Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bend Police have confirmed a motorcycle and car collided late this afternoon near the Les Schwab Tire Center, just off South Highway 97.

The crash happened sometime before 6 p.m. Sergeant Scott Salvage with Bend Police says very little information can be released right now, but one person was injured and taken to the hospital.

The cause of the collision has not been determined, and the situation remains under active investigation.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding interview with Senator Wyden, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has been in Central Oregon this weekend to speak with residents about their most pressing concerns. Before continuing onto the next destination in his state-wide tour, Senator Wyden stopped by KTVZ News to speak with Claire Elmer and Spencer Sacks.

Social security, wildfires, medicaid, Secure Rural Schools (SRS), and tariffs were the main topics of conversation during Wyden’s candid conversation with KTVZ.

Sacks asked Wyden, “we recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of President Roosevelt’s landmark social security legislation. According to the Social Security’s Trustees’ Annual Report, by 2033, the program may only be able to pay 77%. How can we solve this looming problem and what kind of bipartisan solutions should we be looking for?”

“First of all, these reports are being done at my request. I’m the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Social Security,” started Wyden.

“One of the obvious steps we ought to be taking is ensuring that the billionaires and those at the top actually pay into the program. The billionaires don’t do that today because they really make sure they don’t take any income. They buy, borrow and die and evade taxes. I’m going to change that,” Wyden stated.

In regard to wildfires in Oregon, Elmer asked, “you push back on the Trump administration for downplaying wildfire risks. What do you think Washington still doesn’t understand about the scale of wildfire danger in the West? And what would you like to see change as far as federal policy?”

Wyden referenced his recent conversations with community members when replying, saying “what I heard over the weekend is that these yo-yo policies, like when the Trump people came in at the beginning, they really weren’t dealing with these burnable fuels on the forest floor. Folks in Prineville and elsewhere were talking to me about it.”

“You’ve got to go in there and get those burnable fuels off the forest floor, because we have lightning strikes, we have fires, and all of a sudden you have an inferno on your hands. That’s what I want to change,” said Wyden of his intended solution.

Touching on Medicaid, Sacks asked, “massive cuts are being projected to Medicaid after the ‘one big bill’ passed. How do you balance fighting those cuts while also working towards bipartisan solutions to reduce healthcare costs?”

Wyden replied, “well, a bipartisan solution. What I and Senator Merkley, and others, are interested in, is dealing with something called up-coding. It’s really an insurance company rip-off. You know, they take a condition that really isn’t particularly serious, they blow it up into a big deal so they can get more money out of the taxpayer. We could save billions of dollars by stopping insurance company up-coding.”

In regard to Secure Rural Schools (SRS), Elmer asked, “you and Senator Merkley have celebrated the reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools, but local leaders often call it a band-aid. What’s your vision for a permanent fix that keeps rural counties from facing a budget crisis every few years?”

Wyden replied, “I’m for multiple-use in terms of our policy in the forest, but the way to get off this roller coaster is to create something that I propose, in effect, is an endowment — where you take that money and make sure you gain interest as you go, and the counties have a fund they can count on.”

To end the conversation, Sacks wanted to touch on a topic that has recently been looming-large in many minds — tariffs. Sacks asked, “there’s a lot of debate about whether tariffs hurt or help American workers. What specific policies do you support to make sure trade rules actually strengthen jobs here at home, especially in manufacturing in rural communities?”

Wyden wanted to clarify his definition of tariffs and explain the impacts by saying, “as far as I’m concerned, these these tariffs are taxes. They hit working people. I and Senator Rand Paul, Republican of Kentucky, offered the proposal to get rid of the Trump approach, which we believe is illegal. We lost on a 49 to 49 vote. There were a couple of senators absent. I think we’ll get those votes in the future. And we want to end these Trump policies because they’re clobbering small businesses and individuals. Tariffs are taxes and we ought to recognize that.”

After concluding the interview with KTVZ, Senator Wyden and his team headed off to Crater Lake for another speaking event. While on recess, the senator is packing his schedule with his trademark community events which he uses to stay connected to his constituents.

KTVZ News appreciated the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Senator Wyden. You can view our earlier story on Wyden’s town hall in Madras here — that event took place on Saturday morning.

As part of KTVZ News’ commitment to connecting our communities to their members of congress, you can watch our recent interviews with Rep. Cliff Bentz and Rep. Janelle Bynum.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding public questions and comments from town hall)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Ron Wyden brought his trademark open-door politics to Jefferson county Saturday morning, holding another in his long-running series of town halls.

Gaza, tariffs, and the impacts of political polarization — especially here at home — were the main topics of concern from residents. 

Questions ranged from a national level, with one audience member asking, “how would you characterize the state of our democracy at this point?” To which Senator Wyden replied, “fragile.” To a local level, with a St. Charles employee asking, “how are you advocating for, I’m specifically going to say Saint Charles Madras, so that we can not be forgotten?”

Senator Wyden heard from the audience for over an hour, many voicing strong opinions and posing tough questions about the humanitarian toll overseas and what role the U.S. should play.

Direct questions were asked of the senator, such as “if those people in Gaza were not Palestinian, but Jews slaughtered and starved to death, what would you do?” Followed by passionate statements from others, “people are dying. They’re being shot by these people with guns that are monitoring these food giveaways.”

Attendees also pressed the senator on the challenges of political division, saying polarization is making it harder to solve problems at every level of government. Many expressed their feelings of hopelessness and disappointment. 

“It seems to me the rules aren’t being followed by any of the three branches of government. It’s all corrupted,” said one audience member.

Senator Wyden said he welcomes tough questions, even on heated issues, and pointed to these town halls as a way to bridge divides through direct conversation. He vows to follow-up with specific details on his plans for those still wanting more accountability.

Saturday’s event in Madras marked Wyden’s latest stop as he continues holding town halls in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. Senator Wyden says he’ll keep hosting these events as long as Oregonians keep showing up and asking questions.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)–  There’s a new sculpture in Bend that is bringing some school spirit with it. After a public vote organized by the nonprofit Art in Public Places, a roundabout in Southeast Bend is now home to the winning design. ‘Aspire’ is the name of the sculpture now standing in the roundabout at 15th Street and Knott Road. It features a pack of 3 wolves, a tribute to nearby Caldera High School’s wolf pack mascot. The artist Bryce Pettit is a sculptor from Durango, Colorado. He’s been creating bronze pieces inspired by wild animals and landscapes for more than 2 years. Now that it’s installed, this roundabout is not just a way to get from one place to another, it’s a reminder of the art, spirit, and creativity in our community.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Heather Quinn, a Minnesota-based writer, photographer and filmmaker, has been officially selected as the winner of the 11th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize by guest judge and author Beth Piatote, Ph.D.

The Waterston Desert Writing Prize, established in 2014 by author and Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston, honors and fosters literary nonfiction that celebrates desert landscapes.  

Quinn’s winning submission is titled This Is How You Disappear, a project about the California desert. Quinn, who receives a $3,000 cash prize, will give a reading and discuss their project at the Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremony on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

The event features award-winning author Dan Flores, Ph.D., who will give a talk titled, “The Coyote Is the Dude, the Dude Abides, and the Adventures Continue,” during the ceremony.

Flores, author of Coyote America and Wild New World, has spent his career exploring the connections between people and the natural world in America and the West. His books have won several awards including the Rachel Carson Environmental Book Prize and the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Prize. The author of 11 books, Flores has also written for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and Time Magazine.

His presentation at the award ceremony will delve into how coyotes have preserved wildness in modern America, making a case for understanding wild animals as distinctive individuals.

Quinn, who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with their husband and two young daughters, writes personal and lyric essays. They approach nonfiction from a journalistic background, including a deep appreciation of truth telling.

The winning submission This Is How You Disappear is an essay blending personal narrative, reporting and historical research to explore trauma, ecological collapse and memory in the California desert, particularly around the Salton Sea. For over two decades, Quinn has documented the region through writing, photography and film, bearing witness to its shifting landscapes and layered histories.

Quinn earned their Master of Fine Arts at Portland State University, and they were a 2021 McKnight Artist Fellow, a 2023 Writing Resident at Art Omi, and a 2022 Tin House Winter Workshop Scholar. Their work has appeared in Fourth Genre, Vela, Longreads and elsewhere. 

Waterston said that Quinn’s piece “promises fearless writing that skillfully enlists the landscape of the Salton Sea as backdrop to their quest for understanding” an emotional moment in their life.

Piatote, a Nez Perce scholar, writer, professor and language activist, will also speak during the Waterston event at the Museum. Piatote is the author of two books, including a mixed-genre collection entitled The Beadworkers: Stories (2019), which was featured on NPR and was selected as the “one read” for multiple university and community programs. Dedicated to Nez Perce language and literature, she cofounded the Designated Emphasis in Indigenous Language Revitalization at the University of California Berkeley, where she teaches English and Comparative Literature.

“We are honored to welcome our outstanding winner Heather Quinn and award-winning authors Dan Flores and Beth Piatote to this year’s Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremony,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “Their passionate exploration of the natural world aligns perfectly with the Prize’s mission to celebrate and elevate desert landscapes through the power of literary nonfiction.”

The two finalists for this year’s Prize are Taylor Luck and Charles Hood.

Luck, a journalist living in the Middle East, blends narrative writing with authentic storytelling. His submission, Beyond the Jordan, focuses on modern-day Jordan and the varied groups of people navigating a region in upheaval. Luck weaves his personal journey of belonging into the narrative.

Located in Palmdale, California, Hood has traveled the world for his writings, from the high Arctic to the South Pole, and from Tibet to West Africa and the Amazon. His submission, Desert Fire, takes him closer to home as it delves into the past, present and future role of fire in Western American deserts.

A writer with continued contributions to nonfiction prose about desert regions, Hood is being recognized this year for the first-ever Obsidian Prize, a $2,000 award in honor of his contributions to the Waterston Desert Writing Prize. A prolific poet and essayist, Hood has written several books, including the essay collection A Salad Only the Devil Would Eat: The Joys of Ugly Nature, which was named the Nonfiction Book of the Year by the editors of Foreword book review.  

In 2020, the High Desert Museum—which has long hosted events for the Prize—adopted the program. The mission and goals of the Prize complement those of the High Desert Museum, emphasizing the importance of protecting deserts and creating important conversations about the issues affecting them.

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize and to purchase your tickets to the Waterston Desert Writing Prize Ceremony, visit: highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Bend Police are sounding the alarm on electric motorcycles. These are different than e-bikes and are illegal on the road. Electric motorcycles are anything that goes above 28 MPH or does not have pedals. Police have seen an increase in young kids riding these motorcycles on sidewalks and city streets, all of which is illegal. They ask parents and the public to be aware of these rules.

Here is what the Bend Police Department had to say on Facebook.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A secondary location of the popular local restaurant ‘Super Burrito’ appears to be closed. The doors are locked, and the lights are out. Google lists ‘Super Burrito 3’ on Northeast Windy Knolls Drive as “permanently closed.”

A note posted on the door says the landlord has taken possession of the suite, but does not list a reason. All the furniture, decor and equipment appear to be locked inside the restaurant.

KTVZ News has reached out to the owner of Super Burrito and Compass Commercial, the property management company that owns the suite. Neither have replied at this time.

The original Super Burrito location remains open.

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KTVZ – News Team

Underground utility work is wrapping up and roundabout excavation, and curb, sidewalk and island installation will follow for the remainder of the month. Please use the marked detour to navigate around the closure at Bear Creek Road, Pettigrew Road, and Purcell Boulevard.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Weeks of August 18-22, and August 25-29

Concrete forming and pouring for ADA ramps on 27th Street will continue

Paving for the path on 27th Street will continue

Irrigation work for landscaping the roundabout will begin

Excavation and base rock for the roundabout will begin

Curb, sidewalk, and island installation will begin

GENERAL PROJECT NOTES

Access to all area businesses along the construction area will be maintained.

Please do not enter the construction zone before, during, or after hours.

Daytime work hours are in effect from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

There are many construction projects in the area and throughout the City of Bend. Travel safely.

PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS

EMS, buses, and other delivery/service providers have been included on this distribution list.

Feel free to share the website information where others can also sign up for updates. bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Construction Phone Line: (541) 330-4018

Project website: bendoregon.gov/bearcreek27th

Project Contacts:

Sinclair Burr – PE, Project Manager

Mary Packebush – Public Education Coordinator

Thank you for your interest in this project. The Bear Creek Road and 27th Street improvements are part of the Transportation General Obligation (GO) Bond project approved by voters in 2020.

To learn about more projects around Bend included in the GO Bond, visit the Go Bond Dashboard or bendoregon.gov/gobond

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – It’s been a record-breaking summer travel season, and many will squeeze in one final trip over the Labor Day weekend before the summer wraps up.

AAA booking data shows that Alaska cruises, theme parks, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast are the most popular destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho. AAA says the good news for travelers is that flights, hotels and car rentals cost less this year compared to 2024.

Memorial Day always marks the unofficial start to the summer travel season, and Labor Day marks the unofficial end. The Labor Day weekend is typically a busy travel weekend compared to other weekends in August and September, but the volume is not as high as the other major summer holidays, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

With many schools already back in session or starting soon, families tend to take shorter trips that are closer to home over Labor Day. However, those without kids in school often use Labor Day as the kickoff to the fall travel season to take advantage of cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and off-peak pricing. Destinations in Europe, Mexico and Iceland are especially popular for these travelers.

“Many are eager to venture out for the last holiday weekend of the summer, enjoying one last vacation before the fall routine starts again,” says Doreen Loofburrow, senior vice president of travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho. “Alaska cruises are especially popular this time of year. Cruise ships are usually less crowded than earlier in the summer, and while it’s a bit chillier than in July and August, the weather is still nice and it can be a great time to see wildlife and a hint of fall color.”

AAA can help you plan your Labor Day getaway, or any trip, with Trip Canvas. This free resource offers ideas and information for countless destinations. You can find the 9 best Alaska Cruises for every traveler, top things to do in Bend, things to do in Portland on a budget, best places to eat at Disneyland,  and the Northern California and Southern Oregon Coast road trip, to name a few.

Top Labor Day destinations

Here are the top destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho, based on searches and bookings:

Alaska cruises are very popular, with the cruise port cities of Seattle and Vancouver B.C. topping the lists of the most popular U.S. and International destinations.

Disneyland and Las Vegas are perennial favorites.

The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho are Central Oregon, Portland, the Oregon Coast, Portland, Medford/Ashland and Eugene.

Labor Day gas prices

Those taking a road trip for the Labor Day holiday will find gas prices that are more expensive in Oregon and Washington this year compared to last year, but cheaper in most other states.

The national average is currently $3.15 and the Oregon average is $3.99 (as of August 15, 2025). Last year on Labor Day, the national average was $3.33 and the Oregon average was $3.78.

Find current gas prices here: https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Find Oregon gas price news here: https://info.oregon.aaa.com/oregon-gas-prices/

“Gas prices have been relatively calm this spring and summer, due to fairly steady crude oil prices. Pump prices should remain fairly stable through the Labor Day holiday or even edge lower, barring a refinery or pipeline outage, a major storm that impacts the Gulf Coast, escalating tensions in the Middle East, or some other geo-political event that sends crude oil prices higher,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Best and worst times to drive

INRIX, a global provider of transportation data and insights, says the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime, and for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better! Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses.

The worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening hours. The afternoons of Thursday, August 28 and Friday, August 29 will be among the busiest times on the roads as holiday travelers mix with commuters. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips.

“Most Labor Day travelers will depart on Thursday or Friday before the holiday, and return home on Labor Day or Tuesday,” says Dodds. “Monitor traffic and navigation apps, listen to traffic reports on the radio, and check road and weather conditions at TripCheck or your local transportation department. These tools can help you avoid the worst bottlenecks.”

Here are projected travel times out of Portland from INRIX:

Airfare, hotel, rental car, cruise and tour costs 

Flights: AAA finds that travelers are paying less for domestic flights and more for international flights for Labor Day travel compared to 2024

Domestic flights are 6% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average price for a domestic roundtrip flight is $720.

International flights are 8% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average price for an international roundtrip ticket is $1,470.

Hotels: AAA finds hotel prices are less than in 2024.

Domestic hotels are 11% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a domestic hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $495. That’s the average price of domestic hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

International hotels are 2% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for an international hotel stay (which is typically a few nights) is $590. That’s the average price of international hotel bookings through AAA – not a nightly rate.

Car Rentals: Daily car rental rates in the U.S. and abroad are less expensive than in 2024.

Domestic car rentals are 3% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a rental car (which is typically several days) is $545 total – not the daily rate.

International car rentals are 42% cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year.

Average booking cost for a rental (which is typically several days) is $645 – not the daily rate.

Cruises: AAA finds that cruises departing from the U.S. are more expensive while those departing from international cities are cheaper this year.

Cruises departing from domestic cities are 3% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for cruises departing from domestic cities is $2,545.

Cruises departing from international cities are 9% cheaper this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for cruises departing from international cities is $3,725.

Tours: AAA finds tours cost more this year.

Tour prices in domestic cities are 37% more expensive this Labor Day weekend compared to 2024.

Average cost for a domestic tour is $2,020.

Tours in international cities are 15% more expensive this Labor Day weekend.

Average cost for an international tour is $2,880.

For help in planning your trip, AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.

Tips for those flying this Labor Day

Air travel volume surged to new highs this summer, and that trend is expected to continue over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The busiest days to fly are the Thursday and Friday before the holiday, and then most travelers fly home on Monday, which is Labor Day, and Tuesday. Days that will be less crowded are Saturday, August 30 and Wednesday, September 3.

AAA has tips for air travelers:

Check your airline’s website or download their app to keep up to date on your flight status, including checking one last time right before you leave for the airport. Allow push notifications so the airline can alert you of any changes.

Check-in online for flights 24 hours ahead.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international. Expect long security lines due to the spike in travelers.

Airport parking lots will likely be at or near capacity. Many airports including Portland International airport let you check current availability https://www.flypdx.com/Parking.  Some parking facilities let you book in advance. 

Consider taking transit, using a ride sharing service or taxi, or getting a ride with a friend or family member to the airport so you don’t have to park onsite.

Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items with you on the flight. That way you’ll have provisions if your checked bags get lost or delayed. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put your name and contact info inside each bag. Consider using a luggage tracker. 

Bring a refillable water bottle and plan ahead for meals and snacks. Airport restaurants can be very busy with long lines at times, making it challenging to order food if you have a short connection time. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times. In general, early morning flights tend to have fewer delays and cancellations than flights later in the day.

Over the Labor day holiday weekend, the Friday before Labor Day and Labor Day itself are expected to be the busiest air travel days. 

Sign up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR before your trip to expedite the security screening process. However, even these check-in lanes will be busier than usual. And confirm that the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

REAL ID:

TSA began enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7. Passengers are required to have a REAL ID to board domestic flights. These are REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo ID cards.

Acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include:

A U.S. passport or passport card

Any government-issued passport

DHS Trusted Traveler cards, including Global Entry and SENTRI

U.S. military IDs (active duty, retired, and dependent)

Air travelers who don’t have a REAL ID may still be able to fly but must go through additional screening so plan on lots of extra time. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

Find out more about REAL ID on the TSA’s website.

AAA to the rescue this Labor Day weekend

AAA is ready to help drivers throughout the Labor Day holiday travel period. The most common issues are dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 383,000 requests for roadside assistance nationwide, including more than 4,000 here in Oregon.

AAA makes it easy to request assistance—by phone or text (1-800-AAA-HELP), or with the AAA Mobile app—and members can track the service technician’s progress as they make their way to your vehicle.

Before heading out on a road trip, make sure your vehicle is ready. Have it inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the more than 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

Be prepared for emergencies with a mobile phone and car charger, and well-stocked emergency kit including a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, a basic toolkit, jackets and blankets, and drinking water and snacks for all passengers and pets. Share your itinerary with family or friends so that authorities know where to start looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.

“Don’t leave home without an emergency kit, and bring enough supplies including water, snacks, blankets and extra clothing. Having these supplies can go a long way in keeping everyone comfortable if you encounter significant delays. A crash can tie up traffic for hours. And if you do get stuck or have a breakdown, you don’t always have cell phone service in remote areas,” says Dodds.

Find more info on getting road-trip ready at AAA.com/summerprep

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Open Programming, a program of Connect Central Oregon, will host an in-depth interview with newly appointed Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

The interview will be recorded on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, and published on COOP’s YouTube channel, @CentralOregonOpenProgramming, the same evening. 

Moderated by Jim Fister, Co-Founder of Connect Central Oregon and a prior facilitator/interviewer for COOP’s candidate forums and the interview with Sheriff Van der Kamp, the conversation will explore immediate priorities for the Sheriff’s Office, including staffing and retention, training and accountability, budget stewardship, and community engagement. 

Why this conversation matters: This interview offers the public an opportunity to learn more about Sheriff Rupert as a person—context that typically emerges during a full election cycle. In this appointment process, most public-facing information has come through the Deschutes County Sheriff Employees Association forum, Rupert’s written application to the Board of County Commissioners, and a brief commission meeting with limited discussion. COOP’s interview is designed to help the community hear directly from Rupert about his background, values, and approach to leading the Sheriff’s Office. 

How to Watch 

• Where: COOP on YouTube — @CentralOregonOpenProgramming 

• Availability: Wednesday evening, August 20, 2025 (PT) 

• Replay: The full interview will remain available on the channel after publication. 

Share a Question 

Community members are encouraged to suggest questions and topics in advance by emailing decision@connectcentraloregon.org with the subject line “Sheriff Interview.” Please include your name, city, and any relevant affiliation. 

Public Contact (Program) 

Central Oregon Open Programming (COOP) Email: coop@connectcentraloregon.org 

About COOP (Central Oregon Open Programming) 

COOP is a program of Connect Central Oregon that provides community-driven, hands-on learning experiences through mentorships, storytelling, and public programming. COOP emphasizes real-world skill development, industry exposure, and meaningful engagement between individuals and professionals. Video content and program highlights are featured on YouTube at @CentralOregonOpenProgramming 

About Connect Central Oregon 

Connect Central Oregon champions community engagement and mentoring through four pillars: Volunteerism, Mentoring, Innovation, and Partnerships. Serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, as well as Warm Springs, Connect Central Oregon is the toolbox for regional businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to mobilize community efforts or take them to the next level. Learn more at connectcentraloregon.org.

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