Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The trial of Bend murder suspect Caleb Cegers has been pushed back another three months, to early April, at the request of both the prosecution and defense. 

Cegers, now 22, appeared by video Monday from the Deschutes County Jail, where he’s been held without bail since his East Coast capture and arrest in the August 2023 fatal shooting of Taylor Wyss, 33, of Redmond on the sidewalk outside a downtown Bend bar. 

Deschutes County Circuit Judge Beth Bagley, who a year ago had delayed the 10-day jury trial by a year, rescheduled the trial to begin on Tuesday, April 7th. 

Prosecutors and defense attorneys filed a mid-December joint motion for trial postponement that was granted by Bagley. In their request for a delay, defense attorney Bryan Boender and Deputy District Attorney Brooks McClain said the defense attorneys’ investigation was not finished and that they had provided new evidence to prosecutors that they need to analyze and investigate. 

Boender also filed a supporting declaration, stating, “The defense is also still conducting its investigation and locating witnesses that were never interviewed by law enforcement, nor the prior defense team.” 

It’s the third trial postponement in the case of Cegers, who pleaded not guilty in January 2024 to second-degree murder, first-degree assault and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. 

The judge on Monday agreed to the April 7 trial date proposed by both sides in the case. She also set a March 16 date for a trial readiness hearing, when she will also consider several pending defense motions, as well as whether Cegers has to wear restraints during the trial. Any new motions must be filed by Jan. 30, Bagley said, and each side has until Feb. 13 to respond.

Cegers’ older brother, Dahnte Cegers, now 27, pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution in the case and was sentenced to nearly four months in jail, with credit for time served, and three years probation, court records show.

Last year, he was arrested again and later pleaded guilty to a second-degree disorderly conduct charge after getting into a fight with three others outside Vector Volcano in downtown Bend. He was sentenced to a 10-day jail term, with credit for time already served.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to VISOR, the Victim Information System in Oregon, Ian Cranston was released from the custody of the Deschutes County Jail on Monday.

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jason Carr confirmed to KTVZ News that Cranston was released Monday afternoon, after posting the required 10 percent of the $500,000 bail set earlier in the day by Circuit Judge Beth Bagley.

Earlier Monday story:

After hearing arguments by both sides and a tearful plea from the victim’s mother, a Deschutes County judge set bail at $500,000 Monday for a Redmond man whose manslaughter conviction was recently overturned by the Oregon Court of Appeals. 

Circuit Judge Beth Bagley, who sentenced Ian Cranston to 10 years in prison in the September 2021 shooting death of Barry Washington Jr., sided with prosecutors on the bail amount, saying it was “the least onerous amount of security” that she felt was appropriate, considering the nature of the crime, a fatal shooting on a busy downtown Bend street. 

If he is released from jail, the judge ordered Cranston, now 31, to not possess any firearms or ammunition, use, possess or consume any alcohol, or go anywhere alcohol is the main item for sale. She also ordered him to stay away from the downtown Bend bar The Capitol, outside of which the shooting occurred. 

A jury acquitted Cranston on a second-degree murder charge but found him guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter for shooting Washington, an act he claimed was in self-defense, after being punched by Washington, who was 22 at the time of his death. 

Last fall, the state appeals court reversed and remanded Cranston’s manslaughter conviction due to a special instruction related to self-defense that the defense had sought but was not given to the jury.  

He recently was returned to the Deschutes County Jail after serving part of his sentence at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario. 

Defense attorney Kevin Sali cited Cranston’s ties to the community  and said he should not be considered a flight risk. He asked that Cranston be released without posting bail, but that if the judge disagreed that the amount be no more than $150,000, not the “excessive” amount sought by prosecutors. 

Deputy District Attorney Brooks McClain requested the higher bail amount, noting that Cranston is still charged with manslaughter for firing a gun in “downtown Bend, in a fairly busy night, on a public street.”

Washington’s mother, LaWanda Roberson, also appeared by video Monday, speaking tearfully, as she had at trial and other occasions, about how her life was “forever changed by a tragedy that no mother should ever have to endure.”  

“I was angry with God and questioned him,” she said. “I did not want to be on this Earth without my son.” 

Roberson also addressed Cranston directly, saying at one point: “You didn’t just take my son’s life. You took mine, too.” 

“I will never forgive you, and I know I will have to answer to God for that.” 

Bagley said she will set a future status hearing to schedule the retrial, depending on whether Cranston is able to post bail. 

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Oregon State Penitentiary inmate serving a 30-year term for killing his girlfriend in Bend nearly 35 years ago has died in the Salem state prison, the Oregon Department of Corrections said Monday.

James Byron Coon, 76, died on Sunday morning in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, the agency said.

Coon was sentenced to 30 years in prison in the February 2001 killing of Patty Darlene Flynn, 41, The Bulletin reported at the time. That included a mandatory 25-year term for Flynn’s murder and five years for threatening to kill the woman if she testified against him in an earlier domestic violence case.

Bend Police found the woman dead at Coon’s home, and an autopsy found she died of probable asphyxiation.

Coon entered Department of Corrections custody on Oct. 26, 2001, from Deschutes County, with an earliest release date of August 11, 2029.

The agency said his next of kin has been notified.

DOC said it takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of about 12,000 men and women incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem. Additional information about the Oregon Department of Corrections can be found at www.oregon.gov/doc.

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Tracee Tuesday

People across the country — including here in Central Oregon — participated in anti-ICE protests over the weekend following the deadly shooting in Minnesota and a recent shooting in Portland.

Central Oregon turned out in numbers on January 10 to demand accountability, to honor the life lost, and to protest the unchecked violence and abuse carried out last week by federal immigration enforcement authorities both in Minneapolis and Portland.

Rallies took place in Sisters, Redmond, Bend, and La Pine.

An estimated 300 people lined the streets of downtown Redmond Saturday afternoon to protest what organizers described as the increasing authoritarian policies and violence of the Trump administration, according to Redmond Indivisible.

An estimated 60 people showed up in Sisters and 1,115 people in Bend, stated Redmond Indivisible.

“Once again our people did not disappoint,” said Barbara Tate, a Redmond Indivisible spokesperson. “Three hundred plus turned out with 24 hours notice.”

The peaceful protest drew the attention of more than 100 passing motorists who honked their horns in support.

Protesters filled the sidewalks at Wall Street and Greenwood Avenue in Bend, while similar events were held in Sisters, Prineville, and La Pine.

A vigil was held Sunday night at Drake Park.

Saturday’s protest was a prelude to a nationwide day of protest set for Tuesday, January 20.

The “Free America Walkout” will encourage individuals to walk out of their workplaces, schools, and commercial activities to defend democracy and protect civil liberties.

Nationwide, protests in cities across the country drew large crowds, including massive demonstrations in Minneapolis following Wednesday’s fatal ICE shooting.

Minneapolis police said one hotel sustained damage, with 29 arrests and one officer injured.

Federal officials released surveillance video showing the aftermath of the shooting as Renee Good’s SUV crashed into parked cars.

The Department of Homeland Security said Good had been following officers over the course of the morning.

The shooting, caught on multiple cameras, involved ICE officer Jonathon Ross, who fired the deadly shot.

The Trump administration said the officer fired in self-defense.

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Representative Angie Craig visited local ICE headquarters but were only briefly admitted before being turned away.

“What happened today is a blatant attempt to obstruct members of Congress from doing their oversight duties,” Omar said.

Craig added, “We are better than this. This is not a partisan statement. We are better than this, America.”

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Tracee Tuesday

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash along U.S. Highway 97 near Falcon Lane in Madras is under investigation. Authorities say the incident happened Saturday, along the busy highway corridor through Jefferson County.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, a vehicle struck a pedestrian on Highway 97, prompting an emergency response and initial investigation at the scene. Officials have not yet released information on the pedestrian’s condition, and it is not known if there were any injuries or fatalities connected to the crash.

Oregon State Police have since taken over as the lead investigative agency. This remains an open investigation, and troopers are working to determine what led up to the collision, including any possible contributing factors.

KTVZ News has reached out to Oregon State Police by phone and email for additional details, including any updates on those involved and whether the highway was closed or restricted. As of Sunday evening, no further information has been released.

Drivers in the area may see an increased law enforcement presence as the investigation continues. Anyone who was in the area of Highway 97 and Falcon Lane around the time of the crash and witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact law enforcement, if they have not already done so.

This is a developing story. As more details are confirmed by investigators, we will provide updates on air and online.

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KTVZ – News Team

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sunriver Resort’s beloved Gingerbread Junction competition celebrated a major milestone in December, marking its 30th year with record-breaking success. The annual event raised $6,100 for Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver — the most ever since the event’s inception.

A check presentation took place on January 5, with Sunriver Resort representatives handing the donation to Kim Gammond, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver.

“Sunriver Resort’s 30th annual Gingerbread Junction truly showcased the creativity and generosity of our community,” said Josh Willis, VP of Operations at Sunriver Resort. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of our participants, we raised more than $6,000 for Habitat for Humanity La Pine Sunriver. These funds will directly support the cosnstruction of homes that strengthen our local community. We sincerely appreciate everyone who helped make this year’s Gingerbread Junction such a memorable and meaningful event.”

This year’s competition also saw the highest number of votes ever cast — 9,097 total, underscoring the community’s growing enthusiasm for the festive fundraiser.

An adored Sunriver holiday tradition, Gingerbread Junction invites participants to purchase “mini lots,” with all proceeds directed to Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding efforts in southern Deschutes County. Participants — including families, local businesses, and students from preschool through high school — design and build elaborate gingerbread structures that remain on display throughout the holiday season.

Organizers say the event continues to foster creativity, generosity, and community connection — hallmarks that have made Gingerbread Junction a highlight of Central Oregon’s holiday celebrations for three decades.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here at KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon’s youth through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. We have six incredible community partnerships that we’re highlighting through a monthly segment called ‘Making a Difference’.  

This month, we’re spotlighting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon–a youth mentoring network solely supported by donors and volunteers. 

“We have 75 kids waiting on our waitlist. Majority of those are boys, and the majority of those kids are living in La Pine and Redmond,” said Jenn Davis, the program director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, is looking for community members willing to step up and make a difference in the life of a local child or teen. 

“It’s being a consistent adult in a child’s life who just needs someone there to be in their corner. Going out and going hiking or going to the movies, or coming out to our beautiful campus that we have out on 20 acres in east bend and playing games or seeing our horses. Spending time together,” Davis said.

January is National Mentoring Month. 

“Our agency is looking forward to really showing this community what mentoring means and how much of the impact it has on kids in our community,” Davis said. “We have a high graduation rate. We’re anticipating a big group of kids graduating again from local high schools. We are providing tons of opportunities for our kids, so mentoring gives kids opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

And if you can’t mentor, there are plenty of other ways to help out the organization. 

“‘Bowl for Kids’ Sake’ is our second largest fundraiser of the year. It’s a huge event we’re hosting at sun mountain fun center. So you can get involved by being a sponsor or signing up for a team, or you can sponsor for our littles to come and bowl,” Davis said. “For 28 years, we’ve hosted the ‘Comedy for Kids’ Sake’ event, and officially we are transitioning that event this year. It is now called ‘The Big Event’ and will be hosted at Hawkeye and Huckleberry on October 1st.”

From monetary donations to volunteering your time, you have the ability to make a lasting impact on young lives in Central Oregon through Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

“It can make a world of difference for a child in our community. You can give them opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have and give them just your time. It’s really important,” Davis said.

An important commitment indeed.

If you’re interested in learning more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, click here.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Destination Rehab says it is excited to announce the launch of its Walking Soccer for Parkinson’s program, a nine-week indoor program designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease.

The winter 2026 session will run from January 28 through March 18, offering a fun, supportive, and engaging way to improve balance, coordination, and overall health. This is a part of their successful Parkinson’s Programs that are supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation and is free for those with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers.  

Here’s the rest of their news release:

Walking Soccer for Parkinson’s is a modified soccer program that removes running from the game and emphasizes walking, skill-building, strategy, and teamwork. Coached by a neurologic physical therapist alongside experienced soccer coaches, participants are challenged both physically and cognitively as they learn soccer skills and progress into walking soccer games. 

One program participant shared, “Everyone running the day was awesome… (they) adjust drills when needed and help make everyone at ease with participating. It was nice to have leaders who really knew the game and had the skills to keep the activity moving.” 

The program is open to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease who are able to walk without assistance and have been cleared for exercise by their physician. Sessions will take place every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bend FC Futsal Courts. We will also offer outdoor sessions in the Spring!  

Thanks to generous support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, participation in the Walking Soccer for Parkinson’s: Winter 2026 program is completely free for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers. Destination Rehab also extends sincere thanks to Bend FC for providing the space to host this program and for their continued community support. 

Registration is now open. For more information or to sign up, visit our website or reach out to audrey@destinationrehab.org or call 541-241-6463.  

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Serán Bioscience, LLC,  in collaboration with leading developer and design-builder Mortenson, hosted a topping-out ceremony on Thursday to celebrate the construction progress of a new commercial-scale cGMP pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing facility in northeast Bend.

The topping-out ceremony marks the transition from structural construction to interior build-out. Slated to open in the second quarter, the facility on NE Triton Place is the third building and the centerpiece of Serán’s new 100,000-square-foot commercial manufacturing campus, the company said in a news release that continues in full below:

The campus positions Bend as a growing hub for advanced pharmaceutical development while supporting flexible end-to-end solutions for complex medicines and helping pharmaceutical partners accelerate their pipelines.

The expansion marks a significant milestone in Serán’s mission to provide fully integrated support starting with drug discovery and pre-clinical services, to first-in-human (FiH) trials, and ultimately  to commercial-scale production of small-molecule therapeutics.

Adjacent to the manufacturing facility, Serán last fall completed two new warehouse and light manufacturing buildings totaling 50,000 square feet. These spaces support critical materials handling, packaging, labeling and logistics functions, helping ensure efficient scale-up and dependable supply chain execution.

“Our clients are bringing forward increasingly sophisticated pharmaceuticals which demands equally sophisticated development and manufacturing capabilities,” said Dan Smithey, CEO of Serán BioScience. “Serán is a partner that can solve challenges early and then reliably carry those solutions through to commercial production, and this investment in our campus strengthens our ability to do exactly that. We appreciate the close collaboration with our development and construction partner, Mortenson, as we bring this next phase of Serán’s growth to life.”

“Serán’s project reflects the level of technical complexity and quality standards we see driving growth in life sciences manufacturing today,” said Pat Clemons, project executive with Mortenson. “Our team is proud to support a facility that is purpose-built for advanced pharmaceutical production while contributing to the long-term economic strength of the Bend region.” 

Located just minutes from Serán’s existing 90,000-square-foot clinical development and manufacturing campus, the new commercial site will operate as a seamless extension of the company’s established clinical operations and is expected to add as many as 150 employees as manufacturing expands.

Serán’s Bend-based workforce currently includes more than 190 highly skilled professionals across 10 specialized buildings, equipped with advanced technologies such as nano milling, micronization, dry and wet granulation, single and multi-layer tableting, aqueous and organic solvent coating, encapsulation, spray-dried dispersions, powder for inhalation and twin-screw melt extrusion.

Together, these capabilities support oral solid dose programs from early formulation through commercial manufacturing, packaging and labeling.

Founded in Bend in 2016, Serán is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization providing a comprehensive suite of development, analytical and clinical manufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Serán’s deep experience and expertise in materials science, formulation development, particle and process engineering and pharmaceutical manufacturing enables optimum solutions for their customers’ most difficult drug development challenges. 

“We’re proud to support Serán’s continued investment in Bend and its commitment to serving both emerging biotechnology companies and global pharmaceutical organizations,” said Mike Clifford, Vice President and General Manager at Mortenson. “This is a significant life sciences project for Central Oregon. By delivering flexible, science-driven facilities, we’re helping translate innovation into commercially viable therapies while contributing to the continued growth of the region’s life sciences market.”

About Serán BioScience

Serán BioScience partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to accelerate the development and production of complex, patient-centric medicines. The Bend facility reflects the company’s long-term investment in innovation, workforce growth, and collaboration, enhancing Serán’s ability to support the next generation of pharmaceutical solutions while strengthening the regional life sciences ecosystem.

About Mortenson

Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-20 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers. Founded in 1954, Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.

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Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The City of Bend says one of the busiest airports in Oregon is located right here in Central Oregon with more than 140,000 annual takeoffs and landings. Much of that activity driven by student pilots logging required flight hours.

For some nearby residents, that steady stream of training flights has become a daily disruption.

The KTVZ Problem Solvers spoke with longtime Bend resident Ken Saurbier, who says aircraft noise has intensified in recent years.

“It’s just annoying,” Saurbier said. “You’re sitting on the couch watching something or sitting in the backyard, and the helicopters are really loud. When I worked for the school district, you’d hear them coming over the hospital and the schools every day.”

Saurbier now tracks aircraft movements online and showed KTVZ repeated “touch-and-go” training loops over his neighborhood near Bend Municipal Airport.

“Over the last two years, it’s really increased,” Saurbier said.

One of the primary sources of that activity is Leading Edge Flight Academy, which trains hundreds of student pilots in both airplanes and helicopters.

President Travis Warthen said flight paths, altitudes, and traffic patterns are set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“All of that is established by the FAA,” Warthen said. “There are standard routes, altitudes, turns, and distances. It’s all set by those traffic patterns.”

The Problem Solvers toured the training zones, where pilots practice takeoffs and landings over nearby neighborhoods, schools, and St. Charles Bend hospital.

“If you’re practicing takeoffs and landings, you need a runway,” Warthen said. “But when helicopters are training for off-airport landings, most of that work happens out to the east.”

Researchers say repeated aircraft noise can have impacts beyond simple annoyance.

Matthew Bozigar, a researcher at Oregon State University, said studies have linked chronic aircraft noise to disrupted sleep and other health effects.

“We found it disrupted sleep in the U.S. and was associated with higher body mass or obesity,” Bozigar said. “There are many other documented health effects, particularly in Europe, from aircraft noise.”

The FAA says noise-abatement procedures at Bend Municipal Airport are voluntary. Pilots may deviate from recommended routes if safety is a concern, and the agency reviews noise complaints, referring any safety-related issues for investigation.

The flight school says some residents have also raised concerns about how low aircraft are flying.

Warthen said aircraft are operating within required altitudes, adding that perception from the ground can be misleading.

In the traffic pattern, airplanes are generally required to fly about 1,000 feet above ground level, while helicopters typically operate around 500 feet, with specific crossing altitudes designed to keep aircraft safely separated.

“If one of our aircraft is flying, it’s doing so for a purpose,” Warthen said. “It’s not for fun, and it’s not to harass anyone.”

Any significant changes to flight routes would require a federal airspace study, not a decision by the city or local flight schools.

Bend’s airspace is already under review as the airport prepares to add a new control tower, a process that could eventually change how and where aircraft operate.

KTVZ will continue following the issue as part of its ongoing Problem Solvers investigation.

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