BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) sat down with KTVZ News on Wednesday to discuss new legislation he says is aimed at preventing future helicopter tragedies following the deaths of four members of an Oregon family earlier this year. The proposal would require better marking and lighting of temporary obstructions, such as
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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras Redevelopment Commission (MRC) and Madras City Council yesterday approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the former Initiative Brewing property. According to online documents, this action addresses the business’s closure and default on its funding agreements, allowing the city to protect its public investment. Compiled Purchase and Sale Agreement
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Bend, Ore. (KTVZ)—Dutch Bros Coffee and the Dutch Bros Foundation are partnering with Make-A-Wish Oregon for a fundraiser this Friday, July 17. The event will see the Dutch Bros Foundation donate $1 from every drink sold at select locations in Oregon and Southwest Washington The initiative aims to support Make-A-Wish Oregon in granting life-changing wishes
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Sisters, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest has opened a public comment period for the draft Environmental Assessment of the Sisters Canyons Active Restoration Project. The project covers approximately 17,500 acres north of Sisters, Ore., and aims to enhance forest resiliency while mitigating the risk of large-scale high severity wildfires. Comments must be submitted
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Builders Association has announced the winners for the 2026 Tour of Homes. The event, which continues this weekend, highlights the designs, floorplans and innovations happening in Central Oregon regarding home construction. Of note, many locally owned home builders were recognized in this year’s model class. 2026 COBA TOH
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s unemployment rate remained at 5.2% in June, unchanged from the previous month and one year ago, while the U.S. rate stood at 4.2%. Oregon employers cut 600 jobs from nonfarm payrolls in June and total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 8,500 jobs between June 2025 and June 2026. The state’s
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Tamu, a 2-year-old male eastern black rhino at the Oregon Zoo, now weighs 2,040 pounds. Born on Dec. 4, 2023, he is nearing the size of his mother. Zoo staff in Portland are observing his rapid growth as he approaches the weight of an adult rhino at a young age. Tamu’s
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Natural Grocers, a Lakewood, Colo.-based natural and organic foods retailer, is opening a new store in downtown Redmond, Ore. The store, located at 732 SW 6th St. in the former JoAnn’s Fabrics building, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2027, with support from the City of Redmond and
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CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — Colorado is leaning on national support as roughly eight wildfires burn across the state, including several among the largest in its history. Crews there are working to contain fires like Aspen Acres and Ferris, both now listed among Colorado’s top 10 biggest recorded wildfires as hot, dry conditions persist. In northern
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Shepherd’s House Ministries is asking for urgent community support as it faces a critical shortage of food while serving hundreds of people across Central Oregon each day. The nonprofit says it currently provides about 1,000 meals daily to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, hunger, and financial hardship, but pantry supplies are
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes Public Library Director Todd Dunkelberg is set to retire on Aug. 28, prompting an extended search for his successor. The Deschutes Public Library Board decided last Wednesday evening to continue its search for a new director after interviewing two candidates last week and now plans to appoint an interim director.
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WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new vegetation fire has been reported in north of Warm Springs, called the Sage Brush Fire.According to Watch Duty, the fire is currently .1 acres. This is a developing story. Stay with the digital platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates.
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A video of a rattlesnake spotted by members of SmithRock.com is going viral and reminding park visitors to remain vigilant for wild animals. In a Facebook post, SmithRock.com wrote the following message: This 3 foot long rattler didn’t make a sound along the Canyon Trail this morning as it meandered along
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police are asking for additional witnesses following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 20 last week that left two people seriously injured. Troopers say the crash happened around 12:47 p.m. Friday, July 10th, near milepost 41. The location is roughly 2 miles west of the community of Brothers. According
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — BrightSide Animal Center has opened what it says is Redmond’s first private SniffSpot, offering dog owners a new option for safe, off-leash play while also supporting shelter animals. The half-acre, fully fenced space is located at the animal center and is available by reservation only. Unlike traditional dog parks, each booking
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Police Department is inviting the community to its annual National Night Out, a free, family-friendly event aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the public. The event is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4th at Mountain View High School. Part of a nationwide
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek is calling on the Trump administration to withdraw a proposed federal rule that would change how billions of dollars in federal grants are distributed and managed. In formal comments submitted to the Office of Management and Budget, the state warns the proposal could inject politics into funding decisions,
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Family Access Network has received a $50,000 grant from the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation to support services for children and families across Central Oregon. The funding will help provide resources for students and their families, including housing and utility assistance, clothing, school supplies, and youth development programs. Organization leaders say
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By Ellis Kim, CNN (CNN) — The US House voted Tuesday to pass a measure to enact year-round Daylight Saving Time across the country, springing Congress forward into an issue that has long stumped lawmakers and spurred impassioned pleas by parents, farmers and others with sharply divergent views. It will now head to the Senate
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Applications are now open for startups hoping to compete in the 2026 Bend Venture Conference, a long-running event that brings investors and entrepreneurs to Central Oregon each fall. The conference is set for October 15–16 at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. Hosted by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), the
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