Author: KTVZ

Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, details, comments by lawmakers)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– With only two weeks remaining in this year’s session, Democrats have proposed the state’s new transportation package, and it comes with major tax increases.

House Bill 2025, or the Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package (TRIP), would include a 15-cent increase to the state’s gas tax, already at 40 cents. It includes a 10-cent increase in January 2026 and another 5-cent increase in 2028.

 It also would create a new tax on car sales and add a new per-mile fee for electric and hybrid vehicles.

We spoke with local leaders earlier this year, when legislators were first discussing transportation, on what needs to be funded in Central Oregon.

State Senator Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, said, “We’re just seeing a lot more need, with the amount of housing that is developing. We’re one of the fastest-growing regions, and it’s really important that our street system matches the growth and the need for safety that we have throughout Sisters, Redmond, Bend, and all of Deschutes County.”

State Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, said last month, “We would love to see funding at 35th and (Highway) 126 (in Redmond). We would like a four-way light there. Right now, people are making unsafe turns, and we’ve even heard from our kids at the local high school saying that that turn is not a great place.”

According to the state Department of Transportation, only a small share of the funding that comes into ODIT can be used to maintain the state’s transportation system and run the agency.

Almost half of the state highway fund must be allocated to cities and counties. Half of what is left is dedicated to paying back bonds for past projects, and to investing in new projects.

That leaves about 20 cents of every dollar available for state highway maintenance.

The new package also proposes audits of ODOT after many complaints over major spending, like Bend’s Highway 97 renovations.

KTVZ News reached out to state Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson but did not hear back.

It’s unclear yet how much exactly could be raised from taxes and fees in the proposed package. It’s set to be discussed in the coming days.

It comes as ODOT continues to struggle with a funding gap. It is facing shortfalls to meet the needs that are so severe, non-interstate routes like U.S. Highways 97, 20, and 26 could see little to no paving after 2027.

Below is the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment’s press release, issued Monday:

Today, the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment introduced the Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package (Oregon TRIP) to keep Oregon’s roads and bridges safe, support city and county transportation needs, and provide needed oversight of the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The bill (House Bill 2025) is based on more than a year of public engagement, stakeholder conversations, and legislative work groups that balances the various needs and perspectives brought before the committee.

“Every conversation we’ve had has helped make this bill stronger,” said Sen. Chris Gorsek (D-Gresham), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment. “We’ve sought input from legislators across the political spectrum, and from people on the front lines: county leaders, transit providers, road crews, and Oregon families. That collaboration has led to a final package that strikes a balance while staying focused on the problems we need to solve.” 

Oregon’s transportation systems are in crisis. More than 90 state-owned bridges across the state have major structural defects, potholes are going months without repair, many streets are dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists, and promised major projects are still unfinished.

Oregon TRIP addresses these challenges by investing in Oregon’s roads and bridges at the city, county, and state levels; funding programs that are proven to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety; and stabilizing funding for Oregon’s multimodal transportation systems for years to come. 

It also establishes new legislative and executive oversight of ODOT, including frequent performance audits of the agency, quarterly reporting requirements, and a new major projects legislative oversight committee to review progress and limit scope creep.

“Maintaining Oregon’s roads and bridges is a shared priority, and must be a shared responsibility,” said Rep. Susan McLain (D-Hillsboro), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment. “We’ve worked collaboratively across the aisle and with our stakeholders, community advocates, and constituents to develop this package. We remain committed to finding common ground as we move forward.” 

The hearing schedule for HB 2025 includes:  

Monday, June 9, 5 p.m.

Informational Hearing: House Bill 2025 walkthrough

Tuesday, June 10, 5 p.m.

Public Hearing: Anchor projects and ODOT accountability

Wednesday, June 11, 4 p.m.

Public Hearing: Transit, rail, bike, and pedestrian safety

Thursday, June 12, 4 p.m.

Public Hearing: Operations, maintenance, and preservation

Below are two drafts of TRIP:

Oregon TRIP 2025_starting point (002)Download

308125Download

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments by neighbor; suspect arraigned)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Redmond woman was arrested on a murder charge Sunday night, accused of fatally stabbing her mother at their southwest Redmond home, police said.

Officers were dispatched to the home in the 3300 block of SW Glacier Avenue around 9:42 p.m. They found a woman’s body and arrested her 42-year-old daughter in the killing.

Jail and court documents reviewed by KTVZ News identified the suspect as Jessica Marie Andersch and the victim as Tracy Lynn Berry. Andersch was being held without bail at the Deschutes County Jail on two initial felony charges – second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon (you can see the court document below this article).

“The suspect was the daughter of the victim, and they resided together at the residence,” Lieutenant April Huey said in a news release. “This was an isolated incident, no threat exists to the community. “

Andersch was arraigned by video from the Deschutes County Jail Monday afternoon before Circuit Judge Michelle McIver. She ordered Andersch to continue to be held without bail until arraignment in a week on an expected grand jury indictment.

During the brief hearing, a prosecutor said Andersch “called 911 to report she had murdered her mother.”

When police showed up, he said, she had blood on her clothing, hands and face, and her mother was found deceased.

A neighbor who spoke with KTVZ News off-camera at the scene Monday said Andersch apparently moved in with her mother about a year ago and that Berry hoped moving in with her would help her daughter get off of drugs.

On Sunday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., the neighbor said Andersch was acting erratically and told them “there was someone in her home.” The neighbor told KTVZ News that Andersch’s behavior was concerning, even frightening to another neighbor.

—

Here is the initial charging document (DA’s information) for Jessica Marie Andersch:

DA’s Information – Jessica Andersch chargesDownload

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Camp Fire Central Oregon is excited to announce two important changes related to school-year programs for the 2025/2026 season. First and foremost, registration for its school-year programs for youth in Grades 5-12 (up to age 17) will launch on Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m., significantly earlier than the traditional mid-summer opening.

This change is designed to give families more time to plan and secure spots in its very popular programs, including Camp Fire Afterschool and FIRST® LEGO® League Competition Teams. By moving the launch to June 8, Camp Fire hopes to better meet the scheduling needs of Central Oregon families eager to lock in high-quality, youth-centered enrichment opportunities before the busy back-to-school season begins. In the 2024/2025, Camp Fire’s school-year programs served 469 kids throughout Central Oregon.

“We’ve heard from parents and caregivers that earlier access to registration would help with school-year planning,” said Melanie Feltmate, Camp Fire Central Oregon’s program director. “This shift allows us to be more responsive to their needs and to ensure even more youth can benefit from our programs. Our core school-year offerings will be ready for sign-ups first, with additional program announcements and sign-ups coming soon.”

Registration will open to the public on Sunday, June 8 at 4 p.m. via the Camp Fire Central Oregon website: https://campfireco.org/. Families interested in financial assistance are invited to pre-apply now, visiting campfireco.org/financial-assistance/.

Important Location Change for Camp Fire Afterschool in La PineIn addition to the registration date change, Camp Fire is also announcing a location shift with its afterschool program in South County, offering CFA at Rosland Elementary to all K-5 youth in the La Pine community, starting this fall. La Pine Elementary students enrolled in CFA will have the option to take a short bus ride to Rosland Elementary.

“We are thrilled that La Pine Elementary students will have a quick commute to Camp Fire Afterschool, where our friendly staff will greet kids at the bus and walk them into the program at Rosland Elementary,” Feltmate says. “This means everyone in that program will have lots of time to dive into fun, activities, and connection, instead of having to be on the bus for a longer period of time. It’s a win-win for all!”

Camp Fire also offers its afterschool program at Three Rivers School in Sunriver and two locations in Bend.

Support for Registration and Financial AssistanceWith school-year registration right around the corner, families are encouraged to save the date of June 8, 4 p.m., tune into Camp Fire’s website for registration alerts, and sign up for Camp Fire’s newsletter. Specific questions around registration and financial assistance can be directed to info@campfireco.org or 541.382.4682.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Over the last week, several Oregon Department of Forestry fire protection districts have announced the start of fire season and implemented the necessary fire danger levels and restrictions to reduce the number of human-caused fires.

Fire danger levels may be low, moderate, high, or extreme at different times throughout the year, based on local fuel conditions, weather and other potential fire hazards. Public use restrictions on activities are enacted during fire season in an effort to reduce the number of human-caused fires, and may fluctuate throughout the season.

Conditions across the state are quickly becoming more susceptible to wildfire due to reduced rain and high temperatures.

As of Friday, the following ODF districts have announced their declaration of fire season:

Southwest Oregon (Jackson and Josephine counties) – June 1 – Moderate Fire Danger

Central Oregon (Hood River, Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, Morrow, Wheeler, Grant, and Harney County) June 2 – Moderate Fire Danger

Walker Ranger FPA (northern Klamath County) – June 2 – Moderate Fire Danger

Northeast Oregon (Wallowa, Union, Umatilla, and Baker County) – June 5 – Low Fire Danger

Klamath-Lake (Klamath and Lake County) – June 6 – Moderate Fire Danger

Coos FPA (Coos and Curry County) – June 6 – Low Fire Danger

Douglas FPA (Douglas County) – June 6 – Moderate Fire Danger

Western Lane (Lane County) – June 9 – Moderate Fire Danger

South Cascade (Linn and Lane County) – June 9 – Moderate Fire Danger

Additional fire regulations may be implemented as fire danger levels change throughout fire season.

With the forecast of a hotter, drier summer this year, the Oregon Department of Forestry urges residents not to become complacent in wildfire prevention.

With several districts in or going into fire season, and others not yet there, it’s important to check the local fire restrictions where you live and where you’re planning to travel. Remaining informed of local fire restrictions can prevent you from bringing prohibited fire hazards onto the landscape and from potentially starting the next large wildfire.

Remember, the fewer human-caused fires in Oregon we have, the more you’re helping protect Oregon’s natural resources, communities, and firefighters. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org. Check your local restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — We told you recently that six vocalists from Bend were traveling to France to take part in several events commemorating D-Day commemoration events June 3–9 in Normandy, France, with a final stop to perform in Paris. 

On Friday’s 81st anniversary of the Allied invasion, a critical step toward the end of World War II, the group gathered on the beach at Normandy to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A northwest Bend apartment complex was evacuated Thursday night due to a small but smoky fire that was quickly put out and traced to a charging lithium e-bike battery.

Numerous Bend Fire and Rescue engine crews and Bend Police responded around 9:45 p.m. to the fire in a three-story apartment building off Newport Avenue in the 1400 block of Northwest Eighth Street, officials said.

Bend Deputy Fire Marshal said the fire caused about $5,000 in damage, mainly due to smoke.

“The cause was a lithium e-bike battery that was left plugged in and charging,” Kettering told KTVZ News.

“We recommend not charging batteries inside the home whenever possible, and unplugging them when the charge is complete or before leaving the home.”

Initial reports from several 911 callers said there had been an explosion of some type, so a full structure fire response was initiated, the fire official said.

The fire was in a third-floor apartment at the south end of the building, Kettering said, and no one was home at the time. A total of six units were evacuated.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding comments from organizers)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Drake Park will be filled with rainbows, booths, and pride for Bend’s annual Pride event. Parties and events will be held all weekend long, beginning Friday night.

Bend Pride Coalition and SUS Magazine are teaming up again for this year’s Summer Pride.

“It’s just grown every year, and it’s been really beautiful to see,” said Julia Canales with SUS. “This year is a little different. So really excited to see who shows up. And even if you are feeling a little nervous about it, it really means a lot to still show up and be there for your community.”

The annual Drake Park celebration begins Saturday with a 5K in the morning and the festival in the afternoon, starting at 11 a.m. Food, musical performances and booths are all scheduled for the day.

Brooklyn Wagner with Bend Pride said, “We’re going to have lots of stuff going on at the park, but super family-friendly, everyone will have something that they enjoy there.”

It comes as uncertainty over safety at public events surfaced, with many events being cancelled, including Bend’s annual Juneteenth celebration (though another Juneteenth community event is now set for June 20th) and events organized by the Latino Community Association.

Organizer Sean Lawrence said, “With the climate we’re in now, it’s more important than ever to show solidarity and allyship for, marginalized communities, including the queer community that’s in your backyard.”

This year’s slogan, “Never Going Back,” is a reminder of the history of the LGBTQ community, as well as the continuing fight for justice. 

The human rights campaign says nearly 1 in 5 of any type of hate crime is motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias.

“Never going back, especially in these times, to me, really means, like, I’m standing on business and I’m standing on the ground like, I am who I am. I can’t change that. I’m not going back to an inferior version of myself,” said Lawrence.

Maria Jackson, who is headlining the event, said, “Recognizing where you come from, recognizing the people in the sacrifices that they made in order for us all to be here. As diverse as this is, in a state like this, in a time like this is very important.”

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video; adding photo, info that K-9 was uninjured)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man has been arrested following an early Friday gas station burglary, followed by an attempted attack on law enforcement officers, police say.

Around 4:15 a.m., Bend Police responded to a report of an attempted burglary in progress at the Space Age gas station on Grandview Drive. Steven Earl Ramsey, a 55-year-old Bend resident, was allegedly inside of the gas station, “building Molotov cocktails and dousing the store with flammable products,” officials say.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies also responded to the call. Upon arrival, Ramsey attempted to throw a Molotov cocktail at a DCSO deputy. DCSO K9 Vinnie was deployed and bit Ramsey.

Miller said Vinnie might have sustained minor injuries during the arrest. But Sheriff Kent van der Kamp later told KTVZ News he’d learned the dog was unhurt and is cleared for duty Friday evening.

Ramsey was taken to St. Charles Bend and then Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary, first-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft, reckless burning, and for a felony warrant.

Here’s the full breakdown from police:

“At approximately 4:15 a.m. on Friday, June 6, Bend Police responded to a report of a burglary in progress at Space Age Fuel on Grandview Drive. The reporting party was watching the burglary on surveillance cameras, and reported the man inside was damaging property, building Molotov cocktails and dousing the store with flammable products.  

Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies also responded to the call, arriving on scene shortly before Bend officers to find a shattered front door. The man in the store, identified as Steven Earl Ramsey, lit one of his makeshift Molotov cocktails and threw it at a deputy, lighting the store’s rug on fire. He attempted to light a second Molotov cocktail and to light the floor on fire as well. Deputies deployed K9 Vinnie, and K9 Vinnie bit Ramsey. Ramsey eventually complied and was taken into custody.  

Damage to the store is estimated at between $11,000 and $15,000.  

Bend Fire responded to evaluate Ramsey and to ensure there was no longer a threat of fire at the gas station. Ramsey was transported to St. Charles Bend and then to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of second-degree burglary, first-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree theft, reckless burning, and for a felony warrant.  

K9 Vinnie sustained minor injuries during the arrest. Bend Police thanks Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Bend Fire & Rescue for their assistance on this case.”

Claire Elmer is continuing to investigate the situation and will include updates as we receive them.

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Kelsey Merison

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here at KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon’s youth — through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. 

We have six incredible community partnerships and are now kicking off a new monthly segment called ‘Making a Difference,’ highlighting each of these nonprofit organizations. 

For our first feature, we took a trip out to Healing Reins — where lives are transformed through the power of horse therapy. 

A horse enjoying time in a pasture at Healing Reins

Hazel Quinn is an 11-year-old who was long searching for a place to assist with her physical therapy — until she discovered Healing Reins.

“I really like how my (physical) therapist helps me with the music aspect, especially with the rhythm,” Hazel said. “It really helps me know where my surroundings are.” 

Hazel with her little sister at Healing Reins

Hazel’s mom, Catie, said their lives have changed for the better, thanks to the equine-assisted services offered at the Tumalo ranch. 

“Hazel’s an extremely intelligent, smart kid, but has been delayed on gross motor skills,” Catie said. “It’s been, like, a huge blessing.” 

Catie, Hazel’s mom

Darrion Cotroneo is the development director at Healing Reins, and said the nonprofit assists many community members with varying needs. 

“Our mission statement is to heal with horses. And we do that in a number of different ways,” said Darrion. “We provide adaptive riding lessons. We have a ‘Heroes Horsemanship’ program, which is specifically for veterans and first responders. And then we offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and we have an on-site mental health clinic.” 

Darrion Cotroneo

In turn, it receives immense support from the Central Oregon community. 

“We love any chance to meet our community members. If you’re interested in just taking a tour out here, I love giving tours. If you’re just interested in what we do and meeting some of the horses, you can absolutely sign up to volunteer. Once you take a volunteer orientation class, it’s very easy to sign up, and you can kind of do that whenever you like if you only have one free hour a week. That works for us,” Darrion said.

“And of course, funding for any nonprofit right now is more important than ever. And we are a small but mighty organization and utilize every single dollar to its fullest benefit. We had a huge donation to help us build our arena here. We also almost 200 volunteers who are active. It takes us about 100 volunteers at least a week… So, we have a huge amount of support, which is wonderful.”

It’s now working on an expansion at the site to help meet a growing need. 

“We are going to put a roof over our outdoor arena, which will allow us to more consistently utilize that throughout the year. We’ll be able to offer adaptive horsemanship classes in after school time slots. That will also enable us to hire another three to four physical and occupational therapists, as well as four to five mental health therapists. And this will almost double our capacity over time for seeing those clients, patients, and participants.” 

A new physical therapy gym and office spaces to accommodate the growth will also be added in the expansion.

Allowing the ranch to better serve those who rely on its services — like Hazel.

Hazel working with her physical therapy team at Healing Reins

“I think we figured out, like, what I need, because I feel like before it was just kind of hard because we didn’t know what I needed or what would help me,” Hazel said. 

Click here to learn more about 21 Cares for Kids. 

Click here to learn more about Healing Reins. 

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Harley Coldiron

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s largest hospital for wildlife is encouraging hunters to change to non-lead ammunition, as they’ve treated over 85 animals for poisonings in the past 4 years, almost all of which passed away from the illness. But the cost, availability, and accuracy of the bullets are major hurdles for hunters.

Sally Compton, the executive director for Think Wild, says most poisonings come from eating the carcass of an animal killed by lead ammunition.

“As it permeates through their system, gets to their brain, gets to their internal organs, that’s when they start to really feel those symptoms,” she said.

When lead ammunition enters an animal, it usually splinters, sometimes up to 12 feet. When it does this, it infects the animal’s carcass with lead, which can sometimes lead to these poisonings.

During a visit to Think Wild, the Problem Solvers observed a routine test for the United State’s official bird, the bald eagle, whose recovering from lead poisoning. The results brought good news, but for most animals, this isn’t the case. “Usually, they pass away,” Compton told the Problem Solvers. 

Of the 85 animals brought to Think Wild for lead poisoning over the years, three of them have been bald eagles. Almost all died from the illness.

So why would hunters use lead?

Nathan Wismer, who owns a wood and steel company, says lead bullets are more lethal and make for a better shot. He said last time he went hunting he was able to bag a deer with just one shot.

Kenneth Brown, who founded Liberation Firearms training in Redmond, agrees, “At the end of the day, you’re just going to get a better shot. It’s going to travel more consistently,” Brown told the Problem Solvers.

The other reason… dollars and cents.  

Brown, who buys and sells ammunition regularly, says non-lead ammunition is always more expensive, sometimes costing up to 50% more. 

The Problem Solvers went to his gun range, where non-lead ammunition is used, so customers aren’t exposed to lead fragments.  

It’s similar to why Think Wild says lead bullets can contaminate carcasses.

“Lead is going to be harmful to the body. You know it just is. Non-leads not,” Brown said, “You’re inside of a shooting platform, inside of the bay, and I don’t want you to have a bunch of lead all over the place”. 

So what’s the solution to getting more hunters to make the switch? 

Most seemed to agree: getting that cost down, and raising awareness.

“Hunters are typically one of the greatest conservationists, like hunters love fish and wildlife,” Compton said. “So I think the more that we can educate and make accessible opportunities for not using lead, the better.”

Wismer, who hunts once a year, said, “If it became more affordable and you could buy them in bulk, yeah, I have no problem with it.” 

There is a group out of the Oregon Zoo called the North American Non-Lead Partnership. They raise awareness and educate hunters on the issue, but bringing down the cost is still a major hurdle 

States like New York have created incentives for non-lead ammunition, which is something Think Wild would like to see in Oregon. The Federal Fish and Wildlife Service also briefly had an incentive program.

The Problem Solvers have reached out to our federal representatives to see what, if anything, they may support.

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