Category: ktvz-local-news

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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Tracee Tuesday

Redmond, Ore. [KTVZ] — LuAnn Lehnertz’s journey with St. Charles began in 1975 during a cross-country road trip that brought her to Central Oregon.

Originally from the Twin Cities and with a full-time job offer in Minnesota, Lehnertz made a life-changing decision when she stopped in Bend and accepted a part-time dietitian position at St. Charles. That November marked the beginning of an extraordinary 50-year career dedicated to the health and wellness of the local community.

Lehnertz was Redmond’s first full-time dietitian and took on many pioneering roles, including managing food services for two decades, designing the hospital kitchen, and providing inpatient visits—all well before the age of computers and email.

Throughout her tenure, she launched innovative programs such as diabetes education, bariatric surgery support groups, and lifestyle programs to complement medical treatments. She became the first certified diabetes educator dietitian in Redmond and has consistently embraced new ideas and challenges in the evolving field of nutrition.

Today, Lehnertz continues her work at the Center for Women’s Health in Redmond, offering outpatient nutrition therapy. Beyond her professional duties, she also teaches fitness classes at the Redmond Senior Center, making health and wellness her lifelong passion.

Reflecting on her five decades at St. Charles, Lehnertz says she’s never been bored and believes she’s had the best years any dietitian could ask for—both professionally and personally in Central Oregon.

Her story is a testament to commitment, community, and the impact one dedicated healthcare professional can have over a long career, inspiring the next generation of care providers and the Central Oregon community alike.

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Tracee Tuesday

LA PINE, Ore. [KTVZ] — When the government shutdown left families across Oregon struggling to afford groceries, one La Pine business owner decided to help—one slice at a time.

During that difficult stretch, Figaro’s Pizza stepped up in a big way, giving out more than 100 free pizzas to families in need and to those whose SNAP benefits had been reduced. Leading the charge was owner Brandi Herron, who found inspiration from an unexpected moment inside her own pizza shop.

It started when Herron’s employees began giving their own lunches to a homeless man who frequently stopped by. That small gesture sparked a bigger idea—something that would come to be known as “The Giving Wall.”

Now, that wall inside Figaro’s is covered with prepaid pizza vouchers, donated first by Herron’s staff and later by generous community members. Anyone in need can take a voucher—no questions asked—and enjoy a warm meal.

“My mom needed these programs when I was growing up, and I needed these programs when I was raising my own kids,” Herron said. “I just felt the need was tremendous. I don’t think I’m doing anything special—I just think I’m doing what everybody should be doing. If we all help our neighbors or our employees, the world is just a better place.”

Since its inception during the shutdown, the Giving Wall has proven to be a simple act of caring, and sharing what Herron has with those who could use a little help, one pizza at a time.

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Families, friends and Thanksgiving guests can stay safe from foodborne germs by practicing four simple steps this holiday: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill, the Oregon Health Authority says. 

Clean:  Wash hands and surfaces often 

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before, during and after preparing food, and before eating.

Always wash hands after handling uncooked meat, turkey and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.

Wash utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.

Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. 

Separate: Avoid cross contamination 

Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices away from other foods when grocery shopping.

Keep raw or marinating meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the bottom of the refrigerator; store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in sealed containers or wrap them securely so the juices don’t leak onto other foods.

Use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and a separate cutting board or plate for produce, bread and other foods that won’t be cooked.

Cook: To the proper temperature 

The only way to tell if food is safely cooked to a temperature that kills germs is to use a food thermometer. For example, turkey should cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This chart provides a detailed list of temperatures and foods, including shellfish and precooked ham. 

Chill: Refrigerate promptly 

Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).

Package warm or hot food in clean, shallow containers and then refrigerate — it is OK to put small portions of hot food in the refrigerator since they will chill faster.

If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like sitting in a hot car or at a picnic, refrigerate it within 1 hour.

Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave – never thaw food on the counter because bacteria multiply quickly in the parts of the food that reach room temperature. 

Check out this informative video showing how to safely prepare your Thanksgiving meal. 

For more information, visit OHA’s Food Safety web page  

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This holiday season, Central Oregonians can give a child and family much-needed support by taking part in KIDS Center’s toy and gift card drive, “Hope for the Holidays.”

Now through December 15, KIDS Center is collecting gift cards and toys to distribute to children and families impacted by abuse. 

This year, KIDS Center expects to serve 500 children and families across the region. “Many of our families are under stress, which can affect a child’s healing process,” explains Hailey Porter, a Child & Family Therapist at KIDS Center.

Gift cards offer immediate relief for families. Throughout the year, KIDS Center’s family advocates distribute $10,000 in gift cards to client families. Gift cards to gas stations, grocery stores, and big box stores offer the most impact, notes Nikki Guthrie, Family Advocate.

“A gas card can help a child reach KIDS Center for a therapy session or child abuse evaluation,” Guthrie said. “A grocery card can offer a family warm meals for the week. Gift cards to big box stores help families buy diapers and other necessities. Gift cards give families much-needed stability so they can focus on healing.”  

“We encourage people to pick up a gift card while they’re doing their holiday shopping,” explains Ginger Theis-Stevens, the nonprofit’s Director of Marketing and Development.

Gift cards can be mailed to KIDS Center or dropped off in the drop box by the front door. KIDS Center is located on Bend’s westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703.  

You can also donate online to the Gift Card Fund and KIDS Center will purchase gift cards on your behalf.  Visit https://kidscenter.org/giftcards.  

Along with gift cards, KIDS Center also collects toys to give a little joy to children who have experienced abuse. “Our toy wish list on Amazon is a great place to start,” says Theis-Stevens. “You can order toys and have them shipped directly to KIDS Center, or purchase toys in town and bring them (unwrapped) to KIDS Center during our regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm).  

If you are interested in learning more or would like your business to participate in “Hope for the Holidays,” please reach out to Barbera Vella at bvella@kidscenter.org.  

About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is a local non-profit leading our region’s response to child abuse. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). 

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management is extending the deadline to apply for new special recreation permits for guiding activities on sections of the Lower Deschutes River and the Lower Crooked River south of Prineville.

On the lower 100 miles of the Lower Deschutes River, these permits cover guiding activities that require non-motorized watercraft, such as rafts, drift boats, and standup paddle boards. On the Chimney Rock segment of the Lower Crooked River, permits cover land (hiking), bank-based (fishing), or water-based activities.

The BLM will accept applications for these special recreation permits through Dec. 15. Approved permits will be valid starting in the 2026 season.

 The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a remarkable resource that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Guide and outfitter businesses facilitate access to recreation opportunities and support local communities and create jobs.

The BLM, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wasco County, and State of Oregon work collaboratively to manage the river for its recreational values.

The Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River is an 8-mile segment that runs between Bowman Dam and mile marker 12 on State Highway 27. The river is known for outstanding scenic, fish, and recreation values.

 The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Management Plan authorizes the number of permitted guides and outfitters to increase by 5% each year. This year, up to four new special recreation permits (SRPs) are available on the Lower Deschutes River.

This is the first time permits have been offered for the Lower Crooked River, with up to four available as well. The goal is to allow more guided use while still protecting the rivers’ natural and scenic values.

 The prospectus and SRP application are available on the BLM Prineville website at https://www.blm.gov/office/prineville-district-office.

Application packets can also be requested by calling the Prineville District Office at (541) 416-6700. Completed packets can be delivered to the Prineville BLM Office at 3050 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, Oregon 97754 and must be received by 4:30 p.m. (close of business), Dec. 15, 2025. A separate application is required for each river.

 Applicants are encouraged to read the prospectus carefully to ensure they provide all required elements, as incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information or for questions about this SRP application process, please contact the permit lead, Beth Hartwood, at (541) 416-4624.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Four annual winter range closures take effect next Monday across the Deschutes National Forest to provide critical habitat for deer and elk.

The closure areas include Cabin/Silver Lake, Metolius Winter Range, Opine Travel Management Area and Tumalo Winter Range. Motorized vehicles (including snowmobiles and e-bikes) are prohibited in the closure areas, to protect deer and elk during the winter. The winter wildlife closures will continue until March 31, 2026.

Winter range is habitat deer and elk migrate to in order to find more favorable living conditions during the winter. It’s found predominantly at lower elevations of Central Oregon and is extremely important to elk and mule deer survival.

Winter ranges usually have minimal amounts of snow cover and provide vegetation for forage, hiding cover, and protection from the weather. In Oregon, elk and mule deer migrate, often long distances, to lower elevations to escape or minimize exposure to snow cover.

Local mule deer populations have declined 56% between 2004 and 2021. Human disturbance of deer and elk during the winter can cause the animals to flee, which expends energy from the reserves they’re relying on to survive through winter and to successfully provide for young in the spring. 

By respecting winter range closures, the public can reduce impacts to deer and elk helping to sustain existing populations into the future, the Forest Service ssaid. Improving habitat quality for deer can preserve the functionality of traditional migratory routes and reduce impacts with nuisance deer in town resulting in more healthy and productive deer populations.

The public can learn more about the importance of winter range, including maps of the closure areas, by visiting Winter Range Closures on the Deschutes National Forest website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A California truck driver was arrested by Oregon State Police on two counts of criminally negligent homicide after an SUV struck his jackknifed semi on Highway 20 east of Bend, killing both the driver and passenger.

Oregon State Police and other first responders were called to the crash around 9:30 p.m. Monday near milepost 51, about 50 miles east of Bend, troopers said Wednesday.

A preliminary investigation found that truck driver Rajinder Kumar, 32, of Fresno, Calif., had jackknifed his Freightliner rig, blocking both lanes of the two-lane highway, troopers said. The tractor was facing eastbound in the eastbound lane.

A Subaru Outback driven by William Micah Carter, 25 of Springfield, struck the trailer at highway speeds.

Carter and passenger Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24, of John Day, died at the crash scene, OSP said. Kumar reportedly was unhurt.

As a result of the on-scene investigation, Kumar was arrested on charges of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangering. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail and held without bail pending arraignment.

“Dark conditions and a lack of active emergency warning equipment is being considered a primary contributor of the crash,” OSP said in a news release.

The crash and investigation closed the highway for about seven hours.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels confirmed Wednesday to KTVZ News that Kumar will face two counts of criminally negligent homicide.

Oregon court records did not show a filing by Wednesday afternoon. They did show that Kumar, listed as a New York resident, was ticketed and fined $440 in January of 2024 for violating ODOT safe operations and equipment rules by failing to carry chains in a snow zone on Interstate 84 in the La Grande area. He also was ticketed and fined $440 at that time for lacking an Oregon wight-mile tax permit.

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Oregon business organization is calling on state lawmakers to restore local control over “unsanctioned public camping” – and advancing a possible ballot measure if they fail to act during the 2026 legislative session.

On Wednesday, chief petitioners for the Local Control & Safety Act submitted 1,770 sponsorship signatures, advancing the 2026 ballot measure to the next phase of the qualification process, according to a news release from the group, Oregon Business & Industry.

In submitting the signatures, petitioners reiterated their request for Oregon lawmakers to address challenges related to unsanctioned public camping in the 2026 legislative session, Lukens said in a news release.

“Local control over unsanctioned public camping is essential to addressing the ongoing crisis in our streets,” said Preston Mann, chief petitioner for the Local Control & Safety Act and director of external affairs for Oregon Business & Industry.

“It’s clear from our conversations with signers that this is an issue that demands urgent attention from our state lawmakers. We renew our call for the Legislature to restore local control and safety through legislative action next year. If the Legislature fails to act, we will have an opportunity to put the question before voters next November.”

Following Wednesday’s sponsorship signature submission, the Oregon secretary of state will conduct a verification of the signatures to ensure the minimum 1,000 valid signatures threshold has been met, the group said. When verification is complete, the initiative will be sent to the Oregon attorney general for the drafting of a ballot title.

The Local Control & Safety Act seeks a repeal of HB 3115 (2021) / ORS 195.530.

“Repealing this law will allow local governments to respond more acutely to the crisis in our streets and improve community safety,” the business group said. “The law as it stands has effectively tied local governments’ hands when it comes to responding to unsanctioned public camping by establishing ambiguous ‘objectively reasonable’ ‘time, place and manner’ considerations.”

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video, comments from Alex Bradley)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – An Austin man walking more than 2,500 miles to honor his best friend and support others facing mental health struggles is nearing the end of his journey in Oregon. 

Jillian Fortner sat down with Bradley to talk about his journey and the inspiration behind it.

Bradley said he felt compelled to act after the 2021 suicide of his best friend, AJ, a loss he describes as the driving force behind his mission.

“I always told myself I was going to see those last steps,” Bradley said. “I was going to find a way – come hell or high water – to get there, whether it was flying, driving, or, walking.”

He began his journey in Austin, documenting each step as he walked through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California before reaching Oregon.

He is set to arrive in Bend on Sunday.

“There’s going to be a big green van in the town,” Bradley said. “We’re really quick to respond if you guys, if anybody wants to go on a walk.”

He now finds himself in the final leg of his trip, with plans to finish in early December in Oregon City, the same place AJ took his last steps.

​The walk has tested Bradley’s limits, both physically and emotionally. 

“I didn’t even know I could walk 88 days, 89 days. But we’re here doing it,” he said. 

He averages about 50,000 to 60,000 steps a day, traveling with a van, a small crew and support from people he meets along the way.

Along his route, many people stop to share their own stories with him.

“You carry those people’s names with people’s family members, those people’s stories,” Bradley said. “So many people are fighting much harder battles, and I get to see and witness it from just driving this big thing across the country and walking beside it.”

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for those struggling with mental health. Bradley hopes his journey encourages people to reach out, talk about their pain and seek support when they need it.

He says simple moments can make the biggest difference.

“Everybody just needs a walk, somebody to talk to and a chance to look at a beautiful landscape for just a little bit,” Bradley said.

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