Redmond is moving closer to banning personal fireworks inside city limits.

City leaders held a public hearing this week, with fire danger and the strain on emergency responders around the Fourth of July driving the discussion.

Mayor Ed Fitch says the council took a preliminary vote, with six members in favor and one opposed. The final vote is set for August 25th, and Fitch says he expects the ban to pass.

The city is also exploring a July 3rd community celebration, aimed at creating a fireworks-free tradition for families while reducing wildfire risk and emergency calls.

 

 

Bend Police say impaired driving continues to be a daily concern, with 278 DUI arrests so far this year — a pace officials say is similar to recent years. Bend PD’s Sheila Miller tells KBND News officers have responded to at least four crashes in the past 10 days where drivers were arrested for impairment at the scene. Another incident happened Saturday at 3rd and Reed Market, where police say a person overdosed while driving. Miller says officers are also continuing targeted patrols for speeding and distracted driving. During a recent Parkway detail, officers issued 12 speeding tickets in one hour, with drivers clocked at 65 to 72 miles per hour.

 

 

Deschutes County prosecutors are warning that human-caused fires can bring criminal charges when risky choices spark danger in dry summer conditions. District Attorney Steve Gunnells tells KBND News investigators first determine how a fire started, then whether someone’s actions crossed a legal line. He says police can cite people for reckless burning, an Oregon misdemeanor that can carry jail time. Intentional fire-setting can lead to arson charges, and if a fire injures or kills someone, prison time can be substantial. Gunnells says several local fire cases have already been referred to his office, involving brush burning, fireworks, and exploding targets.

 

 

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is calling for stronger federal wildfire support after briefings in Warm Springs and Prineville. Meeting with Central Oregon officials Monday, Wyden said local firefighters are showing courage and resourcefulness, but federal readiness has fallen behind. He pointed to the Rowe Creek Complex, saying crews there currently have only about half the support they need. Wyden says he has been warning for months that Washington is moving too slowly as fire danger grows. He is pushing for more funding, expanded prescribed fire efforts, and protections for local agencies that are often first on the line when wildfires threaten communities.

 

 

Bend is putting one-million dollars from its Affordable Housing Fund toward two homeownership projects. Mayor Melanie Kebler says the annual process supports developments for residents earning below the area median income, with recommendations coming from the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee before final council approval.

Three-hundred-fifty-thousand dollars will go to Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, helping eight local households purchase homes near Bear Creek Road and Northeast 15th Street. The homes will include down payment assistance to help keep monthly costs affordable.

Thistle and Nest will also receive funding as it continues building homes at Woodhaven Estates.

 

 

Federal investigators are investigating a fatal plane crash west of Bend that authorities say was intentional.

Deschutes County deputies say 48-year-old Steven Charlton took off from Bend Airport around 1:30 Tuesday afternoon and remained airborne for more than five hours. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jason Carr says concern grew after Charlton called his wife from the plane, prompting her to contact authorities.

Carr says deputies and negotiators tried to reach Charlton during the flight, while the FBI coordinated with Klamath Falls Air Force Base. Charlton reportedly only wanted to speak with family.

He was the only person aboard. No other injuries or property damage were reported.

The NTSB is asking witnesses to email witness@ntsb.gov.

 

 

Fire officials say Central Oregonians remain a key part of preventing new wildfires, even as lightning has sparked many of the region’s largest recent burns. Forest Service spokesperson Kaitlyn Webb says a mid-July lightning storm drove several major starts, but human activity is still a major concern, with 101 human-caused fires reported so far this year. Central Oregon has already seen more fire starts than the 10-year average, and far more acres burned than usual. Updates are available at Central Oregon Fire dot org, including text alert sign-ups, and through the interagency Central Oregon Fire account on X.

 

 

National Night Out returns Tuesday in Bend and Redmond, offering families a chance to meet police, firefighters, and community groups outside of emergency situations.

Redmond Police Lieutenant April Huey says the event is about building trust, calling it a yearly highlight for officers to talk safety and connect with residents on positive terms.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz says the national effort has a local focus: getting people involved in the community while strengthening relationships with public safety agencies.

Bend’s event runs from 4 to 8 at Mountain View High School. Redmond’s runs from 6 to 8 at Centennial Park.

 

 

A human services worker for the state is charged with child neglect after leaving a baby in a Department of Human Services van after a visit with family in Bend. Kenneth Anderson parked the van and forgot about the eight-month-old baby that was sleeping in the vehicle. He left in a different vehicle and about a half hour later remembered the baby. He contacted his supervisor. The baby was taken to a hospital for evaluation and released. Bend Police say it's an unfortunate reminder for anyone caring for a child to always check the vehicle before walking away.