Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jia Asian Street Kitchen in southwest Bend has introduced a robot server, the first of its kind in Central Oregon. Her name is Baobao, and she’s quickly become part of the restaurant’s team.

Staff say Baobao isn’t replacing jobs, but instead making work smoother and faster for everyone. The robot helps deliver dishes, clear tables and even prevent collisions in the busy kitchen. That efficiency, employees say, gives them more time to connect with guests.

“It’s to the point where we call her ‘she.’ She’s just another one of us,” said server Daisy Sanchez. “We didn’t have a food runner to begin with, so thankfully Baobao hasn’t replaced anyone — but she’s definitely added an element of entertainment and safety. In the middle of a rush…I just see Baobao come out, and her little chime lets me know it’s time to drop off some food. It makes it easier to spend more time at the table and interact with guests.”

That interaction has brought some unexpected charm. Staff say Baobao has become a favorite among kids, who’ve even made her thank-you drawings after their meals.

While she may not be human, Baobao has changed the rhythm at Jia’s dining floor — bringing both fun and efficiency to the restaurant’s day-to-day routine.

The team says she’s here to stay, helping them handle busy rushes while giving diners a one-of-a-kind experience.

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KTVZ

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes Children’s Foundation and MountainStar Family Relief Nursery sounded an alarm in a joint statement Thursday.

They said families across Central Oregon are beginning to feel the effects of increasing barriers to accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits — including delays, reductions, and disrupted eligibility.

Both organizations warned that thousands of children and caregivers will experience immediate hardship if benefit instability continues, especially if benefits completely stop on Saturday, November 1. 

Here’s the rest of the two organizations’ joint statement:

“Families are already telling us they are being forced to choose between food, rent, medicine, or gas, and SNAP has made the difference between stability and crisis,” said Cassi MacQueen, executive director of DCF. “Nonprofits are stepping up every day, but we cannot replace SNAP. Cuts or delays to this program don’t just hurt budgets, they create trauma for children.” 

SNAP is widely considered the most critical anti-hunger program in the nation. In Central Oregon, it’s also deeply intertwined with child welfare, health stability, and economic resilience. When SNAP fails, the entire nonprofit network absorbs the shock. 

“We are already seeing families missing meals, skipping essentials, or delaying health care because they simply cannot stretch support far enough,” said Kara Tachikawa, Executive Director of MountainStar. “Families in crisis don’t have a margin. SNAP helps prevent abuse, neglect, and homelessness before they begin — it is a frontline child safety tool, not just a food benefit.” 

While nonprofits like DCF and MountainStar are committed to supporting families through crises, it’s important to be clear, nonprofits cannot replace SNAP or fill the gap when essential benefits are reduced, delayed, or denied.

Nonprofits can stabilize, prevent deeper harm, and respond quickly, but federal nutrition programs are the foundation that keep families from falling into hunger, homelessness, or child welfare involvement in the first place.  

“This is not about politics. It is about protecting children and stabilizing families before harm occurs,” said MacQueen. “DCF and MountainStar remain fully committed to serving this community, but we must name the truth: SNAP is essential, and Central Oregon cannot afford to let it fail.” 

About Deschutes Children’s Foundation 

Founded in 1990, Deschutes Children’s Foundation manages and maintains four nonprofit service centers in Bend, Redmond, and La Pine. By providing collaborative spaces and operational support, DCF empowers its 23 nonprofit partners to focus on their core missions, collectively serving over 19,000 vulnerable children and families each year. 

For more information, visit deschuteschildrensfoundation.org. 

About MountainStar Family Relief Nursery MountainStar has been serving Central Oregon families for 24 years, providing critical support to families with young children at the greatest risk of abuse and neglect. With five locations in La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville, MountainStar offers therapeutic classrooms, home visits, parenting education, and essential resources to keep kids safe and help families thrive. For more information see: www.mtstar.org. 

Every year, MountainStar provides: 

support for over 1,300 young children and family members. 

more than 30,000 hours of direct therapeutic support. 

over 1,000 home visits to strengthen families. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A direction switch in the detour for the city of Bend’s Franklin Avenue Improvements Project is being delayed by two days, to next Wednesday, due to a delay with the contractor performing the work.

“We want to thank the community for their understanding and patience as we complete this critical project,” the city said in Thursday’s announcement.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 5, the one-way traffic on Franklin Avenue between Fourth Street and Eighth Street will switch directions (eastbound open, westbound closed) to complete the next phase of construction.

The temporary traffic direction switch will open the eastbound traffic lane and close the westbound traffic lane. This temporary configuration is expected to be in place through early December.

The city said the switch is needed to allow for construction work on the north side and remaining areas.

Access to local businesses and residential properties will be maintained throughout construction, the city said, and appropriate signage will be in place to guide the traveling public through the work zone.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as we move into this next phase of the Franklin Avenue Improvement project,” said Todd Johnson, senior project engineer with the City of Bend Engineering Department.

“This project will improve safety for all users,” Johnson said. “As always, we urge drivers to slow down, pay attention to signage, and allow for extra time when traveling through the work zone.”

The city says the full project is ahead of schedule and, weather permitting, is expected to be completed in early December.

For the eastbound detour map and more information about the project, visit bendoregon.gov/midtowncrossings.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The home furnishing and decor store, City Home, is slated to expand into the old mill district in addition to a seasonal pop up in November.

The full press release is below:

Bend just can’t get enough of City Home.

The Portland-based retailer known for its eclectic vintage-inspired home furnishings, decor, and accessories is set to open a seasonal pop-up location in the Old Mill District between lululemon and Will Leather Goods. The approximately 900-square-foot space will sit less than 25 yards away from City Home’s 4,400-square-foot anchor store in the Old Mill District along the Deschutes River.

The new space, which looks to open in early November, will give City Home more room to showcase its various art pieces, rugs, lamps, and furnishings.

“It’ll be a curated collection of elevated, Western-inspired furnishings,” City Home owner and founder Kim Pelett said. “Lots of unique wall art, reclaimed wood furniture pieces, hide rugs and one-of-a-kind antique accessories.”

City Home, which celebrated four years in the Old Mill District this summer, is the passion project of Pelett, who boasts more than 35 years of home decor sales experience. Pellet, who launched the business in 2012, has six full-time locations in addition to this winter’s pop-up.

“We love everything they’re doing so it was a pretty natural choice to give them additional space this winter,” said Beau Eastes, the Old Mill District’s Marketing Director. “Especially when you consider how close it is to their main store. And it’s a great fit next to lululemon and Will Leather Goods.”

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KTVZ News Partners

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Chamber of commerce announced Sara Odendahl as its new CEO beginning November 3rd.

The full press release is below:

The Bend Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Sara Odendahl as its new CEO effective November 3. Sara has served as the interim CEO since June 30, in addition to continuing her duties as the Chamber’s Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives.

A seasoned government affairs professional, Sara has led the Chamber’s policy and advocacy work since coming on staff in 2023. Sara has been an instrumental member of the Chamber’s leadership team and co-led the organization’s Workforce Housing Initiative and newly launched Regional Business Alliance.

“Sara has gained incredible trust in Bend and Central Oregon for her effectiveness and collaboration in advocating for business at the local and state levels,” said Tia Lewis, Bend Chamber Board Chair. “She is highly respected and will be a steady hand at the helm as the new CEO.”

The Bend Chamber initiated a national search to secure a new CEO in June. To start the process, executive search firms were vetted and The 360 Group was selected as the recruitment partner. The 360 Group is a well-established regional firm that routinely works with a variety of community-focused associations. This partnership enabled the Chamber to identify candidates who understand Bend’s unique place, dynamics, and opportunities. Casting the net nationally allowed for a comprehensive search of strong leaders near and far.

The initial process included in-person stakeholder meetings with Chamber staff, as well as the formation of a selection committee comprised of the five Bend Chamber Executive Board members and six at-large members of the Bend business community. Those early discussions clarified the organization’s cultural attributes, strengths and growth opportunities, challenges, expectations and preferred traits of the new CEO. The results of that due diligence became the basis of a detailed position profile that was shared nationally.

Applications from Virginia to Washington were received and vetted for those that most closely aligned with the Chamber needs. By September, interviews with a select group of candidates began, and, from those meetings, three finalist candidates were invited for in-person interviews. The three finalists provided presentations based on a prompt and written answers to a battery of values-based questions from The 360 Group and the selection committee.

Ultimately, after thoughtful consideration of the information gained from the interview process, the result was a unanimous decision by the selection committee to appoint Sara Odendahl to the permanent CEO position. Her experience and skillset best aligned with the Leadership Profile that was developed and make her uniquely qualified for this high-profile position within the Bend business community.

“It’s an incredible honor to lead the Bend Chamber at such an important moment in our history. Our strength has always come from collaboration—between businesses, community partners, and the people who make Bend thrive. As we approach our 100-year milestone, I’m excited to build on that legacy and ensure the Chamber continues to be a trusted voice and convener for our region’s future,” said Odendahl.

Before joining the Bend Chamber, Sara Odendahl served as an independent consultant supporting the Chamber’s Advocacy Council and leadership team on local and state policy priorities. She brings more than a decade of experience in political consulting and public policy, including extensive work at the Colorado State Capitol advancing initiatives in business, health care, early childhood education, and regional economic development.

Sara began her career in strategic communications, leading public awareness and issue campaigns for advertising and marketing agencies. Since relocating to Bend in 2019, she and her husband, Kent, have co-founded Work-Collective, a thriving coworking community with two Bend locations.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy from the University of Colorado Denver. Known for her collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and coalition-building skills, Sara is committed to guiding the Chamber into its 100th year and beyond with a focus on partnership, advocacy, and long-term regional prosperity.

The selection committee has the utmost confidence in Sara’s ability to lead, grow and position the Chamber to serve Bend’s businesses and community, while prioritizing thriving businesses of all sizes and livability for all residents.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hawkeye & Huckleberry Lounge in Bend has announced it’s welcoming in Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson, for her ‘Party People: A Cookbook for Creative Celebrations’ book tour, in collaboration with Courtney McBroom, the former Milk Bar Culinary Director.

Bend’s very own Chef Carlos Anthony, who you might recognize from Food Network, will serve a four-course menu inspired by Party People.

Hawk & Huck’s event manager, Alexa Marin, says each ticket will include a signed copy of the cookbook, welcome cocktails, a family-style dinner feast with the celebs, meet-and-greet moments, and a few more fun surprises you’ll have to come and see for yourself!

It’s happening Sunday, November 9th at 6 p.m. and tickets are $200 per person.

Click here to purchase tickets and learn more. Buy now to secure your spot!

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KTVZ

(UPDATE: adding video)

SILETZ, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Lincoln County father has been charged with child neglect in connection with the drowning death of his 2-year-old son, whose disappearance earlier this year prompted an extensive search effort, according to KGW.

Court records show that Aaron Paulsen faces one count of second-degree child neglect in the March death of his son, Dane Paulsen. The charge alleges that Paulsen “unlawfully and with criminal negligence (left) Dane Paulsen … unattended in or at a place, for such period of time as was likely to endanger” the child’s health or welfare.

A Lincoln County grand jury returned the indictment on Oct. 16, and a circuit court judge issued an arrest warrant for Paulsen a week later. His bail was set at $20,000, and he is scheduled to be arraigned on the charge next Monday.

Dane was reported missing from the family’s home along Highway 229 in Siletz in early March. The boy was last seen playing in the front yard, according to law enforcement at the time.

His disappearance triggered a large-scale search involving multiple law enforcement agencies — including the FBI — local residents, and volunteers from other regions. Authorities initially circulated a description of a vehicle of interest, but investigators later located the vehicle and ruled out any connection, according to KGW.

Search teams focused on the Siletz River and nearby wooded areas, continuing daylight and overnight operations for several days and extending into a second week.

Ten days after Dane’s disappearance, an independent diver discovered the child’s body in the river roughly three miles downstream from the family’s home, KGW reported. Investigators later determined that Dane had wandered to the river’s edge and drowned. Authorities found no evidence of foul play.

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KTVZ

(UPDATE: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek declared a 60-day “food security emergency” late Wednesday and directed $5 million to Oregon food banks as the nearly month-old federal government closure apparently will mean an end, for now, to food benefits for thousands of Oregonians.

Here is the full news release from the governor’s office:

Governor Kotek Declares Food Emergency, Directs $5 Million to Food Banks, and Calls Oregonians to Action as Federal Shutdown Cuts Off SNAP Benefits

President Trump refuses to use reserve funds during government shutdown, 757,000 Oregonians to lose food benefits

TOKYO — With thousands of Oregonians facing hunger as the Republican-controlled federal government shutdown halts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Governor Tina Kotek today announced a coordinated state response that includes three actions: declaring a 60-day food security emergency, directing $5 million to Oregon’s statewide food bank network, and calling on all Oregonians to support their neighbors in need.

Governor Kotek’s emergency declaration activates state agencies and resources to ensure emergency food can reach vulnerable families while the federal government fails to release taxpayer dollars dedicated for food assistance during a shutdown. The Governor also renewed her call for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release emergency contingency funds already authorized under federal law to sustain SNAP benefits nationwide.

“It’s unacceptable that families are being used as leverage in a political standoff in Washington, D.C.,” Governor Kotek said. “While the Republican-controlled Congress fails to do its job, Oregon will do ours. We stand up for each other, whether it’s fires, floods, or any other crisis. I call on all Oregonians to do what they can to help their neighbors.”

The state’s website for food resource information at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is regularly updated for anyone in need. Go to needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov. People can also call 2-1-1 for referral information.

Emergency Declaration and State ResponseThe Governor’s 60-day emergency declaration establishes a statewide incident command organized by Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). Keeping the declaration active through the months of November and December means Oregonians will have greater access to emergency food during the holiday season.

The declaration will also ensure that when the shutdown ends, Oregon will be best positioned to turn SNAP benefits back on as swiftly as possible. Due to partnerships with vendors, administering benefits can take several days, and the declaration would minimize time to put food on tables.

Immediate Funding for Food BanksThe Governor identified funding that could most quickly be distributed to Oregon’s network of food banks. She has directed ODHS to deploy $5 million from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) carryover funds to Oregon’s network of food banks. TANF carryover is unspent federal TANF funding from prior years that remains available until used. Carryover can support short term crisis benefits without creating new ongoing requirements, which is ideal for this emergency.

This funding will support food purchasing, distribution, and local operations to ensure families can access emergency food boxes.    

A Call to Action: Help Your NeighborsGovernor Kotek issued a statewide call to action for all Oregonians to help neighbors from going hungry and help their communities weather this crisis:

Donate. Donate today here or visit: OregonFoodBank.org/SNAP-Gap. Host a fund drive (the Oregon Food Bank has a guide on how to do this). Support the Regional Food Banks in the OFB Network. Oregon’s food bank network buys in bulk and can stretch your dollar further. If you would like to donate food, like canned goods, check in with your local food pantry to see if they are accepting food donations. 

Share when you shop. Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) is stepping up for Oregonians to donate to Emergency Food Assistance Organizations using Oregon’s Bottle Bill. OBRC is activating its Emergency Fund Oct. 30th – Nov. 30th to support 12 nonprofit organizations providing vital food assistance to Oregonians in need. To help or learn more visit bottledrop.com/food. Oregon’s grocers are also stepping up as they support hunger relief efforts every day and partner with our local food banks. Consumers will start to see in-store checkout campaigns and food collection points at many grocery stores next week to fund holiday meal programs and pantry essentials. She urges other Oregon private businesses to step up too, and the Governor is prepared to leverage public-private partnerships to put food on tables. 

Volunteer. Food banks rely on volunteers to package food, stock shelves, and assist shoppers. Visit Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder (in 19 languages) to access food today or support your local food pantry. If you would like to donate food, like canned goods, check in with your local food pantry to learn if they are accepting food donations and what they need. Check out volunteer opportunities here.

Governor Kotek is also directing the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to expand its ongoing charitable giving campaign to include statewide non-perishable food donations and run through December 5.

Additionally, the Governor will continue to demand that USDA use every available fund of Oregon taxpayer dollars so no Oregonian will go hungry. Earlier this week, she and other Oregon leaders sent a letter to USDA Secretary Rollins.

About SNAP in OregonSNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will continue to provide updates to the public through:

The official website odhs.oregon.gov

The official ODHS social media channels

Partner organizations

Additional media alerts

ODHS encourages SNAP participants to:

Check EBT card balance regularly

Continue following SNAP rules and reporting requirements

Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels

Sign up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case

Know where to find emergency food resources in your community.

Visit the needfood.oregon.gov or alimentos.oregon.gov

Visit the ODHS Food Resources website to find local programs and food support.

Visit the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder website.

Contact 211info by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or visiting www.211info.org.

Older adults and people with disabilities: Connect with the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) for help finding government and community resources. Call 1-855-673-2372 or visit www.adrcoforegon.org.

Sign up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app as the fastest ways to get notifications about your SNAP benefits.

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John Carroll

Riley is in the 4th Grade at Elk Meadows Elementary school and is a fan of the rain. She loves the way it calms things down as well as the smell of new rain on the ground.

She is also a fan of Halloween, dressed today as a clown, a scary clown. Riley is looking forward to “Trick or Treating” this Friday, mainly for the candy but also for the fun. She also enjoys to scare her family members at this time of year.

Thanks Riley for putting on the Clown costume and helping us with the weather.

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