Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding more details from courtroom, statement by family friend; corrected sentencing date)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County judge found a Sunriver-area woman guilty Thursday on nine counts of assault, criminal mistreatment and coercion involving her 9-year-old stepson, while her parents were convicted on charges, including tampering with evidence. 

Circuit Judge Alison Emerson set a 3 p.m. March 31 sentencing date for Sarah Marie Session, 34, and parents Gary Hardenburg, 66, and Paula Hardenburg, 61 after hearing dozens of witnesses during a three-week trial, including the boy at the center of the case. Disturbing videos taken of the boy in a room covered with tarps also were shown in court. 

Prosecutors said the boy was kept isolated, beaten with a curtain rod, given extreme, life-threatening levels of salt, had food withheld and was forced to eat his own vomit.

Session initially was also charged with second-degree attempted murder, assault and criminal mistreatment of her stepson. In January, Emerson dismissed the attempted murder charge and a first-degree assault charge, at the request of prosecutors, who cited insufficient evidence.

Session faced two counts of assault in the second degree, five counts of assault in the third degree, eight counts of criminal mistreatment in the first degree, and two counts of coercion. The woman and her parents had waived their right to a jury trial in the case.

The judge, frequently citing case law, acquitted Session of six other charges, including four counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment and two counts of third-degree assault.

The three family members were arrested at two locations in Coos Bay in February of 2025 after arrest warrants were issued.

Paula Hardenburg was convicted of all six charges, including second-degree assault, a Class B felony, while her husband was convicted on all three counts he faced, the most serious first-degree criminal mistreatment, a Class C felony. Both were found guilty of tampering with evidence, a Class A misdemeanor.

Emerson cited “substantial evidence” that Paula Hardenburg was present in the boy’s room when it was covered by tarps, on the day the boy was taken to the hospital and when he was tied to a chair unconscious.

Session and her parents had been on conditional release, but Emerson ordered the mother and daughter taken into immediate custody and they were led by sheriff’s deputies out of the courtroom and to jail after the judge rendered her verdicts.

The most serious conviction, a second-degree assault charge, is a Class B felony and a Measure 11 offense, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a a mandatory minimum sentence of about 6-8 years.

Long-time family friend Jason Reynolds, among many in court during the trial and for the verdict, gave KTVZ News a statement after the verdict was read:

“Now that the verdict has been reached, I hope the DA’s office also will look further into the role that (the boy’s father), Chris Session played in this situation,” he said.

“It was determined in court that he abandoned his son … for 18 months prior to (the boy’s) health crisis, as well as admitting to lying on the witness stand,” Reynolds added.

Previous Reporting:

Therapist Testifies in Sarah Session Trial, Session Accused of Mistreatment of Stepson

More disturbing details of S. Deschutes County child abuse case revealed at woman’s, father’s arraignment

Judge lifts no-contact order between Sunriver-area couple charged with daughter in extreme child-abuse case

S. Deschutes County woman, parents plead not guilty in attempted murder, child abuse case; trial expected next spring

S. Deschutes County woman wanted for attempted murder, child abuse captured with parents at coast hotel

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Campbell Porter

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Warm Springs Police Department is searching for a runaway teenager. Tyler Kalama, aged 13, was last seen walking in the West Hills Subvision on The Warm Springs Reservation, on February 24th.

According to the flier posted by the Warm Springs Police Department’s facebook page, he is described as 5’6″, 125lbs, with brown eyes and black hair.

According to Warm Springs police, he is believed to be a runaway and is still in the Warm Springs area.

If you know anything about his whereabouts, you’re asked to please contact the Warm Springs Police at 541-553-1171 between 6AM-6PM, and 541-384-2080 from 6PM-6AM.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Details on where ODOT recommendation, city and county request differ)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Speed Zone Review Panel will meet virtually next week to discuss a proposal to reduce the speed limit from 45 to 40 mph on Helmholtz Way. The City of Redmond and Deschutes County are seeking approval of a more consistent speed reduction on the whole roadway.

The meeting is set for 1 p.m. next Tuesday and is open to the public at Join Microsoft Teams Meeting or by calling 971-277-1965; Conference ID: 745 283 537#.

Accommodations will be provided to persons with disabilities. To request accommodation, please call (503) 986-3580 at least 48 hours in advance (TTY: 711).

The panel will consider testimony from applicants, ODOT and the public.

There is only item on the agenda: A reduction in the speed limit from 45 mph to 40 mph on NW Helmholtz Way/SW Helmholtz Way in Deschutes County and the City of Redmond, from NW Coyner Avenue to SW Canal Boulevard, requested by the city and county.

Here is the web site with more information about Oregon’s Speed Zone Review Panel. Oregon Department of Transportation Speed Zone Review Panel.

The Oregon Speed Zone Review Panel doesn’t meet on a regular schedule but upon submission of speed zone change requests, usually two or three times a year. The March 17 meeting will be the panel’s first meeting of 2026. It previously met in December.

How speed zone decisions are made

In Oregon, most decisions regarding speed zones are made jointly by ODOT and the authority governing the road, such as a city or a county. ODOT has the responsibility to investigate roads for establishing new speed zones or changing posted speeds of existing speed zones. ODOT performs these investigations at the request of the road authority.

If the recommended speed is of mutual agreement between ODOT and the local road authority, the speed zone is established. If mutual agreement cannot be reached, the speed zone decision is referred to the Speed Zone Review Panel.

ODOT officials told KTVZ News on Thursday that an issue arose because the city and county want a consistent 40 mph speed limit throughout the stretch of highway. But ODOT engineers have recommended retaining the existing 45 mph speed limit on a stretch between Maple and Quartz avenues and keeping the current 55 mph limit south of Wickiup Avenue to Canal Boulevard.

Redmond Public Works Director and City Engineer Jessica MacClanahan told KTVZ News Friday, “The Helmholtz corridor is currently experiencing a ‘checkerboard’ urbanization pattern, and we assert implementing a consistent speed limit throughout the entire corridor is most prudent for traffic safety and consistent enforcement, rather than trying to chase individual segments immediately adjacent to new developments year after year.”

She said the city and county “will be presenting this opinion to the Speed Zone Review Panel on March 17, where they will make their final decision on our request.

The panel receives testimony from ODOT, the local road authority, and interested parties and makes the final decision. The panel also serves as an advisory body to ODOT.

The Oregon Speed Zone Review Panel is comprised of representatives from the Governor’s Transportation Safety Committee, the Oregon State Police, the Association of Oregon Counties, the League of Oregon Cities, and ODOT.

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Silas Moreau

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City Club of Central Oregon will host a public forum on March 19th to examine the expansion of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and new district mapping. The event, titled “The Deschutes County Commission’s Next Chapter and Your Vote in 2026,” will explore how these structural changes affect upcoming elections.

The discussion focuses on the county’s transition from three to five commissioners and a proposed shift to district-based representation. This transition follows work by the Deschutes County Mapping Advisory Committee to establish new boundaries for the expanded board ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Judy Stiegler of Central Oregon Community College will moderate the discussion. The panel features Jen Patterson, strategic initiatives manager for Deschutes County and staff lead to the Deschutes County Mapping Advisory Committee. Also joining the panel are Phil Henderson, a former County Commissioner and Committee Member and Melanie Kebler, the Mayor of Bend and a Committee Member.

The forum will outline how the district mapping process unfolded and what voters can expect during the May primary and November general elections. Panelists will discuss how the move to five commissioners could shape the future direction of county leadership. The program aims to provide a nonpartisan overview of the decisions defining the county’s upcoming election cycle.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. Tickets for the forum range from $15 to $29 for City Club members and $35 to $49 for non-members. Individuals who find cost to be a barrier can access complimentary registration using the code CivicCO. This accessibility option is supported by grants from the St. Charles Health System and the Pacific Power Foundation.

Forum registrants are invited to submit questions in advance of the March 19 event. Those interested in attending can find more information and register through the City Club of Central Oregon website.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Submarine Veterans will host a christening ceremony for its S.S. Redside model submarine on Saturday, March 7. The event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the Riverbend Park pavilion in Bend.

The organization, established in 2002, recently expanded its membership to begin a project honoring local service members. The christening celebrates the completion of the S.S. Redside, which was built as a 637 Sturgeon Class Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine model.

The construction of the model served as the first phase of a larger effort to establish the Oregon Submarine Veterans Memorial in the region. Members finished building the 637 Sturgeon Class Nuclear Fast Attack Submarine replica in October 2025.

The below image was taken by KTVZ viewer Larry Cole at the 2025 Veterans Day Parade in Redmond, where the S.S. Redside made its public debut. The model functions as a float and is not designed for use in the water.

The upcoming ceremony follows a naval tradition that dates back to approximately 2500 B.C. While the S.S. Redside is a model rather than a functional vessel, the COSV maintains the christening practice to celebrate the completion of the project and its future use in the organization’s mission.

The ceremony is open to the general public, with a special invitation extended to military veterans. The pavilion is located at 799 SW Columbia St. in Bend.

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Barney Lerten

Meanwhile, the region’s largest money measure would fund new libraries in Madras and Culver

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three fire districts around Deschutes County plan to ask voters for new or higher five-year tax levies in measures on the May 19 primary election ballot to add firefighter-EMTs and wildfire risk reduction staff, deal with rising costs and cut response times. 

The largest of the three is Measure 9-182, which would raise an estimated $5.8 million for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire District, to fund fire, EMS and wildfire preparedness staffing over its 800-square-mile district. 

“Emergency calls for service have increased 65% over 10 years,” the measure filing states. “Medical calls now account for 70% of responses, and overlapping emergencies have increased 35% in the past eight years.” 

The levy would fund three additional firefighter-paramedics for the district, as well as a new wildfire risk reduction coordinator, a mechanic to maintain vehicles and seasonal wildfire risk reduction personnel. 

If approved, the levy would set a property tax rate of 70 cents per $1,000 of taxable assessed value. For a $317,000 home, the annual cost would be about $225, the fire district said. 

The Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District also is proposing a five-year local option levy, for staffing and operations. It would raise about $3.68 million over the five years and assess a rate of $1.23 per $1,000 of assessed value. It would replace a current levy of 69 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. 

Like Sisters-Camp Sherman, the increased Cloverdale RFPD levy would fund a community wildfire risk reduction specialist. That person would engage homeowners on lowering their wildfire risk, and work on grant funded and cross-boundary fuels mitigation projects. 

The new staff member would be tasked with creating a wildland fire resiliency plan and secure funding to support residents’ efforts. 

The levy also would fund three shift captains and three student firefighters, as well as other operating costs. 

“The added positions strengthen daytime response capabilities when volunteer and student staffing is limited, providing added personnel for emergencies,” the measure summary states. 

The Alfalfa Fire District will seek a five-year levy of $1.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value for added staffing, That’s about $350 a year for the owner of a home assessed at $200,000. Over the five years, it’s estimated it would raise about $955,000. 

Officials say the levy revenue would be used exclusively to fund two new full-time firefighter-EMT positions, to improve response capacity, reduce response times and support 24-hour emergency services. 

You can find more information on those measures at the Deschutes County election page, along with who is running for a variety of offices. The candidate filing deadline is next Tuesday, May 10.

But those are not the biggest money measure heading for Central Oregon ballots. 

The Jefferson County Library District will ask voters to approve a $15.9 million bond measure to build, furnish and equip a new library building in Madras, and one in Culver as well. The existing Madras library would be improved to serve as a multi-use facility, including community meeting space. 

The average annual tax rate is estimated at 41 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. 

You can learn more about that measure and who has filed for various Jefferson County races at their election page. Crook County also has a similar page listing their primary candidates.

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Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — New a new shuttle service to Portland could be coming to Bend.

Pacific Crest Bus Lines is a local, veteran-owned company which offers intercity travel across the state.

Their routes take people to several major destinations across Oregon, including Portland, Eugene, Medford and Salem. By utilizing grants and sponsorships, the company is able to offer these routes at reduced prices. Some of the routes are free.

Antony Ferro, the president of Pacific Crest Bus Lines, said the service is sees a lot of use, for many different reasons.

“Intercity transportation connects families and groups all together,” Ferro said. “There’s tours, there’s going to medical facilities. A lot of veterans, disabled veterans utilize the service. There is also a going to college and just came together enjoying life.”

The company recently invested in a new bus for its Bend-to-Eugene route to address high passenger demand.

Next Month, a new route between Eugene and Medford is scheduled to begin. The company also expects to launch its Portland-to-Bend route, which passes through Salem within the next six months.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After months of discussion, negotiations and a referendum, Oregonians may be heading to the ballot box in May to vote on whether to scrap gas tax and vehicle fee increases that aimed to cover an ODOT budget shortfall. But opponents are going to court to keep it on the November election ballot.

Sen. Bruce Starr and Rep. Ed Deihl filed a lawsuit this week against Secretary of State Tobias Reed to challenge a law moving a vote from November to May. The lawsuit seeks to have the recently passed measure disregarded as a legislative standoff continues in Salem.

The legal action follows a letter from Reed stating the Legislature could vote on the measure after Feb. 25. This timeline presents a challenge for the May election because 500 signatures must be gathered to include the item in the voter’s pamphlet.

Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend, voted against the measure during the House session. Levy stated that her decision was based on direct communication from her constituents rather than her political party.

“Going into the legislature, I’ve always felt that my job is to represent my district, not my party,” Levy said. “And the overwhelming feedback I got from my district via emails was to vote no. And that is what I did.”

The legislative disagreement is tied to an ongoing budget gap at the Oregon Department of Transportation. The standoff has drawn attention to ODOT facilities, as lawmakers remain divided over how to address the funding shortfall.

The Legislature may call a special session to address the transportation budget, similar to a session held last year. Levy indicated that lawmakers could also wait until the long session next year to resolve the budget issues.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Humane Society of Central Oregon’s 14th Annual Pup Crawl kicks off on Friday at Cascade Lakes Brewing and The Abbey (Monkless Belgian Ales), then on Saturday at Van Henion and Bridge 99 Brewery. The fun fundraising event continues every weekend of March at various Bend breweries.

“The Pup Crawl combines community, craft brews and compassion, all to support the animals who need it most. Gather your friends, explore some of Central Oregon’s best brewpubs, and make a difference—one pint at a time,” the organization said in Wednesday’s announcement.

Here’s the rest of the schedule and details:

Join HSCO at a Pup Crawl every Friday and Saturday in March from 4:30 to 7:00 pm:

Friday, March 6 at The Abbey (Monkless Belgian Ales on Wilson Avenue only)

Saturday, March 7 at Van Henion Brewing and Bridge 99 Brewery

Friday, March 13 at Bend Brewing Co

Saturday, March 14 at Boneyard Pub  

Friday, March 20 at Sunriver Brewing Eastside Bend, Sunriver Village & Sunriver Taproom

Saturday, March 21 at Bevel Craft Brewing

Friday, March 27 at CRUX Fermentation Project

Saturday, March 28 at Worthy Brewing Eastside

“Thanks to our generous sponsors, Bend Pet Express, Mountain Dogs, and Brown Bag Popcorn Co, 100% of the money raised each night benefits the animals in our care,” HSCO said, adding: “The first 20 Pup Crawl participants at each location receive popcorn from Brown Bag Popcorn Co.”

Pup Crawl Drink Ticket Options and Logo Gear:

Logo Pint Glass & Beverage: $15

Logo Glass & Beverage at 3 different Pup Crawl Nights: $30

Logo Beanie & Beverage: $28

Logo Beanie: $22

Pup Crawl Club $10 (First 6 Visits, $1 off total purchases. Next 6, $2 off)

Each location will have beer and non-alcoholic options. Visit www.hsco.org/pupcrawl for de-tails. Your canine companion can join you at dog friendly locations.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend City Council on Wednesday night unanimously approved an ordinance that prohibits firearms inside city facilities, aligning with a recent state law meant to enhance safety in public buildings.

The newly adopted chapter of the Bend Municipal Code, Chapter 3.120, mirrors Oregon Senate Bill 243, the Community Safety Firearms Act, which allows local governments to extend restrictions on firearms — including those carried by licensed concealed carriers — in buildings used for official meetings.

Mayor Melanie Kebler said the new ordinance reflects the city’s goal of creating a safe and welcoming environment.

“It’s just a recognition that we want these places to be open to the public. And really, safe, welcoming places for people to come in and see their government work and attend our meetings and feel safe,” Kebler said.

The ordinance prohibits both loaded and unloaded firearms inside city-owned buildings designated for public meetings. It builds on Oregon law, which already bans firearms in most public buildings but previously allowed exemptions for concealed handgun license holders.

According to city staff, the facilities expected to fall under the new policy include Bend City Hall, the Municipal Court building and the Public Works Campus at Juniper Ridge.

In an email to KTVZ News, Bend Police Department Communications Manager Sheila Miller said, the department does not hold a position on the policy. “I don’t know that it would be appropriate for the PD to have a stance on a city policy,” Miller said.

With the ordinance now in effect, city staff will develop an administrative policy to identify which facilities are covered, post signs at those locations and update information on the city’s website.

City officials said there are no financial impacts associated with the new ordinance, which they said is designed to promote community safety and public accessibility.

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