Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Beginning on Friday, Bend Fire & Rescue’s Santa Express will visit neighborhoods around Bend to collect donations of food, clothing and toys to support The Salvation Army this holiday season.  

This year’s Santa Express will visit three parts of town and roll through the neighborhoods:

Friday, Dec. 5: Southeast Bend – Foxborough, Larkspur and Sun Meadow neighborhoods

Saturday, Dec. 6: Northwest Bend – Three Pines, Westside Meadows and Shevlin Ridge neighborhoods

Monday, Dec. 8: Southwest Bend – Pine Ridge, River Canyon and Aspen Rim neighborhoods

Route details are available at bendoregon.gov/santa-express.

Santa and Bend Fire crews will begin at 6 p.m. each night, slowly walking the neighborhood routes and gathering donations. Community members are encouraged to meet Santa along the way with donations of non-perishable foods, new toys or gently used clothing. The Salvation Army has expressed an increased need for gifts for teenagers this year. 

Those needing assistance with food or presents can call The Salvation Army at 541-389-8888.

Can’t catch Santa Express this year?

Bend Fire is also hosting a season-long food drive for NeighborImpact. Donations of non-perishable food – such as canned fruits, vegetables, soups and peanut butter – can be dropped off at any Bend Fire station through Friday, Dec. 12. Items will be distributed to local pantries, meal sites and shelters.

Fire station locations:

West – 1212 SW Simpson Ave., Bend

East – 62420 Hamby Road, Bend

North – 63377 Jamison St., Bend

South – 61080 Country Club Drive, Bend

Tumalo – 64725 Cook Ave., Tumalo

Pilot Butte – 425 NE 15th St., Bend 

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Tuesday classes also canceled, letter from principal)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire at Miller Elementary School in Bend on Sunday night caused significant damage to a custodial workshop but was contained by the school’s sprinkler system. Monday’s classes were canceled for a cleanup, and word came later that Tuesday classes also are canceled for that work.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews responded to the school around 9 p.m. after reports of a fire near the gymnasium. Firefighters found the sprinkler system already activated in the custodian’s workshop area, which helped stop the flames from spreading beyond the room, Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said.

Investigators determined the fire started in a cabinet where a lithium battery had been stored. The blaze caused severe damage to the workshop.

Firefighters remained on scene for about an hour to clear smoke and water from the area. The principal of Miller Elementary and Bend-La Pine Schools staff assisted crews in damage control efforts.

Principal Jennifer Johnson said in an email to families Monday morning that “water on the gym floor and the custodial office is being cleaned up, and the custodial office sustained damage that will make it inoperable today.”

As a result, she said, school was canceled Monday “to continue clean-up and assess any further damage. Crews are working to ventilate the building using fans and blowers to reduce the odor.”

Johnson added, “Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

Later Monday, Bend-La Pine Schools spokesman Scott Maben told KTVZ News that families had just been informed the closure would last a second day, “as we complete the cleanup and air quality testing.”

The National Fire Protection Association reminds the public to store lithium batteries at room temperature and away from flammable materials, use only batteries and chargers designed for each specific device, and they warn the public not to keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) recently announced proposed changes to reservations, fees, and more in order to improve the long-term financial stability of the state park system. Now, the department wants the public to chime in.

The proposal includes a new cancellation policy, changes to special access passes, and rate increases.

You can share your feedback now through January 15th, 2026, online, by mail, or by email.

Read the entire press release from OPRD below:

“Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is gathering public comments on proposed changes announced last month to the rules guiding reservations, special access passes, rate ranges and fee waivers. 

The proposed changes were announced last month in a press release. Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 15, 2026, and can be submitted: 

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/prp/pages/prp-division%2015.aspx 

Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301 

Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov 

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments. 

Virtual Hearing: 5:30 p.m. December 15, 2025. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_civm2LvcQx-R0ZKCwHCwww  

Most of the proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system. The proposed changes to reservations are meant to maximize the availability of campsites for visitors.   

OPRD faces a projected operational budget shortfall of $8 million for this biennium based on forecasts through November. The projected shortfall is down from the $14 million estimate due to a combination of revenue-generating strategies, including an increase in parking fee parks and overnight camping fee adjustments.

The shortfall is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and a decrease in projected Oregon Lottery funds for operations. Visitor fees do not cover the cost of operations, and Oregon State Parks does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.   

Proposed Cancellation Policy 

The proposed changes to the reservation policy discourage late cancellations and no-shows by incentivizing early cancellations. Refunds will no longer be provided for those who fail to cancel, which will help reduce unused reservations and open more opportunities for visitors to enjoy parks. The changes include: 

No refunds on the day of arrival.  

No-show reservations will not be refunded  

Refunds vary based on how long reservation is held, how close to arrival it is canceled.  

Proposed Changes to Special Access Pass 

Future Special Access Passes (SAP) for Veterans and foster families will be exclusively for those who live in Oregon, according to proposed changes. This will help ensure that limited resources are directed toward Oregonians. That update along with limiting the number of free days to 10 per year will reduce the fees waived by $2.2 million per biennium or 46% decrease in costs. Proposed changes include: 

Must be Oregon residents to participate. 

Waived overnight rental fees (up to 10 nights/year).  

Day-use parking permit fee waived.  

SAP Cancellations: Must cancel reservations to avoid losing benefit nights. Refunded nights will be based on length of time reservation is held.  

Proposed Rate Ranges: 

Day Use Parking Permit fees: $7–$25 daily; $30–$100 (12-month); $50–$200 (24-month*).  

Dynamic Pricing: Rates may vary by day of week, season, holidays, amenities, and demand. 

Proposed Rate Ranges   

The updated fee ranges for campsites, cabins, yurts and group facilities based on market conditions and anticipated inflation. The new rate ranges will allow for greater use of demand pricing. This proposed change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize revenue and maintain high-quality park services.  

Ultimately, these proposed changes are intended to keep Oregon’s parks open, well-maintained and welcoming for generations to come.   

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in February 2026 for possible adoption. If adopted, new rules would be effective beginning March 1, 2026.”

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding new details of incident, police concerns new scanner transcription app)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, Bend Police officers were called to Taco Salsa on Galveston Avenue following a reported dispute according to Communications Manager Sheila Miller.

Miller said a truck exiting the drive-through nearly collided with a cyclist, and the two got into a fight. Police say the cyclist punched the driver in his truck, and the driver struck back.

After that, she said, the driver of the vehicle drove onto the landscape and hit a stone or cement bench and table.

Workers at Taco Salsa told KTVZ News on Monday the driver was chasing the bicyclist, and shared with us a photo of a red bike trapped under a purple truck. Bend Police have not confirmed this detail.

The altercation continued until police arrived. Both men were arrested for disorderly conduct and fourth-degree assault, and the driver was also arrested on suspicion of reckless driving, reckless endangering, and first- and second-degree criminal mischief, according to Miller.

“We see road rage calls.” Miller told us. “We all drive. We understand it can be frustrating sometimes. Violence is not the answer, and I would encourage people to find other outlets for their aggression.”  

This event caused a stir on social media with post of a screenshot from a dispatch app which claimed a car had crashed into Taco Salsa. This turned out to be incorrect. The new app listens to dispatch calls and then uses AI to write short articles based on what it hears.

The problem with this is that initial calls into 911 can contain incomplete or incorrect information. Bend police say the app may be incorrectly transcribing the calls, as well as adding details to make the articles more exciting.

“It seems to add words like ‘chaotic’ or, ‘urgent’, and it just creates sort of a sense of, I think, fear and sensationalizes information on what can typically be pretty run-of-the-mill calls for service for us,” Miller said.

Miller referenced her experience as a former journalist and encouraged people to vet their sources carefully: “I’m a big believer in taking into consideration where you get your information from and how accurate that is. And I worry that apps like this that are using AI instead of real people with real brains, can get in the way of you getting accurate information. ”

In the past, the service as reported mundane calls such as shoplifting as ‘theft with a police pursuit’ and recently exaggerated a medical call, latching into details such as a bloody car, with a gun in it near a local hospital.

Miller said police want people to be informed about our community, but they recommend looking at vetted sources, like official law enforcement social media pages.

Anyone can listen to public police dispatch calls, but it’s helpful to keep in mind these calls and police radio provide limited details.

Bend police also listed Pluse Point and Flash Alert as good alternatives, for those who want to stay informed from reputable sources.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Transportation is hosting an open house for the community on Tuesday, December 2nd to educate residents about the Hawthorne Crossing Project. 

Attendees can see the new design, meet the project team, ask questions, and provide comments.

It will take place from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Dogwood at the Pine Shed, off of 2nd Street in Bend. 

For individuals unable to attend in person who would like to review the bridge design and/or provide comment, an online open house will be open now through December 9th. Click here to view the online open house.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Are you in need of some extra help this holiday season?

Between decorating the house, buying gifts, and planning your holiday meal, this time of year can spread some people thin. 

Here’s something that might help: located at the Bend River Promenade off of 3rd Street, there’s a free gift wrapping service, aimed at taking some of the to do’s off your plate.

The free gift wrapping service happens every year and is put on by the nonprofit Oregon Equestrian Trails. The nonprofit accepts donations in exchange for wrapping.

You can drop gifts off between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, December 1st through December 13th. Starting December 14th, you can drop off gifts from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through December 23rd. 

Volunteers from Oregon Equestrian Trails will wrap your gifts (purchased from any store) and call you when they are ready for pick up.

Click here to learn more.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Video Added)

KTVZ News posted to Facebook Thursday morning to hear what you, our viewers, are thankful for this holiday season.

Above, we highlight what KTVZ news staff are thankful for.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year—as many are looking ahead to the holidays and checking gifts off their lists. 

It’s the perfect day for another Small Business Spotlight!

We’re highlighting The Monterey Company, a custom products company based in Bend. 

“Not a lot of people know about us, so we want to get our name out there and just get known in the community that we love,” said Eric Turney, the president and co-owner of The Monterey Company.

Eric Turney

The Monterey Company got it’s start back in 1989 creating all things custom. 

“We do a lot of hats, branded apparel, t-shirts, ornaments, keychains,” Turney said. “Gear for people’s, employees. Sweatshirts, hoodies…”

Hats

The company has worked with big names like Amazon and Google but wants to bring in more Central Oregon customers being Bend-based. 

“(I was) born here in Bend. Went to high school, raised. I love Bend. You know, my kids are getting raised here,” Turney said. “We want to do more within the community, even give back. We did some free hats for a little league team here in town… We’ve done work for Lay It Out Events. So their racing metals that you see for the Happy Girls Run and all their events.”

From stickers to sweatshirts, the Monterey team is ready to bring your vision to life. 

Jack (left), Eric (middle), James (right), co-owners

“We’re right here on Century Drive. We share the same building with Fly and Field and Emerald City Smoothie. You’ve probably driven past us a bunch of times,” said Turney. “You can always hop in or our website.”

Make sure to get your orders in now for the perfect Christmas gift! 

Custom ornament

“It depends on the product, depends on the order size. I mean, stickers we can do in a few days, but, ornaments are typically a couple weeks. Most of our products are typically a couple weeks,” said Turney.

Click here to learn more about The Monterey Company.

Here are links to The Monterey Company’s social media platforms:

–Facebook–Instagram–YouTube–LinkedIn

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Shannon Brady

This morning was the 9th annual Redmond Turkey Trot held at Juniper Golf Course. The event featured a free 1K run for kids, a 5K and 10K course, and a virtual trot.

Participants were able to grab all sorts of fun swag, such as hats and hoodies. Trotters also had the opportunity to purchase discounted lift tickets to Hoodoo Ski Area at registration.

100% of the event’s proceeds are donated to Bright Eyes Bright Future, a local nonprofit bringing essential eye care services to youth across the world. The nonprofit was founded in 2017 by Krissy and Dr. Ray Hardy, owners of Summit Family Eyecare in Bend.

They told KTVZ news, “Our goal is to provide a family-friendly event to help kick off the holiday on a good note. We’ve seen families, work groups, and friends enjoy the day together, and it makes it all worth it.”

This family event has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many Central Oregonians; others are participating for the first time this year. There were more than 1,500 participants in 2024 and this year had another great outcome, with cars parked down the street.

Hardy added, “Community support grows every year through participation, sponsorship and volunteering. We have over 50 volunteers helping on the day of with everything from directing traffic, checking in runners, setting up, tearing down, and manning the aid station.”

To read more about Bright Eyes Bright Future: brighteyesbrightfuture.org

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Five thousand Central Oregonians bundled up Thanksgiving morning for the annual I Like Pie run in Bend. 

The event was held at its new home in Riverbend Park. 

Jillian Fortner spoke with participants, community leaders and sponsors at the event. Watch her full report tonight on KTVZ News.

“We used to be hosted at the Old Mill District,” said Scott Douglass with Cascade Relays. “But we outgrew the place and this allows us the opportunity to expand.”

The walk/run benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bend.

“When I found out it was a charity event for the Boys and Girls club, I felt like it was a perfect opportunity to sponsor the event.” said Jamie Bianchini, Co-Founder and CEO of Purpose in Expenses.

After raising $40,000 last year, this year they hope to raise $50,000. 

“This helps out a lot of families,” said Kyle Frick, VP of Marketing for Mid Oregon Credit Union.

Participants set out on one of three routes, all leading to the same reward: a slice of pie waiting at the finish line.

“We have over 400 pies from Costco,” Douglass added.

New this year was the Perfect Slice Challenge, featuring pie pros and standout home bakers. Sen. Anthony Broadman and Mayor Melanie Kebler were among the community leaders who stepped in as judges.

“This challenge is a way of bringing together community leaders for something we can all agree on. Delicious pie on the morning of Thanksgiving.” Senator Anthony Broadman said.

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