Honor Flight of Central Oregon veterans welcomed home

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Honor Flight of Central Oregon welcomed veterans back this weekend after their trip to Washington, D.C., where they visited memorials honoring their service and sacrifice.

On Saturday, veterans and their guardians were escorted from the airport to Ridgeview High School. There, the community greeted them with cheers, hugs, and plenty of love.

Each veteran received a handmade quilt designed to resemble the American flag, a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for their service.

Honor Flight of Central Oregon says its mission is to ensure veterans receive the recognition they so greatly deserve.

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Annual Artist Studio Tour event by Sisters Arts Association highlights work from local artists

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interview with artist)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — This weekend in Central Oregon, art lovers had the chance to step inside the creative world of local artists. The Sisters Arts Association hosted its annual Artist Studio Tour — a free, self-guided event featuring more than two dozen artists.

Attendees explored 16 studios and galleries, watching demonstrations and learning about the inspiration behind each piece. Taylor Manoles, a Central Oregon artist specializing in paintings, partnered with sculpture and printmaking artist, Danae Bennet-Miller, at Bennett-Miller’s home gallery. 

Manoles spoke with KTVZ News about the motivation behind her art, saying, “I get a lot of inspiration from camping trips and hiking. I’m inspired by being outside and trying to communicate how I feel out there.”

The tour showcased a wide range of mediums, from painting and pottery to sculpture and photography. For many artists, it was a chance to connect directly with the community.

“It’s really nice to get out and have the face-to-face conversations, because the nature of being an artist is you spend a lot of time alone in your studio. But it is really lovely to just interact with people and see how your work speaks to them,” said Manoles.

Visitors not only saw finished pieces, but some got a rare look at the creative process — and even had the opportunity to purchase work straight from the source. 

The two-day tour ran Saturday and Sunday, drawing crowds from across Central Oregon. Organizers say it offered an intimate glimpse into the heartbeat of Sisters’ thriving arts community.

Manoles echoed that sentiment — “There’s a lot of beauty and talent in this community. I would encourage everyone to try and get out and participate in these type of events. It’s really fun to get to meet artists kind of on their home turf and see what they’re all about.”

While this year’s tour has wrapped up, the Sisters Arts Association hopes the weekend left visitors inspired — and eager to return next year.

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Redmond Fire & Rescue opens doors for Community Day

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Redmond Fire & Rescue welcomed neighbors for a Community Day on Saturday.

Visitors had the chance to meet local firefighters, tour the station, and connect with community partners.

Highlights of the day included a live vehicle extrication demonstration, as well as activities for kids such as a dunk tank, bouncy slide, and prize giveaways.

Kids also had the opportunity to win a brand new bike or the chance to ride to school in a fire truck.

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Climber injured at Smith Rock, condition unknown

KTVZ

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A climber was injured Saturday afternoon at Smith Rock State Park, prompting a technical rescue and airlift.

Redmond Fire & Rescue says eight personnel responded around 1:50 p.m. to an area within the park, along with Deschutes County Search and Rescue. Crews worked for about two hours to reach and stabilize the patient.

The climber was then wheeled out of the area and transferred to a Life Flight helicopter for transport. There’s no word yet on the person’s condition.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Bend Bulletin employees picket for new contract

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ News) —  Saturday afternoon, members of the Bend Bulletin along with members from the Central Oregon News Guild picketed in downtown Bend’s Peace Corner, after not finalizing a contract.

The Bend Bulletin was recently bought by Carpenter Media Group.

KTVZ News spoke with Noemi Arellano-Summer, an education reporter, to learn more about some of the changes that have been made since the new ownership came in.

Arellano-Summer told KTVZ News, “definitely means stories have to be done earlier, started earlier. A lot of times, breaking news doesn’t might not make it in the next day’s paper. If we get a breaking news story at 12:30, 1 p.m., it’ll make it online. Definitely. I would say we are digital first, but it won’t make it into the next day’s paper.”

Arellano-Summer also told KTVZ News that the Bend Bulletin workers are picketing to finalize contracts for reporters, photographers among others.

Bulletin workers also expressed concerns about downsizing.

Additionally Arellano-Summer said that Carpenter Media Group has slow walked contract negotiations and making it take longer than it should.

KTVZ News have reached out to Carpenter Media Group but have not heard back.

This is a developing story, KTVZ News will have more as it develops.

  

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Prineville police take suspect into custody following reports of gunfire

KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Reports of gunfire late Saturday morning drew a heavy police response to 9th street and Harwood Avenue, according to The Prineville Review.

The Prineville Police Department stated that the Crook County 911 center received several calls around 11:15 a.m. about shots fired in the neighborhood.

Officers quickly arrived, locating and apprehending the suspect. Police said the individual had non life-threatening injuries. He received treatment before being taken into custody.

Police emphasize there is no ongoing threat to the public. Detectives were on the scene this afternoon. Certain blocks around 9th street will remain closed while evidence is collected.

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Dump City Dumplings renovating to become The Roundabout Pub, set to open at the end of September

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Dump City Dumplings restaurant on Galveston Avenue in Bend, known for starting as a food cart in downtown Bend, is now renovating to become a pub called The Roundabout Pub.

The owners tell KTVZ News they will continue to cook and serve Dump City Dumplings at the bar. Customers can also buy the dumplings through food delivery services like DoorDash.

KTVZ News visited the restaurant on Galveston after being tipped off by several viewers. A sign on their door reads, “Opening September 26th, The Roundabout Pub.”

Our team saw construction crews installing what appeared to be a pool table and pinball machines.

The pub will be located on one of Bend’s busiest and growing corridors, which is set to see some major street safety upgrades soon.

Dump City Dumplings is famous in Bend for starting as a go-to spot for late-night locals in downtown Bend, where they operated as a food cart. They were also featured in Season 34, Episode 15 of Guy Fieri’s hit Food Network TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

In 2018, they opened a brick and mortar in the Old Mill District before moving to their current location on Bend’s Westside. KTVZ News covered them when they launched a Dim Sum menu, one of the first in Bend.

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Five-year milestone in the sky: Bend’s Epic Aircraft delivers its 100th certified plane

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Epic Aircraft, designer and manufacturer of the leading single-engine turboprop, announced Friday the delivery of its 100th certified aircraft.

The milestone coincides with the company’s 11th Annual Odyssey Fly-In, a gathering of Epic Aircraft owners, pilots, and partners in Bend, Epic Aircraft said in Friday’s announcement, which continues below.

“Achieving this delivery milestone underscores the strength of demand for our aircraft,” said Epic Aircraft CEO Doug King. “We reached our 100th certified aircraft faster than anyone imagined.”

The company delivered its first certified airplane, the E1000, in 2020. In just five years, the company has introduced and certified two next-generation models, the E1000 GX and the E1000 AX. Collectively, the fleet has accrued over 41,000 flight hours.

The 100th airplane, an E1000 AX, features a special commemorative logo on its exterior as well as its interior seats. The aircraft will be based in Texas.

“From our first to our 100th aircraft delivery, each certified Epic reflects the innovation, passion, and commitment of our employees—and the belief of our owner community,” added King. “Each delivery is more than an aircraft. It’s the beginning of a new adventure.”

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About Epic Aircraft 

Epic Aircraft, LLC specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance, all-composite, single-engine turboprop aircraft. Epic’s award-winning E1000 received FAA certification in 2019, followed by certification of the E1000 GX in 2021 and the E1000 AX in 2025. Privately held, the design-driven aviation company conducts all of its engineering, manufacturing, and administrative operations at its headquarters in Bend, Oregon. For more information about Epic Aircraft, please visit epicaircraft.com

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St. Charles to celebrate NICU families during upcoming reunion

KTVZ

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will host a reunion for current and former patients and their families alongside caregivers on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Charles Bend.

This free family-friendly event will include interactive games, a bouncy house, face painting, AirLink tours, a visit from a fire truck and refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to wear a favorite superhero costume.

“Our caregivers and families look forward to this event all year. It’s so special for us to be able to see the infants we cared for playing with their families and thriving. It’s a really special event for everyone involved,” said Brook Jensen, director of women and children’s services for St. Charles Health System.

The reunion is made possible thanks to St. Charles Foundation donors.

The reunion will be held in Conference Rooms A-D at St. Charles Bend (enter through the main lobby.) Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP on St. Charles’ website:

 https://stcharleshealthcare.org/form/nicu-reunion-2025

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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office revives ‘Junior Deputy’ and safety awards program to recognize kids’ good choices

Barney Lerten

Update: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said Friday it’s excited to bring back a favorite community tradition recognizing kids for making good choices. Deputies will again hand out Junior Safety Awards and Junior Deputy Awards in partnership with McDonald’s restaurants in Bend, Sisters, and La Pine.

The Junior Safety Award honors children who demonstrate safe behaviors, such as wearing bike helmets, using crosswalks, or setting a positive example for their peers. Each certificate includes a coupon for a free ice cream cone.

The Junior Deputy Award celebrates kids who embody the spirit of a deputy through kindness, courage, and a positive attitude. Recipients receive a coupon for a free hamburger or cheeseburger.

Sheriff Ty Rupert recalls how impactful this program was when he started as a patrol deputy more than 20 years ago. Reviving it today reflects his belief that simple, positive interactions are the best ways to build lasting connections with children and families across Deschutes County.

“This program shows the positive impact deputies can have in a child’s life,” said Sheriff Rupert. “By recognizing kids for making good choices, we build trust, encourage positive behavior, and remind our community that law enforcement is about service, relationships, and care for others. Thanks to our local McDonald’s ownership for making this happen.”

Deputies are ready to start handing out the awards, so don’t be surprised if your child comes home with a gift certificate and asks to enjoy a free treat at McDonald’s. 

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