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Central Oregon

COCC behavioral health students

COCC receives $1.3 million federal grant to support students pursuing futures in behavioral health fields

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Community College announced Thursday a new $1.33 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration that will provide scholarships and paid field placements in behavioral health for up to 18 students a year. “This funding will bring essential support for students pursuing futures as qualified mental health

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Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office marks one year of deflection program with graduation ceremony

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Deflection Program, a community-based initiative that connects people struggling with addiction to treatment and support instead of jail. A graduation ceremony recognizing nine program participants took place today at The Taylor Center in Bend. The Deflection Program is voluntary and

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Seized methamphetamine

Federal charges filed against Madras man, days after his arrest on drug trafficking charges

EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Madras man arrested last Friday along Interstate 84, accused of trafficking drugs between Washington state and Central Oregon, is facing federal charges after investigators seized about 10 pounds of methamphetamine from his vehicle. Theodore Ernest Jokinen, 48, made his first appearance in federal court Wednesday after being charged by criminal

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ODOT crews upgrade ADA curb ramps

ODOT upgrading ADA curb ramps in Sisters; project to bring nighttime lane closures, construction noise

(UPDATE: Added Video) SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ)- Crews will soon begin upgrading curb ramps to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards at several locations on U.S. Highway 20 in Sisters. These improvements are part of the Bend and Sisters Curb Ramps Project, ODOT said in a news release Tuesday that continues in full below: Construction is

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La Pine Wildfire Mitigation Project receives $3.43 million grant from U.S. Forest Service

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Communities that have limited resources and face high risk from wildfire are getting additional support from the USDA Forest Service. In an announcement made this week, Oregon and Washington will receive $57 million in Community Wildfire Defense grant awards, funding 10 projects across the two states – one of them in La Pine. These

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DCSO deflection graduation 2024

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office’s Deflection Program to celebrate one-year anniversary with graduation ceremony

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Deflection Program and will recognize nine graduates on Thursday at The Taylor Center in Bend.    The Deflection Program is a community-based, voluntary, and patient-centered initiative. It provides rapid access to drug treatment and supportive services for people struggling with

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Bend Airport runway

FAA awards Bend Municipal Airport $3.93 million to rebuild taxiways, complete lighting work

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration is investing more than $18.3 million into five airports throughout Oregon through the Airport Improvement Program, including $3.93 million for Bend Municipal Airport projects. “Our regional airports are vital hubs for Oregonians, supporting local businesses and providing

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High Desert Museum

Oregon Cultural Trust awards record $4.15 million to organizations statewide, including several local projects and programs

(Update: Adding video) SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – An increase in fiscal year 2025 donations, as well as investment earnings, has resulted in an all-time high of $4.15 million awarded to cultural nonprofits and organizations statewide by the Oregon Cultural Trust. The $4.15 million includes awards to 91 individual arts, heritage and humanities nonprofits, organizations and

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Household hazardous waste

Deschutes County to host household hazardous waste collection events next month in La Pine, Sisters and Redmond

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This October, the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste will host household hazardous waste collection events in the communities of La Pine, Sisters and Redmond. These one-day events give residents an opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste items free of charge. “We are excited to offer additional collection events in our rural

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