Author: KTVZ

KTVZ

Update: Adding video

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — It’s a good time to be a pika in Oregon, or a volunteer trained to spot them. New survey data from Cascades Pika Watch – which included Central Oregon for the first time – shows numbers of the potato-sized mammals, as well as the people who survey them, are on the rise.  

Pikas, tiny rabbit relatives known for their distinctive, squeak-toy-like calls, typically live on mountain slopes at elevations above 6,000 feet, but a unique low-elevation population is living at the Columbia River Gorge, just a half-hour from Portland. 

Since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, surveys indicate the pika ((the preferred pronunciation is PIKE-uh) population in the area has been steadily increasing. Last year, volunteers spotted pikas at more than two-thirds of the sites surveyed, and that number rose even higher in 2025.

“This year, we found pikas at 82% of sites surveyed, which is close to the pre-fire population numbers,” said Dr. Johanna Varner, scientific adviser for the Cascades Pika Watch program. “This is great news for the Gorge pika population.”  

There is growing concern among scientists about the future of pikas, as climate change has caused population declines and local extinctions in parts of the pika’s range. But Varner says the season’s results are very encouraging — particularly in the Gorge.  

“The data from this program tell us this population might be more resilient than some others,” Varner said. “We’re really hopeful that pikas in Oregon continue to thrive.”

For the first time, Cascades Pika Watch ventured east as well this year, partnering with the High Desert Museum and Discover Your Forest to survey for pikas in Central Oregon. Trained volunteers detected pikas at 11 out of 27 sites in the region.

“We’re excited to begin the process of monitoring pikas in Central Oregon,” said Jon Nelson, who oversees citizen science programming at the High Desert Museum. “Pikas may be small, but they can tell us a lot about the larger ecosystems where they live.” 

Pikas aren’t the only creatures increasing in number this year — the ranks of pika watchers grew as well. More than 287 trained citizen scientists submitted 683 surveys from 109 locations throughout the Gorge and Central Oregon. In the Gorge, that’s a 62% increase in survey respondents from last year, which was itself a record-breaking year for the program.

 Every summer, volunteers from Cascades Pika Watch — a program of the Oregon Zoo — head into the field with binoculars to stake out pika hot spots, record their locations and listen for the pika’s telltale squeak. Then they upload their data to a website, helping biologists to better understand where pikas live and whether their range is shifting.  

“Each year, this program has gotten bigger and better,” Varner said. “The future of Cascades Pika Watch is really bright, and there’s still plenty of room for more people to get involved.”

 Cascades Pika Watch will return next year, and aspiring pika watchers are encouraged to sign up for free in-person or online trainings. Sites are accessed via public hiking trails, and no special skills are required. Sign up for updates at oregonzoo.org/pika. 

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Did you know our consumption accounts for half of our greenhouse gas emissions? Did you hear that Knott Landfill is close to full? Have you heard contradictory things about recycling and whether it matters? 

This July, Oregon became the first state in the nation to pass a sweeping bill, the Recycling Modernization Act, that modernizes Oregon’s recycling infrastructure, and makes producers responsible for their packaging (The Environmental Center asks that you see their Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act post for more info). 

Do you have questions about what has changed or what is about to change? Or maybe, are you skeptical that these changes will have any meaningful impact? 

At Rethink Waste Project’s 4th annual America Recycles Day free virtual event on Tuesday, November 18th (6-7:30pm), everyone is invited to come learn from a panel of experts about recycling and the Recycling Modernization Act. This is an opportunity for all residents to get clarity on our recycling system and what’s recyclable and not here, while also learning why recycling by itself won’t save us from our climate and waste crises. 

All who are interested can learn more and register for this free event at https://envirocenter.org/event/rma/ or by clicking the link from www.RethinkWasteProject.org 

Panel: 

Colin Teem, Materials Management – Eastern Region Specialist, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 

Rachel VanWoert, RMA Technical Assistant, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 

Susan Baker, Diversion and Franchise Services Manager, Deschutes County Solid Waste 

Moderator: Kavi Chokshi, Rethink Waste Program Manager, The Environmental Center 

A big thanks to our panelists! 

Questions? Contact kavi@envirocenter.org  

### 

About the Rethink Waste Project 

The Rethink Waste Project (RWP), a program of The Environmental Center, envisions a community that understands the upstream and downstream impacts of using Earth’s resources and makes responsible decisions about the consumption, use, and disposal of materials. RWP provides waste prevention and reduction education for Deschutes County residents, businesses, and organizations through a partnership with Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste and local garbage and recycling service providers. RWP offers free presentations around waste reduction, recycling, food waste prevention, and more. Learn more at: www.RethinkWasteProject.org. 

About The Environmental Center 

The Environmental Center’s mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. We translate sustainability into practical, local action in order to create a healthy future for people and the planet. We are focused on building community, educating kids, revolutionizing energy, rethinking waste, and advocating for change. Learn more at www.envirocenter.org or by visiting our facility at 16 NW Kansas Ave. in downtown Bend, Oregon. 

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Central Electric Cooperative is accepting applications for its 2026 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour program. CEC will select two high school juniors to visit the nation’s capital for a one-week trip in June.  

Participants will join hundreds of student leaders from electric cooperatives nationwide to learn about cooperatives’ contributions to rural America, leadership, the political process and interact with elected officials.

The trip includes visits to the nation’s capital and other notable sites, such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, and the Smithsonian.  

High school juniors interested in applying can find the application here. Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and can be completed online, mailed, or dropped off at any Central Electric office. 

To be eligible, students’ families must be CEC members. Applicants must include information about their interests and a 500 to 1,000 word essay on the following topic: “What is the greatest issue facing your community, and how can you be a part of the solution?” Applicants will participate in an interview conducted by a committee comprised of CEC employees. 

The Youth Tour is an all-expense paid trip as the co-op will cover the selected student’s transportation, lodging, meals, and one checked bag.  

The selected students will share their trip experience with CEC’s membership at the co-op’s annual meeting in April 2027. For more information, https://www.cec.coop/in-your-community/youth-tour/ or call (541) 548-2144. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) –The Central Oregon Avalanche Center is gearing up for its 26th annual Powderhound Preview and Fundraiser, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

We sat down with a COAC forecaster to talk about what the event is, why it matters, and how locals can get involved.

Powderhound is not just a fundraiser—it’s a way to bring the community together around snow safety, avalanche awareness, and fun winter activities.

The event includes educational sessions, local guest speakers, and opportunities to support avalanche research and safety programs in Central Oregon. Whether you’re a seasoned backcountry adventurer or just curious about snow safety, Powderhound offers something for everyone.

Tickets and more information are available on the COAC website. Don’t miss your chance to learn, connect, and support avalanche safety in our community.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jillian Fortner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – As we move into the colder months, fire officials are warning about an uptick in home heating dangers.

Last week, Bend Fire & Rescue rushed to put out two house fires reported just 90 minutes apart, both tied to improper use of heating systems.

Master’s Touch, a Bend chimney cleaning company, says fires like these aren’t uncommon.

About 110,000 homes make up Central Oregon and 30% of them rely on fireplaces or wood stoves as a primary heat source. Master’s Touch says half of those chimneys aren’t being cleaned regularly.

“That’s why we have about between between 30 to and 40 fires every single year in central Oregon. From chimney fires,” said Don Braem from Master’s Touch. “People are not cleaning them and they’re not aware that they they need to be cleaned.”

He added that creosote buildup is one of the biggest dangers.

“Creosote wood really burns, dirty. A lot of tar. It leaves in the residue and that builds up,” Braem said.

Master’s Touch recommends chimneys be cleaned every two years, and says appointments are filling up fast as winter approaches.

“We’re swamped right now. Everybody waits until it’s too late,” Braem said.

Simple maintenance and proper use of your heating system can be the difference between a warm home and a dangerous, costly emergency.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Heart of Oregon Corps will hold a topping-off ceremony Monday evening at its new $7.3 million, 3.4-acre site in Redmond to celebrate the completion of the steel frame construction of the new main building at Central Oregon’s first workforce development campus.  

During the brief ceremony, a large five-foot-tall heart atop the structure will be illuminated “as a symbol of the bright light the campus represents for youth on the workforce track and for our regional economic development,” the organization said in a news release Friday:

The new central campus will be a generational resource for young people seeking thriving careers and will serve as a foundational building block of a strong economy as Heart of Oregon trains young people to solve our region’s greatest challenges including affordable housing, the childcare shortage, wildfire fuels reduction and conservation.  

“The construction of this campus has been years in the making, beginning with the initial $2 million grant that COBA helped Heart of Oregon secure from the state of Oregon,” said Tim Knopp, executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association.

“For 25 years, Heart of Oregon youth and young adults have strengthened our region — building not only their futures, but also the economic and environmental vitality of Central Oregon. This topping off ceremony honors their contributions and underscores the significance of this campus to our community’s success.” 

The topping off and heart lighting will be livestreamed on Heart of Oregon’s Facebook page, with the video remaining up for all to see after the event. The heart will remain illuminated throughout the holiday season and can be seen from the intersection of SE 9th Street and East Highway 126, near the new roundabout. 

With construction underway on the new centralized campus, Heart of Oregon’s Legacy 25 campaign has already raised $5.67 million and is working hard to secure the final $1.63 million to ensure the campus opens on time in September 2026. Donors can visit www.hoccampus.org to make a contribution by Dec. 31 to help secure the remaiining needed funding for the project. 

For 25 years, Heart of Oregon has prepared more than 5,000 young people for careers. Since 2000, the organization has relied on leased and aging facilities that no longer meet the growing demand for its programs.

The campus will serve as the cornerstone of Heart of Oregon’s operations, complemented by satellite locations in Madras and Prineville. Together, these sites form a connected network that allows rural youth to build skills close to home while also engaging with peers from across Central Oregon through shared training and collaborative learning opportunities. 

“The lighting of this heart atop the frame of our new campus building celebrates our hard-working youth and their dedication to serving our region,” said Laura Handy, executive director of Heart of Oregon Corps. “This event marks not just the rise of a building, but the creation of a place where young adults will continue to gain skills, confidence and purpose as they build brighter futures for themselves and for Central Oregon.” 

Designed with youth at its heart, the campus incorporates trauma-informed principles and cultural elements that foster belonging, connection and pride. The 6,600-square-foot campus center will house classrooms, offices and gathering spaces, while the adjacent 14,000-square-foot warehouse will become a hands-on training hub for emerging workers across Central Oregon. Six large equipment bays will offer storage for Heart of Oregon Corps fleet of equipment including wood chippers, trailers, and vehicles. 

Heart of Oregon is grateful to the major donors to the project including Deschutes County, Crevier Family Foundation, First Interstate Bank, Hayden Homes, Les Schwab, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, MJ Murdock Charitable Trust, PGE Foundation, R & H Construction, The Autzen Foundation, The Bend Foundation, The Clark Family Legacy Foundation, The Collins Foundation, The Healy Foundation, The Joseph and Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation, The Max and Marie Anna Richter Family Fund of OCF, The Rosendin Foundation, The Roundhouse Foundation, The State of Oregon, and Tykeson Family Foundation.  

Learn more and make a donation to this visionary campus campaign on the Legacy 25 website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tyson Beauchemin

(Update: More info, photos from Bend Fire official)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire traced to improper disposal of burned yard debris tore through a detached garage and threatened a home near the Deschutes River in southwest Bend late Friday morning, but firefighters protected the home and stopped its spread.

The fire was reported around 11:35 a.m. in the 60700 block of River Bend Drive, near Deschutes River Woods.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews arrived to find flames on the back side of the garage that were extending toward the house, located about 10 feet away, Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering said.

The home’s occupant already had evacuated, along with her dog, and was a safe distance from the structures, Kettering said.

Crews were able to quickly knock down the blaze, limiting the home’s damage to some charring on an exterior porch railing.

Kettering said the garage had moderate fire damage, with radiant heat and smoke damage to its contents. A lean-to structure attached to the back of the garage was a total loss, Kettering added.

The cause of the fire was traced to improper disposal of burned yard debris. Kettering said it had been smoldering for over a day before catching the shed on fire.

An investigation determined that ashes and char from a previous debris burn had been placed in a plastic bag and set at the edge of the lean-to structure, which was used to store firewood. 

Kettering said it’s important to remember that ashes can remain hot for several days, especially if there are larger pieces within the ash. 

Bend Fire & Rescue recommends that ash, whether from a debris burn, the fireplace or the woodstove, be placed into a metal container with a lid – never in a paper or plastic bag – and put outdoors onto a non-combustible surface such as concrete, metal or bare dirt. Fill the bucket with water, and wait at least 24-48 hours before disposing of the material. 

For more home fire safety information, visit Informational Videos and Virtual Tours | City of Bend.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Chart-topping, multi-Platinum Country star, Parker McCollum, has announced dates for the second leg of his 2026 Parker McCollum Tour, including a late-June visit to Bend.

Known for being one of the busiest touring acts in Country music, McCollum is bringing fans his #1 hits and fan-favorite tracks to cities across the U.S. including Los Angeles, Seattle, Dayton, Huntsville, Bridgeport and more.

Joining him on the road in 2026 are Josh Abbott Band, Gary Allan, Kassi Ashton, Gabby Barrett, William Beckmann, Laci Kaye Booth, Annie Bosko, Tyler Halverson, Vincent Mason, Max McNown, Owen Riegling, Logan Ryan Band, Aubrie Sellers, Jackson Wendell and Jake Worthington.

The tour will make a Bend stop at Hayden Homes Amphitheater on Friday, June 26, 2026.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning Tuesday, November 18. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m. local time at parkermccollum.com. 

PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the Parker McCollum Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, November 18 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, November 20 at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. 

Fresh off the release of his highest debuting album, PARKER MCCOLLUM, this reimagined tour incorporates the new songs fans have eagerly connected with including “What Kinda Man,” “Killin’ Me,” “Big Sky,” “Solid Country Gold,” and many more, alongside all the chart-topping hits.

McCollum will be touring throughout the rest of 2025, including a special New Year’s Eve performance at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX on December 31st. For additional information, including upcoming show dates and tickets, please visit ParkerMcCollum.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — State agencies continue to track botulism cases linked to a nationally recalled infant formula — including two cases of infection in Oregon — but health officials said Friday there are steps families can take now to reduce their babies’ exposure to the infection. 

The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Agriculture are collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and public health and food safety officials from other states to investigate the multi-state outbreak connected with consumption of powdered infant formula produced by ByHeart.  

Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, says it’s helpful that ByHeart, which manufactures the formula implicated in the infant botulism outbreak, has voluntarily recalled its products. That ensures the ByHeart formula remains off store shelves until federal, state and local health agencies complete their investigations. 

It’s the ByHeart products that may still be on families’ shelves at home that are the biggest concern for Chiou and his public health colleagues in Oregon.  

“Many parents and caregivers may still have ByHeart infant formula products in their pantries, and they may not be aware of the national recall and botulism outbreak, or perhaps they don’t think the ByHeart products they do have are affected,” Chiou says. “Our message is clear: Do not use ByHeart infant formula.” 

Infant botulism is a rare illness that happens when a baby swallows Clostridium botulinum spores that grow in the gut and make toxin.

The bacteria are commonly found in the environment, including soil, dust and honey. Infant botulism often starts with constipation and progresses to difficulty feeding, a weak and altered cry, and loss of muscle tone. Severe cases require hospitalization for specialized treatment.  

Nationally, there have been 23 cases of infant botulism from 13 states identified in connection with the outbreak, including two infants from Oregon. The ill infants have been hospitalized and there have been no deaths.

ByHeart has issued a recall of all its infant formula, and ODA is conducting recall effectiveness checks to ensure that all recalled product has been removed from stores statewide. 

OHA and ODA urge people to stop using any ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, including cans and single-serve sticks: 

Label any leftover formula that your infant was fed as “DO NOT USE” and keep the container stored in a safe spot for at least a month in case your infant develops symptoms and the product needs to be tested. If no symptoms appear after a month, throw the leftover formula away.

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Special soaps or detergents are not needed. 

If your baby has consumed recalled formula, it is important to recognize that most infants who have consumed the formula have not become sick. Still, officials advise to watch infants for progressive symptoms, as they may take up to a month to appear. Testing for botulism is not available for infants without symptoms.   

The agencies also urge Oregonians to seek immediate medical care if your infant develops any of these symptoms: 

Poor feeding, with loss of interest in feeding for at least six hours or weaker suck

Difficulty swallowing

Loss of head control

Decreased facial expression 

“I know this is a scary message for parents to hear, that the formula they have given their child might have made them sick,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., state health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA.

“We want to provide you the best information on who may be at risk, what symptoms to look for that your child may be getting sick, and steps you can take to help keep your baby healthy. Right now, we know of two babies who have gotten sick in Oregon, even though many more drank the formula we are talking about.” 

For the latest information regarding this active investigation, consult the outbreak investigation websites from the CDC and FDA. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As families begin checking off their holiday shopping lists, experts say safety should stay at the top.

The Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, or OSPIRG, released its 40th annual “Trouble in Toyland” report this week, highlighting potential hazards for parents to watch for as the holiday shopping rush begins. This year’s report includes a new focus on emerging technology — specifically artificial intelligence-powered toys.

Researchers say AI-enabled toys can offer fun and educational opportunities, but they come with privacy and safety unknowns. Kiehlbauch advises parents to stay curious but cautious when buying toys that connect to technology.

“I don’t want to say we should ban AI toys,” OSPIRG’s Andrew Kiehlbauch said. “But because it’s so new and not fully understood, parents should exercise caution. Buy toys from sellers you trust — and buy toys you understand.”

In Bend, that philosophy guides the team at Learning Express Toys, where owner Alee Lees said helping families find the perfect toy is as much about connection as it is about safety.

She encourages parents to ask questions and lean on local shops that know their products well.

“If you have questions, come in and talk to us,” Lees said. “We’ll happily walk you through that decision-making process.”

Experts recommend checking recall lists, monitoring connected-toy features, and staying informed about potential hazards to ensure that holiday shopping stays safe and joyful.

Click here to follow the original article.