Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Are you in need of some extra help this holiday season?

Between decorating the house, buying gifts, and planning your holiday meal, this time of year can spread some people thin. 

Here’s something that might help: located at the Bend River Promenade off of 3rd Street, there’s a free gift wrapping service, aimed at taking some of the to do’s off your plate.

The free gift wrapping service happens every year and is put on by the nonprofit Oregon Equestrian Trails. The nonprofit accepts donations in exchange for wrapping.

You can drop gifts off between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, December 1st through December 13th. Starting December 14th, you can drop off gifts from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through December 23rd. 

Volunteers from Oregon Equestrian Trails will wrap your gifts (purchased from any store) and call you when they are ready for pick up.

Click here to learn more.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Video Added)

KTVZ News posted to Facebook Thursday morning to hear what you, our viewers, are thankful for this holiday season.

Above, we highlight what KTVZ news staff are thankful for.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year—as many are looking ahead to the holidays and checking gifts off their lists. 

It’s the perfect day for another Small Business Spotlight!

We’re highlighting The Monterey Company, a custom products company based in Bend. 

“Not a lot of people know about us, so we want to get our name out there and just get known in the community that we love,” said Eric Turney, the president and co-owner of The Monterey Company.

Eric Turney

The Monterey Company got it’s start back in 1989 creating all things custom. 

“We do a lot of hats, branded apparel, t-shirts, ornaments, keychains,” Turney said. “Gear for people’s, employees. Sweatshirts, hoodies…”

Hats

The company has worked with big names like Amazon and Google but wants to bring in more Central Oregon customers being Bend-based. 

“(I was) born here in Bend. Went to high school, raised. I love Bend. You know, my kids are getting raised here,” Turney said. “We want to do more within the community, even give back. We did some free hats for a little league team here in town… We’ve done work for Lay It Out Events. So their racing metals that you see for the Happy Girls Run and all their events.”

From stickers to sweatshirts, the Monterey team is ready to bring your vision to life. 

Jack (left), Eric (middle), James (right), co-owners

“We’re right here on Century Drive. We share the same building with Fly and Field and Emerald City Smoothie. You’ve probably driven past us a bunch of times,” said Turney. “You can always hop in or our website.”

Make sure to get your orders in now for the perfect Christmas gift! 

Custom ornament

“It depends on the product, depends on the order size. I mean, stickers we can do in a few days, but, ornaments are typically a couple weeks. Most of our products are typically a couple weeks,” said Turney.

Click here to learn more about The Monterey Company.

Here are links to The Monterey Company’s social media platforms:

–Facebook–Instagram–YouTube–LinkedIn

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Shannon Brady

This morning was the 9th annual Redmond Turkey Trot held at Juniper Golf Course. The event featured a free 1K run for kids, a 5K and 10K course, and a virtual trot.

Participants were able to grab all sorts of fun swag, such as hats and hoodies. Trotters also had the opportunity to purchase discounted lift tickets to Hoodoo Ski Area at registration.

100% of the event’s proceeds are donated to Bright Eyes Bright Future, a local nonprofit bringing essential eye care services to youth across the world. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 by Krissy and Dr. Ray Hardy, owners of Summit Family Eyecare in Bend.

They told KTVZ news, “Our goal is to provide a family-friendly event to help kick off the holiday on a good note. We’ve seen families, work groups, and friends enjoy the day together, and it makes it all worth it.”

This family event has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many Central Oregonians; others are participating for the first time this year. There were more than 1,500 participants in 2024 and this year had another great outcome, with cars parked down the street.

Hardy added, “Community support grows every year through participation, sponsorship and volunteering. We have over 50 volunteers helping on the day of with everything from directing traffic, checking in runners, setting up, tearing down, and manning the aid station.”

To read more about Bright Eyes Bright Future: brighteyesbrightfuture.org

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Five thousand Central Oregonians bundled up Thanksgiving morning for the annual I Like Pie run in Bend. 

The event was held at its new home in Riverbend Park. 

Jillian Fortner spoke with participants, community leaders and sponsors at the event. Watch her full report tonight on KTVZ News.

“We used to be hosted at the Old Mill District,” said Scott Douglass with Cascade Relays. “But we outgrew the place and this allows us the opportunity to expand.”

The walk/run benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bend.

“When I found out it was a charity event for the Boys and Girls club, I felt like it was a perfect opportunity to sponsor the event.” said Jamie Bianchini, Co-Founder and CEO of Purpose in Expenses.

After raising $40,000 last year, this year they hope to raise $50,000. 

“This helps out a lot of families,” said Kyle Frick, VP of Marketing for Mid Oregon Credit Union.

Participants set out on one of three routes, all leading to the same reward: a slice of pie waiting at the finish line.

“We have over 400 pies from Costco,” Douglass added.

New this year was the Perfect Slice Challenge, featuring pie pros and standout home bakers. Sen. Anthony Broadman and Mayor Melanie Kebler were among the community leaders who stepped in as judges.

“This challenge is a way of bringing together community leaders for something we can all agree on. Delicious pie on the morning of Thanksgiving.” Senator Anthony Broadman said.

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Tracee Tuesday

Redmond, Ore. [KTVZ] — LuAnn Lehnertz’s journey with St. Charles began in 1975 during a cross-country road trip that brought her to Central Oregon.

Originally from the Twin Cities and with a full-time job offer in Minnesota, Lehnertz made a life-changing decision when she stopped in Bend and accepted a part-time dietitian position at St. Charles. That November marked the beginning of an extraordinary 50-year career dedicated to the health and wellness of the local community.

Lehnertz was Redmond’s first full-time dietitian and took on many pioneering roles, including managing food services for two decades, designing the hospital kitchen, and providing inpatient visits—all well before the age of computers and email.

Throughout her tenure, she launched innovative programs such as diabetes education, bariatric surgery support groups, and lifestyle programs to complement medical treatments. She became the first certified diabetes educator dietitian in Redmond and has consistently embraced new ideas and challenges in the evolving field of nutrition.

Today, Lehnertz continues her work at the Center for Women’s Health in Redmond, offering outpatient nutrition therapy. Beyond her professional duties, she also teaches fitness classes at the Redmond Senior Center, making health and wellness her lifelong passion.

Reflecting on her five decades at St. Charles, Lehnertz says she’s never been bored and believes she’s had the best years any dietitian could ask for—both professionally and personally in Central Oregon.

Her story is a testament to commitment, community, and the impact one dedicated healthcare professional can have over a long career, inspiring the next generation of care providers and the Central Oregon community alike.

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Tracee Tuesday

LA PINE, Ore. [KTVZ] — When the government shutdown left families across Oregon struggling to afford groceries, one La Pine business owner decided to help—one slice at a time.

During that difficult stretch, Figaro’s Pizza stepped up in a big way, giving out more than 100 free pizzas to families in need and to those whose SNAP benefits had been reduced. Leading the charge was owner Brandi Herron, who found inspiration from an unexpected moment inside her own pizza shop.

It started when Herron’s employees began giving their own lunches to a homeless man who frequently stopped by. That small gesture sparked a bigger idea—something that would come to be known as “The Giving Wall.”

Now, that wall inside Figaro’s is covered with prepaid pizza vouchers, donated first by Herron’s staff and later by generous community members. Anyone in need can take a voucher—no questions asked—and enjoy a warm meal.

“My mom needed these programs when I was growing up, and I needed these programs when I was raising my own kids,” Herron said. “I just felt the need was tremendous. I don’t think I’m doing anything special—I just think I’m doing what everybody should be doing. If we all help our neighbors or our employees, the world is just a better place.”

Since its inception during the shutdown, the Giving Wall has proven to be a simple act of caring, and sharing what Herron has with those who could use a little help, one pizza at a time.

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Families, friends and Thanksgiving guests can stay safe from foodborne germs by practicing four simple steps this holiday: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill, the Oregon Health Authority says. 

Clean:  Wash hands and surfaces often 

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before, during and after preparing food, and before eating.

Always wash hands after handling uncooked meat, turkey and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.

Wash utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.

Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. 

Separate: Avoid cross contamination 

Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices away from other foods when grocery shopping.

Keep raw or marinating meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the bottom of the refrigerator; store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in sealed containers or wrap them securely so the juices don’t leak onto other foods.

Use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and a separate cutting board or plate for produce, bread and other foods that won’t be cooked.

Cook: To the proper temperature 

The only way to tell if food is safely cooked to a temperature that kills germs is to use a food thermometer. For example, turkey should cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This chart provides a detailed list of temperatures and foods, including shellfish and precooked ham. 

Chill: Refrigerate promptly 

Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).

Package warm or hot food in clean, shallow containers and then refrigerate — it is OK to put small portions of hot food in the refrigerator since they will chill faster.

If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like sitting in a hot car or at a picnic, refrigerate it within 1 hour.

Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave – never thaw food on the counter because bacteria multiply quickly in the parts of the food that reach room temperature. 

Check out this informative video showing how to safely prepare your Thanksgiving meal. 

For more information, visit OHA’s Food Safety web page  

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This holiday season, Central Oregonians can give a child and family much-needed support by taking part in KIDS Center’s toy and gift card drive, “Hope for the Holidays.”

Now through December 15, KIDS Center is collecting gift cards and toys to distribute to children and families impacted by abuse. 

This year, KIDS Center expects to serve 500 children and families across the region. “Many of our families are under stress, which can affect a child’s healing process,” explains Hailey Porter, a Child & Family Therapist at KIDS Center.

Gift cards offer immediate relief for families. Throughout the year, KIDS Center’s family advocates distribute $10,000 in gift cards to client families. Gift cards to gas stations, grocery stores, and big box stores offer the most impact, notes Nikki Guthrie, Family Advocate.

“A gas card can help a child reach KIDS Center for a therapy session or child abuse evaluation,” Guthrie said. “A grocery card can offer a family warm meals for the week. Gift cards to big box stores help families buy diapers and other necessities. Gift cards give families much-needed stability so they can focus on healing.”  

“We encourage people to pick up a gift card while they’re doing their holiday shopping,” explains Ginger Theis-Stevens, the nonprofit’s Director of Marketing and Development.

Gift cards can be mailed to KIDS Center or dropped off in the drop box by the front door. KIDS Center is located on Bend’s westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703.  

You can also donate online to the Gift Card Fund and KIDS Center will purchase gift cards on your behalf.  Visit https://kidscenter.org/giftcards.  

Along with gift cards, KIDS Center also collects toys to give a little joy to children who have experienced abuse. “Our toy wish list on Amazon is a great place to start,” says Theis-Stevens. “You can order toys and have them shipped directly to KIDS Center, or purchase toys in town and bring them (unwrapped) to KIDS Center during our regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm).  

If you are interested in learning more or would like your business to participate in “Hope for the Holidays,” please reach out to Barbera Vella at bvella@kidscenter.org.  

About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is a local non-profit leading our region’s response to child abuse. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). 

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management is extending the deadline to apply for new special recreation permits for guiding activities on sections of the Lower Deschutes River and the Lower Crooked River south of Prineville.

On the lower 100 miles of the Lower Deschutes River, these permits cover guiding activities that require non-motorized watercraft, such as rafts, drift boats, and standup paddle boards. On the Chimney Rock segment of the Lower Crooked River, permits cover land (hiking), bank-based (fishing), or water-based activities.

The BLM will accept applications for these special recreation permits through Dec. 15. Approved permits will be valid starting in the 2026 season.

 The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a remarkable resource that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Guide and outfitter businesses facilitate access to recreation opportunities and support local communities and create jobs.

The BLM, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wasco County, and State of Oregon work collaboratively to manage the river for its recreational values.

The Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River is an 8-mile segment that runs between Bowman Dam and mile marker 12 on State Highway 27. The river is known for outstanding scenic, fish, and recreation values.

 The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Management Plan authorizes the number of permitted guides and outfitters to increase by 5% each year. This year, up to four new special recreation permits (SRPs) are available on the Lower Deschutes River.

This is the first time permits have been offered for the Lower Crooked River, with up to four available as well. The goal is to allow more guided use while still protecting the rivers’ natural and scenic values.

 The prospectus and SRP application are available on the BLM Prineville website at https://www.blm.gov/office/prineville-district-office.

Application packets can also be requested by calling the Prineville District Office at (541) 416-6700. Completed packets can be delivered to the Prineville BLM Office at 3050 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, Oregon 97754 and must be received by 4:30 p.m. (close of business), Dec. 15, 2025. A separate application is required for each river.

 Applicants are encouraged to read the prospectus carefully to ensure they provide all required elements, as incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information or for questions about this SRP application process, please contact the permit lead, Beth Hartwood, at (541) 416-4624.

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