Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In emergencies, every second counts. From the moment a 911 call comes in to when officers arrive on scene, first responders are in a race against time. But even the fastest chain of communication can leave gaps.

Now, Bend Police are using new technology designed to close those gaps and speed up response. It’s called Live911. The software acts as an add-on to the current dispatch system, live-streaming 911 calls directly to officers in the field.

Higher Ground is the software company that helped create Live911. Jake White, communications specialist for Live911, spoke with KTVZ about the software and its impact on law enforcement.

“It’s been created by officers, for officers. They thought, wouldn’t it be great if we could actually get to emergencies faster, have more information? In an emergency situation, truly, every second matters. And in this case, we’re shaving off minutes,” said White. 

Traditionally, a 911 call goes first to a dispatcher, who types notes about the incident into the system. Another dispatcher then relays that information over police radio. Only after the call is processed can the nearest available officer head to the scene.

But with Live911, Bend Police officers now listen in the moment a call comes through in their area. That means when someone calls for help, the nearest officer can hear the caller in real time and see the exact location on a map.

Lt. Tommy Russell with Bend Police spoke about the experiences they’ve had with Live911. 

“We’ve had a handful of examples where officers were literally right around the corner from a critical incident that they would have driven right past had it not been for the Live911 application running on their computer,” said Russell. 

Not only does this cut down on response time, it also gives officers more context. They can hear a caller’s tone of voice or catch important details that might otherwise slip through the cracks. The system automatically plays incoming calls within an officer’s “geofence” — a set radius around their patrol car, district, or even schools in the area.

Russell spoke of the emotional influence and motivation that comes with listening to the 911 calls in real time. 

“Hearing people pleading for help and crying for us to get there quickly can cause officers to get a little more excited going into that call. And certainly we get more personally invested when we hear that,” said Russell. 

Bend Police say Live911 isn’t just faster — it’s already saving lives. Captain Brian Beekman with Bend Police vividly remembers an instance where Live911 played a critical role. 

“There was a domestic dispute. The man involved had tried to commit suicide, and the officers responded there within minutes because of the Live911 call. They were able to provide him medical care and saved his life. It really showed us that you can save lives just with a software tool that can help first responders,” said Beekman.

And in other parts of the country, it’s had dramatic impacts. Mike Halliwell, vice president of sales for Higher Ground and Live911, told KTVZ about how the software prevented an attempted mass shooting in California.

“Oakland County Sheriff, they had a shooting at a splash park last year. A deputy heard the call come across Live911. He was on site within a minute to a minute and a half. That wouldn’t have been the case without Live911. Nobody was killed. By the deputy showing up that much quicker, he [the shooter] dropped his weapons and ran,” said Halliwell. 

Live911 is now being used in about 200 agencies across the U.S. — including Bend, Eugene, and Gresham here in Oregon.

Many in law enforcement who are using the technology have shared their strong support of implementing the addition of Live911 to their standard dispatch process with Higher Ground. 

“Almost any officer that I’ve ever spoken to that uses it says, ‘I can’t imagine ever going back. I can’t imagine not hearing the call now.’ And it also comforts the community, knowing right now, as I’m calling you, there is an officer on their way to you and they’re listening to everything you’re saying,” said White. 

Bend Police say the technology helps modernize law enforcement and ultimately gets help to people in our community more quickly, and keeps us safer. For them, the message is simple: in an emergency, every second matters. And with Live911, used in coordination with traditional, critical dispatch systems, they say those seconds are now on their side.

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KTVZ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2025:

Central Oregon — Recent weather systems across Central Oregon brought abundant lightning, strong winds, and some much-needed rain. Despite the rainfall, fuels such as grass, brush, and timber remain extremely dry, keeping wildfire risk high. So far this month, wildland fire resources have responded to 76 incidents, including 46 wildfires, most caused by lightning.

As a reminder, Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions remain in effect on Central Oregon public lands. These rules prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquettes—except in designated, developed campgrounds. The use of internal combustion engines, including chainsaws, is also prohibited between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. For details and a list of designated campgrounds, visit centraloregonfire.org/fire-restrictions.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon Forest Protection District is also under Regulated Closure, which applies to private, state, and county forestlands it protects. These restrictions limit fires, smoking, and equipment use. For the latest information, visit ODF’s website or contact a local office.

Firefighters continue to respond quickly to new starts, but with peak fire season still underway, any spark can rapidly grow and threaten communities, firefighters, and natural resources.

The public plays a vital role in prevention: follow fire restrictions, never leave a campfire unattended, and call 9-1-1 immediately if you see smoke.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding interviews with President and resident, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The East Cascade Model Railroad Club had their annual open house event on Saturday and Sunday. The club opens once a year to the public for a chance to see what members have been working on all year.

This year, the event hosted over 2,500 people. Brian Benjamin, President of the Model Railroad Club, spoke with KTVZ News about the open house.

“Today is the 28th annual open house. We open to the public to come show what we’ve done over the year. There’s a few new additions, a few new trains, and we have free rides,” said Benjamin. 

Their property spans over 20 acres and has nearly two miles of train tracks. The event included food vendors, free train rides, and a chance to see the indoor layouts close-up.

From large-scale engines to smaller layouts, the hobby continues to draw rail enthusiasts from near and far. Model Railroad Club members from across the state of Oregon, and even some from Washington, have come with their rail cars just for the event.

Carl Stensel, Bend resident and rail enthusiast, spoke with KTVZ about what draws him to the event, and model trains. 

“You create your own little world. And I think a lot of that appeals to a lot of people to kind of make their own view of what the perfect world would be like. Particularly these days, it’s awfully appealing to have a chance to sort of make your own statement about what life should be like,” said Stensel.

For organizers, it’s about more than the trains — it’s about keeping a piece of history alive.

“There has been railroads since day one in the United States. Everyone’s been caught behind a train. It’s something that’s always been there. So now we have a way that we can play with it and keep it alive,” said Benjamin. 

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Health Authority has released new information about who can get this year’s updated COVID-19 vaccine and where it’s available.

The Oregon Board of Pharmacy has not made any changes to administering the COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon.

The FDA’s approval of the updated COVID-19 vaccine for this year was narrower than in previous years, limiting the use to certain age groups and those with high-risk medical conditions.

If you’d like to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, you are encouraged to call ahead to a pharmacy or talk to your doctor.

Amber Buhler, a professor at Pacific University School of Pharmacy, told KTVZ that access will likely be targeted at higher-risk Oregonians for now.

“Right now, with the approvals that it has, theoretically is going to be accessible to people who are at high risk populations,” Buhler said. “But the majority of people who want to go get their flu shots are going to have significant trouble getting it.”

We’ll continue to track updates on this story and bring you the latest information.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Community members are invited to an open house, in person or online, to explore proposed safety and connectivity upgrades at the southern end of Bend’s Core Area. The project area has seen more traffic and new development and users have reported it is still hard to travel east to west whether you’re driving, walking, or biking.

In person: September 10, 4:00–6:00 p.m., at the Campfire Hotel, Outpost meeting space, 721 NE 3rd St, Bend, OR 97701

Online: September 10-24, 2025 at bendoregon.gov/aune

The project team has proposed designs to improve safety and increase connectivity along several streets and intersections from the Aune Street undercrossing at the Bend Parkway, to and along Third Street.

These road design improvements aim to make driving safer, walking and biking more comfortable, and strengthen connections between the Old Mill District and East Bend. Join us in-person, or online to provide public input and help shape the designs.

This project is funded through the 2020 Transportation GO Bond, Capital Improvement Program funding, and a grant through ARTS (All Roads Transportation Safety).

Learn more and sign up for project email updates at bendoregon.gov/aune

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Central Oregon Tool Library had its grand opening on Friday at the Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity Restore.

COTool offers a wide range of tools for lending, providing community members with access to the equipment they need for home projects, repairs, and creative endeavors, all without the upfront cost of purchasing tools outright.

Memberships can be set up online at www.cotool.org.

The suggested membership fee is $10 per $10,000 of household income, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.  The library is 100% volunteer-run, and every dollar goes toward maintaining and expanding the collection.

“We want everyone in Central Oregon to feel empowered to tackle projects at home and in their community,” said co-founder John Heylin. “This is about sharing resources, reducing waste, and building stronger connections between neighbors.”

The library was founded by Peter LoVerso, Tony Grzesik, and John Heylin. It came together in just six months, thanks to support from the Environmental Center, the Blankfort Family Fund, and the Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity. The Habitat’s hospitality and guidance made the quick launch possible.

COTL is actively seeking donations of tools and funds, as well as volunteers and sponsorships, to help expand its offerings across all types of tool-related activities and throughout Central Oregon.

Open Hours:

Fridays: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Sundays: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Regular weekly hours will follow the same schedule.

For more information, to make a donation, or to become a member and rent a tool, please visit www.cotool.org.

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Central Oregonians came together at Drake Park on Friday for Bend’s Walk for Recovery, a fundraising event hosted by Oregon Recovers.

“It’s really powerful for me,” said Bo Brinson, Executive Director for Oregon Recovers.

A few years ago, Bo was behind bars. Today, he leads Oregon’s largest recovery walk.

“I got released from prison in July of 2019,” Brinson said. “That September, I went to my first recovery event. I remember seeing over a thousand people there, all there for recovery.”

Oregon Recovers now hosts six of these annual walks statewide.

I thought, man, I really would love to be part of this one day. And here I am today, serving as executive director.” said Brinson.

According to Oregon Recover’s website, Oregon has the 2nd highest addiction rate, and 50th when it comes to access to treatment.

In Bend, participants came out only just to walk, but to share stories about their battle with addiction.

“A lot of people think drug addiction is a choice,” said Kerri Wayman with Recover Together Bend. “I’m here because I acknowledge I have a disease and I do need help.”

Local organizations like BestCare and Recover Together Bend showed came to the event to show their support. The goal is to break stigma, celebrate recovery, and connect people with resources.

“Stigma is a huge problem,” said Dr. Emily Harvey from BestCare’s Addiction Clinic. “I think events like this are really great to help raise awareness.”

Blake Soto told us he walks for his close friends who didn’t make it. He is also proud of the recovery he has made itself with Recover Together Bend.

Dillon Wakefield says he graduates from Recover Together Bend next Friday. He wants others to know they are not alone.

“It’s never too late to turn your life around. There’s plenty of resources out there. You just have to have the desperation and the willingness,” Wakefield said.

Oregon Recovers hopes to raise $100,000 to continue funding efforts to end the state’s addiction crisis.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Now that school is back in session, the Bend Police Department has an important reminder for motorists: school buses are on the road and you must obey traffic laws to keep everyone safe.

The department says school buses are equipped with flashing red or amber lights and those lights let drivers know that the bus is about to stop to pick up or drop off students.

Most school buses also have a stop sign arm that pops out from the driver’s side window.

In Oregon, you must stop for a school bus across all lanes, unless you’re on a divided highway with an unpaved median strip or barrier.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Are you looking for something to do this weekend in Central Oregon? Matthew Draxton highlights three local events you won’t want to miss!

For many more, and to submit your own events, visit https://events.ktvz.com.

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