Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

UPDATE: On Tuesday, a jury was seated in the Samson Garner trial. A jury of 7 men and 8 women were seated. Twelve jurors were sworn in on Tuesday afternoon, along with three alternates. Opening statements are set to begin on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ – August 11) — A Portland man accused of plotting a mass shooting at a Smith Rock climbing event nearly two years ago appeared in court Monday, a week before his 17-day jury trial on 26 felony charges is set to begin. 

Samson Zebturiah Garner, now 41, took part in the hearing by video from the Deschutes County Jail, where he’s been held on $10 million bail since his arrest in late October 2023, accused of bringing several guns and numerous rounds of ammunition to Central Oregon and planning the attack the the popular climbing area. 

Authorities allege Garner was planning to shoot several climbers participating the Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic. Portland police alerted Deschutes County authorities about his plans, and they worked together to locate him. 

Last fall, five days before the original trial date, Garner’s defense attorneys asked to delay the proceedings so they could review a large amount of evidence in the case and to consult with expert witnesses about such items as Garner’s recorded phone and video calls from jail and videos of the test-firing of Garner’s guns.  

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alison Emerson agreed to the request and delayed the trial until August 18 of this year. Another hearing is planned Friday afternoon on pre-trial issues. Emerson has set out a trial schedule that would have the proceedings conclude around Sept. 11. 

Deputy District Attorney Stacy Neil told the judge they may need to discuss at the motion hearing the relevance for jurors of a term Garner used in one email, in which he was “calling himself a psychopathic monster.” She said the defense wants to call a mental health provider or psychologist to testify about the term and how it pertains to the allegations. 

Emerson asked that the pre-trial motions and responses be filed no later than Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, so she can review them before Friday’s hearing. Other issues that may be discussed relate to jury instructions, a piece of evidence and redactions that defense attorneys want on some trial exhibits. 

The judge also plans to discuss on Friday what restraints Garner must wear when in the courtroom for his trial. Emerson said she plans to empanel three alternate jurors, since the trial is expected to take four weeks. 

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Tracee Tuesday

Local business owners say the added costs on items like jewelry, clothing, and specialty goods may lead to higher prices for customers — or slimmer profit margin for their business.   Jennifer Lovejoy, Owner of Nashelle said, her business has seen some changes due to President Trump’s tariffs.  

“I would say, you know, so we’ve seen a little bit of uncertainty and i think everyone’s been just slightly nervous in the jewelry world. but i would say that, we’ve also seen a huge amount of demand for like, other alternatives, such as lab grown diamonds versus natural diamonds, and that’s been something that has been really strong for us right now.”  

Clothing boutiques such as Jack + Millie, carry a number of American-made brands, meaning import tariffs have a smaller impact on their bottom line.   

Jack + Millie Store Manager Sydney Verbrugge says, it not only helps avoid rising costs on overseas goods but also supports domestic manufacturing. still, they’re keeping an eye on trade policy changes, knowing even USA-based suppliers can be affected by shifting global markets.  

Howabout the locations that sell comics, board games and books.   

Here’s what Duncan Mcgeary, the owner of Pegasus Books had to say.   

“I have owned the store for 42 years. it’s been in existence for 45 years.” 

Tracee: Even with some of the tariffs that have been implemented, that you feel that business is still, the same?  

“I haven’t noticed anything. i don’t think it’s affected anything at all, at least when it comes to us,” said McGeary.  

KTVZ News also spoke with some consumers who say they’ve noticed price hikes which meant they’ve had to spend less. 

For now, Central Oregon businesses say they hope trade policies will stabilize, but until then, they’re bracing for more adjustments. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new community resource is coming to Central Oregon: the Central Oregon Tool Library (COTool), a nonprofit lending library for tools and DIY resources, will soon open its doors in the parking lot of the Bend ReStore. The launch date is set for Friday, September 5th. 

The Central Oregon Tool Library is designed to give community members affordable access to tools for home repair, gardening, and DIY projects, regardless of income.

In a region where the cost of home maintenance or the price of tools can be a barrier, this tool library will offer a sustainable, empowering alternative, the organization said in Monday’s announcement. 

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, a local nonprofit committed to building homes, communities and hope, is serving as COTool’s fiscal sponsor. As a 501(c)(3), Habitat can accept tax-deductible donations on behalf of the tool library, helping to fund this valuable new initiative. The partnership is rooted in shared values of empowerment, equity, and environmental sustainability. 

COTool is the creation of Tony Grzesik, Peter LoVerso and John Heylin. They each bring their own experiences with tool libraries, and were brought together by Kavi Chokshi, the Rethink Waste Program Manager at The Environmental Center.

“The idea behind the Central Oregon Tool Library is simple: everyone deserves access to the tools,” said Heylin. “At our core, we want everyone, no matter their income level or ability, to be able to borrow a tool so they can improve their lives. It’s also important that we reduce waste through reuse and build community through local empowerment.” 

Locating the Tool Library at the Bend ReStore — known for keeping nearly 3 million pounds of usable materials out of landfills annually — underscores the project’s commitment to reuse and environmental stewardship.

COTool will offer a wide range of tools, from power drills to garden shears, available for borrowing just like books from a library. It plans to partner with Habitat in hosting workshops and providing DIY education to promote skill-building and self-reliance. 

Currently, the tool library is fundraising for the September 5th launch. Learn more about the Central Oregon Tool Library by visiting www.cotool.org. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding info that hikers were a Portland-area couple)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two hikers in the Badlands Wilderness Area east of Bend ran out of food and water, got lost, and one experienced a medical issue Sunday afternoon, prompting a call for help and a successful rescue effort, authorities said.

Around 2:40 p.m., Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Search & Rescue (SAR) volunteers responded to a call for help from two hikers in distress in the Badlands, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in a news release Monday.

The hikers, a Portland-area couple who had ventured out on Flatiron Rock Trail earlier in the day, reported running out of food and water, Carr said. They were also lost, and one hiker was experiencing a medical issue.

They were about four miles from the trailhead when they called for help.

Deputy Josh Westfall first reached the hikers around 4:30 p.m. with food and water. He was joined by a dozen SAR volunteers, who followed with additional food and supplies.

The hikers were assisted to the trailhead, Carr said, but they declined further medical treatment and left the area on their own. 

Carr said the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Search & Rescue want to remind anyone recreating outdoors in the summer heat to take important safety precautions:

Bring a map in case you lose cell phone coverage or your battery dies.

Carry extra food and water beyond what you think you’ll need.

Wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.

Let someone know your plans and expected return time if you get lost.

“Proper preparation can make the difference between a safe outing and a dangerous emergency,” Carr added.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With triple-digit heat such as what areas of Central Oregon are experiencing this week, the risks of heatstroke go way up.

Heatstroke happens when the body’s temperature exceeds 104°F. It’s more than just overheating, and can damage your internal organs – and even your brain.

Fortunately, Bend Fire and Rescue’s Emergency Response Services says they only respond to six or seven cases of full-on heatstroke a year. More commonly, they catch it before it becomes that serious. Often, they refer to these cases as “heat fatigue,” but it’s still fairly serious.

Overheating is how heatstroke begins.

The consciousness is the key to telling how serious the heat illness is. Feeling tired, thirsty and too hot is just “heat fatigue.” The moment someone starts feeling faint, sleepy or nauseous is when it becomes an emergency.

When it comes to when to call 911, Petar Hossick, Bend Fire’s EMS training captain, said Monday, “If you go to them and as you approach, you can even put your hand this far away and go, ‘Oh my gosh, that person is too hot'” – please, in those conditions, or if they are in a coma or unconscious, call us immediately.”

Young kids and the elderly are more susceptible to heat-related illness.

So if someone young or old is still feeling like they might faint, even after they’ve come inside, they could need medical assistance – so don’t delay.

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Barney Lerten

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ ) — With everyone watching closely for any new smoke amid very hot weather, a new wildfire was halted quickly on the Deschutes National Forest west of Sunriver and Lolo Butte late Monday afternoon.

Fire 820 was reported around 4:30 p.m., and forward progression was stopped before 5 p.m., with mop-up operations underway, Ludie Bond, public information officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Service, told KTVZ News

Here’s the fact sheet issued minutes earlier for the 820 Fire by COFMS:

Wildfire Fact Sheet – 0820

Start Date: August 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Location: 43°51’08.3″N 121°36’46.2″W

 North of LaPine, 8-10 miles west of Sunriver, 1.4 miles west of Lolo Butte

Jurisdiction: Deschutes National Forest

Fire Size: Approximately .5 acres 

Cause: Under investigation

Fuels: heavy timber with spotting and torching

Structures: no structures threatened

Fire Crews/Resources: 3 engines, 2 dozers, air attack, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 2 crews, and 1 water tenders

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM. Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek announced Monday that the budget reconciliation bill backed by the Trump Administration and passed by Republicans in Congress is projected to cut $15 billion in federal funding from Oregon for health insurance coverage, food benefits and other programs over the next six years.

The announcement is the result of a preliminary analysis by the State of Oregon’s Chief Financial Officer in coordination with state agencies upon the passage of President Trump’s budget early in July. The analysis may change, pending detailed federal guidelines to implement the bill, the governor said in a news release posted here in full.

In response to the esteimate, Governor Kotek stated:

“The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have betrayed American children and families, who will become sicker, hungrier, and less prosperous because of President Trump’s budget bill. Oregonians will see less of their federal tax dollars coming back to our state for things they count on. Furthermore, President Trump and Congress knew that state governments cannot pay for this substantial gap in services, but went ahead and did it anyway.

“I am going to work with Oregon lawmakers and community partners to do all that we can to stand up for Oregonians and get through this needless, callous hardship. I will continue to hold the line and push back as Oregon values are under threat. I hope Oregonians will stand with me as we fight this together.”

Below is a high-level table of the most impacted agencies, in millions over the next three state budget cycles (biennia):

Additional preliminary analyses of impacts to Oregon state agencies can be found here.

The Governor will convene state lawmakers and key stakeholders who work with or represent populations most at risk from the Trump Administration’s budget cuts to consider possible strategies to reduce impact to people, and her office will continue to communicate impacts as they come into focus through implementation.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation said Monday it’s proud to announce that this spring, they were awarded Silver Certification from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to excellence.

This prestigious certification acknowledges that MBSEF has established the systems, structures, and quality of training environments necessary to foster high-performing athletes, the organization is said in the news release, which continues in full below: 

“We’re incredibly proud to receive Silver Certification,” says Executive Director Amy Tarnow. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our coaches, staff, and athletes in creating strong, sustainable programs that meet the high standards set by U.S. Ski & Snowboard. This recognition reflects our commitment not only to developing outstanding athletes but also to ensuring the longevity and quality of our programs.” 

MBSEF offers a wide range of programs in Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Freeride Skiing, Freeride Snowboarding, and Cycling for athletes of all ages, from youth to masters. For the 2025/2026 winter season, programs will begin in December 2025 and run through March 2026. 

Registration opened to the general public on August 1, 2025. Due to the fact that some programs tend to fill quickly, interested families are encouraged to secure their spots for the coming winter season soon. 

For more information on MBSEF’s Silver Certified programs and to register, visit www.mbsef.org. 

More About Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation: 

The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) is a leading winter sports organization and nonprofit based in Bend, Oregon since 1986. Skyliners Ski Club, MBSEF’s root organization, originated in Central Oregon in 1927. The vision of MBSEF is to positively impact the life of every athlete it serves, and it is proud to be the recipient of the 2024 US Ski and Snowboard Development Club of the Year. For more information on MBSEF, its programs, and how to support MBSEF athletes, visit www.mbsef.org.  

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Barney Lerten

EUGENE, Ore.) — SELCO Community Credit Union will once again support educators with up to $125,000 through its two flagship educator programs, each designed to help teachers who too often pay out of pocket for classroom-related expenses.  

Back for a second year, the Regional Classroom Makeovers will fund three projects for up to $15,000 each. In addition, SELCO will award dozens of Creative Educator Grants, each worth up to $2,500 and designed to turn imaginative classroom projects into reality.  

Educators can apply for both programs between Friday, Aug. 15, and Tuesday, Sept. 30. 

The programs are part of SELCO Steps Up, the credit union’s community outreach initiative, which aims to foster meaningful, lasting change through nonprofit sponsorships, volunteerism, and funding for students and educators.  This allows teachers to turn their creative classroom ideas into a realitly.

“Teachers have great ideas, right?” said Cheryl Cauthon, Branch Manager at SELCO’s Century Drive location. “And, a lot of teachers use their own money to fund these projects. And so SELCO just wants to step up and help educators fund project so it doesn’t have to come out of their own pocket. “

SELCO’s investment in educator support has proven especially timely, addressing a growing funding gap caused by rising costs and budget constraints. Too often, it has been educators who bridge this gap with personal funds. According to a national survey of educators, teachers spent an average of $895 of their own money on classroom expenses during the 2024-25 academic year. That out-of-pocket spending has increased 49% since 2015, according to the same survey. 

“We were blown away by the number and quality of applications last year,” said Craig Carpenter, SELCO’s Senior Vice President of Lending & Business Banking. “The impact these grants and makeovers had on classrooms was immediate and inspiring. As a credit union founded by teachers, supporting educators isn’t just a priority for SELCO — it’s part of who we are.” 

Said Olivia Sorensen, SELCO’s Community Development Supervisor for SELCO: “Each year, we’re reminded of what we already knew — educators have no shortage of passion and creativity, but they need support to bring their ideas to life.”  

SELCO will begin accepting applications for the following programs starting Aug. 15: 

Classroom Makeovers: Three K-12 classrooms will receive makeovers worth up to $15,000 each. “Classroom” is loosely defined as any school learning space, including traditional classrooms, libraries, playgrounds, and gymnasiums. A SELCO Steps Up committee selects finalists in each of the three regions that SELCO serves: the Willamette Valley, Central and Eastern Oregon, and Northern Oregon. Then, through an online voting process held in October, SELCO members and the public at large select one winner from each region. 

Creative Educator Grants: Designed for K-12 educators with creative classroom ideas but lacking funds to get those projects off the ground. The program received a significant boost in 2024: SELCO increased the value of each grant to as much as $2,500 per recipient (up from $1,000) to support larger and more impactful projects. A selection panel reviews applications based on project originality, proposal clarity, number of students affected, potential for skill development, and diversity and impact of projects.  

In the inaugural year of the Classroom Makeover program, Caldera High School in Bend received $15,000 to finish the build-out and expansion of its Makerspace Lab, Prairie Mountain School in Eugene was awarded $15,000 to create an ability-inclusive playground, and Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson received $11,700 to transform a music classroom. 

“The mission of our Career and Technical Education department is to develop citizens with the necessary skills, attitudes, and tools to be successful and be positive contributors to our communities,” said Gavin Meyers, Caldera’s engineering, architecture, and graphic design teacher. “With the support of this grant, we will be one step closer to achieving our goal.” 

2024 also saw a significant boost in applications to SELCO’s grant program, which ultimately awarded 44 grants to diverse programs across the state. Westside Village Magnet School in Bend purchased a new 3D printer, helping students create products to launch their own small businesses. Other recipients included Fern Ridge Middle School in Elmira for a hands-on automotive engineering class that teaches students to build working model engines and small electric vehicles. 

John Sperry, a teacher at Hamlin Middle School in Springfield, was one of the grant recipients in 2024 for his project revamping his school’s news broadcast channel, operated entirely by students. 

“What I’m hoping for,” Sperry said, “is that we’ll feel more cohesive, more like we have a belonging culture here … instead of it just being that school that they go to.” 

For more information about SELCO Steps Up Classroom Makeovers or Creative Educator Grants, to view past grant recipients, or to apply, visit www.selco.org/steps-up/student-and-educator-support/. For questions, please email stepsup@selco.org. 

About SELCO Steps Up: 

The SELCO Steps Up program aims to create positive, innovative, lasting change through volunteerism, resource support, and collaboration with community partners. In 2024 alone, SELCO reinvested nearly $415,000 in the communities it serves through educator grants, scholarships, and impact-driven sponsorships. SELCO staff also committed nearly 1,400 volunteer hours last year alone. As a credit union founded by teachers, education is a cornerstone of these efforts, with a focus on removing barriers to financial literacy. By empowering individuals and families to achieve financial well-being, SELCO strives to build a strong foundation for all its members and neighbors. Learn more at www.selco.org/steps-up. 

About SELCO Community Credit Union: 

Founded nearly 90 years ago by a group of fiscally minded teachers, Springfield-based SELCO Community Credit Union today serves more than 150,000 members as one of the largest and longest-standing Oregon-based credit unions. A not-for-profit, federally insured, member-driven financial cooperative with more than $2.7 billion in assets, SELCO provides its member-owners with exceptional rates and low fees on a full range of financial products and services, including banking, mortgages, personal and business loans, investments, and insurance. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of the 27 Oregon or eight Washington counties SELCO serves. For more information or to become a member today, stop by one of SELCO’s 15 branches, visit selco.org, or call 800-445-4483. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding interview with BPRD, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With this week’s scorching forecast, the most popular way to cool off is to head to the water. Whether it’s the river, a community pool or one of our parks’ splash pads, Central Oregonians have a variety of cooldown options to choose from. 

The Bend Park & Recreation District maintains many of the area’s most favored spots. KTVZ spoke Monday with BPRD’s community engagement director, Julie Brown, about their offerings and safety tips. 

“When the temperature gets hot, like we’re experiencing right now, it’s pretty common for people to want to come and cool off. We do have a lot of other spaces that are free to use — all of our parks and our trails,” Brown said.

“We have a really great spray ground area at Alpenglow Community Park,” she added. “Being able to access the Deschutes River or even Tumalo Creek, there’s some spots where you can kind of splash your feet in at Shevlin Park. All of those are very accessible, free activities to consider as well.”

 If you’re looking to escape the sun entirely, Juniper Swim and Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center are popular choices, offering indoor pools and a track — along with air conditioning, of course. 

“Both Juniper Swim and Fitness Center and the Larkspur Community Center have a drop-in daily fee. If you’re not a member, you are certainly welcome to access those spaces with just a day-use pass,” Brown said.

For those who are enjoying one of the park district’s summer camps, extra precautions are being taken to safely deal with the heat wave.

“We have a lot of summer camps that are happening right now,” Brown. “They’re making adjustments to the exertion level, taking some extra rest breaks, making sure that they’re playing some games in the shade and doing a lot of extra hydration.”

Bend Park & REC estimates around 6,000 people will float the Deschutes River in the Old Mill each day of the heat wave. For the thousands of expected river users going through Bend Whitewater Park, safety is just as important as cooling down. Be sure you are prepared to handle both the extreme heat and water conditions before heading out. 

“Make sure that you have as durable a gear that is meant for a river environment,” Brown said. “Those really inexpensive pool floaties do not hold up well against the jagged rocks in the branches and things like that that you’re going to encounter in the river.”

“We recommend life jackets for everybody who’s enjoying the river,” she added. “We have them available at Riverbend Park, as well as Miller’s Landing Park. So if you don’t have one, make use of those loaners that we have available – and just make sure that you’re doing all the right things to have a safe day on the river.”

Bend Park and Rec reminds the community — the key to enjoying summer heat is preparation. Be sure to hydrate often, take breaks in the shade, and practice water safety. Keep an eye on yourself, your loved ones, and don’t forget about your pets!

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