March 2020

C.O. shoppers react to empty store shelves

March 14, 2020 6:52 pm KTVZ

Some Central Oregonians have begun stockpiling certain household items that have left some store shelves empty. We talked to some shoppers Saturday about what they are encountering. Fred Meyer announced it will be hiring more employees to help deal with the increase in shoppers.

Deschutes Public Library locations to close for 2-plus weeks

March 14, 2020 6:23 pm KTVZ News Partners

All Deschutes Public Library locations will close for 2-plus weeks, starting Monday evening, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the library board decided late Saturday afternoon.

Wash. state coronavirus death toll hits 40

March 14, 2020 5:08 pm The Associated Press

The death toll from the new coronavirus in Washington state jumped to 40 on Saturday when King County health officials reported three new fatalities — two from the nursing home that’s been the epicenter of the outbreak.

Saturday evening snow report

March 14, 2020 4:46 pm KTVZ

Six new inches of snow at Mt. Hood Meadows in the past 24 hours. Timberline added 4 new inches of snow. Mt. Bachelor reported 6 new inches of snow. And Willamette Pass recorded 10 new inches of snow in the past day.

Snow showers to continue through the weekend

March 14, 2020 4:44 pm KTVZ

Happy Saturday, Central Oregon! It may be March, but it sure feels like winter this weekend! In fact, we have a winter weather advisory in place for the tri-county region. That is going to be in place at least until Sunday at 5 p.m., as we are looking at the possibility for snow showers to

70-year-old Portland-area veteran is Oregon’s first COVID-19 death

March 14, 2020 4:08 pm KTVZ News Partners

A 70-year-old man in Multnomah County on Saturday became the first person to die from COVID-19 in Oregon, the state health authority announced, hours after the state’s total tally of presumptive cases rose by six, to 36.

C.O. COVID-19 impacts: Weekend notices, event, program cancellations

March 14, 2020 3:37 pm KTVZ News Partners

Here’s a list of event or program cancellations or other local virus-related information shared this weekend with NewsChannel 21. Please send any information you wish added to stories@ktvz.com.

Medford considers ban on hemp

March 14, 2020 3:22 pm The Associated Press

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Medford city leaders are considering a ban on growing hemp within the city. The Mail Tribune reports Medford City Council this week reviewed possible code changes that address the city’s concerns. The city previously banned growing recreational cannabis. The council also looked at where hemp processing facilities might be located, most

DCSO: Stolen DRW dog is back home

March 14, 2020 2:42 am KTVZ News Partners

A dog who apparently was stolen Friday morning in Deschutes River Woods was found back home by his owners Saturday morning, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

New Costco may be coming to Bend’s north end

March 14, 2020 2:23 am KTVZ

The Powell Development Co. of Kirkland, Washington is preparing an application to the city of Bend for a large project at the southeast corner of Highway 20 and Cooley Road that could include a new Costco Wholesale store.

C.O. churches alter services due to virus

March 14, 2020 1:35 am KTVZ

Some Central Oregon churches canceling their worship services to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while several are moving their services online.

Oregon senators issue numerous virus-related statements

March 14, 2020 1:23 am KTVZ News Partners

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., released at least seven coronavirus-related news releases on Friday. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., also issued a release, commenting on the passage of a virus preparation funding bill. Here are the releases, in full: Wyden Introduces Bill to Expand Free Coronavirus Testing Legislation Would Expand Free Coronavirus

Redmond Police lieutenant completes FBI National Academy training

March 14, 2020 1:00 am KTVZ News Partners

Redmond Police Lt. Jesse Petersen recently completed one of the toughest challenges available to local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy.

Coffee-stand event raises over $1,000 for Mtn. View HS Sparrow

March 14, 2020 12:41 am KTVZ News Partners

On Monday, March 2, Dutch Bros Bend and its customers raised $1,061 for Mountain View High School’s Sparrow Club to help support their inspiring Sparrow, Jack Neff.

Tents erected outside St. Charles Bend

March 14, 2020 12:26 am Barney Lerten

As St. Charles Health System sharply barred most visitors to its hospitals and postponed elective surgeries Friday, large white tents were erected outside the Bend facility to handle any potential overflow of patients, should the need arise.

Bend’s Giving Plate gets community help after event postponed

March 13, 2020 11:18 pm KTVZ

Bend’s Giving Plate food bank planned a party to celebrate 10 years of helping the community – but now that it’s been postponed, the community is helping them.

Pet Pals: Speck is one spunky fellow

March 13, 2020 8:30 pm KTVZ News Partners

There’s nothing to be scared of on this Friday the 13th with spunky little Speck.

Pay It Forward: Sisters HS School Flight Science class

March 13, 2020 8:27 pm Lee Anderson

The Flight Science class at Sisters High School is really taking off, thanks to Sheryl Yeager, this month’s Pay it Forward $500 recipient. Congratulations Sheryl!