Category: ktvz-local-news

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Barney Lerten

Bend Heroes Foundation also plans Flag Day flag placement, ceremonies

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Transportation on Thursday converted the first two Oregon Medal of Honor Highway signs along US Highway 20 across the state to National Medal of Honor Highway signs, with more to follow.

“The conversion was simple – remove ‘Oregon’ and replace it with a 12×48-inch panel displaying ‘National’ pop-riveted on the same signs,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Dick Tobiason, chairman of the Bend Heroes Foundation.

The ODOT sign installer converted a sign in 30 minutes. The Bend Heroes Foundation paid ODOT to convert six of the 12 installed signs.  In the next few weeks, Tobiason said they will convert signs on each end of the 451-mile highway and two more locations in between (Corvallis and Burns).

“By converting half of the 12 Oregon MOH Highway signs we have respected the Oregon law creating the Oregon Medal of Honor Highway as well as the new Federal law signed by President Biden (PL118-154) on Dec. 17, 2024,” Tobiason said.  

Tobiason said dedication of the 3,365-mile coast-to-coast National Medal of Honor Highway is planned for a year from now.

Meanwhile, the Bend Heroes Foundation and volunteers will celebrate Flag Day on Saturday by displaying American flags previously flown over our nation’s Capitol and bearing the names of veterans. The Mountain View High School Navy Cadet Corps has the honor of leading flag installations again in their 20th year of displaying flags in Bend.

They will also celebrate the United States Army’s 250th birthday before installing flags. At the request of the Foundation, Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler issued the Army birthday proclamation, which will be read at the ceremony by City Councilor State Platt, Colonel, USAF, Retired. President Trump’s proclamation will also be read.

A special Army birthday banner will be displayed at Bend Heroes Memorial until 4:00 p.m., when the flags will be retired. A bagpiper will play while the Army birthday cake will be cut by the oldest and youngest Army veterans present.

The ceremonies begin at 7:00 am, Saturday at Bend Heroes Memorial in Brooks Park. They are free of charge and open to the public. 

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Tyson Beauchemin

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The destructive Rowena Fire forced the evacuation of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, so the Sunriver Nature Center stepped in to provide a temporary home for four displaced raptors.

“We are currently caring for two bald eagles, a red-tailed hawk, and an American kestrel — all of whom were safely relocated to our site late last night,” Sunriver Nature Center Executive Director Shannon Ries told KTVZ News on Friday.

“While we are not legally permitted to display these incredible raptors to the public, we believe it’s important to show our support for the people — and animals — impacted by this natural disaster,” Ries added.

“This effort reflects a shared commitment among Oregon’s nature and wildlife organizations to support one another in times of need,” she said. “We’re grateful to be in a position to help, and we hope that by quietly doing our part, we can ease the burden on our colleagues and provide a safe, stable environment for these birds while their permanent home recovers.”

The nature center’s lead wildlife manager has experience with bald eagles, but this situation gives the center an opportunity to train other staff.

The Sunriver Nature Center says it’s prepared to house these birds for as long as needed.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Saturday is Flag Day, the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday…and, a day of protests.

In response to the Trump administration’s recent controversial actions, the ‘No Kings’ movement has protests planned tomorrow in Prineville, Madras, Redmond, and Bend.

KTVZ News spoke with event volunteer, Cyndi Davis, to learn about the organization’s goals for the events. 

“It’s a community action fair, to foster community, share information, talk about the impacts that this administration has had on local, Central Oregon nonprofits, and other groups. Our intent is to help educate folks about the power of democracy and our constitution and using your voice. We are 100% committed to nonviolent action, peaceful protesting,” said Davis.

Sheila Miller with Bend Police told KTVZ the department supports the public’s right to protest — officers will only be present at the Bend protest “if requested” by organizers, or if a crime occurs. 

Organizers encourage you to come with an open mind and peaceful attitude. “We invite everyone to come and use their voice. That’s even with our hecklers and possibly people from the other side of this. We all have a voice. We respect that right that we have in this country to use your voice. We welcome everyone tomorrow to join in with that conversation. Put out a welcoming hand to them and invite them in and and have some conversation,” said Davis.

In response to the ‘No Kings’ protests, local supporters of President Trump have organized a ‘Ride and Drive’ event. That group changed course due to the downtown Bend cycling race, the Cascade Classic Cycling Criterium. They now plan to walk to drake park. KTVZ reached out to that event’s organizer for comment, but have not received a response. 

Organizers of ‘No Kings’ emphasize a commitment to nonviolence, and say all participants are expected to de-escalate conflict, and keep the focus on peaceful action.

“Let’s use our energy to unify our voice, to support democracy, and our constitution. We hope that everybody puts their best foot forward when they show up to drake park and help us celebrate that uniqueness that the United States has and that we desire to keep,” said Davis.

KTVZ will be covering the events. Be sure to stay with us for updates throughout the weekend.

See below for times and locations across Central Oregon: 

Prineville: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.; Pioneer Park – 450 NE Third St

Madras: 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.; North Y near Sonic Drive-In – US 26 and NW Maple St

Redmond: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.; Joann Fabric and Crafts – 732 SW 6th St

Bend: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. at Drake Park, followed by march to Peace Corner at Newport Avenue and Wall Street – 777 NW Riverside Blvd

*The Sisters protest has been canceled due to conflicting Sisters Rodeo events

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It wasn’t your typical split as Deschutes County commissioners voted 2-1 Wednesday to lease a small parcel at the county’s Public Safety Campus to Mountain View Community Development for up to six micro-shelters to house the homeless, part of its Safe Parking program.

Commissioners Phil Chang and Patti Adair voted to have county staff draft a lease with with Mountain View Community Development of the quarter-acre parcel at the southeast corner of the campus housing the sheriff’s office and other departments.

But fellow Commissioner and board Chairman Tony DeBone said he would not support the move, questioning the timeline, long-term funding certainty and other aspects of the project. He said Safe Parking sites, to him, involve RVs or trailers and not more permanent structures, though these don’t have plumbing, only electrical hookups.

“I just don’t see this as a residential area – I never have,” DeBone said.

Rick Russell, lead pastor of Mountain View Fellowship and executive director of the development organization, said of the 96-square-foot “pods,” “Everything here is meant to be portable and temporary.”

Chang often, but not always, is on the losing end of 2-1 votes on the board he shares with two more conservative officials.

Adair noted the Safe Parking program’s 35% success rate and said, “We’re going to have to be incredibly careful who stays there.”

Bend Mayor Pro-Tem Megan Perkins urged the board to approve the “valuable addition” to the Safe Parking program that began in Redmond and expanded to Bend.

You can watch the complete discussion from the KTVZ+ livestream above and view the presentation to the board about the plans below.

Microshelters presentation Deschutes County commissionersDownload

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Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Thursday was the last day of school for Bend-La Pine Schools, and at schools across the region, teachers waved goodbye to departing school buses.

Desks and lockers got cleaned out as students left their classrooms for a deserved summer break.

For some students, the day was bittersweet. At Rosland Elementary in La Pine, some students did not want the year to end. Teachers got lots of hugs – and some kids even asked if they could come back Friday. Others were overjoyed to finally be free from school for the summer.

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