Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A multi-generational family business has made its way to Bend.

The Portland-based luxury home appliance company, Basco Appliances, has been doing business in Oregon since 1878.

Nearly 150 years ago, PJ Cronin founded the business and over time the company moved into electronics and appliance sales.

“We have three locations, all in the Portland market…We service the Bend market today and we have for years. It’s one of our best-selling markets that we have right now. So we thought there was a natural fit to be able to come in to the market, to be able to better serve the Bend customer,” said Chris McConn, the company’s president. “We focus on selling appliances to anybody. So end users, builders, designers.”

The new Westside showroom, located at 1000 Disk Drive, is now welcoming in customers after serving the Bend area from its Portland locations for years.

“People can come in and choose what they want…We have fantastic account managers here that will go through the design process and make sure that we can get the exact specs of the exact appliances that work out with any home in the community,” McConn said. “This is a different type of showroom that customers can come in and see, touch, and feel, and really experience the appliances. We do have a couple kitchens that are fully live. And so we’ll have really fun events here and we’ll demo out all of the appliances.”

For more information on the company and its new bend showroom, click here.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend officials say the city’s Veo bike-share program had a strong summer overall.

Since its launch, approximately 5,000 people have signed up, logging nearly 23,000 rides this season.

The Bend City Council approved the permanent bike-share program in April, bringing in Veo to expand local transportation options. Marx said the program was designed to give people a reliable option for short trips.

“The goal was really to create like an alternative way of transportation for short trips, like 1 to 2 miles,” said Tobias Marx, City of Bend’s Parking Services Division Manager.

Still, the rollout hasn’t been without challenges. Some Reddit users say bikes are being left in the way, and Bend Bikes vice president David Green agrees it’s a common issue.

“It’s not as common as it was in the early days of the Bird Bikes, but it’s still fairly common to see bikes parked in the middle of sidewalks or on ADA ramps,” Green said.

The city is working on more designated parking zones to keep bikes off sidewalks.

Another concern is reckless riding, especially by underage riders or those not wearing helmets.

Despite the drawbacks, Green said bike-share could help address traffic congestion as Bend continues to grow.

“The congestion is getting worse, and we’re not going to be able to build our way out of it,” Green said. “We’re going to need alternatives to getting people around town other than private vehicles.”

With Bend’s population expected to grow by 50% over the next 25 years, Green said solutions like bike-share and public transit will need to improve together.

“Bikes and Transit could be a truly amazing alternative to driving for most people.  And bike share is a huge part of that,” said Green.

One limitation, Green noted, is that Veo’s throttle bikes aren’t allowed on Bend Park and Recreation District trails. He says that leaves a gap in the city’s biking network for both transportation and recreation.

If a community member has feedback about the program or comes across an improperly parked vehicle, reach out at 855-836-2256 or hello@veoride.com to report the vehicle’s location.

Here are Veo’s riding guidelines:

Do:

Yield to pedestrians: Give people walking the right of way every time.

Park responsibly: Park your vehicle out of pedestrian paths to ensure safety.

Wear a helmet: Protect your noggin while riding.

Take the bike lane: Ride in the street or bike lane, not on the sidewalk.

Obey traffic laws: Follow stop signs, signals, and speed limits.

Don’t:

Ride underage: Riders must be 18+ to unlock and operate.

Double ride: One rider per vehicle.

Ride on the sidewalk: Keep sidewalks clear and stick to the street or bike lane.

Ride under the influence: Never while under the influence—it’s illegal

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Every September 10th, First Interstate Bank has a “volunteer day”, where bank staff are given time off to help out local charities.

KTVZ went out with employees to one local cause.

Heartwarmers is a long-standing nonprofit in Bend that makes blankets, stuffed toys and more. The warm gifts they make go to sick children in hospitals, the unhoused, and to senior citizens.

This makes it a perfect fit for First Interstate’s volunteers.

“It just helps in so many different communities, from Deschutes County to Jefferson County. And, it’s just a great thing that they’re doing here to help kids,” said Lisa Dalton, a supervisor with First Interstate Bank. “When I was making the blanket, I was just thinking of, you know, where it’s going to end up, and I’m just very happy to be part of that.”

The group from First Interstate got right to work making blankets.

Other groups from the bank were out volunteering at other places, including Mosaic Medical.

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Kelsey Merison

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Our friend Johnny Oliver shared an image of a fox he and his wife and friends spotted while driving near Hosmer Lake.

Johnny said they were all shocked when the fox didn’t seem fearful of their group when they pulled over to take a closer look.

It appears to be a Sierra Nevada Red Fox, characterized by it’s black coat and white-tipped tail.

Great eye, you guys!

You can submit photos you snap out and about in Central Oregon by clicking here.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A popular Mexican food restaurant in downtown Redmond announced it will be closing its doors.

Carnaval Mexican Grill shared on Facebook that September 14th will be its last day open.

In its post, the restaurant shared that, “After almost 6 years of pushing the limit on serving genuine Mexican & Latin recipes, unique Mezcal cocktails, & service that welcomes you the moment you walk through the door, we have to say goodbye.”

Carnaval wanted to thank its customers for a wonderful run and invites the community to come celebrate its last weekend in business this Friday through Sunday.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Mental illness in the United States has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the percentage of adults aged 18 to 59 living with any mental illness rose from 18.1% in 2009 to 20.6% in 2019.

As September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, it’s a reminder of the global effort to reduce stigma, provide resources, and prevent suicide—often closely tied to mental health challenges.

One organization working locally to address this issue is NAMI Central Oregon, the regional chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The nonprofit serves Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, offering support, education, and advocacy for individuals living with mental health conditions and their loved ones. Their mission is simple: to improve the quality of life for people and families impacted by mental illness.

But stigma remains one of the biggest barriers.

“If someone in your family had cancer or a brain tumor, would they be embarrassed?” said Casey Munck, Programs Director at NAMI Central Oregon. “That’s really how we should look at mental illness—oftentimes it’s something going on in the brain. Brains get sick just like other body parts. I understand the shame and stigma, but we need to talk about this. There’s help out there—medications, therapies, and community support.”

Family and friends also carry the weight when a loved one is struggling.

“It affects the family members… they need to be taken care of as well,” said Julie McFarlane, a NAMI attendee and Board Member. “I attended my first meeting online during COVID. You hear that other people might be going through the same thing, and it gives you just a little sense of relief that you’re not going through it on your own.”

NAMI Central Oregon offers support groups across Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and soon Madras, with both in-person and online options available.

For more information on resources, meetings, or how to get involved, visit namicentraloregon.org.

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Triton Notary

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)– On Tuesday, gold shovels broke ground for the new campus of a youth workforce program. The Heart of Oregon Corps is an alternative education program focused on trade skills. Youth Corps members receive job training in areas like construction by completing volunteer projects in the community. Now it’s building a 6,000-square-foot campus, uniting all its programs across Central Oregon and providing a place for classes. For 25 years, the Heart of Oregon Corps has made Central Oregon a better place.

Laura Handy, Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps, told KTVZ News: “Heart of Oregon has just made such a mark on this community. Everywhere I go in this community, whether it’s in towns or out on our trails or in our forests, you can see the impact of the projects that the young people do. They’re doing projects to build affordable housing, to reduce wildfire risk, to protect our habitats and ecosystems. And we just started a new program in Madras where they’re helping with food insecurity at the community food pantry.”

The campus is expected to be completed next summer, with a ribbon-cutting in the fall. However, more work remains. The program still needs to raise more than a million dollars to finish the building. Right now, a fund-matching program is doubling any donation to the Heart of Oregon Corps.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The trial of Samson Garner neared its end on Wednesday as final witnesses were called. Garner is the man accused of planning a mass shooting at Smith Rock’s Craggin’ Classic in October of 2023.

The day of testimony was shortened due to discussions between the state, defense team, and judge regarding evidence and jury instructions. 

Witnesses on Wednesday included sergeants from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Their testimony focused on Garner’s internet history, cell phone data, and details of the firearms on his person when he was arrested. 

The prosecution also called Garner’s ex-wife, Lindsey Garner, back for rebuttal, specifically to address certain statements Garner himself made while testifying in his own defense. 

A key argument in Garner’s defense has been he was an avid target-shooter and only brought his multiple firearms to Central Oregon for recreation. Yet both a sergeant who examined Garner’s firearms and Garner’s ex-wife contradicted that theory.

“I can’t recall a time that he went to a shooting range after, you know, that first year or two of us being in Portland. He found it much more difficult to hunt deer in Oregon than in Michigan and North Carolina. So he didn’t pursue it and chose to pursue other outdoor recreational activities instead,” Lindsey Garner testified.

Garner previously testified he was a believer in the Christian faith, yet his ex-wife claimed under oath he was “staunchly anti-organized religion”. The topic’s relevance was tied to Garner’s claim he sent violent, threatening messages to his friend, in part, because he refused to be the godfather of Garner’s twin daughters. Lindsey Garner testified they never made any such request of their friends.

Closing arguments are expected to begin first thing Thursday morning before the case goes to the jury. 

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KTVZ – News Team

Established in Prineville, Oregon in 1990 as a nonprofit adolescent residential substance use treatment program, Rimrock Trails has grown to become one of the longest-standing behavioral healthcare providers in the region. Now celebrating 35 years of service, Rimrock Trails is proud to offer life-changing mental health and substance use counseling to individuals of all ages across Central Oregon.

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, OR September 4, 2025 – Founded over three decades ago, Rimrock Trails has become a trusted leader in providing high-quality counseling and substance use treatment services across Central Oregon. With a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families, Rimrock Trails continues to fulfill its mission of improving the lives of those struggling with mental health and substance use by offering timely access to compassionate and effective behavioral healthcare.

At the heart of Rimrock Trails’ work is a belief in the power of healing, hope, and connection. Through professional outpatient counseling, substance use treatment, and youth residential services, the organization creates a solid foundation for recovery and mental wellness. In the past year, Rimrock Trails provided over 19,000 behavioral health services, helping individuals rebuild relationships, strengthen family bonds, and find a renewed sense of purpose.

To celebrate this 35-year milestone and National Recovery Month, Rimrock Trails hosted a Redmond Chamber Coffee Clatter on Friday, September 5th at 8:30 a.m. at its Outpatient Clinic, located at 215 SW 7th Street in Redmond, Oregon.

In addition, on Friday, September 19th at 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., Rimrock Trails, in partnership with the Crook County Health Department, invites the community to a National Recovery Month Celebration at Pioneer Park in Prineville. The event will feature food, music, and information booths from local partner agencies.

“As we reflect on the past years, I am filled with deep gratitude and pride in the work we’ve accomplished together at Rimrock Trails. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding access, enhancing quality, and advocating for the behavioral health needs of our community.” — Erica Fuller, MA, LPC, CADC-III, Chief Executive Officer, Rimrock Trails

The leadership of Rimrock Trails thanks the staff, donors, volunteers, partners, and the countless individuals who have made it possible to provide life-changing services to the people of Central Oregon these past 35 years.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Education Center is celebrating 100 years, and the community is invited to join the festivities.

“It really has been the hub of the community for 100 years,” said Becca Burda, Assistant Director of Communications for Bend-La Pine Schools.

The Education Center first opened its doors to students in the 1920s. On September 7, 1925, it became home to Bend Union High School, which remained there until the current Bend High was built in 1956.

Over the decades, the building went on to serve as a middle school, then an elementary school, and even hosted Central Oregon Community College’s very first classes.

The building continues to serve as part of the Bend-La Pine Schools district’s facilities, housing a number of student programs.

“So many people in our community have ties to this building,” Burda said.

The centennial event welcomes past students, staff and neighbors to take a walk down memory lane.

The open house on September 27th will include historic artifacts, photos of graduating classes, and equipment used over the decades.

“We’ve also been working really hard with our partners at the Deschutes Historical Museum. They have been wonderful partners in helping us capture the history of this building,” Burda said.

Visitors will get to enjoy tours, live music, and food prepared by Bend High’s culinary program.

It runs from 1pm to 4pm.

Organizers are asking the community to help honor the building’s legacy by sharing their own memories. Submissions may be featured during the event.

Head to the link here to share your memories: bls.fyi/EdCenter100stories

Event Information:

Location –  Education Center, 520 NW Wall Street

Date – Saturday, September 27th

Time – 1pm to 4pm

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