Category: ktvz-local-news

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As one westside Bend neighborhood near Galveston and Century Drive grows with new construction and tourists, the Problem Solvers counted at least 25 illegal signs that neighbors have put up, warning people not to park in front of their mailboxes. However, they say it’s not because they want a convenient place to park, it’s about avoiding missed mail deliveries.

The Problem Solvers spoke with Julie, who’s lived in the neighborhood for a decade, and says finding a place to park has always been a problem: “They park here all the time. We live really close to Parilla and Taco Salsa, and it’s a hot lunch spot.”

The United States Postal Service confirmed these signs are not legal, and the use of their logo has not been permitted.

However, Julie and other neighbors, the Problem Solvers talked to stressed that the variety of no-parking signs people put up in front of their mailboxes, telling people they can’t park there, is so they don’t miss any mail deliveries.

“For some of our neighbors, which are our good friends, when someone parks in front of their house, they don’t get their mail. And we know our mailman – he’s been ours, the same guy for quite a number of years. And he gets very frustrated,” Julie said in an interview outside her home.

The Problem Solvers counted at least 25 signs in the neighborhood, which the U.S. Postal Service and the city of Bend say are not legitimate. The use of their official logo is illegal, and USPS confirmed they have not authorized its use for any signs in the neighborhood or in Bend.

KTVZ News asked the Postal Service several times what residents should do about people blocking their mailboxes.

The only solutions they gave were to leave a handwritten note on the person blocking their mailbox or to have a face-to-face conversation.

Neighbors said they did not see these options as a long-term solution, and pointed out that they can’t police their mailboxes 24/7. Others worried it could create potentially hostile and confrontational situations.

Another neighbor, Dana, says the parking issues are partly to blame on high-density housing, and new local and state laws that forbid minimum parking requirements for some developments.

Dana, like his fellow neighbors, supports new homes, but the issues that have arisen should be addressed: “It’s helpful to have, you know, high-density housing. But what’s the overall plan?” 

The laws from both the city and state aim to cut down on red tape and spur more badly needed housing.

“You know, per the state, onsite parking is considered valuable housing right now. So how do you find a balance where you still have affordable housing?”

Russ Grayson, who oversees operations for the city, says they’re aware of the issues in this and other neighborhoods: “A lot of that has to do with the redevelopment that is occurring in there. All the kind of, you can say attractions and draws on Galveston (Avenue), we’re seeing density increase”. 

Whether it’s adding a permit system or a time limit, it’s nearly impossible to make everyone happy.

“There’s always this push-pull relationship between parking strategies that we need to try to manage and balance,” Grayson said in an interview with the Problem Solvers.

No matter what happens, Carmen says she’ll always love the neighborhood: “I think the changes have all been good. You know, with parking, there’s always going to be growing issues.”

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — About 70 state prison inmates were brought in from around Oregon to perform field work to help “defend in place” Deer Ridge Correctional Institution from the Cram Fire, which is about 2 1/2 miles from the medium-security facility, the Oregon Department of Corrections told KTVZ News on Friday.

DRCI, which houses nearly 1,100 inmates, is continuing fire preparedness and response efforts, including bringing the adults in custody (AICs) from other DOC locations who have been deployed to Deer Ridge, agency Communications Manager Amber Campbell told us.

“These crews are actively working in the field on targeted areas identified by the State Fire Marshal’s Office Liaison,” she said. “This includes work to reinforce fire lines and address fuel reduction needs. Their efforts are focused and strategic, based on the latest recommendations from our fire partners.”

KTVZ News Chief Meteorologist John Carroll said while the Cram Fire perimeter is about 2.5 miles northeast of the prison, aggressive firefighting and line-building efforts have kept it from moving any closer to the prison since earlier in the week.

Campbell told us in a statement, “DRCI remains under a Red Flag Warning, and while there is currently no direct threat to the facility, we are taking all necessary precautions All normal operations will continue at this time, apart from visiting, which has been canceled for the weekend to allow for proactive planning and reduce risk in the event of shifting wind conditions.”

“DRCI participates in the community Incident Command System (ICS) briefings,” she said. “DRCI has thorough emergency preparedness plans for evacuation and a plan to defend in place.”

Asked why out-of-area inmates were brought in for that work, rather than assign Deer Ridge inmates, Campbell told us, “While DRCI is a minimum-security facility, not all minimum classified adults in custody (AICs) are approved to leave the facility. Additionally, not all AICs are trained to perform fire crew duties. These 70 are AICs who have had fire crew training and been medically cleared for this type of work.”

Air scrubbers have been deployed throughout the institution, Campbell said, while DOC Health Services has triaged medically fragile AICs to determine the proper levels of care (on-site, off-site or transfer to another DOC facility if needed) for those individuals. 

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Barney Lerten

 SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfires continue to impact parts of Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek has declared a State of Emergency, effective July 16, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Travelers are urged to use extra caution on the roads and know the conditions in the areas they are traveling to.

Smoke can severely reduce visibility and create dangerous driving conditions. In some areas, wildfire activity has led to road closures or detours.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are working together to keep Oregonians safe—and they’re asking the public to do their part before hitting the road. 

“If you’re planning a road trip this summer, make sure your car is ready,” OEM spokesperson, Erin Zysett, said. “Start your trip with a full tank of gas or electric charge, check your tires and air conditioner, and know your route. Conditions can change quickly during wildfire season.” 

OEM urges travelers to carry a well-stocked emergency car kit in case they become stranded or delayed. Your kit should include: 

Jumper cables 

Flares or a reflective triangle 

Flashlight and extra batteries 

First aid kit 

Blanket 

Map or printed directions 

Cell phone and car charger 

Backup power supply 

Hand-crank Weather Radio 

N95 mask (to help filter smoky air)  

Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place if needed) 

Wet wipes, garbage bags, and toilet paper for sanitation 

Whistle to signal for help 

Water and non-perishable snacks 

Cash or traveler’s checks 

Portable shovel 

“Smoke affects visibility, as well as air quality, and can lead to sudden changes in driving conditions,” said Chris Varley, DEQ Spokesperson. “If visibility is poor or the air is hazardous, consider delaying your trip. Your safety comes first. If you must drive in smoky conditions, close all the windows and direct the car’s air system to recirculate, to help reduce the amount of smoke entering the car.” 

Before You Go: 

Check road closures and conditions at https://tripcheck.com 

Monitor air quality at Oregon Smoke Information 

View active wildfire maps and evacuation levels at https://wildfire.oregon.gov 

Sign up for OR-Alert messages at https://oralert.gov 

Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone 

Pack and emergency kit 

 Visit https://wildfire.oregon.gov to learn more about how to be ready for fire season. 

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding new exit information from Sheriff’s Office)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Tens of thousands of people are in Redmond for the third annual Fairwell Festival at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

“It takes a tremendous amount of time to get ready for this, fantastic team that works almost year-round of making this happen,” said Geoff Hinds, executive director of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

Despite concerns about nearby wildfires and air quality, no changes to the festival had been announced as of midday Friday.

Temperatures are expected to be warm this weekend, so it’s important to stay cool and hydrated during the outdoor event.

Hinds said, “There’s a ton of shade, misting tents, free water stations here on grounds. Make sure you come prepared for being out in the sun.”

Local and state law enforcement will have extra patrols in the area. With traffic congestion expected, attendees are encouraged to allow extra travel time and consider using ridesharing or carpooling if possible.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has been working with organizers to improve Saturday night’s exit experience. Here’s what they shared on Facebook: 

An alternative exit route from the fairgrounds to Highway 126 will be available for those heading to Bend. Additional staff will be on-site to assist with directions.

SW Airport Way will be closed to all inbound traffic, except for rideshare, guest pickup and airport-bound vehicles entering from Highway 97 and SW Veterans Way.

The festival runs through Saturday.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A resident of a small homeless encampment north of Bend was arrested on arson and other charges Friday, accused of setting a vehicle fire that spread to a nearby trailer and trees.

Deschutes County 911 dispatchers received a report just after 8 a.m. of a fire near milepost 131 on Highway 97, just south of Deschutes Junction, sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

Bend Fire crews arrived quickly and were able to knock the flames down before they could spread further, Carr said, adding that no injuries were reported.

Sheriff’s deputies determined that Charles Smith Harris Jr., 55, allegedly set fire to an SUV, which then spread to another man’s nearby trailer, Carr said. The fire also ignited several small trees in the area.

Harris was booked into the county jail on charges of first-degree arson, reckless burning, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal trespass and second-degree disorderly conduct.

Harris was cooperative with deputies, Carr said, and reportedly told them he started the fire in an attempt to “get a fresh start.”

Carr told KTVZ News Harris and the trailer owner “knew each other because of living near each other,” but that no altercation occurred.

Harris claimed the SUV was his, but Carr told us there’s “some question as to who owns it.”

It was the second arson arrest to occur north of Bend in less than a day. Jodie Wakeman, a resident of Green Acres RV Park south of Redmond, is accused of setting her trailer ablaze, a fire that spread to two other RVs and killed a dog.

Carr said the two crimes were not related.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — You may have seen new black and teal e-bikes popping up around Bend recently. They’re part of a new bike-share program the city of Bend has implemented. The city partnered with Veo, the independent shared micro-mobility company, earlier this month.

The city rolled out 300 of the pedal-assist e-bikes across Bend. They can be rented using a mobile app and left at designated bike racks or “parking zones” once the ride is over.

The goal is to add more sustainable options for people to get around town.

City Councilor Ariel Mendez said, “This was a council initiative. Part of the reason that we did this is because they would replace a lot of car trips. That means that there’s more parking available, less congestion.”

The bikes may be getting people out of their cars, but not everyone is thrilled with where they’re ending up. Users are expected to ride responsibly and park consciously.

“We don’t want to see these blocking sidewalks or parked inappropriately. They should be parked out of the way,” said Mendez.

While many agree it’s a good idea in theory, the way the bikes have been left also brings about mixed reactions. Noah Cable, a tourist visiting from Portland, is familiar with bike-share programs.

As a small-business owner, Cable has experienced both the pros and cons that come with them.

“On one side, it’s a really great program. It’s great for community involvement. It gets people riding on bikes. It gets cars off the street. On the other hand, they’re kind of left around, like litter a little bit,” said Cable.

Hopes are high that with a little courtesy and common sense, the program will be a success. “I wish everybody was a tiny bit more responsible with them. But I love the program, and I think it’s really spectacular. You know, be a responsible bike rider, everybody! You know what to do – and wear a helmet,” said Cable.

The Bend City Council encourages feedback from the public and asks that if you see an issue, you report it to either the council or Veo. You can email the council at council@bendoregon.gov and find contact information for Veo on their app.

But whether you’re out exploring, downtown commuting, or just wanting to try something new, the bike-share program is now up and rolling for you to try. 

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from neighbor)

ASHWOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) — Residents living in the Ashwood community are grappling with the loss of structures after the over 95,000-acre Cram Fire started this week.

The fire that began last Sunday has exploded in size day after day as fire crews struggle to establish containment and protect homes. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of Friday morning’s daily situation report (PDF), six structures have been destroyed.

Kyle Butler lives near Ashwood and has seen the devastation. He says his neighbor, Lynn Alps, lost her home in the flames.

“Firefighters told us with Lynn’s house, they fought it on every front, every front they possibly could. It came from four different ways. And they tried to stop it,” said Butler. “And it just got to a point where it was coming up a draw, and there was nothing they could do.”

Butler says he hopes to help Alps as she tries to rebuild with a fundraiser.

“It’s someone’s life. It’s their whole home, everything, their memories, their sentimental values, everything that they’ve collected over however many years. And it’s all gone within a day. “

Lynn Alps home after the Cram Fire burned near AshwoodCredit: Kyle Butler

KTVZ News has also learned a family has lost a barn in the fire. According to the family’s GoFundMe page, “My grandparents lost almost everything in the Cram Fire. Their barn — full of tools, equipment, food stores, and supplies they built up over a lifetime — is completely gone. They also lost some of their livestock. They were lucky to escape with their lives.”

Credit: GoFundMe

Residents in the area have told KTVZ News that many of them have not evacuated the area of Ashwood, despite the Level 3 evacuation notice. They say instead, they are defending their homes and properties, with the help of their own equipment and structure firefighters stationed in the area.

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Jillian Fortner

ASHWOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) – Battling wildfire takes strength, stamina, and a lot of calories.

Wildland firefighters need between 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day to keep up with the physical demands of the job.

At the Cram Fire in Jefferson County, that fuel starts with breakfast at the base camp. On this particular morning, the kitchen was serving scrambled eggs, sausage patties, muffins, and tater tots.

Before leaving camp, firefighters also pick up a sack lunch.

Meals at wildfire base camps are provided by contracted catering companies that specialize in large-scale emergency operations.

“This company came from California, and they drove up here to cater this fire,” said Ranae Pape, PIO 3 at the Cram Fire. “Each fire requires a different type of caterer. So when you’re feeding 900, 1,000 or even 2,000 people on scene, you’re looking at different levels of catering and support needed to feed the firefighters.”

At the Cram Fire, the caterers originally planned to serve dinner to 700 people Thursday evening.

“They just got a phone call saying that the numbers for dinner just increased another 250,” Pape said.

Not all firefighters are able to return to camp for meals, so some are packed and delivered directly to their locations in the field.

For those who do return, meals at the base camp provide more than fuel. It offers a moment to rest, reconnect, and recharge.

“Food is a great, great way to bring people together and and have a time of just relaxation. Even though it may be brief, it gives them just a mental break.” said Pape.

While community members may want to show their support with food, fire officials ask the public not to send meals or snacks directly to the camps. Strict health and safety protocols must be followed to prevent illness or allergic reactions among crews.

“We encourage those donations to go to local charities or donate to like wildland fire resources in in different ways,” Pape said.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek on Thursday signed House Bill 3349, which authorizes the Oregon Department of Forestry to donate or sell depreciated firefighting assets to Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) that play a vital role in local fire management across Eastern and Central Oregon. The bill also includes $1 million to support the work of RFPAs.

“We’re facing larger fires than ever before in eastern Oregon and across our state,” Governor Kotek said. “Rangeland Fire Protection Associations have and will continue to be a first line of defense in rural communities, and it is important that we resource them. I am incredibly grateful for the resilience of these landowners who are volunteers dedicated to protecting their communities.”

“In rural Oregon, wildfire response often starts with neighbors, not sirens,” Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane) said. HB 3349 helps ensure our Rangeland Fire Protection Associations are recognized and equipped to do the job safely and effectively. This is about honoring their commitment and making sure rural communities are part of the solution.”

Rangeland fire protection associations operate as independent associations of landowners that provide local wildfire protection. There are 28 RFPAs that provide fire protection across 17.6 million acres in Eastern and Central Oregon. Prior to this legislation, RFPAs had no direct access to ODF’s excess vehicles and supplies.

HB 3349 establishes the Rangeland Protection Association Fund and allocates $1 million to provide the associations with funding for firefighting and rangeland fire readiness, support for pursuing federal grants, and the transfer of firefighting assets.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Arson suspect makes first court appearance)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County judge on Friday set bail at $1 million for a Redmond-area woman facing arson and other charges, accused of setting her RV on fire, which spread to two neighbors’ trailers and killed a dog. A prosecutor noted she has two previous arson convictions.

The initial formal charges filed Friday against Jodie Lynn Wakeman included two counts of first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree animal abuse and recklessly endangering another person.

“I think I’m looking at about 20 years or so,” Wakeman, 46, told Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alycia Sykora by video from the county jail.

When the judge reminded her of her right to remain silent, Wakeman replied, “Oh, that’s right.”

The judge set the high bail after the prosecutor in the case said Wakeman was previously twice convicted of arson in Deschutes County.

Deschutes County court records show that in 2013, Wakeman, a then-Bend resident named Jodie Ackerman, was convicted of first-degree arson, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering, and was sentenced to three years in prison. She also was convicted of first-degree arson in 2009 and has a criminal history dating back to 1998.

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Doyle told KTVZ News one of the reasons Judge Sykora set the bail at $1 million is due to the “primary release conditions” under ORS 135.230.

Those criteria include the “reasonable protection of the public,” he said, “and given the fact this is her third alleged Arson I, and that it’s fire season, with multiple active fires burning in the area, her actions could have destroyed an entire city if a fire took off and became out of control.”

The judge set another arraignment hearing for Monday, as Wakeman had not filled out the required form for a court-appointed attorney.

If Wakeman were to post 10% bail and be released, Sykora ordered that she have no contact with Green Acres RV Park or several individuals affected by the fire. The prosecutor also asked that she not be allowed to possess matches, lighters or other items that can start fires.

But when the proposed no-contact list included Wakeman’s husband, she interrupted, as did her husband, who was in the courtroom. The judge admonished him, warning he would be removed from the courtroom if he interrupted the proceedings again.

The fire was reported around 11:35 a.m. Thursday at the Green Acres RV Park in the 7000 block of South Highway 97. While Redmond Fire & Rescue crews were responding to the scene, several people called 911 to report the large column of black smoke coming from the location, Fire Marshal Tom Mooney said.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies were first on the scene and said one RV was engulfed, with the fire spreading to other trailers and flames threatening nearby propane tanks. That prompted a call-out of more fire crews.

Firefighters arrived to find two RVs ablaze and the fire moving toward a 120-gallon propane tank. Crews worked quickly to knock down the fire and keep it from spreading to other nearby trailers, surrounding vegetation and the propane tank.

Mooney also said the area is not protected with fire hydrants, so two water tenders brought 6,000 gallons of water to the scene to assist in firefighting efforts.

A joint investigation was conducted between the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Redmond Fire & Rescue to determine the origin and cause of the fire. After conducting witness interviews and evaluating material evidence on the scene, they determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Green Acres resident Wakeman, who Mooney confirmed is accused of setting her RV ablaze. Hers was one of the two RVs destroyed by the fire, the official said, while a third was severely damaged.

County Jail records showed Wakeman, 46, was being held without bail late Thursday pending arraignment on initial charges of first-degree arson, second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree animal abuse and recklessly endangering.

Kim Paris lived in a trailer that was burned to the studs. She told KTVZ News she lost her 3-year-old Chihuahua, an emotional support animal.

Paris said she was working at her job at Bi-Mart when her daughter told her the devastating news. She says she’ll have to “couch surf” with friends and family until she can find a new place to live 

Mooney added, “Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale RFPD, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.” 

Highway 97 remained open during firefighting efforts, but ODOT’s TripCheck advised drivers to exercise caution.

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