SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek visited Central Oregon Friday to tour the Akawa Butte Fire, announcing federal approval for a Fire Management Assistance Grant that will cover 75% of the blaze’s costs. The governor also addressed the significant strain on resources and the potential use of the Oregon National Guard as the nearly
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community members rolled up their sleeves Friday to honor the life and legacy of Redmond firefighter-paramedic Michael Kienzle by donating blood during a special American Red Cross blood drive.The event brought together family, friends, fellow firefighters, first responders and community members to continue Kienzle’s lifelong commitment to helping others. Organizers said
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CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire evacuation orders continue to be issued across Central Oregon, it’s not just people who need a safe place to go. The Crook County and Deschutes County fairgrounds are providing temporary refuge for horses, livestock and other large animals displaced by the fires. Animals temporarily sheltered at the Crook
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SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — A sudden and powerful storm swept through parts of Sunriver Wednesday afternoon, toppling trees, blocking roads and briefly trapping vehicles near the Sunriver Airport. According to Chuck Rosenfeld, who identified himself as part of the Sunriver Citizen Patrol, the storm hit around 3 p.m. following a thunderstorm that brought heavy rain
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(Update: adding link to Genasys Protect, video) SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fire officials and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office have elevated more areas of the Akawa Butte Fire to Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation as of 4:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 22. New zones have also been added to Level one (Be Ready) as hot
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Central Oregon (KTVZ) — Smoke from multiple Central Oregon wildfires is raising new questions about how county fair operations may unfold this summer, with the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo set to open Wednesday, the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo starting July 29, and the Crook County Fair beginning August 5. KTVZ News can confirm,
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(UPDATE, 7/20/26, 10:22 pm): Akawa Butte Fire has grown to 10,391 acres; 3% contained CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Akawa Butte Fire is continuing to burn in Deschutes and Jefferson counties, with firefighters working to keep it from moving closer to nearby communities. The blaze is about 9 miles northwest of Crooked River
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Saturday, for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires, which are actively burning in Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This action was taken as hot, dry weather and strong, shifting winds have caused the fires to grow significantly, threatening nearby communities. The invocation of the act enables
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BEND, Ore. — A longtime Bend outdoor retailer has expanded beyond skis and snowboards, transforming its former back lot into a new gathering place for food, drinks and community.After nearly 25 years serving Central Oregon’s outdoor community, the family behind Powder House has opened Base Camp, a two-story taphouse and food truck pavilion at 311
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BEND, Ore. — A nationwide blood shortage is raising concerns in Central Oregon, where hospitals depend on a steady supply of donated blood to treat patients every day. The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give blood as it works to rebuild the national blood supply. When someone needs blood after a serious
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg is set to retire on Aug. 28, prompting an extended search for his successor. The Deschutes Public Library Board decided last Wednesday evening to continue its search for a new director after interviewing two candidates last week and now plans to appoint an interim director.
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new proposal in Deschutes County seeks to change how voters elect county commissioners, potentially introducing ranked-choice voting to future races. The initiative is currently in the signature-gathering stage and aims to decide elections on a single ballot. Current system and proposed change If approved, the measure would replace the current
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BEND, Ore. — After a warm summer day in Central Oregon, an evening breeze can make it feel like the perfect time to head outside with your pet. But while the air may be cooling down, the pavement beneath their paws often isn’t. Dark asphalt can absorb and retain heat throughout the day, remaining much
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UPDATE: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says the goat has been reunited with its family. TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says a friendly goat is searching for his owners after he was found wandering along B Avenue in Terrebonne. “A very kind resident has him safely hanging out at their place,
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LA PINE, Ore. — The gates are officially open and the action is underway in southern Deschutes County for one of Central Oregon’s longest-running Independence Day traditions. The La Pine Rodeo kicked off night one of its three-day run, expected to draw thousands of holiday visitors. Proudly dubbed “The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,” organizers
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(UPDATE: Adding more information on the Department.) ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Alfalfa Rural Fire District has faced a series of challenges in recent months, including board member resignations, the departure of longtime Chief Chad Lavallee, and a failed levy. But firefighters on the ground say the department remains focused on maintaining service to the
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UPDATE: KTVZ News has learned from 710 Properties that the land use approvals have been completed and finalized. A spokesperson for 710 Properties tells KTVZ News that following four years of administrative hearings and multiple rounds of judicial review, the final appellate judgement was made in March of 2026. The state supreme court did not
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says it has balanced a $72.2 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026–27 after identifying approximately $1 million in reduced costs and operational efficiencies. The agency says the changes will allow it to maintain core public safety services. Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert said the effort reflects
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(Update: adding information from June 24th’s hearing) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Redmond woman accused of killing her mother last summer was back before a Deschutes County judge Wednesday for a status check hearing. Jessica Andersch is charged with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the fatal stabbing of her
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Family blasts California’s program that issues CDL licenses to undocumented immigrants. BROTHERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — For Elizabeth Carter, sleep has become almost impossible. Since the day her son Billy and his new wife, Jenny, were killed in a devastating crash on U.S. Highway 20 near Brothers, she says the same nightmare returns again and again.
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