Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The seasonal window for legal debris burning in the Sisters area will close at sunset on April 30, according to local fire officials.

The Northwest Fire Agencies — which include Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Black Butte Ranch Fire District, and Cloverdale Fire District — announced the seasonal shutdown Tuesday, marking the annual shift into fire season beginning May 1.

Outdoor debris burning is already prohibited year-round within the city limits of Sisters, but this closure extends to rural areas around town that fall under local fire district jurisdiction. Crews say the change is a precaution as temperatures rise and conditions dry out across Central Oregon.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to double-check burning regulations with their local fire district before lighting any fire. Additional restrictions on campfires may also be implemented later in the summer if fire danger increases.

For more information, contact:

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District: 541-549-0771 or www.sistersfire.com

Black Butte Ranch Fire District: 541-595-2288 or www.bbrfire-or.gov

Cloverdale Fire District: 541-389-2345 or www.cloverdalefire.com

Local agencies are also urging homeowners to clear flammable vegetation and create defensible space around their homes ahead of fire season. Guidance on wildfire preparedness and defensible space is available through the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website at oregon.gov/osfm/wildfire/pages/defensiblespace.aspx.

Fire officials remind Central Oregon residents that rules can vary by district and jurisdiction. Anyone planning outdoor burning should confirm requirements with their local fire agency before proceeding.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Psychiatric Security Review Board recently denied most requests from Joanna Kasner, convicted in the 2019 shooting death of Valerie Peterson, to ease her state supervision. Kasner had sought greater independence seven years after the murder, but Peterson’s family is fighting to keep current restrictions in place.

The Board’s decision comes as Peterson’s family relives a painful chapter during the latest hearing.

In 2019, Kasner murdered her neighbor, Valerie Peterson, near Grande Loop and McGrath in the Boonsboro area north of Bend. Kasner, who is currently on conditional release at a secure residential treatment facility, asked the Board to scale back her care.

During a recent hearing, Harris Matarazzo, Kasner’s attorney, questioned her about her mental health. Joanna Kasner stated that she has ‘HISTORICAL DELUSIONAL DISORDER AND COMPLEX PTSD’. She also affirmed her engagement in treatment for these conditions, noting, ‘FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS, HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF HOURS, SUPPORT GROUPS, THERAPY OF ALL SORTS.’

Kasner’s requests to the Psychiatric Security Review Board included a step up to independent living, permission to drive a vehicle, entry into Multnomah County for treatment with GPS monitoring and authorization to travel outside of the state.

Elisabeth A. Waner, the state’s attorney, representing Valerie Peterson’s family, argued these requests were premature and advocated for Kasner to remain under the Board’s jurisdiction.

The Board subsequently denied all of Kasner’s requests except for out-of-state travel. For approved out-of-state travel, Kasner must provide seven days notice and will be monitored by GPS. She will not be accompanied by medical or law enforcement personnel, meaning she will be allowed to travel on her own.

During the hearing, confusion arose when the state questioned Doctor Ruiz, a medical expert testifying at the hearing, about a motion Kasner had filed to set aside her convictions. Dr. Ruiz responded, ‘YEAH, I DID NOT KNOW THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING. I DON’T KNOW THE THINKING BEHIND IT. I DID NOT TALK WITH HER ABOUT THIS.’

Peterson’s sister, Melissa McPherson, recounted that Valerie Peterson was conversing with Kasner while on the phone with her family just minutes before Kasner murdered her. Peterson’s agreement to talk with Kasner resulted in six bullets to her mid torso, costing Peterson her life.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding comments from ODOT, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Just as Central Oregon starts to see signs of spring, another round of snow is expected to hit the Cascades this week.

With mountain travel likely to be affected, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews are gearing up for changing conditions and reminding drivers to stay alert.

Late-season storms can bring unique challenges. Warmer daytime temperatures can lead to melting snow, but when temperatures drop overnight, that moisture can refreeze, creating slick and slushy roads. High wind gusts may also add another layer of difficulty for those traveling the mountain passes.

Mindy McCartt, public information officer for ODOT, said crews are ready to respond quickly when the first flakes start to fall.

“Our crews are used to this kind of fluctuation. They’re used to it, and they pivot. They’re going to get behind those deicing trucks, in those plow trucks, and run a 24/7 shift, and get those roads clear,” she said. 

The warm, dry winter across Oregon kept slippery roads out of sight and out of mind for many. Officials said that’s a concern for this particular storm. 

“The challenge is getting drivers thinking about icy conditions. We really want people to pay attention to those temperatures, especially those early morning and late, evening hours, and be prepared,” McCartt said.

Anyone traveling over Santiam Pass, Mt. Hood, or other Cascade Mountain routes this week should be prepared for snow and ice. As the statewide deadline to remove studded tires has already passed, you’re urged to carry chains.

ODOT recommends you allow extra time and check TripCheck for the latest road closures, chain requirements, and camera updates.

Officials also advise postponing nonessential travel during the height of the storm. Waiting a few hours could make a big difference once crews have had time to clear and treat the highways.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Members of Team Tempest from Bend’s Odyssey Martial Arts spent Sunday (4/12) volunteering at Think Wild Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Center from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Team Tempest are working towards their black belt in Tong Soo Do karate. Part of their journey towards a black belt involves a community service project.

The various projects the team worked on included picnic table construction, installation of pavers for a small mammal enclosure, replacing handicap parking, as well as moving gravel & rocks.

“We would love for the city of Bend and beyond to know what an amazing place Odyssey Martial Arts is and how important it is for the kids to take part in this fulfilling community project,” said Julie Furnas, the mother of a black belt candidate on Team Tempest.

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Matthew Draxton

(Update: adding comments from superintendent Dr. Hoff)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — After months of discussion and community engagement, the Crook County School District has officially named Dr. Joel Hoff its permanent superintendent.

Hoff has served as interim superintendent for the past year. Surveys and listening sessions showed overwhelming support for his leadership, with nearly 97% of respondents backing his permanent appointment. Many pointed to noticeable improvements across the district.

“When I hear those positive numbers, I know it’s not just me…that’s more of a reflection of our staff,” Hoff said. “Our bus drivers, our teachers are making that awesome experience for our students everyday. It’s more of a reflection of our community’s belief in our staff, not just anything I’m doing individually.”

Hoff stepped into the interim role at a time he said the district needed to refocus on its priorities.

“Our district was focused on everything but our students,” he said. “So my biggest task was to just recenter the district. Our saying is ‘students first’. Every decision we make, everything we do, students are at the center and figuring out what’s best for students in every situation.”

A longtime Prineville resident, and former teacher and administrator within the district, Hoff said his local connection has shaped his leadership.

Now, with a contract in place, district goals will shift from short-term stability to long-term success.

“We’re just looking at more long-term plans of how can we set up this district so that we’re looking forward and not just looking in that temporary way,” Hoff said.

That includes expanding pathways for students — whether that’s college, the trades, or the military — and continuing what district officials call progress in the right direction.

“We look at every individual student and we come up with a plan that fits, that’s kind of tailored to their needs,” Hoff said. “It’s looking at every single kid and what they need to be successful here.”

Hoff said his focus now is keeping students at the center while strengthening support for staff and families.

Earlier Story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School District Board of Directors approved a three-year contract on Monday, April 13, officially appointing Dr. Joel Hoff as the district’s permanent superintendent. This decision follows a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process that showed strong community support for Dr. Hoff.

The stakeholder engagement process included a survey and listening sessions with families, staff and community members. A significant 97% of respondents indicated they were in favor of Dr. Hoff serving as superintendent, signaling a clear consensus for stability and continued positive momentum within the district.

Survey participants highlighted several of Dr. Hoff’s key strengths, including his deep commitment to Crook County schools and community, student-centered and data-informed decision making, his ability to build trusting relationships, effective communication skills, and an approachable leadership style.

A consistent theme throughout the listening sessions indicated that stakeholders feel the district is experiencing positive momentum and expressed a strong desire to see that progress continue under Dr. Hoff’s leadership. The board’s decision reflects a shared commitment to sustaining this momentum while advancing educational excellence.

Scott Cooper, board vice chair for the Crook County School District Board of Directors, noted the improved atmosphere in the district. “The climate in the District is much improved and significantly calmer than it was just a year ago,” Cooper said. “The positives continue to mount. That is largely attributable to Dr. Hoff’s leadership. The board actively went out to the community and asked about retaining Dr. Hoff versus running an open search. The consensus was clear that what the District really needs right now is stability and the board heeded that advice by keeping a high performer in his seat. We look forward to more good things.”

Dr. Hoff previously served one year as interim superintendent. Before that role, he spent five years as assistant superintendent, gaining extensive experience and becoming well versed in all aspects of district leadership.

During his time as interim superintendent, Dr. Hoff worked to establish a clear set of vision and values for the district, strengthen instructional leadership and implement systems designed to improve student outcomes.

Dr. Hoff shared his commitment to the district’s future. “I look forward to keeping our district’s focus where it belongs—on our students—while continuing to support our incredible staff and strengthening the systems that help every learner succeed,” Hoff said. “I’m also committed to deepening our partnerships with families and the Crook County community to continue building an exceptional school system together.”

As superintendent, Dr. Hoff will continue working alongside staff, families and community partners to strengthen instructional systems, support educators and ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and graduate prepared for their future.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual Early Learning Conference of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children, Central Oregon chapter, will take place April 24-25. Central Oregon Community College, on its Bend campus, will host and coordinate the event. The conference is expected to draw more than 500 educators from across the region.

The professional development gathering will focus on early literacy and its connection to children’s broader social and emotional learning needs. Amy Howell, conference coordinator and a Central Oregon Community College professor and program director of early childhood education, highlighted the event’s significance.

“This is an annual event that we look forward to every year,” Howell said. “This year’s conference is a collaboration of many regional partners in early learning, including the Early Learning Hub, NeighborImpact-Child Care Resources and Mountain Star.”

The conference began in 1992 and has since evolved into a premier symposium for early childhood educators in Central Oregon.

The conference theme is “Hearts and Minds: Building Strong Foundations with Literacy and Social-Emotional Learning.” The event is designed for early learning educators, students, learning specialists, administrators and program directors.

Session topics for attendees include “Connection before Correction,” “Math is Everywhere,” “Sustaining the Heart of the Educator” and “Building Blocks of Skilled Reading.” Costs for the conference vary for members and non-members of the association. One-day attendance starts at $80, with discounted rates available for students. Scholarships are also offered.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend is reducing the size of its “Temporary Safe Stay Area,” known as “Dirtworld,” by half. This effort aims to be completed by June 1 and affects approximately 30 people remaining in the area slated for closure.

The city intends to shrink the camp to mitigate fire risks, allow for more efficient patrolling of a smaller footprint and enhance access for service providers assisting people living there.

Matthew Stuart, Real Estate, Housing and Facility Director for Bend, highlighted the city’s consistent presence at the site. “That staff’s out there every day. We also have security that’s out there two or three times a day,” Stuart said. Stuart added that the city has established relationships with the residents.

“We’ve gotten to know the population quite well over the last year and a half that we’ve been operating. We’ve had success so far with a majority of the folks who are in the North, they’re already moving to the South. So we have a limited amount of people that are still left that need to move.”

The Safe Stay Area program is funded through June 2027. However, its future after that date is uncertain.

The city plans to complete the reduction of the “Temporary Safe Stay Area” by June 1.

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Barney Lerten

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Portland man was killed Sunday afternoon in a head-on collision with a semi truck on Highway 97 in Klamath County Sunday, Oregon State Police said Monday.

Troopers responded around 3:45 p.m. to the two-vehicle crash near milepost 220.

A preliminary OSP investigation found that Mark Evan Simpson, 48, of Portland was heading north at the wheel of a black Kia Forte when he came upon the scene of an earlier, three-vehicle non-injury crash.

The Kia crossed the center line and drove on the southbound travel lane, colliding with a semi driven by a a British Columbia resident who was pulling onto the highway shoulder to avoid a disabled vehicle from the first crash, troopers said.

After the collision, Simpson’s Kia spun back across the northbound lanes, coming to rest against a tree off the highway’s northbound shoulder.

Simpson died at the scene, OSP said, while the truck driver was uninjured.

Highway 97 was closed or affected for about five hours by the crash and on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes, a Bend-based nonprofit, is offering new, permanently affordable homeownership opportunities in northwest Redmond.

The organization is selling homes at 345 NW 19th Street, Redmond, in a 23-home community designed with connection, sustainability and everyday living in mind, the organization says.

The homes are currently available, with various information sessions and community events scheduled throughout April For interested buyers.

RootedHomes focuses on providing environmentally sustainable and permanently affordable homes to those who contribute to the Central Oregon economy and community. The homeownership program is designed for first-time homebuyers.

Eligibility for the program is limited to income-qualified buyers up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI) for Deschutes County.

The “Rooted at 19th” community currently has four three-bedroom homes available. These units feature three beds and two baths, spanning approximately 1,425 square feet, with prices starting around $293,000.

Additionally, seven two-bedroom homes are for sale, offering two beds and two baths over approximately 1,065 square feet. Prices for these units begin around $258,000.

Qualified buyers for both home types may receive up to $18,000 in down payment assistance. Applications are open and are being processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The community’s location offers convenient access to local amenities. It is situated steps from Hugh Hartman Elementary School and close to Dry Canyon Park, Dry Canyon Trail and Hope Playground.

In partnership with The Environmental Center, the community will also include a shared garden space. This space aims to provide learning, growth and connection opportunities for residents and local students.

Also, as April ramps up the home-buying season, RootedHomes is hosting open houses every weekend in April.

Prospective buyers can attend an in-person information session to learn about the RootedHomes program, what to expect and how to take next steps. This session is scheduled for April 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Deschutes Library in Redmond.

For more flexible guidance, drop-in office hours are available on April 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Redmond Library. Attendees can meet one-on-one with the RootedHomes team to ask questions and receive support.

RootedHomes will also participate in The Environmental Center’s Earth Day Fair and Parade. This free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Alpenglow Park in Bend. The fair will include food vendors, interactive booths, performances and activities for all ages.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend community members are being invited to participate in a design open house for the 2027 Neighborhood Street Safety Program projects. The open house will be held in person and online to share project information and gather public input.

The open house will take place on Thursday April 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the VFW Event Room, 1503 NE Fourth Street in Bend. The online open house will be available at bendoregon.gov/nssp on the same date.

The projects that are scheduled for the 2027 Neighborhood Street Safety program are:

Updating and improving the existing crossings at the intersection of NE Sierra Drive and NE Boyd Acres Road, and NE Town Drive and NE Boyd Acres Road to facilitate safer crossings of NE Boyd Acres Road.

Implementing traffic calming along Blakely Road from Powers Road to Chamberlain Street. Improvements to include speed humps and sidewalk infill at select locations.

Building a raised crossing at the intersection of NW Discovery Park Way and NW High Lakes Loop.

Updating and improving the crossing of NW Mt. Washington Drive at Regency Street. Improvements will include a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon and removal of the right-turn lane onto Regency Street.

Installing speed humps and sidewalk infill along Tucson Way from Neff Road to Conners Avenue.

The projects are part of the Neighborhood Street Safety Program, a yearly program that aims to address sidewalk infill, traffic calming and safer crossings of busy streets, increasing safety for all users of the roadway.

This program is funded through the voter-approved 2020 Transportation GO Bond. 

Learn more about the projects and sign up for project updates at bendoregon.gov/nssp.

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