitement, and, of course, the Kendall Toyota of Bend FREE Summer Concert Series on the Bi-Mart Stage. With five nights of concerts, five thrilling rodeo performances, and hundreds of hours of free family programming, this year’s Fair will be an unforgettable experience for all ages. Join us from July 30 to Aug. 3, 2025, for the Five Best Days of Summer! The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will be making a special appearance in downtown Redmond on Thursday, July 31, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., courtesy of the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo. 

Earlier story:

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) July 25 – The public is invited to come to Centennial Park to meet and take pictures with the Clydesdales, and then cheer them on as they travel down Sixth Street under the Redmond Arch starting at 7:30 p.m.   

“We are honored the Budweiser Clydesdales have selected our community to make an appearance as well as have an active role in this year’s Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo,” remarked Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch. “While many may be familiar with their famous television ads, once you see them in person, you will have an entirely new appreciation for the 90-year tradition they have upheld.” 

Beginning in the spring of this year, the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales have been traveling to communities across the country and appearing at various local events and venues in support of Anheuser-Busch’s longstanding partnership with Folds of Honor.

Through its scholarship program, Folds of Honor ensures that families of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and families of first responders receive educational opportunities and support.  

To date, Anheuser-Busch, its brands, and wholesaler partners have donated over $33 million, which has funded over 6,600 scholarships for Folds of Honor recipients.  

The iconic Budweiser Clydesdales will be on display every day of the 2025 Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo! Fairgoers will have the rare opportunity to see these majestic horses up close through daily meet-and-greets, hitching demonstrations, and special presentations—all included with Fair admission. 

In a powerful tribute, the Clydesdales will also escort Folds of Honor scholarship recipients into the rodeo arena during an evening performance, highlighting our shared commitment to honoring military families. 

Don’t miss your chance to experience these legendary horses in person, either at the fair or downtown Redmond. For Fair & Rodeo event schedules and details, visit: https://expo.deschutes.org/p/fair/bi-mart-fair-and-rodeo. 

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