Author: KTVZ

Harley Coldiron

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Prineville Police are asking for the public’s help in an early–morning break-in and theft from several vendors at the Crook County Fair.

Police say a security guard reported that two people had broken into a vendor’s booth at 3:35 AM Friday.

Sergeant Daniel Pelayo told KTVZ News that several other vendors reported later in the morning that they were also broken into, and had items taken from them.

The Prineville Review, which first broke the news, reported that a security guard injured himself while engaging in a foot pursuit of the suspects. The security guard’s boss said the employee is feeling better today.

Amanda was one of the vendors who was broken into and told the Prineville Review, “I’m just really frustrated…but what’s really frustrating to me is that my kids, who are 10 and 7, they saved their own money into starting their business, and they had $50 worth of products stolen.”

Crook County Sheriff John Gautney told the Prineville Review that they plan to increase foot patrols at the fairgrounds.

Prineville Police are working to get video of the suspects, and could not provide identifying characteristics. Fair organizers have not yet issued a statement.

The news rocked residents and vendors, who took to social media to share their frustration, but also to offer support to the vendors who were victimized. The historic Crook County Fair brings immense pride to the small town, which is known for its Western values and cowboy way of life.

Police are asking for the public’s help with any related information. If you know anything, you’re asked to call the Prineville Police Department at 541-447-4168,and ask for Officer Mitch Merrit.

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Do you have what it takes to represent the western way of life, lead with poise and grit, and carry the rodeo tradition into the next generation?

The Sisters Rodeo Association is now accepting applications for its 2026 Rodeo Queen Contest and invites young women from across the state of Oregon to step into the arena who are between the ages of 18-25.

This annual tradition is more than a crown; it’s a life-changing opportunity to serve as a rodeo ambassador, gain leadership and public speaking experience, and make lasting connections in the rodeo community.

The contest will be held on Sunday, September 7th at the Sisters Rodeo grounds. Applications are due by Thursday, September 4th, 2025.

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Contest Highlights:

· Horsemanship competition

· Speech and Personal Interviews

· Community engagement and ambassador duties throughout the year

“We’re looking for candidates who love rodeo, are passionate about representing our sport and community, and want to grow as leaders,” said Aly Fazz, Queen Advisor. “Our queen becomes the face of our rodeo and travels to events across Oregon; it’s a year of incredible memories and impact.”

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Who Can Apply:

· Oregon residents ages 18-25

· Riders with access to a horse and transportation

· Young women with strong communication skills and a love for the rodeo way of life

No prior pageant or rodeo queen experience is required, just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

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Statewide Outreach & Representation

The Sisters Rodeo Queen serves as a representative across Oregon, making appearances at community events, rodeos, parades, and school programs. Past titleholders have gone on to compete at the state and national level and have become leaders in agriculture, business, and education.

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To Apply: Visit https://sistersrodeo.com/queen-tryouts/ for full contest rules, application packet, and important dates. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram https://www.facebook.com/sistersrodeoassociation/ https://www.instagram.com/sistersrodeo/ for updates, spotlights on past queens, and behind-the-scenes features

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Addiing video and comments from Humane Society of Central Oregon)

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Humane Society of Central Oregon, said Friday it was seeking to find loving homes for 12 Toy Australian Shepherds surrendered from a Tumalo-area property owner who deputies said will face a felony animal neglect charge.

And within hours of Friday’s announcement, most indeed had found new homes.

Here’s the information shared with KTVZ News in a news release from DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr:

Last Sunday, Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a property on Tumalo Reservoir Road for a reported structure fire. While there, firefighters observed multiple dogs living in filthy conditions and requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Benn Smith responded to the scene and found the dogs on the property. He discovered extensive accumulations of animal waste inside the home and in the basement.

After speaking with the owner, 38-year-old David De Persio, 12 dogs were voluntarily surrendered and taken to HSCO. De Persio was cited for Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, and the charge is being elevated to a Class C Felony under Oregon law due to more than 11 animals being on scene, Carr said.

The surrendered dogs are generally healthy but under-socialized, meaning they will do best in homes where they can receive extra one-on-one attention, training, and patience. All have received veterinary examinations and age-appropriate vaccinations and will be spayed or neutered before adoption.

The 12 Toy Australian Shepherds are being processed for adoption through the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Anyone interested in providing a home for one of these dogs should visit the shelter at 61170 SE 27th Street in Bend, Oregon, or visit their website www.hsco.org for more information on the adoption process and availability.

Two of the dozen dogs need additional medical attention before they can be adopted. Because of their lack of socialization, many of the dogs are shy around people. Others did not receive proper toilet training. The Humane Society recommends experienced owners look into adopting them.

“They’re going to need a home where somebody is pretty dog savvy. They’re going to need to be patient or need experience with the breed,” said Lynne Ouchida, HSCO’s director of community partnerships.

“Toy Australian Shepherds are not just small, standard Australian Shepherds,” she added. “They do have the personalities of the toy breeds, which is going to be active, needing a lot of enrichment. ”

While adopting and volunteering can be a great way to support the Humane Society, they currently have a critical need for dog treats, and are asking the public to make donations. These dog treats are used in rehabilitation training while canines stay at the shelter.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanked Bend Fire & Rescue for reporting the conditions, Deputy Smith for his quick response, and HSCO for their commitment to animal welfare. Community members are encouraged to consider adoption to give these dogs the second chance they deserve. 

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Deschutes Children’s Foundation has it’s first ever pickleball tournament, it’s called The Big Dill. It’s happening at Widgi Creek Golf Club in Bend on September 11th. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and registration is $75 per person. You get to participate in a raffle, a silent auction, and enjoy food and drink. Whether you’re new to pickle ball or a seasoned player. This is all about fun, connection, and supporting a great cause.

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Lynsey Harris

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — You name the fun, our Lynsey Harris was partaking in it during her live segments Thursday evening from the 2025 Crook County Fair.

From the tall slide to the Dinky Train to a pair of 4-H turkey-raisers and their birds, she was having a blast, and taking us along for the ride.

You can find much more information about this year’s fair, with the theme “Timeless Traditions,” at their website. The fair runs through Saturday.

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Barney Lerten

(Adding video from Monday’s broadcast)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – World-class shows at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, walking along the river trail, patio happy hours, and retail therapy are highlights of the Bend Summer season. Commute Options said Thursday it’s thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Hayden Homes Amphitheater and the Old Mill District for the “August Car-Free Commute Challenge.” 

The “August Car-Free Commute Challenge” is an initiative designed to encourage concert attendees and folks visiting the district to choose sustainable transportation methods throughout the entire month of August, according to a news release that continues in full below:

Participants simply need to create an account on Get There Oregon (www.getthereoregon.org) and log their car-free commutes – whether they walk, bike, scoot, roll, or ride the bus – to and from any concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater or visit to the Old Mill District. By logging their trips, they are automatically entered into a prize draw, with the grand prize being a $200 Old Mill District gift bundle. 

The goal of the program is to reduce single-occupancy vehicles, ease congestion, and promote a healthier, more sustainable Bend. This effort aligns with the Old Mill District’s sustainability goals and Commute Options’ vision for accessible, convenient transportation options to lessen single-occupancy commutes in the community.  

By participating in car-free travel, concert-goers and visitors can ease traffic backups and contribute to a more sustainable, more enjoyable experience in Bend. 

Amanda Bird-Zimmerman, Assistant Marketing Director and Community Engagement Lead with the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater, states, “We are thrilled to partner with Commute Options to encourage not only more sustainable transportation choices, but also to get folks outside to experience a different perspective of this gorgeous place we call home. Whether folks take one or 30+ alternative commute trips this month, any amount makes a difference. And, you can’t win if you don’t play, right? See you out there!” 

Join the August Car-Free Commute Challenge! 

Everyone visiting the Old Mill District or attending concerts at Hayden Homes Amphitheater this August is encouraged to participate. It’s free and easy to get signed up. 

Here’s how to participate: 

Make an account on Get There Oregon: Simply visit www.getthereoregon.org or scan the provided QR code at the venue. 

Log your sustainable commute: Record your travel to/from using methods such as: 

Walking 

Biking 

Scooting/Rolling 

Riding the Bus 

Be automatically entered into the prize draw!  

Details on The Grand Prize: One lucky participant will win a $200 Old Mill District gift bundle, which includes a $100 Old Mill District Gift Card (usable towards concert tickets, shopping, and dining), movie tickets, Old Mill District swag, and more! 

“The August Car-Free Commute Challenge provides a fun and rewarding way for concertgoers to make a positive impact on our community,” said Brian Potwin from Commute Options. “Collaboration is key to sustainable change. We’re incredibly proud to team up with Hayden Homes Amphitheater and the Old Mill District to offer a fun, rewarding way for everyone to contribute to a less congested Bend.” 

Join Commute Options, Hayden Homes Amphitheater, and the Old Mill District in making a positive impact this August! When you choose a car-free commute, you could win big. Learn more at https://www.commuteoptions.org/hayden-holmes-car-free-commute-challenge/  

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Supervisory Deputy District Attorney Stacy Neil received the Oregon Sex Crimes Prosecutor of the Year Award from the Oregon District Attorneys Association at a ceremony Thursday at the Riverhouse Convention Center in Bend.

The award was created to recognize an Oregon prosecutor for outstanding accomplishments in seeking justice for the victims of sexual abuse. 

Neil has been a prosecutor in Deschutes County for 19 years, focusing on child abuse cases including sexual abuse, assault and murder. She also worked as a child abuse forensic interviewer for four years.

Throughout her career, she has been a leader in the field, developing protocols to improve child abuse investigations in Oregon. She helped rewrite the Oregon Interviewing Guidelines for child sexual abuse cases and serves on the KIDS Center Board of Directors. 

District Attorney Steve Gunnels praised Neil, saying: “Stacy is a smart, dedicated and tenacious prosecutor who is extremely effective in her role. She takes sexual abuse cases to heart and always fights hard to get justice for victims. She is an outstanding prosecutor and an asset to our community.” 

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NPG Content Share

(Update: Adding video)

News Team

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal wrong-way crash that happened Wednesday night on Interstate 86 near American Falls and killed a Bend, Oregon man.

Around 8:55 PM, an 81-year-old man from Bend was reportedly driving a Honda Civic westbound in the eastbound lanes at mile marker 40. The Honda crashed head-on into a Volkswagen SUV.

The man died at the scene, ISP reported. His name has not been released, pending notification of family members.

The driver of the Volkswagen, a 35-year-old woman from California, was transported to a local hospital. Her current condition is unknown.

The westbound lanes of I-86 were closed for about four hours as crews investigated the scene and cleared the wreckage.

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Kade Linville

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday night, the nonprofit Citizens4Community and Kendall Auto Group are starting their summer series in Sisters, showing free movies in the outdoors.

The Details:

What: Cars outdoor movie screening, powered by Kendall Auto Group of Central Oregon

🪑 What to Bring: Low-back chairs or a blanket—whatever keeps you cozy!

🚫 Please Note: No alcohol or dogs allowed.

When: Thursday, August 7 | Doors @ 7:15 PM, movie at sundown (approx. 8:15 PM).

Where: Village Green Park | 302 S Elm St., Sisters, OR 97759

Who: Open to the public, all ages

How much: Free admission! Donations benefit C4C.

🍿 Snacks for a Cause | Concessions will be available for purchase from the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District’s volunteer Fire Corps, with all proceeds supporting their local work.

More Free Summer Movie Fun:

August 22 – Encanto at Sisters Art Works, co-hosted by SFF Presents

September 12 – The Sandlot at Sisters Community Church baseball fields

September 20 – Top Gun at Sisters Eagle Airport

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding update from Governor Kotek, Adding House Republican leader’s reaction to proposal)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Governor Tina Kotek unveiled more details Thursday of her proposed funding solution of tax and fee increases lawmakers will take up at an August 29 special session. She said the proposal, if approved, will “preserve critical transportation and maintenance services for Oregonians, protect the jobs of hundreds of essential workers across the state, and preserve transit services.”

A top Republican lawmaker again blasted the proposal, calling it a “tone-deaf” package that would “hurt struggling families.”

The proposal follows up on the initial details she outlined to reporters last month, including a six-cent-a-gallon gas tax hike and increases in the state’s payroll tax and vehicle registration and title fees.

Here’s the rest of her news release, followed by one from Oregon House Republican Leader Christine Drazan:

The proposal would deliver adequate funding for the State Highway Trust Fund in the 2025-27 biennium, while maintaining Oregon’s emergency funds for urgent needs, such as wildfire suppression.

“In the weeks since the adjournment of the legislative session, my team and I have worked every day with legislators, local partners, and key stakeholders to zero in on a focused solution for the immediate crisis in our transportation system,” Governor Kotek said. “I am confident that lawmakers will step up this month to avert these layoffs, and I appreciate their partnership in getting to the other side of this crisis.”

Table of proposed gas tax and fee hikes to cover ODOT funding shortfall

“The Governor’s proposal is a targeted, near-term, and necessary fix to a statewide crisis. We must protect the jobs of ODOT employees whom we rely on to keep our roads and bridges safe,” Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) said. “For decades, Oregon has underinvested in the safety and maintenance of our roads, bridges, and transit options. This proposal doesn’t solve all the funding challenges facing our statewide transportation system, but we have an opportunity with this legislation to keep Oregon on a path toward a fair and stable funding system that puts safety first.”

“This proposal is about keeping Oregonians safe; making sure that every community – urban and rural – has functioning roads and transit; and holding ODOT accountable to Oregon taxpayers,” House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) said. “We’ve heard from mayors, county commissioners, and transit leaders across the state who have been clear that the stakes are real and the timeline is urgent. We need to take action before harmful cuts to transportation services take effect.”

If additional revenues for the State Highway Fund are not secured during a special session, a first wave of layoffs will go into effect on September 15, and a second wave is slated for January 2026. 

Here is the governor’s transportation funding proposal released Thursday:

Transportation Funding Proposal One PagerDownload

News release:

HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR’S TRANSPORTATION TAX PACKAGE THAT RAISES TAXES, HARMS STRUGGLING OREGONIANS

SALEM, ORE. — House Republican Leader Christine Drazan (R-Canby) released the following statement in response to the governor’s tone-deaf transportation tax package that takes from family savings accounts instead of using available funding:

“The governor’s tax package is going to hurt struggling families. Oregonians will be paying more but getting less—no new lanes, no improved bridges, just higher taxes. House Republicans proposed using money from the state’s Legislative Emergency Board to protect maintenance and preserve essential jobs that keep our roads safe, but the governor rejected any plan that didn’t raise taxes. Her plan to cut maintenance workers was dangerous and wrong, and her push to raise costs at the pump is extreme and out of touch. She should listen to Oregonians, work across the aisle and pursue a measured approach to the transportation needs of the state without forcing the largest transportation tax increase in Oregon’s history.”

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