Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Local organizations in Bend can now apply for funding to help make a positive impact on the environment.

The City of Bend’s Climate Action Partner grant program provides funding for projects that support the city’s community climate action plan.

The deadline to apply is September 8th, 2026.

To learn more about the program and how to apply, click here.

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Kelsey Merison

(Update: added information about Sister-Camp Sherman’s Fire Corps’ Car Seat Safety Program)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is joining law enforcement agencies across Central Oregon for a child passenger safety enforcement blitz through Sept. 6.

Deputies will be watching for children who are unbuckled or improperly restrained. Sheriff Ty Rupert says the effort is focused on education and awareness, rather than issuing citations.

In 2024, 103 people died in Oregon crashes involving a lack of seat belt use or a child who was not properly secured. Nearly 2,000 children were injured in crashes statewide that year, and 12% were unrestrained.

Oregon law requires children to ride rear-facing until at least age 2. Children must then use a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet, 9 inches tall, whichever comes first.

Parents and caregivers in the Sisters area can also get free help checking or installing their child’s safety seat. Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Corps offers free child car-seat inspections and installation assistance by appointment through its Car Seat Safety Program.

A certified National Child Passenger Safety Technician can help ensure a car seat is installed correctly and appropriate for the child’s age, size and development. The service is available for families installing a seat for the first time, transferring it to another vehicle, moving a child into a new seat or seeking a routine installation check.

Appointments can be scheduled through the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Corps Car Seat Safety Program.

The department says the safety blitz and available inspection services offer parents a reminder to take a few minutes to ensure young passengers are properly secured.

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Kelsey Merison

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, evacuation levels are continuing to be reduced around the Rowe Creek Complex thanks to the ongoing work of fire crews.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Office says there are now no Level 3 – Go Now or Level 2 – Be Set evacuation notifications remaining for the fire. A Level 1 – Be Ready notification is still in effect for areas east of Mill Creek Road to Highway 26 and Ochoco Ranger Station Road.

Fire crews continue to actively work in the area, and residents are urged to stay alert and be prepared for changing conditions.

The sheriff’s office is also thanking fire crews and the community for their continued efforts and support throughout the month-long response.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Fire restrictions remain in effect on all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington as the Pacific Northwest faces a record-setting wildfire season.

More than 2.5 million acres have already burned across the Northwest.

BLM officials are urging hikers, hunters, and other recreators to use extreme caution and follow all fire restrictions and closures.

Officials say anyone heading to public lands should check local restrictions before they go.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — An accidental house fire caused an estimated $315,000 in damage in Northwest Bend this morning before firefighters quickly contained the blaze, officials said.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched just before 9 a.m. to a reported structure fire in the 1200 block of NW Fresno Avenue.

Firefighters arrived on the scene within four minutes of the initial 911 call and quickly knocked down the flames. Crews observed severe damage to at least one window of the residence during containment efforts.

No injuries were reported, and officials confirmed no one was inside the home at the time of the fire.

Traffic on nearby NW 13th Street was temporarily closed to allow emergency personnel and apparatus to conduct operations safely.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire was accidental. The estimated total loss to the structure and its contents is $315,449.

Department officials credited vigilant community members for spotting smoke and dialing 911 immediately, noting the swift reporting allowed crews to arrive without delay and significantly reduced potential property damage.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Ruffwear, a dog clothing company based in Bend, donated approximately $15,000 in cash and gear to the Humane Society of Central Oregon in recognition of International Dog Day. The holiday is observed to celebrate dogs and encourage pet adoption.

In addition to the financial and product donation, Ruffwear employees spent the day volunteering at the shelter. Staff members walked dogs, assisted with cleaning and created gift bags for both dogs and cats.

The donated items included a combination of new, used and returned Ruffwear products.

Robb Little, president of Ruffwear, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting animals. “We believe that every dog is an adventure and we love to support the dogs wherever they are, however they show up in the world. So this is just one opportunity for us to support dogs and and their future homes,” Little said.

Ruffwear aimed to encourage others to volunteer at and donate to the shelter, as a way to show care for animals.

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Spencer Sacks

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond City Council has passed a total ban on the use and sale of fireworks following a second reading. The council voted 5-1 in favor of the measure.

The city considered the ban this month following a public hearing where several residents raised complaints. First responders reported to the council that emergency resources were stretched thin on July 4 after responding to multiple fires, some of which were linked to fireworks.

The second reading served as a formality because the ban had already technically passed. Under the ordinance, using any type of firework is illegal in Redmond, even on the Fourth of July. The measure also prohibits the sale of fireworks, affecting local small clubs and charities that rely on fireworks sales for revenue.

Mayor Ed Fitch supported the ban after emergency personnel reported being overwhelmed during the holiday. “I love fireworks. I enjoyed it with the kids. I enjoyed it growing up,” Fitch said. “But we. The fire risk is too much.”

Councilor Jay Patrick cast the single vote against the ban. “I feel it’s unfairly penalizing those who who want to do right and are trying to do right and are just having fun with their kids on on a national holiday,” Patrick said.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — More than 1,900 Oregon households have received long-term rental assistance since July of last year through a program run by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

The program helps people stay housed after exiting homelessness.

More than 500 people in rural Oregon have received help since the program expanded to those communities. That includes people in Curry, Benton, Clatsop and several Eastern Oregon counties.

The assistance can help with rent, utilities, and supportive services.

Officials say the goal is to give people the stability they need to remain housed — especially in rural areas where housing and services can be limited.

OHCS says more than 3,000 Oregonians have received long-term rental assistance since July 2025.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon’s latest revenue and economic forecast is holding steady overall, but some numbers are raising concerns about the state’s economy.

The forecast shows corporate income tax and corporate activities tax revenue projections dropping by a combined $187 million.

House Republican Leader Lucetta Elmer of McMinnville says the numbers are a warning sign for Oregon.

The forecast also comes as Oregon continues to see losses in manufacturing jobs.

According to the figures cited by Elmer, Oregon has lost about one in ten manufacturing jobs since 2023 — with losses continuing for 14 straight quarters.

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Kelsey Merison

OREGON (KTVZ) — Happening next, AAA is expecting a busy, and more expensive, labor day weekend for travelers.

AAA booking data shows Alaska cruises, national parks, Central Oregon, and the Oregon coast are among the top destinations for Oregonians.

Many travel expenses are up compared to last year, including domestic flights, hotels, cruises and gas–but rental cars and international flights are costing less.

AAA also says drivers should be prepared for roadside issues.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 404,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide during the holiday travel period — including more than 4,300 in Oregon.

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