Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man seen on widely distributed video apparently striking his dog repeatedly with a shovel was arraigned on two charges Tuesday and a plea hearing was set.

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alycia Herriott set a June 27 plea hearing for John Coe Richardson, 75, who was indicted nearly two weeks ago on charges of first-degree aggravated animal abuse, a Class C felony, and second-degree animal abuse, a Class B misdemeanor.

The felony charge alleges Richardson on April 26 “did unlawfully and knowingly torture an animal.” The second charge relates to the serious physical injuries the dog, Hooch, suffered.

Richardson forfeited Hooch and his two other dogs after a KTVZ Problem Solvers report on the widely viewed video and Richardson’s arrest the next day.

Attorneys sought no changes at Tuesday’s brief hearing on the conditions imposed when Richardson was released from jail, including that he possess no domestic animals while the case is pending.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond Area Park and Recreation District and Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company provided an update Tuesday on the ongoing construction for the RAPRD Recreation Center.

Here’s what they shared, in full:

During a Quality Control construction inspection, a non-structural issue was identified involving the high-performance paint coating applied to some of the roof components.

After thorough evaluation of potential repair options, all project partners agreed that the most appropriate and effective solution is a full replacement of the affected components to ensure proper coating adherence on all surfaces and long-term durability.

This corrective action will not increase the cost of the project to the taxpayers. However, it will result in a delay to the project timeline. The project team is working on schedule impacts but currently we are estimating a four-month delay. Our commitment to quality and long-term performance remains the top priority.

We are grateful that this issue was identified early and can be addressed during the construction phase, rather than after the facility is in use.

We appreciate the community’s continued patience and support as we work to deliver a first-class aquatics and recreation center. We remain committed to providing a safe, high-quality facility that will serve the region for years to come.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Prescribed burn SW of Bend canceled, others proceed)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to unfavorable conditions, Deschutes National Forest firefighters have canceled the 215 acres of prescribed burning planned for Wednesday a mile southwest of Bend.

Ignitions had been planned for 113 acres on Big Eddy Block 1 Prescribed Burn, located near the intersection of Cascade Lakes Highway and Forest Service Road 41, along the eastern side of FSR 41 and 102 acres on Tiddlywinks Block 2 Prescribed Burn on the west side of FSR 41.

Prescribed burning operations were underway Wednesday on the Crescent and Sisters Ranger Districts.

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. 

If conditions are favorable, the Deschutes National Forest plans to conduct three prescribed burn operations Wednesday totaling nearly 450 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock, Crescent and Sisters ranger districts and another of nearly 270 acres on Thursday. 

Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct up to 215 acres of prescribed burning on Wednesday about a mile southwest of Bend and south of the Cascade Lakes Highway.

Ignitions are planned for 113 acres on Big Eddy Block 1 Prescribed Burn, located near the intersection of Cascade Lakes Highway and Forest Service Road 41 along the eastern side of FSR 41.

If conditions allow, firefighters will also conduct 102 acres of prescribed burning on Tiddlywinks Block 2 Prescribed Burn on the west side of FSR 41 on Wednesday. If conditions remain favorable on Thursday, firefighters will ignite up to 267 acres on the Tiddlywinks 4 Prescribed Burn. Ignitions are planned for 10 a.m. 

The following road and trail closures will be in place: 

Road access to Lava Island Day Use & Trailhead 

All trails north of Big Eddy Day Use 

Northern portion of Catch & Release Trail 

Storm King 

Roads and trails will be closed during ignitions and until roadside and trailside hazards are mitigated. The Cascade Lakes Highway and Forest Service Road 41 will remain open. A pilot car will be implemented if smoke limits visibility.

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

Firefighters on the Crescent Ranger District plan to conduct up to 145 acres of ignitions on the 5-Mile Unit 12 Prescribed Burn, located about seven miles southwest of Crescent and directly along the west side of Highway 97. Ignitions are planned for 9 a.m.

A portion of Forest Service Road 9758 will be closed from the junction with Highway 97 west for three tenths of a mile to the intersection with the pipeline. Smoke will be visible from Highway 97 and 58, Crescent and the surrounding area.

Residents in Crescent are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. Smoke impacts are also possible across Highway 97 during ignitions and overnight in the early morning hours. Flaggers will be present along Highway 97. 

Also on Wednesday, the Sisters Ranger District plans to conduct 54 acres of prescribed burning on SAFR 46 Prescribed Burn located three-quarters of a mile south of Sisters at the intersection of FSR 16 (Three Creek Lake Road) and FSR 4606. Smoke will be visible from Sisters and the surrounding area.

While no road or trail closures are anticipated, smoke may impact FSR 16, FSR 4606 and trails in the Peterson Ridge trails system. Flaggers will be available if smoke impacts roadways. Residents in Sisters and the surrounding area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. 

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner. 

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts. 

SAFR 46 MapDownload

5 Mile Unit 12Download

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– EarthCruiser recently announced the completion of a major milestone: the final direct customer-ordered EarthCruiser EXP in the build queue has been completed and delivered. But the Bend company that closed its American Lane manufacturing facility a year ago also outlined its big new plans for the future.

“This is a proud moment for us,” said EarthCruiser founders Lance Gillies and Michelle Boltz. “Delivering EXP #107 not only fulfills our promise to our customers — it marks the beginning of a bold, innovative new future for EarthCruiser.” 

Here’s the rest of their announcement:

With this achievement, EarthCruiser closes an incredible chapter and embarks on a transformative journey to make authentic overland experiences more accessible than ever before. 

New Operational Model to Expand Overland Accessibility 

EarthCruiser is officially launching a new operational model that will expand its reach and impact. Moving forward, the company will supply EC MOD slide-in campers and EarthCruiser Terranova shells to select adventure van builders and upfitters across the United States for interior fit-out. 

In development is the highly anticipated EVADO  for the Sprinter chassis, along with additional offerings including  towable options. This innovative strategy allows EarthCruiser’s trusted engineering and design to reach a broader audience while empowering local builders and service providers. 

“This shift isn’t just about distribution,” said Gillies. “It’s about realigning with the core values that EarthCruiser has stood for since the beginning — craftsmanship, innovation, and a genuine commitment to our customers.” 

The company’s new approach focuses on making EarthCruiser decades of experience more available and attainable for more recreational vehicle users. It emphasizes long-term customer relationships and partnerships with independent U.S.-based businesses that share EarthCruiser’s values. 

“Too many people today have been disappointed by mass-produced recreational vehicles badged as ‘overland,’” said Gillies. “Legacy RV manufacturers offer affordability — but often sacrifice quality and true innovation. Today’s RV owners want something more: community, authenticity, and connection. We’re here to help them find it.” 

“From day one, we’ve believed in the power of small-town manufacturing and skilled local tradespeople,” added Boltz. “Now, we’re scaling that philosophy nationally. When you support local manufacturing, you support your community your neighbors who care about what they do  — and real innovation.” 

Supporting Partners, Empowering Customers 

Under the new model, EarthCruiser will deliver structurally complete, unfinished MOD and Terranova units to its partner network, allowing customers to customize their vehicles at their own pace and budget — all backed by EarthCruiser’s legendary expedition-grade design. 

“Building a real overland vehicle requires a fundamentally different approach than producing large volume mass-produces assembly-line RVs,” said Gillies. “It must be engineered from the ground up with experience and customer requires front of mind, the real needs of the people who use them.” That takes a conversation, not always possible with the traditional RV dealer model. Experience counts. 

Innovation will remain anchored in EarthCruiser Innovation in Bend, Oregon, where R&D continues to fuel new ideas. The company is also building a  nationwide service network and welcomes customer input on local service providers.  

Introducing Tag-Along Training Tours 

Adding to the momentum, EarthCruiser is launching Tag-Along Training Tours — immersive adventures where customers can refine their skills, build confidence, and connect with the EarthCruiser community in stunning overland destinations. 

“From the very beginning of the overlanding movement in the U.S., our customers have been partners in innovation,” said Boltz. “This next chapter honors that spirit — bringing the EarthCruiser experience to more people while staying true to the values that built our community.” 

About EarthCruiser Founded in Bend, Oregon, EarthCruiser is a pioneer in premium expedition vehicles engineered for global overland travel. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Twenty organizations dedicated to Bend’s arts and culture scene will receive a total of $300,000 in grants from the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund to spread the word about upcoming events and to maximize the number of people who get to experience them.

Visit Bend funds the grants using taxes paid by guests who spend the night at Bend hotels, vacation rental properties, RV parks, and other lodging facilities. 

An independent review board, the Bend Cultural Tourism Commission, considered 28 projects before voting on May 8 to fund the final 20. Projects range from a new volcano exhibit and programming at the High Desert Museum to supporting Bend’s very own TEDx talks.

Other grantees include OSU–Cascades for a First Peoples Celebration, Central Oregon Latin Festival and its Taco Fest, and 1988 Entertainment, the group behind Bend’s nine-time award-winning Volcanic Theatre. Visit Bend’s board of directors approved the commission’s recommendation at its monthly meeting on May 20. 

The BCTF was created in 2015 to promote and grow Bend’s arts and cultural offerings by reinvesting a portion of the fees collected by Bend’s lodging properties levied on overnight stays. The vast majority of this “transient room tax” money goes to the city’s general fund to help pay for public safety, and other core services and infrastructure.

Visit Bend manages the remaining portion on behalf of the city to support Bend’s $386.3 million annual tourism economy—a critical part of the city’s overall economic well-being. 

“This fund is about more than tourism—it’s about reinvesting in the creative heartbeat of our community,” says Zavier Borja, Visit Bend’s destination stewardship director. “By directing visitor dollars into arts and cultural experiences, we’re supporting the people and organizations who make Bend such a dynamic and inspiring place to be.” 

The BCTF, now in its tenth year, invests in promoting cultural activities that have enough allure to attract visitors from beyond a 50-mile radius, predominantly during Bend’s shoulder seasons.

The grants are broken into two categories.

The Small Marketing/Research Grant program seeks to help groups grow lesser-known but highly creative events. The Large Marketing Grant program promotes high-quality, cultural-tourism activities that demonstrate a clear and measurable economic benefit. Since its inception in 2015, the BCTF has awarded $2,587,418 for 134 projects. 

“Art doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” says Visit Bend CEO Jeff Knapp. “We are an extraordinary community that can hit above its weight when it comes to arts and culture because we’ve been smart about using visitor dollars to help local groups flourish.”

For more information, visit the BCTF website. 

2025 BCTF grantees, project, and amounts:

1988 Entertainment LLC – Volcanic Arts – $23,000

Art Sprouts, Inc. – Ukrainian Alliance of Central Oregon: Cultural Nexus Project – $14,000

BendFilm – Bend Film Festival – $31,000

Blue Moon Media LLC – Beertown Comedy – $8,000

Cascade Relays Foundation – TEDxBend – $8,000

Central Oregon Center for the Arts – Site Evaluation Analysis – $10,000

Central Oregon Latin Festival – Central Oregon Taco Fest – $13,000

High Desert Museum – Volcanoes Exhibit – $33,000

La Bon Burlesque – Murder-Mystery Series – $9,000

Lara Media Services – Dia de los Muertos Bend (Bend Day of the Dead) – $18,000

Lay It Out Events – Bend WinterFest Light Art Exhibition – $20,000

Luscious Supper Club – Luscious Bend Food + Wine Festival – $8,000

Old Mill District – Diversity in Music – $8,000

Oregon State University – Cascades – First Peoples Celebration with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs – $12,000

OUT Central Oregon – Winter PrideFest – $20,000

Paula Dreyer – Piano Flow Live – $6,000

Sacred Art of Living Education & Retreat Center – Circle of Life Event – $6,000

Scalehouse – Bend Design Conference – $20,000

The Greenhouse Cabaret – The Greenhouse Cabaret 2026 Season – $20,000

Tower Theatre Foundation – Live at the Tower Marketing Campaign – $13,000

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Redmond has extended the window for accepting Retail Marijuana Dispensaries applications to Friday, May 30. 

Interested applicants can learn more about the requirements for operating a dispensary in Redmond as well as obtain a Land Use Verification application, the first of a three-part application process, on the City’s website at www.redmondoregon.gov/retailmarijuana.   

Initial applications must be received by noon, Friday, May 30. The first step in the application process will be a zoning verification analysis by City staff to determine whether a proposed dispensary’s location meets the zoning regulations.  Applicants will be notified of the zoning verification no later than Friday, June 6. 

If a dispensary’s location meets the criteria, they will move to the second step, which will be a comprehensive application process. This will be qualitative rather than first-come, first-served.  It will include reviews of business plans, building design/merchandising plans, background checks, and other criteria such as applicant interviews. 

A series of ordinances were adopted to establish the regulatory framework for operating marijuana businesses within the city, which outlined specific procedures for permitting and operating those businesses. These ordinances established a cap of one retail marijuana dispensary per 10,000 city residents.  With Redmond’s current population at around 37,000, the current cap is three. 

For more information regarding the application process, please contact Deputy City Manager Steve Ashworth at 541-923-7750, or via email steve.ashworth@redmondoregon.gov. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Police release details of suspect search, seek public’s help in locating him)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The police search for a burglary and domestic violence suspect closed a busy southwest Redmond street and put two nearby schools in Secure status Tuesday. He eluded capture, prompting a call to the public for any leads to his whereabouts.

Lt. April Huey said officers responded shortly before 8 a.m. to a burglary reported in the area of the 1800 block of SW Canal Boulevard. “This incident was in addition to a domestic violence incident the previous day,” she said in a news release. 

At the time of the call Tuesday morning, the victim and police believed the suspect was in the victim’s home, Huey said. But officers searched the home and couldn’t find him.

“Out of caution during this time, RPD asked the schools in the area to be placed in a secure status until the residence was cleared,” Huey said. 

The suspect has been identified as Tyler J. Kane, 30, of Bend. Huey said he has an outstanding warrant for Probation Violation, in addition to charges for Burglary 1, Theft II, Harassment-Domestic Violence, Coercion, and Theft 1.

If you have information about the current location of the suspect, you’re asked to please contact non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.   

“RPD would like to remind citizens of the importance of staying out of areas where there is high police activity, to allow for the efficient police access into and out of the area,” Huey said.   

“If you have or are currently experiencing intimate partner violence, it is important to know that you are not alone,” she added. Saving Grace is a valuable resource and is available 24/7 at their helpline, 541-389-7021.   

Earlier, police advised the public of a heavy police presence in the area but also assured that “there is no current threat to the community.”

Redmond police said in a brief Facebook posting around 11:30 a.m.: “There is a heavy police presence in the area of the 1800 block of SW Canal Blvd. Police will be in the area for an extended period of time. The schools have been notified. There is no current threat to the community.”

Shortly before noon, police said in an update: “There is a heavy police presence in the area of the 1800 block of SW Canal Blvd. Police will be in the area for an extended period of time, looking for a suspect. SW Canal Blvd is currently closed from SW Quartz Ave. to SW Pumice Ave. Please avoid the area if possible.”

They again stressed that “there is no current threat to the community.”

A KTVZ News photographer provided a live stream as police surrounded a building in the area for a time Tuesday afternoon.

Redmond Police Lt. April Huey told KTVZ News at mid-afternoon that the road had reopened and the area was clear.

Here is a note sent earlier Tuesday to parents of Obsidian Middle School and Lynch Elementary School parents and staff about the Secure status, which a Redmond School District spokesman told KTVZ News lasted for about two hours before being lifted:

“Dear Families and Staff,

Out of an abundance of caution, both Obsidian Middle School and M.A. Lynch Elementary School have been placed in a Secure protocol at the direction of the Redmond Police Department.

A Secure is a modification of a lockdown that keeps students and staff inside the building, restricts outside access, and allows the school day to continue as normal within the building.

We want to emphasize that this situation is not related to either school. The Secure was issued only because of the proximity of the police activity, not because of any threat or issue on our campuses.

All students and staff are safe, and we will provide an update as soon as the Secure has been lifted.” An update was sent later about the lifting of Secure status.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates in Central Oregon were little changed this April, the Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday. Private nonfarm employment increased slightly over the past month and year in all three Central Oregon counties, while total nonfarm employment showed varied growth. 

Here’s the full report KTVZ News received from Regional Economist Nicole Ramos:

Bend MSA (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties): Labor force statistics for Oregon metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) are produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Through June 2025, seasonally adjusted data are not available for Oregon MSAs or other MSAs around the country. New MSA definitions resulting from the 2020 Census are being incorporated into the history of the data series back to 1990, as well as other updates to the processing of labor force estimates for substate areas. Read more on this pause in seasonally adjusted metro area data here. 

The Bend MSA gained 850 jobs (+0.8%) from March to April and total nonfarm employment is now 111,800. Job gains were concentrated within leisure and hospitality (+450 jobs); professional and business services (+130 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+110 jobs); and the public sector (+110 jobs). Other notable supersector gains took place in private education and health services (+70 jobs) and manufacturing (+70 jobs). Losses were seen within trade, transportation, and utilities (-130 jobs) with the majority of losses occurring within the retail trade (-80 jobs) subsector. 

Total nonfarm employment increased by 1.2% (+1,370 jobs) from April 2024 to April 2025. Over the year job gains were concentrated within private education and health services (+750  jobs); manufacturing (+420 jobs); professional and business services (+370 jobs); and the public sector (+250 jobs). Other notable gains took place in mining, logging, and construction (+140 jobs) and leisure and hospitality (+110 jobs). Over-the-year losses were largest within trade, transportation, and utilities (-580 jobs) with 460 jobs lost within the retail trade subsector. Smaller job losses were also recorded in information (-70 jobs), financial activities (-10 jobs), and other services (-10 jobs). 

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased slightly over the month of April and is now 5.1%, down from a rate of 5.2% in March—in April of last year, it was 5.5%. The unemployment rate remains 0.6 percentage point above the record low set before the pandemic, in late 2019, when it hit 4.5%. 

Crook County saw an increase in total nonfarm employment over the month with a gain of 90 jobs (+1.2%) in April. These gains were primarily concentrated within leisure and hospitality (+50 jobs) and the public sector (+40 jobs), with smaller increases in professional and business services (+20 jobs) and construction (+20 jobs). Modest losses were also seen in manufacturing; wholesale trade; private education and health services; and other services (-10 jobs each).  

Over the past year, the county lost 10 jobs (-0.1%). Losses were concentrated within public-sector employment, with a decline of 90 jobs over the year primarily in local government (-100 jobs). The private sector gained 80 jobs over the year.

Notable private-sector job gains occurred in professional and business services (+60 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+50 jobs); construction (+50 jobs); and private education and health services (+40 jobs). Over the year private-sector job losses were not as large and occurred within trade, transportation, and utilities (-60 jobs); manufacturing (-20 jobs); information (-20 jobs); and mining and logging (-20 jobs). 

Deschutes County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% over the month of April, unchanged from March’s 4.3% rate. In April 2024 the unemployment rate was slightly lower at 4.1%. The unemployment rate is 1 percentage point above its record low of 3.3% before the onset of the pandemic.  

Deschutes County gained 670 jobs (+0.7%) from March to April and total nonfarm employment is now 97,330. Job gains were recorded primarily within leisure and hospitality (+370 jobs) and professional and business services (+100 jobs).

Smaller but noteworthy gains also occurred within private education and health services (+80 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+80 jobs); manufacturing (+80 jobs); and government (+60 jobs). Private-sector losses were weaker with losses concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (-140 jobs)—retail trade losing 80 jobs over the month. 

Total nonfarm employment increased 1.1% (+1,040 jobs) from April 2024 to April 2025. Over-the-year job gains were strongest in private education and health services (+660 jobs); manufacturing (+440 jobs), specifically durable goods manufacturing (+340 jobs); and government (+240 jobs). Other notable gains took place in professional and business services (+130 jobs); leisure and hospitality (+80 jobs); and other services (+40 jobs).

The majority of over-the-year losses occurred within the trade, transportation, and utilities (-470 jobs) supersector with retail trade declining by 390 jobs. Smaller losses were also seen in information (-40 jobs); financial activities (-30 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-10 jobs). 

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged in April, holding steady at 4.6%. Last year, the unemployment rate was slightly lower at 4.5% in April. Shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19 were felt the rate was 4.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment increased by 90 jobs in April (+1.3%). Private-sector gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+30 jobs); professional and business services (+20); manufacturing (+10 jobs); construction (+10 jobs); and other services (+10 jobs). The public sector also gained 10 jobs over the month within local government. All other industries held steady over the month with little to no change.   

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment rose by 130 jobs over the past year (+1.9%). Job gains were concentrated within the public sector (+110 jobs); professional and business services (+40 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+40 jobs); and manufacturing (+40 jobs). Public-sector growth was driven by both local (+70 jobs) and state (+40 jobs) government employment. Notable job losses occurred within trade, transportation, and utilities (-40 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs); and financial activities (-20 jobs).  

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the May county and metropolitan area unemployment rates and employment survey data on Tuesday, June 24, and the statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for May on Wednesday, June 18.        

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. — As families across Central Oregon prepare to honor those who gave their lives in service to the nation, one Bend-based nonprofit is working year-round to bring missing heroes home.

Project Recover, a national leader in the search for and recovery of Americans Missing in Action (MIA), is using Memorial Day to remind the community of the powerful work still being done to keep our nation’s promise: that no one is left behind.

In the last six months, Project Recover has played a key role in the identification and repatriation of seven American service members, with more identifications to come.

“These are not just names etched in stone. These are individuals who sacrificed for our nation and  whose families have waited decades for answers,” said Derek Abbey, Project Recover CEO. “Memorial Day is not only a time to remember their sacrifice, but also to renew our commitment to bringing them home.”

This Memorial Day weekend, Project Recover team members will attend services for two WWII airmen whose remains were recently recovered and identified following the organization’s efforts in locating their B-24 in 2017:

SSgt Eugene Darriagan, to be honored in Wappingers Falls, NY, on Saturday, May 24

2nd Lt. Thomas V. Kelly, Jr., to be honored in Livermore, CA, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26

Both men served aboard the B-24 bomber Heaven Can Wait, which was shot down over Papua New Guinea in 1944. Their homecomings are the result of years of research, search, and recovery missions, and unwavering dedication.

Locally, Project Recover invites the community to continue honoring fallen heroes at an upcoming ribbon cutting and open house for their new Bend office on Tuesday, July 22 at 3:30 p.m. in partnership with the Bend Chamber of Commerce. The new office, located at 803 SW Industrial Way, is helping bring national impact to Central Oregon.

“As Memorial Day reminds us, freedom is not free,” said Derek Abbey. “At Project Recover, we’re doing our part to make sure every sacrifice is remembered—and every hero has the chance to come home.”

To learn more about Project Recover’s mission or attend the July event, visit www.projectrecover.org.

Project Recover has completed over 100 missions in 25 countries, discovered and documented more than 75 aircraft associated with MIAs, developed a growing database of more than 700 cases associated with more than 3,000 MIAs, accounted for over 90 missing-in-action service members, repatriated 26 American heroes, and anticipate additional identifications before the end of 2025.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There were 2,108 Central Oregon homeless people counted in January’s annual Point in Time Count, a 17% increase from last year, the Homeless Leadership Coalition said Monday.

The coalition said the regionwide survey is part of a federally mandated nationwide survey of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. Surveys were conducted between Jan. 28 and Feb. 3, asking people where they slept the night of Jan. 27.

Although the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development only requires a full count every other year, the HLC said it chose to conduct a full yearly count of both sheltered and unsheltered populations.

Of the total homeless surveyed across the region, two-thirds were unsheltered, and 1,442 said they were living outside in a vehicle. Also, 80% of those counted said they’ve been homeless for over a year.

Nearly 60% of the people surveyed say they’ve lived in Central Oregon for a decade or longer. And more than half said they’d been without a permanent residence for at least three years. Also, 54% reported having a mental health disorder.

The coalition said the total number of people surveyed who were experiencing homelessness has grown 89% in the past five years.

Here’s the full PowerPoint presentation:

2025 PIT presentation (1)Download

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