A few spots are still left in Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend’s 2025-26 after-school program

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Back-to-school time is just around the corner, and so is the fun! Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend says it has a few spots left in its After School 2025/26 Membership, and they are ready to welcome new Club Members for an exciting year of connection, creativity and confidence-building. 

From art and STEM to gym games, snack time, and new friendships, our programs give youth a safe place to unwind, explore, and thrive after the bell rings, the announcement said. 

Here’s the rest of their news release:

Families can choose from three enrollment options to fit their needs: 

Full-Time (Monday through Friday) 

Part-Time (Monday and Wednesday) 

Part-Time (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) 

Each option includes a healthy snack, hands-on activities, and caring adult mentors. 

We’re also proud to offer complimentary tutoring in partnership with Sylvan Learning for kindergarten through third-grade students. This helps young readers build strong literacy skills that will support them all year long.  

“After-school hours matter. They’re a chance for kids to connect with friends, try new things, and feel a sense of belonging. We’re proud to offer spaces where families know their kids are safe, supported and engaged every day,” said Bri Slusser, Interim CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend. 

BGCB is committed to making its programs accessible to all families. Financial assistance is available on a sliding scale based on household income. Families applying for assistance must include either their 2024 1040 form or the two most recent pay stubs for each working adult in the household when submitting their application. 

For the 2025-26 school year, program hours will remain consistent with the previous year: 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Wednesday: 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. 

Spots are limited and filling quickly. Enrollment is managed through BGCB’s MyClubHub platform, with offers going out on a rolling basis. 

For more information about the After School 2025/26 Membership or to apply, please visit our website at bgcbend.org or contact Jeffrey Beach at Jeffrey@bgcbend.org or (541) 617-2877. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend provides youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. Our after-school programs are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character. 

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Decision 2026: More candidates file to run for four Deschutes County commissioner seats

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– More candidates have filed to run for four out of the five Deschutes County commissioner seats on the ballot in next May’s primary election. Two seats are currently occupied by incumbents Tony DeBone and Patti Adair, and two new seats have been added following voter approval of an expanded, five-member commission.

County commissioners recently appointed a seven-member citizen advisory committee to draft a district map representing each commissioner position after Measure 9-173 was passed by voters last November. The measure expands the commission from three to five seats; voters would decide next year whether to move from five at-large positions to ones elected by geographic zones.

According to the county, “If the BOCC — and ultimately the voters — approve the DMAC’s (District Mapping Advisory Committee’s) recommended map, the new districts would be in place for each election of commissioners, beginning in 2028.”

Jamie Collins, a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, climate scientist, and nationally certified disaster responder and incident commander, is running for Position 1, the seat currently held by county Commissioner and Chair Tony DeBone. John Heylin, a business owner and creator of Measure 9-173, John Heylin, is also running for the position.

For Position 3, currently held by Commissioner Patti Adair, Amanda Page and Amy Sabbadini have filed with the Secretary of State’s Office to run. Page is the Director of the Redmond School Board and Sabbadini has a background as an educator.

Rick Russell is the only candidate so far running for new commissioner Position 4. Morgan Schmidt and John Nielsen have both filed for Position 5, the other new seat.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon’s ’30 Bigs in 30 Days’ aims to recruit urgently needed mentors for boys

Barney Lerten

Bend, OR, August 1, 2025- This August, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, is calling on men across Central Oregon to step up and make a difference in a child’s life.

With over 70 boys currently waiting for a Big Brother, Big Brothers Big Sisters – a 21 Cares for Kids partner – has launched a bold campaign to recruit 30 Big Brothers in 30 days.

Here’s Kelsey Merson’s recent ‘Making a Difference” spotlight on the organization.

Here’s the rest of their announcement

The need is urgent—boys on our waitlist often wait months, and sometimes more than a year longer than girls, simply because there aren’t enough male mentors.

“This is a critical time for the boys on our waitlist,” said Jenn Davis, Program Director of BBBSCO. “They’re waiting for someone to show up, believe in them, and help ignite their potential. We’re asking local men to be that someone.”

Big Brothers are matched with youth (Littles) ages 6–17 who benefit from positive, consistent mentorship. Big Brothers Big Sisters offers unmatched support to volunteers, including access to their 20+ acre campus, where Bigs and Littles can shoot hoops, play board games, cook together, do homework, or just hang out and talk all while having the support of staff.

Mentors receive guidance, activity ideas, and ongoing coaching from dedicated staff to ensure every match is safe, supported, and meaningful. All it takes is a few hours a month to make a lifelong difference.

Be the reason a boy stops waiting. Become a Big Brother today.To learn more or get started, visit www.bbbsco.org or contact us at info@bbbsco.org.

*************************************************************************************

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon 

A program of J Bar J Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon was founded in 1994. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCO serves over 220 youth annually and continues to grow programming. We are committed to serving at-risk youth and youth facing adversity with mentors in our community.  

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Ty Rupert sworn in as Deschutes County interim sheriff: ‘We’re going in a different direction’

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Ty Rupert was sworn in as Deschutes County sheriff Thursday morning in a packed courtroom ceremony, greeted by loud applause by family, friends and colleagues and vowing to go “in a different direction” than retiring predecessor Kent van der Kamp

“I don’t just consider you employees or friends – you’re part of my family,” Rupert, chosen earlier this week by county commissioners from among five applicants, told those on hand. 

“I love and care for each and every one of you,” he said. “We’ve been through a lot. I tell you, starting today, we’re going in a different direction.” 

After receiving the oath of office from Presiding Judge Wells Ashby, Rupert – now Deschutes County’s 11th sheriff – began his remarks by telling everyone, “This is very surreal today – I promise I’m going to hold it together. This week has been the most humbling experience I think I’ve ever had in my life.” 

The oath of office Rupert took included the traditional vow to uphold the Oregon and U.S. constitutions and also included the start of his term, at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 1, after van der Kamp, elected less than a year ago, officially retires. A state board has voted to revoke his law enforcement certification for life, but van der Kamp, under pressure to step down for months, is contesting that decision.

Rupert, a United States Marine Corps veteran, has served in the sheriff’s office since 2005. As captain of the Detectives and Special Services Division, he supervises detectives, sergeants, lieutenants and volunteer personnel within various units, including Criminal Investigative Units, Search and Rescue, and Emergency Management.

“It took me 12 years to get hired in law enforcement,” Rupert said, starting with the Washington State Patrol in a crowded field of 1,800 applicants, and joked, “They knew Marines weren’t that smart.” 

During his 20 years with DCSO, Rupert has gained extensive experience as a reserve officer, patrol officer and detective. Outside of work, he volunteers with the Sisters Rodeo Association.

While Rupert rose through the ranks in his two decades with the sheriff’s office, he said Thursday he knows he must “prove all over again that I can be trusted and lead our office in a new direction.” 

Rupert, who told KTVZ News he plans to run for election to the post next year, said Thursday, “Being in public service is the most humbling thing we can ever do.” He also thanked his wife of some 30 years — “I wouldn’t be here today without her” – his children and family members, among those who posed with the new sheriff for photos after the ceremony. 

“All I ever wanted to be was a cop, so today is unbelievable,” Rupert said. “I never could have imagined 20 years ago that I’d be standing here.” 

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NE Bend roundabout construction ahead of schedule, city says, heading off another closure next spring

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Progress on the Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road and Purcell Boulevard roundabout construction is ahead of schedule due to “remarkable coordination among the project teams,” the city of Bend said Thursday.

As a result, “Crews now anticipate completing the work within this year’s construction season, with no need for an additional intersection closure next spring,” according to the announcement, which continues in full below:

“Please note the Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road, and Purcell Boulevard intersection will remain closed for construction through October, to ensure all work is completed this construction season.

Project information, including detour map, is available at bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th.

This roundabout is a key component of the Bear Creek Road and 27th Street Improvements Project which aims to enhance safety, traffic flow, and connectivity for all users. In addition to the new roundabout at this historically high-crash location, the project includes upgrades to connections for pedestrians and bicycles traveling between neighborhoods, schools, parks and trails, as well as improvements to water and sewer systems.

The project will construct the following improvements:

A new roundabout at the intersection of Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road, and Purcell Boulevard

Water and Sewer Improvements

Shared-use path on the north side of Bear Creek Road from Purcell Boulevard to the Bend Urban Growth Boundary

Shared use path on the west side of 27th Street between Bear Creek Road and Reed Market Road

Trail connection between the 15th Street and Bear Creek Road roundabout and Bear Creek Elementary and interim bicycle improvements to connect Bear Creek Elementary to the Coyner Trail.

For more information about the project, visit bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th.”

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Flash Flood Watch: Be alert for landslides and debris flows across Central and Eastern Oregon, officials say

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for portions of Central and Eastern Oregon beginning at 2 p.m. PDT and continuing through this evening. Heavy rainfall may result in landslides and debris flows in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires.

The watch area includes Central Oregon, the east slopes of the Oregon Cascades, the Grande Ronde Valley, the John Day Basin, the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon, Wallowa County, and Baker County.

Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1

Here’s the rest of Thursday’s announcement from the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI).

Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.

If your home, work, or travel route is in a watch area:

Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio, or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.

Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.

Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.

Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.

For more landslide and debris flow information: https://www.oregongeology.org/Landslide/debrisflow.htm

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Isabella Warren visits the Swine Barn on Day 2 of the Deschutes County Fair, meets Rayleigh and a pig named Chris P. Bacon

Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) On the second day of the Deschutes County Fair, KTVZ News’ Isabella Warren paid a visit Thursday to the Swine Barn, where 4-H participant Reyleigh talked about the fun she had raising her pig, which she named Chris P. Bacon.

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Alaska Airlines is adding year-round daily Redmond-Burbank flights, starting this fall

Barney Lerten

SEATTLE (KTVZ) — Alaska Airlines announced Thursday that it’s further expanding its network between California and the Pacific Northwest with seven new routes starting this October, including year-round daily flights between Redmond and Burbank.

The news comes about two weeks after Avelo Airlines announced it is closing its base in Burbank and will stop its Redmond-Burbank flights on Dec. 1. Days later, Breeze Airways announced it will be serving Redmond starting next spring, including flights to Burbank, Las Vegas and Provo-Salt Lake City.

Here’s Thursday’s full Alaska Airlines news release:

Alaska Airlines announces new routes connecting California and the Pacific Northwest

We’ve added three new flights from Hollywood Burbank Airport, located north of downtown Los Angeles, to destinations in Oregon and Washington state. As the holiday season gets underway, we’ll offer new wintertime service linking sunny San Diego and snowy Sun Valley. Boise lands a new flight to yet another Southern California airport. And we’ll begin flying a Palm Springs-Santa Rosa route that bridges the warm desert and the coolness of wine country.

Tickets are available for purchase now at alaskaair.com.

Our new nonstop routes

Burbank-Eugene: Hollywood Burbank Airport will be our fifth nonstop destination from Eugene, Oregon.

Burbank-Pasco: Alaska will be the only carrier connecting Pasco and the Tri-Cities region in Washington state with two Los Angeles area airports: Burbank and LAX.

Burbank-Redmond: In Redmond, Oregon, we’re the number one carrier and look forward to continuing to provide the most unique destinations, with Burbank being our sixth.

Boise-Ontario: Another nonstop connecting the Idaho capital to Southern California. With this new service, we’ll serve the most destinations between Boise and the Los Angeles Basin airports (LAX, Burbank, Orange County and Ontario).

Palm Springs-Santa Rosa: A seasonal route that connects a pair of popular destinations within California. With the addition of the Palm Springs service, we’ll add our eighth destination from Santa Rosa. Alaska is the largest airline at both airports. And don’t forget about our Wine Flies Free program.

San Diego-Sun Valley: Sun Valley in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho is an exciting addition to our ski portfolio of destinations from San Diego. With this new route, Alaska and Hawaiian will offer 45 nonstop destinations from San Diego – the most of any airline.

Spokane-Orange County: Orange County in Southern California is the largest unserved destination from Spokane, providing our guests in eastern Washington a new option when flying to the LA region.

City Pair
Start Date
Season
Frequency
Aircraft

Burbank – Eugene
Oct. 26, 2025
Year-round
Daily
E175

Burbank – Pasco
Oct. 26. 2025
Year-round
Daily
E175

Burbank – Redmond
Oct. 26, 2025
Year-round
Daily
E175

Palm Springs – Santa Rosa
Oct. 26, 2025
Winter
5x Weekly
E175

San Diego – Sun Valley
Dec. 18, 2025
Winter
3x Weekly
E175

Boise – Ontario
Jan. 7, 2026
Year-round
Daily
E175

Spokane – Orange County
Jan. 7, 2026
Year-round
Daily
E175

The Embraer 175 aircraft is designed for short to mid-range flights. It features 76 comfortable, wide seats with no middle seats, so every passenger has either a window or aisle seat. Onboard entertainment and Wi-Fi are available, and First Class seats offer power outlets.

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Bynum: Millions for Redmond, Bend projects included in draft Fiscal Year 2026 funding bills

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05) announced Thursday that the following Community Project Funding requests from Oregon’s 5th District were included in the draft Fiscal Year 2026 government funding bills released by the House Appropriations Committee.

The projects total over $14 million spanning across the Fifth District and include investments in clean drinking water, infrastructure, public safety, child care, and affordable housing. All 15 Community Project Funding requests submitted by Congresswoman Bynum were successfully included in the draft bill.

“This is a big step toward delivering important funding to our communities in Oregon,” said Rep. Bynum. “I’m proud that over $14 million for 15 projects across our district was included in the House’s draft appropriation bills. I know how much these projects matter to our communities – whether it’s improving local infrastructure, helping families get the child care they need, or making our neighborhoods safer and more affordable. This is real money that will make a real difference for Oregonians and I’ll continue fighting to get these investments across the finish line.”

Projects

$1,034,487 for CORE3 ECC/Admin Building, Redmond

Recipient Name: Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council 

Project Purpose: This project would construct an Emergency Operation Center to fill a vital public safety need in Central and Eastern Oregon. It will include seismically resilient critical infrastructure such as secure access, staff facilities, robust IT systems that are all housed within the EOC. The EOC will be a state-of-the-art facility equipped to support both in-person and virtual operations.

$992,250 for Neighborhood Drinking Water Protection Program

Recipient Name: City of Bend

Project Purpose: This project would replace fragile galvanized pipes in Bend to protect drinking water quality and improve water system redundancy. This project will also ensure nearby hydrants can meet fire flow requirements.

$1,500,000 for Gladstone Early Childhood Center

Recipient Name: City of Gladstone

Project Purpose: This project would fund capital construction for the Gladstone Early Learning building, a critical project that will bring much-needed early childhood education and care services to the community. It will provide full day early childhood education for up to 64 children through Head Start and Early Head Start.

$700,000 for Halsey Municipal Water Well and Water Treatment Project

Recipient Name: City of Halsey

Project Purpose: This project would finish construction of a new drinking water well in the City of Halsey.

$1,200,000 for Happy Valley Community Center

Recipient Name: City of Happy Valley

Project Purpose: The project would fund development of a 65,000 square foot community center to serve athletic and community needs not otherwise available in or near the city.

$850,000 for Kellogg Creek OR-99E Community Project (Kellogg Project)

Recipient Name: City of Milwaukie

Project Purpose: Funds would be used for Kellogg Project bid documentation and long-lead construction material procurement required for replacement of the vulnerable 177-year-old transportation structure over Kellogg Creek. This will efficiently address public safety, earthquake vulnerability, maintenance concerns, remove pollutants, and reduce flooding.

$1,092,000 for Molalla Water Intake Project

Recipient Name: City of Molalla

Project Purpose: This project would design and construct a new water intake structure on the Molalla River, the sole-source of Molalla’s water rights.

$1,092,000 for Oregon City Water Transmission Main, Phase 3

Recipient Name: City of Oregon City

Project Purpose: This project would complete the final phase of Oregon City’s Water Transmission Main construction, enhancing the city’s water system reliability. By upgrading undersized pipes, these transmission main improvements will resolve inefficiencies, ensuring better performance and responsiveness during high-demand water usage seasons.

$500,000 for Cinder Hollow Affordable Housing Project

Recipient Name: City of Redmond

Project Purpose: Funds would be used to support the development of at least 30 owner-occupied homes, all affordable at or below 80% AMI, through development of required on- and off-site infrastructure. The site is currently owned by the City, with RootedHomes Community Land Trust selected as the master developer of housing.

$1,015,000 for Scio Town Hall Renovation Project

Recipient Name: City of Scio

Project Purpose: Funds would be used to renovate Scio’s failing 66 year old city hall structure into a multi-purpose community structure for a small rural community with very limited resources and places to commune. The renovation will provide a secure structure for local government services (i.e. water utilities, finance, senior services, and library services) as well as serve the public as a community center for other functions such as family celebrations, community activities, and a gathering place for youth.

$850,000 for Roundabout at Shaff and Wilco Road

Recipient Name: City of Stayton

Project Purpose: Funds would be used to construct a roundabout necessary to facilitate private investment and economic development on approximately 80 acres in West Stayton.

$1,000,000 for SBR Expansion

Recipient Name: City of Stayton

Project Purpose: This project would expand the City of Stayton’s existing water infrastructure to enhance operational flexibility, improve treatment reliability, and accommodate capacity demands.

$1,092,000 for North Santiam Sewer Project

Recipient Name: Marion County

Project Purpose: Funds would help construct the Mill City Water Pollution Control Facility, also referred to as the Mill City – Gates Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will serve the cities of Mill City and Gates – two cities still recovering from devastation of the 2020 wildfires.

$1,092,000 for Clarifier Replacement Project

Recipient Name: Oak Lodge Water Services Authority

Project Purpose: The clarifier replacement project would replace the secondary clarifiers 1 & 2 at the Oak Lodge Water Services wastewater treatment plant, which are approximately 35 years old.

$250,000 for OR 126: 35th Street Signal and Pedestrian Improvements (Redmond)

Recipient Name: Oregon Department of Transportation

Project Purpose: This project would construct a new signal, pedestrian and bicycle crossings, and ADA features at the intersection of OR 126 and 35th Street in Redmond, where a safe crossing between residential areas to the north and recreational facilities to the south is urgently needed.

The House and Senate must reach an agreement on FY26 funding in order for these projects to receive funding. This agreement will determine which projects are ultimately approved and how much they are funded for.

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Residents on Bend’s north end advised to ‘shelter in place’ for a time after fugitive ran from a traffic stop, eluded police

Barney Lerten

(Update: Fugitive who fled traffic stop still at large; more details from sheriff’s office)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Hundreds of residents on the north end of Bend were advised to shelter in place and report any suspicious activity for a time Thursday evening after a man wanted on a warrant fled a traffic stop near Highway 97 and Grandview Drive, eluding a major police search that included search dogs and drones

Numerous sirens could be heard periodically as the alert went out around 6:45 p.m.

The alert from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office advised of “Law Enforcement activity in the area of Hwy 97 and Grandview Drive.

“Law enforcement is on scene looking for a suspect who ran on foot from a traffic stop. He is a white male adult, 52 years old, balding with short brown & gray hair and tattoos on his neck, 5 feet 9 inches and 190 pounds. Wearing an unknown color t-shirt and shorts.

“Law enforcement is asking citizens to shelter in place and call 911 with any suspicious activity,” the alert concluded.

Shortly before 8 p.m., a follow-up alert was sent that said law enforcement were clearing the area, though the fugitive had not been found:

“THE SUSPECT WHO FLED FROM THE TRAFFIC STOP ON FOOT REMAINS AT LARGE. PLEASE CALL 911 IF YOU SEE ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS. THERE WILL BE NO MORE UPDATES SENT.”

Sgt. David Turkington told KTVZ News the shelter-in-place alert had been lifted.

He said the vehicle was stopped on Grandview Drive near Highway 97, and they knew one of the occupants had an outstanding arrest warrant.

The man ran, Turkington said, prompting a coordinated search effort in the area. Oregon State Police and Bend Police joined sheriff’s deputies in the search, which also included K-9 teams and drones.

After the public alert went out, Turkington said they also received numerous tips from citizens who believed they saw someone in their area who matched the description.

KTVZ News will have the latest information at 10:00 p.m. on Fox and 11:00 p.m. on NBC.

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