Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video)

BURNS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the old saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Oregon, just wait a minute and it will change.” In late March, the weather changed in the mountains just north of Burns, the snowpack started melting – fast!

Burns is a small community of 2,700 in the high desert of Harney County. On March 30th, the Burns levee on the swollen Silvies River failed, the community was hit by major flooding, affecting hundreds of homes on the north and east side of the community. The flooding was so severe, it could be seen from National Weather Service satellites in space.

The community response was immediate, and help came from far and wide. And the residents of Burns rallied and helped themselves.

The Burns Lions Club, through their member, District Governor Lion Pete Runnels, applied for an emergency grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation. The clock started at 5 p.m. on Monday with the submission of the grant. By 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the $15,000 grant was approved – and by Thursday, the money was in the bank, in only 94 hours.

That was great, but not enough for the Burns Lions, who promptly added $5,000 of their own charitable project fund. The Crooked River Ranch Lions heard about the disaster and sent $1,000. With some quick personal donations, including Parr Lumber staff and Lion Pete, the total dollars to help Burns residents came to just under $22,000.

Lion Pete Runnels connected with the Parr Lumber store in Burns and was met by Manager Jon Case, who was busy trying to get as much sheetrock, subfloor and insulation as could be trucked to Burns in short order. Jon and Burns Parr Lumber were already planning to let affected Burns residents have the product at near-cost.

After some brief number crunching, the sum of $350 per flood victim was settled upon.

When the water receded and Burns residents took the toll of the flood damage, they began flocking to the Parr Lumber store, where they were happy to get products at substantially reduced prices, along with a $350 gift from the Lions.

When everything was said and done, the Lions helped 69 Burns families begin their recovery from the Silvies River flood of 2025.

Lion Pete was quoted saying, “When the waters receded and folks faced the question of where do we start … this assistance was immediate and gave them a starting point and hope to begin the recovery process. There was no ‘red tape,’ so to speak.”

Jon Case replied, “We would do it again in a heartbeat. The appreciation shown from those affected wasmoving.”

As Burns families continue their recovery, the Burns Lions will be there to help. As always, the Burns Lions will make sure underserved community members will get the vision and hearing help they need and that all the K-8 students get quality vision screening, plus so much more.

The Burns Lions say: “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.” The Burns Lions can be reached through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BurnsLionClub/.

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Barney Lerten

(Update: La Pine-area burn proceeds, one near Sisters canceled)

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nearly 240 acres of prescribed burning were taking place Thursday on the Deschutes National Forest northeast of La Pine, putting up a smoke plume visible over a wide area.

Burns on Thor Units 11 and 12 were conducted on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District about four miles northeast of La Pine, along both sides of Paulina Lake Road, a mile west of Ogden Group Camp.

No road or trail closures were expected, but officials said smoke would be visible from La Pine, Sunriver Highway 97 and the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, due to unfavorable conditions, firefighters canceled the 158 acres of prescribed burning planned for Thursday about 3 1/2 west of Sisters, along the north side of Forest Service Road 1012 (Cold Springs Road), and west of Highway 20.

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when the weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities.

While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. 

—

Earlier story:

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes National Forest plans to conduct two prescribed burn operations Thursday totaling nearly 400 acres on the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters ranger districts, if conditions are favorable. 

Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct up to 236 acres of ignitions on the Thor Units 11 and 12 Prescribed Burn, located about four miles northeast of La Pine, directly along the north and south sides of Paulina Lake Road, one mile west of Ogden Group Camp.  

Ignitions are slated to begin around 10 a.m. A pilot car and flaggers will be in place along Paulina Lake Road during ignitions. No road or trail closures are anticipated. Smoke will be visible from La Pine, Sunriver, Highway 97, and the surrounding area.

Residents in La Pine and Newberry Estates are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. Smoke impacts are also possible across Highway 97 during ignitions, overnight and in the early morning hours. 

Meanwhile, also on Thursday, Sisters Ranger District firefighters plan to conduct up to 158 acres of ignitions on the Highway 20 Units 81 & 93 Prescribed Burn, located about three and a half miles west of Sisters, along the north side of Forest Service Road 1012 (Cold Springs Road), and west of Highway 20.  

Ignitions are slated to begin around 10:30 a.m. Smoke will be visible from Sisters, Highway 20, and the surrounding area. Residents in Sisters, Tollgate subdivision, Black Butte Ranch and the surrounding area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts.

Smoke impacts are most likely overnight and in the early morning hours. Smoke impacts are also possible across Highway 20 during ignitions, overnight and in the early morning hours. A pilot car operation will be available if needed. No road or trail closures are anticipated. 

Firefighters implement understory prescribed burning to reduce wildfire risk to communities. Prescribed burning reintroduces and maintains fire within our fire-dependent ecosystem by removing concentrations of vegetation and restoring forest health while increasing public and firefighter safety. 

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.  

What does this mean for you? 

During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.  

All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts. 

If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner. 

If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible. 

When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating. 

If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional. 

Go to centraloregonfire.org to learn more about smoke safety and prescribed burning in Central Oregon and visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources. 

For more information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, visit centraloregonfire.org/ and for information specific to the Deschutes National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes. Follow us on X/Twitter @CentralORFire. Text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend announced Wednesday it will soon be requesting applications for the development of affordable housing, pending Bend City Council approval on Wednesday, June 4.

The total amount of funding available is $5.7 million, and this competitive offering is a combination of three funding sources: $4 million in Pathways to Remove Obstacles (PRO) to Housing Funds, $1.5 million in Affordable Housing Funds (AHF), and $200,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG).

The PRO Housing Fund is intended to be offered in competitive application cycles, along with the annual Community Development Block Grant and Affordable Housing Fund offerings. Applicants may choose to apply for any or all the funding sources, greatly amplifying the amount of funding available for affordable housing development.

Funds will be targeted to developments with a high feasibility of success, low risk and near-term deadlines, who, without additional funding, will be unable to proceed in the near term. 

By offering the PRO Housing Fund to developers as loans with favorable terms, as opposed to grants, repayments of loans are refunneled into future application cycles, resulting in a long-term impact on the community’s housing and community development needs.

Both nonprofit and for-profit affordable housing developers are encouraged to register for a virtual pre-application training on Wednesday, May 28. A recording of the training and the training slide deck will be available on the City’s website in the Request for Proposals (RFP) section on May 29.

Technical questions should be directed to housing@bendoregon.gov and please include “2025 Funding Application” in the subject line. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers will be posted at theCity’s websitein the Developer Resources section. The FAQ period closes on June 19, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. 

Pending Bend City Council approval on June 4, applicants may access the application starting on Thursday June 5. All applications must be submitted before 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25.

Please see this graphic for a schedule of the funding allocation process.

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Kade Linville

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – On Tuesday afternoon, just after 5 p.m., Bend Police responded to multiple calls about an indecent exposure incident at the Box Factory in Bend.

The initial call reported a man exposing himself and soliciting people at the corner of Colorado Ave. and Staats Street.

Officers arrived in the area where the exposure was initially reported. The investigation turned into a foot chase, with officers apprehending and arresting the individual reported.

A KTVZ News team was on location when officers took the individual into custody. Onlookers told KTVZ News that they were impressed by the speed and efficiency of the Bend Police officers.

The suspect was transported to the Deschutes County jail on suspicion of public indecency and second-degree disorderly conduct.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: Adding video, Jillian Fortner has a report on KTVZ News at 6:00 p.m.)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Every Friday, Jericho Road’s Weekend Food Program sends out food bags to students across the Redmond School District. 

Last year, over 2,000 bags were sent out. 

“Each one of those bags averages two to three meals. So that’s 6,000 meals that went out through the volunteer efforts of this program,” said Don Senecal from Jericho Road of Redmond. 

The program recently received a $7,000 grant from the Healy Foundation. 

“This award is extremely appreciated,” said Eleanor Bessonette, program director of the Weekend Food for Students.

Jericho Road says the funding comes at a critical time. 

“The demand for assistance is still there, but the cost is going up,” Senecal said. 

Recent reductions in support to the Oregon Food Bank and the NeighborImpact Food Warehouse by the Department of Agriculture have resulted in fewer supplies being available.

In April, KTVZ spoke with NeighborImpact, which reported a 17% decrease in food supplies, over half a million pounds lost.

Carly Auten, Food Program Director for NeighborImpact, said, “We’re looking at less food, less variety, and we’re looking at potentially having to put more limits on food. It’s very disheartening for those us who work in food banking.”

Students in the Weekend Food Program are selected through a screening process.

Some already rely on SNAP benefits, but that safety net may also be at risk.

House Republicans have proposed close to $1 trillion in cuts to programs such as Medicaid and SNAP as part of a larger effort to reduce federal spending.

Oregon U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum warns that if the legislation passes, millions of Americans could lose access to essential support.

Bynum said, “80,000 Oregonians will be at risk of losing access to food they put on the table thanks to SNAP. Now, I know from my own town halls and that my constituents are not okay with this, and I think they shouldn’t be.”

For more information about how to help the Weekend Food Program, visit the website for Jericho Road of Redmond or call 541-633-0854.

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Harley Coldiron

LAKE COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Dog hoarding is growing in rural areas of Southern Oregon’s Lake County, as 14 dogs were seized just this month, and 100 more are likely on the way.

The concerning issue has caught the attention of several Central Oregonians, who have stepped in to help.

“Oh, my God! It – it just – it just broke my heart.”

When Elena Chadwick saw images of starving dogs in a rural area of Southern Oregon, she felt more than just sadness. She felt a call to action.

“She sent me pictures, and of course I started crying.”

Chadwick, who works with the Sunriver Veterinary Clinic, drove hundreds of miles to help round up the 14 dogs and get them the care they need.

She connected with Kathy and Becky, a mother-daughter duo who help run the Humane Society of North Lake County. “This last guy was a veteran and he was actually feeding his food to the dogs,” Kathy said, adding that the trailer he lived in was “just kind of a shack – no water, no power, no sanitation.”

With help from the local sheriff’s office, they seized the dogs and brought five of them to Central Oregon for adoption.

Needing close care in a warm home, one of the pups is already off the market.

“She was very skittish. We had to use a catch pole to get her. I can still see her ribs and her spine sticking out quite clearly,” Chadwick says as she pets her new puppy.

“Right now, her name is Snickers Fun Size Candy Bar,” she says with a smile. “And we’re hoping we get a little meat on those bones – and we can upgrade her to Snickers Full Size Candy Bar!”

While Snickers has her forever home, four of her family members are still up for adoption, with many shelters already at capacity. Jeannette Moore, who owns the newly opened Sunrover Dog Daycare, stepped in to help.

Though these pups are on their way to a better life, the issue of dog hoarding in rural Oregon is not going away, according to Kathy and Becky, “We have five situations involving 100 dogs out here right now. A lot of animals get dumped out here. We’re finding even more and more, with the economy.”

Though there’s a long road ahead, they’re happy for the help from the High Desert: “It’s overwhelming. It’s so it’s amazing. It’s totally awesome. It, I just can’t, I can’t even – it makes me happy!”

If you are interested in adopting any of these puppies, contact the Sunrover Dog Daycare in Sunriver.

If you aren’t able to adopt, here are some other ways to help:

Donate directly to the Humane Society of North Lake County, whether it’s food, supplies or cash.

Donate to Sunriver Veterinary Clinic‘s Angel Fund

Donate food, water and supplies to Sunrover Dog Daycare

The Humane Society of Central Oregon often works with North Lake County. Here are ways to support them as well.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — St. Charles Health System’s Trauma Program will honor and recognize former trauma patients on Wednesday, May 21 at St. Charles Bend.

The event will include a visit from therapy dogs, a free barbecue lunch and the chance to connect with St. Charles caregivers, first responders and fellow medical trauma survivors.

“Every year, this is an incredible event for our former patients and caregivers. It’s a chance to connect with one another in a meaningful and healing way,” said Jeremy Buller, Trauma Program Coordinator.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the St. Charles Bend Conference Rooms A and B and the outside patio, weather permitting.

St. Charles Trauma and Emergency Services cared for more than 2,500 traumatically injured patients in 2024 – up about 200 patients over the previous year. Falls are the most common injury, followed by motor vehicle crashes, ATV/snowmobile/dirt bike crashes, motorcycle crashes and bike crashes.

Buller said that summer is referred to as trauma season by medical professionals because of an increase in these types of injuries.

“We are always here and ready to help, but we would also love to help our community members prevent a visit to the Emergency Department,” said Buller. “Have fun this summer, but please wear a helmet, don’t mix intoxicants with moving vehicles, don’t text and drive and talk to your primary care doctor about fall prevention.”

About St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates hospital campuses in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond along with primary and specialty care clinics throughout the Central Oregon region. St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,900 caregivers. We proudly partner with our local medical community to provide a wide variety of health services. 

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — MountainStar Family Relief Nursery recently received a $25,000 gift from First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation as part of their fourth annual Believe in Local grant campaign

In Oregon, the threshold for “high stress” is set at six stressors, yet families seeking help from MountainStar face an average of 16. During times of heightened stress, the risk of child abuse significantly increases.

Factors such as poverty, food insecurity, underemployment, mental health challenges, and housing insecurity create an environment that can lead to abuse.

MountainStar’s dedicated team has a proven track record of breaking this cycle. Through their comprehensive support system, they empower families and children to overcome these challenges, preventing abuse and neglect, and fostering a healthier, safer community.

“We are very grateful for this grant,” expressed Kara Tachikawa, Executive Director at MountainStar Family Relief Nursery. “Our vision to support parents in nurturing their children’s emotional, physical, and intellectual development in a safe environment can only come true with donations like this.”

Lynn Spinoglio, Commercial Relationship Manager in Bend, nominated MountainStar Family Relief Nursery for the donation. “Our Believe in Local grant campaign embodies the Bank’s core values in action, celebrating nonprofit organizations like MountainStar that make a significant, positive impact in our community,” she explained. “I am excited for MountainStar to receive this special grant award, helping make Bend a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

First Interstate Bank launched the Believe in Local campaign in 2022 to celebrate the Bank’s longstanding commitment to the communities it serves. Each year, 40 nonprofit organizations across the Bank’s 14-state footprint receive a $25,000 gift in support of their mission. MountainStar Family Relief Nursery was nominated by local First Interstate employees and selected from a pool of over 615 submissions thanks to its alignment with the Bank’s philanthropic goals.

In addition to campaigns like Believe in Local, First Interstate makes annual donations and grants totaling approximately 2% of its pre-tax earnings to local communities. These funds aid in the improvement of workforce development, boost early childhood education, and help mitigate poverty.

For more information on First Interstate Bank’s philanthropic efforts, please visit our website.

About MountainStar Family Relief Nursery

MountainStar Family Relief Nursery’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect through community support and therapeutic services that help vulnerable children and families succeed. To learn more, please visit www.mtstar.org. 

About First Interstate Bank

First Interstate is a community bank headquartered in Billings, Montana, delivering best-in-class banking and Wealth Management services across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. With more than 300 offices, First Interstate enhances the communities it serves through an innovative corporate philanthropy program, which includes donating a portion of Company profits, matching employees’ personal financial contributions, and donating $10 per hour for volunteer efforts made at qualifying organizations. To learn more, please visit www.firstinterstate.com.

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Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Memorial Day weekend, the Madras Police Department will be conducting High-Visibility Enforcement patrols, with a targeted focus on speeding violations and Move Over Law compliance.

With holiday traffic expected to increase and more pedestrians, cyclists, and road workers present on the roads, officers will be out in force to help reduce dangerous driving behaviors and prevent fatal crashes.

Speeding Still One of the Deadliest Traffic Offenses

Speeding remains a leading cause of death on American roadways. In 2023, speeding was a factor in 11,775 fatalities nationwide, making up 29% of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Speeding puts everyone at risk—especially during busy travel weekends like Memorial Day,” said Madras Police Chief Tim Plummer “We’re reminding drivers to slow down, buckle up, and stay alert.”

Data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also shows that pedestrian risk increases dramatically with speed:

A pedestrian struck at 23 mph has a 10% chance of death.

At 42 mph, the risk jumps to 50%.

At 58 mph, the risk becomes 90%.

Move Over Law: Protecting Everyone on the Shoulder

Madras PD is also emphasizing compliance with Oregon’s Move Over Law (ORS 811.147). Drivers must move over or slow down when passing any vehicle stopped with hazard lights, not just police or emergency vehicles. This includes:

Tow trucks

Utility service vehicles

Roadside workers

Civilians with a disabled vehicle and hazards flashing

Drivers must:

Change lanes if safe to do so; or

Reduce speed by at least 5 mph below the posted limit and pass with caution.

Failure to comply can result in a Class B traffic violation and a fine—but more importantly, it can cost someone their life.

Increased Patrols. Increased Accountability.

The Madras Police Department will have extra officers on duty over Memorial Day weekend to enforce speed limits, impaired driving laws, seatbelt use, and Move Over Law violations.

“We’re not just writing tickets — we’re saving lives,” said Chief Plummer. “Let’s work together to make sure this holiday weekend is safe for everyone.”

REMEMBER:Slow Down. Move Over. Drive Sober. Buckle Up.

Sources:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2023 Traffic Safety Facts

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS 811.147)

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John Carroll

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ Chief Meteorologist John Carroll traveled to Prineville on Tuesday to speak with a very polite and inquisitive group of first-grade students.

During his visit, John read from his book “The Adventures of Robbie the Raindrop” about the water cycle.

The kiddos were curious about recycling and the water cycle, as well as tornadoes and dust devils. They asked a lot of great questions and even helped forecast the weather by becoming “weather detectives” for the day.

Special thanks to first-grade teacher Kayley Woosley for setting up the visit.

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