Category: ktvz-local-news

Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriffs Office officially confirmed the identity of the third and final individual from the July 19th Dillon Falls tragedy, as Derek Slesinger.

After weeks of search and rescue operations, on August 21st, two kayakers exploring Lava Island Falls reported seeing a body in the rapids downstream from Dillon Falls. DCSO conducted a five hour operation with the help of Bend Fire & Rescue to recover the individual in an inaccessible, and swift water area.

Sleisinger of Delaware was visiting Central Oregon as part of a group of six friends on the weekend of the incident. Three individuals of the group survived, while Sleisinger along with two other individuals tragically died. The other two individuals are Amanda Loyd, 39, of Rockwall, Texas and Lindsay Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Florida.

Sleisinger’s mother, Diana Adames, met with Sheriff Ty Rupert, and asked for privacy from the public during this time, but offered heartfelt appreciate to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives, and Search and Rescue Teams. Despite the heartbreak, she expressed to the Sheriff her gratitude for closure and the ability to honor her son’s life.

In an interview today, Sheriff Rupert said he spent time with Adames nearly every day while the search was ongoing. The Sheriff found the experience humbling, but the way the Central Oregon came together during this was inspiring.

“I stayed in contact every day with the mom virtually every day throughout this entire time.” Said Sheriff Rupert J”ust hearing her, of how welcome she felt in our community and how supported she felt in our community. It just makes me even more proud to be the sheriff in Deschutes County.”

Below is part of the DCSO press release

“We are incredibly grateful to our Search and Rescue volunteers for their tireless dedication and to the kayakers who came forward when they discovered Derek. Most importantly, we are thankful his family has answers and some measure of closure after weeks of uncertainty. That is what matters most,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

The recovery of Slesinger officially ends the search efforts connected to the Dillon Falls tragedy. Since July 12, Search and Rescue teams have devoted hundreds of hours to combing the stretch of river around Dillon Falls. Strong currents and Class VI rapids make recovery operations of this nature extremely difficult. Sections of the Deschutes River create additional challenges, with dangerous, unpredictable, and constantly shifting conditions. Slesinger was recovered in swift waters, and how Slesinger came to rest at Lava Island Falls will never be fully known.

“I also want to recognize the many partner agencies that assisted throughout these operations—Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend Police Department, The Portland Police Bureau, Civil Air Patrol, the Oregon State Marine Board, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, AirLink, and Leading Edge Aviation,” added Sheriff Rupert. “These efforts take teamwork, persistence, and coordination across many agencies, and I am proud of everyone who contributed. In the end, it was a combination of that teamwork and two kayakers being in the right place at the right time that allowed us to bring this case to a close.”

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s essential to plan ahead, know take-out locations on rivers, obey all posted warnings, and always have a life jacket. These steps are critical for anyone recreating on local waterways.

Statement by Derek Slesinger’s Mother, Diana Adames

On behalf of my family, I want to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and all of the agencies and people who helped bring closure to this accident.

There have been a lot of rumors about what happened, but the truth is, most people don’t know or understand the whole story. I spent many days out on the river and was treated with such kindness by the Search and Rescue teams. They went above and beyond, spending more time than anyone can imagine searching for my boy. I also want to thank Sheriff Rupert, who kept me updated, took all my calls, and supported me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to the kayakers who noticed my son in the river and came forward.

We may never know exactly where Derek was all this time or why he ended up downriver. None of that matters to me. What matters is that I can finally bring my son home, let him rest in peace, and close this chapter.

I also want to thank community members, like my new friends Piera and Kerri, who embraced, supported, and showed me kindness. Local businesses stepped up, such as Hook & Plow, Dear Mom Cafe, Still Vibrato, Donner Flower Shop, and 10 Barrel, who were so good to me. I’ll never forget it. They showed me the wonderful side of humanity.

As my family and I bring Derek home, I ask that our privacy be respected so we can say goodbye and let him rest in peace. Please know that my gratitude to this community, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, its Search & Rescue teams, and everyone who stood by me is heartfelt and will remain with me forever.

Diana Adames

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Get ready to catch a wave at Bend’s SURFEST, happening September 13th and 14th at the Bend Whitewater Park at Mckay Park!

It’s benefiting the Central Oregon Surf Team Association and Bend Paddle Trail Alliance and will feature some of the best surfers in the Northwest competing for over $10,000 in prizes. 

It happens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m both days.

Contestants can sign up now at centraloregonsurf.com. Registration is $40 but spectators can watch for free! 

Read the full press release below:

“Get Ready To Catch The Wave at Bend’s SURFEST breaking September 13th and 14th at Mckay Park benefiting The Central Oregon Surf Team Association (COSTA) and Bend Paddle Trail Alliance. This premier river surfing event will feature some of the best Surfers in the Northwest competing for over $10,000 in prizes. 

‘Come hang out with us on the river for a weekend packed with music, positive vibes, like minded vendors, art and entertainment as we watch contestants ride the wave. Bend SURFEST is not just about the competition; it’s about fostering a vibrant and supportive surfing community. Participants will compete in various heats, showcasing their talents on the river’s dynamic waves.’ -States COSTA Founder Chip Conrad 

Location:Bend Whitewater Park 166 SW Shevlin-Hixon Dr, Bend, OR @ Mckay Park 

Dates: September 13th & 14th 

Time:10-6pm 

Contestants Sign Up Now @ https://www.centraloregonsurf.com

Registration Fee: $40.00 

Free Spectator Event for All Ages 

Follow us on Socials: ● Facebook @ www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573469458243 ● Instagram @ costasurfteams 

About COSTA: Central Oregon Surf Team Association (COSTA) is based in Bend, Oregon, dedicated to community, character, and water stewardship. Founded to give people a fun, empowering outlet through surfing, COSTA combines the thrill of river waves with leadership development, environmental responsibility, and lifelong skills. 

About Bend Paddle Alliance: Bend Paddle Alliance (BPTA) promotes and establishes a navigable paddle trail within Deschutes County that enhances river and lake recreation and appreciation for a wide variety of recreational water enthusiasts.”

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Starting September 2025, the City of Bend will implement changes to the City Council meeting schedule. The change will result in more frequent but shorter meetings and separate the Council Work Session meetings from the Business meetings. Additionally, separating the Work Sessions and Business Meetings honors their distinct purposes and provides dedicated time and appropriate settings for each.

The changes are captured below and include updates to both the City Council Business Meetings and Work Sessions:

Business Meetings occur every first and third Wednesday, unless otherwise noted.

Where: City of Bend Council Chambers, City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street.

Start time: 6 p.m.

Agenda: Posted on City Council Meetings, Agendas, and Videos | City of Bend a week prior to the meeting.

How to join: Attend in person or virtually. Virtual participation information is found on the meeting agenda.

Visitor’s Section: Occurs at the beginning of each business meeting. Instructions can be found on City Council Meetings, Agendas, and Videos | City of Bend.

Executive Session: When scheduled, executive sessions will occur prior to the start of the business meeting. This will be noted on the City of Bend Calendar, “Upcoming Council Meetings,” and on the meeting’s agenda.

Work Sessions occur every second and fourth Wednesday, unless otherwise noted.

Where: City of Bend Council Chambers, City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street.

Time: 4-6 p.m.

Agenda: Posted on City Council Meetings, Agendas, and Videos | City of Bend a week prior to the meeting.

How to join: Attend in person or virtually. Virtual participation information is found on the meeting agenda.

There is no Visitor’s Section or opportunity for public comment during the Work Session.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding video)

Bend, OR. (KTVZ) — A new nonprofit, Cascades Cannery, has launched in Central Oregon with a mission to reduce farm food waste, support local growers, and increase food security for the community. By collecting surplus produce from area farms, Cascades Cannery transforms it into healthy, shelf-stable products such as jams, sauces, pickled vegetables, and soups.

The effort is designed to address two challenges at once: the large amount of nutritious food that goes unharvested or unsold each season, and the ongoing need for reliable, year-round access to local food among families in Central Oregon.

“Every year, thousands of pounds of fresh produce are lost simply because markets can’t absorb it all,” said James Radnich, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Cascades Cannery. “Our work ensures this abundance isn’t wasted, but instead preserved to nourish our neighbors and support the farmers who grow it.”

Cascades Cannery operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a dual approach:

Farm support: purchasing or gleaning surplus produce, giving growers a return on crops that might otherwise go unsold.

Community benefit: donating preserved foods to food banks and hunger-relief partners, while alsoselling products locally to generate income that sustains the mission.

The project is the first of its kind in Central Oregon and is currently building partnerships with farms, food access organizations, and local markets.

Community members who wish to get involved can learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer at cascadescannery.org

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Think Wild is pleased to announce the successful release of the Northern flying squirrel patient admitted on July 20, 2025. She was released Friday night at dusk at the exact location where she was found in Virginia Meissner Sno-Park. Check out her release video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOHECRWkgOj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 

Upon release, the young squirrel explored a large dead ponderosa, nibbled on lichen, and found a crack in the bark to use as shelter—demonstrating strong natural instincts for survival and nest-seeking. As cavity nesters, this behavior is a positive sign that she is ready to reintegrate into her wild habitat and, hopefully, reunite with others of her species.

Think Wild thanks the community for their support and donations, which made her rehabilitation and care possible.

For more information about Think Wild and our wildlife rehabilitation efforts, visit www.thinkwildco.org.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, Bend Police arrested at least five people for DUII, including one who was involved in a crash.

So far this year, the department has arrested more than 355 people for DUII in the community.

It says there’s no excuse for driving while intoxicated, and to please do your part to keep the community safe by not getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Police Department is inviting you to Coffee with a Cop!

On Wednesday, October 1st from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Backporch Coffee Roasters on Greenwood Avenue in Bend, sit down with the department for a cup of joe, ask your questions, and hear what officers are doing to protect our community.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As kids head back to school in Central Oregon, St. Charles has an important reminder: new drivers are hitting the roads and it’s important to stay safe and aware, so no one ends up in the hospital.

“Being a new driver is hard enough. The key thing is making it as safe as possible,” said Dr. Jon Roberts, a trauma surgeon at St. Charles. “If you’re tired, take a rest. Never drive while intoxicated. And please put your phone down to avoid that distraction. It’s not just your safety, but the safety of everyone around you.”

The Oregon Department of Transportation has more tips online for new drivers. Click here to read more.

And to all of the new drivers out there, congratulations–and stay safe!

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. {KTVZ} — Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, leaving behind not only grief but also unanswered questions for families, friends, and entire communities. Experts say many of these tragedies can be prevented through awareness, support, and open conversations about mental health.  September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month—a time for communities, advocates, and organizations to come together, break the stigma around mental health, and remind people that suicide is preventable and healing is possible.  One local effort is the Suicide Grief Support Group, which meets on the first Tuesday of each month to provide a safe space for those who have lost loved ones.  Loren Petersen, one of the group’s facilitators, says the gatherings are vital for families navigating life after such a loss.  “We want people to be able to come and express themselves and talk about their loved ones in a safe space, and to feel like they’re surrounded by people that actually understand this type of loss,” Petersen said. “It can feel very isolating, and we just want to provide that space for people.”  For some, that support has been life-changing. Julie Leutschaft lost her 26-year-old son, Kiefer, to suicide on October 3, 2021.  “When it first happened, I didn’t know anything about suicide. I had never known anyone who had taken their life personally, and so it was very isolating when it happened to our family,” Leutschaft said.  She says the support group gave her a sense of community, helping her move forward in a world that felt disconnected.  

The group, she adds, provides not only understanding but also hope—that “normality” can eventually return.  For more information about the Suicide Grief Support Group, you can reach out by email at: sgsgoregon@gmail.com.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Bend Police could use your help. They’re looking for any potential additional victims in a child abuse case. In November of 2023, Bend police got a tip about possible sex abuse material being shared. After an investigation, detectives identified a suspect, 27-year old Bend man Connor Duhn. Detectives then found suspected child sex abuse material on devices in his home. In March, police say Duhn violated his release agreement by contacting a teenage boy online. After allegedly violating that agreement two more times, Duhn was arrested in July. Police believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.

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