Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — Drivers in Central Oregon may have caught a small break at the pump recently, but that relief could be short-lived.

According to the Lundberg Survey, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline fell 3 cents over the past two weeks to $4.15 per gallon. However, a sharp increase in oil prices is raising concerns that gas prices could soon move higher.

The survey found oil prices jumped nearly $9 per barrel during the same two-week period. As a result, analysts say gasoline prices are likely to follow oil prices upward, potentially increasing by 10 cents or more in the near future.

For Oregon drivers, gas prices remain well above the national average.

The average price of regular gasoline in Oregon is $4.76 per gallon, which is 61 cents higher than the national average reported by the Lundberg Survey.

Central Oregon motorists are paying slightly less than the statewide average, but still significantly more than drivers across much of the country. A gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Central Oregon costs about $4.66 per gallon, 10 cents below Oregon’s average but 51 cents higher than the national average.

The latest numbers mean Central Oregon drivers continue to face some of the highest fuel costs in the nation. And with crude oil prices climbing, any recent savings at the pump could quickly disappear if the upward trend continues.

For drivers planning late-summer road trips or daily commutes across the region, the coming weeks will be closely watched to see whether rising oil costs translate into higher gasoline prices locally.

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Kelsey Merison

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — The Rowe Creek Complex Fire, burning in Crook, Jefferson, Wasco, and Wheeler counties, has burned nearly 374,000 acres and is now 91% contained.

Fire activity was minimal overnight, with crews using thermal cameras and drones to find hot spots in the Mill Creek and Duncan Creek areas. Today, crews continued suppressing hot spots and began chipping operations along Oregon Route 207 between Mitchell and Service Creek.

All remaining level three evacuation areas in Crook County were downgraded to level two, and Wheeler County has all evacuation levels lifted.

There’s a Listening Session at Golden Coffee Co. in Prineville, Oregon on Tuesday, August 25th from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This will be an informal session where community members can ask us questions or just simply chat about the fire.

You can check Watch Duty for the latest on containment efforts.

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Tyson Beauchemin

The U.S. Forest Service has posted nearly 2,000 full-time and seasonal jobs for the upcoming fire season across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The job listings were published on USAJOBS.

The recruitment drive features entry-level positions with provided training, alongside specialized roles such as air crew, dispatchers and smoke jumpers.

Shalyn Whitson, who works in workforce development for the Forest Service, highlighted the impact these roles have on local areas.

“There’s a lot of opportunities and it’s really a rewarding job,” Whitson said. “And helping small communities.”

While recruiting for future seasons, agency officials also issued a reminder for the public to remain vigilant and avoid starting new fires to support current firefighting efforts.

Applications for all posted positions must be submitted on USAJOBS by Sept. 22. Visit the Forest Service careers webpage to learn more about careers, benefits, and other resources. The Forest Service has asked us to post this outreach notice, detailing the positions they are hiring for.

R6_FALL_2026_Perm_Firehire_Outreach 8-24-26Download

Most hired workers will report to their jobs next year after completing their required training.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Crook County Sheriff’s Office has recovered nearly $20,000 worth of stolen goods following an operation that extended to Portland.

On July 20th a Brasada Ranch employee reported a large number of golf clubs, bags and other equipment missing

While investigating, Sheriff’s officers saw a Facebook Marketplace listing for similar clubs. The listing featured photos which displayed serial numbers matching the missing clubs. The listings were linked to a 44-year-old Portland man, who because their chief suspect. The photos of the golf club also contained another clue: id card for a storage unit in the background.

With some detective work, officers were able to match the logo on the card to a rental in the Portland-Metro area. They were able to contact the business, and were given security camera video of the suspect moving golf clubs into a unit.

Deputies got a search warrant for the storage unit, and arranged a fake buy. When they arrested the suspect, he said he had already sold several sets of clubs. The remaining clubs were recovered from the storage unit.

The suspect was taken back to the Crook County Jail and the case is being handled by the Crook County District Attorney.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ News has learned Panera Bread will be moving into the former Cracker Barrel in north Bend.

According to online documents filed with the city, permits have been filed to turn part of the building into the fast-casual restaurant.

This comes as Carhartt announced they will be moving into the building in the near future.This is a developing story. Stay with the digital platforms of KTVZ News for updates.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — The U.S. Forest Service opened applications today for permanent and permanent seasonal wildland firefighting positions within the Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon.

The hiring effort includes openings across several specialized operational units, including hand crews, engine crews and hotshot crews.

Prospective firefighters must submit their applications online through USAJobs.gov. The application window is open from Aug. 24 through Sept. 22, with employment start dates varying depending on the position.

Job announcements on USAJobs.gov detail specific application deadlines and required documentation. Position listings and application resources are also available through the Deschutes National Forest careers webpage.

The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land across the country. Through partnerships with state and private landowners, Tribes and other organizations, the agency assists in stewarding an additional 900 million forested acres nationwide.

Applications will be accepted online through USAJobs.gov until Sept. 22.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — A 44-year-old Portland man was arrested Friday, Aug. 21, in connection with the theft of approximately $20,000 worth of golfing equipment from a resort in Powell Butte, Ore.

Matthew Wayne Chavis was taken into custody at a storage unit in Portland on charges of Aggravated Theft I, Burglary II and Criminal Trespass II.

An employee at Brasada Ranch, located at 16986 SW Brasada Ranch Road in Powell Butte, reported the theft of golf clubs, golf bags and other golfing equipment on July 20, 2026.

Deputies with the Crook County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and tracked down the stolen items after discovering them listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Deputies matched serial numbers shown in photos on the Facebook Marketplace advertisement by contacting the golf club manufacturer, who confirmed the clubs had been sold to Brasada Ranch. One advertisement photo showed a storage unit identification placard. A deputy searched storage unit facilities across the Portland metropolitan area and matched the business logo displayed in the ad.

Deputies obtained security camera footage showing Chavis moving the golf clubs into his Portland storage unit. Investigators applied for and received a search warrant for the unit and arranged a controlled buy to meet Chavis at the location.

Chavis arrived early for the planned meeting on Friday, Aug. 21 and deputies arrested him without incident. During an interview with deputies, Chavis said some golf club sets had allegedly been sold to other people. Deputies then executed the search warrant on the storage unit and found the reported stolen golf bags inside.

Deputies transported Chavis to the Crook County Jail. Deputy Dakota Peterson served as the case agent and Lt. Mitch Madden provided the investigation report. The Crook County Sheriff’s Office referred the case to the Crook County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

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Adrielle Hasara

(Update: adding video, comments from Bend Park and Rec)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From new pickleball courts to upgraded ball fields and trails, an $8 million improvement project at Pine Nursery Park is nearing completion.

Some of the newest additions include eight pickleball courts, a full basketball court, three new entrances to the off-leash area, and a pedestrian connection to Deschutes Market Road.

Central Oregonians are already putting the new amenities to use.

“We got an email this morning that there were a large group of people playing basketball last night, and that’s great to hear,” said Jason Powell, construction manager for Bend Park and Recreation District.

“I have heard quite a bit about the fact that the trails are a lot smoother, and that makes people happy. So, yeah, there have been a lot of positives,” Powell added.

Crews repaired roughly 1.5 miles of the park’s perimeter trail, installed 99 solar pathway lights, and added artificial turf and new lighting at the softball fields.

The new amenities are open, but an issue with an electrical component is keeping the lighting offline for now. Powell said connecting the power is the biggest remaining step before the project can officially wrap up.

“There are punch-list items, and some landscaping things still need to be established and grown in, but the main thing is to get the power in so we can get the lighting commissioned and online for this fall, when we would like to have extended lighting hours on the fields,” Powell said.

Once operating, the new lighting will be DarkSky certified, meaning it is designed to direct light where it is needed while limiting glare and light pollution.

The lights will also allow people to use the fields, courts, and perimeter path during more early-morning and evening hours.

Construction began last fall and was funded mainly through system development charges, with some property tax dollars also included.

Whether visitors come to Pine Nursery Park to walk their dogs, play a game, or simply enjoy the outdoors, they are likely to notice something new.

Earlier Story — BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend Park and Recreation District is putting the finishing touches on an approximately $8 million improvement project at Pine Nursery Park in Bend, Ore. Several new facilities are now open to the public, including a full-court basketball court, eight new pickleball courts and upgraded sports fields.

Pine Nursery Park is a 159-acre community park that draws approximately one million visits each year. The park has been developed in phases since 2006 and the latest renovations fulfill high-priority projects identified in the district’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan and its 2024 midterm update.

Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company completed the work following a competitive bidding process. Improvements across the park include a new pedestrian connection to Deschutes Market Road, off-leash dog area upgrades and paving and lighting repairs along the perimeter loop trail. Maintenance area improvements feature a new storage shed and fencing.

Crews also converted ball field infields to artificial turf and added sports field lighting. Dark-sky compliant lighting was installed along both the fields and the paved perimeter loop pathway to extend usability during the fall and spring when daylight hours are shorter.

The project involved partnerships with local organizations. Bend Park and Recreation District renovated a storage space for exclusive use by Oregon Adaptive Sports, while the Bend Pickleball Club raised half of the funding for eight new pickleball courts.

The addition brings the total number of pickleball courts at Pine Nursery Park to 24. Eight of the courts remain open for public drop-in use at all times, except during a small number of annual tournaments.

Jase Newton, recreation services director for the district, highlighted the community partnerships involved in the park’s expansion.

“Collaborating with partners and seeking opportunities to collaborate is on display at Pine Nursery Park and it serves the community best when we’re able to align goals and resources,” Newton said.

Newton added that the district aims to maximize public investments through these facility upgrades.

“By enhancing existing amenities, the district can deliver greater value to the community, expand recreation opportunities and ensure responsible stewardship of public resources,” Newton said.

Final elements of the project are scheduled to be completed by early fall.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — High Desert Chamber Music is relocating both its Concert Series and Annual Gala to new venues in Bend, Ore., for the 2026–27 season.

The Concert Series will move to First Presbyterian Church of Bend, while the Annual Gala will be held at the Riverhouse Convention Center.

The venue changes mark the start of the organization’s 19th season. High Desert Chamber Music was established in 2008 to bring chamber music performances and music education programs to Central Oregon.

The new concert location at First Presbyterian Church of Bend offers an elevated stage, increased audience capacity and expanded on-site parking. The Riverhouse Convention Center provides larger function space and additional amenities for the annual gala.

Isabelle Senger serves as the founder and executive director of High Desert Chamber Music. She noted that the new locations mark a major milestone as the organization enters its next phase.

“We are excited about these changes and what they represent for the future of High Desert Chamber Music,” Senger said. “Both moves give us new opportunities to welcome our community, strengthen the concert and gala experiences and build on everything we’ve accomplished together since 2008.”

The 2026–27 Concert Series will feature a six-concert schedule. The opening performance will feature the Yu&I Duo, composed of violinist YuEun Gemma Kim and guitarist Ines Thomé.

Alongside its performance schedule, High Desert Chamber Music provides free educational outreach connecting professional musicians with regional students. Season subscriptions and single tickets are available online, by phone or at the organization’s office in Downtown Bend.

The 2026–27 concert season begins Sept. 25, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Bend.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — Bend La-Pine Schools is seeking to hire nutrition servers and substitute servers for its nutrition team. Servers will earn between $22.99 and $26.69 per hour, while substitutes will earn $20 per hour.

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