Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — 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.

Deschutes County 911 dispatchers received a report just after 8 a.m. of a fire near milepost 131 on Highway 97, just south of Deschutes Junction, sheriff’s office Public Information Officer Jason Carr said.

Bend Fire crews arrived quickly and were able to knock the flames down before they could spread further, Carr said, adding that no injuries were reported.

Sheriff’s deputies determined that Charles Smith Harris Jr., 55, allegedly set fire to an SUV, which then spread to another man’s nearby trailer, Carr said. The fire also ignited several small trees in the area.

Harris was booked into the county jail on charges of first-degree arson, reckless burning, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal trespass and second-degree disorderly conduct.

Harris was cooperative with deputies, Carr said, and reportedly told them he started the fire in an attempt to “get a fresh start.”

Carr told KTVZ News Harris and the trailer owner “knew each other because of living near each other,” but that no altercation occurred.

Harris claimed the SUV was his, but Carr told us there’s “some question as to who owns it.”

It was the second arson arrest to occur north of Bend in less than a day. Jodie Wakeman, a resident of Green Acres RV Park south of Redmond, is accused of setting her trailer ablaze, a fire that spread to two other RVs and killed a dog.

Carr said the two crimes were not related.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — You may have seen new black and teal e-bikes popping up around Bend recently. They’re part of a new bike-share program the city of Bend has implemented. The city partnered with Veo, the independent shared micro-mobility company, earlier this month.

The city rolled out 300 of the pedal-assist e-bikes across Bend. They can be rented using a mobile app and left at designated bike racks or “parking zones” once the ride is over.

The goal is to add more sustainable options for people to get around town.

City Councilor Ariel Mendez said, “This was a council initiative. Part of the reason that we did this is because they would replace a lot of car trips. That means that there’s more parking available, less congestion.”

The bikes may be getting people out of their cars, but not everyone is thrilled with where they’re ending up. Users are expected to ride responsibly and park consciously.

“We don’t want to see these blocking sidewalks or parked inappropriately. They should be parked out of the way,” said Mendez.

While many agree it’s a good idea in theory, the way the bikes have been left also brings about mixed reactions. Noah Cable, a tourist visiting from Portland, is familiar with bike-share programs.

As a small-business owner, Cable has experienced both the pros and cons that come with them.

“On one side, it’s a really great program. It’s great for community involvement. It gets people riding on bikes. It gets cars off the street. On the other hand, they’re kind of left around, like litter a little bit,” said Cable.

Hopes are high that with a little courtesy and common sense, the program will be a success. “I wish everybody was a tiny bit more responsible with them. But I love the program, and I think it’s really spectacular. You know, be a responsible bike rider, everybody! You know what to do – and wear a helmet,” said Cable.

The Bend City Council encourages feedback from the public and asks that if you see an issue, you report it to either the council or Veo. You can email the council at council@bendoregon.gov and find contact information for Veo on their app.

But whether you’re out exploring, downtown commuting, or just wanting to try something new, the bike-share program is now up and rolling for you to try. 

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Isabella Warren

(Update: Adding video, comments from neighbor)

ASHWOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) — Residents living in the Ashwood community are grappling with the loss of structures after the over 95,000-acre Cram Fire started this week.

The fire that began last Sunday has exploded in size day after day as fire crews struggle to establish containment and protect homes. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, as of Friday morning’s daily situation report (PDF), six structures have been destroyed.

Kyle Butler lives near Ashwood and has seen the devastation. He says his neighbor, Lynn Alps, lost her home in the flames.

“Firefighters told us with Lynn’s house, they fought it on every front, every front they possibly could. It came from four different ways. And they tried to stop it,” said Butler. “And it just got to a point where it was coming up a draw, and there was nothing they could do.”

Butler says he hopes to help Alps as she tries to rebuild with a fundraiser.

“It’s someone’s life. It’s their whole home, everything, their memories, their sentimental values, everything that they’ve collected over however many years. And it’s all gone within a day. “

Lynn Alps home after the Cram Fire burned near AshwoodCredit: Kyle Butler

KTVZ News has also learned a family has lost a barn in the fire. According to the family’s GoFundMe page, “My grandparents lost almost everything in the Cram Fire. Their barn — full of tools, equipment, food stores, and supplies they built up over a lifetime — is completely gone. They also lost some of their livestock. They were lucky to escape with their lives.”

Credit: GoFundMe

Residents in the area have told KTVZ News that many of them have not evacuated the area of Ashwood, despite the Level 3 evacuation notice. They say instead, they are defending their homes and properties, with the help of their own equipment and structure firefighters stationed in the area.

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Jillian Fortner

ASHWOOD, Ore. (KTVZ) – Battling wildfire takes strength, stamina, and a lot of calories.

Wildland firefighters need between 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day to keep up with the physical demands of the job.

At the Cram Fire in Jefferson County, that fuel starts with breakfast at the base camp. On this particular morning, the kitchen was serving scrambled eggs, sausage patties, muffins, and tater tots.

Before leaving camp, firefighters also pick up a sack lunch.

Meals at wildfire base camps are provided by contracted catering companies that specialize in large-scale emergency operations.

“This company came from California, and they drove up here to cater this fire,” said Ranae Pape, PIO 3 at the Cram Fire. “Each fire requires a different type of caterer. So when you’re feeding 900, 1,000 or even 2,000 people on scene, you’re looking at different levels of catering and support needed to feed the firefighters.”

At the Cram Fire, the caterers originally planned to serve dinner to 700 people Thursday evening.

“They just got a phone call saying that the numbers for dinner just increased another 250,” Pape said.

Not all firefighters are able to return to camp for meals, so some are packed and delivered directly to their locations in the field.

For those who do return, meals at the base camp provide more than fuel. It offers a moment to rest, reconnect, and recharge.

“Food is a great, great way to bring people together and and have a time of just relaxation. Even though it may be brief, it gives them just a mental break.” said Pape.

While community members may want to show their support with food, fire officials ask the public not to send meals or snacks directly to the camps. Strict health and safety protocols must be followed to prevent illness or allergic reactions among crews.

“We encourage those donations to go to local charities or donate to like wildland fire resources in in different ways,” Pape said.

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Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek on Thursday signed House Bill 3349, which authorizes the Oregon Department of Forestry to donate or sell depreciated firefighting assets to Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) that play a vital role in local fire management across Eastern and Central Oregon. The bill also includes $1 million to support the work of RFPAs.

“We’re facing larger fires than ever before in eastern Oregon and across our state,” Governor Kotek said. “Rangeland Fire Protection Associations have and will continue to be a first line of defense in rural communities, and it is important that we resource them. I am incredibly grateful for the resilience of these landowners who are volunteers dedicated to protecting their communities.”

“In rural Oregon, wildfire response often starts with neighbors, not sirens,” Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane) said. HB 3349 helps ensure our Rangeland Fire Protection Associations are recognized and equipped to do the job safely and effectively. This is about honoring their commitment and making sure rural communities are part of the solution.”

Rangeland fire protection associations operate as independent associations of landowners that provide local wildfire protection. There are 28 RFPAs that provide fire protection across 17.6 million acres in Eastern and Central Oregon. Prior to this legislation, RFPAs had no direct access to ODF’s excess vehicles and supplies.

HB 3349 establishes the Rangeland Protection Association Fund and allocates $1 million to provide the associations with funding for firefighting and rangeland fire readiness, support for pursuing federal grants, and the transfer of firefighting assets.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Arson suspect makes first court appearance)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Deschutes County judge on Friday set bail at $1 million for a Redmond-area woman facing arson and other charges, accused of setting her RV on fire, which spread to two neighbors’ trailers and killed a dog. A prosecutor noted she has two previous arson convictions.

The initial formal charges filed Friday against Jodie Lynn Wakeman included two counts of first-degree arson, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree animal abuse and recklessly endangering another person.

“I think I’m looking at about 20 years or so,” Wakeman, 46, told Deschutes County Circuit Judge Alycia Sykora by video from the county jail.

When the judge reminded her of her right to remain silent, Wakeman replied, “Oh, that’s right.”

The judge set the high bail after the prosecutor in the case said Wakeman was previously twice convicted of arson in Deschutes County.

Deschutes County court records show that in 2013, Wakeman, a then-Bend resident named Jodie Ackerman, was convicted of first-degree arson, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering, and was sentenced to three years in prison. She also was convicted of first-degree arson in 2009 and has a criminal history dating back to 1998.

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Doyle told KTVZ News one of the reasons Judge Sykora set the bail at $1 million is due to the “primary release conditions” under ORS 135.230.

Those criteria include the “reasonable protection of the public,” he said, “and given the fact this is her third alleged Arson I, and that it’s fire season, with multiple active fires burning in the area, her actions could have destroyed an entire city if a fire took off and became out of control.”

The judge set another arraignment hearing for Monday, as Wakeman had not filled out the required form for a court-appointed attorney.

If Wakeman were to post 10% bail and be released, Sykora ordered that she have no contact with Green Acres RV Park or several individuals affected by the fire. The prosecutor also asked that she not be allowed to possess matches, lighters or other items that can start fires.

But when the proposed no-contact list included Wakeman’s husband, she interrupted, as did her husband, who was in the courtroom. The judge admonished him, warning he would be removed from the courtroom if he interrupted the proceedings again.

The fire was reported around 11:35 a.m. Thursday at the Green Acres RV Park in the 7000 block of South Highway 97. While Redmond Fire & Rescue crews were responding to the scene, several people called 911 to report the large column of black smoke coming from the location, Fire Marshal Tom Mooney said.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies were first on the scene and said one RV was engulfed, with the fire spreading to other trailers and flames threatening nearby propane tanks. That prompted a call-out of more fire crews.

Firefighters arrived to find two RVs ablaze and the fire moving toward a 120-gallon propane tank. Crews worked quickly to knock down the fire and keep it from spreading to other nearby trailers, surrounding vegetation and the propane tank.

Mooney also said the area is not protected with fire hydrants, so two water tenders brought 6,000 gallons of water to the scene to assist in firefighting efforts.

A joint investigation was conducted between the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Redmond Fire & Rescue to determine the origin and cause of the fire. After conducting witness interviews and evaluating material evidence on the scene, they determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Green Acres resident Wakeman, who Mooney confirmed is accused of setting her RV ablaze. Hers was one of the two RVs destroyed by the fire, the official said, while a third was severely damaged.

County Jail records showed Wakeman, 46, was being held without bail late Thursday pending arraignment on initial charges of first-degree arson, second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree animal abuse and recklessly endangering.

Kim Paris lived in a trailer that was burned to the studs. She told KTVZ News she lost her 3-year-old Chihuahua, an emotional support animal.

Paris said she was working at her job at Bi-Mart when her daughter told her the devastating news. She says she’ll have to “couch surf” with friends and family until she can find a new place to live 

Mooney added, “Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale RFPD, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.” 

Highway 97 remained open during firefighting efforts, but ODOT’s TripCheck advised drivers to exercise caution.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual FairWell Festival is returning to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, bringing in thousands of excited concert-goers to Central Oregon.

Ahead of the event, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are offering public safety reminders to celebrate responsibly.

The agencies are urging those driving and attending to plan ahead, travel safe, and avoid drinking and driving.

“With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond,” DCSO said in a recent press release. “Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible.”

Have fun, be safe, and celebrate responsibly!

If you’re attending, share photos with us for your chance to be featured in our newscasts by clicking here.

Read the full press release below:

“As thousands of people head to the Deschutes County Fairgrounds this weekend for the Fairwell Festival, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), and Redmond Police Department are reminding drivers and festivalgoers to plan ahead, travel safely, and celebrate responsibly.

With large crowds expected for the popular music event, local and state law enforcement will have increased patrols throughout the area, particularly along U.S. Highway 97 and key intersections and main roadways throughout Redmond. Traffic congestion is likely, and all three agencies urge attendees to give themselves extra time, avoid peak travel hours, and use rideshare services or carpooling whenever possible.

‘Fairwell Festival is one of the most exciting weekends of the summer in Central Oregon,’ said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. ‘Our deputies are here to help make the experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. With large crowds and lots of traffic, we encourage folks to plan ahead, be patient, and make smart choices—especially when getting to and from the event. We want people to have fun, create great memories, and get home safely.’

DCSO will have teams stationed at the fairgrounds working directly with event staff. OSP and Redmond PD will lead highway and local street enforcement, emphasizing DUII prevention and crash response. In previous years, OSP has arrested more than 20 drivers during the festival weekend for DUII offenses.

“Your festival plans should include a sober ride home, whether using a rideshare service or designating a sober driver,” said Capt. Kyle Kennedy with Oregon State Police. “Have a plan to get home safely. It’s that simple.”

Local law enforcement presence is not about dampening the fun but ensuring that everyone—from festival attendees to local residents—stays safe on local roads. Drivers not attending the festival should expect heavier-than-usual traffic in and around Redmond, especially in the late afternoon and evening hours on Friday and Saturday.”

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Just days after Avelo Airlines announced it would be leaving Redmond Airport, another airline, Breeze Airways, announced Thursday it will be serving Redmond starting next spring with nonstop flights to Burbank and Las Vegas and one-stop flights to Provo-Salt Lake City.

Here’s the full announcement from Salt Lake City-based Breeze Airways, with which Central Oregon travelers can now start booking those flights:

Breeze Airways Announces New Service to Burbank-Hollywood, Calif. and Las Vegas from Redmond-Bend  

— Fares Start from $49* One Way –  

   REDMOND, Ore. (July 17, 2025) – Breeze Airways,  the premium leisure carrier connecting underserved cities across the U.S., today announced that it will be bringing its affordable, accessible air service to Redmond-Bend on March 13 with new nonstop service from Redmond-Bend to Burbank-Hollywood and Las Vegas, and one stop/no change of plane BreezeThru service to Provo-Salt Lake City.  

“Breeze is known for its convenient, affordable flights, premium seating options, and amenities like fast onboard WiFi and power at every seat, and we look forward to introducing travelers in the Redmond-Bend area to our Seriously Nice service,” said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways. “Central Oregon is exactly the kind of underserved market our airline set out to serve and we’re confident our new Guests will enjoy their enhanced travel experience onboard one of our brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft.” 

Beginning today, Central Oregon travelers can book a flight on Breeze to: 

Burbank-Hollywood, Calif. (Mondays and Fridays, starting March 13, 2026, from $49* one-way); 

Las Vegas, Nev. (Mondays and Fridays, starting March 13, 2026, from $49* one-way); and 

Provo-Salt Lake City, Utah (One-stop/no change of plane BreezeThru, service on Mondays and Fridays starting March 13, 2026). 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Breeze Airways to Redmond starting March 13, 2026,” said Airport Director Zachary Bass. “Breeze brings a fresh, customer-focused approach to air travel, and their arrival reflects the continued strength and growth of Central Oregon as a travel destination and economic hub. We’re confident that their service will be a great fit for our community, and we look forward to providing even more convenient, friendly, and affordable travel options for our passengers.”  

The announcement, which follows the close of the airline’s second full quarter of operating profit, is a direct response to growing demand for the airline’s successful hybrid business model and represents a significant expansion of Breeze’s West Coast network. 

Breeze was recently named one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative companies of 2025 for its fresh take on affordable flying that is transforming low-cost air travel into a nice experience. It was also named the No. 3 Best Domestic Airline by Travel + Leisure in 2025, placing Breeze in the list’s top four every year since it began flying.  

The airline’s flexible network conveniently connects travelers in underserved cities directly to desirable destinations nationwide, reducing unnecessary travel time and making air travel more accessible to millions of travelers coast to coast. Coupled with its brand-new fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft and premium products like free family seating, fast onboard WiFi, preferred seat options, and no change and cancel fees, Breeze is making it nice to fly affordably. 

To learn more about Breeze or to book a flight, visit flybreeze.com or download the Breeze Airways app. 

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*$49 No Flex Fare promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for BUR-RDM, RDM-BUR, LAS-RDM and RDM-LAS. Promotion must be purchased from July 17, 2025, July 23, 2025 (11:59 pm PT). BUR-RDM, RDM-BUR, LAS-RDM, and RDM-LAS promotion is valid only for travel from March 13, 2026, through May 12, 2026. Price displayed includes taxes & government fees. Fare prices, fare classes, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change or exemption without notice. Any changes or modifications to qualifying promotional reservations will be subject to fare repricing. A difference in airfare at the current fare price may apply. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply. 

About Breeze Airways  

Breeze Airways operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes to 76 cities in 34 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze took flight in May 2021 bringing premium, affordable, and nonstop air service to secondary markets on its flagship fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Breeze has been named a top 4 “Best Domestic Airline” by Travel + Leisure for four consecutive years and was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2025. Breeze was the first U.S. domestic airline to be certified by Autism Double Checked and is the official airline of Make-a-Wish Utah. With seamless booking, friendly policies, and customized booking options, Breeze makes it easy to buy and Seriously Nice™ to fly. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State University–Cascades announced this week it will offer a new bachelor’s degree in accountancy this fall to address the growing need for financial experts in Central Oregon and across the state.

Here’s their full announcement:

About 1,300 jobs are projected to open annually for accountants and auditors through 2032 in Oregon, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Openings for certified public accountants in Oregon are expected to further increase as current CPAs retire. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 75% of CPAs in the U.S. are nearing or have reached retirement age.

To address the shortage, the Oregon State Legislature passed an emergency bill that took effect on July 1 establishing the Oregon Board of Accountancy Pipeline Fund, a $1 million, needs-based scholarship program for students seeking higher education in accounting. The application will open in early 2026 and scholarships will be awarded starting in the 2026 spring term. 

“It’s a dynamic and opportune time for young people, or people hoping to advance or change careers, to enter the accounting profession,” said Logan Steele, an associate professor of accounting. “Employers and clients are actively seeking tech-savvy accounting graduates who can strategically problem-solve and help find solutions for the most complex financial challenges.” 

Steele, who serves on the Oregon Board of Accountancy and will lead the program, said that while powerful software platforms produce mathematical processes and analyses that inform the work of CPAs and other financial experts, the human component will remain essential. 

The accountancy degree is offered through OSU’s College of Business, where the Corvallis-based program experienced a 98% job placement rate in 2024 and accountancy graduates’ average starting salary was $67,880. 

The top employers for alumni of the accounting program include KPMG International, Moss Adams, LLP and Deloitte & Touche.

Students in the program will take courses in specialized business topics, including financial and managerial accounting, as well as courses in economics and communications. They will also participate in career development activities throughout their academic experience that might include internships, practicums and networking activities.

The accountancy program at OSU-Cascades will be delivered primarily in-person, with some courses delivered online via OSU’s Ecampus. 

Programs also offered through the College of Business at OSU-Cascades include business administration and hospitality management.  

To learn more, visit osucascades.edu/accountancy. 

About OSU-Cascades:  Oregon State University’s campus in Bend brings higher education to Central Oregon, the fastest growing region in the state. Surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades is a highly innovative campus of a top-tier land grant research university, offering small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning. Degree programs meet industry and economic needs in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, natural ecosystems, health and wellness, and arts and sciences, and prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges. OSU-Cascades is expanding to serve 3,000 to 5,000 students, building a 128-acre campus with net-zero goals.

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Barney Lerten

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KTVZ) — As hot, dry temperatures continue, the Willamette National Forest will implement fire restrictions starting Friday, July 18. The Fire Danger Level across the forest remains “Moderate” and the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) remains at level I.

The fire restrictions apply to all lands within the forest, including the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Waldo Lake, and Diamond Peak Wilderness areas, according to the announcement, which continues in full below:

All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, or any other open fires will be prohibited outside of designated campgrounds under Forest Order #06-18-00-25-10. Campfires are only allowed in metal campfire rings or grills in designated recreational sites, except when the site is closed to the public.

Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are still allowed as they can be instantly switched off. Generators are permitted only in areas devoid of vegetation, such as campground pavement.

Santiam Pass and Huckleberry OHV areas remain open to motorized vehicles, and e-bikes are still allowed on motorized trails. All motorized vehicles must follow the Willamette National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps. Restrictions will also go into effect for smoking and chain saws in campgrounds. Smoking is not allowed except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site. Additionally, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame is also not allowed.

Please be aware of current restrictions before you head out and share current information with others who may be unaware of the restrictions. Additionally, fireworks are never allowed on national forests.   

Visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/fire and follow us on Facebook and X @WillametteNF for current fire information. To report a wildfire, please call 911. 

06-18-00-25-10_WIF_Stage 1_PURsDownload

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