Deschutes County authorities are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash northeast of Sisters. Deputies say it happened Wednesday afternoon around 2:30 on Wilt Road, east of Fair Mile Lane. Investigators report a white 2018 Ford F-150 was traveling east when it left the roadway on the north shoulder and struck a Ponderosa pine tree. The driver, 82-year-old Frank Halvorsen of Sisters, was pronounced dead at the scene. An 81-year-old female passenger suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital by Sisters–Camp Sherman medics. The Sheriff’s Office says the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Extreme fire danger continues across Central Oregon, with Stage 2 public use restrictions still in place. Anyone heading into areas affected by recent fires is urged to plan ahead, monitor changing weather, and obey all posted signs. Forest Service spokesperson Kaitlyn Webb says reopened burn areas, including Akawa Butte, may look accessible, but hazards remain. She says people can return, “but if you are going to enter the burned area, you should definitely do so with caution.” Webb tells KBND News wind, rain, ice, and snow can loosen trees, rocks, and slopes, creating unstable and dangerous conditions.
Crook County authorities say a Redmond man has died following a kayaking accident at Prineville Reservoir. Deputies were called Saturday evening after reports of someone in distress in the water north of Powder House Cove Day Use Area. Poor cell service made details difficult to gather. Responders found an overturned kayak near the north shoreline, with a backpack and fishing pole still inside. Search teams, including Airlink, a marine deputy, drone support, and dive rescue crews from Klamath and Deschutes counties, assisted. On Monday, divers recovered 39-year-old Ricardo Toribio Amezcua in about 90 feet of water. Officials believe this to be a tragic accident with no foul play suspected.
A Bend man is in custody after police say a string of burglaries and vandalism targeted local businesses and vehicles Friday morning. Officers arrested 47-year-old James Tharp, Junior after incidents at High Time Vape and Smoke, The Herb Center and Third Street Beverage; where the front door damage alone was estimated at approximately $15,000. Later that morning someone had used large lava rocks to break the windows of five vehicles parked in the area of Northeast Ross and Boyd Acres roads. Nothing was taken from the vehicles.
Investigators say surveillance showed the same suspect wearing distinctive clothing during the break-ins. Police later found Tharp inside an unoccupied home on Northeast Greeley Avenue, where they recovered about 900 dollars in cigarettes, along with racks, socks, and lighters. He was booked into the Deschutes County Jail on burglary, theft, and criminal mischief charges.
The Sno Park Fire west of Bend is now fully contained. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says forward progress has been stopped on the fire along Skyliners Road, and all evacuation notices for the area have been lifted.
Firefighters on the ground and in the air are credited with keeping the fire to about 10 acres. Crews will remain at the scene to reinforce containment lines and continue mop-up work, checking for hot spots and improving fire security.
Drivers should note that Skyliners Road near NF 4606 may still see intermittent access restrictions while fire operations continue.
