Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -– A state agency issued a warning to Oregonians on Friday about a “gold bar” scam that’s rapidly spreading across the nation, causing millions of dollars in losses.

“This scam involves fraudsters impersonating government officials who convince victims to purchase gold bars to supposedly protect their nest eggs,” the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation advised Friday.

Here’s the full details in Friday’s DFR news release about the scam – and how to avoid it:

This scam involves contact from someone claiming to be a government official, often associated with the U.S. Department of Treasury, who convinces the victim to convert money held in financial accounts into gold bars. The fraudster claims the victim’s financial institution isn’t safe and that physical gold is the only way to protect the assets.

Once the victim agrees to convert the funds to gold, the fraudster either appears at the victim’s front door or arranges for the victim to meet them at a nearby location to pick up the gold bars. DFR urges the public to stay alert, informed, and safe. Do not become the next victim of this scam.

More generally, the scam goes like this: Victims are contacted through text, email, or phone call and told their financial accounts are at risk of being compromised for various reasons. The reasons given may include that the accounts were subject to a cyberattack or are being used for illegal activity and must be closed.

Victims are advised to empty the account, purchase the gold bars, and then deliver the bars over to the “government official.”

For those unable or unwilling to purchase the gold themselves, the fraudster will offer and even insist on making the purchase for them. Sometimes this includes giving the “government official” remote access to the victim’s electronic devices.

Victims are tricked into believing that converting their assets to gold and storing it with the government via the scammer, or “government official,” is necessary to protect their assets.

“This is positively – and always – a scam,” the agency said. “It has already caused millions of dollars in losses to Oregon investors and others across the country.”

“It is troubling that these criminals are using fear and a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into making devastating financial decisions,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Even more troubling is the reality that they are in our communities and facilitating these crimes in person.”

As an additional precaution, DFR emphasizes that government officials will never contact you and demand payment using gold bars.

To stay safe:

Be cautious of someone contacting you and claiming to be a government official. The imposter scam was the most common scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2024. Government officials will never threaten you or demand that you make a payment using cryptocurrency, gift cards, or gold. If you need to communicate with a government agency, look up the contact information yourself, verify that you have not been directed to a scam site, and – only then – contact the agency using the information provided on its official website. Never share your home address with strangers who contact you.

A government official will never give you a top-secret password. Some victims are given a supposedly top-secret password and instructed to give assets to a person who provides them with the password. This is always a scam.

Never click on suspicious links or respond to unsolicited messages. If you receive an email or text from an unknown sender (even if the details appear accurate), do not respond, and do not click on any links or attachments found in that email. You could unknowingly download malicious software.

Never give out your personal and financial information. Do not share personal and financial information with strangers. Steer clear of communication and calls from strangers.

Those seeking employment might be tempted to accept positions as a driver or courier from these scammers. This is part of the scam, to use outsiders – referred to as “money mules” – to help facilitate the crime. Be very skeptical about these employment offers. Research a company thoroughly before agreeing to become involved in any “employment” of unusual activity.

DFR cautions Oregonians to remain cautious and informed. Contact local law enforcement to report this scam.

You can also contact DFR to report suspected fraud, inappropriate securities business practices, or to obtain consumer information. Free investor education and fraud prevention materials are available at dfr.oregon.gov or by calling one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: More information, background from USGS spokesman)

BANDON, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 5.9-magnitude earthquake rumbled off the southern Oregon coast late Thursday night, and several people felt it onshore, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

No tsunami alerts were issued, but by midday Friday, 25 people had reported feeling the quake. It occurred around 11:45 p.m. Thursday nearly 150 miles west of Bandon at a depth of 10 kilometers, or more than six miles, the USGS said.

The quake was followed by a 3.0-magnitude aftershock around 12:22 a.m. on Friday, nearly five miles farther west and at the same depth, and another 3.0 shake to the north shortly after 3 a.m.

The USGS says earthquakes of that magnitude are not uncommon off the Oregon coast, with more than 160 of magnitude 5 or greater in the past 25 years.

USGS spokesman Steven Sobieszczyk told KTVZ News the latest quake occurred along the southern margin of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, well north of an area known as the Mendocino triple junction. where three major tectonic boundaries meet:

The San Andreas Fault, where the Pacific Plate slides past the North American Plate (a transform boundary, ie. north/south moving),

The Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca and Gorda Plates dive beneath the North American Plate (a convergent boundary, ie. one plate moves beneath another), and

The Mendocino Fracture Zone, another transform boundary between the Pacific and Gorda Plates.

‘Mendocino Triple Junction’ (U.S. Geological Survey)

“This unique intersection of plate boundaries causes the Mendocino triple junction to slowly migrate northward over time,” Sobieszczyk told us. “As it moves, the San Andreas Fault extends farther north, while the southern end of the Cascadia Subduction Zone retreats. This ongoing shift leads to a reorganization of the plate boundaries in the region.

“The earthquakes and seismic activity we see in this area are a direct result of these complex and dynamic interactions between the plates and the movement of the triple junction itself,” Sobieszczyk explained.

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KTVZ – News Team

OREGON (KTVZ) — Two project proposals led by the Oregon Department of Forestry along with four other projects in Oregon have been selected to be funded by the Community Wildfire Defense Grant.

In total, organizations in Oregon have received $28.5 million to fund six projects, all with the end goal of creating more wildfire resilient communities.

ODF’s project proposals focus on assisting communities in reducing wildfire risk through mitigation work, education, defensible space assessments, and more.

ODF is also a partner on two other state projects that have been selected for funding.

The ODF proposals that have been selected for funding are the South Lane Wildfire Risk Reduction in the ODF Western Lane and South Cascade District, receiving $2.6 million, and the Cave Junction-Takilma-Illinois Valley Mira Fuels Mitigation Project in the ODF Southwest Oregon District, receiving nearly $2.4 million.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — At 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1st, Redmond Fire and Rescue will re-open outdoor burning.

With the forecasted decrease in temperatures, the risk for fire spread has dropped to safe levels.

Redmond Fire and Rescue would like to remind anyone conducting outdoor burning in the area of the following regulations:

-There is no debris burning inside city limits at any time. Failure to comply can result in a citation and fines.

-Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires in approved fire rings or appliances are allowed year-round when regulations are followed. These fires are allowed within city limits and no permit is required.

-All types of fires may be banned in peak fire conditions.

-A burn permit is required for open burning but a burn permit is not required when using a burn barrel. However, you must still check the burn line to determine if burning is allowed.

-Burn permits are available online at www.rdmfire.org.

Below is the full press release from Redmond Fire and Rescue, which details additional regulations as well as how to report an illegal burn:

“At 8am on October 1st, Redmond Fire & Rescue will reopen outdoor burning. With the forecasted decrease in temperatures, the risk for fire spread has decreased to safe levels. Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind anyone who is conducting outdoor burning of the regulations for the areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue:

NO DEBRIS BURNING INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF REDMOND AT ANY TIME

Open debris burning inside the city limits of Redmond is prohibited per Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance #5. Failure to comply can result in a citation and fines.

Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires, in approved fire rings or appliances, are allowed year-round when the regulations below are followed. These fires are allowed within city limits and no permit is required.

All types of fires may be banned in peak fire conditions.

A burn permit is required for open burning. A burn permit is not required when using a burn barrel, however you must still check the burn line to determine if burning is allowed. Burn permits are available online at www.rdmfire.org. 

General Requirements

Each day, before you begin your outdoor burning, you must call the outdoor burning number at 541-504-5035 and utilize the burn permit online system to determine if burning is allowed. A permit is required.

You are completely responsible, criminally and personally, including any suppression costs, for any fire you start. These regulations do NOT relieve responsibility for conducting a safe and attended burn.

All fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Fires should be cold to the touch to be considered completely out.

A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as a shovel and dirt, garden hose, or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of any fire which creates or adds to a hazardous situation.

All fires shall have a minimum of 10 feet around the fire clear of combustibles.

An adult must be in attendance at all times.

To Report an Illegal Burn

Call the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911 to report an illegal burn. Or to report individuals who are burning items not approved by DEQ, please call DEQ at 541-388-6146.

Residential Outdoor Burning of Yard Debris (only permitted outside the Redmond city limits with a valid permit)

Provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to any structure*. To apply for a permit, visit www.rdmfire.org

Fires in approved containers shall not be less than 15 feet from any structure.

The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.

The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 50 feet where the pile size is greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

Burn piles need to be sized so fires will be completely out by the required time indicated on the burn information line.

Burn barrels shall be at least 15 feet from any structure.

Absolutely no debris burning after dark.”

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Shannon Brady

Bend, OR (KTVZ) –

Agriculture is one of the biggest contributors of climate change, accounting for roughly 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. In an attempt to reduce their footprint, farms in Central Oregon are finding ways to stay sustainable while providing healthy, quality food for their community. 

Russel Simpson from Around the Bend Farms in Bend told KTVZ about some of their methods. He said, “We use organic principles here at Around the Bend Farms. That includes having no pesticides, no herbicides, minimum amount of fertilizer. We have drip lines installed rather than overhead sprinklers, which use a lot less water than overhead sprinklers do.”

Techniques can include everything from crop rotation, special irrigation practices, reducing waste, and promoting biodiversity on a farm. Around the Bend Farms has two beehives to help pollinate their plants.

Katie Williams from Flying w Bend prioritizes eco-friendly practices with her produce and animals.

“We’re planting clover and wildflowers that our livestock goes on an eat, but that brings in the bees, and those bees pollinate my garden. And then that just puts more fruit and vegetables on my shelves. And in the big picture, it helps everyone.” She told KTVZ in January 2025.

The purpose of sustainable agriculture is to protect the environment so that future generations can continue to farm and feed their communities with nutrient rich food.

Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, or just someone who enjoys fresh food, you can rest assured that many Central Oregon Farmers are doing their part to protect the environment so that you can always eat fresh, healthy, and local.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– One of the best parts of life in Central Oregon is the great outdoors but when something goes wrong on an adventure, there’s one group our community can always count on: Deschutes County Search and Rescue.

Founded in 1916, the organization is made up of a mix of sheriff’s deputies, paid staff, and dedicated volunteers. Their work covers an incredible range from helping an elderly hiker experiencing a medical emergency, to rescuing climbers, aiding avalanche victims, or even saving injured horses.

“We have canines, we have a mountain rescue unit, we have an air ops unit, a tracking team,” explained Andrew Heide from Deschutes County Search and Rescue. “We do fire evacuations, we help if our community is being flooded. You know, it really runs the gamut of emergencies that we respond to.”

In recognition of their service, KTVZ News, Mid Oregon Credit Union, and Dutch Bros Coffee presented Deschutes County Search and Rescue with $500 through the Pay It Forward program. The group plans to use the gift to help replace safety gear.

For those inspired to get involved, Search and Rescue is holding a public information session on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at their offices. This is a rare chance to learn how to join the team—it only happens once every two years.

Do you know someone making a difference in Central Oregon? You can nominate them—or their organization—for the Pay It Forward program. Just visit the Community tab at ktvz.com.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Deflection Program, a community-based initiative that connects people struggling with addiction to treatment and support instead of jail.

A graduation ceremony recognizing nine program participants took place today at The Taylor Center in Bend.

The Deflection Program is voluntary and patient-centered, designed to break the cycle of addiction and reduce repeat involvement with the justice system. People don’t need to be in legal trouble to enroll, and in many cases, law enforcement can take individuals directly to treatment as an alternative to arrest.

Once enrolled, clients are paired with a Peer Navigator and connected to services such as housing assistance, job search support, health insurance sign-ups, detox and treatment programs, and transportation help. The program also works closely with courts, probation, the District Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys, and community partners to ensure quick access to recovery resources.

Over the past year, the Deflection Program has:

Helped 28 individuals graduate, covering 33 criminal cases

Supported 21 clients currently making progress in treatment

Expanded community partnerships and referral networks

Connected people to housing, jobs, and family reunification

Reduced repeat involvement in the justice system

The Sheriff’s Office partners with BestCare Treatment Services and Ideal Option to provide treatment and recovery support.

The goal, Sheriff’s officials say, is simple but powerful: stop the cycle of addiction, reduce crime, and give people a pathway to recovery.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A long-term drug investigation concluded Wednesday night when a suspected trafficker’s vehicle crashed north of Madras, and detectives with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team seized large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and three guns, authorities said.

Officers said they suspect the drugs were introduced into Jefferson County from the Portland area.

“This was a coordinated, multi-agency effort targeting narcotics coming into Central Oregon intended for wide distribution,” Bend Police Lt. Mike Landolt said in a CODE Team news release Thursday evening.

The incident began around 9 p.m. Wednesday when police identified a black 2023 BMW X1 believed to be transporting illegal drugs headed toward Madras on Highway 26. They tried to stop the SUV after the driver turned onto NW Gumwood Lane and pulled into a private driveway, Landolt said.

The driver, identified as Tyler Wayne Fuller, 36, of Redmond, tried to flee, hitting a fence on the property, then driving through a lawn and hitting another fence and boulders before tipping onto its side. Police were not pursuing the car when it crashed, according to Landolt.

All three vehicle occupants were evaluated at St. Charles–Madras, Landolt said.

Inside the BMW were Fuller and two passengers, John Christopher Allen Richardson, 28, of Bend, and a 36-year-old Redmond woman. Fuller was found to have a federal warrant for his arrest, and Richardson had a parole violation warrant. Both men were later lodged at the Jefferson County Jail.

After a drug detection K-9, Bonnie, alerted to the odor of drugs in the car, officers obtained and executed a search warrant, discovering what Landolt called a “significant amount” of fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with three firearms, drug records, packaging materials and a scale.

“All occupants of the vehicle are convicted felons and are not legally allowed to possess firearms,” Landolt said. The woman was cited for felon in possession of a firearm.

Police—including the Madras Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Marshals—assisted in the investigation.

“This case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed,” Landolt noted.

The CODE team and partners continue to target narcotics distribution networks in Central Oregon, Landolt said, emphasizing community safety and multi-agency cooperation

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A year-old pilot program to reduce traffic speeds, improve safety, and encourage walking and cycling has sparked sharp division in the city of Bend.

The program converted a four-lane roadway into two lanes as part of a “road diet” designed to curb crashes and make the corridor safer for pedestrians and cyclists. But a recent survey of nearly 2,000 residents shows the changes have been overwhelmingly unpopular with drivers.

According to the results, 80 percent of respondents said they “hated” the new design. Only 10 percent described the changes as “great” or “good.” The most common complaints centered on increased congestion and limited parking along the corridor.

Despite the pushback, city officials say the redesign has already produced measurable safety improvements. Data shows that vehicle speeds have dropped by as much as five miles per hour.

At the same time, the number of people walking and biking through the area has surged. In some stretches, cycling activity rose nearly 300 percent, and pedestrian traffic increased 150 percent.

Greenwood_Feedback_Summer_2025Download

Supporters of the project argue that those shifts are proof that the changes are working, but critics counter that the majority of people relying on the corridor still use cars, and they feel the pilot unfairly burdens drivers.

The city council has not made a final decision on the program’s future and is holding off on permanent changes, for now. Officials say they will continue gathering feedback and data before determining the next steps.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Fire & Rescue announced Thursday it will reopen outdoor burning at 8 a.m. next Wednesday, October 1, but advised there are rules to follow, including a ban on debris burning within the city limits.

Here’s the fire department’s full news release:

With the forecasted decrease in temperatures, the risk for fire spread has decreased to safe levels. Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind anyone who is conducting outdoor burning of the regulations for the areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue:

NO DEBRIS BURNING INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF REDMOND AT ANY TIME

Open debris burning inside the city limits of Redmond is prohibited per Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance #5. Failure to comply can result in a citation and fines.

Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires, in approved fire rings or appliances, are allowed year-round when the regulations below are followed. These fires are allowed within city limits and no permit is required.

All types of fires may be banned in peak fire conditions.

A burn permit is required for open burning. A burn permit is not required when using a burn barrel, however you must still check the burn line to determine if burning is allowed. Burn permits are available online at www.rdmfire.org. 

General Requirements

Each day, before you begin your outdoor burning, you must call the outdoor burning number at 541-504-5035 and utilize the burn permit online system to determine if burning is allowed. A permit is required.

You are completely responsible, criminally and personally, including any suppression costs, for any fire you start. These regulations do NOT relieve responsibility for conducting a safe and attended burn.

All fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Fires should be cold to the touch to be considered completely out.

A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as a shovel and dirt, garden hose, or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of any fire which creates or adds to a hazardous situation.

All fires shall have a minimum of 10 feet around the fire clear of combustibles.

An adult must be in attendance at all times.

To Report an Illegal Burn

Call the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911 to report an illegal burn. Or to report individuals who are burning items not approved by DEQ, please call DEQ at 541-388-6146.

Residential Outdoor Burning of Yard Debris (only permitted outside the Redmond city limits with a valid permit)

Provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to any structure. To apply for a permit, visit www.rdmfire.org.

Fires in approved containers shall not be less than 15 feet from any structure.

The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.

The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 50 feet where the pile size is greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

Burn piles need to be sized so fires will be completely out by the required time indicated on the burn information line.

Burn barrels shall be at least 15 feet from any structure.

Absolutely no debris burning after dark.

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