Maury Mountains Rescue: Crook County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue locates missing woman
A missing Oregon woman has been safely located and reunited with family after being reported missing in the Maury Mountains last week.
Continue ReadingLocal News
As temperatures heat up again, Central Oregon officials say recent rain did little to ease wildfire danger
UPDATE: Adding video REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Recent rain showers across Central Oregon have provided short-term relief, but fuels remain dry and the risk of wildfire is high as hotter temperatures return, officials said Wednesday. Here’s their update on our fire danger situation: Hot summer temperatures quickly dry out grasses, brush, and timber, leaving conditions
Continue Reading
Rep. Cliff Bentz plans Sept. 8 ‘Tele-Town Hall’ for Central Oregon constituents
UPDATE: Adding video WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-2nd District, announced Wednesday that he will be hosting a Tele-Town Hall on Sept. 8 to hear from his constituents and to answer questions about what he is working on in Congress.WHO: The Counties of Klamath, Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Wasco, and Sherman WHAT: Tele-Town Hall with Congressman Cliff Bentz WHEN: Monday, September
Continue Reading
Ask the Mayor: Redmond’s Ed Fitch responds to traffic concerns and canyon questions
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From traffic on Highway 97 to mowing dry brush in the canyon, Mayor Ed Fitch answers viewer-submitted questions for this month’s Ask the Mayor. Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Fitch at any time as part of our monthly segment – just click here.
Continue Reading
Crook County Veteran Services offer a place for Central Oregon veterans to find necessary services
CROOK COUNTY, ORE. (KTVZ)– The Crook County Veteran Services office has a message for local vets tonight. It encourages veterans to reach out and connect with its team. Not only does it give help navigating the VA system, but it also provides numerous other benefits. Some of the available benefits include service connected disability compensation,
Continue Reading
NeighborImpact holding listening sessions across Central Oregon
BEND, ORE. (KTVZ)– Neighbor Impact wants to hear about your needs. For years, the charity’s been a source of support in Central Oregon with things like its food bank. Now it’s having listening sessions where workers invite you to tell them your needs. These meetings are happening in town halls all across Central Oregon and
Continue Reading
Show us your Garden: A pioneer, a beached boat and a dual-purpose greenhouse
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This week, we showcase more awesome gardens from here in Central Oregon. A Palapa that has been shrouded by some cattails that are also hiding a beached boat and other gems in the yard. Another garden is a tribute to our pioneers, as the garden is grown in an old wagon.
Continue Reading
Medford woman pleads guilty, sentenced to 10 years for fatal DUII crash that took the life of a well-known Bend chef
MEDFORD, Ore. (KTVZ)– A Medford woman arrested after a DUII crash in Medford last fall that took the life of a well-known, long-time Bend chef, Jimilee “Jason” Thomas, pleaded guilty Wednesday to manslaughter and two other charges and was sentenced to a decade in prison. Here’s the news release from the Jackson County District Attorney’s
Continue Reading
Summer should end with memories, not arrests: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office urges sober driving
UPDATE: Adding video BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As summer winds down and Labor Day weekend approaches, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining the nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that started August 13 and runs through September 1. While the Community Action Target Team (CATT) will increase patrols to deter impaired driving, this effort
Continue Reading
Prosecution, defense paint differing views as trial begins of Smith Rock mass shooting plot suspect Samson Garner
The attempted murder trial of a Portland man accused of plotting a mass shooting at a Smith Rock climbing event in 2023 began Wednesday with a prosecutor and defense lawyer painting sharply contrasting views of his actions and words in the days and weeks before his arrest.
Continue Reading
‘Times are harder now’: La Pine Community Kitchen hosting Labor Day food drive to address drop in donations
(update: Adding video, adding comments from kitchen guests, kitchen manager) LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – La Pine Community Kitchen is calling on the community to rally together this Labor Day for a Canned Food Drive and BBQ. They hope to bring people together for a day of food and fellowship, while helping restock shelves for
Continue Reading
UPDATE: Missing Deschutes County man found safe in Portland area
Hours after seeking the public’s help, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said in an update that a missing man, 34-year-old Michael Gifford, has been located safe in the Portland area.
Continue Reading
30 Oregon school districts selected to receive literacy funding boost
OREGON (KTVZ) — 30 school districts across Oregon have been selected to receive a funding boost, all in the name of literacy. The Oregon Department of Education said the investment of approximately $11 million annually will support districts in improving literacy outcomes for many of Oregon’s historically marginalized students from birth through 12th grade. “Through a competitive
Continue Reading
Bend-La Pine Schools honors exceptional AP Exam students
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Bend-La Pine School District is celebrating the academic achievements of some outstanding students. Those who earned a top score of 5 on an AP exam got special yard signs to celebrate their success. Superintendent Steve Cook joined faculty members in hand delivering the signs to proud students and families. Educators also
Continue Reading
Pursuit of speeding, reckless driver who hit patrol car, missed several other vehicles ends in Bend man’s arrest
(Update: DCSO clarifies some details of events) SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — A pursuit of a reckless driver that began in Bend ended in Sunriver Tuesday morning in the arrest of a Bend man who Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said drove recklessly through several communities, struck a patrol car and endangered both the public and law
Continue Reading
Jury seated in trial of Samson Garner, accused of planning 2023 mass shooting at Smith Rock
UPDATE: On Tuesday, a jury was seated in the Samson Garner trial. A jury of 7 men and 8 women were seated. Twelve jurors were sworn in on Tuesday afternoon, along with three alternates. Opening statements are set to begin on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. BEND, Ore. (KTVZ – August 11) — A Portland man
Continue Reading
Feline overload: More than 100 cats are up for adoption at the Humane Society of the Ochocos
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A recent large-scale cat rescue has left nearly 100 cats up for adoption in Prineville. The Humane Society of the Ochocos stepped forward to care for the cats after their owner moved out of the state. These adorable feline friends are mostly barn and outdoor cats. Volunteers originally thought there were only about 30,
Continue Reading
La Pine-area raid by Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Team turns up grow; owner cited
La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man was cited for an illegal marijuana grow that was seized in a raid late last week. Here’s a news release issued late Monday by Bend Police Lt. Mike Landolt of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Team: Press Release Information: On August 14th, 2025, at approximately
Continue Reading
Governor Kotek issues drought declarations for Coos and Wheeler counties, bringing total so far this year to seven
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek announced Tuesday she has declared a drought in Coos and Wheeler counties through an executive order and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. A link to Executive Order 25-19 can be found here. Coos CountyAccording to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Coos County has been
Continue Reading
Local affordable housing developer RootedHomes expands down payment help for veterans, offers up to $60,000
(Update: Adding video) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — RootedHomes, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing in Central Oregon, announced Tuesday a significant expansion of its down payment assistance program for veterans. The program expansion was made possible by a $540,000 grant awarded to the organization for this purpose. Here’s the rest of RootedHomes’ announcement: The enhanced
Continue Reading