BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that it’s proud to celebrate the success of the recent, 25th annual Shop with a Cop program, which provided warmth, comfort, and holiday cheer to 95 children across Deschutes County. Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and law enforcement partners, the program invested $57,000
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Earlier this year, Deschutes County amended its outdoor lighting ordinance to reduce light pollution and protect Central Oregon’s night skies while maintaining public safety. They take effect in less than two weeks.
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A plea hearing on a 50-count indictment has been delayed until next month for an Alfalfa-area woman accused of running a puppy mill from her home.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Michael “The Train Man” Lavrich started sharing his model trains with delighted children—and adults—roughly 25 years ago at the Downtown Bend Library. In the decades since, his annual display of model trains has become a highly anticipated holiday tradition for countless families in Central Oregon. This year, Lavrich is back to
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(Update: Adding video) SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County is encouraging community members to review a draft of the Greater Sisters Community Wildfire Protection Plan and provide their feedback by Saturday, January 10. “A Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a valuable tool for areas at risk from wildfires,” said Deschutes County Forester Kevin Moriarty. “Communities across
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A Deschutes County judge has ruled that Redmond murder suspect Jessica Andersch is now mentally fit to aid and assist in her own defense, clearing the way for her to enter a plea.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners announced Tuesday it will host two public hearings in January to gather feedback on the five-commissioner district map recommended by the Deschutes Map Advisory Committee (DMAC). Evening Hearing: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Daytime Hearing: Wednesday, Jan. 21, during the BOCC’s weekly meeting, starting at 9 a.m.
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SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ viewer Paul Evenson shared another Sunriver traffic report with us on Tuesday. He said these elk were on the move Tuesday morning, no doubt taking advantage of the unusually mild winter weather to do some traveling.
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(Update: Adding video) REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies answered an unusual call Monday night just west of Redmond that sounded more like a scene from an action movie than a typical family dispute, authorities said. Shortly before 8 p.m., 911 dispatchers got a call from a resident on NW Norse Way, saying
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest has finalized its plan to allow Class 1, pedal-assist e-bikes on most than 160 miles of mountain bike trails for much of the year, except for winter. The forest announced Tuesday it has signed the final decision on the Class 1, Pedal Assist E-bikes on Select Trails located on
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is inviting community members to take part in a short, confidential survey to help inform how the county might reduce the impact from natural disasters. The survey is part of a larger effort to update the county’s natural hazards mitigation plan, which focuses on
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County Public Health is urging residents to protect their health this holiday season by getting the flu vaccine. With celebrations bringing people together indoors, there’s an increased risk of flu transmission, and although hospitalizations remain low, the percentage of positive flu tests in Central Oregon is rising. “Flu season usually
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On December 4, 2025, at 8:23 p.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Johnson Road between Tyler Road and Tamoli Lane, northwest of Bend. Callers reported a vehicle had left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught on fire. Deputies and
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THREE RIVERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Road Department is hosting a second online open house from Dec. 5 to Jan. 5 to review updated designs for roundabouts at two intersections on South Century Drive. The roundabouts are planned for Venture Lane and Spring River Road, aiming to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for
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La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Oregon State Police, OSP responded to a four-vehicle injury crash Wednesday on Highway 97 near milepost 167 where a semi-truck collided into the rear end of a white Dodge truck. OSP says the white Dodge truck rotated into oncoming traffic due to the rear-end collision, colliding with the
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(Update: Adding video and quotes from Commissioner Phil Chang) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners met on Wednesday to discuss an advisory committee’s recommended map to put before voters that would split the county into five districts. During the meeting, commissioners heard from members of the District Mapping Advisory Committee (DMAC)
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A truck driver whose jackknifed rig allegedly caused a crash that killed a newlywed couple east of Bend last week was arraigned Wednesday on more serious charges of first-degree manslaughter that could lead to a longer prison term. A judge agreed as a result to double his bail amount, to $500,000.
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POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Air Link helicopter touched down in the field outside Powell Butte Community Charter School on Tuesday. But this wasn’t a medical emergency – it was a reward. The school won a Grand Prize Assembly for the Firebusters Program. The Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative partnered with KTVZ to make
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Tuesday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office kicked off it’s 25th annual Shop with a Cop event, happening through Thursday. Shop with a Cop is a long-standing national tradition that pairs local law enforcement officers with children in need of a special holiday shopping experience. Kids are nominated through local schools and community organizations. Together, they shop for warm clothing,
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ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters battling a fire that destroyed an Alfalfa home Monday were challenged not only by a lack of hydrants but exploding fireworks and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Alfalfa Fire District crews were sent around 3:25 p.m. to the initial report of a flue fire at a home in the 2500
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