Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — During Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11), the American Red Cross reminds everyone of the dangers of home fires, which claim seven lives every day in the U.S. 

Here’s the rest of their news release marking the week and providing some crucial safety tips:

Home fires claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined. To help protect your household, test your smoke alarms each month and practice your escape plan until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.

“Home fires can occur any time, any place,” said Priscilla Fuentes, Red Cross Cascades Region CEO. “The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. This is critical because fire experts say you may have less than two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late.”

Tips for creating your home fire escape plan and practicing your 2-minute drill:

Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home.

Smoke is dangerous. Get low and go!

Decide where to meet once you get outside. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.

Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things.

If a fire starts, you may have less than two minutes to get to safety. Time your fire drill and find out: what’s your escape time?

While practicing your escape plan, teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like. Talk about fire safety and what to do in an emergency.

Smoke alarm safety:

Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.

Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers provide emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery. Most of the 65,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year nationwide are home fires. This year alone, local Red Cross Disaster Action teams have responded to more than 490 fires in Oregon and SW Washington.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,479 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. 

Sign up for a FREE smoke alarm installation and education by going to Redcross.org/cascades.http://redcross.org/cascades

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Every October, communities across the nation come together to raise awareness about domestic violence and support those affected by it.

This year, Saving Grace invites Central Oregon to take part in a month-long campaign of events and community action as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)—to honor survivors, bring visibility to survivors’ stories, and foster a community where safety, hope, and healing are always within reach. 

Throughout the month, Saving Grace will host several public opportunities to engage and support local survivors and their families: 

Purple Party at Silver Moon Brewing  October 17th (6 – 11 pm) A community celebration featuring bingo, music, drinks, and a chance to come together in solidarity with survivors. Guests are encouraged to wear purple—the official DVAM color representing courage, survival, and peace. Get your tickets at www.saving-grace.org/dvam  

DVAM Community Events  Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo at Silvermoon Brewing – Sunday, October 5th (10 – Noon) River’s Place Car Show – Saturday, October 11th (11 – 3 pm) Spider City Brewing Pint Night – Friday, October 24th, (5 – 7 pm)  Deschutes Brewing Public House Pint Nights – Tuesday, Oct 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th (4-9 pm)   

Online Raffle Featuring exciting prizes from local businesses, the raffle raises funds to support free and confidential services including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, hospital response, and our 24-hour helpline. Coming soon!   

Not Alone Campaign  Share your story, message of support, or donate to the NotAloneHere campaign, highlighting survivor experiences in our community. www.givebutter.com/notalonehere  

These events come at a time when agencies providing services to survivors across Oregon are facing significant funding shortfalls due to federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) cuts and stalled legislative action. Saving Grace, however, remains fiscally strong thanks to our community, and is committed to continuing our 47-year legacy of standing beside survivors.  

“DVAM is more than a month on the calendar — it’s a call to action,” said Abby Rowland, Executive Director at Saving Grace. “Whether someone has experienced domestic violence firsthand or knows someone who has, October is the time to stand up and say: No one is alone. Not here, not ever.” 

For more information about events, to donate, enter the raffle, or to get involved, visit www.saving-grace.org/dvam. 

About Saving Grace Saving Grace provides free, comprehensive services to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking across Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties. Through crisis support, prevention education, and community engagement, Saving Grace works towards a future free from violence. 

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Barney Lerten

IDANHA, Ore. (KTVZ) — An 85-year-old Redmond man died in a crash on Oregon Highway 22 near Idanha earlier this week, Oregon State Police reported Friday.

Troopers were called out around 11 p.m. Tuesday night to the single-vehicle crash in Marion County.

OSP says their initial investigation has found that Richard Wayne Braxling, 85, of Redmond, was driving a silver Chevy Silverado heading west that left the highway for an unknown reason and rolled over.

Braxling was alone in the pickup and died at the scene, troopers said.

Their on-scene investigation did not close Highway 22.

OSP says it was helped by the Idanha-Detroit Fire District, Lyons Ambulance, the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Terranaut Brewery is marking its first anniversary in Bend this weekend with an all-day celebration, highlighting both its success and the challenges facing local businesses. The milestone comes as many restaurants across Central Oregon grapple with rising costs and higher rents.

The anniversary event runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, featuring new specialty beers unveiled every three hours until 6 p.m. Guests can also enjoy live music, a raffle, and a food truck serving fresh fajitas.

Co-owner Katie Dunbar says building a welcoming space has been key to Terranaut’s growth in Bend’s competitive craft beer scene. “We knew we had to set ourselves apart,” she said. “For us, atmosphere and community were just as important as our brews.”

The celebration will also include a friendly “Hammerschlagen” competition, where participants race to drive nails into a wooden board—a favorite among local brewers.

Terranaut Brewery is located on High Desert Lane, just off Empire Avenue in Bend.

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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, from the return of the Bend Fall Festival to a free costume swap.

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

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here at KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon’s youth through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. 

We have six incredible community partnerships that we’re highlighting through a monthly segment called ‘Making a Difference’.  

This month we’re spotlighting Assistance League of Bend, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization committed to supporting the local community through a mix of programs and projects. 

“We’re the leading provider of new school clothes for children in need across Deschutes County, where 1 in 10 children are living below the poverty line,” said Ann Schmidt, the vice president of marketing communications for the nonprofit.

Volunteers are passionate about supporting the local community, through a variety of programs like Operation School Bell.

“Operation School Bell is our signature program, and that’s where we provide new school clothes for kids… Having new clothes, it’s not a luxury,” Schmidt said. “When a child can go and pick out the clothes that they want to make sure that they actually fit, that they’re comfortable in them, it boosts their self-esteem, and they’re more likely to actually go to school.”

Another well-known endeavor from the nonprofit is Cinderella’s Closet.

“Cinderella’s Closet is how students can borrow at no cost, all the things they need to show up for Homecoming,” said Schmidt. “Dress, shoes, purse, you know, makeup, everything. We do that again in spring for prom.”

These programs are funded through community donations and fulfill a crucial need—for both kids and adults.

“We also do several programs to support seniors in need. And then we provide comfort items to folks going through cancer treatment,” Schmidt said.

The annual Raise a Glass for the Kids fundraiser is slated to take place November 14th and tickets are still available.

“We are aiming to support about 2,700 children. So 125 times 2700 is a pretty significant investment,” Schmidt said. “How we’re able to bring that to life is through generous donations and fundraising.”

Operation School Bell is taking place now through the end of October. Cinderella’s Closet is also open for Homecoming October 4th, 11th, and 18th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Click here to learn more about Raise a Glass.

Click here to learn more about the Assistance League of Bend.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Citing “significant industry challenges,” Providence Health Plan will no longer offer its Medicare Advantage supplemental plan to Deschutes County residents as of Jan. 1, leaving just one provider, PacificSource – if it can reach a contract agreement with St. Charles Health System. 

KTVZ News reported earlier this week that PacificSource just advised their Deschutes County patients, both commercial and Medicare Advantage, that they could go out of network as of Jan. 1, if no deal is reached on a new contract. 

Providence Senior Communications Manager Erin McClellan told KTVZ News, “I can confirm that due to significant industry challenges including rising health care costs, increased utilization, and evolving regulatory requirements, Providence Health Assurance will not continue to offer an individual Medicare Advantage Plan in Deschutes County in 2026.”  

She added, “It’s important to note that this does not include or affect Providence Employer Group Waiver Plans, which are a type of Medicare Advantage offered by employers in many Oregon counties, including Deschutes.” 

“We’re providing comprehensive support to 1,200 affected individual members during this transition, including dedicated customer service assistance and resources to help them explore their coverage options,” McClellan said. 

Providence Health Assurance issued a news release Wednesday that announced their 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans, listing seven Oregon counties: Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas in the Portland area, along with Lane, Yamhill and Hood River counties.

However, Bend insurance agents who provide guidance in the complicated sphere of Medicare plans said the local Providence withdrawal actually could prove beneficial to the 1,200 affected customers. They will get a grace period of sorts to enroll in any other Medicare or “Medigap” plan, without needing to go through potentially troublesome review of their health status. 

Michelle Thomas of Fall River Health Insurance Solutions, one of several local insurance firms that offer Medicare consultations, told us, “Members losing their Providence Medicare Advantage plan have a wonderful opportunity to reevaluate their options for 2026.” 

“And, of course, we’re all hopeful that PacificSource and St. Charles come to an agreement,” she added. 

But the uncertainty in both the local and national Medicare Advantage situation as the October 15-December 7 open enrollment period approaches has many people calling local insurance brokers – some in tears – for information to ease their confusion and fears. 

“It really is the Wild West,” Thomas told us. 

While PacificSource was legally required to advise customers of its possible “out of network” status, the chances of PacificSource leaving the market are “slim to none,” according to Jeff Hale of Town & Country Insurance in Bend, which also offers Medicare consultation through the Bend Medicare website. 

And like Thomas, much of the explanation focused on St. Charles Health System, which operates all four Central Oregon hospitals. 

“Pacific needs St. Charles, and St. Charles needs Pacific,” Hale said. He noted that PacificSource also has the Medicaid market in the area, as well as a commercial insurance contract. 

Nationally, “the Medicare Advantage market is in shambles right now,” he said. Locally, “Humana, Aetna, Moda, Regence, Providence all left (the county) because St. Charles is a problem,” due to a lack of competition that can help control prices. 

Thomas agreed: “Medicare Advantage plans nationally are kind of struggling – especially here, where we are limited to one hospital system.” Three years ago, she said, there were seven Medicare Advantage providers in Deschutes County. 

She also pointed to another “pickle we’re in right now” that could especially affect PacificSource customers, if no contract agreement is reached: The federal regulatory agency, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is “still the boss, but they used to flex their muscles a little bit more.” 

For example, she said, when Humana and St. Charles couldn’t agree on a contract in 2024, “we assumed CMS would make them pull out of the area,” citing the challenges of seniors who can’t easily cross the passes in winter to access care in other markets such as Portland and Eugene. 

“We were floored when they didn’t require Humana to stay in the plan, but let them stay in network, even though they weren’t with St. Charles,” Thomas said. 

But she also pointed out that two years ago, St. Charles and PacificSource contract negotiations “went down to the wire” before resolution. 

“I think it’s an ugly negotiation tactic,” Thomas said. “Once they get the community involved, there’s more pressure on the carrier to come to the table.” 

Still, when Providence Medicare Advantage customers get their notice of withdrawal from the market, Thomas said it will be “worth it’s weight in gold. That is their ‘hall pass’ for any plan they want, without any medical underwriting.” 

Thomas said PacificSource might be “the last man standing, but in many cases, that may not be their best option,” due to medical issues, higher co-pays or not wanting to be subject to provider contract negotiations. 

“For snowbirds in particular, where you can’t be limited to a certain network, do not self-research it,” she said. “Go to a broker like myself or others, sit down with them and talk about their specific needs.” 

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon also offers free, unbiased Medicare assistance through trained counselors, part of the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire & Rescue announced Thursday that Melissa Steele has been named deputy fire marshal of wildfire preparedness, a new position dedicated to increasing community preparedness and resilience in the face of wildfire.

Here’s the fire agency’s announcement about Steele and her new role:

Steele has been in the fire service for 24 years, first as a wildland firefighter and emergency medical technician with the United States Forest Service and then with CalFire in Paradise, California. She was hired as a fire inspector with Bend Fire in 2022.

Steele stood out as an ideal candidate because of her expertise in wildfire prevention, stemming from her experience in the field and vast professional development over the years.

“We have been so impressed by all Melissa has accomplished in her time with Bend Fire. Her passion for this work and the respect she has earned across Central Oregon will help her be successful in this role,” said Deputy Chief of Prevention Jason Bolen.   

Her work as an inspector included investigating fire causes, ensuring safety and compliance with fire codes, educating the public on how to prevent fires and performing home assessments for community members who want to mitigate their wildfire risk.

Steele also developed the Own Your Zone: First Five Feet program, which teaches residents simple actions that can be taken to protect their homes and properties from wildfire.

She has attended preparedness fairs and events on behalf of the Department, sits on many regional committees that address wildfire preparedness and emergency planning, and supports Firewise USA® neighborhoods by attending and speaking at education events.

Steele was awarded the Bend Fire & Rescue Appreciation Award for exceptional service in fire safety and community outreach after only a year of working with the Department.

“I’ve lived and worked in communities that were lost to wildfire,” said Steele. “My life-long goal is to see that Bend is a success story, so I’m looking for every opportunity to work with the community and local partners on laying a strong foundation of prevention before we are threatened by disaster.”

In 2023, Steele earned the title of National Fire Academy Instructor, teaching a Fire Adapted Communities Course at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters in Emmitsburg, Maryland, sharing her work with local neighborhoods and partners to create wildfire-ready communities on a national stage.

The Bend City Council is prioritizing the Bend community’s readiness for large-scale emergencies like wildfire this biennium, with several of the 2025-2027 Council Goals directed towards improving wildfire resiliency. Specific actions within these goals include expanding community outreach and education.

Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. said, “It’s no longer unusual to hear of entire communities being destroyed by wildfire, and Bend is no exception to this possibility.

“Council has heard from the community that there is a need for more resources devoted to educating and empowering residents to act ahead of an incident,” Kebler added. “Having someone as capable as Melissa to help us carry out our goals for wildfire resiliency will greatly impact our collective risk as a community.”

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon lawmakers this week approved a package of tax and fee hikes for stopgap funding to the Oregon Department of Transportation. But the agency is by no means out of the woods when it comes to being ready for winter and the need to keep highway and passes cleared of snow.

With the passage of House Bill 3991 and new funding for road maintenance coming to the agency soon, ODOT said Thursday it’s moving as fast as it can to hire winter maintenance staff. 

The agency said it’s “prioritizing filling a mix of seasonal and permanent maintenance positions that provide or support winter maintenance service. They are located in every region of Oregon.” 

“This funding is a significant investment, and we do not treat it lightly,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler. “ODOT will move as quickly as possible to fill vacancies, restore staffing levels and deliver the critical services Oregonians rely on in winter.”  

In previous years, ODOT began the process of hiring winter maintenance staff during the summer. However, given the agency’s recent budget woes, it didn’t have the money to fill vacant maintenance positions or hire seasonal staff.

Compounding the staffing challenges: Twice as many people left the agency in July and August of this year, compared to a year ago.

ThOse factors, along with a recent hiring freeze to save money, have left hundreds of positions vacant as the agency heads into winter. 

Interested applicants can apply here: Oregon Department of Transportation : Career Opportunities : About Us : State of Oregon. 

People with commercial driver’s licenses or experience providing winter maintenance services are especially encouraged to apply., ODOT said. Training is available for those without that experience or certification. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Alfalfa-area woman accused of running a puppy mill from her home has surrendered over 40 poodles seized from the property, and the first group of dogs will be up for adoption starting Friday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Humane Society of Central Oregon said Thursday.

On September 5, deputies and Animal Control Officers served a search warrant at the home of Lorinda Maxwell, 62, on Elk Lane near Alfalfa. Maxwell was arrested on 49 felony counts of second-degree animal neglect, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

Deputies rescued 44 dogs and three cats from the property, and Maxwell initially refused to surrender them voluntarily, Carr said.

A civil forfeiture hearing regarding the dogs was scheduled for Friday, October 10. However, Carr said the sheriff’s office learned from the district attorney’s iffice last week that Maxwell agreed to surrender ownership of all the poodles to HSCO, allowing for adoptions to move forward.

Maxwell was granted conditional release as her case moved forward. Her arraignment on an indictment is scheduled for October 16.

The dogs, ranging from young puppies to seniors, came to HSCO in very poor condition, Director of Philanthropy and Communications Bekka Austin told us.

Many were emaciated, severely matted, dirty, and suffering from untreated medical issues. Since their arrival, HSCO’s veterinary and shelter teams have provided daily, intensive care, including medical treatment, specialized diets, and safe housing. Staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to stabilize the animals, provide socialization, and begin the process of rehabilitation.

HSCO Executive Director Amber Kostoff said, “Seeing these dogs when they first arrived was difficult. Many were very thin, matted, and in need of care. Over the last month, our team has worked tirelessly to provide medical treatment, good nutrition, and comfort. Now, we’re grateful to be able to begin placing some of them into loving homes.”

Adoption Protocols

First adoptions begin Friday, October 3, 2025, starting with at least a dozen of the poodles, Austin said.

Additional poodles will become available in the coming weeks as they are medically cleared. While some poodles are now ready for adoption, more than a dozen remain under veterinary care and will not yet be available.

Adoption fees: Puppies under 6 months are $500; Dogs 6 months to 9 years are $300; Dogs 10 years and older are $150.

To ensure fairness and safety, potential adopters may line up outside the shelter. Numbers will be distributed just prior to the shelter opening at 10 a.m. and small groups will be admitted in order of arrival.

All Poodles will be adopted out on a first come, first served basis.

Special hours: On Saturday, October 4, HSCO will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. only.

Caring for such a large group of animals has placed a significant strain on HSCO’s space and resources, which are already stretched beyond capacity. The community can help by adopting animals who are ready for homes, fostering those still in recovery, or donating to offset the extraordinary medical costs of their care.

HSCO extends its gratitude to Deschutes County Animal Control and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in this case, which made it possible for these animals to begin new lives.

“Some of these poodles are ready to take their next steps beyond the shelter, while many others still need time and care here with us,” said Kostoff. “It’s been a big effort to get them this far, and I know our community will continue to show up, as they always do, to make sure every one of these dogs has the chance to heal and find a family.”

Many of the animals will need ongoing medical treatment and care requiring significant funding. Secure donations can be made directly at hsco.org/donate.

Carr added, “The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the community for its patience, support, and generosity during this case.”

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About the Humane Society of Central Oregon:Founded in 1961, the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is a full-service animal shelter located at 61170 SE 27th Street, Bend, OR. As a Socially Conscious Shelter, HSCO is dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for all animals under its care. In the past year, HSCO found homes for more than 2,200 animals and reunited 659 pets with their families. Our community outreach includes accessible veterinary care and the HOPE pet food bank, which support the needs of pet owners in Central Oregon. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information, visit hsco.org or call 541-382-3537.

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