September 2020

Scientists, Walden weigh in on climate debate amid massive Oregon wildfires

September 14, 2020 7:42 pm KTVZ

The current wildfire devastation in Oregon might be the worst many in the state will see in their lifetimes.

Prineville beekeeper says more smoke could mean fewer bees

September 14, 2020 7:16 pm KTVZ

The dense smoke from Oregon’s ravaging wildfires is not only unhealthy for humans and pets, but also for the region’s pollinators.

Working in wildfire smoke

September 14, 2020 6:33 pm KTVZ

NewsChannel 21 caught up with a gas station attendant on MOnday about what it’s like to work outside in the smoke.

Group sets out donation trailer to help fire evacuees

September 14, 2020 5:55 pm KTVZ

The Prineville chapter of 40 Something Cowgirls has set up a donation trailer to help wildfire victims. The trailer will be stationed in the parking lot of Ray’s Food Place on Third Street through this week.

Rescued Holiday Farm Fire animals in C.O.; some treated for burns, smoke inhalation

September 14, 2020 5:54 pm KTVZ

In addition to human evacuees, animals now are arriving and being cared for at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond after being rescued from fires around Oregon.

Clarno will include GOP statement in Voters’ Pamphlet but appeal ruling

September 14, 2020 5:31 pm KTVZ News Partners

A Marion County judge ruled Monday the Oregon Republican Party should be permitted to place its November election statement in the state voting guide although the secretary of state’s office says the party missed the deadline by 29 seconds.

Gov. Brown plans to veto budget line items, direct funds to wildfire response

September 14, 2020 4:30 pm KTVZ News Partners

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown provided notice Monday that she will veto several line-item appropriations in order to preserve funding for the state’s ongoing emergency wildfire response efforts and maintain a balanced budget.

New Oregon paid-leave program aims to help some quarantined workers

September 14, 2020 4:24 pm KTVZ News Partners

A new program starts this week to help people who work in Oregon and need to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 exposure, but don’t have access to COVID-19-related paid sick leave, the state Department of Consumer and Business Services announced Monday.

Bend, Redmond get share of federal COVID-19 housing aid to avoid evictions

September 14, 2020 3:56 pm KTVZ News Partners

Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said Monday communities across Oregon will receive $22.4 million to help households facing higher risk of eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

State agency has five insurance tips for wildfire recovery

September 14, 2020 3:43 pm KTVZ News Partners

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has five tips for homeowners and renters who have evacuated or been affected by fire, smoke and ash damage.

Bend, Redmond, Prineville DMV offices open Tuesday; La Pine, Madras closed

September 14, 2020 3:37 pm KTVZ News Partners

Oregon DMV call centers and most offices, including agency headquarters in Salem, will be closed again Tuesday because of hazardous indoor air quality. Some offices may reopen during the day, if air quality improves.

At least 8 dead, 16 missing in Oregon fires; Brown seeks federal major disaster declaration

September 14, 2020 3:19 pm Barney Lerten

Gov. Kate Brown sent a letter Monday to President Trump, asking him to declare a major disaster in Oregon due to dozens of wildfires that have left at least 10 people dead and 22 missing, destroyed over 1,100 homes and raced across over 1 million acres over the past week.

The smoke will stick with us a few more days

September 14, 2020 2:47 pm KTVZ

Our skies become partly to mostly cloudy Monday night and dense smoke will stay with us.

ODOT reopens stretches of 3 highways between Bend and Medford

September 14, 2020 2:34 pm KTVZ News Partners

– ODOT said Monday it was reopening three sections of highway near Crater Lake, allowing direct travel between Medford and Bend.

Oregon Rotary establishes fire relief fund

September 14, 2020 2:27 pm KTVZ News Partners

In response to the catastrophic loss of homes, businesses and livelihoods for many Oregonians, Rotary has established a Fire Relief Fund to help victims of the fires rebuild their lives.

Redmond’s Jericho Road receives $10,000 grant for food, emergency supplies

September 14, 2020 2:21 pm KTVZ News Partners

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond Rebekah Lodge has awarded Jericho Road $10,000 to help with the provision of food and emergency supplies in the Redmond area. “These funds are critical in supporting our food and outreach programs especially during the COVID and fire disasters in our region. Those suffering loss and displacement need essential

Virtual training being offered to help mentor child with incarcerated parent

September 14, 2020 2:02 pm KTVZ News Partners

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is offering a virtual class to prepare volunteers to become mentors for children with an incarcerated parent. After initial training and comprehensive background checks, volunteers are matched with a child in Bend, Redmond, Sisters or LaPine that

Bend seeks community input related to policing policies

September 14, 2020 1:55 pm KTVZ News Partners

The city of Bend said Monday it wants to hear how local government can be more responsive and accountable to the community when it comes to law enforcement policy.