Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Young athletes across Central Oregon will have a chance to sharpen their skills and build confidence this weekend at the Oregon Lightning Youth Initiative Football and Cheer Camp.

The camp, set for Saturday at Caldera High School in Bend, is designed for kids from Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Bend. Organizers say the goal goes beyond sports fundamentals, focusing on teamwork, discipline, leadership and community connection.

Participants will receive hands-on instruction in both football and cheerleading, while also learning life skills that extend off the field.

“This is about more than just athletics,” organizers said. “We are creating opportunities for mentorship, encouragement and personal growth for local youth.”

Funds raised through the initiative help cover operational costs, including equipment, facility use, staffing and training materials. Organizers say that support allows them to keep the camp accessible while providing a safe and positive experience for participants.

The program aims to invest in Central Oregon youth by offering a structured environment where kids can develop confidence, build relationships and stay engaged in their communities.

The camp runs from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Caldera High School, 60925 SE 15th St. in Bend.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The interactive art exhibit “Seeds of Abundance” has been transformed by the public.

The exhibit, which was first reported on by KTVZ last month, features two distinct interactive elements. People were invited to contribute bits of nature, tying them together with string and sharing their thoughts on art, Central Oregon’s nature, and farming.

A second part of the exhibit involved a dark room where visitors placed white dots under a black light, further encouraging direct engagement with the artwork.

Guieu, a local artist, created “Seeds of Abundance” to foster community participation. She expressed great satisfaction with the public’s involvement.

“Because you are here. You participate, you bring your imagination and you bring your creativity to it makes them feel good as it should, because everyone is creative and we are going to need so much creativity in the times to come,” Guieu said.

Guieu was also pleased by the imaginative ways people engaged with the black-light room, noting that they took the art in new directions.

The “Seeds of Abundance” exhibit will be on display for one more week at the Scalehouse art gallery. Following its conclusion, Guieu is actively looking for a new venue or individual to continue hosting the main art piece. Ideally, it would be put somewhere indoors where people could continue to add to it.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mike and Logan Heagerty, a father-son inventor duo, have developed a new mobility chair called the “Lift Lite” here in Bend.

The chair uses leverage and body strength to help users sit and stand, without electric assistance.

The invention stems from Mike Heagerty’s personal experience several years ago. Mike fell ill, causing him to lose some strength and mobility. He found himself struggling to get in and out of chairs, yet he was determined to maintain his independence. He did not want an electric-assisted chair, fearing further loss of mobility. This personal challenge spurred the father and son to collaborate on creating a solution that relies on the user’s own body mechanics.

With minimal effort, the chair goes from a seated position to upright. There’s no motor or electrical component. While it is easy to sit and stand from, the chair encourages the user to build strength and balance.

Logan Heagerty, co-founder of Lift Lite, explained the chair’s target audience. “I mean, there are definitely all sorts of mobility products out there. This is for someone who wants to be a little bit of a maverick with their mobility,” Heagerty said. “They want to work differently. They want to move differently. This is someone that could go for another option but chooses speed, independence and confidence in their movement.”

Mike Heagerty recovered from his illness, but he recognized the broader need for a chair like the one they had designed. The pair initially developed several models of the chair. They then met with medical professionals to further refine the “Lift Lite” design. They are, however, proud that their chair was made out of their own necessity, and it is not a generic product designed for sale.

The “Lift Lite” chair is currently going into production. It will be available to the public soon. They encourage anyone interested in this alternative mobility solution to check in on their website for the latest information on Lift Lite.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend city councilors have approved this year’s street preservation projects that involve several streets slated for paving, chipseal and slurry seal contracts.

The city is preparing to do about $4.34 million worth of street preservation contract work this year that will improve about 77 lane miles around the city. That includes about 12.9 miles of paving, 26.7 miles of chipseal, 26 miles of slurry treatments, and 11.1 miles of micro paving.

This work is supported by Bend’s Transportation Fee.

The city says its “goal is to maintain and preserve streets with the most cost-effective treatment for the road condition, implementing the right treatment at the right time.”

Maintenance treatments for the 2026 construction season include:

Paving: Old asphalt is ground out and replaced, or a new layer of asphalt is paved on top of existing roadway. This process can take a couple of days.

Chip seals: Asphalt emulsion and rock are applied to the road. Rolling, short-term closures.

Slurry seal: A treatment typically for low-volume residential streets. One-day closures.

Micro paving: A cost-effective, quick treatment for high-volume streets. Night work.

An interactive version of project map can be found at the city’s Street Preservation page, linked below

With its own crews, separate from the contracted services, the city will also reconstruct the asphalt surface of about 1.5 miles of streets this year. With reconstruction, the existing roadway asphalt surface is removed and rebuilt. That work can take several days.

The city of Bend monitors the condition of roads to determine maintenance plans. That allows for the right treatment to be applied at the right time to save costs and extend the life of a road.

The worst roads need full reconstruction, which is exponentially more expensive than regular maintenance. The city says full roadway reconstruction is not an efficient use of maintenance funds and is likely to be paid for as part of a larger transportation construction project.

“The street preservation contracts are part of our continued maintenance efforts to extend the life of our transportation infrastructure with the most cost-effective treatments and available resources,” said Transportation and Mobility Department Director David Abbas.

“We have more than 900 lane miles of roads to maintain, and the cost of maintaining streets has increased considerably in recent years. Our operations and maintenance revenues, such as the Transportation Fee, will need to keep pace with cost and inflation increases in the future to improve our pavement conditions.”

To learn more about Bend’s street preservation practices, visit bendoregon.gov/streetpreservation.

To subscribe to weekly emails to plan your best route around road work and construction, visit bendoregon.gov/traffic for the weekly road and traffic report.

Click here to follow the original article.

Harley Coldiron

Do you want to be part of the solution to addressing the housing crisis in Central Oregon?

Central Oregon YIMBY, 1000 Friends of Oregon, and Central Oregon LandWatch are joining forces to tackle the housing crisis with a unique workshop and presentation. This interactive event will explore policy strategies and community advocacy, offering attendees a chance to learn, engage, and enjoy some free pizza.

Mark your calendars for 5:30-7:30 PM on April 21st at Open Space Event Studio to be part of the solution.

You are asked to RSVP if you plan to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lets-talk-housing-solutions-tickets-1985959985778

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild has introduced two new wildlife ambassador animals, a western toad and a gopher snake, to help educate the community on wildlife and habitat conservation. These animals will participate in education and outreach programs across Central Oregon.

The ambassador animals, both native herpetofauna, will visit classrooms and community events to teach students and the public about native species and coexistence. Both animals were approved for the ambassador program by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife after being deemed non-releasable.

The western toad, named Timmy, had his name submitted and voted on by local students from Barnes Butte Elementary, Jefferson County 21st Century After School Program and Warm Springs K-eight Academy. Timmy arrived at Think Wild as a patient after being kept as a pet for about one year. He was deemed non-releasable due to habituation concerns, as wildlife accustomed to humans often lose critical survival behaviors needed in the wild. Timmy’s story serves as a reminder that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal and harmful to both animals and ecosystems.

Timmy with a cricket on his head. Credit: Think Wild / Sue Dougherty

Western toads (Anaxyrus boreas) are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Oregon, facing threats from habitat loss, disease and changes to wetland and riparian ecosystems. Amphibians are particularly sensitive to environmental changes because they depend on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats throughout their lives. Timmy will serve as an ambassador for his species, highlighting the importance of wetlands, clean water and habitat connectivity.

The gopher snake was rescued from a construction site in Tumalo with significant trauma near the cloaca that required stitches. Isaiah Bagley Blessing, the gopher snake rescuer, brought the animal to Think Wild Wildlife Hospital. “While working in Tumalo , I stumbled upon an injured gopher snake. After a quick glance, I noticed the excavator accidentally moved concrete blankets and injured him pretty badly,” Blessing said. “After my girlfriend suggested taking him to Think Wild Wildlife Hospital, we brought the snake in with little hope, but against the odds, they survived. Seeing them pull through meant a lot to me, I’ve always had a deep love for animals, especially reptiles and I’ve always been the kind of person to rescue even the smallest creatures, from snakes to spiders.”

Gopher snake. Credit: Think Wild / Sue Dougherty

Due to the injury, the gopher snake cannot defecate independently and requires physical assistance from trained staff approximately once per week. An animal unable to perform essential biological functions on its own is not suitable for release. Blessing expressed gratitude for Think Wild’s efforts. “Thank you to all the people at Think Wild for taking him in and all the other conservation they do,” he commented.

Gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are non-venomous and native to Central Oregon, playing a role in controlling rodent populations. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to defensive behaviors such as flattening their head, hissing loudly and vibrating their tail. Despite this mimicry, gopher snakes are harmless to humans and are an important part of a balanced ecosystem.

These new animals will join Wild’s existing ambassador, Shar, a red-tailed hawk, in supporting the organization’s programs. They will help students and community members learn about native wildlife, habitat conservation and how everyday actions affect local ecosystems. Becca LiPuma, education manager at Think Wild, emphasized the animals’ role. “while these animals may be small, they represent a big opportunity to connect people with wildlife conservation in a fun and meaningful way. Our education programsss are about to be hoppin’,” LiPuma said.

Think Wild is inviting the community to submit name ideas for the gopher snake until April 24. Following the submission period, voting for the snake’s name will be open to the public.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A local veterinarian is encouraging dog owners to keep their pets up to date on de-worming medications following the discovery of a potentially harmful parasite in the Pacific Northwest.

The parasite, Echinococcus multilocularis, is a tiny worm that has been spreading across North America, often without people realizing it exists. It can survive in soil throughout the winter and is raising concerns about exposure.

Echinococcus multilocularis life cycle. Credit: CDC

Dr. Rex Urich, owner of Mt. Bachelor Veterinary Hospital in Bend, says the parasite is not new globally. It has long been common across Europe and Central Asia and has been present in Canada for some time. More recently, it has been detected in Washington State and parts of northern Oregon.

“It’s ubiquitous all over Europe and Central Asia. It’s really common. It’s existed in Canada for a while,” Dr. Urich said. “The organism can live through the winter in the soil. It doesn’t die out. You can’t clean fabric and materials with regular laundry soap and kill it. You have to bleach it. Probably the most vulnerable are children that are crawling around on the ground and people that are immunocompromised.”

Echinococcus multilocularis. Credit: CDC

The parasite lives in wild animals like coyotes, but it can sometimes reach pets and humans.

“All dogs. Canids, foxes, wolves, coyotes, domestic dogs. This is almost a normal parasite, and it doesn’t cause a lot of problems for them,” Dr. Urich said.

However, the situation changes when the parasite infects what experts call an “abnormal host,” such as humans or certain small animals. In those cases, the parasite cannot complete its lifecycle and instead becomes lodged in the body.

“When it gets into an abnormal host, people being one, the parasite figures out, ‘Uh oh, I’m in the wrong animal.’ And it doesn’t complete its lifecycle, and it stops where it is,” Dr. Urich said. “It gets in the liver and causes tumor-like things in the liver and also in the lungs and in the brain.”

Researchers at the University of Washington have confirmed the parasite’s presence in the Pacific Northwest. They surveyed 100 coyotes in the Puget Sound region, and found the parasite in 37 of them.

Research map. Credit: PLOS

Despite the findings, Dr. Urich emphasizes that there is no need for panic. There are things you can do to protect your pets and yourself.

“It’s not a big epidemic,” he said. “But common sense goes a long way—sanitation, limiting exposure, especially for children, and regular monthly de-worming is probably the best advice I can give.”

Dr. Rex Urich

He recommends using a monthly de-wormer that specifically targets tapeworms, noting that consistent protection is key. While some products last longer, ongoing coverage is preferred.

Pet owners are also advised to be cautious when cleaning up after their dogs. Proper disposal of pet waste and maintaining clean outdoor spaces can help reduce the risk of spreading the parasite.

“There are even services in town that help with pet waste removal,” Dr. Urich noted. “They’re aware of this disease and understand the precautions needed to limit its presence in the environment.”

A dog exploring Pine Nursery Park in Bend.

Veterinarians say that with regular care and attention, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk to both their animals and their families.

Click here to read the University of Washington’s report.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Bend is inviting community members to a pre-construction open house for the Southeast 15th Street and Ferguson Road Roundabout Project.

The open house will take place on Tuesday, April 28, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road. The open house will be held both in person and online to share project construction information.

City officials say the single-lane roundabout at Ferguson Road and 15th Street aims to improve safety and increase efficiency. Pending City Council approval, the project is anticipated to begin construction in June and be completed in the fall.

The drop-in event offers residents an opportunity to meet the project team, ask questions, learn more about the project schedule and what to expect during construction. The same information will also be available on the project website at bendoregon.gov/15th-ferguson.

(City of Bend)

The project focuses on enhancing safety and improving traffic flows at the busy intersection.

This project is funded through the voter-approved 2020 Transportation GO Bond.

Sign up to receive construction updates at bendoregon.gov/15th-ferguson.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, assistant manager comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Elks recently completed a major upgrade to the stadium lighting at Vince Genna Stadium, sparing neighbors the glare from unshielded lights – and now, the new system has officially earned DarkSky certification.

The recognition from DarkSky International highlights the significant improvements made to reduce light pollution, glare, and light spill into the surrounding neighborhood, while also enhancing visibility and safety on the field for players and fans.

This announcement also comes during International DarkSky Week, and the team will be highlighting the certification Friday.

The upgrade replaced an aging 1970s lighting system with modern LED fixtures and steel poles, dramatically reducing light spilling into nearby homes and improving field performance. Vince Genna Stadium is now Oregon’s eighth certified Dark Sky location.

“This project reflects a continued commitment to balancing a great fan experience with neighborhood impact and sustainability,” the team said.

While the Elks haven’t played under the new lights yet, a few high school games have happened. Taylor McEuin, the team’s assistant general manager, says people seem to like them.

“(We’ve heard) only positive stuff,” McEuin told us Friday. “I know the Bend High team, every time (the lights turn on, I hear the ‘whoa!’ and it’s kind of cool. And then they also do a light show, too, which is exciting. So if we get a home run, we can flash the lights.”

Read more about the project and recognition at the Bend Elks blog. The Elks season starts May 29th.

Stadium Lighting Overspill ComparisonDownload

Click here to follow the original article.