Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters battling a fire that destroyed an Alfalfa home Monday were challenged not only by a lack of hydrants but exploding fireworks and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Alfalfa Fire District crews were sent around 3:25 p.m. to the initial report of a flue fire at a home in the 2500 block of Deer Lane, Fire Chief Chad Lavalee said. While en route, the call was upgraded to a structure fire.

The first crews on scene found heavy smoke billowing from the roof and eaves of the single-story home.

Firefighters were advised upon arrival that everyone was safely out of the home, and no injuries were reported.

Lavalee said they first quickly did an interior search, to ensure no one was inside, all while encountering heavy flames in the ceiling and attic.

Firefighters also were able to help the homeowner by providing safe access to remove vehicles from the garage.

Lavalee said firefighting efforts were hampered by limited water resources, so two Alfalfa water tenders responded, along with a mutual aid tender from Bend Fire and Rescue.

Due to the lack of nearby hydrants, he said the water tenders had a 35- to 40-minute round trip time to the closest fill site.

“There were fireworks going off, as well as several hundred rounds of ammunition,” Lavalee told KTVZ News.

The home is considered a total loss. The fire chief said investigators were working Tuesday to find the cause of the fire, and no damage estimate was available. Crews had been on scene until about 3 a.m.

The fire district thanked the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire & Rescue and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, as well as all responding personnel for their support.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Kumar arraigned on manslaughter indictment; new bail amount)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A truck driver whose jackknifed rig allegedly caused a crash that killed a newlywed couple east of Bend last week was arraigned Wednesday on more serious charges of first-degree manslaughter that could lead to a longer prison term. A judge agreed as a result to double his bail amount, to $500,000.

A five-count indictment signed Tuesday and filed Wednesday morning charges Rajinder Kumar, 32, with two counts of first-degree manslaughter, a Class A felony, and three counts of recklessly endangering another person. a Class A misdemeanor.

Oregon State Police arrested Kumar, a Fresno, Calif. resident from India, after the Nov. 24 crash on U.S. Highway 20 about 50 miles east of Bend in which a newlywed couple was killed when their SUV slammed into the semi’s trailer. Federal immigration officials claim he entered the U.S. illegally three years ago and have lodged an arrest detainer for him, should he be released.

He initially was charged with two counts of criminally negligent homicide, a Class B felony that in Oregon carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.

The new manslaughter charges accuse Kumar of causing the couple’s deaths “under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.” Each manslaughter count in Oregon carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and a $375,000 fine, upon conviction. Under Oregon’s Measure 11, a manslaughter conviction also carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with no option of early release.

The reckless endangering charges identify three other people who the truck driver allegedly created “a substantial risk of serious injury.”

At Wednesday’s brief arraignment, Deputy District Attorney Caleb Staats asked Circuit Judge Randy Miller to double Kumar’s bail from $250,000 to $500,000 due to the more serious charges. Miller had increased his bail a day earlier from $100,000.

Defense attorney Andrew Ince did not contest the bail increase Wednesday but reserved the right to argue the matter later.

Miller scheduled a plea hearing for December 23.

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ-December 2) — A Deschutes County judge more than doubled the bail amount Tuesday for a California truck driver arrested after a crash last week east of Bend that killed a newlywed couple. He is now the subject of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest detainer, accused of being in the country illegally. 

Circuit Judge Randy Miller agreed to a prosecutor’s request to increase the bail for Rajinder Kumar, 32, of Fresno, from $100,000 to $250,000.  

Kumar was arrested by Oregon State Police last week on two counts of criminally negligent homicide and one of reckless endangering after troopers said he jackknifed his truck on U.S. Highway 20 about 50 miles east of Bend. Troopers said he failed to put out emergency warning equipment before an SUV slammed into the trailer, killing driver William Michah Carter, 25, and passenger Jennifer Lynn Carter, 24.

Miller also agreed to drop the requirement that Kumar surrender a passport before he can be released on bail, since he does not have one. Instead, the judge ordered Kumar to start wearing a GPS location tracker as soon as possible after his release. Kumar had already posted the required 10% of the lower bail amount for his release, but remained jailed due to the passport issue. 

The Department of Homeland Security announced late Monday that it had 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. 

It was the third court hearing in a week for Kumar, assisted by a Hindi interpreter. A fourth is scheduled Wednesday afternoon for his arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment.

Deputy District Attorney Caleb Staats asked Judge Miller that Kumar be prohibited from leaving the state. He told the judge a grand jury was reviewing the case Tuesday and an indictment was imminent, adding that “we do anticipate more serious charges being brought.” 

Thomas Lower of Idaho, the father of crash victim Jennifer Lower Carter, was on the phone and given a chance to speak to the judge. Accompanied by his wife, he told the judge they agreed with the new release requirements and had been concerned about Kumar’s lack of ties to the community. 

“This is a terrible tragedy, and we wish to see justice served,” he said. 

But court-appointed defense attorney Andrew Ince objected to the higher bail amount. 

“The only new information the state possesses now is the alleged immigration status of my client,” Ince said – the only reference to that issue during the proceeding. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for the court to increase the security, based on that new information.” 

Ince also said he’d spoken with a member of Kumar’s family in California, who said he “lives at a home with several other close friends and family.” He asked that Kumar be allowed to return to his home in California while the case proceeds. 

“I believe while it’s understandable my client does not have strong ties to Oregon, he does have strong ties to the overall United Sates,” Ince said. “Given his strong ties to California, it would be extremely difficult for requiring  my client to live in Oregon for the pendency of this case.” 

Judge Miller called it “appropriate to increase security to $250,000” to address the flight risk concerns. Kumar’s lawyer said he would look into whether the GPS tracker would work in California, but for now, Miller said he is “not leave the state of Oregon – period – at this point.” 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A woodstove flue fire early Tuesday morning heavily damaged the wood shake roof of a northeast Bend home, but three occupants escaped without injury, an official said.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews were called out just after midnight to the reported structure fire in the 62500 block of Eagle Road, Deputy Fire Marshal Melissa Steele said.

One of three residents home at the time said they awakened to the smell of smoke, then heard smoke alarms and noticed a large orange glow outside, Steele said in a news release.

“Upon investigation, he discovered the roof — constructed of wood shake shingles —was on fire,” she said. “He quickly alerted the other two occupants, and all evacuated safely without injury.”

Firefighters arrived within minutes and had the fire completely out within a half-hour, the fire official said.

The fire was contained to the roof and did not extend into the interior of the home.

Steele said the fire began in the woodstove flue, which appeared to be original to the home. “Over time, radiant heat likely charred the wood shake shingles and eventually ignited the roofing materials,” she said.

She said the entire roof will need replacement with a fire-rated material such as asphalt shingles, composition, or metal.

However, Steele told KTVZ News, “The structure is inhabitable and roof repairs are already in the works. Red Cross assistance was not needed for the residents.”

The total loss amount is not yet known.

Bend Fire says home heating equipment, including woodstoves and fireplaces, is the leading cause of residential fires in Oregon, with about 450 such fires annually.

Before lighting your stove or fireplace, they recommend that you ensure your flue is clear of debris, and have your equipment inspected for possible failures.

For home heating safety tips, call Bend Fire & Rescue at 541-322-6300. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Latino Community Association and the City of Bend jointly announced Tuesday the launch of Office Hours at the Latino Community Association’s office at 2680 NE Twin Knolls Drive in Bend.

The Latino Community Association and the City of Bend have a longstanding relationship, collaborating in many ways, from City projects to co-hosting community outreach events.

“Recognizing this partnership and the increasing demand for services in other languages, City staff with Spanish language proficiency will work onsite at the Latino Community Association beginning December 2025,” according to the announcement, which continues here in full.

Once a week, City staff will provide one-on-one consultations for community members requesting support in navigating City processes.

“’Mi casa es su casa’ is more than a saying – it is our commitment. We are honored to welcome the City of Bend into our home so that Latine families can more easily access resources, ask questions and feel seen, heard and supported in the place they call home,” said Catalina Frank, Executive Director of the Latino Community Association. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City for taking this step with us and for their commitment to building a more connected community in Bend.”

“Expanding access to City services for all of our community includes implementing innovative ideas in the places and spaces where community members already gather and go to for information,” said Kathi Barguil, the city’s Community Relations Manager. “We’re excited to support our partners at LCA and provide accessible resources to our immigrant and Spanish-speaking community members.”

When community members visit the Latino Community Association Bend office, they can request to schedule time with the City staff person by appointment. There will be a set schedule for the Office Hours starting in January 2026.

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three people were seriously injured when a van collided nearly head-on with a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 26 north of Madras Monday morning.

According to Oregon State Police, a Chrysler van was heading east near milepost 112 around 6:20 a.m. when the driver drifted into the westbound lane and the path of a Freightliner truck.

The two vehicles collided nearly head-on, troopers said. The van came to rest on the eastbound shoulder and the semi off the eastbound shoulder.

The van driver and three passengers were taken to St. Charles Madras with serious injuries, troopers said. The truck driver also was taken to the hospital with possible injuries. OSP did not disclose names or other details.

The crash shut down the highway for about four hours, OSP said. Both vehicles were towed by Prince’s Towing, and SMAF Environmental was called out to clean up a diesel spill.

ODOT, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson County Fire and EMS assisted at the crash scene, according to OSP.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from Mosaic pharmacist, behavioral health manager)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Across Central Oregon, Mosaic Community Health is helping people take their first step toward quitting nicotine by offering free nicotine replacement products at all of its pharmacy locations.

No appointment, no cost, and no need to be a Mosaic patient — anyone 21 or older can stop by a Mosaic pharmacy in Bend, Redmond, Madras, or Prineville to pick up nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges.

“Any member of the community can just approach our pharmacy counter and request what they need,” Alison Hoffman, a pharmacist and pharmacy manager with Mosaic, told KTVZ News on Tuesday. “If they’re not sure, our pharmacists can help determine the best product or strength for them.”

For many people, the hardest part of quitting is simply knowing where to begin. Hoffman said Mosaic’s goal is to remove as many barriers as possible — from cost, to access, to finding the right kind of support.

“This is a great time of year, especially with the new year approaching, for people to set a goal of quitting tobacco or vaping,” Hoffman added. “We can help support that through our pharmacies.”

Because quitting nicotine involves more than overcoming physical cravings, Mosaic also offers integrated behavioral health services, to support the mental and emotional side of the process.

“When people start nicotine replacement therapy, they can also meet with a behavioral health provider,” said Jessica Peacock, Mosaic’s behavioral health manager. “We help them explore their motivations, identify potential challenges, and learn strategies that make quitting easier.”

Starting in January, Mosaic will launch a free tobacco cessation support group in Prineville. The group will offer participants a chance to share their experiences, learn coping skills, and find encouragement together.

Peacock said quitting is rarely easy — but every success begins with a single, brave decision.

“We know people can be successful,” she said. “We’ve watched patients go through this journey and really improve their health outcomes. This is the first step. That’s a very brave thing, and we would love to support you through that process.”

For more information, locate and contact the nearest Mosaic Community Health facility to you here.

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Kelsey Merison

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Holiday festivities are underway in Sisters, where the Sisters–Camp Sherman Fire District has lit up its main station for the season.

The drive-by display, set to music, runs all month long.

The district is also sponsoring its annual “Spirit of Christmas Giving Tree,” expecting to help nearly 200 local children.

Gift tags are available at locations across Sisters, with donations due back by December 12th.

Families will pick up gifts December 20th, and a community Christmas dinner will be served on Christmas day from 1-3 p.m. at the fire district’s community hall.

“The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire & Ambulance Association, with a lot of hard work from staff, volunteers, and event partners, provide Christmas gifts to families in need in Sisters Country over the holiday season,” the fire district said on its website. “In 2023, over 147 applications for assistance were processed with 67 families requesting gifts for 160 children. Total gift donations were estimated at a value of over $10,000. In addition, the Association received more than $8,795 in cash donations for this program.”

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — The future of a critical interchange project at US 97 and Baker Road in Deschutes County is uncertain, as funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) remains unresolved. In a recent meeting, ODOT presented the status and plans for this interchange, which has been years in the making and aims to improve safety and alleviate congestion in a rapidly growing area of south Bend.

The US 97/Baker Road interchange was originally constructed about 30 years ago to serve rural traffic and truck movement between US 97 and US 20. However, urban growth in south Bend has led to significant congestion and safety issues that are expected to worsen with planned housing and employment expansion.

ODOT’s presentation highlighted alternatives for improvements, with Alternative 1 recommended as the preferred plan despite community support for Alternative 3. This option involves adding signals or a roundabout at existing ramp terminals and lengthening the southbound off-ramp, providing a lower-cost and easier-to-phase solution compared to Alternative 3, which proposes a larger flyover interchange with multiple new bridges but comes with much higher costs and complexity.

Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone cautioned about potential delays due to uncertainties at ODOT: “The Board of Commissioners, think about it. When we thought China Hat Road and Ponderosa Road and Knott Road, those are all roads that are county roads, so it intersects county roads, but ODOT’s capital projects list and their maintenance needs are all up in the air right now because of, you know, the transportation package, now the possible vote to repeal it,” said DeBone.

The project’s estimated cost stands at $38 million, divided over two phases, but without secured funding, the timeline for completion remains unclear.

ODOT’s Interchange Area Management Plan (IAMP) for this site aims to ensure safe and efficient operation for all travel modes over the next 20 years, identifying transportation improvements, management strategies, and land use actions to support planned development.

Public outreach has included advisory committees and online open houses.

Active transportation improvements are planned as part of the project, including multi-use paths and enhanced crossings to improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Federal immigration officials said late Monday a California truck driver arrested after a crash east of Bend that killed a newlywed couple has been in the country illegally for three years, and that they have issued an arrest detainer.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in a news release that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an arrest detainer for Rajinder Kumar, whom they called “a criminal illegal alien from India.” They said he entered the U.S. illegally near Lukeville, Arizona on Nov. 28, 2022.

KTVZ News reported last week that Oregon State Police said Kumar, 32, of Fresno, Calif., jackknifed his semi-truck and trailer on the night of Nov. 24 on U.S. Highway 20 about 50 miles east of Bend, blocking both lanes.

A westbound Subaru Outback traveling at highway speeds collided with the trailer. The driver, William Micah Carter, 25, of Springfield, and passenger Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24, of John Day, died at the crash scene, troopers said. Kumar reportedly was uninjured.

An OSP investigation led to Kumar’s arrest on two counts of criminally negligent homicide and a count of reckless endangering.

Lower’s father, Tom Lower, had reached out after the tragic crash to KTVZ News and said she and Carter were newlyweds who had met on a blind date last April and had married in Portland just 16 days before the tragic crash.

Tom Lower said Jennifer was from Preston, Idaho, a University of Oregon graduate and marched in this year’s Rose Bowl Parade with the U of O Marching Band. On the night they died, they were driving back to Oregon, hoping to settle in the Salem area.

DHS said Kumar “was released into the country by the Biden administration” and given a work authorization in 2023. He was issued a commercial driver’s license by “(Governor) Gavin Newsom’s California,” the agency added.

While OSP listed his name as Rajinder Kumar, KTVZ News learned late Monday that the charges were filed in Deschutes County with the name reversed, as Kumar Rajinder. District Attorney Stephen Gunnels told us that the crash reports apparently listed his name both ways; we reached out to OSP for a clarification and they said their report listed him as Rajinder Kumar.

Court records show that Kumar was initially arraigned last Wednesday on the two felony and one misdemeanor charges, assisted by a Hindi interpreter in a video hookup from the jail.

Circuit Judge Randy Miller set bail at $100,000 and ordered that he surrender his passport before he could be released on bail, as well as standard conditions of obeying all laws, keeping in touch with his attorney and appearing for all future court hearings.

Miller held another hearing Friday, court records show, at which he made no changes in those release conditions, including surrender of the man’s passport.

The truck driver is due to appear in court again Tuesday afternoon for a pre-trial release hearing. Court records show he a Wednesday afternoon hearing is scheduled for arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment. The judge also will address the passport issue “and address his correct name per DCSO (the Deschutes County Sherff’s Office,” court records show.

In his post-hearing order, the judge said the defendant already had posted bail (10% of the $100,000 bal) “but does not have a passport available to surrender in order to be released. Jail officials confirmed to KTVZ News that the passport issue was why he was still being held.

Gunnels acknowledged to KTVZ News that the name discrepancy is unusual, but such issues are usually resolved before or when a grand jury reviews the evidence and issues an indictment.

In the Department of Homeland Security news release, the agency said, “Since Oregon is a sanctuary state, ICE will make all necessary efforts to bring Kumar into custody, should he be released from custody.”

The DHS release also listed three other fatal crashes this year involving truck drivers who they said were in the U.S. illegally.

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin is quoted as saying: “How many more senseless tragedies must take place before sanctuary politicians stop allowing illegal aliens to dangerously operate semi-trucks on America’s roads? Our prayers are with William and Jennifer’s families. Under Secretary Noem, ICE will continue its efforts to get illegal alien truck drivers off America’s highways.”

KTVZ News also has reached out to Kumar’s defense attorney for any statement or comment about the developments.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. – Oregon State University – Cascades and OSU’s Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts are launching a new concert series at Bend’s Tower Theatre that will debut in January 2026. 

The Patricia Valian Reser Center — known as PRAx — opened in 2024 on OSU’s Corvallis campus. The “x” in its name signifies the intersection of the arts with other academic disciplines. As a hub for performing and visual arts, PRAx is expanding its reach to Central Oregon through the new collaboration.

“We’re excited to expand PRAx’s role in advancing artistic excellence—contributing to the innovation thriving at OSU-Cascades and enriching the vibrant, diverse cultural landscape of Bend and Central Oregon,” said Peter Betjemann, executive director of PRAx and associate vice provost of arts and humanities. 

In a rare North American appearance, Yagódy will perform on Jan. 21. Founded in Lviv, Ukraine in 2016, the seven-member ensemble blends ancient Ukrainian folk melodies with theatrical performance, dramatic costumes, Balkan rhythms and haunting vocals.

On April 12, virtuoso composer and percussionist Andy Akiho — a Pulitzer Prize finalist and seven-time Grammy nominee — will present “BeLoud, BeLoved, BeLonging,” a collaboration with the Grammy-winning wind quintet Imani Winds. Based in New York, Imani Winds bridges traditional and contemporary music, from chamber works to reimagined arrangements.

“BeLonging” explores the issue of mass incarceration and earned a 2025 Grammy nomination.

Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Doors open an hour in advance.

PRAx is named for Patricia Valian Reser, an OSU alumna and volunteer leader, who has given $36 million to the OSU Foundation for the arts at Oregon State, including $25 million for PRAx.

Tickets for both concerts are $30 for the general public and $5 for students. 

Tickets for Yagódy can be purchased at beav.es/PRAx-Yagody and for “BeLoud, BeLoved, BeLonging” can be purchased at beav.es/PRAx-BeLonging

To learn more about the series, visit osucascades.edu/community-connect.  

To request accommodations, contact the Tower Theatre at info@towertheatre.org or 541-317-0700.

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