SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 2-day-old burn pile that was believed to be out rekindled in Wednesday’s strong winds northeast of Sisters, burning nearly two acres before crews stopped its spread. Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District crews were dispatched around 1:25 p.m. to a wildland fire reported to be spreading into brush and trees. It was
Continue ReadingBEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The stage is set for a busy Central Oregon campaign season leading up to the May 19 primary election, with dozens of incumbents and challengers vying for new and existing positions, and several funding measures sharing the ballot. Now that Tuesday’s filing deadline has passed, here’s a look at who’s seeking what positions. KTVZ News will have complete Decision 2026 coverage throughout the spring and fall election
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Wednesday that firefighters plan to start spring understory prescribed burning season as early as next week, if conditions become favorable. At the same time, Central Oregon public health departments urged preparation for the season and the smoke it will bring. The forest said it hopes to
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters Mayor Jennifer Letz announced her candidacy for seat 5 of the Deschutes County Commission on Tuesday. Letz, who has served on the Sisters City Council since 2021, is running for a position that county voters recently designated as nonpartisan. The announcement comes ahead of the May 19 primary election. Letz,
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Rotary Club of Greater Bend will hold its annual Wine Raffle on March 13, 2026, at Aspen Hall in Bend. The event serves as a primary fundraiser to support youth activities, scholarships, and community programs through the club’s foundation. Tickets are just $5 each for a shot at an
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue teams fanned out from Edison Sno-Park over the weekend, looking for six friends reported overdue on a hike – but it was all a training mission, a key step to be better prepared for the real thing, when it comes. The Search and Rescue
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon submarine veterans commissioned the SS Redside at Riverbend Park on Saturday, marking the beginning of a new memorial dedicated to post-World War II service members. The model represents the Sturgeon-class submarines, a vessel type known as the workhorse of the Cold War. The commissioning is part of a multi-year
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(Update: adding video). REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Western Welding Academy’s Blue Collar Tour visited Redmond High School on March 6th to provide students with hands-on experience in skilled trades. The event aimed to introduce hundreds of students to career paths in welding that offer high-earning potential without the requirement of a four-year college degree. The
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County is inviting residents in the Redmond/Terrebonne community to apply for a position on the county’s Planning Commission. Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 3, at 4 p.m. The Planning Commission reviews land use policies and zoning regulations, making recommendations to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Members form the official citizen
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nonprofit partners will be stationed at Fred Meyer store entrances across the state on Saturday, March 7th, for the National Cereal Day celebration and Pour It Forward Cereal Drive. Volunteers will be on-site throughout the day to collect cereal donations and engage with shoppers to help families in need. The drive
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — At KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon’s youth—through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. This month we’re spotlighting Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national nonprofit with a Deschutes County chapter that works to ensure no child sleeps on the floor. “There’s a lot of people in town that
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The Oregon Speed Zone Review Panel will meet virtually next week to discuss a proposal to reduce the speed limit from 45 to 40 mph on Helmholtz Way. The City of Redmond and Deschutes County are seeking approval of a more consistent speed reduction on the whole roadway.
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A Deschutes County judge found a Sunriver-area woman guilty Thursday on nine counts of assault, criminal mistreatment and coercion involving her 9-year-old stepson, while her parents were convicted on charges, including tampering with evidence.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City Club of Central Oregon will host a public forum on March 19th to examine the expansion of the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and new district mapping. The event, titled “The Deschutes County Commission’s Next Chapter and Your Vote in 2026,” will explore how these structural changes affect upcoming
Continue ReadingThree fire districts around Deschutes County plan to ask voters for new or higher five-year tax levies in measures on the May 19 primary election ballot to add wildfire risk reduction and firefighter-EMT staff, deal with rising costs and cut response times.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The League of Women Voters will host a public presentation in Bend on Thursday focused on the implementation of open primaries in Oregon. Speakers Andrew Kaza and former Rep. Cheri Helt will discuss the potential for allowing all voters to participate in all elections regardless of party affiliation. The event, titled
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) completed 11.41 miles of new trails at Cline Buttes, a project designed to expand the regional network while protecting sensitive wildlife habitats. The construction, which began in October 2023, now connects the Cline Buttes area to Cascade View. This two-year effort focused on balancing outdoor
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The challenging off-and-on season is back on again at Hoodoo Ski and Recreation Area, which reopened on Friday, a few days after heavy rainstorms caused flooding that forced its closure. “Fortunately, the waters have largely receded and things have firmed back up, so we are able to bring you some fun once again,” the resort said
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office welcomed three new deputies Friday morning during an official swearing-in ceremony. Sheriff Ty Rupert administered the oath of office to the new staff members. The new personnel include Deputies Spencer Stein, Jeffrey Holland and Sean Kelty. The group brings a combination of military service, health care
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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A traffic stop on U.S. Highway 26 near Madras led to a drug-detection K-9’s alert, a search and the arrest of two men from Redmond and Prineville on drug charges, authorities said. The arrests wrapped up the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team’s short-term investigation into the sale of methamphetamine and fentanyl
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