Category: ktvz-local-news

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Deflection Program, a community-based initiative that connects people struggling with addiction to treatment and support instead of jail.

A graduation ceremony recognizing nine program participants took place today at The Taylor Center in Bend.

The Deflection Program is voluntary and patient-centered, designed to break the cycle of addiction and reduce repeat involvement with the justice system. People don’t need to be in legal trouble to enroll, and in many cases, law enforcement can take individuals directly to treatment as an alternative to arrest.

Once enrolled, clients are paired with a Peer Navigator and connected to services such as housing assistance, job search support, health insurance sign-ups, detox and treatment programs, and transportation help. The program also works closely with courts, probation, the District Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys, and community partners to ensure quick access to recovery resources.

Over the past year, the Deflection Program has:

Helped 28 individuals graduate, covering 33 criminal cases

Supported 21 clients currently making progress in treatment

Expanded community partnerships and referral networks

Connected people to housing, jobs, and family reunification

Reduced repeat involvement in the justice system

The Sheriff’s Office partners with BestCare Treatment Services and Ideal Option to provide treatment and recovery support.

The goal, Sheriff’s officials say, is simple but powerful: stop the cycle of addiction, reduce crime, and give people a pathway to recovery.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A long-term drug investigation concluded Wednesday night when a suspected trafficker’s vehicle crashed north of Madras, and detectives with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team seized large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and three guns, authorities said.

Officers said they suspect the drugs were introduced into Jefferson County from the Portland area.

“This was a coordinated, multi-agency effort targeting narcotics coming into Central Oregon intended for wide distribution,” Bend Police Lt. Mike Landolt said in a CODE Team news release Thursday evening.

The incident began around 9 p.m. Wednesday when police identified a black 2023 BMW X1 believed to be transporting illegal drugs headed toward Madras on Highway 26. They tried to stop the SUV after the driver turned onto NW Gumwood Lane and pulled into a private driveway, Landolt said.

The driver, identified as Tyler Wayne Fuller, 36, of Redmond, tried to flee, hitting a fence on the property, then driving through a lawn and hitting another fence and boulders before tipping onto its side. Police were not pursuing the car when it crashed, according to Landolt.

All three vehicle occupants were evaluated at St. Charles–Madras, Landolt said.

Inside the BMW were Fuller and two passengers, John Christopher Allen Richardson, 28, of Bend, and a 36-year-old Redmond woman. Fuller was found to have a federal warrant for his arrest, and Richardson had a parole violation warrant. Both men were later lodged at the Jefferson County Jail.

After a drug detection K-9, Bonnie, alerted to the odor of drugs in the car, officers obtained and executed a search warrant, discovering what Landolt called a “significant amount” of fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with three firearms, drug records, packaging materials and a scale.

“All occupants of the vehicle are convicted felons and are not legally allowed to possess firearms,” Landolt said. The woman was cited for felon in possession of a firearm.

Police—including the Madras Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Marshals—assisted in the investigation.

“This case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed,” Landolt noted.

The CODE team and partners continue to target narcotics distribution networks in Central Oregon, Landolt said, emphasizing community safety and multi-agency cooperation

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A year-old pilot program to reduce traffic speeds, improve safety, and encourage walking and cycling has sparked sharp division in the city of Bend.

The program converted a four-lane roadway into two lanes as part of a “road diet” designed to curb crashes and make the corridor safer for pedestrians and cyclists. But a recent survey of nearly 2,000 residents shows the changes have been overwhelmingly unpopular with drivers.

According to the results, 80 percent of respondents said they “hated” the new design. Only 10 percent described the changes as “great” or “good.” The most common complaints centered on increased congestion and limited parking along the corridor.

Despite the pushback, city officials say the redesign has already produced measurable safety improvements. Data shows that vehicle speeds have dropped by as much as five miles per hour.

At the same time, the number of people walking and biking through the area has surged. In some stretches, cycling activity rose nearly 300 percent, and pedestrian traffic increased 150 percent.

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Supporters of the project argue that those shifts are proof that the changes are working, but critics counter that the majority of people relying on the corridor still use cars, and they feel the pilot unfairly burdens drivers.

The city council has not made a final decision on the program’s future and is holding off on permanent changes, for now. Officials say they will continue gathering feedback and data before determining the next steps.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Fire & Rescue announced Thursday it will reopen outdoor burning at 8 a.m. next Wednesday, October 1, but advised there are rules to follow, including a ban on debris burning within the city limits.

Here’s the fire department’s full news release:

With the forecasted decrease in temperatures, the risk for fire spread has decreased to safe levels. Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind anyone who is conducting outdoor burning of the regulations for the areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue:

NO DEBRIS BURNING INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF REDMOND AT ANY TIME

Open debris burning inside the city limits of Redmond is prohibited per Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance #5. Failure to comply can result in a citation and fines.

Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires, in approved fire rings or appliances, are allowed year-round when the regulations below are followed. These fires are allowed within city limits and no permit is required.

All types of fires may be banned in peak fire conditions.

A burn permit is required for open burning. A burn permit is not required when using a burn barrel, however you must still check the burn line to determine if burning is allowed. Burn permits are available online at www.rdmfire.org. 

General Requirements

Each day, before you begin your outdoor burning, you must call the outdoor burning number at 541-504-5035 and utilize the burn permit online system to determine if burning is allowed. A permit is required.

You are completely responsible, criminally and personally, including any suppression costs, for any fire you start. These regulations do NOT relieve responsibility for conducting a safe and attended burn.

All fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. Fires should be cold to the touch to be considered completely out.

A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as a shovel and dirt, garden hose, or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of any fire which creates or adds to a hazardous situation.

All fires shall have a minimum of 10 feet around the fire clear of combustibles.

An adult must be in attendance at all times.

To Report an Illegal Burn

Call the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911 to report an illegal burn. Or to report individuals who are burning items not approved by DEQ, please call DEQ at 541-388-6146.

Residential Outdoor Burning of Yard Debris (only permitted outside the Redmond city limits with a valid permit)

Provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to any structure. To apply for a permit, visit www.rdmfire.org.

Fires in approved containers shall not be less than 15 feet from any structure.

The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.

The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 50 feet where the pile size is greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

Burn piles need to be sized so fires will be completely out by the required time indicated on the burn information line.

Burn barrels shall be at least 15 feet from any structure.

Absolutely no debris burning after dark.

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Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new community cleanup event is taking shape in Bend, aiming to expand the work already being done through the Bend Beautification Program.

Danny Goll and his wife recently adopted Galveston Avenue through the program, and after a few cleanups there, they wanted to take it citywide. That’s how the idea for The Big Bend Pickup was born.

The first event is set for Saturday, October 4th. Volunteers can sign up at BigBendPickup.com and will be sent to designated areas identified as needing the most attention. Goll says participants will be provided with pickers and trash bags to collect litter.

Afterward, volunteers will receive a token redeemable for a free beer at participating sponsors, including Sunriver Brewing, Bend Brewing, Podski, and Silver Moon.

“The more people that participate, the better,” Goll said. “Our goal is to eventually have more than 100 people at a time so we can cover as much of the city as possible.”

Goll added that for him and his wife, the effort is about pride in their community. “We moved here because we view Bend as our little slice of paradise. It feels good to contribute, and when people honk and wave while we’re out there, it really reinforces that community feel.”

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Jillian Fortner

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – La Pine is developing a first-of-its-kind outdoor education park, fully funded by ODFW.

The Lorimor Heritage Outdoor Education Park will be built on 60 acres off 6th Street in La Pine near the Midstate Substation.

The project is a partnership between La Pine Parks and Recreation, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Three Rivers Archers.

When complete, the park will feature an archery range, clay targets, a 3D archery trail, and even a community fishing pond.

La Pine Parks and Recreation District say this park is expected to bring measurable economic impact to La Pine through tourism, events and competitions. The site will host state-wide archery and clay target events, hunter education courses, and outdoor recreational training.

“The park district is on its way back,” said LPRD Facilities Coordinator, Wynn Malikowski. “Little by little, you know, you’re going to see more things coming, and we’re going to invest more in our parks.”

Right now, cultural surveys are underway at the site. Once those are complete, crews will begin bringing in equipment, building a parking lot, and installing fence lines.

There’s still no timeline for when the park will be finished.

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Barney Lerten

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Madras man arrested last Friday along Interstate 84, accused of trafficking drugs between Washington state and Central Oregon, is facing federal charges after investigators seized about 10 pounds of methamphetamine from his vehicle.

Theodore Ernest Jokinen, 48, made his first appearance in federal court Wednesday after being charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, federal prosecutors said Thursday.

Records show Jokinen, who has drug and other criminal convictions in Central Oregon dating back to the late 1990s, is being held at the Polk County Jail in Dallas, Oregon by the U.S. Marshals Service, pending further federal court proceedings.

According to court documents, detectives from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) observed Jokinen driving westbound on Interstate 84 near The Dalles.

As KTVZ News reported earlier this week, investigators previously received information that Jokinen had traveled to Yakima, Washington, and was returning to Oregon in possession of methamphetamine intended for distribution in the Central Oregon area.

Jokinen was initially stopped by The Dalles police officers for a traffic infraction. A certified narcotics detection K-9 alerted on Jokinen’s vehicle. Investigators obtained a search warrant for his flatbed truck, and the search turned up about 10 pounds of pre-packaged suspected methamphetamine in the passenger compartment.

Jokinen was on pre-trial release in a Jefferson County felon in possession of a firearm case and has multiple prior convictions for drug delivery, prosecutors said.

The case is being investigated by the CODE and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from The Dalles Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Mid Columbia Interagency Narcotics Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Andrew R. Doyle, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. 

Doyle also works with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and as a special assistant U.S. attorney for drug-related cases.

He told KTVZ News the Jokinen arrest led to federal charges “fairly quickly” because there are Drug Enforcement Administration agents on the CODE Team and “Mr. Jokinen has multiple prior convictions” for drug delivery.

Doyle said the federal government “believes he qualifies for what is known as the ‘Career Offender’ enhancement, which will result in a longer sentence” if convicted.

“We felt federal (charges) made sense here due to his Career Offender designation, the increased possible penalties, and the fact Mr. Jokinen has already been sent to (state prison) multiple times.

“From a public safety perspective, he’s a guy who has caused a great deal of harm to the community over the past few decades,” the prosecutor said.

Doyle added, “I’m also fortunate to have the support of DA Gunnels on these CODE cases – Steve was a SAUSA (special assistant U.S. attorney) himself before becoming DA. We also have a GREAT relationship with the Unites States Attorney’s Office in Eugene – so it all came together quickly here.”

“CODE would also like to thank acting Jefferson County DA Steve Leriche, who is a big supporter of the work we are doing,” the prosecutor said.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — In an effort to reduce traffic and improve air quality, Commute Options is putting on its annual “Get There Challenge.”

The contest is set to promote greener, more active, and more affordable transportation options–that includes taking transit, walking, biking, carpooling, and opting for remote work. 

The goal is to help Oregon become a better place to live, work, and play.

The event will take place from October 1st to October 14th. Participants in the challenge are automatically entered to win prizes across the state.

Top trip loggers in 10 categories can win $100 e-gift cards at the end of the two week challenge. All participants will be entered in a raffle to win prizes from local sponsors.

Click here to learn more on the Commute Options website.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Full Story with quotes from Bend City Engineering Director, Ryan Oster and added video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ News) — The Bend City Council voted unanimously late wednesday afternoon on a new shared bike and pedestrian bridge design.

During its bi-weekly work session, the council discussed a variety of projects in the midtown crossing area.

One of which is the Hawthorne Bridge connecting the east and west sides of Highway 97, ideally making it safer for pedestrians to cross. 

The council has now selected a new design planners believe will alleviate money concerns, and be within the city’s budget.

KTVZ News spoke with Ryan Oster, the city’s engineering director, to learn more.

“We’ve added a couple of years worth of escalation into things such as material cost and labor costs. so as projected right now, we think we’re within budget to start constructing in ’27 or ’28,” he said.

This new design, known as a Truss Bridge type, received rave reviews from the council.

While there are concerns of where the money comes from, the city got major grants from the state and federal governments, totaling close to $30 million.

Oster added, “Just want to emphasize, because I think there’s a lot of people that might not quite fully understand, that very, very little of the funding for this is actually coming from local sources. There’s very little coming from the voter passed, GO (general obligation) bond. We used that couple million dollars in seed money to acquire the state and federal grant money. So it’s a wonderful investment for the community and requires very little money from from the ratepayers here in the city.”

While there’s still a long way to go, city officials said they are excited about the prospects of what could become a landmark piece of Bend. City officials will be meeting again in the near future to finalize the specific bridge design.

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KTVZ

SEATTLE (KTVZ) – The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a fisherman early Tuesday morning after his commercial fishing vessel capsized near the entrance to Waldport, Oregon. 

Around 5:40 a.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a VHF radio mayday call from the commercial fishing vessel Ambition, reporting it was disabled in the surf near the entrance to the Alsea River. 

The mariner stopped responding to radio calls shortly after, officials said. 

Sector Columbia River issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay and an MH-65E Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station North Bend.

Sector Columbia River also contacted the nearby commercial vessel, the Predator, which agreed to assist. 

The helicopter crew arrived on scene first and decided they were the best resource to assist, officials said. They deployed a rescue swimmer and safely hoisted the man from the water.

Once aboard the helicopter, the crew evaluated the captain for mild hypothermia and transported him to Samaritan Hospital in Newport for a higher level of care. 

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