Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes Children’s Foundation is sounding the alarm that the State of Oregon is being forced to make cuts in key services such as assistance to crime victims and survivors, due to losses in federal funding.

Oregon just announced that Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding is being reduced by $18.5 million, a significant reduction that threatens critical programs that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking across Oregon.  

The foundation said in a news release that “these cuts put at risk the availability and accessibility of essential support for those who need it most. While DCF does not receive VOCA funding directly, nonprofit on-campus partners at three out of the organization’s four campuses do—including J Bar J Youth Services, KIDS Center, and Saving Grace.  

“We are concerned about finding funding for our coordinated human trafficking task force that serves the Tri-County region and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs,” said Stephanie Alvstad, executive director of J Bar J Youth Services. “This task force and the services tied to it are lifelines for youth in crisis. The potential loss of funding jeopardizes our ability to respond to and protect those most at risk.” 

While it is not yet known exactly how each program will be affected, the foundation said this cut undoubtedly means fewer resources and greater barriers for survivors seeking help. 

“This funding loss is not just about dollars,” said Cassi MacQueen, DCF Executive Director. “It’s about the safety and well-being of real people, of children and families who have experienced trauma and desperately need support and care. Our partners do the life-changing work of walking alongside survivors. When they lose resources, our entire community feels the impact”. 

Community-based organizations that offer front-line support and resources to survivors are critical for our community’s safety and play a vital role in ensuring children and families in Central Oregon can begin the process of recovery after experiencing senseless violence and trauma, oftentimes at the hands of a family member or someone they trust. The loss of funding to help with recovery means victims may remain trapped in limbo. 

DCF’s four campuses house 23 nonprofit organizations that serve more than 19,000 children and families each year. As a hub for nonprofits, DCF sees every day how essential these services are to the health and well-being of our community, and how important it is to ensure these organizations have the support they need to continue their work. 

About Deschutes Children’s Foundation 

Founded in 1990, Deschutes Children’s Foundation manages and maintains four nonprofit service centers in Bend, Redmond, and La Pine. By providing collaborative spaces and operational support, DCF empowers its 23 nonprofit partners to focus on their core missions, collectively serving over 19,000 vulnerable children and families each year. 

For more information, visit deschuteschildrensfoundation.org. 

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Barney Lerten

(Adding video from tonight’s KTVZ News, full KTVZ+ recorded livestream of news conference)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Reverend Thomas Hennen was introduced Thursday as the newly chosen bishop-elect of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker, which spans more than 66,000 square miles of Central and Eastern Oregon, succeeding retiring Bishop Liam Cary.

KTVZ News livestreamed the news conference (the full recording is above) from the Redmond offices of the diocese, at which both Cary and Hennen spoke to reporters and the assembled audience.

First, here’s the formal announcement from the diocese:

Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Liam Cary of the Diocese of Baker; Appoints Rev. Thomas Hennen as Successor

WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Liam Cary, 77, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Baker, and has appointed Reverend Thomas Hennen, as Bishop-elect of Baker. Father Hennen is a priest of the Diocese of Davenport and currently serves as the diocese’s vicar general and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa. The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on July 10, 2025, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The following biographical information for Bishop-elect Hennen was drawn from preliminary materials provided to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Father Hennen was born July 4, 1978, in Ottumwa, Iowa. Bishop-elect Hennen pursued studies at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport. He also studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning a bachelor’s in sacred theology (2003). He received a licentiate of sacred theology (2005) from the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy in Rome. Father Hennen was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 2004.

Bishop-elect Hennen’s assignments after ordination include: parochial vicar, Prince of Peace parish in Clinton (2005-2010); campus minister and parochial vicar, Newman Center and Saint Mary in Iowa City (2010-2011); chaplain and theology teacher at Assumption High School in Davenport (2014-2017).

He also served at Sacred Heart parish in Oxford Junction, Saint James parish in Toronto, Sacred Heart parish in Lost Nation and Saints Philip and James parish in Ground Mound (2015); chaplain and director of campus ministry at Saint Ambrose University in Davenport (2017-2021); parochial vicar at Saint Anthony parish in Davenport (2017-2018).

Since 2021, he has served as priest moderator of Saint Andrew parish in Blue Grass and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport.

Bishop-elect Hennen’s additional responsibilities for the Diocese of Davenport have included: director of vocations (2011-2018); associate director of vocations (2018-2021); consultor and vicar general (2020-present). Bishop-elect Hennen speaks English, Spanish, and Italian. 

The Diocese of Baker is comprised of 66,826 square miles in the State of Oregon and has a total population of 532,734, of which 33,356 are Catholic.

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In introducing and welcoming Hennen, Cary said, “It’s the law” of the church that a bishop submit their resignation to the pope when they turn 75. Cary said he did so three years ago and was told “‘we’ll send you someone to take your place.’ They didn’t say when. I enjoyed being bishop, so I was in no hurry.”

Hennen first told the audience: “I’m honored, I’m humbled — and to be honest, more than a little scared.” But he appeared more than ready to embrace his new role.

“The bad news is, you’re getting a rookie. I’ve got a lot to learn,” the 47-year-old said. “The good news is, you’re getting a rookie, so I know I’ve got a lot to learn. Please teach me!”

Bishop-Elect Hennen acknowledged he is is young for a bishop, saying “I’m comforted by the words of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah, who protested that he was too young. ‘Do not say, I am too young to whomever I send you. You shall go. Whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.’” Hennen punctuated his point by adding: “This, in fact, was the first reading at my priestly ordination 21 years ago.” 

Hennen thanked Pope Leo for placing his trust in him, then congratulated Cary on his retirement but drew a laugh when he quickly added, “Please don’t go anywhere – I need you!

Hennen, the youngest of 11 children, smiled aplenty, but his voice trembled with emotion when he said his brother, Michael, died suddenly four years ago this month.

Asked by KTVZ News about his priorities, Hennen said first and foremost, he will be traveling around the large diocese and getting to know the people, and learn what their needs are.

“This diocese is larger than the whole state of Iowa,” Hennen said, so “I will have a lot of windshield time.”

Asked if he’d ever been to Oregon before, Hennen spoke of visiting as a “pretty little kid” who picked up a jellyfish on the coast – but didn’t get stung.

He also was asked about a recent decision by the Diocese of San Bernardino, California, which told members concerned about immigration raids they were waiving their obligation to attend Mass. But Hennen did not weigh in, saying his first priority was “getting through this press conference, and in the next few days and weeks,” dealing with “pastoral prorities.”

Hennen also told those on hand his hobbies include strategy board games and running, though he hasn’t done the latter since injuring himself in a Memorial Day event.

The announcement gathering ended with a prayer, and Cary said Hennen’s ordination will take place Sept. 18 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bend.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – A single spark can change everything, and stopping a fire before it has a chance to impact communities can change lives. Community risk reduction through education, prevention, and proactive outreach is at the heart of this work.

Many Oregonians rely on their local fire agency or community members to help prevent fires and share life-saving knowledge.

Each year, the Oregon State Fire Marshal recognizes two individuals or agencies that champion fire prevention education with the Golden and Silver Sparky Awards. 

Golden Sparky Award recipient Charlie Lesiecki, a volunteer firefighter at Central Coast Fire & Rescue District, was recognized for his years of volunteer service and leadership in fire prevention.

He leads his district’s smoke alarm program, supports safety inspections, and helps property owners reduce wildfire risk. As safety committee chair, he ensures facilities meet OSHA standards. His creative outreach and hands-on efforts have made a lasting impact across the community. 

Silver Sparky Award recipients from the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Fire Corps consist of a team of nearly 50 dedicated volunteers who have served the communities of Sisters and Camp Sherman with extraordinary energy and care since 2015.

The fire corps has set the standard for community risk reduction. Over the past year, they trained 171 people in lifesaving skills, completed 82 smoke alarm calls, conducted 170 wildland home assessments, and supported firefighters during emergencies. They’ve reached hundreds through safety events, school programs, and holiday efforts, building a stronger, safer community every step of the way. 

Members of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Fire Corps are presented with the 2025 Silver Sparky Award by members of the Oregon fire service. (Photo: Oregon State Fire Marshal)

The sparky awards have been given annually since 1977. The golden sparky recognizes a fire service member or fire agency, and the silver sparky recognizes a civilian or a civilian agency. This is the highest state fire service honor given by the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

To see past award recipients and their work, check out the state fire marshal’s sparky award webpage. 

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal  The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, recorded livestream from meeting with reporters)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Senator Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, announced Thursday that he will seek re-election to a fourth term in 2026, “pledging to continue to fight for working families and stand firm against growing threats to democracy, freedom, and economic justice,” his campaign stated.

“For years, I’ve worked to lift up the voices of ordinary Americans and take on the powerful interests that rig our system,” Merkley said. “Now, with Donald Trump and his MAGA cronies working overtime to destroy the checks and balances of our ‘We the People government’ and shred programs families rely on, we’re in the fight of our lives, and I’m not backing down.”

You can watch his message to his fellow Oregonians by clicking here.

Merkley also spoke with reporters Thursday afternoon, and we have some of his remarks livestreamed on KTVZ.COM and KTVZ+ on this article.

Here is the rest of the full announcement from the senator:

In the Senate, Merkley has built a reputation as a bold, relentless progressive, fighting to protect voting rights, take on corruption, tackle the climate crisis, and expand housing and health care. He has been a fierce champion for reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, civil liberties, and consumer protections. He’s led national efforts to stop billionaires from buying elections, strengthen American democracy, and hold Wall Street accountable. His work has been driven by one clear goal: building a country where families thrive and billionaires pay their fair share.

As the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, Merkley has been on the front lines pushing back against what he calls the Republicans’ “families lose, billionaires win” agenda. He condemned Trump’s efforts to slash Medicaid, gut food assistance, and demolish clean energy progress, all to hand massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy at the expense of hardworking Americans.

Before joining the Senate, Merkley served in the Oregon House of Representatives. As Speaker of the House, he led efforts to expand affordable housing, balance the state budget, advance clean energy, defend marriage equality, and throw payday lenders out of Oregon. 

Raised in a blue-collar Oregon family, with a father who worked as a union machinist, Merkley was the first in his family to graduate from college. He still lives in the neighborhood where he grew up and remains rooted in Oregon values: equity, community, sustainability, and opportunity for all. Since 2009, he’s held town halls in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year, listening directly to the people he serves and bringing their voices to the Senate floor.

“This is a dark and dangerous time for our democracy, and the only way through it is together,” Merkley said. “I’m asking Oregonians to be my partners once again — to join me, organize, vote, and stop Trump’s march toward a strongman authoritarian state. If we stand together, we can win a future where every child grows up with real opportunity, every family has a fair shot, and future generations inherit a democracy that works for all of us.”

You can learn more and get engaged with Jeff Merkley’s campaign for re-election by visiting www.jeffmerkley.com.

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Tyson Beauchemin

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — There’s a new bookstore in Prineville with a bit of a twist. Oliver Books has opened its doors on Court Street.

The owner, Hannah Oliver, says it’s always been her passion to own and operate a bookstore. That passion shows in the inventory of the store. It has the staples of classic literature, trending BookTok books and obscure, hidden gems.

They sell both new and used books and have a surprising selection of current best-sellers with only one previous owner. There is even a room dedicated to valuable vintage and antique books.

As important as the books are, the owner has gone out of her way to create areas in the store for people to sit and read together.

“They give the community a place to go and spend time with other people,” Oliver said. “To develop community with other people. I believe that a bookstore is a perfect place for that. And these spaces are not very plentiful in Prineville. And so it was something that was important to me, to provide that space that people could go and spend time and know that they don’t have to pay.”

The store has also become a meeting place for local craft clubs and parents who read to their children after school.

Oliver Books is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You can even shop online, using the store’s website.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ — The Wanoga Downhill Trails project, which has been years in the making, broke ground in mid-June and plans to add a total of five mountain bike trails to the Wanoga Sno-Park Complex. Two of the trails opened to the public Wednesday, including an advanced/black downhill flow trail and a climbing trail.

Most of the trails in this zone will be intermediate or advanced, with jumps, drops, and bermed turns and an elevation gain of 350 to 400 feet. The remainder of the trails are expected to open by the end of summer.

This project is supported by the Bend Sustainability Fund, a Visit Bend Project. Funding from the Bend Sustainability Fund allowed the Central Oregon Trail Alliance to hire a seasonal trail builder to build a portion of the trails and to hire Sensus R.A.D Trails, known for their freeride and slopestyle trail building style, to build the remainder of the trails. The downhill trail that opened Wednesday was built by Sensus R.A.D. Trails.

COTA advocated to the U.S. Forest Service for the project for years after listening to public desire for more freeride and slopestyle trails.

COTA volunteers have also been critical to the success of the project. In particular, Tom Lomax, the former Director of Operations for Mt. Bachelor, has been critical to the project’s success.

“This project has a lot of moving parts. Without Tom, Sensus R.A.D. Trails, the Bend Sustainability Fund, the Forest Service, and COTA’s staff and many volunteers, this project would not have come together as smoothly as it has,” said Emmy Andrews, COTA’s executive director.

The Wanoga Downhill Trails project is part of the larger West Bend Trails Project, which was approved by the Deschutes National Forest in January after undergoing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

This project will include several trail additions across the Deschutes National Forest and improve wildlife core habitat availability and connectivity by decommissioning unofficial routes.

COTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that builds and maintains trails in public land throughout Central Oregon. COTA’s mission is to develop, protect, and enhance the Central Oregon mountain bike experience through trail stewardship, advocacy, collaboration, and education. COTA currently stewards 600 miles of trails, including 14 miles of winter fat biking trails, and 5 bike parks in the tri-county area.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit (CET) will launch Route 8, a new fixed-route bus line serving Northeast Bend, starting next Monday.

The new pilot service will operate Monday-Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM to help connect people to jobs, schools, shopping, and recreation opportunities.

Route 8 will start and end at Hawthorne Station, which is CET’s main transit hub that provides connecting bus services throughout Bend and the region. 

An express route to Cascade Village 

Route 8 offers express service from Hawthorne Station to Cascade Village, which is a great option for employees and shoppers to quickly access one of Bend’s busiest retail hubs from Hawthorne Station. 

Accessible transit connections to popular destinations 

Route 8 utilizes ADA-accessible buses to serve Sky View Middle School and Realms High School, as well as newer housing communities such as Canal Commons and Empire Village Townhomes.

Major employer sites such as Les Schwab Headquarters, Humm Kombucha, the Boyd Acres Industrial Park, and the future City of Bend Public Works Campus are also along the route for commuters looking to save money on gas and vehicle expenses.

Route 8 also provides access to Pine Nursery Park, a local favorite for biking, walking, rolling, and sports activities. 

Hop on Route 8 for free and explore nearby amenities 

Route 8 is currently designed as a free pilot route to connect Northeast Bend residents to services and amenities via transit.

“Route 8 helps fill a gap in transit services in Northeast Bend,” noted Bob Townsend, CET Transportation Director. “CET is excited to launch this new pilot service to provide a new travel option for residents and visitors to access key destinations throughout Bend without needing to rely on a personal vehicle.” 

Route 8 maps, schedules, and additional information can be found on CET’s website at https://cascadeseasttransit.com/route-08/ 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Baker is about to announce a new bishop who will succeed the current bishop, the Most Reverend Liam Cary.

KTVZ News has been invited to a Thursday morning news conference, set to take place at the diocese office in Redmond.

Reporters will be able to speak with the new bishop-elect and with Bishop Cary, who was ordained and took the position in May 2012, overseeing a diocese with roots dating back to 1903.

KTVZ News spoke with Cary in May after Pope Leo XIV was chosen. He expressed surprise at how quickly the new pope was chosen by the conclave of bishops.

We will have a full report on the newly chosen bishop on Thursday on KTVZ.COM and KTVZ News.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding details, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Just weeks before embattled Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp retires from his position, an internal investigation has been started against his former political opponent, Captain William Bailey.

An anonymous tip to KTVZ News earlier this month claimed Bailey was under internal investigation over comments made on a local radio show. A third party is now investigating.

Van der Kamp confirmed to KTVZ News on Wednesday that Bailey is under internal investigation for violating policy after discussing the sheriff on La Pine radio station KNCP, though the sheriff said he has not personally listened to the interview and could not provide many details, due to the ongoing investigation.

According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Bailey spoke on the Muddtoe Radio Show about the sheriff’s failure to continue campaign promises and also alleged he was demoted following his loss. 

Van der Kamp did confirm that Bailey’s administrative roles had been stripped as a result, which Undersheriff Aaron Wells has now taken on.

Captain Bailey said he was unable to comment on the investigation, as it is still ongoing.

Bailey was van der Kamp’s political opponent during his last year’s contentious run for sheriff. Bailey was endorsed at the time by departing Sheriff Shane Nelson, who had publicly denounced van der Kamp during the election. Bailey was mentioned in a tort claim filed by van der Kamp against the sheriff’s office, alleging political interference, harassment and targeting.

Sheriff van der Kamp confirmed earlier that his last day in office is July 31st, as he retires following public and internal pressure to step down after local and state leaders found the sheriff untrustworthy. District Attorney Steve Gunnels had earlier this year placed van der Kamp on the Brady List of those officers who are not to be called to testify at trial, claiming he lied about his educational background during previous cases.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Sunday update; containment established, evacuations reduced to Level 1)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sunday, the Willow Fire has grown to 4,417 acres, burning on Prineville District BLM and private land in southeast Crook County, officials said Friday.

Fire personnel released new information putting containment at 75%, and is expected to be at 90% containment by the end of Sunday evening.

Firefighters still assigned to the Willow Fire, will patrol and monitor for hot spots, and work on repairing any resource damage done during active suppression efforts, including repairing fences and naturalizing constructed fire lines.

Fire crews will be transitioned to a Type 4 Incident Management Team with approximately 35 people beginning, Monday.

Crook County sheriff’s deputies announced the lower Level 1 evacuation notice for the area on Friday morning but advised, “Please continue to be alert for potential evacuation changes.”

Evacuation Levels 2 and 3 were replaced Friday by Level 1 GET READY near the Willow Fire

Other fire information:

There was minimal activity on the fire Thursday, and with favorable weather Friday, BLM and USFS engines, dozers and skidgens, along with Brothers-Hampton Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA) resources will focus on completing fire line construction and to begin securing the fire perimeter and mopping up where possible.

The Sunrise Fire, meanwhile, is now 90% contained at 307 acres in the South Fork Wilderness Study Area and firefighters are continuing to work on mopping up and securing the perimeter

The Foley Creek and Board Hollow Fires on private land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), 20 miles north of Prineville, are both 80% contained at 30 acres and 21.5 acres, respectively.

Firefighters responded to four new fires Thursday will continue to remain vigilant for new starts that result from lightning earlier in the week. As resources continue to work these fires, the public is reminded to be careful with all ignition sources, especially with forecast high temperatures this weekend. Do your part to prevent one more spark.

Information on all fires in Central Oregon will be posted on the only official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org or on X/Twitter @CentralORfire.Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

 BLM closes certain lands in Crook County due to Willow Fire

Prineville, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management announces an immediate temporary closure of public lands in Crook County due to an active fire in the area. This action is taken to ensure public safety, protect land health, and maintain resource integrity, while minimizing conflicts with emergency response teams engaged in fire suppression efforts. 

Closure Details: The affected public lands include portions of the following townships as shown on the attached map: 

Tp. 20 S., Rg. 23 E 

Tp. 20 S., Rg. 24 E 

Tp. 21 S., Rg. 23 E (north of Buck Creek Road) 

Tp. 21 S., Rg. 24 E 

This closure is effective immediately and will remain in place until conditions permit safe public access. 

Exceptions to the Closure: Certain individuals may be exempt from this closure, including: 

Federal, State, or local officers or members of emergency crews engaged in official duties. 

BLM employees and contractors performing their official tasks. 

Individuals with existing rights for access or those holding written approval from the BLM Authorized Officer. 

Legal Penalties: Violations of this closure may result in legal action, including fines and potential imprisonment. Vehicles found violating this order may be towed. 

For further information, please contact the Prineville District Front Desk at 541-416-6700.  

Details of the closure and relevant maps will be available online at Fire Restrictions – Oregon-Washington Bureau of Land Management. 

In southern Klamath County, crews made progress overnight on the nearly 2,600-acre Elk Fire, which also remains at zero containment. No more growth was reported amid cool overnight temperatures, officials said Friday.

—

Earlier info:

Officials said late Thursday that “crews made good progress constructing direct fire line.” They also said firefighters responded to a new blaze Thursday on Hampton Butte, adjacent to the Willow Fire.

Lightning strikes have ignited nearly two-dozen fires across Central Oregon this week, the largest of which is the Willow Fire, estimated earlier Thursday to be 1,000 acres, with the head of the fire on the east side of Buck Creek, nearly reaching the border of the Malheur National Forest.

The lightning storm that passed through Central Oregon Tuesday ignited about two-dozen fires being fought by crews Wednesday, the largest one in southeast Crook County that quickly grew to about 500 acres and forced Level 3 and 2 evacuations.

The largest new blaze, the Willow Fire, was reported shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday near Willow Ridge in southeast Crook County. It had burned about 500 acres by early evening, Watch Duty reported.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 3 GO NOW and Level 2 BE READY evacuations in the Willow Butte area.

Two large air tankers, two single-engine air tankers and an air attack plane were heading to the fire, burning on BLM land about 20 miles north of Glass Butte.

Central Oregon Fire Information Officer Kassidy Kern told KTVZ News several engines, a bulldozer and skidgen were on scene or en route. Two Type 1 helicopters were ordered up, as well as a SEAT plane and a large air tanker out of Medford.

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