Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Thursday marked the final day of Shop with a Cop with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sheriff Ty Rupert and other DCSO team members were seen spending time with all the kids, uplifting their Christmas spirit with necessities like blankets and jackets—and of course a few Christmas toys to spark some holiday joy. 

Shop with a Cop is a long-standing national tradition that pairs local law enforcement officers with children in need of a special holiday shopping experience.

Kids are nominated through local schools and community organizations. 

Together with law enforcement, they spend the day together–having fun shopping for necessities and a few holiday gifts.

The program is entirely funded by donations. Donations are accepted year-round. Click here to learn more.

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Some community members still feel the effects of the covid pandemic – including the Taizé community. Now they say they are ready to rebuild.

Taizé is a style of worship dating back to France at the end of World War Two.

The community in Bend has been around for several decades.

Members of the community told KTVZ News, Taizé brings a sense of calming to their lives.

Deby Welch, a member of the Taizé community told KTVZ, “The focus we try and make is on healing. So we have different things. Healing for people, healing for the world. This month, healing for faith communities.”

“I was amazed how comforting. Just coming, listening to the music, participating and the feeling of it’s not something that asks much of you, but it gives you so much to just sit in,” Michaele Grabenhorst said to KTVZ News.

Community members come together for songs, prayer, and comfort in the chaotic world.

They say that anyone from any religion is welcome to join.

They meet on the first Thursday of the month, at Trinity Episcopal Church.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fast firefighter response kept a garden shed fire – sparked by disposed-of hot ashes – from reaching nearby homes in a southwest Bend neighborhood Thursday morning.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews were called out around 11 a.m. to the structure fire near homes in the 61000 block of Chuckanut Drive, in the Romaine Village subdivision, Fire Investigator Jason Kamperman said.

A neighbor alerted the property owner of the shed fire and also called 911, he said.

Crews quickly put out the blaze, but not before it destroyed the shed, damaged a property-line fence and burned parts of several large Ponderosa pines, Kamperman said.

The investigator said they found that hot ashes had been placed on dry compost material near the shed. The ashes, from a fire in a wood-burning appliance the previous night, ignited combustibles and quickly spread to the nearby shed.

Fortunately, Kamperman said, nearby homes were spared danage due to the quick response from fire crews after the neighbor called 911.

Losses were estimated at about $20,000.

Kamperman said, “It is important to dispose of hot ashes from wood burning appliances correctly.  Best practice is to first let ashes cool in the burning appliance for 2-3 days before taking them out.  Then, when they have cooled significantly, place them in a non-combustible container, such as a sturdy metal container with metal lid and leaving in the container, 10 feet away from any combustibles, until completely cool and extinguished. This can take multiple days, or even weeks.”

“Ashes taken out of a wood-burning appliance can remain hot enough to ignite combustibles for 4 – 7 days, in some cases even longer, after they have been removed from the source,” the fire investigator added in his news release. 

“Even though they may not be smoking or feel hot to the touch, hot embers may be deep inside of ash and remain hot enough to support combustion,” Kamperman said, adding: “Never place hot ashes in a plastic or combustible container or near combustible materials prior to ensuring complete extinguishment.”

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Mastersingers put on a free performance at the downtown Bend library Thursday afternoon.

This is a group of highly skilled singers from various ensembles from across Oregon. And while they’ve sung in many prestigious venues, including the Vatican, they were more than happy to sign some holiday songs for the gathered crowd. 

Numbers included a cappella versions of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas,’ ‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Deck the Halls.’ The crowd was especially impressed with a performance of the ‘Carol of the Bells.’

While the group strives to be a source of high quality choral music, being a source of joy is more important to them.

Christian Clark, the Mastersingers’ artistic director, told KTVZ News, “We believe in the power of music to change lives. And when we get to perform for people, whether it’s on the stage of the Tower Theatre or in a room at the library, we love connecting with people.”

Carols are a favorite of the Mastersingers. Clark said, “It’s especially important this time of year that we can provide some hope and some joy for folks. And we’re happy to be here at the library today to do that.“

If you missed the Mastersingers’ Thursday performance, they have several more coming up. They have an upcoming  “What Sweeter Music!” performance at the Tower Theatre on the 14th. Tickets can be found on the Tower website. There’s also free sing-along of “Handel’s Messiah” on the 20th at Nativity Lutheran Church.

And you might even catch them out on the streets of Bend. The Mastersingers will be caroling in the Old Mill on the 9th, and you’ll also see and hear them in Saturday’s Christmas Parade.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Taylor Brooks has just announced that Perk Imaging has signed a lease for Shevlin Crossing Building B, introducing an advanced new option in breast screening to Central Oregon.

Perk Imaging will offer the QT Scan, a state-of-the-art, non-invasive breast imaging technology that is radiation-free, contrast-free, compression-free, and completely painless, according to a news release received by KTVZ News that continues below.

The Bend location will house one of only 10 QT Scanners in the United States—and the first in Oregon—providing unprecedented clarity down to the cellular level.

Amanda Johnson, FNP

Perk Imaging was founded by Amanda Johnson, FNP, who also owns and operates Mae Medical, an integrative medicine clinic in Lakeview, Oregon. Johnson brings more than 26 years of experience across women’s health, diagnostics, and integrative medicine.

“We’re proud to be the first in Oregon to introduce QT Scan technology,” said Johnson. “This is an exciting step forward for women’s health—offering a safe, radiation-free, pain-free option for women of all ages. With nearly half of all women having dense breast tissue, traditional imaging can be limited. The QT Scan provides earlier, clearer insight and empowers women to take control of their breast health with confidence.”

Romy Mortensen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Brooks Resources Corporation, the Managing Member of Taylor Brooks, added, “I’m thrilled and proud that Perk Imaging will be the first to bring the QT Scan to Oregon. Patients deserve access to innovative imaging alternatives and a holistic approach to wellness. Located in the heart of Bend’s growing health and wellness district, Perk is the ideal addition to Shevlin Crossing.”

About QT Scan Technology

The QT Scan uses Breast Acoustic CT™, a non-ionizing tomographic imaging technology based on low-frequency sound waves. Key benefits include:

Radiation-free and contrast-free imaging, offering a safe, repeatable option for all ages

Completely painless scanning with no breast compression; the breast rests comfortably in a room-temperature water bath

True 3D, high-resolution visualization of breast tissue, with clarity extending to the cellular level

Exceptional performance for dense breast tissue or implants, since acoustic imaging is not limited by tissue density

Reduction in unnecessary biopsies and callbacks by more accurately differentiating benign from suspicious findings

Perk Imaging will pair this technology with a spa-inspired clinic environment, creating a calm, comfortable screening experience focused on patient wellbeing.

Beyond imaging, Johnson plans to expand into wellness services that offer a broader, more integrated view of breast health. “As we developed Perk Imaging, it became clear that breast health cannot be separated from overall metabolic health,” says Johnson.

“Women’s hormones, inflammation, detoxification pathways, and metabolic function all influence breast tissue over time. That understanding inspired the creation of Perk Wellness—to give patients access to the tools, education, and comprehensive support needed to optimize whole-body health alongside advanced breast imaging.”

Perk Wellness will be a membership-based wellness program offering advanced, results-driven services. Perk Wellness will feature the HOCATT™ sauna, available to both women and men through a dedicated membership.

Additional memberships are designed specifically for women and include Detox & Reset, Women’s Hormone Optimization, Longevity & Anti-Aging, and an exclusive All-Inclusive Membership. Each program integrates restorative therapies with evidence-based functional medicine to deliver personalized, elevated wellness support.

Together, Perk Imaging and Perk Wellness offer a complementary model in which onsite QT Scan imaging and the HOCATT™ sauna are paired with virtual, integrative wellness memberships—providing patients with seamless access to both advanced diagnostics and modern wellness support.

Perk Wellness is an additional, entirely optional membership and is not required for QT Scan imaging. All imaging services are offered independently, with wellness memberships available solely as a complementary option for those seeking broader metabolic, hormonal, or preventive support.

About Perk Imaging

Perk Imaging is an innovative breast imaging clinic opening in 2026 in Bend, Oregon. It will feature the QT Scan, one of only ten in the U.S. and the first in Oregon, offering non-invasive, ultra-high-resolution breast imaging for earlier and more accurate detection. The clinic was founded by experienced nurse practitioner Amanda Johnson, FNP, and is committed to advancing women’s health through safe, modern, patient-centered imaging. www.perkimaging.com.

About Taylor Brooks

Taylor Brooks is a Bend-based real estate development firm specializing in land acquisition, site planning, and build-to-suit projects that support long-term community and economic vitality. The company develops medical, office, and flex industrial properties and provides full-service commercial property management with an emphasis on strong tenant relationships. Taylor Brooks is a partnership between Taylor Development LLC and Brooks Resources Corporation. www.taylorbrooksdev.com.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For several months, the Problem Solvers have been sharing stories about the parking challenges facing downtown Bend. Many residents say they avoid the area because finding parking is difficult, and local businesses report feeling the impact.

Parklets: A Pandemic Lifeline Turns Permanent

One side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic remains with us: outdoor dining parklets. These parklets converted parking spaces into dining areas.

While some business owners feel restaurants are unfairly favored by being allowed to take away convenient parking, others argue they are vital to keeping downtown vibrant.

Business Owners Divided on Parklets’ Impact

Sarah Roberts, owner of Oregon Body and Bath, believes the parklets have outlived their usefulness.

“There was a need for them then. But I think that time has come and gone. We don’t have COVID any more,” she said. She frequently hears complaints about the loss of parking affecting business.

On the other hand, Mac McDonald, owner of Lemon Tree, paints a different picture.

“It creates an ambiance, an opportunity. It looks fresh, exciting,” he said. He notes that the restaurant’s parklet attracts tourists who are exploring downtown for the first time. “If my parklet went away, I would lose 10 percent of my sales.”

McDonald says he is convinced that other businesses rely on parklets to help attract customers. “Again, absolutely,” he said when asked if parklets help bring more customers downtown.

The True Cost of Parklets: City Revenue Losses

Among the roughly 2,500 parking spaces in downtown Bend, 13 businesses have dedicated around 30 spots to parklets. According to the City’s Transportation Department, each parking space generates about $250,000 in annual revenue.

This puts the city’s potential revenue loss at over $7.5 million. However, this figure doesn’t factor in the possible boost in business and tax revenue that these parklets may bring by attracting more visitors to the downtown area.

December 2024 parking strategy updateDownload

Roberts says this loss translates not only financially but also keeps locals from patronizing downtown businesses.

“I think it comes down to that convenient parking that the locals have been used to for a long time,” she added.

Mayor and Business Association Look to the Future

Mayor Melanie Kebler sees parklets as community gathering places that help all businesses. “Having gathering places for people and having places for people to stay longer downtown generally benefits all the businesses,” she said.

However, the Downtown Bend Business Association is pushing for changes. In a letter to the city, they requested that parklets become a summer-only feature, adhere to design standards, and have increased permit costs.

DBBA letter to the City of Bend on parkletsDownload

The mayor is open to these changes but emphasizes the need to improve how parking options are communicated and made accessible.

“You might be surprised at how many different little parking lots there are downtown, as well as the parking garage,” she said. “We need to do a better job of making all the other parking options understandable for people.”

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – AccuAir Heating and Cooling, based in Redmond, has been named the winner of the 2025 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics for the state of Oregon. 

The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is the most prestigious honor the Better Business Bureau Foundation bestows on businesses operating within its eight-state service area. Winners must demonstrate a high level of personal character, meet the highest standards of ethics, and build trust with their customers, team and the community.  

“The businesses we’re honoring this year have exemplified that doing the right thing for their community and customers is good for business,” said Tyler Andrew, president and CEO of BBB Great West + Pacific. “They’ve shown what it looks like to lead with values and build a better marketplace for everyone. That’s the kind of leadership BBB looks for and is proud to spotlight with these awards!” 

For AccuAir founder and owner David Sale, the recognition is deeply personal. 

“Being recognized by the Better Business Bureau for our commitment to customer satisfaction and community involvement means the world to us,” Sale said in a news release from the company. “Our team works hard every day to deliver the highest standard of service, and seeing that dedication acknowledged makes me incredibly proud.” 

A Redmond local and U.S. Army veteran, Sale founded AccuAir in 2007 and has built a business known not only for expert HVAC services, but for giving back. To date, AccuAir has donated more than $179,000 to local charities, schools, and nonprofits — along with countless volunteer hours supporting Central Oregon families. 

“To me, this award isn’t just about our business—it’s about how our community sees us,” Sale added. “We want people to think of AccuAir not just for heating and cooling, but for the difference we make here at home.” 

About Better Business Bureau: BBB Great West + Pacific serves more than 20 million consumers in Alaska, Central Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Western Wyoming. BBB Foundation, the charitable arm of BBB Great West + Pacific, is dedicated to consumer protection and business celebration initiatives across the local service area. For more information, visit BBB.org/gwp. Torch Awards winners from each state were announced as part of a virtual ceremony held on October 30. 

About AccuAir Heating and Cooling: Founded in 2007, AccuAir Heating and Cooling provides trusted heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services throughout Central Oregon. Locally and veteran-owned, AccuAir is dedicated to delivering top-quality service and building lifelong relationships through integrity and expertise. Learn more at accuairheat.com.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As midterm races approach, KTVZ is bringing viewers in-depth interviews with candidates in local and statewide contests.

If you have an issue or question you would like me to ask candidates who are running for local, state, and national races, reach out to me at spencer.sacks@ktvz.com.

I recently sat down with Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, a Republican candidate for Oregon governor. The two discussed topics including the recent Oregon Department of Transportation tax and fee increases, wildfires, education and immigration.

I opened the interview by asking Bethell why she is running for governor.

“Because it’s time that Oregon has a leader who understands the function of government from an executive perspective, not just a legislative perspective,” Bethell said. “As a Marion County commissioner, I have struggled for the last five years to have an active partner in the governor’s office with all the issues that we face across Oregon, from homelessness to housing to economic development.It feels like we’ve had an agenda-oriented individual in that office for far too long. I just want to come in and run the government so it’s efficient and effective. I want to lower the cost of government so that we’re not paying so much in taxes as citizens.”

I then asked what distinguishes Bethell from Republican front-runner Christine Drazan.

“I don’t come from the Legislature,” Bethell said. “I don’t have the need to create more laws and rules. My job as a commissioner is to make sure that my neighbors and my community are served properly, that businesses can thrive, and that our health and human services departments are effective.”

One of the major issues in the campaign is the recently passed ODOT funding bill. Bethell criticized the measure, which includes $4.2 billion in taxes and fees.

“We didn’t need to have that $4.2 billion tax package forced through,” she said. “What we needed was a leader to sit down with the director of ODOT and prioritize differently — to look at the funding space, live within their margins and partner locally.”

On immigration, Bethell addressed recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Portland.

“Right now, Oregon doesn’t have a good grasp on who is here legally and illegally,” she told KTVZ. “I don’t believe it’s appropriate for anybody to be living among our community scot-free. We all have to earn our way. We all have to invest in the system, and we need to do it in a way that maintains safe communities. Unfortunately, I think the individuals who are here illegally have committed a crime. They should go back to their country of origin.”

The interview also touched on Oregon’s education system and newly released state performance numbers.

“One of the biggest challenges we have in Oregon today is that we don’t allow parents in the classroom like we once did,” Bethell said. “Parents are trying to survive, and they miss a lot of opportunities to know what is going wrong in our education system. School districts should be the ones running what’s happening in their neighborhoods.”

She added that Oregon’s current approach is “top-down” and lacks accountability.

“We need to go back to real accountability in the classroom,” Bethell said. “We need to be able to serve each kid individually. Every brain is different in how it learns and comprehends, and we’ve created a one-size-fits-all system that doesn’t work. We’ve also removed academic standards — we’re not testing kids to determine whether they have the comprehensive foundation needed to move forward.”

Many residents in Eastern Oregon say they feel left out and ignored by state leadership. Sacks asked Bethell how she plans to connect with those communities if elected governor.

“I can understand why they feel left out and ignored, and I think that’s unacceptable,” Bethell said. “I made a commitment to set a table for them. I also inform them of the civic process and that the governor doesn’t have authority in every space, but the governor’s job is to listen and make connections.

“And while I am not a proponent of losing most of the best part of the state to Idaho, I understand that they want to be heard, and I’m going to show up for them.”

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Assistance League of Bend says it’s thrilled to announce the success of its recent fundraising event, Raise a Glass for the Kids, held to support Operation School Bell®, the organization’s signature philanthropic program.

This annual event brings together local community members, businesses, and supporters united by a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in Deschutes County., according to the organization, a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

Here’s the rest of Thursday’s announcement: 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees and donors, Raise a Glass for the Kids raised enough funds to provide new school clothing for 1,441 students in need.

These clothes are not just a basic necessity — they help foster self-confidence, encourage peer acceptance, and improve school attendance, enabling local children to thrive both academically and socially. 

This event represents more than raising funds — it’s a celebration of what we can achieve together as a community. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and volunteered, and we are honored to work alongside such committed partners who share our vision of helping children succeed. 

Assistance League of Bend extends heartfelt thanks to our presenting sponsors for their support: Cascade Disposal, Team Fitch John L. Scott Real Estate, Lucia Capital Group, Phagans’ Cosmetology Colleges, OnPoint Community Credit Union, and Cascade Village Live Bend, and to our media partner, KTVZ.  Their contributions were instrumental in making this year’s event a tremendous success. 

With the help of our community, we are able to provide more than just clothing—we’re giving children the tools to build a brighter future. Thank you to all who helped make Raise a Glass for the Kids an unforgettable celebration of generosity and compassion. 

For more information about Assistance League of Bend and Operation School Bell, visit: https://www.assistanceleague.org/bend/.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: All power restored )

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 1,000 Central Electric Cooperative members lost power for about four hours Thursday due to an equipment issue at the Madras substation.

Co-op officials said line crews began repairs during the noon hour on a blown regulator at the substation.

An outage map around 3:30 p.m. showed more than 500 CEC members out of power north of Redmond and nearly 500 between Madras and Warm Springs. But only about 300 still were reported out of service shortly before 4 p.m.

An update posted to CEC’s Facebook page at 3:40 p.m. said power was restored for the last customers just after 3:30 p.m.

Earlier, CEC had stated, “We thank members for their continued patience, as our crews work as quickly and safely as possible.”

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