Author: KTVZ

John Carroll

Today was the First Annual Career Day held at High Desert Middle School. The goal of the day was to have a variety of professionals provide information essential to help the students choose specific career paths they may want to follow in the future.

From all walks of life, the students learned from firefighters, engineers, health care workers and even our own Chief Meteorologist John Carroll presented the young minds with his take on what it takes to become a Broadcast Meteorologist.

Brettney Bryant along with Joe Albano organized the event today. A lot of work and coordination went into getting everyone there on time and cycling the kids through the different presentations.

It was a huge success with over 30 professionals providing the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students with new knowledge and insight into several career path choices.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A garage fire early Friday caused significant damage to a home in the Starwood subdivision off Tumalo Road, according to Bend Fire and Rescue. The cause is linked to an electrical fault called a “floating neutral”, and the smoke alarms did not go off. No one was injured after a child alerted a parent to smoke.

Below is the press release provided by Bend Fire & Rescue:

At 5:06 am on Friday, January 23, 2026, a 911 caller reported his home and garage full of smoke and a fire near the electrical panel in the garage.  Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the address at 20758 Lyra Drive in the Starwood subdivision off Tumalo Road.

First arriving units found a fire in the corner of the garage with some extension into the attic space above the garage.  Damage to the structure is estimated at $35,000 and $5,000 damage to the contents.

The interior of the residence sustained minor smoke and water damage, but is otherwise intact.  The home is not occupiable at this time due to lack of power.  The water to the home was also shut off in order to prevent freezing and bursting of pipes.  The residents declined Red Cross assistance.  

Upon investigation, the cause of the fire was found to be an electrical fault in the wiring of the home adjacent to the grounding rod.  This condition, called a floating neutral, can cause large imbalances in voltage within the wiring, leading to breakers tripping and the potential for a fire.  This is a situation that requires the urgent attention of a licensed electrician to correct. 

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community that working smoke alarms save lives.  In this case, the smoke alarms in the home did not sound, despite there being smoke in the house.  A young child in the home woke up and awakened a parent, who smelled the smoke and acted. 

The smoke alarms in the home were found to be older, in excess of 10 years old.  Smoke alarms have a life span of 10 years, the sensors degrade over time and become unreliable.  Even if an older alarm still chirps or beeps, there is no guarantee that it will activate in the event of a fire.  Smoke alarms (and carbon monoxide alarms) over 10 years of age need to be replaced.  For more information on home fire safety and smoke alarms, visit https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/community-programs/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — BrightSide Animal Center released a new update on Mama Eva. She’s the Cane Corso dog we told you about in our Problem Solvers Report.

She was first spotted wandering near Billy Chinook and is believed to have traveled nearly 40 miles before ending up near Smith Rock.

After being safely captured, she spent nearly two months on a strict feeding schedule and underwent medical care.

Her cherry eyes were repaired, a mass removed, and she was spayed.

Read the full update below:

Mama Eva is closing one chapter, and opening the next. The first photo shows Mama Eva when she arrived in our care, and the last photo is her today. She still has a road of healing ahead of her, but she’s already feeling and looking so much better.

If you don’t remember Mama Eva’s story, she was first spotted wandering around Billy Chinook and is believed to have traveled nearly 40 miles before ending up near Smith Rock. Photos of an emaciated dog who looked like she had just given birth started circulating on social media, and thankfully this community stepped in and took action.

Once she was safely captured, her journey was really just beginning. Mama Eva needed to heal in a home and begin a strict feeding schedule so we could safely help her gain weight and strength. After almost two months of care, the day finally came for her to get the medical treatment she desperately needed.

Her cherry eyes were repaired, a mass on her forehead was removed, and she was spayed, so no more puppies in this girl’s future! Between an 8-cup-a-day feeding schedule, these vet visits and surgeries, Mama Eva’s care has been a lot, but every single bit of it was worth it. If you’re able to help us recoup some of those costs, by making a donation, it allows us to keep saying yes to dogs like her who need the medical attention and care to start their next chapter.

We’re also so happy to share that Mama Eva has officially been cleared for adoption by our medical team! She is incredibly sweet and friendly with people, and her foster says she’s showing more of her spunky and very sweet personality every day. Right now she seems fearful of other dogs, so she would likely do best as the only dog in the home, where she can truly be the queen she deserves to be.

Thank you to everyone who shared her story and helped get her safely to BrightSide. Mama Eva’s next chapter is finally one filled with safety, love, and hope, and that’s because of you.

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Triton Notary

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ)– Influenza season officially began in Central Oregon as of January 2026, with a significant increase in flu cases attributed to recent holiday gatherings.

Recent data indicates that flu positivity rates in Central Oregon have surged to 22.7%, mirroring trends observed during the 2024-2025 season when cases peaked at 28% in early January. Comparatively, statewide, Ore. recorded a 16.2% positivity rate in late December.

The recent uptick in flu cases reflects a broader increase in respiratory illnesses across the state and nation, with many states reporting high activity levels. Central Oregon’s flu activity is notably high, ranking as the second highest region in the state according to the Oregon Health Authority.

In addition to flu, Central Oregon has also seen a slight increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases. Local health officials reported the highest number of positive COVID-19 tests for this season occurred between Oct. 5th and Oct. 11th, 2025, but these cases have been decreasing recently.

Health departments in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties recommend several preventative measures to protect against respiratory illnesses, including vaccination and frequent hand washing. Residents are also advised to prepare for potential winter weather by driving cautiously and dressing appropriately for the season.

For more details on the full report go the the Deschutes County Website.

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KTVZ – News Team

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to new data from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon hospitals made gains in lowering the number of health care-associated infections among hospitalized patients and meeting some federal infection reduction goals in 2024. But, hospitals statewide fell short of meeting national standards.

Key points from the data:

With the exception of hysterectomy procedures, Oregon hospitals performed worse than the 2015 baseline for the four other reportable surgical site infections, including those resulting from colon procedures, coronary artery bypass grafts, hip prosthesis and knee prosthesis. Oregon hospitals saw more surgical site infections in 2024 compared with 2023. 

In 2024, Oregon hospitals performed better than the 2015 baseline for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Clostridioides difficile infections, and surgical site infections following hysterectomy procedures.

While Oregon acute care hospitals performed better than the 2015 baseline in 2024 for central line-associated bloodstream infections and MRSA bloodstream infections, Oregon critical access hospitals performed worse than the 2015 baseline for both infections.

Compared with hospitals nationwide, Oregon hospitals performed similarly in 2024 for most measures but performed worse for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Clostridioides difficile infections and MRSA bloodstream infections in critical access hospitals.

Oregon hospitals met the HHS target in 2024 for Clostridioides difficile infections in both acute care and critical access hospitals. No other HAI metric met the HHS target in 2024.

Similar to 2023, catheter-associated urinary tract infections and MRSA bloodstream infections in critical access hospitals continue to perform worse than the 2015 baseline and should be targeted for prevention. 

Read the entire press release from OHA below:

“Oregon hospitals made gains in lowering the number of health care-associated infections (HAIs) among hospitalized patients and meeting some federal infection reduction goals during 2024, according to newly published Oregon Health Authority (OHA) data. 

But hospitals around the state fell short of meeting national standards—and when compared with hospitals nationwide—for reducing deadly surgical site infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections.  

The Healthcare-Associated Infections Program at OHA’s Public Health Division annually publishes the hospital HAI data for 61 individual hospitals in Oregon. The HAI Program’s interactive data dashboard provides statewide summaries and facility-specific data of Oregon hospital performance on nine HAI metrics, with comparable national benchmarks. 

OHA works to prevent infections because of the significant risk to patient safety. On a given day, one in every 31 patients in U.S. hospitals will get an infection in a hospital or health care setting. In 2024, Oregon hospitals reported 957 such injuries. 

“No health care provider wants to see a hospital-associated infection in one of their patients,” said Dat Tran, M.D., MS, HAI Program medical director. “These data are intended to help hospitals and health care providers understand where they’re doing well and where they may need to step up their infection control efforts to prevent HAIs and keep patients safe.” 

HAI Program staff use four methods to assess progress Oregon and individual health care facilities are making in reducing HAIs: 

Comparison to 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HAI data used as a baseline to calculate a predicted number of HAIs.

Comparison to national reduction goals set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to achieve 50% reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections and hospital-onset MRSA bloodstream infections; 30% reduction in hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infections and surgical site infections; and 25% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Comparison to 2023 statewide data to calculate a percent change for 2024.

Comparison between 2024 statewide data and 2024 data reported by hospitals nationwide. 

Among the HAI Program’s observations in this year’s data: 

With the exception of hysterectomy procedures, Oregon hospitals performed worse than the 2015 baseline for the four other reportable surgical site infections, including those resulting from colon procedures, coronary artery bypass grafts, hip prosthesis and knee prosthesis. Oregon hospitals saw more surgical site infections in 2024 compared with 2023. 

In 2024, Oregon hospitals performed better than the 2015 baseline for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Clostridioides difficile infections, and surgical site infections following hysterectomy procedures.

While Oregon acute care hospitals performed better than the 2015 baseline in 2024 for central line-associated bloodstream infections and MRSA bloodstream infections, Oregon critical access hospitals performed worse than the 2015 baseline for both infections.

Compared with hospitals nationwide, Oregon hospitals performed similarly in 2024 for most measures but performed worse for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Clostridioides difficile infections and MRSA bloodstream infections in critical access hospitals.

Oregon hospitals met the HHS target in 2024 for Clostridioides difficile infections in both acute care and critical access hospitals. No other HAI metric met the HHS target in 2024.

Similar to 2023, catheter-associated urinary tract infections and MRSA bloodstream infections in critical access hospitals continue to perform worse than the 2015 baseline and should be targeted for prevention. 

New to the data dashboard is an “Antibiotic Stewardship” tab, which provides state- and facility-level information on use of seven core elements of antimicrobial stewardship. HAI Program staff found that 100% of Oregon hospitals met all seven core elements of stewardship in 2024.  

To support Oregon facilities in improving their performance on these HAI metrics, OHA continues to: 

Conduct studies to assess and understand statewide and regional trends.

Provide one-on-one infection control technical assistance to health care facilities statewide.

Collaborating with CDC to offer direct-to-provider infection control education to ensure all health care staff have the tools to prevent health care-associated infections. 

There also are infection prevention strategies that families, friends and the public visiting these settings can follow. Visitors to health care settings should frequently wash their hands, look for worsening signs and symptoms of infection, and notify providers of these signs and symptoms. Visitors should follow facility infection prevention policies and procedures. Most importantly, visitors should avoid visiting a facility if they are sick. 

Click here to learn more about OHA’s HAI Program, the impacts of infection and prevention steps.”

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to the Deschutes County Road Department, speed limits will soon be reduced on several County roadways in an attempt to enhance safety and accommodate the needs of all road users.

New speed limits will be posted on the following roads:

Old Bend-Redmond Highway: From U.S. 20 to Young Avenue, reduced to 50 mph.

Old Bend-Redmond Highway: From U.S. 20 to O.B. Riley Rd, reduced to 35 mph.

South Canal Boulevard: From Young Avenue to 300 feet south of Elkhorn Avenue, reduced to 50 mph.

Powell Butte Highway: From 0.16 miles south of Jason Road to 0.25 miles north of McGrath Road, reduced to 50 mph.

Johnson Road: From 0.19 miles north of Tumalo Creek to Tumalo Reservoir Road, reduced to 45 mph.

For more information, click here.

Read the full press release from the Deschutes County Road Department below:

“The Deschutes County Road Department is notifying the community that speed limits will soon be reduced on several County roadways. These changes are being made to enhance safety and accommodate the needs of all road users.

State law requires the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to set speed limits on public roads in Oregon. ODOT and local agencies use traffic studies to determine posted speed limits. These studies look at travel speeds, crash history, nearby homes and businesses, and other roadway characteristics, like curves and sight restrictions. After reviewing traffic safety trends and community feedback, the Road Department asked ODOT to lower speed limits on four county roadways.

New speed limits will be posted on the following roads:

Old Bend-Redmond Highway: From U.S. 20 to Young Avenue, reduced to 50 mph.

Old Bend-Redmond Highway: From U.S. 20 to O.B. Riley Rd, reduced to 35 mph.

South Canal Boulevard: From Young Avenue to 300 feet south of Elkhorn Avenue, reduced to 50 mph.

Powell Butte Highway: From 0.16 miles south of Jason Road to 0.25 miles north of McGrath Road, reduced to 50 mph.

Johnson Road: From 0.19 miles north of Tumalo Creek to Tumalo Reservoir Road, reduced to 45 mph.

For more information about speed limits on Deschutes County roads, please visit the Road Department website.”

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KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Friday, January 23rd, Governor Tina Kotek announced she has selected Ken Sanchagrin as the Oregon Public Defense Commission Executive Director, pending Senate confirmation.

Sanchagrin was selected as the interim executive director in April 2025 by Governor Kotek.

“I am humbled by and appreciate the Governor’s confidence in me,” Sanchagrin said. “But this is a collaborative effort, and I want to thank our hardworking staff, our dedicated community of public defense providers, and our partners in the courts and district attorneys’ offices. Together, we are working diligently to find and implement solutions that will reduce the number of unrepresented defendants. We have made important progress, but more work remains. I look forward to building on these efforts to address Oregon’s constitutional obligations while creating a more sustainable, accountable and data-driven public defense system.”

Prior to becoming interim director at OPDC, Sanchagrin served as the executive director of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.

Read the entire press release from the Governor’s Office below:

“Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she has appointed Ken Sanchagrin to direct the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC), pending Senate confirmation. The Governor selected Sanchagrin to be the interim executive director in April 2025 with the expectation that he would urgently address the unrepresented crisis in Oregon. 

“Ken stepped in last April at my request, and he is delivering on the expectations I set forth to address the unrepresented crisis and end the needless delay of justice for defendants and crime victims,” Governor Kotek said. “The Oregon Public Defense Commission has a duty to provide attorneys to defendants who cannot afford them, and under Ken’s direction, there is a stronger coordinated effort among all branches of government to resolve this crisis with urgency and transparency. The numbers show he’s making progress. Let’s keep going.”

During Sanchagrin’s tenure, the number of defendants without an attorney has dropped significantly. At the end of December 2025, unrepresented defendants had decreased 32%, to 2,559 compared with 3,778 a year earlier. Additionally, Coos County is no longer on the list of “crisis” counties after three months of having few to zero people without counsel as of the end of 2025, down from more than 100 a year earlier.

Under Sanchagrin’s leadership, the OPDC has:

Implemented a seven-part plan to reduce the number of unrepresented defendants.

Partnered with district attorneys in Coos, Jackson, Marion and Multnomah counties to pilot or create special dockets that aim to resolve cases quickly for defendants with low-level charges, particularly property offenses.

Enacted a program that compensates experienced attorneys for voluntarily taking cases beyond their contractual caseload – up to 15% over the limit – if they have the capacity.

Adopted policies that are expected to increase the public defense system’s capacity to take cases.

Established enforcement mechanisms to ensure that attorneys comply with caseload and performance expectations.

Developed performance standards for attorneys to ensure that defendants receive a quality defense.

Created online, public dashboards that make data easily accessible to inform budget decisions, assist with the development of policies, and increase transparency.

Signed more than 400 contracts with public defense providers, including hourly attorneys, for 2025-27.

Continued to log important successes in the state’s Court of Appeals and the Oregon Supreme Court, safeguarding constitutional and statutory protections.

The legislature is considering in the upcoming session expanding the Oregon Trial Division capacity in a revenue-neutral way due to Sanchagrin’s service delivery cost comparison.

“I am humbled by and appreciate the Governor’s confidence in me,” Sanchagrin said. “But this is a collaborative effort, and I want to thank our hardworking staff, our dedicated community of public defense providers, and our partners in the courts and district attorneys’ offices. Together, we are working diligently to find and implement solutions that will reduce the number of unrepresented defendants. We have made important progress, but more work remains. I look forward to building on these efforts to address Oregon’s constitutional obligations while creating a more sustainable, accountable and data-driven public defense system.”

Prior to becoming interim director at OPDC, Sanchagrin served as the executive director of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC), and before that, as CJC’s director of research. He earned doctoral and master’s degrees in sociology from the University of Iowa, a law degree from Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s in history from the College of Charleston.

Following the passage of Senate Bill 337 (2023), the OPDC moved from the judicial branch to the executive branch on January 1, 2025. The legislature determines the budget for the agency.”

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Oregon-based alpine skier Jackie Wiles just qualified for her fourth Olympics and will head to Cortina to represent Team USA.

Wiles hails from Aurora, Oregon, and grew up skiing out of White Pass Ski Area in Washington state.

“She has been through injuries, comebacks, and more to get to where she is now. Most recently, Wiles earned her fourth World Cup podium in Zauchensee, Austria –  a podium she shared with teammate Lindsey Vonn,” said Sierra Ryder, the Alpine Communications Manager from U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

Jackie graduated from Canby High School and made her World Cup debut in November 2013. She gained her first podium in January 2017 in downhill at Altenmarkt-Zauchensee and has competed for the U.S. in two Winter Olympics and four World Championships.

Good luck, Jackie!

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Ahead of the short legislative session beginning February 2nd, Representative Mark Owens, Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson, and Senator Mike McLane will host a virtual town hall via Zoom to connect with Oregonians.

On Thursday, January 29th, beginning at 6 p.m., you can join in on the town hall to hear from the trio on what issues the legislature will take on.

If you’re interested in attending, you’re asked to pre-register. You can do so by clicking this link.

Read more from the press release below:

“The short legislative session begins February 2 and runs through March 9. In just 35 days, the Legislature will take on issues that matter to our communities, from the state budget to policy decisions that directly affect rural Oregon.

As the session gets underway, I will send weekly email and video updates to keep you informed about what is happening in Salem, the legislation I am working on, and the issues I am hearing most from folks back home. These updates will also share ways you can stay engaged and make sure your voice is part of the process.

Hearing directly from the people I represent is essential to doing this job well, and your input helps guide the work I do during session. Before the session begins, I will be hosting a virtual town hall next week with Senator Mike McLane and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson. Details are below.

I hope you can join us, and I look forward to keeping you informed and hearing from you throughout the short session.

Next Thursday at 6 pm, I will be hosting a pre-session virtual town hall with Senator Mike McLane and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson.

We will discuss what is ahead in the upcoming short session, how you can be involved, and what legislation to expect as we head into session. This is a good opportunity to hear directly from us and share what matters most to you.

The town hall will be held online via Zoom, and advance registration is required.

Please register using the link to receive the Zoom link and participation details.”

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Well, it’s set to be a busy few days at Mt. Bachelor!

On Saturday, join the resort and Discover Your Northwest for a free Jr. Ranger event at the yurt beneath Early Riser chairlift from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Outdoor activities include story time with a ranger, learning how to stay safe in the winter, identifying wildlife tracks, and more.

Also, January is the National Ski Areas Association’s National Safety Month, and Mt. Bachelor is hosting safety weekend Saturday and Sunday!

You can enjoy helmet discounts at the Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop, avalanche dog meet and greets, mobility sessions, and educational activations.

You can find all of the details for this weekend at mtbachelor.com under the ‘Events & Activities’ tab.

Here’s the full press release and events schedule from Mt. Bachelor:

“On Saturday, January 24, join Mt. Bachelor and Discover Your Northwest for a free Jr. Ranger event at the yurt beneath Early Riser chairlift from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Outdoor activities include story time with a ranger, learning how to stay safe in winter, identifying wildlife tracks, a photo booth, and exploring the outdoors through a short snowshoe trek, all while earning a Jr. Forest Ranger badge. The program aims to inspire youth to develop a lifelong connection with the winter environment and become stewards of the land. It is designed as a family-oriented program, and adults are encouraged to join their children. Families are welcome to drop in or stay for the entire program. Registration is not required.

Additionally, January is the National Ski Areas Association’s National Safety Month and Mt. Bachelor is hosting Safety Weekend on January 24 and 25, featuring helmet discounts at the Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop, avalanche dog meet & greets, mobility sessions, and educational activations.

Safety Weekend Schedule

Saturday, January 24

8:00 a.m.: Slopeside Stretches

11:00 a.m.: Avalanche Dog Meet & Greet

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: National Ski Patrol Education Tent

Sunday, January 25

8:00 a.m.: Slopeside Stretches

9:30 a.m.: Timberline Mountain Guides

11:00 a.m.: Avalanche Dog Meet & Greet

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.: National Ski Patrol Education Tent

SLOPESIDE STRETCHES

Safety comes in all forms including how we take care of ourselves on and off the mountain. If we want to continue performing at our peak, it’s vital to make time to take care of our bodies first.

Mobility Duo will be at Mt. Bachelor this Safety Weekend helping you start your mountain day with 30 minutes of Slopeside Stretches. They will discuss the five aspects of injury prevention and how to maintain longevity on the slopes. Mark and Sarah will stay after for any questions that those may have about the body, performance, and injury prevention overall. This session starts at 8:00 a.m. in the second floor of Rock Bar.

TIMBERLINE MOUNTAIN GUIDES

Learn the basics of backcountry travel and off-piste safety with Timberline Mountain Guides during this 2-hour on-mountain clinic. Meet the guide at the Pepsi Lounge in the lower West Village Lodge. After the indoor portion, you will move out to the snow at the base of Red Chair as they cover tree-well hazards, review best practices for skiing/riding with a buddy, and demonstrate how to properly use an avalanche beacon to perform a search. Participants will then have a chance to carry out a beacon drill of their own with beacons provided by TMG!

AVALANCHE DOG DEMONSTRATION

Send the dogs in! Mt. Bachelor’s Avalanche Rescue Dog team, alongside their Pro Patrol handlers, will be demonstrating how they support rescue efforts on the mountain during the 30-minute session. Watch an Avy Dog training exercise that demonstrates how they locate victims beneath the snow, learn about our Pro Patrol’s avalanche mitigation and snow safety assessment process, and how our working dogs assist with other key duties across the mountain. Thanks to our partners at Subaru of North America who support our Avy dogs program, we will have plenty of swag giveaways for humans and four-legged friends. Sniff your way over to the West Village Ski Patrol building at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday to meet the dogs.

NATIONAL SKI PATROL EDUCATION TENT

The National Ski Patrol Safety Team will be joining us this Safety Weekend and is an industry leader in the promotion and education of outdoor recreational safety. Stop on by the Safety Tent in the West Village Base Area on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and learn more about the Responsibility Code, Collision Safety, Deep Snow Safety, Lift Safety, and Helmet Safety.”

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