OREGON (KTVZ) — As wildfires and smoke continue to impact Oregon, health officials are reminding people to take care of their mental health, too. The Oregon Health Authority says wildfires can cause stress, anxiety, grief and trouble sleeping, even for people who aren’t directly affected by a fire. Officials recommend staying connected with friends and neighbors
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BEND, Ore. — A Pacific Northwest pet retailer is calling on customers across the region to help pets and families affected by recent fires in Spokane-area communities.Mud Bay is collecting donated pet food and supplies at its stores through Aug. 30, giving Central Oregonians and other customers a way to contribute directly to the relief
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 50-year-old Bend man was arrested Wednesday night after police said he threatened to shoot a resident who was walking his dog, then fired an AR-style rifle outside his home. Joshua Lee Russell was taken into custody in the 2700 block of NE Great Horned Place following reports of gunshots in
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Big Ski’s Pierogis at The Podski Food Cart Lot in Bend is permanently closing after a 12-year run. The food truck, which was was featured on The Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, will be closing at the end of the year. Owner Rich “Ski” Winiarski announced the closure via social media.
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OREGON (KTVZ) — State and federal agencies are making multiple financial and technical assistance programs available to support Oregon communities, small businesses and agricultural producers affected by ongoing drought conditions. Find the full press release here. The available programs offer funding for local water infrastructure, drought mitigation planning and economic recovery. The resources include low-interest
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OREGON (KTVZ) — Today, Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Aug. 14, in honor of contractor Jason Ensign, who died on Aug. 6, 2026, while working on the Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath County. Ensign, 47, was operating a bulldozer to construct containment lines when severe
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This article was written by Jared Cowley and Evan Watson from KGW: PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland City Council voted 8-4 Wednesday to approve an amended, nonbinding term sheet, taking the first step toward a deal that could put up to $120 million in city money into a renovation of the Moda Center and keep the Trail Blazers
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and New York Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of 10 states in filing a lawsuit today against the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The legal action challenges a federal rule that invalidates state laws requiring mortgage lenders to pay interest on escrow
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority has announced a leadership change at Oregon State Hospital in Salem, ending Sean Murphy’s trial-service period as superintendent. Jim Diegel has been named interim superintendent effective immediately, returning to a role he previously held at the state psychiatric facility. In a statement, the Oregon Health Authority described
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CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — Homeless encampments along Central Oregon dirt roads have existed for decades, according to organizer Nicholas Dieringer. He said the areas were once known as “the trees,” a name based on their surroundings. Today, they’re called Dirt World. Dieringer said there are eight Dirt World communities across Central Oregon. His project, “Dirtworld:
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BEND, Ore. — Furnishings from the former Shilo Inn in Bend are getting a second life as a community effort helps move donated items from the former hotel to benefit Central Oregonians in need.Local nonprofit Furnish Hope is receiving furnishings from the property, including mattresses, accent chairs, kitchen tables, pillows, microwaves and patio furniture.Volunteers are
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 36-year-old Sisters man died Sunday afternoon following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 101 in Curry County. Oregon State Police identified the victim as Louis Henry Vowell III, who was pronounced dead at the scene near the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint. A preliminary investigation by state police indicated Vowell was riding a
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Police Department is offering a reminder to stay sober behind the wheel, as it’s already arrested more than 240 people for DUII this year alone. It’s easy to avoid being a DUII statistic if you plan ahead. “The best thing we can do, is if we’re going to be out drinking, going to
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(Update: adding video, interview with patrol officer) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A private patrol officer may have helped save a Bend woman’s life after discovering smoke coming from her northwest Bend apartment early Sunday morning. Bianney Ventura, a patrol officer with Patrol Services Inc., was making her rounds at Awbrey Pines Apartments, 2500 NW Regency
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District added a new fire engine and ambulance to its response fleet today. Community members were invited to attend a christening ceremony for the two new emergency vehicles. The event served as an expression of gratitude for emergency service funding. Celebrations began with a traditional wetting ceremony
Continue Reading BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 20-year-old Kentucky man died Monday evening after falling approximately 177 feet from South Falls at Silver Falls State Park in Marion County.Authorities identified the victim as Zachary Nicholas Mertens of Burlington, Ky.Troopers with the Oregon State Police and deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the park following
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gabriel Dean Christensen, a 41-year-old repeat convicted felon, was sentenced Tuesday to 120 months in prison and three years of post-prison supervision. Judge Beth M. Bagley imposed the sentence after Christensen pled guilty to charges including delivery of methamphetamine, strangulation, assault and driving under the influence of intoxicants. The 120-month prison
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond City Council is scheduled to hear public testimony Tuesday on a proposal that would prohibit the possession, sale and use of fireworks within city limits. Ordinance No. 2026-11 would amend Redmond City Code Section 5.305, creating a broader restriction on private fireworks in the city. Currently, private use of legal
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Update: Jayc Priest, Jariq Rupert, and Jerriyah Rupert were located on August 7th, 2026, according to a notice from The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division on August 11th. ODHS is thankful for the community support to find the children. SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services is asking
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – KTVZ is partnering with NBC for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide campaign that promotes pet adoption and supports animal shelters across the country. Throughout the month, KTVZ is highlighting local shelters and the different ways Central Oregonians can help animals in need. BrightSide Animal Center understands that not everyone can adopt
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