Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore., (KTVZ) — Prescribed fire operations on the Crooked River National Grassland southeast of Madras that were scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions, officials said.

“The delay was due to unfavorable transport winds and the heavy smoke impacts that could result,” Ochoco National Forest representative Isabella Isaksen told KTVZ News.

She said fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and are evaluating potential opportunities to conduct pile burning early next week, pending favorable weather and required approvals.

The prescribed pile burning is planned for about 70 acres on the Crooked River National Grassland, located about four miles southeast of Madras, in the vicinity of Buck Butte and east of Highway 26.

Prescribed fire operations are only conducted when weather, fuel moisture, and air quality conditions align to ensure public and firefighter safety and to meet project objectives. Weather conditions are evaluated immediately prior to ignition, and scheduled activities may be postponed or canceled when conditions are not suitable.

Earlier story:

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ-Feb. 3, 2026) — The Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest plan prescribed fire operations on Wednesday, pending all required approvals.

Hazardous fuels reduction work is planned on about 70 acres in the Crooked River National Grassland, an area located about four miles southeast of Madras, in the vicinity of Buck Butte and east of Highway 26

“Prescribed burning will be managed by Forest Service resources from the Ochoco National Forest. Forest Service personnel will be on scene throughout the operation to ensure safe and effective implementation,” the agency said in a news release.

Officials said smoke could be visible from Prineville, Terrebonne, and Madras. Smoke impacts are anticipated along Southeast Grizzly Road and the Highway 26 corridor, particularly overnight and in the early-morning hours as air settles into low-lying areas.

Prescribed burn warning signs will be placed along Grizzly Road and Highway 26, officials said. Drivers should slow down and use headlights if visibility is reduced.

“Prescribed burning will only occur when weather, fuel moisture and air quality conditions meet criteria for safe and effective operations,” the Forest Service said. “If conditions are not suitable, ignitions will be postponed.”

Weather conditions will be evaluated in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled, the agency said

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road. For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Ochoco National Forest visit fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco.

Follow on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After 35 years of fun under the often-hot summer sun, the Bend Summer Festival will be kicking off the season with a new, earlier schedule – and a new title sponsor.

The 2026 Hixon Mortgage Bend Summer Festival returns to downtown Bend Friday–Sunday, May 29–31, marking the event’s first-ever move to late May – technically, before the June 21 arrival of summer – but “offering ideal early-summer weather for a full weekend of celebration,” the organizers, Lay it Out Events, announced in a news release this week.

Hixon Mortgage President Derek Meyer said the company “is fired up to be part of Summerfest and celebrate what makes our community so special!”

Hixon Mortgage is a locally owned mortgage company that says it’s “focused on helping families achieve the great American dream of homeownership. We love and are proud to support events like Summerfest in an effort to bring the community together to celebrate local vendors and businesses.”

The annual community favorite will once again take over multiple blocks in downtown Bend with art, music, food, shopping, and family-friendly fun — “now perfectly timed to launch the summer festival season,” organizers said

The festival weekend kicks off Friday, May 29, from 4–10 p.m. with music and food along Oregon Avenue. Saturday, May 30 (11 a.m.–10 p.m.) and Sunday, May 31 (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) feature full festival programming across downtown.

The organizers said, “Festival-goers can expect a vibrant mix of fine art, hand-made goods, local shopping, live music and pop-up performances throughout the weekend.”

More than 80 regional and national artisans will line Bond Street, while additional vendor areas highlight clothing, jewelry, specialty foods, wine, and Central Oregon businesses. Live music and performances will run all weekend, with the 2026 lineup to be announced soon.

Presented by Hixon Mortgage, the Bend Summer Festival is produced by Lay It Out Events and supported by a wide range of local and regional sponsors.

For a full schedule, sponsorship and vendor opportunities and more event details, visit bendsummerfestival.com.

Lay It Out Events, which annually produces more than 20 events and has donated more than $340,000 to Central Oregon charities in the last decade. Events include WinterFest, Bend Fall and Summer Festival, The Little Woody, Cascades Wedding Show, Balloons Over Bend, and Theater in the Park. Learn more at www.layitoutevents.com.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A bookstore in Crook County is turning the month of February into a community-wide celebration of reading.

Oliver Books in downtown Prineville is hosting a month-long reading challenge designed to bring people together, support local business, and share a love of literature.

The challenge is open to readers of all ages, and parents are encouraged to read along with their children. Participants can track their reading, share book reviews, and earn store credit — all while supporting a homegrown, independent bookstore.

Owner Hannah Oliver said Tuesday the heart of the challenge is about more than just numbers or prizes — it’s about connection.

“I’m hoping that it just achieves a love for reading, especially amongst our youth. I feel like it just stirs excitement in the community for something to do,” Oliver said.

“I believe that literacy is really important, reading is really important. By doing this, I believe that it helps people learn to love to read. It’s something that’s really important to me, and I hope that it encourages people to read more.”

Oliver said community members have already embraced the idea, with dozens of reading packets handed out and some readers already turning in their completed challenges.

The reading challenge runs through the end of February. Sign-up packets are available in person at Oliver Books, or you can find the PDF version to print at home below.

Rules (from Oliver Books):

Read 6 books in the month and get $10 in store credit for completing the challenge, and additional $5 if you bought at least three of the books from Oliver Books.

Kids have to read 10 books for $10 store credit, and buy 3 books from us for an additional $5.

You get an extra $5 in store credit if you make up a book review for your favorite book that will be shared on social media and the book will be added to inventory if it’s not already in the store.

You will also be entered to win an additional $50 in store credit if you write up a review.

book challengeDownload

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon State University-Cascades has published the findings of a years-long study of sustainable tourism, revealing that the costs of the industry are beginning to outweigh the economic benefits for residents in many popular destinations.

The research suggests that local communities are increasingly reaching a breaking point where tourism pressures negatively impact their quality of life.

The university conducted interviews with people living in tourism hubs across Central Oregon, the United States and international locations.

While tourism remains a vital economic driver—accounting for approximately 10.2% of global gross domestic product—the study highlights a growing backlash fueled by externalities such as traffic congestion and housing pressures.

The study found that residents often serve as the earliest and most sensitive indicators of a destination’s strain. While physical or environmental limits can be difficult to quantify, researchers noted that sociocultural carrying capacity is frequently reached first. This occurs when residents experience a decline in their quality of life or perceive that the social costs of tourism have become too high.

Todd Montgomery leads the Sustainable Tourism Lab at OSU Cascades and served as a primary researcher for the multi-year study. He proposed addressing these community imbalances through structured pricing strategies that differentiate between residents and visitors.

“So we propose a set of guidelines around fees that incentivize and give breaks the locals, but also apply the fees of the impacts to tourists,” Montgomery said.

Evaluating-Economic-Policy-Responses-to-Appease-Growing-Dissent-in-Tourism-Montgomery-Dec-2025Download

A hypothetical application of these guidelines includes implementing a dual-rate system for public services. Under this model, residents in an area like downtown Bend could receive significant discounts on parking fees, while tourists are charged a higher rate to help mitigate the costs of congestion.

The economic significance of tourism remains substantial in Oregon, where the industry functions as an export by bringing outside money into local communities.

In Bend, tourism-generated tax revenues provide about $9 million a year to the city’s general fund. That represents nearly 5% of the city’s total tax revenue and supports essential services such as fire protection, emergency response and public safety. Research indicates that traditional models focused solely on marketing and increasing visitor numbers may be unsustainable.

Historically, many communities developed tourism organically without long-term management structures. This often led to unintended consequences as destinations reached a growth phase characterized by high-volume arrivals and increased pressure on local infrastructure.

The full findings of the study are available to the public in a report published on the OSU Cascades Sustainable Tourism Lab webpage.

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Harley Coldiron

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – State officials revoked the certification of Emily Fisk, a former corrections officer at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution, following an investigation into a sexual relationship she had with an inmate. Fisk resigned from her position in 2022 instead of termination after authorities discovered the unauthorized relationship and determined she had been untruthful during an internal inquiry.

The Corrections Policy Committee found that Fisk engaged in sexually harassing conduct and misused her position to develop an inappropriate relationship with an adult in custody. While Fisk initially provided misleading information to the Department of Corrections, investigators confirmed she had sent the inmate sexually explicit letters and participated in a plan to provide him with contraband.

The investigation sustained findings that Fisk authored four sexually explicit letters to the inmate. In one of the letters, Fisk wrote that she “was all his,” a statement she initially denied making. Investigators also found that she had added the individual as a friend on Facebook.

Corrections Policy Committee, Minutes 11-12-25Download

Fisk reportedly admitted to writing four letters only after she was confronted with evidence, having previously claimed there was only one. She also falsely claimed the letters were written during her trial service period, though they were actually written after that period had ended. Melissa Lang-Bacho, the professional standards compliance coordinator who presented the review, noted during the proceedings that Fisk was “incapable of telling the truth” throughout the process.

The Corrections Policy Committee identified multiple moral fitness violations, including dishonesty and misuse of authority. Fisk’s actions were found to have threatened the efficient operation of the Department of Corrections by violating the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. The report noted that the inmate involved was legally unable to provide consent.

Officials expressed specific concern regarding a request from the inmate for Fisk to provide him with contraband. According to the committee report, Fisk took steps to contact a third party as part of a plan to supply the prohibited items. While there was no evidence that contraband was actually delivered, the report stated that Fisk attempted to set up a post office box for the inmate. The third party involved ultimately chose not to participate in the scheme.

A search of public records indicates Fisk has not faced criminal penalties related to the investigation. This differs from a previous case at the same facility involving Jobett Zamora, a former contract worker. Zamora served 10 days in jail last year after it was discovered she had a sexual relationship with an inmate at Deer Ridge.

The Jefferson County District Attorney’s office has not yet provided information regarding why criminal charges have not been filed against Fisk. A request for comment was left with the office seeking clarification on the status of the case.

KTVZ News wants viewers to know that we have firsthand witnessed many positive programs happening at the Correctional Facility. In 2025, we captured a historic basketball game between the inmates and guards. It’s part of a larger program to show inmates their true potential.

We’ve also reported on the many educational programs they have inside the prison.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Warm Springs man who admitted last fall he sexually abused two minors on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in 2024 was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in federal prison.

Harold Charley, 39, also was sentenced to a lifetime term of supervised release, federal prosecutors said in a news release.

According to court documents, in January of 2024, Charley, a prior sex offender, “engaged in sexual abusive contact with two minor victims between the ages of 12 and 16 over the course of several weeks on the reservation,” they said.

Last Sept. 23, Charley was charged with two counts of abusive sexual contact. Two weeks later, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with help from the Warm Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Paaso.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend is launching its first Saturday programming beginning this week to provide additional child-care support for local families.

The organization says it will offer services for youth ages 5-18 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The expansion marks the first time the organization will offer weekend services during the school year. The initiative is intended to fill child care gaps for Central Oregon parents who work on Saturdays and to increase the overall community impact of the club’s programs.

The club will provide services for youth ages 5-18 Monday through Saturday. While the organization traditionally operated only on weekdays, the new Saturday hours will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the school year.

Boys & Girls Clubs CEO Michael Baker said in a news release that the decision to expand was based on the specific needs of local working parents.

“We are so excited to offer this additional day of service each week during the school year,” Baker said. “For many of our families, Saturday is just another day when they have to work in order to make ends meet. Opening on Saturdays falls in line with our goal to serve more members, more often with deeper impact.”

Current club members can register for the weekend sessions through the My Club Hub portal. The organization noted that a child does not need to be a current after-school member to participate, as options for Saturday-only registration are available for interested families.

The programs offered by the organization are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character. Families who wish to become members or learn more about the enrollment process can call the club at 541-617-2877 or visit the club’s website..

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Crude oil prices jumped to four-month highs above $65 per barrel last week, driven by geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran as well as significant production disruptions caused by severe winter weather in much of the U.S., AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

This has led to higher gas prices in more than half of all states this week, including Oregon, AAA said in their weekly report on Oregon gas prices, which continues below:

Oil prices have settled down to start this week. However, we’re entering the time of year for seasonal increases at the pumps. Here on the West Coast, the annual transition to summer-blend gas is already beginning, which is tightening supplies in the region.

For the week, the national average for regular slips half a cent to $2.88 a gallon. The Oregon average jumps 10 cents to $3.48 a gallon, while Bend’s average was up 13 cents, to $3.46 a gallon.

Crude oil prices jumped above $65 per barrel last week, the highest price since last September, on escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran after the Trump Administration warned of possible U.S. military action.

A weak U.S. dollar also put upward pressure on crude oil prices. Crude oil is traded globally in U.S. dollars, and when the value of the dollar falls, it takes less foreign currency to buy oil. The cheaper price can increase demand for oil, putting upward pressure on oil prices.

Crude oil prices have fallen to start this week, after President Trump said he was hopeful about negotiations with Iran.

“It’s likely we’ve already seen the seasonal low prices for gas in 2026. We’re entering the time of year for refinery maintenance and the annual switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce than winter-blend fuel,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2026 at $3.42 a gallon. The highest price of the year so far is today’s average of $3.48. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.33 on January 20.

The national average began 2026 at $2.83 a gallon. The highest price of the year so far is $2.89 on January 27. The lowest price of the year so far is $2.795 on January 11.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. gasoline increased from 7.83 million b/d to 8.76 million for the week ending January 23. This compares to 8.30 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic supply of gasoline increased from 257 million barrels to 257.2 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day, compared to 8.8 million barrels the previous week.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country.

The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15.

However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) has mostly been in the upper $50s to mid-$70s since September 2024.

WTI is trading at $63 today, compared to $62 a week ago and $73 a year ago. In 2025, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $80.04 (January 15) and $57.46 (October 16) per barrel. In 2024, WTI ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, the current situation in Venezuela, tensions over Greenland, protests in Iran, sanctions on Iran’s oil, unrest in the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But in 2025, the cartel boosted production which put downward pressure on crude oil prices. For 2026, OPEC+ says it’s not planning any production hikes in the first quarter of the year due to lower demand.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 47% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 16% is refining, 20% distribution and marketing, and 17% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains at or near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country is at 13.70 million barrels per day for the week ending January 23. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 29 states with higher prices now than a week ago. California (+12 cents) has the largest week-over-week increase in the nation. Nevada (+11 cents) has the second-largest, and Oregon (+10 cents) has the third-largest increase in the country. New Mexico (-11 cents) has the biggest week-over-week decrease in the country.

Hawaii ($4.40) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the eighth week in a row. California ($4.37) is second. These are the only states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week five states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 43 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.37) and Arkansas ($2.44) and. No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.03 this week, compared to $2.00 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 34 states with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is six cents more and the Oregon average is seven cents more than a month ago. Colorado (+36 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the country. Alaska (-9 cents) has the nation’s largest month-over-month drop.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 22 cents less, while the Oregon average is eight cents less. Iowa (-40 cents) has the largest year-over-year drop in the nation. Alaska (+13 cents) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 2/3/2026

1
Hawaii
$4.40

2
California
$4.37

3
Washington
$3.96

4
Nevada
$3.49

5
Oregon
$3.48

6
Alaska
$3.44

7
District of Columbia
$3.10

8
Pennsylvania
$3.08

9
Arizona
$3.07

10
Maryland
$2.99

As mentioned above, Hawaii has the most expensive gas in the country for the eighth consecutive week. California, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is 9th. Oregon moves up to fifth after three weeks at sixth.

Five of the seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week increases: California (+12 cents) has the largest increase in the country and the region. Nevada (+11 cents), Oregon (+10 cents), Washington (+9 cents), and Arizona (+8 cents) also have week-over-week jumps. Alaska (-3 cents), and Hawaii (-1 cent) have week-over-week declines.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast declined from 82.2% to 81.7% for the week ending January 23. This rate has ranged between about 70% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate fell from 93.3% to 90.9%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region decreased from 31.50 million bbl. to 30.45 million bbl. for the week ending January 23. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices have backed away from last week’s four-month highs on deescalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which has helped to ease supply concerns.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2.3 million barrels from the previous week. At 423.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year. 

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI slipped 21 cents to close at $65.21. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI dropped $3.07 to close at $62.14. Today crude is trading around $63, compared to $62 a week ago. Crude prices are about $10 less than a year ago. ($73.16 on February 3, 2025)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Megan Geiss of Bend has joined the Family Access Network (FAN) foundation Board of Directors, the organization announced Tuesday. Geiss, a long-time community advocate, will support the nonprofit’s mission of connecting Central Oregon children and families with essential resources.

The Family Access Network organization was established in 2006. FAN raises funds and increases community awareness to support the operations of FAN advocates working in schools throughout the region.

Geiss has lived in Bend for 20 years and has a professional background in digital marketing and strategy. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Bend and has been involved in several youth-focused community initiatives. Geiss holds a degree in communication from San José State University.

Julie Lyche serves as the Executive Director of FAN and expressed support for the new addition. “We are thrilled to have Megan join our team. Her enthusiasm, local connections and heart for our work are a perfect fit for our Board of Directors,” Lyche said.

The Family Access Network began in 1993 and currently employs 28 advocates who work across 66 sites. These advocates are placed directly within schools in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. The organization aims to help families break the cycle of poverty by providing direct access to essential resources. Geiss is a mother to a son, Cooper, who is currently a senior at Mountain View High School. She stated she is honored to support the organization’s mission of ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

Geiss is a mother to a son, Cooper, who is currently a senior at Mountain View High School. She stated she is honored to support FAN’s mission of ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

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Tracee Tuesday

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert is continuing his series of community Town Halls, with upcoming stops in Redmond and Bend. The events give residents a chance to meet the Sheriff, share their concerns, and help guide the future of public safety in Deschutes County.

After visiting La Pine, Sunriver, Terrebonne, and Sisters, Rupert says these forums have already led to action. During last month’s meeting in Terrebonne, residents raised concerns about speeding and traffic congestion caused by Highway 97 construction. In response, deputies increased patrols in the area, and neighbors say they’ve noticed safer conditions near school bus stops.

“These Town Halls are a great way for us to hear directly from the community,” Sheriff Rupert said. “Your feedback helps us address concerns and improve how we deliver public safety.”

The Redmond Town Hall will take place Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Redmond VFW Hall Post 4108, 491 SW Veterans Way.The Bend Town Hall is set for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, also from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Bend VFW Hall Post 1643, 1503 NE 4th Street.

Rupert says his goal is to continue building trust and making sure local concerns guide law enforcement priorities across Deschutes County.

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