Central Oregon Archives

Problem Solvers: Cattle Mutilations in Central and Eastern Oregon Remain a Mystery for Ranchers

July 2, 2026 5:04 pm Harley Coldiron

Editor’s note: This story contains descriptions and images of animal mutilation that some readers may find disturbing. HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — For generations, stories of cattle mutilations have circulated across the American West. They’ve been featured on shows and documentaries like Unsolved Mysteries and Ancient Aliens, fueling decades of speculation ranging from cults, conspiracies,

Oregon Health Authority’s Rethink the Drink campaign promotes July 4 safety

July 2, 2026 11:00 am Adrielle Hasara

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority is encouraging residents to plan for safe July 4 celebrations, urging individuals to “Rethink the Drink” to prevent excessive alcohol use. The initiative emphasizes planning ahead to protect individuals, families and communities as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to motor vehicle crashes, preventable

HSCO extends 'Summer of Love' adoption promotion

Humane Society of Central Oregon extends ‘Summer of Love’ adoption promotion, name your fee to adopt any dog

July 2, 2026 7:31 am Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Humane Society of Central Oregon is extending it’s ‘Summer of Love’ dog adoption promotion through tomorrow, July 3rd. The shelter says the response to choosing your own adoption fee has been so positive that the promotion is being extended to adopt more dogs into loving homes. HSCO is also full and expects an

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue seeking student intern

July 2, 2026 7:26 am Kelsey Merison

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue is seeking a communications and marketing intern. Do you know a student interested in communications and marketing? This is the perfect opportunity for them! The 3-month temporary position pays $20 an hour and has a flexible schedule. The position is funded through a grant

From parade routes to starry nights: Central Oregon celebrates America’s 250th

July 1, 2026 11:09 am Tracee Tuesday

MADRAS/PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon communities are marking the Fourth of July with a full slate of events in Madras and Prineville, celebrating Independence Day as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. From early-morning breakfasts and parades to fireworks and stargazing, the holiday stretches from sunrise to well after dark. In Madras, the celebration

The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon’ kicks off holiday weekend in La Pine

July 1, 2026 8:25 pm Lance Campbell

LA PINE, Ore. — Final preparations are underway at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds as crews set up for one of Central Oregon’s longest-running Fourth of July traditions, kicking off Thursday night. Proudly dubbed “The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,” the three-day, NPRA-sanctioned event brings thousands of visitors to Southern Deschutes County annually, serving as

Owner of Bend’s Kefi Restaurant says business is for sale, hopes concept can continue

July 1, 2026 1:36 pm Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean, a family-owned Bend restaurant known for its Greek and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, has been listed for sale, according to a public comment from owner Nick on a Facebook post and a commercial real estate listing for the restaurant space. “Yes it’s true we have put Kefi for sale,”

Annual ceremony in Salem honors Oregon's fallen firefighters

BLM enforces strict fire restrictions in Oregon and Washington

July 1, 2026 10:40 am Kelsey Merison

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management has implemented strict fire restrictions across all of its public lands in Oregon and Washington This comes as the Independence Day holiday weekend approaches, with national firefighting resources already stretched. Individuals responsible for starting wildfires face severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000, up to 12

Problem Solvers: Roofing company complaints expand with former employees’ claims

June 30, 2026 11:40 am Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Problem Solvers are continuing to investigate complaints surrounding 541 Roofing, this time hearing from former employees who claim they are still owed money. The former employees tell KTVZ News they sold roofing jobs for the Central Oregon company, but were not paid commissions they say they earned. The claims come

America 250: Sisters and La Pine mark America’s Independence with local 4th of July Celebrations

June 30, 2026 11:11 am Tracee Tuesday

LA PINE/SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, communities across Central Oregon are preparing to celebrate with events that highlight both patriotism and local connection. In Sisters, preparations are underway for the annual Sisters 4th Fest, a free, family-friendly event at Village Green Park on July 4. The half-day celebration,

Les Schwab Tires and Oregon Foundations pledge $1 million for wildfire support

June 30, 2026 10:20 am Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Oregon Foundations and Les Schwab Tire Centers announced a partnership on June 30, 2026, to provide at least $1 million in wildfire preparedness support for rural communities. The initiative includes grants and a statewide tire donation program designed to bolster rural fire services and organizations ahead of a severe fire season. The

Oregon’s Work Share program offers layoff alternative for employers

June 30, 2026 9:19 am Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon employers have an alternative to traditional layoffs through the Work Share program administered by the Oregon Employment Department. This initiative helps businesses reduce short-term costs and retain skilled employees by allowing them to reduce staff hours. Employees participating in Work Share receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits to offset their reduced

New hires strengthen Family Access Network’s mission in Central Oregon

June 30, 2026 9:05 am Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Family Access Network (FAN) has welcomed Alex Fico as its new grants coordinator and Shelby Cala as its new outreach coordinator. These new team members will support the organization’s expanding administrative needs and strengthen its mission to serve Central Oregon families. Julie Lyche, FAN executive director, stated that the organization’s

America 250: Central Oregon Communities Plan Full Slate of Activities for Independence Day

June 29, 2026 11:22 am Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon is preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as Bend and Redmond join celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday with parades, live music, family activities and fireworks. In Bend, the festivities kick off the morning of July 4 and stretch into the evening, with a slate of events that

Governor Kotek praises Central Oregon’s collaborative efforts and accomplishments in reducing homelessness

June 29, 2026 11:58 am Claire Elmer

(Update: adding statements from Governor Kotek, local leaders) REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek visited Redmond Monday to meet with Central Oregon leaders and service providers, highlighting what she called significant progress in reducing homelessness across the region. Kotek spoke at Shepherd’s House Ministries’ Redmond Center, where she thanked local providers, city leaders,

Decision 2026: Bend City Councilor Ariel Méndez Launches Re-election Campaign

June 29, 2026 9:57 am Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend City Councilor Ariel Méndez launched his re-election campaign today, June 29th, 2026, for position 5 on the Bend City Council. Méndez is seeking a second term to continue his work towards a safer and more connected future for Bend, Oregon. Méndez has served on the City Council since 2023, representing

Decision 2026: Cummiskey’s Campaign for Bend City Council Gains Momentum with Endorsements

June 29, 2026 10:05 am Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bobbi Cummiskey’s campaign for Bend City Council Seat Six has received endorsements from outgoing Councilor Mike Riley and commissioner-elect Jamie Collins of Deschutes County. Councilor Riley currently holds the City Council seat Cummiskey is seeking. Commissioner-elect Collins is set to serve Deschutes County. Cummiskey’s campaign focuses on responsible growth, better transit,

Prineville Police warn residents to avoid suspicious substances outdoors

June 29, 2026 9:38 am Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — As warmer weather draws more people outdoors, Prineville community safety officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious substances or items found in parks, trails, and neighborhoods. The Prineville Police Department says handling unknown substances can pose serious health risks, emphasizing the importance of keeping children and pets

5K Trail Tour: Women’s running and walking fitness program in Bend

June 29, 2026 7:57 am Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 5K Trail Tour, now in its third year, will help women maintain running and walking fitness this summer, from July 7th to August 19th. Registration for the program, offered by Ceiling:Unlimited Health Coaching, closes at midnight on July 5th. The 5K Trail Tour offers participants several benefits, including the opportunity

Small town, big pride: Prineville celebrates inclusion during annual Prideville festival

June 28, 2026 11:30 am Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, comments from board president) PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A small Central Oregon town showed what “big pride” can look like Sunday, as Prideville brought a colorful celebration of community and belonging to downtown Prineville. The annual festival transformed the area with rainbow flags, live performances, vendors, and families filling the space for

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