Category: ktvz-local-news

Lynsey Harris

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The La Pine Community Kitchen is launching a major fundraising campaign to build a brand-new facility — one that organizers say will allow them to serve more people safely and efficiently.

For nearly three decades, the nonprofit has operated out of a patchwork of aging structures, offering hot meals, groceries, and a place of dignity to those in need. But now, with demand growing and space limited.

The capital campaign kicked off this month, with community members already stepping up with donations and support.

For more in depth coverage check out our Community Conversation with The La Pine Community Kitchen.

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, interview with Oregon Consumer Justice)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Grocery Outlet, which calls itself the ‘Bargain Market’, is alleged to be without true bargains, according to three Oregon consumers who filed a class-action lawsuit over its price-comparison practices.

The plaintiffs – represented by OJC Law, P.C., partners of Oregon Consumer Justice – have brought a class-action lawsuit against Grocery Outlet and operators of over 60 locations throughout Oregon over what they allege is deceptive marketing.

The complaint (which you can review below) demands equitable and injunctive relief, along with a jury trial, claiming violations under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act.

The focus of the claims is the “widespread and coordinated scheme by Grocery Outlet Inc. and its affiliated Oregon operators to mislead consumers through the use of fictitious ‘elsewhere’ pricing,” according to the lawsuit.

Receipts and specific product price comparisons between nearby stores and Grocery Outlet were provided in the complaint as examples to show that Grocery Outlet actually charges more than its competitors.

Oregon Consumer Justice told KTVZ News it is not just cost discrepancy, but quality that skews realistic comparison.

Jagjit Nagra, the executive director of Oregon Consumer Justice, told KTVZ News, “Let’s assume for the sake of this hypothetical that Grocery Outlet does in fact offer a lower price than Safeway down the street. But the item from Grocery Outlet is going to expire next week, whereas the item from Safeway has a shelf life for another year. That’s not an apples-to-apples comparison. And that is very misleading for consumers.”

The term ‘elsewhere’ is clearly defined in Oregon under consumer statute, with strict rules on when businesses are allowed to use the word in comparisons and marketing.

The suit requests injunctive relief – or, stopping the behavior – and monetary damages.

We have reached out to the Grocery Outlet store owners here in Central Oregon for comment, but have not yet received a response.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with any new information we receive. 

Here is the lawsuit:

Grocery Outlet class action lawsuitDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Cuppa Yo Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt proudly celebrated 15 years of serving up joy, community, and customizable frozen treats, with Thursday’s announcement of a new location by the new Bend Costco.

Since opening its doors on June 2, 2010, Cuppa Yo has grown from a single shop in Bend to a growing network of stores across many states, including Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, California, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and others soon to come, the business said in the announcement, which continues in full below.

The celebration comes with even more exciting news: the announcement of Cuppa Yo’s third Bend location, set to open soon in the Costco shopping plaza on the city’s north end. This new store adds to the brand’s strong presence in Central Oregon and marks another step in its regional expansion.

“Fifteen years ago, we launched Cuppa Yo with a vision to create a space where people could gather and enjoy a fun, interactive dessert experience,” said Keith Clayton, Founder of Cuppa Yo. “This anniversary, and our newest Bend location, are a reflection of the community that has supported us since day one.”

The self-serve concept, broad variety of flavors, and generous toppings bar have earned Cuppa Yo a loyal following of Cuppa Yomies, our amazing customers. But the secret sauce isn’t just the froyo—it’s the culture.

“Our shops are designed to be community hubs,” said Clayton. “We want every guest to feel like a neighbor. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll be greeted with a welcoming smile and leave a little happier than when you came in.”

With nearly 15 locations and growing, Cuppa Yo continues to expand through franchising opportunities with a focus on family values, community connection, and high standards of service. Looking forward, the brand remains committed to strategic growth while preserving the heart and soul that started it all in Bend.

About Cuppa Yo:Cuppa Yo Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt, in your hometown, is more than just a place to enjoy a delicious treat—it’s a community hub where friends and families come together to share sweet moments. With a wide variety of flavors and toppings, every visit to Cuppa Yo is a chance to create something sweetly yours.

We pride ourselves on offering a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere where everyone is treated like a neighbor. At Cuppa Yo, we’re dedicated to bringing joy, one cup at a time. Learn more about our sweet business at cuppayo.com. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — As summer temperatures soar, many residents seek relief from local waterways. However, officials are issuing a stern warning: keep yourself and your pets out of the irrigation canals. 

KTVZ News witnessed what appeared to be two people encouraging their dogs to jump in the irrigation canal and retrieve what they’d thrown in. Looks fun! It’s also prohibited and illegal. Why? 

According to law enforcement, pets are not allowed off leash except for private property where you have prior approval and specific dog parks. What about swimming in canals?

Jon Skidmore, Deputy Managing Director said: 

“So, canals are not a recreational facility. We’re a utility provider, and really, it’s not a good idea for anybody, any pet, to try to use the canals, recreationally. We do have debris racks up against various pipes that the canals will flow into. We don’t want anybody getting trapped up against them. It’s a utility. It’s not a recreational waterway. If you want to go swim, go find a pool. Maybe go to one of the safe areas on the river and take a swim, but please don’t do it in the canals.” 

Central Oregon Irrigation District’s system consists of two main canals which run north, through Bend, Redmond and Terrebonne; and east, through Bend, Alfalfa and Powell Butte. Both canals divert water from the Deschutes River. 

KTVZ News headed over to the Bend Park and Recreation District and spoke to Community Engagement Director Julie Brown, who says if you want an area for you and your pet to recreate, they can help with that. 

“We are incredibly fortunate to have the trail system that we have. We’re also incredibly lucky to have the Deschutes River running right through the middle of our community. So, you know, we facilitate access to the water for people and dogs at many locations. Right here at River Bend Park, we have an off-leash dog swimming opportunity.” 

Dog owner and Bend resident Mark Drummond said he loves taking advantage of these spaces and also says to keep your pet safe, follow the leash laws. 

“Dogs should always be on leash unless it’s explicitly an off-leash park. Bend and the surrounding area does pretty carefully post rules around these things.” 

If you’re in Bend, there are plenty of spaces for your dog to relax. 

“We have nine off leash areas and they’re distributed across the community. So, you can go on to our website if you’re not familiar with where all of those are located,” said Brown. 

As for swimming or throwing objects into canals, here’s what Sheila Miller, from the Bend Police Department, said: 

“People and pets are not allowed to swim in the canals. I think the important thing to remember is these canals are on private property. They (the canals) are owned by the irrigation districts and the trails have an easement that allow the public to use them. But we have to think about these canals and these trails as private property that we’ve been invited to, to be a part of, and so if you do something like swim in the canals, first of all, it’s super dangerous. But if you do that and the irrigation district catches you, you could be trespassed from that property.” 

Miller also emphasized that these canals serve a critical role in our community’s infrastructure.  

To be clear: Irrigation canals are located on private property, and only some have recreation easements that allow public use, within safety and other guidelines the landowners can and do set. Other canals, however, have no recreation easement allowing public access, so they are private property without permission for public use.

Let’s all do our part to stay safe and respect these guidelines. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. –(KTVZ)– Four artists get their creative works displayed at the new city of Bend’s public works campus, including two artists from Bend. Ben Hull and Eli Logan both made artwork paying homage to Central Oregon’s rugged landscape. The art will be seen on a bike shelter and trash enclosure. To see the other winning artists go to the City of Bend’s website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. –(KTVZ)– They’re the first to greet students in the morning and the last to see them home safely. Now some of the Bend-La Pine School’s bus drivers are being recognized for their excellence behind the wheel in this year’s state school bus safety exercises.

Bend-Lapine School’s transportation department brought home 10 awards. That’s up from 7 awards last year. You can see the team holding up their trophies with some big smiles on their faces. Drivers showed off their skills by expertly navigating a tough course and going head to head with other districts bus drivers. We appreciate all you do for our students and big congrats.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: More comments from Senator Broadman, Bend import mechanic, Kei vehicle supporters)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sen. Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) introduced legislation Wednesday to legalize the registration and on-road use of Kei trucks in Oregon, calling them an efficient, affordable alternative to full-sized trucks. Many would support such a move, but a Bend mechanic shared some of his concerns with KTVZ News, promptly disputed by defenders of the vehicle.

Broadman says Senate Bill 1213 has strong bipartisan support and is co-sponsored by Rep. Emily McIntire (R-Eagle Point), Rep. Hai Pham (D-Hillsboro & W Beaverton), and Sen. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford).

“Small businesses, farmers, and Oregonians across our state are asking for practical, cost-effective transportation options,” Broadman said. “Kei trucks are nimble, fuel-efficient, and ideal for navigating rural roads, job sites and tight urban corridors. This legislation simply makes it legal to use a tool that’s already proving useful across the Pacific Northwest.”

Kei trucks — small, lightweight utility vehicles originally manufactured in Japan and South Korea — are increasingly popular in neighboring states for their affordability, fuel efficienc, and versatility.  They are often used to haul equipment, transport goods, and complete maintenance work on farms, campuses, parks and private properties.

Their small size and low environmental impact also make them an attractive option for municipalities and contractors in need of flexible fleet vehicles, the senator said.

As recently reported by OPB, these compact vehicles are already being used for everything from farm work and landscaping to local deliveries and municipal services. Despite their growing use elsewhere, Oregon law prohibits Kei trucks from being registered for on-road use.

“Big trucks come with big price tags,” said John Heylin, owner of Unofficial Logging Company, an axe-throwing bar in Bend. “Kei trucks are practical, affordable rigs. They’re a great option for some businesses. I hope the Legislature takes this step to support small businesses and commerce in Oregon.”

SB 1213 defines Kei trucks based on size, age and engine capacity, and allows individuals to register them for a standard fee, bringing Oregon in line with states that have already recognized their utility. 

Right now, there are a few ways to have them in Oregon, by registering them in another state and then transferring them in. You can drive them on private property, but they’re not street-legal. 

Broadman told us, “I heard from constituents throughout the state that this was a tool they wanted to use for small business, for recreation. I think that they can be managed and regulated effectively in a way that makes them an option for Oregonians.”

KTVZ News also reached out to mechanics and car enthusiasts for their views of these small trucks.

Darin Moore, the owner of Thompson’s Import Specialties, has worked on a few of the Kei trucks, and while he’s not opposed to the bill, he does have a question regarding federal safety standards.

“Why make a loophole in safety laws for these trucks?” he asked. “And they’re bypassing the very problems that in fact they voted for when they passed these rules, of having tire monitor system, backup cameras, a lot of the emissions stuff.”

So a bill such as this, he said, “just goes down the slippery slope” and sets a precedent for other foreign vehicles that don’t meet standards.

Moore also brought up another point: Even if they’re legalized in Oregon, they’re still not federally legal, making Kei trucks a “gray market” vehicle. He said it’s not easy to get parts for them in the U.S., or English-language manuals and documentation.

KTVZ News heard off-camera from other shops whose reaction ranged from mixed to enthusiastically endorsing Kei trucks.

KTVZ News also heard from David McChristian, the founder and president of Lone Star Kei, a national nonprofit that advocates for fair policies and laws for Kei vehicles.

McChristian said Kei trucks over a certain age are legal to import under a 1988 federal law that exempts older vehicles from federal safety standards and emissions requirements, “treating them as historical vehicles.”

He noted that Broadman’s bill “simply ensures Kei vehicles are treated like other imports of the same age, leveling the playing field.”

McChristian also said parts for the Kei trucks “are readily available in the U.S,” as are English-lanugage manuals.

Click here to follow the original article.

Harley Coldiron

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Students of all ages at Jefferson County 509J School District competed in the Native Language Knowledge Bowl. They strictly used Ichishkin, Kiksht, and Numu, which are the three languages of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Students honored their heritage and celebrated their learning in this knowledge showcase.

They were joined by the Culture and Heritage team from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, who are dedicated to making these languages accessible and alive in our local schools.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance hosted an event Wednesday morning focused on community safety and the reduction of suicide deaths by firearm in Central Oregon through secure firearm storage.

COSPA hosted the Central Oregon Secure Firearm Storage Summit at Redmond City Hall. The intent behind the summit was to raise community awareness and reduce suicide deaths by firearm in Central Oregon, especially among young people.

Partner agencies from around the tri-county region attended the summit, including law enforcement, health agencies, social service providers, school district representatives, firearms retailers and club owners.

Bend Deputy Police Chief Paul Kansky said the effort “is not about gun control, but rather about responsible gun ownership. Our partners at the level of gun clubs, gun dealers, and of course our law enforcement partners and our health educators and educational institutions at large have all been supportive. We have found nobody making this a political event.”

You can learn more about secure firearm storage and find resources to prevent suicide deaths by firearm at SafeFirearmStorage.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Isabella Warren

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Mop-up efforts continued Wednesday on the Euston Fire northwest of Redmond after a resident burning cheatgrass out of season sparked a 20-acre brushfire, another sign that fire season isn’t coming – it’s here.

It was an illegal burn, as Redmond Fire and Rescue banned debris burning just days ago, as did other Central Oregon communities. 

“Someone was burning cheatgrass. So the message from us is to please don’t burn anything, because it’s just so hot and so dry right now,” said Kimberly Johnson, Public Information Officer for the Central Oregon Wildfire Agencies.

Tuesday afternoon, fire officials arrived at a small brushfire, which quickly grew, threatening a dozen homes and other structures. The resident responsible for the burn could receive a fine and be found liable for the firefighting costs.

The Euston Fire caused Level 2 ‘BE SET’ evacuations (later lowered to Level 1 ‘Be READY’ and a temporary evacuation point at a Redmond church. The Red Cross reported no residents used the center, but says it’s a sign of wildfire season. 

“Redmond fire, other structure agencies, the BLM, Forest Service, units all got on scene. And it was just an aggressive attack trying to stop things, because there were structures threatened,” Johnson added.

Wildfire season officially started in Deschutes County on June 2nd, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry, and predictions show this season will not be any better than last.

ODF Public Affairs Officer Jessica Neujahr said, “We’re expecting above-average temperatures, below-average precipitation. So all that means is that it’s going to be hot, and it’s going to be dry.”

And with the Euston Fire and small brushfires starting across the region in recent days, it’s an early start for the year. 

“Because we have had several districts go into fire season, we’re expecting more within the next week to go into fire season,” Neujahr said. “We’re really trying to urge people to check their local restrictions before they bring any fire hazards onto the landscape.”

Click here to follow the original article.