Author: KTVZ

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon residents affected by wildfire smoke will soon have access to free box fan air purifier kits and N95 masks through a grant from Rotary International District 5110’s Disaster Response Fund.

A total of 600 box fan air purifier kits and 200 N95 masks will be available beginning Aug. 15 for people adversely affected by wildfire smoke. The supplies are funded through a $21,120 grant and will serve communities in Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs, Sisters and Black Butte.

Local Rotary clubs will assemble and distribute the supplies in their communities. Cindi O’Neil, a Bend Rotarian and former district governor who submitted the grant request, said Rotary clubs are prepared to help meet both immediate and long-term needs when disasters affect Central Oregon communities.

In Prineville and Crook County, box fan kits will be distributed through the county health department, ODHS, Mosaic, the senior center, Neighborhood Impact, Mitchell Wheeler County Trading Company and the Post General Store.

The Rotary Club of Crook County partnered with Les Schwab of Prineville to deliver box fans to central distribution points. The Red Cross also helped identify outlying residents dealing with wildfire smoke in their homes, according to Sara Beeler, president of the Rotary Club of Crook County.

For Sisters and Black Butte residents, free box fan kits will be available at the Sisters Parks and Recreation Department, 611 E. Cascade Ave., beginning Aug. 17.

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Tracee Tuesday

(Update – August 9, 2026: Crescent Butte Fire has now burned 194 acres)

CRESCENT, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crews responded to a reported vegetation fire on Saturday, near Crescent in Klamath County, where smoke was visible from the area.

The fire is now known as the Crescent Butte Fire, according to WildCAD. It is burning about a half-mile northwest of Crescent Butte, near Crescent, and was estimated at 80 acres.

A Level 1, “Be Ready,” evacuation order is in place.

Klamath County established a temporary evacuation point at La Pine High School.

Limited information was immediately available about the fire. Officials continue to monitor the situation.

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Adrielle Hasara

Prineville, ORE. (KTVZ) — The Ochoco National Forest decreased the size of an emergency closure order for the Coyote Fire today, reopening a portion of the Maury Mountains to the public. The decision affects land within the Lookout Mountain Ranger District following increased containment of the wildfire.

While some areas are now accessible, an emergency fire closure remains in place for the western side of the Maury Mountains. U.S. Forest Service officials said the restrictions are necessary to ensure public safety and allow firefighters to continue suppression and repair work in hazardous areas.

Forest leadership evaluated several factors before revising the closure boundaries. These included current fire conditions, containment progress, forecasted weather and the potential for the fire to spread further into the mountain range.

Stacy Long, public affairs officer for the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland, said officials recognize the impact the closure has on local communities. The restrictions occur during a busy recreation season, affecting visitors such as hunters and campers.

Firefighters remain active in the western portion of the mountains. Crews are focused on suppression efforts and repairing damage caused by the fire and firefighting activities to make the area safe for future public access.

A map of the updated closure area and additional information is available on the Ochoco National Forest website at fs.usda.gov/r06/ochoco/alerts/coyote-fire-closure-order-maury-mountains.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: adding Bend police comments, information about dog death)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With temperatures soaring, the Bend Police Department is reminding pet owners to leave their dogs at home when running errands.

Police say they’ve responded to 20 calls about dogs left inside vehicles since the beginning of August, including one case in which officers discovered a dog that had died from the heat. The owner was cited.

Even on a mild day, the inside of a vehicle can heat up dangerously fast, including when windows are cracked or the vehicle is parked in the shade. Police say the safest option is to leave pets at home.

“The best thing we would ask is for you to leave your dog home somewhere,” Bend Police Department Communications Manager Sheila Miller said. “They’re comfortable. It’s more comfortable for you. It’s more comfortable for the dog. It’s more comfortable for passers by.”

Police say there have also been occasional false alarms involving dogs inside vehicles. Some newer electric vehicles have a “Pet Mode” or “Dog Mode” that keeps the vehicle running and the air conditioning on while the owner is away.

Bend police say officers will look for an indicator on the vehicle’s center console showing that the feature is active. If a dog appears comfortable and the vehicle is displaying a pet mode notification, officers may not need to investigate further. If the animal appears overheated or in distress, police will respond.

Officials say leaving a pet in a hot vehicle can quickly become dangerous and urge owners to make arrangements for their animals before heading out.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend City Council approved $350,000 in homebuyer assistance Thursday to support eight local households purchasing homes through Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity.

The funding addresses a financial barrier for buyers who can afford monthly payments but cannot qualify for a mortgage large enough to cover the cost of a home in Bend. The eight households earn an average of approximately 60% of the area median income, with two families earning below 50%.

The homes are part of Bear Creek Village, a new affordable housing project located in central Bend near Pilot Butte. Habitat for Humanity acquired the property from the city as surplus land. Hayden Homes is building four duplexes at the site, which is within walking distance of an elementary school and a park.

Eight families have already been selected to purchase these homes at a reduced price. In addition to the city assistance, the organization received state funding to support the project.

Bend CEO Carly Colgan-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, said the location provides residents with significant convenience. One selected homeowner currently commutes from out of town to work at St. Charles Health System. “This is easy access to a lot of places,” Colgan said. “We have a homeowner that, commutes in, from out of town to work at Saint Charles. And now we’ll have an opportunity to ride his bike to work. So those are the things that are really exciting about opportunities like this.”

Hayden Homes hopes to complete 33 more affordable homes through two other projects later this year.

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Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, if you plan to drive through Central Oregon, plan for continued delays.

U.S. Highway 26 remains closed between Prineville and Mitchell as wildfire activity and heavy smoke continue to make travel unsafe.

Transportation officials say crews are monitoring conditions around the clock, and will reopen the highway as soon as it’s safe.

Right now, there’s a strong possibility the closure will remain in place through the weekend.

Officials remind you: Do not ignore road closures, nor rely solely on GPS, which may route you onto unsafe roads.

Before you head out, check tripcheck.com for the latest road conditions and closure updates.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding ‘former’ – the bus driver is no longer employed with Bend-La Pine Schools)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A former Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver accused of driving under the influence after transporting elementary students in April has been formally charged with 19 misdemeanor counts.

Deschutes County court records show prosecutors filed charges July 21st against 67-year-old Martha Ann Gerlicher. She faces one count of driving under the influence of intoxicants and 18 counts of recklessly endangering another person. All are listed as Class A misdemeanors.

The charges stem from an alleged April 3rd incident. Each reckless-endangering count alleges Gerlicher created a substantial risk of serious physical injury to a person identified only by initials.

The DUII count alleges Gerlicher drove on a public roadway or premises while under the influence of alcohol or had a blood-alcohol concentration of at least 0.08% within two hours of driving.

KTVZ previously reported that Gerlicher had completed an afternoon route from Pine Ridge Elementary School with 18 students aboard before heading to High Desert Middle School for another route.

Bend Police said Gerlicher reported possible brake problems, prompting a transportation supervisor to respond. Investigators said the supervisor found no mechanical problems but suspected Gerlicher was impaired and removed her from duty.

Police later arrested Gerlicher at her Bend home. Investigators said a test taken about seven hours after the district’s initial testing showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.16%, twice the legal limit.

No students were physically harmed, according to the school district. The district said at the time that Gerlicher had been placed on leave pending further action and that the families of the 18 students were notified the day after the incident.

The newly filed court document lists Gerlicher’s next court appearance for August 27th.

The charges are allegations. Gerlicher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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Lance Campbell

The Crook County Fair is back this week, bringing four days of carnival rides, live entertainment, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits and classic fair food to Prineville.

This year’s “Blue Ribbon Days” fair runs Aug. 5-8 at the Crook County Fairgrounds. Admission and parking are free. Opening night is Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m., with full-day activities running Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Families can enjoy carnival rides, 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock competitions, local vendors and entertainment throughout the fair. Organizers say the event continues to celebrate Crook County’s agricultural roots while giving families a chance to come together before summer winds down.

Whether it’s cheering on young exhibitors in the show ring, grabbing fair food or taking in the nightly entertainment, organizers say there’s something for every age.

Visitors are encouraged to check the daily event schedule before heading to the fairgrounds.

Watch the video above for a behind-the-scenes look at opening day of the Crook County Fair, including interviews with fairgoers, organizers and a look at what visitors can expect this year.

For continuing coverage of the Crook County Fair and other Central Oregon news, visit KTVZ.com, download the KTVZ News app and follow KTVZ on social media.

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John Carroll

The weeks “Show Us Your Garden” segment features an awesome garden with “Old Glory” the American Flag prominently featured in the picture. Another photo the shows off some great veggies in early stages of development. Finally we see an owner and gardener showing off her “happy place” on the back deck.

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