Category: ktvz-local-news

Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding comments from Deschutes County, DarkSky Oregon)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Earlier this year, Deschutes County amended its outdoor lighting ordinance to reduce light pollution and protect Central Oregon’s night skies while maintaining public safety. The new rules take effect in less than two weeks.

“So before, there were a lot of charts that talked about wattage and bulb type and all of the stuff was very difficult. So our goal was to simplify that,” said county Senior Planner Tanya Saltzman said Wednesday.

Christopher Hill, a board member with DarkSky Oregon, says the county’s updated rules are based on National Dark Sky guidance, aimed at promoting safer, more responsible lighting.

Astrotourism is a growing business, in Central Oregon. People come here to see the night skies,” said Hill, DarkSky Oregon board member and astrophotographer.

Hill says artificial light at night can negatively affect both people and wildlife.

“There is definitely an impact not only on our individual circadian rhythm, but also dissipating rhythm for other creatures. This includes the migration of birds,” Hill said.

The updated county rules take effect Tuesday, Dec. 23 for all new outdoor light installations in unincorporated areas of the county.

 “Our rules don’t apply to the cities because they each have their own regulations,” said Saltzman.”It does not apply to Bend, La Pine, Sisters, Redmond.It does apply to communities such as Tumalo, and Terrebonne and all of the rural counties.”

Property owners with existing outdoor lights installed and working before that date will have until December 2028 to comply with the revised rules.

After receiving feedback from two advisory panels and holding multiple public hearings, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved changes to the outdoor lighting ordinance during its Sept. 24 meeting.

The changes include:

Using guidance from DarkSky International to promote safe, responsible lighting.

Updating terminology, which includes “downcast,” “light trespass,” “fully shielded” and “string lights.”

Setting three primary requirements for non-exempt fixtures:

Lights must be downcast.

Fixtures must be fully shielded.

Light trespass is prohibited.

Clarifying existing exemptions and adding others. For example: the updated ordinance clarifies that holiday lighting is allowed from the day after Thanksgiving through Jan. 15 each year.

You can learn more about the county’s outdoor lighting ordinance by listening to the Inside Deschutes County podcast or visiting the Community Development Department website.

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KTVZ

(update: comments from volunteers, Hospice of Redmond)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Over 30 trees are being decorated by volunteers for this year’s Festival of Trees, and each one tells a different story.

For sisters Katy Maynard and Susan Gripshover, decorating a tree together is more than a holiday tradition. It’s a tribute to their dad.

“My dad loved his horses,” Maynard said. “He grew up with horses and had them until the day he died.”

Their father, Jack Poffenbarger, worked as a ranch hand, mechanic, mill worker, and even owned a bicycle and ski shop in Redmond. He later became a highly trained paramedic and firefighter with the Redmond Fire Department.

Now visiting from out of town, his daughters decorated their tree with the things he loved most, a heartfelt way to honor his life and keep his memory close this holiday season.

“We made this little vignette with a rocking horse. He made rocking horses for his grandkids,” Maynard said. “My daughter even made a sign for him: In honor of a gentle soul, a father, grandfather and firefighter, and the man who loved horses.”

Their tree will be one of many featured at the 42nd annual Festival of Trees, a signature fundraiser for Hospice of Redmond.

“It’s all about our community,” said Lauren Lebien with Hospice of Redmond. “We’re a nonprofit, and we raise vital funds every year to keep our free programs going.”

Dozens of volunteers spent Friday decorating the Christmas trees that will be auctioned off over the weekend.

“They bring all their supplies and spend the entire day setting up,” Lebien said. “The space is really transformed by the evening.”

Amid the sparkle and celebration, the event remains rooted in remembrance, and in supporting families cared for by hospice.

“Hospice was very good to us for every passing we’ve ever had to go through,” Maynard said. “Their care has been amazing for us at the end of life.”

The evening’s ticketed, semi-formal Gala will begin at 5:00 pm and feature 31 exquisitely decorated holiday trees. Attendees will enjoy a gourmet dinner by Core Catering and live music, culminating in a high-energy live auction where the stunning designer trees and associated gifts are sold to the highest bidder. 

The evening’s festivities will include a very special announcement regarding the future of Hospice of Redmond and its services across Central Oregon. Attendees will be the first to hear this news, which promises an exciting look at the organization’s next chapter and its long-term commitment to enhancing compassionate end-of-life care for all residents. 

Every ticket purchased is a direct investment in compassionate, essential services throughout the region, funding end-of-life support programs, bereavement, and children’s grief programs like Camp Sunrise. 

The festivities begin earlier in the day with a free, family-friendly tree-viewing event on Saturday, December 6th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Community members are invited to enjoy the spectacular display, meet Santa, enjoy delicious cookies, and cast their vote for the highly coveted People’s Choice Award. 

Purchase tickets for the Gala at: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/festivaloftrees25/ 

About Hospice of Redmond: 

Hospice of Redmond is a 501(c)(3 nonprofit, independent, and Medicare-certified organization that has been a cornerstone of Central Oregon since its founding in 1979. For over four decades, they have compassionately supported thousands of individuals and their families with quality end-of-life care, bereavement services, transitions programs, and vital community support. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As temperatures drop and the holidays draw near, Diversified Heating & Cooling is once again giving back to the Central Oregon community in a big way.

Celebrating the second year of their annual Heat Pump Giveaway, the local, family-owned company is turning up the heat — literally — by giving away two brand-new, energy-efficient heat pump systems, each valued at over $15,000, the company said in a news release Tuesday that continues below:

The initiative, created to support families in need of reliable heating and cooling, has become a heartwarming local tradition. Last year, Diversified awarded one deserving family a free heat pump system and installation, changing the way they experienced comfort at home. This year, the company wanted to make an even bigger impact by doubling the number of recipients.

“The support we’ve received from this community is incredible, and we want to keep paying that forward,” said Ken Ledbetter, co-owner of Diversified Heating & Cooling. “No one should have to worry about staying warm in winter. Giving away two systems this year is our way of saying thank you and helping families who need it most.”

Each system includes professional installation by Diversified’s expert technicians, as well as all electrical work done by Pro Electric, ensuring that the winning families enjoy long-term comfort and efficiency at no cost.

Community members are encouraged to nominate themselves, friends, or family who could benefit from a new heating and cooling system. Nominations are open now through November 30, 2025, and can be submitted through the company’s website.

“This isn’t just about a giveaway — it’s about bringing warmth, relief, and hope to people who truly deserve it,” Ledbetter added.

Winners will be announced in early December, just in time for the holidays.

To nominate a deserving family or learn more about the giveaway, visit Diversifiedheating.com.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In the 19th and early 20th centuries, illustrated maps and advertisements functioned as powerful enticements to attract new inhabitants to the West. Opening this Saturday at the High Desert Museum, Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place explores a century of salesmanship, when artists and cartographers alike crafted an image of the West that depicted both fact and fiction.

The visually engaging exhibition will feature 50-plus maps, artworks and advertisements from the museum’s extensive collections, including work by prominent Western artists Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, Edward B. Quigley and Edward Borein, according to a news release Tuesday from the museum that continues in full below:

Visitors will explore the decades of westward expansion, as roads, railroads, national parks and ski resorts began to sprout across the landscape.

“The museum is privileged to care for some truly amazing historical documents and artworks, and this exhibition incorporates some truly engaging, special pieces from our vault,” said museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Drawn West brings together these items into a visual history of how narratives about the West took shape.”

The West’s inspiring mountains, broad plateaus and rapid rivers have long evoked a strong connection to a mythic Western character. Artists often represented Western cultures and landscapes through a romantic lens, at times infusing myth into marketing.

Leveraging the Museum’s collection of 29,000 objects, the exhibition is divided into five sections: Westward Expansion, Railroads, Roads, Recreation and Reclamation–covering 100 years of change.

Each section dives into not only the national and legal challenges but also the regional response as more people moved West–all from the lens of the artists, cartographers and marketers of the time.

From the growth of cities and towns along railways in the High Desert to the first Pendleton Round-Up in 1910 and the construction of the Bonneville Dam in the 1930s, each artwork, map and advertisement on display tells a story of near-constant change.

Some of the illustrated maps and art on display include Portrait of Crowfoot, a watercolor on paper by Russell, as well as Russell’s first article published in Harper’s Weekly in 1888, Caught in the Act. The article detailed the harsh realities of inadequate food supplies for Indigenous peoples forced onto reservations to make way for Euro-American settlement.

Russell was known for publicly condemning the government-sponsored settlement of the West and its effect on Indigenous peoples. An original homestead deed from 1907 stands in stark contrast to the detailed painting.

Classic Bronco, a bronze statue by Edward B. Quigley (1895-1984), depicts a bucking bronco and his rider. Quigley used his experiences participating in numerous cattle drives with the Yakama Nation as an inspiration for his art. A copy of Lansford Hastings’ Emigrants Guide to Oregon and California (1845) and a Harper’s Weekly cover illustration by Remington are also on display.

“These are original works by prominent Western artists, some of whom, like Russell, have entire museums dedicated to them,” Whitelaw said. “From an 1841 map of Oregon Territory by Charles Wilkes to bronzes by artists like Quigley to ski advertisements from the 1950s, the exhibition is an engaging look into how the stories of the High Desert were told throughout time.”

From myths and marketing to fact and fiction, Drawn West will encourage visitors to look closer at a century of advertising place. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/drawn-west.

Drawn West: A History of Promoting Place is on view through June 28, 2026. The exhibition is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, 100.1 FM KBND and the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund.

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 and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, 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 TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. 

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: adding additional video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sunshine and mild temperatures greeted the many flag-waving Central Oregonians who lined the streets of downtown Bend or took part in Tuesday’s 24th annual Bend Veterans Day Parade, honoring all who have served our country.

For those unable to attend, KTVZ was honored to provide a livestream of the parade on KTVZ+ and our KTVZ News app, sharing an event that included everything from marching bands to bagpipers, cool cars and Shriners in go-karts, Scouts and of course many veterans of various eras who walked or rolled through the route.

The theme of this year’s parade, organized by Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, was “Service to Nation and Community,” celebrating those who have dedicated their lives to serving the country and their neighbors. 

The grand marshal for the 2025 parade was U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam War veteran Robert Landers.

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Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies conducted a unique training exercise Monday that involved getting volunteers intoxicated. This DUII roadside sobriety test training takes place approximately once every five years.

Volunteers selected by the sheriff’s office arrived at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds just after 3 p.m. They spent an hour drinking under deputy supervision. Throughout this time, they were given Breathalyzer tests until they reached a level above the legal limit.

Law enforcement officers then took turns administering standardized roadside sobriety tests on the volunteers. Some of the deputies were performing these tests for the first time as part of their training.

The deputies look for involuntary physiological responses. It’s not about “passing” the test, but certain clues cannot be faked.

Patrol Sergeant Danny Graham said there is no substitute for training officers to recognize intoxication by working with people who have actually been drinking.

“It can’t be simulated because we need to experience the real sights and smells and use our senses alongside administering the field sobriety tests,” Graham said. “It helps us pick up on subtle clues that sober people or actors cannot display.”

Among the volunteers, one was actually sober, and it was up to the officers to identify who.

After the exercise, officers studied the latest DUII laws and received further classroom training.

This training offers surprising insights into alcohol’s effects for both officers and volunteers, and it builds camaraderie between them. The volunteers appeared to enjoy their role in the tests.

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Barney Lerten

Update: Adding video

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ —The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality advisory Monday for Deschutes County and Northern Klamath County due to stagnant air conditions trapping smoke and other air pollutants near the ground where people breathe.

DEQ said it expects the air quality advisory to last until Wednesday afternoon.

Check current air quality conditions and advisories on DEQ’s Air Quality Index or by downloading the OregonAIR on your app on your smartphone.

County health and local air agencies may issue wood burning restrictions limiting the use of wood stoves, fireplaces and outdoor burning. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income. Check with your local health or air agency for current restrictions.

People can take the following precautions to protect their health:

• Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality.• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions.• People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high.• Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems.• Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible.

DEQ’s color-coded Air Quality Index provides current air quality conditions and ranks air quality as follows: Green is good. Yellow is moderate. Orange is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory conditions. Red is unhealthy for everyone. Purple is very unhealthy for all groups. Maroon is hazardous.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Real estate developer Taylor Brooks announced Monday that its newest tenant, WildRoots Coffee House, is now open and welcoming guests in its beautiful new space in Shevlin Crossing in northwest Bend.

WildRoots’ original northeast Bend location off Empire Avenue has been one of the city’s most beloved coffee shops, and owners Kris and Laura Steinke are excited about opening in a new part of town, the businesses said in a news release that continues below:

The new WildRoots opened last week and is conveniently located at the roundabout at Shevlin Park Road and NW Crossing Dr., on the first floor of Shevlin Crossing, at 2230 NW Labiche Lane in Bend.

Kris Steinke, owner of WildRoots, said, “We could not be more excited to open our second location in northwest Bend. Shevlin Crossing is a beautiful complex with great neighbors, and we are already feeling welcomed and embraced by the local community. We hope coffee lovers from around town will stop by and stay awhile – we have a beautiful space for meeting up with friends and colleagues, and are excited to meet new guests.”

Taylor Brooks General Manager Jeremy McPherson, said, “WildRoots is the perfect fit for Shevlin Crossing. Our other tenants are excited to have the coffee house right here, and the neighborhood’s anticipation has been palpable as well. I foresee many great meetings and relaxing get togethers taking place here, now that WildRoots has opened.”

WildRoots’ new location is now serving guests Monday – Friday 6am – 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 7am – 4pm. For more information and updates, visit https://wildrootscoffeehouse.com/, follow WildRoots on instagram at @wildroots_coffeehouse, follow Taylor Brooks on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the Taylor Brooks newsletter.

About Taylor Brooks

Taylor Brooks, based in Bend, Oregon, develops, owns and manages high-quality real estate development projects in Central Oregon. It specializes in commercial development of healthcare, office, and flex industrial space. The company will also offer its tenants full-service commercial property management capabilities, with a focus on maintaining strong relationships. Taylor Brooks is a partnership of Taylor Development LLC and Brooks Resources Corp. www.taylorbrooksdev.com.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — High Desert Chamber Music said Monday it’s pleased to announce the students selected for this year’s Spotlight Chamber Players program: Madeleine Bloom (violin), Peyton Cape (cello), Parker Carlson (violin), Ezra Oncken (violin), and Harper Renfroe (piano).

HDCM Spotlight Chamber Players and all Educational Outreach programs are sponsored by the Brooks Resources Corporation, the organization said in a news release that continues in full below:

This program provides advanced training and regular chamber music instruction to dedicated young musicians in Central Oregon. Participants work in small ensembles and perform throughout the year at HDCM events and in the community.

“We are excited to welcome this talented group of students and look forward to hearing them perform together this season,” states Executive Director Isabelle Senger. “The Spotlight Chamber Players program has become a cornerstone of our educational outreach, helping to develop musicianship, collaboration, and confidence in young performers.”

Auditions are held annually, and open to students of stringed instruments or pianists with three or more years of private study and intermediate to advanced levels of playing.

This year’s students come from the private teaching studios of Jay Bednorz (Cascade School of Music), Peter Brownlee, Kara Eubanks (Willamette Violin Academy), Lenore Gilbert, and Aria Hartley. The members, aged 11 to 16, attend local schools including High Desert Middle School, Eastmont School, Redmond Proficiency Academy, Cascades Academy, and Summit High School.

High Desert Chamber Music’s mission is to bring world-class chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. HDCM presents an acclaimed series of classical chamber music concerts featuring an exciting roster of professional performing artists. Join us in our eighteenth season and experience the impact that live mu

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The government shutdown’s impact in flight reductions is leaving some air travelers scrambling to get to their destinations, including KTVZ News at Sunrise producer Silas Moreau.

It was the worst weekend for air traffic control staffing since the start of the federal government shutdown. More air traffic control staffing problems were reported this weekend than any other weekend, according to an analysis of Federal Aviation Administration operations plans.

There were nearly 150 staffing triggers. That means air traffic controllers had to alter operations to keep the airspace safe, with fewer people working. These steps can include rerouting planes or delaying flights.

Moreau was in Phoenix this weekend, where he missed his flight because of long security lines.

“I just was in line, and I just felt it in the air,” he said. “I, I was just like, ‘Oh, I can tell these people are angry, these people are sad, they want to get back to their families.'”

Silas’s new flight was set for Monday night, so we’ll see if he makes it back home.

The FAA has prohibited most private aircraft from using a dozen major airports amid the air traffic control staffing problems. Exceptions are being made for military and emergency aircraft. The air traffic control systems command center can also grant exemptions.

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