Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interviews with recipients and DCSO deputy)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office employees spent the weekend delivering Thanksgiving meals to some of Central Oregon’s most vulnerable residents, aiming to ease food insecurity and isolation ahead of the holiday. 

The effort comes on the heels of the recent federal government shutdown, which created uncertainty and delays around SNAP food benefits for many low-income families and seniors.

Members of the Deschutes County Sheriff Employee Association packed boxes filled with traditional Thanksgiving dinner items, then joined deputies to personally deliver them to households across rural Deschutes County.

The association said the goal is to bring holiday dinners directly to people who may struggle to shop, travel, or afford a full meal. They were able to provide 35 boxes this year, with some added help from donations by Local Acres Marketplace.

Deputies went door-to-door, dropping off boxes to seniors and others in need who said the assistance makes a real difference. Residents described the visit as not just a food delivery, but a welcome reminder that their community has not forgotten them during a stressful season.

The visit meant a great deal to Redmond resident Helen Baron, especially now that she doesn’t get out as much as she used to. “I just think it’s really nice. I’m really very thankful for them,” Baron said.

For seniors living on limited income, the holidays can amplify financial strain and loneliness, and a ready-to-cook Thanksgiving box can help ease both.

Another Redmond resident, James “Dutch” Mook, said it has become harder to make ends meet and that receiving a free holiday meal felt ‘amazing’. “I think it’s beautiful. I mean, how many times do you get something free? It doesn’t happen very often,” Mook emphasized. 

This year’s deliveries were shaped in part by the fallout from the federal shutdown that began October 1 and temporarily disrupted SNAP benefit distributions for millions of Americans. While benefits are resuming after the shutdown ended on November 12, some households have faced delays, partial payments or confusion about what will arrive and when.

Sheriff’s office employees said they wanted to step in locally as families and seniors worried about whether holiday food budgets would stretch far enough. By providing full Thanksgiving dinner kits, they hoped to ease that uncertainty, at least for this week.

Deputy Danny Graham, who helped with the deliveries, said the outreach is especially important in rural senior communities, where many people live on fixed incomes and holiday meals can be difficult to afford or prepare.

“This senior community out here, a lot of folks are on fixed incomes, and meals can be difficult to provide for the holidays,” Graham said.

Graham said efforts like this reflect a broader commitment to serve in ways that go beyond traditional law enforcement, focusing on care and connection as well as public safety. “We’re just not out enforcing laws, but we’re taking care of our community in other ways as well,” he added.

The sheriff’s office has highlighted community programs as part of its mission, from seasonal outreach to youth and families to safety initiatives across the county’s 3,055 square miles. Deputies on this weekend’s route said they hope the Thanksgiving deliveries bring a bit of comfort and a sense of togetherness to the people they serve.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Looking for something festive and fun to do this weekend? Dakota’s Brick Shop in Bend is hosting a special LEGO make-and-take event that’s perfect for kids and families wanting to kick off the holiday season with creativity and play. This free event invites everyone to come build, create, and enjoy some hands-on LEGO fun as the Thanksgiving break begins.

The shop specializes in LEGO products for enthusiasts of all ages, making it a go-to destination not just for holiday shopping, but also for engaging activities. Whether you’re a seasoned LEGO builder or just looking to try something new, Dakota’s Brick Shop has you covered.

The LEGO make-and-take event runs Saturday, November 22nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, November 23rd from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s happening at Dakota’s Brick Shop, located at 63455 North Highway 97, Suite 78, in the Cascade Village Shopping Center in Bend. It’s an ideal way to have some family fun, spark creativity, and ease into the holiday spirit.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Johnny Davis, the owner of Bend’s Volcanic Theatre Pub, is reversing course — and no longer selling the popular venue.

The Volcanic Theatre, located on Southwest Century Drive, is a 13-time award-winning hotspot. It was recently listed for sale on BizBuySell.com.

But in a new social media post, Davis says community support changed his mind. He wrote, “After a massive outpouring of community outreach to me this week, I have decided to keep my investment in the venue and open it up to new partners and investors so we can continue to expand and serve the community.”

No word yet on whether Davis still plans to relocate while continuing to operate the theatre.

A beloved cornerstone of Central Oregon’s cultural and music scene, the Volcanic Theatre Pub, is now officially for sale.

Established in 2011, this 13-time award-winning venue has grown into a local premier indoor music destination, hosting over 250 concerts and events annually.

For more than a decade, it has been a vibrant hub for local fans and touring acts, earning a fiercely loyal following and a reputation as the best indoor music venue in the region.

Founded by local entrepreneurs inspired by a passion for live music and community, Volcanic Theatre transformed a humble warehouse space into a thriving entertainment hotspot. From intimate local shows to nationally recognized performers, the venue has fostered a dynamic cultural environment while supporting emerging artists and diverse programming. Its importance to Bend’s creative landscape cannot be overstated.

The asking price is $400,000.

Details and inquiries are available via BizBuySell.com.

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Spencer Sacks

(update: adding video, quotes from Substance Founder Jeremy Kwit)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  When the House and Senate passed the government funding bill that the President signed just over a week ago, a provision tucked away inside it massively changes marijuana consumption in the United States.

Discussions of the bill has sparked concern from Oregon Residents. Some feel THC products, currently legal at the state level, could be impacted.

Local dispensary owners say consumers have nothing to worry about.

Jeremy Kwit, Founder of the dispensary Substance, told KTVZ News, “For those unregulated states and unregulated companies like convenience stores and gas stations or the internet, who do not perform any age gating, they’re not checking identification. That is what the federal government is hoping to end.”

While hemp and marijuana are a scheduled substance, a grey area within the 2018 Farm Bill has created an area where THC and CBD derivates can be sold. 

Those include unregulated and untested edibles and beverages.

This gray area stems from a distinction made in the definition of hemp and cannabis plants. But, a section in the recently passed budget bill eliminates the distinction, so hemp products are now subject to stricter regulations. 

By Oregon law, in order to sell cannabis, you must obtain a license from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, and you must follow a strict seed to sale tracking system.

It tracks every product in any form, from seed all the way through the process, until it ends up on the shelves. 

“So a product like this tincture that is flavored, clearly designated as made from hemp, that CBD forward is, thoroughly tested and doesn’t have any THC in it,” Kwit told KTVZ “Outside of Oregon, products that are called hemp or called CBD may have a lot of THC in it. There’s just no lab testing, and there’s no packaging regulations.”

Oregon put in place new regulation to have all cannabinoids sold in Oregon to be registered in a hemp registry next year. 

While there is significant concern for cannabis product sales in other states, Kwit believes now is a perfect time to buy here in Oregon.

Kwit told KTVZ News, “Despite possible hysteria, now’s a great time to be an Oregonian and to be shopping for cannabis in Oregon”

Oregon Senator, Ron Wyden, was outspoken about the restriction.

“This is a hugely important AG product, and at the same time, protect our kids from edibles and various other approaches designed to addict them at an early age,” Sen. Wyden told KTVZ News. “I think adults who want to use this product safely ought to have the chance to do it. But I don’t want to see kids get sick in the process.”

There are members of the House who are already working on a reversal of this provision.

The hemp ban won’t take effect until November of next year.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 40-year-old man, Alvaro Perez-Cazarez, was arrested Saturday morning following a domestic dispute at the Ochoco Trailer Park in Redmond.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Redmond Police Department, attempted to make contact with Perez-Cazarez, but he refused to come out and barricaded himself inside the home.

A DCSO SWAT team was called in. After negotiations with Perez-Cazarez, he eventually surrendered.

Perez-Cazarez was charged with coercion, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing.

Read the full release below.

Redmond, Ore. — A 40-year-old Redmond man was arrested early this morning after a domestic dispute in the Ochoco Trailer Park off O’Neil Highway near Cinder Butte. 

The call came in at 2:53 a.m., and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded with assistance from the Redmond Police Department. Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to contact 40-year-old Alvaro Perez-Cazarez, but he refused to come out and barricaded himself inside the home.

The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was called in, and several nearby homes were evacuated out of caution. After repeated attempts to negotiate with Perez-Cazarez, he finally surrendered to deputies. He was arrested and taken to the Deschutes County Jail. 

Perez-Cazarez was booked on the following charges: 

Coercion 

Unlawful Use of a Weapon 

Menacing 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Redmond Police Department for their assistance and the residents of the Ochoco Trailer Park for their patience during this incident. 

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Applications for the OSU Master Gardener™ Program in Central Oregon are now available. The program targets individuals interested in becoming a trained volunteer who wants to learn and share research-based gardening information.

The program will be hybrid training, with both online and in-person learning. 

Once you apply and have been accepted, you will be considered an OSU Master Gardener™ trainee. As a volunteer in training, you will participate in weekly hybrid (both in person and online combined) training conducted by qualified OSU Extension faculty, specialists, and certified OSU Master Gardeners™.

Training days occur once a week for 8 weeks. Please consider these dates when applying, keeping in mind that you are required to attend a minimum of seven classes in person. For 2026, these are the training dates: 

Dates: In person classes will be held on Wednesdays, February 25 – April 29. 

Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm  

Location:  OSU/Deschutes County Extension Service, 3800 SW Airport Way, Bldg. 3, Redmond, OR, or designated off-site gardens 

Cost will be $280 and includes tuition and supplies. Partial scholarships are available.   

Applications are due by January 31, 2026. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Giving Tuesday is coming up Tuesday, December 3, and Central Oregonians have a special opportunity to give back to their community by donating to KIDS Center, our region’s Children’s Advocacy Center.

The public is invited to stop by KIDS Center’s parking lot on Giving Tuesday and make a gift.

“Give an amount that’s meaningful to you and know that your gift will change children’s lives,” says Ginger Theis-Stevens, KIDS Center’s Director of Development and Marketing.  

KIDS Center provides no-cost child abuse evaluations, which include a forensic interview and child-friendly medical exam. KIDS Center also supports children and families with a family advocate and therapist.  

KIDS Center has seen a steady increase in referrals across the region. The nonprofit expects to serve a record 500 Central Oregon children this year, primarily from Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties. 

“Distance can be a considerable barrier for some families,” notes KIDS Center’s Executive Director Gil Levy. “We want to ensure that every child and family can get the help they need, no matter where they live.”

To better serve the region, including communities in Harney, Sherman and Wheeler counties, KIDS Center is launching a mobile clinic in 2026. This clinic will respond to urgent needs for child abuse evaluations and drive out to communities when families can’t reach Bend. 

“On Giving Tuesday, you have a chance to support hope and healing for children all across Central Oregon,” says Theis-Stevens. Giving Tuesday donations will go directly towards the operation of the new mobile clinic. Every gift will have double the impact, thanks to an anonymous donor who will match donations up to $5,000.  

Staff and volunteers will be in the KIDS Center parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm to collect drive-up donations. People stopping by can give by check, cash, credit card or Venmo. Pacific Perks Coffee will be onsite from 10 am to 2 pm, and their “perkologists” will whip up a complimentary coffee drink for every person who donates to KIDS Center. 

KIDS Center is located on Bend’s westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703. 

If your route doesn’t take you by KIDS Center on Giving Tuesday, you can also donate online at www.kidscenter.org or send a donation through Venmo to @kidscenter. 

About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is the regional Children’s Advocacy Center for Central Oregon. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – This holiday season, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, encourages the community to “Give the Gift of Mentorship” by becoming a mentor to a local child.

With 90 youth currently on the waitlist, there is a growing and urgent need for caring adults to step forward, according to BBBSCO, a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

For many families, the holidays represent hope, connection, and support. Yet dozens of children in Central Oregon are still waiting for a mentor. Someone who will show up, listen, encourage, and help them navigate everyday challenges. By becoming a Big, community members can offer a gift that lasts long beyond the holiday season.

“Mentorship is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give,” says Jenn Davis, Program Director of BBBSCO. “Our Littles are incredible kids with so much potential. They simply need a consistent, caring adult in their corner. This holiday season, we’re asking our community to help us meet this urgent need.”

What Being a Mentor Means

Bigs meet with their Littles 2–4 times a month for low or no cost activities like exploring parks, sharing hobbies, cooking meals together, or simply talking about school and life. BBBSCO provides ongoing training, support, and resources to help every match thrive.

How to Get Involved

Becoming a Big is easier than many people think. Volunteers complete an application and background check and have an interview. BBBSCO’s team then thoughtfully matches each Big and Little based on shared interests and compatibility.

Give the gift of mentorship this holiday season. Just a few hours a month can change a child’s life—and often the mentor’s as well.

To learn more or begin the process, visit www.bbbsco.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon 

A program of J Bar J Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon was founded in 1994. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCO serves over 220 youth annually and continues to grow programming. We are committed to serving at-risk youth and youth facing adversity with mentors in our community.  

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Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver is thrilled to announce the opening of our ReStore Upcycle Challenge Auction — a community-driven, creative competition that blends sustainability, artistry, and philanthropy.

The online auction will be live through December 19, with proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission to build and preserve affordable housing in southern Deschutes County. 

Local artisans, DIYers, and creative community members have taken on the challenge of transforming everyday ReStore items into extraordinary, functional works of art. From reimagined furniture to whimsical décor, each upcycled item showcases the talent and eco-conscious spirit of our community. 

Bidding with Purpose 

Hosted online, the Upcycle Challenge Auction is open to all, with a wide variety of upcycled pieces available for bidding. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Habitat’s efforts to create safe, stable housing for families and individuals in need. 

Event Details 

Auction Dates: November 20 – December 19, 2025 

Location: Online – View and bid on auction items here 

Proceeds Benefit: Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver’s affordable housing programs 

How You Can Help 

Bid on Upcycled Items: Support local artists and Habitat by bidding in the online auction. 

Spread the Word: Share the event with friends, family, and on social media. 

Donate: Can’t bid? You can still make a difference by donating directly at habitatlapinesunriver.org. 

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Founded in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver has built more than 40 affordable homes in three neighborhoods, including Putney Place. Habitat provides more than 100 critical, health and safety repairs to neighbors across South Deschutes County each year, and runs a thriving ReStore in La Pine. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mid Oregon Credit Union invites the community to participate in its popular annual Holiday Dough fundraiser, supporting local charities that provide food and other needed items to individuals and families experiencing financial challenges during the holiday season. 

Holiday Dough kicks off this week and continues through Friday, December 5. Members and the community can donate at all Mid Oregon’s eight branches, online at midoregon.com/dough or over the phone at 541-382-1795. One-hundred percent of the contributions stay in the community where they are collected and benefit these local nonprofits: 

The Giving Plate (Bend)—Coordinating the Bend Food Project, Community Store Grocery Project, Kid’s Korner Market, Kid’s Korner Mobile Pantry, and Kid’s Korner Snack Packs (formerly Backpacks for Bend). 

La Pine Christmas Basket Association—Providing Christmas food baskets to low-income families, singles, and seniors in southern Deschutes County area.   

Redmond Jericho Road—Providing hot meals, backpacks of food, emergency and housing assistance to those in need in the Redmond area. 

Madras Community Food Pantry—Supplying food to families and individuals. 

Crook County Holiday Partnership (Prineville)—Providing holiday support to seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, and families who are less fortunate in Crook County. Funds are used for food, gifts, and related items.  

Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank—The food bank’s Christmas program provides holiday meals to approximately 175 families. The food bank relies on cash donations to help buy items that are not normally donated, such as meat and dairy products. 

“We know that many families are already feeling the pressure on their food budgets and planning a festive holiday meal can be challenging,” says Kyle Frick, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations for Mid Oregon Credit Union. “We are grateful for the community’s generosity and happy to facilitate this effort that relieves the pressure of food insecurity for many of our local families.” 

Since 2013, Mid Oregon members and the community have donated over $48,000 to local food banks through Holiday Dough—helping to fold more hope into the holiday season for local families. 

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