Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, Comments from Fire Marshall)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Thanks to alert employees, a fire was kept fairly small and quickly stopped Wednesday morning in a downtown Bend bike and ski shop housed in a more than century-old former church.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews responded shortly after 10 a.m. to the fire at WebCyclery and WebSkis at Franklin Avenue and Harriman Street. It’s located in a unique building known as the “Old Stone Church,” a Craftsman-style structure with Gothic and Tudor-style details, built for First Presbyterian Church in 1912.

Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said the flames were first noticed in a ceiling light fixture. But the fire had spread to nearby stored goods by then. All employees and customers evacuated safely before fire crews arrived.

Crews found the attic space full of smoke when they arrived and stretched hoses into the building to extinguish the fire. Bend Fire’s ladder truck set up and opened holes in the roof to allow smoke out of the attic to aid in extinguishing the fire. The fire was extinguished in approximately 30 minutes. 

The workers tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher while calling 911 to alert firefighters, Derlacki said. The fire official praised their actions, saying the call allowed firefighters to arrive on the scene much more quickly and keep it from spreading to other parts of the building.

“This is why we ask people to do when you’re using a fire extinguisher, call 911. They attempted that extinguisher.” said Derlacki” “They thought they had it out, but it came right back pretty quickly. So they were already on 911 when that second, when it came back up. And that communication flowed very quickly and allowed us to respond appropriately. “

But Derlacki said the fire burned in a storage area for inventory.

“With the smoke throughout the building, it did do a fair amount of damage to soft goods, such as all the clothing for sale,” he said. “The damage to the building is minor when compared to the retail items.” Holes were cut in the roof to vent the smoke in the attic.

Harriman Street was closed during the firefighting effort.

WebCyclery posted to social media a photo of the firefighters on the scene and said the business would be closed Wednesday, but to “look forward to a big fire sale in the near future!”

Fortunately, the damage was far less than from a blaze at the former church 33 years ago.

A February 1982 fire broke out during a Sunday afternoon service at what was then Cascade Christian Fellowship Church. All were evacuated and the fire was traced to combustibles too close to the chimney, causing $250,000 damage.

Here’s the rest of the information Derlacki released Wednesday afternoon:

“Bend Fire & Rescue investigators determined the fire to have started when a fluorescent light fixture in the attic storage room failed. The light caught fire, and the flames then spread to adjacent boxes and stored goods in the space.

The quick actions of the staff by using an extinguisher while calling 911 at the same time prevented this fire from getting any worse.

Damage to the building is estimated to be about $25,000. The damage to the contents of the retail space is considered extensive due to the smoke from the fire.

Several dozen high-end mountain bikes were destroyed in the attic space due to catching fire. But there is a potential for all clothing and soft goods in the entire building to be considered a loss if they can’t be cleaned of the smoke. This damage could range from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the extent of damage to the retail items and whether they can be restored for retail use again or not. The business is fully insured and the insurance company had been contacted by the time Bend Fire left the scene. 

Bend Fire & Rescue commends the actions of the staff of Web Cyclery for their quick actions in preventing this fire from getting any worse. They investigated the smell as soon as it was known. They used an extinguisher for what was a small fire to start off with.

But most importantly, they started evacuating the building and calling 911 at the same time another employee was using the extinguisher. These actions ensured everyone was out safe and the fire department was on its way in the event the extinguisher wasn’t enough, as it turned out to be.

“Bend Fire reminds anyone who uses a fire extinguisher on a fire to call 911 at the same time. If the extinguisher puts the fire out completely, the fire department can ensure the fire didn’t spread and help with the initial clean-up. If the extinguisher doesn’t put the fire out completely, we are on the way sooner than later to extinguish the fire completely.”

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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. 

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