Category: ktvz-local-news

Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Park and Recreation District has received three statewide awards from the Oregon Recreation and Park Association, recognizing excellence in innovation, heroism, and leadership in community recreation.

The district’s Miller’s Landing Renovation Project earned the 2025 ORPA Innovation Award, celebrating its accessibility upgrades that make river recreation safer and more inclusive.

The renovated park now features new entry and exit points for boaters and paddlers, with an emphasis on mobility access to better serve users with different levels of mobility, the organization said Thursday.

Alongside the innovation accolade, BPRD was also honored with the Life Saving Award. The distinction recognizes individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional response during emergencies or training situations.

The district earned this award for its quick and effective actions during two real-life medical emergencies at the Larkspur Community Center, where staff intervened to save lives through their training and rapid response.

Rounding out the honors, Shannon Gilman, BPRD’s Aquatics Supervisor, was named 2025 Aquatics Professional of the Year. Over her nearly 30-year career, Gilman has mentored generations of lifeguards and swim instructors, shaping the safety culture across Bend’s aquatic facilities and leading countless community members to confidence in the water.

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Barney Lerten

Update: Adding video 

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — EquipmentShare, a leading technology-driven equipment rental and solutions provider across the United States, opened its new branch in Redmond Thursday, marking an important milestone in a statewide expansion.

Here’s their full announcement news release:

The company’s $185 million investment in Oregon is expected to create up to 120 new jobs and bring its total footprint in the state to 10 locations.

State and local officials joined EquipmentShare leadership for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new facility at 2475 NW Canal Blvd.

“Oregon has a long tradition of building things that last, from its infrastructure and communities to its culture of innovation,” said Jabbok Schlacks, co-founder and CEO of EquipmentShare. “Our growth here reflects that same spirit. We’re investing in the people and projects that keep Oregon moving forward, bringing our connected jobsite technology and world-class service to help contractors build safer, smarter and more efficiently across the state.”

“Business Oregon (the state’s economic development agency) proudly supports EquipmentShare’s expansion in Oregon. Their substantial investment not only boosts our industrial capacity and housing inventory but also brings meaningful public benefits that will strengthen communities across the state. We’re excited to welcome such an innovative and forward-thinking company to Oregon’s growing economy.”

Held at EquipmentShare’s new Core and Advanced Solutions facility in Redmond, the ceremony featured remarks from the Oregon Department of Economic Development and EquipmentShare leadership. During the ceremony, company leaders highlighted EquipmentShare’s long-term commitment to making jobsites safer and more efficient through next-generation technology.

“Redmond Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is excited to welcome EquipmentShare to the Redmond community,” said Steve Curley, director of REDI. “Their commitment to the Redmond and Central Oregon markets validates the growth we are seeing both in industrial development as well as the residential sector.”

The five new Oregon locations will deliver a full suite of solutions across Core, Advanced and Tooling. Every asset connects through the proprietary T3® platform for real-time visibility and utilization insights, backed by rapid on-site support to keep projects safe and on schedule. The company’s offerings include:

Core Solutions: For day-to-day work, including modern earthmoving, aerial, compaction and material-handling equipment.

Advanced Solutions™: For complex projects, providing engineered pump, power, and climate-control packages, as well as storm response support.

Tooling Solutions: For specialized needs, supplying calibrated torque, welding tools and industrial supplies for mechanical, electrical and industrial crews.

This expansion extends the company’s T3® smart-fleet technology, safety-driven security features and productivity-boosting service model to more jobsites, accelerating industry transformation one project at a time.“From the Coast to the High Desert, Oregon crews need reliable gear that shows up ready to work. Our Core Solutions fleet brings modern earthmoving, aerial, compaction and material-handling equipment to every kind of jobsite. With T3 visibility and fast field service, we help contractors cut downtime, improve safety and keep projects on schedule,” Redmond Core Solutions General Manager Joe Hudak said.“Oregon takes on complex work in industry, infrastructure and technology. Our Advanced Solutions team designs engineered pump, power, and climate control packages that stand up to shutdowns, emergency response and precision-environment needs. Connected through T3, we deliver the uptime, control and data that contractors need to finish critical work with confidence,” Redmond Advanced Solutions General Manager Rourke Ketchum said.

As part of its “People First” culture, EquipmentShare is committed to giving back to the communities it serves. The company will allocate $2,500 in revenue annually from each of its Oregon locations to support local nonprofits. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the company announced that a portion of the Oregon funding will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

“We are deeply grateful to EquipmentShare for their generous $2,000 gift to Ronald McDonald House Oregon and for joining our community of caring partners. Your support helps provide comfort, compassion and a home away from home for families with seriously ill children receiving medical care right here in Oregon,” said Penny S Whipps, Director of Development for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon & SW Washington.

“When families walk through our doors, they find more than a place to stay — they find a community standing beside them. By joining our mission, EquipmentShare is helping ensure that every family can stay close to their child when they need it most. Welcome to the Ronald McDonald House Oregon family!”

To learn more about EquipmentShare or view current job openings, visit www.equipmentshare.com/careers.

About EquipmentShareFounded in 2015 and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, EquipmentShare is a nationwide construction technology and equipment solutions provider dedicated to transforming the construction industry through innovative tools, platforms and data-driven insights. By empowering contractors, builders and equipment owners with its proprietary technology, T3, EquipmentShare aims to drive productivity, efficiency and collaboration across the construction sector. With a comprehensive suite of solutions that includes a fleet management platform, telematics devices and a best-in-class equipment rental marketplace, EquipmentShare continues to lead the industry in building the future of construction. For more information, visit www.equipmentshare.com.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University-Cascades will host Eboné F. Bell, a nationally recognized entrepreneur and anti-bullying advocate, for a talk on leadership and inclusion.

The event will take place 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium in Edward J. Ray Hall on the OSU-Cascades’ campus, according to the school; here’s the rest of this week’s announcement: 

The event is free and open to all, although registration is required.

Bell is an international keynote speaker. She is also a voiceover artist and founder of Tagg Magazine, an award-winning publication serving LGBTQ women nationwide. 

In 2019, she was recognized by Forbes as one of five “Inspiring Black Entrepreneurs Changing Our World.” Bell is known for her work in allyship, belonging and leadership. She created the Tagg Scholarship Fund to support queer women of color in higher education. 

Bell also lends her voice to national campaigns and anti-bullying initiatives in schools across the country. 

Her talk, titled “Level Up Leadership,” will explore inclusive leadership practices and challenge attendees to lead with authenticity and courage. 

Bell is speaking as part of a larger leadership development program for OSU-Cascades students.

To register, visit beav.es/eb. For accommodations for disabilities, contact events@osucascades.edu

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County 9-1-1 congratulates two of its team members who recently received top honors from the Oregon chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association (APCO-NENA).

Here’s the full county announcement:

9-1-1 Dispatcher Trinity Diggs was named Telecommunicator of the Year, an award recognizing a telecommunicator who shows an outstanding commitment to professional growth, teamwork, leadership, and making a positive impact on their center.

Trinity joined Deschutes 9-1-1 in 2020. According to her nominator, Trinity leads with integrity and accountability as a Communications Training Officer and Acting in Charge supervisor. She mentors co-workers with patience and encouragement, fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Trinity handles every call with empathy and professionalism, especially when assisting callers in crisis or distress.

9-1-1 Operations Manager Chris Perry received the Commitment to Excellence Award, recognizing telecommunicators, groups, or agencies for their dedication to 9-1-1 telecommunications through expertise, innovation, ethics, leadership, and quality improvements.

Since 2005, Chris has worked every position on the dispatch floor, joining the leadership team in 2010. His nominator wrote that he plays a vital role coordinating communication between fire, police, and behavioral health partners while overseeing the daily operations of a high-volume dispatch center. Chris leads thoughtfully, balancing firm convictions with an openness to new ideas. He frequently asks, “Tell me more,” to invite discussion and gather more information when opportunities for change arise.

“We are proud that two of our team members have been recognized by the Oregon APCO/NENA,” said Deschutes 9-1-1 Director Sara Crosswhite. “Trinity and Chris exemplify dedication and excellence in public safety communications.”

The Oregon APCO-NENA provides training, recognition and advocacy for public safety communications professionals across the state. The awards were presented to Diggs and Perry during the group’s annual conference in Bend last month.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity announced Thursday it is now accepting applications for homeownership opportunities at Bear Creek Village, a new community located across from Bear Creek Elementary, in the heart of Midtown Bend. 

Bear Creek Village is Habitat’s newest neighborhood development in Bend, expanding access to affordable homeownership for Central Oregonians who are priced out of the market, the organization said in a news release that continues below:

The community will include safe, healthy, and energy-efficient homes designed to support stability and opportunity for hardworking local families. 

“Habitat makes homeownership possible for people who are vital to our community, including educators, healthcare workers, grocery and retail employees, who simply can’t afford to buy in today’s market,” said Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity.

“Bear Creek Village is about building stability and opportunity for Bend’s workforce and ensuring that the people who make this community thrive can afford to live here.” 

Homeownership Through Partnership Future Habitat homeowners qualify based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. Applicants complete homebuyer education and financial readiness courses, gaining the skills and confidence to succeed as long-term homeowners. 

Each home is purchased with a mortgage tailored to the buyer’s budget, and broad community support bridges the gap between what it costs to build and what local families can afford. 

“Our homeowners aren’t given houses – they buy them,” said Colgan. “They prepare, learn, and work alongside Habitat to build a foundation for their future.” 

A Community Effort Habitat’s work is powered by the strength of its community partnerships. Volunteers, donors, corporate sponsors, and public funding partners all play a vital role in making affordable homeownership possible. This collaboration ensures that homes like those in Bear Creek Village are attainable for hardworking local families and individuals who help our region thrive. 

“Together, we build opportunity in Central Oregon,” added Colgan. “Every partner, whether swinging a hammer, making a donation, or advocating for housing, helps create lasting impact for families and for the future of our community.” 

Apply Today Applications for Bear Creek Village are now open. Interested applicants can learn more about eligibility requirements, income guidelines, and the application process at https://bendredmondhabitat.org/habitat-homeownership/. 

About Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity At Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home—a safe, stable, and healthy environment where families can thrive and communities can flourish. Since 1989, we have partnered with over 250 families to make homeownership possible and revitalized 145 homes, transforming the lives of more than 1,100 children and adults.  

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Garner sentenced, judge’s ruling)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Samson Garner, the Portland resident recently convicted by a jury of plotting a mass shooting at a Smith Rock climbing event two years ago, was sentenced Monday afternoon to 30 years in prison.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alison Emerson agreed to the prosecution’s recommended sentence for Garner, found guilty back in September of planning a mass shooting at Smith Rock’s Craggin’ Classic event in October 2023. She rejected the request by his defense attorneys for a much shorter, 7 1/2 year sentence, ruling that each of the four counts of attempted aggravated murder should be served consecutively.

Prosecutors urged the judge not to do as the defense requested: “Concurrent sentences minimize the defendant’s conduct and intent to ‘rampage through the park shooting belayers and spectators while their climbers watched and lived the horror, unable to help or do anything to save themselves and their friends,’” Chief Deputy District Attorney Mary Anderson wrote in her response.

The judge quoted that section of Garner’s email and said: “I believe this would have been a significant tragedy.”

However, she said, because that threat was taken seriously by Garner’s friends and by law enforcement, “the community was spared that outcome,” and she quoted a familiar phrase to head off such incidents: “See something, say something.”

The hearing previously was set back twice, with the most recent delay bringing sharp criticism from Judge Alison Emerson aimed at the defense.

Earlier Story — October 23rd — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County judge once again postponed the sentencing of Samson Garner, the Portland man convicted of plotting a mass shooting at Smith Rock State Park’s 2023 Craggin’ Classic, after sharply criticizing his defense team for missing repeated filing deadlines.

The packed courtroom on Thursday heard Judge Alison Emerson rebuke defense attorney Kelly Monaghan for not receiving a sentencing memorandum until hours before the hearing.

Emerson said she had to read the filing over her lunch break and needed more time to fairly review it. She emphasized the court’s duty to take the sentencing process seriously, adding that the briefing’s lateness would not allow her to make an informed decision.

Garner, 41, was found guilty in September on all 26 felony counts, including attempted murder, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon, following a three-week trial.

Prosecutors have recommended a 30-year prison sentence, citing the severity of the charges and Garner’s violent intent. The defense has asked for a combined 7½-year term, arguing that consecutive sentences would be excessive and outlining why during Thursday’s hearing.

Prosecutors also read a victim impact statement from former Craggin’ Classic event coordinator Jessica Mason, who described the lasting trauma she experienced after learning of Garner’s threats to attack the event. Mason said she has since left her position and stopped rock climbing due to fear tied to the incident.

Judge Emerson postponed the sentencing to November 10, saying she would take time to review the documents before issuing a final decision. Garner’s sentencing had already been delayed previously due to defense attorney Joel Wirtz’s involvement in negotiations for a new contract for Oregon’s public defenders.

Defense attorney Kelly Monaghan said Garner won’t make a statement at his sentencing, saying that was what his attorney’s had advised.

As a result, Emerson said the Nov. 10 hearing will be limited to her decision and the imposition of sentence. She apologized to those who drove over from Portland and said they can observe ithe subsequent hearing remotely, if they wish.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Adding more comments from Wyden, full video interview)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The second-longest shutdown in history is in its fourth week, with no clear end in sight.

KTVZ News spoke Thursday with Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, who said he’s grown increasingly frustrated with the shutdown.

“It’s it seems like there is no willingness, particularly with the Trump administration, to open up the negotiations to get this resolved,” Wyden told us.

“But you have to have the president say to everybody who’s following this, ‘Look, let’s get to work. Let’s do it in a bipartisan way, and I know how to do it.’”

One of the major sticking points between Republicans and Democrats is over health care.

It’s an issue that both sides have talked about fixing. Senator Wyden said we need a new way of thinking about the problems.

“No question that we have to look for ways to modernize,” he said. “For example, the employer-based system comes from the World War II movement. Now that’s really an important tool for employers we can modernize. And so, you bet there ways to make everything better, if you really want to dig in and work in a bipartisan way.”

Senator Wyden said he still supports employer-based health insurance but is interested in companies giving financial assistance directly to workers.

Another major issue going on is the flip-flop in the courts over the legality of President Trump sending federal National Guard troops to Portland. When asked about this, Wyden was animated in his reply.

“It’s a local function,” he said. “You know what we’re saying here? We believe that our city is overwhelmingly made up of people who want a safe and community-oriented kind of approach.”

“We don’t want the feds coming in and trampling all over our rights. And that’s really what the Founding Fathers always thought. It’s that these were local kind of issues, you bet. There are things that need to be done at the local level.”

Rulings are expected soon by both Portland u.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut and the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The senator also spoke about the devastation that the fentanyl crisis has caused. He said he is hopeful for the future on curbing the epidemic.

Wyden told us he is working on legislation right now hoping to reduce the effects that fentanyl has on our community.

“It (fentanyl) is so powerful,” he said. “The cartels and everybody else pushes it, once it gets to the United States. What I want to do, though, is go to the source, and these brokers are playing a bigger and bigger, role in terms of getting it to the United States. Let’s cut them off at the source.”

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: Added Video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Students feel they are often left behind when it comes to their physical and mental well being.

According to a new report by the Oregon Health Authority, more than 1 out of 5 students reported not having their physical and mental health care needs met.

In 2022, more than 29,000 students in 8th and 11th grades were asked questions related to their physical, mental, and emotional health.

KTVZ got an exclusive interview with a co-author of this report, 18 year old Senior Alexis Zou who was excited for the report.

Zou told KTVZ News, “What made this report especially valuable is that it’s one of the first times that we’ve really looked at the open ended data that students are describing their experiences in their own words, and then communicating that in the form of a report to make sure that their experiences are being heard and that they feel seen, and that we can take the steps necessary to address the issues that they’re struggling with.”

This study comes on the tail of the Covid-19 pandemic that saw schools all across the nation being shut down and moved online. Students said the pandemic disrupted physicals, as well as getting prescriptions. Not only was that a factor, according to the CDC, 44% of high school students said they experienced persistent feelings of sadness, or hopelessness during the pandemic. 37% reported poor mental health most, or all the time.

“Speaking from my point of view and also some of the trends that I saw in the data, I think covid definitely had a really big impact on how students felt,” Zou told KTVZ News “It all passed by and all blurred together because we were all isolated during that time. We couldn’t interact and socialize with our friends. For me, I was a seventh grader. That’s a really important time for getting out and talking, meeting new people. We were unfortunately deprived of that during the pandemic.”

Schools decided to take action, and make sure kids have more resources to access physical and mental health care.

KTVZ News spoke with Crook County Middle School Principal Marques Hase, who shared how the school is bettering care for students.

Hase told KTVZ News, “We have two counselors here at the school and student success coordinator that do a lot of support with students just in the day to day of life at school. They are constantly talking with parents about options in the community for outside counseling or outside supports that may be wanted and or needed from the families.”

This is an ongoing problem students, parents, and schools are grappling with. But Zou shared with KTVZ News it was important for her to address these issues and make sure nobody is left behind.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday at Ridgeview High School in Redmond, three judges from the Oregon Court of Appeals paid a visit to hold oral arguments and answer questions from students about the work of the judicial branch.

It’s part of an ongoing program where the court travels to schools across the state, allowing students to see Court of Appeals arguments firsthand while learning about the role of the courts and related careers.

“It’s huge to have the Oregon Court of Appeals decide that they want to come and do this in front of about 400 students. That (the students) get to see how it works, because I’m of the mind that a lot of people really don’t understand the appeals process and how that functions. And so the kids get to watch it and they get to ask questions and all the things that you want them to do to learn about how the judicial branch works,” said Susan Kernutt, a social studies teacher at the school and one of the organizers of the days events. “I want them to feel like they want to be more involved in our democracy and understand how the government works, and so they can talk about it with other people and be more civic-minded… I’m just really stoked to do this today.”

Earlier this month, the court heard oral arguments at Lakeview High School in Lakeview. It also visited schools in Portland and Corvallis this year.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Food Project is weaving generosity and artistry together this weekend with its fourth annual quilt sale, set for Saturday, November 1, at the Unitarian Fellowship of Central Oregon on Skyline Ranch Road in Bend.

More than 300 handmade quilts, created and donated by over 80 Central Oregon quilters, will be on display and available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The quilts, which range in price from $50 to $550, feature a variety of designs, sizes, and color patterns.

All proceeds from the sale will benefit local children through the Bend Food Project and The Giving Plate’s Kid’s Korner program. Last year’s sale raised more than $37,000 to fight food insecurity, and organizers hope to raise $38,000 this year.

For more information or to preview quilts for sale, visit www.bfpquiltsale.org.

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