Month: November 2025

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A growing number of high school bonfire parties across Deschutes County are leading to serious safety concerns, prompting the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to issue a public warning Thursday, ahead of Thanksgiving Break.

“These informal gatherings have escalated into events marked by violence, criminal activity, and unsafe conditions that are putting young people at risk,” Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in a widely distributed message.

Carr tells KTVZ News: “There have been some arrests and charges, but the outcome depends on the specific circumstances. Not all turn ugly. Deputies work more to educate and make sure teens get home safely than just enforcement.” 

“Part of it is social media, a lot of these kids are sharing with each other about these bonfires. Where to meet up, What day? But its seen by other people. So you’re getting other people that maybe they’re not friends with or not part of their friend group who are coming and finding out about these bonfires and attending anyway. ” he told us. “In many cases, deputies have seen men as old as 25 years old showing up where 16- and 17-year-old females are present.”

“The patrol teams have witnessed more severe incidents related to these bonfires in recent months and believe it would be helpful to inform the public ahead of Thanksgiving Break,” Carr added.

Carr and Bend-La Pine Schools spokesman Scott Maben told us the school districts and schools have not been involved directly, since the issues involve behavior outside of school hours and away from school property.

Here’s the full sheriff’s office news release about what’s been happening, and what they are asking of the public:

These gatherings, often held on public lands during weekends and school breaks, have increasingly involved serious safety risks. Deputies have responded to multiple incidents in recent weeks, many of which could have lasting consequences for those involved.

“We care deeply about the safety and well-being of our youth,” Carr said. “Our goal is not to punish, but to prevent harm. We want to work together with families, students, and the community to avoid a tragedy.”

Recent investigations have included reports of:

Physical assaults, including group altercations

Sexual assaults

Weapons offenses and firearms present at events

Property and vehicle damage

Attendance by adults well beyond high school age

Felony-level criminal activity

DUII & Minor in Possession (MIP)

These incidents have occurred in areas such as:

BLM land east of Redmond, especially at “The Brand”

Coyner Road area

Forest Service Land near Skyliners Road

McGrath Road and nearby locations

Mayfield Pond area

Some of these events have been recorded and shared on social media, further increasing the risk and visibility of unsafe behavior, Carr said.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help:

Parents: Talk with your teens about the risks of attending unsupervised parties. Stay engaged and informed about their plans, especially during school breaks.

Students: Know your safety matters. What may seem like a fun night can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Look out for one another and make wise choices.

Community members: If you see or hear about planned gatherings in remote areas, please report them to law enforcement.

“We understand that teens are looking for ways to connect and have fun,” Carr said. “But there have been too many close calls at these unsupervised parties. Our concern is real, and we’re asking for the community’s help to prevent teens from getting seriously hurt.”

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor known gathering areas and respond to any calls or concerns from community members.

To report suspicious or concerning activity, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911. Only Dial 911 in the case of an emergency.

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video, comments from principal, teachers and students)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – If you step into Redmond High School, you might notice a lack of cell phones.

The Redmond School District began enforcing its new cell phone ban at the start of the school year, in line with Governor Tina Kotek’s executive order restricting phone use in Oregon schools.

This ban also includes devices including smartwatches, smart glasses and earbuds.

The goal is to boost student focus and improve mental health by reducing distractions.

Principal Audrey Haugan said the adjustment has gone smoother than expected.

“We’ve seen such a change in the way kids are communicating with each other,” Haugan said Thursday. “I think it was the second day of school. I was standing in the hallway and I turned to our assistant principal, and he said, ‘Jason, it’s so loud! Why is it so loud?’ And we realize it’s because kids are talking to each other.”

Students say reactions have been largely positive, though some are still getting used to the change.

“I would say for the first, like three weeks, it was really good. But then some kids started pushing the limits,” said student Solomon Beget. “But overall, it’s been way better.”

Some students say the cell phone ban can be inconvenient when trying to meet up with friends during lunch.

English teacher Virginia Johnson has long advocated for fewer cell phones in classrooms, noting that students are now more attentive and engaged during lessons.

“People see this as a punishment, and it’s not,” Johnson said. “You’re giving them a gift. You’re only in high school for a very short amount of time, and it’s a time to be with your friends. It’s time to focus and learn new things.”

Student Ethan Urhausen agreed.

“Definitely more focused, with all the less distractions and phones going off. It’s been a pretty positive experience, having none of that happening in class,” Urhausen said. “Overall, I saw it as a very important and necessary thing we needed to do.”

The school district addressed concerns from parents worried about student safety in emergencies. Haugan said phones are still allowed on campus, but must stay out of reach during class.

“Our policy is that when they get to class, that has to be in their backpack, and their backpack has to be away from them. So in the back of the classroom,” Haugan said.

The school has a three-step disciplinary process for students caught using their devices.

District leaders plan to revisit the policy in a few months, to see if adjustments are needed.

Other local school districts, including Crook County and Bend-La Pine Schools, plan to implement similar cell phone restrictions next year. According to Governor Kotek, all policies must be in effect no later than Jan. 1, 2026.

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