Category: ktvz-local-news

Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire & Rescue will host an open house this Saturday, Oct. 17, in celebration of Fire Prevention Month. The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Fire Station, located at 63377 NE Jamison St. in Bend.

The event supports this year’s Fire Prevention Month campaign theme, “Charge Into Fire Safety,” which focuses on the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Devices such as e-bikes, power tools, cell phones and tablets rely on lithium-ion power and improper charging, use or disposal of these batteries can increase the risk of fire.

Attendees at the open house can take part in hands-on activities, safety demonstrations and interactions with local first responders. Planned activities include touring fire engines and ambulances, spraying a fire hose, viewing live fire demonstrations, painting a City of Bend snowplow and making family crafts. Airlink and Life Flight helicopters are scheduled to land at the station for public exploration and the event will feature free ice cream and giveaways.

To reduce safety risks associated with lithium-ion devices, fire safety guidance recommends that residents purchase listed products and follow manufacturer charging instructions. Proper recycling and disposal of lithium-ion batteries are also emphasized to prevent fire hazards.

Community members can learn more about lithium-ion battery safety during the event or by visiting the National Fire Protection Association website. Schedule details and additional event information are listed on the Bend Fire & Rescue calendar online.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools will host a free Financial Aid Information Night on November 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Caldera High School. The event is designed to assist families in navigating options for financing postsecondary education and career training.

While the presentation is geared primarily toward high school seniors and their families, the event is open to anyone interested in postsecondary financial planning.

District organizers noted that the event will offer practical advice and guidance regardless of a family’s financial situation.

Financial aid presenters from local colleges will provide an overview of postsecondary funding options. The session will cover financial planning for students considering community colleges, four-year universities, and trade or vocational schools.

Presenters will explain the application processes for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA), and Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) programs, as well as answer questions from attendees.

District school-to-career counselors will also be on hand to assist families. Counselors will share information about school-specific financial aid and scholarship support programming available at individual Bend-La Pine high schools.

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Campbell Porter

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Ridgeview High School teacher Amanda Felton has been named one of 10 finalists nationwide for the 2026 Kleenex Heroes of the Classroom Contest. Public voting opened Thursday to determine the grand prize winner from a field selected from thousands of entries across the country.

Now in its third year, the national contest is conducted in partnership with Campus Multimedia to honor K-12 teachers who make a lasting impact on their students and school communities. Voting will determine one grand prize winner and nine first-prize winners.

Felton has taught English for 25 years and currently works with senior Language Arts students, guiding first-generation college applicants. Beyond her classroom responsibilities, she runs the school’s Key Club, volunteers in the community, attends school games, plays and concerts and opened her home to a student in need.

Jill McNulty nominated Felton for the award, citing her dedication to her students.

“Mandy truly represents what it means to be an educator,” McNulty wrote in her submission. “She pushes students to think and grow for themselves, all while creating an environment that feels safe and comfortable.”

The contest features more than $50,000 in total prizes. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000, while their school receives a $5,000 donation and a year’s supply of Kleenex tissues. Nine first-prize winners will each receive a $1,000 Costco Shop Card for themselves and $1,000 for their school and nominators of the grand and first-prize winners will also receive a $1,000 Costco Shop Card.

Karl Mawhinney is the CEO and founder of Campus Multimedia. Mawhinney spoke about the recognition program’s goal to highlight educators across the country.

“Every year, we’re reminded just how many teachers are doing extraordinary things for their students and school communities,” Mawhinney said. “The Heroes of the Classroom Contest gives communities a chance to shine a light on those individuals and celebrate the lasting impact they have every day. We’re proud to help bring their stories to a national audience and give people a meaningful way to say thank you.”

Public voting takes place online through Oct. 22 at 11:59:59 a.m. Eastern Time. The contest winner will be announced in mid-November.

To learn more and vote, visit HeroesoftheClassroom.com.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 12, with events scheduled across its four campuses in Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville.

The campus activities include an educational presentation on the origin of the powwow, curated library book displays and a multi-campus paper-chain project.

The planned events follow COCC’s formal designation of the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021. The college previously adopted an official land acknowledgement in 2020 to recognize and pay respect to the original stewards of the lands where its campuses are situated.

As part of the day’s events, COCC ethnic studies instructor Gabriann Hall and Native American student program coordinator Jeremiah Rector will host a presentation on the origin of the powwow. The session takes place from noon to 1 p.m. in Ochoco Hall, Room 204, on the Bend campus and no registration is required.

Staff from the college’s Barber Library are setting up curated book collections featuring Native American authors and themes across all four campus locations. Alongside the book displays, campuses will host an interactive craft project in the Coats Campus Center in Bend, the Technology Education Center in Redmond and the main entrances of the Madras and Prineville campuses.

Rector, Native American student program coordinator, detailed the interactive element taking place across the campuses. “Also at these campus locations, there will be a paper-chain-building activity for folks to participate in,” Rector said. “Participants choose a category that focuses on an aspect of Native American culture or history and they can start or add to an existing chain.”

Individuals requiring physical or mobility accommodations for college events can contact campus services at 541-383-7775. Those seeking accommodations for hearing impairments or other disabilities can reach student accessibility services at sas@cocc.edu or 541-383-7583.

Once complete, the paper chain will be displayed at COCC during Native American Heritage Month.

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Campbell Porter

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Redmond has partnered with the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Redmond School District to develop a Safe Routes to School Plan. The initiative aims to improve safety and travel conditions for students and families walking, biking and rolling to school.

City officials are inviting community members to participate in the planning process through an upcoming open house, school walk audits and an online feedback tool.

The initiative is funded through Safe Routes to School planning assistance recently awarded to Redmond by ODOT. The program focuses on identifying safety challenges along school routes to guide where future infrastructure improvements should be prioritized.

Lindsey Cromsigt, assistant city engineer for the City of Redmond, emphasized the importance of community input in identifying route hazards and infrastructure gaps. “Parents, students and neighbors walk these routes every day and they know where the gaps are better than anyone,” Cromsigt said. “Whether it’s a missing sidewalk, a crossing that feels unsafe, drop off/pick up challenge, or a location where drivers move too fast, we want to hear about it. Your input will directly shape where we prioritize future improvements.”

In addition to the open house, the project team will conduct walk audits near three local schools to inspect routes in person:

John Tuck Elementary on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, starting at Obsidian Middle School at 7 a.m. M.A. Lynch Elementary at 8:15 a.m.

Community members unable to attend in-person events can submit location-specific feedback using an interactive online map at www.odotsrtsprojectid.com. Project information is available in English and Spanish and inquiries can be directed to project contact Amelia Adams.

The project team will host a community open house on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Redmond City Hall, located at 411 SW 9th Street, to present the plan and gather input from residents.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This week’s Pet Pals segment features Walnut, an adorable kitten looking for a loving forever home through the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO).

Walnut and a littermate were found underneath the deck of one of HSCO’s foster homes.

“Walnut is actually, I want to say one of the smartest kittens ever,” said HSCO’s Director of Community Partnerships Lynne Ouchida. “So of course, you know, a lot of our newborns are raised in our foster homes (with) very compassionate and caring people. Well, Walnut and a litter mate showed up underneath the deck of one of our foster homes. So, very brilliant knowing that (it was) a place where I’m gonna get cared for.”

Like many young kittens, Walnut was raised with the help of compassionate foster caregivers.

Although Walnut can be a little shy at the shelter, she begins to show her affectionate side when given time to feel comfortable.

With some gentle pets, Walnut starts seeking more attention, rubbing her head against people and purring. HSCO staff say she likely won’t take long to warm up in the right environment.

A quiet home would help Walnut adjust more quickly and feel at ease as she settles into her new surroundings.

As fall temperatures begin to drop, Walnut could make the perfect companion for someone looking for a sweet kitten to curl up beside.

Walnut is available for adoption through the Humane Society of Central Oregon in Bend. Click here if you’re interested in giving her a forever.

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Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fred Meyer is holding a pet food drive called “HOWL-O-WEEN” at its retail locations this month to support local animal shelters. Donation drop boxes have been set up near store entrances through the end of October.

Donations collected during the drive will remain in the local community. Supplies gathered at the Redmond store will be delivered to the Humane Society of the Ochocos, while donations collected at the Bend store will go to the Bright Side Animal Center.

The pet food drive aligns with Meyer’s broader corporate outreach programs.

Tiffany Sanders serves as head of public affairs at Meyer.

“Our initiative is zero hunger, zero waste,” Sanders said. “We’re trying to end hunger in the communities where we operate. And that doesn’t mean that we’re only trying to help make sure people have the food they need, but also the pets in our communities as well.”

Local shelters accept a range of care items beyond food.

Savanah Stephenson represents the Bright Side Animal Center, one of the participating local shelters.

“The essentials are definitely appreciated,” Stephenson said. “So food, toys, dog beds, treats, are wonderful. And we will put all of that for you.”

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Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sean O’Gorman, a broker with John L. Scott Central Oregon, presented a $10,000 donation to the Crag Rats search and rescue organization in memory of his late colleague, Matt Aldridge. The presentation took place Sept. 19 at Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne, Ore.

The funds originated from real estate transactions O’Gorman completed for clients Aldridge had been working with before his death. Aldridge died while climbing Mount Hood in December 2025, leading his office to direct the sales proceeds to the search and rescue team involved in his recovery.

Aldridge joined the real estate firm in 2025 and established ties with colleagues across the office. Known among co-workers for his love of the outdoors and work ethic, his death deeply affected the office. O’Gorman served as Aldridge’s mentor and stepped in to manage the clients Aldridge had been cultivating.

“Our entire office was deeply impacted by the loss of a young agent, Aldridge, in our community,” O’Gorman said. “I wanted to take action and do something meaningful on behalf of my colleagues and the Aldridge family, while finding a way to commemorate Matt in a way that I felt he would have appreciated.”

Based in Hood River, Ore., the Crag Rats was established in 1926 and is the nation’s oldest all-volunteer mountain search and rescue organization. The group conducts search operations on Mount Hood and across the Columbia River Gorge while promoting mountain safety and public outdoor education.

Volunteers with the Crag Rats played a central role in searching for Aldridge on Mount Hood and ultimately recovering his body. Following the request of Aldridge’s family, O’Gorman directed the proceeds from the real estate sales to the organization.

“Supporting the organization was a way to say thank you for their extraordinary efforts in bringing our friend and colleague home,” O’Gorman said.

The $10,000 contribution will fund the Crag Rats’ 100th Anniversary Training Wall Project. The new facility is designed to improve high-angle search and rescue capabilities, safety and overall team proficiency. It will also serve as a regional training hub for fire departments, emergency agencies and partner rescue teams operating in the Columbia River Gorge.

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Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Humane Society of Central Oregon is offering a free six-week pet bereavement support group beginning Oct. 17 in Bend, Ore. The program aims to provide a confidential space for individuals processing the loss of a pet.

The peer support group is designed to help participants share their experiences, navigate grief and connect with others who share a bond with pets. Meetings will take place every Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. through Nov. 21 at the shelter, which is located at 61170 SE 27th St.

Marla Corwin, a retired licensed clinical social worker and behavioral health specialist, will facilitate the support group.

“For many the grief of losing a pet can be as significant and painful as the loss of a human being, but is often minimized or unsupported by friends, family and employers,” Corwin said. “Participants in this six-week group are able to share their stories, feelings and reflection with others experiencing the same loss.”

Registration is required through the shelter’s online form and space is capped at eight participants. To ensure participants are prepared for a group setting, the shelter requires that at least one month has passed since the pet’s death before joining.

The sessions are structured as a peer support group rather than clinical therapy and all discussions remain confidential. Participants are asked to commit to all six sessions to help maintain trust, continuity and connection within the group.

The support group will open its first session on Oct. 17. Following online form submission, a team member from the Humane Society of Central Oregon will contact registrants to confirm their placement.

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Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon State Marine Board will hold a series of town hall meetings across Oregon, including one in Prineville, to hear from recreational boaters and gather public feedback on agency priorities.

The informal meetings will give boaters and community members an opportunity to speak with Marine Board staff, learn how boating funds are used in local communities and discuss needs in their areas.

Staff will also gather feedback on the agency’s proposed budget and legislative concepts for the 2027-2029 legislative session.

Topics may include boating safety, agency rules, grant funding, boating access, boat titling and registration, outfitter guides and environmental concerns.

The meetings will run from 4 to 7 p.m. in an open-house format, allowing attendees to arrive and leave as their schedules permit.

Oregon State Marine Board Town Hall Schedule Umatilla: Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Umatilla Community Center, 201 7th St. Ontario: Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Four Rivers Cultural Center, Harano Gallery, 676 SW 5th Ave. Prineville: Thursday, Oct. 15, at Central Oregon Community College’s Prineville campus, Room 130, 510 SE Lynn Blvd.

All three meetings are scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m.

The Marine Board encourages recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work to attend and share their questions and concerns.

For more information about the Oregon State Marine Board and recreational boating in Oregon, visit Boat.Oregon.gov.

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