Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Board of Commissioners have invited representatives from PacifiCorp to attend a public community meeting to discuss the Blueprint South 500-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line Project.

The meeting will take place on:

Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Powell Butte Community Center

Address: 8404 SW Reif Rd, Powell Butte, OR 97753

The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the status of the proposed transmission line project and give residents an opportunity to hear directly from PacifiCorp. Company representatives will present information about the project’s current phase, routing considerations, and anticipated timelines, followed by a Q&A session to address public questions and concerns.

“We’ve heard from many community members who are concerned about possible plans and want more transparency and clarity around this project,” said Crook County Commissioner Seth Crawford. “We appreciate PacifiCorp’s willingness to engage directly with the public.”

All interested residents, landowners, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please contact the Crook County Commissioners’ Office at (541) 447-6555.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As part of its commitment to enhancing dark skies in the community, the Deschutes County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 10, to consider proposed amendments to county outdoor lighting regulations.

The Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners have expressed support for amending the county outdoor lighting ordinance. After receiving feedback from two panels convened on the topic, Community Development staff have proposed changes to the ordinance that address public concerns about light pollution.

The proposed amendments include:

Simplifying the code to support responsible lighting practices

Updating terminology to better reflect current lighting fixtures

Utilizing the guiding principles of Dark Sky International, which offer best practices for responsible lighting

Clarifying types of facilities and lighting fixtures that are exempt

The public is invited to attend a public hearing during the Planning Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, in the Barnes Sawyer Room of the Deschutes County Services Building, located at 1300 NW Wall Street in Bend. Community members can provide feedback in person or virtually. The meeting agenda and virtual log in information can be found at www.deschutes.org/meetings.

You can find more information about the proposed lighting control amendments at this link.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — While tradition calls for fun at the 4th of July Pet Parade, precautions are necessary for pets and people. The Humane Society of Central Oregon wants pets participating in the parade to remain healthy and safe.

Here’s what they shared with us Thursday:

Bring plenty of water and a pet bowl to the pet parade, whether as a participant or a spectator on the curb with your dog. Be willing to adapt your parade plans.

Safety considerations include leaving your pet in a cool home and bringing a stuffed animal instead. Other options include using a stroller or wagon to pull your pet.

Leave the parade route if your pet demonstrates intolerance towards the heat. Watch for excessive panting, seeking shade, dancing on the hot asphalt, or lying down.

“We all know the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, but there are heat concerns when our pets are outdoors,” said Crystal Bloodworth, DVM, of the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

“Dogs need to pant to cool themselves, as they do not sweat. This isn’t always enough, however, as cool water and shade can help. Paying attention to your pet while outdoors in the heat is critical to ensuring a fun day for everyone,” said Dr. Bloodworth.

Senior, obese, short-muzzled dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.) and long-haired breeds are discouraged in extreme heat.  Another concern in high temperatures is hot asphalt, which can cause damage to paw pads.

Tips for keeping your pet comfortable at the Pet Parade include:

•          Before and after the parade, find a cool, shaded place to rest.

•          Do not arrive too early: staging begins at 8:30 am; the parade starts at 9:30 am.

•          Bring plenty of cool water for you and your pet. Water will be available at the parade staging area and HSCO will provide water en route – look for the orange flags at street intersections.

•          Utilize dog cooling vests, dog booties, misting or wetting your dog down.

•          Allow dogs to cool off in the water pools at the staging area and finish.

•          Get creative and place your pet in a shaded, decorated stroller or wagon to keep them off of the hot asphalt.

•          Watch for signs of your pet’s paw pads overheating or soreness – picking up paws, seeking shade and avoiding walking by sitting or lying down.

•          Do not leave your pet in the car, not even for a few minutes.

•          Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Faster, heavier panting; excessive thirst and/or drooling with hanging strands of saliva; whining or signs of agitation; decreased responsiveness; glassy eyes; increased pulse/ heartbeat; elevated body temperature and staggering, weakness, collapse, seizures and/or unconsciousness.

•          If your pet shows heat-related symptoms, immediately go to a shaded area or a dog-friendly business that may let your dog cool in the air-conditioned store so you can assess your pet’s condition.

•          If you think your pet will be challenged by warm temperatures, BPRD and the Humane Society of Central Oregon encourage you to leave your pet at home.

Should you need any emergency veterinary services over the holiday weekend, there are two emergency animal clinics in Bend, Bend Animal Emergency Center and Specialty Center (541 385-9110) and Veterinary Referral Center Urgent Care (541 209-6960) or call your veterinarian.

For additional information on the Pet Parade, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.

# # #

About the Humane Society of Central Oregon:

Founded in 1961, the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is a full-service animal shelter located at 61170 SE 27th Street, Bend, OR. As a Socially Conscious Shelter, HSCO is dedicated to providing the best possible outcomes for all animals under its care. In the past year, HSCO found homes for more than 2,200 animals and reunited 659 pets with their families. Our community outreach includes accessible veterinary care and the HOPE pet food bank, which support the needs of pet owners in Central Oregon. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information, visit hsco.org or call 541-382-3537.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The owner of a Prineville car dealership, the focus of recent KTVZ Problem Solvers reports for allegedly scamming clients while selling their vehicles, has been arrested on 35 counts of aggravated ID theft, forgery and illegal consignment practices. 

Michael Dwayne Smetzer Jr., 37, of Prineville, entered not guilty pleas to all of the felony and misdemeanor charges through his attorney during his arraignment Thursday before Crook County Circuit Judge Wade Whiting. Smetzer, who was arrested Wednesday by Crook County sheriff’s deputies, appeared by video from jail. 

In a three-part Problem Solvers report late last year, KTVZ’s Matthew Draxton spoke with several of Smetzer’s customers about their experiences with the business, saying they did not receive the money for the vehicles months later. One said Smetzer told him the issues were with the finance company and were out of his hands. 

Deputy District Attorney Paxton Deuel said at Thursday’s hearing that the alleged crimes occurred over a two-year period, during which Smetzer sold cars but failed to pay his victims, and “forged titles and bill of sales. Right now, there’s 13 alleged victims stemming from his actions over two years.” 

The judge told Smetzer that each of the Class B felonies carry maximum penalties of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the Class C charges could bring five-year prison terms and a $125,000 fine. You can read the full indictment below this article. 

Whiting asked the prosecutor if they had calculated the total alleged losses. Deuel said each of the aggravated thefts involved sums of $15,000 to $20,000, so it totals “well over $100,000.” 

It also came to light during the court proceeding, as Smetzer asked for a court-appointed attorney, that he is in arrears for $62,000 in unpaid child support. 

Defense attorney A Vada Camacho asked the judge that Smetzer be granted conditional release, since he apparently has no criminal history.  

But Whiting said he had reviewed the indictment, and due to “the severity and number of charges,” set his bail at $50,000. If Smetzer is able to post 10 percent and gain release, the judge ordered that he have no contact with any of the alleged victims. 

Smetzer is due back in court next Thursday for a pre-trial conference. 

Michael Smetzer indictmentDownload

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding comments from pyrotechnicians, Bend Fire)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The colorful, bombastic Pilot Butte Fireworks Show is just a day away, and Sure Shot Fireworks and fire officials are preparing for the big night.

Chris Mattison with Sureshot Fireworks said Thursday, “We increased the show for you guys this year for the team, for the city of Bend. We’re ready to rock a show for you guys!”

Hundreds of fireworks, big mortars, and the longest show so far are all in store for viewers of the display.

“You’re going to see a plethora,” said Mattison. “We’re going to be shooting so many shells that the whole butte will be lit the whole time. We have shells that when they break, they’ll be just as large as the butte itself.”

The butte is hosed down for three days before the show, to ensure fires that are sparked don’t grow. Four volunteer fire crews also will be on the scene, extinguishing any problems throughout the night.

Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki has worked the holiday for years.

“You’ll be able to see all the headlamps run around the side of the butte. We have fire trucks that are mobile and fire trucks in place with hoses off of them,” he said. “They’re ready to go. They can get to those fires very quickly and get them stopped. Last year, we had no fires. One year before, we had two spot fires. So kind of goes back and forth.”

Sureshot Fireworks gained community support for this year’s show, with materials like wood, sand, and trailers. The show is sponsored by Subaru of Bend. 

The show begins at 10 p.m. Friday and lasts more than 20 minutes. The butte will be back open to the public on July 6th. 

And remember: You can watch the fireworks displays in Bend and Redmond as well on the Fourth of July Live Fireworks Spectacular, at 10 p.m. Friday on KTVZ and starting at 9:45 p.m. on KTVZ+.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — College View, a newly constructed multi-family apartment community, is now accepting applications and will host a special Application Event on Friday and Saturday, July 11th and 12th.

Offering spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment homes, College View is conveniently located next to the OSU Cascades campus and features upscale amenities designed to meet the needs of today’s renters.  The rents are $925 for a one-bedroom, $1,025 for a two-bedroom and $1,150 for a three-bedroom.  Household incomes must be below 50-60% of the area median income.  

Due to high local interest, we encourage prospective residents to attend the upcoming Application Event: 

College View Application Event 📍 2017 NE Full Moon Drive, Bend, OR 97701 🗓️ Friday, July 11th | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM 🗓️ Saturday, July 12th | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 

Bring your completed application, ID, and income documentation.  Each applicant aged 18 and older must submit a complete application. 

Download the application and learn more here:  https://housing-works.org/our-properties 

College View is the newest addition to the Housing Works portfolio and is proudly managed by Cascade Management. Together, we are committed to expanding access to quality, affordable housing in Central Oregon. 

Lynne McConnell 

Housing Works 

Executive Director 

lmcconnell@housing-works.org 

Tiffany Hopp 

Cascade Management, Inc. 

Marketing and Communications Manager 

Tiffany.hopp@cascade-management.com 

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Fire & Rescue, the City of Redmond & Redmond Police Department officials said Wednesday they are concerned about potential fireworks-related fires and personal injuries as the Fourth of July draws near.

One of the most common fireworks-related fires that Redmond Fire & Rescue crews respond to involves “spent” fireworks placed in grocery sacks that rekindle and spread to fences, decks, and even homes.

The best and safest plan is to attend a professional fireworks display and eliminate the risk altogether. Instead of lighting your own legal fireworks, view the professional show launched from the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

Residents can drop off unwanted fireworks (illegal or legal) at any Redmond Fire & Rescue fire station for disposal.

If your intent is to use fireworks, keep it legal.

Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or move across the ground more than six feet or up in the air more than 12 inches. This includes popular items like bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s.

Residents should purchase all fireworks at a licensed Oregon fireworks stand. Fireworks purchased by mail order or in the state of Washington or at Native American reservations are illegal in our state.

Many firework-related fires are caused by careless use or improper disposal of legal fireworks. Even legal fireworks are dangerous and have caused injuries and burns to users, especially unsupervised children. This includes sparklers. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees; wood burns at 575 degrees, while glass melts at 900 degrees (National Fire Protection Association).

Redmond Fire & Rescue advises you to celebrate safely this year by following these safety tips:

• Only adults should light or handle fireworks. Supervise children at all times.• Store fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children.• Use fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation.• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars, or buildings.• Never pick up or try to re-light a “dud.”• Never alter fireworks or make your own.

• Have a hose nearby in case of fire and place “spent” fireworks in a metal bucket with water and completely soak the spent fireworks.

Under Oregon law, the Fire Marshal’s Office and law enforcement can seize illegal fireworks and issue criminal citations with fines up to $500 per violation and a sentence of up to 6 months in jail. Individuals can be held civilly liable for damages resulting from improper use of any fireworks — legal or illegal. 

Individuals using fireworks can also commit other criminal offenses, including reckless burning, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and more, which can have large fines and jail/prison time. Use of illegal fireworks within Redmond City limits may result in a fine of $1,500, repeat offenders may receive a fine up to $6,000.

Oregon law also makes parents liable for damage caused by their children and allows fire departments to charge for the cost of suppressing fires caused by fireworks. Additionally, the use of illegal fireworks constitutes criminal activity, and your insurance policy may not cover you if you engage in a criminal act that results in damage.

Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use. It is very important the 911 system be kept for reporting emergencies, active fires, and serious medical problems. Firework concerns may be reported via email to reportfireworks@redmondoregon.gov or by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Fire & EMS has been awarded $1.9 million from the Oregon Legislature to assist with the ongoing expansion and remodel of its existing fire station.

“This critical investment will help bring the project to completion,” the agency said Wednesday in a news release that continues below: 

The funding will allow the district to upgrade its nearly 40-year-old facility to meet current building codes and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. It will also provide modern living quarters designed to accommodate a diverse workforce, ensuring a safe and functional space for its personnel to work.  

Importantly, the state funding enables the department to redirect a portion of its voter-approved bond—passed in May 2024—toward other essential fire and EMS equipment needs. These resources will strengthen emergency response capabilities and support the district’s mission to serve the community. 

Fire Chief Jeff Blake expressed his appreciation to those who made the funding possible, stating: 

“We are an organization with many needs,” Blake said. “I want to personally thank Representatives Greg Smith, Vikki Breese-Iverson, and Senator Mike McLane for their strong support in this process. Without their help, this would have been very difficult to accomplish.” 

Jefferson County Fire & EMS is grateful for the continued support from the legislature and community as it works to build a safer and more resilient organization.  

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – State Senator Anthony Broadman, Representative Emerson Levy and Representative Jason Kropf announced Wednesday a series of key investments secured for Central Oregon in Oregon’s 2025–2027 state budget.

Representing one of the fastest-growing regions in the Pacific Northwest, the Central Oregon delegation worked collaboratively to deliver critical funding for public safety, mental health, health care access, economic development, and cultural preservation. 

“These are investments in the future of Central Oregon—health care access, public safety, and community resilience,” said Senator Broadman. “We came to the table with clear priorities, and I’m proud to say we delivered.” 

“Working together across chambers, we made sure Central Oregon’s voice was heard,” said Representative Kropf. “These projects will have a real and lasting impact.” 

“Our region is growing fast, and these targeted investments will help us meet the needs of today and tomorrow,” said Representative Levy. “We’re building capacity in mental health, health care access, and emergency response.” 

Together, the lawmakers championed the inclusion of the following regional projects: 

$10,128,616 for CORE3: A state-of-the-art regional emergency coordination center and public safety training facility. 

$3,121,146 for a Central Oregon Child Psychiatric Facility: Providing long-overdue, critically needed pediatric mental health bed capacity. 

$4,045,902 for Mosaic Community Health: Supporting construction of a new community health campus in Bend. 

$2,000,000 for the High Desert Museum: Enhancing exhibits, visitor facilities, and educational programming. 

$3,843,973 for the Warm Springs Commissary Project: Advancing food access, retail space, and economic opportunity in Warm Springs. 

$10,000,000 for the Industrial Site Readiness Loan Fund (HB 2411): Unlocking land for job creation and rural economic development across Oregon. 

In a joint statement, Broadman, Levy, and Kropf added: “This is a major win for Central Oregon—and we’re proud of what we were able to bring home for our constituents and the good people of this region. We know not every priority made it across the finish line this time, but the work doesn’t stop here. We’re proud of where we landed today, and it’s a testament to what strong advocacy and collaboration can accomplish for a growing and dynamic region like ours.”

These appropriations were included in HB 5006 and HB 5531, which together make up the 2025–2027 capital construction and targeted investment plan. 

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A suspected child abuser living illegally in Culver has been arrested on federal charges, accused of enticing and sexually abusing a minor in Oregon and Washington, federal prosecutors said.

Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 25, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, has been charged by criminal complaint with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

According to court documents, in 2024, Ramos-Garcia met the minor at a business in Jefferson County, Oregon. In February of this year, undeterred by the minor’s age, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor a note that contained cash and professed his affection for the minor, prosecutors said.

In March, Ramos-Garcia is alleged to have engaged in sexually explicit communication with the minor and, despite the victim’s reluctance, Ramos-Garcia persuaded the minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct at a hotel in Central Oregon.

In April, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and took the victim to a second hotel, where he again sexually abused the minor, federal prosecutors said.

Ramos-Garcia was arrested Tuesday in Culver and made his first appearance in Eugene federal court Wednesday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Madras Police Department. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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