Author: KTVZ

Isabella Warren

(Update: More van der Kamp comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As more concerning accusations came to light Wednesday, this time in a state agency’s draft investigative report, Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp told KTVZ News he’ll decide whether to resign in the next 90 days.

Van der Kamp told us late Wednesday that he cannot speak to the specifics of the pending state investigation, the impact of which will become clearer in coming days and weeks.

“I’m going to respect the process and move forward from there,” van der Kamp told Isabella Warren.  

Despite the issues in past years that he couldn’t speak to, the sheriff called it “an unfortunate situation that happened in 2013,” but that the correct info has been “out there for over a decade,” including when voters elected him last fall. 

“None of that has changed. It’s the same person they voted for. “ 

He said he pursued the post because of “the need for change in an agency that was struggling and in a state of despair. And today, it’s the opposite. The energy’s high – the energy is even I’d say vibrant.” 

Despite online calls by some for him to step down, van der Kamp said, “I’ve gotten over 100 emails and messages from supporters from around the community, saying the opposite. They realize there’s a mandate from the people, restoring trust, improving morale and effectiveness. There’s more work to be done – I’m reminded of that every day.” 

He also said the agency’s “staff has been supporting me overwhelmingly.” 

“Obviously I’m not proud of the news stories, one after the next,” van der Kamp said. “But keep in mind that I’m holding myself accountable for those. We’ll continue moving forward, business as usual.” 

As for that eventual decision, the sheriff said, “I’m going to be guided on what’s best for the agency and my family and, of course, me. But within 90 days or so, we’ll reevaluate, and if I have a different take, I’ll communicate that to everybody involved.” 

State agency’s draft report confirms, adds to issues about false testimony

A draft report from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, obtained Wednesday in a public records request by KTVZ News, confirms and adds to the reports of past dishonesty by van der Kamp about his educational and work background.

“The DPSST has found that you engaged in conduct that may violate the Board’s moral fitnessstandards,” Cindy Park, DPSST’s professional standards compliance coordinator, said in an April 14 cover letter to van der Kamp, accompanied by the draft nine-page report to the agency’s Police Policy Committee, both of which you can read in full below.

Van der Kamp was told he has until May 5 to file a written mitigation report with DPSST. He also can make a five-minute verbal statement to the Police Policy Committee, but not engage in questions and answers at that time.

The revelations continue a month-long swirl of investigations into the sheriff’s background, after Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels placed him on the Brady list of law enforcement personnel who prosecutors cannot “ethically” call as expert witnesses in criminal cases.

According to the DA, Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp submitted documents and falsely testified on the witness stand several times about his educational background, claiming to have degrees from two universities he never attended.

The University of Arizona and the University of Southern California both shared that they have no record of van der Kamp ever attending those schools.

During the election, van der Kamp was also under scrutiny for allegations of falsifying his resume when he was hired by Deschutes County.

According to the county and public records, van der Kamp was terminated from his position at the La Mesa Police Department in California before he came to Deschutes County. He denied those allegations, even filing a temporary restraining order to keep the records from being released, though the documents were ultimately shared after his attorney accidentally released them.

According to OPB, the draft report from DPSST’s investigation confirms van der Kamp was terminated by the La Mesa PD, continuing a string of dishonesty about his past.

During the election, van der Kamp was in legal battle with previous Sheriff Shane Nelson and the sheriff’s office over claims Nelson had retaliated against employees who supported van der Kamp.

—

Here is the letter and report sent recently to Sheriff van der Kamp, obtained by KTVZ News in a public records request

Mitigation Letter -van der Kamp- updatedDownload

PPC Committee Staff Report – Vander Kamp-DRAFTDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Residents in the Somerset neighborhood southeast of Bend voiced their concerns Wednesday to Pacific Power about the possible installation of a 550-kilovolt power line in their area, the option known as Route A.

“Line A is a very big concern. We all live here. It’s all going to be next to us,” said southeast Bend resident Bob Byrtus.

PacifiCorp is considering four possible routes for a new 180-mile transmission line between Powell Butte near Redmond to southern Klamath County.

Last week, in a KTVZ Problem Solvers report, we heard from residents concerned about potential Route B, which would run through another area southeast of Bend, parallel to the Sundance neighborhood.

In both locations, some residents say they are concerned the project could mean a potential loss in property values, among other impacts. 

“That’s going to affect the whole eastern skyline of the Bend area. You’re going to be able to see these things a long ways away,” said area resident Robert Reiten.

Residents are asking the company to reconsider its plans and explore alternative solutions that would not encroach upon their private land.

There was an in-person gathering Wednesday afternoon for area residents to voice their concerns to John Aniello, senior project manager for Pacific Power’s Blueprint South transmission line project.

Residents say there’s already a Bonneville Power Administration transmission line in the area. Adding another could mean trouble for property owners.

 “They’re going to have to acquire some property. There’s just no open route through here. I do not want to sell my property. I do not want to move. I think anybody out here does want to move.” Reiten said.

They also raised safety concerns about adding another major power line. Some believe Route D, farther east (see map above) would be less disruptive.

“It’s harder to fight fires if you’re around a bunch of properties,” said Byrtus. “Other lines like D are out in the middle of nowhere, not nowhere, but more east of town, where there’s not development and would be easier to allocate resources to fight a fire.”

Pacific Power declined to speak with the media at Wednesday’s event. During the event, the project manager said a final decision is still months away.

As planning continues, Pacific Power says community input will remain a key part of the process.

An open house on the project also was hosted by Pacific Power Wednesday evening at the Redmond Senior Center.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

Update: Prescribed burn underway)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters were conducting up to 173 acres of prescribed burning Wednesday about five miles northeast of La Pine, near Ogden Group Camp and McKay Crossing Campground.  

A test fire Wednesday morning was favorable to proceed, officials said.

Smoke will be visible from La Pine, Sunriver, Highway 97 and the surrounding area. Residents in La Pine and Newberry Estates are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.  

No trail or road closures are planned. Smoke impacts are possible across Highway 97 during prescribed burning operations, as well as overnight and in the early morning hours. 

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner. 

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest visit www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Boil-water notice lifted; water safe)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A contractor on a roundabout project hit a main Avion Water Co. line in northern Bend Tuesday afternoon, “causing widespread water outages and loss of pressure,” the utility said.

Repairs were completed within hours, but about 1,500 customers were under a boil-water notice until test results were received Wednesday.

Around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Avion advised: “The precautionary boil water notice, issued yesterday by Avion Water for parts of Northeast Bend has been lifted due to water samples testing negative for contamination. Water throughout the area has been confirmed safe to drink without boiling.”

Avion President Jason Wick told KTVZ News at the scene Tuesdasy that an excavator with Jack Robinson & Sons struck a 12-inch water main, causing a “rock-shaped” break during roundabout construction at the intersection of Deschutes Market and Yeoman roads.

“It was literally just an accident,” Wick said.

The outage was reported around 3:20 p.m., and Wick told us around 5:30 p.m. that they expect to have all service restored within two hours.

The impact was widespread: Residents off Deschutes Market Road reported having no water from their faucets, while others on Bend’s north end off Hunter Circle reported very low water pressure.

Around 5 p.m., the utility issued a boil-water notice for 1,500 customers – hundreds of homes and properties over a wide area.

While the broken pipe also caused some flooding in the area, Wick said there were no reports of damage to homes or structures.

The boil-water notice also affectsedthree Bend schools, and Bend-La Pine Schools sent this notice to families Tuesday about the impacts:

“Dear Bend-La Pine families,

This afternoon, a contractor hit a main water line that services Lava Ridge Elementary, Ponderosa Elementary, and Sky View Middle School. We have been notified by Avion Water that those three schools are to be on a boil water notice until the water line is tested and deemed safe.

Our Facilities department is working directly with Avion Water to provide pallets of bottled water to all affected schools. 

Our Nutrition Services department is notifying our kitchen staff and will make necessary adjustments for snack and meal preparation and service.

Custodial staff will block off all water fountains.

Bathrooms will not be impacted and will be fully functional.

Thank you for your understanding and we will keep you informed as repairs are made and the boil water notice is lifted.

Thank you,

Bend-La Pine Schools”

Avion Water boil water noticeDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Kevin Desrosiers just shared with us a time-lapse video of a neighboring business security camera’s view of the progress made so far on the Bend Senior High School renovation.

It compresses about eight months of work, most recently as the project has “gone vertical,” into just over two minutes of sun, snow and seasons.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

RINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Golf in Prineville is about to become more inclusive. Explore Prineville said Tuesday it has been awarded a grant through the 2025 Central Oregon Future Fund to launch Golf “Fore” All – The Adaptive Golf Project, an initiative to open the game to individuals with mobility challenges through a Vertacat stand-up adaptive golf cart. 

The cart will arrive in June and be housed and maintained at Meadow Lakes Golf Course, thanks to the City of Prineville, which stepped up to support this community-centered effort.

In addition to regional grant funds, the project was made possible by a generous contribution from the Stand Up and Play Foundation, a nonprofit that helps individuals with mobility challenges engage in standing recreational activities through specialized equipment like the Vertacat. 

“This project is about more than golf,” said Kim Molnar, Director of Tourism for Explore Prineville. “It’s about ensuring that all community members and visitors can stay active and enjoy the sport they love. We’re so grateful for our partners at Meadow Lakes and the Stand Up and Play Foundation for helping bring this to life.” 

The Vertacat is a Paramobile that allows users to stand and swing while offering full mobility across the golf course. It will be free to any golfer who needs it, whether a local resident or visiting Central Oregon. The City of Prineville, which operates Meadow Lakes Golf Course, is a valuable partner and has agreed to house the Vertacat at the golf course.  

“We’re honored to host this cart at Meadow Lakes,” said Zach Lampert, Director of Golf for the City of Prineville. “It’s another example of how we can work together to create a more welcoming and accessible recreational experience for everyone. Golf is a game that brings people together—and now, even more people will be able to play.” 

Prineville’s initiative is one of just seven projects selected from Central Oregon to receive part of the $280,000 awarded through the Central Oregon Future Fund this year. All awarded projects support one or more of the Fund’s guiding pillars: accessible adventure, cultural tourism, and environmental stewardship. 

“Golf ‘Fore’ All is the kind of homegrown idea that makes tourism funding meaningful,” said Molnar. “This isn’t just good for tourism—it’s good for Prineville. It shows how public-private partnerships and community-focused nonprofits can team up to make recreation truly inclusive.” 

The Stand Up and Play Foundation is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. By making active standing therapy accessible through recreational equipment, the Foundation helps restore independence, dignity, and joy through play. 

Since 2023, the Central Oregon Future Fund has awarded over $1.5 million in grants funded by transient room tax revenue, reinvested to create sustainable, community-focused tourism infrastructure throughout the region. 

For more information about the Central Oregon Future Fund, visit www.visitcentraloregon.com/futurefund. 

To learn more about Explore Prineville’s initiatives, visit www.visitprineville.com. 

To learn more about the Stand Up and Play Foundation, visit www.standupandplayfoundation.org. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to repeal the controversial statewide wildfire hazard map that sparked concern and criticism in recent months over its impacts.

Below are the full, unedited news releases as received by KTVZ News from Oregon Senate Democrats and Republicans on the 29-0 passage of Senate Bill 83, which now goes to the House for its consideration:

News release from Oregon Senate Democrats:

Broad-based Collaboration Will Replace Flawed Wildfire Maps to Protect Oregon Communities

Senate Bill 83 repeals hazard designations and gives local flexibility to adopt building codes

SALEM, OR – Oregon Senate Democrats today led repeal of the state’s official wildfire-hazard map, a document that did not correctly represent variation in individual property conditions and would have had consequences for land and building regulation. Senate Bill 83 eliminates the map and repeals the property maintenance rules that applied to higher-hazard areas on the map.

“We need Senate Bill 83 to heal the huge divide among Oregonians, triggered by a wildfire map that made no logical sense to thousands of affected people,” said Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee Chair Jeff Golden (D – Ashland). “That divide was squarely in the way of building the broad-based collaboration we need to meet the wildfire crisis, which is far beyond what government on its own can solve.”

Today’s measure directs state agencies to produce fire regulations that property owners can choose to follow or municipal governments can adopt and enforce locally. In revoking the fire hazard map, the committee also nullified requirements that sellers disclose a property’s classification on the map and that property owners in hazard zones follow special construction rules for accessory dwelling units and replacement buildings.

The legislation also:

Adds two members to the state Wildfire Programs Advisory Council, one from the firefighting field and one from the insurance industry

Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to report on community smoke monitoring and response

Directs the Public Utility Commission to report on actions taken to reduce wildfire risk from utility infrastructure.

Senate Bill 83 passed the Senate unanimously. It goes next to the House of Representatives.

—

News Release from Oregon Senate Republicans:

Oregon Senate Overturns Unfair and Ineffective Wildfire Regulations, Restoring Local Control to Rural Communities

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Senate today passed Senate Bill 83, which repeals the state’s wildfire hazard map created under Senate Bill 762 (2021) and removes the strict regulations that came with it. This is a big win for rural Oregonians who have fought against these costly and unfair mandates.

“Today, we celebrate a hard-fought victory for rural Oregon,” said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). “Senate Bill 83 repeals the most flawed and overreaching aspects of Senate Bill 762 from 2021, including the State Wildfire Hazard Map, while preserving the programs that genuinely protect property owners and reduce wildfire risks.”

“I’m delighted to see Senate Bill 83 pass the Senate,” said Senator Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction). “Many of my constituents and thousands of Oregonians have made it clear: they want the ability to protect their homes without being burdened by unfair regulations. Today’s vote is a crucial step toward undoing the damage caused by this flawed policy and returning control to landowners.”

“This has been years in the making. With today’s overwhelming bipartisan support for Senate Bill 83, we are one step closer to undoing the harm caused by Senate Bill 762’s wildfire map,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford). “I want to thank the thousands of residents who raised their voices to make this possible, as well as my colleagues for their support. I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 83 move swiftly through the House and be signed by Governor Kotek, bringing much-needed relief to our communities.”

SB 83 now moves to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.

Click here to follow the original article.