Gun threat leads to arrest in Bend, cocaine and firearms seized

Kelsey Merison

(Adding suspect’s name and formal charges filed after arraignment)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police arrested 32-year-old Bend resident Zachary Lee Coelho on March 6th after he allegedly threatened a security guard outside of a local bar with a gun. The arrest follows an investigation into a confrontation that occurred on March 1st at Cascade West on SW Century Drive.

Coelho was formally charged and arraigned on March 9th and faces the following formal charges:

Delivery of Cocaine

Unlawful Use of a Weapon

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Unlawful Possession of Cocaine

Menaicng

Harrasment

The incident began around 12:09 a.m. when a security guard denied the man entry to the establishment. According to police, the suspect became upset and engaged in a physical altercation with the guard before threatening to shoot him, cocking a firearm, and pointing it into the air before fleeing the scene.

Officers identified the man as the suspect during their investigation and located him five days after the initial report. At approximately 7:55 p.m. on March 6th, police conducted a traffic stop on the suspect’s silver Subaru WRX near NE 15th Street and U.S. Highway 20, where he was taken into custody.

Following the arrest, investigators obtained search warrants for the suspect’s vehicle and his home in the 1700 block of SE Tempest Drive. Inside the residence, officers reported finding two firearms and ammunition.

Police also seized a significant amount of cocaine and smaller bags of the drug. Investigators located materials commonly used for measuring and packaging controlled substances during the search. These findings led to additional charges related to the manufacture and delivery of cocaine

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Seeds of Abundance: Limits, Loss & Regeneration; a new, interactive exhibit calls for your contribution

Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Scalehouse Gallery in Bend is currently hosting “Seeds of Abundance: Limits, Loss & Regeneration,” a solo exhibition by artist Michele Guieu. The exhibition, which is sponsored by the City of Bend, opened March 6th and will run through April 24th.

The show invites visitors to reflect on ecological limits, loss and the potential for regeneration. Guieu uses immersive installation work to examine the intersection of the natural world and modern societal crises. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

The installation features a variety of immersive works created from natural and reclaimed materials. Guieu designed the space to encourage visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature and one another.

The artist focuses on the systems that shape modern lives while acknowledging the beauty of the natural world. The work specifically addresses current global crises. These include biodiversity loss, ecological overshoot and the increasing complexity of thermo-industrial society.

The exhibition suggests that these challenges require resilient and thoughtful responses rather than immediate solutions. Guieu drew inspiration for the exhibition in part from “The Great Simplification,” a podcast by Nate Hagens.

These acts are intended to nurture responsibility while acknowledging ecological limits. The gallery has scheduled multiple events to accompany the show. An Artist Talk is set for March 19th at 5:30 p.m. A Small Mobile Workshop will follow on April 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The opening reception for the exhibition was held Friday, March 6th.

The exhibition will remain on view at the Scalehouse Gallery through April 24th. Gallery officials stated that further programming will be announced at a later date.

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Police warn of impersonation scam in Sunriver

Tracee Tuesday

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sunriver Police Department is warning residents about a scam involving a man impersonating the chief of police and attempting to collect personal or sensitive information.

According to police, several community members have reported receiving calls, messages, or emails from someone claiming to be the Sunriver Police Chief. In each case, the impersonator asked for details such as Social Security numbers, banking information, or passwords.

Officials emphasize this is a scam. The department said it will never contact residents to request personal or financial information.

Anyone who receives suspicious communication claiming to be from law enforcement is urged not to respond, hang up immediately, and report the incident to their local police department.

Authorities add that scammers often try to pressure victims by creating a sense of urgency or authority. Residents are encouraged to verify the source before sharing information and to warn others about the scam to help protect the community.

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Anchors Aweigh: Central Oregon honors submariners with SS Redside commissioning

Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon submarine veterans commissioned the SS Redside at Riverbend Park on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new memorial dedicated to post-World War II service members. The model represents the Sturgeon-class submarines, a vessel type known as the workhorse of the Cold War.

The commissioning is part of a multi-year effort by the Central Oregon United States Submarine Veterans to create a lasting memorial for Oregon submariners. For many veterans in attendance, the Sturgeon-class, or 637-class, was the first type of submarine they served on during their military careers.

Approximately 60 people attended the ceremony, including 30 veterans and members of the public who stopped at the park to participate. The gathering allowed former service members to share stories and connect with other submariners who were not previously aware of the local organization.

Rick Neault serves as the base commander of the Central Oregon United States Submarine Veterans. He expressed satisfaction with the completion of the model after several years of effort by the group.

“It was, you know, really it’s kind of rewarding,” Neault said. “It just feels good to be able to create something and, just have it turn out better than we had expected.”

Retired Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Keane of the U.S. Navy helped build the model and has a personal history with the original vessel. He first boarded the submarine more than 50 years ago.

“I was part of the team and I was actually was actually my first submarine was the U.S.S Sturgeon and I would have board her in January 1969,” Keane said.

Anne Graham, a retired submariner and builder of the SS Redside, said the project is necessary to recognize the loss of life within the submarine community.

“We honor that submarine veterans who’ve died in the service,” Graham said. “There’s a lot of them. And we think it’s time to have a memorial to that service.”

Michael Lewis is a retired U.S. Submarine Force captain and Mountain View High School graduate who attended the park ceremony. Lewis, a 30-year submariner, noted the significance of the model for all generations of the force.

“Well, it’s very special because this represents all the submarine force, past and present,” Lewis said. “And it’s an honor of the shipmates that have gone before those that perished in their service of duty and all that.”

The event included a formal christening by Ileene Davis, who sponsored the vessel. Davis is the Bremerton base commander of the U.S. Submarine Veterans.

“I mean, not every day someone gets to do that,” Davis said. “So I mean it. It’s the great women, you know, the first ladies that got a chance to do those.”

The Central Oregon Submarine Veterans intend to use the SS Redside model as the first step in their broader plan to establish a permanent memorial. The project will continue to focus on honoring Oregon submarine veterans who served from the end of World War II to the present day.

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Winter Pridefest brings LGBTQ+ celebration to Mt. Bachelor

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Mt. Bachelor and OUT Central Oregon are hosting the eighth annual Winter Pridefest this weekend. The multi-event celebration honors the diversity and inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

The festival features a series of events both in town and at the mountain resort. These include social gatherings and various on-hill activations designed to promote community engagement.

On-mountain highlights for the weekend include group Pride Rides and festive decorations throughout the resort. Visitors can also access specific food and beverage specials during the festivities.

An après party is planned for the West Village Lodge Deck, depending on mountain conditions. Organizers have designated the Rock Bar as an alternative indoor location if a move is necessary.

Weather conditions are expected to remain clear for the outdoor activities. Forecasts for the weekend call for sunshine and high temperatures in the mid-40s.

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Bend’s Campfire Hotel celebrates Winter PrideFest with weekend events

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Campfire Hotel is hosting a series of events this weekend in coordination with OUT Central Oregon’s annual Winter PrideFest. The festivities, held at the hotel and the adjacent Dogwood at the Pine Shed, include the Diva Drag Brunch, winter pool parties and nightly dance sets.

Located in the Bend Central District, Campfire Hotel has been recognized for its efforts in fostering an inclusive environment since opening in October 2020. The property became one of the first Travel Proud certified hotels in Oregon through Booking.com in 2021 and received Travel Oregon’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Award in 2023.

Keagan Parks serves as the general manager of Campfire Hotel. Parks noted the importance of providing a space where visitors can be themselves during the festivities.
“Campfire Hotel is honored to serve as a safe, welcoming and inclusive basecamp for Winter PrideFest celebrations year after year,” Parks said. “We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel comfortable being their authentic selves. Whether they’re staying with us, attending an event, or simply stopping in to relax by the pool, creating a place where all are invited to gather, celebrate and connect is at the core of who we are.”

The Winter Pride Diva Drag Brunch takes place Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. Produced by Justin Buckles Productions, the event features drag, burlesque and live singing performances. Doors open at 11 a.m. with the show running from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 for those age 21 and older, though the price does not include food or alcohol.

Following the brunch, the hotel will host Winter Pride Pool Parties from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Local performers DJ Aloso and Fruity Pebblez will provide music at the outdoor heated pool and hot tub. The parties are free for hotel guests, while non-guests may purchase a pool pass for $20.

Celebrations also extend to the adjacent Dogwood at the Pine Shed. The venue hosted the OUT Central Oregon Welcome Mixer to start the weekend. Winter Pride Dance Parties are scheduled there on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7 from 9 p.m. until midnight.

Throughout the weekend, the on-site Canteen Bar serves as a gathering spot between scheduled events. The bar offers a variety of beer, wine and non-alcoholic options, as well as signature cocktails like the Rye An’ Gosling.

The weekend of events concludes on Sunday, March 8. The Dogwood at the Pine Shed will host Okay Karaoke from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for attendees to sing iconic favorites.

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There’s Good News: Second Saturday Paws and Pints to become monthly event

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new monthly event called “Second Saturdays” will launch at the Old Mill next week, offering a dog-themed take on the downtown Bend’s “First Fridays” gatherings. The inaugural event is scheduled for March 14 from noon to 3 p.m.

The event features an obstacle course specifically designed for dogs alongside various pet-themed vendors. Attendees can also visit The Hungry Hound, a Central Oregon food cart that provides food options specifically for dogs.

Street Dog Hero will be there with adopotable dogs, and vets will give free, basic checkups.

In addition to the pet-focused activities, the gathering includes live music and food carts for people. Beer will also be available for purchase during the three-hour event.

Bryan Du Toit, owner of The Hungry Hound, said the event was created to match the lifestyle of local residents. “Bend is such an outdoor place and everybody here has dogs,” Toit said. “So we just thought we wanted to create a monthly event where people could bring their dogs, plan for it.”

Organizers intend for the meetup to be a permanent fixture on the local calendar. “No, it’s going to happen every month and just come on down and have a great day,” Toit said.

The meetup will be held in the grassy space by the river next to Gregs Grill, which is one of the main sponsors of the series. The event is designed as a monthly pet-themed gathering featuring activities for both animals and their owners.

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Pet Pals: Big Bella is looking for a home

Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bella, a 2-year-old Newfoundland, is available for adoption at the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Bella is a gentle giant looking for a home familiar with the needs of her breed.

Bella arrived at the shelter from a property that housed many other dogs and is now seeking a permanent environment where she can be the primary focus.

Bella is described as a low-activity dog that enjoys lounging outdoors. She would be a fit for a home with a porch or deck where she can sit and enjoy the great outdoors. Shelter staff noted that she is expected to be easy to walk on a leash and primarily seeks a companion to stay by her side.

Bella needs a little grooming, so her true personality and appearance can shine in a new environment.

The Humane Society is open for adoptions and visits Tuesday through Saturday. The facility operates from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for families interested in meeting Bella or other available animals.

The Pup Crawl fundraiser will continue every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of March. Each event is scheduled to take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at various local establishments.

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Deschutes County seeks new Planning Commission member from Redmond/Terrebonne area

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County is inviting residents in the Redmond/Terrebonne community to apply for a position on the county’s Planning Commission.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 3, at 4 p.m.

The Planning Commission reviews land use policies and zoning regulations, making recommendations to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Members form the official citizen involvement committee on land use planning for unincorporated areas of the county, providing a platform for community input.

Position Details

Vacancy: One at-large member from the Redmond/Terrebonne area

Term: July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030

The Commission meets at the Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, every second and fourth Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Additional meetings may occur elsewhere in the County.

Interested residents should submit an application with a letter of interest and resume, describing their interest in rural land use planning and ability to serve collaboratively on a committee. 

Find the application here: 

Deschutes County Planning Commission Application 

Learn more about the Planning Commission here:

Deschutes County Planning Commission Information

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Rep. Breese-Iverson’s bill to boost farm stands, improve ‘farm store’ permits passes in session’s final hours

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Senate passed a Central Oregon lawmaker’s bill during Friday’s final hours of the legislative session to preserve Oregon’s farm stands and create new opportunities for farmers through the enhanced Farm Store permit.

House Bill 4153-A passed the Senate by a 21-8 vote, after previously passing the House 40–14.

Representative Vikki Breese‑Iverson (R‑Prineville), the bill’s chief sponsor, released the following statement in a news release that continues below:

“I brought forward HB 4153-A to support Oregon’s family farms as they face economic and regulatory challenges. These farms are the heart of our communities and showcase the best of Oregon agriculture. This bill preserves the future of farming by modernizing outdated rules, clarifying the law, and giving counties tools to fairly administer permits. I am grateful to the Governor, counties, and all our cosponsors for their partnership.”

Additional chief sponsors and supporters also released statements:

“As the saying goes, we saved the best for last. HB 4153-A allowing farm stores is without a doubt the best bill of the session. I am proud be a chief sponsor and to have carried it on the Senator floor.” – Sen. Fred Girod (R-Silverton)

“HB 4153-A helps support Oregon’s farmers by creating a clearer pathway for farm stores and agritourism activities that allow families to buy directly from the people who grow their food. By setting reasonable guardrails—like limits on store size and requirements that land remain in active agricultural production—we can strengthen local farm economies while protecting Oregon’s farmland. This bill is about helping working farms diversify their income while keeping agriculture at the heart of our rural communities.”  – Rep. Sue Rieke Smith (D-King City)

“I am proud to support this bill because it protects the small-scale agriculture that defines my coastal district. Even the very smallest farms now have a clear path to a farm stand or farm store permit, ensuring they can continue connecting with our community while staying in business.” – Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford)

“We applaud the passage of HB 4153-A, the Farm Store bill, earlier this week in the House and today in the Senate. The overwhelming and bipartisan support for the legislation is the culmination of years of collaborative work, among stakeholders, that balances economic opportunity and farmland protections. Importantly, it introduces farm stores as a critical, commonsense tool for our state’s producers that encourages profitability at a time when our farmers need it the most. The Oregon Farm Bureau thanks Representative Breese-Iverson for her steadfast leadership and is grateful to the many legislative supporters of Oregon agriculture.”- Angela Bailey, President of Oregon Farm Bureau

Current farm stand permits come with major limitations, including significant limits on indoor gathering spaces, restrictions on simple family‑friendly structures like play areas, strict income caps, and significant prohibitions on educational events.

HB 4153‑A creates a new Farm Store permit. It allows an active farm to sell farm products, offer local goods from other producers, and host limited agritourism events such as pumpkin patches, corn mazes, flower festivals, and farm tours.

The bill gives counties modern, clear, and enforceable rules to regulate access, egress, parking, hours of operation, noise, sanitation, and public health and safety. The bill prohibits using a farm store as a residence, hotel, café, or drive thru.

HB 4153‑A was developed though a robust process including a wide coalition of stakeholders including the Governor’s Office, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Oregon Property Owners Association, Oregon Farm Bureau, Association of Oregon Counties, and farm operators large and small across the state.

HB 4153‑A will be signed by the Governor at a date to be determined.

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