OREGON (KTVZ) — Right now, Oregon schools are seeing an increase in students regularly attending class, but one state lawmaker says more work is needed. New data shows more than 7,000 additional students regularly attended school during the 2025-26 school year. That brings Oregon’s regular attendance rate to 64.5%. State Representative Lamar Wise says the numbers
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UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon National Guard crews are making a big difference in the fight against the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County. Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters are dropping water on the fire, helping ground crews slow the flames and protect nearby communities. So far this season, Oregon National Guard aircrews have made
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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Governor Tina Kotek says the state will continue following medical guidance on childhood vaccinations, despite recent changes at the federal level. Governor Kotek says Oregon will continue to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule. The West Coast Health Alliance, made up of Oregon, Washington,
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OREGON (KTVZ) — Right now, fire officials are asking Oregonians to use extreme caution as wildfires continue burning across the state and firefighting resources remain stretched. The National Weather Service is warning of critical fire weather, including thunderstorms, lightning and strong, unpredictable winds. Officials say even a small spark could quickly start a new fire.
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PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Highway 26 between Prineville and Mitchell reopened Thursday, August 13th, following a closure due to wildfires. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office announced the re-opening, and also stated that the Marks Creek Community along Highway 26 has been reduced to Level 2 – BE SET. The department also asked residents to please
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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. (KTVZ) –The Bend-La Pine School District is changing how their students use technology with one simple adjustment. As part of getting ready for the next school year, the tech department is preparing 139 iPad charging carts. In previous years, students were permitted to bring their iPads home. Now, only the high school students
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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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Another great set of gardens and garden potpourri that defines the greatness and singularity of each creation. This week we have a hard working garden simply called, Our Garden. Then we have a couple caught on camera, a momma and a baby deer hanging out in a lovely setting. Finally, everyone needs a little Hei
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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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Finley is heading into the fourth grade at Jewell Elementary but is enjoying her summer months. When it is sunny, she enjoys riding her bike and hanging out with her friends. Here favorite subjects are reading and writing, but math is going to help her with meteorology. Finley also is excited about the Perseid meteor
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CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — A local fire department is inviting residents to breakfast to raise money for volunteer firefighters. Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue is hosting the Firefighter Breakfast Fundraiser Sunday, September 6th. Breakfast runs from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at station 501 on SW Shad Road. There is no set cost for the
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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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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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REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Getting ready for kindergarten also means getting ready to ride the school bus. The Redmond School District is hosting kindergarten bus safety days to help young students learn how to ride safely before the school year begins. The hands-on event gives children a chance to practice crossing the street safely around a
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — New investments from Oregon Housing and Community Services are creating nearly 300 affordable homes across the state. The Oregon Housing Stability Council recently approved funding for projects in Bend, Lincoln City, Phoenix, Roseburg, and Portland. Altogether, the investments will help create 293 affordable homes, including 222 rental units and 71 homes for purchase.
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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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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — There’s good news, and it comes from our friends at Think Wild! An adult female garter snake arrived at the wildlife hospital in early June. She was found outdoors barely moving with multiple puncture wounds, and other injuries consistent with a possible cat attack. After more than two months of treatment and
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BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, progress continues on the Franklin Avenue project, but drivers should be prepared for another traffic closure beginning Monday, August 17th. The closure will affect Franklin Avenue between NE Third and NE Fourth streets. During the closure, traffic will be limited to one-way westbound travel only. There is also an
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