BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As prescribed burning ramps up across Central Oregon, state and local agencies say a combination of real-time monitoring, weather modeling and community planning is key to limiting smoke impacts in Bend and surrounding areas. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) relies on meteorologists who track air quality using Department of Environmental
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State University-Cascades, and Sisters High School are teaming up this month to conduct a “bioblitz” at four proposed wildlife crossing structure locations along US Highway 20. A bioblitz is a communal effort to record as many species within a designated location and time
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon fire districts are moving up the end of outdoor debris burning to April 30, citing dry conditions, gusty winds and faster-drying fuels that are raising wildfire concerns across the region. Bend Fire & Rescue says debris burning in the rural areas surrounding Bend will be allowed only through April
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Sisters High School students will be awarded $385,250 in scholarships during Sisters GRO’s annual Senior Celebration this Wednesday evening at Sisters High School, all thanks to generous community donations. This year marks a significant milestone for Sisters GRO, an independent nonprofit founded in 2008. The organization is distributing a record $385,250
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The seasonal window for legal debris burning in the Sisters area will close at sunset on April 30, according to local fire officials. The Northwest Fire Agencies — which include Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, Black Butte Ranch Fire District, and Cloverdale Fire District — announced the seasonal shutdown Tuesday, marking the
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sisters City Council held a town hall meeting Wednesday night, focusing on several proposals that could directly impact residents and businesses. Among the main topics: a discussion on potential rate hikes for trash and municipal solid waste services, and updates on the Northwest Park project. Republic Services, the city’s waste
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(Update: This article has been corrected to reflect the proper name of Fire Chief Tony Prior) SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District has been recognized for its exceptional efforts during the 2025 Flat Fire, receiving a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude. U.S.
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Do you want to get involved and make a difference within your community? Here’s your chance! Happening Next, you can join Citizens4Community, the City of Sisters, SOLVE, and Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) for a community-wide cleanup on Saturday, April 18th from 9 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The community clean up event, happening just
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest is planning prescribed burning operations Monday on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters Ranger Districts, with smoke expected to be visible in parts of Central Oregon. Firefighters on the Sisters Ranger District are planning up to 42 acres of ignitions on the SAFR 9 and 78 prescribed
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(UPDATE: Adding information from the event, quotes from Sen. Jeff Merkley, and attendees) SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — At a town hall held at Sisters High School on Saturday, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley spent more than an hour engaging directly with constituents, answering questions and discussing a wide range of pressing issues. The Oregon Democrat’s stop
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Transportation began overnight construction on U.S. 20 in Sisters on March 29 to upgrade curb ramps and pedestrian crossings. The project aims to bring the infrastructure into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. These improvements are designed to make it easier and safer for people walking
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Seed to Table Oregon, a Sisters-based nonprofit, has opened sign-ups for its 2026 Produce Share program featuring a “no-questions-asked” sliding-scale payment model. The farm share program provides fresh, organic vegetables from May through November with weekly prices starting at $26. Unlike traditional sliding-scale programs, the nonprofit does not require an application
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Transportation begins several weeks of overnight construction on Sunday night along U.S. Highway 20 in Sisters, upgrading curb ramps and pedestrian crossings to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The start date for the project recently was moved up from the original plan of April 12,
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Spring break is breathing new life into the local economy in Sisters, as families and travelers flock to Central Oregon following a slower-than-usual winter season. Across the state, many schools are out for Spring Break, and the influx of visitors is already making an impact—especially for small businesses that rely on
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(Update: adding press release and photos from Sisters Fire) SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fifth-wheel RV was destroyed by fire Wednesday afternoon at the Sisters RV Park, with flames spreading to nearby trees and grass. Emergency crews were dispatched to the park at 1100 E. Highway 20 at approximately 3:03 p.m. on March 25, 2026.
Continue ReadingBEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rob Imhoff, a candidate for Deschutes County Commissioner, announced a proposal Monday to establish a 6-mile “no camping” zone around every Urban Growth Boundary community in the county. The initiative targets unauthorized camping and vehicle habitation in rural lands surrounding cities such as Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. The policy aims to
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The colorful world of Dr. Seuss is coming to life in Sisters this weekend as Ovation Performing Arts debuts its youth production of “Seussical Jr.” at Sisters High School. The family-friendly musical runs March 27-29 at 1700 W. McKinney Butte Road, featuring a cast of nearly 40 Central Oregon children ages
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CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Wildfire Educators Group is launching a series of regional preparedness fairs starting in April 2026. These events highlight the group’s ongoing efforts to provide unified education on how to live safely in fire-adapted communities. Established in 2022 as part of the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Co-Op, the organization
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley postponed his town hall tour in Klamath, Lake, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties this weekend. The Senator told KTVZ News, “Because of a change in the U.S. Senate voting schedule, all town halls scheduled for Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 have been postponed. An updated
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Due to what it calls “unfavorable conditions, the Deschutes National Forest canceled Thursday’s planned prescribed burning operations on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters ranger districts”Firefighters cancelled prescribed burning today upon receiving updated weather forecasts showing low relative humidity and elevated winds,” Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist Jaimie Olle told KTVZ News.
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