Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County commissioners approved a new program Wednesday that allows rural residents to use recreational vehicles as rental dwellings.

Until recently, state and county laws prohibited property owners from using RVs as permanent rental dwellings. But in July 2023, the Oregon Legislature adopted a bill that gave counties the option to allow it locally.

After extensive outreach and deliberation, Deschutes County staff developed local criteria for how RVs can be used as rental dwellings.

Property owners in unincorporated Deschutes County who want to rent out an RV on their property must meet the following regulations:

The property must be zoned as rural residential: RR-10, MUA, UAR-10, SR 2 ½, WTZ

The property must be a minimum of two acres, except for areas in South County that require a five-acre minimum

The property must contain a single-family dwelling that is occupied as the primary residence of the property owner

There are no other dwelling units on the property besides the primary single-family residence, and no portion of the single-family residence is rented as a dwelling

The RV cannot be used as a short-term rental

The RV must have a working toilet and sink

The property owner must provide electrical supply, water supply and sewage disposal to the RV

The property owner must provide an RV parking pad made of gravel, concrete, or asphalt

The property owner must maintain a 20-foot radius of non-combustive ground cover around the RV

Property owners wanting to establish an RV rental dwelling, or correct code violations for an illegally established RV dwelling, must submit an application demonstrating compliance with the newly adopted rules.

More information and a research checklist for the application process can be found at www.deschutes.org/rvrentaldwelling.

For additional questions, please contact Planning Division staff at planning@deschutes.org or (541) 388-6560.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Missing teen found)

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Warm Springs Police turned to the public Friday for help in locating a 14-year-old who apparently ran away from home. Word came from police a few hours later that she had been found.

Officers said earlier that Lena Holliday left her home some time between midnight and 5 a.m. Friday.

Anyone who had seen or had any information about her whereabouts had been asked to contact Warm Springs or Madras police.

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Barney Lerten

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville District said Friday it is planning a prescribed fire in the Tumalo area to take place between Saturday, May 10 and Friday, May 16, depending on the weather and fuel moisture conditions.

While the actual burn is expected to take just one day, operations may continue to smolder for several days afterward, officials said

The prescribed fire will target 36 acres of land in an area that is vital for reducing hazardous fuel loading—namely, the dead trees, branches, and underbrush that can serve as kindling for catastrophic wildfires if left unchecked.

The goals of this initiative extend beyond fuel reduction. By implementing the prescribed fire, the BLM will boost the resistance and resilience of the dry forest ecosystem against both fire and insect infestations. This effort also reduces juniper growth in ponderosa pine areas and promotes the growth of native bunchgrass and flowers.

As with any prescribed burn, the BLM will prioritize the public health and safety aspects of the project. A dedicated team of BLM and U.S. Forest Service professionals will monitor the burn on-site, and ensure the project is carried out in close coordination with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s smoke management plan to minimize adverse effects.

Residents in the surrounding area may notice smoke drifting through their neighborhoods, particularly overnight. To ensure comfort and safety, the BLM advises nearby residents to close windows and limit outdoor activities during the prescribed burn, and motorists are urged to exercise caution by reducing their speed and turning on headlights in smoky conditions. There are no anticipated road closures, but appropriate signage will be prominently displayed to keep the public informed.

For further information on the upcoming burn or related inquiries, please contact the Prineville BLM at (541) 416-6700.

Tumalo_BurnPlanDownload

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A previously convicted local sex offender was sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison Friday following a multi-agency investigation for drug dealing and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Richard Jay Jackson, 61, of Bend, was sentenced to a total of 115 months (9 years, 7 months) in prison, to be followed by three years of post-prison supervision, the DA’s office said in a news release that continues in full below.

The sentence was imposed by the Honorable Raymond D. Crutchley, following Mr. Jackson’s guilty pleas in two separate cases.

In July of 2024, Detectives from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants at Mr. Jackson’s residence in LaPine on suspicion of drug delivery and possession of child sexual abuse materials.

During the search warrant’s execution, Detectives from the DCSO Street Crimes Unit recovered approximately one ounce of methamphetamine, along with US currency and other drug distribution items.

Simultaneously, DCSO Criminal Detectives, with assistance from the Digital Forensics Laboratory, recovered electronic devices belonging to Mr. Jackson. These devices were later analyzed and shown to contain numerous images of child sexual abuse material.

Mr. Jackson was indicted by a Deschutes County Grand Jury in two separate cases, charging SubstantialQuantity Methamphetamine crimes, as well as multiple counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. The cases were prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Matthew C. Nelson and Andrew R. Doyle.

According to DDAs Nelson and Doyle, “These cases – and the results – are due to the hard work andcollaboration of many people at DCSO, Digital Forensics and Street Crimes, and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

“Narcotics trafficking and Internet Crimes Against Children are serious offenses that should result in serious sentences – even more so when occurring at the same time,” they said.

The District Attorney’s office also said it would like to thank DCSO for its thorough investigation. The investigation was led by Det. Clint Baltzor and Sgt. Thomas Lilienthal.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend has a reputation for making lists for its love of dogs; however, one of the most common complaints and pleas for help from community members relates to off-leash dogs.

Bend Park and Recreation District and City of Bend Police Department are reminding pet owners about leash requirements and the safety benefits of keeping dogs on leash. BPRD’s park stewards will partner with Community Service Officers from Bend Police by visiting several parks and trails next week to talk with dog handlers about expectations and park rules.

From Monday, May 12 to Friday, May 16, community members will see extra patrols by staff of both organizations, seeking voluntary compliance and providing reminders to anyone observed with a dog off leash about possible consequences of violations.

Dogs are required by city ordinance to be on leash in any public area in the city of Bend, except in designated off-leash areas.

The engagement campaign aims to inform community members about the possible enforcement actions that can include a 30-day exclusion from park district property and/or a $250 fine and being held responsible for a dog’s actions in civil or criminal cases.

“For people who are afraid or uncomfortable around dogs, an encounter with an off-leash dog can be very negative and at times dangerous,” said Joel Lee, BPRD park stewardship manager. “People in Bend love their dogs, but it’s important that the parks are safe for all to enjoy, so please leash your four-legged friends unless in a designated off-leash area.”

The park steward team keeps data related to their patrols and contacts in parks and facilities throughout the year. For 2024, they observed 11,015 dogs on leash and 2,746 dogs off leash, which equates to approximately 75 percent compliance. According to Lee, compliance varies seasonally as well as across parks and trails with complaints increasing in neighborhood parks across the community.

Bend Police received 95 dog complaints regarding incidents on park properties in 2024, and 42 calls so far in 2025. The Bend Police Department maintains a dashboard allowing the public to see police calls for service in public parks. You can access it at https://policedata.bendoregon.gov/pages/parks-incidents.

“We need our community to work together and for everyone to follow park rules,” said Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller. “We are lucky to have lots of beautiful options in Bend where our dogs can safely be off leash.”

Leash rules also apply while walking to a dog park from the entrance or a parking lot. Unleashed dogs running from a vehicle can create safety concerns for the dog as well as for others, especially in busy parks such as Ponderosa, Big Sky and Pine Nursery parks.

Additionally, dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.

BPRD has nine dog off-leash areas in local parks, including:

Alpenglow Community Park (61049 SE 15th St.) 3.9 acres, fenced with small dog area and agility amenities.

Big Sky Park (21690 Neff Rd) 5 acres, fenced.

Discovery Park (1315 NW Discovery Park Drive) 1.6 acres, fenced.

Riverbend Park (799 SW Columbia St) 1.1 acres, fenced with river access and small dog area.

Ponderosa Park (225 SE 15th St) 2.9 acres, fenced with small dog area.

Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park (NE Purcell Rd) 18.8 acres, fenced with seasonal splash pad and small dog park.

Hollinshead Park (1235 NE Jones Rd) 3.7 acres, unfenced.

Overturf Butte Reservoir (Skyliner Summit Loop) 4.6 acres, fenced.

Awbrey Reservoir (NW 10th and Trenton) 5 acres, partially fenced (not fully enclosed). Note: acreage is approximate.

Off-leash area etiquette includes only visiting with vaccinated, non-aggressive pets. Also, please don’t allow children to ride bikes or play on agility course equipment located in the dog parks.

Learn more on BPRD’s Dogs in Parks webpage.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This week is National Small Business Week—and Central Oregon is full of them! 

For this month’s Small Business Spotlight, KTVZ News took a trip to a unique shop in Bend that plant lovers call a haven.

At Somewhere That’s Green, the name couldn’t be more fitting.

“We have over 400 varieties of plants in here,” said Whitney Baglien, the manager of the shop.

Whitney Baglien

They know a thing or two about plants. 

“We have a repotting service, and we really specialize in education,” Baglien said. “If people come in with questions about their plants or they know nothing about plants, then we can tell them all about it.”

Founder and Co-Owner John Kish started the shop seven years ago and wanted to add a unique twist.

“We are the premier indoor plant shop in Bend, Oregon. But we’re also the only plant shop-theater combo in the world that I know of,” Kish said. “So we also have a performing art space in the back.”

John Kish

Kish says he’s grateful for the clientele.

“I actually get to just do what I love and work with the community,” said Kish. “I mean, Bend is honestly a community that supports local. It’s rare that that happens. And I think that’s why I stayed here ,and why I started my business here.”

And his employees — like Whitney Baglien.

“The owners tend to prioritize their employees, and that’s hard to find. Especially in a small business, because usually it’s keeping the business afloat,” Baglien said. “They kind of figured out, now that we have it afloat, how do we keep you here? We get paid such a livable wage, PTO, health insurance – the works.”

Bringing plants and people together.

“We’re all super-grateful to be here,” Baglien said.

To learn more about Somewhere That’s Green, click here.

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Kelsey Merison

This week’s Furry Friend is Kona, a 7-year-old black lab who is a very happy girl.

Don’t let her age fool you, Kona is still full of puppy energy.

“She’s a pretty typical lab, so she loves to chase a ball, play with a toy. She loves snacks, and she’s just a happy girl. She’ll make a great partner for most homes,” said Paige Kidd, the development and volunteer manager at Brightside Animal Center. “She’s still got some puppy energy, so she’ll be a great walking buddy. She doesn’t need a ton of exercise because she is seven. She’d love to go for walks and then just hang out with her people for the rest of the day.”

Right now at Brightside, the adoption fee for dogs over the age of one is just $20.

Click here to view Kona’s profile on Brightside’s website.

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KTVZ – News Team

Are you looking for something to do this weekend in Central Oregon? Matthew Draxton highlights three local events, from Mother’s Day celebrations to a 3-in-1 expo center show.

For many more and to submit your own events, visit https://events.ktvz.com.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: OSP releases crash details)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A fatal head-on crash on Highway 97 involving a minivan and semi-truck killed a La Pine man Thursday night. The crash investigation and removal of the vehicles closed the highway until midday Friday.

Oregon State Police released details Friday afternoon of the crash that occurred shortly before 9 p.m. near milepost 156, near Vandevert Road and about 12 miles north of La Pine.

A preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Dodge Caravan driven by the 25-year-old La Pine man crossed the center line and struck a northbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, driven by a 52-year-old man from Williams, Calif.

The collision caused both vehicles to become engulfed in flames and required local fire crews’ efforts to extinguish the fires.

The minivan driver died at the scene, OSP said. The truck driver reportedly suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.

The highway was impacted for an extended period of time during the investigation and cleanup of the vehicles.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Sunriver Fire, Alfalfa Fire, La Pine Fire, and ODOT.

Earlier Friday, Oregon Department of Transportation Region 4 Public Information Officer Kacey Davey told KTVZ News, “There are some contracted crews there now cleaning up fluids from the vehicles (oil, etc). ODOT is providing traffic control and assisting with clean-up.”

The highway closure and detour onto Vandevert Road made for some lengthy commutes Friday morning. One driver said her trip from La Pine to Bend, which normally takes about 40 minutes, took over two hours. Drivers also encountered smoke from a nearby prescribed burn.

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Cami Porter

SISTERS, Ore. –(KTVZ)– A water company in Sisters is adding an extra $100 a month to customers’ bills, and it’s not sitting well with some residents. Indian Meadow Water Company is a volunteer owned company serving several subdivisions in Sisters.

The system it inherited is decades old, with crumbling infrastructure and 50 year old asbestos lined pipes. The company has hired an engineer to estimate estimate the cost of repairs, but even before that report is complete, customers are already seeing an extra $100 a month on their water bills, and some are not happy about it.

Steven Huillet, a Sisters resident told KTVZ news ” They are preempting even though because they have no idea what it’s going to cost, but they’re already deciding what this assessment’s going to be. And they have not and will not put an end of when the assessment will end.”

Terry Buchholz, from the Indian Meadow Water Company told KTVZ news “We have been very proactive in trying to figure out how to fund this, and we just have to, I hate to say pull off the band-aid, but we need the funding in order to move forward. The pipes continue to break at a more frequent basis, and we need to move forward.”

Both the company and the neighbors complaining about the increase agree on one thing. 90% of the pipes need to be replaced. Failures have already caused several outages and boil orders. Neighbors want the company to find grants to pay for the repairs. The company says it’s tried and continues to look for them. Neighbors also suggested the private water companies sell to a larger company.

Indian Meadow Water Company says the amount of required maintenance would discourage another company from buying it. On top of that, the asbestos-laced pipes are a liability and make buying the company unappealing.

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