Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University – Cascades’ community tour program will continue throughout 2025, in response to community interest in developments underway at the growing campus.

The free tours are for groups of 12 to 24 participants and will be offered monthly, generally on fourth Fridays, and take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Registration is required.

The remaining 2025 tour dates are Jun. 27, Jul. 25, Aug. 22, Sep. 26, Oct. 24 and Nov. 21. 

Guided by staff members, tours include a classroom session on the history of OSU-Cascades and the important role played by community supporters. Participants will also learn about current academic program offerings and the future vision of the campus.  

Tours also include a brief walk through Tykeson and Edward J. Ray halls, where participants will learn about net zero energy, waste and water goals for the campus and view some of the campus’s nearly 40 pieces of public art. 

Participants will also view the campus development underway, including the results of land remediation efforts that are transforming a former pumice mine and demolition landfill into buildable land for future academic, student housing and other buildings, and an innovation district.

To arrange for a group tour, visit osucascades.edu/community-connect or contact community.connect@osucascades.edu.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — As Wildfire Awareness Month comes to a close, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is urging residents to take action now to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season by being ready to evacuate.  

Last year’s wildfire season was the most destructive in Oregon’s recorded history. The 2025 season is shaping up to be just as formidable. Wildfires can spread rapidly, threatening lives, homes and communities, so it’s vital that Oregonians be prepared ahead of time to receive timely notices and to evacuate if asked.  

OEM has provided resources to help Oregonians take small preparedness steps today that can make a life-saving difference tomorrow. For more information about preparing your household and community, visit the OEM Be2WeeksReady Community Preparedness webpages. In the meantime, here are some key tips to help you be ready should evacuation be necessary. 

Stay Informed 

Sign up for emergency alerts to receive evacuation notifications. Visit ORAlert.gov to find the local alert system for your city, county, or zip code. If you’re already registered, take a moment to log in and update your contact information. Also, check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are enabled. 

Know where to find local emergency information, such as your county’s emergency management website and TripCheck.com. Follow local emergency services on social media, including the sheriff’s office, fire agencies, and city or county pages.  

Also, make sure the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your phone. 

Create a Wildfire Evacuation Plan 

Being prepared starts with a plan. Visit Ready.gov/plan to create a family emergency plan. OEM offers a wildfire evacuation checklist at wildfire.oregon.gov/prepare that can serve as a guide. 

Your plan should include: 

A list of emergency contacts. 

A safe meeting place in case family members get separated. 

Multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school. TripCheck.com can help with this. 

Transportation arrangements, including pets and livestock. 

A discussion with loved ones, friends, and neighbors to ensure everyone understands the plan. 

Individuals with disabilities should plan ahead for transportation, equipment, and service animal needs. Visit the Red Cross for tailored resources. If you have special medical needs, make sheltering arrangements some place that can accommodate your needs, as not all standard shelters can.  

For pet and livestock evacuation planning, visit Ready.gov/pets. Prepare a pet emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, identification, and medical records. Livestock owners should arrange transportation and shelter options in advance—resources are available at Oregon Department of Agriculture. 

Assemble a Wildfire Go-Kit 

A go-kit contains essential items you may need to take with you in a hurry. Each household member should have an easy-to-carry emergency bag with: 

Food and water. 

Medications and medical supplies. 

Flashlights and phone chargers. 

Extra clothing and personal items. 

Copies of vital documents and prescriptions. 

For a comprehensive emergency kit checklist, visit Ready.gov/kit or refer to the American Red Cross recommendations. 

Know Evacuation Levels 

Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system to keep residents informed and safe. Be familiar with “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” notifications: 

Level One – BE READY (Green): Stay aware of the wildfire threat and get prepared. Pack your go-kit, check emergency contacts, and ensure those in vulnerable situations (older adults, children, individuals with disabilities, and livestock owners) are ready to evacuate if needed. 

Level Two – BE SET (Yellow): Be prepared to leave at any moment. This indicates significant wildfire danger. Voluntary evacuation is encouraged—especially for those needing extra time to relocate safely. 

Level Three – GO (Red): Evacuate immediately! This means extreme danger is present, and it is unsafe to remain in place. Emergency responders may not be able to assist further. Leave immediately without gathering belongings and check TripCheck.com or call 511 for evacuation routes. 

After evacuating, do not return until officials declare it safe. You can find additional wildfire preparedness resources at wildfire.oregon.gov. 

Additional Wildfire Preparedness Resources 

OEM’s Wildfire Alert Graphics 

OEM’s Evacuation Level Graphics 

2025 Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Wildfire Awareness Month Messaging Toolkit 

Stay Safe While Driving During Smoky Conditions 

Vehicles can cause wildfires so make sure yours doesn’t 

Getting an insurance check-up. Your insurance policy may not cover floods or wildfires. Talk to your agent to make sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance.  

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety – Wildfire Ready 

Division of Financial Regulation – Wildfires Insurance Resources 

Filing a homeowners claim after a fire (English) 

Filing a homeowners claim after a fire (Spanish) 

Division of Financial Regulation – Wildfires Messaging Toolkit 

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Triton Notary

PRINEVILLE, Ore. –(KTVZ)– A huge congratulations to the Crook County Boys volleyball team. This photo was taken after they finished 2nd in the whole state at a tournament this weekend, and you can see some of the team members holding up the trophy. That’s certainly something to be proud of. Congratulations to the Cowboys and all of Crook County from everyone here at KTVZ news.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Details on court appearance)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Redmond woman was arrested on Sunday on manslaughter, DUII and other charges, accused of a fatal crash into a business that killed a Prineville man.

Court records show Ladonna Marie Erickson, 41, was charged Monday by Crook County District Attorney Kari Hathorn with first- and second-degree manslaughter, DUII, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person. Bail was set at $100,000 when she was arraigned on the charges Tuesday afternoon. Erickson is due for arraignment Friday afternoon on an expected grand jury indictment.

Here’s the news release from Crook County Sheriff’s Lt. Mitch Madden:

On May 25, 2025, at approximately 2:49 p.m., deputies from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and EMS from Crook County Fire & Rescue were dispatched to multiple reports of an injury motor vehicle crash on NW Lamonta Road near NW Grass Lane in Prineville. Initial reports to 9-1-1 indicated that one vehicle had crashed into a building at this location and that the passenger had been ejected from the vehicle. 

Deputies arrived on the scene and located the vehicle and the occupants involved.  Deputies immediately began life-saving measures on the male passenger, later identified as Rodney Stephens, 49, of Prineville, and the female driver, later identified as Ladonna Erickson, 41, of Redmond. 

Medics arrived on the scene and declared Stephens deceased (next of kin was notified) and transported Erickson to St. Charles Medical Center – Prineville with minor injuries. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that Erickson was operating a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer, northbound on NW Lamonta Road just after the corner, and left the northbound lane of travel for unknown reasons, colliding head-on with a building belonging to Fontana Wood Products, causing major damage  It appears that Stephens was ejected from the vehicle.  The Chevy Trailblazer continued for a short distance after colliding with the building. 

Erickson was later contacted and interviewed at St. Charles-Prineville, where she was taken into custody and lodged at the Crook County Jail on the charges of DUII, Reckless Endangering, Reckless Driving, and Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree.  The investigation is ongoing. 

NW Lamonta Road between NW Gumpert Road and NW Sunset Lane was closed for several hours due to the investigation.  It was eventually opened to one lane while waiting for the vehicle to be removed from the scene. 

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police and the Prineville Police Department, Crook County Road Department, Crook County Fire & Rescue, Whispering Pines Funeral Home, and STAR Towing. 

Madden said he had no further information at this time. 

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Adding video, comments from BLM, homeless)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Trucks piled rocks at the entrances to BLM land Wednesday, next to Bend’s largest homeless camp, at Juniper Ridge. The deadline for the homeless in the area to leave is just days away.

“We start to get an accumulation of trash. There’s an accumulation of human waste. Because they’re not dispersing and going camping in other areas,” Bureau of Land Management Field Manager Lisa Clark told KTVZ News on Wednesday.

Beginning next Sunday, June 1st, the BLM’s Prineville District announced Tuesday it will temporarily close around 40 acres of public land between Bend and Redmond, due to problems caused by long-term unauthorized camping.

The BLM’s camping rule is 14 days, but many have camped in the area long past that time. 

“Technically, if somebody is houseless, then they’re actually not camping on public lands. And it technically is illegal from the first night,” Clark said. “We tend to be a little bit more lenient, because the regular camping rule is for 14 days, and then you need to move 25 miles.”

The BLM said the closure is due to “growing public health, safety, and environmental concerns cause(d) by unauthorized long-term non-recreational camping.”

The closure will last until a date yet to be determined and will affect land on the east and west sides of Highway 97 and north of the overpass.

BLM stated that “during the closure, people are prohibited from entering the area for any reason, including hiking, driving, mountain biking, and dispersed camping.” 

But the homeless living in Juniper Ridge, like Brooklyn Lamb, say they are running out of room, as those in the closed area move closer.

“Camps keep rolling in. Every day, there’s a new camp that rolls in,” she said.

The area known as “Dirt World” has seen a mass increase of campers this month, after the Forest Service closed the Bend area’s other largest homeless camp, south of the city on China Hat Road.

It’s estimated that more than 200 people were moved, bringing nearly half to Juniper Ridge while the others camp on city streets. 

Lamb said, “We know Bend wants to get rid of the homeless community. They’re never going to go anywhere. There’s always going to be a homeless somebody somewhere in the United States.”

A map detailing the closed areas can be found below and on the BLM’s website: https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/5IjnC31PDQSxnvYDFgfjfQO9HJ?domain=blm.gov

Deschutes County and the City of Bend own the land surrounding the closure. The two agreed last fall to close much of the city— and county-owned land at Juniper Ridge north of Bend to homeless campers by May 31 and provide a “temporary safe stay” area with services on part of the property.

Dispersed camping for up to 14 days is generally allowed on BLM-administered lands.  

“Public lands are open for everyone to enjoy, and short-term camping typically doesn’t cause lasting harm,” Clark said. “But when people stay well beyond that and ignore the rules, the damage adds up quickly. We do everything we can to avoid closing areas, but in this case, the conditions have become unsafe and unsustainable. We were left with no choice.”

BLM said its staff will assess the site after the closure begins to determine the extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairs, restoration and determine a reopening date. 

KTVZ will provide further updates on this closure as we learn more.

Hwy97Closure BLMDownload

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Following a number of Memorial Day ceremonies, many gathered at Post 1643, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Bend, on Monday, to continue the day’s observances.  

The VFW serves as a gathering place for veterans and their families, and it’s open to the public. 

These local Memorial Day events not only honor those we’ve lost but also strengthen the bonds within the community.  

Chris Thomson, a veteran who served in the Marine corps during the Yugoslav wars in the1990’s said, the VFW is home to an incredible piece of Oregon history.  

“We’re very fortunate. Tha’Fridge, the food cart out here has loaned us this flag, which was made 167 years ago to commemorate the 33rd, state of our union, and this flag is bearing 33 stars. It’s very tattered. It went on display over 100 years ago.” 

Thomson, who currently serves as the adjutant for Bend’s VFW, says the flag will embark upon a mini tour with stops at libraries and the Oregon state capitol.  

The flag, which is owned by Tha’Fridge, the food truck located on the premises of the VFW, serves up comfort food – made with love and uniquely named.  

“I mean, really, everything is military based. You know, it resonates with any person. We all kind of had… This is my nephew Jonathan, my mother, Judy Trego. Yeah. She really had a huge part in it, and it’s just something that is fun, that kind of takes the, you know, the real reality out of, what they deal with, and put it in the food and make it into something that they can appreciate now, and make them feel good,” said Tha’Fridge owner, Ryan Trego.  

Memorial Day means so much to many military service men and women, along with their families. 

Bend stands united in remembrance and gratitude for the heroes who gave everything for our freedom. 

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville’s annual Memorial Day Parade took place Monday morning to honor service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

Flags throughout the town were at half-mast and the flame at City Hall’s ‘Crook County POW and Veterans’ Memorial’ was burning brightly.

All of the streets throughout downtown were lined with American flags to commemorate the occasion, and hundreds of community members turned out to pay their respects. 

Small American flags were handed out to the crowd while vintage cars, tanks, and vehicles decked out in patriotic decor drove by. Loud cheers and clapping increased as veterans in the parade went by, waving to parade-goers.

The parade itself started on Main Street and ended several blocks later at the Memorial Park area of the Ochoco Creek Park. After the parade, the American Legion held a ceremony on the Elm Street Bridge where an all-natural wreath was dropped into the creek to honor veterans who died at sea. 

Following the wreath ceremony at the bridge, many parade participants then made their way to the Juniper Haven Cemetery to honor veterans with a wreath placement. The day of events concluded with a paver-dedication at the Crook County Fairgrounds. 

The city of Prineville’s Memorial Day happenings tend to not only have the most events, but some of the largest turn-outs throughout Central Oregon, showcasing the community’s dedication and appreciation to its service members. 

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Triton Notary

(Update: Adding Video and comments from Think Wild)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Deschutes County sheriff’s deputy rescued a badly injured river otter early Sunday morning after spotting the animal along Highway 97 near Tumalo Place. However, the otter later passed away, despite a wildlife hospital’s intensive efforts to save him, Think Wild Central Oregon said Tuesday.

Here’s an update posted Tuesday morning by Think Wild Central Oregon:

On May 25, a severely injured adult male river otter was found on the side of Highway 97 near Tumalo Place and Deschutes Junction, just north of Bend. The finder initially believed the otter was deceased but noticed slight movement and contacted authorities. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office transported the otter to Think Wild for emergency care.

Upon intake, the otter was unable to stand or walk and neurologically impaired, with significant trauma including head injury, eye damage, a broken tooth, respiratory distress, and dehydration.

Over the following two days, veterinary staff provided intensive treatment including fluids, pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, and supportive care for possible traumatic brain injury (TBI) and internal trauma.

The otter showed mild signs of improvement, including intermittent alertness and the ability to lift his head and respond to stimuli. However, his condition remained critical, with continued neurological deficits, high fever, and elevated blood urea nitrogen levels indicating internal distress.

Despite best efforts and around-the-clock monitoring, the otter’s condition declined, and he passed away Monday night.

While river otters rely on rivers and wetlands, they often travel overland—sometimes miles—to find food or new habitat. The location where this otter was found is near irrigation canals and farmland, several miles from the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek. Habitat fragmentation, human disturbance (especially during holiday weekends) and development often force wildlife to cross roads, putting them at risk of collisions and disorientation.

Sally Compton, Executive Director for Think Wild explained why the otter might have been in the area:“It’s not necessarily surprising that they would be found this far from water, especially during a holiday weekend where you might also see more people recreating in their habitat, enjoying the water and the creek. Maybe the otter could have been spooked or seeking a new shelter or habitat because of all of this human traffic.”

“So it’s not necessarily surprising that they would be found this far from water, especially during a holiday weekend where you might also see more people recreating in their habitat, enjoying the water and the creek. Maybe the otter could have been spooked or seeking a new shelter or habitat because of all of this human traffic.”

This incident highlights the need for wildlife crossings in Central Oregon. Structures like overpasses, culverts, and fencing can greatly reduce road fatalities and help species like otters safely navigate fragmented landscapes.

We are grateful to the finder, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and our veterinary team for doing everything possible to save this otter.

—

Earlier information:

Deputy Ochsner saw the otter around 6:06 a.m. and believed it had been struck by a vehicle, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. The deputy called for assistance, and responding personnel were able to safely crate the otter and transport it to the department’s Rescue Ranch facility.

Staff from Think Wild Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center arrived shortly afterward and took the otter into their care. The otter’s current condition was not immediately available.

The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for the quick response from both deputies and the Think Wild team and said they were hopeful for the otter’s recovery.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Coming off of a historic ski season, hundreds packed Mt. Bachelor on Monday for its last day of the 6-month season, after a weekend filled with celebrations.

Mt. Bachelor kicked off the 2024/2025 season with its earliest opening day in nearly three decades, and was able to continue operations until almost the end of May—bringing in crowds from far and wide.

One rider KTVZ spoke to talked about coming up for the last day of turns: “The sun is out, and this is the second time that we’ve been here on the last day. we camped last night, and we’re getting to ride on the last day with the kids,” Logan, who was snowboarding with his daughter Sierra, said with a smile.  

It was all smiles Monday as the resort held a ‘Last Chairs and Last Cheers’ party.

Mt. Bachelor’s communications manager, Presley Quon, expressed gratitude for the phenomenal season in a written statement to KTVZ News:

“We had a remarkable season, thanks to the energy and dedication of our guests and employees,” said Presley Quon. “Snow in November helped us open earlier than planned and set the stage for six full months of skiing and riding. We’re already counting down the days until next winter, but in the meantime, we can’t wait to welcome guests back to the mountain for summer activities.” 

May 31st marks the last day to secure your 2025/2026 season pass for a discounted rate.

Click here to learn more about upcoming deadlines and summer season activities at the resort.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, ORE. (KTVZ) — Bend’s first observance of Memorial Day began at 7AM, as the Bend Heroes Foundation and volunteers honored Bend’s 112 war dead with a moment of silence and by installing flags bearing veterans’ names at Bend Heroes Memorial in Brooks Park, along Veterans Memorial Bridge,  and downtown Bend.  

Boy Scout Troop 25 had the honor of leading the flag installations, with former Scoutmaster Kelly Reynolds and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Atticus Zmach leading the volunteers. 

Proclamations issued by President Trump and Governor Kotek were read.  

Foundation Chairman Dick Tobiason updated participants on the recently completed Oregon Gold Star Families Memorial Highway across Oregon on the 477 mile US Hwy 30 between Astoria and the Oregon – Idaho border.  That highway honors the families of about 6,000 wartime veterans from Oregon who made the ultimate sacrifice during war from WWI to the present, including Bend’s 112. The Gold Star highway on  US Hwy 30 is the longest highway in Oregon and the 9th  and final veterans highway across Oregon initiated by the Foundation. Photos of Gold Star Family members and highway signs will be shown. 

Tobiason also discussed the National Medal of Honor Highway Act, created by Congress and President Biden last December at his request. That 3,365-mile highway across the USA on US Hwy 20 honors all 3,528 Medal of Honor recipients from all 50 states including 29 recipients connected with Oregon and had its origin in Oregon eight years ago.

The National Medal of Honor Highway is the longest highway in our nation. Tobiason kept his promise to WWII Medal of Honor recipient Bob Maxwell, a director of Bend Heroes Foundation, to honor our nation’s Medal of Honor recipients with the coast-to-coast highway. The original Act signed by Congress and President Biden and a highway map was displayed at 7:00 am. 

Finally, a wreath was placed by Gold Star Families at the granite monument listing the 112 war dead names at Bend Heroes Memorial before 250 flags were installed. 

The Foundation’s Bend Parade of Flags program began 20 years ago, with BSA Troop 25 as the first youth group to be involved. 

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