Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Police are asking the public for information after finding a seriously injured woman during a welfare check at a home in a southeast Bend neighborhood.

Shortly before 6 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a request for a welfare check in the 61000 block of Alstrup Road, Bend Police Community Relations Manager Jessica Rich said Tuesday. 

When officers arrived, they found a woman with serious injuries inside a home. Bend Fire and Rescue transported the woman, a 37-year-old Bend resident, to St. Charles Bend for treatment.

“Detectives are investigating the case, and additional information will be provided when it becomes available,” Rich said in the news release.

Anyone with information about this event is asked to contact Deschutes County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 541-693-6911.

Rich told KTVZ News that due to the active investigation, she’s “unable to share additional information, including more detailed information about her injuries or the circumstances around the request for the welfare check.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, comments)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Pet Evacuation Team said late Tuesday it is now caring for 175 animals evacuated from the Alder Springs Fire at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond – and thanks to the community, they are “all set” with donated food for them.

“We have horses, goats, dogs, cats and a rabbit,” a PET official told KTVZ News earlier in the day.

“At this time, we do not need any more dog or cat food,” the representative said. “A generous donor brought in grass hay last night. Volunteers are working four-hour shifts.”

Later Tuesday, we were told: “This community is awesome!  We have received SO MANY donations!  We’re all set for now.”

 Obviously they help people get their pets out of harm’s way, but they also keep pets at a safe location while you’re evacuated. They’re fed, cared for, and the dogs even get taken for walks. It might seem like a difficult task to evacuate your pet, but the team here has some tips to make it easier.

“Prepare, prepare, prepare,” Vikki Sheerer said. “It’s not a matter of if, but we live in a wildfire zone, and someday the fire is going to get close to your neighborhood. So we encourage people to have a crate for their dogs that has food, water, their favorite bedding, all their veterinary medication, and have it ready in the garage.”

You can get your pet used to going into a crate by feeding them in the crate routinely before evacuations ever happen.

Everyone who uses the Pet Evacuation Team;s services gets documentation and a wristband linked to their pet’s ID. You can even visit your pet any time at the shelter, feed them yourself and spend time with them.

PET is an all-volunteer organization that relies on donations. To learn more, visit their website at petevacuationteam.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BOTHELL, Wash. (KTVZ) —  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Alder Springs Fire burning in Jefferson County, Oregon. 

The state of Oregon’s request for a declaration under FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J. Maykovich on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:27 p.m. PT. He determined that the Alder Springs Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.

This is the second FMAG declaration in 2025 to help fight Oregon wildfires. 

At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the communities of Crooked River Ranch and Redmond.

FMAGs make funding available to pay up to 75 percent of a state’s eligible firefighting costs for fires that threaten to become major disasters. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire.

These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire, the agency said.

Click here to follow the original article.

Isabella Warren

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) – Officials said Tuesday was a day of good progress on the lines of the day-old Alder Springs Fire, newly mapped at over 3,400 acres.

Officials also announced on the Alder Springs Fire Facebook page that a community meeting will be held Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Terrebonne Community School, located at 1199 B Avenue, to provide the latest fire updates to the community.

Fire officials said late Tuesday: “Firefighters have made good progress today. Air resources provided water & retardant drops, stopping fire progress in many areas around the fire.

“Crews are actively working in the hard-to-access canyons, mopping up & securing perimeters,” they added.

According to the Northwest Coordination Center, the Alder Springs Fire has been determined to be “human-caused” and is estimated to be contained by July 1st.

As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 350 structures, including homes, have been threatened; while 140 firefighters are working to contain the fire.

Earlier story:

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters and other resources from across the state were on scene or heading to Jefferson County on Tuesday to help regional crews battling the fast-moving Alder Springs Fire, which grew to 2,500 acres in a matter of hours Monday and prompted evacuations and warnings at Crooked River Ranch and Lake Billy Chinook.

A fire camp was set up at the Sisters Rodeo grounds, with the Oregon State Fire Marshal sending in crews and engines from Southern Oregon, the Willamette Valley and elsewhere to protect homes from the flames.

Officials advised the public Thursday afternoon that a large smoke plume on the south side of the blaze was from a firing operation crews were conducting to tie bulldozer lines to the main fire.

“This will bring the fire perimeter to a place that has been reinforced with fire retardant, where firefighters can secure the perimeter,” they added.

An Alder Springs Fire Facebook page has been created to share official information.

“OSFM Red Incident Management Team briefed this morning and is now in unified command with the Central Oregon Type 3 Team,” a posting there stated Tuesday morning. “Two structural task forces arrived last night, and six more arrived this morning and are currently in the Crooked River Ranch community for structure protection.

“Wildland firefighters are working hard on creating fire lines in an attempt to stop and slow down the fire’s progress,” the update said.

Evacuated Crooked River Ranch resident Susan Strange was among the many who are worried that such a large, early fire means a very troublesome summer ahead.

“I’m no expert, but that seems unusual,” Strange told us Monday evening.

Tuesday’s general map of the Alder Springs Fire; officials say they’ll have a more detailed map later

—

Here’s the full Tuesday morning update from Central Oregon fire officials:

Firefighters, dozers and engines worked into the night on the Alder Springs Fire burning in steep and rugged terrain on the Crooked River National Grassland, Prineville District BLM-managed lands, and private land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and Lower Bridge Rangeland Fire Protection Association (RFPA).

The Alder Springs Fire is estimated to be 2,500 acres and is 0% contained. 

Fire activity moderated with lower temperatures and higher relative humidities last night and crews staying engaged with structure protection through the night, with no damages to homes or outbuildings. Today, firefighters will be working to secure the perimeter where accessible and safe to engage. The highest priority will be accessing Carcass Canyon to prevent additional spotting to the east, across the Deschutes River. Firefighters will work, along with the support of aerial resources, to secure the fire east of the Deschutes River that is threatening Crooked River Ranch.

The Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team has taken command of the fire alongside resources that have been engaged since yesterday to contain the blaze. The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Red Team under the command of Ian Yocum has been mobilized and will join the two task forces of structure protection resources in place and the six more coming in today. They will be in unified command of the incident alongside the Central Oregon Type 3 team as of 9:00 a.m. today.

Weather conditions will be similar to yesterday, creating challenging conditions for firefighters with hot, dry weather with westerly winds pushing the fire towards values at risk. Crews, engines, dozers, skidgen and structure protection task forces will be actively working to suppress the fire and secure the perimeter with continued help from air tankers, helicopters and single-engine scoopers to cool hot spots and slow the spread of the fire from the air.

All evacuations issued by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office remain in place today.

Evacuations: Jefferson and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have issued the following evacuations: A Level 3 (GO) evacuation order for CR06, CR07, CRR8, CR10N, CR10S, CR11, CR12, CRPL2; a Level 2 (SET) evacuation warning for zones CR02M, CR02N, CR02NW, CR02SW and CR09, as well as Deschutes Campground at Cove Palisades, along the river and campground; and a Level 1 (READY) evacuation advisory for CR02E, CR02NE, CR02SE, CR03M, CR03N, Lake Billy Chinook Public Lands 3, RED-101, RED-91, RED-92 and SIS-016. For more information on evacuation notices, visit:Deschutes County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/DeschutesCountyEmergencyJefferson County Evacuation Map: https://tinyurl.com/JeffersonCountyEmergencyMap

A temporary evacuation point has been established at Highland Baptist Church: 3100 SW Highland Avenue, Redmond, OR. A large animal shelter has been established at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds at 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bethlehem Inn Board of Directors announced Monday the appointment of Michael Hancock as its new executive director.

Hancock, who has served as interim executive director since February, following the retirement announcement of longtime leader Gwenn Wysling. 

“Hancock will now officially take the helm to guide Bethlehem Inn into its next chapter,” the organization said in its announcement, which continues below:

Hancock brings a rich background spanning business, education, and crisis management. He joined during a period of significant change, including the completion of the new Bend campus and the onset of a global pandemic. His leadership has been instrumental in evolving programs, enhancing staff training and development, and helping launch the Bethlehem Inn Redmond Community Housing (BIRCH) program. 

“I joined the team in 2019, a time of transition. Or as I like to think of it, a time of transformation,” Hancock shared. “We were preparing to open the new Bend campus, and just months later, found ourselves navigating the challenges of a global health crisis. I’m proud of how our team stepped up, adapted, and grew stronger together.” 

Reflecting on his journey, Hancock added, “Long before my time at Bethlehem Inn, I recognized that there were members of our community who needed help. At first, I believed it was the community’s responsibility to support those in need. Over time, I came to understand something deeper: we are not required to help, we choose to help.” 

The Board expressed confidence in Hancock’s leadership and vision.

“Michael has proven himself to be a steady, thoughtful, and compassionate leader,” said Kevin Link, president of the Bethlehem Inn Board of Directors. “He understands the mission of Bethlehem Inn and has the experience and heart to move the organization forward.” 

Bethlehem Inn is a community-supported emergency shelter that provides a safe environment for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend woman was arrested on DUII and other charges Sunday night, accused of driving an SUV over numerous curbs, medians and through a ditch, failing to yield when officers tried to pull her over and endangering a child riding in the rear seat. 

Around 9:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of an intoxicated driver heading east on Murphy Road near Southeast 15th Street, Bend Police Community Relations Manager Jessica Rich said in a news release Monday.

The 911 caller said they’d seen a black Jeep driving without its headlights on, driving over curbs, driving on the shoulder and nearly crashing, Rich said

When they arrived in the area, officers spotted the black Jeep and were also able to see the driver turning on and off its lights, driving on the shoulder and swerving abruptly in its lane. An officer tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver drove on, Rich said.

The driver eventually swerved off the road in the area of Knott Road and SE 15th Street, where officers were able to use their patrol vehicles to prevent her from trying to leave.

The driver was identified as Yuceli Chavelas Angel, a 23-year-old Bend resident. A child was located in the back seat of the vehicle, unharmed.

Chavelas Angel was taken into custody on suspicion of DUII, reckless driving, reckless endangering and a felony charge of fleeing or attempting to elude police.

Police took the driver to St. Charles Bend to obtain additional evidence through a search warrant they were granted. She was then taken to and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail.

Rich said officers consulted with the Oregon Department of Human Services to ensure the safety of the child.

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding details, video, comments by the sheriff, others)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This week, tension and turmoil continue to surround the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

New information from a public records request revealed Sheriff Kent Van der Kamp is planning to travel to Florida for the National Sheriffs’ Association conference later this month. The trip is expected to cost taxpayers over $3,500, which includes air fare, hotel, conference fees, a rental car, and per diem.

KTVZ News spoke with Van der Kamp in a phone call on Monday to ask why he is attending, when he has said he will retire in August. His response? “I’m still the sheriff.”

Van der Kamp also said he wants to make valuable connections for the department, including in the area of suicide prevention.

The conference runs June 23-26, yet Van der Kamp is staying through the 28th.

In an email thread obtained by KTVZ News, van der Kamp was asked by his assistant about the extended stay. He cited a “tour of a multi-agency law enforcement training facility” the day after the conference. But when KTVZ News asked if that was the same facility he signed up to tour on the second day of the conference, van der Kamp responded, “I don’t know if it’s the same facility or not.”

Questions have also emerged regarding the cost and approval process of the trip.

While county policy states that out-of-state vehicle rentals require Risk Management approval, the section for that approval was marked “N/A” on his form, even though a rental car was listed. Van der Kamp confirmed he signed the form — as both the employee and the head of the department — but said his assistants handled the logistics.

The flight alone cost nearly $1,200 with Delta. Publicly available fares for the same route in June ranged between $332 and $616 on other airlines. County policy requires employees to book the most affordable options available. When asked about the price discrepancy, van der Kamp stated that his assistant handled booking and chose the “cheapest option available at the time.”

Van der Kamp is a Delta Platinum Medallion member — a status requiring high annual spending with the airline, and one that earns miles per dollar spent. He is estimated to receive nearly 10,000 miles from this trip, raising questions about whether or not he chose the flight for the additional personal benefits.

We have reached out to the sheriff’s assistant to verify her role in the travel arrangements, but have not yet received a response.

This information comes on the heels of more alleged concerns involving Sheriff van der Kamp.

KTVZ News learned through an anonymous source that a meeting at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office took place last Thursday. According to the source, Undersheriff Aaron Wells stood up to address Sheriff van der Kamp directly, joining those calling for him to resign immediately. 

Following Wells’ comments, other staff members spoke, directing their messages of disappointment to van der Kamp and sharing the sentiment that he should resign now. The source told KTVZ News that some members shed tears while speaking of their desire to have van der Kamp leave office. 

The source also claimed that commanders appointed by van der Kamp allegedly no longer support him, and are frustrated that the sheriff is  supposedly “rarely at the office” and “ruining the department’s credibility.”

The words of his co-workers appeared to not have an effect on van der Kamp, as the source claimed he remained silent and did not respond. 

KTVZ News reached out to Undersheriff Wells, asking if he could confirm or deny the information, or if he would like to make a statement. In response, Wells told KTVZ in an email that he has “no comment on the meeting.”

In addition, KTVZ News asked Sheriff van der Kamp if he attended the aforementioned meeting. He confirmed he did attend. When asked if his colleagues asked him to resign, he stated “that topic was discussed” and he “did not have a comment.” 

KTVZ News will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates if new information becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: adding latest evacuations, details)

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — As of Tuesday morning, evacuation orders remain in place. Oregon State Fire Marshal task forces were in place Monday evening in Crooked River Ranch. No homes were lost overnight.

Carcass Canyon on Whychus Creek is a priority this morning as crews continue to battle the blaze, but access is challenging, according to Central Oregon Fire Info.

Helicopters, tankers, smokejumpers and rappelers joined forces with ground crews to tackle a fire in Jefferson Co. that broke out Monday morning and by sunset grew to 2,500 acres.

A Level 1 BE READY pre-evacuation notice was issued by Lake Billy Chinook and later a Level 2 BE SET alert near Crooked River Ranch – and then expanded to the west side of CRR, while the Level 1 area grew south into Deschutes County.

Crews responded shortly before 10 a.m. to the Alder Springs Fire (Incident 291) that Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies said was located north of the Alder Springs Trailhead.

No evacuation levels were initially issued in the sheriff’s office’s first Facebook post about 11:15 a.m. But an update around noon said: “Lake Billy Chinook Public Lands 3 is now under a Level One Evacuation due to a fire North of Alder Springs Trailhead.”

Then, just before 3 p.m., a new evacuation update: “The Crooked River Public Lands 2 South of Alder Springs has now been placed on a level TWO evacuation.

“This zone borders up to the CRR Area,” the sheriff’s office said. “Although this area is not in a level at this time, please be advised of the current situation. We will be keeping you as up to date as possible. Make sure you are signed up for the Everbridge alerts, and we will be working with CRR Fire to keep you as updated as we possibly can.”

Levels 3 (GO NOW red), 2 (BE SET, yellow) and 1 (BE READY, green) evacuation levels from Alder Springs Fire in Jefferson and Deschutes counties

Watch Duty’s fire report said WildCAD gave an initial size estimate of 18 acres on the fire, burning near Whychus Creek and Dry Falls, west of the Deschutes River. It was later estimated at 40 acres – and at 450 acres by 1 p.m., to 800 acres by 3:30 p.m. – and nearly doubld, to 1,500 acres an hour later.

Fire officials said the blaze was burning in grass, brush and snags. Two engines, rappellers and a helicopter were working the fire, with air tankers and another helicopter requested.

The 1 p.m. update said: “Multiple air resources, including heavy helicopters and air tankers,s are assisting firefighters on the ground.

By mid-afternoon, the resources on the fire included four engines, two 20-person crews, eight rappellers, smokejumpers and a water tender. Two more crews were requested, as well as two bulldozers and a skidgeon. Air tankers, helicopters continued to support firefighters on the ground.

Shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced an evacuation alert to the south:

“Due to the Alder Springs Fire burning in Jefferson County, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1: BE READY evacuation notices for the area off of Holmes Road and Lower Bridge Way. A map of the evacuation zones can be viewed at deschutes.org/emergency. 

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system. 

The sheriff’s office later added that “Over the Edge Taphouse is a staging area for those with animals, you just need to bring your own portable corrals!”

Shortly before 6 p.m., the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said: “Due to continued fire activity on the Alder Springs Fire in Jefferson County, the Deschutes County areas of NW Steelhead Falls Drive, sections of NW Dove Drive and sections of NW Quail Road in Deschutes County have been placed on Level 1: BE READY evacuation notice. 

A temporary evacuation point has been established at Highland Baptist Church: 3100 SW Highland Ave., Redmond. A large animal shelter has been established at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds: 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond

Current maps, including evacuation areas, can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency  

Winds were challenging firefighters as they worked to keep the blaze from crossing the Crooked River to the east. The two counties were coordinating the firefighting effort and added crews.

About 5 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office updated the map and said on Facebook: “CRR area, please be advised. Everbridge messages have been sent to all zones in the evacuation areas.

Level 3: CRR public Lands 2

Level 2: 11, 10 N, 10 S, 12, 8, 2 Middle, 2 NW, 9, 2 SW

Level 1: 6, 7, 2 N, 3 Middle, 3 North, 2 NE, 2 E, 2 SE

An explanation of Oregon’s three evacuation levels in the event of wildfires or other emergencies

The whole west side of the ranch is in level 2. Reach out to the CRR Fire Hall for more information!”

A Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team will be taking command of the fire at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at: www.centraloregonfire.org 

Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alert and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org  

A new fire broke out later Monday about two miles to the east, along the 6900 block of SW Shad Road in Crooked River Ranch. Numerous crews from surrounding communities were heading to the area to help fight the blazes.

Watch Duty

Farther north, an 18-acre fire, the East Log Deck Fire, was burning east of Warm Springs.

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There were revving engines and smiling faces in Redmond today. 

General Duffy’s put on a Father’s Day celebration that was anything but ordinary.

The venue hosted its annual Father’s Day Classic Car Show — a family-friendly event that brought together classic car lovers, vendors, live music, and community members.

All makes and models were welcome, from vintage trucks to fully restored customs. Proud owners lined up early to show off their wheels.

Goods from local vendors and a face painting station were present, along with the watering hole’s resident food carts. Both kids and adults alike were entertained.  

The event not only honored dads, but also supported small businesses and brought neighbors together. 

One car owner told KTVZ News his classic car is more than a vehicle — it’s a family legacy.

Whether you came for the nostalgia, the horsepower, or just to spend time with dad, this was a Sunday to remember.

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, the ‘No Kings’ movement organized protests across the country, including five cities in Central Oregon. 

Residents of La Pine, Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras came out to protest President Trump’s recent controversial actions, including federal funding cuts. 

In Redmond, city sidewalks were lined with protesters for over two blocks. 

KTVZ News spoke with event organizers in Redmond about their intentions and goals for the protests. 

“We came together because we are very concerned as Redmond residents about what’s happening with the Trump administration,” Jennifer Laverdure with Indivisible Redmond told KTVZ News. 

Sandy Chang, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, was also present at the Redmond event. “We are a country ruled by the constitution, which means there’s no king. Ultimately, President Trump serves the constitution and the people of the United States. We do not serve him,” said Chang. 

Both Laverdure and Chang shared the sentiment that the event was “already a success” given the number of residents who showed up in Redmond. “I think this is an amazing display of American people showing what democracy looks like,” said Chang. 

While there was a small police presence at the Redmond event as a precaution, protesters remained peaceful and orderly. 

In Bend, the events started with a community action fair at drake park. Multiple speakers took to the stage, sharing messages in support of democracy with the audience. 

Following the speeches, chants of ‘no kings’ and ‘this is what democracy looks like’ rang out as the crowd started their march toward Peace Corner. 

Though KTVZ News is unable to confirm, event organizers say there were between 300-500 people in attendance in Redmond, and approximately 6,000 in Bend. 

Local supporters of President Trump planned a Ride and Drive event during the ‘No Kings’ protests to show their support of Trump and celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday and Flag Day. That event’s plans changed due to the Cascade Classic Cycling Criterium held in downtown Bend. The organizer of that event did respond to KTVZ News’ request for comment, simply stating they would be ‘celebrating’ and did not want to be considered a counter-protest. 

Click here to follow the original article.