Author: KTVZ

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Tuesday, Think Wild Central Oregon was paid a special visit.

Staff from Whole Foods Market spent the day volunteering at the nonprofit wildlife hospital.

In a Facebook post, Think Wild said in part, “We are seriously impressed with how much this group got done, including a duckling fence enclosure, large mammal enclosure repairs, a new paver station, wash station painting, tumbleweed removal (an uphill battle), and more. We love volunteer groups! If your organization or business is interested in coming out, we’d love to have you.”

If you’re interested in volunteering and helping out the animal patients at Think Wild, just email volunteer@thinkwildco.org.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening now at Redmond Municipal Airport, donation collection has been suspended.

You may remember from our reporting, community members and businesses have been dropping off donations at the airport for TSA workers–from gift cards to fresh meals. This, as the partial government shutdown had TSA agents working without pay for weeks.

Now, RDM made the announcement that it can no longer accept donations like these, saying, in part, “Thank you, Redmond community, for the incredible generosity you’ve shown during our Neighbor‑to‑Neighbor Care Drive in support of TSA employees. Your kindness over the past few weeks has made a difference for the wellbeing of our TSA team, and we are so grateful for every donation and every gesture of support. We’ve been notified that, pending the executive order to pay TSA workers, we are required to suspend all donation collections at this time.”

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Triton Notary

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) The Deschutes Trails Coalition announced today that it is accepting applications for its 2026 Small Project Grant program. The initiative will award up to $30,000 to support multiple trail-focused projects within the Deschutes National Forest and Deschutes County.

The grant program is designed to fund small-scale projects that maintain or restore existing trails in Central Oregon. This funding supports the coalition’s mission of ensuring trail sustainability through its “Four Pillars” of environmental, economic, physical and social values.

Project proposals are eligible if they occur on or impact publicly accessible trails within Deschutes County. The grant also covers portions of the Deschutes National Forest that extend into neighboring counties. The coalition specifically encourages applications for projects that maintain or restore existing trail infrastructure.

The Deschutes Trails Coalition is composed of representatives from conservation, business, tourism and trail-user communities. These members collaborate to develop recommendations for creating and envisioning a sustainable trail system throughout the Central Oregon region.

The organization operates under four pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, physical and social. All coalition goals and trail improvements are driven by these core values.

Specific organizational objectives include instilling a stewardship ethic in both local residents and visitors. The coalition also aims to increase community recognition of its role in sustaining regional trails.

The grant program also seeks to promote equitable access for underrepresented communities to ensure positive trail experiences for all users. Furthermore, the coalition works to encourage community and visitor investment that reflects the social and economic value of the trail system.

Grant applications must be submitted by May 22, 2026. The Deschutes Trails Coalition has made the official request for proposal and application forms available on its website.

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Triton Notary

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) Central Oregon law enforcement agencies reported no fatal or serious-injury crashes during a three-day safety enforcement period that concluded Friday, March 27. The operation, known as the Spring Break Blitz, resulted in 13 arrests for driving under the influence of intoxicants and more than 550 traffic stops.

The coordinated effort was organized by the Central Oregon Multi-Agency Traffic Team (MATT) to promote safe driving during one of the region’s busiest travel periods. Participating agencies included five Deschutes County law enforcement departments, the Oregon State Police Bend Area Command and the Oregon State Police High Visibility Enforcement Unit.

During the three-day operation from March 25-27 officers issued 275 violation citations and provided 473 warnings to motorists. High-visibility patrols were positioned throughout Central Oregon to monitor behaviors most commonly associated with severe and fatal collisions.

Speeding was the most frequent violation identified during the blitz, accounting for 298 of the stops. Enforcement also recorded 128 lane-departure violations, 36 instances of distracted driving involving cellphones, 34 seat belt or occupant-protection violations and 31 cases of drivers operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

The Central Oregon MATT is a multi-agency team consisting of deputies, officers and troopers who combine resources to prevent serious traffic incidents. The participating groups include the Oregon State Police Bend Area Command and the Oregon State Police High Visibility Enforcement Unit.

Local law enforcement agencies and the Oregon State Police issued a statement thanking the community for their support and commitment to safe driving. The agencies stated that these combined efforts are intended to reduce crashes and ensure residents and visitors travel safely.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After emotional statements by a now-11-year-old boy and the Sunriver-area woman accused of severely abusing and neglecting him, a Deschutes County judge sentenced Sarah Session on Tuesday to more than 17 years in prison. Her parents also now face prison and jail time.

But first, Circuit Judge Alison Emerson, who convicted Session and her parents last month after a three-week trial, told her small, full courtroom something else that was on her mind, after hearing all the awful testimony about a boy who recovered video showed was kept locked up and alone in a tarp-covered room, tied to a chair while unconscious, assaulted and even forced to eat his own vomit. 

“I’m a little troubled by the fact that (the boy, who KTVZ News is not identifying) is now 11, has been interviewed multiple times.” And Emerson said as far as she could tell, she said: “At no point did anyone say ‘sorry’ to him.” 

So the judge told the boy: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m sorry you went through this trauma.” 

“At any point, if any of the caregivers had intervened, this would have a far different case,” Emerson said, adding that if not “for a detective finding all those videos, it would have been a very difficult case. I’m not sure anyone would have believed him.” 

Earlier, Deputy District Attorney Stacy Neil made a similar point in outlining her sentencing recommendation, pointing to “another level of cruelty” committed by Session, and noting that in calls from jail – even after the verdict – Session still showed no remorse and said, “I did nothing wrong. This isn’t fair.” 

Judge Emerson said the defendants were “lucky that the medical providers at OHSU are some of the best in the world – otherwise, the kid could be brain-damaged, or dead. So you are all quite lucky you are here only on these charges.” 

Session, 34 received a 212-month (17 1/2-year) sentence for second- and third-degree assault and several criminal mistreatment charges. Her mother, Paula Hardenburg, convicted of second-degree assault and other charges, faces nearly six years in prison, while her father, Gary Hardenburg, convicted of first- and second-degree criminal mistreatment, was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with credit for time served. Both parents also were convicted of tampering with evidence.

All three face three years of post-prison supervision or supervised probation, during which they are not allowed to have any contact with the child victim, or with other minors, unless approved by a judge – and under supervision. 

The boy, who testified in person during the trial, spoke in a small but strong voice by phone at Tuesday’s sentencing. 

After his father left, the child said he was not allowed to speak with him, and that Session “called him a monster. … You took your anger out on me by beating on me.” 

“You forced me to eat my own vomit,” he said. “You beat me, you lied to me. … I wish I didn’t have to live with the horrible flashbacks of what you did to me at that house. I will need therapy for the rest of my life. … Even though I have a good support system, I still carry all this with me.” 

The boy added, “I have to relive the feeling of you choking me and hitting my head against the wall. It makes me angry and scared.” 

But the boy – referred to this day as an impressive survivor – now says, “I hope to be a lawyer,” to bring justice for others facing such awful situations. He went to say that one day, his stepmother will “have to answer to Jesus and explain what you did to me.” 

Soon, Session stood and read her printed statement, saying she was “embarrassed, humiliated and deeply sorry” for what she had said and done. 

But the special ed teacher chastised by her ex-husband for her lack of remorse added, “The things I said are inexcusable, and I take full responsibility for them. But I did not try to kill or harm (her stepson). I tried to get him the help he needed. While I did not commit all the crimes I am accused of, I am deeply sorry.” 

Session asked the judge to still be allowed to speak to her biological children, who she said “are unsafe and need support.” 

Session’s father, Gary Hardenburg, admitted that he “failed” his grandson and “should have been more observant” as to what was happening. 

Before adjourning the sentencing, Judge Emerson had one more thing to tell the boy.

“Good luck to you,” she said. “I hope life treats you well.”

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Spencer Sacks

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Transportation began overnight construction on U.S. 20 in Sisters on March 29 to upgrade curb ramps and pedestrian crossings. The project aims to bring the infrastructure into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

These improvements are designed to make it easier and safer for people walking or rolling to navigate downtown and access nearby businesses. To minimize daytime traffic impacts, most work will occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. from Sunday through Friday. The start date was moved forward from the original plan of April 12.

Work started at the intersection of Cascade Street and will continue west along the north side of U.S. 20. Travelers in the area can expect to see crews working throughout the project site during overnight hours. The construction will involve sidewalk, shoulder and lane closures, with flaggers directing traffic as needed.

Officials expect minimal traffic delays during the 12-hour work windows. Local business owners are preparing for the potential impact on tourism and daily operations. Spencer Hamiga is the owner of Sisters Bakery. Hamiga expressed optimism that the town will remain a destination for visitors during the construction period.

“I’m not really. No. Sisters is still a beautiful town to come to and enjoy the day. Enjoy springtime and summer,” Hamiga said. “So I know I think people are still going to be coming to sisters and having a good time.”

Hamiga noted that customers often go out of their way to visit local shops despite infrastructure obstacles.

“I honestly, I think people will jump over a chasm to get a donut,” Hamiga said.

While some owners expressed optimism, others shared concerns based on previous infrastructure projects in the area. One business owner, who declined to be interviewed, told KTVZ that their revenue dropped nearly 30% when sidewalks and streets were previously closed for upgrades. The current project is not expected to close streets or sidewalks in the same manner as previous efforts.

KTVZ reached out to the Oregon Department of Transportation for comment on the community concerns regarding business impacts. The agency has not yet responded to the inquiry.

The project is scheduled to continue through December. If the work is not completed by Memorial Day, crews will pause construction for the summer and return after Labor Day to finish the improvements.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A truck driver whose jackknifed rig on Highway 20 east of Bend caused a crash and the death of a newlywed couple has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree manslaughter and other charges.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Wells Ashby on Monday scheduled a Jan. 19, 2027 start for a nine-day jury trial of Rajinder Kumar, 32. The judge also set a Jan. 5 trial readiness hearing, which also will address whether Kumar will have to wear restraints during the trial. 

Kumar also faces three misdemeanor counts of reckless endangering stemming from the Nov. 24, 2025 crash about 50 miles east of Bend killed driver William Micah Carter, 25, and passenger Jennifer Lower Carter, 24. 

The Department of Homeland Security lodged an arrest detainer for Kumar, who the agency said is from India and entered the country illegally at the Arizona border three years ago. 

A Deschutes County Jail representative confirmed to KTVZ News on Tuesday that Rajinder’s bail had been reduced from $500,000 to $250,000, which was the amount originally set after his arrest. 

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As Bend’s population continues to climb, city leaders say the growing gap between housing costs and local incomes is becoming one of the community’s most pressing challenges.

The city’s population has grown from about 74,000 in 2010 to more than 110,000 in 2026, according to city data and World Population Review. Over the same period, home prices have surged. A home valued at $295,000 in 2016 was worth about $647,000 by 2022 and is now nearing $895,000, according to Realtor.com.

Local officials say wages have not kept pace, leaving many workers struggling to live in the community they serve.

Mayor Melanie Kebler said the city’s goal has long been to ensure housing is accessible for all workers, not just higher-income earners.

“What the city council has had as a goal for many years now is that if you work in Bend, then you should be able to afford to live in Bend. And that concludes all kinds of jobs,” Kebler said.

Kebler said the strain on so-called working professionals highlights how widespread the issue has become.

“Even when we talk about working professionals not having enough resources to get a home, what we’re saying is look how bad the issue is,” she said. “Because if those working professionals are having trouble getting a home, folks all the way down the income structure are going to be having trouble finding rent and homes to buy too.”

She added that the solution requires increasing housing supply across the board to reduce competition and stabilize prices.

“What we really need to do is we need to have homes at every level,” Kebler said. “We don’t want doctors moving here and competing on a scarcity of homes that other folks are trying to buy with a lower income, because there’s just not enough homes to go around.”

City leaders say they have been working for years to plan for growth through state-required development strategies, while also updating policies and investing in housing.

Efforts include an affordable housing fee on development projects, which helps fund deed-restricted units that must remain affordable to certain income levels over time. At the same time, the city continues to encourage construction of market-rate housing to increase supply and ease pressure on prices.

Kebler said those efforts are aimed at creating a more balanced housing market that serves a wide range of residents.

“A lot of that affordable housing work, and especially if you look at our goals now, we have certain numbers for each category of homes, including very low-income apartments and homes that are going to serve some of those folks who are on the lower end of the income scale,” she said. “We need to have homes for everybody in Bend to be able to afford.”

Affordable housing in Bend is typically defined as housing available to households earning up to 80% of area median income for homeownership and 60% for rentals.

According to the City of Bend, several local organizations are also working to connect residents with housing resources. Housing Works provides rental assistance, Section 8 vouchers and homebuyer programs across Central Oregon. NeighborImpact offers services focused on housing stability, including help for first-time buyers and renters.

Other options include Habitat for Humanity, which provides homeownership opportunities for qualifying families, and HomeShare Oregon, which connects homeowners with spare rooms to renters seeking more affordable living arrangements. Thrive Central Oregon and Pacific Crest Affordable Housing also offer support and develop affordable units in the region.

City leaders say increasing housing supply at all income levels will be key as Bend continues to grow, while local organizations remain a critical resource for those navigating the tight housing market.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to fly at half-staff Tuesday and Wednesday in honor of Warm Springs Chief Delvis Heath Sr., who passed away Sunday. The order applies to flags at all public institutions from sunrise to sunset.

Tribal and State Leaders Pay Tribute

Heath was one of three hereditary chiefs of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which represents the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute tribes. He served as the hereditary chief of the Warm Springs Tribe since May 4, 1984. The governor’s action follows a Monday order from the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to lower flags on tribal properties.

Gov. Kotek issued a condolence letter to the tribes and the Heath family following the announcement.”On behalf of the State of Oregon, the First Lady and I offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Chief Heath,” Kotek wrote. “His loss will be felt deeply by the Warm Springs community and is felt far beyond Warm Springs, including by all Oregonians who benefited from his leadership, his counsel and his lifelong commitment to his people.”

Early Life and Path to Leadership

Heath was born on a family ranch near Simnasho on Sept. 26, 1938. As a young man, he was known by the name “Bullneck” and spent time riding his grandfather’s horses in races throughout Central Oregon.

His path to leadership began after the death of his father, Chief Nathan Heath, in 1969. While Heath initially declined the chieftainship because he felt he was not ready, the Sahaptin people eventually selected him to take his place on the Tribal Council on May 4, 1984.

Family Life and Community Roots

In 1960, Heath married Shirley Stahi of Celilo Village. The couple raised four children, a niece, a nephew and numerous other children within the community.

For many years, the family operated the Chief Heath horse stables at the Kah-Nee-Ta High Desert Resort and Casino. While the family decided to close the stable business last year, they continued to run cattle on the Reservation range.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Heath was considered the foremost goodwill ambassador for the Confederated Tribes and served as a critical liaison for treaty issues with federal and state governments. He was deeply involved in fishing settlements and frequently opened tribal meetings in prayer using the language of his ancestors.

Beyond his official duties, Heath remained active in the community by participating in annual cattle roundups and the Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days Endurance Horse Race.

Cultural and Spiritual Influence

As a leader of the Sahaptin-speaking people, Heath followed the teachings of the Washat religion and participated in spiritual drumming and singing at the Longhouse. He frequently spoke about the importance of honesty, hard work and education.

NeighborImpact, a Central Oregon community organization, also recognized his impact on the region.”His leadership and dedication to his people shaped lives across Warm Springs and beyond,” the organization noted in a statement.

Funeral Services and Honors

Funeral services and a sunrise burial are scheduled to take place in The Dalles and Simnasho on Tuesday and Wednesday. The lowering of the flags will coincide with these services, remaining at half-staff until sunset Wednesday.

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