Author: KTVZ

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) to gather public feedback for the 2026 update of the Deschutes County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP). Community members are invited to provide input by completing a confidential public survey.

This survey is designed to collect information from the community and is available now through July 13.

The survey aims to better understand individuals’ preparedness, risk and vulnerability to natural hazards. The information collected will help support the county’s Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan and improve coordination of hazard mitigation and risk-reduction efforts.

The public survey is available to community members in both English and Spanish.

All individual survey responses provided are strictly confidential and are solely for research purposes.

The public survey is open now through July 13.

Deschutes County Natural Hazards Survey (English)

Deschutes County Natural Hazards Survey (Spanish)

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Mitigation Information

If the public has questions about the plan update, they can call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office at 541-388-6501 or send an email to emergency.management@deschutes.org

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Tracee Tuesday

HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Harney County paramedic is grieving the loss of her infant son while raising concerns about a decision by her employer that has left coworkers upset and searching for answers.

On June 2, just after 4:30 a.m., Stephanie Sell, a paramedic, with Harney District Hospital, received a frantic call from her significant other about their son, Weston.

“He broke the news to me… our son is gone. Our son is dead,” she said.

Stephanie told her significant other to call 911. The responding crew would include her own coworkers, including paramedic Darren Binder.

“By the time my significant other had woken… it was already too late,” Stephanie said. “There was nothing for us as an ambulance that we could do.”

Weston was just shy of four months old.

Stephanie’s coworker and field training officer (FTO) Necole Ontko, said there were clear medical signs the infant had died hours earlier.

“One of the things that Weston had was what we call lividity… it leaves like a purplish line on the outside of the body,” Ontko said. “He was also very, very cold… he did also have rigor mortis… which means that they have been dead far too long to be able to attempt any kind of resuscitative efforts.”

In the days following Weston’s death, Ontko and other EMS staff worked to support Stephanie and her family. Ontko coordinated with neighboring agencies in Lakeview and John Day to cover Harney District Hospital’s EMS services for several hours so staff could attend the funeral.

Multiple agencies, including Burns Police and Fire, Hines first responders, Oregon State Police, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, participated in the funeral procession.

But one request stood out.

Stephanie’s coworkers asked hospital leadership to allow an ambulance to be included in the procession — something paramedic Darren Binder described as a longstanding tradition within the first responder community.

“It’s a really serious thing… and it is a universal thing to have a procession for a first responder or first responder-adjacent deaths,” Binder said.

The hospital denied that request.

“The information that made it back to me was that they were concerned that by allowing the use of ambulance for the procession would open the door for other members in the community to request ambulance procession for their loved ones,” Binder said.

Ontko said the decision left staff confused and upset. She said she approached hospital CEO Bob Gomes directly to ask for reconsideration.

“I gave him my spiel and he said: ‘the answer’s no,’ very sternly,” Ontko said. “I asked him why… he said, ‘I don’t have to tell you why.’ He came around his desk… and put his finger in my face.”

Ontko said Gomes later apologized for taking credit for getting Lakeview and John Day crews to cover the Harney District Hospital EMS staff, but did not reverse the decision.

Stephanie believes ongoing tension between hospital leadership and employees — who unionized earlier this year — may have contributed to the outcome.

Weeks after Weston’s death, the hospital issued a statement to staff and to KTVZ News, expressing sympathy while acknowledging concerns about the decision.

“Harney District Hospital extends its deepest condolences to our EMS colleague and family following the heartbreaking loss of their child,” the statement read in part. “We are aware of concerns raised regarding the decision not to utilize a district ambulance as part of the funeral procession. We are sorry that this decision has been painful for many and has contributed to feelings of disappointment during an already difficult time.”

For Stephanie, the loss remains overwhelming.

“Losing a child is a different experience… they aren’t supposed to go before we are,” she said. “Some days are easier than others. It just kind of comes in waves.”

Marissa Binder, the wife of Stephanie’s co-worker, Darren Binder, has set up a gofundme for Stephanie and her family.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from contractors)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After KTVZ’s Problem Solvers reported on a Central Oregon homeowner who said he paid a deposit to 541 Roofing before communication stopped, two local contractors are stepping up to help.

KTVZ News first reported on Martin Stadtmueller, who said he hired 541 Roofing to replace his roof and paid a deposit; but instead of getting a new roof, he was left with stress, uncertainty, and no answers.

“Ultimately went with 541 Roofing. Hired them, paid a deposit, and then things got really quiet,” Stadtmueller told the Problem Solvers. “I tried everything imaginable and I did not succeed in getting through to them.”

Stadtmueller said he still does not know exactly what happened, but said another roofer he has since hired told him the company went out of business.

“It’s something I’d rather not spend all my time thinking about,” Stadtmueller said. “I just wanted a roof.”

After seeing KTVZ’s Problem Solvers report, All Concepts Exteriors and Greenlee Roofing both reached out, saying they wanted to find ways to help homeowners who may have been impacted.

Tucker Pies, owner of All Concepts Exteriors, said when he heard about the situation, he began contacting material suppliers and manufacturer partners.

“As soon as I heard what had happened on the news, I reached out to my material manufacturers and my material suppliers and kind of started having the conversation about what can we do,” Pies said.

Pies, a Bend native, said his company is exploring options with its suppliers and partners to help affected homeowners complete roofing projects without creating an additional financial burden.

“What we’re working together with our suppliers and manufacturers to do is kind of help cover those costs of material up front,” Pies said. “That way, if they’ve already paid a deposit, they don’t have to pay a second deposit to get that done.”

In a written statement, Pies said many families trusted a contractor with their hard-earned money and are now facing uncertainty, financial stress, and concerns about protecting their homes.

“While every situation will be different, our goal is simple: to help our neighbors find solutions and restore some trust during a difficult time,” Pies wrote. “We believe the community should come together when local families are hurting, and we want to be part of that effort.”

Greenlee Roofing is also offering assistance to qualified homeowners who experienced financial loss related to an incomplete roofing project associated with 541 Roofing.

Greenlee Roofing said it is offering no-profit roof replacement proposals for qualifying homeowners. Those homeowners would still be responsible for the direct costs of completing the project, including labor, materials, permits and company overhead, but Greenlee Roofing would waive all profit on the project.

“Our focus is on homeowners who may have suffered financial loss and still need a roof over their heads,” Hobie Smith, director of sales for Greenlee Roofing, said in a statement. “As a local company, we believe it’s important to step up and help our neighbors when we’re able, and this is one way we can do that.”

Nicholas Greenlee, owner of Greenlee Roofing, said the company wanted to help mitigate some of the hardship homeowners may be facing.

“I’ve been through a hardship in my life, whether it’s financial, medical. I’ve always had people around me in my community step in and help me in some way,” Greenlee said.

Greenlee said the company’s purpose has always been rooted in helping people.

“Our purpose was to help people, and that’s still who we are today,” Greenlee said.

Both companies said each homeowner’s situation will be reviewed individually. Homeowners may need to provide documentation showing they were affected and then work directly with the contractor to determine possible next steps.

Pies said for him, the issue feels personal.

“I’m a Bend native. I was born and raised here, so this is my town,” Pies said. “And when you screw with homeowners in my town, you screw with me too.”

Affected homeowners who want to contact All Concepts Exteriors may reach Tucker Pies at (541) 639-7911 or Tucker@allconceptsroofing.com.

Homeowners interested in contacting Greenlee Roofing may reach Hobie Smith, director of sales, at (541) 316-9567 or hsmith@greenleeroofing.com.

Both companies told the Problem Solvers they hope their efforts are a first step toward helping impacted homeowners gain peace of mind and complete needed roofing work.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) —  Oregon drivers are getting some relief at the pump this week. According to GasBuddy, the average price of gasoline in Oregon dropped 15.5 cents over the past week, bringing the statewide average to $4.80 per gallon. That’s more than 50 cents lower than a month ago.

Gas prices still remain nearly 79 cents higher than this time last year, but the recent decline mirrors a national trend. Across the country, the average price of gasoline fell 14 cents this week to $3.85 per gallon.

GasBuddy reports the cheapest station in Oregon was selling gas for $3.93 a gallon, while the most expensive was $5.99 — a difference of more than two dollars per gallon.

Meanwhile, the national average price of diesel fuel also declined, dropping 19 cents this week to $4.99 per gallon.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —   Bend-La Pine Schools school-based health centers are offering access all summer long for students.

Bend Senior High School students can visit 606 SE Glenwood Drive on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 am to 5 pm and Tuesdays from 9 am to 6 pm. This center is closed daily from 1 to 2 pm.

Mountain View High School students can visit 2755 NE 27th Street in Bend on Tuesday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. This center is closed daily from 1 to 2 pm.

Finally, La Pine High School students can visit 51627 Coach Road in La Pine on Wednesdays from 8 am to 5 pm to receive care. The center is closed for lunch from 12:40 pm to 1:40 pm.

You can learn more by clicking here.

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Claire Elmer

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville police say a man found dead in Ochoco Creek on Saturday morning likely died after a medical emergency.

According to the Prineville Police Department, officers responded around 9:56 a.m. Saturday to a report of a man in the creek near NW Deer Street.

When officers arrived, they said they found the man in the water and confirmed he was deceased.

Police said investigators found no evidence of foul play and believe the death was the result of a medical emergency.

The man’s identity is being withheld out of respect for his family.

The bike path along Ochoco Creek between NW Deer Street and North Main Street, which was closed during the police activity, has since reopened to the public.

The Prineville Police Department thanked the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and the Crook County District Attorney’s Office for assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information relevant to the incident is asked to contact Prineville police at 541-447-4168.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from race director)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Downtown Bend streets closed to traffic Sunday as cyclists took over for the Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium, drawing top racers and community members alike to the heart of the city.

The downtown event featured a fast-paced, one-mile course looping through Bend’s core, with the start and finish line set on Wall Street near the Tower Theatre. Riders competed in timed races ranging from 45 to 80 minutes, depending on their category.

“They go super fast and they go as long as they can,” said Molly Cogswell-Kelley, race director for the Cascade Cycling Classic and executive director for the Horner Cycling Foundation. “Some of the best cyclists in the country are here. And it’s just a really fun time.”

This year, organizers expanded the event with an “All-Bikes Ride,” giving community members of all ages and skill levels a chance to take laps on the same course — no racing required.

“We don’t want to be exclusive to just road biking,” Cogswell-Kelley said. “Let’s celebrate downtown. Let’s celebrate this race. And you don’t have to race to be part of it.”

The day’s events also included the Kiddie Crit, the FootZone Mile Challenge, and races featuring the Horner Cycling Foundation junior team.

Organizers say the junior program is a key part of the event’s mission, focused on growing the sport by making cycling accessible to young riders.

“We have now 26 kids that are going to race,” Cogswell-Kelley said. “We’re trying to revive the sport of road cycling and junior cycling. It’s the most rewarding and exciting thing to see all these kids train eight months out of the year and then race on the big stage in front of their friends and family.”

According to organizers, participants in the Horner Cycling Foundation Junior Program receive bikes, cycling kits, and training at no cost, helping remove financial barriers and build skills, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for cycling.

While elite racers remain a highlight, organizers say the event is just as much about community involvement. Whether cheering from the sidelines, volunteering, or riding in the open event, participants are also supporting the next generation of cyclists in Central Oregon.

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Spencer Sacks

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hundreds of people gathered at Prineville Airport for the 2026 Wings and Wheels event, which showcased nearly 70 diverse bikes, planes and classic cars for 5 hours. The highlight of the event included two 1944 North American P-51 fighter planes from World War II, with proceeds from all associated car shows benefiting the Ronald McDonald Foundation.

Attendees explored a wide array of vehicles, from classic 1930s Ford Model A’s to World War II Jeeps, alongside Chevelles, Mustangs and Camaros. Beyond the vehicle displays, the event also supported charitable causes.

Mark Pendergraft, a Bend resident and owner of a 1969 Chevy Camaro, expressed enthusiasm for the community aspect of the event. “It’s great. There’s a lot of people, and, you know, they like to talk. And. Yeah, everybody likes talking about cars.”

Darren Pleasance, a Bend resident and P-51 pilot, spoke about the significance of the aircraft. “It’s an incredible airplane. It’s probably the most iconic airplane ever designed. It’s the airplane that won World War II. It escorted the bombers out to Berlin and back. And there aren’t that many left in the world. There were 15,000 originally and now there’s about 150. So super privileged to fly it.”

Among the unique exhibits was a custom-made truck built by Don McKey. McKey, a resident of Redmond, shared his appreciation for the scale and variety of the show. “It’s amazing. It’s my first time here. The show is huge. There are so many cool rides here. And, I mean, we got this truck that would run over my truck and just so many awesome vehicles and airplanes. It’s pretty awesome.”

Several causes were present at the event, including Bikers Against Child Abuse, who were there to showcase their organization. The group engaged with children by giving temporary tattoos and aiming to provide abused kids with hope and courage to speak out.

Shane Mayfield, an organizer for Wheels and Wings, highlighted the charitable impact of the events. Mayfield organizes four car shows throughout the year.

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Spencer Sacks

Are you looking for something to do this weekend in Central Oregon? Harley Coldiron highlights three local events, from a garage & vintage sale to celebrating dad.

For many more and to submit your own events, visit https://events.ktvz.com.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon athletes are preparing to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, following a send-off celebration recently held in Redmond. Team Oregon qualified for the national competition by winning the 2024 state championship. The games are scheduled from the 20th through the 26th of this month.

The send-off event in Redmond gathered community members, law enforcement and local officials to celebrate more than a dozen athletes and their families heading to the games.

More than a dozen athletes, accompanied by their families, will join a larger delegation for the Special Olympics USA Games. The event will bring together more than 3,000 athletes and thousands of volunteers and fans, all participating to celebrate sports and inclusion.

The send-off party took place at the Comfort Suites in Redmond. During the event, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was present, allowing athletes to learn about the vehicles and equipment used daily by the sheriffs.

Christian Schoen, a forward for the High Desert Devils, expressed his appreciation for the community’s support. “Oh, I love it. The community, the sheriff’s department, police, fire trucks. I’ve never seen so much love for Special Olympics. It’s crazy,” Schoen said.

Lt. Jay Minton of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office shared his perspective on supporting the athletes. “I know it fills my heart to see them excited to go do what they’ve trained to do. And then also just to be here to to support them and see them off. So it just fills my heart,” Minton said.

The community showed up for the athletes, with attendees including family, friends, the Redmond Fire Department and local officials. Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch and Councilwoman Kathryn Osborne also shared words of support with the athletes.

Coach Josh Nordell of the High Desert Devils, who also works as a special education teacher in Sisters, spoke about the deep bonds within the team. Nordell noted that many of the athletes have known each other for decades since high school.

“What’s remarkable about a lot of these athletes is that we serve them in our local high schools. I’m a special ed teacher in Sisters and we’ve known a lot of these athletes have known each other for over decades, like and now they’re adults. And to see them come together and be a group for multiple years as a result of winning the state championship in 2024. And now to go to the USA games. What an honor,” Nordell said.

KTVZ news will provide updates throughout the Special Olympics USA Games.

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