Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters responded to 39 new wildfire starts around Central Oregon over the weekend, burning a total of nine acres, officials said Monday. Most of the fires were kept small, at about one-tenth of an acre in size, and have been contained or controlled.

“This was the result of the quick response of initial attack resources, both on the ground and from the air. Air resources consist of not only aircraft but also smokejumpers and rappelers,” Monday’s Central Oregon fire update said.

The storms that occurred in the last few days brought light rain to the area on Friday and Saturday, with widely scattered showers and hail on Sunday. These storms also resulted in widespread lightning.

Firefighters will continue to work on suppressing the remaining fires, including the Stevens Fire, which is burning about 6 miles northeast of Sisters. It’s estimated at 7.6 acres and is 80% contained.

“Today, firefighters are prepared and well-staffed to respond to any new starts and any holdover fires from earlier in the week,” the update said.

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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Barney Lerten

(Update: Hannes appears in court, new hearing set)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Bend man facing numerous child sexual exploitation and drug charges after a 2024 raid on his home fled to Florida, then to Thailand before his trial. The FBI located him, and he has been extradited to Deschutes County, where he’s being held on $1.5 million bail.

Simon Hannes appeared in court on Wednesday for a hearing to set a new trial date, but that decision was delayed after he waived his right to a speedy trial. Deschutes County Circuit Judge set a new hearing date for Sept. 3. Hannes’ lawyer told Hannes that a settlement conference will be scheduled as well.

Here’s the initial news release issued August 4 by Deschutes County sheriff’s Sergeant Thomas Lillenthal, who works in digital forensics with the agency’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit:

Arrestee: Simon Lesley Hannes, 37-year-old Male

Charges:

2x Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct ORS 163.670

10x Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree ORS 163.684

1x Luring a Minor ORS 167.057

12x Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the Second Degree ORS 163.686

1x Failure to Appear ORS 162.205

1x Unlawful Manufacturing of a Schedule I Controlled Substance ORS 475.752(1)(a)

1x Unlawful Possession of Psilocybin ORS 475.752(7)(a)(B)

In February 2024, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received an ICAC Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The Cybertip detailed an unknown user who shared imagery of Child Sexual Abuse Material on the chat application Discord within Deschutes County. ICAC Detectives began investigating this Cybertip and determined that the person operating the account was Simon Lesley Hannes of Bend.

On March 7th, 2024, Hannes was contacted, and a search warrant was conducted to seize digital devices from Hannes and his residence. During the execution of this search warrant, it was discovered that Hannes was actively growing a substantial quantity of dried and actively growing psilocybin mushrooms in his residence, along with multiple firearms. ICAC Detectives were assisted by the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) teams in the proper seizure of these items.

Hannes was placed under arrest for one count each of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First and Second Degree, Unlawful Manufacturing of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and Unlawful Possession of Psilocybin and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

In the following weeks, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Lab (DFL) analyzed devices seized from Hannes. Digital Forensics Detectives discovered that Hannes had communicated sexually with a juvenile female and also obtained sexual images of this juvenile female for purposes of sexual gratification, as well as several multimedia items on his devices that depicted the sexual abuse of children on the devices, and were shared in conversations discussing the sexual abuse of children. After a grand jury indictment, Hannes was placed back under arrest on March 20th, 2024, for the rest of the above-listed child sex crimes and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

While awaiting the trial date for this case, ICAC Detectives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned that Simon Hannes was currently in Florida. Hannes’s pretrial release conditions explicitly stated that he was not to leave Oregon. Hannes failed to appear for his April 2025 trial dates for his original arrests, as detectives were investigating the reasons he was in Florida. They refocused their investigation into locating Hannes, determining that he had fled the country and was now in Thailand.

In May of 2025, ICAC detectives isolated Hannes’s location in Thailand and coordinated with the FBI and law enforcement authorities in Thailand to take Hannes into custody. Hannes was held in custody in Thailand until extradited to the United States by the US Marshals Service. On July 25th, 2025, Hannes was transported back into custody at the Deschutes County Adult Jail.

On July 28th, 2025, Hannes went before the court in Deschutes County and was given a $1.15-million-dollar pretrial bail, partly due to fleeing the country.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the FBI for their continuing partnership in our fight to protect children in Deschutes County, the Thailand Law Enforcement for their cooperation and swift apprehension of Hannes, and the US Marshals Service for their assistance in extraditing Hannes to the United States.

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Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The final day of the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo was capped off by the Buckaroo Breakfast. After another memorable year, people celebrated the best way this community knows how — with good food, great company, and small-town tradition.

The Buckaroo Breakfast is a nearly 80-year old tradition in Redmond. It’s an early morning meal served by volunteers — complete with pancakes, coffee, and bacon — cooked outdoors in casket-iron skillets over open flames.

Nita Borzath and Sara Vollmer are twin sisters. They organized this year’s breakfast, but it’s not their first rodeo — they have been involved in this event since birth.

“It’s based on tradition. We’ve done this since we were born,” shared Borzath.

“I believe three generations, maybe four generations of our family and many of the other volunteers here, generation after generation,” said Vollmer.

The food is hot, the music is live, and the atmosphere is filled with laughter, old friends, and fresh memories. Borzath and Vollmer say they couldn’t do it without the support of volunteers.

“We had the helpers that start our fires at midnight… So by the time we woke up, about 3:30, everything was ready to cook, the stoves were hot,” said Bozarth.

“Everyone is equally valuable. Equally important. It seems like it just happens — people are amazing,” said Vollmer.

The breakfast draws people of all ages — families, first-time visitors, and longtime locals. Many were enthusiastic and eager to share their own favorite part…

“It’s really fun. A lot of people get to meet a lot of people and have a lot of fun,” said Ayda Tompkins of Redmond.

For 4-H kids, it’s a chance to relax and celebrate after a busy week showing animals.

Kane Robinson of Bend looks forward to the breakfast as a pick-me-up. “The breakfast is amazing. So that’s a good thing about after the auction. You might be a little sad, but it was good to have some pancakes after,” said Robinson.

Colton Spalding of La Pine had his first year in 4-H with Kids and Kids. Spalding told KTVZ about his goats, and his favorite part of the breakfast festivity.

“I’m raising a dairy goat and a market goat. My favorite part is probably just having fun with my friends over there and just talking and having fun,” said Spalding.

The breakfast also includes local, family-owned businesses, like R&M Firewood, who help keep the fires hot and the food cooking. 

Jeremiah Harris of Redmond assisted in his family business by keeping the wood stocked.

“I am here with my family for the Buckaroo Breakfast. It’s fun. Maybe next year everyone watching should come and try it out,” said Harris.

For others, it’s more than just a meal. It’s a reunion.

Tim Satterfield is a Redmond High Alum who loves attending the breakfast each year to catch up with old friends.

“We have a class reunion — ’65 — and we were supposed to come out to eat together. It’s a good place to meet people you haven’t seen all year,” said Satterfield.

With fun and full bellies had by all, the longstanding tradition was clearly a success.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — Thunder, lightning, and bursts of heavy rain rolled across Central Oregon on Saturday evening, bringing dramatic skies—and power disruptions—to several neighborhoods in Bend.  The fast-moving storms began around sunset and continued on and off into the night, prompting weather alerts and keeping first responders and utility crews busy.  In Southwest Bend, over 390 customers were left without power due to the extreme weather.  

Pacific Power crews are working to restore electricity and estimate full service will return by midnight.  Meanwhile, a separate outage is affecting around 90 customers near NE 18th Street and Cooley Road. Pacific Power says electricity for those residents is expected to be restored between now and 10:30 p.m.  No major damage or injuries have been reported as of yet, but authorities urge residents to stay indoors during periods of lightning and be prepared for potential additional outages as storms continue to move through the region.  Stay with us for updates as conditions evolve. 

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Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — While Central Oregon fairgoers are focused on having fun at the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo, local law enforcement is working behind the scenes to make sure everyone stays safe.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has deputies on patrol for assistance and safety, but they also have a booth to meet with community members. 

Sgt. David Turkington, a patrol sergeant with DCSO, spoke with KTVZ at the fairgrounds about their ‘official’ roles, and more. 

“We mainly try to be a presence for people for answering questions or just responding to any kind of incident. Just making sure people are having a good time with safety in mind,” said Turkington. 

From keeping an eye out for suspicious activity to helping people find their lost items, deputies say they’re not just here for safety — they’re also here to connect with the community.

“We love connecting with the community, especially at the fair here. Most people come here looking for a good, fun day. It’s easy to jump on that wagon and either give out stickers, high fives, answer questions, or take photos. We love interacting with them all the time out here,” said Turkington. 

DCSO wants their presence to be visible, approachable, and ready to act if something goes wrong.

“The number one thing that we’re looking for is making sure that people are staying happy and safe — and that would look like making sure that they know where they’re going, answering questions about where things are. Or if somebody is looking like they could use some hydration or first aid, we’re there for that,” Turkington said. 

Turkington says the fair gives the sheriff’s office a chance to build relationships and help answer questions people may have, either for or about law enforcement.

“People ask a question like, ‘hey, I had this question about something going on with my neighbor’. So it’s a good time just to get ahead of things that we may encounter later out in the community. But we get started here,” said Turkington.

When it comes to operations, preparation for the fair takes plenty of planning and communication. DCSO works with Redmond Police and Fire as well as an independent security company to help keep all things covered, and safe. 

“I have a couple different radios that we talk on all the time. And just make sure that when there’s something going on, whether it’s our call or their call, we all know about it. And we try to coordinate to provide the best service possible. Everyone’s out here to help, and we’re all a big team to make that make that happen,” said Turkington. 

So while you’re enjoying concerts, rides, and great food, know that the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is there to make sure that your experience is both a fun and safe one.

And if you need anything — “just flag somebody down and we’ll get you help,” said Turkington. 

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KTVZ

(Update: fire is now 100% contained)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Crews are responding to the Stevens Fire, burning about 6 miles northeast of Sisters. Watch Duty reports the size is approximately 7 acres.

Interagency resources, including engines, are on scene, and a helicopter is available for bucket drops. An initial attack crew has also been requested to support suppression efforts, according to CentralORFire on X.

This comes after crews responded to smoke reports following Friday’s lightning.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 24-year-old Bend man suspected of stealing a car and wanted on two probation violation warrants was arrested Friday evening after a manhunt while riding a bike in southeast Bend, police said. 

Shortly before 11 a.m., officers responded to a report of a stolen 1996 Toyota Tercel in the 100 block of SE Third Street. At that time, officers identified the car theft suspect as Carlos Miguel Harpole, a 24-year-old Bend resident, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

Harpole also had two warrants for his arrest for probation violations, Miller added.  

Shortly after 3 p.m., a caller reported a possible domestic abuse incident involving two people in the 20400 block of Murphy Road. When officers arrived, they found the stolen car, unoccupied, and began searching for Harpole.

“There was a large police presence in the area as officers created a perimeter to search for Harpole, who was seen jumping fences and running away from the scene,” Miller said.

Around 5:23 p.m., a Bend Police officer found Harpole riding a bike near SE Wye Lane and Fifth Street. Miller said he did not initially stop for officers, but ultimately was taken into custody without incident in the 400 block of SE Railroad Street.  

Harpole was arrested on suspicion of the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and the two in-state warrants and was transported to the Deschutes County Jail.  

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Barney Lerten

AG Dan Rayfield: ‘If someone tells you to buy gold to keep your money safe, it’s a scam—full stop.’

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Justice is issuing an urgent warning to Oregonians as reports of a sophisticated “gold bar scam” continue to climb in the Pacific Northwest. In the latest case, an Oregon woman was defrauded out of tens of thousands of dollars after scammers convinced her that her bank accounts were compromised and her money would only be safe if converted into gold.

This comes just weeks after another victim lost $600,000 in a nearly identical scheme in Eastern Oregon, while another person in the same county lost $60,000 involving silver bars—just two of countless cases under investigation across the country.

In almost all of these cases, the scammers impersonate financial institutions or government agencies, creating a sense of urgency and fear. Victims were told their money was at risk of being frozen or stolen, and that purchasing gold was the only way to protect their savings. Once the gold was handed over to a so-called “courier” for safekeeping, the scammers vanished.

“These scams are cruel, calculated, and financially devastating,” said Attorney General Dan Rayfield. “If someone tells you to buy gold to keep your money safe, it’s a scam — full stop. No government agency, no bank, no tech support line will ever ask you to liquidate your assets into gold or cash and hand it over to a stranger. Hang up and report it to law enforcement.”

How the Gold Bar Scam Works

Federal and state law enforcement agencies have documented a clear pattern in these schemes:

Initial Contact – Scammers reach out by phone, email, or text, often posing as a government agency, financial institution, or tech company.

False Emergency – They claim your financial accounts are compromised, frozen, or under investigation.

Asset Conversion – You are told to withdraw your money and convert it to gold or other valuables for “protection.”

Courier Collection – A courier arrives to pick up the gold, promising it will be stored safely.

Disappearance – Once the gold is handed over, it—and the scammers—are gone.

No legitimate government agency or bank will ever:

Ask you to buy gold or convert assets to protect them.

Send a courier to your home to collect valuables.

Pressure you to make urgent financial decisions on the spot.

To protect yourself and others:

Hang up immediately if you receive suspicious calls about your finances.

Call local law enforcement

Never share personal or financial information with strangers.

Report suspected scams to the ODOJ Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or file a complaint at OregonConsumer.gov.

File reports with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon residents now have access to a growing network of mattress recycling options that include free drop-off for residents at two sites in the region, as the Mattress Recycling Council’s statewide Bye Bye Mattress program expands to serve more Oregon communities.

These new options for recycling mattresses and box springs for free and keeping them out of landfills are the result of a new Oregon state law and efforts by the bedding industry and local governments, solid waste facilities, nonprofits and businesses.

Deschutes Recycling Center in Bend and Box Canyon Transfer Station in Madras are among the region’s first locations to participate in the program. Details regarding all available locations and hours of operation are available on ByeByeMattress.com.

The state law that took effect this year called for the bedding industry to create and administer the program. It’s similar to product stewardship programs for paint (PaintCare), electronics (E-Cycles) and beverage containers (Bottle Bill) that have reduced waste and encouraged reuse in Oregon for years; and replicates the success of MRC’s programs operating in other states.

More locations throughout the state are joining the network each month. This growing network brings big benefits to residents and the environment: 

Recycling is free at participating locations. 

Less illegal dumping in local streets, parks and riverbeds.

Fewer mattresses taking up space in landfills.

“We’re grateful to local governments and businesses that are helping us bring this important program to Oregon and make recycling old mattresses and box springs easier for residents,” said Mike O’Donnell, MRC’s Chief Operating Officer. 

In addition to drop-off options, some mattress retailers will accept old ones for recycling through MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program. Residents who are having a new mattress delivered should ask their retailer about taking back their old one.

Recycled mattress components can be used instead of virgin materials to make new products, which conserves water and energy.

A mattress recycled through MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress program is separated into steel, foam, fibers and wood that are incorporated into new steel products, carpet padding, insulation, biomass fuel and other products.

Oregon’s Mattress Stewardship Act, enacted in 2022, established the program. It began on Jan. 1, 2025, and is funded through a $22.50 fee that is collected when a mattress or box spring is purchased in Oregon. The fee is used to establish free drop-off locations and collection events throughout the state, transport collected units to recyclers that dismantle the discarded products and prepare the materials for use in other products. 

Oregon’s mattress recycling law is similar to those in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island, where MRC also administers programs. Since launching the first statewide program in 2015, MRC’s programs have recycled more than 15 million mattresses, saved 14.9 million cubic yards of landfill space and diverted 575 million pounds of material from landfills.

To learn how to recycle your mattress, find a collection location or attend an event near you, visit ByeByeMattress.com.

Note: It’s important for mattresses to be dry. This helps recyclers do their work and helps ensure your mattress can be recycled.

Bye Bye Mattress collection sites and events in key areas around the state are now accepting mattresses and box springs from the public for free. Central Oregon locations include:

Deschutes County (Bend)

Deschutes Recycling Center/Republic Services, 61050 Southeast 27th St., Daily, 7 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. 

Jefferson County (Madras)

Box Canyon Transfer Station, 1760 Southeast McTaggart Rd., Madras, Fri. to Mon., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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About the Mattress Recycling Council

The Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) is a nonprofit organization that operates recycling programs in states that have passed mattress recycling laws: Oregon, California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. MRC was founded by the bedding industry and recycles nearly 2 million mattresses each year. More information at MattressRecyclingCouncil.org. To learn how to recycle your mattress or to find a collection location or event near you, visit ByeByeMattress.com.

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Barney Lerten

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Museum at Warm Springs kicked off its annual Membership Drive on Friday, running through the end of August.

Several Oregon collaborators are helping spread the word about the Membership Drive, including Central Oregon LandWatch, Jefferson County Arts Association and Art Adventure Gallery, Jefferson County Historical Society, KWSO 91.9 FM Warm Springs Radio, Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Old Mill District, Redmond Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor Bureau, The Environmental Center and Visit Central Oregon.

Annual memberships start at $25 and are tax deductible as allowable by law. All Members receive free admission for one year, 10% discount in The Museum’s Gift Shop, special invitations to exhibits and programs, and access to Oregon Historical Society’s Reciprocal Membership Program with free admission to a different Oregon museum each month. Be a part of a community of supporters and become a Museum at Warm Springs Member by visiting https://museumatwarmsprings.org/. Click “Join” to see Membership levels and online payment information or send a check to: The Museum at Warm Springs, P.O. Box 909, Warm Springs, OR 97761 (Attn: Membership).

Currently on View at The Museum

“Saddle Up: Ranchers and Rodeo Life of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs,” is on view through Saturday, Sept. 27. The exhibition highlights the history and experiences of Warm Springs ranch families and rodeo culture. It illustrates through historic documents, art, objects, family interviews and photographs, the experiences of Warm Springs ranchers along with the economic and cultural transition from a way of life based on hunting, fishing, gathering of food on the land and trade to one based on cash. In April, The Museum was awarded $7,500 from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation for development of a digital version of “Saddle Up” to be showcased at https://oregoncapitol.com/ and for a physical exhibit to be on display at the Oregon State Capitol (dates TBA). Funding also went toward a video currently in production under the direction of filmmaker, director, cinematographer and storyteller LaRonn Katchia (Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute).

Get Monthly News from The Museum at Warm Springs!

To receive The Museum’s monthly e-newsletters and updates, send an email request to: museumatwarmspringsnews@gmail.com.

About The Museum at Warm Springs

The Museum at Warm Springs opened its doors to the public on March 14, 1993. Built to Smithsonian Institution professional standards, The Museum’s mission is to preserve, advance and share the traditions, cultural and artistic heritage of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. Regular Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: Museum Members (free), Adults ($7), Senior Citizens over 60 ($6), Students 13-18 with student body card ($4.50), Children 5-12 ($3.50) and Children 4 and younger (free). The Museum welcomes donations any time of the year. Please consider a matching gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust. Your gift to the Trust (up to $500 for individuals, $1,000 for couples filing jointly, and $2,500 for class-C corporations) is a tax credit, a dollar-for-dollar reduction for any Oregon taxes you owe. The Oregon Cultural Trust is a generous supporter of our Museum. The Museum at Warm Springs is located at 2189 Highway 26 in Warm Springs. Phone: (541) 553-3331. For more information, visit https://www.museumatwarmsprings.org/.

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