Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Holiday festivities are underway in Sisters, where the Sisters–Camp Sherman Fire District has lit up its main station for the season.

The drive-by display, set to music, runs all month long.

The district is also sponsoring its annual “Spirit of Christmas Giving Tree,” expecting to help nearly 200 local children.

Gift tags are available at locations across Sisters, with donations due back by December 12th.

Families will pick up gifts December 20th, and a community Christmas dinner will be served on Christmas day from 1-3 p.m. at the fire district’s community hall.

“The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire & Ambulance Association, with a lot of hard work from staff, volunteers, and event partners, provide Christmas gifts to families in need in Sisters Country over the holiday season,” the fire district said on its website. “In 2023, over 147 applications for assistance were processed with 67 families requesting gifts for 160 children. Total gift donations were estimated at a value of over $10,000. In addition, the Association received more than $8,795 in cash donations for this program.”

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — The future of a critical interchange project at US 97 and Baker Road in Deschutes County is uncertain, as funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) remains unresolved. In a recent meeting, ODOT presented the status and plans for this interchange, which has been years in the making and aims to improve safety and alleviate congestion in a rapidly growing area of south Bend.

The US 97/Baker Road interchange was originally constructed about 30 years ago to serve rural traffic and truck movement between US 97 and US 20. However, urban growth in south Bend has led to significant congestion and safety issues that are expected to worsen with planned housing and employment expansion.

ODOT’s presentation highlighted alternatives for improvements, with Alternative 1 recommended as the preferred plan despite community support for Alternative 3. This option involves adding signals or a roundabout at existing ramp terminals and lengthening the southbound off-ramp, providing a lower-cost and easier-to-phase solution compared to Alternative 3, which proposes a larger flyover interchange with multiple new bridges but comes with much higher costs and complexity.

Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone cautioned about potential delays due to uncertainties at ODOT: “The Board of Commissioners, think about it. When we thought China Hat Road and Ponderosa Road and Knott Road, those are all roads that are county roads, so it intersects county roads, but ODOT’s capital projects list and their maintenance needs are all up in the air right now because of, you know, the transportation package, now the possible vote to repeal it,” said DeBone.

The project’s estimated cost stands at $38 million, divided over two phases, but without secured funding, the timeline for completion remains unclear.

ODOT’s Interchange Area Management Plan (IAMP) for this site aims to ensure safe and efficient operation for all travel modes over the next 20 years, identifying transportation improvements, management strategies, and land use actions to support planned development.

Public outreach has included advisory committees and online open houses.

Active transportation improvements are planned as part of the project, including multi-use paths and enhanced crossings to improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Federal immigration officials said late Monday a California truck driver arrested after a crash east of Bend that killed a newlywed couple has been in the country illegally for three years, and that they have issued an arrest detainer.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced in a news release that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an arrest detainer for Rajinder Kumar, whom they called “a criminal illegal alien from India.” They said he entered the U.S. illegally near Lukeville, Arizona on Nov. 28, 2022.

KTVZ News reported last week that Oregon State Police said Kumar, 32, of Fresno, Calif., jackknifed his semi-truck and trailer on the night of Nov. 24 on U.S. Highway 20 about 50 miles east of Bend, blocking both lanes.

A westbound Subaru Outback traveling at highway speeds collided with the trailer. The driver, William Micah Carter, 25, of Springfield, and passenger Jennifer Lynn Lower, 24, of John Day, died at the crash scene, troopers said. Kumar reportedly was uninjured.

An OSP investigation led to Kumar’s arrest on two counts of criminally negligent homicide and a count of reckless endangering.

Lower’s father, Tom Lower, had reached out after the tragic crash to KTVZ News and said she and Carter were newlyweds who had met on a blind date last April and had married in Portland just 16 days before the tragic crash.

Tom Lower said Jennifer was from Preston, Idaho, a University of Oregon graduate and marched in this year’s Rose Bowl Parade with the U of O Marching Band. On the night they died, they were driving back to Oregon, hoping to settle in the Salem area.

DHS said Kumar “was released into the country by the Biden administration” and given a work authorization in 2023. He was issued a commercial driver’s license by “(Governor) Gavin Newsom’s California,” the agency added.

While OSP listed his name as Rajinder Kumar, KTVZ News learned late Monday that the charges were filed in Deschutes County with the name reversed, as Kumar Rajinder. District Attorney Stephen Gunnels told us that the crash reports apparently listed his name both ways; we reached out to OSP for a clarification and they said their report listed him as Rajinder Kumar.

Court records show that Kumar was initially arraigned last Wednesday on the two felony and one misdemeanor charges, assisted by a Hindi interpreter in a video hookup from the jail.

Circuit Judge Randy Miller set bail at $100,000 and ordered that he surrender his passport before he could be released on bail, as well as standard conditions of obeying all laws, keeping in touch with his attorney and appearing for all future court hearings.

Miller held another hearing Friday, court records show, at which he made no changes in those release conditions, including surrender of the man’s passport.

The truck driver is due to appear in court again Tuesday afternoon for a pre-trial release hearing. Court records show he a Wednesday afternoon hearing is scheduled for arraignment on an expected grand jury indictment. The judge also will address the passport issue “and address his correct name per DCSO (the Deschutes County Sherff’s Office,” court records show.

In his post-hearing order, the judge said the defendant already had posted bail (10% of the $100,000 bal) “but does not have a passport available to surrender in order to be released. Jail officials confirmed to KTVZ News that the passport issue was why he was still being held.

Gunnels acknowledged to KTVZ News that the name discrepancy is unusual, but such issues are usually resolved before or when a grand jury reviews the evidence and issues an indictment.

In the Department of Homeland Security news release, the agency said, “Since Oregon is a sanctuary state, ICE will make all necessary efforts to bring Kumar into custody, should he be released from custody.”

The DHS release also listed three other fatal crashes this year involving truck drivers who they said were in the U.S. illegally.

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin is quoted as saying: “How many more senseless tragedies must take place before sanctuary politicians stop allowing illegal aliens to dangerously operate semi-trucks on America’s roads? Our prayers are with William and Jennifer’s families. Under Secretary Noem, ICE will continue its efforts to get illegal alien truck drivers off America’s highways.”

KTVZ News also has reached out to Kumar’s defense attorney for any statement or comment about the developments.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. – Oregon State University – Cascades and OSU’s Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts are launching a new concert series at Bend’s Tower Theatre that will debut in January 2026. 

The Patricia Valian Reser Center — known as PRAx — opened in 2024 on OSU’s Corvallis campus. The “x” in its name signifies the intersection of the arts with other academic disciplines. As a hub for performing and visual arts, PRAx is expanding its reach to Central Oregon through the new collaboration.

“We’re excited to expand PRAx’s role in advancing artistic excellence—contributing to the innovation thriving at OSU-Cascades and enriching the vibrant, diverse cultural landscape of Bend and Central Oregon,” said Peter Betjemann, executive director of PRAx and associate vice provost of arts and humanities. 

In a rare North American appearance, Yagódy will perform on Jan. 21. Founded in Lviv, Ukraine in 2016, the seven-member ensemble blends ancient Ukrainian folk melodies with theatrical performance, dramatic costumes, Balkan rhythms and haunting vocals.

On April 12, virtuoso composer and percussionist Andy Akiho — a Pulitzer Prize finalist and seven-time Grammy nominee — will present “BeLoud, BeLoved, BeLonging,” a collaboration with the Grammy-winning wind quintet Imani Winds. Based in New York, Imani Winds bridges traditional and contemporary music, from chamber works to reimagined arrangements.

“BeLonging” explores the issue of mass incarceration and earned a 2025 Grammy nomination.

Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Doors open an hour in advance.

PRAx is named for Patricia Valian Reser, an OSU alumna and volunteer leader, who has given $36 million to the OSU Foundation for the arts at Oregon State, including $25 million for PRAx.

Tickets for both concerts are $30 for the general public and $5 for students. 

Tickets for Yagódy can be purchased at beav.es/PRAx-Yagody and for “BeLoud, BeLoved, BeLonging” can be purchased at beav.es/PRAx-BeLonging

To learn more about the series, visit osucascades.edu/community-connect.  

To request accommodations, contact the Tower Theatre at info@towertheatre.org or 541-317-0700.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Tickets will go on sale Friday for the latest artists to announce a concert next summer at Bend’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Mt. Joy, which will be paying a visit to perform in late August.

Here’s the details released Monday by their publicists:

MT. JOY ADDS NEW DATES TO NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR

HAYDEN HOMES AMPHITHEATER – BEND, OR

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2026

TOUR EMPHASIZES FAIR AND ACCESSIBLE PRICING

MT. JOY DONATING $1 FROM EVERY TICKET SOLD

Following the breakout success of their 2025 album Hope We Have Fun, Mt. Joy has announced additional dates on their North American tour for 2026, anchored by some of the biggest headline moments of their career.

The run includes a massive return to Madison Square Garden, two nights at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, another milestone date at Boston’s TD Garden, and a celebratory Colorado stop at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, where the band previously sold nearly 14,000 tickets.

These marquee plays build on a banner 2025 that saw Mt. Joy sell nearly 200,000 tickets across the U.S., sell out The Greek Theatre in Berkeley and The United Center in Chicago, and headline festivals including Newport Folk Festival, all while delivering some of the most emotional and communal performances of their career.

The tour will make a Bend stop at Hayden Homes Amphitheater on August 29, 2026. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. local time at ticketmaster.com.

The Philadelphia group has emerged as one of America’s most beloved live acts, known for blending euphoric, anthemic folk-rock with deeply human storytelling. Their album Hope We Have Fun captured this balance seamlessly, debuting in the Top 10 on Spotify’s U.S. Album Chart and landing multiple songs across AAA Radio’s Top 10, including “Highway Queen (feat. Maren Morris)” and “She Wants to Go Dancing.”

The new 2026 tour, which honors their 10-year anniversary as a band, kicks off this spring following the band’s debut Australia/New Zealand run, bringing Mt. Joy back to fan-favorite cities and venues while opening the door to new markets still to be announced. Artist presale begins Tuesday at 10 am local time, Spotify Fans First presale begins Wednesday at noon local, and general on-sale starts Friday at 10am local.

The newly announced summer run, billed as Mt. Joy: Celebrating 10 Years of Mt. Joy, is being approached with an emphasis on accessibility, and $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to charity, with the 2026 beneficiary to be announced soon. For more information and tickets, visit www.mtjoyband.com/#tour.

Mt. Joy’s touring continues to be a driver of meaningful impact nationwide. The band has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations including the ACLU and Family Reach, hosted non-perishable food drives at shows, and made visits to children’s hospitals while on the road. Through direct ticket donations, benefit concerts, exclusive merch collaborations, and creative nonprofit partnerships, Mt. Joy has raised over $700,000 for charity since 2022, using their platform to inspire empathy, awareness, and action.

Their philanthropic ethos continues into this next chapter: The band recently released a new stripped back version of “Lucy,” the original raising $23,437 for the American Brain Tumor Association, contributing to the nearly $500,000 raised for charity on this album cycle alone. The heartfelt track, and its new stripped version, has become a symbol of the band’s commitment to pairing purpose with music in ways that resonate far beyond the stage.

With a new tour ahead, landmark venues on the horizon, and their philanthropic impact continuing to grow, Mt. Joy reaffirms that empathy, artistry, and purpose can thrive hand in hand, turning every show into far more than a concert, but a community.

About Mt. Joy:

The Philadelphia and Los Angeles based band—Matt Quinn [vocals, guitar], Sam Cooper [guitar], Sotiris Eliopoulos [drums], Jackie Miclau [keys, piano], and Michael Byrnes [bass]— take their name from the quiet and rural National Park in Southwest Pennsylvania, about four hours from their Philadelphia base.

Forming in 2016, they made their mark two years later when their self-titled Mt. Joy (2018) debut album spun off platinum single “Silver Lining,” an uplifting power ballad that went to #1 at AAA radio (Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay) and has eclipsed over 240 million streams across platforms.

Their second album, Rearrange Us (2020) drew widespread critical raves, with title track gaining 92 million Spotify streams since the release. Their third LP, Orange Blood (2022), came out of the pandemic and further cemented them with another #1, Lemon Tree, at AAA and a 70 date headline tour that sold over 180K tickets.

Over the past five years, Mt. Joy has amassed over half a billion streams and earned acclaim from NPR, Billboard, Rolling Stone, The Line of Best Fit, and more. Throughout their career, the band has performed at a variety of festivals such as Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo. Additionally, the band has performed on Stephen Colbert, CBS Morning, Samantha Bee, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel, and Conan. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative (Co-Op) recently held the 39th Annual Firebusters Fire & Life Safety program in partnership with KTVZ. The program traditionally includes five 30-second fire and life safety videos targeted for students from kindergarten to fifth grade throughout Central Oregon.

Videos are available by watching the morning or evening news on KTVZ, on YouTube, or on the KTVZ or Co-Op websites & social media pages. Students receive a worksheet to reinforce the lessons learned and turn it in when completed for a prize such as a free ice cream from McDonalds.

At the conclusion of the program, all schools with over 50% participation are entered into a drawing to receive a Grand Prize Assembly.

This year, the program ran October 6-10. Almost 12,000 worksheets were distributed to 45 elementaryschools throughout Central Oregon.

Safety topics for the program included: Rechargeable Battery Safety; Home Fire Escape Planning; Being Visible When Walking or Rolling; Calling 911; and What to Pack In a Go Bag. Twelve schools had 50% or more students participate in the program and 8 were eligible in the grand prize drawing.

Powell Butte Community Charter School in Crook County was drawn as the winner of the Grand PrizeAssembly! The Co-Op has scheduled the assembly at the school for Tuesday, December 2 from 1 to 2:30PM.

The event will include a visit from Buster the Fire Dog, Smokey Bear, the AirLink helicopter and localemergency responder vehicles. Students will also receive a prize bag full of goodies, including a freeburger from McDonald’s.

The Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative would like to thank the following sponsors for helpingto make the Firebusters program possible: Central Oregon Fire Chief’s Association, Press Pros, KTVZ, AirLink Critical Care Transport, McDonalds, Greenlee Roofing, and the Oregon Department ofTransportation.

The Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative is a group of fire and life safety educators from local fireagencies whose mission is to promote an interagency exchange of ideas and resources by activelyparticipating through coordinated fire and life safety education programs, projects and presentations

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hayden Homes and Simplicity by Hayden Homes have announced a $10,000 match for donations to Mountain View Community Development, a nonprofit that operates Central Oregon’s largest Safe Parking and Microshelters Program for unhoused people. 

Mountain View Community Development has sites in Redmond and Bend where people can either legally stay in their RVs or a small garden shed-sized structure with heating and cooling. Participants work with case managers to create a path back to permanent housing. And the safe parking program is working. MVCD is close to rehousing its 100th person, Hayden Homes said in a news release Monday that continues in full below: 

The matching gift from Hayden Homes comes at an opportune time, said Rick Russell, the nonprofit’s executive director. Mountain View Community Development is facing a $237,500 loss of funding from the state of Oregon. The nonprofit is currently running a year-end fundraising campaign with a goal of $25,000. Having a match will make every donor’s contribution go further, he said. 

“We appreciate Hayden Homes’ generosity and ongoing support,” Russell added. “Simplicity by Hayden Homes continues to be an incredible partner in the development of our permanent supportive housing village, and this gift from Simplicity and Hayden Homes goes above and beyond. 

“Both of our organizations are committed to housing solutions, at different points along the spectrum of need, and it is encouraging to see a local company that genuinely cares about our neighbors and wants to build a strong community, just like we do.” 

Just in time for Giving Tuesday (December 2), individual and corporate donors can make their dollars go further thanks to the matching Hayden Homes gift by donating at http://safeparkingworks.org. 

“Most of us will never experience homelessness and living outside without heat during the holiday season,” said Deborah Flagan, VP of Community Engagement for Hayden Homes.

“By supporting Mountain View Community Development there is a legal option for our unhoused neighbors to safely park and live in their vehicles and RVs with staff support to help connect to essential services.  Hayden Homes and Simplicity’s $10,000 match is meant to inspire our community to support this safe and reliable option while they search for permanent housing.” 

Safe parking and microshelters are an essential and extremely cost-effective alternative to traditional dorm-style shelters. For domestic violence and assault survivors, as well as individuals with children or pets, MVCD offers much-needed safety, privacy, and autonomy.   

“The assistance I’ve gained from Safe Parking has been emotional and spiritual, right along with a safe place to put my trailer,” said Jon Stoneman, a former Safe Parking participant now in his own apartment.  

“It’s allowed us to have security,” added Dino Antonucci, a current Safe Parking participant. “Because of what Safe Parking is doing for us, we can still live our lives.”  

Hayden Homes was founded in 1989 in Redmond, where the company remains headquartered today. The largest privately owned home builder in the Northwest, Hayden Homes has contributed more than $80 million in charitable donations, including through its flagship nonprofit, First Story.  

Mountain View Community Development is a nonprofit organization that empowers people to leave homelessness by providing safe community, personalized case management, and pathways to permanent housing. 

For more information and to donate, go to http://safeparkingworks.org. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Natural Resources will conduct winter pile burning near the Seventh Mountain Resort and Points West communities, about six miles southwest of Bend. Burning will occur for a few days between December and February.  

The county plans to burn piles on up to 24 acres. Ignitions will occur on weekdays when weather, fuel moisture and air quality meet the criteria for safe and effective operations. Crews will avoid burning on weekends and holidays when possible, the county said in Monday’s announcement, which continues below: 

Crews will be burning leftover limbs and brush from fuel-reduction work, which helps restore forest health and reduce wildfire risk. The debris cannot be turned into usable products like mulch. Burning it in the winter helps decrease fuel buildup and protects nearby communities from wildfire.  

What residents can expect 

Smoke is likely to impact air quality overnight and in the early morning. Residents are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed during those times.  

Smoke may be visible from Century Drive, Bend and the surrounding area. 

Piles may smolder for several days. Crews will monitor them until they are fully out. Please do not call 911 to report these ignitions.  

For more information, please contact Deschutes County Natural Resources at 541-322-7117 or forester@deschutes.org. 

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Beginning on Friday, Bend Fire & Rescue’s Santa Express will visit neighborhoods around Bend to collect donations of food, clothing and toys to support The Salvation Army this holiday season.  

This year’s Santa Express will visit three parts of town and roll through the neighborhoods:

Friday, Dec. 5: Southeast Bend – Foxborough, Larkspur and Sun Meadow neighborhoods

Saturday, Dec. 6: Northwest Bend – Three Pines, Westside Meadows and Shevlin Ridge neighborhoods

Monday, Dec. 8: Southwest Bend – Pine Ridge, River Canyon and Aspen Rim neighborhoods

Route details are available at bendoregon.gov/santa-express.

Santa and Bend Fire crews will begin at 6 p.m. each night, slowly walking the neighborhood routes and gathering donations. Community members are encouraged to meet Santa along the way with donations of non-perishable foods, new toys or gently used clothing. The Salvation Army has expressed an increased need for gifts for teenagers this year. 

Those needing assistance with food or presents can call The Salvation Army at 541-389-8888.

Can’t catch Santa Express this year?

Bend Fire is also hosting a season-long food drive for NeighborImpact. Donations of non-perishable food – such as canned fruits, vegetables, soups and peanut butter – can be dropped off at any Bend Fire station through Friday, Dec. 12. Items will be distributed to local pantries, meal sites and shelters.

Fire station locations:

West – 1212 SW Simpson Ave., Bend

East – 62420 Hamby Road, Bend

North – 63377 Jamison St., Bend

South – 61080 Country Club Drive, Bend

Tumalo – 64725 Cook Ave., Tumalo

Pilot Butte – 425 NE 15th St., Bend 

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Tuesday classes also canceled, letter from principal)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire at Miller Elementary School in Bend on Sunday night caused significant damage to a custodial workshop but was contained by the school’s sprinkler system. Monday’s classes were canceled for a cleanup, and word came later that Tuesday classes also are canceled for that work.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews responded to the school around 9 p.m. after reports of a fire near the gymnasium. Firefighters found the sprinkler system already activated in the custodian’s workshop area, which helped stop the flames from spreading beyond the room, Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said.

Investigators determined the fire started in a cabinet where a lithium battery had been stored. The blaze caused severe damage to the workshop.

Firefighters remained on scene for about an hour to clear smoke and water from the area. The principal of Miller Elementary and Bend-La Pine Schools staff assisted crews in damage control efforts.

Principal Jennifer Johnson said in an email to families Monday morning that “water on the gym floor and the custodial office is being cleaned up, and the custodial office sustained damage that will make it inoperable today.”

As a result, she said, school was canceled Monday “to continue clean-up and assess any further damage. Crews are working to ventilate the building using fans and blowers to reduce the odor.”

Johnson added, “Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

Later Monday, Bend-La Pine Schools spokesman Scott Maben told KTVZ News that families had just been informed the closure would last a second day, “as we complete the cleanup and air quality testing.”

The National Fire Protection Association reminds the public to store lithium batteries at room temperature and away from flammable materials, use only batteries and chargers designed for each specific device, and they warn the public not to keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.

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