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Deschutes County

Deschutes County Health Services Director Holly Harris

Deschutes County hires Holly Harris as new Health Services director

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County has hired Holly Harris to serve as its new Health Services Director. Harris has served as interim Health Services Director since July, when former Director Janice Garceau retired.  “Holly’s record of impactful accomplishments, strong relationships across the region and state, commitment to our team and community, and collaborative approach

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Problem Solvers: From free spaces to full lots, Bend’s growth fuels downtown parking debate

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Finding parking in downtown Bend has become such a challenge that many locals tell the Problem Solvers they’re avoiding the area altogether, and that trend is troubling for businesses already struggling to draw residents outside peak tourist season. Yet, not everyone sees parking as a long-term, sustainable solution. Parking Headaches Drive

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‘It’s the Wild West’: Another Medicare Advantage provider pulls out of local market, leaving only one – maybe

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Citing “significant industry challenges,” Providence Health Plan will no longer offer its Medicare Advantage supplemental plan to Deschutes County residents as of Jan. 1, leaving just one provider, PacificSource – if it can reach a contract agreement with St. Charles Health System.  KTVZ News reported earlier this week that PacificSource just

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Seized poodle examined HSCO

Dozens of poodles rescued from alleged Alfalfa puppy mill are going up for adoption; here’s what you need to know

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An Alfalfa-area woman accused of running a puppy mill from her home has surrendered over 40 poodles seized from the property, and the first group of dogs will be up for adoption starting Friday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Humane Society of Central Oregon said Thursday. On September 5, deputies

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BLM La Pine camps cleanup

The BLM just spent over $200K to clear out, clean up local homeless camps – here’s what else they did to avoid a repeat

(Update: Adding video) La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management has spent about $200,000 to remove five long-term homeless camps from BLM land near La Pine, a nearly month-long effort that also included using boulders and soft soils to block illegal access roads, in an effort to keep it from happening again.

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Flat Top Fire 2024

Emergency closure ends, a year after the Firestone and Flat Top fires, but visitors are still urged to use caution

(Update: Adding video) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes National Forest lands around last year’s Firestone and Flat Top Fires, about 20 miles from La Pine, will reopen Wednesday after an emergency closure order expires, Forest Service officials said Tuesday. People recreating in the recently burned areas are still being advised to use caution, according to the

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Untreated, treated areas at Darlene 3 Fire

Deschutes County outlines five-year plans for federally funded La Pine Wildfire Mitigation Project

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County provided new details Friday about how it will use a newly awarded $3.4 million USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant for its La Pine Wildfire Mitigation Project over the next five years. “The project is a collaborative effort to reduce fire fuels, educate the public, increase wildfire preparedness,

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Ponderosa trees for sale

Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory kicks off Ponderosa tree sales; Fungi Fest and Mushroom Show coming up

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory is ramping up its fall activities, including a Ponderosa tree and seedling sale that began Thursday. “Fall is the perfect time to plant your very own living legacy!” the announcement said. “Planting Ponderosa trees helps support our local ecosystem by restoring habitats and improving biodiversity. By

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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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