Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) —A Lynwood, California man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Monday for trafficking 11 pounds of methamphetamine from California to Oregon, including a Prineville customer.

Luis Banuelos, 34, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on February 28, 2021, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, officers from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team arrested Banuelos after he transported methamphetamine from California to deliver to a customer in Prineville.

Officers searched Banuelos’s vehicle and seized two boxes containing more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine. When questioned by investigators, Banuelos admitted to transporting drugs from California about seven times for distribution in Oregon.

On August 4, 2022, Banuelos was charged by criminal information with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On October 31, 2022, Banuelos pleaded guilty to the charge.

The case was investigated by the CODE team and the Drug Enforcement Agency. It was prosecuted by Adam Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jake Garner, a local mountain biker and member of Boy Scout Troop 21 in Bend, reached out to the Central Oregon Trails Alliance in search of an Eagle Scout project for this summer, and now it’s mission accomplished.

Together, they identified a long-overdue task: replacing the orange safety fencing and adding clear signage to better define the Skills Area at Phil’s Trailhead, COTA said in a news release Tuesday.

Jake teamed up with COTA Trails Program Director Alex Brieger, as well as local business owners and Forest Service officials, to create a detailed project plan and timeline, which was completed at the end of July.

After securing approval from the Forest Service, Jake’s project moved forward, and he installed a new fence surrounding the Skills Area.

Jake also collaborated with Mike Brasfield from the Deschutes National Forest to build an official information kiosk, which features park guidelines and a trail map. The materials for the kiosk were donated by the local Home Depot and Lowe’s. 

And a local business, Miller Lumber, generously milled and donated custom cedar split rail fencing for the project, which complements the natural surroundings and will last for years to come.

“This incredible Eagle Scout project highlights the strong community connections and local teamwork it takes to complete such work,” the trails alliance said. “COTA is incredibly grateful and proud of Jake in the completion of this project!”

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Cougar Fire update, local officials warn of increasing fire danger)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Cougar Fire, the largest of two fires that broke out Tuesday afternoon in southeastern Deschutes County and put up smoke visible over a wide area, grew to about 300 acres by Wednesday as crews reached about 10% containment.

Here’s the Wednesday midday fact sheet on the Cougar Fire:

Start Date: August 5, 2025 3:37 PM

Location: 43°37’58.4″N 120°07’33.5″W Approx. 3.5 miles North of U.S. HWY 20

Jurisdiction:  Bureau of Land Management

Fire Size:  Approx. 293 acres

Containment:  Approx. 10%

Cause: Under Investigation

Fuels: Grass, Juniper, Sagebrush

Structures/Evacuations: 1 structure located 2 miles south of fire start

Fire Crews/Resources: Interagency fire crews, along with the Post Paulina RFP,A are suppressing the new wildfire start with the following resources: 1 jump ship with a load of smoke jumpers, 2 type one helicopters, 3 Engines, 2 dozers, 2 water tenders, 1 Skidgen, and 2 hand crews.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) August 5th – The first fire, the 781 Fire, was reported around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday northeast of Pine Mountain and was estimated at 1.4 acres about an hour later.

The larger fire is the Cougar Fire (Incident 782), was reported shortly before 4 p.m. near Cougar Mountain and the Deschutes-Crook county line. Watch Duty reported three Type 3 air tankers and an air attack plane were en route.

Here’s Central Oregon fire officials’ initial fact sheet on the fire, issued just before 5 p.m. Tuesday:

Start Date: August 5, 2025 3:37 PM

Location: 43°37’58.4″N 120°07’33.5″W Approx. 3.5 miles North of U.S. HWY 20

Jurisdiction:  Bureau of Land Management

Fire Size:  Approx. 30 acres and growing

Cause: Under Investigation

Fuels: Grass, Juniper, Sagebrush

Structures/Evacuations: 1 structure located 2 miles south of the fire start

Containment:  0%

Fire Crews/Resources: Interagency fire crews, along with the Post Paulina RFPA are suppressing the new wildfire start with the following resources: 4 single-engine air tankers, 1 large air tanker, 1 Type 1 helicopter, 1 air attack, 3 Engines, 2 dozers, 2 water tenders, 1 Skidgen, and 1 hand crew.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information visit fire.airnow.gov.

Fire officials and lookouts have been watching closely for any new lightning-sparked holdover fires from the storms that moved the region over the weekend.

We’ll have updates as warranted, online, on the air and on KTZV+

Coincidentally, Central Oregon fire officials put out a message late Tuesday quite similar to ones shared earlier by state and federal officials this wek about the rising fire danger this month:

Do Your Part to Prevent a Spark as Conditions Remain Hot and Dry

Central Oregon — As August begins, weather forecasts indicate that high temperatures will continue to dry out vegetation in Central Oregon, increasing the risk for wildfires. Recent thunderstorms and lightning activity in the area have increased the potential for new fire starts to be discovered in the coming weeks. Lightning-caused wildfires can smolder for several days to weeks before smoke may be visible.

To help combat new fire starts, the public is reminded to check and follow current public use fire restrictions when recreating on public lands. Central Oregon public lands are currently in Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions, which prohibit open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires across the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland and Prineville BLM except within designated, developed campgrounds.

Under Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions, internal combustion engines, including chainsaws, are prohibited between 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more details on public use restrictions and a full list of designated campgrounds where campfires are permitted in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/2025/07/15/deschutes-wilderness-areas-added-to-stage-1-public-use-fire-restrictions-starting-july-18/.   

Following last week’s lightning activity in Central Oregon, firefighters responded to 50 new wildfire starts, resulting in approximately 40 acres burned. Most of these fires were around one-tenth of an acre in size and have been contained or controlled, thanks to the rapid response from initial attack resources both on the ground and from the air, including aircraft, smoke jumpers, and rappelers.

As we enter peak fire season, remember to make safe choices, recreate responsibly, and do your part to prevent new wildfires from starting.

For information on public use restrictions and wildfire updates, visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A man who stole a rifle from a pickup at the 2022 Jefferson County Fair and tried to fire it several times at pursuing officers and others before being shot by police has pleaded guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Rafael Gomez, now 33, signed a plea petition late last month, agreeing to plead guilty to three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, court records show. He was due to go on trial on August 11 on 16 felony charges, including five counts of attempted aggravated murder; an earlier trial ended in a mistrial after a juror’s misconduct involving improper investigation of the case.

Gomez, identified in initial court documents as a fugitive from San Diego, was accused of trying to shoot eight people, including Sheriff Jason Pollock.

District Attorney Steve Leriche found Madras police and sheriff’s deputies were justified in using deadly force to stop Gomez, who aimed the stolen AR-15 at citizens and pursuing officers, but was unable to fire because two rounds were jammed in the chamber.

The DA said law enforcement kept ordering Gomez to drop the gun, which he did not, and was trying to keep Gomez from entering the Madras Cinema 5 or Kentucky Fried Chicken or being able to clear a double feed from his rifle.

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Barney Lerten

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A lucky guest from Portland hit it big recently at Indian Head Casino, taking home a Wide Area Progressive Jackpot of $52,172.54 while playing The Dollar Storm Pirate Machine. 

Eldar M., visiting from Portland, won the jackpot on Tuesday, July 29, with a $2 bet at $20 a spin. The popular Dollar Storm series is known for its fast-paced play and life-changing payouts — and this jackpot certainly delivered. 

“We love celebrating big wins with our guests,” said Shawn McDaniel, the general manager of Indian Head Casino. “Seeing someone take home over $50,000 on a single spin is a great reminder of how much fun and excitement there is on our casino floor. Congratulations to Eldar!” 

Indian Head Casino, located in Warm Springs, features a dynamic mix of slot machines, Blackjack, and the recently added Craps and Roulette. The casino also hosts outdoor summer concerts, with the final show of the season featuring Original KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley on August 9. 

For more information about Indian Head Casino, gaming, and upcoming events, visit www.indianheadcasino.com. 

About Indian Head Casino Indian Head Casino is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Located in Warm Springs, Oregon, the casino offers exciting gaming with slot machines, table games including Blackjack, Craps, and Roulette, plus dining, and seasonal outdoor concerts. Learn more at www.indianheadcasino.com. 

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — When adults in Central Oregon are no longer able to make decisions for themselves, the Central Oregon Guardian Assistance Program—better known as CO-GAP—steps in to help. The nonprofit provides court-appointed guardianship for individuals who are incapacitated and have no one else to advocate for them.

“CO-GAP is Central Oregon Guardian Assistance Program. And we are a nonprofit organization in the community that provides guardianship to individuals that are deemed incapacitated by the court,” said Executive Director Janet Basney.

Guardians work directly with each client to assess their needs—whether that’s housing, medical care, or other basic services.

“They step in and they kind of assess the situation,” Basney explained. “They will start with, what does the person need? Do they need housing? Do they need medical care? And being incapacitated means that an individual is unable to make those decisions for themselves.”

Since stepping into her leadership role, Basney says she’s seen first-hand how urgent the need has become.

“The biggest need is for more guardians. That way, the individuals that are in need of guardianship, which is very high, can have someone to help them.”

She added that a significant portion of their clients are either unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless when CO-GAP steps in.

“I have noticed that over 75% of the individuals that we provide guardianship for were either homeless at the time we took guardianship, or were at risk of becoming homeless.”

CO-GAP is also calling on the community to support their mission through volunteering and donations.

“On our website, you can make donations, and our volunteers are just individuals that will go and visit with our people,” Basney said. “It can be a lonely life for these individuals, if they have dementia or a mental illness and or if they’re in a facility.”

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding statistics, full story, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In 2024, Oregon topped the list of U.S. states for number of recall attempts relative to its population – 0.76 recall attempts per 100,000 residents.* But so far in 2025, recall petitions are well below the state’s average for this time of year. 

As of June of this year, only three officials statewide were targeted for recall — seven fewer than the mid-year average of the past five years. But here in Central Oregon, things look a little different. 

Despite a statewide slowdown, two local recall campaigns launched in the last two months, signaling that voter frustration may be simmering on a local level.

A recall of embattled former Sheriff Kent van der Kamp started at the end of June by some of his own within the sheriff’s office. That recall attempt was meant to be a fail-safe, if van der Kamp did not resign — but he announced his resignation effective July 31st, mere hours after the recall effort went public. 

The second attempt is led by a La Pine resident, William Minnix of Oregon For The People, whose recall petition against Governor Tina Kotek was approved by the State on Friday. Minnix must collect nearly 293,000 signatures by October 27th. If successful, Governor Kotek would have five days to resign before a recall election would start.

According to BallotPedia, in Oregon, recall efforts peaked in 2024; 32 officials were targeted and 19 were removed from office — a 59% success rate, the highest in recent history.

But a recall doesn’t always mean removal from office. 

Between 2020 and 2024, more than 60 officials in Oregon were targets of recall attempts that did not meet the requirements to trigger an election. 

When voters did weigh in, the outcomes were mixed. Just last year, seven officials survived recall elections, while only two were removed.

Under Oregon law, petitioners must collect valid signatures totaling at least 15% of the votes cast in the election. In addition, those signatures must be collected within 90 days of filing, then verified by the state election office. Due to these hurdles, voters rarely receive a recall ballot. 

Still, local campaigns popping up this year suggest recalls remain a political tool for the public, especially in smaller communities where organizers can mobilize quickly.

Whether Central Oregon’s recent efforts signal a larger shift remains to be seen. Only time will tell if the state’s below-average mid-year trend will continue throughout 2025.

*Information provided by editor at BallotPedia.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Northwest developer Killian Pacific said Tuesday it has secured a long-term retail lease with two beloved Central Oregon businesses – the Way West, a Western-inspired bar with a fresh-cut deli and provisions counter from Bend Brewing Company, in collaboration with Sisters Meat & Smokehouse – at Jackstraw, its 313-unit mixed-use residential and retail project.

Here’s the Northwest developer’s full announcement:

This space will anchor Jackstraw’s retail experience and will bring a distinctly new food-and-beverage concept to Bend’s Southern Crossing neighborhood. Centrally located between downtown Bend and the Old Mill District, Jackstraw spans a 4.7-acre site at Industrial Way and Lava Road and is adjacent to Bend’s Box Factory retail center.

As Jackstraw nears completion, residential pre-leasing began in July, and move-in availability is October. Once complete, Jackstraw will serve as a vibrant new hub for retail, living, and community connection.  

Construction for the Way West is slated to begin in late 2025, and it will open its 3,800-square-foot indoor-outdoor space at Jackstraw in Spring 2026.

Located along Jackstraw’s activated ground floor retail corridor, the Way West will sit adjacent to a dedicated pedestrian plaza on the southwest edge of the site, just south of Lava Pass – a flexible multi-modal street designed for low-speed traffic and occasional community events.

The plaza will feature Fossils of the Future, a site-specific sculpture series by artist E. Tyler Brown, offering a space for reflection, art, and neighborhood connection. 

The Way West will feature a full bar operation, with beer and cocktails curated by Bend Brewing Company, and a fresh-cut provisions counter operated by Sisters Meat & Smokehouse, two local icons known for quality, hospitality, and heart.

A western-inspired horseshoe bar anchors the interior space, while roll-up garage doors open onto a 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio complete with a fire pit, shade structures, and flexible seating. The result is a seamless, year-round indoor-outdoor gathering place, a true expression of the Central Oregon lifestyle. 

“The Way West brings together two standout brands that represent the best of Central Oregon’s quality-focused food and beverage scene. We are looking forward to unveiling this new concept to our future resident community and to the surrounding neighborhood,” said Killian Pacific Director of Development Cassidy Bolger. “Their focus on high-quality, personalized customer service, and creating a quintessential local experience aligns perfectly with our vision for Jackstraw and the dynamic mix of retailers we are bringing to the site.”  

A hybrid between Bend Brewing’s award-winning beer culture and Sisters Meat’s fresh butcher offerings, the Way West will bring a brand-new program to Bend’s Southern Crossing neighborhood. It will offer grab-and-go options, marinated and smoked meats, house-made jerky, sausages, as well as a relaxed, family-friendly bar with full-service cocktails and non-alcoholic selections. 

“We’re building something that feels like home — a space that celebrates Central Oregon where people can gather, grab a drink, pick up great food, and connect,” said Packy Deenihan, co-founder of the Way West and owner of Bend Brewing and Waypoint BBC. “This is a local story through and through; this is about collaboration, craftsmanship, and pride in where we live.” 

“Our motto at Sisters Meat has always been to serve amazing products with exceptional service at a fair price,” said Kay Johnson, co-founder of Sisters Meat & Smokehouse. “We’re excited to bring that same philosophy to Jackstraw, and to work alongside another locally grown brand to create something fun, fresh, and deeply rooted in the community.” 

Locally owned and based in Bend, Compass Commercial Real Estate Services provides retail brokerage and property management services for Jackstraw and the Box Factory. 

“The Way West is a fantastic addition to Jackstraw. Their presence will not only attract more exceptional tenants, but also strengthen the synergy between Jackstraw, the Box Factory, and the broader district,” said Russell Huntamer, Partner at Compass Commercial Real Estate Services.

“With the Way West, Sisters Coffee, and Drybar now on board, and the Box Factory just steps away, this area is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic destinations in Central Oregon. The energy and gravity created by these projects is building something truly special, a powerhouse of community, creativity, and commerce. Each tenant has been thoughtfully curated with Bend’s unique ethos, charm, and livability in mind, ensuring Jackstraw feels authentically local while offering something new.” 

Jackstraw has been under construction since Spring 2023 and is now more than 88 percent finished. It has a mix of apartments and townhomes, offering plenty of room and ample storage for everything from bikes to oversized fishing kayaks, modern design, parking for residents, interior courtyards, and refined spaces.

Jackstraw strives to bring new life to the neighborhood with seven stories of apartment homes and resident amenities, including a fitness center and a rooftop lounge looking toward the Cascade Range, a terrace overlooking Lava Road and the Box Factory, landscaped gardens, a resident lounge, and multiple co-working areas.

The ground floor will feature 18,000 square feet of retail space, providing a vibrant mix of local shops, restaurants, and services – energizing the Southern Crossing neighborhood. The Way West joins two recently secured retail tenants, Sisters Coffee Company and DryBar at Jackstraw. 

For more information about Jackstraw, please visit https://www.jackstrawbend.com/. 

For renderings of Jackstraw (focused on the retail), please visit this link: 

250801_Jackstraw_The Way West Announcement Photo credit goes to Killian Pacific. 

For leasing information, please visit: https://www.compasscommercial.com/property/jackstraw/ or call (541) 383-2444. 

About Killian Pacific 

Founded in 1971, Killian Pacific is a Pacific Northwest real estate firm that owns, manages, and develops places with lasting impact across Oregon and Washington. With a team of just 24, we take a highly intentional approach—balancing business outcomes with social and environmental responsibility. As a Certified B Corporation, we believe real estate can be a force for good, shaping stronger communities and a more sustainable future. For more information, visit www.killianpacific.com. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes, a local non-profit dedicated to affordable housing, is breaking ground later this month on its newest community, Rooted at Antler, on Friday, August 22 from 11 am to 1 pm at 1699 West Antler Avenue in Redmond.

Here’s Tuesday’s full news release:

The community is designed to address Central Oregon’s mid-market housing shortage, offering homeownership to buyers earning up to 120% of the Deschutes County Area Median Income (AMI), a significant increase from the typical 80% AMI. 

Rooted at Antler will feature 

Middle-Income Cottages: Ten single-family, three-bedroom cottages, similar in design to the popular Simpson and Poplar models, will be available for purchase. Seven of these ten cottages are specifically designed for families earning up to 120% AMI, a demographic often underserved by current housing options.  

Accessible Split-Level Duplexes: The community will feature four split-level duplexes, marking RootedHomes’ first homes with ADA accessibility. The four bottom units are designed to be fully ADA accessible, featuring lower counters and larger bathrooms – a direct result of resident-driven design input. The top levels of these duplexes will offer three-bedroom units.  

Enhanced Community Features: Addressing common concerns, Rooted at Antler includes enclosed storage areas off porches, providing convenient space for bikes and other personal items. To alleviate parking limitations, parallel parking will be strategically integrated along the street. 

The lottery for these homes is expected in January/February. This new community is ideally situated across the street from a Housing Works rental apartment development and a Head Start Daycare, creating a comprehensive and supportive neighborhood environment for families. 

“CS Construction is proud to support RootedHomes in turning their exciting vision for the Antler Development into reality,” said Matthew Cohen, Managing Partner of CS Construction. “As a participant on the project team, we have been fortunate to see first-hand the level of commitment, passion, and professionalism the Rooted Team has for creating equitable housing opportunities that enhance and make our community a better place for everyone that calls Central Oregon Home.” 

Eliza Wilson, Executive Director of RootedHomes, emphasized the project’s responsiveness to community needs. “Rooted at Antler is a direct answer to the pressing demand for middle-income housing in Central Oregon.

“We heard the community’s concerns about affordability, and this project directly addresses that by creating homes that are accessible to a broader range of working families. We also listened closely to feedback regarding practical needs, which is why we’ve incorporated thoughtful solutions like more parking and much-needed enclosed storage areas, making these homes truly livable and functional for our future homeowners.” 

To attend the groundbreaking ceremony, RSVP via email destiny@rootedhomes.org. For more information on RootedHomes and Rooted at Antler, visit https://rootedhomes.org/communities/redmond.  

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RootedHomes, formerly Kôr Community Land Trust, is a Central Oregon nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable, affordable homeownership opportunities for the local workforce. By utilizing the Community Land Trust model, RootedHomes ensures long-term affordability and access to healthy homes for generations. This innovative approach allows RootedHomes to steward the land, keeping housing costs down. Prioritizing equitable access to energy-efficient homes and their associated health and financial benefits by developing to net-zero energy standards is a priority of the organization. RootedHomes is committed to empowering homebuyers who have historically faced barriers to building wealth through homeownership. Through sustainable practices and community-centered development, RootedHomes is making a tangible difference in the lives of Central Oregon residents. Learn more at rootedhomes.org. 

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As August begins, fire weather forecasters predict higher-than-average temperatures will continue to dry fuels in the region and, along with lightning, cause numerous natural fire starts across Oregon and Washington, the U.S. Forest Service warned Tuesday

Since the end of May, fire managers in the Pacific Northwest have engaged in fighting 53 large fires covering just over 200,000 acres, including National Forest lands.  

Through initial and extended attack, firefighters work to keep fires small, as they did with last week’s starts from lightning in central, south-central and eastern Oregon.

“However, without significant cooling and rain, communities should anticipate more large fires on the landscape in August and September,” the agency said.   

With four large wildfires currently burning on National Forests in the region, 15 national forests are now in campfire restrictions to help prevent additional human-caused wildfires. Fire danger levels on all National Forests, except the Siuslaw National Forest, are High to Extreme.  

Fire managers say that with numerous expected natural ignitions, now is the time for people to double down on fire prevention efforts. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, this year, nearly 93% of all wildfires in the nation have been started by people. 

For more news and information about national forests in the Pacific Northwest, visit our news page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/r6/news-events or our home page, at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6. For more information about the USDA Forest Service visit https://www.fs.usda.gov. 

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