Author: KTVZ

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The holidays are a time filled with joy, gifts, and celebration for many — but for some, the season can bring loneliness, stress, or uncertainty. That’s why one Central Oregon business decided to do what they could to make sure every child feels remembered this Christmas.

Summer’s Flooring in Bend not only joined the Central Oregon Toy Drive this year, but matched every donation received at their location.

Now, their overflowing toy box continues to grow — thanks to a $500 Pay It Forward award from Dutch Bros, Mid-Oregon Credit Union, and KTVZ News. The money will help bring even more presents to children throughout the community this holiday season.

For owner Michael Summers, giving back has always been part of what makes the holidays special — a lesson passed down through his own family’s story.

He recalled how, when his father was a child, the fire department once brought his family a bundle of Christmas toys because they were struggling financially. 

“My grandpa said, ‘You can keep one toy,’” Summers said. “And the rest of them were taken to another family that was worse off than them.”

It’s one of his favorite Christmas memories. That simple act of generosity is something Summers still carries with him.

“There’s always been this neat connection with little kids needing to know that they’re not forgotten and that they’re loved,” he said. 

“We’re trying to bring some joy and some magic back into the hearts of kids who don’t have that. We’re going to go out and get a bunch more toys — it’s going to be very fun,” Summers said of how the money will be spent.

Mid-Oregon Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations Kyle Frick said spotlighting these stories reminds us all how much good happens every day.

“There’s always lots of news — and a lot of it’s not good news,” Frick said. “So this is our chance to identify people doing great things in the community that we can help support. These gifts are really going to make a real difference to some of those kids.”

The Central Oregon Toy Drive runs through Dec. 23. You can view drop-off locations and information on the organizations helping expand the reach of your gift — click here for the link.

If you know someone who deserves recognition for helping others, you can nominate them for Pay It Forward — we may award them $500, helping keep the spirit of giving alive. 

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mountain View Community Development said Tuesday it’s learned it will receive a $3 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank through the competitive Affordable Housing Program for its planned permanent supportive housing village near Redmond Airport. 

The project, which was sponsored by First Interstate Bank, comprises a village of 75 homes the organization plans to build on Deschutes County land north of Oasis Village. 

The 400- to 600-square-foot homes will be occupied by formerly homeless people with a disability.  In addition to the homes, Mountain View Community Village will have a community center that houses on-site services and case management. A garden and dog park are also planned. The total project is expected to exceed $20 million. 

“The vision for this village came about when we saw people in Safe Parking, and now microshelters, who were on waiting lists for housing for years. They were doing everything we asked of them, but there simply weren’t enough homes,” said Executive Director Rick Russell. “This project will triple the number of permanent supportive housing units in Central Oregon.” 

 The nonprofit has also applied for a grant from Oregon Housing & Community Services, and said it will be seeking other sources of funding, as well. Once built, residents of the village will pay one-third of their income as rent. 

This grant doesn’t fill a gap left by a loss of State Shelter Program funds, Russell said.

“The nature of grants is that they are for specific projects, so we cannot use them for other programs. For us, that means our Safe Parking & Microshelters Program is still looking to make up $237,500 in losses. The county has stepped in to help, and so have generous donors, but we have a long way to go.” 

The competitive AHP encourages collaboration between FHLB Des Moines member financial institutions and housing organizations to create affordable housing opportunities for families in need.

“Our members are essential partners in advancing affordable housing throughout the FHLB Des Moines district.” said Kris Williams, President and CEO, FHLB Des Moines. “We’re not just financing homes – we’re building stronger, more resilient communities for the people who live and work in them. This is a shared commitment and a shared impact we’re proud to advance.” 

Each year, FHLB Des Moines returns 10 percent of its net income annually to assist with housing needs throughout its district, consisting of 13 states and three U.S. Pacific territories. In 2025, 54 AHP applications were approved for a total of $102.4 million.

 Since inception of the competitive AHP in 1990, FHLB Des Moines and its members have helped facilitate approximately $935 million in funding to benefit more than 97,000 families through new construction and rehabilitation of owner-occupied or rental housing. 

For more information, visit http://mvcdoregon.org. 

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Barney Lerten

Editor’s note: Video has been removed from this article because it mistakenly showed the incorrect suspect.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County judge set bail at $500,000 Wednesday for a Redmond man facing attempted murder, assault and other charges, accused of using a Sabre self-defense pistol to shoot a former co-worker in the face at Spoon Restaurant in downtown Sisters.

Seven charges filed Wednesday against Kristopher Michael Kirkpatrick include second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude police and menacing.

Circuit Judge Michelle McIver agreed to the state’s recommendation of the $500,000 bail amount for Kirkpatrick, as well as conditions that include no contact with the shooting victim, a woman whose pickup he allegedly stole or with the restaurant.

The court filing says Kirkpatrick shot a man in the face with a “Sabre self-defense projectile launcher,” in what authorities say was a workplace dispute.

Other conditions if Kirkpatrick is released include not possessing any firearms, ammunition or any other weapon, including less-lethal devices such as BB guns.

Kirkpatrick is due back in court next Tuesday for arraignment on an expected formal indictment.

Earlier story:

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ-Dec. 16) — A workplace dispute sparked a shooting at Spoons Restaurant in Sisters Tuesday morning that injured the suspect’s former co-worker. That led to a police chase and the man’s arrest along Highway 20 between Sisters and Bend, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

At 8:19 a.m., deputies were dispatched to reports of a shooting at Spoons Restaurant, located on East Hood Avenue. The sheriff’s office says the incident was the result of a workplace dispute where the victim and suspect knew each other.

Detectives say the suspect, Kristopher Kirkpatrick, 31, entered the restaurant posing as a customer before confronting the victim — a former colleague — and shooting him at point-blank range in the face with a Sabre pistol, capable of firing pepper balls and rubber bullets. They say he then chased the victim through the restaurant, firing several times.

Kirkpatrick then fled the restaurant and took off in a truck on Highway 20 toward Bend. Deputies initiated a pursuit and successfully executed a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver near Plainview Road, located between Sisters and Bend.

Kirkpatrick was arrested and taken into custody without further incident, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including cuts, bruising and swelling to his face, and additional bruising and swelling on several parts of his body from the impact of the projectiles. He was taken to St. Charles-Bend for further evaluation. 

Although the ammunition used was not traditional bullets, Carr said that “the Sabre pistol is capable of inflicting serious injury, especially when targeting areas of the body like the face or at close distance. Detectives say the suspect made it clear through his actions that he intended to cause harm and kill the victim.”

“Thankfully, nobody else was hurt in the shooting, and detectives believe only the victim was the intended target,” Carr wrote, adding that the investigation is ongoing. 

Kirk was held without bail at the Deschutes County Jail on initial charges of first- and second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, vehicle theft, attempt to elude police and first-degree menacing pending arraignment Thursday afternoon.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has released dash cam video from the pursuit involving Charity Lynn Carter of La Pine.

Below is an official statement from the Deschutes Count Sheriff’s Office on what you can see in the video:

In order to protect the identity of the 9-year-old juvenile, we have blurred the section of the video that clearly shows her face after the PIT maneuver was executed. 

The  video being released captures two critical moments from the pursuit:

The pursuit concluded on Highway 97 near Hemlock Avenue, where a Sergeant executed a PIT (Pursuit Immobilization Technique) maneuver to end the pursuit. However, Carter hit the gas and rammed into the front of another deputy’s patrol vehicle before her vehicle finally came to a stop. Carter was arrested and taken into custody without further incident.

As Carter entered the Safeway parking lot in Redmond, she continued to drive erratically and dangerously. Deputies attempted to immobilize the vehicle to prevent further risk to the child and the public. Carter struck multiple patrol vehicles and two parked civilian vehicles while trying to escape.

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County deputies safely recovered a 9-year-old child reported abducted out of Multnomah County after a 30-minute pursuit that stretched across several Central Oregon communities Monday night. Her mother, a La Pine resident, was arrested and appeared in court Tuesday on several charges, including custodial interference.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the chase began around 8 p.m. near La Pine when Oregon State Police tried to stop a vehicle connected to a custodial interference and kidnapping investigation. The driver, identified as 46-year-old Charity Lynn Carter of La Pine, refused to pull over and took off, sparking the pursuit south of Bend.

Deputies joined in as Carter sped north through Bend and into Redmond, reportedly driving recklessly and endangering other drivers. Out of concern for the child’s safety, deputies temporarily disengaged from the chase several times.

During the pursuit, investigators say Carter struck five law enforcement vehicles—three belonging to the sheriff’s office—and damaged at least two civilian vehicles in a Safeway parking lot in Redmond. None of the vehicles’ occupants were hurt, according to authorities.

Deputies eventually disabled Carter’s vehicle using spike strips and a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver on Highway 97 in Redmond, just south of Exit 119 near Hemlock Avenue. The chase ended around 8:36 p.m., and the child was safely rescued and later reunited with their custodial parent.

The northbound lanes of Highway 97 were closed for about 30 minutes for the investigation and vehicle recovery.

Carter was taken into custody and arrested on potential charges including kidnapping, hit and run, reckless driving, reckless endangering, attempting to elude, and criminal mischief. Additional charges from Oregon State Police are expected. Officials said K9 Delta assisted in the arrest.

No injuries were reported among officers or members of the public. The sheriff’s office thanked Oregon State Police and the Redmond Police Department for their help during the incident.

Carter was formally charged Tuesday with four felonies – two counts of first-degree custodial interference, fleeing or attempting to elude police and first-degree criminal mischief. She also faces two misdemeanor charges of recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving. She was held without bail at the county jail until her arraignment.

The custodial interference charges accuse Carter of taking the child from a lawful custodian with an intent to hold the child permanently or for a long period of time, also exposing the child “to a substantial risk of physical injury.”

Carter appeared by video for arraignment Tuesday afternoon., where her defense attorney asked for conditional release, noting she has no criminal history and no record of failure to appear in court.

Charity Carter appears by video from Deschutes County Jail for arraignment on custodial interference, other charges (Deschutes County Circuit Court)

But a prosecutor said the custody battle between her and the girl’s father led to her repeated disobeying of court orders. The father was awarded full custody of the child last year.

The deputy district attorney recounted the pursuit during which Carter allegedly hit four patrol cars, disabling two.

Circuit Judge Bethany Flint noted “lots of countervailing factors” as she set bail at $25,000, such as the woman’s lack of a job or transportation for court hearings, along with her violation of the previous custody award and her “significant disregard for the health and safety of others” during Monday night’s pursuit.

Flint also set as a condition that Carter have no contact with her daughter, including messaging, and that she “can’t live in physical proximity to the kiddo,” noting it’s “important that her recollection of events be preserved,” as “recent events may have been significantly traumatic.”

Carter is due back in court in a week on an expected grand jury indictment.

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Triton Notary

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ)– New research from the University of Oregon has uncovered a hidden and potentially dangerous side effect of wildfires — the ability to turn naturally occurring nutrients in soil into toxic, cancer-causing metals.

Scientists found that extreme heat from wildfires can convert chromium, a common micro-nutrient in Pacific Northwest soils, into a harmful chemical form that can leach into groundwater. Lab tests showed the highest concentrations formed at fire temperatures between 750 and 1,100 degrees.

Researchers say the study underscores the need for expanded soil and water testing after wildfires, especially as blazes in the region grow more frequent and severe.

The findings suggest that beyond visible burn scars and air pollution, wildfires may also leave behind long-term contamination risks hidden underground.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend said Monday it’s happy to honor Whitney Eskelson for 15 years of steady work with youth in Central Oregon by launching a new “Youth Empowerment Fund” in her name. 

Here’s their announcement about that new honor:

When the Boys & Girls Club opened in Bend, Whitney was one of the first kids through the door. Her family needed a safe place after school and in the summer, and the Club became that place. She found caring adults and mentors, homework help, nutrition support, and friends who felt like family. Club is where she grew up. 

What began as a place of safety for Whitney would later become the foundation for a lifetime of service to kids and families in Bend. 

After high school and college, she returned to the Club, this time as staff, working directly with Club members. She started as a Youth Development Professional, later became Program Director at the East Bend Club, followed by the Downtown Club, and today serves as Vice President of Program Strategy and Operations.

In every role, kids know they can count on her. Always looking for opportunities, she started a cheer program at the Club, to help youth feel a sense of belonging and help build their confidence. 

“Whitney helped my three kids feel safe and cared for at a time when we needed it most,”  shared Club parent Shereene Wray. 

“She encouraged my shy daughter through cheer, helped my son with ADHD feel understood, and gave my youngest a place where he felt comfortable and welcome. As a single mom, I will always be grateful for the way she supported our family. She is truly part of our lives.”

Club alumnus Alana Johnson shared, “Whitney is the heart and soul of the club. She was able to make so many people, including me, feel special and important which is hard to do in a sea of kids! She remembers everyone and every little important thing about the club kids and families during her time.

“She inspired me to embrace what’s unique and ‘weird’ and use it to take on the world! She inspired me to do the same as I went from club kid to staff and inspired kids in her footsteps! I would truly not exist in the way I do if it wasn’t for her.” 

To honor her years of service and care, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend is launching the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund. This fund will directly support families in need and help kids participate in Club programs where they feel steady support each day. 

Friends, families, and champions of the Club can make a gift to help a future family or give $15 each month, in honor of her 15 years of service. 

“Whitney has left a legacy here at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend,” said CEO Michael Baker. “She is proof positive that the club programs work.  She grew up in the club, and came back and dedicated 15 years of her life to serving those that need us most.” 

Through her leadership and the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund, Whitney’s impact will continue to shape the lives of kids and families who need the Club today and for years to come. 

To give to the Whitney Youth Empowerment Fund, visit: https://abwmddtb.donorsupport.co/page/WHITNEY  

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend has served Central Oregon youth for more than 30 years. The Club provides safe, supportive spaces, positive relationships, and enriching programs that help kids learn, lead, and thrive. Mission: We provide youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Longtime Deschutes County Assessor Scot Langton announced Monday that he won’t seek re-election next year and will retire at the end of his term, in January 2027. At the same time, Langton endorsed Deputy Director Tana West, who filed Monday to run for the office.

Langton, who has served as assessor since 2001 and has 33 years in Oregon property tax administration, has served in two counties and earned the trust of voters across seven elections, according to a joint release from Langton and West.

“Serving as Deschutes County assessor has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptional team and serving a community I truly care about.”

As part of his announcement, Langton shared that he is supporting Deputy Director West in her intention to run for the position. West has served as second in command for more than 20 years.

“Tana has been the backbone of this office for decades,” Langton said. “Her experience, leadership, and commitment to this community are unmatched. She knows this work inside and out, and I have complete confidence in her ability to lead the office forward.”

After retiring, Langton looks forward to new adventures, traveling with his wife Cheryl, and spending more time enjoying life outside the office.

West, who has worked in Oregon property tax circles since 1990, formally announced her candidacy for county assessor. West expressed gratitude for Langton’s support and emphasized her commitment to continuity, transparency, and steady leadership.

“I’m honored by Scot’s confidence and deeply grateful for the years we’ve worked together,” West said. “Oregon’s property tax system is complex, and experience matters. I’ve spent my entire career administering these laws and ensuring they are applied accurately and responsibly.”

West pointed to her record of leveraging technology to improve service and transparency. She was responsible for bringing new online tools to the community, including the Tax Estimator tool, which allows homeowners to easily calculate potential taxes on new construction. She also recently implemented the District Tax tool, giving the public a clear, trackable view of where their tax dollars are allocated over time.

“My focus has always been on giving our staff the best tools to do their jobs efficiently and giving the public the information they need,” West said. “This tech-forward approach has allowed the office to manage increasing workloads without increasing staff size.”

West said she is prepared to tackle significant upcoming challenges, including the complexity of administering new state laws and a wave of retirements that threatens institutional knowledge across the field.

“New laws, such as expanded exemptions for affordable housing, often have good intentions, but create administrative hurdles,” West noted. “Our experience is critical in working with other agencies to implement these correctly.”

Addressing the staffing challenge, she added, “With seasoned experts retiring, my leadership will focus on mentoring the next generation. Our intensive training program is vital, and my depth of experience means I can effectively guide that transition, ensuring continuity and accuracy for taxpayers.”

Langton said he will serve out the rest of his term to ensure a smooth and stable transition. West filed her candidacy with the county elections office Monday and so far is the only candidate for the position, online records show. The filing deadline is in March.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: ODOT info)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A crash reportedly involving four vehicles slowed traffic in both directions and created backups Monday afternoon on U.S. Highway 97 north of Bend.

The crash was reported around 3:30 p.m. in the 64000 block of North Highway 97, near milepost 133, about two miles north of Bend.

ODOT advised on TripCheck of delays in the area and urged motorists to “prepare to slow or move over for worker safety.” Backups ensued for traffic in both directions during the removal of vehicle occupants and debris.

The crash occurred as rain was falling over much of the region.

ODOT Region 4 spokeswoman Kacey Davey told us the crash originally was reported as blocking all lanes, but some opened up to let some traffic through. The highway was reported fully reopened around 5:15 p.m.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A rainbow and at times a double-rainbow arced over Bend on Monday after several mild record-warm days – and ahead of a big change in the weather.

Thanks to Connect Central Oregon for the great drone video!

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ)) — Heart of Oregon Corps announced Monday a “transformative” $300,000 grant from The Ford Family Foundation in support of developing our region’s first youth workforce development campus.

The campus is currently under construction in Redmond and slated to open in the fall of 2026, according to a news release from HoC that continues below:  

“Strong rural communities don’t emerge overnight—they grow from stewarding resources in support of organizations like Heart of Oregon, who are already providing solutions to local and regional issues,” said Kelly Warner, associate program officer at The Ford Family Foundation. “We are proud to walk alongside Heart of Oregon as they remove barriers to opportunity, and the young people they serve can help their communities thrive.”

Each year, Heart of Oregon hires and trains more than 200 young people ages 16–24, and 67% of them come from rural communities throughout Central Oregon. The new campus will serve as a central hub where these young people can access consistent instruction, hands-on training, supportive services, and career exploration—all under one roof.

To ensure that opportunity remains within reach of the most geographically isolated youth, Heart of Oregon will continue operating satellite sites and coordinated transportation options.

The Foundation’s grant contributes to an overall construction budget of $7.3 million. Since October, Heart of Oregon has led a focused fall fund drive for the Legacy 25 capital campaign, with mailings and four phone banks culminating on Giving Tuesday, which alone raised nearly $35,000. Thanks to the generosity of major and individual donors, the remaining funding gap now stands at $1.25 million. Donors are invited to visit www.hoccampus.org to learn more, schedule a hard hat tour, and make a contribution by December 31 to help close this gap and bring this project to completion.

“We are deeply grateful for The Ford Family Foundation’s support of our efforts to re-engage youth and young adults in education and to prepare them for meaningful careers,” said Laura Handy, executive director of Heart of Oregon Corps. “Their investment creates a profound ripple effect in our rural communities. Our graduates go on to become leaders, strengthening their communities and contributing to the vitality of our regional economy.”

This investment comes at a pivotal time. Across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, 33% of young adults ages 16–24 are not currently in the labor force, and 11.6% of those remain unemployed. Many face barriers including generational poverty, housing instability, substance abuse, and limited access to mentors or family support. 

The new campus will address these challenges head-on by providing equitable access to education, skills training, and wraparound support—laying the groundwork for a more resilient future workforce and stronger rural communities.

Heart of Oregon is grateful to the major donors to the project including The Autzen Foundation, The Bend Foundation, The Clark Family Legacy Foundation, The Collins Foundation, The Crevier Family Foundation, Deschutes County, First Interstate Bank Foundation, Ford Family Foundation, Hayden Homes, Healy Foundation, Joseph and Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation, Les Schwab, The Max and Marie Anna Richter Family Fund of OCF, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, MJ Murdock Charitable Trust, PGE Foundation, R&H Construction, The Rosendin Foundation, The Roundhouse Foundation, The State of Oregon, and Tykeson Family Foundation.  

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