Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — NatureConnect Central Oregon, formerly known as Central Oregon’s Children’s Forest, announced Monday that it will assume operational and fiscal responsibility for the historic Skyliners Lodge, effective July 1.

The High Desert Education Service District, which had announced earlier it would return the permit to the U.S. Forest Service, said it will instead maintain its permit, while NatureConnect will oversee operations, including renting out the facility for educational and private events. Revenue generated from these rentals will support school field trips and outdoor learning initiatives. 

Here’s the rest of their announcement:

Skyliners Lodge, located along Tumalo Creek in the Deschutes National Forest, has been a cherished community venue since its completion in 1937. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the lodge has served as a hub for youth programs, family gatherings, and a variety of events that connect individuals to nature.  

“We see Skyliners Lodge as an essential part of getting kids outside,” said Katie Chipko, executive director of NatureConnect Central Oregon. “It’s a hugely popular field trip destination that is so close to Bend and while it feels remote and tucked away, it’s so accessible and easy to use. The lodge provides access to nature for thousands of students each year.

In November 2024, HDESD announced plans to cease operations at Skyliners Lodge due to financial constraints and anticipated maintenance costs. Recognizing the lodge’s value to the community, NatureConnect Central Oregon stepped forward to ensure its continued use for educational and recreational purposes.  

“We are so grateful to HDESD for taking responsibility for Skyliners Lodge 14 years ago. It was innovative and ambitious for an ESD to take something like this on, and they have shepherded that space without much credit or recognition. Moving forward, taking over operations for the lodge aligns so well with our mission, and we’re excited to be stepping into this role,” said Chipko. 

Dr. Sara Johnson, Superintendent of HDESD, shared her excitement about the transition: “We are thrilled to place this incredible outdoor learning resource into the capable hands of NatureConnect. Their expertise and dedication to outdoor education will ensure that Skyliners Lodge continues to serve as a vital hub for school field trips and community connections to nature.” 

NatureConnect was recently awarded a $128,368 grant from the Bend Sustainability Fund with Visit Bend to replace the aging roof with a fireproof alternative that maintains the building’s historic character. This repair will take place this August, ensuring the longevity of this treasured facility.   

NatureConnect is now accepting reservations for events occurring after July ,1 including weddings, family gatherings, meetings, and youth programs. 

“If you are looking for a special venue for an upcoming celebration or gathering, Skyliner Lodge is a great option.  There are a number of open weekends this summer, and we are booking events 18 months in advance,” said Chipko.  

For more information, visit natureconnectco.org/skyliner.  

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About NatureConnect Central Oregon 

NatureConnect Central Oregon is a network of over 30 partners dedicated to inspiring lifelong connections to nature for every child. Focusing on equity and inclusion, NatureConnect provides impactful outdoor experiences, ensuring all children have access to the benefits of nature.  

About High Desert Education Service District 

The High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) is a public K-12 school district serving students in Bend, La Pine, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters. HDESD supports education and equity in Central Oregon through various programs and services.  

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Kelsey Merison

HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — On May 3rd, search and rescue volunteers discovered the body of missing 29-year-old Kaylee Birt in Harney County, Oregon.

In a social media post, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office said:

“We have confirmed that the remains discovered by volunteer searchers earlier today have been positively identified as belonging to Kaylee Birt, who had been missing since April 4, 2025. The family has been notified.

We would like to express our deep appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to find Kaylee.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.”

At this time, there is no information available surrounding the cause of death.

Her vehicle was discovered shortly after the time of her disappearance in early April.

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office said Birt was last seen leaving The Fields Station in Fields, Oregon around 8:30 a.m. on April 4th. Reports indicate she was on a trip from Klamath Falls headed to Iowa.

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KTVZ News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Commute Options and CET is hosting a Walk and Roll Tour at Hawthorne Station on May 8 from 3:30pm to 5pm.

The route will go through Juniper Park and down Franklin Ave, with a reception and debrief at Dogwood at the Pine Shed food carts on 821 NE 2nd Street.

CET is also hosting an Open House Event that same day on May 8 from 11am to 4pm to highlight new amenities at Hawthorne Station.

They will have snacks, prizes and information about transportation projects in the Bend Central District.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video)

Dahnte Cegers to serve 3 years on supervised probation

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Caleb Cegers, who is charged with shooting and killing Redmond resident Taylor Wyss in downtown Bend in 2023, was back in court for a status hearing with his new attorney Monday, as it was revealed that his older brother admitted to hindering prosecution by helping him flee the state.

Bryan Boender of Eugene is the new attorney representing Caleb Cegers, now 21, who appeared briefly by video from the Deschutes County Jail before Circuit Judge Beth Bagley.

Caleb Cegers has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a firearm in the August 203 killing of Wyss, 33, outside Duda’s Billiards Bar in downtown Bend. His trial remains set for January 13, 2026, though Boender told the judge the defense might ask for a delay if they need more time to prepare.

Dahnte Cegers, 27, changed his plea to guilty on Feb. 21 to one Class C felony count of hindering prosecution and was sentenced to three years’ probation, court records show. A nationwide manhunt for the brothers led to their arrest near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the days following the shooting.

Wyss’s family members were also in the courtroom Monday, as they have been throughout the proceedings, frustrated by delays in the case. They say Dahnte will now be on supervised probation for three years and could face 18 months of jail time if he violates that probation.

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Harley Coldiron

(Update: Adding video, Session, parents enter pleas; Session taught in Bend, has active license)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A south Deschutes County woman accused of attempted murder and her parents entered not guilty pleas Monday in a high-profile child abuse case.

Sarah Session was arrested in February and accused of abusing and attempting to kill her 9-year-old stepson. Her parents, Gary and Paula Hardenburg, were also arrested and accused of helping facilitate the abuse and covering up evidence.

All three were indicted and taken into custody on February 21 at two separate locations in Coos Bay. Disturbing details soon came to light of the alleged crimes.

Attorneys for the three defendants jointly entered not guilty pleas during a brief hearing Monday morning before Circuit Judge Beth Bagley.

Specific trial dates were not set, but the judge provided dates she’s not available next spring, so attorneys can see when witnesses will be available to testify. Pre-trial motions and responses are due in September.

Session faces nearly two-dozen charges, including second-degree attempted murder and numerous counts of assault and criminal mistreatment.

Gary Hardenburg is charged with first- and second-degree criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence, while Paula Hardenburg is accused of second-degree assault, first- and second-degree counts of criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence.

KTVZ News also confirmed Monday that Session was employed by Bend-La Pine Schools for one year, the 2020-21 school year, as a special education teacher at Ponderosa Elementary School. State records confirm she still has an active teaching license.

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KGW

PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW) — Oregon’s only Republican congressman, Cliff Bentz said he gives President Trump an “A” grade — defending the administration’s controversial policies on tariffs and immigration that directly impact his sprawling eastern and southern Oregon district, which includes some of the state’s most important agricultural and forest lands.

In an interview on KGW’s Straight Talk, Bentz, who represents Oregon’s 2nd district, said the president is “doing exactly what he said he would do when he ran for the job,” but noted that some of his constituents remain divided on the administration’s performance. 

“If you talk to Republicans, they’ll tell you that he’s doing good things on the border,” Bentz said. “The border is no longer an issue” — adding that, for the first time in 12 years, he’s no longer in the minority party, and there’s been a bit of role reversal. 

“When you’re in the minority, you spend a lot of time yelling and complaining and calling out everything you possibly can call out that’s, in your opinion, bad about the majority,” he said. “That’s what Democrats are doing and they’re certainly doing it in my district just like you see on national news.”

DOGE cuts

Over the past few months, the “Department of Government Efficiency,” led by tech-billionaire Elon Musk, has worked to shrink the federal government, a move that the Republican congressman supports, but said can be done “more precisely” and “better.” 

Bentz said the U.S. has a spending problem on its hands that taxing the wealthy, a common recourse among Democrats, won’t fix. “There is no doubt that our government in some fashion needs to shrink, and I say that because we’ve been spending about $2 trillion a year more than we have coming in,” he said. 

He said that over time the department will get better at making cuts, pointing to the Bonneville Power Administration’s situation, where dozens of workers were asked to return to work after being initially fired. Bentz said they were “inappropriately cut.”

“When they do make mistakes — and DOGE has made mistakes — then they need, as I’ve told my constituents, to let me know,” Bentz said. “Then we will reach out to the White House and to the office of DOGE and say, ‘Hey, this was a mistake, fix it.'” 

Immigration enforcement

The Trump administration has been ramping up efforts in a crackdown on people who are living in the U.S. without legal status; enacting obscure 18th-century war powers, targeting student visas, restricting asylum access and deporting people via flights without due process. 

Bentz said he strongly supports the administration’s policies, praising efforts to secure the southern boarder. “The fact that he secured the border, though, is something that’s worthy of reflection for just a moment because if you’re interested in incremental immigration reform, a first step had to be a secure border,” he said. 

When asked about a lawsuit filed by Oregon churches seeking to protect places of worship, schools, and medical facilities from immigration enforcement, the congressman took a hard line. “If you’re here illegally, then you’ve kind of given up the right to not be concerned about being deported,” he said.

Bentz stopped short of suggesting that someone here illegally is not entitled to due process, but offered a rather murky answer in saying that a “slightly different” process could used, but was not able to speak further on it because while he’s a lawyer, he’s not an immigration lawyer, he said. 

Local economy tariff impacts

A cornerstone of President Trump’s second term has been new and expanded tariffs, with the administration imposing significant duties on imported goods from China, the European Union, Canada, and Mexico, without the approval of Congress.

Recently, Bentz opposed a bipartisan bill introduced by Oregon Senator Ron Wyden to give tariff control back to Congress. “Years ago the Congress recognized that tariffs were something that would be extraordinarily difficult for Congress to agree upon and so they delegated that power or we delegated that power to the executive branch,” he said.

That’s not the whole story, however. Congress has empowered the president to negotiate mutual trade deals with other nations and to regulate imports “in a time of war or national emergency,” according to the Library of Congress. Trump has set tariffs ostensibly under the latter policy, citing the nation’s trade deficit as the emergency.

Despite economists warning that the tariffs could raise costs for Americans and hurt businesses, Bentz described them as necessary tools to “get some of the jobs back that we lost over the past 30 years in our manufacturing sector” and “protect our supply chains.”

But, Oregon cattle ranchers told KGW recently that the back-and-forth on tariffs is causing uncertainty, making it difficult to plan for prices that may suddenly change. This is especially true for farm equipment and certain farm consumables that are imported and would take years for U.S. companies to manufacture locally.  

Bentz acknowledged these concerns, indicating discussions are underway to provide support. “I don’t anticipate, there’s already discussions going on … in regard to how to make sure farmers understand that they’re not being abandoned and that we’re trying to figure out some way of making sure they don’t bear the brunt of the retaliatory response by some of these other countries,” Bentz said. 

Regional projects

As Oregon’s sole Republican voice in Congress, Bentz said he’s tried to leverage his relationship with the White House in hopes of advancing several key projects, including the multi-billion-dollar Interstate Bridge Replacement project.

“I’ve explained to the administration that I thought that was one of the most important things that could happen,” Bentz said. “That bridge is super important to our port and that port is super important to the farmers and ranchers and other folks up and down the Columbia River throughout the entire Northwest.”

The congressman has also advocated for transportation infrastructure in southern Oregon, telling the administration “in Medford there’s a need for an interchange at the south end of that town.” He’s also been pushing for more military investments, with adding more F-35s to Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls. 

“That’s a huge, huge, huge important thing not only for national defense but for the for the community of Klamath Falls,” he said. 

Despite the partisan divide in Washington D.C., Bentz is working with Wyden on a bill to protect millions of acres in Malheur County, sometimes referred to as the Owyhee Canyonlands. According to Bentz, the senator “stopped President Biden from making it into a monument” in favor of collaborative legislation they’ve “agreed upon” that will be introduced soon.

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KTVZ News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Burgerville is now hiring for its first location in Central Oregon.

The company has posted three job openings in Bend on its website. Part-time positions are available in hospitality, sales, kitchen, and production.

Their new restaurant will be located at 612 SE 3rd St, just 5 minutes from the Old Mill District. An official opening date for the new fast food restaurant has not yet been announced.

Burgerville currently operates 39 locations across the Northwest, with many in the Portland-Vancouver area.

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Kade Linville

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Attorney General Dan Rayfield as part of his series of federal oversight forums, paid a visit to Bend on Saturday. He was joined by Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, state Senator Anthony Broadman, and state Representative Jason Kropf to address questions related to their actions to counteract the federal funding cuts implemented by the Trump administration since taking office in January.

Rayfield has held town halls across Oregon. Saturday’s appearance in Bend marked the third in a series of community impact hearings to address the effects of federal actions and executive orders issued by President Trump.

Rayfield and the Oregon Federal Oversight Cabinet Members appointed by him, have opened several lawsuits against the Trump administration since the president took office in January. Rayfield has opened lawsuits against the president for unlawful actions blocking funds for Medicaid, Social Security and education. Rayfield has also joined a coalition of more than 20 states filing lawsuits against the Trump Administration for his blocking of funds to Americorps.

Rayfield has recently opened a federal oversight tracker on the Oregon Department of Justice website, where visitors are able to follow the latest updates on the department’s actions through the live litigation tracker.

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Triton Notary

SISTERS, Ore. –(KTVZ)– Dramatic video shows unattended fires in the forest just outside of Sisters. These videos sent to KTVZ News Friday show several fires near a homeless camp less than a mile west of Sisters High School.

The person who filmed these videos did report it to 911 right away. They also tried to find those staying at the camp next to the fires, but they were nowhere to be found.

It appears that someone was trying to burn the remains of an RV or camper that had been taken apart, with most of the piles being metal, glass, and wires.

The people who reported the fires spoke to KTVZ News but wanted to remain anonymous, as they say they’ve received online threats for posting the videos.

One source told us, “It’s not about the people camping out here. It’s more about keeping things picked up, so it doesn’t become a fire risk.

“But fires like we encountered here over the last few days, if this was 60 days down the calendar, could have easily blown up into something much more substantial.”

Law enforcement and the U.S. Forest Service were out at the site Friday. The Forest Service sent a water engine out to soak the area, to make sure it was entirely out.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies located the person staying at the camp and issued them a citation.

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Barney Lerten

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Terrebonne man crossing an unlit stretch of Highway 97 away from a crosswalk Thursday night was struck by a minivan and flown to St. Charles Bend with severe injuries, Oregon State Police said.

The crash occurred shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday near milepost 116, troopers said.

A 46-year-old woman from Onalaska, Washington was driving a black Honda minivan heading south on the highway when she struck the Terrebonne man, identified as Joshua Benitez, 29.

OSP said the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and was crossing the highway in an unlit, non-crosswalk area. The driver showed no signs of impairment, troopers added.

ODOT said Highway 97 was closed for the crash investigation until about 12:15 a.m. Friday.

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