Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —Whatever you do, don’t put Jennifer McCaffrey in a box.  

Known for her expressive oil paintings, McCaffrey, the artist commissioned by the Old Mill District to create their 2025 Winter Art Series piece, stepped outside her comfort zone to craft a stunning linocut block print that pays homage to the Old Mill District’s industrial roots and blue-collar beginnings. 

The final piece features a powerful elk standing sentinel in a riverside snowbank before the Old Mill District’s historic smokestacks. A snowcapped Broken Top rises in the background with a hint of the Northern Lights in the sky, creating a feeling that’s both nostalgic and bold. 

Printed in a duotone palette inspired by vintage black-and-white photographs, McCaffrey said she hoped to capture the timeless relationship between Bend’s natural beauty and its working heritage. 

“I really wanted to tie it back to the Old Mill District’s history,” she said. “The process of carving the block felt connected to that timber and tactile side of the district’s past. It was the perfect way to marry my own creative instincts with the spirit of this place.” 

This is the ninth straight year the Old Mill District has commissioned an original art piece as part of its Winter Art Series. Each year, the artwork is featured as the backbone of the district’s winter marketing campaign. McCaffrey’s art piece can be seen throughout Central Oregon on banners, posters, and the cover of the Old Mill District’s annual winter guide. 

“We treasure this annual tradition, and this year Jen’s piece is completely unique,” said Beau Eastes, marketing director at the Old Mill District. “I love how the piece being a linocut pays homage to the craftsmanship of the former mill workers and how she’s able to add that drop of winter magic with the night sky. It’s totally different than anything we’ve had before and brilliantly captures everything we love about Bend.” 

To bring the scene to life, McCaffrey became part artist, part historian. She scoured archives and old photographs of the original Brooks-Scanlon mill, studying the silhouettes of its smokestacks and the quiet grain of its past. 

The black-and-white images informed her palette and composition, she said, grounding the piece in authenticity. 

“This just feels like winter in Oregon to me,” she said. 

Having spent most of her career as a surgical assistant while painting on the side, this year’s Winter Art Series commission represents a turning point for McCaffrey. 

“I’ve been painting my whole life, but I’ve always hesitated to call myself a professional artist,” she said. “Being chosen for this series feels like permission to fully claim that title. That 7-year-old, 12-year-old, and 16-year-old versions of me who dreamed about being an artist are all thrilled right now.” 

Prints and other versions of McCaffrey’s art can be viewed and purchased at The Stacks Art Studios & Gallery in the Old Mill District, a space she shares with four other local artists. More about McCaffrey and her work can also be found online at www.jennifermccaffrey.com.  

About the Old Mill District  Celebrating 20 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors. More than 55 local, regional and national retailers and businesses call the Old Mill District home. Bend’s Old Mill District – the most unique shopping, dining, living and entertainment experience in the region. www.oldmilldistrict.com. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Mayfield in court; judge sets bail, conditions if released)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Washington state man was arrested Monday in Redmond and arraigned Tuesday on charges he traveled to Central Oregon to engage in sex with a “14-year-old girl” he net online – who actually was an undercover officer.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies and detectives, along with members of the DCSO SWAT Team and U.S. Marshals Service, arrested Daniel James Mayfield, 33, of Sedro-Wooley, Washington, at a location off Rimrock Way in Redmond where he had arranged to meet the juvenile, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said Tuesday.

A long-term investigation into online child exploitation found that Mayfield believed he was communicating with an underage girl and had traveled to the county with the intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor, Carr said.

Mayfield was arrested without incident and lodged in the county jail in Bend on initial charges of luring a minor, first-degree online sexual corruption of a child and third-degree attempted sexual abuse of a child.

Prosecutors filed the first two felony counts Tuesday but did not include the third charge. The district attorney’s information said the alleged actions occurred between August 19 and Monday.

The court filing alleges Mayfield used online communication to solicit someone he reasonably believed to be under age 16 to engage in sexual contact or explicit conduct, “and intentionally took a substantial step toward physically meeting with and encountering the child.”

Prosecutors said he had spoken explicitly about sexual conduct “with a law enforcement officer posing as a minor … for the purpose of inducing the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct.”

Mayfield was arraigned Tuesday afternoon before Circuit Judge Randy Miller, who set bail at $50,000 and laid out several conditions, if he’s release. They include no contact with minors and not going to places where minors regularly congregate. He also cannot use, possess or access any devices capable of access the internet.

Mayfield is scheduled to return to court Dec. 2 for arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — As the holidays approach, scammers ramp up their efforts to deceive consumers—and Central Oregonians are among the many targets. But scams are not just a seasonal problem; they affect people all year round with increasing sophistication and financial damage.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), roughly 2.6 million consumers reported being victims of scams in 2024, alongside more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft during the same time period. Experts warn that these figures only reflect reported cases, and the true number of victims is likely much higher as many scams go unreported.

Scams today range from fake delivery notifications and fraudulent phone calls impersonating government officials, to online shopping traps and business opportunity frauds. Sheila Miller, Communications Manager for the Bend Police Department, says, “Through November 24th, we’ve had 385 calls for service from people reporting that they’ve been scammed. We see a variety of scams. And one of the scary parts, I think, is that they’re constantly changing. So once we feel like we have a handle on one and we’ve told people about it, there’s some new iteration. Most scams are: ‘there’s a problem and we need you to solve it.’

Local businesses are not spared. Behroz ‘Bruce’ Aria, co-owner of Bruce & Nikki’s Parkway Deli, shared their experience: “We got a call from the sheriff’s department, telling us that there was stolen, cards being used at the gas station and inside the store. So to crack down on that and make sure that doesn’t happen again, we occasionally ask for a secondary ID, backed up with id with the card. And a lot of times when we ask for that second form of ID, the person says, I don’t have it, we decline the transaction.” 

Financial institutions advise vigilance as a key defense. Michelle Loftsgard, Assistant Vice President at OnPoint Community Credit Union, points out, “One of the biggest red flags is pressure. If someone is pushing you to act right away or trying to make you feel worried or rushed, that is a sign to slow down and take a closer look. You should never share your password, PIN or secure access code with anyone. You should also be cautious with unexpected links, unusual grammar or sender information and calls from numbers you do not recognize. If anything feels unusual, stop and contact the company directly using a phone number you know is real.”

Loftsgard also advised, “We are seeing more impersonation scams right now, which is when a scammer pretends to be someone you know or a trusted organization. This can show up as phishing emails, fake texts or phone calls that sound urgent. We are also seeing scammers use newer tools like deepfake phishing to recreate a family member’s voice. The reality is that anyone can be targeted, but we often see youth, teens and senior citizens as the most vulnerable because scammers look for people who may be less familiar with the warning signs or who are more likely to respond quickly.”

Here are some additional tips from Loftsgard:

Watch for imposter scams. Your financial institution will never contact you unexpectedly for your password, PIN or sensitive personal information.

Think before clicking. Avoid unexpected links or attachments, even if the message looks real.

Use multi-factor authentication. Add Face ID, Touch ID or one-time codes for extra protection.

Switch to passphrases. Use long, memorable phrases that are harder to guess than traditional passwords.

Add extra safeguards. Create a safe word with family, turn on account alerts, keep software updated, and use your digital wallet for secure transactions.

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act immediately. Report the incident to your bank to safeguard your accounts. You should also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, the United States Postal Service (USPS), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Staying informed and cautious is the best way to protect yourself. Check out the FTC‘s website for more tips and resources on how to avoid scams.

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KTVZ

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The city of Sisters is inviting the community to help select a design for signs to better help new visitors find their way around the Western-themed downtown area.

The city is working on developing a comprehensive Signage Plan that it says “will serve as a framework to guide the design, placement, and implementation of cohesive signage throughout the city.

“It should enhance wayfinding, promote community identity, support economic development, and improve the overall visitor and resident experience,” the city adds.

The new online survey asks participants how they travel through or two sisters, what kinds of signs they find most helpful and what areas of the city do they think need better signage or navigation help.

They also are asked to choose between two sign design concepts, labeled as “Untamed West” and “Rugged Landscape.”

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From now through Dec. 12, Bend Fire & Rescue invites the community to bring non-perishable food donations to any of our fire stations to help combat food insecurity for local families in need this holiday season.

Bend Fire is asking for donations of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, dried pasta and grains, and items like honey and sugar. Some of the most needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, soup and peanut butter. Donated food will be provided to NeighborImpact and distributed through their network of local pantries, meal sites, and shelters.

Help Bend Fire put food on the table and keep bellies full this season by donating your non-perishable food items to any of the bins stationed outside at the following locations:

Bend Fire & Rescue Stations:

West Fire Station – 1212 SW Simpson Ave., Bend

East Fire Station – 62420 Hamby Rd., Bend

North Fire Station – 63377 Jamison St., Bend

South Fire Station – 61080 Country Club Dr., Bend

Tumalo Fire Station – 64725 Cook Ave., Tumalo

Pilot Butte Fire Station – 425 NE 15th St., Bend 

Thank you for helping give back to our neighbors this season. Learn more about the NeighborImpact Food Bank at neighborimpact.org/get-help/foodbank/.

Looking for more ways to give?

Bend Fire & Rescue’s Santa Express is coming to Bend neighborhoods Dec. 5, 6 and 8 collecting donations of new toys, gently used coats and non-perishable food. Learn more about this fun community event at bendoregon.gov/santa-express.  

NeighborImpact’s Online Food Drive allows you to donate fresh produce and healthy staples for local food banks.

Donate money to NeighborImpact or a food pantry near you.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An exciting addition is coming to the Central Oregon community.  Bethlehem Inn, a nonprofit homeless shelter, is opening a thrift boutique in Redmond at 214 NW 6th St. 

The thrift boutique is named Grace & Goods and will offer curated women’s clothing, accessories, and more.  All sales and proceeds at Grace & Goods directly benefit people seeking shelter services. 

Bethlehem Inn serves nearly 200 people every night and provides more than 100,000 meals every year.  Through shelter, case management, and more Bethlehem Inn has been transforming lives for over 26 years in Central Oregon.   

Bethlehem Inn invites the community to join them at their grand opening of Grace & Goods thrift boutique on Wednesday, December 10th at 12 p.m. 

“Join us for good company, amazing coffee from Travelin Tom’s for purchase, and many beautiful items to purchase in support of a shelter, help, and hope,” they said.

In the meantime, Bethlehem Inn encourages you to donate women’s clothing items that are in great condition, clean, and desirable for our thrift boutique shelves.   

“See you there!” 

To learn how to join us in being part of the solution, please visit www.bethleheminn.org. You can follow them on www.facebook.com/BethlehemInnCentralOregon or @BethlehemInnBend on Instagram. 

Monetary donations may be mailed to: Bethlehem Inn, P.O. Box 8540, Bend, OR 97708. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Gas leak stopped late Monday night, repairs completed early Tuesday)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A contractor working on an ADA curb ramp project in Redmond hit a natural gas line Monday afternoon, causing a leak that shut Highway 126 and other roads in the area for several hours. Crews were on scene until early Tuesday to stop the leak and complete repairs.

The gas leak was reported around 3:15 p.m. in. the area of SW Highland Avenue (Oregon Highway 126) and 11th Street. A Cascade Natural Gas representative said they hit a two-inch steel pipe.

As a result, ODOT closed the highway at the intersection with 12th Street near milepost 111. The agency warned motorists of the closure on TripCheck and issued an alert to “expect extended delays or use an alternate route.” It said a detour was in place by 5:30 p.m.

Mark Snider, a spokesman for CNG parent firm MDU Resources Group, told KTVZ News on Tuesday, “The gas leak was stopped at approximately 10:45 p.m. and repairs were completed at 4:30 this morning.”

(Courtesy ODOT)

The curb ramp project occurring this year and next in Redmond and Prineville is designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards on state highways at various locations in the two communities.

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KTVZ

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest is selling permits to cut Christmas trees from local national forest lands.

The public can purchase Christmas tree permits at Forest Service offices, online, and from local vendors around Central Oregon.

Christmas tree permits for the 2025 season are available for purchase online at Recreation.gov. They are $5.00 per permit with an additional $2.50 reservation fee. Christmas tree permits purchased online must be printed to be valid. Traditional, in-person Christmas tree permits are available at Forest Service offices and several participating local vendors (fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/r06/deschutes/publication/2025%20Christmas%20Tree%20Vendors.pdf). Individual Christmas tree permits are $5 each and households can purchase a maximum of five permits.

Fourth-graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit as a part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, which is a national program to encourage children to visit national parks, forests, and public lands. To be eligible for the free tree permit, the student must have an Every Kid Outdoors pass. Information about getting the Every Kid Outdoors pass can be found at everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm. 

Students using the Every Kid Outdoors voucher can obtain their free Christmas tree permit by visiting a Forest Service office or on Recreation.gov. The student should check the box indicating they have a pass and enter the pass or voucher number (a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).

Visit the Deschutes National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/offices) for office locations and hours.

Christmas Tree Guidance

Check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling.

Dress for the season. Always be prepared for the cold and snow.

Start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.

Bring emergency supplies, including water and food and a first-aid kit.

Remember to tell someone where you are going.

Bring a map and compass. Your cell phone may not work.

The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds, and away from areas along the sides of streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas. Check with the forest or ranger district for the specific distance.

Select a tree with a trunk six inches or less in diameter and prepare to cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.

Never cut a tall tree just for the top.

Select a tree from overstocked areas and thickets. Watch restricted areas. Cut only one tree per tag.

Attach your tree tag to harvested tree before placing in vehicle.

Bring a rope and tarp to move your tree from the harvest area to your vehicle.

Remember, you are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

For more information regarding Christmas tree permits, visit the Deschutes National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/permits/christmas-trees).

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: Suspect indicted, makes 2nd court appearance)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 19-year-old Bend resident accused in a recent road rage shooting incident was arraigned Monday on a five-count indictment and a plea hearing was set for later this month.

A grand jury last week indicted Saxton James Deaton on three Class C felonies – two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and one of first-degree criminal mischief – and two Class A misdemeanors, menacing and recklessly endangering another person.

Bend Police assisted by the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team arrested Deaton a week ago at his home on Butler Market Road, the day after he allegedly shot a car during a road rage incident on Third Street near Wilson Avenue and the railroad overpass. The driver of the car that was shot was uninjured.

Deaton said little as he appeared by video from the Deschutes County Jail for Monday’s arraignment, where Circuit Judge Raymond Crutchley set a Dec. 22 plea hearing.

Defense attorney Raun Atkinson noted that the indictment did not include one initial arrest charge of first-degree attempted assault, a Class B felony, but prosecutors did not request any change in the bail amount.

Deaton remains held in the Deschutes County Jail on $100,000 bail.

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-Nov. 24) — A Deschutes County judge set bail at $100,000 Monday afternoon for a road rage shooting suspect arrested at his home earlier in the day by Bend Police and the region’s SWAT team.

Circuit Judge Raymond Crutchley also told Saxton James Deaton that if he can post bail for release, he is to have no contact with the man whose car his bullet allegedly struck Sunday afternoon, and not to use or possess any firearms.

Deaton appeared by video from jail for his arraignment on charges of first-degree attempted assault with a firearm, a Class B felony, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree criminal mischief, menacing and recklessly endangering another person.

The judge set bail after a prosecutor said Deaton fired a gun “in the middle of the day in the middle of town,” at the intersection of SE Third Street and Wilson Avenue, during a road rage incident. She said the alleged victim could not be present, because he was at work, but that he believed the suspect “appears unstable and extremely reckless” and should not be released from jail.

The judge set a Dec. 1 arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment.

Around 2 a.m. Monday, members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, Bend Police detectives and officers served a warrant at Deaton’s home in the 900 block of Butler Market Road, Bend PD Captain Brian Beekman said. He was arrested and taken to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of first-degree attempted assault, menacing, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The road rage incident led to a shooting on Sunday afternoon near SE Third Street and Wilson Avenue. The victim, a 19-year-old Bend resident, was not injured, police said.

Bend Police are investigating the incident, which occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. A single round was fired into the victim’s occupied vehicle following an altercation on the road.

Prior to the shooting, the suspect’s vehicle was reportedly seen driving at a high rate of speed southbound on SE Third Street, performing an unsafe passing maneuver near the railroad overpass.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the season of gratitude and giving approaches, Shepherd’s House Ministries is reaching out to the compassionate and generous community for support in ensuring that everyone has a warm and hearty Thanksgiving meal.

This year, Shepherd’s House says it is providing a Thanksgiving dinner to those in-program, in need, or anyone in the community who wants to join the celebration. 

Dinners will be served on Wednesday, November 26th at the following times and locations: 

12:00pm-2:00pm at the Lighthouse Navigation Center 275 NE 2nd St, Bend

12:00pm-2:00pm at the Men’s Center 1854 NE Division St, Bend

and 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Redmond Center 1350 S Hwy 97, Redmond 

Shepherd’s House says it needs your help to make it happen and asks that you please consider donating a few food items for this cause.

High Priority Donation Needs are: 

• 🍦 HEAVY WHIPPED CREAM

• 🥛WHOLE MILK

• 🍞 DINNER ROLLS

• 🍒 CRANBERRY SAUCE

• 🍞 BOXED STUFFING

• 🧈 BUTTER

• 🥧 PUMPKIN & APPLE PIES

Other requested donations are: 

• 🍲 CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP

• 🥗 SALAD GREENS

• 🍞 HAWAIIAN ROLLS

• 🧅 ONIONS, CARROTS, CELERY

• 🌱 FRESH GREEN BEANS

• 🍠 FRESH YAMS

• 🍽️ CRISPY ONIONS

• 🥚 EGGS

• 🫙 BLACK PEPPER

• 🧁 BROWN SUGAR

• ☕️ COFFEE 

• 🥛 CREAMER

• 🥔 RUSSET POTATOES

• 🦃 TURKEYS (APPROX 12 – 18 LBS)

Donate your food items by Wednesday, November 26th at Shepherd’s House Men’s Center at 1854 NE Division St, Bend,  or Shepherd’s House Redmond Center at 1350 S Hwy 97, Redmond. 

For more information, please contact Shepherd’s House at shministries.org or 541.388.2096.

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