Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend woman was pulled over on U.S. Highway 26 near Madras and arrested Wednesday night after a K-9’s alert and a search of her vehicle turned up fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, drug agents said.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team had determined during a short-term investigation that Sunshine Wright, 48, was trafficking drugs from the Portland area into Central Oregon, Lt. Mike Landolt said.

A Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy stopped Wright’s SUV, a blue 2005 Ford Focus, around 10 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Highway 26 and Cherry Lane, due to multiple speeding violations “and the reasonable suspicion that drugs were being transported in the vehicle,” Landolt said in a news release Thursday.

Officers deployed drug-detection K-9 Keira, who alerted to the odor of illegal drugs in the car, Landolt said.

CODE Team detectives were granted a search warrant for the vehicle, where detectives found about 80 grams of fentanyl, 80 grams of methamphetamine and more than 10 grams of cocaine in the area of the front seats, Landolt said. They also found other items “consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics,” he added.

Wright was arrested n drug possession and delivery charges and booked into the Jefferson County Jail.

Court records show she was arraigned Thursday afternoon on four felony drug delivery and possession charges. Judge Wade Whiting set bail at $100,000 pending her return to court Nov. 28 for arraignment on an expected formal grand jury indictment.

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KTVZ

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Our Pay It Forward program recognizes people who make our community a better place to live, so a viewer’s tip we received of a La Pine restaurant, Harvest Depot, that often gives people in need a free meal was very fitting for a salute.

The moment owner Joel Brader received the $500 award from Mid Oregon Credit Union and Dutch Bros Coffee of Central Oregon, he knew just what he was going to do with it.

“We’ll put it directly towards feeding people in the month of December,” Brader told us.

“It’s kind of hard times, and some people don’t have family at this point, so we just kind of surprise them,” he said. “We don’t tell them who it is, and we actually have another donor here in town that we we match dollar for dollar with them. And we feed people, – young, old – and we just buy them breakfast or lunch.”

Brader said he would be nothing without the La Pine community, as locals and regulars are what keep Harvest Depot going.

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KTVZ

(Update: Kramer makes first court appearance; bail set at $500,000)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 22-year-old Bend man has been charged with a dozen counts of possessing child sex abuse material, and police released his photo Thursday to learn if any local victims are associated with the case.

The arrest of Kyler Ashton Kramer stemmed from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTip Bend that detectives received on Oct. 10, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

Detectives investigated the tip and identified Kramer as the person who had accessed the material and disseminated the images online, Miller said.  

On Wednesday at around 9:40 a.m., officers served search warrants and raided Kramer’s home in the 200 block of Northwest Broadway Street.

Kramer was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on 10 counts each of first-degree and second-degree encouraging child sex abuse. 

Kramer was held without bail until his arraignment by video from jail Thursday afternoon on 12 initial formal charges: 10 counts of first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, a Class B felony, and two second-degree counts, a Class C felony. All are alleged to have occurred in late July.

Circuit Judge Randy Miller agreed to a prosecutor’s request that bail be set at $500,000. If he’s able to post 10% and be released, the judge set conditions, including that Kramer have no contact with minors or places they gather, and not to access the Internet or access or possess any Internet-capable devices.

Kramer is due back in court on Nov. 28 for arraignment on an expected formal grand jury indictment.

Sheila Miller said Bend Police are releasing Kramer’s image to the public to determine whether there may be any local victims associated with this case.  

If you believe your child may have experienced unwanted contact with Kramer, you’re asked to contact nonemergency dispatch at 541-693-6911, reference Case No. 2025-00061261, and ask to speak with Detective Trevor Roberts.   

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A growing number of high school bonfire parties across Deschutes County are leading to serious safety concerns, prompting the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to issue a public warning Thursday, ahead of Thanksgiving Break.

“These informal gatherings have escalated into events marked by violence, criminal activity, and unsafe conditions that are putting young people at risk,” Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in a widely distributed message.

Carr tells KTVZ News: “There have been some arrests and charges, but the outcome depends on the specific circumstances. Not all turn ugly. Deputies work more to educate and make sure teens get home safely than just enforcement.” 

“Part of it is social media, a lot of these kids are sharing with each other about these bonfires. Where to meet up, What day? But its seen by other people. So you’re getting other people that maybe they’re not friends with or not part of their friend group who are coming and finding out about these bonfires and attending anyway. ” he told us. “In many cases, deputies have seen men as old as 25 years old showing up where 16- and 17-year-old females are present.”

“The patrol teams have witnessed more severe incidents related to these bonfires in recent months and believe it would be helpful to inform the public ahead of Thanksgiving Break,” Carr added.

Carr and Bend-La Pine Schools spokesman Scott Maben told us the school districts and schools have not been involved directly, since the issues involve behavior outside of school hours and away from school property.

Here’s the full sheriff’s office news release about what’s been happening, and what they are asking of the public:

These gatherings, often held on public lands during weekends and school breaks, have increasingly involved serious safety risks. Deputies have responded to multiple incidents in recent weeks, many of which could have lasting consequences for those involved.

“We care deeply about the safety and well-being of our youth,” Carr said. “Our goal is not to punish, but to prevent harm. We want to work together with families, students, and the community to avoid a tragedy.”

Recent investigations have included reports of:

Physical assaults, including group altercations

Sexual assaults

Weapons offenses and firearms present at events

Property and vehicle damage

Attendance by adults well beyond high school age

Felony-level criminal activity

DUII & Minor in Possession (MIP)

These incidents have occurred in areas such as:

BLM land east of Redmond, especially at “The Brand”

Coyner Road area

Forest Service Land near Skyliners Road

McGrath Road and nearby locations

Mayfield Pond area

Some of these events have been recorded and shared on social media, further increasing the risk and visibility of unsafe behavior, Carr said.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the community’s help:

Parents: Talk with your teens about the risks of attending unsupervised parties. Stay engaged and informed about their plans, especially during school breaks.

Students: Know your safety matters. What may seem like a fun night can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Look out for one another and make wise choices.

Community members: If you see or hear about planned gatherings in remote areas, please report them to law enforcement.

“We understand that teens are looking for ways to connect and have fun,” Carr said. “But there have been too many close calls at these unsupervised parties. Our concern is real, and we’re asking for the community’s help to prevent teens from getting seriously hurt.”

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor known gathering areas and respond to any calls or concerns from community members.

To report suspicious or concerning activity, please call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911. Only Dial 911 in the case of an emergency.

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video, comments from principal, teachers and students)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – If you step into Redmond High School, you might notice a lack of cell phones.

The Redmond School District began enforcing its new cell phone ban at the start of the school year, in line with Governor Tina Kotek’s executive order restricting phone use in Oregon schools.

This ban also includes devices including smartwatches, smart glasses and earbuds.

The goal is to boost student focus and improve mental health by reducing distractions.

Principal Audrey Haugan said the adjustment has gone smoother than expected.

“We’ve seen such a change in the way kids are communicating with each other,” Haugan said Thursday. “I think it was the second day of school. I was standing in the hallway and I turned to our assistant principal, and he said, ‘Jason, it’s so loud! Why is it so loud?’ And we realize it’s because kids are talking to each other.”

Students say reactions have been largely positive, though some are still getting used to the change.

“I would say for the first, like three weeks, it was really good. But then some kids started pushing the limits,” said student Solomon Beget. “But overall, it’s been way better.”

Some students say the cell phone ban can be inconvenient when trying to meet up with friends during lunch.

English teacher Virginia Johnson has long advocated for fewer cell phones in classrooms, noting that students are now more attentive and engaged during lessons.

“People see this as a punishment, and it’s not,” Johnson said. “You’re giving them a gift. You’re only in high school for a very short amount of time, and it’s a time to be with your friends. It’s time to focus and learn new things.”

Student Ethan Urhausen agreed.

“Definitely more focused, with all the less distractions and phones going off. It’s been a pretty positive experience, having none of that happening in class,” Urhausen said. “Overall, I saw it as a very important and necessary thing we needed to do.”

The school district addressed concerns from parents worried about student safety in emergencies. Haugan said phones are still allowed on campus, but must stay out of reach during class.

“Our policy is that when they get to class, that has to be in their backpack, and their backpack has to be away from them. So in the back of the classroom,” Haugan said.

The school has a three-step disciplinary process for students caught using their devices.

District leaders plan to revisit the policy in a few months, to see if adjustments are needed.

Other local school districts, including Crook County and Bend-La Pine Schools, plan to implement similar cell phone restrictions next year. According to Governor Kotek, all policies must be in effect no later than Jan. 1, 2026.

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Claire Elmer

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sunriver Christian Fellowship is teaming up with the Sydney Paige Foundation to deliver an inspiring boost to young students at Warm Springs K-8 Academy. The organizations will hand out more than 100 backpacks Thursday, filled with school supplies, to kindergarten through second-grade students.

The giveaway aims to support learning and build confidence as local students finish the first semester. Each backpack is specially sized for the age group and offered in various designs, giving students the chance to pick one that fits their personality.

Organizers say the event’s bigger goal is to spark more donations and sponsorships, so every one of the Academy’s 500-plus students can receive their own backpack in the future.

KTVZ’s Claire Elmer is attending the event and will speak with those involved. Her full report will air tonight on KTVZ News.

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KTVZ – News Team

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From the recent fireworks ban to Redmond’s new community center construction progress, Mayor Ed Fitch answers viewer-submitted questions for this month’s Ask the Mayor.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Fitch at any time as part of our monthly segment – just click here.

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Silas Moreau

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A beloved Central Oregon holiday tradition is returning to Bend this December as the Central Oregon Mastersingers present their annual holiday concert, “What Sweeter Music.”

The community choir will fill the Tower Theatre with festive cheer during two performances on Sunday, Dec. 14 — a 2 p.m. matinée and a 7 p.m. evening show.

This year’s concert celebrates the joy and warmth of the holiday season, featuring classic seasonal songs and sing-along moments that invite audiences to join in the celebration. Organizers describe “What Sweeter Music” as the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit and connect with the local community through song.

Tickets range from $52 to $62 and can be purchased through the Tower Theatre’s website.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — The Bend City Council has given the green light to a significant intersection improvement project at Olney and Revere Avenues, designed to enhance safety and traffic flow at four key intersections in the city.

Funded by a voter-approved 2020 Transportation General Obligation Bond, the Olney and Revere Intersections project will improve the intersections at Olney/4th, Olney/8th, Revere/4th, and Revere/8th streets through the installation of two signalized intersections and two roundabouts. The project bundles these upgrades together to maximize efficiency and cost savings.

A progressive design-build contracting method was approved by the council, allowing for early collaboration between the city, engineers, and contractors. This alternative procurement approach is anticipated to reduce costs and streamline project delivery, compared to the traditional low-bid contracting process.

So, how will this Progressive Design-Build method be better than the usual contracting methods, where the job typically goes to the lowest bidder?

“I liken this to if you were going to remodel your kitchen, you wouldn’t just go with whoever happens to be the lowest bidder. You want somebody who understands what you’re trying to do, sees your vision and can really, you know, you can hire somebody who has experience doing that, that you can point to work they’ve done in the past that will provide you that good product at the end of the day,” said City Engineer, Ryan Oster. He continues, “It’s more than just about the absolute lowest bidder. We’re still going to look for a good price, no doubt, but we want to factor some experience into that as well,” said Oster.

The project, budgeted at $14 million and included in the city’s 2025-2027 budget and 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program, supports multiple city goals including transportation efficiency and public safety.

Construction is expected to begin soon, with the city continuing community outreach to keep residents informed about project progress and any potential impacts on traffic and local businesses.

Additional street and infrastructure work, including water and sewer line improvements, will be coordinated to minimize disruptions during construction.

Stay tuned for updates as Bend takes steps to modernize key intersections and improve transportation safety and connectivity throughout the city.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Adding quotes from City of Bend Shelter Coordinator, Brook O’Keefe and Executive Director of the Mountain View Community Development, Rick Russell)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — One of Bend’s three new Safe Parking Program locations had its first residents move a few weeks ago.

Just off the corner of South Highway 97, next to Les Schwab Tires center, is the new safe parking site. One that will house 6 vehicles. a small part of bend’s homeless.

KTVZ News spoke with the City of Bend Shelter Coordinator, Brook O’Keefe to learn more.

O’Keefe said to KTVZ News, “2025 point in time count identified one thousand and one people experiencing houselessness in the City of Bend. 55% of those folks are living unsheltered. Safe Parking, provides an opportunity to increase our shelter capacity, providing more space for folks to stabilize and work towards their next steps to gain permanent housing, as well as helping to mitigate unsanctioned camping by providing a space for people.”

The city hopes these locations continue to provide the homeless the ability to get back on their feet.

Back in 2023, Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and the City of Bend were going to build a managed camp for homeless people.

However, at the 11th hour, county commissioners voted two to one to pull the plan after several people and business owners voiced concern.

Rick Russell, the Executive Director of the Mountain View Community Development, whose running the site, tells KTVZ News why this is different.

Russell told KTVZ News, “This will be a site for six vehicles. There’s case management, theres facility staff, theres security cameras, there’s fencing. There’s a number of security measures we take to make sure that this is safe for our participants, as well as safe for the community.”

This is just one of several sites currently operating all around Bend, but Russell told KTVZ in the previous locations where there’s safe parking, businesses have seen a reduction of problematic behavior in their area.

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