Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Rajinder Kumar on April 22nd, 2026, after his release on April 2nd, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Kumar, a semi-truck driver who entered the country illegally in 2022, was charged with manslaughter in a deadly Highway 20 crash.

The collision, which occurred on November 24th, 2025, resulted in the deaths of William Micah Carter and Jennifer Lynn Carter. Kumar was arrested in late November 2025 by Oregon State Police after troopers say he jackknifed his truck on U.S. Highway 20 about 50 miles east of Bend. Troopers said he failed to put out emergency warning equipment before a Subaru Outback slammed into the trailer, killing driver William, 25, and passenger Jennifer, 24.

Kumar is currently being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. He has been placed in removal proceedings.

Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security criticized the actions of both California and Oregon officials regarding Kumar. “This illegal alien was issued a CDL by Gavin Newsom’s California. He then went on to recklessly drive a truck on America’s highways and KILL two honeymooners. Instead of cooperating with ICE law enforcement, Oregon sanctuary politicians RELEASED him from jail back into American communities,” said Bis. “Every time sanctuary politicians release a dangerous criminal illegal alien back into our communities, they are gambling with American lives. We are grateful to our ICE law enforcement officers who tracked this killer down to ensure he’s permanently removed from America’s highways and can never harm another American family again.

William Michah Carter, 25, and passenger Jennifer Lynn Carter, 24, were on their honeymoon when they were killed after reportedly crashing into Kumar’s semi-truck.

Click here to read some of KTVZ’s earlier reporting on the deadly crash.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit (CET), operated by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), will launch new public transit Route 21 on May 5th, 2026. This new route will connect Warm Springs, Madras, Kah-Nee-Ta, and Simnasho. The service aims to expand access to jobs, health care, essential services, and recreation for the Warm Springs community and surrounding areas.

Route 21 will operate as a 15-month pilot program. This initiative is funded through a state grant. CET is partnering with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on this service expansion.

CET has also expanded its Dial-A-Ride service area in Jefferson County. The expanded service now includes Metolius and a broader area within the city of Madras. Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb, shared-ride transportation service available to the general public without an application. It provides critical mobility options in communities where fixed-route service may be limited or unavailable.

Transit Director Bob Townsend at CET, emphasized the importance of transportation services. “Transportation is a lifeline for many residents in Central Oregon,” Townsend said. “By expanding service in Jefferson County and launching the Simnasho route, we are improving more than mobility, we are connecting people to opportunity, independence and essential resources that support daily life.”

CET and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will continue pursuing additional funding for Route 21. Their goal is to support long-term service and work toward making the route a permanent part of the regional transit network. Bus stop schedules for Route 21 will be updated by May 4th.

CET’s mission is to exceed rider expectations by delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality transit that strengthens regional connectivity, reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances quality of life.

CET will continue to pursue additional funding to support long-term service for Route 21. Bus stop schedules will be updated by May 4th. Riders can schedule Dial-A-Ride trips by calling CET’s Customer Service Center at 541-385-8680.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — CityFest, hosted by the City of Bend and the First Friday Art Walk will take place this Friday, May 1, in Downtown Bend. The events aim to encourage community members to explore and support local businesses.

CityFest will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lift Fitness Studio parking lot, located at 514 NW Franklin Ave. The First Friday Art Walk runs from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. throughout the downtown area.

These concurrent events provide an opportunity for residents to engage with local government and businesses. First Friday is a dedicated effort to highlight and support the businesses that define downtown Bend.

CityFest will include a brief State of the City update and offers a chance to meet City staff and Mayor Melanie Kebler. Attendees can also participate in a hands-on community art project in partnership with Visit Bend, enjoy music and have the opportunity to win prizes.

CityFest is scheduled for Friday, May 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. It will be located at the Lift Fitness Studio parking lot, found at 514 NW Franklin Ave in Bend.

The First Friday Art Walk will occur on the same day, May 1, operating from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. across downtown Bend. Attendees are encouraged to look for balloons outside participating businesses to help guide their way.

To assist with attendance, free parking will be available at the Centennial Parking Garage from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. during the events.

CityFest will feature a free raffle, providing two chances for participants to win one of two $250 Downtown Bend gift cards.

In addition to meeting City staff, Kebler will be in attendance at CityFest. The event also promotes community connection with music and the collaborative art project.

The Downtown Bend Business Association encourages community members to attend the events, grab a friend and make a night of it. Organizers hope attendees will shop, dine, explore and enjoy everything downtown Bend has to offer.

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Matthew Draxton

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Fire & Rescue will implement an outdoor debris burn ban starting at midnight on April 30, 2026. This measure is due to increasing wildfire risk and an early wildfire season in its district within Central Oregon.

Unseasonably warm and dry conditions, along with declining fuel moisture, have significantly elevated the potential for wildfires across the region. The closure aims to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires during this period of heightened fire danger, which could quickly spread and threaten life, property and natural resources.

The outdoor debris burning closure prohibits all backyard or open burning, including burn barrels and the use of weed burners. Agricultural burning of wastes, crops, field burning and ditches is also banned. Additionally, any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning and bonfires are prohibited.

The burn ban does not include small outdoor cooking, warming or recreational fires at residential properties. These fires, such as portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables and campfires, must have a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter and two feet in height. They must be in a safe location away from combustibles or vegetation and fully extinguished after use. Barbeque grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances are also permitted when using clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas or similar fuels.

Redmond Fire & Rescue urges residents to take wildfire prevention seriously. This includes fully extinguishing campfires, properly disposing of smoking materials and ensuring spark-arresting equipment is maintained. Alternative disposal options for yard debris, such as chipping, hauling or composting, are encouraged.

Public cooperation is critical to preventing wildfires and protecting Central Oregon communities during this early fire season.

If conditions change, additional restrictions may be put in place. Residents can follow Redmond Fire & Rescue’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for current information. Updates on fire restrictions and wildfire conditions will be provided as conditions change.

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Matthew Draxton

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Madras High School students are presenting “These Shining Lives,” a play based on the true story of the Radium Girls. The production is scheduled for two runs in May: May 8 through 10 and May 15 through 16.

The play chronicles the lives of young women in early 1900s Chicago who worked for a company using radium paint. Unaware of its dangerous toxicity, these women experienced declining health. Their subsequent fight for justice was instrumental in sparking significant changes in workplace safety regulations. The show explores a crucial turning point in labor history, revealing the real-life impact behind many worker protections enforced today.

General admission tickets for the production are priced at $12. For special Mother’s Day performances, tickets will be available at half price.

The remaining performances are scheduled for May 8 through 10 and May 15 through 16.

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Matthew Draxton

SEATTLE, Wa. (KTVZ) — The Patriot Guard Riders will bring a Fallen Soldier Cart, used to respectfully transport the remains of fallen service members and veterans, through Central Oregon on June 25 and 26. This meaningful stop will include an overnight stay in Madras to honor those who gave everything, including local heroes.

This particular cart, designated as Cart Number 18, is on its way to Salt Lake City currently. Along its route, the Patriot Guard Riders will specifically honor local heroes in Central Oregon.

These carts are dedicated to the respectful transport of fallen service members and veterans.

Plans for the Central Oregon leg of the journey include wreath-laying ceremonies at two significant locations. A ceremony is scheduled at the Robert Maxwell gravesite in Terrebonne. Another wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tommy Tucker Memorial at Madras City Hall.

The Central Oregon community is invited to attend these events, show their support and be part of the tribute to fallen service members and veterans.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Caldera High School is set to host its third annual Life and Career Readiness Night this Thursday, April 30th offering students and families a unique opportunity to connect with college representatives, trade schools and employers from across Central Oregon.

The event, running from 5 to 7 p.m., aims to help attendees explore various post-high school pathways and make informed decisions about their future.

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Matthew Draxton

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — As warmer weather approaches, local artisans and food enthusiasts are gearing up for the curated Market in Prineville on Saturday, May 16th. Hosted at the Crook County Fairgrounds, this bustling event will feature more than 70 vendors offering everything from handmade crafts to delectable baked goods and gourmet treats from food trucks. Mark your calendars for a day of community, creativity and culinary delights in the Grizzly Mountain Pavilion.

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Matthew Draxton

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with Jefferson County Emergency Management, is set to conduct a crucial county-wide test of the Emergency Alert System today. Residents may receive messages on their phones, landlines and emails between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., but no action is required. This test aims to bolster “perimeter defense” preparedness for real emergencies.

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Triton Notary

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) Visit Central Oregon has awarded $300,000 in grant money to 12 regional tourism projects through its Central Oregon Future Fund. This marks the fourth annual cycle of the program, which supports initiatives benefiting both residents and visitors across the region.

The grant program aims to foster tourism-related projects that align with its pillars of accessible adventure, cultural tourism and stewardship. The 12 recipients were selected from a total of 26 applications, which collectively requested more than $1 million in funding.

Visit Central Oregon selected the 12 recipients in cooperation with eight advisory grant reviewers. These reviewers included industry representatives from regional tourism and hospitality, media and publishing, outdoor recreation and Central Oregon’s rural communities, including the Warm Springs Reservation and a community-based non-profit from the Warm Springs Reservation.

Of the 26 applications received, nine were for accessible adventure projects, 14 for cultural tourism projects and three for stewardship projects. The 12 selected recipients include five accessible adventure projects, six cultural tourism projects and one stewardship project.

The Jefferson County Event Complex will expand Cowdeo youth rodeo programming and enhance the Corwin Arena. These improvements aim to increase regional event capacity, improve visitor access and strengthen tourism-driven economic activity.

Wasco County Fairgrounds plans to enhance its facilities by procuring a mobile performance stage and completing lighting, accessibility and event-area improvements. This will expand tourism-driven concerts, festivals and regional community events.

The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance project expands the High Desert Food Trail. It includes the development of an Accessibility Edition, inclusive itineraries and a shoulder-season Accessible Travel Week. These efforts connect visitors of all abilities to Central Oregon farms, food and agritourism.

The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory, also known as SNCO, will implement its Accessible Trails and Inclusive Interpretation Initiative. This combines ADA-accessible trails, multilingual and audio signage and a virtual walking tour. The initiative ensures visitors of all abilities can enjoy Central Oregon’s natural beauty year-round.

Deschutes Land Trust’s project improves visitor access to Metolius Preserve. It aims to create an inviting place to hike, roll and ride, increasing the inventory of accessible trails in the Sisters area for visitors of all abilities.

Sisters Trails Alliance’s project aims to create the first fully verified accessible adventure trail system in Oregon. This involves rating all non-motorized trails, training volunteers and expanding adaptive recreation opportunities.

Sisters Trails Alliance Executive Director Stephanie Presley expressed gratitude for the support. “Sisters Trails Alliance believes everyone should have access to our beautiful outdoor spaces. We are so grateful for Visit Central Oregon’s investment in our Accessible Trails Project, which will help us to assess and modify trails and infrastructure, expanding inclusive recreation for people of all ages and ability levels.”

Ballet Bend, the city’s first professional ballet presenting organization, will use the funds to bring nationally and internationally recognized dance to Central Oregon.

BendFilm will utilize its grant to support the continued expansion of the BendFilm Festival, a five-day independent film event in October. The festival includes films, filmmaker Q&A sessions and community events.

Clay Pruitt, Managing Director of BendFilm, noted the impact on rural areas. “The Future Fund grant from Visit Central Oregon plays a direct role in helping BendFilm continue expanding access to film and storytelling in our rural communities. This support allows us to bring screenings, conversations and creative opportunities to audiences in Warm Springs and Madras, strengthening cultural connection across Central Oregon. We are grateful for this investment in both our work and the communities we serve.”

Oregon Adaptive Sports will deliver its signature adaptive outdoor programs through its All Access Adventure initiative. These programs are for more than 100 people with disabilities of all ages and their families, including specific programs for disabled veterans.

ThinkWild’s project involves converting a gravel lot into an accessible pollinator garden and outdoor classroom. This space is intended for hands-on learning, community stewardship and connection to the Crooked River.

Hannah Wuerfel, Beaver Works Habitat Restoration Coordinator for ThinkWild, highlighted the project’s community focus. “This funding is helping us take the project beyond a native plant garden and turn it into a true community space. By adding signage and places to sit and spend time, it will become a welcoming, educational spot along the Crooked River. It also supports hands-on learning, local students and volunteers won’t just enjoy the space, they’ll help build and care for it while learning how to be part of restoring the landscapes around them.”

ScaleHouse, a contemporary arts project, will feature two new exhibitions at Scalehouse Gallery in Bend. These exhibitions will invite visitors to explore identity, leadership and migration.

Wake Creative, Inc. is developing Sketch and Release, a touring multimedia production. This production celebrates Black Oregonians through film, performance, music and community dialogue, exploring identity and future-building across 12 rural and metro venues statewide.

Jason McNeal Graham, of Wake Creative, Inc., emphasized the grant’s role in making the tour a reality. “As a Future Fund recipient, Sketch and Release Tour is able to move from concept to reality, bringing high-quality, Black-led multimedia storytelling to rural Central Oregon communities that are often overlooked. The support will not only amplify our capacity to tour and engage audiences across multiple counties, it also validates the importance of culturally responsive work and opens doors to new partnerships, future funding and long-term community impact.”

In addition to the Future Fund, Visit Central Oregon supports stewardship projects through the Central Oregon Destination Management Studio. This separate regional collaborative process includes more than $100,000 in support for stewardship initiatives, such as Dark Sky initiatives, a trails improvement project managed by the Deschutes Trails Coalition and the development of an arts and heritage program focused on Central Oregon’s music culture.

Visit Central Oregon CEO Scott Larson underscored the long-term vision behind the grants. “By reinvesting tourism dollars directly into projects that protect our natural landscapes and enhance our Central Oregon community, we are ensuring that our destination remains strong for future generations of residents and visitors alike. Four years in and we are continuously proud to support local projects and initiatives that foster accessibility, diversity and sustainability.”

Oregon Adaptive Sports will deliver its adaptive outdoor programs from September 2026 through May 2027.

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