Author: KTVZ

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —A powerful windstorm swept through Central Oregon Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with winds whipping up to 60 miles per hour. The combination of strong gusts and loose soil caused by recent rain left trees toppled around the region.

Chief Meteorologist John Carroll explained, “It was kind of a perfect scenario, with the rain coming in and saturating the soil and compromising the root systems, followed by the extremely gusty winds.”

Viewer Rusty Walther reported a giant juniper branch broke off at his ranch in Tumalo. Just west of the Sisters, the winds caused a 20-mile stretch of Highway 20 to close, with over a dozen trees collapsed and fallen onto the highway. Crews and bulldozers worked around the clock to get the debris cleared.

Images from Highway 26 east of Welches showed not just trees toppled, but power lines also fell, causing the highway to close overnight; crews worked to get it open by Wednesday morning. A high wind warning was in place for much of the region until 4 p.m. Wednesday, with 30-40 mph winds and gusts to 65 mph possible. A winter weather advisory was also in place for the east slopes of the Cascades, with 2-4 more inches of snow and winds gusting to 55 mph.

ODOT’s TripCheck map showed a 16-mile stretch of Highway 22 in the Gates area closed by downed trees but reopened by late morning; an 18-mile segment of Highway 126 closed just east of Vida; and a 20-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 20 closed 10 miles east of Cascadia State Park. U.S. Highway 26 closed a mile east of Welches by downed power lines but was cleared and reopened by late morning.

ODOT Region 4 Public Information Officer Kacey Davey said, “Now that crews have daylight, they are continuing to assess conditions and work to safely clear trees and coordinate with utility partners to address downed power lines before the highways can reopen.” For several hours, the only travel options over the mountains to the Willamette Valley were Highway 58 at Willamette Pass or north to Interstate 84.

At one point, more than 200,000 people were without power in Oregon and Washington, including hundreds in Crook County and thousands in Madras. Some power outages were reported in the High Desert region, though not to the extent of Western Oregon and southwest Washington.

Pacific Power crews responded to widespread outages affecting about 50,000 customers, with the most significant impacts in Clatsop County and the mid-Willamette Valley; some customers there may be without power overnight. ODOT pointed to widespread impacts statewide, including downed trees, fallen limbs, and downed power lines, with conditions expected to continue and possibly worsen as high winds persist.

ODOT crews worked through the night clearing debris where conditions allowed and coordinating with utility companies. Power outages affected traffic signals, highway message signs, and TripCheck cameras, with delays expected throughout the day.

Mt. Bachelor Update Amid Storm

Presley Quon, marketing at Mt. Bachelor, said, “We got about two inches of snow in the base area overnight, and it was dumping snow on my drive up to the mountain this morning. So that was really exciting.” Presley Quon with Mount Bachelor says the change in the weather was welcomed for those looking to hit the slopes.

Two inches of fresh snow fell at Mount Bachelor overnight, but it’s far from the two feet they need to open. Quon added, “We still don’t have a new timeline for opening. We need a lot more snow on the ground to start grooming, to start getting ski patrol out on hill to mark our ski area boundaries.” Teams are preparing the slopes and making snow once again near the Pine Marten lift. Quon noted, “It can change daily. So right now we’re cautiously optimistic.”

Forecast and Safety Warnings

KTVZ’s team of meteorologists is tracking the forecast ahead and has enacted a Local Alert Weather Day for Thursday and Friday morning. Chief Meteorologist John Carroll said, “We’ll have some gusty winds, but it’s really about the rain that’s coming in. We’re setting up with a new atmospheric river that’s coming right into our area. But when it gets to us, we still have plenty left. So we could see up to two inches of rain.”

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch through Thursday night for multiple counties including Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill, with heaviest rainfall Thursday and Friday.

ODOT safety tips include:

Stay away from downed power lines and assume all lines are live.

Treat intersections with dark traffic signals as four-way stops

Use extra caution while traveling as trees and limbs may still be falling

Slow down and watch for crews and equipment; do not drive around closure points as roads are unsafe

Do not rely on GPS, which may direct onto closed roads; be prepared for delays or detours.

ODOT urged delaying non-essential trips. Drivers should check TripCheck.com for real-time updates.

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KTVZ – News Team

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond School District has announced classes have been cancelled for today, December 17th.

Read the full message from the district below:

“School at Obsidian Middle School is canceled today due to an ongoing power outage in the building. The issue is related to an electrical problem. The fire department has cleared the site, and a Pacific Power crew is currently addressing the issue.

Obsidian students who are currently at M.A. Lynch Elementary may be picked up for the day. Families may pick up students at Lynch at the gym door on the south side of the building, next to the field. Staff will be on site to support students.

If you are unable to pick up your student, staff will remain available to care for students. Students will be bussed home at the normal dismissal time from Lynch. We will continue to update families on the condition of the building and whether school will be in session tomorrow.”

Original report:

According to the Redmond School District, Obsidian Middle School is operating on a 2-hour delay as the school currently has no power and smoke is present inside of the building.

A cancellation is still possible and more updates are expected to follow the announcement, according to the Redmond School District.

Read the entire message from the school district below:

“Hello, 

There is currently no power and smoke in the building at Obsidian Middle School. As a result, school will operate on a 2-hour delay today.

Students who are currently on buses will be transported to Lynch Elementary School. Families may pick up students at Lynch at the gym door on the south side of the building, next to the field. Staff will be on site to support students.

Please note that a cancellation is still possible. We will share another update as soon as more information is available.

Thank you for your understanding and support. 

This is just for Obsidian Middle School. 

Redmond School District”

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– It’s time for Pay It Forward — our program recognizing people who make our community a better place to live. The holiday season can be filled with joy, gifts, and festive cheer for many. But for some, it’s a time of stress, loneliness, and need.

One Central Oregon business is going above and beyond to help bring Christmas spirit to those who need it most.

Summers Flooring in Bend not only participated in the Central Oregon Toy Drive, they matched every donation received at their location. Now, they’re filling their donation box even higher. They plan to use the five-hundred dollars to make sure as many kids as possible have something to unwrap on Christmas morning.

For owner Michael Summers, giving back is the reason for the season — a lesson inspired by his own family’s story.

Michael Summers, Owner, Summers Flooring: “When my dad was a little kid, the fire department came and delivered a bunch of toys because they were exceptionally poor. My grandpa said, you can keep one toy. The rest of them were taken to another family that was worse off than them. It’s one of his favorite Christmas memories. There’s always been this neat connection with little kids needing to know that they’re not forgotten and that they’re loved and somebody is thinking about them. Trying to bring some joy and some magic back into the hearts of kids that they don’t have that. We’re going to go out and get a bunch more toys. It’s going to be very fun.”

Summers Flooring received this month’s 500 dollar Pay It Forward award, sponsored by Dutch Bros and Mid Oregon Credit Union, to help them buy even more toys for the drive.

Kyle Frick, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations, Mid Oregon Credit Union: “There’s always lots of news and some and a lot of it’s not good news. So this is a really our chance to go out and identify people that are doing great things in the community like this, that we can help support. So we’re really excited to continue to do that. These gifts are really going to make a real difference to some of those kids.”

The toy drive runs through December 23rd.

For drop-off locations, and which organizations help increase the impact of your donation, you can visit the web version of this story.

If you know of someone, or organization deserving recognition for helping others, you can nominate them for Pay It Forward.

KTVZ, Dutch Bros, and Mid Oregon Credit Union may award them with five-hundred dollars to keep the giving going. You can find the Pay It Forward page on K-T-V-Z dot com under the Community tab.

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Triton Notary

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has opened a formal investigation into the Ochoco West Water District Board following complaints from Crook County homeowners and reporting by the Prineville Review.

According to a preliminary report, investigators found the board failed to give adequate public notice of its meetings and posted agendas with little detail. The report also states the board did not provide electronic access to meetings and repeatedly used incorrect statutory citations to convene executive sessions.

Ethics commission members, as reported by the Prineville Review, acknowledged the challenges small special districts can face in complying with public meeting laws. However, they ultimately voted unanimously to authorize a full investigation into the board’s practices.

A completed report is expected by this summer.

For more details on the complaints and the commission’s findings so far, you can read the Prineville Review’s full story

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The holidays are a time filled with joy, gifts, and celebration for many — but for some, the season can bring loneliness, stress, or uncertainty. That’s why one Central Oregon business decided to do what they could to make sure every child feels remembered this Christmas.

Summer’s Flooring in Bend not only joined the Central Oregon Toy Drive this year, but matched every donation received at their location.

Now, their overflowing toy box continues to grow — thanks to a $500 Pay It Forward award from Dutch Bros, Mid-Oregon Credit Union, and KTVZ News. The money will help bring even more presents to children throughout the community this holiday season.

For owner Michael Summers, giving back has always been part of what makes the holidays special — a lesson passed down through his own family’s story.

He recalled how, when his father was a child, the fire department once brought his family a bundle of Christmas toys because they were struggling financially. 

“My grandpa said, ‘You can keep one toy,’” Summers said. “And the rest of them were taken to another family that was worse off than them.”

It’s one of his favorite Christmas memories. That simple act of generosity is something Summers still carries with him.

“There’s always been this neat connection with little kids needing to know that they’re not forgotten and that they’re loved,” he said. 

“We’re trying to bring some joy and some magic back into the hearts of kids who don’t have that. We’re going to go out and get a bunch more toys — it’s going to be very fun,” Summers said of how the money will be spent.

Mid-Oregon Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations Kyle Frick said spotlighting these stories reminds us all how much good happens every day.

“There’s always lots of news — and a lot of it’s not good news,” Frick said. “So this is our chance to identify people doing great things in the community that we can help support. These gifts are really going to make a real difference to some of those kids.”

The Central Oregon Toy Drive runs through Dec. 23. You can view drop-off locations and information on the organizations helping expand the reach of your gift — click here for the link.

If you know someone who deserves recognition for helping others, you can nominate them for Pay It Forward — we may award them $500, helping keep the spirit of giving alive. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mountain View Community Development said Tuesday it’s learned it will receive a $3 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank through the competitive Affordable Housing Program for its planned permanent supportive housing village near Redmond Airport. 

The project, which was sponsored by First Interstate Bank, comprises a village of 75 homes the organization plans to build on Deschutes County land north of Oasis Village. 

The 400- to 600-square-foot homes will be occupied by formerly homeless people with a disability.  In addition to the homes, Mountain View Community Village will have a community center that houses on-site services and case management. A garden and dog park are also planned. The total project is expected to exceed $20 million. 

“The vision for this village came about when we saw people in Safe Parking, and now microshelters, who were on waiting lists for housing for years. They were doing everything we asked of them, but there simply weren’t enough homes,” said Executive Director Rick Russell. “This project will triple the number of permanent supportive housing units in Central Oregon.” 

 The nonprofit has also applied for a grant from Oregon Housing & Community Services, and said it will be seeking other sources of funding, as well. Once built, residents of the village will pay one-third of their income as rent. 

This grant doesn’t fill a gap left by a loss of State Shelter Program funds, Russell said.

“The nature of grants is that they are for specific projects, so we cannot use them for other programs. For us, that means our Safe Parking & Microshelters Program is still looking to make up $237,500 in losses. The county has stepped in to help, and so have generous donors, but we have a long way to go.” 

The competitive AHP encourages collaboration between FHLB Des Moines member financial institutions and housing organizations to create affordable housing opportunities for families in need.

“Our members are essential partners in advancing affordable housing throughout the FHLB Des Moines district.” said Kris Williams, President and CEO, FHLB Des Moines. “We’re not just financing homes – we’re building stronger, more resilient communities for the people who live and work in them. This is a shared commitment and a shared impact we’re proud to advance.” 

Each year, FHLB Des Moines returns 10 percent of its net income annually to assist with housing needs throughout its district, consisting of 13 states and three U.S. Pacific territories. In 2025, 54 AHP applications were approved for a total of $102.4 million.

 Since inception of the competitive AHP in 1990, FHLB Des Moines and its members have helped facilitate approximately $935 million in funding to benefit more than 97,000 families through new construction and rehabilitation of owner-occupied or rental housing. 

For more information, visit http://mvcdoregon.org. 

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Barney Lerten

Editor’s note: Video has been removed from this article because it mistakenly showed the incorrect suspect.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County judge set bail at $500,000 Wednesday for a Redmond man facing attempted murder, assault and other charges, accused of using a Sabre self-defense pistol to shoot a former co-worker in the face at Spoon Restaurant in downtown Sisters.

Seven charges filed Wednesday against Kristopher Michael Kirkpatrick include second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude police and menacing.

Circuit Judge Michelle McIver agreed to the state’s recommendation of the $500,000 bail amount for Kirkpatrick, as well as conditions that include no contact with the shooting victim, a woman whose pickup he allegedly stole or with the restaurant.

The court filing says Kirkpatrick shot a man in the face with a “Sabre self-defense projectile launcher,” in what authorities say was a workplace dispute.

Other conditions if Kirkpatrick is released include not possessing any firearms, ammunition or any other weapon, including less-lethal devices such as BB guns.

Kirkpatrick is due back in court next Tuesday for arraignment on an expected formal indictment.

Earlier story:

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ-Dec. 16) — A workplace dispute sparked a shooting at Spoons Restaurant in Sisters Tuesday morning that injured the suspect’s former co-worker. That led to a police chase and the man’s arrest along Highway 20 between Sisters and Bend, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

At 8:19 a.m., deputies were dispatched to reports of a shooting at Spoons Restaurant, located on East Hood Avenue. The sheriff’s office says the incident was the result of a workplace dispute where the victim and suspect knew each other.

Detectives say the suspect, Kristopher Kirkpatrick, 31, entered the restaurant posing as a customer before confronting the victim — a former colleague — and shooting him at point-blank range in the face with a Sabre pistol, capable of firing pepper balls and rubber bullets. They say he then chased the victim through the restaurant, firing several times.

Kirkpatrick then fled the restaurant and took off in a truck on Highway 20 toward Bend. Deputies initiated a pursuit and successfully executed a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver near Plainview Road, located between Sisters and Bend.

Kirkpatrick was arrested and taken into custody without further incident, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including cuts, bruising and swelling to his face, and additional bruising and swelling on several parts of his body from the impact of the projectiles. He was taken to St. Charles-Bend for further evaluation. 

Although the ammunition used was not traditional bullets, Carr said that “the Sabre pistol is capable of inflicting serious injury, especially when targeting areas of the body like the face or at close distance. Detectives say the suspect made it clear through his actions that he intended to cause harm and kill the victim.”

“Thankfully, nobody else was hurt in the shooting, and detectives believe only the victim was the intended target,” Carr wrote, adding that the investigation is ongoing. 

Kirk was held without bail at the Deschutes County Jail on initial charges of first- and second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, vehicle theft, attempt to elude police and first-degree menacing pending arraignment Thursday afternoon.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has released dash cam video from the pursuit involving Charity Lynn Carter of La Pine.

Below is an official statement from the Deschutes Count Sheriff’s Office on what you can see in the video:

In order to protect the identity of the 9-year-old juvenile, we have blurred the section of the video that clearly shows her face after the PIT maneuver was executed. 

The  video being released captures two critical moments from the pursuit:

The pursuit concluded on Highway 97 near Hemlock Avenue, where a Sergeant executed a PIT (Pursuit Immobilization Technique) maneuver to end the pursuit. However, Carter hit the gas and rammed into the front of another deputy’s patrol vehicle before her vehicle finally came to a stop. Carter was arrested and taken into custody without further incident.

As Carter entered the Safeway parking lot in Redmond, she continued to drive erratically and dangerously. Deputies attempted to immobilize the vehicle to prevent further risk to the child and the public. Carter struck multiple patrol vehicles and two parked civilian vehicles while trying to escape.

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County deputies safely recovered a 9-year-old child reported abducted out of Multnomah County after a 30-minute pursuit that stretched across several Central Oregon communities Monday night. Her mother, a La Pine resident, was arrested and appeared in court Tuesday on several charges, including custodial interference.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the chase began around 8 p.m. near La Pine when Oregon State Police tried to stop a vehicle connected to a custodial interference and kidnapping investigation. The driver, identified as 46-year-old Charity Lynn Carter of La Pine, refused to pull over and took off, sparking the pursuit south of Bend.

Deputies joined in as Carter sped north through Bend and into Redmond, reportedly driving recklessly and endangering other drivers. Out of concern for the child’s safety, deputies temporarily disengaged from the chase several times.

During the pursuit, investigators say Carter struck five law enforcement vehicles—three belonging to the sheriff’s office—and damaged at least two civilian vehicles in a Safeway parking lot in Redmond. None of the vehicles’ occupants were hurt, according to authorities.

Deputies eventually disabled Carter’s vehicle using spike strips and a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver on Highway 97 in Redmond, just south of Exit 119 near Hemlock Avenue. The chase ended around 8:36 p.m., and the child was safely rescued and later reunited with their custodial parent.

The northbound lanes of Highway 97 were closed for about 30 minutes for the investigation and vehicle recovery.

Carter was taken into custody and arrested on potential charges including kidnapping, hit and run, reckless driving, reckless endangering, attempting to elude, and criminal mischief. Additional charges from Oregon State Police are expected. Officials said K9 Delta assisted in the arrest.

No injuries were reported among officers or members of the public. The sheriff’s office thanked Oregon State Police and the Redmond Police Department for their help during the incident.

Carter was formally charged Tuesday with four felonies – two counts of first-degree custodial interference, fleeing or attempting to elude police and first-degree criminal mischief. She also faces two misdemeanor charges of recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving. She was held without bail at the county jail until her arraignment.

The custodial interference charges accuse Carter of taking the child from a lawful custodian with an intent to hold the child permanently or for a long period of time, also exposing the child “to a substantial risk of physical injury.”

Carter appeared by video for arraignment Tuesday afternoon., where her defense attorney asked for conditional release, noting she has no criminal history and no record of failure to appear in court.

Charity Carter appears by video from Deschutes County Jail for arraignment on custodial interference, other charges (Deschutes County Circuit Court)

But a prosecutor said the custody battle between her and the girl’s father led to her repeated disobeying of court orders. The father was awarded full custody of the child last year.

The deputy district attorney recounted the pursuit during which Carter allegedly hit four patrol cars, disabling two.

Circuit Judge Bethany Flint noted “lots of countervailing factors” as she set bail at $25,000, such as the woman’s lack of a job or transportation for court hearings, along with her violation of the previous custody award and her “significant disregard for the health and safety of others” during Monday night’s pursuit.

Flint also set as a condition that Carter have no contact with her daughter, including messaging, and that she “can’t live in physical proximity to the kiddo,” noting it’s “important that her recollection of events be preserved,” as “recent events may have been significantly traumatic.”

Carter is due back in court in a week on an expected grand jury indictment.

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Triton Notary

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ)– New research from the University of Oregon has uncovered a hidden and potentially dangerous side effect of wildfires — the ability to turn naturally occurring nutrients in soil into toxic, cancer-causing metals.

Scientists found that extreme heat from wildfires can convert chromium, a common micro-nutrient in Pacific Northwest soils, into a harmful chemical form that can leach into groundwater. Lab tests showed the highest concentrations formed at fire temperatures between 750 and 1,100 degrees.

Researchers say the study underscores the need for expanded soil and water testing after wildfires, especially as blazes in the region grow more frequent and severe.

The findings suggest that beyond visible burn scars and air pollution, wildfires may also leave behind long-term contamination risks hidden underground.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend said Monday it’s happy to honor Whitney Eskelson for 15 years of steady work with youth in Central Oregon by launching a new “Youth Empowerment Fund” in her name. 

Here’s their announcement about that new honor:

When the Boys & Girls Club opened in Bend, Whitney was one of the first kids through the door. Her family needed a safe place after school and in the summer, and the Club became that place. She found caring adults and mentors, homework help, nutrition support, and friends who felt like family. Club is where she grew up. 

What began as a place of safety for Whitney would later become the foundation for a lifetime of service to kids and families in Bend. 

After high school and college, she returned to the Club, this time as staff, working directly with Club members. She started as a Youth Development Professional, later became Program Director at the East Bend Club, followed by the Downtown Club, and today serves as Vice President of Program Strategy and Operations.

In every role, kids know they can count on her. Always looking for opportunities, she started a cheer program at the Club, to help youth feel a sense of belonging and help build their confidence. 

“Whitney helped my three kids feel safe and cared for at a time when we needed it most,”  shared Club parent Shereene Wray. 

“She encouraged my shy daughter through cheer, helped my son with ADHD feel understood, and gave my youngest a place where he felt comfortable and welcome. As a single mom, I will always be grateful for the way she supported our family. She is truly part of our lives.”

Club alumnus Alana Johnson shared, “Whitney is the heart and soul of the club. She was able to make so many people, including me, feel special and important which is hard to do in a sea of kids! She remembers everyone and every little important thing about the club kids and families during her time.

“She inspired me to embrace what’s unique and ‘weird’ and use it to take on the world! She inspired me to do the same as I went from club kid to staff and inspired kids in her footsteps! I would truly not exist in the way I do if it wasn’t for her.” 

To honor her years of service and care, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend is launching the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund. This fund will directly support families in need and help kids participate in Club programs where they feel steady support each day. 

Friends, families, and champions of the Club can make a gift to help a future family or give $15 each month, in honor of her 15 years of service. 

“Whitney has left a legacy here at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend,” said CEO Michael Baker. “She is proof positive that the club programs work.  She grew up in the club, and came back and dedicated 15 years of her life to serving those that need us most.” 

Through her leadership and the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund, Whitney’s impact will continue to shape the lives of kids and families who need the Club today and for years to come. 

To give to the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund, visit: https://abwmddtb.donorsupport.co/page/WHITNEY  

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend has served Central Oregon youth for more than 30 years. The Club provides safe, supportive spaces, positive relationships, and enriching programs that help kids learn, lead, and thrive. Mission: We provide youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. 

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