Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Building a Better Bend, a local nonproft, announced the second lecture in its annual lecture series, with the theme ‘Retrofitting Bend for a Resilient Future’.

It says Oregon residents will be increasingly threatened by wildfires, heat, drought, and other natural disasters in the coming years, and now is the time to get prepared.

Steve Abbott, a principal at RMI, will speak to his team’s insights from working with dozens of groups across the country to establish local resilience hub programs.

That’s happening Tuesday, October 28th at OSU Cascades in the Ray Hall Atrium.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for networking and the lecture will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Tickets are required–you can purchase yours by clicking here.

You can find more information at www.buildingabetterbend.org-/upcoming-lectures.

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Kelsey Merison

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services held its 26th-annual ‘Diamonds and Dust’ fundraising gala, welcoming in hundreds of guests and raising tens of thousands of dollars for the nonprofit.

The nonprofit is home to 27 horses and serves around 200 people per week, meaning fundraising is crucial to keep the program running.

“Our mission statement is to heal with horses. And we do that in a number of different ways,” Development Director Darrion Cotroneo told KTVZ News in a recent interview. “We provide adaptive riding lessons. We have a ‘Heroes Horsemanship’ program, which is specifically for veterans and first responders. And then we offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and we have an on-site mental health clinic.”

Healing Reins is a proud partner of KTVZ’s ’21 Cares for Kids’ program.

Click here to learn more about Healing Reins.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bill and Katie Bellows, owners of Cynthia’s of Bend, are dealing with major damage to their longtime shop after a driver crashed into the business early Sunday morning.

Bend Police say it happened just after 2am on Southeast 3rd Street.

Investigators say 42-year-old Robert Waller of Bend, suspected of drunk driving, slammed into the front of the store.

The crash damaged the inside and outside of the business destroying fabric displays, sewing machines and work tables. The Bellows estimate repair will cost more than $10,000.

Waller was taken to St. Charles Bend before being booked into custody. He faces charges of DUI, reckless driving, and criminal mischief.

Despite the setback, the Bellows have boarded up the storefront and say Cynthia’s will reopen at its normal time Tuesday. Customers should expect to see some of the visible damage as repairs continue.

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KTVZ

(Update: More police provide more, limited info)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Redmond neighborhood is still in the dark about a large police response in their backyard this weekend. 

Several people reported a large police presence late Saturday at the apartment complex near NW 25th Street and Elm Avenue. When KTVZ News contacted Redmond Police, we were told there was an active investigation, and they could release no further information at this time.

On social media, people shared pictures of the event, including shots of a forensics van parked near a Dumpster at the apartments. Many people expressed frustration over the lack of information, and concern for their community’s safety.

KTVZ News visited a nearby apartment complex Monday afternoon, asking neighbors what they knew or saw. Man residents expressed the same concerns about the lack of information.

When contacted for further comment, Redmond Police added they had activated the ‘Major Incident Team’. The team is a tri-county effort between law enforcemcent, usually resverved for more serious investigations.

They also told us, “Due to the integrity of the ongoing, very active investigation, we are unable to release any additional information at this time.” 

KTVZ News has received several tips in regards to this incident, but we cannot confirm anything at this time.

September 27 – REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Redmond neighbors reported a large police presence late Saturday night near Northwest 25th Street and Elm Avenue. 

Officers and a forensic team remained on scene for several hours.

Redmond police confirmed activity in the area but say they cannot release further details right now. They explained that sharing information too soon could affect their investigation.

We’ll continue to follow this developing story.

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Jillian Fortner

WASCO & JEFFERSON COUNTIES, Ore. (KTVZ) – The McNamee Fire was reported this afternoon approximately 7 miles south of Antelope.

Fueled by dry grass and brush, the fire has quickly spread to 2,500 acres.

Interagency fire resources are suppressing the wildfire with 3 BLM engines and air attack.

One structure is threatened, but no evacuation notices are in place. The cause remains under investigation.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. 

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update: Michael Harvey has been located and is safe)

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — The Bend Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a missing 74-year-old man.

Michael Harvey was last seen near Silver Lake Boulevard and SW Reed Market Road. Police say Harvey wears an emergency bracelet and may need help.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – St. Charles’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit hosted a reunion for current and former patients and their families alongside caregivers on Saturday at St. Charles Bend.

This free family-friendly event featured interactive games, a bouncy house, face painting, AirLink tours, a visit from a fire truck and refreshments. Attendees were encouraged to wear a favorite superhero costume.

“Our caregivers and families look forward to this event all year. It’s so special for us to be able to see the infants we cared for playing with their families and thriving. It’s a really special event for everyone involved,” said Brook Jensen, director of women and children’s services for St. Charles Health System. 

The reunion is made possible thanks to St. Charles Foundation donors. 

About St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care and specialty clinics in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 5,000 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 400 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The world’s last remaining Blockbuster is about to celebrate a major milestone and it’s inviting the community to join the fun.

The iconic video rental brand began back in 1985, and while the Bend, Oregon store hasn’t been around that long, it now stands as the final Blockbuster on Earth. To mark the company’s 40th birthday, the store is throwing a massive party on October 18th.

The event is designed with locals in mind. Cascade Indoor Sports, Kona Ice, and the Humane Society will be part of the festivities, alongside food trucks, live music, and even a DeLorean decked out just like the one from Back to the Future.

Sandy Harding, the store’s general manager, says it’s all about celebrating Bend and the people who’ve supported Blockbuster through the years.

“We can’t express how much we love being part of the Bend community,” Harding said. “We enjoy being able to do events where we can really focus on the locals and get a lot of our local businesses behind us.”

And since no Blockbuster party would be complete without a movie twist, guests are encouraged to show up in costume dressed as their favorite film character from 1985.

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County and the City of Madras announced this week that they are partnering to create a shared vision for the future through the development of a five-year strategic plan.

The strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for the next five years, guiding decisions about priorities such as economic growth, housing, emergency preparedness, communication, community livability, and more.

“Both organizations are aligning their efforts to ensure progress benefits everyone who calls Jefferson County home,” they said in a news release, which continues in full below:

Community members will play a central role in the process. Residents, businesses, and visitors have the opportunity to share their input to shape the strategic plan through an online survey and attending upcoming events this fall.

The strategic planning process will include:

Community Survey: Available September 16 – November 5.

Engagement Activities: In-person opportunities designed for different regions of Jefferson County.

Plan Development: Drafting the plan based on community feedback.

Plan Review: Community review of draft strategic plan and online survey to ensure alignment with community priorities

“This strategic planning process is an important opportunity for us to step back, listen, and chart a clear path for the future,” said Mark Wunsch, Jefferson County Chair. “Over the next several months, we will work closely with community members, staff, and partners to identify priorities and shape how we deliver services across the county. The result will be a five-year plan that helps ensure our resources are aligned with community needs, our services are accessible and effective, and our work continues to reflect the values of the people we serve.”

The City of Madras is joining the effort to support regional alignment in service to the community.

“The City of Madras is proud to be part of this county-wide effort,” said Will Ibershof, Madras City Manager. “Strategic planning at this scale gives us a chance to align our local priorities with the broader vision for the region, making sure that the services our residents rely on are coordinated, efficient, and forward-looking. By working together, we can strengthen our community, address challenges more effectively, and build on the opportunities that will shape the next five years.”

The draft strategic plan is expected to be shared with the public for review in winter 2025–26 before being finalized for adoption by the County Board of Commissioners and City Council.

To learn more about the strategic planning process, please visit: https://bit.ly/JCStrategicPlan. 

To take the survey, please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JCoPR1.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Sunday, the Bend community will gather at Mountain Burger to celebrate the people who inspire the next generation—our teachers.

Hosted by National Solar, with support from Mountain Burger and Cascade Lakes Brewing, the Bend Teacher Appreciation Dinner will open its doors at 2747 Northwest Crossing Drive from 5:00 to 9:00 PM in a relaxed, open-house style event.

Educators attending will enjoy a free dinner from a special menu, while kids can choose from the full children’s menu. Guests 21 and over will also find complimentary beer provided by Cascade Lakes Brewing.

A family-friendly evening is planned with raffle prizes, good food, and a warm atmosphere designed to honor Bend’s dedicated teachers.

Attendance requires an online RSVP, and spaces are expected to fill quickly.

For many in the community, it’s more than just a meal—it’s a chance to say thank you to the teachers who give so much every day.

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