Category: ktvz-local-news

Matthew Draxton

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 2026 Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. in Salem. The annual event, held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. No new names were added to the memorial this year.

The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial currently bears the names of 199 officers. These officers have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal agencies. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and Oregon’s law enforcement community expressed gratitude that no new names were added for the 2026 ceremony.

Families, colleagues and loved ones of fallen officers gather at the ceremony each year. This event aims to preserve the memories of those whose names are on the memorial. It is a significant and meaningful event for the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and Oregon’s law enforcement community, who remain committed to ensuring the sacrifices of these officers are not forgotten.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training holds the ceremony in partnership with several organizations. These include the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Ore. Concerns of Police Survivors and the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation. Statewide law enforcement associations also partner in the event.

Oregon’s memorial ceremony is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C. This scheduling allows family members and co-workers to attend both observances. The national memorial honors more than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest are planning a 44-acre prescribed burn on Friday in the Crescent Ranger District. The controlled burn is located six miles southeast of Crescent and aims to protect homes from tragic wildfires.

The prescribed burn on the DRM four/25 Prescribed Burn units will be conducted if conditions remain favorable. Fire management officials coordinate with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan these burns to ensure weather conditions move smoke up and away from communities.

Ignitions for the burn are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Smoke from the operation will be visible from Highway 97, Highway 58 and the community of Crescent. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

Smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours. Residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. Using a portable air cleaner is also recommended if available and central air systems can filter air, especially with high-efficiency filters.

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn vehicle air to recirculating. Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma or other chronic conditions should monitor their health and contact a health care professional if symptoms worsen.

Further details about the prescribed burn and its timing will depend on favorable conditions. Residents should continue to follow recommended safety measures regarding smoke and utilize the provided resources for updated information.

These controlled burns, aimed at reducing wildfire risks, will cover significant acreage in the region.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 170 pounds of unused medications have been safely removed from the streets thanks to a recent DEA take back event, with 64 cars participating and nearly 80 pounds of injectable drugs collected. For those who missed the event, a convenient drop-off kiosk remains available at the Bend Police Station.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Paralympian Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a five-time Paralympic medalist, visited Buckingham Elementary last week. He shared his journey and messages of resilience and self-belief with students.

The visit, hosted by Bend-La Pine Schools, allowed Garcia-Tolson to discuss his experiences growing up with a disability and becoming a world-class athlete. He spoke about determination and the importance of self-belief.

He took questions from students, signed autographs, and even raced them outside!

Bend-La Pine Schools says that Garcia-Tolson’s story inspired their students to dream big and push beyond limits.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The forward progress of the Oneil Fire, located at the 4700 block of NE Oneil Way, was stopped at five acres as of 3:12 p.m. on Wednesday, according to Watch Duty. The incident occurred within both Crook and Deschutes counties.

Prior to the containment, incident command had requested an additional engine due to the fire spotting on one side. Regional Captain Justin Roberts initially reported a slow spreading field burn approaching a nearby highway, prompting requests for an additional unit and the closure of the westbound highway.

According to incident command, resources will remain committed to the scene for approximately an hour and a half. The request for an additional engine was made by incident command at 3:06 p.m. on April 29 due to the fire spotting on one side. Incident command also requested the closure of a westbound highway. Roberts, a regional captain, initially reported the slow spreading field burn at 2:57 p.m. on April 29, noting its approach to the highway.

Resources assigned to the Oneil Fire are expected to remain committed to the scene for approximately an hour and a half, as directed by incident command.

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Kelsey Merison

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KTVZ) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Rajinder Kumar on April 22nd, 2026, after his release on April 2nd, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Kumar, a semi-truck driver who entered the country illegally in 2022, was charged with manslaughter in a deadly Highway 20 crash.

The collision, which occurred on November 24th, 2025, resulted in the deaths of William Micah Carter and Jennifer Lynn Carter. Kumar was arrested in late November 2025 by Oregon State Police after troopers say he jackknifed his truck on U.S. Highway 20 about 50 miles east of Bend. Troopers said he failed to put out emergency warning equipment before a Subaru Outback slammed into the trailer, killing driver William, 25, and passenger Jennifer, 24.

Kumar is currently being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. He has been placed in removal proceedings.

Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security criticized the actions of both California and Oregon officials regarding Kumar. “This illegal alien was issued a CDL by Gavin Newsom’s California. He then went on to recklessly drive a truck on America’s highways and KILL two honeymooners. Instead of cooperating with ICE law enforcement, Oregon sanctuary politicians RELEASED him from jail back into American communities,” said Bis. “Every time sanctuary politicians release a dangerous criminal illegal alien back into our communities, they are gambling with American lives. We are grateful to our ICE law enforcement officers who tracked this killer down to ensure he’s permanently removed from America’s highways and can never harm another American family again.

William Michah Carter, 25, and passenger Jennifer Lynn Carter, 24, were on their honeymoon when they were killed after reportedly crashing into Kumar’s semi-truck.

Click here to read some of KTVZ’s earlier reporting on the deadly crash.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Cascades East Transit (CET), operated by the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), will launch new public transit Route 21 on May 5th, 2026. This new route will connect Warm Springs, Madras, Kah-Nee-Ta, and Simnasho. The service aims to expand access to jobs, health care, essential services, and recreation for the Warm Springs community and surrounding areas.

Route 21 will operate as a 15-month pilot program. This initiative is funded through a state grant. CET is partnering with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on this service expansion.

CET has also expanded its Dial-A-Ride service area in Jefferson County. The expanded service now includes Metolius and a broader area within the city of Madras. Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb, shared-ride transportation service available to the general public without an application. It provides critical mobility options in communities where fixed-route service may be limited or unavailable.

Transit Director Bob Townsend at CET, emphasized the importance of transportation services. “Transportation is a lifeline for many residents in Central Oregon,” Townsend said. “By expanding service in Jefferson County and launching the Simnasho route, we are improving more than mobility, we are connecting people to opportunity, independence and essential resources that support daily life.”

CET and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will continue pursuing additional funding for Route 21. Their goal is to support long-term service and work toward making the route a permanent part of the regional transit network. Bus stop schedules for Route 21 will be updated by May 4th.

CET’s mission is to exceed rider expectations by delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality transit that strengthens regional connectivity, reduces congestion, supports environmental sustainability, and enhances quality of life.

CET will continue to pursue additional funding to support long-term service for Route 21. Bus stop schedules will be updated by May 4th. Riders can schedule Dial-A-Ride trips by calling CET’s Customer Service Center at 541-385-8680.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — CityFest, hosted by the City of Bend and the First Friday Art Walk will take place this Friday, May 1, in Downtown Bend. The events aim to encourage community members to explore and support local businesses.

CityFest will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Lift Fitness Studio parking lot, located at 514 NW Franklin Ave. The First Friday Art Walk runs from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. throughout the downtown area.

These concurrent events provide an opportunity for residents to engage with local government and businesses. First Friday is a dedicated effort to highlight and support the businesses that define downtown Bend.

CityFest will include a brief State of the City update and offers a chance to meet City staff and Mayor Melanie Kebler. Attendees can also participate in a hands-on community art project in partnership with Visit Bend, enjoy music and have the opportunity to win prizes.

CityFest is scheduled for Friday, May 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. It will be located at the Lift Fitness Studio parking lot, found at 514 NW Franklin Ave in Bend.

The First Friday Art Walk will occur on the same day, May 1, operating from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. across downtown Bend. Attendees are encouraged to look for balloons outside participating businesses to help guide their way.

To assist with attendance, free parking will be available at the Centennial Parking Garage from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. during the events.

CityFest will feature a free raffle, providing two chances for participants to win one of two $250 Downtown Bend gift cards.

In addition to meeting City staff, Kebler will be in attendance at CityFest. The event also promotes community connection with music and the collaborative art project.

The Downtown Bend Business Association encourages community members to attend the events, grab a friend and make a night of it. Organizers hope attendees will shop, dine, explore and enjoy everything downtown Bend has to offer.

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Matthew Draxton

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Fire & Rescue will implement an outdoor debris burn ban starting at midnight on April 30, 2026. This measure is due to increasing wildfire risk and an early wildfire season in its district within Central Oregon.

Unseasonably warm and dry conditions, along with declining fuel moisture, have significantly elevated the potential for wildfires across the region. The closure aims to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires during this period of heightened fire danger, which could quickly spread and threaten life, property and natural resources.

The outdoor debris burning closure prohibits all backyard or open burning, including burn barrels and the use of weed burners. Agricultural burning of wastes, crops, field burning and ditches is also banned. Additionally, any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning and bonfires are prohibited.

The burn ban does not include small outdoor cooking, warming or recreational fires at residential properties. These fires, such as portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables and campfires, must have a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter and two feet in height. They must be in a safe location away from combustibles or vegetation and fully extinguished after use. Barbeque grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances are also permitted when using clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas or similar fuels.

Redmond Fire & Rescue urges residents to take wildfire prevention seriously. This includes fully extinguishing campfires, properly disposing of smoking materials and ensuring spark-arresting equipment is maintained. Alternative disposal options for yard debris, such as chipping, hauling or composting, are encouraged.

Public cooperation is critical to preventing wildfires and protecting Central Oregon communities during this early fire season.

If conditions change, additional restrictions may be put in place. Residents can follow Redmond Fire & Rescue’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for current information. Updates on fire restrictions and wildfire conditions will be provided as conditions change.

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Matthew Draxton

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Madras High School students are presenting “These Shining Lives,” a play based on the true story of the Radium Girls. The production is scheduled for two runs in May: May 8 through 10 and May 15 through 16.

The play chronicles the lives of young women in early 1900s Chicago who worked for a company using radium paint. Unaware of its dangerous toxicity, these women experienced declining health. Their subsequent fight for justice was instrumental in sparking significant changes in workplace safety regulations. The show explores a crucial turning point in labor history, revealing the real-life impact behind many worker protections enforced today.

General admission tickets for the production are priced at $12. For special Mother’s Day performances, tickets will be available at half price.

The remaining performances are scheduled for May 8 through 10 and May 15 through 16.

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