Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Monday that essential investments for Oregon families and rural and underserved communities passed the Senate, including five community-initiated projects for communities across the state championed by the senators.

These investments were included in the first package of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding bills that cleared the chamber with bipartisan support.

“As Congress holds the power of the purse, this government funding process is a check on the Trump Administration’s efforts to drastically cut the federal investments needed for agencies to continue providing essential services for Oregonians and Americans,” the senators said in a news release, which continues below:

“Oregonians turned out in record numbers during my town halls to deliver a clear message—we need to do everything we can to fight against harmful federal funding cuts and to instead double down on investing in the foundations working families need to thrive: housing, health care, education, and good-paying jobs,” Merkley said. “These government funding bills go a long way toward delivering on essential programs and services for families, while providing strong support for critical community-initiated projects that will benefit Oregonians in every corner of the state for years to come.”

“At my latest open-to-all town halls in Eastern Oregon and all this year’s town halls statewide, I’ve heard consistently about the importance of federal investments that keep generating job opportunities; protecting life, property and our natural resources; and supporting quality of life,” Wyden said. “That’s exactly what these investments provide. And I’ll keep teaming up with Oregonians and my congressional colleagues to carry their community priorities back to Washington, DC and return with investment successes like these.”

Merkley is the only Oregon member of Congress from either chamber since Senator Mark Hatfield to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee that writes these government funding bills. He joined the committee in 2013 so that Oregon would have a strong voice in decisions about the investments our nation should be making.

Merkley and Wyden secured four Oregon community-initiated projects in the FY26 Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill that passed as part of the minibus package. The projects are as follows:

$2 million for the Farmers Irrigation District to convert remaining sections of open canal into buried irrigation pipelines in Hood River County. This project will contribute to improved habitats for native fish species, water conservation, and sustained agricultural production.

$2 million to North Unit Irrigation District for the next phase of its irrigation modernization project. Funding will be used toward converting over 27 miles of open-ditch irrigation canals with gravity-pressured buried piping, which will significantly reduce water loss, improve water delivery reliability, and improve streamflow in the Deschutes River. 

$2 million for the Idanha-Detroit Rural Fire Protection Fire District to help construct a new fire station. This will include additional sleeping quarters, training areas, adequate storage for EMS and firefighting supplies, and lead to an overall increase in the effectiveness and responsiveness of first responders.

$648,000 to Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for the construction of a new community center. Wheeler SWCD’s current facility is insufficient to support the public’s needs as the county’s leading natural resource agency. This new space will be a centrally-located innovation hub for multi-agency accessibility to best support Wheeler County’s natural resources work while promoting intra-agency collaboration. 

Click HERE for quotes from community-initiated project recipients included in the Senate Agriculture bill.

Additionally, Merkley and Wyden secured one Oregon community-initiated project in the FY26 Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) funding bill that passed as part of the minibus package. The project is as follows:

$12 million for the Oregon Army National Guard to construct an Army 10-lane Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range (MPMG) at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility (NWSTF) in Boardman. The MPMG is mission-critical for the Oregon Military Department’s Rees Training Center in Hermiston. Currently, Oregon soldiers must travel outside the state for this training, consuming valuable training time and funds while reducing soldiers available for key state contingency operations. The MPMG will provide economic benefits in rural Oregon through the initial military construction work as well as subsequent future use.

Click HERE for the quote from the community-initiated project recipient included in the Senate MilCon-VA bill.

Now that these government funding bills have cleared the Senate, they will next head to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. They are the first of 12 annual funding bills that must pass both chambers of Congress before they can be signed into law. Fiscal Year 2026 starts on October 1, 2025, and ends September 30, 2026.

Merkley and Wyden urge the House to take up the legislation without delay when they are back in session in September to keep vital government systems and programs running and invest in these targeted projects needed in communities across Oregon.

Oregon press and constituents can track the latest updates in the government funding process on Merkley’s Appropriations webpage.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a $17,700 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The funding will support the Family Plus Program, which includes mentorship and wrap-around services, helping youth in Central Oregon access essential resources to achieve their goals.  

“This grant will help us empower today’s youth through healthy adult mentorships, career readiness and exploration, and mental health support to thrive and become the confident leaders of tomorrow,” said Alice Ivie, the clubs’ vice president of development. “We’re grateful to Bend Taco Bell locations for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of our youth.” 

The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and Team Members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.  

BGCB was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisee Bend Taco Bell, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship and career readiness programs across the community.  

“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”  

Through this grant, BGCB will be able to serve and advocate for our families living in poverty through services that promote positive mental health and well-being for our “youth who need us most.” 

To learn more about BGCB, please visit bgcbend.org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit 

https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support/.    

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend provides youth opportunities for growth that inspire and empower them to reach their full potential in the classroom, at home, and in our community. Our after-school and summer programs are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character. 

About Taco Bell Foundation  

Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that empowers the next generation to pursue their passions by breaking down barriers to education and providing resources to help young people chase their boldest ambitions. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached nearly 9 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $203 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.      

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend’s newest neighborhood on the deep westside of the City is getting two more businesses: Put A Cork In It Wine Bar and Sparrow Mercado. It comes as the 245-acre Discovery West neighborhood continues to grow with homes, residents, and businesses.

Put A Cork In It! opened two days ago. Guests will be able to purchase hard-to-find regional wines from around the Pacific Northwest, available by the glass or the bottle, as well as charcuterie boards and other delicious bites. The atmosphere will be both elegant and welcoming. Put A Cork In It! will welcome guests Monday through Friday, 4-9 pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 pm. 

Sparrow Mercado will be Sparrow Bakery’s second location in Bend and in addition to coffee, tea, and bakery items, will offer grab-and-go items such as lunches and after-school snacks. It will also sell popular grocery staples, beer, wine, canned cocktails, kombucha, and more. The shop will be open from 9 am to 4 pm all summer long, with extended hours beginning in September. Look for Sparrow Mercado to open sometime this week.

Romy Mortensen, Vice President, Marketing and Sales of Discovery West, said, “We are thrilled to have Put A Cork In It! and Sparrow Mercado open this summer. These two businesses will add welcoming gathering spaces and delicious offerings to the community, enhancing the neighborhood feel we set out to create when we envisioned what Discovery Corner would become.”

The new businesses will join five others located around the Discovery Corner Plaza including Harcourts the Garner Group, MCD Homes, Harper House Design, and Bluebird Skin Therapy + Aesthetics, and Aerie by AvantStay, luxury overnight vacation rentals. Anna Salon is set to open later this summer, and three retail spaces remain available for lease, and are listed through Compass Commercial.

What is Discovery West?

Discovery West, situated on 245 acres on Bend’s westside, is the newest community in development by the team behind award-winning NorthWest Crossing. Discovery West offers a variety of home types and sizes, Discovery Corner community plaza, select retail shops, Aerie by AvantStay luxury overnight vacation rentals, public art installations, and 40 acres of parks, trails and open land. The development team’s vision for creating livable, detail-oriented communities that respect the Central Oregon landscape and lifestyle is apparent throughout the neighborhood. www.discoverywestbend.com

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Engel & Völkers recently announced its newest shop in Sisters. Leading the venture are license partners Marcel Dolak and Michelle Rea, who also co-own Engel & Völkers Bend, and collectively bring more than four decades of real estate experience in Central Oregon and reciprocal markets.

Dolak also independently owns and leads Engel & Völkers’ Kirkland and North Cascades Cle Elum shop in Washington, and is a partner in the Palm Desert, California shop.

“Sisters is a natural next step for our growing footprint across the Pacific Northwest,” said Stuart Siegel, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. “Marcel and Michelle have built an impressive business rooted in the collaboration that defines the Engel & Völkers network. As a recognized Land and Ranch real estate specialist and Private Office Advisor(Dolak), and as members of the Engel & Völkers Development Services group(Dolak & Rea), they are uniquely able to service the distinct needs of home buyers and sellers in the region, as well as its complementary and feeder markets.”

Engel & Völkers Sisters will be located at 101 W Main Ave., serving the markets of Sisters, Camp Sherman, Black Butte, Tumalo, and Redmond. Attracting residents from all walks of life, Sisters is known for the wellness and outdoor lifestyles that characterize Central Oregon. The area offers premier skiing and snowboarding, golfing, fly fishing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding, while also offering daily flights from the nearby Redmond Airport to Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and other metropolitan areas. 

“We pride ourselves in creating lifetime relationships with clients and providing luxury real estate service at the top of the market and at various price points,” said Rea. “Since its establishment in 2020, our Bend shop has grown to over 30 real estate advisors. Simultaneously, Sisters’ housing market has experienced substantial growth driven largely by new subdivision construction. Based on our relationships with builders and within the community, it became clear that a dedicated location in Sisters will be important to serve an increasing demand and further create a seamless and interconnected real estate experience for our clients throughout the Central Oregon region.”

“With an ownership stake in five Engel & Völkers shop locations on the West Coast, I have witnessed firsthand the power of the network,” added Dolak. “We operate independently on the local level to bring each community we serve a local and intimate experience, but with the resources and connections of a global brand with over 1,000 locations worldwide. The ability to connect clients up and down the coast through our West Coast collective of shops with area real estate experts and quality listings, from California to Central Oregon and Washington, to Canada, has been invaluable to our growth. We strive to create a curated real estate experience for each of our clients, and to do so with integrity, professionalism, and passion.”

For more information, visit sisters.evrealestate.com.

About Engel & Völkers

Engel & Völkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 1977, Engel & Völkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a personalized client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for today’s savvy homeowner. The Engel & Völkers Network currently operates approximately 300 shop locations with approximately 6,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the global network of over 16,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate and yachting. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Völkers supports its network of advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings, and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit www.evrealestate.com.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, adding interview with petitioner, statement from governor’s office)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A recall effort is underway against Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and it’s led by a Central Oregonian. William Minnix, a resident of La Pine, started the petition recently and told KTVZ News on Monday that the recall is driven by accountability.

Minnix is part of a group called Oregon for the People and filed the initial petition to recall Governor Kotek a week ago. After what Minnix claims were delays by the state, he didn’t receive approval to start collecting signatures until last Friday. 

“I found out the person with the elections office was out on vacation now, and they told me I’d have to wait until August 12th,” Minnix told us. “So I did a press release stating exactly what happened, and I thought the Secretary of State was stalling. Lo and behold, 10 o’clock that day, I got my approval.”

Minnix says the recall effort is strictly a grassroots movement, and volunteers are already gathering signatures in every county.

“I set up two businesses for Deschutes County, which is La Pine Feed Store and Wetlands Taphouse. They have the petition. We were at the County Fair in Deschutes County, and we got well over 500 signatures,” said Minnix.

Minnix believes Governor Kotek has violated her oath of office by failing to protect property owners, over-taxing working families, and favoring undocumented immigrants over federal law. 

“She took an oath to protect the people of Oregon,” he said. “By us not getting federal grants, because she’s not following federal law, that’s a violation of her oath. She’s not protecting property owners. She’s not protecting the citizens. She’s not protecting our well-being.”

Minnix will not name a favored replacement candidate and says the focus is on building momentum ahead of the midterms.

“Our big focus with Oregon For The People is to focus on the midterms, and make sure that we’re able to bring in governing people that are for the people and for our well-being,” Minnix said.

To qualify for a recall election, the group must collect nearly 293,000 valid voter signatures by October 27th. Minnix said he is confident they will not only meet but exceed that requirement. 

“I’m really confident that we’re going to get well over 400,000. At this point, it’s becoming very bipartisan,” he said. “The team is really coming together. Lots of support, and a lot of us are going to be putting in long, long hours.”

If the signature requirement is met and enough are verified by the state election office, Kotek would have five days to resign before a recall election would be started. 

Nationwide, recall activity is down in 2025. According to Ballotpedia, just 223 officials were targeted for recall through mid-June — the lowest number since 2020. In 2024, Oregon had the highest recall attempts rate in the nation, with 0.76 recall attempts per 100,000 residents.

KTVZ News reached out to Governor Kotek’s office for comment on the recall effort. Kotek’s campaign advisor, Thomas Wheatley, issued a brief response:

“The Governor is focused on tackling the toughest challenges facing our state — making housing more affordable, expanding access to mental health care, improving our schools, and ensuring we can pay the workers who run snowplows in the winter and keep our roads safe year-round.”

Minnix hopes to have more signing sites in the coming days. Locations and upcoming efforts will be posted to their website: OregonForThePeople.com.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters responded to 39 new wildfire starts around Central Oregon over the weekend, burning a total of nine acres, officials said Monday. Most of the fires were kept small, at about one-tenth of an acre in size, and have been contained or controlled.

“This was the result of the quick response of initial attack resources, both on the ground and from the air. Air resources consist of not only aircraft but also smokejumpers and rappelers,” Monday’s Central Oregon fire update said.

The storms that occurred in the last few days brought light rain to the area on Friday and Saturday, with widely scattered showers and hail on Sunday. These storms also resulted in widespread lightning.

Firefighters will continue to work on suppressing the remaining fires, including the Stevens Fire, which is burning about 6 miles northeast of Sisters. It’s estimated at 7.6 acres and is 80% contained.

“Today, firefighters are prepared and well-staffed to respond to any new starts and any holdover fires from earlier in the week,” the update said.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Bend man facing numerous child sexual exploitation and drug charges after a 2024 raid on his home fled to Florida, then to Thailand before his trial, authorities said Monday. The FBI located him, and he has been extradited to Deschutes County, where he’s being held on $1.5 million bail.

Here’s a news release issued Monday by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Sergeant Thomas Lillenthal, who works in digital forensics with the agency’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit:

Arrestee: Simon Lesley Hannes, 37-year-old Male

Charges:

2x Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct ORS 163.670

10x Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree ORS 163.684

1x Luring a Minor ORS 167.057

12x Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the Second Degree ORS 163.686

1x Failure to Appear ORS 162.205

1x Unlawful Manufacturing of a Schedule I Controlled Substance ORS 475.752(1)(a)

1x Unlawful Possession of Psilocybin ORS 475.752(7)(a)(B)

In February 2024, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received an ICAC Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The Cybertip detailed an unknown user who shared imagery of Child Sexual Abuse Material on the chat application Discord within Deschutes County. ICAC Detectives began investigating this Cybertip and determined that the person operating the account was Simon Lesley Hannes of Bend.

On March 7th, 2024, Hannes was contacted, and a search warrant was conducted to seize digital devices from Hannes and his residence. During the execution of this search warrant, it was discovered that Hannes was actively growing a substantial quantity of dried and actively growing psilocybin mushrooms in his residence, along with multiple firearms. ICAC Detectives were assisted by the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) teams in the proper seizure of these items.

Hannes was placed under arrest for one count each of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First and Second Degree, Unlawful Manufacturing of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of Psilocybin and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

In the following weeks, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Lab (DFL) analyzed devices seized from Hannes. Digital Forensics Detectives discovered that Hannes had communicated sexually with a juvenile female and also obtained sexual images of this juvenile female for purposes of sexual gratification, as well as several multimedia items on his devices that depicted the sexual abuse of children on the devices, and were shared in conversations discussing the sexual abuse of children. After a grand jury indictment, Hannes was placed back under arrest on March 20th, 2024, for the rest of the above-listed child sex crimes and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

While awaiting the trial date for this case, ICAC Detectives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned that Simon Hannes was currently in Florida. Hannes’s pretrial release conditions explicitly stated that he was not to leave Oregon. Hannes failed to appear for his April 2025 trial dates for his original arrests, as detectives were investigating the reasons he was in Florida. They refocused their investigation into locating Hannes, determining that he had fled the country and was now in Thailand.

In May of 2025, ICAC detectives isolated Hannes’s location in Thailand and coordinated with the FBI and law enforcement authorities in Thailand to take Hannes into custody. Hannes was held in custody in Thailand until extradited to the United States by the US Marshals Service. On July 25th, 2025, Hannes was transported back into custody at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

On July 28th, 2025, Hannes went before the court in Deschutes County and was given a $1.15-million-dollar pretrial bail, partly due to fleeing the country.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the FBI for their continuing partnership in our fight to protect children in Deschutes County, the Thailand Law Enforcement for their cooperation and swift apprehension of Hannes, and the US Marshals Service for their assistance in extraditing Hannes to the United States.

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Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The final day of the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo was capped off by the Buckaroo Breakfast. After another memorable year, people celebrated the best way this community knows how — with good food, great company, and small-town tradition.

The Buckaroo Breakfast is a nearly 80-year old tradition in Redmond. It’s an early morning meal served by volunteers — complete with pancakes, coffee, and bacon — cooked outdoors in casket-iron skillets over open flames.

Nita Borzath and Sara Vollmer are twin sisters. They organized this year’s breakfast, but it’s not their first rodeo — they have been involved in this event since birth.

“It’s based on tradition. We’ve done this since we were born,” shared Borzath.

“I believe three generations, maybe four generations of our family and many of the other volunteers here, generation after generation,” said Vollmer.

The food is hot, the music is live, and the atmosphere is filled with laughter, old friends, and fresh memories. Borzath and Vollmer say they couldn’t do it without the support of volunteers.

“We had the helpers that start our fires at midnight… So by the time we woke up, about 3:30, everything was ready to cook, the stoves were hot,” said Bozarth.

“Everyone is equally valuable. Equally important. It seems like it just happens — people are amazing,” said Vollmer.

The breakfast draws people of all ages — families, first-time visitors, and longtime locals. Many were enthusiastic and eager to share their own favorite part…

“It’s really fun. A lot of people get to meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun,” said Ayda Tompkins of Redmond.

For 4-H kids, it’s a chance to relax and celebrate after a busy week showing animals.

Kane Robinson of Bend looks forward to the breakfast as a pick-me-up. “The breakfast is amazing. So that’s a good thing about after the auction. You might be a little sad, but it was good to have some pancakes after,” said Robinson.

Colton Spalding of La Pine had his first year in 4-H with Kids and Kids. Spalding told KTVZ about his goats, and his favorite part of the breakfast festivity.

“I’m raising a dairy goat and a market goat. My favorite part is probably just having fun with my friends over there and just talking and having fun,” said Spalding.

The breakfast also includes local, family-owned businesses, like R&M Firewood, who help keep the fires hot and the food cooking. 

Jeremiah Harris of Redmond assisted in his family business by keeping the wood stocked.

“I am here with my family for the Buckaroo Breakfast. It’s fun. Maybe next year everyone watching should come and try it out,” said Harris.

For others, it’s more than just a meal. It’s a reunion.

Tim Satterfield is a Redmond High Alum who loves attending the breakfast each year to catch up with old friends.

“We have a class reunion — ’65 — and we were supposed to come out to eat together. It’s a good place to meet people you haven’t seen all year,” said Satterfield.

With fun and full bellies had by all, the longstanding tradition was clearly a success.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — Thunder, lightning, and bursts of heavy rain rolled across Central Oregon on Saturday evening, bringing dramatic skies—and power disruptions—to several neighborhoods in Bend.  The fast-moving storms began around sunset and continued on and off into the night, prompting weather alerts and keeping first responders and utility crews busy.  In Southwest Bend, over 390 customers were left without power due to the extreme weather.  

Pacific Power crews are working to restore electricity and estimate full service will return by midnight.  Meanwhile, a separate outage is affecting around 90 customers near NE 18th Street and Cooley Road. Pacific Power says electricity for those residents is expected to be restored between now and 10:30 p.m.  No major damage or injuries have been reported as of yet, but authorities urge residents to stay indoors during periods of lightning and be prepared for potential additional outages as storms continue to move through the region.  Stay with us for updates as conditions evolve. 

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Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — While Central Oregon fairgoers are focused on having fun at the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo, local law enforcement is working behind the scenes to make sure everyone stays safe.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has deputies on patrol for assistance and safety, but they also have a booth to meet with community members. 

Sgt. David Turkington, a patrol sergeant with DCSO, spoke with KTVZ at the fairgrounds about their ‘official’ roles, and more. 

“We mainly try to be a presence for people for answering questions or just responding to any kind of incident. Just making sure people are having a good time with safety in mind,” said Turkington. 

From keeping an eye out for suspicious activity to helping people find their lost items, deputies say they’re not just here for safety — they’re also here to connect with the community.

“We love connecting with the community, especially at the fair here. Most people come here looking for a good, fun day. It’s easy to jump on that wagon and either give out stickers, high fives, answer questions, or take photos. We love interacting with them all the time out here,” said Turkington. 

DCSO wants their presence to be visible, approachable, and ready to act if something goes wrong.

“The number one thing that we’re looking for is making sure that people are staying happy and safe — and that would look like making sure that they know where they’re going, answering questions about where things are. Or if somebody is looking like they could use some hydration or first aid, we’re there for that,” Turkington said. 

Turkington says the fair gives the sheriff’s office a chance to build relationships and help answer questions people may have, either for or about law enforcement.

“People ask a question like, ‘hey, I had this question about something going on with my neighbor’. So it’s a good time just to get ahead of things that we may encounter later out in the community. But we get started here,” said Turkington.

When it comes to operations, preparation for the fair takes plenty of planning and communication. DCSO works with Redmond Police and Fire as well as an independent security company to help keep all things covered, and safe. 

“I have a couple different radios that we talk on all the time. And just make sure that when there’s something going on, whether it’s our call or their call, we all know about it. And we try to coordinate to provide the best service possible. Everyone’s out here to help, and we’re all a big team to make that make that happen,” said Turkington. 

So while you’re enjoying concerts, rides, and great food, know that the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is there to make sure that your experience is both a fun and safe one.

And if you need anything — “just flag somebody down and we’ll get you help,” said Turkington. 

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