BEND, OR -- A 61-year-old Bend man faces 21 charges of encouraging child sex abuse and encouraging the sexual abuse of an animal, following an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children unit of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security.

DCSO was first tipped off about the distribution of explicit material involving children in March. On Thursday, May 30, they traced explicit material to an IP address used by Jack Bergeron and learned his home is also the site of a licensed childcare facility.

Authorities say they served a search warrant at the NE Burnside Avenue home immediately, due to Bergeron's access to children. The operation included Oregon State Police, the FBI and Redmond Police Department's Digital Forensics unit. Bergeron was arrested during that search and detectives seized several digital devices. 

Detectives say there is so far no evidence children at the daycare are victims, but concerned parents should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 541-693-6911.

BEND, OR -- Portland State University’s Archaeology Roadshow returns to the Deschutes Historical Museum Saturday. The museum’s Tracy Alexander says you can bring found items and artifacts for experts to analyze. "We don’t do any appraisals, but if you want to know if this thing is old or not, or maybe what it might’ve been used for."

This year’s theme is “The Archaeology of Food,” with exhibits and demonstrations of traditional Klamath foods and native plants used by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs for food and medicine. There will also be samples of foods consumed by tribes and early settlers. "There’s a lot that goes along with making, preparing, acquiring, trading and eating food," says Alexander, "Depending on where folks live in Oregon, their relationship with food is going to be a little different. Whether that is trading for food, the kinds of tools or resources that they have at their disposal will influence what they eat throughout the year."

She says the event provides something for everyone, "So, if you really are into plants, there’s something for you. If you’re into rocks and geology, there’s a lot of that going to be here. If you are interested in hands-on learning, we’ll have some stone tool demos and the ever popular atlatl throw." The atlatl is a hunting tool used to throw spears; but she promises it’s kid-friendly. For students considering a career in history or archaeology, "You will be able to talk to professionals in their field," Alexander tells KBND News, "Whether that is somebody dealing with climate science, drone technology, mapping and survey, actual hands-on archeology with the brushes and shovels, or ground-penetrating radar."

PSU’s Archaeology Roadshow travels all over Oregon. The tour includes visits to The Dalles and Harney County. The Bend stop is Saturday, June first, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Deschutes Historical Museum on NW Idaho Avenue.

SALEM, OR -- Deschutes County reports 15 cases of Pertussis so far this year; Jefferson County has had eight. They’re among nine Oregon counties with outbreaks of what’s commonly called Whooping Cough, prompting the Oregon Health Authority to issue warnings to parents.

"We’re really seeing a rapid increase in cases," says Dr. Paul Cieslak, Oregon Health Authority’s Medical Director for Communicable Diseases. Statewide, the OHA has received reports of 178 cases of Pertussis. At this point last year, there were just 20. Once it’s in the community, Pertussis spreads fast. "It’s often the cough that doesn’t go away," says Dr. Cieslak, "You thought you had a cold; your cough usually lasts a couple weeks when you have a cold and this one’s been going on for a month."

The respiratory illness took a hiatus during COVID, dropping to record lows. "And now," says Dr. Cieslak, "I think we’re seeing two things. Number one: they’re kind of rebounding back, just because people are getting together again. And, we may be seeing the start of one of our peak years." He says peak years are part of the cycle, as immunity ebbs and flows.

While most people get over Pertussis after it runs its cours, it can be especially dangerous - even deadly - for babies. Cieslak says, "Infants have very tiny airways. And if they get any gunk in the airways or they are coughing so much that it’s hard for them to take a deep breath, they can get into respiratory trouble real fast." He adds, "They’re the ones that tend to get hospitalized. We’ve seen five deaths from Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, in Oregon over the past 20 years. But a lot more infants have been hospitalized with it." 

The CDC recommends infants receive their first vaccination against Pertussis at two months old, but a second round at four months and a third at six months are needed to reach strong immunity. Boosters are given to toddlers and pre-schoolers. According to the OHA, 92 of the state’s 178 Pertussis cases are school-aged children and only about half of them are up to date on their Pertussis vaccinations. 

While newborns are too young to be fully vaccinated, Dr. Cieslak says families can take preventative steps, "One of the most important measures that we have to protect these very young infants is for pregnant women to get vaccinated at 27 to 36 weeks gestation," says Cieslak, "They will make the antibodies and then pass them across the placenta to the baby, and baby will have protection right at the time of birth. And that’s what we really want to see happening."

If someone gets Whooping Cough in a household with an infant, the OHA recommends everyone receive a course of antibiotics.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners are on track to adopt the 2025 operating budget in June. After a week of budget meetings, Commissioner Tony DeBone told KBND News the board, "Didn’t make too big changes of the proposed budget. It really adds up to a big number, though: $628 million."

While that's much higher than the 2024 budget, DeBone says the county’s property tax rate isn’t changing. "Last year, we maximized our tax rates: six cents in the general fund, sheriff’s office went up a little bit. So, we’re not really changing the tax rate this year. But this is inflation. This last year was kind of the step. It went into our budget. So, last year’s rates that went up kind of put that inflation into the budget and now we’re on a steady run on the tax rate."

Additional funding is coming to the county from state and federal sources to pay for some big-ticket projects. "We’re going to be implementing the deflection program; so that’s the House Bill 4002. The legalization of drugs, now we’re dialing it back a little bit. So a deflection program’s being put in place. Also building out that courthouse; so that’s the $40 million capital project in downtown Bend for the Circuit Court," said DeBone. "We’re going to do $10 million in capital road improvements: A few more roundabouts in the rural [areas]. But, we’re still able to spend money and build the capacity of Deschutes County." He added, "I remember thinking, ‘$500 million is a half a billion.’ And now we’re at $628 [million], so it’s really getting bigger over time. But a lot of great services; a lot of federal and state money coming through to provide services for people."

Deschutes County Commissioners expect to approve the new operations budget in June, before the fiscal year begins in July.  

BEND, OR -- Bend Police are investigating the death of a man found on the side of the highway, on the north end of town and say it is suspicious.

Officers responded Thursday, just before 9:30 a.m., to a request for a welfare check on Business 97, just south of the DMV. When they arrived, they found the man’s body in a ditch, near the Pacific Pride gas station.

Police identified the victim as 62-year-old David Carroll Hickman, of Bend, but released no other details on the ongoing investigation. 

BEND, OR -- Bend Parks and Rec is recruiting young people to volunteer with summer youth recreation programs. "Typically, you’ve got to be at least 12," says the district's Julie Brown, "But we’ll take them older than that. It’s a great opportunity to get some job experience, and just overall skill building in leading other younger kids, typically, in these programs."

Volunteers are needed from late June through the end of August. "We have a lot of volunteer opportunities for all ages, but this time of year in particular, we have some special opportunities for teens," says Brown. 

"We have some camp programs - both art camps, as well as Cougar Camp. Cougar Camp is one of those standard, traditional outdoor camps at Shevlin Park. Kids get dirty and they ride bikes and they learn skits," Brown tells KBND News, "As well as, we’ve got a junior lifeguard program and a junior swim instructor aide program that happen at Juniper Swim and Fitness Center."

She says volunteers must enjoy working with younger kids, willing to take initiative and create a positive and encouraging environment, commit to a schedule and have reliable transportation. Click HERE for more information.

"We’ll probably have more than 100 teenagers helping us out in these programs. It’s a great opportunity and it helps us have a really great program." 

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners have agreed to continue researching a proposal for a county park and RV campground between Bend and Redmond, on 500 acres of county-owned land. Although, there are challenges and officials agree it's very early in the discussion process.

Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang says he’s heard from a lot of people worried the parcel on Fort Thompson Lane would be used for a sanctioned homeless camp, "There are several other county properties where we’re actually inviting proposals for creation of a managed camp. But Fort Thompson is not one of them." He later reiterated, "There’s no interest or intention in creating a managed homeless camp at the Fort Thompson property."

At Wednesday's County Commissioner meeting, Chang said, "I think it would be a very suitable place to build up to, potentially, eight or 10 miles of trail - the 500 acres. But, we’ve learned from other counties that if you build a county park that is day-use only, it is a money sink. You are spending money every day, every week, every year to keep a day use county park open." He believes building a market-rate RV park on the property would bring in enough revenue to pay for the other services and projects at the site. 

Commissioner Tony DeBone says, "There’s a huge market need, want and desire for this, and paying customers. $35 or $50 a night; 30 amp or 50 amp electric service. There’s a whole world around this." He noted the pandemic created a much more mobile society, "Solar panels and lithium ion batteries have really empowered people to be off-grid even, just truly disconnecting. High-speed internet available by satellite, I mean, there’s a different world out there. So, there’s some exciting things about this." DeBone and Chang agreed Wednesday to move the conversation forward. "There’s a vision here," says DeBone, "A couple miles north of Bend, between Bend and Redmond. Maybe that’s a great opportunity. I’m thinking a right-in, right-out, though, because that’s a high-speed highway there, if we’re truly coming off of 97."

County staff point out there are numerous land use issues to overcome and Commissioner Patti Adair worries about the initial cost. Another county-owned property in La Pine is also under consideration for a market-rate RV park. DeBone tells KBND News if the county moves forward, a private company would manage the site. 

BEND, OR -- So far this month, Deschutes County Search and Rescue teams have responded to twelve call-outs, for things like lost snowmobile riders, missing hikers, stuck climbers and injured motorcycle riders. The team also participated in 27 trainings and exercises, and three public events, including the Special Olympics kickoff in Redmond.

The Sheriff’s Office urges outdoor recreators to carry the 10 essentials for survival: 

• NAVIGATION: A USGS or equal topo map, a properly declinated (14 degrees east locally) base plate compass, along with the knowledge of how to use them together. A simple GPS can also be quite useful if you’re familiar with how to use it and the batteries aren’t dead. A watch and fully charged cell phone should also be carried.
• SUN PROTECTION: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat (for hot OR cold, summer or winter weather)
• INSULATION: The MOST important consideration: NO cotton clothing! Carry synthetic or wool layers, waterproof/windproof rain jacket/ pants; extra gloves/hat, and extra socks as required. Wear layers of clothing to adjust insulation to activity level and current weather. Stay dry to decrease the risk of hypothermia (which can be life-threatening).
• ILLUMINATION: Headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries.
• FIRST-AID SUPPLIES: Basic supplies such as Band-Aids, gauze pads, triangular and compression bandages, etc. Include any medications you may currently be taking and a bee sting kit if you are allergic.
• FIRE: Waterproof matches, butane lighter or candle stubs, plus fire-starting materials (paste, etc.). Do NOT depend on making a fire in bad weather!
• REPAIR KIT/TOOLS: Multi-tool (Gerber®, Leatherman®, Swiss Army knife, etc.), Duct tape. Don’t carry what you don’t need.
• NUTRITION: High energy, no-cook foods, such as high-carb energy bars. Carry at least 200 calories for every hour you will be out.
• HYDRATION: Extra water; take at least (1) liter for short outings and at least 2.5 liters for all-day excursions. Remember that extra water will be needed for hot or cold weather, drink continuously during your outing. Don’t wait until you are dehydrated!
• EMERGENCY SHELTER: A Space blanket or bright plastic tarp (9’ x 12’) and a few large plastic trash bags. Bring something to insulate you from the ground, regardless of the time of year. You cannot dig a snow cave without a shovel, and you should not sit/sleep on snow without an insulating pad.

And, remember cell service is limited in some areas. DCSO encourages people to carry an alternative satellite communication device in case of emergency in an area without cell service. 

BEND, OR -- Emergency rooms around the state are gearing up for a busy summer; especially in the High Desert, where ERs treat everything from hiking injuries to car crash victims. "Motor vehicle collisions are one of the most common reasons that people get seriously injured or killed in this country. And that volume certainly goes up in the summer," says St. Charles Trauma Surgeon Dr. Annie Onishi, "Just because people are out and about, people are traveling."

Dr. Onishi says St. Charles Bend serves a broad area that’s especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts taking part in inherently risky activities, "We are actually in the season now, where you may get a ski injury as well as a mountain bike injury or a mountain climbing injury, for example." She tells KBND News, "There’s really no show in town between here and Boise, and as far south as probably Redding. So, we sure take care of a lot of patients from all over the High Desert, the mountains. People are doing all kinds of fun activities, which can be safe. But, you know, things happen."

Bend's Emergency Room sees all types of patients, "We take care of city slickers that come here totally unprepared. But we also take care of really experienced hikers, experienced outdoors people; there are just times where you have bad luck. If you’re going to recreate outside, there are factors that are out of your control; a rock can fall, you can slip." But, Dr. Onishi says tourists are especially prevalent, "People’s judgment is just different when they’re on vacation and when they’re visiting Central Oregon. And that’s true everywhere."

To avoid the ER, she suggests taking a step back before starting an activity, and think about your abilities, "Being conservative and humble about your physical limitations, and just being respectful and recognizing that the Cascades are not Disney World. Anything can happen at any time." And, she says, if you wouldn’t do it in front of your mother or your kids, you probably shouldn’t do it at all.

Dr. Onishi says if you do need to visit the ER, remember doctors prioritize critical patients, especially those brought in by ambulance. "If you’re walking into the ER, you are already in a category of patient that is not as ill as we need to attend to immediately. So, if you are a ‘wounded well,’ as we might refer to you, please do be prepared to wait." She notes urgent care might be a quicker option for minor injuries or illnesses.

REDMOND, OR -- A week after voters defeated money measures for two neighboring districts, Redmond Schools Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline remains optimistic about a November bond. "We’re offering something to reinvest into the schools, reinvest into the community, if you will," he tells KBND News, "There’s probably $300 million worth of work we could do in this district. We can run a bond in November that won’t raise the tax rates for voters, and we can raise about $97 million doing that."

Dr. Cline says his district would use the money for water-conservation projects and building needs across the district, "We also have this huge, dire need with Redmond High, that if we don’t do a significant upgrade to it in the next five years, the building becomes unusable. And our community’s clearly committed to keeping that building running and serving kids."

In contrast, the request from Bend-La Pine Schools on the May ballot was for what that district called a learning levy. "A levy is a five-year ask for additional funds to increase operations, to increase the amount of resources you have for kids, the amount of programs you have for kids," says Redmond's Dr. Cline, "The largest and richest school districts around our state have these levies, which is why they’re able to pay their teachers more and they offer students more options, because the people in those communities choose to pay more, to kind of amend the state budget, if you will." He adds, "So, it creates a very unfair playing field for school districts around the state, with these local option levies."

The RSD board is expected to vote in late June on the final list of bond projects headed to voters in November.

REDMOND, OR -- Two Redmond men face drug charges after the search of a property northwest of town. Following a long-term investigation, detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Market Team arrested 68-year-old Robert Thibodeau and 37-year-old Michael Howard at a 40-acre rural property on Yucca Avenue last week.

During the search, they seized more than 400 pot plants, two guns and a large amount of cash. Plants were growing inside a 4,700 square foot shop, where deputies also found unpermitted electrical hazards, black mold and leaking septic. 

While on-scene, detectives say Redmond Firefighters responded after large compost piles of marijuana plants ignited in high winds.

CULVER, OR -- Festival of the Land returns Saturday to Cove Palisades State Park. Park Ranger Erin Bennett says last year’s inaugural event was a big success, drawing guests from as far away as Portland, "It was really a lot of fun, we had 450 people that came. And, we’re hoping to have 600-700 this year."

Bennett says it’s a celebration of the area outside Madras, where the Crooked River and Deschutes River canyons meet, "There’s so many different cultures and stories; but this is the one thing that we all have in common: a place that we can all be and thrive and live and have our lives." 

She tells KBND News, "The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will be there, and they will be talking about First Foods and some of their traditions and stories." Visitors can also learn about "vaqueros" - Latin-American cowboys who roped on cattle ranches and became potato farmers - and, White European settlers, "We’re going to have a covered wagon here that was actually featured in the movie Lonesome Dove, and he’ll be doing dutch oven demonstrations. So, you’ll get to try fruits that would’ve been growing here, at the orchard at the Cove, back in the late 1800s." There’s also a petting zoo and conversations with an archeologist. 

Saturday’s event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crooked River Day Use Area. All activities are free and there will be food vendors and a farmers market with items available for purchase. Click HERE for more information. 

It’s one of a number of State Parks Day events planned around Oregon. "It’s definitely a celebration. And this is a way that Oregon State Parks can say ‘thank you,’ back to our community. That’s really important to us. So, this is something not just for our visitors, but for our community members, as well," says Bennett. Day Use parking fees and overnight camping fees are waived for State Parks Day. Bennett says, "There is still some room and Saturday night is free camping. So, if they go on Reserve America, they can probably still get a spot." 

MADRAS, OR -- Oregon’s strong snowpack brought reduced drought conditions, but one county has already asked for a state drought declaration this year. Jefferson County Commissioners sent the request in early April, but a state committee has delayed its response. 

North Unit Irrigation District Executive Manager Mike Britton says the water outlook on paper is not reflective of what’s happening on local farms. "The request isn’t so much related to a hydrologic drought, as it is for a recovery effort from drought," Britton tells KBND News,  "At the local level, our farmers are only getting half of their normal water supply. There’s still thousands of acres of fallow fields, simply because there isn’t enough water as a result of the drought. And not just the drought, but the multiple years of drought." He adds, "If there’s not a drought declaration, they simply cannot apply for federal drought aid."

Britton says most farmers make their planting decisions in the fall. But this past year, that decision was made on the heels of a very dry season, "The summer’s set for our farmers. You can’t get halfway through a growing season and decide you don’t want to grow something or water that field. The plans are already set in motion. They need the help, to be honest with you. And that’s what we’re trying to accomplish. Last year, the Governor approved drought declarations for 13 counties. So far this year, Jefferson County is the only one to submit a request.

Aside from asking for the state emergency declaration, Britton says there's not much else the county can do to help irrigators, "We really don’t have much leverage to do anything, other than make our legislators aware; we’ve made the governor aware." Governor Tina Kotek visited a Culver carrot seed farm in August. "Thank goodness she was here because she has a better understanding of why we’re asking for this," says Britton. 

The state committee will consider Jefferson County’s request again in mid-June.

Image: (05/23/24) The latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows Jefferson County outside of the area deemed "Abnormally Dry," the lowest designation. 

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County Commissioners host an open house Thursday on the safety of domestic wells. Staff from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Agriculture will also be there to gather information and answer questions about options for well owners. Agencies will also discuss the services they provide.

Thursday’s event is 4-7 p.m. at the Crook County Library in Prineville.

BEND, OR -- It’s been almost a year since a Bend teen was killed when the electric bike he was riding collided with a minivan. With warming weather comes renewed warnings about kids on e-bikes. "We’ve seen an influx of scooters, e-bikes and children using them as a way to get around; obviously very efficient. However, they move very quickly and deceivingly so," says Deschutes County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jason Wall. That speed can surprise drivers who don’t realize how fast an e-bike is approaching their vehicle, "People are not used to seeing individuals on these bikes. They’re silent; they don’t make any noise. A motorcycle at least has an exhaust note or some engine noise that could alert other drivers." He says several factors makes him worry more about e-bike riders, "The fact that they’re so quiet, the fact that they’re not at the forefront of everyone’s mind yet, and the fact that we see a number of motorcycle crashes over the summertime. And those, they result in tragedy; people injured, people killed. So, you factor in the silence of the bike, children utilizing them, it’s a recipe for disaster when they come into contact with a motor vehicle."

Wall says, "As school comes to an end here, there’s going to be a lot more children moving around on our city streets. With the advent of e-bikes and the recent tragedy, here in Bend, we ask that people pay close attention to the bike lanes, close attention to the sidewalks and crosswalks."

But he tells KBND News riders also bear some responsibility, "We ask that the bicycles and the e-bikes and pedestrians obviously be aware of their surroundings, be aware of other motor vehicles on the road. And those that are utilizing the e-bikes or the e-scooters, please utilize protective gear; specifically, a helmet."

Under Oregon law, you must be at least 16 to ride an electric bike or scooter. 

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Central Oregon could see a near record number of visitors this weekend, many of whom will head out on the water, taking advantage of full reservoirs and lakes. “We're about three quarters full right now at both of our parks. Ochoco, the reservoir is completely full, it's pretty much overflowing, and then we've got Prineville reservoir, which is also full,” says Josh Reed, who manages Lakeshore and Sun Rocks RV Parks near Prineville. “With the reservoirs being as full as they are it’s going to bring in a lot more people from out of town that are going to be wanting to stay shorter term.” 

It's quite a change from the last few years, when drought caused challenges at both Prineville and Ochoco reservoirs. 

Chris Curtis, at Prineville Reservoir State Park, tells KBND News its two campgrounds and the day-use area have already seen a visitor uptick, “We're looking really full; reservoir is still at 100%. So obviously, that is a big draw for folks.” He expects the campgrounds to be full this weekend, and through the summer, “Definitely been getting a lot of boaters. We've had a lot of boat volume going through the day use. So, that's been nice to see. Everybody asked me fishing reports and I can tell you that they're catching them." Curtis adds, "More docks are in the water, fish cleaning stations up and going, swim area's out, so we're ready for folks.”

Both expect summer to be busy as many campsites are already reserved.

KBND FILE PHOTO: OCHOCO RESERVOIR

BEND, OR -- OSU-Cascades invites the public to tour its latest expansion project next week, "To see the incredible land remediation that’s underway to create the first eight acres of an eventual 24-acre Innovation District," says Christine Coffin, with the Bend campus. She tells KBND News around 200 people are already signed up, "I think there’s just a huge interest in our growing campus, for a variety of reasons."

Coffin says it’s been fascinating to watch the transformation of a landfill full of construction materials and a former pumice mine, "It’s like a choreographed dance scene. There are about 24 heavy equipment vehicles going around the site. Both, digging up the landfill, sorting and separating what was found in the landfill, and then moving it towards the pumice mine, where it will serve as the base of recreation fields and other buildings." Coffin adds, "And even the hundreds and hundreds of tires that were found in the landfill are being shredded on site into tiny pieces, and those will be used - mixed with other materials - as the foundation for the recreation fields." She says crews reached the bottom of the landfill this week. 

She acknowledges the campus is in a perpetual state of expansion, "And, OSU-Cascades will be under development for many years to come. And it will feel like hopscotch because, as we are building one building and remediating land in association with it, we are seeking funding for the next building."

Tuesday, May 28, from 4 to 6 p.m., the school offers a closer look of the site  and hard hat tours of the Student Success Center, "And, what’s fascinating about that building," says Coffin, "Is that it’s constructed out of mass timber. So, a completely renewable resource, just as sturdy as steel." That building is slated to open early next year. 

Tours and the open house are free, but registration is requested. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. For accommodation requests, contact events@osucascades.edu.

Image: The future Student Success Center shown in an archictectural rendering.

BEND, OR -- Holiday weekend traffic congestion begins Thursday afternoon. AAA-Oregon predicts overall travel will be the second busiest ever, for a Memorial Day Weekend. But our roads? They may be the most crowded we’ve ever seen for this holiday period. "We are looking at car travel that is going to set a record," says AAA's Marie Dodds, "So, you’re looking at very busy roads pretty much most of the day Thursday and Friday. But the busiest, most congested time will be between about noon and six."

Almost 44 million Americans plan to get out of town. Of those, 38.4 million are expected to drive to their Memorial Day weekend destination. 

Dodds tells KBND News it’ll be especially busy in areas expecting the most visitors, like Central Oregon, Portland, Eugene, Medford, Baker City and the coast. "Part of that is, especially in urban areas, travelers will be mixing with commuters during that period of time. So, if you can avoid those times - leave early in the morning on Thursday or Friday, or later in the evening after six or seven, even eight o’clock," says Dodds. 

Saturday may be the only reprive from crowded roads, "Monday and Tuesday are actually the busiest ‘coming home’ days," says Dodds, "But we also find that Sunday afternoon is also a busy ‘coming home’ day. And, the times there- if you can avoid traveling on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday between about three and seven p.m. on those days, that will help you avoid the most congested periods."

Airports will also be busy, and travelers are urged to plan for long security lines. 

While all those tourists may try our patience, Dodds says this is likely just the start, "Usually, a strong Memorial Day travel period will signal that it’s going to be strong all summer long. And this year, on Memorial Day, we’re looking at the second highest volume on record, only behind the year 2005."

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The race for Crook County Commissioner Position Three is headed for a runoff in November. Incumbent Seth Crawford was leading in early returns. But Wednesday morning, the County Clerk was still counting around 1300 last-minute ballots, which could’ve pushed Commissioner Crawford over the 50% mark, required to win the seat outright.

Those ballots appear now to have been spread between all three candidates, leaving Crawford with 44% and former Commissioner Ken Fahlgren with 39%, and sending both to the November General Election.

Commissioner Susan Hermreck’s Position One was also on this week’s ballot, but her re-election bid was unopposed.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang easily defeated his three Primary challengers in this week's election. At 61%, Chang had more than twice as many votes as the second-place finisher, Rob Imhoff. "I felt like I would win this election," Chang said the day after the election, "But the margin was bigger than I had anticipated."

Chang believes he won by focusing on a platform that resonated with voters, "Talking about housing, land conservation, mental health and addiction treatment, drought and wildfire resiliency." But, he adds, "I also, I want to emphasize that this was the first nonpartisan County Commissioner race in Deschutes County. And, we saw 61,000 voters turn up to vote. If only Democrats and Republicans were allowed to vote, more than a quarter of those people wouldn’t have cast ballots for Commissioner."

Until this election, non-affiliated and independent voters weren’t allowed to vote for Commissioner in the May Primary, "But now, all of those folks really have a say. And I think that, as a result, these Commissioner races are going to select for moderate, pragmatic, problem-solver candidates. And I would like to think that that is who I am and how I presented myself to the voters."

If no candidate earned more than 50%, the top two would have gone to a run-off in November. Chang tells KBND News he’s glad to be off the campaign trail, "I’m very excited to work on the full range of issues facing the county with that little bit of time given back to me, for the next six months."

BEND, PRINEVILLE, OR -- Voters on Tuesday rejected measures for Bend La Pine and Crook County Schools. In Prineville, School Board member Scott Cooper says with the defeat of a bond his district will need to find the money somewhere for building maintenance and repairs. “I think that's a really good question to ask current leadership of the board because two of the board members came out halfway through the bond and said they no longer thought it was necessary. I don't know where they thought we were going to get the funding because we don't have another source of funding for this and these repairs cannot go undone. So, I'm looking forward to that conversation.” Cooper doesn’t see a lot of alternatives, “We’ll certainly have to go back to the drawing board and figure that out. There isn’t just $17-million laying around.”

In Bend-La Pine Schools, Scott Maben tells KBND News there was a contingency plan if its Learning Levy failed, “We do need to make budget reductions over the next two years. We will look at eliminating positions and also reducing some other spending,” he adds the district will look for more state funding, “The focus will turn to Salem, and our legislature and the governor. Our superintendent is already starting to engage in that conversation. …Especially as we're getting ready for next year's legislative session and they will be voting on a new two-year funding package for public schools.”

Cooper isn’t banking on state lawmakers. “Well, I do laugh at Bend La Pine Schools, which is always talking about more funding from Salem, despite record and historic levels of funding. But certainly, should that come through, it would be helpful.”

It’s the second time Crook County voters have defeated a bond for school facilities.

BEND, OR -- A ribbon cutting Tuesday marked the completion of a major road project on Bend’s south side. City officials and those who helped make the project happen were on hand to open the final stretch of Wilson, between 3^rd and 5^th street. City Engineer Ryan Oster says safety for all transportation modes is a priority, “We've got widened sidewalks now, instead of a standard 6 foot sidewalk, it's somewhere between 8 to 10 9 (feet), so it's very comfortable for families to be on.” The work included upgraded infrastructure, two roundabouts, modernizing the 3^rd Street signal, and adding bike lanes and sidewalks, “To get this done all the way from 15^th to 2^nd is a pretty dramatic improvement, not only for cars but for bikes and people walking, as well,” Oster says.

Work on the Wilson Avenue Corridor Modernization Project began in March 2022, with a budget of more than $15.5-million from the city’s Transportation GO Bond.

Bend’s COO Russell Grayson tells KBND News it's part of the effort to improve east – west travel, “There was some change in the scope which increased the budget, but it was all done as we got into the design that it was determined that this was a major corridor that we wanted to invest some more money in…just because we wanted to upgrade all the facilities.”

Mayor Melanie Kebler says this is the first major update to Wilson since she was a teenage driver in Bend, “…Definitely almost got in an accident at Wilson and 15 when it was the T intersection; that wouldn't happen now with that roundabout. So, just the safety improvements are so key here.”

City engineers are now planning a bridge over the railroad tracks on Reed Market Road.

BEND, OR -- With Oregon’s Primary now done, one political party holds its nominating convention this weekend, just outside Bend. The Constitution Party of Oregon always holds its convention on the fourth Saturday in May, immediately after the state primary. 

Party Chair Roger Shipman says it’s open to everyone, but only registered party members can nominate and vote at the convention, "We are accepting nominations for all races, from President down to dog catcher. We do have two presidential candidates, who will be there: Randall Terry and Joel Skousen. And we have two congressional candidates." Terry, who lives in Tennessee, founded the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue in the 1980s, and led the group until 1991. Skousen, who lives in Utah but was raised in Oregon, is an author of survivalist books. "Probably, I will give the presidential candidates half an hour each and 20 minutes to the congressional ones," says Shipman, "But that depends on how many people there are, and how crazy, and how many other people look like they’re going to nominate other people and so on." 

He says party members have options, "We could nominate Randall Terry, Joel Skousen, Donald Trump or nobody." The winners at the convention will appear on Oregon’s November ballot.

While attendees must be registered with the Constitution Party of Oregon to nominate and vote, the candidates don’t, "We do ask all of our candidates to sign the statement of adherence to our core principles, which are to honor God, the family and to restore the Republic."

Saturday’s convention is at 2 p.m., at the Alfalfa Community Hall east of Bend. Typically, the party holds its convention in Springfield, OR. "But because this year we’ve done a much better job of getting the word out, I expect more and hope for more, and so we tried to make it more central," says Shipman. He's also pushing for a change to the party's bylaws, "That allows us to have multiple simultaneous conventions, so that people don’t have to drive so far." He adds, "So next time, it’s my hope that we can have five or six locations. For example, Baker City, Bend, Grants Pass, Eugene, Portland."

CLACKAMAS, OR -- In one of the most hotly contested Congressional races in the state, a seasoned politician is headed to the national stage, hoping to represent Oregon's Fifth Congressional District.

Clackamas State Rep. Janelle Bynum thanked supporters late Tuesday, "It is with great pride that I introduce myself as now State Representative but now nominee - Democratic nominee." She added, "Today, we’re talking about school lunches for every child in America. We’re talking about reproductive health access. We’re talking about all of these things that will make America a much richer and much more alive place for every American. So, I’m really excited for this opportunity."

Central Oregon attorney and activist Jamie McLeod Skinner had hoped for a rematch against Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer. But, as of Wednesday, had only garnered 30% of the vote in the Primary. 

Bynum said Tuesday her eight years in Salem prepared her for Congress, "I do this work as a love letter to my children and to Oregon’s children. And I truly believe when you bridge the gap between opportunity and talent, then America is a much better place. There’s so many young, talented, beautiful children out there who just need a shot."

She took a swipe at her next opponent during the victory speech, "In the past, I’ve looked at every bill with the lens of “will it make Oregon better and create opportunities for our children- both our sons and our daughters? Will it help working families? And will it advance civil rights?” And I know better than anybody else, unfortunately, Lori Chavez-DeRemer hasn’t been thinking that way in Congress."

Chavez-DeRemer ran unopposed in her GOP primary and issued a statement last night saying she’s honored to have such a strong coalition of support and is proud of what she says is a bipartisan voting record. Her campaign says she has nearly $2 million in her campaign war chest for the general election.

BEND, OR -- In the first non-partisan race for Deschutes County Commissioner, incumbent Phil Chang garnered 61% of the vote, easily defeating three challengers in preliminary returns. If that lead holds after all ballots are counted, Chang secures another term without facing a runoff in November.

Early results also show three charter-amendments in Redmond easily passing. They would impose term limits for the Mayor and Councilors, move the Mayor to a four-year term and create an anti-nepotism rule for future candidates. 

In the race for Crook County Commissioner Position Three - the seat formerly referred to as Judge - incumbent Seth Crawford took an early but slim lead over his two challengers. If those numbers hold, Crawford (44%) and former Commissioner Ken Fahlgren (40%) will likely square off in November. County Clerk Cheryl Seely tells KBND News, as of 11 a.m. Wednesday, about 1300 ballots still need to be counted. If Crawford earns more than 50% of the vote, he would win his seat, outright. 

Crook County voters also appear supportive of the Greater Idaho advisory question, in early returns, directing the county to publicly approve of moving Oregon’s border.

In the seven-way race for Jefferson County Commissioner, two candidates emerged as clear frontrunners in early returns. Special Education Teacher Seth Taylor (25%) and CPA Brandie McNamee (26%) appear headed for a runoff in November.

Also in Jefferson County, a measure to dissolve the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District is narrowly passing, in preliminary results, but the measure to form a new district is failing.

Local bond measures are mixed. While voters appear supportive of money for fire districts, schools are a different story. The so-called “learning levy” for Bend-La Pine Schools is failing. And voters in Crook County, so far, are narrowly defeating their school bond. However, La Pine area voters are supporting the two fire district levies for operations and facilities. And a bond to upgrade equipment and fire stations in Jefferson County is also passing. 

In the race for State Senate District 30, former State Rep Mike McLane easily won the GOP primary. In District 28, Dennis Linthicum’s wife Diane will likely take his Senate seat, winning that GOP primary. No Democrats filed for either seat. 

BEND, OR -- The Environmental Center in Bend is now offering free home energy assessments to qualified families, "To connect folks who have been underserved by energy programs in the past, with free information and assessments about their homes and how they can connect to low and no-cost upgrades," says Climate Solutions Program Director Lindsey Hardy. She tells KBND News it's available to, "Folks who are living with low- to moderate-incomes, people with disabilities, communities of color and folks in rural areas are all eligible for the free audit and then increased incentives."

Hardy says, "We do a walk-through with the homeowner or renter to address problem areas, areas that feel uncomfortable in their home. And then, we’re also looking at their heating and cooling systems, if they have them, their water heating and insulation." She adds, "We will provide a customized report based on the current set up of the home and areas that we think they can improve, and all of the incentives that they’re eligible for, including the increased incentives they can get through our program."

She notes conserving energy and increasing efficiency is growing in importance, "We’re on the precipice of a lot of changes here in Central Oregon, especially with increasing heat events in the summer and increasing wildfire events that folks who don’t have access to efficient heating and cooling and air conditioning now, are facing more health and comfort issues."

The Bend-based program is modeled after a concept developed by a Corvallis nonprofit. Assessors don’t provide a home energy score, required by the city of Bend to sell a house. But Hardy says the new program compliments that more comprehensive report, "If there are folks who’ve gotten a home energy score and have a list of improvements they know their home really needs, we’d be able to come in and connect those with the relevant incentives, and help them qualify for the increased incentives that are available through our program."

The Environmental Center hosts two events to provide information on the program. The first will take place Thursday, May 30 from 1 to 2 p.m., and is aimed at Community Organizations and elected officials who want to learn more about how the communities they serve and/or constituents may benefit from this program and access tools for doing outreach. RSVP HERE. The second event takes place on Wednesday, June 5 from 5:30-6:30pm and is open to the public to learn more about participating in the program themselves. RSVP HERE.  

If you’re interested in seeing if you qualify for this program or to sign up, visit The Environmental Center's website. 

BEND, OR -- Tuesday is Election Day, but a lot of voters have not turned in a ballot. "I really was anticipating a much greater turnout than where we are right now. It is lower than we would like to see," says Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison. As of Monday evening, just 26.5% of registered voters in the county had submitted a ballot for the May Primary. As of Monday afternoon, Crook County turnout was 30.4% and Jefferson County was 21.3%. All are higher than the statewide average of 19.6%. "In the back of my mind, I’m always thinking that everybody’s going to come out and vote," says Dennison, "But, clearly that’s not the case. I was hopeful, initially, if we got to 45 or 50 (percent). But we’re nowhere even close to that now. I do anticipate a very late rush."

He tells KBND News the largest group of holdouts in Deschutes County are those not registered as a Democrat or Republican. They make up more than 40% of the county’s voter rolls, "Anybody affiliated with either a minor party or not affiliated with any party at all, that is the group of voters that is lagging quite far behind. Last I checked, it was just 10% turnout for that group." 

That low turnout may be because those voters don’t get a say on partisan primaries for positions like President, Congress and the State Legislature. But there are plenty of other things they can vote on. "This is the first election that we’re able to vote for County Commissioner in a primary election, non-partisan. Every voter has the Commissioner contest on their ballot," sayd Dennison, "There are money measures; there are some really big, high-profile measures on the ballot. And, the city of Redmond has some charter amendment measures."

Ballots are due at county drop sites by 8 p.m. For voters still hoping to mail their ballot, Dennison urges you not to just drop it in the mailbox, "It might not be postmarked until the next day. If the ballot works its way to Portland and they postmark it there the day after election Day and we receive it, we’re not going to be able to count it. So, the postmark bill definitely- I think the spirit of that was to enfranchise voters and add some flexibility, but it definitely comes with some risk."

A reminder for Sunriver voters: that dropbox is temporarily closed, so make sure to allow time to drive to La Pine or Bend. 

Dennison revived the “I Voted” sticker this year, designed by a local student. After turning in your ballot, you can pick one up at any city hall in Deschutes County. 
 

MADRAS, OR -- The Madras Community Food Pantry will receive a $20,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation, for its effort to pilot a home-delivery program for clients with limited mobility.

The Oregon Food Bank manages a shopping style pantry in Madras, as well as three school pantries in Jefferson County. Services are provided in English and Spanish, and they use grant funding to shop for culturally specific staples at local stores.

BEND, OR -- A vehicle involved in a high-speed chase just east of Bend Monday morning is still on the run, and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help tracking it down.

Deputies say a woman was driving the blue newer model mid-size SUV with Arizona plates. It's also described as having low-profile "racing" style wheels. She had a male passenger when she was seen going about 90 miles an hour on Highway 97, at about 9:15 a.m. They say she ran over spike strips near Knott and Rickard Road, but kept going and was last seen northbound on 27th Street near Stevens Road.

DCSO thinks the vehicle may have been abandoned in southeast Bend or just east of town. Anyone with information is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. 

BEND, OR -- Central Oregon is bracing for the influx of Memorial Day tourists, as holiday travelers welcome the unofficial start of summer. 

"AAA projects that this Memorial Day will be the second busiest on record," says Marie Dodds, with AAA-Oregon. "The numbers are pretty staggering. Get this: 43.8 million Americans, or 13% of the population, will travel at least 50 miles from home. And that includes 600,000 Oregonians." She adds, "About 88% of Memorial Day travelers will take a road trip. We’ve got almost 44 million total, we’ve got 38.4 million going by car." And those road trips include some typical northwest favorites, with two Central Oregon cities making the top 10 list of regional destinations, "Bend, number one; Portland, number two; Eugene, third; Boise, fourth; Medford/Ashland, fifth; Baker City, Seattle, Lincoln City, Seaside and Redmond."

For those going a little farther from home, Dodds says Anaheim, Las Vegas and Honolulu are popular, as well as Rome, Vancouver B.C. and Cabo San Lucas, "There’s a bit of a theme here: beaches, theme parks and larger cities; those are some of the most popular destinations." Dodds says this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005. Cruising, bus travel and trips by train are also up from 2023. 

Inflation and frustration with the economy don't seem to be stopping people from spending discretionary funds on big trips. "People are willing to make the investment in travel for a lot of reasons: Making memories, having those family getaways," says Dodds, "These are all things that are very, very important to most people." And, she notes, "When you look at airfares, they’re within 1-2% of a year ago, so that’s similar. Gas prices are about the same as they were a year ago, and hotels, lodging, those expenses are also about the same as last year."

To listen to our full conversation with AAA's Marie Dodds about Memorial Day Weekend travel, visit KBND's Podcast Page. 

BEND, OR -- The Deschute County District Attorney hopes to recruit more veteran mentors at an event later this week, to help with the Veterans Court. D.A. Steve Gunnels says vets face unique challenges, especially when they end up involved in the criminal justice system, "The participants in the program are obviously veterans, who are coming up against hard times. They, in this case, have been charged with committing crimes that are in some way related to their service in the military." He tells KBND News, "PTSD and traumatic brain injury, things like that, sometimes are contributing factors to people getting involved in the criminal justice system, typically from using drugs and alcohol, which leads to other crimes down the road."

Gunnels says, "The veteran mentors who assist the participants in the program are people who have worked with the Veterans Administration, for example, over the years and learned how to maneuver through that system to obtain services. And they can help other veterans - veterans who are struggling." Those services can include critical primary and mental health care. "The danger, for people who are struggling and encounter a bureaucracy they can’t seem to navigate," says Gunnels, "Is that they’ll just give up and then go deeper into drug use and alcohol use and crime."

Thursday afternoon, the D.A.'s office hosts an informational drop-in for anyone interested in becoming a mentor for the Veterans Intervention Strategy. That open meeting is from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the downtown Bend Library. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The House Agriculture Committee will debate the latest farm bill proposal this week. Two Oregon Congresswomen sit on that committee and have differing opinions about the new draft.

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR6) says proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are worse than she anticipated, "The Republican outline would actually take more food off dinner tables than help feed more people. And we know that people are suffering right now. We know our food pantries and food banks are over-subscribed; some of them are seeing upwards of 30% need over what they saw during COVID." She says a proposed change to the SNAP benefits formula would result in a $30 billion cut, "So, what they’re basically saying is, ‘oh, we need this in order to make our farmers and growers whole.’ I don’t buy that. I think we can do both."

Salinas also worries the proposal would tie the hands of Congress, "Basically, what it says is into the future, you can only make further cuts. And that is harmful." But, she's optimistic about the mark-up process and says she's asking the GOP members of the committee, "To meet us halfway and to make sure that we have a markup that is really reflective of the need right now. I cannot take food out of the mouths of my veterans when I know so many are suffering. They’re struggling to be able to afford rent."

U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR5) says. "At this moment, there has been no suggestion to me that the current benefits are going to be cut." She adds, "The colleagues that I’m working with across the aisle and on my side care about SNAP benefits. The goal is always to be inclusive and answer the call. When we have food insecurity in this country, that’s a national security problem." 

Chavez-DeRemer says she agrees SNAP is important, "One of the things we want to do is that we have all the funding necessary, not cut benefits that are current now, and make sure that we’re addressing any sort of waste so people that deserve and need to be on SNAP benefits get everything that they need."

But, she notes, there are other important components in the 900-page bill, "Forestry matters, workforce training matters, wildfire risk matters, crop insurance matters, childcare matters in this farm bill." There are a total of 12 main issues in the 2024 Farm Bill.

The last five-year Farm Bill passed in 2018. In November 2023, Congress approved extending those provisions until September 2024, while lawmakers worked on reauthorization. Chavez-DeRemer and Salinas agree work is on schedule to send the full bill for a vote before those provisions expire. 

REDMOND, OR -- Deschutes County opens its new trash facility in Redmond Monday. Solid Waste Director Tim Brownell says the Negus Transfer Station needed to be upgraded. "People were dropping materials from the beds of their cars, had to throw it over a gate into the top of a truck," he tells KBND News, "In the winter time, in the rain, what have you, that was a little onerous. And, to a degree, it created some safety concerns."

Now, people will drive directly into a 35,000-square-foot building, "They deliver materials onto the floor and then equipment will load those trucks. So, a much more efficient, much safer way to handle it." Find more information about the Negus Transfer Station, including hours of operation, HERE. 

Brownell says there are three new full-vehicle scales, changing how disposal fees are charged, "Instead of being charged by the volume of material that you have in your car, you’ll actually be going over scales and they’ll be weighing your loads." Vehicles are weighed again after unloading, to determine the amount charged. Click HERE for more on disposal fees and what materials are accepted. 

The $20 million improvement project also sets the facility up for future plans, "By doing this expansion, making the waste side of the equation a little more efficient and safer, it’s also freeing up additional space on the other side of the facility that people have been going to. So, over time we’ll be able to expand the types of materials that we accept there." In the fall, Brownell hopes to start accepting household hazardous waste once a month at the Redmond site. 

Recycling and yard debris drop-off processes haven't changed. "If you’ve been bringing your recycling or yard debris to that site, you’ll go to the same place you always have. So, you’ll bear off to the right, once you come onto the site," says Brownell, "However, if you are bringing garbage, you’ll be following the signs that will take you to the left and towards the new building." 

He hopes to make similar upgrades at the La Pine Transfer Station in about four years. 

PRINEVILLE, OR -- A several hours-long standoff in Prineville led to the arrest of a wanted man Thursday evening. According to Prineville Police, an officer spotted a reckless driver near NE Elm and Loper, just after 4:30 p.m. The officer recognized the driver as 47-year-old Timothy Woodruff, who had a misdemeanor warrant out of Deschutes County. 

Woodruff was reportedly chasing a woman driving her two children in a different vehicle. Officers tried to pull over the suspect, but he took off, stopping on NE Dunham Street and running into a house on NE Seventh.

Law enforcement surrounded the house as Woodruff allegedly barricaded himself inside, refusing commands to come out. The Central Oergon Emergency Response Team (CERT) later executed a search warrant and took Wodruff into custody. He was booked into the Crook County Jail on the arrest warrant, three counts of recklessly endangering another, reckless driving, attempting to elude, menacing, disorderly conduct, and violating a no contact release agreement. 

SISTERS, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is investigating an 8-month-old Belgian Malinois stolen from its owner's vehicle parked at the Whychus Canyone Preserve Trailhead. Deputies say the dog "Grisha" was in a crate with water available, the vehicle was parked in the shade and windows were down to provide airflow.

Grisha's owner returned from walking two other dogs and found evidence someone had opened the vehicle and removed the dog. 

The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help locating Grisha. Anyone with information is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911.

Grisha is microchipped. She was wearing a black collar at the time. Her owner says she's well-mannered and responds to her name. 

UPDATE 05/24/24: According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Grisha was found dead a few miles from where she went missing. Investigators say her death is not suspicious and is likely due to the elements. 

BEND, OR -- The city of Bend is implementing a program aimed at getting more public input on decision making. Citizens Assemblies are common in Europe and have been utilized by towns in Oregon and California to help local governments make decisions.

City manager Eric King tells KBND News it is similar to jury duty, “Citizens are asked to participate and they get a stipend, a pretty substantial stipend, to account for their time and they're sequestered in a location for a couple of days and they help make that decision. That decision then goes to the public body for a formal vote. Typically, it's in that 30 to 40 (people) range. It kind of depends on the topic. But I think that's what they're shooting for here. This is a pilot project with this topic. But the idea is that hopefully it can continue and be sustained.”

Previous Coverage: Citizen Assemblies Concept Proposed For Central OR

The first Assembly has an important task. “There is actually a group that has formed through a federal grant to just fully prioritize policy recommendations to prevent youth homelessness. So, they would like this group to weigh in and help kind of further some of those recommendations.” King adds the issue has far-reaching implications, “Homelessness is not something that's squarely within the city of Bend's purview. It's a county- and there's a newly formed joint office on homelessness. So, we'll have to think about not just the city of Bend hearing those recommendations but other local public bodies.”

Solicitation to recruit members for the assembly will happen this summer, with the goal of meeting in September.

PORTLAND, OR -- Oregon is now considered drought free. NRCS Hydrologist Matt Warbritton says it's the first time since December 10, 2019 the state hasn't had any areas showing "Moderate Drought" or higher.

According to data released Thursday by the U.S. Drought Monitor, the last area under a D1 drought designation improved to D0, which is considered only "Abnormally Dry."

Last week, 41% of the state was at least Abnormally Dry (D0), with 4.5% considered in Moderate Drought (D1). The impacted areas were in the northwest part of the state, all of Central Oregon and a large part of northeastern Oregon. 

Now, just under 10% is Abnormally Dry, stretching across only two parts of the state: small portions of central and northeast Oregon.

BEND, OR -- U.S. Representative Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR5) is joining the push for stable federal funding for the Deschutes River Conservancy. 

"This mattered to a lot of people," Chavez-DeRemer tells KBND News, "The Deschutes River Conservancy matters for sustainable water management, certainly improving water quality and supporting recreational activities for generations that need to come. So that needs to come with funding." She says stable funding for the DRC is important for the entire basin, "When we look at their efforts over the past several years: 100 miles of irrigation canals, restoring 350 cfs of streamflow to those basins, increasing water supply reliability; people love the reliability of understanding what that means."

The Oregon Republican introduced a bill in Congress Thursday to reauthorize a 10-year funding plan. It would provide the Conservancy with $2 million a year during that time, paid out by the Bureau of Reclamation. "It’s a price tag. But, again, what’s the value of that price tag?" asks Chavez-DeRemer.

Almost a year ago, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden introduced a similar bill. That effort stalled in December after it passed out of committee. Previous federal funding expired in 2015. 

REDMOND, OR -- Dozens of people took part in a water summit Thursday, including the mayors of Central Oregon cities, representatives from conservation groups, state officials and legislators. They came together at Redmond's City Hall to discuss proposed changes to state groundwater rules many worry will limit the amount of water cities can use for future development. 

Mayor Ed Fitch says Redmond made large investments in infrastructure and conservation based on past rules, "There’s been a significant reliance on our law, as to how we serve our people, that’s being - I’ll call it, ‘the rug being pulled out from under us.’" Fitch organized the summit and told the group, "The new groundwater rule being considered by the Water Resources Commission will present significant challenges, and perhaps an insurmountable obstacle for cities in the Deschutes Basin to comply with a myriad of state and federal mandates imposed upon cities." He added, "From the city’s perspective, the new rule fails to take into account the unique characteristics of the Deschutes Basin. The new rule, as a practical matter, may have the effect of a moratorium, prohibiting cities from accessing additional groundwater for our rapidly growing communities."

That potential to stifle growth is Fitch's biggest concern, one also shared by a number of others at the summit. "We are the second fastest growing city in Oregon," said Fitch, "We have the third busiest airport in the state, and by next year, Redmond will be home to the second largest fairgrounds in the United States." Jon Stark, CEO of EDCO, noted that growth in Redmond and the region is good for the entire state, "If we want to create ways for the state to continue to receive economic benefit from our growing economy, we have to treat Central Oregon for the good work that it’s done, uniquely."

Prineville City Manager Steve Forrester says local collaboration - between irrigation districts, conservation groups, lawmakers and cities - should be applauded. He now wants the state to provide certainty through the rule-making process, "Time is of the essence, and I think that’s important that we provide that certainty. Because, as many have said here today, we are not going to stop the growth; we need to manage the growth in our area."

Chandra Ferrari, with the Governor’s Office, says water policy needs to work for everyone. "I also think it would be helpful for us to really understand the urgency that you talked about." State Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Redmond/Bend) told Ferrari the crowd gathered at the summit shows the sense of urgency felt in the region. Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Redmond/Prineville) added, "This community is growing. And it’s not acceptable. And I think the Governor’s office hears loud and clear that we need to have a bridge. We don’t know exactly what that is but we’re at the table willing to find it." She said state agencies also need to hear the urgency for a transition plan, "Because it’s going to take a collective effort to figure out what that is and how that works. And there’s a lot of things that get in the way, and most of it is red tape and regulation."

Representatives from Oregon Water Resources and the Governor’s Office said they would consider all of the comments as they work through the rulemaking process.

BEND, OR -- Caldera High School holds its first ever commencement in a few weeks.

Principal Chris Boyd has been with this graduating class since the beginning, when the Bend school opened in 2021.  “I met some of our soon to be graduates when they were just ninth graders and they were at other high schools thinking about, ‘what's this new high school going to become? And, what's my role in this new school?’”. He tells KBND News they have accomplished a lot in that time, “To see them sort of grow into leadership and grow into roles where they really were truly our seniors for three years, they helped us create a climate and a culture. They built every program in the school.”

He says the Seniors had to act as leaders when they came in as Sophomores, “By the time that group of students became Juniors, they had kind of figured out, ‘hey, if I don't fill this void, no one else is. So it's time to step up’, and students really did in lots of different ways. And we created lots of opportunities for students to use their voices to say, ‘hey, these are the things that we want in our new high school’.”

The Seniors put a lot of work into planning this first commencement.

“We're going to have 13 students all participate in different ways in the ceremony from giving speeches to emcee, helping us with our national anthem, signing the national anthem,” Boyd says, adding the class looks forward to leaving a legacy, “We have a little treat at the end of the graduation for our students to walk out and be recognized. So, I'm excited for a little twist in the end of the graduation ceremony.”

The ceremony for the Wolfpack class of 2024 is at Caldera on Saturday, June 8th at 6 pm. Also, that day, Summit hosts its graduation at 10 am and Mountain View's is 2 pm. Bend High’s commencement is June 6^th at 7 pm. La Pine is June 7^th at 7 pm. Bend Tech is June 10^th at 7 pm. Realms rounds out the district’s celebrations on June 11^th at 7 pm.

BEND, OR -- Bend Park and Recreation plans a major renovation of Hollinshead Park, and is looking for public feedback on the proposed changes. Project Manager Ian Isaacson says the work includes improvements to make trails and parking more accessible, "Upgrade a portion of the existing parking lot to improve accessibility and site circulation. Right now it’s a pretty tight space and really difficult for folks to get in and out of there."

Isaacson tells KBND News, "Another big portion of the project is a fully flush restroom and toilet. That’s an amenity that we have at all of our other community parks. And so, we'll get rid of the porta-potty and have a real restroom." He also expects they'll install interpretive signs around the property, "To talk about the history of the site, because we think that’s really important and a really unique aspect of Hollinshead Park. And then, we’re looking to include fencing off the designated off-leash area for dogs." Hollinshead is one of just two BPRD parks with an uncontained off-leash area.

The project is still in the design phase, but Isaacson says a big focus is on maintaining the property's history and personality, "People love the charm of Hollinshead Park, the way it is now. And a lot of the design intent that we’re looking to implement, both with the restroom structure, with the fencing for the off-leash areas, we’re intending it to kind of blend in." He also hopes to plan for future preservation of the former ranch, "We have an architect and a structural engineer, who’s doing a full assessment of all of the structures on site; many of those are historic structures. They’re going to provide a report to our maintenance staff on how to preserve and renovate those buildings going forward so we don’t lose that part of history."

Much of the work planned in the Hollinshead Park Improvement Project was outlined in a 2010 Master Plan. Isaacson expects design and planning to take another two years, with work to begin in 2026. The initial budget is $1.1 million, paid for through existing Parks & Rec funding sources. 

BPRD hosts an open house next week to share design plans and get public input. It's Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Hollinshead Barn. You'll find more information at the Project Website. 

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Circuit Court is changing how it notifies people of jury duty. Instead of the old paper with a return envelope, prospective jurors will receive a postcard with instructions on how to respond online. "We believe that these postcards will be more efficient for many jurors to respond," says Trial Court Administrator Angie Curtis. Postcards direct prospective jurors to an internet portal called Juror eResponse, "They can use the information on the postcards to go to our website, to respond to the jury summons, to complete their jury orientation requirements and things like that. So we hope this will be more efficient for people who have that access. However, we also recognize that not everybody has that access or does not necessarily prefer that." Curtis tells KBND News anyone without internet access or who is uncomfortable with responding online can call the courthouse. That call information is also included on the postcard.

The change is part of a statewide rollout of a new jury management system. Curtis says, "In some of the courts that have implemented this postcard system before our turn, they have found that it actually seems to increase the jury response. In other words, it does seem to be more convenient for more jurors to respond this way."

She notes the old summons was used as late as this week, "For people who have received a traditional summons with paper and envelope, those are still valid. But the first round of these new summons will go out on Monday, May 20th." Curtis adds, "We will actually have an updated jury webpage for those who receive the new postcard summons. So, for a short period of time, we’ll actually have two jury pages - one, to respond to the postcards and the other to respond to those who have already received a paper and envelope summons."

Jury duty scams remain prevalent and Curtis wants the public to be aware of the new postcard, so people know it's legitimate. But she also reminds everyone, "The Circuit Courts will never contact anybody by phone, email or other means to ask for personal or financial information, or to demand money for failure to respond to jury service, or threaten anybody with arrest for not serving on jury duty."

Sample Postcard:

BEND, OR -- A man suspected of attempted murder, first-degree assault and kidnapping was found dead east of Bend Wednesday night. Bend Police and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office issued a "shelter in place" order while searching for the man in the area around Big Sky Park, east of Hamby Road. The notification sent to residents at about 8 p.m. said he was to be considered armed and dangerous. Just after 9:30, law enforcement found the suspect dead.

Thursday morning, Bend Police released the suspect's identity. John Davis, a 61-year-old Bend man, is believed to have stabbed two women before apparently taking his own life.

Officers responded to NW Kenwood Court just before 7:30 Wednesday evening. A woman reported her father stabbed her mother and 83-year-old grandmother, then left with the elderly woman in her car. Investigators say Davis took his mother-in-law against her will to his estranged wife's home on Kenwood Court. He then allegedly stabbed both women before taking off again with the elderly woman. 

At about 7:35 p.m. a Redmond Police lieutenant found the vehicle at Big Sky Park, where the man dropped the victim and drove off. The vehicle was then spotted in the Buckingham Elementary parking lot, where witnesses reported seeing Davis running through nearby baseball fields. 

With the help of multiple K-9 unites, police tracked Davis north of Big Sky Park, where he was found dead just after 9:30 p.m.

The two victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Story updated at 10:40 a.m., 5/16/2024, with further details provided by Bend Police.

BEND, OR -- Bend roads are already starting to see extra congestion as more road construction projects get underway and summer tourists start to arrive. Sheila Miller, with Bend Police, says it’s the department’s busiest season, "Last year, from May through August, we averaged about 7200 calls for service each month, which averages to about 240 calls for service a day. And then, all those other months January through April, September through December, our call load was about 6100 calls for service each month, which is about 203 calls a day." That’s about 18% more calls each day. 

Miller tells KBND News, "Some of our issues come from consumption of alcohol in our community. And, in the summer, it’s nice out, there’s lots of visitors, there might be bachelor and bachelorette parties; we do see a lot of things that are associated with alcohol." That includes a rise in Driving Under the Influence calls in the summer. So far this year, Bend PD has made more than 220 DUI arrests, and Miller expects that rate to increase over the next few months.

Distracted driving is also an issue. "This is a really good time of year, because there are so many more pedestrians and bikes out on the road; if that’s what it takes, knowing that there’s lots of kids out," says Miller. She asks that drivers also practice patience on crowded roads to prevent making things worse, "When you get in a crash, it affects everybody else around you, it makes the traffic worse, cops have to respond to that, that's another call for service that gets added to the day."

Miller asks everyone to be patient with each other and officers, "Our staffing doesn’t change just because we see a huge uptick in tourists. So, we have the same number of police officers on patrol whether it’s a February evening or a hot night in August." That means officers will frequently put low-priority calls on the back-burner, "If you are calling about your car that got broken into overnight, or you’re calling about a lost wallet or a dog barking, those are things that are going to take longer for officers or community service officers to respond to."

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County School District coaches will be required to undergo training, following an undisclosed complaint.

School Board member Scott Cooper said at this week’s meeting, "In response to a grievance received and heard by the board in executive session related to coaching, the board finds that systemic mistakes were made that resulted in a breakdown in relationships between coaches, some players and some parents in one of the district’s athletic programs." Because the complaint was discussed in executive session, the public did not hear details nor the board's deliberations. 

Cooper went on to say, "The record of the subsequent investigation and decision-making is untimely and inconsistent. And, on behalf of the district, the board apologizes to all parties affected by this matter." The apology was met by applause from the audience.

"The board wants all coaches to have the tools they need to succeed," said Cooper, "And the board directs the superintendent to work with the high school and middle school athletic directors to develop and bring to the board for approval within 90 days a comprehensive plan for coaching, training, evaluation and support for all coaches." Adding, "By January 2025, all coaches must demonstrate competence according to an objective standard to be developed as part of the coaching plan."

District officials did not respond to KBND’s request for details of the complaint. 

BEND, Or -- With less than a week before the election, Bend La Pine Schools is banking on support for its Learning Levy. Superintendent Dr. Steve Cook says enhancing curriculum benefits students, “Ensuring that we're giving them access to those opportunities and so that they could live and work in the communities that they currently live in and thrive in doing so. And so, we're excited about that conversation.” The local option levy is for $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value. It’s expected to generate over $112-million over five years.

Bolstering Career Technical Education options is a main priority. Cook says the ballot measure is a response to community feedback, “We ask questions about those priorities and whether or not there was an interest in this community in supporting expansion of and making sure that those priorities have an opportunity to live and do well for our students in this community. What we're seeing is pretty high demand for these and not only for more access to existing pathways, but potentially even adding pathways. And so, we see that as a really exciting opportunity for students.”

Dr. Cook tells KBND News there will be transparency in how tax dollars are spent, “We annually are expected to produce our budget to the public and provide access to it. And we also provide an audit for every budget the following year that demonstrates that we've kept our commitment.” An Independent Citizen committee will also be formed. “So, one of the things that I can assure folks is that this is, if it were to pass, this is something that we want to make sure and prioritize is how these dollars, how these local dollars are allocated. So that it's clear what the spend would look like,” he says.

In addition to the CTE curriculum, the Learning Levy aims to reduce or maintain class sizes. “As a general rule for 33 schools tending to this, it does require more resources. What we are proposing is one portion of the prioritization of this levy if it were to pass would be to commit to adding staff.”

There is no organized opposition to Measure 9-167.

Ballots must be dropped off or postmarked by 8 p.m. Tuesday.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- The Crook County Sheriff’s Office hosts its first ever Scam Awareness and Prevention class on Thursday. "Recently, we’ve been getting more reports of various scams," says Sgt. Javier Sanchez, "We’re seeing scams that pertain to jury duty, people pretending to be with the Sheriff’s Office, other kinds of scams, as far as cryptocurrency, Publisher’s Clearing House promotions, things like that."

Sgt. Sanchez tells KBND News it was important to offer the public a chance to interact with the agency, instead of just issuing another press release or online warning, "We can actually have a conversation about what’s going on - not only for the people that are involved, but once they’re aware of these scams, if they’re out in the community and they hear about a friend or a family member that’s experiencing something like that, they can share with them the information that they learned." 

He worries about two main issues, "The biggest concern is that people will send their money and never see it again. And the other one is that sometimes these kinds of scams, they are really difficult to track." Sanchez says that’s why it’s important for victims to report their losses, even if it’s a small amount of money. 

CCSO’s Scam Awareness Class is at the Crook County Library Thursday, at 5:30 p.m. It’s free and open to everyone.

BEND, OR -- A Bend woman accused of stealing from her own nonprofit is scheduled to make her first court appearance later this month. Dawn Marie Holland is charged with 10 counts of Aggravated Theft. 

Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels says embezzlement cases are especially difficult to investigate because of the expertise needed to go over the books, "To make sure that the expenses match the receipts and that there’s a good paper trail to prove that there were inappropriate diversions of money from appropriate uses."

Gunnels says Bend Police investigated for almost 10 months after receiving a tip in July from DAWNS House, a local sober living facility for women. Holland is the former Executive Director of DAWNS House. The initial acusation came from the nonprofit's Vice President. "The Bend Police Department started this particular investigation and reached out to the Oregon Department of Justice for additional assistance to look into the books, look into the records," says Gunnels, "To make sure that what was being reported to the Bend Police Department actually came clear through a thorough accounting of the books." Holland was indicted by a Grand Jury May third; she was arrested six days later. "There has been significant evidence produced in the investigation that supports those charges," Gunnels tells KBND News, "And we hope to present those facts to a jury down the road."

Gunnels acknowledges this type of investigation is complicated and lengthy, "People who are embezzling money tend to try to cover their tracks, so it does take a long time - a decent amount of time - to investigate these cases. And we want to make sure that we’re really thorough and accurate, and that we’re not just assuming certain entries in books are fraudulent when there’s a plausible explanation." He says cases involving nonprofits can be especially tough because the organizations often worry the investigation could jeopardize their mission. In this case, Gunnels says, DAWNS House reported the theft and is cooperating. 

Holland is scheduled to be arraigned May 30th.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County broke ground on its courthouse expansion project, Monday afternoon. The project will double the size of the courthouse. County Commissioners and other dignitaries took part in a ceremony at the construction site in downtown Bend, at the corner of Bond and Greenwood. 

After several years of lobbying the legislature, state lawmakers approved the addition of two more judges in 2021. While there are now nine judges for Deschutes County, there are only seven courtrooms. Presiding Judge Wells Ashby is glad to be getting two more, "We’ve been able to make it work with ‘10 pounds in a five-pound bag.’ The county really can’t responsibly build until we have the judges. So we got the judges; we’re kind of packed in kind of tight. This is the right timing." He tells KBND News, "For so long, we didn’t have enough judges. Now we have the judges and we just need some more space. So, this really represents a strong commitment by our community in justice and the rule of law for now and decades to come." He says the last courthouse renovation was 20 years ago.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Commissioner Phil Chang called the $44 million project a major county investment, "We are so grateful to the State Legislature for its contribution of $15 million for the building expansion." Lawmakers also allocated another $1.5 million to remodel the existing facility. The county will borrow about half of the money needed. 

Chang says there are also security upgrades, "Secure staff parking, a sallyport to securely transport individuals who are in custody in and out of court. It will also include public service counters, a reception area, administrative offices and two sets of courtrooms with jury deliberation rooms, judges’ chambers and support staff offices."

Judge Ashby says court proceedings will continue during construction, "The contractor’s working after-hours on some things. They do have sound mitigation techniques. You know, it’s a lot of dirt and dust, and we’re just going to be good partners in that. We have contingency plans for reduced courtrooms and remote proceedings. So, we’re going to make it work." Some of those contingencies were practiced during the pandemic. 

The new portion of the courthouse will replace the parking lot and main entrance at the corner of Greenwood and Bond. A temporary public entrance will be used during construction. 

BEND, OR -- Temperatures are rising, the tourists are coming and events are stacking up on the calendar; summer must be right around the corner. Happy Girls kicked off a full slate of races last weekend, in Bend. Conquer the Canyon returns to Redmond June 8th. Aaron Switzer, with Lay it Out Events, says there’s a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a new 5K doggie dash, "It’s a very cool course. It’s the reason that we got pulled up to doing the event. So, we start on the street, under the Redmond arch. It’s a very cool start place, and it runs into the Dry Canyon and around the Dry Canyon." He tells KBND News, "They’ve got a beautiful park up there. If you haven’t taken a moment to hike in Dry Canyon, it’s incredible. It’s where the river used to flow. We run down and back it, and back into town for a little party afterwards."

June 21st and 22nd, Bend's Alpenglow Park hosts the new Big Bend Barbecue. "Some people may remember the bond the Parks passed to create this event park down south, to kind of diversify where events are happening in our community. Well, we are stepping up to the plate and going to do a barbecue event down there," says Switzer, "It’s very family friendly. Bring your picnic blanket and there will be five to six different barbecue people; you’ll be able to sample them all, get a tasty beverage, listen to some music."

Of course, the traditional favorites are back. Switzer says Bend Summer Festival is one of the most popular; it returns July 12th through the 14th. "Everybody in the community gets to come to downtown and walk the streets. There’s art vendors from all over the region, music going all day and night. A ton of fun and a great way to celebrate living in the community during the middle of the year." More than 80 regional and national artisans will display their works this year, "We do a jury now for the art. It’s pretty sought after, just because - as you know, the community’s affluence is raised, so there’s more commerce going on and artists are doing better down there, which is great. And, you’re getting a better quality of art."

Balloons Over Bend (pictured) is July 26-28 and in August, Theater in the Park returns to Drake Park, with Mamma Mia. Click HERE for more information.

WARM SPRINGS, OR -- Human remains found last year near Warm Springs have been positively identified by the State Medical Examiners Office as the body of a missing 18-year-old.

In December of 2022, LeBron Boise walked away from his Warm Springs Home. Despite several days of searching, investigators had no leads on his location.

More than a year later, in December of 2023, a group of people checking trap lines on the Jackson Trail discovered human remains near a cliff face. The State Medical Examiner's Office worked with the Bone Technology Lab to identify Boise through DNA.

The Warm Springs Police Department issued a statement Friday, saying, "Although this is not the outcome we were all hoping for, we are thankful that Mr. Boises’s family is now able to lay their loved one to rest. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family as they navigate this difficult loss."

WARM SPRINGS, OR -- The Museum at Warm Springs reopens Tuesday. It closed in December for renovations of its heating and cooling system.

The Museum is located on Highway 26 in Warm Springs. Regular operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

BEND, OR -- Central Oregon wildland firefighters responded Friday to an eight-acre wildfire near Hole in the Ground, south of Bend off Highway 31. By Sunday morning, the South Pasture Fire was estimated to be 105 acres and 100% contained.

The wildfire is surrounded by areas previously treated by prescribed burns and thinning. Officials believe the fire was human caused and it’s under investigation.

REDMOND, OR -- A Redmond man is accused of firing a gun inside a home Friday evening. The incident led to a three-hour standoff and a "shelter in place" order issued at about 7 p.m., for the area near SW 27th and Pumice Place. 

Redmond Police went to a home on Pumice Place after a caller to 911 reported the shots fired. The person reported taking the gun from the man before leaving the house. State Troopers and members of the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team (CERT) also responded after reports indicated the man may still have access to weapons.

After three hours, 59-year-old Robby Dulley was taken into custody. He received medical attention prior to going to jail. Dulley faces charges of Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Reckless Endangering. 

MADRAS, OR -- Madras Police arrested four people at Sahalee Park Friday afternoon, including minors. Authorities did not release details of the incident, which remains under investigation, but said officers responded quickly, at 3 p.m., with the Sheriff’s Office, State Police and medics.

At nearly the same time, Jefferson County Fire and EMS helped rescue a man with a broken leg from the Boyce Corral area of the National Grasslands. He was injured by a horse, at around 2:30 p.m.

Firefighters and Sheriff’s deputies hiked to the 50-year-old patient and transported him to a waiting Lifeflight helicopter (pictured). He was flown to the hospital. 

BEND, OR -- Central Cascade Wilderness Permits used in some parts of the Deschutes and Willamette National Forest is about to start its fourth season, and the U.S. Forest Service considers it a success. 

"We are coming up on the time period, June 15th through October 15th, that any overnight use requires a permit within Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness Areas," says Kaitlyn Webb, with the Deschutes National Forest, "Back in April, 40% of the overnight permits were released, for advanced reservation. And the other 60% will be released once the permit season opens in June; and that will be a seven-day rolling window." She tells KBND News, "There are also several trails, 19 out of 79, within those wilderness areas that also require a day use permit. So, we’re getting close to that permit time period." Day use permits won't become available until June.

When it launched in 2021, the Central Cascade Wilderness Permit system was supposed to curb resource damage in some of the area’s most popular camping and hiking spots. Webb says it's working, "Our staff are starting to see improvements to really highly impacted sites. We’ve seen reduced crowding and we’ve also seen better dispersion of users. That’s made a real visible difference for folks when they’re actually out experiencing that wilderness area."

In 2022, the USFS rolled out a similar permit for parking at Lava River Cave, south of Bend, "This permit system is making it much safer, as far as parking goes. That was one of the reasons it was implemented. We were seeing over 70,000 visitors per year, and there isn’t a ton of parking in that area." Lava River Cave opened May third and those reservations can be made now, "In the past, we had a 30-day booking window, and we decided to move that to a seven-day booking window. It provides a more accurate trip-planning opportunity for visitors and a more efficient use of the reservation system."

Central Cascade Wilderness and Lava River Cave permits are all available at Recreation.gov.

BEND, OR -- Central Oregon Community College received a nearly $112,000 grant from the Oregon Clean Fuels Program and Pacific Power. "This grant allowed us to install charging stations at our Bend and Prineville campuses," says COCC Sustainability Coordinator Noelle Copley, "Which means we now have charging on all four COCC campuses, that are free and open to the public." She tells KBND News there are now 12 charging stations across COCC's four campuses. The new ports are located on the north side of Newberry Hall, on the Bend campus, and on the east side of the Prineville campus parking lot.

"The charging stations, themselves, are now open to the public," says Copley, "So, we’ve had charging stations at Madras and Redmond. They’ve been seeing an average charge two to 15 sessions a day, depending on which station it is." She notes, "The one close to the airport is pretty popular."

Copley says, "The grant also provided for us to partner with 350 Deschutes, to do education around electric mobility. And, also purchase three vehicles that we are now using in our COCC fleet." Those new EVs have proven quite popular with faculty and staff, "They’re going out daily to area high schools, they’re using them to shop for the student food pantry and faculty are using them to go between campuses. So, it’s been more successful than we even thought, originally."

In 2022, COCC President Laurie Chesley signed a climate pledge. Copley says, "The focus on electric vehicles and EV infrastructure for Central Oregon is part of the college’s greater mission to prioritize sustainability, in general."

file photo

REDMOND, OR -- Starting next week, crews begin making improvements to Redmond sidewalks. That includes pavers, street trees, curb bump outs, new storm water facilities, and a flashing beacon pedestrian crossing.

“There are just portions of our city that are missing sidewalks and we are wanting to improve those connections, especially around schools and downtown areas,” City primary engineer Jake Sherman tells KBND News Redmond’s plan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act started seven years ago, “This project specifically was kind of that starting point of that original plan from 2017 and we ended up getting some funding about a year ago. So, we're using that funding to do the work on 12th. But then also working with our Urban Renewal staff here at the city, we were able to add on the fourth street. So that way it can kind of get updated to the more downtown standard.”

They’ll start at the intersection of SW 4th and Cascade. Work begins on 12^th street between Highland and Lava Avenues in June. “They'll be installing new sidewalks as well as reconstructing driveways to incorporate those sidewalks as well as we'll be installing new ADA crossings at each of the intersections,” Sherman says the project will take place through the summer, wrapping up in September, before the start of the school year.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County deputies arrested a Prineville man this week, as part of an ongoing theft investigation. In April, tools, motorcycles, tractors and other vehicles, valued at more than $10,000, were taken from a remote property.

Deputies executed a search warrant on Tuesday at a property on SE Palm Lane. Among other items, they discovered a gun and arrested 36-year-old Miguel Martinez for being a felon in possession of a firearm. They also recovered a gooseneck trailer reported stolen from Lake County (pictured).

A second search was done the next day at a property on SW Redwood Lane, where deputies found many of the items taken in the April burglary. No other arrests were made, but authorities say they are still investigating. 

BEND, OR -- Capping a 10-month investigation, the former head of a local sober living facility was arrested Thursday on 10 counts of Aggravated Theft.

In July of 2023, the vice president of D.A.W.N.S. House (Directly Assisting Women Newly Sober) reported someone had stolen from the nonprofit. Bend Police reached out to a financial investigator at the Oregon Department of Justice for help in the investigation, and determined there was probable cause to arrest former Executive Director Dawn Holland.

A Deschutes County Grand Jury indicted 51-year-old Holland last week and the court issued an arrest warrant. She was taken into custody Thursday at the Bend Police station.

EUGENE, OR -- A 41-year-old Bend man who left his drugs behind after checking out of a local hotel was sentenced Wednesday to more than 12 years in federal prison. According to court documents, a Tetherow Resort housekeeper discovered a suspicious trash bag in a guest room in March of 2021. Responding deputies investigated and found a quarter pound of meth, two hypodermic needles and a metal safe containing another half pound of meth in the sack.Dana Lee Johnson later contacted the hotel, asking about his missing bag. He was arrested during a traffic stop on April 1, 2021, where deputies found more drugs, cash and a loaded pistol in his rental car.

Johnson was also driving with a suspended license, and had an outstanding warrant for failing to register as a sex offender. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in Euegene on four counts, including illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. 

In October 2023, Johnson pleaded guilty to the gun charge and meth possession with intent to distribute. 

BEND, OR -- Local troops are adjusting to this week’s announcement from Boy Scouts of America that the youth organization is rebranding as simply “Scouting America.”

Crater Lake Council COO Jennifer Mooney says the name change solidifies work that started five years ago, when girls were first allowed to join, "It’s just an opportunity for those girls that have maybe sat on the sidelines and watched brothers do this program, and they want to be part of it. And the nice thing for a lot of us families that have daughters and sons is, we can do it as a whole family." She admits there's been some pushback, "In anything you do, change is scary, right? And it’s not just with our organization, it’s with anything in life. And, if they don’t really understand the reasoning behind it, they’re going to continue to want it the way it was." Mooney says those people typically don't realize the organization's mission and values haven't changed. She says it's still focused on character, leadership, citizenship and personal fitness. 

The Crater Lake Council has 69 packs and troops in 11 counties across Central and Southern Oregon and northern California. Mooney says for those existing members, not much will change. But, "For the incoming families that are curious about Scouting," she tells KBND News, "I think it just solidifies something that we’ve been working on for five years, of inclusivity." About a fifth of the Council's 1,300 youth members are female, "The 20% female is actually pretty encouraging. Of course, our hope is eventually to be 50/50. But, it’s just a continuation, as we continue to let more and more people understand and know what our program is."

Not all the boys are pleased with the shift. When they complain, Mooney says, "I’m a little snarky sometimes with that and say, ‘Well, prove yourself that you can do the skills just like the girls can. Because the girls have proven themselves.’" She adds, "It’s still very fresh for girls to learn these same skills. And I watch them in their troop meeting just really get very excited about getting these skills done."

The name change officially takes effect on the organization's 115th anniversary, February 8, 2025. 

REDMOND, OR -- The city of Redmond plans to increase its System Development Charge for transportation - those are fees paid by developers for roads and other infrastructure in the growing city. "We haven’t had a substantive increase since 2008," says Mayor Ed Fitch, "We’re way behind, in terms of some of the projects that are needed for transportation, both for congestion and safety." He tells KBND News, "There’s about a $15 million gap currently, in what we have as resources and what we need to do over the next five years. So, the city’s looking to increase the System Development Charge for transportation from about $5,600 to somewhere around $11,000 to $13,000."

Fitch says the City Council hopes to meet with the Cetral Oregon Builders Association before making a final decision, "We’re going to be talking to COBA and with Redmond Economic Development (REDI) to go over that and get their input." He says the question is not whether to raise SDCs, but by how much and when? "It’s challenging; we recognize that. So we may be staging in over time because certain projects were already in place or in development, and financing’s already lined up. So, we’ll be looking at how that gets phased in, as well."

Fitch says those conversations will take time, "We expect that process to take a couple months. Then, there’s about a two or three-month process to get hearings set and the change implemented. So, I expect it to be sometime around September."

LA PINE, OR -- La Pine voters will decide on two measures funding the Rural Fire Protection District, on May 21st.

“I think with this being an essential and emergent service, people understand how critical that is, especially when you're dealing with the very time sensitive functions between getting to a hospital, and then also time sensitive nature of just dealing with fire suppression,” Fire Chief Erick Holsey tells KBND News La Pine’s growing population means more emergency calls, “We have to replace our ambulances at a faster rate than average. Generally, it's about 250,000 miles or seven years of service and we can reach 250,000 miles on our ambulances probably closer to five.”

Holsey says both levies have been continuously renewed going back decades, “I think people understand that, and they understand the value to it. So, I haven't really heard any opposition to that. And, then since we're also not asking for additional funding, we are maintaining our current rate. I believe that our citizens feel that that is important. There's just a lot of things that keep asking them for more money and we're really just asking them to maintain what we're currently doing so we can continually provide the same level of service to them.”

The 10-year capital levy would bring in about $5.6-million over that period.

The five-year operations levy would raise $7.5-million.
 

KBND FILE PHOTO: La Pine Fire & Rescue

REDMOND, OR -- Oregon Housing and Community Services has approved nearly $23 million to create 157 new homes at 10 developments around the state, including more than $10 million for 77 homes in Redmond and Sisters.

Woodlands and Adams Commons, two projects from Sisters Habitat for Humanity, received $950,000 and $3.8 million, respectively. And in Redmond, RootedHomes' "Rooted at 19th" and "Rooted at Antler" will share just over $6 million. Timber Cottages, a Redmond project from Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, will also get $1.45 million. 

OHCS says 30% of the projects receiving funding are in rural communities. The investments are aimed at helping establish "concrete pathways" for Oregonians to pursue homeownership. 

BEND, OR -- A local nonprofit will soon launch a special grief support group for those who have lost a child. "It is one of the hardest losses anybody could deal with." says Partners In Care Bereavement Coordinator Carla Purusa, "It’s very out of sync from what we expect in life. And that doesn’t matter if your child is six or 60."

She tells KBND News grieving parents requested their own group, to help them through unique circumstances, "It’s not that we weren’t serving that population; we were. They were just in different groups. We have had Traumatic Loss groups, where those losses were due to accidents or trauma of some sort, and a lot of the parents were in those groups." Purusa adds, "A lot of those losses are young men in their early 20s. That’s a big one. They’re taking a lot of risks, they’re very active and a lot of accidents happen."

Partners in Care hosts a half-day workshop on May 24th in Bend to start the conversation about dealing with the loss of a child. "There will be a panel that have lost adult children and they’ll talk about their own experience with that. And, we’ll do a luncheon and an experiential exercise in the afternoon." says Purusa. Attendance is free, although pre-registration is required. Click HERE for more information.

Weekly support group meetings start in the fall. Purusa says they'll be similar to other groups already taking place, "We try to help people understand the process and then offer skills to manage the grief process, and how to best deal with that. And then, allow them to have some discussion with each other in the group, also." 

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond Schools officials are dropping a proposal to consolidate the district’s two high schools. A task force considering options for an upcoming bond initially supported the idea, to save money and free up Redmond High for other district uses. But after two community listening sessions brought out opponents to the plan, the committee changed course and is looking at other options.  

Superintendent Dr. Charan Cline tells KBND News, "It was clear there was a community preference for keeping two schools going, as opposed to combining into one school." But, he says major renovations are still needed at RHS, "It’ll be around $40 million worth of work into Redmond High. A huge amount of money will go into first replacing the heating pipes, taking out the asbestos." He says the roof also needs to be replaced. The project would be paid for by a bond expected to go to voters in November.

Cline says there were benefits to the consolidation idea, "Having both of them into a single school would’ve helped us keep a more consistent and robust set of offerings for kids. But, in this case, there are advantages to having smaller schools, as well. And that is where our community is interested and their value is in the smaller school." He adds, "I’m interested in making sure our community is well served and their educational purposes are well served." He says the community is not well served by a bond package that doesn't garner support from voters, "I’m optimistic that we are giving people what they want." 

While the RHS consolidation proposal received a lot of attention over the past few months, Cline says the bond would fund work at nearly every school in the district, "Mostly maintenance items; lots of replacements of heating systems, a lot of work with parking lots, replacing windows, working on trying to lower the amount of water that we’re using in the school district." For Redmond High, he says, "It won’t really add any square footage to the place and we may add a small ag building; we’re taking a look at that. But it’s mostly a bond about maintenance. It’s mostly a bond about maintaining their schools and making sure that these buildings last a long time."

Cline is now finalizing his recommended list of projects for the bond. The Redmond School Board is scheduled to vote on the list at their June 26th meeting, likely sending it to the November ballot. If passed, the tax rate would stay the same, because it replaces an expiring bond.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Organizers of the Greater Idaho Movement are frustrated Crook County Commissioners aren't doing more to correct an error made by the County Clerk. As KBND reported last week, two arguments in favor of Measure 7-86 were omitted from Crook County’s voters pamphlet. County Clerk Cheryl Seely recently explained to County Commissioners how the statements were inadvertently left out, "Those all I submit in a bundled packet, they all go in, I missed two of them. I don’t know what happened, but- they were some of my early submittals. So, I have two that didn’t make it." Both of the missing arguments were submitted by members of the Greater Idaho Movement. Seely says she called the Secretary of State’s office and learned there’s no way to reissue the voters pamphlet. She told Commissioners she was told, "We are under no obligation to do anything, other than put a corrective statement or something on our website. And we’re actually not even under an obligation for that."

Seely considered asking the local paper to print a correction. The Greater Idaho Movement has asked the county to issue a supplemental page and mail it to every household. Commissioner Seth Crawford prefers the latter, "I think we should do all of them again, just for fairness. I think the paper is great; but it doesn’t reach even a small portion that you would with a direct mailer." But Seely says a direct mailer would cost at least $4,600 and it wouldn't fit all 13 arguments. It's tax money Commissioner Susan Hermreck doesn't want to spend, "I do appreciate a person’s voice. I do appreciate that it should be on the voters’ thing. But $4,600 kind of sticks in my craw a bit." Commissioner Brian Barney agreed, noting the measure wasn't the work of the Greater Idaho Movement "This was an advisory question that the board put up, that they didn’t put up. They weren’t out seeking signatures, they have no work effort in it, and one of the stipulations for when this was put on- that the county wasn’t going to be responsible for any additional funding of any sort."

Crawford disagrees, "If it wasn’t our mistake and they turned it in late and they weren’t able to get their information in, that’s one thing. But the fact that we, as the county, were the ones that missed it, that’s where I think it’s different."

The Movement's Executive Director issued a statement Monday, saying in part, "Through no fault of our own, our organization and it's supporters have had their political voice minimized and harmed." Matt McCaw went on to say, "While we understand that mistakes happen, the county has a duty to treat everybody fairly, and where their errors have caused that to not happen, they should remedy the situation in a way that's acceptable to those who've been harmed.  This is a very important vote happening in Crook County, and mistakes made by the county can not be allowed to impact the results.  We continue to call on Crook County to mail a supplemental to voters so that our supporters get the same reach and voice that our opposition was given."

Commissioner Hermreck is satisfied by the press release issued by Seely and the inclusion of all arguments for and against the measure on the Clerk's website, "I just feel that a corrective statement is the way to go, because I would rather spend the $4,600 and have it [directly] help somebody."

Of the 13 arguments received by the Clerk's Office on Measure 7-86, nine are opposed and four are in favor.

BEND, OR -- Anticipation is building for the opening of Bend’s new Costco store on the north end of town later this year, and attention now turns to the future of the current Costco at The Forum Shopping Center. 

Pat Kesgard, with Compass Commercial Real Estate, says Costco owns its stores, "So, when you think about The Forum, the current location, they own the building, the land and that large parking lot." He believes they'll sell, "In talking to the broker in Chicago, I just said, ‘Can you give us an update? You’re supposed to have the new store open late summer or early fall.’ And he responded back, they have had significant interest in that building." But a sale isn't imminent, "He said they’re really not focusing on it at this point. They will in another three months. So, by the time they get a tenant in tow, they get the plans drawn up, submit to the city, city’s going to take at least six months going through that process, probably more than that." That development could take another year, "Odds are, it will probably be cut up into two, three or four different tenancies. But, it’s not going to be a problem leasing that out, is what he indicated to me."

Kesgard tells KBND News, "I think it’ll be an investor group. I know the developer of the new Costco. He told me he and two other companies are standing in line to try and buy that property. So, a lot of interest." 

PORTLAND, OR -- Oregon’s Governor signed a package of bills Monday, all aimed at increasing housing production and helping cities pay for residential infrastructure.

Governor Tina Kotek says when she took office last year, Oregon’s housing supply was short by about 140,000 units, "And while Oregon has already made great strides in passing innovative legislation, we are still too far behind and we have a lot of work to do." She told the crowd gathered Monday in Portland, "Our under-supply of housing worsens our homelessness crisis, drives up home prices and makes it harder for Oregonians to live near where they work and play and go to school."

Among the four bills she signed at Monday’s ceremony was SB 1537, sponsored by Kotek. It establishes the Housing Accountability and Production Office. "This office will provide a more comprehensive approach to support housing production across our state and will be a resource to support local governments and developers who are just trying to build more housing," says Kotek, "Second, the bill provides a one-time option for cities to expand their Urban Growth Boundary, if they have shown that they meet specific land and affordability eligibility metrics." She adds, "Within expansion areas, 30% of all housing units must be legally restricted for affordable housing. The 30% requirement would be one of the strongest affordability requirements in the United States."

The other three bills signed Monday fund municipal infrastructure to support new housing, pay for continued operations at  homeless shelters around the state and direct the state to adopt model ordinances cities can use to meet housing goals.

Vice Chair of the Senate Interim Committee on Housing and Development Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) is pleased with the package but says, "I’m a big believer of managing expectations. So, we can celebrate, but we’re not done. This is a nice step but there’s plenty more ahead of us." He told the crowd, "The key to get us out of the crisis is production. We need more housing units at all levels, all types, ownership and rental, and incomes- all incomes." He wants future legislative sessions to stay focused on increasing housing production.

State Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) also attended Monday's ceremony. She was Vice Chair of the House Interim Committee on Housing and Homelessness and believes the spending package will help alleviate the difficulty in Central Oregon to build more homes, "It has to do with regulation, it has to do with infrastructure issues, where we get stopped because we just don’t have the dollars to create the infrastructure to help the next project happen. And all of those things were addressed inside of the package of bills that we talked about today. So, it is a win for Central Oregon, as well as all of Oregon."

Breese-Iverson was joined by Madras City Administrator Will Ibershof, who says his city gets $1.4 million from the package, "That is for infrastructure for both workforce housing, as well as apartments and condos." KBND News asked what that level of investment means for a city like Madras. He says, "It’s huge. I mean, we have a general fund budget of $4 million. So something like this is significant. The other part of it is, we have employers that want to open shops: stores, businesses, manufacturing, etc. and they need housing for their workers that are making $35 to $40 an hour. And that’s not something that comes easily."

They were also asked why it was important to travel to Portland for the signing ceremony? Breese-Iverson responded, "There was a team of us that worked together to get this legislation forward and we did it with our local partners. And if we don’t show up for each other, for the good things and the bad things, what are we doing?" Ibershoff added, "And for me, it was just coming up to say thank you. You know, if you don’t thank them, they’re going to forget about you."

Also in the spending package: $2.5 million for Redmond to develop infrastructure for the Northpoint Vista housing development, and another $1.5-million for Deschutes County’s Stabilization Center. 

WARM SPRINGS, OR -- A Happy Valley man was killed in a crash that shut down Highway 26 near Warm Springs for several hours on Saturday morning.

State Police say 30-year-old Kyle Kircher was reported as suicidal, shortly after midnight Saturday. About an hour later, Warm Springs Police found his vehicle at the bottom of the canyon, below the Mill Creek Bridge. Investigators believe the crash was intentional.

Authorities were forced to wait until daylight to launch a recovery operation, which included Deschutes County Search and Rescue and Warm Springs Fire.

BEND, OR -- Deschutes County Commissioners are asking for public input on the next Comprehensive Plan. Senior Long Range Planner Nicole Mardell says it’s, "Our guiding policy framework for decision making on planning, growth, resource protection and development in the rural county - so, all the areas outside of city limits - over a 20-year period." She tells KBND News, "So, even if we have new Commissioners, even if staff changes, this document is used over a 20-year period to determine what direction to go on things like zoning code amendments, county grant programs, criteria for rezoning." For more on the plan, click HERE. 

Development of the plan has been underway for several years, and Mardell says they've already received around 280 comments from the community, "As staff, we tried to create a really representative plan for rural community members. There were a wide diversity of opinions on a lot of issues. So, what you see is - a lot of the content is finding a middle ground, trying to balance a lot of those issues."

The fourth and final public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan is Wednesday evening. "This is the chance for folks who may not have been involved in the process, or who were waiting to see the final draft, to weigh in," says Mardell. She notes the format is different from typical hearings, like the proposed RV rental dwelling code, which also goes before the Board Wednesday, "For that one, we’re asking for feedback on very specific code; there’s really limitations on what people can focus on. Where, with the Comprehensive Plan, everything is on the table."

The public hearing for allowing RVs as rental dwellings was initially scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, but the agenda now shows it at 10:50 a.m. The Comprehensive Plan hearing is at 5:30 p.m. Both are at the County Services Building, at 1300 NW Wall in Bend. 

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond hosts a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon, for its new public safety building. The public is invited to attend at 3 p.m. at the construction site, located at 2983 NW Canal Blvd. Click HERE for details.

The new Public Safety Facility is funded by a $40 million bond approved by voters in 2022. The 42,000-square-foot building will eventually house the Redmond Police Department, an emergency operations center and training room. Officials told KBND News it'll provide more privacy for crime victims meeting with officers, ample parking for employees and the public, and offer a high-visibility location for custody exchanges and marketplace transactions. 

It's expected to open in June 2025. 

SISTERS, OR -- An Idaho woman wanted for kidnapping was arrested in Sisters over the weekend. A Deschutes County deputy patrolling the area around Highway 20 and Forest Service Road 4606 discovered Leah Marie Sharp’s encampment at about 7:30 Sunday morning.

The 37-year-old was accused of custodial interference and kidnapping in Caldwell, ID. With the assistance of several other deputies, Sharp was arrested without incident and her three kids were found unharmed.

The children, a seven-year-old and two four-year-olds, will be returned to Idaho. Sharp was taken to the Deschutes County Jail. 

MADRAS - A weekend fire is now under investigation, after it caused around $20,000. 

Early Saturday morning, Jefferson County Fire & EMS responded to a report of a brush fire in the area of Lakeside Drive. Crews arrived just before 5 a.m. and discovered a structure fire on the opposite side of the neighborhood.

On Tenth Street, they found flames coming from a 1200-square-foot outbuilding. Firefighters extenguished the fire and no further damage was reported.  

Photo courtesy of Jefferson County Fire & EMS

SISTERS, OR -- A 21-year-old Bend transient faces several charges after he allegedly stole a car, crashed it and then was hit by another vehicle he attempted to steal.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Joshua Buck requested a ride from the county's Stabilization Center to Sisters. When the vehicle stopped at the requested location, just before 3 a.m. Friday, authorities say Buck assaulted the driver and dragged him out of the car. He then drove off, heading west on Highway 20. Deputies were able to track the vehicle's location, as it turned onto Highway 126. 

At about 4 a.m., DCSO was advised by the Lane County Sheriff's Office of a multi-vehicle crash near Vida. LCSO contacted Buck at that crash site, where they say he was actively trying to steal a second vehicle. The driver of that car sped away, striking Buck in the process. 

Buck was arrested and treated at the hospital for his injuries. He's charged with Robbery, Assault and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. 

BEND, OR -- Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler was in Washington, D.C. earlier this week, with the bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors. "They have a homelessness task force that’s led by Karen Bass, who’s the mayor of Los Angeles, who is dealing with this, obviously, in her city and also is a former Congresswoman," Kebler tells KBND News.

"We talked to Senators, we talked to Representatives. We also talked to the Secretary of HUD, our housing department at the federal level, the Secretary of the Veterans Department, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and all of this was to say the federal government needs to invest more," she says, "Especially in housing vouchers, which is our main tool that we use to get people into housing. It helps pay the rent for people who can’t afford it. And we also need more vouchers to help us build things like Cleveland Commons, which is permanent supportive housing; which is one of the best ways to get chronically homeless people off the street and supported." Construction began on Cleveland Commons last fall, at SE Fourth and Cleveland in Bend. 

Kebler says it was an important opportunity for the group of nearly 50 Mayors to show a united front on the need for resources, "It was really great to be with Mayors from California, Nevada, Providence Rhode Island, all these other places in the country, and we all agree this is a top issue for our cities." 

She believes they were well-received, "There’s always politics in play at Washington, DC, and helping to move things forward. But, especially our Senator Ron Wyden, that we spoke to is very invested in making sure that we have also what are called Low Income Housing tax credits, which are what directly help us build affordable housing, and a child tax credit to put money back in the pockets of struggling families and help end child poverty, which is also a way to help people stay in their homes."

BEND, OR -- A motorcyclist was killed in a northeast Bend crash Thursday afternoon. At about 1 p.m., Police responded to Highway 20, just east of NE 27th Street and found the rider trapped under a vehicle. He was later identified as 48-year-old Chad Bernhardt, of Bend.

Investigators say he was hit by an SUV driven by 46-year-old Kyle Cofer, who made an illegal turn out of the Stonebriar Apartments onto Highway 20. Cofer faces several charges including manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs.

Highway 20 was closed between NE 27th and Hamby Road for several hours during the investigation.

PRINEVILLE, OR -- As Crook County voters fill out their ballots for the May 21st election, some may notice information missing from the voters pamphlet for a local measure.

Crook County Clerk Cheryl Seely says she inadvertently omitted two arguments in support of Measure 7-86, which asks if Crook County should support joining Idaho. The two missing arguments are from members of the group "Move Oregon's Border." 

She says there is no way to reissue the voters guide, although information on every Crook County race is available on the Clerk's website. You can also click HERE to read all of the arguments submitted for and against Measure 7-86.

BEND, OR -- The tri-county Central Oregon Suicide Prevention Alliance launched a new public service announcement this week, encouraging gun owners to safely store their firearms. The rate of suicide by firearm in Central Oregon is higher than the statewide average. Deschutes County Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator Bethany Kuschel tells KBND News safely storing firearms is proven to reduce risk, "Creating temporary time and distance between someone and a lethal mean, when they are in a suicide crisis, can be really effective."

Kuschel hopes the PSAs will increase awareness, "For our community, for our families and that it should just be a normal conversation. When we’re talking about secure storage, it’s finding things that work for the firearm owner, often within the home, and it’s also temporary. So, we’re not talking about mandates, so law enforcement doesn’t have to be involved."

Caroline Suiter, with Deschutes County Public Health, says gun owners were heavily involved in the campaign, "There’s been a lot of input from our communities and firearm-owning communities to help with this project." She says the ads offer different ways to keep guns out of the hands of people in crisis, "One option is just having lockboxes at home, safes at home, there’s biometric combination key locks - always changing those, periodically, if there’s youth in the home or someone who might, ongoing, struggle with certain issues. Our law enforcement agencies, it’s a location where people can go to temporarily house their firearms."

Two Spanish versions of the PSA, as well as a second one in English are expected within the next month. Click HERE to learn more about local secure storage options. 

BEND, OR -- Pertussis cases are on the rise in Deschutes County. In the past two weeks, County Public Health has identified seven cases of Pertussis, also called Whooping Cough. In all of 2023, just six cases were reported.

The highly contagious respiratory disease is transmitted through droplets from a cough or sneeze. Newborns, who are too young to be vaccinated, are at highest risk for severe illness. Complications can be life-threatening for infants under six months old. 

Pertussis vaccines - the DTaP and TDaP - are available at local healthcare providers and most pharmacies. “Getting vaccinated does not only protect you, it also protects your loved ones and close contacts, some of whom are more susceptible to complications from pertussis,” Dr. Rita Bacho, Deschutes County Program Manager for Communicable Disease Prevention and Management, said in a statement.  

file photo

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz supports a bill to remove the gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species Act in the lower 48 states. Rep. Cliff Bentz represents much of Eastern, Central and Southern Oregon and says urban lawmakers don’t know what ranchers in his district have to do to keep their livestock safe from wolves. "I don’t think I’ve encountered such an amazing display of ignorance regarding the nature of a wolf, until this afternoon. A wolf is not a pet dog. It’s not some schnauzer or golden retriever, or dachshund. It is a natural born killer." He spoke on the House floor Tuesday, during debate over a bill dubbed the Trust the Science Act. 

Bentz told lawmakers, "It’s obvious to me that those who have suggested that ranchers are apparently not to be concerned about, haven’t grown up on a ranch, as did I. They don’t have a clue about what it’s like to have to get up in the middle of the night to try to go out and protect your livelihood from nocturnal killers like wolves." He added, "The people I represent do have to deal with wolves, back in Oregon. And in some of the most awkward situations." Under current law, the protection line in Oregon is Highway 395, which goes through Bentz’s district, "It is bisected by this highway. And on one side, the wolves are listed. On the other, they are not. In some places, this highway runs right through the middle of a single-ownership ranch." 

He also cited a recent report from U.S. Fish and Wildlife showing there is no risk of wolves going extinct in the next 100 years. "The Endangered Species Act doesn’t require an abundance of these natural born killers. It requires enough that we still have them around," said Bentz, "No one’s disputing that."

The bill passed the U.S. House Tuesday, on a 209-205 vote, and goes to the Senate.

WARM SPRINGS, OR -- Kah-Nee-Ta released a number of maps Tuesday, revealing the resort's new layout. The rebuilt facility plans to reopen this summer.

Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs first opened in 1962 and was Oregon’s first destination resort east of the Cascades. It closed in 2018, due to the economy.

When it reopens this summer, it’ll feature multiple pools surrounded by cabanas, a spa and athletic center, hotel and RV park. The resort spans both sides of the river, and provides space for launching kayaks and tubes. There’s also a tribal area reserved for Natives.

BEND, OR -- May Historic Preservation Month. Local events are planned throughout Central Oregon, including walking tours, theatrical performances and even a vintage motocross event. 

Kelly Cannon-Miller, with the Deschutes Historical Museum, says preserving old buildings benefits the planet, "Demolition and wasting of resources isn’t where we need to be moving into the future. And, so you can think of preservation on the one hand as adaptive reuse and recycling of spaces and materials." She tells KBND News, "Giving historic buildings new life, and allowing them to work for you rather than ending up in a landfill and burning up the resources that it takes to create new materials."

On Thursday, actors portraying members of Redmond's founding families offer a glimpse into the past, while on a walking tour of historic downtown buildings that have been repurposed for local businesses. 

Cannon-Miller says preservation can also be artistic, "One of the things that we have in this month’s programming is a theater piece based on a story that’s 100 years old this year: the Lava Lake murders; and trying to figure out who the second murderer was in that horrific incident."

National Historic Preservation Month is spearheaded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Each community celebrates in their own way, and you can find a variety of things happening around the country. A lot of effort goes into drawing attention to endangered places, which we very much still have that. For us, in Central Oregon, we’re always at risk of losing a resource," says Cannon-Miller. 

She notes archiving the past, "Can inform you about what your community needs to be working on - why are you the way you are? It can give you the materials to make art, it can give you a building a new building for a new purpose and keep your landfill clean. Historic preservation can be a lot of different things."

Click HERE for a schedule of events hosted by Historic Landmarks Commissions in various communities around the High Desert.