Author: KTVZ

Jillian Fortner

(Jillian Fortner has a Problem Solvers report at 6)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Residents in a Northeast Bend neighborhood are raising concerns about frequent speeding on their street.

Linn Harrison, who lives between Empire Avenue and Yeoman Road, says drivers often speed through at 45 to 60 miles per hour, well above what’s safe for a residential area.

Jillian Fortner is talking with neighbors, city officials and police about the issue. Watch her Problem Solvers report tonight at 6 on KTVZ News.

“We can’t have people going 50, 60, 70 miles an hour in a residential zone,” said resident Linn Harrison.

He and other neighbors say the issue is especially concerning given the location: right next to Ponderosa Elementary School and Pine Nursery Park.

“When you have an elementary school and a park right next door, it’s just a disaster waiting to happen,” said resident Chad Nathanson.

Some residents believe the lack of speed limit signs, particularly in the northbound direction, adds to the problem. Assistant City Engineer Janet Ruby says a northbound sign may be missing near the school zone due to spacing limitations.

“It’s a challenge just spatially,” Ruby said. “We don’t want to put a 35 mile an hour sign and then ten feet later have the 20 mile an hour sign.”

The city conducted a speed study in the area in 2023. The results showed most drivers were going under 35 miles per hour, with an average speed of 29. Still, Ruby acknowledged that it only takes a few outliers to create a lasting impression.

Harrison says he’s contacted the city, Bend Police, and even the mayor over the years, but feels his concerns haven’t been addressed.

“Nothing happens,” he said.

So far in 2025, Bend Police say they’ve received more than 1,200 traffic complaints across the city. They prioritize enforcement based on crash data and recurring issues.

“We do have to be strategic about where our officers, go and spend their time doing speed work,” said Sheila Miller, Communications Manager for Bend Police.

Miller said officers do receive complaints about Purcell in general, but not as many near the Empire–Yeoman section. She encourages residents to report consistently when problems arise.

City engineers say they haven’t received any recent formal complaints about that stretch of Purcell. They recommend using the city’s BendWorks portal to ensure concerns are routed to the appropriate department.

“I’d love to have a conversation about what they’re seeing,” Ruby said. “People who live there are our best input. They might notice something we haven’t thought of.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — National fashion retailer Madewell is expanding into Central Oregon with a new storefront set to open in Bend’s Old Mill District early next year, it was announced Thursday. 

Madewell will take over 4,554 square feet in the heart of the district, between Sisters Coffee Co. and Warby Parker, offering a full line of men’s and women’s clothing, including its signature denim, wardrobe staples and accessories, the Old Mill District said in a news release that continues below:

Known for a style that is both laidback and lasting, Madewell focuses on creating timeless pieces that wear well and feel effortless. 

Madewell’s new Central Oregon location at 520 SW Powerhouse Dr. Suite 606 continues the brand’s expansion into markets outside traditional metro areas, offering a full-service shopping experience to a broader audience. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Madewell to Bend and offer a new level of fashion variety for our community,” said Beau Eastes, the Old Mill District’s marketing director. “They offer classic and timeless designs for both men and women.” 

First introduced in 2006 as a premium women’s denim brand, Madewell launched its men’s line in 2018. Since then, it has steadily expanded to include denim and everyday apparel, with a focus on comfort, versatility and a streamlined shopping experience. 

“Additional menswear has really been a goal for us,” Eastes added. “And Madewell’s women’s line is something our guests have long been interested in.” 

Madewell is also recognized for its sustainability efforts. Through its Madewell Forever program, the company offers recycled, vintage and preloved clothing options while helping customers responsibly recycle worn items. The program is part of the brand’s broader commitment to keeping clothing in circulation and reducing textile waste. 

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ABOUT MADEWELL 

Madewell was founded with a focus on quality, style and ease. Known for its denim expertise and signature wardrobe staples, the brand blends cool, casual pieces with curated collections and sustainability efforts. Madewell operates more than 150 stores in the U.S. and offers both men’s and women’s apparel, accessories and footwear. Learn more at www.madewell.com. 

 ABOUT THE OLD MILL DISTRICT 

Celebrating more than 20 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors. More than 55 local, regional and national retailers and businesses call the Old Mill District home. Bend’s Old Mill District – the most unique shopping, dining, living and entertainment experience in the region. www.oldmilldistrict.com .

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies rescued 23 Pit Bull Mixes – four adults and 19 puppies suffering from heat exhaustion – from a Redmond property earlier this week, and the two owners now each face nearly two-dozen counts of animal neglect, officials said Thursday.

The animal neglect case comes just days after deputies rescued 33 Toy Australian Shepherds, most puppies, from a Tumalo property where they endured what authorities called filthy conditions. Their owner also faces felony animal neglect charges.

In the Redmond case, the sheriff’s office received a report Monday of animal neglect involving 23 dogs at a property in the 3100 block of NE O’Neil Way in Redmond, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in Thursday’s news release, which continues in full below:

Animal Control Technician Michelle White responded and located four adult dogs and 19 puppies, approximately 6–8 weeks old. The Pit Bull mixes were found in metal wire crates covered with thick blankets, and the temperature on Monday reached 100 degrees.

Sergeant Aaron Harding and Deputies Michael Dolan and Dean Marshall arrived to assist. The dogs were panting heavily and showing signs of heat exhaustion.

The owners of the dogs, Nicole Allison Sly, 45, and Jeremy Shane De France, 49, were not home at the time, and deputies could not reach them by phone.

Carr told KTVZ News the pair is staying in a fifth-wheel on someone else’s property. The O’Neil Way property owner made the call to authorities about the dogs in distress, he explained.

Due to the immediate danger to the animals’ health, deputies removed the most vulnerable puppies —some found crawling in dirt in direct sunlight — and placed them in an air-conditioned patrol vehicle. All 23 dogs were transported to BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond.

Shelter staff took immediate action to cool the puppies by providing fresh water, increasing air circulation with box fans, and applying cooling compresses. Staff documented that the puppies’ body temperatures ranged from 103 to 104.7 degrees, consistent with heat exhaustion.

“Thankfully, the puppies survived and are now doing well under the care of BrightSide staff,” Carr said.

Sly and De France later contacted deputies and agreed to surrender all the dogs. Both are facing 23 counts of Animal Neglect, Carr said.

How You Can Help

Members of the public who want to support or are interested in giving these dogs a safe, loving home can learn more about the adoption process, volunteering, or ways to give by visiting BrightSide Animal Center at 1355 NE Hemlock Ave. in Redmond, calling (541) 923-0882, or going online to www.brightsideanimals.org. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Here’s a statement BrightSide Animal Center posted Wednesday to Facebook:

On Monday evening, we received a call that there were 19 puppies and four adult dogs seized from a home in Redmond. All 23 dogs made it to BrightSide and have been seen by our medical team. They are all doing well and recovering.

With these animals, we have received 75 animals from court cases since May. On top of these 75 animals we’ve helped community members with their animals and have had more strays than usual entering our program. Like shelters across the United States, and right here in Central Oregon, we have been operating at or above capacity for months.

At this time we are in need of donations, adopters, fosters, and volunteers. We’re so happy to be able to give these amazing animals a second chance but we’re unable to do it alone. You can visit the link in our bio to donate directly or shop our wishlist. Thank you to this community who always steps up to allow us to save lives!

**These puppies are not old enough for adoption but we are actively looking for foster homes. Please contact foster@brightsideanimals.org or give us a call at 541-923-0882 for more information about our foster program!

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Barney Lerten

Judge had urged her not to speak; Jessica Andersch said she killed to protect her son

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Redmond woman facing a murder charge in the fatal stabbing of her mother two months ago admitted the crime during a court hearing Thursday, claiming she did so to protect her son. 

Despite a warning by Deschutes County Circuit Judge Wells Ashby that her statements could be used against her in court and urging her to stop, Jessica Marie Andersch, 42, made her statement twice during a plea hearing on a second-degree murder charge. 

“Your honor, may I say something?” Anderch asked, taking part in the proceeding by video from the county jail, where she’s being held without bail since her arrest. 

Ashby urged her not to speak now, in order to protect her rights. But she proceeded to do so anyway. 

“Aside from that, I did stab my mother,” she said. “I did stab the being that represented herself as Tracy Berry.” 

“Ms. Andersch, please stop,” the judge said. “Please, stop.” 

But Andersch continued: “I just, I just – please, send me to prison. I’d rather be there than around these people that I believe hurt my son.” 

It was not the first such admission by Andersch, who lived with her mother at a home on SW Glacier Avenue. Authorities said she called 911 to report she’d killed her mother, and arriving officers found her at the home with blood on her clothing, hands and face. 

On Thursday, at the request of her attorney, Lee Griffith, Ashby delayed her plea entry a second time, to Oct. 1. The judge also agreed to a request by Andersch that she be transported to the courthouse to appear in person at the next hearing, rather than by video from the jail. 

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A new sign at Riverbend Park is asking river users to choose “river-friendly” sun protection. It’s part of Girl Scout Serafina Quercini’s Gold Award project, aimed at reducing sunscreen chemicals that can wash into the Deschutes.

I was curious because most people know that coral reefs are impacted by sunscreen. Because our river is such a big part of our community here. I wanted to know if sunscreen had that affect on freshwater,” Quercini said.

Many popular sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that protect skin from powerful UV rays but can harm fish, aquatic insects, and overall water quality once they enter the water.

Serafina says sunscreen chemicals can disrupt fish reproduction, harm aquatic insects, and lower water quality, impacts that ripple through the entire freshwater ecosystem.

Oregon State University toxicologist Professor Robyn Tanguay says the effects are similar in saltwater and freshwater.

“In areas where lots of people are in the water, those concentrations can build up and become harmful,” said Tanguay.

That concern is why places like Hawaii have banned certain sunscreen chemicals to protect coral reefs and marine life.

“These are manmade chemicals,” said Tanguay. “Some of them, not all of them, bio accumulate. So that means the low concentrations in the water, but you keep adding more to the water that those chemicals concentrate into tissues like human tissues or fish and, etc..”

As part of her project, Quercini partnered with Bend Park and Recreation District to design and install the new sign. She also created educational rack cards now being shared at hotels, water-sport shops, and tour companies.

“I enjoyed collaborating with Serafina on her project because it fits well with our other efforts to raise awareness of how to responsibly enjoy river recreation,” said Julie Brown, Community Engagement Director for Bend Parks and Recreation.

Quercini plans to continue this line of study in college; she’ll be pursuing marine science at UC Berkeley.

“I didn’t know that this project was going to go as far as it did, and I’m really glad it did. It took a lot of work,” Quercini said. “It makes me hopeful that people will change their mind about their sunscreen and that it will hopefully have an impact, and that a small Girl Scout from Bend, Oregon can make a difference.”

Quercini says look for products that are mineral based, or that don’t include harsh chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate. Aerosol sunscreens often contain propane and butane, which are harmful propellants. To be eco-friendly, stick to lotion or liquid options.

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Tracee Tuesday

SISTERS, Ore. {KTVZ} — In Sisters Wednesday night — a debate over public art is stirring strong opinions. At the heart of it — a proposed bronze statue honoring rodeo legend Lane Frost and the famous bull, Red Rock. 

The Sisters City Council met for a workshop and regular meeting, with one agenda item generating plenty of discussion — the roundabout art procurement process.  One proposal — a life-sized bronze of Lane Frost riding Red Rock — would be placed in the roundabout at U.S. 20 and Locust Street. 

Four of the five council members say they oppose putting the statue there, citing safety concerns. 

Mayor Jennifer Letz said: “We just feel that if there’s something that’s too attractive, it’s going to, maybe attract the type of activity that we don’t want.” 

Councilman Gary Ross offered: “I don’t want somebody to be clobbered by some idiot going too fast around that round about what they’re trying to get across the street so that you could get a picture in front of a piece of art, you care about.”  Many residents in favor of the statue say that reasoning is hard to accept — pointing out Red Rock’s local roots and legendary status in rodeo history. 

“The safety issue that you’re talking about is nonsense to me, and you mentioned, you know, you got a thousand critters on the fence down here and cougars and lions and people, you don’t see people crashing… And fact is, the traffic going so slow. If everybody bumped into each other, you wouldn’t have any issue,” said Sisters resident, Gary Tewalt.  

“The history is so important in this town has zero history that we support, and Red Rock could be the first piece of it,” said Curt Kallberg.   Councilman Michael Preedin was the lone member in favor of placing the statue in the roundabout. 

“It’s a beautiful piece of art. It couldn’t be more Sisters-based; Red Rock grew up in this town.” 

The sculpture’s co-designer, Dyrk Godby, spoke about his passion for Red Rock. 

“Later in life, they retired him [Red Rock], but they brought him out of retirement back to his hometown, and back to the arena where he grew up and learned his trade and had a match between Lane Frost, who was also the world champion bull rider in 1987. So it was kind of an all Ali-Frazier moment was the biggest bout in rodeo history right here in Sisters.”

Red Rock was born in 1976 in Burns, Oregon, later raised in Sisters by stock contractor Mert Hunking. The bull went on to buck off 309 professional cowboys without a qualified ride before retiring in 1987.  In 1988, Red Rock faced Lane Frost in the famed “Challenge of the Champions,” including a showdown at the Sisters Rodeo — where Frost eventually made a qualified ride in four of seven matchups. 

The Sisters City Council members decided to push the decision to a future meeting — and may consider forming an art committee to weigh in on roundabout art projects. 

No date has been set for when the statue proposal will come back before the council. 

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John Carroll

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ Chief Meteorologist John Carroll spoke at the monthly meeting of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 1345 High Desert Flyers at the Bend Municipal Airport Wednesday night.

The High Desert Flyers are a group of aviation enthusiasts, aircraft builders and pilots who meet each month to share ideas, exchange information, encourage safety and serve the local aviation community.

John discussed the daily weather duties associated with broadcast meteorology, along with severe weather coverage and fire weather forecasting.

A big part of the “Flyers” is the Young Eagles program, which encourages youth in Oregon to become aviators.

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John Carroll

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — We had a wide range of gardens today that each have their own personality. First off, a garden consisting of a re-purposed hot tub and a quiet pond. A “rockin’ rock garden” complete with blue stones and colorful flowers, followed by a corn field that goes on for “daze” and may someday become a “maze.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City Council recently approved the construction contract for the Butler Market & Wells Acres Roundabout & Butler Market Key Route Project. Construction is expected to begin in early-mid September.

To reduce traffic impacts, eastbound traffic on Butler Market Road will remain open throughout construction. Westbound Butler Market Road will be closed from Brinson Boulevard to Eighth Street.

The City of Bend will host a Preconstruction Open House 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, at Hollinshead Barn, 1235 NE Jones Road. Community members are encouraged to drop in, meet the project team, ask questions, and learn what to expect during construction.

Improving the intersection of Butler Market and Wells Acres Roads has been a priority for the surrounding neighborhoods for many years. A new roundabout at this location will improve safety and efficiency for all modes of travel. The project includes sewer main installation, construction of a new roundabout and key route bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

Once complete, the project will deliver a long-desired improvement to intersection safety and time reliability, and provide safer, easier connections for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between neighborhoods, schools, parks and businesses in the area.

Sign up to receive project email updates and download the construction detour map at bendoregon.gov/butler-wells.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) —  Children’s literacy nonprofit SMART Reading is now open for donations of new and gently used children’s books on an ongoing basis.

The organization, which pairs volunteers with students for one-on-one reading sessions and gives participants two new books to keep each month, is in the early phases of opening a Book Bank in Central Oregon that will enhance the organization’s efforts to ensure local kids have books of their own. 

A 2020 study in the Journal of Global Health found that the likelihood of being on track in literacy almost doubled if at least one book was available in a student’s home.

“The Book Bank offers a sustainable way to increase book ownership and ensure that books kids have outgrown can find a new home with another child,” says SMART Reading Area Director Jennifer Zardinejad. All donated books will be sorted and cleaned with the help of volunteers before being given away to Central Oregon students. 

Thanks to community donations and book drives with local businesses, SMART was able to host its first schoolwide, free book fair this spring at Culver Elementary. Students took home over 1,000 refurbished books ahead of summer break – a period of time when students are at risk of losing important reading gains they made during the school year.

Donations of new or gently used children’s books are accepted at SMART Reading’s office Monday through Friday by appointment. To schedule a book drop off, call 541-797-7726. SMART Reading is located at 1029 NW 14th Street, Suite 101, Bend, OR 97703.

From now until Sunday, August 31, books can also be dropped off during business hours at the following two locations in Bend:

Play Theory Cafe, 2221 NE 3rd Street, Suite 200; and

Strictly Organic Coffee Co., 6 SW Bond Street (in the Box Factory). 

To see SMART’s book donation criteria or learn how to host a book drive at a business, school, or community organization, visit www.SMARTReading.org/central-area. 

About SMART Reading:

SMART Reading is a statewide children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest-need schools and communities with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and access to books. We mobilize volunteers to read with PreK through third-grade children, building confidence, literacy skills and a love of reading. Since 1992, we have paired over 158,000 volunteers to read with 334,000 children, and have put over 4.9 million books in the homes of the children we serve. Visit www.SMARTReading.org or call 541-797-7726 to learn more.

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