Category: ktvz-local-news

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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Silas Moreau

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Camp Fire Central Oregon has received the prestigious Culture of Safety Award from Camp Fire’s national headquarters, recognizing the organization’s commitment to creating safe environments for youth.

The award was presented at the 2025 Camp Fire National Leadership Conference. Camp Fire Central Oregon was one of just six affiliates selected for the honor out of 44 candidates across 24 states.

The recognition celebrates the organization’s efforts to promote both physical and emotional safety through its wide range of youth programs, including after-school activities, summer camps, leadership initiatives, and volunteer opportunities.

The affiliate also invests heavily in staff training, with 61 team members completing specialized courses in abuse risk management and youth protection this year.

This marks Camp Fire Central Oregon’s second national recognition in three years, following the Leadership & Values Award in 2023. The repeated honors highlight the organization’s ongoing excellence in youth development and safety leadership.

For more information about Camp Fire Central Oregon programs and initiatives, visit campfireco.org.

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Triton Notary

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ)– More than 100 students at the Warm Springs K-8 Academy received a special gift this week: brand new backpacks filled with school supplies, thanks to a community-wide effort supporting local families.

Backpacks of all colors and designs lined the tables as students picked out their favorites, each one packed with pencils, notebooks, and more to help them feel ready for school.

Jodi Begay, a Family Access Network advocate for Warm Springs K-8 Academy told KTVZ News “it meant a lot to them. It was great hearing all their like it was their best day ever. And you know. you think it’s a simple, basic thing, but it is a need and it fulfills so much in a child.”

The event was made possible through partnerships with organizations near and far, focused on helping students and families on the Warm Springs Reservation.

Troy Capps, the assistant principal for Warm Springs K-8 Academy said “knowing that there are people that are just carrying about the reservation and our kids, and you see the smile on their faces and you see the excitement. That’s priceless.”

The Sydney Paige Foundation and Sunriver Christian Fellowship partnered for the effort, committed to making sure kids feel equipped and confident for school.

KTVZ News also spoke to Robert Sessler, a volunteer for the Sydney Paige foundation who said “there’s much more to this than just giving a backpack and school supplies what you’re doing is you’re getting children excited about school again, feeling like they’re part of the school, especially if they’re a low income area.”

It’s the little moments that made a big difference.

Kally Elliott, a pastor for Sunriver Christian Fellowship told KTVZ News “See, little girls chose the same ones with hearts on it. They stood in front of me and said, we have matching backpacks. She turned to her friend and said you have to wear your backpack tomorrow. So it’s just this really, sweet moment where they you could see their joy of, we have the same thing. We’re twins.”

Organizers hope the event inspires more community involvement, helping give every child a strong start to the school year.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Camp Fire Central Oregon announced Thursday that it has been honored with the “Culture of Safety Award” from Camp Fire National Headquarters.

The prestigious award recognizes the organization’s outstanding commitment to going above and beyond in promoting a positive safety culture within Camp Fire Central Oregon, as well as its proactive leadership in prioritizing physical and emotional safety across its diverse offerings — from afterschool programs and summer camps to teen service initiatives, leadership opportunities, and volunteer engagement.

Camp Fire Central Oregon leadership accepted the award at the 2025 National Leadership Conference in late October. The nonprofit youth development organization was one of six affiliates that received a national award, selected from a pool of 44 affiliates across 24 states. 

According to a statement released by Camp Fire National: “Camp Fire Central Oregon exemplifies unparalleled commitment to youth protection and abuse prevention, establishing a gold standard through continuous, comprehensive staff development that extends throughout the entire program year—far beyond initial onboarding.

“The organization’s leadership actively pursues professional development in abuse risk management, including the Program Supervisor Series, nationally acclaimed Stewards for Children training, and specialized seminars on Working with Minor Employees and Teen Leaders. In an extraordinary testament to their culture of safety and well-being, 61 staff members completed one or more youth protection courses through Learning Lab this past year.”

Camp Fire Central Oregon’s commitment extends to holistic youth well-being. It has earned the prestigious MESH(+) Seal from the Alliance for Camp Health and was selected as one of only two affiliates from the entire network to participate in the Institute for Youth Mental Health.

“The reality facing our young people is that anxiety, depression and stress-related illness from social media addiction and academic pressure are on the rise,” says Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s operations director. “Additionally, Gen Z has been described as the most isolated generation, dealing with a youth loneliness epidemic and rising suicide and drug overdose rates.

“These are hard topics for anyone to talk about. At Camp Fire, we know growing up is hard, and that is why it is imperative that we train our staff and volunteers to know how to recognize and respond when they see that a child is at risk of emotional, mental, or physical harm.”

This is the second time in three years that Camp Fire Central Oregon has been honored by Camp Fire National Headquarters for its success. In the fall of 2023, Camp Fire Central Oregon received the “Leadership & Values Award”, a further testimony to its consistent commitment to youth development—an essential mission in our world today.

“At a time when young people face unprecedented pressures—from mental health challenges to social and environmental uncertainty, safety, belonging, and getting outside and engaged in nature, away from screens, all are more important than ever,” says Kecia Kubuta, Executive Director of Camp Fire Central Oregon. “This award reflects our entire team’s dedication to ensuring every youth feels seen, supported, and safe to be themselves.”

About Camp Fire Central Oregon

Founded in 1910, Camp Fire is a national youth development organization that engages kids and teens in building essential skills. Its mission is to connect youth to the outdoors, to each other, and to themselves. A proud affiliate, Camp Fire Central Oregon has ignited youth potential since 1916 through experience-based programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster belonging. Programs include afterschool and no-school day options, teen leadership, STEAM and environmental education, and summer camps—all designed to help youth thrive. Through hands-on learning, real-world problem-solving, and meaningful relationships, young people discover who they are, what they care about, and how to make a difference. Learn more at campfireco.org.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new kind of wellness experience is coming to Bend. Flux Thermal Lounge says it “offers a modern, nature-inspired spin on the ancient practice of contrast therapy: alternating immersion in hot and cold water to support mental clarity, recovery, and resilience.”

Here are more of the details shared with KTVZ News on Thursday by founder Dini Vemuri:

Flux is 100% water-based and social — designed for both personal reset and connection. With private hydrotherapy suites and a shared soaking lounge, it invites guests to slow down and tune in. No appointments, no timers, no pressure — just space to unwind, reset, and feel good in your body.

“We created Flux for people like us — people who need a moment to breathe, to recalibrate, and to feel good in their bodies again. This is about daily rituals that restore you — not perfection or performance.”– Dini Vemuri, Flux founder

WHAT MAKES FLUX UNIQUE

Water-based contrast therapy: hot tubs + cold plunges (not saunas)

Science-backed benefits: stress relief, better sleep, immune support, recovery, and more

Designed for connection: a social lounge — hot tub and cold plunge — to unwind together

Custom build: accessible design and thoughtful materials

Built by local talent: a Central Oregon dream team of architects, builders, makers, and creatives

LOCAL ROOTS, NATIONAL TREND

Contrast therapy has gone from niche to mainstream — with spas popping up in wellness hubsacross the country. Woman- and minority-owned, Flux joins the movement with a community-first,water-based take built entirely in and especially for Bend.

Flux is currently in a soft open, with Founding Memberships available now, and a Grand Openingset for Friday and Saturday, December 5-6 at 70 SW Century Dr., Suite 145, Bend, OR 97702

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend woman was pulled over on U.S. Highway 26 near Madras and arrested Wednesday night after a K-9’s alert and a search of her vehicle turned up fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, drug agents said.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had determined during a short-term investigation that Sunshine Wright, 48, was trafficking drugs from the Portland area into Central Oregon, Lt. Mike Landolt said.

A Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy stopped Wright’s SUV, a blue 2005 Ford Focus, around 10 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Highway 26 and Cherry Lane, due to multiple speeding violations “and the reasonable suspicion that drugs were being transported in the vehicle,” Landolt said in a news release Thursday.

Officers deployed drug-detection K-9 Keira, who alerted to the odor of illegal drugs in the car, Landolt said.

CODE Team detectives were granted a search warrant for the vehicle, where detectives found about 80 grams of fentanyl, 80 grams of methamphetamine and more than 10 grams of cocaine in the area of the front seats, Landolt said. They also found other items “consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics,” he added.

Wright was arrested n drug possession and delivery charges and booked into the Jefferson County Jail.

Court records show she was arraigned Thursday afternoon on four felony drug delivery and possession charges. Judge Wade Whiting set bail at $100,000 pending her return to court Nov. 28 for arraignment on an expected formal grand jury indictment.

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KTVZ

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Our Pay It Forward program recognizes people who make our community a better place to live, so a viewer’s tip we received of a La Pine restaurant, Harvest Depot, that often gives people in need a free meal was very fitting for a salute.

The moment owner Joel Brader received the $500 award from Mid Oregon Credit Union and Dutch Bros Coffee of Central Oregon, he knew just what he was going to do with it.

“We’ll put it directly towards feeding people in the month of December,” Brader told us.

“It’s kind of hard times, and some people don’t have family at this point, so we just kind of surprise them,” he said. “We don’t tell them who it is, and we actually have another donor here in town that we we match dollar for dollar with them. And we feed people, – young, old – and we just buy them breakfast or lunch.”

Brader said he would be nothing without the La Pine community, as locals and regulars are what keep Harvest Depot going.

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KTVZ

(Update: Kramer makes first court appearance; bail set at $500,000)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 22-year-old Bend man has been charged with a dozen counts of possessing child sex abuse material, and police released his photo Thursday to learn if any local victims are associated with the case.

The arrest of Kyler Ashton Kramer stemmed from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTip Bend that detectives received on Oct. 10, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

Detectives investigated the tip and identified Kramer as the person who had accessed the material and disseminated the images online, Miller said.  

On Wednesday at around 9:40 a.m., officers served search warrants and raided Kramer’s home in the 200 block of Northwest Broadway Street.

Kramer was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on 10 counts each of first-degree and second-degree encouraging child sex abuse. 

Kramer was held without bail until his arraignment by video from jail Thursday afternoon on 12 initial formal charges: 10 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, a Class B felony, and two second-degree counts, a Class C felony. All are alleged to have occurred in late July.

Circuit Judge Randy Miller agreed to a prosecutor’s request that bail be set at $500,000. If he’s able to post 10% and be released, the judge set conditions, including that Kramer have no contact with minors or places they gather, and not to access the Internet or access or possess any Internet-capable devices.

Kramer is due back in court on Nov. 28 for arraignment on an expected formal grand jury indictment.

Sheila Miller said Bend Police are releasing Kramer’s image to the public to determine whether there may be any local victims associated with this case.  

If you believe your child may have experienced unwanted contact with Kramer, you’re asked to contact nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911, reference Case No. 2025-00061261, and ask to speak with Detective Trevor Roberts.   

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A growing number of high school bonfire parties across Deschutes County are leading to serious safety concerns, prompting the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to issue a public warning Thursday, ahead of Thanksgiving Break.

“These informal gatherings have escalated into events marked by violence, criminal activity, and unsafe conditions that are putting young people at risk,” Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in a widely distributed message.

Carr tells KTVZ News: “There have been some arrests and charges, but the outcome depends on the specific circumstances. Not all turn ugly. Deputies work more to educate and make sure teens get home safely than just enforcement.” 

“Part of it is social media, a lot of these kids are sharing with each other about these bonfires. Where to meet up, What day? But its seen by other people. So you’re getting other people that maybe they’re not friends with or not part of their friend group who are coming and finding out about these bonfires and attending anyway. ” he told us. “In many cases, deputies have seen men as old as 25 years old showing up where 16- and 17-year-old females are present.”

“The patrol teams have witnessed more severe incidents related to these bonfires in recent months and believe it would be helpful to inform the public ahead of Thanksgiving Break,” Carr added.

Carr and Bend-La Pine Schools spokesman Scott Maben told us the school districts and schools have not been involved directly, since the issues involve behavior outside of school hours and away from school property.

Here’s the full sheriff’s office news release about what’s been happening, and what they are asking of the public:

These gatherings, often held on public lands during weekends and school breaks, have increasingly involved serious safety risks. Deputies have responded to multiple incidents in recent weeks, many of which could have lasting consequences for those involved.

“We care deeply about the safety and well-being of our youth,” Carr said. “Our goal is not to punish, but to prevent harm. We want to work together with families, students, and the community to avoid a tragedy.”

Recent investigations have included reports of:

Physical assaults, including group altercations

Sexual assaults

Weapons offenses and firearms present at events

Property and vehicle damage

Attendance by adults well beyond high school age

Felony-level criminal activity

DUII & Minor in Possession (MIP)

These incidents have occurred in areas such as:

BLM land east of Redmond, especially at “The Brand”

Coyner Road area

Forest Service Land near Skyliners Road

McGrath Road and nearby locations

Mayfield Pond area

Some of these events have been recorded and shared on social media, further increasing the risk and visibility of unsafe behavior, Carr said.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help:

Parents: Talk with your teens about the risks of attending unsupervised parties. Stay engaged and informed about their plans, especially during school breaks.

Students: Know your safety matters. What may seem like a fun night can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Look out for one another and make wise choices.

Community members: If you see or hear about planned gatherings in remote areas, please report them to law enforcement.

“We understand that teens are looking for ways to connect and have fun,” Carr said. “But there have been too many close calls at these unsupervised parties. Our concern is real, and we’re asking for the community’s help to prevent teens from getting seriously hurt.”

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor known gathering areas and respond to any calls or concerns from community members.

To report suspicious or concerning activity, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911. Only Dial 911 in the case of an emergency.

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