(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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MADRAS/PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon communities are marking the Fourth of July with a full slate of events in Madras and Prineville, celebrating Independence Day as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. From early-morning breakfasts and parades to fireworks and stargazing, the holiday stretches from sunrise to well after dark. In Madras, the celebration
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LA PINE, Ore. — Final preparations are underway at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds as crews set up for one of Central Oregon’s longest-running Fourth of July traditions, kicking off Thursday night. Proudly dubbed “The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,” the three-day, NPRA-sanctioned event brings thousands of visitors to Southern Deschutes County annually, serving as
Continue ReadingBEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — July is one of the busiest months for tourism in Bend, with the Fourth of July weekend drawing a significant number of visitors. Last year, approximately 9,500 visitors came to Bend for the Fourth of July weekend. Tourism room taxes from visitors staying in hotels brought $2.2 million to the city
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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A special election will be held to decide if four members of the Madras Aquatic Center board, including the executive director, will be recalled. This special election was triggered after petitioners successfully gathered enough signatures to force the public vote. Jefferson County officials confirmed that the petition collected the necessary signatures,
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division, is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old, Jaylynn Rose O’Hara, who is believed to be in danger. Jaylynn Rose O’Hara went missing from Eugene near Alton Baker Park on June 29th. She is suspected to be in the areas
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(Update: adding comment from Oregon Senator Ron Wyden) TACOMA, Was. (KTVZ) — The truck driver involved in a deadly crash near Brothers that killed a newlywed couple will be deported to India, avoiding trial.Rajinder Kumar, an undocumented immigrant from India, was involved in the fatal car crash in November of 2025. William Carter and Jennifer
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean, a family-owned Bend restaurant known for its Greek and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, has been listed for sale, according to a public comment from owner Nick on a Facebook post and a commercial real estate listing for the restaurant space. “Yes it’s true we have put Kefi for sale,”
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management has implemented strict fire restrictions across all of its public lands in Oregon and Washington This comes as the Independence Day holiday weekend approaches, with national firefighting resources already stretched. Individuals responsible for starting wildfires face severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000, up to 12
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Patrol Sergeant Tyler Takagi has returned to the Prineville Police Department after a year-long military deployment, bringing with him the same dedication and professionalism he has always shown. The department says his service as a Staff Sergeant reflects his commitment to both our nation and the Prineville community. From all of
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire officials are reminding residents about firework safety for the Fourth of July. Public safety advice includes soaking all used fireworks in water for at least 24 hours before disposal. The city of Bend implemented its fireworks restrictions in 2021, allowing only novelty items such as sparklers, smoke bombs and
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Problem Solvers are continuing to investigate complaints surrounding 541 Roofing, this time hearing from former employees who claim they are still owed money. The former employees tell KTVZ News they sold roofing jobs for the Central Oregon company, but were not paid commissions they say they earned. The claims come
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LA PINE/SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, communities across Central Oregon are preparing to celebrate with events that highlight both patriotism and local connection. In Sisters, preparations are underway for the annual Sisters 4th Fest, a free, family-friendly event at Village Green Park on July 4. The half-day celebration,
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon employers have an alternative to traditional layoffs through the Work Share program administered by the Oregon Employment Department. This initiative helps businesses reduce short-term costs and retain skilled employees by allowing them to reduce staff hours. Employees participating in Work Share receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits to offset their reduced
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NEWBERRY COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Newberry Regional Partnership released a short documentary, “From Risk to Ready: A Newberry Country Defensible Space Story,” on June 30, 2026. The film highlights local efforts in Newberry Country, Ore., to reduce wildfire risk through education, hands-on action and neighbor-to-neighbor collaboration. The documentary was produced by Weiss Productions LLC
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MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KTVZ) — Three federal wildland firefighters died Saturday while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado, officials announced. The incident also resulted in injuries to two additional firefighters. The fallen firefighters were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when the
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon is preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as Bend and Redmond join celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday with parades, live music, family activities and fireworks. In Bend, the festivities kick off the morning of July 4 and stretch into the evening, with a slate of events that
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(Update: adding statements from Governor Kotek, local leaders) REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek visited Redmond Monday to meet with Central Oregon leaders and service providers, highlighting what she called significant progress in reducing homelessness across the region. Kotek spoke at Shepherd’s House Ministries’ Redmond Center, where she thanked local providers, city leaders,
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Mountain View Trap Shooting Team claimed both the Varsity and Junior Varsity 2A State Championships on June 28th at the Bend Trap Club. The team competed against more than 300 athletes from 14 schools in the 2A league to secure the titles. The championship event on Sunday showcased a broad
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bobbi Cummiskey’s campaign for Bend City Council Seat Six has received endorsements from outgoing Councilor Mike Riley and commissioner-elect Jamie Collins of Deschutes County. Councilor Riley currently holds the City Council seat Cummiskey is seeking. Commissioner-elect Collins is set to serve Deschutes County. Cummiskey’s campaign focuses on responsible growth, better transit,
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