Category: ktvz-local-news

Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, Adding more details)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Bend Police responded to a car fire near Pilot Butte. The fire, which was caused by a road flare, is being investigated as arson.

Anna Berry recalls the moment she saw her car in flames.

“We woke up to the sound of either a car alarm or a horn blaring. And when we got outside, we found that the car was on fire, which was not what I was expecting. “

Her home surveillance footage showed the moment around her car was intentionally set on fire. The suspect can be seen with a flare approaching the car. Minutes later, the area is bright from the flames. The front of the car was completely torched, with an estimated $5,000 in damages.

“(I feel) some anger, mostly worry and fear, that they’re still there,” she said Tuesday.

Aureanna Gabriella Hernandez witnessed the car on fire, and lives just down the street.

“That’s, like, unheard of,” she said. “And we live a couple of blocks down, so it was even more scary that night. Like thinking, wow. Like that was in our community. That was in our neighborhood.”

Berry is now asking for the public’s help.

“We don’t really have any leads to finding the person. And if that makes me feel a little less safe or worried about, you know, our safety and protecting our belongings and our property. “

It’s the third case of arson in the area in the past week. A resident of a small homeless encampment north of Bend was arrested on arson and other charges Friday, accused of setting a vehicle fire that spread to a nearby trailer and trees. Another woman appeared in court last week after being charged with arson, after one RV at Green Acres RV Park south of Redmond was engulfed, with the fire spreading to other trailers and flames threatening nearby propane tanks.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Correction: Cars and Coffee is a monthly event authorized by Dilly Dally Coffee.)

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Residents were stunned Sunday morning when they heard and saw a car burning rubber in West Bend. According to the Bend Police Department, a man crashed his classic car after speeding out of the SW Colorado Avenue roundabout. 

When officers arrived around 9:40 AM, witnesses explained that they were enjoying their morning coffee at Dilly Dally Coffee on Emkay Drive, when they say, who we now know as Bend resident, 67-year-old Tony Conte, lost control of his 1968 Pontiac Firebird while accelerating at a high rate of speed.   

He not only struck a fire hydrant, but damaged his own car.    

Conte and his passenger initially claimed a deer caused the crash—but officers say multiple witnesses disputed that story.   

Conte was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and second-degree criminal mischief.   

Witnesses also say it was a dangerous situation because Conte lost control of his car which could have resulted in multiple injuries to pedestrians and onlookers.      

Bend Police are reminding everyone to drive slowly and avoid using neighborhood streets for racing. 

Aaron Hofferber, the event coordinator for Dilly Dally Cars & Coffee, told KTVZ News the event was authorized in partnership with Dilly Dally Coffee Co.

“We have no control over sole individuals and the choices they chose to make once they leave private property onto public roads,” Hofferber told us.

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Barney Lerten

Board plans no public interviews of five candidates for interim sheriff before selection

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — At their first meeting in weeks, Deschutes County commissioners approved two expenditures related to homelessness Monday afternoon, but not without a split vote and some familiar debates as they wrestled with the challenging issues. 

First, commissioners voted 2-1 to approve spending up to $250,000 a year for at least the next two years to partner with the city of Redmond on a long-discussed managed camp to be built on the city’s eastside. Commissioners Patti Adair and Phil Chang voted yes, while Commission Chairman Tony DeBone was opposed. 

A land exchange between the county and the Oregon Department of State Lands has been on hold for years, due to the need to remove homeless who are camping on the parcel. 

A work group of city and county staff, along with Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch, City Councilor Cat Zwicker, Adair and Chang, has been meeting to provide input on the design and operations. 

An intergovernmental agreement says the “County will make good faith efforts to budget up to $250,000 per year, for not less than two years for Managed Camp operational costs.” 

The location for the planned 36-space managed camp is a county-owned parcel north of Redmond Airport and north of the Oasis Village camp along Highway 126. 

The Redmond City Council is scheduled to approve the city-county intergovernmental agreement on the consent agenda of Tuesday evening’s council meeting. 

Fitch talked with commissioners Monday about the continuing challenges the region faces in homelessness in the wake of recent Forest Service and BLM land closures. 

“A lot of areas are being closed to the homeless, for a variety of reasons,” he said. 

There was a bit of Catch-22 in the familiar discussion, with some details not in place yet. Zwicker said the city will go out to formal bids for a contractor to flesh out those details, including supplies and services. 

Chang said after two fires last week tied to homeless issues, “people are on pins and needles. I know a lot of people really do want to help.” 

But DeBone said he doesn’t support that funding future operations of the camp largely depends on future actions by the governor and Legislature. While he voted no, DeBone said afterward it had been a “good, thoughtful discussion.” 

Commissioners also voted 3-0 to fund an added hour of security patrols in the East Redmond area, until Dec. 1, at $82.50 an hour, which if continued would cost about $30,000 a year. A current county contract with a private security company ends in July of next year. 

DeBone explained later to KTVZ News, “Instead of just making a presence where the future road is going and the land swap, we asked them to be seen on the whole east side of Redmond, where people are unsanctioned long-term camping.”

Commissioners did not take to a vote a staff-provided option to also add more security patrols at Juniper Ridge north of Bend, where over 200 homeless have moved in recent months to the city-county-approved Temporary Safe Stay Area. The county already funds two hours of security patrols a day (costing $165 a day) on county-owned land at Juniper Ridge, while the city does the same on its land. 

Commissioners also made known their choices for a seven-member advisory panel that will help draw up district zoning for the expanded five-member county commission voters approved last year, taking effect next year.

DeBone and Adair each are making two appointments, while Chang will make three. He listed five choices Monday, including Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, but said he will narrow it to his three picks by Wednesday’s planned vote on the committee members.

Another closely watched matter was not on the agenda – the board’s impending selection of an interim sheriff before current Sheriff Kent van der Kamp’s retirement takes effect July 31. 

Five applicants are in the field, and commissioners said they will meet individually with the candidates before a special meeting planned for next Tuesday, July 29 to make the appointment. 

DeBone later explained that he plans to provide his colleagues with “two prioritized names. Commissioner Chang asked for us to invite all five to a board meeting so he could ask questions in public. We determined that we are not going to meet in a public meeting as a group.”

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, Adding comments from community coordinator, details on priorities)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Over the course of nearly two years, the Newberry Regional Partnership surveyed the community on top issues. The group has established a five-year strategic plan as the region grapples with growth. 

Community coordinator Kathy DeBone talked with KTVZ News on Monday about the community’s priorities in the survey: “No. 1 was, expand enforcement of illegal camping laws on public lands, at 80.6%, No. 2 was develop critical care specialist and emergency room services in south county, at 75.8%.” she said. “No. 3 was expand after-school STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and summer activities to keep students engaged and learning, at 67%.”

The partnership includes local, state, and federal organizations. Action has already been taken for La Pine’s continuing homeless issue. Thousands of pounds of trash were picked up at abandoned camps by community partners last year, and more are scheduled through August and September.

“People think it’s just one thing that’s going to fix everything, but it’s not,” DeBone said. “It’s not going to fix everything. We have people who do need care. I think we have a lack of capacity for that care.”

The plan will also focus on infrastructure, like the expansion of Highway 97 and public transportation, improved recycling and the area’s culture.

“La Pine and this area has been discovered,” DeBone said. “So we are going to have to deal with it. It’s not, it’s not a question of if, but when.”

After 2030, the Newberry Regional Partnership says it has 67 more topics to tackle. You can find more information about the plan at newberryregionalpartnership.org.

Below is the group’s recent news release:

The Newberry Regional Partnership, in collaboration with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, is proud to announce the publication of the Newberry Country Strategic Action Plan (2025-2030) booklet.

This pivotal plan establishes a clear road map for the future growth, development, and enhanced quality of life in south Deschutes County and north Klamath County, collectively known as Newberry Country.

The unveiling of this comprehensive plan marks the culmination of an extensive effort that brought together invaluable community input and a rigorous nine-month strategic planning process. This collaborative approach ensures the plan genuinely reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of local residents.

The Newberry Country Strategic Action Plan (2025-2030) presents a series of community-based strategies designed to inform and guide sustainable development, ultimately enhancing and improving the quality of life for all who call the region home.

“This plan is a testament to the power of community collaboration,” said Kathy DeBone, Newberry Regional Partnership Community Coordinator. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the community for its invaluable engagement, and to the NRP advisory board and our funders for making this transformative project possible. We believe the Newberry Country Strategic Action Plan will serve as a vital guide, helping us foster sustainable growth and a vibrant future for everyone in our region.

Geoff Wullschlager, City Manager for the City of La Pine, was quoted, “In one of Oregon’s hidden gems—Newberry Country—a bold movement is underway to preserve, protect, and expand the livability, resilience, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

James Lewis, General Manager of the Sunriver Owners Association, adds: “The ultimate goal is to provide Newberry Country with all of the elements inherent to a complete community— not only to fill in the missing elements, but to plan for growth.”

Newberry Regional Partnership would like to thank the community for its engagement, and the NRP advisory board and funders for making this project possible. 

About the Newberry Regional Partnership (NRP):

The Newberry Regional Partnership is dedicated to advancing rural vitality in an evolving Newberry Country through civic engagement, community-led action, and partnerships.

About the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC):

The Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council Rural Community Building Program empowers local community members to identify their unique goals and design projects to address local needs by developing connections with partners and resources to bring their visions to life.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Starting Monday and through September 21, nonprofit organizations and government entities (including colleges and universities) are invited to apply for funding through the City of Bend’s new Climate Action Partner Grant Program.

“This is the first year that the program is being offered, and the program goal is to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our community’s resilience to climate change,” the city said in a news release Monday, which continues below:

By working together with local partners, the City hopes to support projects that protect our environment and create a healthier future for everyone. A total budget of $150,000 is available, and there is no restriction on the amount that can be requested by applicants.

Bend’s Community Climate Action Plan, a community-driven road map that outlines strategies and actions to reduce fossil fuel use and achieve the City’s climate goals. The plan emphasizes collaboration, empowering local organizations to lead meaningful climate actions. The Climate Action Partner Grant Program helps bring these efforts to life by funding initiatives that protect the environment, reduce emissions, and promote a healthier, more sustainable future.

The grant program website contains a list of eligible projects, examples of projects that can get funding, instructions regarding how to apply, information about the review process, and answers to frequently asked questions. A link to the application form can be found here. The City will host two virtual information sessions to provide an overview of the grant program and answer any questions. Details about session dates and registration can be found on the website.

“The Climate Action Partner Grant program is an exciting step towards working together with the community to help meet the City’s emission reduction goals and enhance our community’s ability to adapt to climate impacts,” said Councilor Megan Norris, who also acts as the Council liaison on the City of Bend’s Environment and Climate Committee, “We know the City can’t achieve our climate action goals alone and hope that the grant program can support community organizations doing great work to help keep our community healthy and resilient.”

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Monday morning, crews continued their recovery efforts in the water for the two people who were still considered missing after Saturday’s tragedy at Dillon Falls — the incident in which six people on inner-tubes went over the falls.

The swiftwater rescue team assisted on Sunday. But on Monday, the dive team was deployed. They were joined by a search and rescue dog who rode in the boat and helped identify key areas for them to search.

KTVZ News was there when a recovery boat was sent out, and about an hour later when it came back to shore…    

Moments after the boat returned, a somber scene unfolded. Crews carefully removed one body from the recovery boat and into a waiting vehicle.

Officials later confirmed a female had been recovered from the water — she was one of the two individuals still considered missing as of early Monday morning.    

Lt. Nathan Garibay, emergency services manager for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, explained their efforts for the day, and going forward.

“Our operations primarily consist of using dive teams to search areas of interest based on information we’ve received from K9 teams, in conjunction with our marine patrol, as well as drone flights,” said Garibay.

“After each operational period, we assess what we’ve completed. So once we get done today, we’ll reevaluate, assess and then identify strategies and tactics that will help us accomplish what our incident objectives are,” Garibay said of ongoing efforts. 

After the first recovery was complete midday on Monday, divers and the search dog prepared to get back in the boat for another search.

With one person still missing, there is still work to do. Officials say they will continue their efforts for however long it takes to recover the last body.

We will continue to keep you updated on this tragic, developing story. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bethlehem Inn, a local nonprofit providing shelter and support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, is happy to announce the hiring of their new Development Director Jon Baker. 

Jon has been a Central Oregon community member for nearly 20 years and in recent years has served as the director of development for a partner agency serving youth experiencing homelessness here in Bend. 

Serving businesses and organizations who help vulnerable youth and adults has been the focus of Jon’s professional work for his entire career. 

As the development director, Jon will help continue the wonderful work of the organization and will strive to maintain the high level of service that the Central Oregon community has been able to rely on for the past 26 years. 

“Bethlehem Inn has been a beloved and valuable resource for Central Oregon since 1999.  The amazing team, the caring approach, wonderful facilities, and dedication to those in need make this organization the ideal place for me to serve and bring my efforts.” 

Executive Director Michael Hancock shared, “Jon is a tremendous addition to our team. His depth of experience, deep compassion for those we serve, and strong belief in our mission make him uniquely suited to help lead our development efforts. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Bethlehem Inn family.” 

Transforming lives together through shelter, help, and hope.  Bethlehem Inn is a community-supported, high barrier emergency shelter that provides a warm, safe place to sleep, nourishing meals, and case management services for adults and children experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon. 

For more information or to support the mission of Bethlehem Inn, please visit www.bethleheminn.org or call 541-322-8768. 

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Barney Lerten

 BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Legislature has passed House Bill 3806, approving pilot water bank authorities in the Deschutes Basin.

“This legislation marks a significant step forward in helping Central Oregon expand more flexible and efficient water management to support farms, cities, and rivers alike,” the Deschutes River Conservancy said in a recent news release applauding the bill. It continues in full below:

Water is over-allocated in the Deschutes River Basin. Shortages to meet instream, agricultural, and municipal needs can range upwards of 300,000 acre-feet in a dry year (for reference, Wickiup Reservoir holds about 200,000 acre-feet of water). Rivers and streams bear the brunt of shortages, as do farmers in Jefferson County with more ‘junior’ water rights.

What Is Water Banking?

Water banking is a process that allows unused water to be moved and used where it’s needed most. It’s a flexible tool that helps balance agricultural, environmental, and urban water needs. All transactions are voluntary, transparent, and governed by clear protections for water rights and the environment.

Examples of how a water bank works:

Water Rights Holders/Irrigators who don’t need all their water in a given season can deposit it in the water bank and receive payment.

Farmers can lease banked water to reduce fallowing and increase crop productivity.

Cities and towns can access banked water to help meet growing demand.

Rivers benefit from reserves of banked water specifically dedicated to improving instream flows and supporting overall river health.

What HB 3806 Does

Oregon’s current water laws make it difficult to share water among users in an efficient and coordinated way. HB 3806 addresses this by authorizing the Water Resources Commission to approve a Deschutes River water bank pilot program that will: 

Help coordinate and expand processes for short-term water transfers

Protect water rights in the bank from forfeiture due to non-use (water rights must be used once every five years under Oregon water law)

Ensure water rights users engaging in water conservation do not lose water rights

HB 3806 accomplishes this in a way that:

Protects against speculation, waste, and harm to rivers and other water users

Provides economic incentives while maintaining water rights security

Establishes clear annual reporting requirements for transparency and accountability

Includes additional oversight opportunity with tribal and state agency review and public comment

Supports local priorities like agricultural viability, economic resilience, and river health

This pilot represents a locally driven, innovative approach to managing the region’s limited water supply more sustainably. The Deschutes River Conservancy will manage the water bank in coordination with irrigation and municipal partners. Bank activities will focus on mainstem middle and upper Deschutes River systems and can include irrigation districts and cities that use water from these sources

“We are excited to get to work with our partners to make it easier to get water to where it is most needed in the Deschutes,” said Kate Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Deschutes River Conservancy. “We hope this pilot bank can demonstrate how basin-specific flexibility under Oregon water law can help solve increasingly complex water problems.”

“This water bank provides another tool for North Unit Irrigation District to meet patron needs and support the district in fulfilling instream flow requirements associated with the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan requirements,” said Josh Bailey, General Manager, North Unit Irrigation District.

According to Jeremy Austin from Central Oregon LandWatch, “We’re optimistic that this bill will help address inefficient water management practices in the Deschutes Basin, better align water deliveries with crop water needs, and open up pathways to move water more easily to better meet agricultural, environmental and municipal needs into the future.”

“This is a good step towards smart water movement in the basin,” said Mike Buettner, City of Bend Water Services Department Director.

“This is one of many tools we can use, alongside system modernization efforts, to help meet the flow targets outlined in the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan,” said Craig Horrell, General Manager, Central Oregon Irrigation District.

To learn more about water banking, please go to: www.deschuteswaterbank.org

About the Deschutes River Conservancy:The Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) was formed in 1996 with a mission to restore streamflow and improve water quality in the Deschutes River Basin. The DRC has a multi-stakeholder board and, through collaborative efforts, has restored up to 350 CFS (equivalent to over 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools per hour) of flow in the basin with non-litigious, voluntary, and market-based programs. For more information about the DRC, visit www.deschutesriver.org.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Shepherd’s House Ministries invites the Central Oregon community to celebrate the third anniversary of the Lighthouse Navigation Center, a transformative low-barrier shelter and day-use facility in Bend that has become a critical resource for hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis.

Since its opening in 2021, the Lighthouse has done more than provide food and shelter — it has delivered hope, dignity, and tangible pathways toward stability. Through case management, counseling, classes, and vital collaborations with other local nonprofits and agencies, the Lighthouse has become a place where basic needs are met and long-term transformation is made possible.

Over the past year alone (June 2024–June 2025), the Lighthouse has:

Welcomed 951 daytime participants and 481 overnight guests

Supported 70 transitions into institutional (20), temporary (23), and permanent (27) housing

Engaged 175 individuals in case management services

Anniversary Celebration Details:? Date: Wednesday, July 23? Time: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.? Location: Lighthouse Navigation Center, 275 NE 2nd Street, Bend, OR

This milestone celebration will feature food, fellowship, guest stories and gratitude, highlighting the community partnerships and shared efforts that have made three years of life transformation possible.

“Every person we serve has a story, and every step forward is because our community chose to care,” said Curt Floski, executive director of Shepherd’s House Ministries. “The Lighthouse has become a space of safety and renewal because of the support and compassion we receive from this region.”

The event is open to the public. All are welcome to attend and see firsthand the impact of what’s possible when we meet people where they are and walk with them toward a better future.

For more information, visit www.shministries.org or call (541) 388-2096.

About Shepherd’s House Ministries

At Shepherd’s House Ministries, we provide food for the hungry and shelter for the homeless. We aim to support those facing life-controlling challenges and break cycles of pain. Our goal is to heal hearts and transform lives.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Epic Aircraft announced Monday the FAA’s type certification of its latest high-performance, single-engine, turbine model, the E1000 AX, and said deliveries of the latest model will begin this week.

“Delivering the same unparalleled performance as its predecessor and category-leading E1000 GX, the E1000 AX made its public debut April 1-6 at Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.” according to the Bend plane-maker’s announcement, which continues in full below:

“Aircraft deliveries will begin this week at factory headquarters in Bend, Oregon,” said Doug King, CEO of Epic Aircraft, LLC. “We just completed a record-breaking sales quarter, and July is already the best sales month in company history. All 2025 E1000 AX production positions are filled, and sales are brisk for 2026 deliveries.”

With a full fuel payload of 1,177 pounds and maximum cruise speed of 333 knots, the E1000 AX carries more and flies faster than any other single-engine turboprop. Additional performance highlights include a climb rate of 4,000 feet per minute, maximum range of 1,560 nautical miles, and 34,000 foot maximum altitude. 

In addition to Garmin Autothrottle and Autoland — the latter to be activated upon final certification — the E1000 AX offers over 25 new features including the following:

Automatic Yaw Damper – Engages automatically after takeoff and disengages before landing to maintain rudder coordination through the flight

Electronic Brake Hold – Electronically applies the brakes to prevent aircraft movement

Expansive Windscreen with CoolView Windows – Optimizes crew visibility, reduces glare, and provides UV protection 

Garmin GDL® 60 with PlaneSync™ Technology – Automates database updates, enables remote access to check the state of your airplane and simplifies flight plan entry

GRA 5500 Radar Altimeter – Increases positional awareness with above-ground (AGL) radio altitude

3D SafeTaxi & Taxiway Routing (Optional) – Heightens positional awareness 

8000 GWX™ 8000 StormOptix™ Weather Radar (Optional) – Increases safety with real-time depiction of thunderstorms

True Blue Powe­r® Intelligent Lithium-Ion Batteries – Delivers longer life, higher voltage during engine starts and reduces maintenance costs

CoolView Windows – Blocks over 73% of infrared or heat coming through cockpit and cabin windows

Starlink High-Speed Internet (Optional) – Provides anytime, anywhere access

“I want to congratulate the Epic team on completing certification of the E1000 AX,” said Epic Aircraft, LLC owner and Silicon Valley resident, Tanya Eves. “This achievement demonstrates Epic’s dedication to ongoing innovation in general aviation.”

“Our owner is an accomplished pilot with a bold vision for transforming the aerospace industry through cutting-edge technology,“ said King. “The E1000 AX embodies that vision and is a testament to her passion for new aviation technology.”

###

About Epic Aircraft 

Epic Aircraft, LLC specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance, all-composite, single-engine turboprop aircraft. Epic’s award-winning E1000 received FAA certification in 2019, followed by certification of the E1000 GX in 2021 and the E1000 AX in 2025. Privately held, the design-driven aviation company conducts all of its engineering, manufacturing, and administrative operations at its headquarters in Bend, Oregon. For more information about Epic Aircraft, please visit epicaircraft.com. 

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