Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Missing man found safe in Portland area)

UPDATE: 5:22 p.m. August 20: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to share that 34-year-old Michael Gifford has been located safe in the Portland area. We thank the community and media for helping share this information. Your vigilance and support are vital, and we appreciate your assistance. We do not have additional details to share, but we are thankful for the outcome.

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help Wednesday as it actively investigates a missing person case involving Marshall Gifford, a 34-year-old Deschutes County man with deep ties to the community, who hasn’t been seen since going to southwest Washington a week ago.

Gifford was last seen on Monday, August 11, around 9 p.m. at a residence off Shoshone Road southwest of Bend, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

Gifford was transported by an unknown man in an unknown vehicle to the Clark County Courthouse, 1200 Franklin Street in Vancouver, Washington, where he appeared for a personal matter on Wednesday, August 13.

Investigators believe Gifford may have attempted to use public transportation — possibly a bus — that day to return to Deschutes County.

“However, he has not been heard from since, and attempts to reach him by cell phone have been unsuccessful,” Carr said.

Description of Marshall Gifford:

White male, 34 years old

Blue eyes, brown hair

Approximately 5’9” and 130 lbs

Scar on left elbow

Clothing/Items Last Seen Worn:

Red flannel shirt, jeans, black tennis shoes

Black chain necklace with a ring containing a purple stone

Carrying a black shoulder sling-style backpack

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who has seen Gifford or has information about his whereabouts to contact Deputy Matthew Houston at matthew.houston@deschutes.org or call the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at (541) 693-6911.

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Jillian Fortner

(update: Adding video, adding comments from kitchen guests, kitchen manager)

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) –  La Pine Community Kitchen is calling on the community to rally together this Labor Day for a Canned Food Drive and BBQ. They hope to bring people together for a day of food and fellowship, while helping restock shelves for neighbors in need. 

Organizers say shelf-stable food donations have dropped in recent months as more families are turning to the nonprofit for support. Right now, the kitchen’s shelves are running low. 

“They’re up about 40% from last year. That’s a huge increase,” said Mistie Manning, Kitchen Manager. “When we were doing approximately 40 lunches, we are now doing 100.”

The nonprofit provides food, clothing, and hygiene products to the community, running on grants, donations, and volunteers.

For many guests, the kitchen provides more than just meals, it’s a sense of security.

“It’s really been a big blessing, and have extra groceries that we can use. Saving $100 that can go to gas, just for traveling, commuting. My wife and I both work, so, it’s very helpful to have that,” said La Pine Resident, Matthew.

And beyond the meals, it creates a sense of community.

“When you’re single and older and you want to stay involved in the community, this is a place to meet people. It keeps you involved,” said La Pine resident, James Walden.

But when donations run low, staff worry about how long they can keep it up.

“We’re being creative. Luckily we have some back stock, a freezer, some items, but we’re really reaching out to the community.” said Manning.

La Pine Community Kitchen is asking for help to continue supporting neighbors in need, accepting canned goods, nonperishable items, or cash donations.

“Times are harder now, and they’re getting harder. More people need these kinds of services. So if you can donate that is really a good thing,” said Karen Rippberger from La Pine Chamber of Commerce.

La Pine Community Kitchen says every donation makes a difference in ensuring no one in the community goes hungry. 

“We really would hope that more people that that live here would stop by and and see just what this place accomplishes on a regular basis. It’s pretty amazing,” said La Pine resident, Terry Mowry.

The upcoming food drive and BBQ will be held on August 30th from 10:30am to 3pm.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — 30 school districts across Oregon have been selected to receive a funding boost, all in the name of literacy.

The Oregon Department of Education said the investment of approximately $11 million annually will support districts in improving literacy outcomes for many of Oregon’s historically marginalized students from birth through 12th grade.

“Through a competitive process, the Oregon Department of Education was awarded $55 million in federal grant-in-aid over four years. District eligibility to apply for the grant was determined based on federal requirements,” the department stated in a recent press release.

The Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant will help districts:

-Implement high-quality, evidence-based literacy practices.

-Strengthen educator capacity through curriculum-based professional learning.

-Promote intentional family and caregiver engagement to enhance children’s literacy development.

Click here to view the 30 districts selected through the highly-competitive process.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Bend-La Pine School District is celebrating the academic achievements of some outstanding students. Those who earned a top score of 5 on an AP exam got special yard signs to celebrate their success. Superintendent Steve Cook joined faculty members in hand delivering the signs to proud students and families. Educators also distributed more than 130 signs honoring students who’ve achieved the seal of bi-literacy or multiliteracy. It’s a distinction awarded to graduates demonstrating high proficiency in two or more languages including English. A big congratulations to all our scholars from everyone at KTVZ.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: DCSO clarifies some details of events)

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — A pursuit of a reckless driver that began in Bend ended in Sunriver Tuesday morning in the arrest of a Bend man who Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said drove recklessly through several communities, struck a patrol car and endangered both the public and law enforcement.

Matthew James Hammer, 40, who apparently had just appeared in court Tuesday morning on reckless driving and other charges, now faces several new charges, including attempted assault, reckless endangering, criminal mischief and attempting to elude an officer, sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in a news release Tuesday evening.

Around 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, a deputy assigned to the agency’s main office in downtown Bend saw a black Cadillac Escalade being driven recklessly on the property. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver — later identified as Hammer — refused to pull over and fled the area, Carr said.

The pursuit was initially discontinued for public safety while law enforcement agencies across the county began searching for the vehicle.

Around 10 a.m., a Sunriver Police sergeant spotted the Escalade traveling southbound on Highway 97 near the Sunriver exit. Carr said Hammer again attempted to elude law enforcement, driving at high speeds, swerving into oncoming traffic and nearly colliding head-on with a patrol vehicle.

Deputies successfully deployed spike strips, deflating two tires, but Hammer continued driving recklessly, Carr said.

As Hammer fled down South Century Drive, Spring River Road and nearby residential streets, he nearly struck several responding officers’ vehicles. He then rammed into a Deschutes County K-9 vehicle, causing damage and minor injuries to the deputy inside. The K-9 was not injured.

Hammer also drove onto private property, striking a parked vehicle while a resident was outside, before returning to the roadway, Carr said.

“As Hammer’s driving continued to endanger the public and law enforcement, deputies re-engaged the vehicle,” Carr wrote in the news release. They discontinued that pursuit a second time, also for public safety concerns, but kept working to coordinate a response to the reckless driver, Carr clarified Wednesday.

A deputy attempted to use a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) controlled maneuver to force the suspect off the road safely. But it turned into a situation of forcing the Escalade off the road with the patrol car’s bumper and onto the highway shoulder, ending the pursuit. Both the suspect’s vehicle and the Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles were damaged.

Hammer was evaluated at the scene and later at St. Charles Bend before being lodged at the Deschutes County Jail, held without bail pending arraignment on the 17 charges listed below.

Oregon State Police is investigating the crash involving DCSO patrol vehicles, consistent with standard pursuit protocols. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Sunriver Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Fire Department, and Deschutes County Road Department for their assistance during this incident.

ARRESTED: Matthew Hammer (DOB 9/24/1984)

CHARGES:

Criminal Mischief II – 1 count

Attempted Assault I – 1 count

Attempted Assault on a Public Safety Officer – 3 counts

Recklessly Endangering – 5 counts

Reckless Driving – 3 counts

Attempt to Elude a Police Officer (Felony) – 3 counts

Criminal Mischief I – 1 count

Court records reviewed by KTVZ News show Hammer was arraigned at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning on a felony charge of first-degree criminal mischief and three misdemeanor charges – two counts of recklessly endangering another person and one of reckless driving. He was conditionally released after his arrest late last month and is due back in court for arraignment on an expected indictment on Sept. 18.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels confirmed to us Tuesday’s arraignment and said Hammer was directed by the court to contact his attorney.

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Barney Lerten

UPDATE: Adding video

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As summer winds down and Labor Day weekend approaches, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining the nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that started August 13 and runs through September 1.

While the Community Action Target Team (CATT) will increase patrols to deter impaired driving, this effort focuses on awareness and prevention. The Sheriff’s Office would rather see everyone enjoying the last weeks of summer safely than make DUII arrests.

“Labor Day and the last weeks of summer should be about creating good memories with family and friends,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “We’re asking the community to help us by planning ahead and making safe choices. If you’re going to drink, please arrange for a sober ride home.”

The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents and visitors to:

Choose a sober driver before heading out

Use a taxi or rideshare service if you’ve been drinking

Take the keys from friends who may be about to drive impaired and help them get home safely

Call law enforcement if you see a suspected impaired driver

Every year, impaired driving crashes take lives that could have been saved by planning ahead. Deputies are reminding drivers that impairment affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it dangerous to wait until after you’ve been drinking to decide how to get home.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies nationwide. DCSO encourages everyone to do their part to ensure Labor Day ends with celebrations, not arrests or accidents.

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Spencer Sacks

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A recent large-scale cat rescue has left nearly 100 cats up for adoption in Prineville.

The Humane Society of the Ochocos stepped forward to care for the cats after their owner moved out of the state. 

These adorable feline friends are mostly barn and outdoor cats.

Volunteers originally thought there were only about 30, but after days of trapping, the number quickly surpassed 100.

Rosi Gray, a volunteer with the Humane Society, told our media partners at the Prineville Review:

“We have absorbed 100 cats. We’re working really hard to get them into barn homes. We always need ranches, farms, who need ‘cat workers,’ I call them, who take care of the mice population. We need homes for these cats.”

 While these cats are up for adoption at no charge, the shelter still bears the costs of spaying and neutering surgeries, vaccinations, and medical treatments. 

The Humane Society asks for donations to the shelter, and to consider adopting one or more of these wonderful cats.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video, comments from Sec. of State Tobias Read/ Republican Chair for Deschutes Co. Keith Rockow)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — President Trump says he plans to sign an executive order ending mail-in ballots nationwide. Opponents say the move would bring major challenges — especially in states like Oregon, where vote-by-mail has been the standard for decades.

Oregon was the first state in the US to adopt vote by mail after President Trump announced intentions to end the system. Many leaders and citizens across the state are pushing back. Secretary of State Tobias Read says Trump’s attempt is not just controversial, it’s unconstitutional.

Tobias Read told KTVZ News, “The Constitution is very clear. It says that states decide how to run elections, and we’re very proud of what we do in Oregon. We’ve seen higher turnout, lower costs, accurate results and we should continue down that path. If our rights to run our own elections are infringed upon we will use every tool at our disposal to make sure that Oregonians get to decide how to run elections.”

Supporters say the system balances convenience and security. Secretary Read argues mail-in voting is essential for many Oregonians, including those with limited transportation options and military members. “Think about rural people. Think about elderly people, people who are working for an hourly wage. Mail-in votes, meet them right where they are in their living room, around their kitchen table, and gives them the chance to engage in that most fundamental of American activities, holding politicians accountable.” said Read

Here in Central Oregon, Deschutes County clerk Steve Dennison says the system has been refined, successful, and the only way Oregonians have voted for over 20 years.

Dennison tells KTVZ News, “100% of the voters vote by mail in Deschutes County and throughout the state of Oregon. We do mail a ballot to every registered voter.”

Dennison spoke of the multiple safeguards to keep ballots secure and logistics to consider if vote by mail were eliminated, such as costs associated with setting up and staffing numerous polling stations.

Dennison told KTVZ News, “All ballots are returned to our offices and reconciled within our four walls, so you’re centralizing the process, which is always going to be something that’s secure, as opposed to something that’s decentralized. I don’t want to say that polling places, uh, polling place elections are not secure, that’s not true, just other considerations, and costs that would go into that. If we’re talking about a big change like this. Who is going to pay for it?”

But not everyone feels confident in the system. Deschutes County Republican Party Chair Keith Rockow has major concerns about flaws he sees with vote-by-mail, and he’s not alone.

Rockow told KTVZ News, “I have a lot of concerns, three specifically, they cover security, transparency, and accountability. Don’t know what’s gonna happen to it once it gets dropped in a mailbox. You don’t know who fills it out. The machines that they are wireless, how secure are they? Can they be accessed from an outside source?”

Rockow believes if everyone works together, arguments regarding cost of in-person voting and transportation issues could be remedied.

Rockow also told us, “If people wanted to get to a polling station, I know we could find a way to get them there. I always have. A healthy group of volunteers wanna do things. Um, I’m sure it would easily find volunteers to work polling places.”

Even as debate over mail-in voting continues nationwide, Oregon officials say the state system is secure, reliable, and here to stay, at least for now.

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KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek announced Tuesday she has declared a drought in Coos and Wheeler counties through an executive order and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.

A link to Executive Order 25-19 can be found here.

Coos CountyAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Coos County has been experiencing moderate drought since June 17. Drought metrics like the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index are also indicating drought conditions have developed in Coos County over the last 1 to 4 months.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body composed of natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies, heard from the Coos County Board of Commissioners in August requesting the Governor’s drought declaration.

Wheeler CountyAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Wheeler County has been experiencing moderate drought since June 24 and severe drought since July 15. Drought metrics like the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) are also indicating long-term drought conditions have persisted in Wheeler County over the last 12 months.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body composed of natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies, heard from the Wheeler County Board of Commissioners in August requesting the Governor’s drought declaration.

Governor Kotek has declared a drought emergency in seven counties so far this calendar year. Previously, drought declarations were issued for Baker, Douglas, Lincoln, Morrow and Union counties.

Drought is likely to have a significant economic impact on the farm, ranch, recreation, tourism and natural resources sectors, as well as an impact on drinking water, fish and wildlife, and important minimum flows for public instream uses and other natural resources dependent on adequate precipitation, stored water, and streamflow in these areas. Extreme conditions are expected to affect local growers and livestock, increase the potential for wildfire, shorten the growing season, and decrease water supplies. The drought declaration by Governor Kotek unlocks a number of drought-related emergency tools, including assistance to local water users. Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules. The Council received input from Oregon’s Water Supply Availability Committee on regional water supply conditions and Council members have conferred on this matter. The Council recommended that the Governor declare drought in Douglas, Morrow, and Union counties for the 2025 calendar year, pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 536.740. As state and local officials coordinate with federal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing in Central Oregon, announced Tuesday a significant expansion of its down payment assistance program for veterans.

The program expansion was made possible by a $540,000 grant awarded to the organization for this purpose.

Here’s the rest of RootedHomes’ announcement:

The enhanced program now offers qualified veterans up to $60,000 in assistance, a substantial increase designed to help them achieve the dream of homeownership. This funding is available for any of RootedHomes’ communities. There are currently 70 homes available in various stages of development. 

The updated down payment assistance amounts are as follows: veterans are eligible for up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. First-time homebuyers can receive up to $30,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. First-generation homebuyers are eligible for up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less.

To qualify for the veteran assistance funds, applicants must provide a DD-214 form or proof of veteran’s benefits and sign a release form. 

Eliza Wilson, the executive director of RootedHomes, expressed her excitement about the new program:

“We are incredibly proud and grateful to be able to provide this expanded funding to our veterans. It is our way of recognizing their sacrifice and commitment to our country. We know that a significant down payment is a major barrier to homeownership for many, and we are grateful for this opportunity to help more Central Oregon veterans realize their dream of owning a home.” 

Interested veterans and other homebuyers can start the process by first talking to one of RootedHomes’ approved lenders. The next step is to attend a free information session, which RootedHomes offers monthly to provide a complete overview of the programs and the home-buying process. There are two information sessions in September, on the 9th in Spanish and the 11th in English. Both begin at 5:30 pm and are offered through Zoom online.  

For more information on RootedHomes, visit https://rootedhomes.org.

RootedHomes, formerly Kôr Community Land Trust, is a Central Oregon nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable, affordable homeownership opportunities for the local workforce. By utilizing the Community Land Trust model, RootedHomes ensures long-term affordability and access to healthy homes for generations. This innovative approach allows RootedHomes to steward the land, keeping housing costs down. Prioritizing equitable access to energy-efficient homes and their associated health and financial benefits by developing to net-zero energy standards is a priority of the organization. RootedHomes is committed to empowering homebuyers who have historically faced barriers to building wealth through homeownership. Through sustainable practices and community-centered development, RootedHomes is making a tangible difference in the lives of Central Oregon residents. Learn more at rootedhomes.org. 

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