Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that it’s proud to celebrate the success of the recent, 25th annual Shop with a Cop program, which provided warmth, comfort, and holiday cheer to 95 children across Deschutes County.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and law enforcement partners, the program invested $57,000 directly into meeting real needs for local families, the DCSO said in a news release we’re providing here in full:

This year’s program highlighted the depth of need in our community. Children asked for bedding, warm clothing, and even basic kitchen items like silverware, cups, and pots and pans — items that help families cook meals and stay warm.

Shop with a Cop continues to go beyond holiday gifts, offering dignity, comfort, and hope.

“You can’t help but be moved when you see the smile on a child’s face as they pick out their very first set of warm pajamas or a blanket to call their own,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Some of these kids asked for basic household items, not just toys. It’s emotional because you see first-hand how this program is meeting real needs and making a real difference.”

Shop With a Cop was powered by 79 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, many of whom participated on multiple days:

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse

Deschutes County Parole and Probation

Bend Police Department

Redmond Police Department

Sunriver Police Department

Black Butte Police Department

Oregon State Police 

Special thanks to:

Kay Walters (Redmond volunteer coordinator)

Amanda Surplus (Bend volunteer coordinator)

AmeriTitle

Kendall Auto Group

Washington Trust Bank

Bend Police Department

Sunriver Citizen Patrol

Re/Max

Mid Oregon Credit Union

Coldwell Banker

DCSO Spouses Group

Eastmont Church Women’s Group

The program also received generous support from:

Walmart (Bend & Redmond)

Pappy’s Pizza (Redmond)

Abby’s Pizza (Bend)

Dutch Bros

McDonald’s

Franz Bakery

Fundraising for Shop with a Cop takes place year-round, and every contribution helps the program continue meeting real needs in our community. This year, the community rallied to raise an additional $31,000, which, combined with funds carried over from last year, allowed DCSO to make a real impact for this milestone 25th anniversary. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is deeply grateful for the ongoing support from across the county.

How to Donate:

Online:

https://sheriff.deschutes.org/community/programs/shop-with-a-cop/

By Check:

Payable to: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office – Shop with a Cop

Mail to: 63333 Hwy 20, Bend, OR 97703

In Person:

Drop off your donation at the front office—please label it “Shop with a Cop.”

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As families on the Warm Springs Reservation prepare for the winter months and the holiday season, a substantial gift of support for their pets is on its way. 

Fences For Fido, a  Greater Good Ambassador, in partnership with Warm Springs Commodities, has received 20,000 pounds of donated dog and cat food from Purina to support families with pets on the Warm Springs Reservation. 

Located in Jefferson County, the Warm Springs Reservation is more than 15 miles from the nearest town with veterinary services or pet supplies, leaving families with limited access to basic animal care resources. Despite these challenges, families consistently show deep love and commitment to their pets, often stretching limited resources to ensure their animals remain healthy and at home. 

This holiday season, the donation from Purina Pet Food arrives at a moment when it can make the greatest impact. 

A Lifeline for Local Families and Their Pets 

Fences For Fido has operated a supplemental pet food bank on the Warm Springs Reservation five years, in partnership with Warm Springs Commodities, providing dog and cat food year-round to families who need it. This large-scale donation from Greater Good and Purina will significantly expand that support. 

“This is truly the greatest holiday gift we could offer families with pets,” said Kelly Peterson, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Fences For Fido. “Access to pet food and supplies is limited on the Reservation, and this donation helps ensure that pets stay healthy, fed, and together with the families who love them.” 

A pet food giveaway event will be held this Saturday, distributing dog and cat food directly to households throughout the Reservation. 

Strengthening a Trusted Partnership 

Warm Springs Commodities plays a vital role in meeting community needs by distributing essential food and supplies. Their ongoing partnership with Fences For Fido ensures that pet food reliably reaches families who otherwise have very few access points. 

“We’re grateful for this partnership and for Greater Good’s generosity,” said Theo Perez, Director of Warm Springs Commodities. “Families here care deeply about their pets, and this support helps lighten the load during a time when many budgets are stretched.” 

A Circle of Care in Action 

Fences For Fido has long served socially, financially, and geographically isolated communities across the Pacific Northwest. In addition to unchaining more than 3,700 dogs and delivering more than 2,000 dog houses, the organization has distributed over 700,000 pounds of pet food to families in need. 

On the Warm Springs Reservation, Fences For Fido provides year-round pet services—including spay/neuter, vaccines and wellness clinics, emergency veterinary care, and ongoing pet food support. 

Pet Food Giveaway Event 

Date: Saturday, December 13th, from 10 am – 3 pm (while supplies last) Location: Warm Springs Commodities, Warm Springs Reservation Details: Free dog and cat food for families on the Reservation 

About Fences For Fido 

Fences For Fido is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of dogs by unchaining them and providing fences, shelter, veterinary care, and essential pet support across Oregon and Washington. The organization serves socially, financially, and geographically isolated communities—ensuring pets remain healthy, safe, and with the families who love them. www.FencesForFido.org 

About Warm Springs Commodities 

Warm Springs Commodities supports families on the Warm Springs Reservation by providing nutritious food and essential resources in partnership with tribal programs and community agencies. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A house cleaner and two other Bend residents have been arrested on burglary and theft charges, accused of stealing about $1,200 worth of items from a northwest Bend rental home, police said Thursday.

On Saturday, Nov. 29, Bend Police responded to a report of a burglary in the 1000 block of NW Baltimore Avenue, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

The homeowners returned from a trip out of town and “discovered that a variety of their belongings were missing,” Miller said.

“The homeowners rent their house out when they leave town, and the company that manages the rentals hired a third-party cleaner to come in after the visitors departed,” she said. 

The homeowners reviewed their surveillance video footage and saw the house cleaner arrive in the early afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 16. About two hours later, two other people arrived and entered the home.

The three left about 10 minutes later “with a large number of items in garbage bags,” Miller said.

The missing items were estimated at about $1,200 in value.   

Miller said an investigation determined the cleaner was 36-year-old Bend resident Heather Cordier. The two other suspects were identified 41-year-old Stephanie Lafountaine and 47-year-old Stephen Rechner, also of Bend.  

On Tuesday of this week, between 12:40 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., Bend Police patrol officers, detectives and members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team raided two residences and recovered items connected to the burglary at both places, Miller said.

Search warrants were executed at an apartment in the 1700 block of SE Tempest Driver and another residence in the 600 block of NE Bellevue Drive. Officers were assisted by drone operators, negotiators and community service officers.  

Cordier, LaFountaine and Rechner were taken into custody, as was Sergei Newlin, 33, also of Bend, who had an unrelated warrant for a parole violation, Miller said. All four were booked into the Deschutes County Jail.   

Cordier, Rechner and Lafountaine each face first-degree charges of burglary, theft and criminal trespass.

Miller told KTVZ News she could not provide the surveillance video or images from it, as it is evidence in an ongoing investigation.

Asked if this type of crime would prompt any tips for the public to be aware of, Miller told us: “It’s tricky, because this was a third-party company that hired a cleaning person.”

“Of course, we would always recommend that people do their due diligence when hiring someone who will have access to their home,” she said. “In this case, that may not apply, because these people were using a company that then hired someone who committed these crimes.”

KTVZ News also asked Miller if this was believed to be an isolated incident.

“We do not have any indication that there are other victims,” she told us. “But our investigation is ongoing, and if members of the public believe something similar has happened to them, we’d like to hear about it.”

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Comments by Shannon Brady, Mt. Bachelor; ‘snow drought’ declared)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Record-high temperatures are keeping Mt. Bachelor from opening as planned, leaving the slopes bare well into December and raising questions about what the delay means for Central Oregon’s winter tourism.

In mid-December, Mt. Bachelor is typically buzzing with skiers and snowboarders from across the country. But this year, warm days and little snow in the Cascades have put the season on pause.

“We are seeing temperatures about 20 degrees above where we should be for this time of year,” said KTVZ Meteorologist Shannon Brady. “We’re seeing some records broken across the region, many of which have been held for over 100 years.”

In fact, federal meteorologists on Thursday declared a “snow drought” around much of the West, including Oregon, saying the early-season snow cover across the region is the lowest in 24 years of satellite data, and “nearly every major river basin in the West experienced a November among the top 5 warmest on record.”

Snow Water Equivalent as a percentage of the 1991-2000 median as of Dec. 7 (Drought.gov)

The warmth this week is tied to a stubborn high-pressure system sitting over the West Coast. But Brady said a change may be on the horizon.

“It is starting to look like we might see some snow by next week, which is good news, as some colder air moves in,” she said. “Pressure is going to drop a little bit, so maybe by mid to late next week we’ll get some measurable snowfall.”

For Mt. Bachelor, the later start isn’t ideal but not unprecedented. Resort officials say a slow opening doesn’t necessarily mean a low snow season.

“The ski industry is such a business that is reliant on the weather. So, it’s tough,” said Lauren Burke, Mt. Bachelor’s communications director. “We’ve seen years where we open in mid-December and get 500, 550 inches of snow, which is well above our seasonal average.”

Burke said the delay impacts early-season revenue, but their long spring keeps the ski season stretching into late May.

“We’re really committed to opening as soon as conditions allow and staying open as late as we can,” she said. “As soon as the snow comes, we know our skiers and riders are ready to go.”

Visit Bend echoed that optimism in an email to KTVZ on Thursday. Tim Neville said December is historically Bend’s most affordable month for lodging and the lowest occupancy of the year. Any dip now will likely be made up by pent-up demand, once the mountain opens.

In the meantime, Central Oregonians are still getting outdoors, taking advantage of fewer crowds on hiking and biking trails. And some are simply staying patient.

Bend skier Sam Schroeder. said, “Given the slow start, the middle and latter half of the season will be even better.”

With potential snow in the forecast next week, the ski season may not be far behind.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From a decrease in reported graffiti across town to potential changes to roundabouts, KTVZ News asked Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler your pressing questions Thursday morning.

Make sure to submit your questions for the mayor here. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating a special act of kindness that helped a local family in need.

During this year’s Shop With a Cop event, deputies met a child whose family was going through a tough time and discovered there were no beds for the kids to sleep in. That encounter led to a partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds for children who don’t have one of their own.

Thanks to that partnership, deputies were able to provide two new beds, complete with cozy blankets and handmade quilts donated by local quilters. Deputies delivered the bedding this week, calling the moment “unforgettable.” The family expressed deep gratitude, saying it was an uplifting experience to receive such a meaningful gift.

The Sheriff’s Office says it looks forward to continuing to work with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to identify families in need across the community because, as they put it, “no kid should sleep on the floor in our community.”

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Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program graduated its 70th cadet class Wednesday, to the cheers of families, friends and proud teens who had been considered “at risk” and headed for trouble, but now have found a new path forward.

Students at the facility east of Bend, Oregon’s only accredited statewide alternative high school, first undergo an intensive 22 weeks of military-style, regimented behavior and education, followed by a 2-year post-residential phase, where cadets return to their hometowns and focus on their goals and objectives.

Those who complete the program successfully say it profoundly changes them and puts them on the right path.

Graduate Wyatt Ehlrlich said, “At the start, I had a hard time with the yelling and stuff. But throughout the program, I just learned it’s kind of their job to yell at you, you know? But I’m coming back as a mentor for the next class. I’ve gained 20 ribbons. I mean, I’ve done a lot here, and I’m really proud of myself for that.”

Fellow OYCP graduate Miguel Angel-Moreno told us, “My experience going to this program was actually really well. There was a lot of things I never knew I could do here. I built a lot of positive relationships and better habits, just so I don’t fall back into the person I was before.”

Graduate Sinai Sweet said the lessons she’s learned have been clear: “Keep their head high, chin up, chest out, and stand tall. Nothing can beat you if you don’t let it, and you’re stronger than you think.”

“Your mindset is where it all starts, and to do that, I think coming here is the best place to strengthen your mindset, to build character,” Sweet said.

Nearly all the students graduating Wednesday are going to return to high school. Some of them earned enough credits through the program to get their diplomas Wednesday. A handful of students will be enlisting in the military.

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KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Pertussis cases in Oregon have reached an all-time high, the Oregon Health Authority said Wednesday, prompting state officials to urge people to make sure they and their families are up to date on vaccinations — especially those who are pregnant or spend time with babies — and take steps to reduce spread. 

In 2025, as of Wednesday, OHA has received a record-high 1,475 reported cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, breaking the state’s all-time annual record of 1,420, set in 1950. The current outbreak began in the spring of 2024, when Oregon recorded 1,252 pertussis cases by year’s end. Other U.S. states have reported similar caseload spikes.

Here’s the rest of Wednesday’s OHA announcement:

Pertussis can cause severe disease in people of all ages, but babies are most at risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death from infection.

To reduce that risk, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends every pregnant person receive a single dose of Tdap vaccine during their third trimester (weeks 27-36) to protect their newborn from pertussis. That’s because babies’ immune systems are too week to protect against infection until they get vaccinated at 2 months old.

Spouses, partners, grandparents and any adult routinely in the baby’s life should also consider receiving a Tdap dose at least two weeks before the baby is born.

However, vaccination is important for people of all ages, and it’s the best way to prevent severe disease and hospitalization. In addition to pregnant people, pertussis vaccination is recommended for infants and children starting at 2 months through 4 to 6 years old, adolescents at age 11 or 12, and any adult who has not previously been vaccinated.

“I worry people may not fully appreciate the risk pertussis poses as case counts are rising, especially for babies and older adults,” said Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. “One of the most important things someone can do to protect their newborn is to get the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a statewide decline in maternal Tdap vaccination rates in Oregon, which is a dangerous trend.”

VIDEO: Videos of Dr. Chiou discussing Oregon’s historic pertussis spread and its impact are available at the top of OHA’s Media Resources page.

The numbers

In 2025, 87 cases of infant pertussis (children younger than 12 months)–22 of whom were hospitalized—have been reported in Oregon so far. One infant died in Oregon earlier this year. It is the only death from pertussis reported in Oregon during 2025.

OHA’s new Pregnancy Immunization Data dashboard shows only 69% of pregnant people received Tdap vaccination in 2024, down from 72% in 2020.

Maternal Tdap vaccination rates also vary widely from county to county, with rates as low as 17% and as high as 82%. The lowest rates are largely in rural counties, where it’s often harder to find vaccinations, and where vaccine hesitancy rates are also higher.

Pertussis outbreaks occur regionally about every three to five years and do not necessarily follow seasonal patterns. Because of widespread masking and social distancing during the pandemic, Oregon saw only three reported cases of pertussis in 2021, followed by 17 in 2022 and 40 in 2023.

Health officials attribute the skyrocketing cases since then to a return to pre-pandemic norms that coincides with waning immunity and decreased vaccination rates. 

Why the vaccine matters

Studies show Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is highly effective in preventing pertussis infection and hospitalization. Long-term protection from the pertussis vaccine wanes over time, however, which can create confusion about the vaccine.

“I hear the confusion in my community about pertussis vaccination,” said Benton County Health Officer Carolina Amador, M.D., MPH. “When we use the word ‘booster,’ people may think the vaccine isn’t very effective because protection fades, so they may not want to bother. At the same time, we strongly recommend it for certain people, such as children and pregnant people, because in the short term it does a great job protecting the most vulnerable among us.”

The disease

The only way a baby will become infected with pertussis is if they are exposed to someone with pertussis, a bacterial infection that spreads easily through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.

But pertussis often goes undiagnosed. The illness is tricky to diagnose because not everyone with pertussis will have the trademark “whooping” sound when coughing. For some, pertussis can be severe and result in a trip to the hospital, while others may experience mild symptoms and may not necessarily seek medical care while they still spread disease.

Jennifer Gibbons, N.D., is a naturopathic pediatrician in Portland whose practice attracts many parents who are vaccine hesitant.

“When parents of my little patients also happen to be pregnant, they often tell me their own OBGYN has recommended the Tdap vaccine, and they will ask me, ‘But do you think it’s right for me?’ The answer is always yes,” she said. 

“I can say, ‘I’ve seen whooping cough, and its truly awful for infants,'” Gibbons added. “Then I’ll explain how the vaccine merely adds to the suite of protective antibodies that the mother is already providing the baby through the placenta. I’m always exploring ways to change my language with patients to see if I can get them to look at it differently.”

Click here to learn more about pertussis in Oregon.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County is encouraging community members to review a draft of the Greater Sisters Community Wildfire Protection Plan and provide their feedback by Saturday, January 10.

“A Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a valuable tool for areas at risk from wildfires,” said Deschutes County Forester Kevin Moriarty. “Communities across Central Oregon work together with forest and fire management agencies to identify and address wildfire risks, creating plans to strengthen their resilience.”

The Greater Sisters CWPP includes private properties and public lands served by the Sisters-Camp Sherman, Black Butte Ranch and Cloverdale rural fire protection districts, as well as the city and surrounding area.

Goals of the Greater Sisters CWPP include

Protecting lives and property from wildfires.

Raising public awareness of the risks of living in a fire-prone ecosystem.

Instilling personal responsibility for taking preventative actions to reduce wildfire risks.

Creating and maintaining fire-adapted communities.

Enhancing community preparedness, response, and recovery from wildfires.

To provide feedback on the Greater Sisters Community Wildfire Protection Plan, please send an email by January 10 to corinne.heiner@deschutes.org.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interview with researcher)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new “megaquake advisory” in Japan is raising questions about what it could mean for Pacific coastal communities — including here in Oregon.

The advisory was issued after a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Japan just days ago on December 8th. Officials say a worst‑case “megaquake” in the Hokkaido–Sanriku region could produce waves approaching 100 feet in parts of Japan, cause nearly 200,000 deaths, and inflict massive damage on coastal communities.

Even though scientists estimate the chances of such an event are only about 1%, Japan’s new advisory system is meant as a wake‑up call — not a precise prediction. It was created after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 18,000 people. Under the system, when a quake stronger than magnitude 7.0 hits certain areas, authorities issue an alert that a much larger quake could follow in the coming days.

“This is not a prediction. This is a probabilistic warning,” Erick Velasco, a seismic expert and postdoctoral researcher with Oregon State University, told KTVZ News on Wednesday. “This is to practice our confidence on how to respond to an earthquake. And that’s also happening in Japan. This is not to scare people — this is rather to be prepared.”

For many Oregonians, the warning carries an eerie echo from the past. In March 2011, a magnitude‑9.0 earthquake off Japan unleashed a tsunami that crossed the Pacific, sending waves into harbors along the West Coast. While the waves were far smaller here than in Japan, they still damaged docks and boats and generated hazardous currents that caught some mariners off guard.

KTVZ’s Seismic Shift series recently explored how a major Cascadia Subduction Zone quake could similarly send evacuees pouring over the mountains into Central Oregon, straining housing and emergency services. A large Japan‑generated tsunami wouldn’t trigger the same mass displacement, but it would still test coastal evacuation systems, communication with tourists, and the ability of ports to secure vessels and infrastructure ahead of time.

If a tsunami were generated by Japan’s latest quake, Jonathan Allan with the Oregon Department of Geology and Minerals told KTVZ in an email it would take roughly nine to 10 hours to reach Oregon’s coast — time that could mean the difference between safety and disaster.

Velasco, who studied for his doctorate in Japan, reiterated, “If this kind of earthquake and tsunami happens in Japan, we will have some hours to respond in the U.S. So we have to be ready, and we need to be prepared. That’s the invitation here.”

As Japan braces for the possibility of another powerful offshore quake, Oregon scientists and emergency managers are watching closely — preparing for a real‑time lesson in how tsunamis move across the Pacific.

Velasco added that Japan’s experience shows the power of public education and collective action. During the 2011 disaster, more than a million people safely evacuated — a success he credits to consistent drills and community-wide awareness.

“If we work as a community and collaborate with each other,” he said, “we will be able to prepare for these types of events.”

The key message, experts stress, isn’t fear — it’s readiness.

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