Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Hawthorn Healing Arts Center opened its doors Tuesday night for a special community Open House, catering to women’s wellness.    

Located on NW Louisiana Avenue in Bend, Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, welcomed attendees, who were treated to light refreshments and a complimentary 5‑minute wellness check.   

Guests also had the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A, with Nurse Practitioner Melissa Porras, whose specialty is menopause. 

Melissa spoke about the changes a woman’s body experiences and the symptoms of menopause.    

“The typical symptoms that people know about our hot flashes, night sweats. But there’s a lot more than just that. There’s cognitive like brain fog. Your bone density actually decreases 10% over these ten years, potentially. Random things, frozen shoulder, fatigue, insomnia, depression. That’s another thing, so your body’s hormones are fluctuating and slowly decreasing.” 

Co-owner and Naturopathic Physician Joshua Phillips says, the vision of Hawthorn Healing Arts Center was created from the understanding that health, vitality and recovering from illness is a multi-faceted and sometimes complex process. 

We’ve also really positioned ourselves as a community hub and places where people can come for workshops and classes. We do have a retail space where we sell herbs and vitamins, and supplements. And the bulk of our patient population are folks that do live in the area and come in to us for ongoing care,” said Phillips. 

Check out this space for their services and treatments.  

Click here to follow the original article.

Dylan Anderman

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The fireworks will fly in Redmond once again this July, and no one is more excited than the 10U Junior Ravens.

The youth baseball team filled the front row at Tuesday’s Redmond City Council meeting, eagerly awaiting the outcome of a debate that could directly impact their summer season.

The Council decided that fireworks are allowed through July 4th. For the Junior Ravens, that decision was a game-changer.

For the second straight year, the team is selling fireworks as their main fundraiser — helping cover costs for facilities, equipment, and tournament fees. Last summer, the young athletes raised more than $20,000 through the effort.

For these kids, the fireworks stand isn’t just about celebration – it’s about making baseball possible.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. (KTVZ)– The Justice Department says 38 year old Yuance Chen acted as an illegal agent for China’s Ministry of State Security. They also believe he was secretly gathering information on US Navy members and even trying to recruit new spies. Chen faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Federal prosecutors say this highlights China’s efforts to infiltrate US military operations.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– As the world watches in shock as firefighters in Idaho were brutally attacked and gunned down while on a call. Bend Fire and Rescue is prepared for situations like this with bulletproof safety vests. However, the fire department only uses these vests when they know they’re responding to a possibly hostile situation. The vest rarely see use because the fire department says nearly all its interactions with the public are positive

Makayla Oliver, with Bend Fire and Rescue told KTVZ news “I think generally people are thankful when our responders show up on scene. They know we’re there to do our job one way or another. There are times when we’re trying to enforce a fire code that is not always welcome. However, we try to make sure they understand what the risks are and why we’re asking them to do that, and typically it it ends on a positive note.”

Within city limits, Bend Fire also works closely with Bend Police. No matter what they call, Bend Police will usually arrive first and make sure the scene is safe. At the end of the day, Bend Fire prioritizes the safety of its firefighters above all else.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Lightning from one of several thunderstorms rumbling through Central Oregon Tuesday apparently sparked a brush fire that burned about 10 acres in northeast Redmond before crews stopped it.

The fire was reported around 5 p.m. south of NE Upas Avenue and 37th Street, Redmond Fire and Rescue said. Watch Duty said the Upas Fire was burning in light fuels and juniper, moving to the south.

Forward progress was stopped in about an hour by crews from Redmond Fire, the BLM and Oregon Department of Forestry.

But Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney told KTVZ News gusty outflow winds of 30-40 mph from one of the storms were testing the lines as more fires were tackled..

The storms also brought rain in places but sparked several fires that were caught at small size by firefighters across the area through the afternoon.

We will keep tracking the fires and keep you posted in our Fire Alert coverage.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Health Council is pleased to introduce a bold new campaign — Be Well Central Oregon — to mark the launch of the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan. This initiative represents a transformative shift in how partners work together to build a healthier, more connected region. 

“Be Well Central Oregon is more than a slogan — it’s a community call to action,” said Arianne Powell, executive director for COHC. “We’re focusing on what unites us: shared goals, strong partnerships, and the health and well-being of every person in Central Oregon.” 

About the new direction 

For over a decade, COHC has led RHIP implementation by organizing monthly workgroups and distributing project funding. With the launch of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC transitions into a connector, convener and amplifier role—aligning community efforts rather than directing them. 

The new model aims to: 

Facilitate partnerships across sectors and communities 

Match organizations with shared goals to build synergy and enhance collaboration 

Offer partial funding for aligned initiatives 

Share data, tools and learnings to inform action 

Adapt to the community’s evolving needs 

This evolution builds on lessons learned and emphasizes sustainability through shared ownership, equity and transparency. 

Take action: Complete the RFI survey 

COHC invites all partners (current and future) to participate in a new Request for Information (RFI) survey, a key tool in mapping and aligning regional health efforts. 

Click here to complete the RFI survey 

Why community response matters: 

To showcase partner work and impact 

To uncover new collaboration opportunities 

To inform funding and resource alignment 

To shape the direction of the RHIP  

“The RFI will help us map the RHIP ecosystem and lift up the incredible work already underway,” said Gwen Jones, COHC’s director of community strategy. “We encourage every organization working on community health to participate—it’s about making partner impact visible and helping us shape a stronger, more aligned regional effort.” 

Tools to support community work 

The RHIP—and the Regional Health Assessment (RHA), that guides the RHIP’s creation—can be complex. As part of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC is developing resources to simplify and humanize the RHIP and the RHA. These include: 

User-friendly tools to explore RHIP goals 

Visual storytelling that highlights your work’s impact 

Customizable materials to communicate alignment and inspire collaboration 

These resources are designed specifically for Central Oregon partners—to help them tell their story and connect their work to regional initiatives. 

Be Well, Together 

COHC believes this new approach will strengthen the fabric of community health by supporting what’s already working, filling critical gaps, and weaving together diverse efforts under a common vision. 

Whether partners are new to the RHIP or have been involved for years, Be Well Central Oregon is an invitation to connect, contribute and thrive as a community. 

“This transformation is a long-term strategic shift toward more collaborative, resilient systems for improving health outcomes in Central Oregon,” said Jones. “COHC remains committed to equity, transparency, and the power of local partnerships to shape a healthier future—together.” 

For questions or to explore how your work connects with the RHIP, please contact camille.smith@cohealthcouncil.org. 

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, Redmond City Council adopts post-holiday fireworks ban)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – After hearing comments from many in the community, Redmond city councilors on Tuesday approved to ban the personal use of fireworks starting just after this year’s Fourth of July holiday, citing increasing wildfire risks driven by current weather conditions across Central Oregon.

The ban will remain in place for the rest of the fire season.

City councilors voted at the special emergency meeting to approve a first and second reading and adoption of the revised ordinance, which also makes the use of illegal fireworks a code violation that carries a potential $1,500 fine.

The city officials also made clear that fireworks enforcement is not a top police priority on the holiday, as officers can be very busy with DUII enforcement.

After the vote, Mayor Ed Fitch thanked everyone for their input and said the move is “kind of a balancing act” between the fundraising efforts of nonprofits from the sale of legal fireworks to the “deep concern” across the community about reducing fire danger, however possible.

The ban goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, meaning residents will still be allowed to use fireworks leading up to and during Independence Day.

City officials said the discussion comes as the region faces very high fire danger, with dry vegetation and hot, windy conditions elevating the risk of wildfires.

—

City of Redmond news release:

Redmond City Approves Emergency Firework Ban Effective July 5 

REDMOND, OREGON –On Tuesday, July 1, Redmond City Council unanimously approved an emergency declaration, banning the personal use of all fireworks effective 12:01 a.m. July 5, 2025, due to high fire risk in Redmond and across Central Oregon. The declaration, which allows the city to efficiently mobilize resources to respond to public needs during an emergency, will remain in effect until Redmond Fire & Rescue officially lifts its outdoor burn ban later this fall.  

“We tried to balance the safety of the community with the investment people have already made to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday,” states Mayor Ed Fitch. “We have had several fires just in the past week, and yesterday’s wildfire in the Dry Canyon, which was ignited by fireworks, dictated the need for Council to take action.” 

Additionally, the declaration bans the use (but not sale) of all fireworks within the city limits. The public fireworks show at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center will go on as planned. Use of illegal fireworks continues to be prohibited at all times.  

“Redmond got lucky on June 3, the Euston wildfire could have been devastating if not for the number of crews and air resources available to respond,” Redmond Fire & Rescue Chief Ryan Herrera added.  “The fire danger in our community is undeniably high this summer, and with the growing abundance of dry vegetation which ignites easily and spreads rapidly, residents need to take extra preventive measures.” 

The City is asking for the community’s support in keeping Redmond safe, reserving personal fireworks for another holiday when conditions are less dangerous.  Under the emergency declaration, use of any fireworks after July 4 will be a Class A infraction and carries a penalty of a fine up to $500 for each infraction. The use of illegal fireworks brings a fine of $1,500 for the first offense, with additional fines up to the state allowed maximum of $6,250. 

Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use. It is very important the 911 system be kept for reporting emergencies, active fires, and serious medical problems.  Firework concerns may be reported via email to reportfireworks@redmondoregon.gov. 

—

Emergency Ord. 2025-13 v5Download

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are making their way to Central Oregon for a rare appearance at the 2025 Bi-Mart Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo, presented by Indian Head Casino.

The horses will be at the Fair from July 30 through Aug. 3, helping to raise awareness for Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Budweiser Clydesdales to Redmond,” said Geoff Hinds, Director of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo. “These horses represent American tradition and pride, and their presence will help us spotlight an initiative we care deeply about—supporting military and first responder families through Folds of Honor.”

Thanks to the partnership between the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center and local Anheuser-Busch distributor AB ONE, fairgoers will have daily opportunities to see the Clydesdales. These opportunities include hitching demonstrations, up-close meet-and-greets with the horses, and question-and-answer sessions with trainers, handlers, and drivers.

As part of this initiative, the Fair and AB ONE have pledged to donate funds to Folds of Honor in 2025. The horses will also help deliver a powerful visual tribute by escorting Folds of Honor scholarship recipients into the rodeo arena during one of the Fair’s evening performances.

“The Deschutes County Fair is all about bringing the community together,” said Doug Church, Director of Trade Marketing Northwest for AB ONE. “We’re honored to continue our partnership and work alongside the Fair to give back to those who have sacrificed so much.”

The Clydesdale experience is included with Fair admission. To learn more about the Budweiser Clydesdales’ appearance schedule or how you can support Folds of Honor, visit www.deschutesfair.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gas prices are easing ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday. Oregon and most other states are seeing pump prices decline, driven by falling crude oil prices.

Crude prices spiked in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. But crude prices plummeted last week and are back to what they were before the strikes.

The declines in gas prices come as AAA projects record travel for Independence Day. For the week, the national average for regular loses five cents to $3.18 a gallon. The Oregon average falls three cents to $4.04 a gallon, while Bend’s average dropped eight cents, to about $3.92 a gallon.

“Pump prices should continue to move lower as millions of drivers hit the road for the 4th of July, if Middle East tensions don’t flare up again,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “AAA expects that road travel will set a new record over the holiday. Drivers will find gas prices less than or similar to last year, depending on the region. The national average is less than last year, while the Oregon average is about the same. Drivers are getting a big break from 2022 when gas prices were at record highs for the holiday.”

AAA expects record-breaking travel for the 4th of July holiday, with 72.2 million Americans including 875,000 Oregonians going 50 miles or more from home over the holiday travel period.  This is an increase of 1.7 million travelers (2.4%) compared to last year and 7 million more (10.7%) from 2019. Car and air travel volumes will break records.

And once again, Bend is the region’s top holiday travel destination, with Redmond rounding out the Top 10:

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2025 at $3.45 a gallon and is currently at $4.04. The highest  price of the year so far is $4.076 on June 24 and 25. The lowest price of the year so far is just under $3.45 a gallon on January 2.  

The national average began 2025 at $3.06 a gallon and is currently at $3.18. The highest price of the year so far is $3.268 on April 4. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.06 on January 5.

This week 22 Oregon counties have averages at or above $4, compared to 24 counties a week ago:

Benton $4.00

Clackamas $4.09

Clatsop $4.15

Columbia $4.18

Coos $4.03

Crook $4.06

Curry $4.13

Douglas $4.07

Grant $4.15

Harney $4.25

Hood River $4.

Jackson $4.11

Josephine $4.12

Klamath $4.04

Lake $4.23

Linn $4.03

Multnomah $4.15

Tillamook $4.21

Wallowa $4.10

Wasco $4.12

Washington $4.13

Yamhill $4.11

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country. The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend until June 1. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15. However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in this country is steady at 13.43 million barrels per day for the week ending June 20. The record high is 13.63 million barrels per day for the week of December 6. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) had been mostly in the upper $60s to mid-$70s since last September. Crude prices spiked to the mid-$70s in mid-June in response to the strikes between Israel and Iran, and then the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Last week, crude prices dropped back into the  $60s on the belief that the conflict will not have a major impact on global oil supplies. Crude prices fell in early April as markets reacted to President Trumps tariffs and the impact on U.S. and global markets. Additional downward pressure on crude prices came after the decision by OPEC+ to increase production. The lowest closing price since September was $57.13 on May 5, which was the lowest closing price since February 2021. The recent high price for crude was $80.04 per barrel on January 15, which was the highest price since last August.

Crude oil is trading around $65 today compared to $64 a week ago and $83 a year ago. In 2024, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, unrest in the Middle East including the recent strikes between Israel and Iran and the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the war between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Crude prices have been volatile after the attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023. While Israel and the Palestinian territory are not oil producers, concerns remain that the conflict could spread in the Middle East, which could potentially impact crude production in other oil-producing nations in the region. In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But now the cartel boosted production by 411,000 barrels in May and June, and announced the same increase for July.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 49% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 16% is refining, 19% distribution and marketing, and 16% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. increased from 9.30 million b/d to 9.69 for the week ending June 20, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This compares to 8.97 million b/d a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 230 million barrels to 227.9. Gasoline production remained flat last week, averaging 10.1 million barrels per day.

Pump prices will likely decline in the short term, barring another flare up in the Middle East or a hurricane that impacts refining and/or distribution.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 45 states with lower prices now than a week ago. Ohio (-16 cents) has the largest week-over-week decline in the nation. Indiana (+12 cents) has the biggest week-over-week increase.

California ($4.58) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the 20th week in a row. Hawaii ($4.47) is second, Washington ($4.42) is third, and Oregon ($4.04) is fourth. These are the four states in the country with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week 26 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 20 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Mississippi ($2.71) and Oklahoma ($2.74). No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $1.87 this week, compared to $1.92 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 39 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is three cents more and the Oregon average is five cents more than a month ago. Delaware (+27 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the nation. California (-20 cents) has the largest month-over-month drop.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 31 cents less and the Oregon average is one cent less than a year ago. Ohio (-57 cents) has the largest yearly drop. Washington (+11 cents) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with six of the seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

As mentioned above, California has the most expensive gas in the country for the 20th week in a row. Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is 14th. Oregon is fourth most expensive for the sixth week in a row.

All seven states in the West Coast region have small to moderate week-over-week decreases:

California (-7 cents), Nevada (-4 cents), Oregon (-3 cents), Washington (-3 cents), Arizona (-3 cents), Hawaii (-1 cent), and Alaska (-4/10ths of a cent).

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast dipped from 89.9% to 88.4% to for the week ending June 20. This rate has ranged between about 72% to 92% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate rose from 93.2% to 94.7%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region increased from 28.6 million bbl. to 29.2 million bbl. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices fell back into the $60s last week as markets reacted to easing fears that tensions in the Middle East would impact global oil supplies.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 5.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 415.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 11% below the five-year average for this time of year.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI ticked up 28 cents to settle at $65.52. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI fell 41 cents to settle at $65.11. Today crude is trading around $65 compared to $64 a week ago. Crude prices are about $18 less than a year ago. ($83.38 on July1, 2024)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Oregon Health Authority announced Tuesday it has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Lake Billy Chinook in Jefferson County nearly two weeks ago.

OHA issued the advisory on Wednesday, June 18.

The agency said Tuesday that “water monitoring has confirmed that the level of microcystin in Lake Billy Chinook is below recreational guideline values for people.”

“However, levels detected are still above OHA’s safety values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas,” OHA said in Tuesday’s announcement, which continues below in full:

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people, and especially small children, and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

Click here to follow the original article.