Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council announced Tuesday that it’s been selected as one of 25 Community Host organizations for the 2026 Weaver Awards, a national initiative of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute. 

The Weaver Awards are part of a collection of activities designed to celebrate and support weavers—everyday neighbors who are building relationships, strengthening belonging, and weaving trust into the social fabric of their communities.

Here’s the rest of COIC’s announcement:

As a Community Host, we will build a culture of weaving in Central Oregon by: 

Identifying local weavers and sharing their stories with our community 

Launching a local Weaver Awards program, distributing 20+ microgrants each year for four years to individuals and small nonprofits 

Convening gatherings that bring people together and help them learn the skills of weaving 

Joining a national network of local leaders rebuilding trust in communities across the U.S. 

 “We’re thrilled to be chosen for this opportunity,” said Sean Keithly, COIC Community and Economic Development Director. “This partnership will let us shine a light on the quiet leaders in our community and build upon the work they’re already doing to develop trust, connection, and belonging.” 

“While loneliness, isolation, and division seem to define our national story, these 25 Community Hosts show us another truth — that trust grows when neighbors show up for one another, build relationships, and work together,” said Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute.

“Each organization is already deeply woven into the life of its community, and by going even deeper, they’re proving that a culture of belonging isn’t just possible — it’s already taking hold, block by block.” 

Each Community Host receives $225,000 in startup funding, along with training, tools, technical assistance, and ongoing support from Weave.

This partnership represents a four-year commitment to our community, signaling Weave’s belief in the strength, creativity, and leadership already alive in the Central Oregon region. The first cycle of the Central Oregon Weaver Awards is set to launch in summer 2026. 

“The richness of a community comes from people of different perspectives, cultures, and experiences coming together in care for one another,” said Tammy Baney, executive director of COIC. “We’re grateful to partner with the Aspen Institute to bring this community-building investment to Central Oregon and to support the neighbors who strengthen connection and belonging across our region.” 

We’ll share more information in the months ahead, including details on how local residents can apply for a Weaver Award. For more information, please visit our website https://www.coic.org/weaverawards/  

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

About Weave 

Weave: The Social Fabric Project is an initiative of the Aspen Institute dedicated to strengthening trust, connection, and belonging in communities across the United States. Weave supports everyday weavers—neighbors who show up for others, bridge divides, and build community. Through storytelling, online learning, community-building programs, and the Weaver Awards, Weave works to repair America’s social fabric from the ground up and lift up the people who are already leading this work in their neighborhoods. Learn more at weavers.org.  

About Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council Established in 1972, the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is a regional council of governments serving Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson counties, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, providing planning, transportation, economic development, and community services that support regional collaboration and resilience. 

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: adding broadcast video).

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — February marked International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global reminder that a girl’s curiosity is her superpower. It’s a message that girls belong in laboratories, tech hubs, and research centers — everywhere science is done.

In a two-part special report, KTVZ News highlighted the women who’ve made their mark in science. Now, in part two, we turn to the girls who are just beginning their journey, inspired, determined, and ready to take the lead.

For Mountain View High School junior Peyton Resmussen, the gap is something she’s already noticed. “I’ve talked to my grandma about her, like science classes, and she said, its more… a lot more men,” she said.

Pew Research shows men still outpace women in engineering, mechanical fields, astronomy, and physics, while women continue to excel in the health and life sciences, including healthcare, psychology, and veterinary medicine.

So what does that mean for today’s girls who dream of working in science and medicine?

Mountain View program brings science to life

At Mountain View High School in Bend, girls in the Biomedical Foundations program are already gaining real-life experience in the lab and in the field. The school partners with the Cascades East AHEC Health Occupations program, offering hands‑on rotations at St. Charles Bend.

Students learn about everything from nursing and radiology to caregiving for the elderly, getting a taste of what a career in healthcare feels like. Among them are two juniors — Peyton Resmussen and Elizabeth Warren, both eager to turn their interest in science into future careers.

Peyton is interested in working in the medical field. “Within our human anatomy class, we get to learn about, like, what’s happening in our body and learning just about all the different systems, particularly the digestive system, seeing how, like, those are all linked together and then just seeing, like, how it can come from just a big scale all the way down to like the molecular level,” she said.

‘Science is all around us.’

Elizabeth Warren says her focus is on environmental science, and she sees it as a field where girls can make an impact. “Science is all around us all the time. It is us. Consumes our everyday lives. And I think that it’s really important to dive deeper into that and look at every aspect of science,” she said.

Both young women say they’re aware of the disparity, that more men still hold science-related jobs than women. “It’s intimidating sometimes, like, seeing those numbers and seeing that there’s like, usually more men within it,” Peyton said.

Outnumbered, not outmatched

But these girls say being outnumbered doesn’t mean being outmatched. And when it comes to standing equal in science, they say one word matters most.

“Confidence because women, they give birth; they are very smart. I think that anyone should be just as confident in women as they are in men,” Elizabeth said.

For girls like Peyton and Elizabeth, it’s not about proving they can do science; it’s about proving they always belonged in it. “Women belong in the field just as much as men do, and it shouldn’t be based on, like, gender and that like they are welcome here and they are meant to learn this is not just supposed to be like guys or boys who are supposed to learn it,” Peyton said.

Mentors, motivation, and the road ahead

At Mountain View, these girls are breaking stereotypes, and they’re doing it with support from mentors who show them what’s possible. From classroom labs to local hospitals, Central Oregon’s girls in science are building the future of medicine, technology, and discovery.

Watch Tracee Tuesday’s first report on women in science here:

Women continue breaking barriers in science, but work remains to close gender gap

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hey kids! It’s time to “ready, set, skate!” for FREE with Camp Fire Central Oregon on Sunday at The Pavilion in Bend.

The nonprofit youth development organization is inviting the whole community to its annual Absolutely Incredible Kid Day (aka #KidDay) celebration—three action-packed hours of *FREE ice skating for the first 200 kids through the door, birthday cake and family-friendly activities, all honoring the incredible youth in our community and beyond.

Observed nationwide, #KidDay is recognized in unique ways by Camp Fire affiliates across the United States. The holiday encourages adults to uplift and recognize kids and teens, and it takes place each year on the third Thursday of March, which falls on March 19 this year. Camp Fire Central Oregon will host its free ice-skating celebration on the Sunday before the national holiday.

“This year’s event coincides with Camp Fire’s 116th birthday,” says Katie Roberts, Camp Fire’s outreach and communications manager. “As in years past, we’re welcoming kids and their families to skate and enjoy off-the-ice activities as well! It’s a great way to get exercise in the fresh air, engage with others, and just have fun—bring all your friends!”

In addition to skating and birthday cake, the event will feature a raffle, a hands-on STEAM activity, opportunities for parents/guardians to write letters of encouragement to kids, photo booth, and a #KidDay craft project designed to lift the spirits of patients staying at Ronald McDonald House.

Camp Fire staff will also be on hand to connect with families about the organization’s camps and youth programs while engaging with youth all afternoon.

Organizers say they expect another strong turnout, including youth from the Three Rivers and La Pine communities, where Camp Fire offers after-school programs serving three schools.

Over the past month, teen volunteers interested in community service and leadership development were encouraged to lend a hand through Camp Fire’s Teen Connects Program, and this opportunity quickly filled up!

“From the kids and families to our staff, volunteers, partners, and sponsors, #KidDay is pure community magic,” Roberts says. “It’s a day where the spotlight is entirely on celebrating how amazing today’s youth truly are, which is important because we know growing up is hard. Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and incredible—and this event gives us the perfect chance to make sure they know it.”

EVENT DETAILSWhat: Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® FREE Ice Skating Party and Camp Fire CelebrationWhen: Sunday, March 15, 12:30–3:30 p.m. Arrive early—by 3 p.m. to skate!Where: The Pavilion, 1001 SW Bradbury Way, BendWho: Camp Fire Central Oregon and the youth and families of our community; first 200 youth through the door (*ages 17 and under, must be accompanied by a caring adult)Why: How often do we tell the kids and teens in our lives how incredible they are? This is why Camp Fire founded Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® in 1997—to activate millions of adults across the U.S. to write or tell a young person in their life what makes them incredible, and to find other ways to celebrate kids.

This year’s sponsors include the City of Bend, St. Charles Health System, Camp Fire and AT&T. Additional partners: Safeway and Bend Park & Recreation District.

For more information, visit Camp Fire’s website: https://campfireco.org/aikd.

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Matthew Draxton

Pacific Power will host an online discussion today, March 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. to address wildfire safety and preparedness. The webinar will focus on steps taken to protect the electrical grid and ensure customer safety during the upcoming wildfire season.

The meeting will provide details on the company’s comprehensive wildfire mitigation plan and current preparations. Pacific Power serves customers across six western states and maintains a long history of wildfire defense planning.

Pacific Power representatives will lead the session, which includes an overview of the company’s wildfire mitigation plan. Protecting customers and communities while providing safe and reliable power is the company’s stated highest priority. According to Pacific Power, the utility has an established history of planning for and defending against wildfires throughout the six western states it serves. The upcoming discussion is designed to inform the public about the specific actions taken to safeguard the electrical grid. The webinar is open to the public and can be accessed online. The meeting will be held through the Zoom platform at the link provided by the utility.

The webinar is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on March 10, 2026, and can be accessed here.

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Barney Lerten

 PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The American Red Cross is urging donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage in February and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. 

Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply steady headed into spring, the organization said in a news release on Monday:

Some parts of the nation are still clearing snow, but the threat of severe spring weather is already growing. Now is the time to book a blood or platelet donation appointment, to help prevent any future disruption to patient care.

Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31, 2026 (one result in 2026). Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March. 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 9-31:

OR 

Crook 

Powell Butte 

3/18/2026: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Brasada Ranch, 16986 SW Brasada Ranch Rd 

Prineville 

3/11/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Crook County Fairgrounds, 1280 Main St 

3/19/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Missionary Baptist Church, 1870 Riverland Loop 

3/23/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Crook County Library, 175 NW Meadow Lakes Dr 

_______________ 

Deschutes 

Bend 

Bend Blood Donation Center, 815 SW Bond Street Suite 110 – Visit RedCrossBlood.Org

to see times. 

3/16/2026: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Elks Lodge Bend #1371, 63120 Boyd Acres Road 

3/17/2026: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., St Charles Medical Center Bend, 2500 NE Neff Road 

3/23/2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2450 NE 27th St. 

3/25/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., US Bank Downtown Bend Branch, 1025 NW Bond St 

3/26/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Widgi Creek Clubhouse, 18707 SW Century Dr 

3/31/2026: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., State & County Offices, 1300 NW Wall Street 

La Pine 

3/30/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Cascade Bible Church, 52410 Pine Dr 

Redmond 

3/10/2026: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., LDS – Redmond OR Stake, 450 SW Rimrock 

3/16/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Grange 812, 707 SW Kalama 

3/24/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., St Thomas Catholic Church, 1720 NW 19th St 

3/31/2026: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., LDS – Redmond OR Stake, 450 SW Rimrock 

Sunriver 

3/17/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunriver Christian Fellowship, 18139 Cottonwood Rd 

3/30/2026: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Community Bible Church, 1 Theater Drive 

_______________ 

Jefferson 

Madras 

3/9/2026: 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Juniper Community Church, 976 S Adams Dr 

Terrebonne 

3/25/2026: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Fire & Rescue, 6971 Shad Rd 

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact − volunteer! 

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. 

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday. 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Dudley held a campaign stop in Sisters on Monday to present his platform to local voters. The event focused on three primary pillars of his campaign: education, the economy and livability.

The campaign stop attracted community members of all ages who gathered to hear the candidate’s message ahead of the primary election, which is scheduled for two months from now. Dudley is seeking the Republican nomination after previously running for governor in 2010, a race he lost by 20,000 votes.

Dudley focused his address on his vision for the future of Oregon. He expressed a personal commitment to improving the state during his speech in Sisters.

“I’m passionate about our state,” Dudley said to KTVZ News. “Passionate that we could do better as our state deserves better.”

Several residents who attended the event expressed interest in the candidate’s platform. Ethan, a resident of Sisters, said he came to the event because he believes the campaign offers a new direction for the party.

“I’m here because I think Mr. Dudley provides a more youthful and rejuvenated message for Republicans in Oregon,” Ethan said.

Other community members highlighted the candidate’s professional experience outside of elective office. Steve Hewlett, a resident of Sisters, said the state would benefit from a leader with a corporate background.

“Chris Dudley I think is the answer for Oregon,” Hewlett said. “He’s not a politician, and that’s what we need. Somebody with a business sense.”

The theme of political transition was a recurring sentiment among those in the audience. Rick Lieberson, a resident of Sisters, said he believes the candidate is the right person to facilitate a shift in leadership.

“I think we need a change,” Lieberson said. “And I think he could facilitate that change.”

Dudley told supporters that he believes the outcome of this campaign will be different, noting that he is encouraged by the turn out in his home community. When asked about campaigning in Sisters, Dudley said it was “incredible” to see many friends turn out for the event.

The primary election is on May 19th. The Dudley campaign stated that it feels it has momentum heading into the upcoming vote.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes recently announced that it has opened applications for Rooted at Antler, a permanently affordable, net-zero homeownership community at 1699 West Antler Avenue in Redmond. 

The Antler Campus is the second RootedHomes community in Redmond. Recognizing the need for both affordable and mid-market housing in Central Oregon, RootedHomes said it has developed this community for families earning under 120% of the Deschutes County Area Median Income (AMI), the organization said in a news release that continues below:  

Antler features on-site playgrounds, community gardens, and convenient access to social service facilities on Antler Avenue and the Dry Canyon. All 18 homes are Energy Star-certified and built to net-zero standards, delivering long-term energy savings while supporting environmental responsibility. 

“With the launch of Rooted at Antler, we are continuing our mission to ensure that the people who make Redmond thrive, our teachers, healthcare workers, and service providers, can afford to live here,” said Eliza Wilson, executive director of RootedHomes.

“By offering homes at multiple income tiers, from 80% to 120% AMI, and prioritizing resident-driven design in partnership with our homeowners to ensure feedback around parking and community design is implemented, we are filling a critical gap in the housing market while building a stronger, more inclusive community,” Wilson added. 

Available Homeownership Opportunities 

The 18 homes are divided into two qualification tiers based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for Deschutes County: 

For Homebuyers Under 80% AMI: 

4 Fully Accessible Duplexes ($256,000): Ground-floor, 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath homes (1,014 sq. ft.). 

4 Upstairs Duplexes ($312,000): 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes (1,014 sq. ft.) with modern layouts. 

3 Single-Family Cottages ($340,000): Two-story, 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes (1,343 sq. ft.). 

For Homebuyers 80%–120% AMI: 

7 Single-Family Cottages ($432,000): 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottages (1,343 sq. ft.) for moderate-income buyers. 

Up to $25,000 in down payment assistance is available for qualified households. In recognition of local veterans’ service, RootedHomes also offers up to $60,000 in down payment assistance for qualifying veterans. 

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch said, “Rooted at Antler represents exactly the kind of innovative housing solution Redmond needs.”

“By delivering permanently affordable, energy-efficient homes for working families, RootedHomes is helping ensure that the people who serve our community every day can also call Redmond home,” Fitch said. “We’re proud to support partnerships that expand homeownership opportunities while strengthening the long-term sustainability of our city.” 

Income-qualified applicants who have completed a mandatory information session and obtained mortgage preapproval can apply through the RootedHomes website. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend recently honored longtime Bend resident Jim Crowell for his decades of service and support with the organizaton’s inaugural Service to Youth Award.

The award was presented at the clubs’ annual meeting on February 24th. Future recipients will be awarded the Jim Crowell Service to Youth Award.  

Crowell, a resident of Bend for more than 80 years, was integral to the Boys & Girls Clubs moving into the space they have occupied since 1999.

Crowell saw a need and advocated on behalf of the Clubs to secure the historic building on Wall Street for their after and out of school programming services. Since then, Crowell has acted as a board member and now lifetime honorary trustee. 

CEO Michael Baker said, “It is safe to say that if it wasn’t for Jim and his efforts to raise the necessary dollars to renovate the facility we are in right now, the Boys & Girls Clubs wouldn’t have had this be our home for the last 30 years. He is as genuine as they come, and I am so grateful for all he does and continues to do for our organization.” 

Members of the Crowell family were in attendance as he was honored for his decades of support. 

Crowell’s son, Clark Crowell, said, “Central Oregon and its residents have played a pivotal role in my father’s life. He takes great pride in how the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon serves the community, particularly because it occupies a space so vital to his own youth.

“The old Bend High gym was the town’s gathering spot; knowing that children today are building their own futures where he once played basketball and attended dances makes the club’s mission deeply personal for him.” 

Crowell has made an incredible mark on the Bend community and certainly the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend.  

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend provides youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. Our after-school programs are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore.. (KTVZ) — Sisters Habitat for Humanity announced Monday the completion of the Village Meadows development, a 21-home affordable housing neighborhood.

The final two homes will be dedicated on Friday, March 20, “marking a milestone for the community and the households who now have access to safe, stable, and affordable homeownership,” the organization said in a news release that continues below.

“Village Meadows represents more than just homes—it’s stability, opportunity, and hope for local individuals and families,” said Peter Hoover, executive director of Sisters Habitat for Humanity. 

Construction began in 2015, and over the last decade, the project has brought together volunteers, donors, and future homeowners to create a lasting impact in Sisters. With hands-on support from volunteers, individuals helped build and move into their new homes.  

With Village Meadows complete, Sisters Habitat is turning its attention to Larch Commons, a new development of 25 homes offering a mix of affordable and workforce housing to meet the growing needs of the community. 

For more information about Village Meadows or upcoming projects, visit sistershabitat.org.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend police investigated several reports of a loud explosion and a flash of light on the south end of town Sunday evening. They tell KTVZ News that officers searched the area but found no evidence of property damage, injuries or criminal activity.

Deschutes County 911 dispatchers received several calls around 8:30 p.m. regarding a loud bang and a visible flash. Sheila Miller, Bend police communications manager, said that while multiple people reported the event, officers were unable to find the source of the noise or flash.

KTVZ News inquired after a viewer who lives in the Romaine Village area off Brookswood Boulevard told us, “We heard a big boom last night around 8:40 p.m. … It shook people’s homes and freaked a lot of people (us included) out!”

One area resident told officers that they believed a “flash bomb” had been thrown after noticing a dog barking during the incident.

Despite the reports, a search of the area by responding officers yielded no physical evidence of a blast, Miller said.

“At this time, we have received no further information and have no evidence of a crime,” Miller said.

Miller said police also asked St. Charles Bend to notify them if any patients arrived at the facility with burns or injuries consistent with an explosion, but there had been none reported so far.

Police advised residents to contact them if they find any property damage or hear more loud noises.

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