Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding interview with advocate, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Across the country — and right here in Central Oregon — new teen drivers are hitting the road every day. But safety remains a major concern. In 2023 alone, more than 2,600 people in the U.S. were killed in crashes involving teen drivers, according to national data.

This week marks National Teen Safe Driving Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of inexperienced driving and promoting safe habits behind the wheel. For Tammy Gweedo McGee, that message is deeply personal.

McGee is the founder and executive director of the Gweedo Memorial Foundation — an organization she created in memory of her son, Conner.

“What happened to my baby shouldn’t have happened,” McGee said. “He was a typical teenager with great friends and great family. All he did was get in a vehicle.”

Conner, a 16-year-old honor student and dual-sport athlete, was killed along with two friends less than a mile from home. The driver was another teen — unlicensed, underage, and speeding at twice the legal limit.

“When you drive reckless, that’s not an accident. That’s a crash,” McGee said. “The driver didn’t wake up planning to kill himself and two of his friends, but the choices he made did that.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens. In Oregon, teens make up less than 7% of licensed drivers but are involved in nearly 20% of serious crashes. Police across Central Oregon say they continue to see many of the same risk factors — speeding, distractions, and multiple teen passengers.

McGee now uses her family’s story to encourage others to act. “I can’t bring him back,” she said, “but what I can do is help other people. We want parents and teens to sit down together. Have that difficult conversation. Be the parent, not the friend right now.”

Her message during Teen Safe Driving Week is simple: Speak up, model good habits, and never assume it can’t happen to you. Advocates believe with awareness, education, and honest discussions at home, more young lives can be saved.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Class is back in session but kids are not showing up.

As of the 23-24 academic school year 33 percent of all students in the Bend-LaPine School district were considered chronically absentee.That is one in three students are constantly missing class.

The Bend-LaPine School District has decided to take action.

On Saturday, School District officials in conjunction with the Governor and Oregon department of education held a phone bank to reach out to those in the community thanking them for their continued attendance.

KTVZ News spoke with Steve Cook the Superintendent of Bend-LaPine schools to learn more about the event.

“We’re making phone calls to families of students who have just got really great attendance and these calls or to call and acknowledge and just celebrate valuing our, education process and sending kids to school,” Cook told KTVZ News. “We know that makes a big difference if kids show up. We know showing up makes all the difference. We know that to be good at school, you’ve got to be at school. So we want that for our kids.”

Over 40 Volunteers were on the phone or writing postcards to families.

Among those volunteers include Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Director of the Oregon Department of Education Doctor Charlene Williams.

KTVZ News Spoke with Doctor Williams who was excited about the event.

“In some other cases, it’s that sense of belonging and connectedness. So when we’re asking them why are you coming to school this year? They’re saying they really connect with their teachers or they really found a great peer group. They’re on the volleyball team,” Dr. Williams told KTVZ News. “Those things matter because the students don’t show up. They can’t learn. So it’s important that we take every moment to celebrate their success.”

Education is a fundamental issue in Oregon. According to State assessment, last year, only 30% of students were proficient in science, 43% were proficient in English language arts, and 31.5% were proficient in math. Officials are hopeful that as students come to class more regularly, those rates will dramatically increase.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The world’s last remaining Blockbuster threw a blockbuster-sized bash Saturday to mark 40 years since the chain first opened in 1985. Fans from across the country flocked to the Bend store on Northeast Revere Avenue for music, trivia, and ’80s flair.

The “Last Blockbuster Block Party” transformed the Bend parking lot into a nostalgic time capsule filled with local food trucks, live bands, and movie-themed fun. Themed events included an ’80s costume contest, karaoke backed by a live band, and trivia challenges dedicated to movie classics from Back to the Future to The Goonies.

A fully decked-out DeLorean parked outside the store drew visitors eager for photos, while nearby booths from community partners like Kona Ice and Cascade Indoor Sports provided refreshments and games. A portion of today’s proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

Store manager Sandy Harding called it their biggest celebration yet. “It’s amazing to see how much people still care about Blockbuster and what it represents,” she said.

While the Bend location only became a Blockbuster in 2000, it has since become a global cultural landmark. Visitors from around the world travel to browse its shelves of more than 26,000 movies, buy exclusive merchandise, and take photos beneath the famous blue-and-yellow sign. The store even inspired a Netflix documentary, further cementing its nostalgic legacy.

Though the Bend store didn’t join the Blockbuster family until 2000, it has since become a global landmark with more than 26,000 movies, exclusive merchandise, and visitors from around the world. Once part of a 9,000-store empire, Blockbuster’s legacy now lives on in Bend, proving there’s still magic in rewinding tapes and reliving movie nights.

Harding says the anniversary isn’t just about looking back, it’s about keeping a local tradition alive.

“We’re not just celebrating Blockbuster,” she said. “We’re celebrating Bend, our shared history, and the simple joy of watching movies together.”

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KTVZ

(Correction: The courtesy images previously attributed to Larry Cole were incorrectly credited. The correct attribution is Aaron Knouse.)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Thousands of Central Oregonians took to the streets Saturday for “No Kings” rallies protesting the Trump administration. Demonstrations were held across the High Desert in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties.

In Bend, demonstrators gathered at Drake Park for a “Community Action Fair.” The event featured speakers, music and sign-making before marching to Peace Corner.

Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, speaking at KTVZ studios in Bend, called the turnout “a powerful display of our First Amendment in action.” She added, “People are showing what they believe in and asking what kind of country they want to help shape. For me, that’s about building a better future for America’s children.”

In Redmond, more than 1,200 people filled downtown streets.

“We’re part of a nationwide day of demonstrations by millions of people all saying the same thing: we don’t do kings in America,” said Jen Laverdure with Indivisible Redmond.

About 200 people attended a rally in La Pine, which featured Senator Jeff Merkley, while roughly 1,000 gathered in Prineville. Attendance figures for Bend and Madras are still being finalized.

This follows the nationwide “No Kings” protests on June 14, held on President Donald Trump’s birthday to oppose actions taken by his administration.

Organizers said Saturday’s participation was roughly two million higher than at the first No Kings demonstrations held in June, making it one of the largest single-day protest movements in U.S. history. All events were registered as lawful and peaceful, with coordination among local authorities.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cybercrimes like phishing, extortion and personal data breaches are spiking nationwide, with claimed losses totaling more than $16 billion in 2024, reports the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center — a 33% increase from the year before.

As part of national Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Central Oregon Community College is hosting a free 90-minute seminar, “Community Cybersecurity Training: Practical Tactics for Recognizing and Protecting Yourself Against Fraud,” on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Hitchcock Auditorium on the Bend campus. No registration required.

Here’s the rest of their announcement, in full:

Open to all ages, and with no technical background needed, the hands-on learning experience will be presented by COCC’s cybersecurity faculty and students.

Attendees will gain real-world skills to identify scams before they strike, from fake tech support calls to artificial intelligence-generated voice and video impersonations. Using actual examples from successful scams, the seminar will cover essential digital habits and the psychology behind scam tactics.

“Cybercrime isn’t just a big business problem, it impacts families, retirees and small business owners right here in Central Oregon,” said event organizer Eric Magidson, professor of computer and information systems at COCC. “This event is about empowering our community to stay safe online, and we’re proud that our students are helping lead the effort.”

Cybercriminals, Magidson added, are increasingly using AI to create convincing voices, emails and videos that mimic trusted individuals or institutions. According to the Federal Trade Commission, losses among older adults to impersonation scams have quadrupled since 2020, often costing victims thousands of dollars.

For more information, contact Eric Magidson, professor of computer and information systems, at 541-383-7262 or emagidson@cocc.edu.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact campus services at 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability such as hearing impairment, contact student accessibility services at sas@cocc.edu or 541-383-7583.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  BrightSide Animal Center says it’s thrilled to partner with Subaru of Bend this October to celebrate Subaru Loves Pets Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to helping shelter animals across the country. 

In support of this mission, BrightSide is hosting a special “Name Your Own Adoption Fee” Day on Wednesday, October 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at BrightSide Animal Center, located at 1355 NE Hemlock Ave., Redmond. This special event allows potential adopters to choose their own adoption fee, helping pets find loving homes while making space for more animals in need at the shelter.  As a nonprofit organization, BrightSide kindly recommends any amount of donation to support the ongoing care of animals and help save even more lives. 

To further the impact, Subaru of Bend is hosting a month-long pet supply donation drive at their dealership located at 2060 NE Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97701. Donations of pet food, toys, leashes, blankets, cleaning supplies, and other essentials can be dropped off daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

On National Make A Dog’s Day –  October 22, Subaru of Bend will welcome adoptable BrightSide pets onsite from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visitors are invited to meet the animals and participate in our effort to “Fill a Subaru Ascent” with pet food and supplies for the shelter. 

This event gives people a chance to give what they can and maybe a little extra to help the next pet in line.” said Savanah Wellman, Assistant Director at BrightSide Animal Center. We’re really hoping this event helps some of our long-term animals finally go home, like three of the huskies who came to us back in May from a neglect case. While they have received love and care here, what they truly need is a family and a place to call home.” 

For more information on adoptable animals, how to donate, or upcoming events, please visit www.brightsideanimals.org or call (541) 923-0882 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

Cuppa Yo, the beloved Bend-born frozen yogurt brand, is celebrating continued growth with the opening of its newest location on Bend’s north side, right next to the new Costco.

The doors opened on Friday, inviting Northsiders to swirl, top, and chill with Cuppa Yo’s signature flavors. Here’s the full news release on the new shop:

The newest Cuppa Yo location at 20789 NW Henry Ave, Suite 160, joins the established Westside and Eastside Bend stores in carrying forward the brand’s tradition of blending fun, flavor, and community. With an ever-changing lineup of frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, the Northside store offers something for everyone year-round, delighting loyal Cuppa Yomies and welcoming new fans alike.

Cuppa Yo owners, Keith and Crystal, expressed:

“We are endlessly grateful to the Bend and Central Oregon community for over 15 years of support. Even after all this time, we still smile every day when we see our Cuppa Yomies walk through the door. This family business exists because of you, our amazing customers.”

The grand opening will start at 12:00 PM PST on Friday, the 17th of October. Reflecting on the milestone, Keith and Crystal shared:

“We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the new businesses surrounding the Bend Costco area. It means a lot to us to be welcomed as a local, family-owned business into this growing hub. We’re also thankful for the many talented professionals who supported us throughout this two-plus year journey to make our dream of a Northside Bend location come to life.”

The new Northside Bend store is ready to serve the community with Cuppa Yo’s signature premium frozen yogurt experience. For more information and updates about Cuppa Yo Northside, visit cuppayo.com or follow us on Instagram @cuppayobend. 

About Cuppa Yo:

Founded in the spring of 2010 by two Central Oregon families, Cuppa Yo has grown into a beloved frozen yogurt franchise with more than 15 locations across eight states. Known for its fun, welcoming atmosphere, Cuppa Yo provides a clean, safe, and welcoming space where “Cuppa Yomies” can gather with family and friends to enjoy sweet treats and create lasting memories. 

With an ever-changing variety of flavors and toppings, each visit is a chance to craft a cup that’s uniquely yours. Dedicated to spreading joy one cup at a time, Cuppa Yo continues to swirl happiness into every community it serves. Learn more at cuppayo.com. 

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Silas Moreau

(Update: Powell makes first court appearance; judge sets bail at $150,000)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Madras man was arrested Thursday and was arraigned on several charges Friday after allegedly kidnapping and robbing a Prineville woman at gunpoint last weekend, Bend Police said.

According to police, officers responded around 4:29 a.m. last Sunday to a report of a kidnapping and robbery. The victim, a 31-year-old Prineville woman, told officers she had been kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint.

Investigators learned that after being released from the Crook County Jail, the woman drove to Madras to meet her friend, Coby Michael Powell, intending to stay with him. Police said that after an altercation between Powell and the victim’s boyfriend, Powell forced the woman into his truck and began driving toward Bend.

During the drive, Powell allegedly held a gun to the victim’s head, took her phone, and threatened to shoot her, police said.

When they arrived at the victim’s boyfriend’s home in Bend, the victim managed to escape from the truck and began screaming for help. Powell then left the area, authorities said. The woman sought help and called police from the 7-Eleven store on Northwest Galveston Avenue.

On Thursday, Bend Police detectives—assisted by Redmond Police and the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team—conducted a traffic stop on Powell after he left his workplace in Redmond. Detectives served search warrants on Powell, his vehicle, and his Madras home.

Police said Powell was arrested and booked into the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of first-degree robbery, first-degree kidnapping, menacing, coercion, and unlawful use of a weapon. Investigators said all firearms connected to the incident were located and seized.

Court and jail records reviewed by KTVZ News indicate Powell is listing an address on Elkhorn Drive in La Pine.

Asked about that, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller told us police served a search warrant in Madras at the home Powell was staying at, but he also has lived in Redmond, Madras, La Pine and Bend over the years.

Powell was arraigned Friday afternoon and Deschutes County Circuit Judge Michelle McIver set bail at $150,000, at the request of Deputy District Attorney Lindsay Chenelia. Initial charges include six felonies – first- and second-degree kidnapping, first- and second-degree robbery and coercion, as well as two misdemeanor counts of menacing.

The prosecutor briefly recounted the allegations that involve “multiple Meausre 11 offenses,” with Powell accused of driving the woman to Bend at gunpoint and threatening to kill her and her boyfriend. Two firearms were found in the car, she said.

Judge McIver asked if either victim was in court (or online) and wished to be heard, but neither were.

The judge set arraignment for next Friday on an expected grand jury indictment. McIver also ordered that Powell have no contact with either victim, obey all laws, not possess any firearms or dangerous weapons or ammunition, appear at all future court dates, keep in touch with his attorney and not leave the state without written permission.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Discovery West and the Bend Park and Recreation District hosted a dedication event this week for new public art by celebrated Warm Springs artist Lillian Pitt, with creative collaboration from Ben Dye and Juno Lachman.

The piece is located in Discovery Park and features two sculptures that depict the Native American legend, The Legend of Coyote and Crow, according to a news release that continues below:

The installation consists of two sculptures: One is a 14-foot-tall steel tree, which rises at the heart of this work, alive with cast crows. Coyote perches across the way on a basalt stone, his eyes blooming bright yellow, and together the pieces retell a beloved Native American legend.

The art honors cultural storytelling and the enduring connection between nature, myth, and place. (Read the story of Coyote and Crow below and experience how this timeless tale comes to life through art).

“On the heels of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we could not be more pleased to honor Warm Springs artist Lillian Pitt, and her stunning sculptures. These pieces are both thought-provoking and playful, and together will make a great addition to the neighborhood’s art collection,” said Romy Mortensen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Discovery West.

“We are thankful for our long-standing partnerships with Bend Park and Recreation District and Visit Bend, whose sustainability fund helped bring this to fruition,” Mortensen added.

The Discovery West development team commissioned the art piece and worked with the park district to select the location. The piece was funded by a grant through the Visit Bend Sustainability Fund and is dedicated to the Bend Park and Recreation District, which will own and maintain it for the public’s enjoyment along the trail.

Tuesday’s event included remarks by Bend Park and Recreation District board members, Visit Bend, the neighborhood development team and representatives from the artist’s team. 

The installation joins the many creative discoveries found throughout the Discovery West neighborhood. Visitors can enjoy our Audio Discoveries art tour by scanning a QR code at the art kiosk adjacent to the piece to hear Lillian retell the legend in her own words. There are 10 stops on the audio tour throughout Discovery West, including The Legend of Coyote and Crow. 

Locating the Art Installation

Take the soft surface trail located near the intersection of NW Elwood Lane & NW Crosby Drive.

Take the soft surface trail located just south of the intersection of NW Celilo Road & NW Skyline Ranch Road, before the bridge over the park.

Accessibility route: Enter the path off NW Stanhope Drive and head east along the paved Outback Trail.

The Legend of Coyote and Crow

In this Native American legend, the clever tricksters Coyote and Crow meet in a playful — and fateful — contest.

Crow and his friends are racing their eyes: popping them out, sending them soaring across a meadow, and catching them on the return. Coyote, always eager to impress, tries to join in but fails again and again.

Crow, feigning kindness, offers to help. He plucks out Coyote’s eyes and launches them into the air — only to fly off laughing, taking them with him. Now blind and alone, Coyote stumbles through the landscape until he discovers a patch of bright yellow flowers. Desperate, he presses one into each empty eye socket and turns toward the sun. Slowly, the shapes and colors of the world return. Coyote can see again — and his eyes are now the color of those golden blooms.

High in a tree nearby, Crow and his companions watch and laugh. And that is how Coyote came to have yellow eyes.

About Discovery West

Discovery West, situated on 245 acres on Bend’s westside, is the newest community in development by the team behind award-winning NorthWest Crossing. Discovery West offers a variety of home types and sizes, Discovery Corner, its community plaza, select retail shops and businesses, Aerie by AvantStay luxury overnight vacation rentals, public art installations, and 40 acres of parks, trails and open land. The development team’s vision for creating livable, detail-oriented communities that respect the Central Oregon landscape and lifestyle is apparent throughout the neighborhood. www.discoverywestbend.com

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Federal funding cuts left some Oregon organizations scrambling to keep programs and services running. When a funding freeze affected Shepherd’s House Ministries‘ food budget earlier this year, the community stepped in to help fill the gap.

Since April, the generosity of Central Oregon has enabled Shepherd’s House to provide more than 155,000 meals at its six sites in Bend and Redmond, the organization said in a news release that continues below: 

The organization launched a community initiative called “A Place at the Table” to raise funds to continue serving meals to neighbors in need without an interruption or reduction in services.

Caring and compassionate citizens responded, allowing Shepherd’s House to serve daily meals to residents at the Redmond Center, Lighthouse Navigation Center, Franklin Shelter, Cleveland Commons, Abi’s House, and the Men’s Center.

In addition, it filled plates for walk-ins at the Redmond Center, Lighthouse Navigation Center, and the Men’s Center. 

“When we were hit with a 17% federal funding cut earlier this year that reduced our food budget, we faced the risk of serving fewer meals to our neighbors in need,” said Curt Floski, executive director of Shepherd’s House Ministries.

“Instead, your generosity through the A Place at the Table Campaign turned potential loss into abundance,” Floski added. “Together, we stepped into the gap and provided thousands of meals, restored dignity, and ensured no one was left without a seat at the table.”

Shepherd’s House also provides basic necessities, including food, through its mobile outreach program called SHARE. More than 300 volunteers contribute time and talent in preparing and serving the meals, transporting food, sorting donations, and cleaning up after the meals.

“A Place at the Table” continues through the end of the year as the organization preps for colder weather and holiday meals.

For more information, contact Jerry Kaping, Director of Development at 541-388-2096.

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