Central Oregon Archives

Bend nonprofit holds Easter event to bring displaced Ukrainian families together, offer support

March 30, 2024 6:20 pm Kelsey McGee

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It has been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, creating tragedies still being felt around the world. A Bend nonprofit…

Honor Flight: Bend Pearl Harbor survivor Dick Higgins and family take special journey to his final resting place

March 30, 2024 1:57 pm Barney Lerten

Two days after a public memorial service and military funeral for Richard “Dick” Higgins of Bend, who passed away last week at the age of 102,…

Deschutes County to start work on new roundabout at Butler Market Road/Powell Butte Highway intersection

March 29, 2024 9:47 pm KTVZ news sources

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The eastern end of Butler Market Road at Powell Butte Highway, by the Bend Airport, closes Monday as work begins on a new…

‘Closure for all of us’: Bend’s refreshed Vietnam Veterans Memorial rededicated on national day in their honor

March 29, 2024 11:45 am Matthew Draxton

Friday was National Vietnam Veterans Day, set aside to remember and honor those who served in that long and difficult war. In a special event to mark…

Crook County drug trafficking suspect arrested in guns-drawn traffic stop; raid on car, house turn up meth, fentanyl, guns, cash

March 29, 2024 3:15 pm Barney Lerten

A Crook County methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficker was arrested Thursday in a guns-drawn traffic stop and arraigned Friday on seven felony drug…

‘Gramps, you are our hero’: A day of honor, and fondly shared memories of Bend Pearl Harbor survivor Dick Higgins

March 28, 2024 10:15 am Matthew Draxton

Central Oregonians gathered Thursday to pay their respects and to share fond memories at a series of events honoring the life of Richard “Dick”…

Bend neighbors relieved, ‘shocked’ by Deschutes County commissioners’ 2-1 vote to close sex offender housing program

March 27, 2024 5:22 pm Barney Lerten, Isabella Warren

One week after voting to find a new location for a sex offender transitional housing program within a year, Deschutes County commissioners voted,…

OSP identifies Bend man, 75, struck and killed by semi-truck in southbound lanes of Bend Parkway

March 27, 2024 9:09 pm Barney Lerten

A 75-year-old Bend pedestrian was struck and killed by a semi-truck Wednesday night in the southbound left-hand lane of the Bend Parkway, Oregon…

Bend man arraigned on second-degree murder indictment in mother’s killing, set to enter plea April 18

March 28, 2024 4:44 pm Barney Lerten

(Updating with video) BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A 40-year-old Bend man was arraigned Thursday on a second-degree murder indictment in last week’s…

Redmond Police ID two suspects in recent string of business, vehicle thefts; thank citizens for tips

March 26, 2024 4:17 pm Barney Lerten

Two days after Redmond Police released photos of a man and woman suspected in a string of recent thefts at and around four businesses, officers said…

City of Bend reacts to racist ‘Zoombombing’ of Human Rights & Equity Commission meeting, seeks to avoid repeat

March 27, 2024 6:48 pm Harley Coldiron

The city of Bend expressed dismay Thursday at a spate of racist comments voiced by anonymous online visitors to a meeting of the city’s Human…

ODOT’s second blasting operation by Bend Parkway shifted to Saturday AM due to Easter weekend

March 28, 2024 1:57 pm KTVZ news sources

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Transportation said Thursday it shifted its second in a series of weekend blasting operations for the…

Deschutes County to press ahead on new rules for RVs to become legal rural dwellings, ease code violation cloud

March 27, 2024 10:47 pm Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County code enforcers already have their hands full with dozens of RVs and other illegal dwellings in rural areas.…

Bend construction company fined over $103,000 by Oregon OSHA for repeat violations of fall protection requirement

March 27, 2024 8:15 pm Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) announced Wednesday it has fined a Bend construction company…

Twice-yearly ritual returns: ODOT reminds drivers to get those studded tires off by Sunday, or fines may follow

March 26, 2024 2:38 pm Matthew Draxton

As spring arrives, it’s time to remember that studded tires must be removed by Sunday, March 31. ODOT said Tuesday that long-term weather forecasts…

Central Oregon child care sees extra strain on finding spring break spots for older children

March 27, 2024 11:59 am Isabella Warren

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Some rain this week in Bend hasn’t stopped children at Camp Fire Central Oregon from enjoying spring break. “We offer families…

‘We’re feeling the spring break!’: Tourists shop around Bend, businesses see up-tick in sales

March 27, 2024 5:34 pm Kelsey McGee

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Tourism on the High Desert generates more than $330 million a year, according to Visit Bend. Some of that money will come in…

Sisters High School teacher placed on leave amid claims of inappropriate behavior; DCSO finds no evidence of crime

March 27, 2024 4:45 pm Harley Coldiron

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A choir teacher at Sisters High School is on leave after accusations of inappropriate behavior by current and former…

Federal spending bills will fund 139 Oregon projects, to tune of $225 million; 10 across High Desert top $26 million

March 27, 2024 4:13 pm KTVZ news sources

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced Wednesday they secured $225 million in investments for 139 essential…

Kidnap charge dismissed against Uber driver arrested in Bend; grand jury finds insufficient evidence to indict

March 27, 2024 11:07 am Barney Lerten

A kidnapping charge has been dismissed against an Uber driver from La Pine, accused of driving a female Bend passenger around for about a half-hour…