Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Diabetes is one of the most common health challenges in Central Oregon. To coincide with Diabetes Awareness Month, the Central Oregon Health Council has released Diabetes in Central Oregon: A Community Snapshot, a report on diabetes prevalence and control based on actual, up-to-date regional data. 

According to the Oregon Health Authority, more than 9% of Oregonians have been diagnosed with diabetes. The CDC estimates that another 38% of adults in Oregon have prediabetes — and most don’t know it.

COHC said it is committed to improving health care across the region and has made diabetes a major focus of the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan (RHIP). Staff at the Health Council analyzed recent data to understand where communities are finding solutions to help manage their diabetes and where challenges exist that could benefit from added support. 

“Looking closely at how diabetes affects different communities gives us more than data; it gives us direction. These insights can help us form stronger partnerships and explore new ways to support the health of every person in Central Oregon. We’ve uncovered some interesting findings and want to thank all the partners whose collaboration made this work possible,” said Program Manager Mary Burns, who took lead on creating the report. 

The report can be found below and also is available for download on the Central Oregon Health Data website at www.centraloregonhealthdata.org. 

About the Central Oregon Health Council 

The Central Oregon Health Council (COHC) is a nonprofit organization working to improve health outcomes and health equity across Central Oregon. Through collaboration with healthcare and community partners, we identify needs, coordinate solutions, and develop projects and programs that advance the goals of the Regional Health Improvement Plan. 

Diabetes-in-Central-Oregon-11.24-1Download

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Signatures received; timeline)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The chief petitioners on a referendum to have voters decide the fate of gas tax and vehicle fee increases aimed at funding ODOT delivered to the state Elections Division nearly 200,000 signatures on Friday, more than twice as many as required to make the fall 2026 ballot.

They hand-delivery of the signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office was done in unusual, visual fashion: by horse-drawn carriage. They were accompanied by others affiliated with the Right to Vote on the Gas Tax PAC and its project No Tax Oregon.

A spokeswoman for the office confirmed to KTVZ News that the Elections Division had received the signatures.

According to statute, the office has until Jan. 29, 2026 to verify the voter signatures, 30 days after the Dec. 30 signature submission deadline.

Earlier story:

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ-Nov. 25) — The organizers of an Oregon initiative campaign to refer to voters the recent package of gas tax and vehicle fee increases to fill ODOT’s funding gap said Tuesday they already have gathered nearly twice the number of required signatures, but aren’t pausing their campaign.

According to the group No Tax Oregon, as of midday Tuesday, the estimated number of signatures collected was well above 150,000, a little over a week since the effort began. They have until Dec. 30 to gather 78,116 verified voter signatures for verification by the secretary of state and meet the referendum requirements for the November 2026 election.

On Saturday alone, the group said volunteers collected more than 25,000 signatures during the Sign Across Oregon event. Combining Sunday’s total, this marks the second weekend in a row that more than 40,000 signatures were gathered.

KTVZ spoke to Ceta Kelly, a volunteer at one of the petition sites, who’s outspoken about the bill.

“I don’t want to pay double registration. I’m on a fixed income like most people here. It’s a retirement community” Kelly told KTVZ. “it’s a bipartisan issue. Everybody. Everybody in Oregon should be signing this thing and let it go to to a vote. So we can let them know, get your money somewhere else.”

Shelly, another volunteer, told KTVZ News, “”I think as people of Oregon, we want our voices heard and we feel like they completely ignored their voice. So that’s why we’re out here”

State Representative Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, one of the three chief petitioners on the referendum, emphasized in Tuesday’s news release the unprecedented nature of the effort:

“We are making Oregon history. This is the largest volunteer signature effort the state has seen in years—possibly ever. People aren’t just willing to sign; they’re seeking us out. Oregonians want the right to vote on these taxes and fees, and they know Salem is not representing their interests.

“They voiced their opposition repeatedly through the regular session and again during the emergency session, but the Governor and the Democrat majority ignored them and rammed this bill through anyway. At some point, the people have to rise up and say ‘no more,’ and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with this movement,” Diehl said.

In talking about the policy implications, Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee, also a chief petitioner, commented on the negotiation process and the need to come back to the table:

“Republicans offered real alternatives that maintained our roads and bridges without massive new taxes. We stand with Oregonians who want the opportunity to vote on the governor’s gas tax increase. Oregonians want state government to prioritize tax dollars, not just always ask for more.”

On the impact of the gas tax on ordinary Oregonians, Co-Chief Petitioner Jason Williams of the Taxpayers Association of Oregon said:

“The overwhelming response to this petition is a result of the fact that Oregonians know that the cost of this tax is too much.  Many families will be paying $300 to $600 more in higher costs because of this enormous tax increase. Seniors on a limited income and the unemployed will be hit with a cost that they cannot afford.”

No Tax Oregon said it “will continue to gather signatures for the foreseeable future and expects to at least double its initial goal of 100,000 signatures.”

The legislation that goes into effect Dec. 31 includes a 6 cent hike in the 40-cent a gallon state gas tax, as well as higher payroll tax, vehicle registration and title fees, and a new charge for electric vehicles. It is expected to bring in $4.3 billion over the next decade. Supporters said the funds are needed to avert major layoffs at ODOT and sharp cuts in services such as winter road plowing.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —Whatever you do, don’t put Jennifer McCaffrey in a box.  

Known for her expressive oil paintings, McCaffrey, the artist commissioned by the Old Mill District to create their 2025 Winter Art Series piece, stepped outside her comfort zone to craft a stunning linocut block print that pays homage to the Old Mill District’s industrial roots and blue-collar beginnings. 

The final piece features a powerful elk standing sentinel in a riverside snowbank before the Old Mill District’s historic smokestacks. A snowcapped Broken Top rises in the background with a hint of the Northern Lights in the sky, creating a feeling that’s both nostalgic and bold. 

Printed in a duotone palette inspired by vintage black-and-white photographs, McCaffrey said she hoped to capture the timeless relationship between Bend’s natural beauty and its working heritage. 

“I really wanted to tie it back to the Old Mill District’s history,” she said. “The process of carving the block felt connected to that timber and tactile side of the district’s past. It was the perfect way to marry my own creative instincts with the spirit of this place.” 

This is the ninth straight year the Old Mill District has commissioned an original art piece as part of its Winter Art Series. Each year, the artwork is featured as the backbone of the district’s winter marketing campaign. McCaffrey’s art piece can be seen throughout Central Oregon on banners, posters, and the cover of the Old Mill District’s annual winter guide. 

“We treasure this annual tradition, and this year Jen’s piece is completely unique,” said Beau Eastes, marketing director at the Old Mill District. “I love how the piece being a linocut pays homage to the craftsmanship of the former mill workers and how she’s able to add that drop of winter magic with the night sky. It’s totally different than anything we’ve had before and brilliantly captures everything we love about Bend.” 

To bring the scene to life, McCaffrey became part artist, part historian. She scoured archives and old photographs of the original Brooks-Scanlon mill, studying the silhouettes of its smokestacks and the quiet grain of its past. 

The black-and-white images informed her palette and composition, she said, grounding the piece in authenticity. 

“This just feels like winter in Oregon to me,” she said. 

Having spent most of her career as a surgical assistant while painting on the side, this year’s Winter Art Series commission represents a turning point for McCaffrey. 

“I’ve been painting my whole life, but I’ve always hesitated to call myself a professional artist,” she said. “Being chosen for this series feels like permission to fully claim that title. That 7-year-old, 12-year-old, and 16-year-old versions of me who dreamed about being an artist are all thrilled right now.” 

Prints and other versions of McCaffrey’s art can be viewed and purchased at The Stacks Art Studios & Gallery in the Old Mill District, a space she shares with four other local artists. More about McCaffrey and her work can also be found online at www.jennifermccaffrey.com.  

About the Old Mill District  Celebrating 20 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors. More than 55 local, regional and national retailers and businesses call the Old Mill District home. Bend’s Old Mill District – the most unique shopping, dining, living and entertainment experience in the region. www.oldmilldistrict.com. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Mayfield in court; judge sets bail, conditions if released)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Washington state man was arrested Monday in Redmond and arraigned Tuesday on charges he traveled to Central Oregon to engage in sex with a “14-year-old girl” he net online – who actually was an undercover officer.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies and detectives, along with members of the DCSO SWAT Team and U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Daniel James Mayfield, 33, of Sedro-Wooley, Washington, at a location off Rimrock Way in Redmond where he had arranged to meet the juvenile, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said Tuesday.

A long-term investigation into online child exploitation found that Mayfield believed he was communicating with an underage girl and had traveled to the county with the intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor, Carr said.

Mayfield was arrested without incident and lodged in the county jail in Bend on initial charges of luring a minor, first-degree online sexual corruption of a child and third-degree attempted sexual abuse of a child.

Prosecutors filed the first two felony counts Tuesday but did not include the third charge. The district attorney’s information said the alleged actions occurred between August 19 and Monday.

The court filing alleges Mayfield used online communication to solicit someone he reasonably believed to be under age 16 to engage in sexual contact or explicit conduct, “and intentionally took a substantial step toward physically meeting with and encountering the child.”

Prosecutors said he had spoken explicitly about sexual conduct “with a law enforcement officer posing as a minor … for the purpose of inducing the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct.”

Mayfield was arraigned Tuesday afternoon before Circuit Judge Randy Miller, who set bail at $50,000 and laid out several conditions, if he’s release. They include no contact with minors and not going to places where minors regularly congregate. He also cannot use, possess or access any devices capable of access the internet.

Mayfield is scheduled to return to court Dec. 2 for arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — As the holidays approach, scammers ramp up their efforts to deceive consumers—and Central Oregonians are among the many targets. But scams are not just a seasonal problem; they affect people all year round with increasing sophistication and financial damage.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), roughly 2.6 million consumers reported being victims of scams in 2024, alongside more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft during the same time period. Experts warn that these figures only reflect reported cases, and the true number of victims is likely much higher as many scams go unreported.

Scams today range from fake delivery notifications and fraudulent phone calls impersonating government officials, to online shopping traps and business opportunity frauds. Sheila Miller, Communications Manager for the Bend Police Department, says, “Through November 24th, we’ve had 385 calls for service from people reporting that they’ve been scammed. We see a variety of scams. And one of the scary parts, I think, is that they’re constantly changing. So once we feel like we have a handle on one and we’ve told people about it, there’s some new iteration. Most scams are: ‘there’s a problem and we need you to solve it.’

Local businesses are not spared. Behroz ‘Bruce’ Aria, co-owner of Bruce & Nikki’s Parkway Deli, shared their experience: “We got a call from the sheriff’s department, telling us that there was stolen, cards being used at the gas station and inside the store. So to crack down on that and make sure that doesn’t happen again, we occasionally ask for a secondary ID, backed up with id with the card. And a lot of times when we ask for that second form of ID, the person says, I don’t have it, we decline the transaction.” 

Financial institutions advise vigilance as a key defense. Michelle Loftsgard, Assistant Vice President at OnPoint Community Credit Union, points out, “One of the biggest red flags is pressure. If someone is pushing you to act right away or trying to make you feel worried or rushed, that is a sign to slow down and take a closer look. You should never share your password, PIN or secure access code with anyone. You should also be cautious with unexpected links, unusual grammar or sender information and calls from numbers you do not recognize. If anything feels unusual, stop and contact the company directly using a phone number you know is real.”

Loftsgard also advised, “We are seeing more impersonation scams right now, which is when a scammer pretends to be someone you know or a trusted organization. This can show up as phishing emails, fake texts or phone calls that sound urgent. We are also seeing scammers use newer tools like deepfake phishing to recreate a family member’s voice. The reality is that anyone can be targeted, but we often see youth, teens and senior citizens as the most vulnerable because scammers look for people who may be less familiar with the warning signs or who are more likely to respond quickly.”

Here are some additional tips from Loftsgard:

Watch for imposter scams. Your financial institution will never contact you unexpectedly for your password, PIN or sensitive personal information.

Think before clicking. Avoid unexpected links or attachments, even if the message looks real.

Use multi-factor authentication. Add Face ID, Touch ID or one-time codes for extra protection.

Switch to passphrases. Use long, memorable phrases that are harder to guess than traditional passwords.

Add extra safeguards. Create a safe word with family, turn on account alerts, keep software updated, and use your digital wallet for secure transactions.

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act immediately. Report the incident to your bank to safeguard your accounts. You should also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, the United States Postal Service (USPS), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Staying informed and cautious is the best way to protect yourself. Check out the FTC‘s website for more tips and resources on how to avoid scams.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Sisters is inviting the community to help select a design for signs to better help new visitors find their way around the Western-themed downtown area.

The city is working on developing a comprehensive Signage Plan that it says “will serve as a framework to guide the design, placement, and implementation of cohesive signage throughout the city.

“It should enhance wayfinding, promote community identity, support economic development, and improve the overall visitor and resident experience,” the city adds.

The new online survey asks participants how they travel through or two sisters, what kinds of signs they find most helpful and what areas of the city do they think need better signage or navigation help.

They also are asked to choose between two sign design concepts, labeled as “Untamed West” and “Rugged Landscape.”

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From now through Dec. 12, Bend Fire & Rescue invites the community to bring non-perishable food donations to any of our fire stations to help combat food insecurity for local families in need this holiday season.

Bend Fire is asking for donations of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dried pasta and grains, and items like honey and sugar. Some of the most needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, soup and peanut butter. Donated food will be provided to NeighborImpact and distributed through their network of local pantries, meal sites, and shelters.

Help Bend Fire put food on the table and keep bellies full this season by donating your non-perishable food items to any of the bins stationed outside at the following locations:

Bend Fire & Rescue Stations:

West Fire Station – 1212 SW Simpson Ave., Bend

East Fire Station – 62420 Hamby Rd., Bend

North Fire Station – 63377 Jamison St., Bend

South Fire Station – 61080 Country Club Dr., Bend

Tumalo Fire Station – 64725 Cook Ave., Tumalo

Pilot Butte Fire Station – 425 NE 15th St., Bend 

Thank you for helping give back to our neighbors this season. Learn more about the NeighborImpact Food Bank at neighborimpact.org/get-help/foodbank/.

Looking for more ways to give?

Bend Fire & Rescue’s Santa Express is coming to Bend neighborhoods Dec. 5, 6 and 8 collecting donations of new toys, gently used coats and non-perishable food. Learn more about this fun community event at bendoregon.gov/santa-express.  

NeighborImpact’s Online Food Drive allows you to donate fresh produce and healthy staples for local food banks.

Donate money to NeighborImpact or a food pantry near you.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An exciting addition is coming to the Central Oregon community.  Bethlehem Inn, a nonprofit homeless shelter, is opening a thrift boutique in Redmond at 214 NW 6th St. 

The thrift boutique is named Grace & Goods and will offer curated women’s clothing, accessories, and more.  All sales and proceeds at Grace & Goods directly benefit people seeking shelter services. 

Bethlehem Inn serves nearly 200 people every night and provides more than 100,000 meals every year.  Through shelter, case management, and more Bethlehem Inn has been transforming lives for over 26 years in Central Oregon.   

Bethlehem Inn invites the community to join them at their grand opening of Grace & Goods thrift boutique on Wednesday, December 10th at 12 p.m. 

“Join us for good company, amazing coffee from Travelin Tom’s for purchase, and many beautiful items to purchase in support of a shelter, help, and hope,” they said.

In the meantime, Bethlehem Inn encourages you to donate women’s clothing items that are in great condition, clean, and desirable for our thrift boutique shelves.   

“See you there!” 

To learn how to join us in being part of the solution, please visit www.bethleheminn.org. You can follow them on www.facebook.com/BethlehemInnCentralOregon or @BethlehemInnBend on Instagram. 

Monetary donations may be mailed to: Bethlehem Inn, P.O. Box 8540, Bend, OR 97708. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Gas leak stopped late Monday night, repairs completed early Tuesday)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A contractor working on an ADA curb ramp project in Redmond hit a natural gas line Monday afternoon, causing a leak that shut Highway 126 and other roads in the area for several hours. Crews were on scene until early Tuesday to stop the leak and complete repairs.

The gas leak was reported around 3:15 p.m. in. the area of SW Highland Avenue (Oregon Highway 126) and 11th Street. A Cascade Natural Gas representative said they hit a two-inch steel pipe.

As a result, ODOT closed the highway at the intersection with 12th Street near milepost 111. The agency warned motorists of the closure on TripCheck and issued an alert to “expect extended delays or use an alternate route.” It said a detour was in place by 5:30 p.m.

Mark Snider, a spokesman for CNG parent firm MDU Resources Group, told KTVZ News on Tuesday, “The gas leak was stopped at approximately 10:45 p.m. and repairs were completed at 4:30 this morning.”

(Courtesy ODOT)

The curb ramp project occurring this year and next in Redmond and Prineville is designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards on state highways at various locations in the two communities.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest is selling permits to cut Christmas trees from local national forest lands.

The public can purchase Christmas tree permits at Forest Service offices, online, and from local vendors around Central Oregon.

Christmas tree permits for the 2025 season are available for purchase online at Recreation.gov. They are $5.00 per permit with an additional $2.50 reservation fee. Christmas tree permits purchased online must be printed to be valid. Traditional, in-person Christmas tree permits are available at Forest Service offices and several participating local vendors (fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r06/deschutes/publication/2025%20Christmas%20Tree%20Vendors.pdf). Individual Christmas tree permits are $5 each and households can purchase a maximum of five permits.

Fourth-graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit as a part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, which is a national program to encourage children to visit national parks, forests, and public lands. To be eligible for the free tree permit, the student must have an Every Kid Outdoors pass. Information about getting the Every Kid Outdoors pass can be found at everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm. 

Students using the Every Kid Outdoors voucher can obtain their free Christmas tree permit by visiting a Forest Service office or on Recreation.gov. The student should check the box indicating they have a pass and enter the pass or voucher number (a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).

Visit the Deschutes National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/offices) for office locations and hours.

Christmas Tree Guidance

Check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling.

Dress for the season. Always be prepared for the cold and snow.

Start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.

Bring emergency supplies, including water and food and a first-aid kit.

Remember to tell someone where you are going.

Bring a map and compass. Your cell phone may not work.

The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds, and away from areas along the sides of streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas. Check with the forest or ranger district for the specific distance.

Select a tree with a trunk six inches or less in diameter and prepare to cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.

Never cut a tall tree just for the top.

Select a tree from overstocked areas and thickets. Watch restricted areas. Cut only one tree per tag.

Attach your tree tag to harvested tree before placing in vehicle.

Bring a rope and tarp to move your tree from the harvest area to your vehicle.

Remember, you are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

For more information regarding Christmas tree permits, visit the Deschutes National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/permits/christmas-trees).

Click here to follow the original article.