Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Mental illness in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the percentage of adults aged 18 to 59 living with any mental illness rose from 18.1% in 2009 to 20.6% in 2019.

As September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, it’s a reminder of the global effort to reduce stigma, provide resources, and prevent suicide—often closely tied to mental health challenges.

One organization working locally to address this issue is NAMI Central Oregon, the regional chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The nonprofit serves Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, offering support, education, and advocacy for individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Their mission is simple: to improve the quality of life for people and families impacted by mental illness.

But stigma remains one of the biggest barriers.

“If someone in your family had cancer or a brain tumor, would they be embarrassed?” said Casey Munck, Programs Director at NAMI Central Oregon. “That’s really how we should look at mental illness—oftentimes it’s something going on in the brain. Brains get sick just like other body parts. I understand the shame and stigma, but we need to talk about this. There’s help out there—medications, therapies, and community support.”

Family and friends also carry the weight when a loved one is struggling.

“It affects the family members… they need to be taken care of as well,” said Julie McFarlane, a NAMI attendee and Board Member. “I attended my first meeting online during COVID. You hear that other people might be going through the same thing, and it gives you just a little sense of relief that you’re not going through it on your own.”

NAMI Central Oregon offers support groups across Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and soon Madras, with both in-person and online options available.

For more information on resources, meetings, or how to get involved, visit namicentraloregon.org.

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Triton Notary

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)– On Tuesday, gold shovels broke ground for the new campus of a youth workforce program. The Heart of Oregon Corps is an alternative education program focused on trade skills. Youth Corps members receive job training in areas like construction by completing volunteer projects in the community. Now it’s building a 6,000-square-foot campus, uniting all its programs across Central Oregon and providing a place for classes. For 25 years, the Heart of Oregon Corps has made Central Oregon a better place.

Laura Handy, Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps, told KTVZ News: “Heart of Oregon has just made such a mark on this community. Everywhere I go in this community, whether it’s in towns or out on our trails or in our forests, you can see the impact of the projects that the young people do. They’re doing projects to build affordable housing, to reduce wildfire risk, to protect our habitats and ecosystems. And we just started a new program in Madras where they’re helping with food insecurity at the community food pantry.”

The campus is expected to be completed next summer, with a ribbon-cutting in the fall. However, more work remains. The program still needs to raise more than a million dollars to finish the building. Right now, a fund-matching program is doubling any donation to the Heart of Oregon Corps.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The trial of Samson Garner neared its end on Wednesday as final witnesses were called. Garner is the man accused of planning a mass shooting at Smith Rock’s Craggin’ Classic in October of 2023.

The day of testimony was shortened due to discussions between the state, defense team, and judge regarding evidence and jury instructions. 

Witnesses on Wednesday included sergeants from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Their testimony focused on Garner’s internet history, cell phone data, and details of the firearms on his person when he was arrested. 

The prosecution also called Garner’s ex-wife, Lindsey Garner, back for rebuttal, specifically to address certain statements Garner himself made while testifying in his own defense. 

A key argument in Garner’s defense has been he was an avid target-shooter and only brought his multiple firearms to Central Oregon for recreation. Yet both a sergeant who examined Garner’s firearms and Garner’s ex-wife contradicted that theory.

“I can’t recall a time that he went to a shooting range after, you know, that first year or two of us being in Portland. He found it much more difficult to hunt deer in Oregon than in Michigan and North Carolina. So he didn’t pursue it and chose to pursue other outdoor recreational activities instead,” Lindsey Garner testified.

Garner previously testified he was a believer in the Christian faith, yet his ex-wife claimed under oath he was “staunchly anti-organized religion”. The topic’s relevance was tied to Garner’s claim he sent violent, threatening messages to his friend, in part, because he refused to be the godfather of Garner’s twin daughters. Lindsey Garner testified they never made any such request of their friends.

Closing arguments are expected to begin first thing Thursday morning before the case goes to the jury. 

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KTVZ – News Team

Established in Prineville, Oregon in 1990 as a nonprofit adolescent residential substance use treatment program, Rimrock Trails has grown to become one of the longest-standing behavioral healthcare providers in the region. Now celebrating 35 years of service, Rimrock Trails is proud to offer life-changing mental health and substance use counseling to individuals of all ages across Central Oregon.

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, OR September 4, 2025 – Founded over three decades ago, Rimrock Trails has become a trusted leader in providing high-quality counseling and substance use treatment services across Central Oregon. With a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families, Rimrock Trails continues to fulfill its mission of improving the lives of those struggling with mental health and substance use by offering timely access to compassionate and effective behavioral healthcare.

At the heart of Rimrock Trails’ work is a belief in the power of healing, hope, and connection. Through professional outpatient counseling, substance use treatment, and youth residential services, the organization creates a solid foundation for recovery and mental wellness. In the past year, Rimrock Trails provided over 19,000 behavioral health services, helping individuals rebuild relationships, strengthen family bonds, and find a renewed sense of purpose.

To celebrate this 35-year milestone and National Recovery Month, Rimrock Trails hosted a Redmond Chamber Coffee Clatter on Friday, September 5th at 8:30 a.m. at its Outpatient Clinic, located at 215 SW 7th Street in Redmond, Oregon.

In addition, on Friday, September 19th at 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., Rimrock Trails, in partnership with the Crook County Health Department, invites the community to a National Recovery Month Celebration at Pioneer Park in Prineville. The event will feature food, music, and information booths from local partner agencies.

“As we reflect on the past years, I am filled with deep gratitude and pride in the work we’ve accomplished together at Rimrock Trails. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding access, enhancing quality, and advocating for the behavioral health needs of our community.” — Erica Fuller, MA, LPC, CADC-III, Chief Executive Officer, Rimrock Trails

The leadership of Rimrock Trails thanks the staff, donors, volunteers, partners, and the countless individuals who have made it possible to provide life-changing services to the people of Central Oregon these past 35 years.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Education Center is celebrating 100 years, and the community is invited to join the festivities.

“It really has been the hub of the community for 100 years,” said Becca Burda, Assistant Director of Communications for Bend-La Pine Schools.

The Education Center first opened its doors to students in the 1920s. On September 7, 1925, it became home to Bend Union High School, which remained there until the current Bend High was built in 1956.

Over the decades, the building went on to serve as a middle school, then an elementary school, and even hosted Central Oregon Community College’s very first classes.

The building continues to serve as part of the Bend-La Pine Schools district’s facilities, housing a number of student programs.

“So many people in our community have ties to this building,” Burda said.

The centennial event welcomes past students, staff and neighbors to take a walk down memory lane.

The open house on September 27th will include historic artifacts, photos of graduating classes, and equipment used over the decades.

“We’ve also been working really hard with our partners at the Deschutes Historical Museum. They have been wonderful partners in helping us capture the history of this building,” Burda said.

Visitors will get to enjoy tours, live music, and food prepared by Bend High’s culinary program.

It runs from 1pm to 4pm.

Organizers are asking the community to help honor the building’s legacy by sharing their own memories. Submissions may be featured during the event.

Head to the link here to share your memories: bls.fyi/EdCenter100stories

Event Information:

Location –  Education Center, 520 NW Wall Street

Date – Saturday, September 27th

Time – 1pm to 4pm

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KTVZ – News Team

Premiere Aesthetics Institute has announced its 10th Anniversary Celebration, Ten Years of Glam! A dazzling evening of beauty and community spirit. Set for Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 1133 Northwest Wall St,. Suite 102, Bend, OR 97703.

The for-profit college offers programs for those looking to become an aesthetics professional. These licensed experts offer cosmetic treatments for the skin and body.

This milestone event will honor a decade of transformative contributions to the community, alongside the institute’s exceptional alumni, students, and dedicated staff.

“We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve our vibrant Bend community for ten years,” said Ryanna, CEO and Founder of Premiere Aesthetics Institute. “This celebration is a heartfelt thank you to our alumni, students, and team, whose dedication has made Premiere a beacon of beauty and empowerment. We invite everyone to join us for an evening of joy, connection, and glamour as we toast to this milestone.”

The event is free to attend, but space is limited. Guests are encouraged to secure their spot promptly via Eventbrite.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. {KTVZ} – Volunteers in Prineville are preparing a powerful remembrance memorial to honor the victims of the September 11th attacks. 

The display, which includes canvases recounting the events of that day along with other memorabilia, is a centerpiece of the tribute. Photos from last year’s memorial will show the emotional impact the display carried for the community. 

Across the street from Prineville City Hall, 2,977 American flags will be placed on the Crook County Courthouse lawn—each one representing a life lost in the attacks. 

Event organizer Mona Glade said the memorial is a way to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten. 

“It’s important. It’s important that people never forget what happened that day. It happened to us, to our country. The majority of us remember, a lot have forgotten, and a lot need to learn about it,” Glade said.  The remembrance, happening Thursday, will begin at 8 a.m.

Prineville police and fire crews will gather with residents to reflect and honor the lives lost. 

This year’s event is sponsored by Mid Oregon Personnel

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Claire Elmer

Warning: This story contains graphic discussion of violent threats and suicide. Viewer and reader discretion is advised.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The trial of Samson Garner — the man accused of planning a mass shooting at Smith Rock in late 2023 — continued Tuesday at the Deschutes County Courthouse in Bend, with Garner returning to the stand to testify in his own defense.

After a morning of testimony by a digital forensics expert and a forensic psychologist, prosecutors had their chance to cross-examine Garner. The state spent hours confronting Garner about threatening messages he sent to both his now ex-wife and Garner’s own friends in the months leading up to his arrest.

In his testimony, Garner repeatedly referenced his heavy alcohol use and depression as reasons why he wrote the extremely graphic messages. 

Through their questioning of the defendant, the prosecution illustrated a timeline of events in Garner’s life over 2022 and 2023. The state questioned Garner about the times of turmoil in his life, implying they allegedly aligned with Garner’s numerous purchases of firearms. 

Garner testified about the decline of his marriage, mental health, and personal relationships with family and friends. Both the state and Garner read aloud some of his most graphic messages in court.

In a text to his friend, Garner described how he should have cut off his head and would love to hear the sound his friend’s wife would make when he did it. 

Portions of Garner’s email to his ex-girlfriend were read, in which he detailed shooting attendees of the Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic in October 2023, and wanted to watch climbers see their loved ones being attacked while helpless. Though Garner testified these were only intrusive thoughts and nightmares that horrified him, the prosecution noted Garner never described his violent ideologies with those words in the email — instead, Garner used the terms ‘fun’ and ‘fantasy’.

As the day neared its end, the prosecution’s line of questioning focused on Garner’s fallout with his family, mounting credit card debt, and trip to Central Oregon in which he was arrested.

The trial is expected to continue through the end of the week. 

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Forestry shared an update on the state’s active wildland fires.

Right now, two active large fires are burning on ODF-protected land and eight others are burning statewide.

So far this year, 945 fires have burned on ODF-protected land and another 2,464 statewide.

The department is reminding Oregonians that despite precipitation expected across the state, fire season is still in effect.

ODF warns the public against complacency until soaking, fall rains return.

It says remaining informed of local fire restrictions is a simple way to prevent you from bringing prohibited fire hazards onto the landscape and from potentially starting the next large wildfire.

Remember, the fewer human-caused fires in Oregon we have, the more you’re helping protect Oregon’s natural resources, communities, and firefighters.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Snow sport enthusiasts–Mt. Bachelor has some exciting news!

While winter may seem far away, the resort is gearing up for another great season, and has announced upgrades to the Northwest Lift as well as a variety of new passholder perks.

In a recent press release, Mt. Bachelor said it’s working to improve Northwest’s efficiency and reliability to allow guests more consistent access to the beloved expert terrain on the west side of the mountain, with construction beginning in April of 2026.

It’s also introducing a variety of new passholder perks, including kids 12 and under receiving a free Unlimited Season Pass with the purchase of any adult Unlimited or Outplay 365 Pass.

Additionally, there will be a series of complimentary après activities focused on family fun added to the calendar!

Mt. Bachelor is projecting an opening date of November 28th, the day after Thanksgiving.

Read more from the press release below on additional announcements:

“Mt. Bachelor Announces Upgrades to Northwest Lift, New Community Programming and Passholder Perks 

Mt. Bachelor’s 24/25 season was one for the books with the earliest opening since 1998 and an above average season with over 450” of total snowfall. If thelong-range forecast holds true, skiers and riders will rejoice in yet another above-average snow season this winter.  

Looking to 25/26, Mt. Bachelor will begin upgrades to Northwest lift and introduce exciting additions to community programming, events, and passholder perks. A variety of season passes are available for purchase, with the best prices of the fall offered through September 30, including Kids Ski Freepasses, which go off sale on October 1.  

Here’s what skiers and riders can expect at Mt. Bachelor this season: 

Operations & Infrastructure 

Mt. Bachelor’s projected opening date is November 28, 2025. Conditions permitting, the resort will offer skiing and riding off Pine Marten, Little Pine, and Skyliner lifts. 

With efforts already underway, Mt. Bachelor will modernize the Northwest lift, improving the efficiency and reliability to allow guests more consistent access to the beloved expert terrain on the west side of the mountain. Construction is slated to begin in April 2026, with plans to ultimately replace the top and bottom operator shacks, electric drive components, expand the chair storage structure, and install a night drive system which will allow the haul rope to spin with no chairs on the line to minimize ice build-up and therefore operate with fewer weather impacts.  

As part of Mt. Bachelor’s Play Forever initiative to protect the environment and support the community, work continues on the state-of-the-art wood-fuel energy facility. This project will allow Mt. Bachelor to utilize existing slash piles in the Deschutes National Forest to generate heat for its base area buildings, eliminating most of the propane use across the resort. The facility will create a stable market for the biproduct of crucial fire mitigation work while reducing CO2 emissions that result from burning slash piles. The facility is on track to be fully operational by fall of 2026. 

Aspiring and seasoned freestyle riders will enjoy new layouts in several Woodward Mountain Parks, including a new beginner terrain park off Little Pine and a reimagined terrain park next to the 13’ halfpipe under Pine Marten lift. 

Rentals & Retail 

Mt. Bachelor Sports Rentals and Retail will open in Bend and Sunriver this season, in addition to existing locations at Sunrise and Mountain Gateway at the resort. These new winter locations will offer Salomon ski and Burton snowboard rentals, plus Mt. Bachelor logo wear, souvenirs, and accessories. For the best rental pricing, guests can purchase packages online in advance, select their preferred pick-up location, and return their equipment wherever it is most convenient. 

At their lowest price ever, Season-Long Rentalsare now available to book book online, offering families an easy and cost-effective way to hit the slopes this winter. At just $199 for an adult standard equipment package and $109 for a youth and juniors, the value is unbeatable. Each Season-Long Rental comes with unlimited free belt waxes and mid-season trade-ins for bigger sizes to help accommodate growth spurts and aid progression. Custom-fittings by skilled rental technicians at both Bend and Mountain Gateway will start in October.  

Kids & Community Programming 

Kids 12 & under get a FREE Unlimited Season Passwith the purchase of any adult Unlimited or Outplay 365 Pass. Additionally, there will be a series of complimentary après activities focused on family fun from s’more roasting and helmet decorating to face painting and lodge dance parties. 

Kids and families will also get chances to see Mt. Bachelor’s grooming cats and snow removal equipment up close. Operators will demonstrate how these impressive machines work and answer questions about their unique roles in keeping the mountain accessible. 

Signature multi-week programs for kids will continue offering progression sessions for all ability levels, with the addition of a “Park Rats” terrain-park focused program for aspiring freestyle riders, a tele-ski session, women’s-only meetups, and an adult multi-week session perfect for parents with kids in the program. Signature Programs can be booked here. 

Resort Events 

In addition to RendezVan, guests can look forward to a packed event line up with classics like the Dirksen Derby, Big Wave Challenge, Winter Pridefest, Subaru Winterfest, and the Annual North American Pond Skimming Championships. New this season, Mt. Bachelor is bringing a competition to a classic feature off Summit lift known as “the cornice” which will draw experts from across the industry for a jaw-dropping spectacle on top of Mt. Bachelor’s volcanic peak.  

On four occasions in 2026, Mt. Bachelor will host Moonlight Dinners at Pine Marten Lodge. After indulging in an exquisite multi-course meal at 7,800 feet, guests will carve fresh tracks down the mountain to cap off a truly unique and memorable evening. 

On the Nordic side, guests can look forward to Full Moon Luminaria Nights, guided sunset snowshoe tours, and the return of popular lesson offerings like Nord in 4, She’s On Skis, and Master’s Training Group. New for the 2025-26 season, the Nordic Center will offer kid’s ski camps during holiday periods, and a new XC race called the Moonlight Loppet.  

Passholder Perks  

Mt. Bachelor is excited to continue offering exclusive perks to Outplay, Full Season, and Midweek passholders, including: 

Revamped Passholder Parties at different locations in Bend with complimentary beer and rotating themes and games 

$5 beers at Deschutes Brewery and Boneyard Beer Company when you flash your pass 

Discounted Friends & Family tickets and Passholder Perk tickets 

Early lift access on select Saturdays throughout the season 

Passholder Appreciation Weekends with discounts on retail, rentals, demos, tune shop and food & beverage, plus early or late access to select lifts and the chance to win raffle prizes 

Exclusive discounts with Subaru North America (save up to $3,400!) 

Mt. Bachelor App  

In addition to providing maps, alerts, weather/operations updates, lift/trail statuses, wait times, emergency resources, and the ability to share real-time location with friends and family, the Mt. Bachelor mobile app will feature new competitions which unlock more than just bragging rights. This year, achievers can earn discounts and freebies at Mt. Bachelor’s restaurants and retail stores. Downloading the app is easy and free. Learn more here.”

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