PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Oregon Health Authority announced Tuesday it has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County nearly two weeks ago. OHA issued the advisory on Wednesday, June 18. The agency said Tuesday that “water monitoring has confirmed that the level of microcystin in Lake Billy Chinook
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The owner of a Prineville car dealership, the focus of recent KTVZ Problem Solvers reports for allegedly scamming clients while selling their vehicles, has been arrested on 35 counts of aggravated ID theft, forgery and illegal consignment practices. Michael Dwayne Smetzer Jr., 37, of Prineville, entered not guilty pleas to all
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The colorful, bombastic Pilot Butte Fireworks Show is just a day away, and Sure Shot Fireworks and fire officials are preparing for the big night.
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Think Wild, Central Oregon’s wildlife conservation nonprofit, invited community members to join a volunteer day on Thursday to help launch a new habitat restoration project in Prineville.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend-La Pine Schools said Thursday it would like to remind residents and visitors that the use of fireworks is not permitted on school grounds, including playgrounds, fields, parking lots and sidewalks. Here’s the rest of their announcement: This applies to all our Bend properties, which fall under the City of Bend
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(Update: Adding video) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As part of its commitment to enhancing dark skies in the community, the Deschutes County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 10, to consider proposed amendments to county outdoor lighting regulations. The Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners have expressed support for
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(Update: Adding video) POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Board of Commissioners have invited representatives from PacifiCorp to attend a public community meeting to discuss the Blueprint South 500-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line Project. The meeting will take place on: Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Powell Butte Community Center Address: 8404 SW Reif Rd, Powell
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — While tradition calls for fun at the 4th of July Pet Parade, precautions are necessary for pets and people. The Humane Society of Central Oregon wants pets participating in the parade to remain healthy and safe. Here’s what they shared with us Thursday: Bring plenty of water and a pet bowl to
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Numerous firefighters on the ground and in the air stopped the spread of a new grass fire that burned about 500 acres southeast of Madras near the Jefferson-Crook county line on Wednesday, prompting evacuations and alerts that later were reduced or dropped.
Continue Reading REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Fire & Rescue, the City of Redmond & Redmond Police Department officials said Wednesday they are concerned about potential fireworks-related fires and personal injuries as the Fourth of July draws near. One of the most common fireworks-related fires that Redmond Fire & Rescue crews respond to involves “spent” fireworks placed
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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Fire & EMS has been awarded $1.9 million from the Oregon Legislature to assist with the ongoing expansion and remodel of its existing fire station. “This critical investment will help bring the project to completion,” the agency said Wednesday in a news release that continues below: The funding will
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(Update: Adding videos, Adding details, Jillian Fortner has a report at 6) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Lava River Cave, Oregon’s longest known lava tube, is now open for summer guided tours. The nonprofit Discover Your Forest is offering tours for a second season, after launching the program as a pilot last year. The tour
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – State Senator Anthony Broadman, Representative Emerson Levy and Representative Jason Kropf announced Wednesday a series of key investments secured for Central Oregon in Oregon’s 2025–2027 state budget. Representing one of the fastest-growing regions in the Pacific Northwest, the Central Oregon delegation worked collaboratively to deliver critical funding for public safety, mental
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(Update: Adding video) EUGENE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A suspected child abuser living illegally in Culver has been arrested on federal charges, accused of enticing and sexually abusing a minor in Oregon and Washington, federal prosecutors said. Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 25, a Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, has been charged by criminal complaint with coercion
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 72-year-old Oregon State Penitentiary inmate who was convicted and received a lengthy sentence in a 2003 robbery, kidnapping and assault in Bend died Wednesday morning at the prison’s infirmary, Oregon Department of Corrections officials said. Stuart Ross Anderson III “passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care,” the announcement
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At a virtual press conference Wednesday afternoon, a wide array of top Oregon Democrats slammed President Trump’s budget proposal bill, which they warned would lead to thousands of Oregonians losing health care coverage and food assistance, while slashing taxes for billionaires and corporations.
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NEW YORK (KTVZ) — Bend’s job market leads the country, according to a new data-driven study of nearly 350 U.S. cities by the financial technology company SmartAsset. The study analyzed 348 U.S. cities to evaluate key factors that impact workers and families, including income growth, unemployment, health insurance coverage, commute times, and remote work flexibility,
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Lightning from one of several thunderstorms rumbling through Central Oregon Tuesday apparently sparked a brush fire that burned about 10 acres in northeast Redmond before crews stopped it. The fire was reported around 5 p.m. south of NE Upas Avenue and 37th Street, Redmond Fire and Rescue said. Watch Duty said
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Health Council is pleased to introduce a bold new campaign — Be Well Central Oregon — to mark the launch of the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan. This initiative represents a transformative shift in how partners work together to build a healthier, more connected region. “Be Well Central
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After hearing comments from many in the community on the issue, Redmond city leaders approved a proposal Tuesday to ban the use of fireworks starting just after this year’s Fourth of July holiday, citing increasing wildfire risks driven by current weather conditions across Central Oregon.
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