Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man was formally charged Friday with aggravated animal abuse for hitting his dog with a shovel as photos of his three seized dogs were shared with KTVZ’s Problem Solvers.

The victim dog, Hooch, and John Coe Richardson’s other two dogs, Evie and Paco, were seized Wednesday when Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies arrested Richardson in the La Pine Post Office parking lot.

KTVZ’s Problem Solvers broke the story on our 11:00 p.m. Tuesday newscast after a neighbor’s video of the alleged beating went viral on social media, prompting numerous calls for action.

Court records show Richardson was granted conditional release from the Bend jail on Friday as he was charged with first-degree aggravated animal abuse, a Class C felony, and second-degree animal abuse, a Class B misdemeanor. He’s scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on May 20.

The charging document alleges Richardson “did unlawfully and knowingly torture an animal,” and injured Hooch “by use of force.”

The standard conditional release form signed by Richardson did not address issues regarding animal possession.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels told KTVZ News, “He was released by the jail based on release criteria that they are required to follow. We will ask the judge to address release conditions when he comes to court on May 20, which will be the first time in this case that he will be in front of a judge.”

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Isabella Warren

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ)– Just outside the city limits of La Pine, in the dense forest that surrounds the community, you won’t find wild animals enjoying their habitat. Instead, homeless camps.

Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office showed the Problem Solvers first-hand the camps set up right outside of town.

“This is a camp where the guy’s been in jail for some time. All this was left out here. We have firewood. We have structures that have been built, all these forest products,” Lieutenant Joshua Spano said while driving through a camp.

But during our interview, he arrived at a new trailer, “This is a brand-new trailer addition here. It wasn’t here a week ago. This isn’t supposed to be happening.”

Lieutenant Spano patrols this part of the county and says he’s counted six new camps set up within three days.

All six arrived from Bend’s largest encampment off China Hat Road. That land belongs to the federal government, and the U.S. Forest Service closed the area Thursday for wildfire mitigation, a problem La Pine residents know all too well.

“It’s a struggle, for real,” said David, who moved from Colorado to La Pine and now lives in the forest.

He tells the Problem Solvers that the small community of La Pine just doesn’t have the services to help the growing population, and with people being forced out of camps along China Hat Road, the challenge is going to grow. 

“The only resource that I necessarily use is St. Vincent de Paul, and that’s just for food,” he said.

The camps are just a short walk from new housing developments where people, young and old, are looking to call home. A dream that many people in the camps feel is far out of reach.

As the deputies continue their patrol, they are reminded that wildfire season is quickly approaching. Evacuation tape could be seen in camps following the Jack Pine Fire.

Viral video KTVZ News shared last June shows what appears to be an encampment on fire, the same day the nearly 4,000-acre Darlene 3 Fire ignited, forcing hundreds to evacuate, including those living in the city of La Pine.

The fire was human-caused, officials said, but the specific cause of that fire still hasn’t been determined.

Solutions are continuing to be discussed as wildfire season quickly approaches and the city of La Pine braces.

A cleanup with Deschutes County jail inmates is scheduled for May 10, part of the efforts of the Newberry Regional Partnership aimed at providing solutions to homelessness and wildfire risk.

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Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A drug raid late Wednesday night on a La Pine-area home turned up an illegal marijuana operation, and a resident was cited on three felony charges.

Around 11 p.m. Wednesday, detectives with the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement team, assisted by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team, executed a search warrant in the 17000 block of Kasserman Drive, Bend Police Lt. Mike Landolt said in a news release Friday, which continues below:

This search warrant was the result of a short-term drug investigation involving the illegal manufacture, possession, and distribution of marijuana. 

Deschutes County deputies contacted a 37-year-old man outside his residence and advised him of the search warrant. 

A search of the property revealed over 50 pounds of processed marijuana at the location, over 400 grams of marijuana concentrates and approximately 50 growing marijuana plants, along with evidence of distribution, including packaging, scales, and mailing boxes. Drug agents also recovered evidence that drugs were being distributed through the mail.

The resident was issued a criminal citation to appear in Circuit Court, and he will be facing the following charges:

ORS 475C349 (3)(b)(A) Unlawful Manufacture of marijuana  >12 plants(C Felony)

ORS 475C.341(3)(b) Unlawful possession of marijuana >8lbs (C Felony)

ORS 475C345(3)(b)(A)(ii) Attempted Distribution of marijuana (C Felony).

KTVZ News policy is not to name arrested individuals until and unless formal charges are filed.

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Doyle told KTVZ News the man was cited on the charges and not taken to jail due to his limited criminal history and his cooperation with authorities conducting the raid.

Doyle said that’s a standard procedure for marijuana cases that don’t involve guns, an existing warrant or other, more serious allegations.

CODE Detectives and the DCIMME team were assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration during this investigation.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies:  Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department,  Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s, and the Oregon National Guard.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement task forces to disrupt or dismantle local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The wait is over! The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has announced it will reopen the popular Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on Thursday, May 22.

Here’s the full news release announcing the program’s resumption:

In even more exciting news, the program will remain open longer this year due to funds awarded to DEQ last summer through the Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action grant. Any vehicles purchased or leased before May 22 are not eligible to apply for the rebate.

DEQ offers two rebates*:

Standard Rebate (Open to all Oregon residents, businesses, non-profits and government agencies): Up to $2,500 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new zero-emission ​motorcycle selected from the Standard Rebate Eligible Vehicle List.

Charge Ahead Rebate (Open to low- and moderate-income households and nonprofit, low-income service providers):

The Used Charge Ahead Rebate: $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an eligible used battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

The New Charge Ahead Rebate: Up to $7,500 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Select vehicle options from the Charge Ahead Eligible Vehicle List.

*You may only apply for one rebate.

To determine Charge Ahead Rebate eligibility for individuals, check DEQ’s Charge Ahead Rebate: Income Eligibility web page. Charge Ahead Rebate applicants can prequalify by completing the prequalification application to receive a voucher to be used at participating dealerships.

“The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is enormously popular,” said DEQ Air Quality Transportation Section Manager Rachel Sakata. “By helping to offset the cost of an electric vehicle, it continues to be one of the best ways many individuals and families can gain access to cleaner transportation and improve air quality across the state.”

The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program receives at least $12 million annually, or 45% of the state’s Vehicle Privilege Tax. Last year, overwhelming demand closed the program after just two months. However, the $31 million CERTA grant will expand the Charge Ahead Rebate option, giving more low- and moderate-income households access to savings. DEQ will monitor rebates and is required to suspend the program once funds are depleted. The agency will announce the closure date at least 30 days in advance.

Applicants have six months from date of purchase or lease to apply for a rebate. However, people are encouraged to apply early and track available rebate funding online. If approved applications are submitted after funds are depleted, those applicants will be placed on a waitlist for payment in early spring 2026.

Electric vehicles purchased or leased before May 22, 2025 will not receive state rebates and will not be placed on a waiting list, but they may still qualify for federal tax credits.

A variety of state agencies and public electric utilities offer savings on electric vehicle purchases, leases or charging infrastructure. The Go Electric Oregon website lists available incentives and provides helpful information for potential electric vehicle buyers and lessees.

DEQ’s Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program web page has all the details. Please visit the EV Rebate Contact web page to ask questions. You may register at OCVRP Sign Up to receive program updates by email.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Central Oregon District reported Friday it’s seeing an uptick in escaped debris burn piles, with several over the past few weeks burning up to 30 acres in size.

For example, a recent 8-acre fire resulted from a week-old burn pile that was assumed to be out cold but rekindled several days later, requiring suppression action by firefighters. 

Not following burn day instructions, one of which is thoroughly checking the burn piles later when the weather shifts, are the leading causes of these escapes, according to ODF.

Central Oregon District Forester Rob Pentzer reminds residents that escaped debris burns can lead to citations and cost collection from the responsible party for any suppression costs.

“Escaped debris burn fires continue to be the leading human cause of wildfires on private lands.” Pentzer said, “They are also the most preventable, when folks follow the rules.”

ODF fire managers and fire district chiefs want to remind residents to:

Check with their local fire district to ensure that burning is allowed on a given day

Follow all instructions after obtaining any necessary permits.

Watch the weather forecasts. Wind and rapid weather changes are major factors that can affect the spread of fire from a debris burn.

Ensure you have a safe fire area cleared around your pile with water and tools readily available.

Monitor your pile until it has consumed all fuels, then stir with water until the area is out cold. Unattended piles can rekindle and spread later without warning.

With May being Wildfire Awareness Month, now is the time for everyone to take these extra steps to prevent the next wildfire in Oregon. For more wildfire prevention tips, visit KeepOregonGreen.org.

For local ODF burn information, please call:

Prineville-Sisters Unit  – (541) 447-5658

John Day Unit  – (541) 575-1139

The Dalles Unit – (541) 296-4626

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Barney Lerten

CHEMULT, Ore. (KTVZ) – An Amtrak passenger was arrested on assault and other charges Wednesday night at the Amtrak train station in Chemult, accused of stabbing one man in the face with a knife and waving a pair of scissors at other frightened passengers, one of whom pepper-sprayed him. 

Peter Scott Harrison, 67, of Richmond, Calif., remained held without bail at the Klamath County Jail after an initial court appearance Thursday.

Deputies said Harrison struck someone once in the face with a pocket knife, causing minor injury but placing the victim in fear. 

“During the incident, Harrison placed eight other passengers in fear for their lives while he was waving (a) pair of scissors,” a deputy wrote in a probable cause statement filed in court.  

Klamath County Deputy District Attorney Ted Martin said initial reports indicate Harrison already was exhibiting odd behavior since apparently boarding the southbound train in Portland, such as stabbing a seat cushion.

Martin said Amtrak staff already were planning to remove Harrison at the next stop in Chemult when the stabbing occurred on the moving train around 8:17 pm.

“Somebody pepper-sprayed him, and the Amtrak guys got him and zip-tied him” until the train arrived in Chemult, Martin said. Harrison was arrested by Klamath County deputies around 9:40 p.m.

Court records show Harrison made his first court appearance Thursday afternoon. He’s initially charged with four felonies, one count of second-degree assault and three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, as well as three misdemeanors: two counts of menacing and one of second-degree disorderly conduct.

Martin said those charges could change after he receives an investigative report from Oregon State Police.  

Court records show a probable cause hearing has been set for next week and a 12-person jury trial for June 18. 

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Barney Lerten

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A federal judge who refused to grant an emergency court order to block the removal of dozens of homeless residents from the Deschutes National Forest south of Bend explained his reasoning in a ruling filed Thursday, offering sympathy for their plight but saying the forest health and fuels-reduction project is crucial for the broader public’s safety.

U.S. District Judge Michael McShane, who denied the requested court order to block the closure two days earlier, filed his six-page written opinion Thursday, the very day the U.S. Forest Service closed the gate on China Hat Road and authorities began efforts to remove any remaining homeless people.

“The court is sympathetic to the circumstances faced by Plaintiffs and the dozens of others who have called China Hat home and will need to employ significant efforts to relocate,” McShane wrote.

“As Plaintiffs note, the majority of China Hat residents are not there by choice, but because of personal disabilities, wide-ranging policy choices, and costs of living that are outside of their control,” the judge said.

While the Forest Service apparently complied with federal environmental regulations, McShane said that “does not diminish the community’s need to provide better support to houseless and disabled people.”

“Despite Plaintiffs’ very real struggles, the balance of equities does not tip sharply in Plaintiffs’ favor, nor is an injunction in the public interest,” the judge wrote.

“This Project will serve the public by preventing ‘uncharacteristic large-scale loss of forest habitat’ and increasing public and firefighter safety,'” he added, quoting Deschutes National Forest Supervisor Holly Jewkes.

“The public’s significant interest in restoring natural habitat, preventing catastrophic wildfires, and preserving the overall health of Deschutes National Forest is not outweighed by the interest of 150 or so individuals in residing on this particular plot of land,” McShane concluded.

TRO rulingDownload

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, comments from co-founder)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — More home-grown beef should be returning to Central Oregon shelves in coming years as The Symons Beef Company soon will start building a 40,000-square-foot meat processing facility on their property just north of Madras. 

JoHanna Symons, co-founder of the business with her husband Jeremy, started a ranching and feeding operation in 2007. And it’s now set to move well beyond the cows and calves to become even more involved in every step of production, from ranch to table. 

JoHanna Symons presented their plans recently to Jefferson County commissioners. She talked with KTVZ News at first last week, just before and after she met with Economic Development for Central Oregon and Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center, which she said are “helping me pursue a few grants” for the project. 

On a visit to the ranch this week, Symons told us, “We feel it’s very important to know where your food comes from – what goes into it, all of the logistics behind it.”

A few years ago, Symons said, they were selling beef products at stores around the region, from Sisters Meat and Smokehouse to the Pump House in Prineville and Bend-area food cart lots, among others. 

“I was dropping live cattle off at local butcher plants,” Symons said. “Everybody wanted more and more, and it got to the point where local butcher shops couldn’t handle the demand.” 

Symons said Thursday, “It was so well-received that they just kept calling everybody. I was never turned away one time, and they just wanted more and more. And so I hope that’s the same, you know – that I get the same result.”

Back then, the couple decided that “until we can control that step of the process, harvesting of fresh frozen beef, we’re just going to stop altogether.” 

And now, if plans stay on track, their dry-aged, premium local beef products will be back on local shelves by July of next year.

The new plant will process about 50 head of cattle a day and have coolers for up to 200 head, also helping other area ranchers who now must transport cattle out of the state for processing. 

The business also plans to expand from the current 10 full-time workers and a few part-timers to 40-50 jobs with the new facility to start, hopefully growing to about 70 employees within three years. 

One “tricky” factor Symons mentioned, in terms of construction, is the current trade situation with our neighbors to the north. 

“We’re dealing with tariffs,” Symons said. “It’s affected one of more most expensive pieces of equipment out of Canada. It’s made with U.S. steel, which is shipped north, then shipped back as a finished product.” 

But with the large increase in cattle and production, the Symons farm and ranch will now have to prepare for more water use, at a time that seems nearly impossible.

“There are so many different avenues involved, and the profit margins are so sliver-thin. And it is incredibly risky,” she said. “We have a pretty large farm that we grow all of our food to feed all these cattle. And so we’re constantly struggling to get enough water to water that land. So it’s very difficult. “

Jefferson County farmers have long struggled with water rights. The Symons receive much of their water from the Wickiup Reservoir, which is now 86% full. But in two years, the reservoir will be depleted to help with the spotted frog.

“The water situation will go back to being pretty catastrophic then, unless a lot of things happen and all the stars align to get that situation resolved,” Symons said. “There are a lot of moving pieces and a lot of challenges. But I’m not afraid of a challenge, thankfully.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest lifted the Bachelor Complex Emergency Fire Closure on Thursday, reopening Edison Sno-Park and the surrounding area, including Forest Service Road 4525.

However, drivers along roads in the area are advised to use caution, as hazard trees remain along roadsides.

“Additionally, many of the roads in the area still have significant stretches of snow at this time,” the forest said in a Facebook posting.

The fires burned more than 15,000 acres near Mt. Bachelor.

Here’s the rest of the new info:

Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the Little Lava Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.

In some cases, these hazardous conditions may persist for several years after a fire. Be very aware of your surroundings, follow warning signs, area closures and directions from agency personnel, and pay particular attention to these potential safety hazards. Be especially wary of hazard trees after rain events or during wind.

When recreating in a burned area:

LOOK UP for upslope burned areas, snags, and exposed rocks that may fall.

LOOK DOWN for debris from falling rocks, erosion – especially at road and trail edges, and ash pits (which may form from root pockets or stumps of burned trees).

LOOK AROUND. Be situationally aware. Check the weather before you travel, including at higher elevations. Wind, rain, ice and snow can increase the risk of tree fall, rock fall, slides and other hazards. Flash floods and landslide risks are elevated below severely burned areas.

LOOK BELOW the surface of standing water and moving water for floating logs, submerged trees and other debris, which can strike or entangle swimmers and boaters and damage other infrastructure.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BURNS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Lafourche Parish, Louisiana Sheriff Craig Webre announced this week that a Redmond, Oregon woman has been arrested in Eastern Oregon on a kidnapping charge as part of an investigation into a runaway teen from Thibodaux, Louisiana.

Roxanne Mocaby, 41, of Redmond, Oregon, has been arrested by Oregon State Police, Webre said in a news release, which follows in full:

On Tuesday, April 20, deputies responded to a Burma Road residence in Thibodaux regarding a 16-year-old male who reportedly ran away from home, leaving his electronic devices at home.

Through investigation, detectives learned the boy had been in contact with a teenage girl from Oregon on the social media app Snapchat. They learned he had told the girl he no longer wanted to live with his adoptive family and planned for the girl and her mother to pick him up.

Investigators tracked the girl’s phone back to Oregon and contacted local authorities. Oregon State Police located their vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, identifying the occupants as Mocaby and the two teens.

During questioning, Mocaby admitted to knowledge of the situation and her involvement, the sheriff said.

Mocaby was arrested and booked into the Harney County Jail in Burns on a Lafourche Parish warrant for simple kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Jail records Thursday show she remains there awaiting extradition to Lafourche Parish. Bail is set at $50,000.

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