Category: ktvz-local-news

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — University of Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning is set to return to Central Oregon for a community event at Worthy Brewing next week.

The fourth annual “Happy Hour with Dan Lanning” is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m.

The event will feature a live question-and-answer session with Lanning, moderated by former Oregon quarterback Tony Graziani. Organizers say attendees will also have a chance to connect with fellow Ducks fans while enjoying food and drinks at the Bend brewery.

Pre-registration costs $15, or $20 at the door, and includes one canned beverage. The event is open to all ages.

Worthy Brewing has hosted the event for the past three years, bringing one of the state’s most prominent college football figures to Central Oregon and drawing fans from across the region.

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Tracee Tuesday

PORTLAND & SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — A growing wildfire threat is prompting new fire restrictions across Oregon, as parts of Central Oregon have already entered fire season weeks ahead of summer.

Starting May 14, the Bureau of Land Management will ban fireworks, exploding targets, steel-core ammunition and other fire-starting materials on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington. The restrictions are aimed at reducing human-caused wildfires as the region faces hotter, drier conditions.

At the same time, the Oregon Department of Forestry has declared fire season in its Central Oregon District, impacting Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook and surrounding counties. Residents in those areas are now required to get permits before burning yard debris on private property.

Fire officials say the early restrictions reflect worsening conditions across the region.

“We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness,” said Jeff Fedrizzi with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “Even one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire.”

Escaped debris burns remain the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon. So far this year, 23 burns have escaped, scorching 83 acres on ODF-protected lands. That compares to 37 escaped burns and 69 acres at the same time last year.

More than 70% of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused, according to ODF, with yard debris burning topping the list.

With record low snowpack and an unusually warm winter, officials warn the risk will only increase as vegetation dries out. They urge residents to consider alternatives like chipping or composting instead of burning.

If burning is necessary, officials recommend checking local restrictions, avoiding windy days and keeping water and tools nearby. Residents can also check current rules using the website beforeyouburn.net.

Anyone who violates fire restrictions could face fines up to $100,000, jail time or be held responsible for the cost of firefighting efforts.

Fire officials say taking precautions now is critical to preventing wildfires as summer approaches.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes Historical Museum is hosting the History Bricks 2026 LEGO Contest, inviting community members to recreate historic Deschutes County landmarks using LEGO bricks. The event celebrates America’s 250th anniversary by bridging the past and present through creative artistic expression.

Submissions for the contest are due by July 3rd, 2026 and the recreated landmarks will be on display at the museum from July 4th through July 11th, 2026.

The contest challenges participants to research and recreate a historic landmark from Deschutes County, which can be either still standing or lost to history. The museum aims to provide a space for the community to gather, learn about their cultural heritage, and showcase original works in an exhibit.

Participants will explore and learn about the origins of local historic landmarks and the people and places behind them.

Submissions for the History Bricks 2026 contest must be entered at the Deschutes Historical Museum, located at 129 NW Idaho Avenue in Bend.

The public will have the opportunity to view the creations and cast their votes starting July 4th and continuing through July 11th, 2026.

The contest features two age categories: “Kids” for those 12 and under and “Big Kids” for individuals 13 to 100-plus years old. One winner in each category will be selected based on public voting.

Museum staff will also choose a special award for the most realistic creation. Prizes for winners include Old Mill gift certificates. Participants can find rules and links to historic resources on the event page at deschuteshistory.org.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s recent Lottery Revenue Bond sale successfully generated $140.1 million this month, providing crucial funding for statewide affordable housing, behavioral health facilities, food assistance, and emergency preparedness programs. The sale was facilitated through the Treasury’s Buy Oregon Bonds Program.

The $140.1 million in proceeds are designated for capital improvement projects that support the preservation of affordable housing, water and housing infrastructure development, and food assistance services production and warehouse facilities. The funds will also benefit the Central Oregon Ready, Responsive, Resilient program. The bonds were issued in two series, Series A as tax-exempt and Series B as federally taxable, offering flexibility to meet different financing needs and attract a broader range of investors.

Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner highlighted the impact of the bond sale on vital state initiatives. “These bonds will fund buildings and other capital needs for vital programs that will give more Oregonians a place to call home, help more people recover from substance use or mental health issues and get food to hungry families,” Steiner said. “I’m glad our financial strength enables us to issue these bonds at favorable rates, so more money goes toward programs.”

Oregon’s strong economic position, coupled with the Treasury’s careful management of state debt, has ensured the Oregon Lottery’s credit ratings remain steady and solid. This has resulted in favorable interest rates, even amid market fluctuations, saving the State of Oregon millions of dollars in interest costs over time. This also allows for greater flexibility with the management of state debt.

The Lottery Revenue Bond offering was the first of several planned sales by the Treasury. A general obligation bond sale totaling $685 million is scheduled for the week of June 1st, featuring Series A (Tax-Exempt), Series B (Taxable – Sustainability Bonds), and Series C (Tax-Exempt) offerings.

Additional bond offerings are planned for Spring 2026, including Mortgage Revenue Bonds from Oregon Housing & Community Services and Veterans’ Welfare GO Bonds. Summer 2026 will see further Oregon Revenue Bonds and more Mortgage Revenue Bonds from Oregon Housing & Community Services.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Oregon Business & Industry has announced the fourth annual ‘Coolest Thing Made in Oregon’ contest is open now through July.

State residents will have the opportunity to vote for the coolest product manufactured within Oregon. The nomination window for products is now open and will close on July 10th.

The contest will select 16 finalists from the nominated products, with these finalists to be announced in September. These selected products will then compete in a tournament-style bracket, where Oregonians will participate in four rounds of voting to determine a winner. The winning manufacturer will receive formal recognition and bragging rights for their product.

Manufacturing plays a significant role in Oregon’s economy. Nearly 180,000 Oregonians were employed in manufacturing businesses in 2025. The median manufacturing job pays roughly 17% more than positions in other economic sectors, according to a 2024 ECONorthwest study. Manufactured goods also contributed significantly to Oregon’s $28 billion in exports last year.

Products must be manufactured substantially within Oregon and must be legal for purchase in all 50 states to qualify for the contest. Anyone is eligible to nominate a product and manufacturers are encouraged to submit their own items.

Epic Aircraft’s E1000 GX was the winner in 2024 and Freres Engineered Wood’s Mass Ply Panels won in 2023.

The winner of the contest will be announced at OBI’s Vision Oregon Event on October 28th.

You can learn more about the contest and nominate products by clicking here.

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Kelsey Merison

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Crook County Fire and Rescue, outdoor debris pile burning closed on Saturday, May 9th. Summer burning regulations began the same day.

The agency says burn barrels and personal warming fires are still allowed after Saturday’s closure on designated Restricted Burn Days in accordance with the Crook County Outdoor Burn Regulations.  A copy of the regulations can be found on CCFR’s website, www.crookcountyfireandrescue.com.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening now, average gasoline prices in Oregon have risen 8.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $5.27 cents a gallon today, according to GasBuddy.

Prices in Oregon are 30.4 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.42 cents higher than a year ago.

The national average price of diesel has increased .2 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $5.623 cents per gallon.

More info from GasBuddy:

Historical gasoline prices in Oregon and the national average going back five years:May 11, 2025: $3.85/g (U.S. Average: $3.08/g)May 11, 2024: $4.40/g (U.S. Average: $3.61/g)May 11, 2023: $4.05/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g)May 11, 2022: $4.85/g (U.S. Average: $4.41/g)May 11, 2021: $3.33/g (U.S. Average: $3.00/g)

Neighboring areas and their current gas prices:Eugene- $5.29/g, up 14.4 cents per gallon from last week’s $5.14/g.Salem- $5.20/g, up 13.5 cents per gallon from last week’s $5.07/g.Portland- $5.36/g, up 8.6 cents per gallon from last week’s $5.27/g.

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Spencer Sacks

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to Division Chief Russell Deboodt, Crook County Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the 1900 Block of NW Industrial Park Road for a RV Fire. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading beyond the vehicle. Division Chief Deboodt tells KTVZ News that one person was staying in the vehicle, they were not injured by the fire. The cause of the fire was accidental, the likely result of a failure in a plug strip inside the RV.

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire has been reported near the Bright Wood Mill facility in Prineville.

KTVZ News has obtained video of the fire from viewer John Cooper, who says he could see the fire from miles away.

KTVZ News has reached out to Crook County Fire and Rescue for information regarding their response.

This is a developing story. Stay with the digital platforms of KTVZ News for urgent updates.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — ODOT crews are actively engaged in various road construction projects throughout Central Oregon, impacting traffic in Deschutes County, Sisters, Terrebonne and Redmond. Work includes sign footing installation, curb ramp construction, striping operations and multiple road closures, with specific schedules varying by location.

Crews are installing sign footings on Powell Butte Highway in Deschutes County. This work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no delays expected.

In Sisters, crews are working at corners on U.S. 20 between Locust and Pine Street and at West Barclay and West Rail Drive. Nightly work takes place Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Drivers should expect single-lane closures controlled by flaggers with occasional delays and nearby residents may experience nighttime construction noise.

No work is expected in Bend this week for U.S. 97 and U.S. 20 curb ramps.

Overnight work is planned for Tuesday night on U.S. 97 in Terrebonne, between Lower Bridge Way and Northwest 10th Street. Flaggers will guide traffic as crews complete striping on the north end of the project, with brief delays anticipated.

Smith Rock Way in Terrebonne is scheduled for an eight-week closure from U.S. 97 to 16th Street. Local traffic will retain access to homes and businesses via 16th Street. Additionally, the intersection of Smith Rock Way and 11th Street will be closed, requiring drivers to use a posted detour.

Lower Bridge Way at U.S. 97 is fully closed to traffic, with no access to or from U.S. 97; signed detours are in place, but U.S. 97 remains open in both directions.

Access to 11th Street on the north end of Terrebonne also remains closed, directing traffic to Central Avenue. Access to 11th Street on the south end of Terrebonne is limited to U.S. 97, Central Avenue and C Street.

In Redmond, night work is scheduled Sunday through Friday from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to minimize traffic impact for ADA ramp construction. Crews are building curb ramps at the intersections of Northeast King Way and Canal Boulevard, Northwest Quince Avenue and Canal Boulevard and at the Canal Street/U.S. 97 interchange. Nearby residents should expect construction noise during nighttime hours.

The Canal Street/U.S. 97 interchange ramps will close nightly, Sunday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., with signed detours. Minor delays are expected. Nighttime single-lane closures are also anticipated on U.S. 97 in both directions at Highland/Glacier and Evergreen Avenue, occurring from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., with minor highway delays expected.

No work is planned for Prineville this week.

All work is dependent on weather conditions and schedules are subject to change.

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Spencer Sacks

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Energy Trust of Oregon has partnered with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs over the last two years to complete more than 40 energy upgrade projects. These initiatives aim to address energy needs across the Warm Springs community, including improvements at High Lookee Lodge and the Warm Springs Fire and Safety Building.

The partnership has invested over $90,000 into the High Lookee Lodge and the Fire and Safety Building alone. Both buildings are projected to save $13,800 annually in energy costs as a result of the upgrades. Tribal land operates with distinct requirements compared to counties and cities, encompassing both energy efficiency and energy enterprise, where power is sold to surrounding communities.

Carina Miller, tribal government stakeholder relations for Energy Trust of Oregon, highlighted the particular nature of the community. Miller emphasized the necessity to anticipate higher energy needs and external factors that impact communities, especially those in rural Oregon.

“I mean, this is a reservation and so it’s a very unique community,” Miller said. “We need to be able to anticipate for higher energy needs and some of these things that are going to impact our communities regardless. But here in rural Oregon, on the reservations, there are different and unique needs that ETO is learning how to fill those gaps.”

The Warm Springs Fire and Safety Building serves a dual purpose, functioning as both a fire station and a medical clinic for community members seeking treatment. Before the upgrades, Fire Chief Scott Spaulding, with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, noted that the facility’s old lighting system resulted in dimly lit rooms, which contributed to anxiety for patients. Spaulding stated the new lighting significantly improved visibility for both staff and patients.

“So when the new lighting came in, it completely made it brighter. And the crews can see the patients better and the patient can see the crew better,” Spaulding said.

He added that the enhanced environment positively impacts patient care.

“They come in. I think that the the warmth, the feeling of the building helps out with patient care,” Spaulding said. “I think it’s all around better experience.”

The High Lookee Lodge, a 26-year-old facility, also saw substantial benefits from the energy improvements. Fay Hurtado, director of High Lookee Lodge, shared that the upgrades notably improved visibility for the elders. Hurtado explained that dim lighting can be challenging for those with impaired vision.

“The energy upgrade was awesome. The elders were able to see,” Hurtado said. She further commented, “It’s a lot better. Dim light is sometimes hard on some that, can’t see very well. So the upgrades brought a lot of light to our facility.”

This partnership marks an initial phase for both the Warm Springs community and Energy Trust of Oregon, as they hope to continue expanding services throughout the Tribe.

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