Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

La PiNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine man was killed in the weekend collision of his motorcycle with an SUV at the intersection of Burgess and Huntington roads, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said Wednesday.

On Saturday at around 12:30 p.m., deputies responded to several 911 calls reporting a serious crash involving a motorcycle at the intersection, Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

Witnesses told deputies a blue 2005 Yamaha motorcycle operated by Jacob Werner, 44, of La Pine, was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Burgess Road.

Carr said an investigation determined that Werner failed to stop for a red light and collided with a maroon 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee as its driver was making a left turn onto Huntington Road.

“Werner died at the scene, despite lifesaving efforts from first responders,” Carr said.

His passenger, a 44-year-old La Pine woman, sustained serious injuries and was transported by La Pine Fire to St. Charles Bend, where Carr said she was listed in stable condition.

The 75-year-old male driver of the Jeep and his 73-year-old female passenger, both of La Pine, were uninjured. They remained at the scene and fully cooperated with the investigation.

“Speed has been determined to be the leading contributing factor in this crash,” Carr said.

The sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by La Pine Fire District and the Oregon State Police.

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Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Springfield motorcyclist was killed in a crash Wednesday morning on Oregon Highway 126 near the intersection with U.S. Highway 20 west of Sisters, Oregon State Police reported Thursday.

OSP Public Information Officer Captain Kyle Kennedy initially confirmed to KTVZ News on Wednesday that the motorcycle crash around 10:40 a.m. had resulted in a fatality.

Kennedy said Thursday a preliminary investigation found that Jan Dwight McSilvers, 72, of Springfield, was operating an eastbound Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he failed to negotiate a curve and left the highway. The motorcycle then rolled on top of McSilvers, who died at the scene.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, Kennedy said. OSP was assisted at the scene by Black Butte Ranch Rural Fire District medics and ODOT.

Numerous Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire crews also responded to the crash, which happened in Linn County west of Santiam Pass and Sisters.

ODOT reported the crash closed the northbound lane of Highway 126 at the intersection with Highway 20. Drivers were advised that crews were flagging traffic through the area and to consider using an alternate route.

An ODOT representative said the agency was notified of the crash at 10:42 a.m. and crews were flagging traffic by the scene from 11:30 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m.

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Jillian Fortner

(update: adding video, comments from Brightside)

REDMOND, Ore (KTVZ) – Since 2015, NBC’s Clear the Shelters has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find homes. This August, KTVZ is featuring Central Oregon shelters working to do the same.

At Brightside Animal Shelter this month, adoption fees are discounted, and your price is decided by one spin of the wheel.

“It will give you a different percentage off, rates ranging from 5% up to 50% off the adoption fee,” said Paige Kidd, Development and Volunteer Manager for Brightside Animal Shelter.

The shelter reports more animals have been coming through their doors this summer.

“We have seen a lot of animals coming in from the community, from different rescues, owner surrenders, strays,” Kidd said.

Those looking to adopt will need to fill out a questionnaire and meet with an adoption counselor.

“One of our adoption counselors will sit down with you, walk you through getting them settled in, what it looks like to be an owner,” said Kidd.

Even if you cannot adopt, there are other ways to support the shelter, including becoming a foster. They’re also looking for volunteers to help at the shelter or their thrift store.

Learn more about Clear the Shelters here.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: State economist says highest rate in four years, chart)

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s jobless rate rose to 5% in July, the highest in four years, as its seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 2,700 jobs in July after a revised loss of 8,600 jobs in June, the Oregon Employment Department reported Wednesday.

State Economist David Cooke told KTVZ News the last time Oregon’s jobless rate was at 5% was in July of 2021, as it declined from the peak of 13.7% seen in April 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impacts.

You can review the unemployment rate fluctuations at this chart.

Here’s Wednesday’s full report from the agency:

July’s losses were largest in financial activities (-2,700 jobs); professional and business services (-1,400); and health care and social assistance (-1,100). Gains were largest in construction (+2,900 jobs) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+800).

Construction employed 112,700 in July, rebounding from its relatively weak prior two months, but landing well below its average level of 117,500 jobs during the prior two years.

Professional and business services has been on a declining trend since early 2023. Accounting for 254,100 jobs in July, it is down 14,800 jobs, or 5.5%, since its peak employment in March 2023. Each of its three component industries dropped by a similar percentage during that period.

Newly revised numbers for this year show lower employment levels than previously estimated for most industries. Since July 2024, Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment dropped 24,600 jobs, or -1.2%. Manufacturing lost 9,400 jobs, or 5.0%.

Each of these industries cut between 3% and 4%: information, private education, wholesale trade, financial activities, and construction. In that time, only two major industries expanded: health care and social assistance (+9,800 jobs, or 3.2%) and leisure and hospitality (+2,000 jobs, or 1.0%).

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.0% in July and 4.9% in June, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.2% in July 2024. Oregon’s 5.0% unemployment rate was 1.4 percentage points higher than the recent low of 3.6% during spring 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in June and 4.2% in July.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the July county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for August on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Madras and Jefferson County said Tuesday they are proud to announce the kickoff of a collaborative strategic planning process aimed at creating a shared vision for the community’s future.

The process began with the first joint City Council and County Commission work session, held on Monday, August 11, facilitated by SSW Consulting with support from the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC).

During the meeting, council members, commissioners, and staff reviewed demographic and economic data, highlighting significant population growth, increasing diversity, and economic challenges facing the region. Discussions focused on key community priorities such as economic development, housing affordability, health care access, emergency preparedness, infrastructure improvements, and technology investments.

“This partnership marks an exciting step toward aligning city and county goals and strengthening our community,” said Will Ibershof, City Administrator. “We are committed to involving residents every step of the way to ensure the strategic plan reflects what matters most to our diverse population.”

Community engagement will be the cornerstone of this process, with multiple opportunities planned for public input throughout September and October. Residents can expect surveys, interviews with key stakeholders, and outreach at local events designed to gather diverse perspectives.

Following the outreach period, the City Council and County Commission will reconvene in November to share data findings and begin developing the strategic plan based on community input. The goal is for each organization to have a comprehensive strategic plan ready for adoption early in 2026.

For ongoing updates, community members are encouraged to visit madras.gov or follow the City of Madras on social media. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend and St. Charles Health Systems said Tuesday they are thrilled to announce the eighth annual celebration of Welcoming Week in Bend, from September 12-21.

The City of Bend proudly supports Welcoming Week alongside numerous community partners in the shared commitment to foster a welcoming environment for all in Bend. This year’s national theme, “Stories We Share,” honors the lived experiences of all Bend residents, old and new, by fostering spaces for connection, reflection, and celebration.

Bend’s Welcoming Week roots trace back to 2017, when the Latino Community Association (LCA) successfully advocated for the City’s official designation as a Welcoming City. Since then, community-driven efforts have sustained this commitment.

Organizations and individuals hosting and supporting events include Bend-La Pine School District, High Desert Museum, NeighborImpact, Tower Theatre Foundation, Embrace Bend, Deschutes County Health Services, Mosaic Community Health, Volunteers in Medicine, Deschutes Public Library, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, Bend Park & Recreation District, Latino Community Association, Art Sprouts Inc., Vamonos Outside, Asian and Pacific Islander Collective, The Father’s Group, Benditas, Community Based Consulting. BolaFilms, and more.

“We honor the people, places, and values that foster belonging year-round. Welcoming Week is an intentional collaboration that reminds us that we are all accountable for each other’s futures,” said Andres Portela, Equity and Inclusion Director for the City of Bend. “Our community is stronger when we share and listen to each other’s stories.”

The City of Bend invites everyone to celebrate Welcoming Week by attending events, supporting local partners, and amplifying the voices of diverse communities.

2025 Welcoming Week Upcoming Events

Friday, September 12 – Family Friendly Yoga (Deschutes Public Library) 

Saturday, September 13 – Culture Jam (Vamonos Outside, Asian and Pacific Islander Collective, The Father’s Group)

Sunday, September 14 – Threads of Belonging (Art Sprouts, Inc.)

Monday, September 15 – Tertulias…¡de película!” at the Tower (Benditas, Tower Theatre Foundation, Deschutes Public Library)

Tuesday, September 16 – Historias a través del Arte en Español (Deschutes Public Library); Affordable Home Ownership Fair (NeighborImpact, Habitat for Humanity, Rooted Homes, First Story, Thistle & Nest)

Thursday, September 18 – Your Invisible Neighbor (Community Based Consulting, BolaFilms)

Friday, September 19 – Cecilia Zabala Concert & Educational Workshops (Benditas, Tower Theatre Foundation)

Saturday, September 20 – Central Oregon Health and Wellness Fair (Volunteers in Medicine, Deschutes County, Mosaic Community Health and partners)

Sunday, September 21 – Belonging by Design: Matriarchal Systems in Action (Embrace Bend)

For more information, or to learn about how organizations can support Welcoming Week, please visit bendoregon.gov/events/welcoming-week or contact the Equity Department at equity@bendoregon.gov.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The first day of school is Wednesday, September 3, and the Bend-La Pine Transportation Department is preparing families and students for bus ridership with two different programs.

Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety

The first is the return of the Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety program. New bus riders, kindergarten students and their families are invited to watch a short movie featuring Winnie the Pooh and learn about rules and behavior expectations of bus riding. Students also learn how to cross the street safely, line up to wait for the bus, and have the opportunity to ride a bus together. A Spanish-speaking staff member will be available during all sessions. Refreshments will be provided.

The popular, one-hour sessions are scheduled to take place on the following days:Bend-La Pine Transportation Department, 501 SE Second Street, Bend● Tuesday, August 12, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.● Wednesday, August 13, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.La Pine Elementary, 51615 Coach Road, La Pine● Thursday, August 14, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

“Riding a bus for the first time can be intimidating for those young students stepping on for the first time, and we want to make sure our new riders feel ready and welcome,” said Kim Crabtree, the school district’s director of transportation. “These events give us time before the start of the year to answer questions and demonstrate the safety features of buses, so come September, both riders and families feel confident about students riding the bus.”

Bus Transportation Registration SupportThe second program, Bus Transportation Registration Support, begins the afternoon of Monday, August 18. The afternoon-long event provides technical support to families who need assistance getting their student(s) registered for bus transportation. Families can also receive help with and get hands-on experience with the new and improved rider app for families called My Ride K-12. Spanish-speaking staff members will be available and refreshments will be served.

The two sessions are scheduled to take place on the following days:Bend-La Pine Transportation Department, 501 SE Second St., Bend● Monday, August 18, 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.La Pine Elementary School, 51615 Coach Road, La Pine● Wednesday, August 20, 1:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Families can go to bls.fyi/bus for bus transportation registration information and instructions. For more information on the Winnie the Pooh School Bus Safety Program and Bus Transportation Registration Support, please email transportation@bend.k12.or.us or call 541-355-5702.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding fire department information)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A southwest Redmond home was badly damaged Tuesday afternoon in a house fire that put up a smoke plume visible across a wide area and spread to two neighboring properties, an official said.

The fire was reported around 3:40 p.m. at a two-story house on Southwest 37th Court and brought numerous Redmond and Bend fire crews to tackle it. Cloverdale firefighters were also called in, as Redmond Fire & Rescue asked residents to avoid the area.

Extensive roof damage was evident to the KTVZ News crew and to those watching the livestream on KTVZ+.

Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney told us on the scene that the cause of the fire was under investigation, as crews continued working on mop-up and tackling any hot spots. He said the fire crossed a property line and damaged a shed on a neighbor’s property.

Here is the news release Mooney released Tuesday evening:

REDMOMD, OR-At approximately 3:40 pm this afternoon, Redmond Fire & Rescue was alerted to a possible residential structure fire a 2858 SW 37th Ct. As fire crews were responding, a large column of black smoke was visible from a distance. Law enforcement first arrived on scene and advised the house was fully engulfed.

Upon arrival of fire crews, the fire had spread to the neighbor’s backyard to the east and the neighbor’s shed on the south. To stop the spread of the fire and to protect the other homes, crews deployed a large master stream from the first arriving engine. This master stream can deliver water at a rate of up to 1250 gallons per minute. 

There were no reported injuries and everyone, including pets, safely evacuated the residence.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  

Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale RFPD, Redmond Police and City of Redmond Public Works for their assistance.

Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone to test your smoke alarms monthly and to have and practice an escape plan.

Watch for updates on KTVZ News, KTVZ.COM, the KTVZ News mobile app and on KTVZ+.

Smoke from a southwest Redmond house fire was visible from the ALERTWest Cline Butte camera Tuesday afternoon

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Barney Lerten

(Update: adding new details about the seizures, the criminal history of the suspect)

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ is learning new information about the past and present of a Tumalo man who had 33 Toy Australian Shepherds seized from his property, which was found covered in feces. Most of the dogs were newborn puppies, and some couldn’t even open their eyes.

Through public records, KTVZ obtained documents showing David De Persio, 38, has a criminal history, including a conviction for a theft in Chelan, Washington, in 2006.

2006 conviction for theft in Chelan, Washington.

Then, in 2013, at the very property where those Australian Shepherds were seized, De Persio was charged four times with maintaining a dog considered a public nuisance. The court records show the charges were dismissed, but didn’t provide clarification.

Screenshot of the charges De Presio faced in 2013.

In 2015, he submitted a guilty plea, saying he admitted to knowingly eluding a police officer in Deschutes County, despite visible and audible warnings.

2015 guilty plea by David De Persio for eluding a police officer.

For his latest suspected crimes, David De Persio now faces 33 charges of animal neglect and one charge of lying to a peace officer.

“The property owner, 38-year-old David De Persio, admitted to hiding the dogs at a second property he owns and providing false information to deputies,” Carr said.

Following the initial seizure, it was discovered that more dogs were being kept at another property next door. Deputy Benn Smith — working closely with Animal Control Technicians Michelle White and Mariya Leufven — followed up on tips from concerned neighbors.

“Their investigation led to the discovery of 21 more dogs at an adjacent property owned by De Persio,” Carr said. “Fifteen of these dogs are young puppies, now in the care of the Humane Society of Central Oregon and, in some cases, reunited with a nursing mother.”

While no new formal charges have yet been filed, Carr said the sheriff’s office is adding a charge of interfering with a peace officer for withholding information about the dogs’ location.

This case began on Sunday, August 3rd, when Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a reported structure fire at De Persio’s Tumalo property.

“Firefighters observed dogs living in filthy conditions and contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Smith responded and located 12 Toy Australian Shepherds and found extensive accumulations of animal waste inside the residence,” Carr said.

The dogs were voluntarily surrendered to HSCO, and De Persio was cited for second-degree animal neglect, elevated to a Class C Felony under Oregon law due to more than 11 animals involved.

Eight of the original dogs have since been adopted into new homes.

Adoption InformationThe Humane Society of Central Oregon is currently providing medical evaluations, treatment, and daily care for the 21 additional dogs and puppies from the latest seizure. Updated adoption information will be available soon.

Anyone interested in adoption can visit HSCO at 61170 SE 27th Street in Bend or visit www.hsco.org for updates.

Community members who want to help but are not able to adopt can make a donation to support the ongoing care of these dogs and others in need by visiting www.hsco.org.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend man has been arrested on animal abuse charges, accused of beating his dog in public view on a busy northeast Bend street, police said Tuesday.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a report of an intoxicated man who was beating his dog on Third Street near NE Olney Avenue, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.  

When officers arrived, they located 36-year-old Kyle Jensen Strong walking his bike southbound on NE Third Street with a dog on a leash, Miller said.

“Strong denied hitting his dog, but witnesses approached our officers to provide multiple videos and witness statements,” Miller said in a news release. “The videos showed Strong repeatedly hitting, grabbing and dragging the dog, a brown Labrador named Freya.”  

Strong was taken to the Deschutes County Jail and charged with three counts of second-degree animal abuse, a Class B misdemeanor.

Miller said the dog was taken by officers to an emergency veterinarian for treatment of injuries to the pads of both of her front paws.

An officer obtained a warrant to maintain control of Freya, and the dog was later transferred from the veterinarian’s office to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, where she was preparing to be processed Tuesday, a representative told KTVZ News.

Court records show Strong was arraigned Monday afternoon on the three charges that he recklessly caused injury to the dog, a female brown lab.

Circuit Judge Alison Emerson set bail at $5,000 and ordered Strong not to use or possess alcohol or frequent places where they are the main item for sale, and not to possess any domestic animals.

However, jail records show Strong remained held without bail Tuesday, accused of two probation violations.

Strong is due back in court for a plea hearing next Monday. A motion hearing is set for next Tuesday on the state’s petition for forfeiture of the impounded dog.

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