Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest conducted prescribed burning operations south of Sisters and northeast of La Pine Wednesday.

Ignitions were complete on Odin North Unit 3 northeast of La Pine by the afternoon, for a total of 199 acres, more than 100 acres less than the sought-after total. Firefighters will not continue with ignitions in Odin North Unit 7 this afternoon. Crews have transitioned to mop-up and patrol operations.

Residents in Newberry Estates and La Pine are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours.

Meanwhile, Sisters Ranger District fighters have ceased ignitions on SAFR 34 located 3 miles south of Sisters at roughly 7 acres due to unfavorable conditions. Firefighters have transitioned to mopping up and securing the prescribed burn perimeter.

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Earlier info:

The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District plans to ignite up to 310 acres on the Odin North Prescribed Burn Units 3 and 7, located four miles northeast of La Pine, south of Paulina Lake Road and east of Newberry Estates. Ignitions are planned for Wednesday and will continue on Thursday, if conditions remain favorable. No road or trail closures are anticipated. 

Ignitions are slated to begin at 10 a.m. Smoke will be visible from Highway 97, La Pine and Sunriver. Residents in Newberry Estates and La Pine are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. 

On Wednesday, the Sisters Ranger District plans to conduct 30 acres of prescribed burning on the SAFR Unit 34 Prescribed Burn three miles south of Sisters and east of Forest Service Road 16 near the PRT – Whychus Horse Ford Tie Trail. While no road or trail closures are anticipated, the public is asked to avoid recreating in the vicinity of the prescribed burn. 

Ignitions are planned for 9 a.m. Residents in Sisters and the surrounding area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. 

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when the 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.  

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 Deschutes National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/desch

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Level 3 registered sex offender has been arrested on new charges of encouraging child sex abuse while in the Deschutes County Jail on a probation/parole violation.

Last November, Deschutes County Parole and Probation contacted the Bend Police Department regarding Emily Fawkes, also known as Jeffrey Yaeger, 45, of Bend, being in violation of their supervision requirements, sheriff’s Sergeant Thomas Lilienthal said.

Bend Police Department Officers were able to locate Fawkes at a Bend store and took Fawkes into custody for a probation/parole violation, Lilienthal said.

While being taken into custody, Bend Police officers located a tablet in Fawkes’s possession, which is an additional violation of their probation/parole conditions.

Deschutes County Parole and Probation officers developed information that the tablet located in Fawkes’s possession was utilized to consume Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) while in their possession. Parole and Probation officers and Bend Police informed the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit.

ICAC Detectives wrote a search warrant to both seize and analyze the device and Fawkes was lodged at the county jail in Bend for violating probation and parole.

Over the next several months, Lilienthal said, Redmond Police Department Digital Forensics completed the analysis of data on Fawkes’s tablet, locating Child Sex Abuse Material and other information consistent with Fawkes seeking both Child Sex Abuse Material and contact with children online.

On April 29th, 2025, while still in jail, additional crimes of second-degree encouraging child sexual abuse were charged against Fawkes, the sergeant said.

Fawkes is a Level 3 registered sex offender for a child sex crime and is on post-prison supervision for a child sex crime as well.

Lilienthal wrote, “The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Deschutes County Parole and Probation, the Bend Police Department, and the Redmond Police Department for their partnership and investment in protecting the children of our community.”

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Harley Coldiron

Richardson respected the Judge’s ruling but stressed as a Vietnam Veteran with Traumatic Brain Injury, those dogs were his lifeline_________________________________________________________________________________________

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A judge ruled that a La Pine-area man whose three dogs were taken away after a widely seen video of him repeatedly hitting one with a shovel, was not allowed to own animals or firearms as his court case unfolds. The 75-year-old Vietnam Veteran had filed an emergency petition to get them back.

Also, the prosecutor in the case confirmed Tuesday to KTVZ News that Hooch suffered “multiple internal physical injuries” in the attack, including brain injuries. However she added that Hooch and the two others are now “doing very well” at the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

KTVZ News waited for hours outside the Deschutes County Courthouse to get Richardsons side of the story, but he declined.

During his brief court appearance Tuesday, Richardson was heard telling his court appointed lawyer that he suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD after being injured while serving as a Marine during the Vietnam War.

Though Richardson wanted all three dogs returned to him, he mainly petitioned to have Everett and Paco returned to him. The two dogs were seized, along with Hooch, when Richardson was arrested outside the La Pine Post Office.

In a 10-page letter to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division and filed in court Monday, Richardson claims “several serious procedural and factual errors in this case,” focusing on the removal and seizure order for his three dogs – Hooch, the injured animal, as well as EV (Everett) and Paco.

Among other claims, Richardson said his other two dogs were not listed on the seizure or removal order, and that he has not been shown the video evidence seen by so many online. He noted all of his dogs have been seen by a local vet annually since he moved to the area in 2018 and that the two older dogs are rescues with ID tags, vaccinations and licenses.

“Hooch is not licensed as I did not know if he would survive first year,” Richardson wrote.

Richardson also asked that adoptions not proceed for any of the dogs “until this matter is fully adjudicated.”

Richardson was arrested and charged and the dogs were seized after a KTVZ Problem Solvers report broke the news regarding the widely viewed, disturbing video of the alleged assault on Hooch.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Raymond Crutchley plans a brief emergency hearing Tuesday afternoon on Richardson’s claims and on prosecutors’ motion to amend his conditional release to say he can possess no domestic animals while the case is pending, and to place an emergency temporary hold on the two other dogs.

Crutchley also plans to set a hearing on a petition prosecutors filed Monday for the immediate forfeiture of Hooch.

After numerous requests for information on Hooch’s condition, KTVZ News reached out to Deschutes County Deputy District Attorney Rosalie Beaumont.

She shared with us Tuesday that “after being seized, Hooch was taken to an independent vet (meaning outside of HSCO) and underwent a full examination. 

“The examination confirmed that Hooch had multiple internal physical injuries, with at least one of the injuries possibly resulting in long-term complications. However, the puppy is otherwise healthy, stable, and now doing very well at HSCO,” Beaumont told us.

Richardson is charged with first-degree aggravated animal abuse, a felony, and second-degree animal abuse. He is scheduled for arraignment on May 20 on those charges.

(You can read Richardson’s letter in full below, as well as the sheriff’s office report filed in court.)

John Richardson letterDownload

sheriff’s office report – Richardson dogsDownload

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KGW

(Update: Suspected driver arrested)

By  Anthony Macuk (KGW)

BEAVERTON, Ore. (KGW) — Beaverton police have arrested the suspected driver of a minivan that sideswiped a motorcyclist on Highway 26 on Monday morning in what appeared to be a deliberate act of road rage. The motorcycle rider was launched more than 200 feet and seriously injured. The driver continued on the freeway, making the incident a hit-and-run.

Samir Helio Pazzoto-Filho has been charged with one count of second-degree assault, one count of unlawful use of a weapon — specifically, a motor vehicle — and one count of failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons, according to documents filed Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court. A news release from the Beaverton Police Department also listed charges of attempted assault and reckless driving.

The incident was captured in a dashcam video. The blue Kia Carnival is traveling in the left lane when the motorcyclist pulls up beside it in the center lane and appears to yell at the Kia driver. The Kia then abruptly lurches to the right, crossing all the way over to the right lane and pushing the motorcyclist off the right side of the freeway.

Pazzoto-Filho was arrested Monday evening and booked in Washington County jail. His booking record lists his age as 41. In a news release, the Beaverton Police Department said a community member provided a tip that led officers to Pazzoto-Filho’s home, and when they arrived they saw him driving a blue Kia Carnival that matched the video. 

Credit: Beaverton Police Department

Photo of damage on the right side of the Kia Carnival that police say was involved in a road rage incident that ran a motorcyclist off Highway 26.

Police said the Monday incident apparently stemmed from “a road rage-style interaction between Pazzoto-Filho and the motorcycle rider.” They added that based on conversations with “numerous” community members, investigators believe Pazzoto-Filho was seen driving recklessly in the days prior to the incident.

Anyone with information or who witnessed his driving behavior in the Monday case or any other incidents is asked to contact Beaverton police at 503-526-2261. Police noted that the Kia has Florida license plates.

KGW spoke Monday evening with the family of the motorcyclist, a 21-year-old man named Correy. They said he was injured in the crash but avoided breaking any bones. Correy’s sister said the Kia cut him off and slammed its brakes, which is what prompted Correy to ride up in the center lane and try to get the driver’s attention. She said the driver made eye contact and then jerked the wheel.

Pazzoto-Filho is scheduled to be arraigned at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The High Desert boasts some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States.   

However, increasing light pollution emanating from developed areas, threatens the health of both nocturnal wildlife and humans.   

One community is taking the lead in protecting Central Oregon’s dark skies – the City of Sisters.  

Tuesday evening, at McMenamins in Bend, I attended the “Natural History Pub – How Sisters is Protecting Central Oregon’s Dark Skies.” 

The event, hosted by the High Desert Museum, celebrated the city of Sisters, as it’s passed an outdoor lighting ordinance and established itself as a Dark Sky International community.      

The presentation discussed the many splendid planets, stars and galaxies you can clearly see in the dark skies.  

What exactly makes Central Oregon cities like Sisters so recognized as a Dark Sky community and so perfect for taking in the vibrancy of the universe? 

“There are a couple of factors. One is the elevation. Two is, the transparency of the sky is based on the low humidity,” said Dark Skies board member Christopher Hill. 

Hill added: “And three, because of that, some of the communities are so small, the actual light dome is much smaller than when you have a larger city, like on the west side of Oregon, around Portland and Eugene. And so therefore, the skies here (are) that much more transparent for being able to see the Milky Way and the stars.” 

As Sisters continues its five-year plan to ensure all outdoor lighting meets Dark Sky standards, the city stands as a shining example of how communities can unite to protect the natural beauty of the night sky. 

For more information on Sisters’ Dark Sky designation and upcoming stargazing events, visit the city’s official website or Dark Sky International. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Another long-time staple of Bend’s dining scene closed down abruptly on Monday, as 900 Wall, a popular spot that opened downtown 16 years ago, closed its doors and apparently informed its employees of the sudden closure the very same day.

KTVZ News had reached out earlier Monday afternoon after an email from an employee said the restaurant had “just closed. … Just got the message from the other 30 minutes ago.” But the phone call and email brought no reply, nor did a visit.

A few hours later, the official word came in a Facebook announcement, accompanied by a photo of … a brick wall:

“We served our last order of fried green beans Sunday evening,” the owners wrote. “We did all we could to continue to provide a living for employees, a sense of community for our guests and a platform for all of the local farmers and producers we’ve worked with for the past 17 years.”

“We are not alone in our struggle this winter and spring, so if you value locally owned restaurants, now is the time to support the wonderful community we have grown with here. We’re grateful we had the opportunity to be a part of so many memories in our community.

And the comments from surprised fans came fast:

Dozens quickly weighed in on Reddit’s Bend subreddit, with opinions (as always) all over the map, other than that the place always seemed very busy at its prominent location at the corner of NW Wall Street and Minnesota Avenue.

“RIP to the best happy hour in town,” said one, while another called the food “unfortunately pretty forgettable.”

Others wondered if the upswing in food cart popularity is why sit-down restaurants – not just the so-called “fast casual” of now-closed Shari’s and the like – are struggling.

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend-La Pine Education Foundation is making a difference in local classrooms, and you can help make it happen for students, teachers and staff.

Lynsey Harris sat down with Lisa May and Ann Westerhoff to find out about their various programs and a fun upcoming fundraiser – Trivia Night on Wednesday, May 14th at Silver Moon Brewing.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend’s Water Services Department’s 2024 Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report is now available, city officials said Monday.

The report shows that City customers’ drinking water continues to meet all health standards and that the City is 100% compliant in water quality testing and in meeting and exceeding water quality standards.

“Our highest priority is protecting public health by providing safe, high-quality water services. We work to ensure safe drinking water is delivered to our customers every day,” said Water Services Department Director Mike Buettner. “We are pleased to report that, once again, in 2024, our drinking water quality was equal to or better than state and federal requirements that safeguard public health.”

The Annual Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report, required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, provides customers with important information about Bend’s drinking water, water sources, treatment process, regulatory monitoring results for 2024 and important health information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). View or download the report online bendoregon.gov/waterquality or contact the Water Services Department at 541-317-3000, ext. 2 to request a printed copy.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ viewer Terri Timberman says she was hiking along the Deschutes River near Odin Falls when she spotted a springtime sight of a bald eagle caring for young eaglets.

If you look closely, you can see a few of the babies – and right now, they look a little different than their parents. Most bald eagles don’t develop the iconic white head and tail until they’re about 3 or 4 years old.

The Bend animal hospital Think Wild says they probably are about 3 weeks old, based on their color and downy appearance. They start growing feathers around Week 4, and typically at 3 months old, they fledge or leave the nest for the first time.

While bald eagles are federally protected, their numbers have bounced back and are a pretty common sight here on the High Desert.

Thanks to Terry Timberman for sending in those great photos! You can do the same from the Share tab at KTVZ.COM and on the KTVZ app.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

CRESCENT LAKE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Crescent Lake Junction motorcyclist was killed early Saturday when he collided with a semi-truck as he pulled out onto state Highway 58, Oregon State Police said Monday.

Troopers responded around 12:25 a.m. Saturday to the Klamath County crash.

They said a preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Yamaha TW200 motorcycle operated by Terryl Thomas Ball, 47, of Crescent Lake Junction, was heading north on a Yamaha TW200 motorcycle when he entered Highway 58 from Crescent Lake Highway and struck the side of a westbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by a Clackamas resident.

Troopers said the motorcycle rider died at the scene. The truck driver reportedly was unhurt.

The crash affected Highway 58 for about 2 1/2 hours during the on-scene investigation. 

OSP was assisted by Cascades Central Fire, Crescent Fire and ODOT.

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