Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Family Access Network has received a $50,000 grant from the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation to support services for children and families across Central Oregon.

The funding will help provide resources for students and their families, including housing and utility assistance, clothing, school supplies, and youth development programs. Organization leaders say those services are critical in helping remove barriers that can impact a child’s ability to succeed in school.

“This continued partnership with the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation is vital in providing our local families with access to needed resources,” said Tasha McFarland, board chair of the FAN Foundation. “We are so grateful for their generosity and to work on strengthening our community together.”

Family Access Network, founded in 1993, places advocates directly in schools to connect families with essential services. The organization currently has 28 advocates serving 66 sites across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties.

According to FAN, its programs reach more than 7,600 children and family members each year, working to address the impacts of poverty and help students come to school ready to learn.

The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, established in 1998, supports initiatives across Oregon focused on education, health, arts, and community well-being.

More information about the Family Access Network is available at familyaccessnetwork.org.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Police Department is inviting the community to its annual National Night Out, a free, family-friendly event aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the public.

The event is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4th at Mountain View High School.

Part of a nationwide initiative, National Night Out brings neighbors and police together for an evening of activities, food, and community connection. In Bend, the event will include live music, lawn games, face painting, bounce houses, and demonstrations from the department’s K9 unit and drone team.

Attendees will also be able to explore a variety of emergency vehicles, including a Bend Police patrol car, an armored vehicle, and a fire engine. Officers will serve hot dogs along with other food and drinks, and local organizations will be on hand to share community resources.

Organizers say accessibility is a priority this year. The first hour of the event, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., will be sensory-friendly, featuring reduced noise, no sirens, and no flashing lights. Sensory kits will also be available through the Central Oregon Disability Services Network.

The event is made possible through support from local sponsors and community partners.

More information and event updates can be found on the Bend Police Department’s Facebook page.

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Claire Elmer

CORVALLIS, Ore. (KTVZ) — High Desert Special Olympics athletes returned home to Central Oregon with dozens of medals after competing in the Oregon Special Olympics State Summer Games in Corvallis, earning top finishes across golf, track and field, and bocce ball.

Our local athletes combined to win 10 gold, 9 silver, and 4 bronze medals, along with several fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and seventh-place finishes during the weekend competition.

In golf, Makaio, Trevor, Ryan, Scott and Zach, Stan and Ryan, and Donavan and Steven each earned gold medals. Felicity, Roy, Emilia, and Lizzie brought home silver medals, while Jonny and Eric earned bronze. Becky and Donna also placed in their divisions, earning fourth- and fifth-place ribbons.

The track and field team also turned in a strong performance. Walter won gold in the 50-meter walk, while Zac claimed gold in the 200-meter race. Silver medals went to Caleb in the 100 meters, Kris in the 200 meters, and Andrew in the 400 meters. Bronze medals were earned by Sandy in the 50-meter dash and Caleb in the 200 meters. Several athletes also recorded top-seven finishes in relay events, shot put, javelin, softball throw, and sprint races.

In bocce ball, the teams of Gavin and Liam and Raymond and Ely each earned gold medals. Stacie and Tiffany and Amber and Michelle won silver, while Cliff and Sean and Alec and Jordan finished fourth in their divisions.

Beyond the competition, athletes took part in Olympic Town, where they received free health screenings and wellness services, including vision exams. Organizers said 150 free prescription eyeglasses were ordered for athletes during the event. Olympic Town also featured blood pressure checks, height and weight screenings, stretching activities, and stress-management exercises promoting healthy lifestyles.

The opening ceremonies also featured a local athlete, with Felicity serving as a co-emcee before the Parade of Athletes. The festivities concluded with a celebratory dance for competitors.

The Oregon Special Olympics State Summer Games brought together athletes from across the state to compete, celebrate accomplishments, and promote inclusion through sport. Congratulations to our local Special Olympians and their incredible accomplishments!

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Endurance Academy is opening registration for its fall youth mountain biking and climbing programs, offering Central Oregon students a chance to build skills, confidence, and community through outdoor sports.

The Bend-based nonprofit announced Tuesday that sign-ups are now available for athletes from elementary through high school, following a summer season focused on exploration and camps.

The fall programs shift toward more structured training, emphasizing consistent weekly coaching, skill development, and long-term athletic growth.

Bend Endurance Academy offers three program levels in both mountain biking and climbing:

Recreation programs focus on foundational skills, confidence, and enjoyment in a supportive environment.

Development programs are designed for athletes looking to refine technique while building strength and independence.

Competition programs provide advanced coaching, race preparation, and sport-specific conditioning for regional events.

For mountain biking, riders will train on Central Oregon’s trail system, with a focus on technical handling, fitness, trail stewardship, and mental resilience.

Climbing participants will work out of the academy’s youth climbing facility, where instruction centers on strength, movement mechanics, and collaborative problem-solving.

Program leaders say space is limited to maintain low coach-to-athlete ratios, and families are encouraged to register early. Sign-ups are handled through the Sprocket Sports platform, with schedules, pricing, and age group details available on the Bend Endurance Academy website.

Families unsure which program level fits their athlete can contact program directors for guidance before registering.

Bend Endurance Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides youth coaching in mountain biking, climbing, and Nordic skiing, with a mission to promote healthy, active lifestyles through outdoor sports.

For more information or to register, visit bendenduranceacademy.org.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Applications are now open for startups hoping to compete in the 2026 Bend Venture Conference, a long-running event that brings investors and entrepreneurs to Central Oregon each fall.

The conference is set for October 15–16 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. Hosted by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), the event features live company pitches, networking, and educational sessions.

Now in its 23rd year, organizers say the Bend Venture Conference is the Pacific Northwest’s longest-running angel investment conference. More than $14 million has been invested in 67 companies through conference funds since its launch, with additional funding often secured after the event through investor connections.

This year also brings new leadership. Wendy Morgan recently joined EDCO as Venture Catalyst Director and will oversee the conference year-round, focusing on strengthening relationships between founders and investors. Patti Brooke and Lisa Hovey have also been named co-managers of the Bend Venture Conference Funds.

“BVC has always been about creating meaningful connections between founders, investors and the people who help companies grow,” Morgan said. “As we look ahead to 2026, we’re building on a strong foundation with fresh energy and a continued commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for investors while helping founders access the relationships, resources and capital they need to scale.”

Organizers are also expanding the competition structure this year, creating three tracks:

Early Stage, for Oregon-based startups that are pre-revenue or early in commercialization and raising less than $1 million.

Growth Tech, for technology-driven companies with at least $500,000 in revenue over the past year and actively raising between $250,000 and $2.5 million or more.

Growth Industries, for companies in sectors like consumer products, biotech, climate tech, and hardware that meet similar revenue and fundraising thresholds.

Finalists in each category will pitch live at the Tower Theatre in front of investors and attendees. Growth-stage finalists have historically received combined investments of $250,000 or more, pending due diligence.

The application window is open through August 13. Organizers say the Early Stage track will continue to prioritize Oregon-based startups, including a cash award for a standout company headquartered in Central Oregon.

Startups can apply or learn more at bendvc.com/apply.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Metolius man who found himself caring for nearly 100 cats is getting help from BrightSide Animal Center, after the Central Oregon shelter stepped in to rescue the animals and provide medical care.

Last week, BrightSide staff visited the man’s home for the first time and removed 61 cats, most of them kittens. Kristen Davidson, executive director of BrightSide Animal Center, said the team plans to return this Wednesday with the goal of bringing in the remaining cats.

Davidson emphasized that the man is not in trouble and is not being treated as an abusive pet owner. Instead, she said, his situation reflects how quickly cats can repopulate when they are not spayed or neutered.

“Cats repopulate at a very high and fast rate,” Davidson said in an interview. “The man in question here, he loves cats. He is really just wanting to do right by these animals and really got himself into a situation he was not prepared for pretty quickly.”

According to BrightSide, all but four of the 61 cats brought in so far are kittens, and many are still nursing. Shelter staff prioritized removing nursing mothers and their litters, along with the youngest kittens, because they are most vulnerable to illness in crowded living conditions.

As expected in a home with that many animals, BrightSide’s veterinary team is seeing health problems among the cats, especially upper respiratory infections. Davidson describes URI as “kind of like a kitty cold,” but said it can be much more serious for very young kittens if not treated quickly.

“Even when somebody is doing the best they can, when you have this many cats living in that kind of space, it’s inevitable they’re going to get sick,” she said.

BrightSide plans to spay and neuter the cats before placing them for adoption and will also fix several of the man’s remaining pets, then return those animals to him. Davidson said the case highlights the importance of spay and neuter resources, which are available at low or no cost through several organizations in Central Oregon.

“Number one advice: spay and neuter, definitely,” she said. “No matter how many cats you have, go ahead, spay and neuter all of them if you don’t want to end up in this kind of situation.”

BrightSide has already made some of the older kittens available for adoption and expects more cats and kittens to become adoptable over the next month, as they grow and complete medical treatment. Davidson said many of the cats are highly adoptable, and some are likely to appeal to Siamese cat lovers.

She added that community support has played a major role in the response, from donations of kitten food and formula to offers of foster care.

“The more that our community puts into us, the more we can put back into it,” Davidson said. “Seeing the community show up just reaffirms that people appreciate that we’re providing this service.”

BrightSide Animal Center is encouraging local residents to help by fostering kittens, adopting a cat or making a monetary donation to support veterinary care and supplies. Those interested in helping can contact BrightSide at (541) 923-0882.

Reported: July 13, 2026; 11:40 am

Brightside Animal Center in Redmond is sounding the alarm after taking in more than 100 cats and kittens from a local resident.

The shelter says its staff is stretched thin, caring for newborns needing around-the-clock feedings, sick and underweight kittens, and mothers with litters.

Officials are now asking the community to step in and help as resources run low.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday spoke with shelter staff about the urgent situation—and what’s needed most right now.

Watch the full report tonight on KTVZ News at 6 pm.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: 7:24pm; Air attack has lined the fire with retardant.)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A small wildfire burning east of Prineville drew a swift multi-agency response Sunday afternoon, with air and ground crews working to keep the blaze from growing in heavy timber.

The Fir Fire was first reported just after 3 p.m. near White Rock Campground on Wildcat Mountain, about 15 miles east of Prineville in the Ochoco National Forest.

Fire officials estimate the fire at about half an acre with zero percent containment, though early suppression efforts appear to be limiting its spread. Air tankers lined the fire with retardant, while helicopters dropped water to slow activity.

According to air attack, the fire has shown little to no growth, and crews report a slow rate of spread in dense timber fuels. Firefighters worked to access the area as additional resources, including engines, a hand crew and overhead personnel, responded.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office said there are no evacuations and no structures are currently threatened. The fire is burning off Forest Service Road 3350 near the campground.

Officials say the spread potential remains moderate, and crews will stay on scene to monitor conditions.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Reported: July 12, 2026; 4:28 pm

A new wildfire has been reported in Crook County, burning northeast of Prineville.

According to Watch Duty, the 0148 fire, is one fourth of an acre in size and is burning in timber.

Watch Duty is reporting a large air tanker has been requested to do one drop over the fire. In addition, two helicopters are responding as well as four single engine air tankers.

This is a developing story. Stay with the digital properties of KTVZ News for urgent updates.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The sound of motorcycles carried a message of remembrance and gratitude through Central Oregon as Tribute to Fallen Soldiers Northwest made stops in Redmond and Bend this weekend.

The group, made up of passionate and patriotic riders, travels each summer to honor America’s fallen service members and support their families. Their journey this year stretches from Eugene, Oregon, to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Organizers say their mission is rooted in appreciation and remembrance.

“As everyday Americans, we graciously extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families of every fallen soldier, and it’s our pledge to let them know their fallen hero will never be forgotten,” the group said in its mission statement on their Facebook page.

The riders stopped in Redmond on Saturday before continuing to Bend, where community members had the chance to see the procession and learn more about the tribute.

The annual ride not only honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also aims to connect with communities along the route, ensuring the legacy of fallen service members lives on across the country.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding corrected video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hundreds of cyclists from around the world rolled into Central Oregon this weekend, crossing the finish line of the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder on Sunday after days of riding some of the state’s most rugged terrain.

Now in its seventh year, the sold-out event brought 400 riders to the region for a five-day, point-to-point journey across the Cascades, blending competition with history and community.

Race Director Chad Sperry says the event continues to draw a wide range of participants, from elite athletes to everyday riders.

“We’ve had some of the top professional gravel racers from around the world. We have riders from Europe, all over North America, as well as a number of amateurs that have come to race and compete this year,” Sperry said.

Unlike traditional gravel races, the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder takes riders across historic routes once used by early settlers, offering a unique connection to the state’s past.

“This is the only point-to-point gravel race in all of North America. Roads that were built back in the mid 1800s for the pioneers and the settlers that were coming to this valley are now incorporated into these carbon bikes and high technology and these riders that are actually getting to go back and ride over these vintage roads,” Sperry said.

Beyond the race itself, organizers say the multi-day format creates a strong sense of camaraderie. Riders camp together after each stage, sharing meals and building friendships along the way.

“People that had never met before become friends over the course of this, when they ride each day together out on those amazing roads and so forth. So that community aspect is unlike anything that you see in the racing world,” Sperry said.

The event also relies heavily on support from local communities, with volunteers helping at each stop along the route. In return, organizers say they prioritize giving back.

“We get tremendous community support, so we actually give back. This year we’ll be donating close to $20,000 spread out between these communities,” Sperry said.

Organizers say those donations benefit local schools, nonprofits, and trail groups in the areas that host the race.

While this year’s Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder has come to an end, riders say the experience — and the connections made along the way — will last well beyond the finish line.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Dozens of Central Oregon residents gathered in Bend this week to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing concerns over recent enforcement actions both locally and nationwide.

The demonstration comes after a fatal encounter earlier this week in Houston, Texas, where a Mexican man was shot and killed by ICE officers. Federal officials say the man rammed a law enforcement vehicle and did not comply with verbal commands during a traffic stop.

In Bend, some protesters connected that incident to broader concerns about immigration enforcement policies and leadership at the federal level.

“I’m here to protest against Donald Trump and, you know, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with the establishment Democrats,” said Michael Graham, a Bend resident attending the demonstration.

Others emphasized civic engagement as a response.

“I’m hoping to get people involved so people will make sure to get out and vote in the midterms for the party that will put a check on Trump,” said Gary, another Bend resident.

Organizers with 50-51 Central Oregon also claim two community members were arrested by ICE earlier this week. KTVZ has not independently confirmed those reports or the identities of those involved.

KTVZ has reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for confirmation and is awaiting a response.

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