Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man accused of shooting at another man on a busy northeast Bend street over a year ago was sentenced Thursday to nearly seven years in federal prison for being a felon in possession and use of a handgun.

Chief Judge Michael McShane sentenced Aaron Brandon Polit, 45, to 80 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels said in a news release.

On August 28, 2024, Polit was apprehended in possession of a firearm after he fired a handgun on Northeast Second Street in Bend, prosecutors said. An eyewitness with a concealed carry permit detained Polit at gunpoint until Bend Police arrived to take him into custody.

Gunnels said Polit was found to possess a handgun, a shotgun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. He has prior felony criminal convictions for assault, narcotics possession, and child neglect.

As KTVZ News reported after the incident, police said Polit parked on NE Emerson Avenue, got out of his Jeep holding a handgun, called out to a nearby man and fired at least one shot. A bystander with a concealed weapons permit drew his gun and confronted Polit, who dropped his gun.

Responding officers found a 9 mm handgun on the street, and police said a search of the Jeep turned up body armor, a 12-guage shotgun and ammunition.

Polit first was charged in Deschutes County Circuit Court, but the firearm charges were quickly adopted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Eugene. A federal grand jury indicted Polit on Sept. 19, 2024. The case was handled by county deputy district attorneys and assistant u.S. attorneys Andrew Doyle and Matthew Nelson in both jurisdictions.

Doyle filed a motion to dismiss the local indictment Thursday as a result of plea negotiations that led to the federal sentence, court records show.

The two prosecutors said, “This case is yet another example of a ‘value-added’ sentence secured through our successful strategic partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office. We would like to thank the office for their continued support on local cases and making the community safer as a result.”

The district attorney’s office also thanked Bend Police Department criminal detectives and the FBI for “their thorough and detailed investigation.”

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Municipal Airport and Redmond Fire & Rescue will conduct a full-scale emergency response disaster training drill Thursday, October 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m., as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Several emergency response vehicles and personnel will be onsite, and RDM officials said in Thursday’s announcement that they “would like to reassure travelers the exercise will not impact commercial flight operations.”

Here’s the rest of what they shared:

The FAA requires airports to conduct realistic commercial passenger aircraft disaster training drills once every three years.  Approximately 75 participants will act as passengers with a wide variety of challenges including triage of realistic mock injuries, transportation of the injured, identification and reunification of passengers with their family.

RDM and Redmond Fire & Rescue have coordinated with multiple regional partners to practice, learn and prepare together, including: Black Butte Ranch Fire Department, Bend Fire Department, Sisters – Camp Sherman Fire District, Crook County Fire and EMS, Sunriver Fire Department, Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue, St. Charles Health System including all Redmond, Prineville, Madras and Bend campuses, Deschutes County Health Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office including Search and Rescue (SAR), Oregon Health Authority, Life Flight, Air Link, The American Red Cross, Hillsboro Aero Academy’s Ascend Flight Student program, and local air carriers and the Transportation Security Administration representatives that serve RDM.

“Redmond Fire & Rescue personnel train year-round to ensure we respond with precision and professionalism. Participating in full-scale disaster exercises like this is vital for maintaining the readiness and coordination of all emergency response stakeholders. This exercise provides an opportunity for Redmond Fire & Rescue and the Redmond Municipal Airport to refine procedures and strengthen collaboration with public safety agencies, hospitals, and other support partners,” stated Fire Chief Ryan Herrera.

The airport will be open during the disaster drill exercise. Flight operations will not be impacted by the drill.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Alfalfa-area woman accused of running a puppy mill from her home was arraigned Thursday, one day after a grand jury’s 50-count indictment. Her attorney said she will plead not guilty to all 49 felony counts of second-degree animal neglect and a new charge of violating dog breeders’ standards of care. 

Lorinda Maxwell, 62, who was arrested last month and operated the business Kameo Poodles, appeared remotely by phone for the brief hearing before Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alycia Herriott. 

Although the judge scheduled a Dec. 10 plea hearing, Maxwell’s defense attorney, Geordie Duckler, told her Thursday they will “ask for a plea of not guilty to be entered on all charges.” 

The new charge, a Class B misdemeanor, alleges Maxwell possessed 10 or more dogs and intentionally failed to “provide the standards of care applicable to dog breeders.” 

The listed specifics include not removing waste from their enclosures at least once a day, not removing the dog during such cleanings and failing to maintain a record for each sexually intact dog over eight months of age, including the birthdate if known, as well as when she acquired the dog and a record of any veterinary care. 

Herriott directed Maxwell to keep in touch with her attorney and obey all terms of her conditional release, which include not owning or living with any domestic animals as the case proceeds. 

Maxwell initially refused to surrender the 44 dogs and three cats Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies seized from her property. She later agreed to do so, and they have been up for adoption in recent weeks at the Humane Society of Central Oregon. 

HSCO Director of Community Partnerships Lynne Ouchida told KTVZ News Thursday that while many have been adopted, they still have 10 of the poodles remaining at the shelter or in foster homes.

“HSCO continues to provide extensive veterinary and daily care for the dogs,” she said.

Lorinda Maxwell indictmentDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Fire season ends Friday on more than 2.3 million acres protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, the agency announced Thursday.

Here’s the full news release:

Prineville, Ore. – Effective 12:01 a.m. on October 17, 2025, the Central Oregon District (COD) of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will officially end fire season for all forestlands protected by the district. This includes over 2.3 million acres of private, state, county, municipal, and tribal lands, which includes Hood River, Wasco, Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, Gilliam, Wheeler, Morrow, Grant, and Harney counties.

This fire season statistically was an average fire season by the numbers, but nowhere near average regarding response. For example:

ODF Central Oregon District was one of the first to respond to the Rowena Fire, the first large fire of the 2025 season in Oregon, which burned 3,700 acres just outside of The Dalles;

ODF Central Oregon District assisted federal partners with the Cram Fire near Madras, which grew roughly 20,000 acres each day for a week, totaling over 95,000 acres, and;

ODF Central Oregon District responded to the Flat Fire northeast of Sisters, where wildland and structural firefighters saved 827 residences within the fire perimeter and the blaze burned over 23,000 acres. 

“This fire season showed the endurance and dedication of our Central Oregon ODF firefighters,” said Rob Pentzer, ODF Central Oregon District Forester. “There were several times where our firefighters were working two to three weeks straight alternating between extended and initial attack duties to protect Oregon communities.”

With the conclusion of fire season, landowners under ODF protection may resume burning residential yard debris and using burn barrels. However, this change does not relieve anyone of their legal responsibility to burn safely and responsibly.

Burning & Smoke Management Guidelines

Residential Burning (Yard Debris/Burn Barrels): A burn permit is required outside of fire season on lands protected by ODF’s Prineville/Sisters Unit and The Dalles Unit, but not in the John Day/Fossil Unit.

If you are within a fire department’s protection area, check with them directly about current restrictions and permit requirements.Call your local district to validate that the burn ban has been lifted in your area. 

Slash Burning (Forestry/Logging): Burning of slash from forestry operations requires a Notification of Operation/PDM, as well as checking the smoke management weather forecast:

Call your local ODF office below

 Visit: ODF Smoke Management Forecast

ODF’s Central Oregon District sincerely thanks landowners, forest operators, the public, and interagency partners for their support in fire prevention, detection, and suppression throughout the 2025 fire season.

For more information, contact your local ODF office:

Prineville/Sisters Unit: 541-447-5658

The Dalles Unit: 541-296-4626

John Day/ Fossil Unit: 541-575-1139

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/. To report a fire, please call 911.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Oregon’s schools are better equipped to prevent and respond to opioid overdoses following a collaborative effort last year to offer free overdose reversal kits to middle and high schools, colleges and universities across the state, as well as expanded substance use prevention resources.

The collaboration between Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Education resulted in 692 schools receiving free opioid overdose reversal kits, totaling more than 14,000 additional doses. 

The program marked an expansion of ‘Save Lives Oregon’ and was possible because of one-time funding through Oregon’s Opioid Settlement Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Board.  

Every school in Oregon is now eligible to receive the kits.

You can learn more about opioid overdose and prevention by clicking here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– One of Bend’s most unique food destinations has a new home. Tekka Tiger has officially moved and expanded, bringing even bigger Southeast Asian flavors to a new location.

The popular food spot, formerly located across the street from the world’s last Blockbuster, is now set up next to WinCo and CannaBend. The move allowed Tekka Tiger to upgrade to a new food truck, giving chefs the ability to hand-cook every dish to order.

“We just wanted to bring really, like, big flavors that we noticed in Southeast Asia,” said owner Kley Dhillon. “So a lot of galangal, ikan bilis, which is a small anchovy. We use that to make one of our sambal. We’re also doing a Singapore beehoon, so it’s rice vermicelli noodle with a little bit of spam and then fishcake on top. And then we’re looking to expand the menu from there.”

The new location also offers more convenience for customers. With pre-orders and DoorDash now available, diners can drop off an order, do their shopping at WinCo, and pick up a hot meal when they’re done.

Tekka Tiger’s menu changes often, with fresh dishes added regularly. Fans are encouraged to follow the restaurant’s social media pages for the latest updates on what’s cooking.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend City Council took two major steps Wednesday night to ensure continued funding and operations for one of the city’s most vital homeless shelters — the Franklin Avenue Shelter.

At Tuesday’s meeting, councilors unanimously approved two motions tied to the facility. The first authorizes the city manager to accept nearly $975,000 in grant funding from the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC). The second extends the city’s contract with Shepherd’s House Ministries, allowing the nonprofit to continue operating the shelter through June 2026.

City officials say transparency and accountability will remain priorities as the funding is distributed. The City of Bend’s public housing data dashboard will continue to share regular shelter metrics and updates through the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.sThe new contract amendment, valued at just over $890,000, will cover operational costs — including staffing, utilities, meals, and security — once the current funding expires next fall.

Brook O’Keefe, Shelter Coordinator for the City of Bend, said the renewed support ensures critical stability for local families and individuals in need.

“The Franklin Avenue Shelter is a critical part of our homeless response system. Since opening, they’ve maintained a 98% utilization rate — often serving families with minor children and those who are medically vulnerable. The funding authorized by Council tonight will keep that shelter available to folks through June 30th, 2026,” O’Keefe said.

The city says Shepherd’s House Ministries provides monthly reports tracking shelter occupancy, client services, and transitions into permanent housing — helping ensure the program continues meeting community goals.

Looking ahead, Bend officials plan to apply for additional support through Oregon’s new statewide shelter program, expected to launch in 2027.

The Franklin Avenue Shelter is one of several facilities helping Bend reach its ongoing goal of maintaining at least 500 shelter beds across the community.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Thursday at the Deschutes County Courthouse, Bend resident Garry Dean Mode made an appearance in front of Deschutes County Circuit Judge Michelle McIver.

Mode, 62, is the man accused of a violent confrontation with an acquaintance at his home in southeast Bend earlier this month.

The brief court hearing ended with the judge and attorneys agreeing to delay Mode’s arraignment, as the grand jury is set to hear the case next week and consider an indictment on formal charges.

Mode’s hearing date as reset to November 13th.

KTVZ News will keep you updated on this developing story.

Earlier story — October 15th — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — 62-year-old Garry Dean Mode, a Bend resident, was arrested following a dispute in his home Tuesday evening, according to the Bend Police Department.

According to police, BPD responded to Mode’s home in the 61000 block of Parrell Road in Southeast Bend at 7:28 p.m. Tuesday evening following a 911 call Mode made, stating he had just been involved in an altercation with an acquaintance he had invited to his home. Mode explained that he had used multiple weapons during the dispute.

When police arrived, “They found the victim, a 45-year-old Bend resident, with serious injuries in the driveway. The victim was transported to St. Charles Bend.”

“Mode was still on scene at the home when officers arrived, and was taken into custody. He was transported to the Bend Police Department and then lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of the above offenses,” Sheila Miller, the communications manager for Bend Police said in a press release.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A passionate group of animal advocates, local leaders, and residents gathered at Silvermoon Brewing Tuesday evening for a special event: The State of Animal Welfare in Central Oregon. 

The event, hosted by the Companion Animal Medical Project (CAMP), aimed to address the growing challenges facing pets and their owners across the region — from overcrowded shelters to rising reports of neglect and abuse. 

“This isn’t about politics,” said Johannah Johnson-Weinberg, founder and president of CAMP. “It’s about a deeply held belief in equity. It’s about mobilizing as a community to build sustainable and equitable solutions.” 

A Growing Problem Across the Region 

Central Oregon has seen an uptick in animal abuse and neglect cases in recent months. Authorities reported several high-profile investigations: 

In Lapine, a man was caught on camera allegedly abusing his dog with a shovel. Three dogs were removed from his property, and he now faces multiple charges of animal abuse. 

In Terrebonne, officials seized 18 dogs and 17 cats from a woman’s home, leading to animal neglect charges. 

In Alfalfa, deputies discovered dozens of poodles and puppies living in unhealthy conditions at a breeding operation known as Kameo Poodles. The woman behind it was charged with 49 felony counts of second-degree animal neglect. 

Each of these cases places additional stress on local shelters, many already at capacity. When adoption rates cannot keep up, shelter operators face heartbreaking decisions. 

Causes Behind Overpopulation 

Gina Clemmer, director and founder of First Nations Veterinary, said the region faces a serious overpopulation crisis — one tied in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“A recent study found a 3.7 million gap in spay and neuter procedures linked to the pandemic,” Clemmer explained. “When high-volume clinics shut down temporarily, it created a ripple effect that we’re still dealing with today.” 

Clemmer also noted that rising veterinary costs make it harder for many families to seek preventive care for their pets, worsening the problem. 

Searching for Solutions 

According to Clemmer, reducing overpopulation will require a multipronged approach: 

Mandatory microchipping for identification 

Stronger laws and fines for overbreeding and neglect 

Expanded access to affordable spay and neuter programs 

For those struggling with veterinary costs, several local organizations — including First Nations Veterinary, the Humane Society of Central Oregon, and BrightSide Animal Center — offer assistance programs and educational resources. 

How to Get Involved 

CAMP continues to lead community efforts promoting animal health, education, and welfare across the region. To learn more, volunteer, or get help caring for your own pet, visit CAMP’s website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Oregon State University Cascades has unveiled its newest addition to campus the “Little Kits Early Care” child care center, designed to support the families of students, staff, and community members seeking reliable child care.

The 7,200-square-foot facility was funded through federal and state programs and will serve between 50 and 70 children ranging in age from six weeks to three years old.

Sherman Bloomer, Dean of OSU-Cascades, said the center addresses one of Central Oregon’s ongoing challenges. “Like many families in Central Oregon, child care is a struggle” Bloomer said. “There are more slots than there were three years ago from the efforts of a lot of organizations and people but it is still difficult to find and it’s difficult to find affordable care for a lot of families.”

The new center is part of OSU-Cascades’ continued efforts to expand access and resources for families connected to the university and the broader Bend community.

Click here to follow the original article.