SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — A controversial proposal that could have dramatically reshaped ranching and outdoor recreation in Oregon will not appear on the November ballot, state elections officials confirmed Friday. According to the Statesman Journal, initiative Petition 28, which aimed to expand animal abuse laws by outlawing practices such as hunting, fishing and livestock slaughter,
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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Jefferson County School District has canceled all summer programming for Monday, July 27, citing rapidly changing wildfire conditions and ongoing evacuations in the area. The closure affects all sites across the district, including Madras Elementary, Bridges High School and Madras High School. Summer meal services will also be unavailable for
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Sisters High School has served as an evacuation site for the Akawa fire for almost a week, providing shelter and resources to approximately 100 people. The Red Cross and Salvation Army are supporting evacuees, with the Red Cross operating five shelters across Central and Eastern Oregon to assist those displaced by wildfires. The Red Cross
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Friday, July 25, for the Bench and Beachcomb Fires in Jefferson County. This action came in response to a request for assistance with life, safety and structural fire protection. The governor determined that the threat to life, safety and property from the
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two separate fires kept Bend emergency crews busy today, including a brush fire behind the Red Lion Hotel on Butler Market Road and a residential fire on Starling Drive. The brush fire, believed to have originated from an abandoned fire in a houseless encampment, burned slightly over one acre. The residential
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County School District in Prineville is providing overnight accommodations at Crook County Middle School and Crook County High School for wildfire personnel. This initiative offers a place for firefighters assigned to fires across Central Oregon to rest and recover between shifts. The district aims to support the brave firefighters
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Bend, Ore (KTVZ) –The dry and very warm conditions have not been favorable for fire suppression. The winds yesterday allowed the Bench Fire and the Beachcomb Fire to expand to the east while the Shingle Fire expanded rapidly in the Ochoco National Forest. Today will be similar to Saturday, but the winds are not expected
Continue Reading I have classified the wildfires in the area into two categories, the older and the newer fires. The older fires began with the lightning storms that came through two Wednesday’s ago and ignited the Brewer, Akawa Butte, Box Springs, Rowe Creek Complex, Coyote and Henry Fires. This new batch of fires began with the lightning
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UPDATE: Officials have just provided an updated concerning the fires burning near Warm Springs, prompting evacuation notices:Bench FireAcres: 6201Containment: 0% Beachcomb FireAcres: 2352Containment: 0% Extreme and highly active fire behavior with wind gusts up to 29 mph on Friday pushed the Bench Fire over contingency lines to the east, removing the 20% containment that had
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Central Oregon is settling into a warm, dry stretch of weather this week. Highs will be in the mid to upper 80s through the first half of the week before climbing into the lower to mid 90s by Friday. Nights will stay comfortable, cooling into the upper 40s and lower 50s.Fire danger remains the biggest
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Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The weather this weekend will not be favorable for fighting fires as the winds will be in the 15 – 20 mph range and gusts may reach 25 mph. The ground has dried out from the rain on Wednesday so the fuel on the ground will easily burn. Rapid fire growth
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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Jefferson County Fair is currently underway, offering classic fair attractions and entertainment despite ongoing wildfires in the area. The fair will continue through Saturday. The community has gathered for the annual celebration, which features classic fair food, vendors and a live rodeo. Four-H participants are showcasing their sheep, cows and
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The annual “Balloons Over Bend” event is taking place this weekend in Central Oregon, offering morning balloon flights and evening “Night Glow” experiences. Balloon launches are scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., with spectators able to watch the setup and takeoff from the field at Jewell Elementary School. The event
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Bend, Ore (KTVZ) – The weather this weekend will not be favorable for fighting fires as the winds will be in the 15 – 20 mph range and gusts may reach 25 mph. The ground has dried out from the rain on Wednesday so the fuel on the ground will easily burn. Rapid fire growth
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DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers responded to two back-to-back missions this week, assisting injured and ill hikers in separate areas of the county. On Wednesday, July 22, a 58-year-old woman from the San Francisco area was rescued from Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park after
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SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek visited Central Oregon Friday to tour the Akawa Butte Fire, announcing federal approval for a Fire Management Assistance Grant that will cover 75% of the blaze’s costs. The governor also addressed the significant strain on resources and the potential use of the Oregon National Guard as the nearly
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority is investigating two Oregon residents who developed Cyclospora infections. These cases are linked to an ongoing multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak and a nationwide recall of pre-shredded iceberg lettuce products. The recalled products, subject to a voluntary recall on July 17, were not reported to have been distributed in
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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Community members rolled up their sleeves Friday to honor the life and legacy of Redmond firefighter-paramedic Michael Kienzle by donating blood during a special American Red Cross blood drive.The event brought together family, friends, fellow firefighters, first responders and community members to continue Kienzle’s lifelong commitment to helping others. Organizers said
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This week’s Furry Friend is Missy! This sweet mama arrived at BrightSide with her kittens, and now she’s ready to find a loving home of her own. Missy may be shy at first, but once she feels comfortable, her sweet and playful personality shines through. She would thrive in a peaceful home with some toys
Continue Reading BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Red Flag Warning goes into effect at 1pm today through 8pm tomorrow. Hot, windy and very dry conditions could cause fires to spread quickly. Please avoid outdoor burning. Highs will climb into the low to mid 90s across Central Oregon today. Expect mostly sunny skies, though some patchy smoke and
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