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Deschutes County

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office balances $72.2M budget, finds $1M in savings

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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‘We Just Want Justice’: Parents of Newlyweds Killed in Highway 20 Crash Oppose Deportation of Truck Driver Before Trial

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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Lorinda Maxwell

UPDATE: Lordina Maxwell Ordered to Serve 10 Days in Jail, Four Years Probation Following Animal Neglect Case

UPDATE: Lordina Maxwell was sentenced in a Deschutes County Courtroom earlier this month. According to online court records, Maxwell will serve 10 days in jail and is ordered to pay $18,480 in restitution.The Alfalfa woman had been charged with 49 counts of animal neglect. Due to her plea deal, 45 felonies were dropped.Maxwell was also

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Deschutes County seeks public input for 2026 natural hazards plan update

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) to gather public feedback for the 2026 update of the Deschutes County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP). Community members are invited to provide input by completing a confidential public survey. This survey is designed to collect information

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Deschutes County nonprofits receive $135K in Cow Creek foundation grants

(KTVZ) — Some Central Oregon nonprofits are getting a funding boost from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, which awarded $606,815 today to 87 nonprofits across seven Oregon counties. Deschutes County organizations received a total of $135,050. Among the local recipients, La Pine Community Health Center received $10,000, Family Access Network Foundation received $7,500 and

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Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries awards over $62,000 in preservation grants

Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries awards over $62,000 in preservation grants

OREGON (KTVZ) — The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) has awarded $62,500 in grants to 14 historic cemetery projects across the state, including Deschutes County. These funds will support preservation efforts, tree care and surveys. The grants are part of the annual Historic Cemeteries Grant program, aiming to help document, preserve and promote designated

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FireFree events offer free debris disposal around Central Oregon just in time for wildfire season

(update: adding comments from fire officials) DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — It may feel like routine spring cleanup — raking pine needles, trimming branches, pulling weeds — but those small chores can make a big difference when wildfire strikes. During Prineville’s Highland Fire back in July 2025, KTVZ News showed you one Central Oregon home

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