Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The magic of winter and the power of community were on full display at the 2026 Bend WinterFest, raising $7,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon.

Held Feb. 13–15 in the Old Mill District, the annual celebration once again brought together thousands of locals and visitors for a weekend of music, winter sports, family activities and community spirit, according to a news release Wednesday that continues in full below:

Produced by Lay It Out Events, The Boss Mortgage Bend WinterFest welcomed more than 25,000 attendees over three days. Festivalgoers enjoyed an exciting lineup of entertainment and activities, including the return of The Rally, a high-energy snowboard and ski pump-track competition that drew enthusiastic crowds Friday and Saturday night.

Live music was another highlight of the weekend, with performances from Saxsquatch and Brandi Cyrus kicking off the festivities Friday night, followed by an unforgettable Saturday performance from pop icon Tiffany, whose set had the crowd singing along to classic hits.

Sunday’s Hot Cocoa Run brought runners and walkers together for a festive 5K along the Deschutes River. Participants celebrated at the finish line with a full hot cocoa bar and spirits from Crater Lake Spirits, making it a sweet ending to the weekend.

Beyond the entertainment, the event continues to serve a meaningful purpose. The $7,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon will support the organization’s youth mentorship programs across the region. BBBSCO serves more than 200 youth in Central Oregon, providing one-to-one mentorship that helps young people build confidence, achieve academic success, and explore new opportunities.

“WinterFest is about celebrating winter in Bend, but it’s also about strengthening our community,” said Aaron Switzer, Event Producer at Lay It Out Events. “We’re proud that the festival continues to support the important work Big Brothers Big Sisters does for local youth.”

With more than three decades of winter celebrations behind it, the Boss Mortgage Bend WinterFest continues to combine entertainment, outdoor culture, and philanthropy—bringing the community together while supporting local nonprofits.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon or how to get involved, visit bbbsco.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

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Silas Moreau

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue undertook a challenging rescue effort for a Bend man who got lost on a weekend hike in the Ochoco National Forest. As it turned out, he walked through the night after calling for help and found a home where a resident drove him back to his car, deputies said.

Crook County 911 dispatchers were notified on Sunday about a missing hiker near Lookout Mountain, county Emergency Manager AJ Crawford said Wednesday.

Brian Ichkhanian, 26, of Bend, told dispatchers he had become disoriented and needed help, Crawford said.

The sheriff’s office SAR Team was immediately activated and deployed 17 personnel, as well as four snowmobiles, a Polaris Ranger, a K-9 team and a drone, Crawford said.

A deputy found the man’s vehicle at the bottom of Lookout Mountain Trailhead, so search teams were deployed from several locations, including the vehicle site and other trail access points.

“The search environment was challenging, with heavily wooded terrain, steep uphill slopes, and icy and snowy conditions near the top of the trailhead,” Crawford said a news release. “Continuous precipitation persisted throughout the night, complicating the search efforts.”

Around 7 a.m. on Monday, Ichkhanian returned to his car. He said he had walked through the night and sought help by knocking on the door at a local residence.

Crawford said the resident helped him out by driving him back to his vehicle.

“Mr. Ichkhanian was exhausted and wet from overnight conditions, but otherwise healthy and safe,” the emergency manager said.

“The Crook County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to Crook County 911 Dispatch and the Crook County Search and Rescue Team for their rapid response and assistance in locating Mr. Ichkhanian,” Crawford concluded.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It was a night to remember at Bend High School Tuesday as students, staff and alumni packed the gym for one final game before construction begins this summer on a new facility.

The Lava Bears hosted crosstown rival Mountain View in the Civil War matchup, marking the last contest ever played in the historic gym — a building that has stood for generations of Bend athletes and fans.

“Basketball’s been played at Bend Senior High for more than a hundred years, and 70 of that has been in this gym, on this exact floor right here,” said Athletic Director Ricky Rodriguez. “We love this place, and we’re going to try to send it out in style.”

Former KTVZ Chief Meteorologist Bob Shaw, who called games there for more than two decades, reminisced on the role the old gym has played in the community’s sports legacy. “I called basketball games here for 22 years,” said Shaw.

Principal Christopher Reese said the updates are part of a needed modernization project. “We’re due for a new facility,” he said. “This gymnasium is tired, but it holds a lot of memories.”

For the Bend High seniors, the evening was about more than just the scoreboard. “I feel pretty honored,” said senior basketball player Spencer Dildine. “We were supposed to represent more than just our class — the classes that came before us.”

The Lava Bears closed out the gym in winning fashion, defeating the Cougars 59–50.

Construction on the new gym is set to begin this summer, with an upgraded facility expected to open in time for the 2028 school year. A piece of nostalgia will carry over — the iconic bear claw from the center of the old hardwood will be installed in the new arena’s floor, preserving decades of Bend High tradition.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Each February, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science — a time to recognize the trailblazers and inspire the next generation of scientists. While more women are studying and working in scientific fields than ever before, men continue to outnumber them in many areas.

According to the Pew Research Center, women remain underrepresented in disciplines such as engineering, mechanics, astronomy, and physics. However, they’re seeing greater success in health and life sciences, including healthcare, psychology, and veterinary medicine.

At Oregon State University–Cascades, chemistry instructor Dr. Maureen Johnson said beginning her career wasn’t easy. She recalls being one of the only women in her field — and one of the few in leadership.

“When I was first in industry, being a woman in engineering was a very lonely place,” Johnson said. “Even after a while, I really felt like it was something I couldn’t tolerate anymore.”

Central Oregon Community College biology professor Sarah Fuller said her passion for science started at a young age but came with hesitation.

“I remember being in the sixth‑grade science fair and having mixed messages about pursuing science,” Fuller said. “I loved it, but I was a little scared about whether I would fit in.”

Fuller noted that while the gender gap has narrowed, the imbalance persists in which science paths women choose. Men continue to dominate engineering and fieldwork roles, while women are more often found in education and healthcare. In her current microbiology class, she said, every student enrolled is a woman — a reflection of lingering career trends.

Johnson said perseverance was key to finding her place in science, and she hopes more young women will be encouraged to push forward.

“You have to make your own way and be yourself,” she said. “The more women that are in industry and leadership positions, the easier it will be. There just need to be more of us — that’s all.”

Both professors agree that mentorship and visibility make a difference. The more young women see others thriving in science, the more likely they are to believe they belong there too.

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Campbell Porter

SALEM, Ore. — High school students from across the state will gather in Salem this weekend for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud Oregon State Championships. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, at the Historic Grand Theatre from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Hosted by the Oregon Arts Commission, the competition features 11 finalists in a display of memorization, performance and literary interpretation. The participants represent high schools from Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Salem, Redmond and Medford.

Ariana Morris, a junior at Redmond High School, is among the finalists competing this year. This marks the third year Morris has participated in the state championships. She is one of several students representing schools outside the immediate Salem area.

Finalists from the Portland area include Alida Shi Lyons from Cleveland High School, Bena Rodecap from Grant High School and Samantha Faulkner from Trinity Academy. Gabriel Hall and Josiah Gaither, both students at St. Stephen’s Academy in Beaverton, also advanced to the state round.

The competition also features Drishti Singh and Rain Obiesie from Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego. Emma Keen will represent the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, while Kaydence Pope and Molly Wheeler will represent South Medford High School in Medford.

The competition will take place at the Historic Grand Theatre, located at 187 High St. NE in Salem. The event is scheduled to run for 3 hours.

The 2026 state champion will be announced at the conclusion of the event on Saturday afternoon.

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Triton Notary

(Update: Earlier reporting misstated the location of Bates’ residence and the alleged crime; both occurred outside La Pine city limits, in Deschutes County.)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gavaughn Bates, the 25-year-old Deschutes County man accused of murdering his mother in front of minors, appeared virtually in Deschutes County Circuit Court on Tuesday afternoon for the first hearing in the case.

Bates is charged with four counts in the purported crime, all relating to domestic violence: second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of strangulation. One of the strangulation charges stems from the alleged act occurring in the presence of minor children living in the home.

Judge Michelle McIverson ordered Bates remain held without bail in the Deschutes County Jail. The judge also prohibited him from having contact with two minors, identified in court records by initials only, as well as with the residence where the alleged crime occurred.

Court documents also included a correction to the spelling of Bates’ first name, which had previously been listed in filings as “Gavaughan.”

The next hearing for Bates has been set for March 10th, when he is set to be arraigned on the indictment.

We will continue to keep you updated as this story develops.

Earlier Story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A 25-year-old La Pine man was arrested early Monday morning after reporting his involvement in the homicide of his mother at their shared home. Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies took Gavaughn Bates into custody following a report of suspicious circumstances at a local truck stop.

Deputies discovered the body of 56-year-old ErmaJean McGillicuddy at a residence on Woodstock Drive in La Pine. Two juveniles were inside the home during the incident and witnessed a portion of the altercation that led to the woman’s death.

The investigation began when deputies responded to reports of suspicious circumstances at Gordy’s Truck Stop in La Pine at approximately 2:03 a.m. Monday. At the truck stop, deputies contacted Bates and identified him as a suspect in his mother’s death. Officials said Bates had reported his involvement in the incident.

After the initial contact at the truck stop, deputies went to the residence on Woodstock Drive and discovered McGillicuddy. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has not released specific details regarding the cause of death.

Authorities confirmed that the two juveniles who were present during the altercation were safely removed from the home. The sheriff’s office has since connected the children with support services.

Bates was transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail and lodged on several charges. His charges include murder, aggravated first-degree assault and strangulation – assault witnessed by a child.

The case remains under investigation by detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. The matter has been referred to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 38-year-old Bend man was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today for illegally possessing an assault rifle and ammunition in the Deschutes National Forest. Cody Joe Hunt, a convicted felon, was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.

The sentencing follows a Feb. 13, 2025, incident where U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers responded to reports of gunfire near China Hat Road. Officers arrived at the scene to find Hunt fleeing into the woods. As a convicted felon, Hunt is prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

As Hunt fled from the scene near China Hat Road, he left behind an assault rifle and spent shell casings. U.S. Forest Service officers tracked him through the snow and discovered ammunition in his pockets that matched the discarded rifle. Hunt was initially arrested on separate, unspecified charges.

The investigation expanded after authorities obtained a search warrant for Hunt’s electronic devices. Data recovered from the devices provided evidence that Hunt possessed the rifle in the weeks leading up to the incident. The Deschutes County Digital Forensics Division assisted in the investigation, which revealed Hunt had participated in the purchase of the firearm at a local dealer.

A federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count superseding indictment against Hunt on Sept. 18, 2025. The indictment officially charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Hunt subsequently pleaded guilty to both counts on Nov. 18, 2025.

Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren prosecuted the case for the government. The investigation was led by the U.S. Forest Service with support from local forensics experts.

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Kelsey Merison

Update: KTVZ’s Claire Elmer spoke with Holden and his parents to learn more about the upcoming event. Above is the full report, also available on KTVZ+.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Skiers and snowboarders will gather at Mt. Bachelor on Sunday, March 8th, for the inaugural ‘Runs for Wishes’ Ski-A-Thon. The fundraiser was spearheaded by 11-year-old Holden, a Make-A-Wish Oregon ambassador.

The fundraiser will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to benefit Make-A-Wish Oregon.

Participants will collect pledges for each run they complete during the day. The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is supporting the fundraiser, which aims to provide resources for children facing critical illnesses.

Holden is an avid ski racer who trains with the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation as part of the Mini World Cup program. Following a diagnosis of a nervous system disorder, Holden requested a wish to attend the X Games at Aspen Snowmass. He said the experience exceeded his expectations.

Photo credit: Dave Camara / X Games

“My wish was epic,” Holden said. “My mom, dad and I were X Games VIPs! We loaded on a snowcat for a behind-the-scenes tour, got to meet Olympic Gold Medal Winner Alex Hall and hand out medals on the podium. I felt like I was on top of the world!”

All proceeds from the fundraiser will support Oregon wish kids and their families. Holden will be joined on the mountain by his teammates from the foundation and APEX FX. Friends from Seven Peaks School also plan to participate in the event.

According to Make-A-Wish Oregon, there are currently more than 300 children in the state waiting for their wishes to be granted. Holden said he hopes the Bend community will help turn those dreams into reality.

“There are more than 300 kids like me in Oregon who are waiting for their wish to come true,” Holden said. “Together, I hope we can all change that.”

The event will be located at the base of the hotwalk near the West Village Lodge and West Village parking lot. Participants are responsible for the cost of their own lift tickets. Community members can sign up or donate through the Make-A-Wish Oregon website.

A group photo for all participants is scheduled for 1 p.m. on the day of the event. Participants will make their direct donations to Holden’s Make-A-Wish page at the conclusion of the ski-a-thon.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Senator David Brock Smith officially launched his campaign for the United States Senate on Tuesday, March 3rd. Sen. Smith is a third-generation resident of Southwest Oregon who has served in the state legislature and multiple local government roles.

Sen. Smith brings 45 years of experience as a former restaurateur for his family’s business to the race. His platform focuses on making daily life more affordable for families, improving public safety and addressing homelessness and addiction.

Smith’s experience in public service includes positions on the Chamber of Commerce and the School Board. He also served on the City Council and as a County Commissioner before his tenure in both the Oregon House and Senate.

Sen. Smith emphasized that his campaign will focus on addressing issues facing working families.

“Oregonians are tired of partisan bickering, political grandstanding and headlines that produce nothing but noise,” Sen. Smith said. “I’ve never operated that way. As your next United States Senator, I won’t start now. My focus will be squarely on the people of Oregon.”

The campaign platform includes a commitment to restoring safety to streets and addressing addiction and homelessness with accountability. Sen. Smith stated he intends to ensure the voices of Oregonians are respected in Washington. He described his career as being rooted in service.

“As a third-generation Oregonian, it’s been the honor of my life to serve you locally and in Salem,” Sen. Smith said. “As your next United States Senator, my mission is simple: Put Oregon First. It’s time for leadership rooted in service — not headlines or personal ambition.”

Click here to watch Sen. Smith’s campaign launch video on YouTube.

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Silas Moreau

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County High School student Chance Mott (@chancethefiddler on Instagram) silenced the crowd at the OSAA Wrestling State Championship over the weekend.

Before any of the action even kicked off, Chance’s fiddle echoed through the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland as he played the national anthem for grapplers and fans alike.

You can find Chance’s performance of the national anthem here

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