Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Starting this winter, health care providers from St. Charles will begin offering services to guests and employees of Mt. Bachelor at the clinic, located in the ski patrol building near the West Village area, the two organizations announced Wednesday.

Providers from St. Charles Urgent Care clinics will staff the St. Charles Mountain Clinic Fridays through Sundays and during holidays, they said in a joint news release. 

“We are very excited and also humbled to take on this responsibility for the community,” said Dr. Steve Gordon, president and CEO of St. Charles. “Our organization and Mt. Bachelor have a lot in common, in terms of our history and commitment to the Central Oregon community, and we are thrilled to be able to work more closely together through this new collaboration.” 

The St. Charles and Mt. Bachelor teams will work together over the next few months to determine what level of services will be provided, the levels of staffing and more before ski season opens – typically in late November. 

“At Mt. Bachelor, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees is critical,” said John Merriman, Mt. Bachelor President and General Manager. “Partnering with St. Charles – an organization deeply rooted in this community – allows us to expand on that commitment with expert medical support right here at the mountain. We’re incredibly proud to offer this new level of care as part of the Mt. Bachelor experience.”

About St. Charles Health SystemSt. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates hospital campuses in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond, along with primary and specialty care clinics throughout the Central Oregon region. St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 5,300 caregivers. We proudly partner with our local medical community to provide a wide variety of health services.

About Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor is the premier ski area in the Pacific Northwest, offering 4,323 acres of lift-accessible terrain with 360-degree descents from its 9,065’ volcanic peak. The mountain resort is served by two carpets and 12 lifts, including seven high-speed quads and one high-speed 6-pack. Mt. Bachelor also features 15 Woodward Mountain Parks, 56 km of groomed cross-country trails, snowshoeing, and sled dog rides. Summer attractions include downhill mountain biking, ZipTour ziplining, hiking, dining, camping, and tubing or whitewater rafting with Sun Country Tours. Mt. Bachelor is part of POWDR, a family-owned and operated Adventure Lifestyle Company©. For more information visit www.mtbachelor.com.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This month’s Small Business Spotlight is highlighting Big Ed’s Artisan Bread of Bend. Big Ed’s can be found in restaurants and retailers across Central Oregon–and has its own retail space at 601 NE 1st Street.

At Big Ed’s, it’s all things bread all the time.

“Loaves, English Muffins, buns, hoagies,” said Seth Chilcutt, the general manager at Big Ed’s. “We also offer a wide spread of baked goods at our retail store–like pies, brownies, bagels, and granola.”

Seth Chilcutt is the bread man at the store–but it’s a family-run business.

Seth Chilcutt of Big Ed’s Artisan Bread live on KTVZ News at Sunrise

“We’ve been very lucky to be around for over 12 years now. We really are a proud Central Oregon company, and we want to be involved in as many places as we can be,” Chilcutt said. “We’re really blessed to be in such a great community. If it wasn’t for our local businesses and our incredible staff, really, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. We have so many local businesses that love our product and really support us.”

You can find Big Ed’s in more than 150 spots across Central Oregon and beyond.

Loaves of Big Ed’s bread

“If you’ve eaten out in Central Oregon, you’ve very likely enjoyed our products,” Chilcutt said.

To learn more about Big Ed’s, click here.

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KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, Adding comments by Oregon Dept. of Forestry)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Millions of acres were burned across Oregon during the 2024 wildfire season. Six “mega-fires” (over 100,000 acres each) burned across Eastern Oregon, and the state spent nearly $350 million to put them out.

But this year, the season looks drastically different. It started much earlier, with the Roweena and Fairy fires sparking in early June.

“Even looking at July last year, we’re in a very different spot,” Oregon Department of Forestry Public Information Officer Jessica Neujahr told KTVZ News on Wednesday.

This year has technically been a much more active season, but last year’s season saw a significant difference in acreage on ODF-protected land.

“On ODF-protected land, we have had 578 fires that have burned 12,533 acres. And then, compared to last year, we had 494 fires,” Neujahr said. “So less fires in numbers, but the acres burned were 257,235 acres.”

That does not include the nearly 100,000-acre Cram Fire, earlier this month in Jefferson and Wasco counties.  

ODF says weather patterns have played a major factor

“We’re still seeing these weather patterns with the lightning and the heat and everything like that, but it’s a much more natural wave, I guess you can say,” Neujahr said. “So we have our peak, and then it goes down, and then it pops back up, and then it goes back down.”

August will remain a pivotal point of the wildfire season. The National Interagency Fire Center says August and September will see a significant wildfire risk in the Pacific Northwest.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nearly a dozen Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers came to the aid of two hikers experiencing medical issues Tuesday in the Chush Falls area south of Sisters.

Shortly after 11:15 a.m. today, the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District was dispatched to the area after receiving a report of the two hikers with medical issues, sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

Due to limited access and terrain, assistance was requested from the sheriff’s Office SAR unit. Eleven SAR volunteers responded to the scene.

Both hikers were located and evaluated on the trail, Carr said. One was able to hike out, while the second was taken to the trailhead on a wheeled litter, a specialized stretcher equipped with one large tire, designed for navigating rugged terrain.

This rescue was a successful multi-agency effort, Carr said, with support from:

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District (ambulance and duty officer)

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SAR volunteers

U.S. Forest Service (engine crew and duty officer)

“Both hikers are doing okay and refused transport to the hospital, once rescue crews reached the trailhead,” Carr said in a news release.

“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all partner agencies for their collaboration and continued commitment to public safety in Central Oregon’s backcountry,” the spokesman concluded

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — One of Bend’s favorite places to grab a taco and a margarita has just reopened its eastside location with a colorful new look, but the same beloved food. El Sancho Taco Shop’s return comes more than a year after a kitchen fire caused more than $250,000 in damage.

The location on DeKalb Avenue near Third Street has now returned. The new building features a bright and colorful new look.

While the interior may have changed, one of the co-owners, Jon Barvels, told KTVZ News all your classic favorite foods are still there.

“I think everyone’s just enjoying being back in the space, same with us,” he said. “I think the regulars and customers we had before knew the food that they were looking for, and the vibe they were looking for. When they came back in and felt everything was the same, everyone was pretty happy.”

While the fire was unfortunate, the owner says they were planning to do an update anyway. They also took the opportunity to buy some new kitchen equipment they’ve been wanting.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Temperatures are warm, but gas prices are relatively cool. Most states, including Oregon, are seeing fairly stable prices at the pumps.

Crude oil prices remaining below $70 per barrel have helped prevent major swings in gas prices this summer, according to AAA Oregon/Idaho’s weekly report, out Tuesday:

For the week, the national average for regular slips one cent to $3.14 a gallon. The Oregon average dips two cents to $3.97 a gallon, while Bend’s average is down about three cents, to $3.77 a gallon.

“It’s been a quiet summer at the pumps so far, and this trend should continue in the short term, as long as crude oil prices remain below $70 per barrel. Factors that could push pump prices higher include hurricanes that impact drilling and refining, geopolitical events, economic news, or a disruption in supplies,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $3.97. The highest price of the year so far is $4.076 on June 24 and 25. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.14. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week 14 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 18 counties a week ago:

Clackamas $4.03

Clatsop $4.14

Columbia $4.12

Curry $4.11

Grant $4.20

Harney $4.26

Josephine $4.05

Lake $4.23

Multnomah $4.11

Sherman $4.02

Tillamook $4.17

Wallowa $4.11

Washington $4.11

Yamhill $4.08

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 until June 1. 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.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in this country ticked down from 13.38 to 13.27 million barrels per day for the week ending July 18. The record high is 13.63 million barrels per day for the week of December 6.

Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October. 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.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) had been mostly in the mid-$60s to mid-$70s since last September. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, but then prices fell back into the $60s on the belief that the conflict would not have a major impact on global oil supplies.

Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trump’s tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production. The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August.

Crude oil is trading around $68 today compared to $66 a week ago and $76 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate 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, unrest in the Middle Eas,t including the recent strikes between Israel and Iran and the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the war 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. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, concerns remain that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region.

In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But now the cartel boosted production by 411,000 barrels in May and June, and July, and announced an increase for August of 548,000 barrels per day.

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 50% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 17% is refining, 17% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. increased from 8.49 million b/d to 8.97 for the week ending July 18, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 9.46 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply increased from 232.9 million barrels to 231.1. Gasoline production

increased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day, compared to 9.1 million barrels per day the previous week.

Pump prices will likely stay fairly steady if WTI crude oil prices remain below $70 per barrel and there are no supply disruptions.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 38 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a week ago. Indiana (-8 cents) has the biggest week-over-week decline in the nation. Ohio (+5 cents) has the largest week-over-week increase. Most states have small changes in pump prices this week with 47 states and the District of Columbia seeing their averages change by a nickel or less.

After 23 weeks, Hawaii ($4.48) bumps California ($4.47) as the state with the most expensive gas in the nation. Washington ($4.39) is the only other state with an average at or above $4 a gallon. This week 25 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 22 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.70) and Louisiana ($2.76). 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 $1.78 this week, same as a week ago.

Oregon is one of 45 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is five cents less and the Oregon average is eight cents less than a month ago. Indiana (-20 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop in the nation. Florida (+12 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase.

Oregon and Washington are the only two states with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is 37 cents less, while the Oregon average is four cents more and the Washington average is 14 cents more than a year ago. Illinois (-68 cents) has the largest yearly drop.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with six of the 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 7/29/2025

1
Hawaii
$4.48

2
California
$4.47

3
Washington
$4.39

4
Oregon
$3.97

5
Alaska
$3.74

6
Nevada
$3.70

7
Idaho
$3.48

8
Utah
$3.38

9
Illinois
$3.37

10
District of Columbia
$3.33

As mentioned above, after 23 weeks, Hawaii bumps California as the state with most expensive gas in the country. California slips to second with Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Nevada rounding out the top six. Arizona is 14th. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the 10th week in a row.

Like most other states, the states in the West Coast region have small week-over-week changes.

Nevada (-5 cents), Alaska (-2 cents), California (-2 cents), Oregon (-2 cents), Arizona (-1 cent), and Washington (-1/2 cent) have small week-over-week declines. Hawaii (+1/2 cent) is the only state in the region with a week-over-week increase.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast climbed from 88.0% to 90.4% to for the week ending July 18. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate rose from 93.9% to 95.5%.

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 increased from 31.17 million bbl. to 32.25 million bbl. 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 fell on Friday, closing at a three-week low, as markets digested some negative economic news out of the U.S. and China. Crude prices rebounded to start this week after the U.S. and European Union reached a trade agreement that helped ease concerns about tariffs. The U.S. and EU agreed to a 15% tariff on EU goods, down from the threatened 30% that President Trump had said would go into effect by August 1. Investors are also weighing the upcoming OPEC+ meeting on August 3, when the cartel will finalize production policies for the next few months. OPEC+ is expected to maintain its production policy with a 548,000 barrels per day increase still planned for August.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 3.2 million barrels from the previous week. At 419 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 9% below the five year average for this time of year.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI slipped 87 cents to settle at $65.16. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI jumped $1.55 to settle at $66.71. Today crude is trading around $68 compared to $66 a week ago. Crude prices are about $8 less than a year ago. ($75.81 on July 29, 2024)

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.n. The Oregon average dips two cents to $3.97 a gallon, while Bend’s average falls about three cents to

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — In a unified call to action, the Association of Oregon Counties, the League of Oregon Cities and Oregon AFSCME sent a joint letter to Governor Tina Kotek, Senate President Rob Wagner, and House Speaker Julie Fahey, urging both immediate and long-term action to stabilize statewide transportation funding.

The joint letter, sent last week, is in response to the proposed legislative transportation fix to be considered during the August 29 special legislative session.

Here’s the rest of the news release KTVZ News received Tuesday:

“Oregonians across the state rely on a safe, reliable transportation system to access critical services like schools, emergency services, healthcare, and jobs,” said AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “Without sustainable funding, local governments will be forced to cut services, defer maintenance, and compromise safety on Oregon’s roads.”

The letter underscores the shared responsibility between state and local governments for maintaining Oregon’s transportation infrastructure, and calls on lawmakers to protect the long-standing 50/30/20 State Highway Fund (SHF) distribution formula — which allocates transportation revenue between the state (50%), counties (30%), and cities (20%).

The state, counties and cities share responsibility for road maintenance and transportation support throughout the state. Local governments are responsible for the maintenance of over 44,000 miles of road.

Key concerns raised in the letter include:

Staffing Shortages: Counties alone have already lost over 700 operations and maintenance staff since 1990. More than 400 new county road workers are needed today to meet basic service levels.

Deteriorating County Infrastructure: Without intervention, over 4,500 miles of county roads will miss critical maintenance within five years, leading to exponentially more expensive reconstruction. Nearly 170 county bridges will go without critical maintenance work, and heavy vehicles will have to be turned away to avoid collapse and injury.

City Struggles: LOC estimates that 40% of city streets are already in poor or very poor condition. Most cities already face financial distress and lack the flexibility to address the shortfall.

Worker Impact: Oregon AFSCME represents roughly 60% of the state’s county and city employees, including 800 transportation workers whose positions are directly supported by gas tax revenue.

The organizations urge legislative leaders to take two actions:

Pass a short-term funding solution during the August special session that preserves the SHF distribution and prevents further harm to local transportation services.

Commit to a bipartisan, transparent and inclusive process leading to a long-term, comprehensive statewide transportation package in the 2027 session that stabilizes and modernizes core transportation funding for the long term safety of average commuters and the workers who support them, rain or shine, throughout the year.

“We’re ready to be at the table for the tough conversations ahead,” said Joe Baessler, Executive Director of Oregon AFSCME. “Adequate investments must be made to ensure Oregonians have safe and reliable access,” continued Baessler.

“AOC appreciates that the legislature is taking near-term action this summer to avert transportation service cuts,” said AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel, “and counties are committed to working with our partners to pass a long-term, comprehensive package in 2027 that addresses the structural inadequacies in the State Highway Fund and allows local governments to fund the operations, maintenance, and preservation activities necessary to keep Oregonians safe on our shared system into the future.”

“For my community, the impact on local emergency response must be resolved ASAP! ODOT is the lead agency that facilitates evacuations, and we have over two more months of wildfire season left. They also play a critical role in keeping the state highways open during the winter season. Without funding for ODOT and our own city, our community is at risk of losing access to essential goods and services. The proposal from Governor Kotek presents a short-term benefit, but we must keep our focus on a long-term funding solution to reinvest in communities across Oregon.” -Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz

The full letter is below.

Oregon AFSCME is the fastest-growing union in our state, representing more than 40,000 workers, spread across worksites in every corner of Oregon. AFSCME members work at OHSU, cities and counties, for the State of Oregon, in behavioral health, and other sectors. AFSCME members work for the public good of our state and fight for economic and social justice for our members, their families, and all Oregon workers.

AOC LOC AFSCME Support for Transportation Special Session 7.23.25Download

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Storms rumbling through Central Oregon Monday brought hundreds of lightning strikes that have ignited more than a dozen fires so far – most stopped by crews at a very small size, but two that were still being fought Tuesday.

Officials said Tuesday, “Interagency resources responded to a number of smoke reports throughout the afternoon and into the evening, which resulted in 14 confirmed fires. Twelve of these fires, which cumulatively burned approximately eight acres, have been contained.

Firefighters continue work to suppress the Boulder Fire, two miles north of Juniper Butte east of Prineville, and the Kiwa Fire, three miles east of Katalo Butte and west of Bend. 

Today, firefighters are prepared to respond to holdover fires that may have resulted from yesterday’s lightning and any new starts that may result from incoming lightning this afternoon.

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: Bend Fire & Rescue update on cause, losses)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The fire that destroyed a garage/shop in Woodside Ranch south of Bend Monday evening appears to have been accidental in nature, but the damage was too extensive to find a specific cause, a fire official said Wednesday.

Here’s Wednesday morning’s update from Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki:

“Updated information – The fire appears to be accidental in nature, but the exact cause of the fire was not able to be determined due to the extent of damage.

“The 3,000-square-foot, two-story shop was still under construction. Its walls were made of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) that were filled with concrete and the roof had been installed. The building is valued at $300,000, with the building being a complete loss. The owner is working with his insurance company on the next steps.” 

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) July 28 – First responders are on the scene of a large structure fire on Ridgeview Drive Monday evening. Multiple fire units were dispatched, and crews are actively working to contain the blaze.

Update – Bend Fire & Rescue:

Bend Fire and Rescue responded to a reported structure fire on Ridgeview Drive East in the Woodside Ranch neighborhood at 6:28 pm Monday evening. Fire crews found a large garage/shop on the back of the property fully involved.

The owners and neighbors had hoses, including a water truck from a local contractor, spraying water on the fire to keep it from spreading. The fire was difficult to extinguish due to the size and access to the building. Crews had the fire under control after about an hour.

The fire threatened the detached garage on the same property but was kept from burning. The house sustained minor damage from the heat as well as several trees were burned. The garage/shop building was under construction at the time of the fire.

The cause is still under investigation at the time of this release. The extent of the damage and value lost will be determined after further investigation. The building was not occupied at the time of the fire.

As we are in fire season, defensible space is key to helping protect your home from wildfire. But its also important for all types of fires. The detached garage that was spared had pine needles in the gutters that had started to ignite as crews arrived. They were extinguished before they could do any damage.

Keeping gutters cleared, as part of creating good defensible space around all your buildings and vehicles on your property, will help protect your home from not only wildfires.

More information on defensible space can be found at www.bendoregon.gov/own-your-zone

Video captured by KTVZ News shows firefighters rushing toward the burning structure as smoke billows into the sky. At this hour, the full extent of the damage and any possible injuries remain unknown.

Authorities have not yet released details on the cause of the fire or whether the structure was occupied at the time.

This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from commissioners, new interim sheriff, KTVZ.COM Poll)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County has a new sheriff. Deschutes County commissioners on Tuesday morning chose – on a split vote – Sheriff’s Office Detective and Special Services Commander Ty Rupert to serve as interim sheriff through next year’s election, after Thursday’s planned retirement of embattled Sheriff Kent van der Kamp. 

Later, Rupert told KTVZ News, “It’s a big day for our office. Big day for our community. It’s a big day for me.”

Commission Chairman Tony DeBone and colleagues Patti Adair and Phil Chang all praised the quality and experience of the five applicants to serve in the position. But Chang abstained when it came time for a vote to appoint Rupert to serve as sheriff for up to 18 months, until a new sheriff is elected by voters next year.

“I’m not opposed to putting Captain Rupert into this role,” Chang said, but he noted that in a poll of the Deschutes County Sheriff Employees’ Association members, DCSO Detective Lt. James McLaughlin “ranked a little bit higher” than Rupert. 

While acknowledging that the association ranking is “not the only factor we should be considering,” Chang said, “If our priority is to give the sheriff’s office employees a leader they can get behind, I think they have spoken. I’m not quite ready to vote for that motion yet.” 

Chang later told KTVZ News, “We are all hopeful that Interim Sheriff Rupert is going to help us turn the page on some of the problems that emerged when Sheriff Van der Kamp became sheriff. “

DeBone praised the decision: “Pride, history in the organization – he’s from Deschutes County proper. He’s worked up through the ranks, and is just so proud to be able to serve the people of Deschutes County.”

Rupert has been with the office since 2005 and currently leads the sheriff’s investigative units.

He says his term will be focused on the team, creating a more positive culture and gaining the trust of the community.

“We’re here to serve them. And I think that’s been lost over the years. It’s important that we get back to the citizens and talk to them,” Rupert said.

The selection ends a months-long saga, after van der Kamp allegedly lied on his resume and on the witness stand about his past education.

District Attorney Steve Gunnels earlier this year placed Van der Kamp on the Brady list, barring him from testifying at trials. Van der Kamp is currently at risk of losing his credentials as an officer in the state permanently, though he is challenging the action. 

Rupert told us, “We’ve been through a lot. I don’t want to talk about the past. We can’t change it. But the future – we have the opportunity to change the direction in the future and move forward.”

DeBone said Rupert’s swearing-in ceremony is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday at Courtroom C, although Adair said she could not attend due to a funeral for an uncle, while Chang said he also would not attend due to a meeting related to his role on the state Transportation Commission. 

Commissioners held no public or group interviews with the applicants, deciding to meet with them privately and individually before making their choice.

The other three applicants were Undersheriff Aaron Wells, former DCSO Captain Deron McMaster, and COCC Director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Cory Darling.

Speaking to the turmoil of recent years, Chang said, “It will be really important for the interim sheriff to assure employees are not punished for throwing their hat in the ring and say they want to run ( for sheriff), and important for the interim sheriff not to use the office to promote their choice for sheriff. I hope all the candidates keep those things in mind.”

Adair supported DeBone’s choice of Rupert, saying, “I think it’s important to have someone steady at this point.”

All spoke highly of all five applicants and said it’s important for all to work together to move the department forward.

“We have great teams, amazing people,” Adair told the sheriff’s office employees in the audience. “Keep doing what you’re doing.”

Chang also praised all the candidates, saying, “I’ve learned how much valuable experience, background and insights they all have on the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and where it can go.” And he said of the pick, “I know Captain Rupert is really good at listening to people.”

Here is Rupert’s letter of interest to the county for the role:

rupert_letter_of_interestDownload

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