Author: KTVZ

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit responded to a call for help on Wednesday, Apr. 23, after a hiker began experiencing a medical issue and became mildly hypothermic on South Sister. The call was initiated at 4:45 p.m.

Two males in their 20s, who had traveled from the Philomath area, were hiking South Sister. They parked at Dutchman Flat at the base of Mt. Bachelor and were descending the mountain when they called for assistance.

13 volunteers from the Search and Rescue Medical and Mountain Rescue teams located the hikers at 8:25 p.m. One of the hikers was able to walk out without needing assistance.

The second hiker, who was experiencing the medical issue, was warmed up by Search and Rescue medical personnel. This hiker was then transported in a Cascade rescue sled.

Search and Rescue crews navigated deep, variable snow to bring the hikers to Cascade Lakes Highway by 3:45 a.m. One hiker was transferred to a Bend Fire & Rescue ambulance for further medical evaluation, while the other was taken to his car.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds hikers to plan ahead before venturing into higher elevations. Hikers should carry ample food, water and appropriate clothing. Conditions in these areas can change rapidly, especially after sunset when temperatures drop, despite spring-like weather.

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Campbell Porter

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek has declared a drought emergency in six Oregon counties, citing record-low snowpack and ongoing dry conditions. The declaration, issued through Executive Order 26-07, affects Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow and Wallowa counties.

This marks the second drought declaration for Oregon in 2026. A total of nine of Oregon’s 36 counties are now under drought emergency status, including Deschutes County.

The 2025–26 winter in Oregon tied with 1934 as the warmest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These unusually warm temperatures contributed to record-low snowpack with likely impacts on natural resources, water supply and wildfire risk across the state.

The drought emergency declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities. These include assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department.

As of April 7, 89% of Crook County is experiencing moderate to severe drought. Indicators for Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and water year-to-date (WYTD) show drier-than-normal conditions. Precipitation across most of the county has been below normal.

Grant County also faces significant drought conditions, with 99% in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over the last year and WYTD indicate drier-than-normal conditions for most of the county and precipitation has been below normal.

In Jackson County, 95% is in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over various timescales point to moderate drought conditions for most of the county. Precipitation conditions have been below normal over the last year.

Jefferson County is severely impacted, with 94% in severe drought and the remainder in moderate drought as of April 7. Moderate to extreme drought conditions are indicated by SPEI values and WYTD precipitation is just below normal at 70% to 90%. WYTD temperatures are well above normal, resulting in well below normal snowpack.

Morrow County has 80% of its area in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. While WYTD SPEI values generally indicate normal conditions, SPEI values over the last year show drier-than-normal conditions for most of the county. Precipitation has been below normal over the last year.

Wallowa County is entirely in moderate to severe drought as of April 7. SPEI values over the last year indicate moderate to severe drought conditions across much of the county. WYTD SPEI values vary, ranging from drier-than-normal to wetter-than-normal conditions and precipitation has been below normal over the last year.

These drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon’s farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors. They will also impact drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitats and other natural resource-dependent activities. Extreme dryness will likely shorten the growing season, decrease water supplies and increase wildfire risk.

Gov. Kotek noted the severity of the situation and the state’s readiness to act.

“Communities across the state are being confronted with unprecedented drought conditions,” Kotek said. “My office and relevant state agencies are at the ready to assist affected communities address drought impacts and continue efforts to secure a stronger, more climate-resilient Oregon. The abnormally dry conditions we’re experiencing should serve as a stark reminder that wildfire season is around the corner and Oregonians need to be ready.”

Previously, Gov. Kotek declared drought in Baker, Deschutes and Umatilla counties in March 2026. The Oregon Water Supply Availability Committee and state natural resource partners continue to monitor water conditions closely.

State and local officials are coordinating with federal partners. The state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, will closely monitor conditions.

Forecasted snowpack, temperature, precipitation and water supply conditions suggest that drought conditions in the affected counties are unlikely to improve in the near-term.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Dogs are big users of parks and trails, but there are few public places where leashes aren’t required, so Bend Police and the Bend Park and Recreation District are teaming up to visit area parks in coming days, reminding everyone about those rules and the costs of not following them.

One of the most common concerns from community members involves off‑leash dogs and their handlers not following these rules, the two agencies said in a joint news release Thursday that continues below:

They are reminding pet owners about leash requirements and the safety benefits of keeping dogs on leash.

BPRD’s park stewards will partner with Bend Police Community Service Officers by visiting several parks and trails this month to talk with dog handlers about expectations and park rules.

From Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1, 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 possible enforcement actions, which can include a 30-day exclusion from park district property and/or a $275 fine and being held responsible for a dog’s actions in civil or criminal cases.

“Leashes aren’t just a rule — they’re one of the simplest ways to protect your dog, other park users, and the shared experience of being outdoors,” said Joel Lee, BPRD park stewardship manager. “Leashing your dog also helps protect wildlife, preserve natural habitats, and prevent harmful encounters.”

The park steward team keeps data related to their patrols and contacts in parks and facilities throughout the year.

In 2025, they observed 12,697 dogs on leash and 2,864 dogs off leash, which equates to approximately 77 percent compliance. According to Lee, compliance varies seasonally, as well as across parks and trails, with complaints increasing in neighborhood parks across the community.

Meanwhile, Bend Police received 157 dog complaints regarding incidents on park properties in 2025, and 52 calls so far in 2026. 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. “The law applies to everyone, even if you think your dog is friendly or well trained.”

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 Hollinshead, 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 the Dogs in Parks webpage.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from Deschutes County Clerk)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With the May primary election fast-approaching, Deschutes County voters are being reminded that not all ballots will look the same — and an upcoming deadline could impact what you see.

Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison says Oregon’s closed primary system means voters must be affiliated with a major political party to vote in that party’s races.

“If a voter wants to participate in a primary election for either of the two major parties, they need to be affiliated with one of those two major parties,” Dennison said.

The deadline to register to vote or update your party affiliation is April 28. Missing that deadline means partisan races may not appear on your ballot.

Once ballots are returned, Dennison says a detailed verification process begins.

Ballots are collected from drop boxes by two-person teams, then sealed, tracked and transported to the clerk’s office. From there, each signature is hand-reviewed by trained staff.

“Our staff are all trained by forensic handwriting specialists. We know what your signature looks like,” Dennison said.

If a signature is missing or doesn’t match, the ballot is flagged and the voter is contacted with an opportunity to fix the issue. About 4% of ballots are challenged each election and are only counted if corrected.

Any suspected voter fraud is referred to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for investigation and possible prosecution.

Dennison also emphasized the security of the county’s voting system.

“That voting system is not connected to the internet. It’s not connected to the county network. It’s not connected to Wi-Fi,” he said. “That is not susceptible to hackers because it’s not connected to anything.”

From ballot collection to signature verification and auditing, Dennison says multiple safeguards are in place to ensure accuracy and transparency.

“There are checks and balances in place, secure transport and chain of custody, and we’re following the law,” he said.

Dennison encourages voters with questions or concerns to contact the Deschutes County Clerk’s Office, saying understanding the process can help build confidence in local elections.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From the future of Elkhorn Avenue to water levels for the summer, Mayor Ed Fitch answers viewer-submitted questions for this month’s Ask the Mayor.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Fitch at any time as part of our monthly segment – just click here.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On July 4, 2026, America250 will bury the Semiquincentennial Time Capsule in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. And a Warm Springs artist’s work will be in it.

The stainless-steel cylinder, designed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is designed to safely store commemorative objects for 250 years until the capsule’s opening in 2276.

Each state was asked to contribute a submission that represents its people, stories, and values at this historic moment.

In February, the America 250 Oregon Commission invited the public to share their ideas for what Oregon should submit to the time capsule, with suggestions ranging from creative works, written reflections, and symbolic objects. Each state’s submission must fit within a 6″ x 5″ x 2″ archival storage box or consist of a single page of archival paper no larger than 8.5″ x 11″.

The Commission announced this week that Oregon’s chosen submission is a pin handcrafted by acclaimed Native American artist Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs, Wasco, and Yakama).

She is widely known for her sculpting and mixed media artistry, which focuses on 12,000 years of Native American history and traditions of the Columbia River region. Her works have been exhibited globally and can be found in Oregon at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland State University, and the Museum at Warm Springs.

The pin that was selected is She Who Watches, Pitt’s depiction of a famous petroglyph and pictograph that is perched high on a mountain visible from her ancestral village. Under the oral traditions of tribes of the Columbia River region, She Who Watches represents Tsagaglalal, a wise and powerful chief who was transformed to stone, where she continues to keep vigil over her people and the Columbia River.

“The inclusion of this pin from one of Oregon’s most celebrated Indigenous artists reminds us that Oregon’s history and America’s history is much longer than 250 or 500 years,” said America 250 Oregon Commission Chair Kerry Tymchuk. 

Lillian Pitt said, “I am honored that my work will be included in this time capsule and am heartened to know that when it is opened in 250 years, people will be reminded of those who have made this land their home since time immemorial.”

Lillian Pitt was born on the Warm Springs Reservation in 1944 and moved to Portland in the early 1960s, where she resides today. She has received many honors, including the Oregon History Makers Award from the Oregon Historical Society.

The Ford Family Foundation recently named Pitt as the inaugural recipient of the 1905 Legacy Award, which will be presented every five years to an active Oregon artist who has been producing art for at least 20 years. The Museum at Warm Springs also will open a new, major exhibition next month, entitled “Lillian Pitt: Art, Memory, Home.”

About the America 250 Oregon Commission

The America 250 Oregon Commission was created through Senate Bill 1531, which was signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek on March 27, 2024. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

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Tyson Beauchemin

(Update: Adding statement from Bailey’s attorney)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County commissioners voted 3-0 Wednesday to send a grievance filed by former Sheriff’s Captain William Bailey over his firing to an arbitrator, who will be chosen by mutual agreement, take testimony on the issues and make a recommendation to the board in coming months.

Bailey’s grievance concerns his 2025 termination from the sheriff’s department. He was fired after appearing on a radio show while running for sheriff in 2024 and making critical comments about then-Sheriff Kent van der Kamp and the internal atmosphere and morale of the department.

Among other claims, Bailey objects to the commissioners making a decision on his termination, because two commissioners endorsed his political opponent in a race won by van der Kamp. Bailey’s grievance also details at least 18 other complaints.

The move to administrative arbitration under county personnel rules means a neutral third party, selected by the county and Bailey, will hear the facts of the case. County legal staff recommended the arbitration process, to ensure fair representation for all parties involved.

County Legal Counsel David Doyle offered the commission advice on the decision.

“As I told you folks for as long as you can remember, you generally don’t get in trouble for giving too much due process – but you might get in trouble for not giving enough,” Doyle said He added that he was comfortable with these additional steps to “provide Mr. Bailey with the fullest and fairest opportunity to have his grievance heard.”

A large crowd attended the meeting, most expecting a grievance hearing, so some members expressed frustration after the shift in plans and delay in a final decision after an arbitration process that Doyle said could take 3-6 months – then return a recommendation to the commission for a final decision.

Even though there was no planned public comment for the meeting, several in attendance voiced concerns centered on the timing and lack of public information surrounding Bailey’s firing and subsequent appeal.

Following the commission’s vote, Bailey’s attorney, Erik Gunderson, met with reporters outside the council chambers. Gunderson said wished the commissioners had allowed him to speak during the meeting.  He was also upset that the very people who fired his client still will rule over his grievance.

Despite those concerns, Bailey’s attorney stated he would abide by the decision to use an arbitrator.

County commissioners, however, are not legally bound to accept any decision or recommendation made during the administrative arbitration process.

The selection of a neutral arbitrator may take some time. Bailey and the county will be presented with a list of experienced arbitrators, well-versed in Oregon employment law. After they agree on one, the arbitrator will set a schedule to meet with the parties, hear testimony from potential witnesses and make a recommendation.

Doyle also said it would be up to the arbitrator and Bailey on how much of those proceedings are made public.

“We will look forward to this process moving forward,” said Commissioner Phil Chang.

Here is a news release issued after Wednesday’s meeting by Bailey’s attorney:

260422 Press Release.pdfDownload

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Barney Lerten

Update: Adding video

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters on the Sisters Ranger District are planning prescribed burning ignitions Thursday, if conditions are favorable.

Firefighters plan to conduct up to 120 acres of ignitions on Flymon 7 South Prescribed Burn, located 5 miles southwest of Lake Billy Chinook, the Deschutes National Forest said Wednesday in a news release that continues below:

Ignitions are planned for 10 a.m. Thursday. While no road or trail closures are anticipated, Forest Service Road 11 is adjacent to a portion of the prescribed burn. People driving in the area should slow down and use caution, as firefighting personnel will be working along the roadway and there may be some limited smoke impacts.

Residents in the Three Rivers subdivision and surrounding area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early-morning hours.

Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires. Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns.

Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

What does this mean for you?During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours. 

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit centraloregonfire.org/protect-your-health for more smoke preparedness resources.

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

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Barney Lerten

UPDATE: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Northwest homebuilder Hayden Homes announced Wednesday a pledge to invest $25 million to charitable causes by 2030, as it launches  its Give As You Go™ Fund, an initiative connecting homebuilding with a commitment to building a strong community across the Northwest.

The fund will focus on philanthropic priorities including housing solutions, youth and education, food security, and Hayden Homes’ non-profit, First Story, the company said in a news release that continues below:

There are two key pillars to the fund. The first, at the heart of the program, directly involves homeowners.  Hayden Homes now fully funds a donation of $300  for each new home sold, which the company calls “Every Home Gives.” 

A portion supports First Story, a nonprofit expanding access to homeownership, while the remainder  supports local nonprofits in the county where the home is sold. Hayden Homes buyers are invited to nominate a nonprofit organization they care about, ensuring that philanthropy stays local, personal, and connected to real community needs.  

 The second pillar of the Hayden Homes $25 million pledge directs company philanthropic dollars to support a broad range of charitable community initiatives.   

To help launch the Give as You Go Fund in Oregon this year, Hayden Homes has committed tens of thousands of dollars to Oregon nonprofit and charitable organizations, including Oregon Habitat for Humanity, PeaceHealth Cottage Grove, RootedHomes, Horner Cycling Foundation, Deschutes Children’s Foundation, NeighborImpact, the COCC Foundation, Ponderosa Players, and more.     

The fund will benefit many communities across the Northwest.  Hayden Homes also on Wednesday presented $100,000 to the Walla Walla Public Library in Washington state to support  the organization’s “The Next Chapter” renovation project, including the new Hayden Homes Creativity Center. 

Architectural rendering of the Hayden Homes Creativity Center at the Walla Walla Public Library, an example of how the Give As You Go™ Fund is being applied in Northwest communities.

“From the beginning, we’ve believed that supporting the communities where we build is not only a privilege, but our responsibility,” said Dennis Murphy, CEO of Hayden Homes. “The Give As You Go™ Fund puts this belief into action. Attainable housing is only part of what it takes to build a strong community, and this is the next iteration of how Hayden Homes will continue showing up in the communities we serve.”  

This $25 million pledge comes as many Northwest communities continue to face rising housing costs alongside eroding affordability of local services and basic needs. Hayden Homes’ core business model focuses on building homes for households earning approximately 100–120% of area median income, while also investing in the communities where those homes are built.  

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College is inviting the public to its official ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for its Madras campus expansion, 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at 1170 East Ashwood Road.

The event will feature brief remarks from COCC President Dr. Greg Pereira and community partners, followed by the official ribbon-cutting event and self-guided tours of the facility. Light refreshments will be served.

The new 24,000-square-foot, two-story facility is a LEED-certified structure that combines learning and community care under one roof, college officials said Wednesday in a news release the continues below:

It houses three standalone training programs: nursing, nursing assistant and medical assisting. Additionally, the expanded early childhood education program at the Madras campus is integrating some of its training into the new on-site, 100-capacity child care facility, being managed by The Children’s Learning Center of Madras.

The update to the Madras campus, which originally opened in 2011, is a response to Jefferson County’s needs related to early childhood education and health care workforce gaps, along with a major shortage of child care options in the region. Construction began in June 2024, and the doors officially opened for classes, labs and child care at the start of winter term last January.

The open house will offer the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick, to be installed at the building’s entrance, along with bricks bearing names and messages of other COCC supporters.

The transformative campus project was funded by federal and state support, private philanthropy, grants and general college funds.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact campus services at 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability such as hearing impairment, contact student accessibility services at sas@cocc.edu or 541-383-7583.

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