Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Avelo Airlines, which announced this summer that it would be ending its flights out of Redmond on Dec. 1, confirmed Friday to KTVZ News that it will be leaving the West Coast over a month earlier than planned, leaving customers scrambling for new flights and refunds.

“We elected to end our services at RDM early, on October 20, due to aircraft needs elsewhere and lack of demand during our final month,” Avelo Communications Manager Courtney Goff told us.

“We have alerted all customers with their options and apologize for any inconvenience incurred,” Goff added.

Avelo Airlines had announced in July that it would be closing its base in Burbank and eventually cease services at the Redmond Airport, as it expands operations on the East Coast.

Avelo said at the time it would halt its Redmond flights to Sonoma County and Las Vegas in August, but continue its flights to Burbank until Dec. 1.

The early end to the final Burbank flights came as a surprise to many, including Redmond Airport Director Zachary Bass. 

“We just found out about it,” Bass told KTVZ News Thursday. “Other airports got a little head’s up. October 20th is their last day here and the West Coast.” 

Asked about refunds, Avelo’s Goff told us, “Customers have received an email stating their options to reaccommodate to an earlier flight or refunded to their original form of payment on their current booking.”

An upset customer from Bend who had booked an Avelo flight with his wife to visit family for three days in November contacted KTVZ News. He said he was told after long on-hold phone calls by a customer representative in Houston that they would not refund his credit card – instead only offering ‘Avelo Cash’ credit for future travel, valid for five years.

“They’re leaving the West Coast! How can we ever use those credits?” he asked.

KTVZ News asked Avelo’s Goff about the report and she could not provide specifics without knowing the customer’s name and details, again stating, “If their flight was canceled by us, they would be refunded to the payment method they used for their current booking.”

The customer, who asked that his name not be used, said he followed the email directions from the airline on how to get a refund, canceling the flight through the airline’s app.

“Our plan is down the drain,” he said.

Two weeks after Avelo’s announcement this summer, Alaska Airlines announced that it will be adding year-round daily flights between Redmond and Burbank, starting in October. Breeze Airways also announced that it will be serving Redmond starting next March, including flights to Burbank, Las Vegas and Provo-Salt Lake City.

The upset Avelo customer said the flight cancellation and refund situation “left such a bad taste in our mouth,” they will be sticking with established airlines like Alaska and Delta, not others who could be “here today and gone the next day.”

He also said he emailed Avelo’s customer relations – and cc’d his congressman. “This is horrible, what they are doing,” he said.

 

 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County announced Friday it is accepting statements of interest from individuals who want to serve on the Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Committee.

The Wolf Depredation Committee oversees grant funds awarded by the Oregon Department of Agriculture to Deschutes County for wolf depredation compensation and non-lethal preventive assistance, according to the news release, which continues in full below:

The seven-member committee makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on how to distribute the funds, which compensate ranchers or producers for the confirmed depredation of livestock or working dogs due to wolves.

Additionally, grants support livestock management strategies and other non-lethal measures to reduce conflicts between livestock and wolves.

Community members representing a business sector with relevance to wolf activity— such as eco-tourism, livestock management, veterinary services, or those working as ranchers or producers—are encouraged to submit a statement of interest for the vacant committee position.

Committee positions are unpaid. Members serve a two-year term and typically meet quarterly, though additional meetings may occur if necessary.

For more information about the Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Committee please visit the committee’s website.

To apply, please submit a two-paragraph statement of interest via email to Jen Patterson at jen.patterson@deschutes.org by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025.

Here’s Harley Coldiron’s April 2025 Problem Solvers report about an Oregon farm family seeking changes to federal protections after a lone wolf killed several calves.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire officials on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, Crooked River National Grassland and Prineville District BLM said Friday they will end public use fire restrictions due to increased moisture, cooler temperatures and decreased daylight hours.

Here’s the full announcement by Central Oregon fire officials:

Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, public use fire restrictions will be lifted, and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will decrease to IFPL I, which requires a one-hour fire watch after equipment is shut down for the day and onsite water and/or a fire extinguisher and tools to prevent the spread of any fire. The fire danger rating is currently “moderate.”

Campfires are allowed across the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and on Prineville District BLM lands not currently under seasonal campfire restrictions.

Seasonal annual river corridor campfire restrictions remain in place for BLM-designated campgrounds along portions of the Crooked, Deschutes, John Day, and White Rivers, as well as on BLM-administered lands along Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus.

These restrictions prohibit campfires, charcoal fires, or any other type of open flame. This includes a ban on the use of portable propane campfires and wood pellet burning devices. Commercially manufactured lanterns and metal camp stoves used for cooking are allowed, when fueled with bottled propane or liquid fuel and operated in a responsible manner.

Remember to have plenty of water and a shovel on-hand when maintaining a campfire. Make sure your campfire is cold to the touch before you leave it unattended.

Prineville District BLM

Public use fire restrictions will remain in effect in La Pine until October 31st. For more information about Oregon/Washington BLM restrictions and closures, please visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions

Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device or using an explosive is always prohibited on National Forest System lands in Central Oregon and currently prohibited on BLM-administered lands in Central Oregon.

Information on current restrictions or the current Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) can be obtained by contacting your Central Oregon Fire Use Information Line at 1-800-523-4737.

For current wildfire information, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: More details from Bend Police)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An 83-year-old Bend man was cited for reckless driving Friday morning after crossing the double-yellow line on Third Street while trying to pass several vehicles, causing a three-vehicle crash near the railroad underpass, police said. 

One driver suffered a minor injury in the crash that occurred around 9:30 a.m. near SE Scott Street, where the four-lane road narrows to two lanes before reaching the underpass.

Bend Police Communications Manager Jessica Rich said the cited driver was heading north in a white Kia SUV when he crossed the double-yellow line while trying to pass several vehicles.

His SUV struck a utility trailer being towed by a southbound orange Nissan pickup truck, Rich said. That caused the Kia to spin and hit a third vehicle, a red Mazda sedan that was also heading south.

Rich told KTVZ the southbound driver was unable to avoid the oncoming car when it came into his lane. 

The driver was cited in lieu of custody and released at the scene, Rich said.  

Reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor in Oregon that carries a maximum possible sentence of a year in jail, a minimum 90-day license suspension, a $6,250 fine and five years of probation or supervision. 

Third Street was closed for about an hour while officers investigated the crash and towed the vehicles from the scene, Rich said.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: adding video, comments from BestCare, Recover Together Bend)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – BestCare Treatment Services says they’re seeing more people walk through their doors because of kratom, a substance some turn to for pain or anxiety.

Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant containing mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Low doses can stimulate while higher doses can sedate, like opioids.

“The perception is that this is safe and natural,” BestCare’s medical director, Billie Cartwright, said Friday. “That perception isn’t not necessarily true. Kratom actually is a plant. But ‘natural’ doesn’t necessarily mean safe.”

BestCare Addiction Clinic says they’re now seeing a few patients each week coming in for help with kratom use. Some people in recovery have relapsed after trying it.

“It totally reactivates their addiction that may have been stable and in remission,” Cartwright said.

Some have developed a dependency, despite having no prior history of addiction.

“I’ve seen another set of patients, you know, an older population that is using it for pain,” Cartwright added.

BestCare warns 7-OH is far stronger than mitragynine, especially in synthetic or concentrated products. It has already been banned in some states, including Florida.

Back in August, KTVZ spoke with Recover Together Bend about the dangers it poses.

“7-OH can be as potent and at times even more potent than morphine and heroin themselves. The problem lies in the fact that it’s unregulated,” said Dr. David Campbell of Recover Together Bend.

The CDC identified 91 kratom-involved deaths in 2016-2017. Only seven were kratom-only. Most involved fentanyl, opioids or benzodiazepines.

Naloxone may help in mixed overdoses but isn’t always effective for kratom alone, according to BestCare.

Cartwright mentioned adverse effects include nausea, liver injury, seizures and psychiatric symptoms.

This year, the Food and Drug Administration referred 7-OH to the Drug Enforcement Administration for possible scheduling under the Controlled Substances Act. This referral targets synthetic and concentrated 7-OH products, not traditional kratom leaf.

Local Resources & Support:

BestCare Addiction Medicine Clinic: 541-668-9070

BestCare Withdrawal Management Services: 458-218-2027

Recover Together Bend Withdrawal Management Services: 832-398-1138

Call 911 immediately in case of overdose.

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KTVZ

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Republic Services, will provide the final scheduled free shred event of 2025 on Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Terrebonne Elementary School parking lot.

This residential-only shred event is not intended for business or commercial use. Paper clips and staples may remain attached, but plastic bags and three-ring binders cannot be accepted.

Participants are asked to bring no more than four boxes of documents per household. If you have more than four boxes, please contact Republic Services at 541-352-2263 for disposal options.

The event will also include safe medication disposal. Accepted items include:

Prescriptions

Patches

Ointments

Over-the-counter medications

Vitamins

Samples

Pet medications

Not accepted: Sharps, thermometers, inhalers, aerosols, or pressurized containers.

The event also provides proper disposal of American flags. Community members may bring worn or tattered flags for respectful retirement. In addition, non-perishable food donations will be accepted and donated to a local food bank.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents, unwanted medications, and worn flags—all while supporting the local community.

Terrebonne Elementary School is located at 1199 B Ave, Terrebonne, OR 97760. 

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College is staging ‘Jobfest’ events for career-seekers at its Bend and Redmond campuses, with nearly 40 local companies and agencies set to participate.

They will take place October 2nd and 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Additionally, both campuses will hold free resume-building workshops ahead of the ‘Jobfest’ events:

-Bend campus: Tuesday, September 30th in Cascades Hall, room 240a from 11 a.m. to Noon.

-Redmond campus: Monday, October 6th in the Technology Education Center, room 135 from 3-4 p.m.

No registration is required. You can find additional information on COCC’s website.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– A staple of the Redmond coffee community branches out to Bend. Junction Roastery prides itself on coffee and tea with artisan and local ingredients. It also established itself as a social spot in the Redmond community and wants to bring a version of that to Bend. The second Junction Roastery will go in the area where Black Strap, an outdoor clothing company, is located on Southeast 9th Street. Fans of the Redmond coffee company are excited for a new location and Junction thinks it’s going to be a big hit in Bend.

Bo Olson, Owner of Junction Roastery told KTVZ News “We actually really, really care about getting it right and making a connection with our guests every day and creating regulars. Everybody that comes into Junction, it’s kind of in the name. We bring all walks of life in. We hope everybody leaves feeling a little bit cooler and having a little bit of a better time and a higher vibration when they leave the doors.”

The new space also allows more room for roasting on the spot. Junction Roastery will offer its signature coffee, baked goods from Sister’s Bakery, and teas from Metolius Organic Tea. The expected opening is around Thanksgiving.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Alfalfa-area resident Lorinda Maxwell, the owner of “Kameo Poodles,” has been granted conditional release as her animal neglect case moves forward in Deschutes County Circuit Court.

At prosecutors’ request, Deschutes County Circuit Judge Randy Miller added a condition to Maxwell’s release during Thursday’s arraignment that prohibits her from owning or living with domestic animals of any kind as the case proceeds.

It was Maxwell’s first court appearance, facing 49 counts of second-degree animal neglect, all Class C felonies. Another court hearing is scheduled for October 10 to determine whether Maxwell must permanently forfeit the 49 animals seized from her property. 

Maxwell is accused of operating a puppy mill where 49 animals, many of them poodle puppies, were found by deputies. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the dogs were found crammed into cages, suffering from poor health and in desperate need of grooming. 

Speaking Thursday with KTVZ News, District Attorney Steve Gunnels described the conditions as “unsanitary,” with insufficient food and water. Photographs from investigators show filthy crates littered with old food and feces. 

The poodles are currently being cared for at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, but remain Maxwell’s property and until next month’s forfeiture hearing. Prosecutors are asking the court to permanently transfer ownership of the dogs to the shelter, allowing them to be adopted into new homes. 

Maxwell is scheduled for arraignment October 16th on an expected formal grand jury indictment.

“This is probably one of our bigger animal forfeiture and animal neglect cases,” Gunnels told us, noting the recent sharp rise in abuse cases across Deschutes County. His office has assigned two attorneys with specialized training to prosecute such crimes. 

The DA also credited area law enforcement with stepping up enforcement efforts.

“What we’re seeing right now is pretty aggressive law enforcement to find those instances where people are abusing or neglecting animals,” he said. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend’s biggest little art show is returning to the High Desert Museum, and this year promises to be the most impressive yet, organizers said this week. The 20-Dollar Art Show, presented by Bright Place Gallery, will feature more than 8,000 miniature masterpieces created by 350-plus artists.

Here’s the full announcement:

Celebrating original artwork created by established and emerging artists, The 20-Dollar Art Show opens Saturday, October 4. For two weeks, visitors, art enthusiasts and fans can explore the exhibition, find their favorites and plan their shopping wish lists. Walls throughout the Museum will showcase rows of creative, colorful miniature art.

Then, an Extravaganza Kickoff event takes place on Friday, October 17 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm with music, food and drinks. For the low, low price of $20, each of the thousands of artworks will be available for sale. It will be the first time visitors can purchase their mini masterpieces, with all proceeds going to the artist. As in previous years, timed ticket entries will be available for 5:30 pm entry, 6:30 pm entry and 7:30 pm entry.

On Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, special Extravaganza events will keep rolling from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm! At least a thousand new works will go out each morning while artists create one-of-a-kind artwork on site. Tickets will be required for the morning sessions for non-Museum members. Those exclusively visiting The 20-Dollar Art Show to browse and buy Saturday and Sunday afternoons may do so without paying admission, as well as on Monday, October 20.

Tickets for the Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday morning events go on sale at 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 24 at highdesertmuseum.org/20-art-show-info. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for ages 16 and younger. Timed entry tickets are first come, first served. Last year, all tickets sold within minutes.

“The 20-Dollar Art Show continues to grow every year with an awe-inspiring array of miniature art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “This is a favorite exhibit, and it is an honor to host this beloved community event that supports local and emerging artists.”

The brainchild of Stuart Breidenstein and Abby Dubief of the former Bright Place Gallery, The 20-Dollar Art Show began in 2013 to help local artists sell their art while also making it affordable and accessible to the public. When the gallery closed in December 2019, the show had already grown beyond its walls. After a break during the pandemic, the show found a new home at the Museum. Since 2021, the Museum’s walls are packed with miniature artworks every fall.

“We are excited that so many artists are participating this year,” said Breidenstein. “We’re not only overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of work, but also by the quality. As the show grows, we’re continually inspired by the one-off gems these mostly unknown artists can create.”

Breidenstein and Dubief produce the show each year, helping to hang the art at the Museum, which can take days to complete. As artists themselves, both contribute pieces to the show. Other popular local artists featured in the 2025 exhibition include Sondra Holtzman, Janet Kilgore, Carrie Erickson, Jessie Zenor and Mike Wise. Participating artists range from age 8 to 80.

Each piece of art is a maximum of 36 square inches, making them truly miniature. The art ranges from watercolors and macrame to oil portraits and acrylic landscapes. Some include a touch of humor while others tell a story or carry a message. When all the art is on the Museum’s walls, the mini artworks do not seem so small anymore, said Dustin Cockerham, Senior Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Museum.

“We build temporary walls to help display all of these amazing miniatures,” said Cockerham. “This year, the exhibition will be on view for two weeks before the sale begins. It’s worth visiting and exploring all the art, not just so you can pick your favorites beforehand but to see the scale of the exhibition and the breadth of creativity.”

Window shopping in the days prior to the extravaganza is one of the best ways to view the exhibition and prepare for the sale. Browse the walls of art, experience all the inspiring styles, colors and themes, and find your favorite mini masterpieces. Viewing the exhibition before the October 17 Extravaganza is included with the price of admission.

The 20-Dollar Art Show is open through Monday, October 20 and is made possible by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and The Clabough Foundation.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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