Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore.  (KTVZ) – Last year, Oregon had one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history—1.9 million acres burned, communities were tested, and lives were changed. But amid the devastation, there were also stories of resilience: homes that stood strong because they had defensible space. 

As May marks Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging Oregonians to act now. With the possibility of another challenging fire season ahead, preparing your home could make all the difference. 

“For the last several years, we’ve been proactively working to boost staffing at local fire agencies, modernizing response equipment, and investing in wildfire resiliency projects across the state,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “But we can’t do it alone. We need every Oregonian to rise to this challenge. Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your community.” 

Start with small changes that have a big impact: 

Space and prune trees to prevent fire from climbing into canopies. 

Remove leaves, pine needles, bark mulch, and other debris within 100 feet of structures or up to your property line. 

Clean roofs and gutters of flammable debris. 

Move combustible materials—like mulch and firewood—away from your home. 

Keep plants trimmed and clear of dead material, especially near the house. 

Avoid planting directly under eaves; leave at least a five-foot buffer. 

For a detailed guide on how to create defensible space, check out www.oregondefensiblespace.org. 

As you clean up your yard, be mindful about disposal. Consider chipping, composting, or recycling. If burning is necessary, always follow local rules. Debris burns that get out of control are the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon. 

This May, the Oregon State Fire Marshal—alongside fire service partners—is calling on everyone to get ready, stay aware, and believe in fire safety. Together, we can reduce wildfire risk and protect what matters most. 

Find tips, resources, links to partner agencies and more at the OSFM’s Wildfire Awareness Month webpage or preventwildfires.oregon.gov.   

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is dedicated to protecting people, property, and communities from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works in partnership with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Wednesday at around 1 p.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes County 911 will be sending a test message to people signed up for Deschutes Alerts.

Here’s the full announcement from county Emergency Services Manager Lt. Nathan Garibay:

Deschutes Alerts is the notification system we use to alert people of emergencies and evacuations in Deschutes County. We use Deschutes Alerts to send subscribers a message via smart phone app, text, email or phone call.

If you live or work in Deschutes County, you should sign up for Deschutes Alerts and make sure your information is current. Change or create your Deschutes Alerts profile by visiting deschutesalerts.org.

The purpose of Wednesday’s test message is to ensure subscriber profiles are current. There’s no need to contact us if you receive the message.  

If you have questions before or after May 7, you can call our office at 541-388-6501. We can help you confirm or make changes to your Deschutes Alerts profile right over the phone. 

If you don’t get the message within a few hours of the test, or if you want to talk to us about Deschutes Alerts or change your profile, we will have a call center open between 1pm and 4:30pm on May 7. You can reach the call center by calling 541-550-4888. After 4:30pm, the call center will have a voicemail box set up for you to leave your name and number and we will reconnect with you as soon as possible

You do not need to wait until May 7 to sign up or make sure your information is up to date. You can update or create your Deschutes Alerts profile any time by visiting deschutesalerts.org

We have developed a Deschutes Alerts Frequently Asked Questions page that you can visit here, or call our office at 541-388-6501.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

## End of Release ## 

Lt. Nathan Garibaynathan.garibay@deschutes.org

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend Park and Recreation District is opening the application process for the Kids Inc. after-school care program. BPRD’s Kids Inc. program operates in all Bend elementary schools (except Amity Creek and Westside Village). Next year, it will operate after school daily until 5:30 p.m. for K-5th graders.

The Kids Inc. application process for the 2025-26 school year began Monday.

Applications must be received by Friday, May 16 at 5:00 p.m. to be included in the initial selection process.  A lottery will be used to determine selection and waitlist status.

Applicants will be notified of their status by Tuesday, May 27 and will have until June 9 to secure the space with a first-month tuition deposit.

To learn more and apply online, visit the BPRD website between May 5 and May 16 at 5:00 pm. If online access is a barrier, applications can be accepted by phone at 541-389-7275.

“The primary purpose of Kids Inc. is to support the after-school care needs of working parents and guardians who do not have other options for their elementary school-aged children,” said Catherine Ellis, recreation & inclusion manager. “The program is crucial for families and the application dates are very important.”

For the 2025-26 school year, Kids Inc. will offer part-time options, as well as full-time. This option began in Fall 2022 and continues after positive feedback. Part-time schedules are M/W or T/Th/F and will be assigned as part of the lottery.

Families selected for part-time spots will have an option to move to full-time when spaces become available, if they indicate during the lottery that full-time care is preferred. This may occur prior to the start of the school year start or any time during the school year, based on staffing levels and space availability at the school.  

BPRD asks that families who do not rely on after-school care to meet job requirements or have alternate after-school care options available to consider one of the many enrichment and sport programs.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Burn underway)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District were conducting prescribed burning Tuesday on up to 111 acres on the Tiddly Winks Unit 9 Prescribed Burn unit, about a mile west of Bend.

A test firing was successful at the burn location, south of the Cascade Lakes Highway, along the west side of Forest Service Road 41, near the Aspen and Dillon Falls Day Use areas. 

Officials say smoke will be visible from the Cascade Lakes Highway, Bend and the surrounding area.

Residents in Bend and those south and east of the Deschutes River, including Sunriver, La Pine and Redmond were encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. 

The southbound lane of FSR 41 is closed due to smoke impacts from operations. A pilot car and flaggers will escort motorists through the area. 

In addition, trail closures are in place for portions of Storm King and Catch and Release. The entire portion of Storm King south of Cascade Lakes Highway will be closed. Catch and Release is closed from the junction with FSR 100 south to FSR 490. FSR 4110, FSR 4110-650 and FSR 490 are closed in their entirety.

These trail and road closures will remain in place for several days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Trails and roads will reopen once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public. 

Here’s the rest of the announcement:

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 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/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts. 

West Bend Prescribed Burning MapDownload

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools on Monday invited the community to see the preliminary design for the new Bend Senior High School Auditorium during an open house on Thursday, May 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the school’s main gymnasium.

(Use the gym entrance to the left of the main entrance.)

Architectural renderings will be on display and representatives of the school district and BBT Architects will be available to answer questions. Those attending may provide feedback on the design with a link to an online form.

The school district demolished the old auditorium last summer after the building was found to be structurally unsound. The new auditorium will be built on the same spot and have 1,400 seats – the same seating capacity as the former venue. The proposed design includes seats on the main floor and in a balcony.

The district is working with BBT and Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company, the same team that is leading the four-year rebuild of most of Bend High as part of the 2022 voter-approved bond program.

Auditorium design work will continue through this year, followed by city permit work. Construction is expected to begin in June of 2026 and be substantially completed by the fall of 2028. That corresponds with the anticipated completion of the entire Bend High rebuild.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — NatureConnect Central Oregon, formerly known as Central Oregon’s Children’s Forest, announced Monday that it will assume operational and fiscal responsibility for the historic Skyliners Lodge, effective July 1.

The High Desert Education Service District, which had announced earlier it would return the permit to the U.S. Forest Service, said it will instead maintain its permit, while NatureConnect will oversee operations, including renting out the facility for educational and private events. Revenue generated from these rentals will support school field trips and outdoor learning initiatives. 

Here’s the rest of their announcement:

Skyliners Lodge, located along Tumalo Creek in the Deschutes National Forest, has been a cherished community venue since its completion in 1937. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the lodge has served as a hub for youth programs, family gatherings, and a variety of events that connect individuals to nature.  

“We see Skyliners Lodge as an essential part of getting kids outside,” said Katie Chipko, executive director of NatureConnect Central Oregon. “It’s a hugely popular field trip destination that is so close to Bend and while it feels remote and tucked away, it’s so accessible and easy to use. The lodge provides access to nature for thousands of students each year.

In November 2024, HDESD announced plans to cease operations at Skyliners Lodge due to financial constraints and anticipated maintenance costs. Recognizing the lodge’s value to the community, NatureConnect Central Oregon stepped forward to ensure its continued use for educational and recreational purposes.  

“We are so grateful to HDESD for taking responsibility for Skyliners Lodge 14 years ago. It was innovative and ambitious for an ESD to take something like this on, and they have shepherded that space without much credit or recognition. Moving forward, taking over operations for the lodge aligns so well with our mission, and we’re excited to be stepping into this role,” said Chipko. 

Dr. Sara Johnson, Superintendent of HDESD, shared her excitement about the transition: “We are thrilled to place this incredible outdoor learning resource into the capable hands of NatureConnect. Their expertise and dedication to outdoor education will ensure that Skyliners Lodge continues to serve as a vital hub for school field trips and community connections to nature.” 

NatureConnect was recently awarded a $128,368 grant from the Bend Sustainability Fund with Visit Bend to replace the aging roof with a fireproof alternative that maintains the building’s historic character. This repair will take place this August, ensuring the longevity of this treasured facility.   

NatureConnect is now accepting reservations for events occurring after July ,1 including weddings, family gatherings, meetings, and youth programs. 

“If you are looking for a special venue for an upcoming celebration or gathering, Skyliner Lodge is a great option.  There are a number of open weekends this summer, and we are booking events 18 months in advance,” said Chipko.  

For more information, visit natureconnectco.org/skyliner.  

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About NatureConnect Central Oregon 

NatureConnect Central Oregon is a network of over 30 partners dedicated to inspiring lifelong connections to nature for every child. Focusing on equity and inclusion, NatureConnect provides impactful outdoor experiences, ensuring all children have access to the benefits of nature.  

About High Desert Education Service District 

The High Desert Education Service District (HDESD) is a public K-12 school district serving students in Bend, La Pine, Prineville, Redmond, and Sisters. HDESD supports education and equity in Central Oregon through various programs and services.  

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Kelsey Merison

HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — On May 3rd, search and rescue volunteers discovered the body of missing 29-year-old Kaylee Birt in Harney County, Oregon.

In a social media post, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office said:

“We have confirmed that the remains discovered by volunteer searchers earlier today have been positively identified as belonging to Kaylee Birt, who had been missing since April 4, 2025. The family has been notified.

We would like to express our deep appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to find Kaylee.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.”

At this time, there is no information available surrounding the cause of death.

Her vehicle was discovered shortly after the time of her disappearance in early April.

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office said Birt was last seen leaving The Fields Station in Fields, Oregon around 8:30 a.m. on April 4th. Reports indicate she was on a trip from Klamath Falls headed to Iowa.

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KTVZ News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, Commute Options and CET is hosting a Walk and Roll Tour at Hawthorne Station on May 8 from 3:30pm to 5pm.

The route will go through Juniper Park and down Franklin Ave, with a reception and debrief at Dogwood at the Pine Shed food carts on 821 NE 2nd Street.

CET is also hosting an Open House Event that same day on May 8 from 11am to 4pm to highlight new amenities at Hawthorne Station.

They will have snacks, prizes and information about transportation projects in the Bend Central District.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video)

Dahnte Cegers to serve 3 years on supervised probation

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Caleb Cegers, who is charged with shooting and killing Redmond resident Taylor Wyss in downtown Bend in 2023, was back in court for a status hearing with his new attorney Monday, as it was revealed that his older brother admitted to hindering prosecution by helping him flee the state.

Bryan Boender of Eugene is the new attorney representing Caleb Cegers, now 21, who appeared briefly by video from the Deschutes County Jail before Circuit Judge Beth Bagley.

Caleb Cegers has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a firearm in the August 203 killing of Wyss, 33, outside Duda’s Billiards Bar in downtown Bend. His trial remains set for January 13, 2026, though Boender told the judge the defense might ask for a delay if they need more time to prepare.

Dahnte Cegers, 27, changed his plea to guilty on Feb. 21 to one Class C felony count of hindering prosecution and was sentenced to three years’ probation, court records show. A nationwide manhunt for the brothers led to their arrest near Chattanooga, Tennessee in the days following the shooting.

Wyss’s family members were also in the courtroom Monday, as they have been throughout the proceedings, frustrated by delays in the case. They say Dahnte will now be on supervised probation for three years and could face 18 months of jail time if he violates that probation.

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Harley Coldiron

(Update: Adding video, Session, parents enter pleas; Session taught in Bend, has active license)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A south Deschutes County woman accused of attempted murder and her parents entered not guilty pleas Monday in a high-profile child abuse case.

Sarah Session was arrested in February and accused of abusing and attempting to kill her 9-year-old stepson. Her parents, Gary and Paula Hardenburg, were also arrested and accused of helping facilitate the abuse and covering up evidence.

All three were indicted and taken into custody on February 21 at two separate locations in Coos Bay. Disturbing details soon came to light of the alleged crimes.

Attorneys for the three defendants jointly entered not guilty pleas during a brief hearing Monday morning before Circuit Judge Beth Bagley.

Specific trial dates were not set, but the judge provided dates she’s not available next spring, so attorneys can see when witnesses will be available to testify. Pre-trial motions and responses are due in September.

Session faces nearly two-dozen charges, including second-degree attempted murder and numerous counts of assault and criminal mistreatment.

Gary Hardenburg is charged with first- and second-degree criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence, while Paula Hardenburg is accused of second-degree assault, first- and second-degree counts of criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence.

KTVZ News also confirmed Monday that Session was employed by Bend-La Pine Schools for one year, the 2020-21 school year, as a special education teacher at Ponderosa Elementary School. State records confirm she still has an active teaching license.

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