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Problem Solvers

Problem Solvers: Trump administration pushes to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species Act protections

Move brought outrage from conservation groups, while drawing praise from ranchers and Republicans VALLEY FALLS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Trump administration is moving to permanently delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act, a decision spotlighting the struggles of a Southern Oregon ranch family at the heart of the nationwide debate. A Wolf at the Fence Line

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Problem Solvers: Business owners clash over parklets impact on sales and accessibility

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For several months, the Problem Solvers have been sharing stories about the parking challenges facing downtown Bend. Many residents say they avoid the area because finding parking is difficult, and local businesses report feeling the impact. Parklets: A Pandemic Lifeline Turns Permanent One side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic remains with

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Problem Solvers: Central Oregon Childcare Facility Under Investigation by State Agency Following Accusations of Mistreatment and Neglect

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A local child care facility is under investigation by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care following allegations of mistreatment and neglect. The Problem Solvers spoke with former employees, parents, and a grandparent of children who attended Mia’s Sprouts Early Child Development Center. According to its website, Mia’s Sprouts describes

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Problem Solvers: Truck manufacturer with Madras testing office says sales could stall due to Oregon’s emission standards

(Update: Adding video) MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The manufacturer Daimler Truck, which has a headquarters in Portland and a testing office in Madras, is pushing back against the state’s ambitious clean truck mandate, warning that a lack of infrastructure and sky-high costs could lead to stagnant sales. Oregon’s effort to lead the nation in environmental

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Problem Solvers: From free spaces to full lots, Bend’s growth fuels downtown parking debate

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Finding parking in downtown Bend has become such a challenge that many locals tell the Problem Solvers they’re avoiding the area altogether, and that trend is troubling for businesses already struggling to draw residents outside peak tourist season. Yet, not everyone sees parking as a long-term, sustainable solution. Parking Headaches Drive

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Problem Solvers: Longstanding Bend homeless camp highlights clash between addiction, enforcement, and compassion

(Update: Adding video) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A long-standing homeless camp at Second Street and DeKalb Avenue continues to spark frustration among nearby workers and concern from city officials, as drug use, mental health crises, and ongoing cleanup efforts collide with calls for more lasting solutions. Many of the encampment residents are locals, including Brittany,

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Problem Solvers: ‘You can save lives with software’: Bend Police using new technology to livestream 911 calls

In emergencies, every second counts. From the moment a 911 call comes in to when officers arrive on scene, first responders are in a race against time. But even the fastest chain of communication can leave gaps.

Now, Bend Police are using new technology designed to close those gaps and speed up response. It’s called Live911. The software acts as an add-on to the current dispatch system, live-streaming 911 calls directly to officers in the field.

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Problem Solvers: Wives of men incarcerated at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution speak out on visitiaton issues

(Update: Adding video) State prison near Madras tells KTVZ it has half the visitor space of others around Oregon MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Long drives, limited hours and growing frustration. For months, the Problem Solvers have been digging into visitation issues at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution. Officials say the concerns boil down to them having

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Problem Solvers: ‘Disaster waiting to happen’: Bend neighbors call for action on dangerous speeds along NE Purcell Boulevard

(Jillian Fortner has a Problem Solvers report at 6) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Residents in a Northeast Bend neighborhood are raising concerns about frequent speeding on their street. Linn Harrison, who lives between Empire Avenue and Yeoman Road, says drivers often speed through at 45 to 60 miles per hour, well above what’s safe for

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Problem Solvers: Neighbors, workers sound off as busy Galveston corridor on Bend’s westside is set to see major new additions

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Galveston Avenue corridor on Bend’s westside has blown up with businesses and visitors. Now, major upgrades to two buildings are sparking more debate on issues relating to traffic, parking and street safety. The Problem Solvers have previously reported on parking issues in the area, which have

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Problem Solvers: La Pine family searches for their missing pony after lease takes troubling turn

(Update: Adding video) LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – La Pine resident Katherine Rozelle just wants to bring her daughter’s pony home. The pony, Sam, is a Welsh-Arabian mare with black-and-pink mottled skin that’s especially visible during the summer. Rozelle told the Problem Solvers she leased out the pony, Sam, several times after her daughter outgrew

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Problem Solvers: Missed mail, illegal signs, fed-up residents: Why one Bend neighborhood may be a warning sign for others

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As one westside Bend neighborhood near Galveston and Century Drive grows with new construction and tourists, the Problem Solvers counted at least 25 illegal signs that neighbors have put up, warning people not to park in front of their mailboxes. However, they say it’s not because they want a convenient place

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Seized dogs Hooch Evie Paco

Problem Solvers: La Pine-area man accused of striking dog with shovel pleads for other 2 dogs’ return; plea entry delayed

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A La Pine-area man accused of striking his dog repeatedly with a shovel this spring was back in court Monday, still representing himself and claiming officials had violated his constitutional rights in several ways, including refusing to return his other two “emotional support” dogs. John Coe Richardson, 75, was arrested in

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Problem Solvers: ‘Unseen and unheard:’ Mother of son with mental illness talks about lack of local resources

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The National Alliance on Mental Health reports that 900,000 Oregonians reportedly experience a mental illness each year, highlighting about one in five adults who are impacted. The high rate of individuals with mental illness is coupled with a shortage of resources. “I have been dealing with my son’s mental illness for

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Michael Smetzer arraignment

Problem Solvers: Prineville car salesman accused of scamming 13 customers facing 35 ID theft, forgery, other charges

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The owner of a Prineville car dealership, the focus of recent KTVZ Problem Solvers reports for allegedly scamming clients while selling their vehicles, has been arrested on 35 counts of aggravated ID theft, forgery and illegal consignment practices.  Michael Dwayne Smetzer Jr., 37, of Prineville, entered not guilty pleas to all

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