Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) –Midnight Tuesday night is the deadline to file tax year 2024 state and federal personal income tax returns, and the Oregon Department of Revenue wants to remind taxpayers of the tools available to make the experience easier for both those who haven’t yet filed their 2024 return and those who have.

Through Monday, April 14, Revenue says it has processed 1.7 million of an expected 2.2 million returns and issued 1.1 million refunds.

Direct file

New this year, taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the IRS using IRS Direct File and their Oregon return directly with the state through Direct File Oregon for free. Videos are available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.

Taxpayers using the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon have been completing their Oregon returns in about 17 minutes. Taxpayer response has been positive with survey feedback averaging 4.5 on a five-point scale.

IRS Direct File does not support all return types. Specifically, taxpayers with dividends reported on Form 1099-DIV and capital gains or losses are not supported.

More free filing options

Revenue reminds those who haven’t yet filed, that filing electronically is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund. Information about available free tax preparation tax preparation software is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free or reduced cost assistance.

Public computer kiosks for filing taxes with Direct File Oregon and free fillable forms are available in department regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Medford, and Portland.

Where’s my refund? tool and video

Taxpayers who want to check the status of their Oregon state income tax refund will find more information available this year when they use the Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

For the 2025 tax season, Where’s My Refund? has been upgraded to provide:

Additional detail about refund status. 

Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return. 

Website enhancements for improved customer experience.

To have the benefit of the enhancements, however, taxpayers need to be signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool without being signed into Revenue Online account, but won’t be able to see the updated features.

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

Filing a paper return

Taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their tax year 2024 return and file a paper return should make sure it’s post-marked by today or place it in one of the drop boxes available on both the east and west sides of the Department of Revenue Building in Salem, or outside the DOR offices in Portland, Eugene, Medford, and Bend. A drop box at DOR’s Gresham office is available during business hours.

DOR staff will be on hand in the atrium of the Salem headquarters building today until 5 p.m. to accept and stamp tax returns as having been filed timely.

Filing an extension.

Individuals who are not able to file by midnight can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the Internal Revenue Service. If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2025.

Taxpayers should only request an Oregon extension if they:

Don’t have a federal extension.

Owe Oregon taxes.

Can’t file your return by April 15, 2025.

Remember that an extension to file  is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe, should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

First quarter 2025 estimated payments due today

Today is also the due date for first quarter estimated payments. In most cases, taxpayers must make estimated tax payments for tax year 2025 if they estimate their tax after withholding and credits (including refundable credits) will be $1,000 or more when they file their 2025 Oregon return. Taxpayers can make their payments on Revenue Online or mail their payment with a voucher. Taxpayers mailing their payment should mail it separately from their return or other correspondence. Oregon Estimated Income Tax Instructions, Publication OR-ESTIMATE, can be found on the Revenue website. 

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on the Revenue website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

Dylan Anderman

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Just a season ago, Summit Robotics didn’t qualify for Districts. This year, the team didn’t just make it to Districts—they’re heading to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, Texas, for the first time in seven years.

“It’s really exciting just to go to Worlds, see teams from all over the world, and really just experience that,” said one team member. “It’s a whole new setting. It’s a whole new atmosphere. And I’m really excited to see it.”

The team, known as Chaos Theory, is made up of more than 20 dedicated students and mentors who built a competition robot they named Triton. With relentless teamwork and innovation, Triton helped them secure two second-place finishes, one first-place win and a spot on the global stage.

“So just being able to see that boost in confidence in everyone—and in myself—of being on a team where, statistically, you know you’re a good team. I think we’re currently ranked in the top 50 in the world. Before, we were in the bottom 80%. That’s a huge shift.”

Their robot Triton was designed to perform a variety of technical tasks on the field, including manipulating objects with precision.

“As you can see here, this is one of the reefs behind me where we have to place these corals. They’re basically PVC tubes on each of these different nodes,” explained another team member.

But technical skill isn’t the only thing powering Chaos Theory—it’s also reliability.

“Liability is availability, and availability wins. And we are 100% reliable. We’ve never missed a match. We’ve never broken down in a match. We’re always there to play.”

For Chaos Theory, making it this far is already a victory, and every experience the team has had along the way is priceless.

“What’s amazing about the FIRST Robotics program, and a big reason I’m still here – I’ve learned more in my three years on the team than any classroom has ever taught me, and you’re able to do these things that are not an option anywhere else.”

As the team prepares for the global competition, the focus isn’t just on winning—but on everything else that comes with it.

“At Worlds, yeah, I think a joint goal is really to win. But also, you know, it’s the friends you make along the way.”

The World Championships begin this Wednesday, and getting to this point hasn’t been easy—or cheap.

To power their journey to Houston, the Summit Robotics team has invested over $100,000 this season alone. That funding has supported everything from parts and equipment to travel and competition fees.

While the team is backed by 30 generous sponsors, they’re still seeking additional support to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

If you’d like to help Summit Robotics on their road to Worlds, donations can be made at summitrobotics.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

John Carroll

We have a new feature from the KTVZ weather center that we will be showcasing on the 6 pm and 10 pm newscasts each night. We call it the Futuretrack 14-Day, and it gives you a broadbrush view of the following week. This will track trends over the next week after the 7-Day, and provide a guideline to help you to make your plans.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The required 3,000 vouchers were purchased, so the Golf Oregon license plate, to benefit junior golf programs around the state, will be sold soon by the Oregon DMV.

You can learn more about the license plate from this Oregon Golf Association page.

DMV spokesman Chris Crabb told KTVZ News Monday now that the required vouchers have been sold, “an implementation team is being formed. That team will validate vouchers, initiate implementation, including ordering license plates, and establish the implementation date. Once the team is established, it takes a minimum of 7-8 months to produce the plate.”

Barney Lerten

(Update: Burn underway, new photo)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters Ranger District firefighters were conducting up to 60 acres of prescribed burning on Tuesday three miles southeast of Sisters along Forest Service Road 4606 and Peterson Ridge Road.  

After a favorable test fire on the 60-acre SAFR 12 prescribed burn firefighters were continuing with ignitions that were about one-third complete by midday.

Smoke was visible from Sisters, Highways 20 and 126, and the surrounding area. Residents in Cloverdale and Plainview were encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours, officials said. 

Recreators are encouraged to avoid Peterson Horse Tie Trail tomorrow while prescribed burning operations are active due to smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are possible across Highway 20 overnight and in the early morning hours. No road or trail closures are anticipated.  

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

Barney Lerten

Sheriff ‘deeply disappointed’ Gunnels placed him on ‘Brady list,’ disputes reasoning

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels said Monday he has placed Sheriff Kent van der Kamp on a short list of witnesses who prosecutors cannot “ethically” call in criminal cases over concerns that he provided false testimony in more than one past DUII case. 

Gunnels confirmed to KTVZ News on Monday the information provided in a story first reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting and that he’d forwarded his office’s findings to a state agency that oversees law enforcement standards, training and certification.

Van der Kamp, in a statement sent Monday afternoon to KTVZ News, said he was “deeply disappointed” by Gunnels’ decision and that he would “respectfully dispute” the DA’s reasoning (his statement in full can be read below). 

The county’s top prosecutor said he placed van der Kamp last week on the county’s “Brady list,” which is a list of witnesses each county keeps of people who cannot “ethically” be called to testify in criminal cases. 

Gunnels told KTVZ News the matter “came to light” in November – around the time van der Kamp was elected sheriff, in a contentious race – when prosecutors in his office raised concerns about the new sheriff’s honesty and “discrepancies” in the record.  

The DA also confirmed his office’s investigation involved cases over a 12-year period from 2012-24. Gunnels said he’s reached out to defense attorneys to see if other cases should be reviewed. 

Gunnels stressed to KTVZ News that there were “dozens of cases we’re looking at – not cases we’ve confirmed have a problem.” 

“Any case in which (van der Kamp) has testified is subject to review, and we will determine if we need to revisit them,” the DA said.

Van der Kamp previously served in a leading role with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, or CODE team.

But Gunnels told us, “The cases that we have identified (and are under review) are not drug cases. They are all DUII cases.”

The DA has declined to be more specific at this time about the cases forwarded to DPSST as the agency begins its review.

Gunnels said the results of their investigation were sent to the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, which creates standards and provides training for law enforcement, firefighters and private security personnel.

Gunnels, who has been in the DA’s office for over 30 years, said he’s unaware of any law enforcement member at such a high level who has been put on Deschutes County’s Brady list previously. 

The county’s undated, apparently current Brady list provided to OPB includes eight names, six in Tier 1 and two in Tier 2.

Gunnels told us the Tier 1 list, including van der Kamp, is of people who cannot be called as witnesses. For those on Tier 2, prosecutors have “some discretion” to be called, “with full disclosure about the issue.”

DPSST Communications Coordinator Sam Tenney told KTVZ News that “most details about open cases are exempt from disclosure until DPSST concludes its review and issues a staff report.”

The agency’s website also has a page that explains the professional standards case process in detail – you can view that at:https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/cj/pages/professionalStandards.aspx

Coincidentally, the sheriff marked his first 100 days in office with this list in a Facebook post:

100 Days of Progress at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office

On November 5th, 2024, you sent a clear message: it’s time for change. I’m proud to report that in just 100 days, we’ve made meaningful strides in reforming your Sheriff’s Office—and we’re just getting started.

A clear vision for safety, transparency, and accountability

Office morale is up, lawsuits are down and community trust is growing

$2.8 million in savings through responsible budgeting & cutting wasteful spending

Updating aging technology and building systems with NO new taxes

New leadership chosen through a transparent, community-involved process

Streamlined operations and stronger partnerships with county departments

Community members and leaders are consulted throughout

Renewed collaboration with public safety partners across Central Oregon

Immediate action on major issues: homelessness, traffic, wildfire, and crime

We have built a professional, responsive, and efficient team at all levels — focused on delivering results that matter to YOU.

Over the next few weeks, we will be posting details of our progress!

Thank you for your trust and support. The work continues—and I’m honored to lead the way.

– Sheriff Kent van der Kamp

#DeschutesCounty#PublicSafety#100DaysOfProgress#CommunityFirst#StrongerTogether

—

News release from Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp:

A Message from Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp:

I am deeply disappointed by the recent decision by District Attorney Steve Gunnells to place me on the Brady list. While I respectfully dispute the reasoning behind this action, I understand the seriousness of the situation and the impact it may have on the Sheriff’s Office and the public’s trust.

Since taking office, I have worked tirelessly to restore transparency, integrity, and fiscal responsibility within our agency. We’ve made significant progress together — but I also recognize that leadership includes facing challenges head-on and making difficult decisions when they are in the best interest of the community and the Sheriff’s Office.

At this time, I am working closely with my command team, legal counsel, and county officials to fully understand the implications of this decision and carefully evaluate the best path forward for the Sheriff’s Office and Deschutes County. I remain committed to serving this community and to ensuring that the work we’ve begun continues with strength and stability.

I ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate this moment, and I will provide further updates as decisions are made in the days ahead.

— Sheriff Kent Vander KampDeschutes County Sheriff’s Office