Month: November 2025

KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Families, friends and Thanksgiving guests can stay safe from foodborne germs by practicing four simple steps this holiday: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill, the Oregon Health Authority says. 

Clean:  Wash hands and surfaces often 

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before, during and after preparing food, and before eating.

Always wash hands after handling uncooked meat, turkey and other poultry, seafood, flour, or eggs.

Wash utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item.

Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. 

Separate: Avoid cross contamination 

Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices away from other foods when grocery shopping.

Keep raw or marinating meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the bottom of the refrigerator; store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in sealed containers or wrap them securely so the juices don’t leak onto other foods.

Use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and a separate cutting board or plate for produce, bread and other foods that won’t be cooked.

Cook: To the proper temperature 

The only way to tell if food is safely cooked to a temperature that kills germs is to use a food thermometer. For example, turkey should cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This chart provides a detailed list of temperatures and foods, including shellfish and precooked ham. 

Chill: Refrigerate promptly 

Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if exposed to temperatures above 90°F).

Package warm or hot food in clean, shallow containers and then refrigerate — it is OK to put small portions of hot food in the refrigerator since they will chill faster.

If the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, like sitting in a hot car or at a picnic, refrigerate it within 1 hour.

Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave – never thaw food on the counter because bacteria multiply quickly in the parts of the food that reach room temperature. 

Check out this informative video showing how to safely prepare your Thanksgiving meal. 

For more information, visit OHA’s Food Safety web page  

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KTVZ

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This holiday season, Central Oregonians can give a child and family much-needed support by taking part in KIDS Center’s toy and gift card drive, “Hope for the Holidays.”

Now through December 15, KIDS Center is collecting gift cards and toys to distribute to children and families impacted by abuse. 

This year, KIDS Center expects to serve 500 children and families across the region. “Many of our families are under stress, which can affect a child’s healing process,” explains Hailey Porter, a Child & Family Therapist at KIDS Center.

Gift cards offer immediate relief for families. Throughout the year, KIDS Center’s family advocates distribute $10,000 in gift cards to client families. Gift cards to gas stations, grocery stores, and big box stores offer the most impact, notes Nikki Guthrie, Family Advocate.

“A gas card can help a child reach KIDS Center for a therapy session or child abuse evaluation,” Guthrie said. “A grocery card can offer a family warm meals for the week. Gift cards to big box stores help families buy diapers and other necessities. Gift cards give families much-needed stability so they can focus on healing.”  

“We encourage people to pick up a gift card while they’re doing their holiday shopping,” explains Ginger Theis-Stevens, the nonprofit’s Director of Marketing and Development.

Gift cards can be mailed to KIDS Center or dropped off in the drop box by the front door. KIDS Center is located on Bend’s westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703.  

You can also donate online to the Gift Card Fund and KIDS Center will purchase gift cards on your behalf.  Visit https://kidscenter.org/giftcards.  

Along with gift cards, KIDS Center also collects toys to give a little joy to children who have experienced abuse. “Our toy wish list on Amazon is a great place to start,” says Theis-Stevens. “You can order toys and have them shipped directly to KIDS Center, or purchase toys in town and bring them (unwrapped) to KIDS Center during our regular business hours (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm).  

If you are interested in learning more or would like your business to participate in “Hope for the Holidays,” please reach out to Barbera Vella at bvella@kidscenter.org.  

About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is a local non-profit leading our region’s response to child abuse. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). 

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management is extending the deadline to apply for new special recreation permits for guiding activities on sections of the Lower Deschutes River and the Lower Crooked River south of Prineville.

On the lower 100 miles of the Lower Deschutes River, these permits cover guiding activities that require non-motorized watercraft, such as rafts, drift boats, and standup paddle boards. On the Chimney Rock segment of the Lower Crooked River, permits cover land (hiking), bank-based (fishing), or water-based activities.

The BLM will accept applications for these special recreation permits through Dec. 15. Approved permits will be valid starting in the 2026 season.

 The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a remarkable resource that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Guide and outfitter businesses facilitate access to recreation opportunities and support local communities and create jobs.

The BLM, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Wasco County, and State of Oregon work collaboratively to manage the river for its recreational values.

The Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River is an 8-mile segment that runs between Bowman Dam and mile marker 12 on State Highway 27. The river is known for outstanding scenic, fish, and recreation values.

 The Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River Management Plan authorizes the number of permitted guides and outfitters to increase by 5% each year. This year, up to four new special recreation permits (SRPs) are available on the Lower Deschutes River.

This is the first time permits have been offered for the Lower Crooked River, with up to four available as well. The goal is to allow more guided use while still protecting the rivers’ natural and scenic values.

 The prospectus and SRP application are available on the BLM Prineville website at https://www.blm.gov/office/prineville-district-office.

Application packets can also be requested by calling the Prineville District Office at (541) 416-6700. Completed packets can be delivered to the Prineville BLM Office at 3050 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, Oregon 97754 and must be received by 4:30 p.m. (close of business), Dec. 15, 2025. A separate application is required for each river.

 Applicants are encouraged to read the prospectus carefully to ensure they provide all required elements, as incomplete applications will not be considered. For more information or for questions about this SRP application process, please contact the permit lead, Beth Hartwood, at (541) 416-4624.

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