Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

UPDATE: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man facing two counts of murder and conspiracy in the 2020 murder-for-hire deaths of a couple at their northeast Bend home has pleaded guilty to reduced charges of manslaughter and is expected to receive a 20-year prison sentence.  

Last week’s plea deal comes less than a month after Nathan Shane Detroit’s uncle, Kenneth Wayne Atkinson, also pleaded guilty to the same crimes and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. 

Atkinson, now 61, and his nephew Detroit, now 35, were arrested in October of 2021 on murder and conspiracy charges in the August 2020 killing of Atkinson’s younger brother, Ray Atkinson Jr., 34, and his fiancé, Natasha “Tasha” Newby, 29. 

The couple’s bodies were found in the basement of their Northeast 12th Street home by a concerned friend and relative checking on their welfare. Authorities said they died of blunt force trauma. 

Atkinson pleaded guilty March 20 to four of the six felony charges – two counts each of first-degree manslaughter and conspiracy to commit murder – and his nephew has now done the same. 

Detroit was scheduled for an eight-week jury trial that was to begin June 15. Instead, he will be sentenced on April 29.

Kenneth Atkinson, Nathan Shane Detroit II (Photos: Deschutes County Jail)

Under a manslaughter charge, defendants admit acting “unlawfully and recklessly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.” 

In a note sent to the victims’ families, DA’s office Victims’ Advocate Keaton Boileau noted that Detroit will be able to earn “good time,” which potentially could reduce his sentence by two years. 

Regarding the plea deal, he wrote, “This is not something our office took lightly,” but said pretrial issues, potential rulings, defense attorneys’ strategy and possible appeals were factors in the decision.  

“This resolution provides finality, and it doesn’t come back in a couple years to get retried,” Boileau wrote. 

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Barney Lerten

UPDATE: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Members of 100+ Women Who Care of Central Oregon have collectively donated $19,500 as of April 15 to M Perfectly, a Central Oregon nonprofit dedicated to ensuring the long-term success of women in recovery.

M Perfectly’s mission is simple yet powerful: to equip women in recovery with the education, opportunities, and resources they need for long-term success.

M Perfectly believes that when women are empowered to overcome their past and build a new future, they create a ripple effect of positive change that strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole. For more information, contacthello@mperfectly.org or phone: 843-870-3844.

“This extremely generous investment from ladies from 100+ Women Who Care, will directly support the organization’s Wheels of Hope program, which hopes to provide three to four reliable vehicles each year to women working toward stability and independence,” said Ashley Smith, executive director for M Perfectly.

“Through valued partnerships with COCC and Bar Towing, the vehicles become more than transportation; they will represent opportunity, dignity, and a pathway forward for women rebuilding their lives.”

With more than 180 members, 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon meet quarterly to support local nonprofits that change lives in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.

At each meeting, members nominate organizations, then listen to three short presentations, and vote for the recipient to receive funds. Each member donates $100 directly to the chosen nonprofit, and together those individual gifts add up to major community impact.

Women also have a time to network with one another, plus learn more about how to support their community through collaboration and volunteerism.

“Being involved with 100+ Women Who Care fills my heart. Each quarter, we make a collective donation that truly impact lives through the power of giving,” said Christi Haynes, leader of 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon. “We make a difference.”  

Since its founding in 2014, 100+ WWCCO has raised more than $880,050 for more than 50 nonprofits in Central Oregon. The next meeting will be Monday, June 1, at the Council on Aging, 1036 NE 5th Street, Bend with networking starting at 5:15. Space is limited. RSVPs are appreciated.

For information about membership, or nonprofit nomination and eligibility criteria, visit www.100wwcco.com.  Follow us on Facebook for updates and photos.   

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) The Cascade Cycling Classic Downtown Criterium, presented by Hayden Homes and Simplicity, is scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026, in Bend, Ore. This one-day road cycling event will feature races from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the start and finish line located on NW Wall St. near the Tower Theatre.

Organized by the Horner Cycling Foundation, the event benefits the foundation and seeks volunteers for various positions, including course marshalling, setting up and tearing down the course. The criterium draws road cyclists from across the country to test their technical skills and endurance.

Racers will complete as many laps as possible within a time limit determined by their category. The course will take cyclists north on NW Wall St., then right onto NW Oregon, followed by a right onto NW Bond St. Racers will then make a lefthand turn onto NW Minnesota, a righthand turn onto NW Lava to NW Franklin and a right turn on NW Franklin back to NW Wall St.

The day’s events include the Kiddie Crit for children ages zero to eight at 3:55 p.m. Following this, the Bend Classic Mile run, hosted by the FootZone, will begin at 4:15 p.m. Spectators can also cheer on Bend’s own Horner Cycling Foundation Junior Team as they race from 3:25 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Hayden Homes, Simplicity, Worthy Brewing, CMG Home Loans, Horner Law, LLP, Horner Cycling Foundation, Argonaut Cycles, Red Bird Physio, High Desert Sports and Spine, Hydro Flask, the Source Weekly, Sagebrush Cycles, Modus Sports and OBRA.

Individuals interested in volunteering or learning more about the event can visit www.cascadecyclingclassic.com. Further inquiries can also be directed to molly@hornerlawllp.com.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon (BBBSCO) has launched “The Big Draft” recruitment campaign this week. It’s a partnership with the NFL Inspire Change Initiative. Together, they aim to find mentors for 85 youth in Central Oregon currently on a waitlist.

“The Big Draft” is a national recruitment effort designed to address the critical need for mentors across the country. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is mobilizing the community to create one-to-one mentoring. This week, they want to tap into the excitement of football season to encourage local residents to become volunteer mentors, known as “Bigs.” Jenn Davis, program director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, says the program allows mentors to connect with youth interests, especially in sports.

“We have boys come to our program every day who want to hang out with an adult mentor who wants to play sports or football around, go hiking and be outside,” Davis said. “So it’s just a really great, connection to the NFL draft.”

As part of the campaign, BBBSCO is hosting a weeklong presence at Greg’s Grill in the Old Mill District. Community members can visit the location from April 16 to April 22 to pick up information about becoming a Big and how mentorship impacts lives.

On April 23, BBBSCO staff and volunteers will be onsite to directly connect with the community, answer questions and assist interested individuals in taking the first step toward becoming a mentor.

Greg’s Grill will also host a Give Back Day on April 23, donating a percentage of its sales to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon. This support will help fund local mentoring programs and ensure more children in the region receive a mentor. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is a program of J Bar J Youth Services.

Community members interested in getting involved can visit the BBBSCO table at Greg’s Grill through April 23. Individuals can meet the team and learn about becoming a Big on April 23. Dining at Greg’s Grill on April 23 will also support BBBSCO through the give-back event.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Madras man facing trial on murder, kidnap and other charges in the 2022 fatal shooting of another Madras man has pleaded guilty to a lesser manslaughter charge and now faces a 25-year prison sentence, due to be imposed at a hearing this week. 

Victor Manuel Romero Jr., now 29, was serving time in a California prison on drug crimes when he was returned to Central Oregon in November of 2024 to face charges in the September 2022 killing of Thomas Patrick Nielson, 61. 

Romero is due for sentencing Tuesday, nearly a month after he signed a plea petition and pleaded guilty to four of the nine charges he faced: first-degree manslaughter – a lesser included charge to a murder charge – as well as first-degree kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.  

Romero was scheduled to go on trial April 6, along with a second person charged in the case, Audrey Hahn, now 34, of Bend. Both were indicted on nine felony charges: three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, first and second-degree kidnapping, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.

Crook County Circuit Judge Wade Whiting oversaw a settlement conference, and according to the plea petition, he agreed to sentence Romero to 10 years on the manslaughter charge, 90 months (7.5 years) on the kidnapping charge, five years for unlawful use of a weapon – half of that concurrently, the other half consecutively to the other sentences – and five years for felon in possession of a firearm, also consecutive to the other counts.

Court records show Hahn pleaded not guilty in September 2023, and also was set to go on trial April 6 of this year, but that trial date was canceled, and a settlement conference is pending. 

Nielson was listed as missing and endangered in September of 2022, shortly after his mobile home on the Culver Highway in Madras was destroyed by a fire. Prosecutors said investigators found that Hahn and Romero Jr. Drove to Nielson’s hone on Sept. 8, 2022, then assaulted and abducted him. 

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon fire districts are moving up the end of outdoor debris burning to April 30, citing dry conditions, gusty winds and faster-drying fuels that are raising wildfire concerns across the region.

Bend Fire & Rescue says debris burning in the rural areas surrounding Bend will be allowed only through April 30. Bend city limits already prohibit debris burning year-round.

“This year, being as dry as it is, as windy as it has been, even with the recent rain, it’s definitely drier than normal,” Bend Fire’s Dan Derlacki said. “So we’re going to shut down a month early on April 30th. We still got a few days left for people to burn. But because of that dry weather, the volatility of the fuels right now, we’ve already had multiple escape burns that have threatened homes.”

Derlacki said residents who still burn before the deadline should check local rules daily, keep water and tools ready, and make sure piles are clear of buildings and vegetation. He said Bend Fire shuts down burning for the day when winds are forecast above 20 mph.

Several other districts are following the same April 30 closure, including Alfalfa Fire District, Bend/Deschutes Rural Fire District No. 2, Black Butte Ranch, La Pine, Redmond Fire & Rescue, Sisters-Camp Sherman, Cloverdale and Crooked River Ranch. Jefferson County Fire & EMS remains open for now and says it typically closes June 1, but may shut down sooner depending on conditions. Lake Chinook Fire and Rescue will follow ODF’s closure dates.

Crook County Fire & Rescue is taking a different approach for now.

“We have received a lot of questions about when outdoor burning will close for fire season in Crook County,” Fire Chief Matt Smith said. “We are aware of other counties and agencies in Central Oregon closing on April 30th. At this time, Crook County Fire & Rescue is NOT planning on closing burning on April 30th. We are actively monitoring the weather and the impact the mild winter has had on fuels in our area.”

Smith said burn barrels and debris piles are allowed from 9 a.m. until sunset under Crook County burn regulations, and residents should check the burn line or the district website before lighting up.

The early closures come after a dry winter and an unusually windy spring that officials say have left fuels more volatile than normal. Fire officials say conditions can vary sharply across Central Oregon, making it important for residents to check with their local agency before burning.

For residents still burning, fire officials say the message is simple: follow local rules, keep water and tools nearby, and make sure every burn is completely out before leaving it unattended.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Trinity Lutheran Church & School celebrated and held its first worship service Sunday in its long-awaited, newly completed worship and performing arts venue, The Trinity Center.

The opening of the new facility marks a milestone, as the church now has achieved permanent occupancy for its campus on NE Butler Market Road at 27th Street.

The church says the accomplishment represents the culmination of more than two decades of anticipation and investment in its future home.

The church relinquished its previous worship space on NE Greenwood Avenue 20 years ago, with the goal of relocating and investing in a new campus. With the completion of The Trinity Center, this long-held vision is now fully realized.

The Trinity Center is a state-of-the-art venue designed to accommodate more than 450 seats. It will serve as both a worship space for the church and a performing arts center for the broader Bend community.

The facility also features one of the largest permanently installed indoor LED display walls in Bend, creating a dynamic environment for various events.

The versatile space is intended for services, concerts, theatrical productions and other community events.

Prior to this achievement, Trinity Lutheran Church & School had been granted temporary occupancy for the commons and classroom portions of the building. The completion of The Trinity Center was the final step required to secure full, permanent occupancy of the entire campus.

“This facility is designed to serve its congregation, school and the greater Bend community for generations to come,” the church said in its announcement.

A dedication event and community open house are planned for the weekend of May 16, where the public is invited to experience the new facility firsthand.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Monday, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced an agreement in principle with grocery chain Albertsons, requiring the company to pay up to $773 million to address its role in the opioid epidemic. Oregon, which helped lead the multistate negotiations, will receive up to $38.2 million over nine years.

These funds are designated to support addiction treatment and recovery programs across the state.

Albertsons operates in Oregon under its own name and as Safeway–the settlement specifically covers the company’s conduct as a pharmacy chain. The agreement addresses Albertsons’ dispensing of opioids during the height of the crisis.

Rayfield emphasized the intended use of the settlement funds. “Every dollar from this settlement is going toward helping Oregonians recover – treatment, services, and support for the families and communities hit hardest by this crisis,” said Attorney General Rayfield. “Oregon pharmacies have a legal and moral obligation to be part of the solution, not the problem.”

Nationally, $655 million of the total settlement amount will be placed into an abatement fund. This fund is intended for states and local governments to direct toward opioid recovery efforts.

While the parties have reached an agreement on the total dollar amount, negotiations are ongoing regarding injunctive relief. These negotiations concern conduct changes that will govern how Albertsons operates its pharmacies going forward.

The settlement is not yet final. Both parties are continuing to negotiate the remaining terms.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Tuesday burn to be rescheduled)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters are cancelling today’s Flank 1 Prescribed Burn due to unfavorable conditions.

According to Central Oregon Fire Info, “The Flank 1 Prescribed Burn is located 15 miles southeast of Bend on the west side of Forest Service Road (FSR) 18 just north of FSR 18 and FSR 25 junction and Camp II OHV Staging Area. Firefighters completed 200 acres of ignitions yesterday.

Trail closures are in place for the Opine OHV Trails System for Trail #020, #022, and #025. Closures will remain in place for multiple days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Firefighters will reopen trails once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.

Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires. 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.”

ORIGINAL REPORT:

If conditions remain favorable, the Deschutes National Forest plans to continue on Tuesday a 501-acre prescribed burning operation that it began Monday on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District southeast of Bend.

Firefighters plan to continue prescribed burning operations on the Flank 1 Prescribed Burn 15 miles southeast of Bend on the west side of Forest Service Road 18 just north of the FSR 18 and FSR 25 junction and the Camp II OHV Staging Area.

Firefighters completed 200 acres of ignitions Monday and will finish the remaining 301 acres Tuesday, if conditions are favorable, forest officials said, noting that it’s is the final prescribed burning unit within the Flank Burn Plan area.

Ignitions are planned around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and will be visible from Highway 20 and portions of Bend.

Trail closures are in place for the Opine OHV Trails System for Trail #020, #022, and #025. Closures will remain in place for multiple days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Firefighters will reopen trails once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.

These operations are designed to manage forest health and protect nearby homes from potential wildfires.

These closures will remain in place for multiple days. They will be lifted once mop-up and patrol operations are complete and firefighters have assessed the trails as safe for public use.

Prescribed burns serve an important role in protecting homes from tragic wildfires, officials say. Fire management officials collaborate with smoke specialists from the Oregon Department of Forestry to plan these operations effectively.

During and after the burn, smoke may settle in low-lying areas during overnight and early morning hours. Residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to mitigate smoke impacts.

Utilizing a portable air cleaner is recommended if available, ensuring it runs with doors and windows closed. A do-it-yourself air cleaner can also be created. For homes with central air systems, residents should use them to filter air, ideally with high-efficiency filters.

Drivers in smoky areas are advised to slow down, turn on their headlights, and set their vehicle’s air system to recirculating mode. Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions should monitor their symptoms and contact a health care professional if their condition worsens.

For more information on smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon, residents can visit centraloregonfire.org. Additional smoke preparedness resources are available at centraloregonfire.org/protect-your-health.

The Forest Service says firefighters will reopen the affected trails in the Opine OHV Trails System once conditions have been thoroughly assessed and deemed safe for the public.

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