Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday appointed seven community members to serve on the county’s District Mapping Advisory Committee. The committee will draft a commissioner district map, which will first be considered by the Board before being put to Deschutes County voters as a ballot measure in 2026.

Commissioner Chair Tony DeBone appointed two committee members: Bernie Brader and Ned Dempsey. Brader, an Air Force veteran, has lived in La Pine for more than 20 years. In his career, he has worked in industrial water treatment and, outside of work, he serves on the La Pine Frontier Days board, participates in the Ponderosa Mountain Men and is president of the La Pine RC Fliers. Dempsey, a resident of Bend since 1973 and a licensed professional engineer, founded Century West Engineering Corporation, which is based in Deschutes County. He serves on several boards and committees, including the Deschutes County Solid Waste Committee, the Oregon Sustainability Board, and the High Desert Museum Board of Directors.

Commissioner Patti Adair appointed two committee members: Matt Cyrus and Phil Henderson. Cyrus, a sixth-generation Oregon farmer, resides in the community of Cloverdale. He is president of the Deschutes County Farm Bureau and chairman of the Deschutes County Planning Commission. Henderson grew up in Hood River working in his family’s fruit orchards. He has lived in Bend since 1989, where he has worked as a private attorney, general contractor, and served as a Deschutes County Commissioner from 2017 to 2020.

Commissioner Phil Chang appointed three committee members: Andrew Kaza, Carol Loesche, and Melanie Kebler. Kaza, a resident of Redmond, has owned and operated the Sisters Movie House and Cafe since 2016. He serves as co-chair of the Independent Party of Oregon. Loesche has lived in Bend for eight years, works part-time, and enjoys volunteering in the community. She is a longtime member of the League of Women Voters and previously served as president of the Deschutes County League. Kebler, who grew up in Bend, has spent her career working as an attorney working for the public. She currently serves as the mayor of Bend, with her term ending in 2026.

Last November, voters approved Ballot Measure 9-173, which expands the Board of County Commissioners from three to five members, with two new commissioners to be elected at-large in 2026. In response, the BOCC agreed to appoint a citizen advisory committee to draft a district map representing each commissioner position, moving away from five at-large positions. If the BOCC—and ultimately the voters—approve the DMAC’s recommended map, the new districts would be in place for each election of commissioners, beginning in 2028.

Following their confirmation of the DMAC appointees on Wednesday, the BOCC reviewed and provided recommendations to the committee’s guidelines. The DMAC will hold an orientation meeting in August and will meet weekly from early September to mid-November as necessary. Facilitated by Neil Bryant and supported by a county project management team, the committee will draft district map following specific criteria.  

DMAC meetings will be open to the public, and community members are encouraged to participate in person or virtually, providing input during designated public comment periods. The meeting locations, agendas and virtual login information will be available online at deschutes.org/meetings.  

A District Mapping Advisory Committee website is currently being developed and will be available soon at deschutes.org.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gunshots fired Tuesday night in an area of homeless camps in east Redmond led to a man’s arrest on several charges, police confirmed Thursday.

KTVZ News asked city and Deschutes County law enforcement for information based on a viewer’s tip about a large police presence and shots fired in the area shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Redmond Police Captain Jesse Petersen provided this information to us:

On July 22, Redmond Police officers responded to vacant land north of SE Ochoco Way & Highway 126 for a civil dispute over property. 

“During the investigation, officers heard gunshots in the area and bullets were ricocheting in their vicinity,” Petersen said.

“RPD officers, along with assistance from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, contacted two males near a trailer,” he said. “A 39-year-old male was arrested for shooting a handgun in the direction of a motorcycle that had driven by the trailer.” 

Petersen said the man was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on charges of menacing, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of reckless endangering.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video)

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – La Pine resident Katherine Rozelle just wants to bring her daughter’s pony home.

The pony, Sam, is a Welsh-Arabian mare with black-and-pink mottled skin that’s especially visible during the summer.

Rozelle told the Problem Solvers she leased out the pony, Sam, several times after her daughter outgrew riding her. Leasing seemed like a way to keep Sam active and cared for. She never imagined it would lead to the pony disappearing.

“This is why people don’t lease out their horses. It’s because of horror stories like this,” Rozelle said.

Here’s the details – and you can watch our Problem Solvers report Thursday night on KTVZ News at 6:00 p.m.

In November 2022, Rozelle made a verbal agreement to lease Sam to a man named Phillip Metcalf, who was living on his aunt’s property in Redmond at the time.

“I reached out to the phone number I had for him,” Rozelle recalled. “Someone answered and said, ‘This isn’t his number any more, but I get a lot of messages looking for him.’”

Rozelle filed a report with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and hired a private investigator to help with the search.

“The second I typed Phillip Metcalf’s name into Google, all these articles started coming up,” said investigator Kurt Van Meter.

Van Meter believes this may be part of a larger pattern.

One Facebook post from 2020 warns a horse group not to buy or sell to Metcalf.

A user writes, “This man buys horses under one name and sells them under another. He is basically a well-known criminal in Central Oregon.”

Private investigator Kurt Van Meter says Metcalf’s pattern is to lease horses from owners, host an auction, and then sell those horses without returning them.

Equine attorney Catherine Hall says verbal agreements are common, but risky.

“A lot of horse people tend to be very trusting of their fellow horse person,” said Hall. “The perception tends to be that by making somebody write it down, that somehow that automatically means that they don’t trust them.”

She says these types of cases are treated as civil disputes, not criminal theft, unless there’s proof the horse was taken intentionally.

Hall encourages horse owners to document every agreement, and to use services like NetPosse to track missing animals.

“Once it leaves your property, there’s no guarantee you’ll see it again,” Hall said.

Both Van Meter and the Problem Solvers have attempted to contact Metcalf, but haven’t heard back.

“It’s important to note that whoever has the horse isn’t in trouble,” Van Meter added.

Rozelle continues to hold out hope for Sam’s return.

If you have any information about Sam’s whereabouts, please contact the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. You can also reach out to the family’s private investigator at KurtVanMeter@yahoo.com.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — For the second time in recent weeks, a brush fire broke out near a transient camp on BLM land off Darlene Way and Rosland Road in La Pine, and Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies are looking for a person of interest.

The Jolene Fire started around 2:40 p.m. Wednesday and was quickly contained, thanks to the rapid response of Lt. Josh Spano, DCSO deputies, the La Pine Rural Fire District, and fire crews from the U.S. Forest Service, sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Jason Carr said Thursday.

No structures or vehicles were damaged.

Carr said investigators believe the fire was human-caused, and the sheriff’s office is seeking a person of interest.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area is asked to call the non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911.

News release:

City of La Pine Recognizes Agency Partners in Response to Wildfire

La Pine, OR, July 24, 2025: At approximately 2:30 p.m. July, 23rrd, 2025, the Jolene Fire broke out on BLM land adjacent to the City of La Pine. Due to the quick response of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the blaze was contained and then mitigated by assistance from La Pine Rural Fire Protection District, and wildland firefighting dispatch from the United States Forest Service.

Led by Lieutenant Joshua Spano, DCSO deputies Jon Ebner, Evan Kennedy, and Trey Plamondon were able to use fire extinguishers and shovels to cut lines and establish suppression until firefighting units were on scene. This one-acre incident was reduced from growing into a larger event due to the immediate actions of Lieutenant Spano and his team.

This is the fourth such incident to take place on BLM land during the 2025 summer season adjacent to the City of La Pine, and the City Council of La Pine has requested as of May 28, 2025, increased resources and advocacy from the Prineville District BLM office in matters pertaining to wildfires on BLM property.

The City of La Pine would like to commend the DCSO and responding agency partners for their commitment to public safety and the citizens of the La Pine area.

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, details on retirement)

Deschutes County commissioners plan to choose an interim sheriff next Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The board of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training voted Wednesday to accept a committee recommendation and revoke Sheriff Kent van der Kamp’s police certification permanently. But it won’t happen before his planned retirement next week, because he is contesting the decision, prompting a long appeal process.

Despite the decision, van der Kamp also could receive more than $50,000 a year in retirement benefits, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

The state’s public employees’ retirement system says van der Kamp’s pension will not be affected if his certification is revoked.

Van der Kamp was one of six officers around Oregon whose certification revocations were approved at the meeting – without discussion, as one consent agenda roll-call vote – two months after the recommendation by the department’s Police Policy Committee. But he’s one of few sheriffs to ever have that happen.

Despite the vote, van der Kamp will still have his certification after he retires next week. DPSST Communications Coordinator Sam Tenney tells KTVZ News that a “Notice of Intent to Revoke was issued for Sheriff van der Kamp’s certifications following the May 22 Police Policy Committee meeting. The notice of proposed revocation was issued on June 11, and Sheriff van der Kamp’s representative responded on June 27 to request a contested case hearing.”

The now-contested case will last past van der Kamp’s final date in office. He had announced earlier that he will retire as of July 31 and leave law enforcement, but DPSST says the process will continue despite his change in employment status.

Two months ago, the board recommended the DPSST Board impose a lifetime ban for van der Kamp after he was found to have lied under oath about his past education.

The Police Policy Committee first heard the results of the investigative report conducted by DPSST that cited numerous instances of misleading or dishonest statements over the years by van der Kamp, who was elected sheriff last fall over Captain William Bailey in a hotly contested race. Issues of truthfulness on the witness stand prompted Deschutes County DA to put van der Kamp on the “Brady List” of officers not to be called to testify.

Now, Tenney says, “The matter will be referred to the Office of Administrative Hearings, which will assign an administrative law judge to hear the case. There is a lengthy process before a final outcome will be reached in the case. There will likely be a pretrial conference to set deadlines and trial dates, a period of discovery, etc. After the hearing, it may take the ALJ several weeks to issue a proposed order, and when that happens, there is a period for exceptions to be filed. Any exceptions would need to be considered prior to DPSST issuing a final order.

“Sheriff van der Kamp’s certifications will remain valid until a final order is issued,” Tenney said, adding that if he had not contested the revocation, “it would have become final with the board’s decision.” 

Meanwhile, Deschutes County commissioners are continuing the process of choosing van der Kamp’s interim replacement, until next year’s election. Five men have applied for the top-cop position. DCSO Detective and Special Services Commander Ty Rupert; DCSO Detective Lt. James McLaughlin, Deschutes County Undersheriff Aaron Wells, Former DCSO Captain Deron McMaster, and Bend Deputy Police Chief Paul Kansky.

Commissioners said they will speak individually with the interim sheriff candidates before a special board meeting planned for next Tuesday, when their intent is to make the appointment.

Isabella Warren will have a full report on the update to the van der Kamp saga Wednesday night on KTVZ News at 5:00 p.m.

van der Kamp.44640Download

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Back in October 2024, Costco located along U.S. Highway 20, in the Forum Shopping Center in east Bend, moved to a new location on the north side of Bend on the corner of U.S. Highway 20 and Robal Lane.  

As for the old Costco location? Back in March 2025, KTVZ News learned that the property was available for lease.   

KTVZ visited on Wednesday.  The location has good bones, though there’s a small pocket that is unkept.  

In April 2025, the old Costco location was quietly put up for sale. Here is the details.   

KTVZ asked Austen Anderson (who is not affiliated with the sale of the old Costco location), a local Realtor with ENGEL & VÖLKERS Bend, if it is a good time to buy the massive space.   

“People are watching their wallets a lot closer than they did, say, in 2020 or 2021. Now, commercial, of course, was a very different animal back then as well. But people are tightening the purse strings and they’re watching, they’re waiting to see what’s going to happen. We’ve got a new administration. And so, it’s a completely different financial, you know, policy than what we had previously. So if I’m an investor or a business owner, do I want to go throw all my money at a building right now? Maybe not. I’m going to give it a year and see what happens.” 

KTVZ reached out to the City of Bend who said: “Hi Tracee, thank you for the email. The City of Bend is not aware of any interest in the site. We suggest you reach out to the owners to learn more to learn more from them!”

KTVZ reached out to CRA, the commercial real estate company handling the sale, to find out whether they have a potential buyer, and they responded by saying: “Sorry Tracee. We cannot make any comments.”  

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John Carroll

Our three gardens on display this week are lovely. First we have a cute little urban farm that boasts berries and bees.

Next we have an Outback Sedum Garden, meaning plants that these plants can take on the heat and dry weather here in the high desert. The Outback Garden here has a cowboy fountain that doubles as a bird bath.

We also have a Food Forest Garden, this pathway through paradise includes a luscious shade tree and a garden gnome that stands guard on the bench.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A familiar favorite in Bend’s culinary scene is turning the page to an exciting new chapter.

“Formerly known as Esta Bien, the restaurant (on NW Hill Avenue) is proud to announce its rebrand to Simon — a new name that reflects a renewed vision while honoring the flavors and traditions that made it a local staple,” according to a news release KTVZ News received Wednesday:

Under the new direction of Roberto Cardenas, Simon brings the same warm hospitality and cherished dishes Bend has come to love, with a few inspired additions. The heart of the menu remains rooted in authentic, generational Mexican recipes that celebrate the rich regional diversity of the cuisine. From slow-roasted birria hailing from Jalisco to enchiladas michoacanas and open-faced vegetarian chile rellenos, every dish at Simon tells a story.

Signature techniques — like hand-grinding spices for mole, preparing salsas from scratch with vibrant ingredients, and slow-cooking meats like barbacoa and carnitas — showcase the team’s commitment to authenticity and depth of flavor. Tamales wrapped in corn husks and Salvadoran-style pupusas with fresh slaw and housemade salsa remain customer favorites.

The bar program also gets a fresh spotlight, featuring 100% blue agave tequilas, smoky mezcals, fresh-fruit margaritas, and traditional aguas frescas and horchata — all crafted to complement the bold flavors of the kitchen.

Joining Roberto at the helm is Chef Rocio Villalobos, co-owner and former restaurateur at Rio and Madras Brewing. Known for her soulful, home-style cooking, Rocio brings deep culinary passion to every plate and helps ensure Simon feels like both a vibrant new venture and a comforting return.

Chef Roberto, whose background includes leadership roles at La Rosa, Rio, and Fat Tony’s, shares his excitement: “Simon is about preserving tradition while embracing new energy. We’re keeping the soul of Esta Bien alive — just with a fresh name, new ownership, and a few creative twists.”

Simon is now open and ready to welcome guests with the same great food, heartfelt service, and a new name you’ll come to know and love. We’ll be celebrating with a grand opening party this Thursday.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Friends and family are remembering Lindsay Bashan and Amanda Loyd, whose bodies have been recovered from the Deschutes River, after part of their group of six went over Dillon Falls during a tubing float.

The body of a third victim is being searched for by dozens of staff and volunteers at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Lindsay was from Parkland, Florida, where her parents told the Sun-Sentinel, she was known as a bright, friendly, and thoughtful person. She was planning to start a new job in New York City next week. 

Lindsey met Amanda in 2023 and traveled to a different country every month with a larger group of young professionals. A photo on Amanda’s Instagram shows them enjoying a trip to Cambodia.

Lindsay’s parents say they are glad she was able to enjoy the first day of her vacation here in Bend.

As for Amanda Loyd, her Instagram page reflects the type of person her family and friends say she was – adventurous and loving. The page is filled with images of her travels across the globe with their group.

According to her profile, the 40-year-old lived in more than 12 countries, and even won a reality television show called Love Connection.  

Amanda Loyd just before she won Season 2 of Love Connection.

Photo of Amanda provided by family.

Her obituary from Baird Funeral Home says she’s from Rockwall, Texas, and was called “Manda Panda” by her friends.

Though raised in Texas, her true home was wherever adventure called.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes Children’s Foundation has proudly announced the 2025 Every Kid Fund recipients. Managed by DCF, this endowment fund provides scholarships for children who cannot afford after-school activities, ensuring every child has access to enriching experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. 

One inspiring example is Cale Culbertson. When Cale was six years old, he began music lessons at the Cascade School of Music with his teacher, Meshem Jackson, and quickly discovered a deep passion for drumming. Over the next twelve years, despite some challenging family circumstances, the Every Kid Fund support allowed Cale to continue his music education uninterrupted. 

“I appreciate that I got to keep drumming and learn from my mentor and teacher Meshem Jackson—really grateful to Cascade School of Music for making it all happen, and without the Every Kid Fund, I wouldn’t have been able to continue my twelve years of lessons!” said Cale. 

Thanks to funding support from Washington Trust Bank, DCF was able to award an additional $2,000 to local nonprofits this year. The total amount awarded through the Every Kid Fund was over $12,000, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Bend, Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Oregon, Camp Fire Central Oregon, Cascade School of Music, Central Oregon Autism Movement, Youth Choir of Central Oregon, Family Access Network, and Healing Reins. 

“Every child carries within them a world of possibility, but sometimes life’s hardships threaten to silence their dreams,” said Cassi MacQueen, Executive Director of Deschutes Children’s Foundation. “Cale’s story is a powerful reminder that with just a little support, we can keep the music playing, the confidence growing, and the hope alive. When we invest in these kids, we’re not just funding lessons or programs — we’re nurturing futures, healing hearts, and lighting a path for every child to find their voice and sense of belonging.” 

Grants are awarded annually to DCF’s on-campus partners and local nonprofits through a competitive application process, helping them respond to real-time needs and strengthen programs that help kids thrive. 

To learn more about the Every Kid Fund, visit: https://deschuteschildrensfoundation.org/mission-vision/every-kid-fund/ 

About Deschutes Children’s Foundation 

Founded in 1990, Deschutes Children’s Foundation manages and maintains four nonprofit service centers in Bend, Redmond, and La Pine. By providing collaborative spaces and operational support, DCF empowers its 23 nonprofit partners to focus on their core missions, collectively serving over 19,000 vulnerable children and families each year. 

For more information, visit deschuteschildrensfoundation.org. 

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