Central Oregon Archives

Governor Tina Kotek has issued an emergency declaration for Harney County due to severe flooding

March 30, 2025 1:30 am Tracee Tuesday

BURNS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Flooding in Harney County has prompted Governor Tina Kotek to declare an emergency for the area. Evacuation notices have been…

Humane Society of Central Oregon Responds to Urgent Dog Surrender Bend, OR (March 27, 2025) – In a major coordinated effort with the Klamath County Sheriff’s Department and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control, the Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is currently addressing the surrender of over 30 dogs from a property south of La Pine. The dogs, ranging from young puppies to senior dogs, are suffering from various health issues, including malnourishment, significant injuries, and chronic disease. This urgent circumstance has put a strain on the resources of the shelter, which is at full capacity for dogs. With an ongoing effort to care for and manage this large intake of dogs, HSCO is calling for community support: Adoptions: Visit the shelter to adopt one of our currently available dogs, helping free up resources for incoming animals. All available animals are listed at hsco.org/adopt. Fostering: We are in need of short-term foster care for young and senior dogs. Donations: Many of the animals will need ongoing medical treatment and long-term care requiring significant funding. Secure donations can be made directly at hsco.org/donate. Executive Director’s Statement: Amber Kostoff, Executive Director of HSCO, says, "Right now, our top priority is giving these animals the medical care they urgently need. We’re calling on our community for help: adopt, foster, or donate. Your support will help ensure these animals get the care they need.” About the Dogs and Care Efforts: The surrendered animals are receiving comprehensive medical assessments and treatments from HSCO’s veterinary team. The dogs will become available as they are medically cleared and have been spayed or neutered. When the dogs become available for adoption, they will be listed on HSCO’s website: hsco.org.

La Pine-area woman facing 69 animal neglect charges; 18 of the surrendered dogs brought to HSCO in Bend

March 28, 2025 11:09 am Barney Lerten, Harley Coldiron

A woman was cited on 69 counts of first-degree animal neglect after surrendering dozens of dogs from her property south of La Pine, Klamath County…

South Deschutes County man arrested on charges of posing as a minor online to receive explicit images of girls

March 28, 2025 1:48 pm Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A 51-year-old south Deschutes County resident has been arrested and indicted on nine felony counts of encouraging child sex…

‘Theater is exploding in Central Oregon’: Ovation Performing Arts in Bend is expanding

March 28, 2025 10:34 am Jillian Fortner

Ovation Performing Arts in Bend is…

Senators Broadman, McLane call on insurers to pause policy cancellations over their internal wildfire risk maps

March 28, 2025 2:04 pm Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Senators Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) and Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) said Friday they have issued a joint…

Caught on camera: Madras police receive graffiti-tagger tips after releasing security video

March 27, 2025 3:27 pm Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Madras police release of security video showing at least one alleged graffiti tagger has brought in tips officers are busy…

Shifting Seasons: The changing snowpack

March 28, 2025 9:41 am Shannon Brady

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Cascades play a huge role in our daily lives. Changes in the snowpack impact everything from water supply to wildfire…

Attendees talk together at Unofficial Logging Co. during transportation night at Engage Deschutes

Unofficial Logging Co. hosts transportation discussion at monthly Engage Deschutes event

March 28, 2025 10:23 am KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Unofficial Logging Co. in downtown Bend has begun hosting a monthly Engage Deschutes gathering. The events are meant to…

Congressman Cliff Bentz discusses key issues impacting Central and Eastern Oregon

March 28, 2025 6:29 am Gregory Deffenbaugh

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – In an interview with KTVZ, U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-Oregon) discussed a range of critical issues affecting Oregon and the…

Bend’s new Costco is bustling – and now, the former location is available to lease

March 27, 2025 6:22 pm Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ News learned Thursday that the former site of Bend’s Costco Wholesale store at the Forum Shopping Center is available for…

After nearly two years, Bend’s Crux Fermentation Project is closing its Portland pub

March 27, 2025 6:11 pm KGW

By Alex Jensen, KGW PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW) — Bend-based Crux Fermentation Project will close its Portland pub this weekend after nearly two years in…

Crook County update: Rising water prompts short-lived flood alert, but evacuations no longer expected

March 27, 2025 1:23 pm Barney Lerten

Authorities warned the public Thursday about a threat of imminent flooding and possible evacuations for a few hours in some areas along Ochoco Creek…

Recent Bend Sustainability Fund recipients share plans for their upcoming projects

March 19, 2025 4:28 pm Jillian Fortner

Six community projects that range from new, lighted pickleball courts to creating new downhill mountain bike trails for riders of all abilities will…

Latest windstorm raises fire danger, despite wet weather; Bend Fire has tips

March 27, 2025 4:58 pm KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– It’s no secret, very high winds have been battering Central Oregon this week. In some areas, winds reached up to 40 mph, and…

‘Incredibly disheartening’: COCC hit by loss of $3 million in expected federal funds for Madras Campus expansion

March 27, 2025 4:27 pm Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video) Project still due for completion by next January; school will seek other funds MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A recent continuing…

Deschutes County seeks public input on East and West County Community Wildfire Protection Plan

March 27, 2025 4:09 pm Barney Lerten

Deschutes County is encouraging the public to review the draft East and West County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and provide…

Bicycle pedestrian sign Deschutes County

Community invited to tri-county summit on ways to improve biking, walking in Central Oregon

March 27, 2025 3:47 pm Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community members passionate about sustainable transportation are invited to attend the 2025 Tri-County Bicycle and Pedestrian…

Adult steelhead Pelton Round Butte hydro facility

Record numbers of adult Deschutes River steelhead pass upstream of Round Butte Dam

March 27, 2025 12:24 pm Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Record numbers of nearly 1,000 adult steelhead returned to the Pelton Round Butte hydropower project on the Deschutes River…

Ask the Mayor with Redmond's Ed Fitch: Traffic concerns and indoor recreation

Ask the Mayor: Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch discusses traffic concerns and indoor recreation center

March 27, 2025 7:22 am Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From reducing traffic in town to the possibility of an indoor recreation spot, KTVZ’s Kelsey Merison and Matthew Draxton…

Fireproofing your property: What buyers and sellers need to know before wildfire season arrives

March 26, 2025 10:50 am Jillian Fortner

With summer wildfire season just around the corner, it’s important for both sellers and buyers to consider steps to fireproof a…