Category: ktvz-local-news

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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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Monday, September 8th, the Widgi Creek Hackers, a local golf group, will be holding their annual Folds of Honor Golf Tournament at Widgi Creek Golf Club.

The group told us the Hackers have been contributors to Folds of Honor since 2007, which is a nonprofit designed to provide educational scholarships to military and first responder families.

The Hackers say they have raised over $206,000 accumulatively and expect to have a banner year this year.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Municipal Airport’s new air traffic control tower is close to being finished.

On it’s Facebook page, Deschutes County said when finished, the tower will rise approximately 100 feet, making it the tallest building in Central Oregon. It will also improve safety and efficiency at the airport.

With more than 140,000 takeoffs and landings each year, it’s the third-busiest public use airport in Oregon.

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