Category: ktvz-local-news

Lee Anderson

(Update: OSP releases names, other crash details)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police on Monday released the name of a La Grande man who was killed in a head-on crash on Highway 97 south of Madras. A Bend man was injured in the collision.

Just after 4 p.m., OSP troopers and other first responders headed to the scene of the two-vehicle crash near milepost 102, about seven miles south of Madras.

OSP’s initial investigation found that Aaron Lee Bottorff, 51, of La Grande, was driving a northbound Subaru Forester when he crossed into the oncoming lane for unknown reasons.

His car ran head-on into a southbound Jeep Cherokee driven by Bryan Gonzelez Celestino, 34, of Bend, troopers said.

Bottorff was declared deceased at the scene. Celestin reportedly suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital.

The crash and on-scene investigation closed Highway 97 for about three hours. ODOT set up a detour in the area.

OSP said it was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office, Jefferson County Fire and EMS, and ODOT.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After a change in defense attorneys, a murder trial has been delayed a second time for a Bend man accused of the fatal stabbing of his roommate in August 2024.

Robert Carter Lawrence, 52, is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon in the August 1, 2024 killing of Matthew Kenneth Hallberg, 57. He pleaded not guilty to the charges that September.

Police said they responded on the night of August 1, 2024 to a report of a deceased person at a home on Raintree Drive in southeast Bend. Officers found Hallberg dead in the home’s backyard.

Prosecutors said a neighbor could hear Hallberg calling for help, saying Lawrence was trying to kill him. They said Lawrence admitted killing Hallberg, who suffered several stab wounds.

Lawrence’s trial already had been delayed from last November to May 12 of this year.

But at a hearing Monday, Deschutes County Circuit Judge Michelle McIver granted a motion for a delay, filed last week by current defense attorney Raun Atkinson, court records showed.

Atkinson told the judge he was just appointed to the case in late January and “needs additional time to complete our investigation and prepare” for trial.

Lawrence had asked for a new attorney last month, and his defense counsel at the time, Lisa Valenti said in a court filing that there had been “an irreparable breakdown in the attorney/client relationship.”

McIver did not immediately schedule a new trial date on Monday, according to court records, but set a status check hearing for April 13.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore (KTVZ) — Wanderlust Tours is hosting a “Romance in the Snow” tour this Valentine’s Day weekend, offering couples a chance to go snowshoeing under the stars. The experience is priced at $150 per person and includes a bonfire at an amphitheater built out of snow.

The event serves as an outdoor alternative to traditional holiday celebrations. Participants will trek through the forest before arriving at the snow structure to sit by a fire and drink hot cocoa.

Jay Geib, the marketing and events manager for Wanderlust Tours, said the program focuses on creating a unique atmosphere for couples. Geib noted that many people typically spend the holiday at restaurants or exchanging gifts. “And this is just a really unique experience that is just, you know, different and a way to kind of get outside, have a really cool adventure with your loved one,” Geib said. “And there are those incredible moments in the forest.”

In addition to snowshoeing, the tour includes hot cocoa served by the fire at the snow amphitheater. Organizers indicated that other romantic surprises are planned for the trip, though they have not disclosed specific details to avoid spoiling the experience for guests. Tickets are currently available for purchase through the Wanderlust Tours website.

The tour is scheduled to run this Saturday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A man was shot Sunday night in an undeveloped area south of the Deschutes County Fairgrounds after a property dispute, but authorities released few details Monday amid an active investigation.

Redmond police officers were dispatched to the scene around 8:45 p.m. after the victim called 911 to report he had been shot, Lt. April Huey said Monday.

An adult male was located at the scene with a gunshot wound and transported by medics to St. Charles Medical Centerl with non-life-threatening injuries, Huey said.

Detectives and officers from multiple local agencies have since cordoned off the area and are on-site to process the crime scene, she added.

The Redmond Police Department led the response with assistance from Oregon State Police, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the Bend Police Department and Redmond Fire & Rescue.

Personnel from the OSP Police Crime Lab also were dispatched to the scene to assist with processing evidence. According to Huey, investigators remained on-site following the incident to conduct a thorough search of the area.

Investigators have already identified and contacted several individuals regarding the shooting.

No names have been released to the public as the department works to obtain more information through the ongoing investigation.

Police said they believe there are additional people who were present or have knowledge of the dispute who still need to be interviewed.

Officers ask anyone with information regarding the shoting to call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

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Barney Lerten

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with Rep.Janelle Bynum, announced on Monday $3.8 million in federal funding to kick-start the expansion of Redmond Airport.

Here’s what each lawmaker and city officials had to say in Monday’s announcement:

“My visit to the Redmond Airport last fall showed me first-hand how this funding is a solid and key investment in infrastructure and economic growth in Central Oregon,” Wyden said. “From small businesses to fishing and hiking, this expansion will give more people the opportunity to explore the Oregon Way. I will continue pushing for more vital resources that promote growth and quality of life in rural communities across Oregon.”

“Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing essential lifelines during natural disasters,” Merkley said. “Investing in Redmond Municipal Airport’s terminal expansion will strengthen its infrastructure and help more Oregonians fly where they need to go safely. I’ll continue pushing for federal investments to improve the efficiency and reliability of Oregon’s airports, benefitting the folks who rely on them for business, travel, and so much more.”

“Expanding the Redmond Airport is a big win for Central Oregon,” said Rep. Bynum. “This funding will improve access to travel, support our local economies and businesses, and help the region compete and grow. I’ll keep advocating for the investments our rural communities need to thrive.”

The lawmakers said the investment from the Federal Aviation Administration expands the existing terminal to increase accommodations for airline travelers and improve the local economy.

Redmond officials say the $180 million project, including about $45 million in federal funding, is due for completion in early 2028. The airport’s web page for the terminal project provides more details, including a live “construction cam.”

“The City of Redmond is very grateful for the $3.8 million-plus from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Airport Terminal Expansion now underway,” said Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch. “As has occurred so many times in the past, awards such as these are the result of long hours and much work by Senator Wyden, Senator Merkley, Congresswoman Bynum and their staffs. Once completed, the Redmond airport terminal expansion will enable the city to provide better service, obtain new destinations and help improve our local economy.”

Wyden, Merkley, and Bynum said they have long been fighting for improvements to airports in Oregon. In July 2025, Wyden and Merkley announced $5.15 million in federal funds for airports across Oregon. In June 2025, Wyden, Merkley, and Bynum announced $9.7 million for rural airports across Oregon. During that same month, Wyden and Merkley announced $1 million for airports on the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video, more details from Crook County School District)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville police took a man into custody Monday morning following reports of threats circulating on social media that mentioned a specific officer and Crook County High School, officials said.

Police were first alerted to the “non-specific” threats around 7:30 a.m., Lt. Thomas Vollmer said in a news release.

“Although there was no indication of an immediate threat, the report was treated with seriousness, and officers responded with appropriate caution,” Vollmer explained.

The incident concluded without injury or an ongoing danger to the public, the lieutenant added.

Around 8:30 a.m., a message was sent to Crook County School District staff and families. saying police told them a social media threat was “directed toward a specific Prineville Police officer and Crook County High School.”

As a result, the CCSD Communications Team said, police were increasing patrols at the high school and all schools in the district.

“Schools will remain in session today with increased security measures,” they said, adding that “families who feel more comfortable may choose to pick up their student early or keep them home.”

“The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority,” the school district said.

Vollmer said the man linked to the social media posts was already known to local law enforcement and “has a documented history of behavioral health-related concerns.”

Officers located the citizen near NE Crest Drive around 9:30 a.m., and he was taken into custody without incident.

“At this time, there is no continuing threat to students, staff, or the community,” Vollmer said.

An update the school district out shortly before 10 a.m. said they’d learned from law enforcement that “the suspect has been taken into custody, and there is no longer a threat” to the high school.

Vollmer said, “We want to extend our sincere thanks to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and the Crook County School District for their partnership, professionalism and dedication throughout this situation.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University–Cascades said Monday it’s hosting free tax preparation appointments for qualifying families and individuals through April 15.

The service is provided through the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, known as VITA.

The VITA program is designed to help people who need assistance preparing their own tax returns, including those with a household income of $67,000 or less. The service is also available to individuals with disabilities, people with limited English language skills and individuals ages 60 and older.

OSU-Cascades is hosting the sessions in partnership with the Oregon State University College of Business.

Appointments are available on Mondays and Thursdays between 5:30 and 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Each tax preparation session lasts about 90 minutes, and returns are processed on-site during the scheduled time.

The team of volunteer tax preparers includes OSU-Cascades faculty and staff, business students and community members. To assist a diverse range of clients, some volunteers are fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese.

Individuals interested in scheduling an appointment can visit beav.es/VITA or call 541-209-6192. Clients will receive specific information regarding which documents and records they must bring to the university for their tax processing.

Community members who wish to serve as VITA volunteers for the program can contact organizers by emailing VITA.cascades@oregonstate.edu.

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Kelsey Merison

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs were honored for their decades-long bighorn sheep restoration efforts during the Wild Sheep Foundation’s annual show last month.

The Tribes received the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Federal Statesman Award, which recognizes government agencies for outstanding contributions to wild sheep conservation.

The recognition follows a successful funding initiative that raised $760,000 for wildlife habitat from 2024 to 2026. These funds, generated through permit sales and auctions, support habitat restoration, invasive species removal and watershed projects in the Mutton Mountains.

The Wild Sheep Foundation auctioned the Tribes’ third annual permit for $250,000 at the 2026 Wild Sheep Show. This followed a 2024 permit that sold for $230,000 to hunter Timothy Haught. These sales, combined with 2025 permit revenue, brought the total conservation funding to $760,000 over a three-year period. The contribution of these funds also makes the Tribes eligible to apply for the Wild Sheep Foundation’s Grant-In-Aid program for further restoration work.

Haught received the 2026 North American Wild Sheep Gold Award for a successful bighorn sheep hunt that achieved a 177 five/eight Boone & Crockett score. Proceeds from his 2024 bid have been used to support habitat restoration and invasive species removal on the reservation.

The conservation funding also benefits aquatic life in the Mutton Mountains watershed. Reinvested funds support anadromous fish such as steelhead. Austin Smith Jr serves as the general manager of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Branch of Natural Resources.

Jr emphasized that the primary focus of these programs is the long-term health of the ecosystem. “All of our restoration efforts are in pursuit of achieving one goal: returning fauna and fish populations to their historic levels,” Jr said. “We appreciate the Wild Sheep Foundation’s recognition of these efforts and will continue to collaborate to restore bighorn sheep populations throughout our lands.”

Warm Springs Tribal Wildlife Biologist Camille Brooks and Warm Springs Wildlife Range and Agriculture Manager Michael Leecy presented details on the success of the bighorn restoration efforts at the annual show. The Tribes are among only 24 award winners honored by the foundation with the Federal Statesman Award in the last 40 years.

The Wild Sheep Foundation has invested more than $145 million to support wild sheep populations across North America throughout its history. By collaborating with local affiliates, tribes and government agencies, the foundation has helped triple wild sheep populations over the past few decades.

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon is a sovereign Indian tribe representing the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute peoples. Their reservation stretches from the Cascade Mountains to the Deschutes River in Central Oregon An 1855 Treaty with the United States reserved the Tribes’ right to fish, hunt and gather foods throughout the John Day, Hood River, Deschutes and Columbia basins.

The Tribes donated a single ram permit to the Wild Sheep Foundation. The permit will be auctioned at a later date to raise funds for future bighorn restoration efforts.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: adding video)

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Saturday, February 7th, a single-vehicle rollover crash involving a green Subaru Forrester occurred on SE Juniper Canyon Road.

47-year-old Angel Ball of Prineville was identified as the driver and was pronounced dead on scene.

According to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, deputies discovered evidence that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages. The investigation also found speed, not wearing a seat belt, and alcohol consumption contributed to the crash.

Read the press release from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office in full below:

“On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at approximately 7:08 a.m., Deputies from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle crash on SE Juniper Canyon Road at approximately milepost 4. Initial reports to 9-1-1 indicated that a single-vehicle rollover crash involving a green Subaru Forrester had occurred and that the vehicle was in some trees. The initial person on scene also identified that a person appeared to have been ejected and was deceased. Deputies arrived on the scene, located the deceased person, and determined that there were no other patients in or around the vehicle.

Deputies investigated, and it appeared the Subaru Forrester was traveling northbound on SE Juniper Canyon Road, driven by 47-year-old Angel Ball of Prineville. Based on evidence at the scene, it appears that Ball was travelling at speeds faster than conditions warranted and lost control. Further evidence suggested that Ball then crossed the southbound lane and left the roadway. Further evidence indicated that Ball slid sideways and then rolled the vehicle several times, after which she was ejected. The vehicle came to a rest against some trees. During the investigation, deputies also discovered evidence that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages.

Based on the investigation, speed, not wearing a seat belt, and alcohol consumption are contributing factors to the crash. Next of Kin was notified of the fatality.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Crook County 9-1-1, Crook County Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, STAR Towing, and Prineville Funeral Home for their assistance.

No further information.”

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two young men are safe after being rescued Saturday evening near the Green Lakes Trailhead, southwest of Bend.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a call around 6 p.m. reporting two hikers, ages 18 and 20, who had become lost in snowy conditions off Cascade Lakes Highway, just past Mt. Bachelor.

Deschutes County Search and Rescue volunteers responded quickly, deploying snowmobiles and snowshoes to reach the pair. Once located, rescuers provided warming materials and evaluated them for injuries. Officials said the hikers were cold but otherwise unhurt and were safely taken back to their vehicle.

Authorities are reminding people that winter weather in the backcountry can change rapidly and urge anyone heading out to plan ahead, check forecasts, dress appropriately and carry a reliable way to contact emergency services.

Deschutes County Search and Rescue thanked its volunteers for their prompt efforts and emphasized the importance of safety preparation for all outdoor recreation.

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