Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding Deschutes County drug prosecutor comment)

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Salem-area armed robbery suspect arrested last year at Bend’s Cascade Village Shopping Center was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison Wednesday for drug trafficking following a multi-agency investigation led by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Ryan Gossett, 39, of Turner, Oregon received a sentence of to 210 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release, federal prosecutors said.

According to court documents, on April 26, 2024, Gossett was apprehended in Bend after fleeing prosecution in Marion County for armed robbery. When arrested, Gossett was in possession of a handgun and small amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Federal prosecutors had contacted the sheriff’s office that afternoon about the fugitive wanted on a nationwide warrant likely being in the Bend area and last known to be armed. He was found with a female associate, circling the shopping center. Eventually, their vehicle was pinned in and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Two days later, investigators with the DCSO Criminal Detectives Division executed a search warrant on Gossett’s vehicle, lfinding over 900 grams of methamphetamine, 330 grams of fentanyl, and firearm magazines.

Gossett was indicted on June 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty on July 9 of this year to a single count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 grams of Methamphetamine.

Gossett has multiple prior convictions for delivery of a controlled substance, prosecutors said.

The case was investigated by the DCSO, with assistance from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Andrew R. Doyle, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

Doyle, who is also a Deschutes County deputy DA, told KTVZ News Wednesday: “I’m just a narcotics lawyer. All credit goes to the hard-working men and women in Central Oregon law enforcement who apprehended Mr. Gossett. Without them, these outcomes don’t happen.”

“I’d also like to once again thank DA (Steve) Gunnels and the Eugene US Attorney’s Office for our continued and successful strategic partnership,” Doyle added.

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KTVZ

Update: Adding video

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) announced Wednesday the official launch of the Regional Business Alliance, a collaborative initiative uniting business voices across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. 

The RBA will serve as a unified advocate for pro-business policies, infrastructure investment, and regional prosperity, ensuring that the needs of Central Oregon’s private local businesses are amplified at the state level, according to the announcement, which continues in full below.

“The Regional Business Alliance reflects the collaborative spirit of Central Oregon. By bringing chambers, economic development experts, local and state governments, and business partners together, we’re ensuring our region speaks with one strong, united voice in Salem and beyond,” said Sara Odendahl, Interim CEO of the Bend Chamber.  

Jon Stark, CEO of Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) added, “The Regional Business Alliance represents an opportunity for Central Oregon— collaboration, vision, and a commitment to prosperity that reaches every corner of our region. We are ensuring that Central Oregon’s voice is heard in a new and impactful way and that our businesses have the tools they need to thrive today and in the future.” 

The RBA is launching with strong support from founding partners St. Charles Health System, Mid Oregon Credit Union, Pacific Power and Visit Bend, reflecting a shared commitment to building a resilient and prosperous future for the region. 

 “At St. Charles, we know that the health of our community is deeply connected to the health of our economy,” said Dr. Steve Gordon, CEO of St. Charles Health System. “By supporting the Regional Business Alliance, we’re investing in a future where strong businesses, a thriving workforce, and healthy communities grow together.” 

“Central Oregon’s growth depends on collaboration,” said Kevin Cole, CEO of Mid Oregon Credit Union. “Through the Regional Business Alliance, we have the opportunity to ensure our businesses—and the families they support—have the resources and policies they need to succeed in every corner of the region.” 

Over the summer, the RBA hosted a dozen roundtables throughout the tri-county area with local business and community leaders. The roundtables have brought together over 100 participants to foster open dialogue on the region’s most pressing challenges to doing business locally. RBA is hosting additional roundtables to continue gathering input. If you’d like to participate in a roundtable, visit www.RegionalBusinessAlliance.com.  

Additionally, as part of its inaugural efforts, the RBA will host the Central Oregon Economic and Policy Summit on Friday, October 24, at Redmond City Hall.

This half-day program will convene business, elected and community leaders for collaboration, insights, and action on issues such as economic development, infrastructure and housing, and workforce policy. The event will feature presentations from Oregon Business & Industry, East Cascade Works, as well as the Central Oregon Legislative Caucus and Central Oregon Cities Organization. 

Jennifer Stephens, Program Manager of the Regional Business Alliance, added: “The Regional Business Alliance is already bringing together local business perspectives for input through roundtables and community engagement. Local leaders are sharing what’s working, and not, for their business in Central Oregon. The Regional Business Alliance is listening, distilling, and elevating the voice of central Oregon businesses by amplifying the collective message.   

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About the Regional Business Alliance Formed in 2025, the Regional Business Alliance (RBA) is a partnership of the Central Oregon Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development for Central Oregon, dedicated to advancing a collaborative legislative agenda that supports a thriving business climate. The RBA works alongside the Central Oregon Legislative Caucus and the Central Oregon Cities Organization to champion economic development, infrastructure, housing, transportation and workforce policies to benefit the entire region. 

For more information or to get involved, visit www.RegionalBusinessAlliance.com. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Ignitions complete, smoke to remain visible)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire managers with the Ochoco National Forest said more than 400 acres of prescribed burning took place Wednesday on the Paulina Ranger District.

The HEJ 9 unit encompassed about 418 acres on the northwest side of Big Summit Prairie, east of Forest Service Road 22, west of FSR 22-300, and south of FSR 22-250.

Forest officials said in a Facebook update late Wednesday that ignitions were completed and fire managers had transitioned to holding and patrol operations to secure the perimeter and ensure the burn stays within planned boundaries.

Smoke will remain visible over the next several days, they said, as interior fuels continue to burn.

Forest Service officials had said late Tuesday that if conditions remain favorable, a second day of burning may occur to finish the unit.

Earlier informatuon:

Smoke from the burn may be visible from Big Summit Prairie, Prineville, Redmond, and Madras, and travelers on Forest Service Roads 22 and 42 may experience intermittent smoke impacts. Smoke could settle into low-lying areas of Big Summit Prairie overnight. Fire managers will post signs along affected roads.

Firefighters from the Ochoco National Forest will manage this prescribed fire.  Smoke may be visible for several days to weeks as logs and stumps continue to burn out, and Forest Service resources will patrol the area daily until the fire is declared out. 

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 Ochoco National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County on Wednesday invited community members to apply for an open position on the Budget Committee.

Applications will be accepted through Oct. 27, the county said in a news release that continues below:.

“We encourage anyone who is interested in county public services and budget processes to apply for this vacancy on the County’s Budget Committee,” said County Administrator Nick Lelack. “This is a great opportunity to learn about and contribute to County operations and finances.”

The Budget Committee consists of the three-member Board of County Commissioners and three citizen members. They review proposed budgets, approve property tax rates, and make recommendations on how Deschutes County should use its resources to effectively serve the community. Members also serve on the Elected Official Compensation Committee, which reviews the salaries and benefits of county elected officials.

To apply, eligible candidates must be:

A Deschutes County resident and registered voter

Able to attend meetings during business hours

Willing to review budget documents on your own time to prepare for meetings

Able to serve a three-year term, beginning on Jan. 1, 2026

The Budget Committee typically meets four to five times a year, between December and June, including up to three full days of meetings in mid-May. Additional meetings may be called if necessary.

For more details and to apply for the position, please visit www.deshcutes.org/jobs.

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new state law, House Bill 2563, requires both home and auto insurance companies to clearly explain to policyholders why their premiums are increasing.

The change highlights increasing concern from both regulators and consumers over rising premiums and the unclear reasons behind those price hikes.

Insurers must list up to four main reasons behind any rate hike, using straightforward language instead of technical insurance jargon.

Oregon Consumer Justice supports the new law, which aims to bring more fairness and transparency to insurance pricing.

“We believe that pricing transparency is essential to consumers,” State Policy Director Angela Donley said. “If they’re required to purchase a product, they have a right to know what they’re paying for and that they’re paying a reasonable price.”

James Fleming, a sales executive with Marsh McLennan Agency, said the law won’t change how agents do their jobs, but it will affect how carriers communicate rate changes.

“As far as an agent goes, we don’t physically have to write out the reasoning. That’s all done on the carrier side,” Fleming explained.

He added that customers often express frustration over unexplained premium hikes and sees this new transparency requirement as a positive step.

“This is good, because it’s individualized. It’s specified for each client that inquires,” Fleming said.

The new disclosure rule applies only to policy renewals, not to new insurance applications. Insurance providers will be required to respond within 20 days of the customer’s request.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

TYGH VALLEY, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Maupin man was killed in a crash on U.S. Highway 197 in Wasco County, Oregon State Police said.

Troopers responded around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday to the single-vehicle crash near milepost 37 on the highway.

OSP said a preliminary investigation found Howard Mcloud Mansfield, 60, of Maupin, was heading north at the wheel of a gray Isuzu Rodeo when it left its travel lane for reasons troopers were unable to determine.

The SUV crossed into the southbound lane, struck the hillside and overturned. Mansfield was thrown from the Isuzu and died at the scene, troopers said.

The highway was impacted for about a half-hour during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Southern Wasco County Ambulance, Juniper Flat Rural Fire Protection District, Tygh Valley Rural Fire Protection District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A massive Halloween display in southwest Redmond is missing some key features due to late-night thieves, and the owner is looking for answers, but just wants them returned.

Late Monday night, someone took some of the larger inflatables out of the yard on SW 27th Street. The swiped decorations include a massive dragon that moved and lit up, a large looming ghost, an inflatable tree and a mini-Grim Reaper.

David Fisher, who helped create the display, estimates about the four decorations were worth slightly more than $700.

When Fisher and his family posted about the theft online, someone responded with a video of what appears to be four people running through a yard, carrying deflated decorations.

While Fisher is upset about the theft, he’s just hoping to get the decorations back.

“If they mysteriously reappeared, bygones can be bygones,” he said in an interview Tuesday with KTVZ News in front of the still-impressive Halloween display. “And we can move forward and allow the community to enjoy the display. That one reason we did this, we put this out is for the community and our neighbors.”

Because the display is on a major road in Redmond, it gets a lot of attention. Fisher says people make it a point to stop by daily and admire it.

A report has been filed with the Redmond Police about the crime.

Online, other people reported having their decorations stolen in a nearby neighborhood.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Street Dog Hero says it has been recognized as the top nonprofit organization in Oregon and awarded a $5,000 grant through Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation’s Mutt’s Across America program.

“This generous grant will enable the organization to continue its vital work rescuing dogs and providing critical spay and neuter services to low-income communities across the state,” SDH said in a news release Tuesday, which continues below:

In partnership with Tractor Supply Company, MuttNation Foundation’s Mutt’s Across America program has committed a total of $250,000 in grants nationwide, supporting one shelter or foster-based rescue in each state. The program aims to combat pet overpopulation, improve animal health, and increase access to veterinary care in underserved areas. 

Thanks to this grant, Street Dog Hero will fully cover the costs of an upcoming spay/neuter clinic in Christmas Valley, scheduled for Saturday, October 11. Rural communities like Christmas Valley often face significant barriers to veterinary services, with the nearest veterinarian located over two hours away. This clinic aims to address these disparities directly. 

The spay/neuter clinic in Christmas Valley this weekend will focus on spaying and neutering 100 animals, helping to curb overpopulation and improve the health and well-being of local pets. By bringing essential veterinary services directly to the community, Street Dog Hero hopes to foster healthier, happier animals and stronger bonds between pets and their families. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation for their support,” said Marianne Cox, Founder of Street Dog Hero. “This grant will make a real difference in Christmas Valley, providing much-needed veterinary care and helping us continue our mission to rescue and serve dogs in Oregon’s rural communities.” 

For more information about Street Dog Hero or to support their ongoing efforts, visit streetdoghero.org. 

About Street Dog Hero 

For over 8 years, Street Dog Hero has been fulfilling its mission of helping end animal overpopulation by spaying and neutering owned and street dogs and cats around the world. To date, the organization has provided more than 11,495 free or reduced-rate spay/neuter and other wellness services to animals in Mexico, Jamaica, as well as locally. They have also rescued over 3,936 dogs from more than a dozen countries like Mexico, South Korea, China, India, Bahamas, Afghanistan, Armenia and right here in the United States and have found them forever homes. Street Dog Hero is making lasting positive changes in the lives of animals and their humans, working towards a world where all dogs are healthy, safe, cared for, and wanted. Through this work, SDH makes a lasting impact on owned and street dogs and cats and the families that surround them. To learn more about SDH, foster, adopt, volunteer, and donate, go to www.streetdoghero.org.  

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Warm Springs man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 11 years in federal prison for using online social media and messaging platforms to coerce and sexually exploit a 15-year-old minor victim.

Leonard Polk, 25, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release, federal prosecutors said in a news release late Tuesday, which continues in full below:

According to court documents, in December 2024, Polk met the minor victim through Snapchat, an online messaging application. Using Snapchat and Facebook Messenger, Polk persuaded the minor victim to send sexually explicit images. Polk then picked up the minor victim and brought her to his house on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where he sexually abused her on multiple occasions.

Polk was arrested in Washington on January 21, 2025, and the minor victim was rescued, after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information that Polk had brought the minor victim from Oregon to Washington.

“Protecting children remains our highest priority. This case serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers that exist on social media and the predators who use these platforms to exploit our youth,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Let there be no doubt: if you target children in our community, we will use every resource at our disposal to protect them and ensure you are held fully accountable.”

On February 11, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Polk with sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abuse – incapable victim. On July 14, Polk pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

The case was investigated by the FBI Portland’s Bend Resident Agency and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed.

To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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