Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Giving Tuesday is coming up Tuesday, December 3, and Central Oregonians have a special opportunity to give back to their community by donating to KIDS Center, our region’s Children’s Advocacy Center.

The public is invited to stop by KIDS Center’s parking lot on Giving Tuesday and make a gift.

“Give an amount that’s meaningful to you and know that your gift will change children’s lives,” says Ginger Theis-Stevens, KIDS Center’s Director of Development and Marketing.  

KIDS Center provides no-cost child abuse evaluations, which include a forensic interview and child-friendly medical exam. KIDS Center also supports children and families with a family advocate and therapist.  

KIDS Center has seen a steady increase in referrals across the region. The nonprofit expects to serve a record 500 Central Oregon children this year, primarily from Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties. 

“Distance can be a considerable barrier for some families,” notes KIDS Center’s Executive Director Gil Levy. “We want to ensure that every child and family can get the help they need, no matter where they live.”

To better serve the region, including communities in Harney, Sherman and Wheeler counties, KIDS Center is launching a mobile clinic in 2026. This clinic will respond to urgent needs for child abuse evaluations and drive out to communities when families can’t reach Bend. 

“On Giving Tuesday, you have a chance to support hope and healing for children all across Central Oregon,” says Theis-Stevens. Giving Tuesday donations will go directly towards the operation of the new mobile clinic. Every gift will have double the impact, thanks to an anonymous donor who will match donations up to $5,000.  

Staff and volunteers will be in the KIDS Center parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm to collect drive-up donations. People stopping by can give by check, cash, credit card or Venmo. Pacific Perks Coffee will be onsite from 10 am to 2 pm, and their “perkologists” will whip up a complimentary coffee drink for every person who donates to KIDS Center. 

KIDS Center is located on Bend’s westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703. 

If your route doesn’t take you by KIDS Center on Giving Tuesday, you can also donate online at www.kidscenter.org or send a donation through Venmo to @kidscenter. 

About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is the regional Children’s Advocacy Center for Central Oregon. 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

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – This holiday season, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, encourages the community to “Give the Gift of Mentorship” by becoming a mentor to a local child.

With 90 youth currently on the waitlist, there is a growing and urgent need for caring adults to step forward, according to BBBSCO, a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

For many families, the holidays represent hope, connection, and support. Yet dozens of children in Central Oregon are still waiting for a mentor. Someone who will show up, listen, encourage, and help them navigate everyday challenges. By becoming a Big, community members can offer a gift that lasts long beyond the holiday season.

“Mentorship is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give,” says Jenn Davis, Program Director of BBBSCO. “Our Littles are incredible kids with so much potential. They simply need a consistent, caring adult in their corner. This holiday season, we’re asking our community to help us meet this urgent need.”

What Being a Mentor Means

Bigs meet with their Littles 2–4 times a month for low or no cost activities like exploring parks, sharing hobbies, cooking meals together, or simply talking about school and life. BBBSCO provides ongoing training, support, and resources to help every match thrive.

How to Get Involved

Becoming a Big is easier than many people think. Volunteers complete an application and background check and have an interview. BBBSCO’s team then thoughtfully matches each Big and Little based on shared interests and compatibility.

Give the gift of mentorship this holiday season. Just a few hours a month can change a child’s life—and often the mentor’s as well.

To learn more or begin the process, visit www.bbbsco.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon 

A program of J Bar J Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon was founded in 1994. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCO serves over 220 youth annually and continues to grow programming. We are committed to serving at-risk youth and youth facing adversity with mentors in our community.  

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Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver is thrilled to announce the opening of our ReStore Upcycle Challenge Auction — a community-driven, creative competition that blends sustainability, artistry, and philanthropy.

The online auction will be live through December 19, with proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission to build and preserve affordable housing in southern Deschutes County. 

Local artisans, DIYers, and creative community members have taken on the challenge of transforming everyday ReStore items into extraordinary, functional works of art. From reimagined furniture to whimsical décor, each upcycled item showcases the talent and eco-conscious spirit of our community. 

Bidding with Purpose 

Hosted online, the Upcycle Challenge Auction is open to all, with a wide variety of upcycled pieces available for bidding. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Habitat’s efforts to create safe, stable housing for families and individuals in need. 

Event Details 

Auction Dates: November 20 – December 19, 2025 

Location: Online – View and bid on auction items here 

Proceeds Benefit: Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver’s affordable housing programs 

How You Can Help 

Bid on Upcycled Items: Support local artists and Habitat by bidding in the online auction. 

Spread the Word: Share the event with friends, family, and on social media. 

Donate: Can’t bid? You can still make a difference by donating directly at 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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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mid Oregon Credit Union invites the community to participate in its popular annual Holiday Dough fundraiser, supporting local charities that provide food and other needed items to individuals and families experiencing financial challenges during the holiday season. 

Holiday Dough kicks off this week and continues through Friday, December 5. Members and the community can donate at all Mid Oregon’s eight branches, online at midoregon.com/dough or over the phone at 541-382-1795. One-hundred percent of the contributions stay in the community where they are collected and benefit these local nonprofits: 

The Giving Plate (Bend)—Coordinating the Bend Food Project, Community Store Grocery Project, Kid’s Korner Market, Kid’s Korner Mobile Pantry, and Kid’s Korner Snack Packs (formerly Backpacks for Bend). 

La Pine Christmas Basket Association—Providing Christmas food baskets to low-income families, singles, and seniors in southern Deschutes County area.   

Redmond Jericho Road—Providing hot meals, backpacks of food, emergency and housing assistance to those in need in the Redmond area. 

Madras Community Food Pantry—Supplying food to families and individuals. 

Crook County Holiday Partnership (Prineville)—Providing holiday support to seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, and families who are less fortunate in Crook County. Funds are used for food, gifts, and related items.  

Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank—The food bank’s Christmas program provides holiday meals to approximately 175 families. The food bank relies on cash donations to help buy items that are not normally donated, such as meat and dairy products. 

“We know that many families are already feeling the pressure on their food budgets and planning a festive holiday meal can be challenging,” says Kyle Frick, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations for Mid Oregon Credit Union. “We are grateful for the community’s generosity and happy to facilitate this effort that relieves the pressure of food insecurity for many of our local families.” 

Since 2013, Mid Oregon members and the community have donated over $48,000 to local food banks through Holiday Dough—helping to fold more hope into the holiday season for local families. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend-La Pine Schools Excellence in Education awards culminated Friday afternoon with the presentation of the Educator of the Year award to Loren Renfroe, language arts teacher at Sky View Middle School in northeast Bend.

Superintendent Steven Cook and other district officials made the surprise presentation.

Renfroe has been with Sky View for two years. Before she joined Bend-La Pine Schools, she was an English teacher at Round Rock Independent School District in Round Rock, Texas. 

“Loren builds bridges between academic rigor and real-world relevance,” Dr. Cook said. “She pairs high expectations with empathy, accountability with compassion, and creates a learning culture where belonging drives achievement.”

In addition to her classes, Renfroe is also the instructor of Sky View’s leadership class and co-designed the Career Technical Education Wheel course, integrating communication, technology, and design thinking through hands-on experiences with local professionals and Oregon State University faculty.

She has led professional development in the Readers and Writers Workshop and student-led conferences. She serves on both the campus and district language arts leadership teams, helping shape literacy instruction across Bend-La Pine Schools.

“Loren steps into leadership roles across multiple areas, strengthening parent communication, fostering school culture, and enhancing instruction,” said Julie Stroinski, Sky View Middle School Principal. “As an instructional leader, Loren has taken the initiative to expand learning beyond traditional coursework. Whether supporting colleagues, guiding students, or strengthening school culture, Loren leads with innovation, reflection, and a deep commitment to success for all.”   

Dr. Cook was joined Friday afternoon at Sky View by School Board Chairman Marcus LeGrand, Board Director Amy Tatom, Deputy Superintendent Lisa Birk, Executive Director of Middle Schools Stephen DuVal, Bend Education Association President Sarah Barclay, and other District leaders.

On behalf of Renfroe, representatives of MidOregon Credit Union presented Sky View with a $500 check. 

The district presented the first two Excellence in Education awards earlier this week. On Tuesday, Caldera High School Principal Chris Boyd was honored as Administrator of the Year. On Wednesday, Welcome Center Liaison Liz Vargas was named Support Staff Member of the Year.

The Excellence in Education awards honor custodians, counselors, kitchen managers, classroom teachers, educational assistants, office managers, bus drivers and other district employees who have had a positive impact on students.

The recognition began last spring, when Bend-La Pine Schools honored dozens of staff members from across the district who distinguished themselves with their leadership, innovation, outstanding professional practice, and positive contributions at work and in the community. From that group, 13 finalists have been celebrated this fall.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An airline that announced three new destinations from Redmond Airport this summer already has dropped one planned route, months before it was set to start.

Breeze Airways, based in Salt Lake City, had announced in mid-July that it would be serving Redmond starting next spring with non-stop flights to Burbank and Las Vegas and one-stop “BreezeThru” flights to Provo-Salt Lake City.

Breeze says its Las Vegas and Utah flights are still set to begin in mid-March, but “Breeze Airways has confirmed they will not be offering the Redmond to Burbank route as originally planned,” Redmond Municipal Airport Customer Service and Administrative Supervisor Jodi Low confirmed Friday to KTVZ News.

However, Low said Alaska Airlines has followed through on its plans also announced this summer and began daily non-stop service Oct. 26 between Redmond and Burbank.

“This ensures continued direct access to the Burbank area for Central Oregon travelers,” she said.

Avelo Airlines had announced in July it would be ending all of its Redmond flights before the end of the year. But Avelo’s flights to Burbank ended Oct. 20, more than a month earlier than the planned Dec. 1 conclusion, leaving customers scrambling for new flights and refunds.

Breeze Airways representative McKinnley Matson told KTVZ News on Friday that the flights to Las Vegas mean options to connect to other airports in Southern California airports also will be available.

“While we never enjoy cutting service (especially before it begins), we occasionally need to make adjustments to our schedule in order to maximize our limited resources,” Matson told us.

“These cuts are rare, as Breeze continues to maintain one of the highest market retention rates in the industry,” she added.

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced Friday it has issued temporary rules to help reduce the risk of spreading Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)/Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy.

The rules filed on Wednesday “will immediately strengthen Oregon’s ability to prevent the entry and spread of EHV/EHM by requiring additional safeguards for horses entering the state or attending high-risk events,” ODA said in a news release that continues in full below:

ODA was recently made aware of an outbreak of EHV/EHM in horses that were at or associated with barrel racing and rodeo-type events in Texas and Oklahoma. Several cases of EHV/EHM have been confirmed in Texas and Oklahoma associated with these equine events, with numerous reports of additional cases and equine deaths pending investigation.  

Oregon currently has no confirmed cases of EHV/EHM. ODA is coordinating with the affected states to quarantine any horses that have returned to Oregon after being exposed at the Texas and Oklahoma events.  

Rules Overview 

All exhibitions where equines will be present must register with ODA at least 20 days before the event.  

Specific records must be collected at the time of entry. 

At least one designated veterinarian is involved in planning the exhibition and is available to provide care.  

Each exhibition where equines are present must have a designated isolation area. 

Exhibition requirements and registration: ODA Animal Health Website  

Filed rules are online at:  Rulemaking at ODA 

Equine Herpes Virus Information: 

EHV‐1 is spread from horse to horse through contact with nasal discharge or spread as aerosol droplets.  Infected horses may not show clinical signs of the virus but may still act as carriers.  

Horses can also contract the virus by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces such as stalls, water, feed, tack, and transport vehicles.  People can spread the virus from horse to horse through contaminated hands and clothing. 

Owners should watch for signs and symptoms and practice biosecurity measures.  Good biosecurity practices include thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come into contact with affected horses, and individuals who treat or come into contact with infected horses must follow appropriate disinfection protocols when handling multiple horses. 

Additional information and resources: 

A Guide to Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection 

AAEP EHV FAQ 

AAEP General Biosecurity Guidelines 

CDFA – AHFSS – AHB – Biosecurity Toolkit for Equine Events 

Oregon Department of Agriculture Equine Herpesvirus Webpage 

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., took a tour Friday of the $180 million Redmond Airport terminal expansion project, calling it a “flight path for growth” and saying that also includes a need for several more air traffic controllers. He later met with local officials, businesses and family members about economic issues.

You can watch the senator’s two Redmond news conferences here in full, as livestreamed on KTVZ+.

“We’re working for more capacity to handle future crowds,” such as the upcoming holiday season, the senator said at the airport, joined on his visit by Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch and Airport Director Zachary Bass.

Wyden donned a “Fly Redmond” baseball cap and talked about how he and fellow Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley teamed up to secure $45 million in federal funding for the airport project, which is adding 80,000 square feet of space, covered jetways for boarding planes and much more.

“If you ask me, this is really a flight plan for growth in a wonderful part of Central Oregon, so this community can soar to even greater heights,” Wyden said.

He also noted that the Redmond Airport currently has four air traffic controllers at its FAA tower.

“They really need six, and they’d like to have eight,” he said, adding, “You cannot have big-league quality of life with Little League infrastructure, and that’s what’s so important about this community and this airport.”

Later, Wyden met privately, then held a news conference at NeighborImpact in Redmond with local elected officials, business leaders and others who expressed concerns about current economic conditions, including tariff impacts on businesses, rising health-insurance premiums and other issues.

“All across our state, working people feel like they’ve been hit with a wrecking ball,” the senator said. He later said he requested the meeting to “get the latest reality about life on the ground,” accusing the administration of telling “fables.”

State Senator Anthony Broadman and Bend Mayor Melanie Keebler were in attendance and spoke during the media conference portion of the event.

Adam Black, the kitchen manager at Shepherd’s House in Redmond, described how the rise in food costs has affected him.

“We’ve been watching food costs rise consistently. We have people who come in daily who are struggling,” Black said. “We’re happy to provide food boxes, but we can only do it so long as the food stays affordable.”

In advance of his visit, Senator Wyden made a substantial donation to Shepherd’s House.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A week before it was planning and hoping to open, Mt. Bachelor announced Friday that a lack of adequate early snowfall will delay its opening date for the season. No new date has been announced.

“After careful consideration assessing the snowpack and studying the latest weather forecasts, we have made the decision to postpone our scheduled November 28th opening day,” the resort posted on its website and told season pass-holders by email.

“We are committed to opening as soon as conditions allow, which typically requires about a 24” base,” the resort said.

“Keep doing your snow dances and checking the webcams, and we’ll post updates on a new timeline for Opening Day as soon as we can,” Mt. Bachelor said.

In the email to pass-holders, Bachelor President and General Manager John Merriman said, “As you know, early-season conditions at Mt. Bachelor vary greatly from year to year. Given the terrain here, we need to see about a 24” base in order to open and stay open. “

“Our team continues to take advantage of every snowmaking opportunity, and it’s great to see snow and cold temps in the forecast,” he continued. “We are fortunate to average over 400” of snow annually, so we know the snow will come. Once the snow arrives, we’ll be ready to kick off one of the longest seasons in North America. Our teams are prepped, our plans are in place, and the energy across the resort is inspiring, as always.”

Despite the delay, Mt. Bachelor still planned to have its Friday night Winter Kickoff Party at the Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room from 5-7 p.m., with music by DJ The Cosmic, balloon art, games, prizes, and free beer for the first 100 pass-holders. 

The resort also said that “guests will automatically receive a refund for products purchased prior to opening. Refund process will take 7-10 days.” 

The resort also said the Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop at Mountain Gateway will be open Saturday and Sunday this week with what it called “the largest selection of ski and snowboard gear in the PNW, plus season-Long rentals at the best value in town, available every weekend, at Mt. Bachelor or in Bend. Fall shopping perks include 10% retail discounts for pass-holders when you flash your pass, and non-passholders who spend $300 or more. And, enjoy a free gift with every purchase over $150, while supplies last.”  

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Are you looking for something to do following Thanksgiving? The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced free fishing days on November 28th and 29th statewide!

All residents and non-residents are encouraged to participate. Enjoy free fishing, crabbing and clamming! ODFW says free fishing days are a great chance to take someone new fishing and celebrate Oregon’s natural resources.

No fishing or shellfish licenses or tags are required those two days. All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions.

ODFW will stock trout in several popular lakes in the Willamette Valley in anticipation of the event, which draws both experienced anglers and those new to the sport.

If you participate and catch a fish (or a few!) make sure to snap a photo and submit it to us for your chance to be featured on our weekly ‘Big Ol’ Fish’ segment. Make sure to include the type and size of your fish, where you reeled it in, and who is in your photo! Click here to submit.

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