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Government-Politics

Madras DMV closed today due to staffing shortage

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) โ€” The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) office in Madras is closed today due to staffing issues, the agency announced.โ€‹ The office, located at 249 S.W. Third St., will not be providing in-person services during the closure. The nearest DMV locations for customers needing immediate, in-person assistance are in Redmond

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Oregon officials urge caution as winter storms sweep the stateย 

Salem, Ore. (KTVZ) — State emergency officials are urging Oregonians to use caution as a series of storms brings heavy rain, mountain snow, and strong winds through midweek.  The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said snow will continue to blanket Cascade passes, creating difficult driving conditions. Coastal areas could see wind gusts topping 60 miles per hour, while inland

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New toilets Summit Park Apartments

City of Bend helps Housing Works install over 100 high-efficiency toilets at NE Bend apartments

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend and Housing Works said Friday they have partnered to replace more than 100 high-volume toilets at Summit Park Apartments with high-efficiency models, aiming to save water and reduce utility bills. The retrofit is expected to save Housing Works approximately $10,600 annually, or $105 per toilet. The outdated

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Invasive plant BLM

Drones, new herbicides: BLM’s Prineville District seeks public input on updated plan to remove invasive plants

PRINEVILLE, Ore. KTVZ) โ€”ย The Bureau of Land Management’s Prineville District is seeking public input on a revised environmental assessment for an invasive plant management project in Central Oregon. โ€œThis is a critical opportunity for the public to help shape how we manage invasive plants across the Prineville District,โ€ saidย Amanda S. Roberts, Prineville District manager. โ€œWeโ€™re

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Smith Rock State Park pose

Step into 2026: Free First Day hikes offered Jan. 1 at 25 state parks; here’s info on the four local outings

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Whether you prefer aย moderate hike through a desert landscapeย orย a paved wooded trail inside city limits, Oregon State Parks has a First Day Hike for you on New Yearโ€™s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. And four of the 25 outings are in your backyard, here in Central Oregon. Rangers and volunteers will lead

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City of Bend water quality lab

City of Bend opens larger, advanced water quality laboratory at new Public Works Campus

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) As part of the City of Bend Public Works Department’s recent move into the new Public Works Campus, the cityโ€™s water lab successfully transferred its Oregon laboratory accreditation from its former location at the cityโ€™s Water Reclamation Facility. City officials said in Thursday’s announcement that “the water lab ensures the city provides

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U.S. House votes to delist gray wolves: Bentz in support, Bynum, fellow Oregon Democrats opposed

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) — The U.S. House voted mostly along party lines Thursday to approve a bill that would remove Endangered Species Act protections for the gray wolf, a goal of Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., who has called the animals “killing machines” that threaten rural ranchers’ livelihoods. Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore., along with four fellow Oregon

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Bend to Lava Lands paved path

Deschutes National Forest advances plans for a 10-foot-wide paved path between Bend and Lava Lands Visitor Center

(Update: Video Added) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest said Thursday that it has chosen a preferred alternative for ia nearly seven-mile planned paved path that’s planned to extend from Bend south to the Lava Lands Visitor Center. Bend-Fort Rock District Ranger Kevin Stock said in a final decision notice that they have

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DCSO Lt. Nathan Garibay and captains

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Lt. Nathan Garibay honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by Sheriffs’ Association

ย BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriffโ€™s Office announced Thursday that Lt. Nathanย Garibayย was formally recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award for his outstanding contributions to Emergency Management and Search and Rescue during the Oregon State Sheriffsโ€™ Association’s Winter Conference, held last week at The Riverhouse in Bend.ย  “Lt.ย Garibayย received this honor in front of law

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Oregon job growth projections

Oregon expects to add 141,000 jobs by 2034, a 6% rise; here’s what categories are expected to lead the way

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Employment Department projected Thursday that Oregonโ€™s total employment will grow by 141,000 jobs, or 6% in the next decade. The 2024-2034 employment projections “reflect modest job growth in the economy, although many additional job openings are expected due to the need to replace workers who leave their occupations,” the

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Oregon Measure 110 audit

Critical audit says Oregon’s Measure 110 efforts lack stability, coordination and clear data on results

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) โ€” Measure 110 is still far from achieving its promise to help Oregonians struggling with addiction due to frequent policy changes and a lack of stability, coordination and data at the Oregon Health Authority,ย according to an audit released Wednesday by the Secretary of State Audits Division. ย  โ€œOregon has struggled to respond

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Oregon Health Authority Logo

Oregon Health Plan members can now receive free over-the-counter birth control pills at pharmacies

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)ย โ€“ย Starting Tuesday, Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) members will be able to get over-the-counter birth control pills, including Opill, and emergency contraception at no cost at pharmacies in the state. Oregon Health Authority, in collaboration with the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, made this possible through a standing order, which allows pharmacists to

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