Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Every year, Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to its visitors — free camping and day-use parking on State Parks Day.

State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their long-standing support of the state park system. It falls on the first Saturday of June, which is June 7 this year.

“We are honored to steward and share these places with Oregonians and all our visitors. We appreciate their commitment to preserving and maintaining Oregon’s special places. We would not have the park system that we have today without their support,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 parks that charge them and camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites on June 7. State Parks Day also includes free events at many state parks.

Park staff have worked hard over the last few months getting parks ready for the busier season and State Parks Day. The list of projects includes everything from clearing storm damage, with as many as 180 downed trees near Nehalem, to moving mountains of muck or sand to re-open camp loops. Now parks are ready to welcome visitors for State Parks Day and the busier season.

State Parks Day Events

The Cove Palisades will host a free festival that celebrates the diverse history, food and culture of Central Oregon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Festival of the Land, includes Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, kids’ games and activities, petting zoo, educational displays, mini farmers market and more.

https://omsi.edu/whats-on/“>L.L. Stub Stewart will host a star party in partnership with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers at 9:30 p.m. in the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Visit OMSI’s website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations: https://omsi.edu/whats-on/

Carl G. Washburne will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from noon to 1 p.m.

Spring Valley Access will host a trail work party from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes clearing brush, raking debris and picking up trash.  

Tryon Creek State Natural Area invites visitors to explore its Interpretive Nature Center, navigate its extensive trail system and attend a guided hike.

Prineville Reservoir will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. near the Dark Sky Observatory.

Silver Falls will host an exhibit about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and its role as a threat to Oregon’s ash trees 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff will be on hand to share information about the importance of ash trees and this destructive invasive beetle.

Collier: will offer a guided tour through Collier Logging Museum 11 a.m. to noon so visitors can learn about old logging camps and what machines they used to make life easier.

Fort Stevens will host disc golf lessons 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Stevens State Park-Historic Area Columbia Shores Disc Golf Course.

Harris Beach we have a multi-park scavenger hunt where visitors can seek natural formations, unique flora and historical locations. Pick up scavenger hunt cards at Harris Beach registration booth or from ranger or host at Alred Loeb.

For a list of events, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/

For camping availability, please check oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or visit first-come-first served sites: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=reserve.first-come

About State Parks Day

State Parks Day began in 1998 to celebrate the support of visitors around the state. It’s one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include Green Friday the day after Thanksgiving and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.

About Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

The mission of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The department manages 254 Oregon State Parks comprising more than 100,000 acres. Learn more at stateparks.oregon.gov.

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KTVZ News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) –  High school students got a look at career paths in healthcare at COCC’s Health Careers Expo.

Students rotated through four hands-on sessions, exploring programs like dental assisting, medical assisting, nursing, veterinary and pharmacy technician training, and EMS.

“It gives them some idea if they’re interested in pursuing a program and also what doesn’t work for them,” said Health Careers Coordinator Jill Ridling.

COCC has the third-least expensive tuition in the state for community colleges, making its programs even more desirable for potential students.

Due to high demand, the college plans to expand its locations and health care programs.

This particular expo is held once a year, and students must enroll ahead of time.

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon has a new place to call home.

The nonprofit organization has moved into the new J Bar J Community Campus, located in northeast Bend on Silvis Road.

“We thank J Bar J Youth Services because they’re the reason that we’re out here. They are our biggest supporter. We’re under their umbrella, and they, we collaborate with them with everything,” said BBBS program director Jen Davis.

Today, the organization celebrated its grand opening, offering attendees a chance to tour the new 20-acre facility.

“It’s going to be a place where our bigs and littles can come and spend time together. They can cook and bake together or do arts and crafts. We’re starting a tutoring program as well,” said Davis.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Senior High School hosted an open house Thursday evening to show the early designs for the new auditorium, replacing the facility that was demolished last year due to structural issues.

 The new plans include ways to showcase more Bend High spirit. Including its wall of notable alumni.

The new auditorium will also feature balcony seating, but one thing that’s not changing is the number of seats available. Despite the two-story design allowing for more seats, the school’s going to keep the same capacity and spread people out a little.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Antique and Artisan Market is being held at Sundance Meadows Ranch in southeast Bend. Local artists, antique vendors, and even young entrepreneurs are showcasing their finds and talents.

It’s a family-run event put on by two sisters — they even received a little help from their granddaughters and 93-year old mother.

Event organizer Terri Burton said, “We’re doing the Bend Antique and Artisan Show, which is to highlight our local artists and some antique dealers from the area. We have just a variety of things. We’re trying to highlight local people.”

Two of the local vendors are teenage entrepreneurs — and also, sisters. Their mother spoke about the opportunity to share their work with the community.

“The joy of these events is often all the people that you meet, and so it’s really fun when the community comes out and enjoys old and new alongside each other,” Jamie Wallace said of her daughters’ bakery and artwork businesses.

Representatives from Sundance Meadows are on-site to answer questions about their facilities as well. Though their 900-acre ranch has been in existence since the 1970s, many locals are unaware they have family-friendly recreation activities, lodging, and even an RV park.

The event runs both Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s being held in the recreation hall of Sundance Meadows Ranch, located at 60335 Arnold Market Road.

Admission to the market is free; however, if you’d like to make a donation, it’s accepting canned goods for The Giving Plate’s food bank throughout the event.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend city councilors held an emergency meeting Friday afternoon, mostly in closed-door executive session, then voted 6-0 to have staff “take all steps necessary,” including joining in legal action, to challenge cuts in crucial federal grants.

The city council called the executive session under the condition outlined by Oregon Revised Statute 192.660 (2)(h), “to consult with legal counsel concerning current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.”

After that session, which lasted about 25 minutes, the council reconvened in public and approved without further discussion the following motion, made by Mayor Melanie Kebler, on a 6-0 vote (Councilor Ariel Mendez was absent):

“The City has been awarded federal funding for critical City projects. As the public is aware, there is uncertainty in the federal government around grants for public agencies. Things are moving quickly. The City now wishes to take steps to protect its interests. 

“Therefore, I move to authorize the City Manager and the City Attorney to take all steps they deem necessary, including joining litigation to protect the city’s interests in federal grant funding and to update Council in future executive sessions as necessary.” 

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KTVZ News Team

(update: adding numbers)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Community Action Target Team participated in the “Click it or Ticket Seat Belt Safety Campaign” over Memorial Day Weekend.

During the focused patrol, the CATT team made 43 traffic stops, issued 13 citations, and gave out 33 warnings. They also responded to several crashes.

Law enforcement will keep focusing on the five main dangerous behaviors that lead to crashes: lane safety, occupant safety, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.

Here’s more about the campaign:

Beginning Monday, May 19th and extending through Sunday, June 1st, law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will use federally funded enforcement hours to educate the public about safety belt and child seat laws including a law passed in 2017 increasing safety for children under age two.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In 2022, 1,697 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 16 percent were reported not using a child restraint system. It is estimated that car seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under one year old and by up to 59% for toddlers aged one to four. Booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among four to eight year olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone.

Of the 23,959 passenger vehicle occupants killed in the United States in 2023, nearly 50% of those killed were not buckled.

In 2017 an Oregon law was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly.

The 2017 law, which extends the rear-facing requirement from the previous age one to age two, will better protect the child’s head, neck, and spine from potential crash injuries. This is because a rear-facing seat spreads crash forces evenly across the seat and child’s body while also limiting forward or sideways motion of the head.

Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.

For help selecting or installing child car seats, consult the seat manufacturer’s instructions, your vehicle owner’s manual, or visit a local child seat fitting station listed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#inspection-inspection

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A former music teacher for the Bend La-Pine School district was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday following a multi-agency investigation regarding his online sexual abuse of children.

Erik Ekstrom, 37, was sentenced to a total of 240 months in prison (including time served), with three years of post-prison supervision, Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels said in a news release Friday, which continues below.

Mr. Ekstrom also will be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was imposed by the Honorable Wells B. Ashby following Mr. Ekstrom’s guilty pleas to two counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, two counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, one count of Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct and one count of Luring a Minor.

In 2022, the Oregon Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip was from Snapchat, which reported that an account in Deschutes County had shared child sexual abuse material (CSAM) with another user.

Detectives from the Bend Police Department were able to trace the upload to Mr. Ekstrom’s residence. At the time of the tip, Mr. Ekstrom was employed by the Bend-La Pine school district as a music teacher. He taught at Summit High School, Cascade Middle School and Pacific Crest Middle School.

Further investigation showed that Mr. Ekstrom, using pseudonyms, solicited and enticed children as young as 13 years old to engage in sexual acts online. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was able to locate several victims around the country and the world.

Gunnels said the District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Bend Police Department for its thorough investigation. The investigation was led by Detective Ian Macdonell.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After six months of being an empty storefront, the former Shari’s location on Bend’s northside will soon once again be a casual place to dine in and eat – with deep roots in Oregon. Compass Commercial, who owns the property off of Highway 97, confirmed to KTVZ News that Elmer’s Restaurants has leased the location.

The website for the group of Elmer’s Restaurants lists their location in Bend, and says it’s set to open in September of this year.

Starting as Elmer’s Colonial Pancake House in Portland way back in 1960, the company has since grown to 29 locations, but has maintained deep roots to Oregon and the Northwest.

KTVZ News has observed crews working on the location all week. Our cameras captured caution tape all around the building and a sign saying, “This building is closed for remodel.”

Elmer’s website notes the many Pacific Northwest vendors they use and the value in “delivering seasonally fresh entrees and premium, made-from-scratch favorites served with care in a warm, inviting family atmosphere.”

They are well known for their pancakes and use Walt Elmer’s original recipe from 1960. Though they serve breakfast all day, they also have a lunch and dinner menu.

The restaurant franchise has locations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California and Arizona.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Beginning the first week of June, Central Oregon Irrigation District will begin fire fuels reduction work on a 150-acre property in southwest Bend. The heavily vegetated site, located in the steep Deschutes River Canyon, is owned by COID and borders densely developed residential areas.

The project is being conducted to reduce wildfire risk and create defensible space for key COID infrastructure and the surrounding community, in compliance with City of Bend code requirements and in coordination with local fire and forestry experts.

“These fuel breaks will reduce fuel, reduce fire risk, and improve forest health,” said Nate Goodwin, International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist with Timber Stand Improvement.

COID has owned and managed the property since the early 1900s.

“This is about protecting our infrastructure and being a good neighbor,” said COID Managing Director Craig Horrell. “With the growth in Bend and increasing wildfire risks, this kind of mitigation work is essential.”

The property houses critical components of COID’s water delivery system, including the diversion point for the Central Oregon Canal, pipelines, a forebay structure, and the district’s siphon hydropower facility.

COID also partners with the Bend Park and Recreation District to manage the trail system that runs through the property for public use. The agencies are working together to post trail closure signage at appropriate locations, as well as communicating to the public about the planned closures.

COID will establish two shaded fuel breaks, one near the top of the canyon and one along the canal access road and pipeline. Treatments will include selective tree thinning (10

foot spacing), limbing lower branches to a height of six to eight feet, and the removal of ladder fuels. COID collaborated with Bend Fire & Rescue, the Deschutes County Forester, and Timber Stand Improvement to develop the project plan.

“I have toured the property with COID staff and Nate Goodwin, Certified Arborist with Timber Stand Improvement,” said Bend Fire & Rescue Fire Inspector Melissa Steele. “The property is densely overgrown with immature trees, ladder fuels, and low-hanging branches. Given the surrounding development, it’s in our community’s best interest to mitigate fire risk. Bend Fire & Rescue fully supports this project.”

Work along the COID access road and pipeline will begin in early June and is expected to take approximately three weeks. During this time, the access road and other areas of the property will be closed to the public. COID and BPRD requests that community members respect these closures for safety.

For updates or questions, please contact COID at 541-548-6047.

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