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. 

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 -- 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.