Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The La Pine Community Kitchen says it’s seeing a increase in visitors, but donations aren’t keeping pace.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping the community by offering not only food, but also clothing and hygiene essentials to those in need.

Staff report more people are walking through their doors seeking meals, yet food and monetary contributions have dropped.

That combination has left pantry shelves nearly empty.

The nonprofit is now asking the community for help. They’re requesting perishable food donations or monetary contributions so they can restock supplies and continue serving local families in need.

Click here to follow the original article.

KTVZ

(Adding video from Monday’s broadcast)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Do you have what it takes to represent the western way of life, lead with poise and grit, and carry the rodeo tradition into the next generation? The Sisters Rodeo Association is now accepting applications for its 2026 Rodeo Queen Contest.

They invite young women from across the state of Oregon to step into the arena who are between the ages of 18-25.

This annual tradition is more than a crown; it’s a life-changing opportunity to serve as a rodeo ambassador, gain leadership and public speaking experience, and make lasting connections in the rodeo community.

The contest will be held on September 7th at the Sisters Rodeo grounds. Applications are due by Thursday, September 4th, 2025.

“We’re looking for candidates who love rodeo, are passionate about representing our sport and community, and want to grow as leaders,” said Aly Fazz, Queen Advisor. “Our queen becomes the face of our rodeo and travels to events across Oregon; it’s a year of incredible memories and impact.”

Visit https://sistersrodeo.com/queen-tryouts/ for full contest rules, application packet, and important dates.

For press inquiries or to schedule an interview with the event organizer, contact Aly Fazz at afazz@sistersrodeo.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: adding video)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Chevy Fire sparked just after 12:30 Saturday afternoon on vacant land off Highway 97 in Madras. Officials say a mini excavator working in dry grass and shrubs ignited the flames.

KTVZ was there and spoke with Ludie Bond, public information officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Service, about the fire and subsequent response.

“All the resources had responded with a lot of equipment and we got this thing fully contained within about 30 minutes,” said Bond.

The fire was about a quarter of an acre when it was reported, then quickly grew to two acres within an hour — threatening homes, and the large Chevy dealership it bordered. Crews were able to stop the flames before any structures were damaged. 

“It was critical to get the forward progression stopped as soon as possible. We were in the process of ordering air resources, but the ground resources that responded got it contained very quickly,” said Bond.

After the initial attack and containment phases, firefighters began “mop up” operations — dousing hotspots to keep the flames from reigniting in the dry, windy conditions.

“They are searching out the hotspots that are still remaining out there, digging them up, putting water down to make sure that they are extinguishing all the areas that are hot and smoking. But we’re putting water down and there’s low humidity, so this water can dry up very quickly. Crews will continue to come, put eyes on this fire, continue mop up, continue monitoring for a while,” said Bond.

About 85% of wildfires in the U.S. are human-caused — mostly by accident — making awareness and preparation critical during peak fire season.

To best protect yourself, your property, and others, be sure to stay informed by signing up for local alerts. Know where your fire extinguishers, water sources, and shovels are in case you need to access them quickly. Keeping your phone on you to call 911 or receive evacuation notices is also crucial. 

During fire season, even simple activities such as mowing your lawn or hauling your boat come with risk. 

“This was an accidental fire that happened. And it just goes to show you how quickly just one spark can spread and threaten local homes and businesses. Get out, recreate, enjoy this beautiful weather, enjoy the natural areas of Central Oregon, but be careful. You’re pulling your boat down to have a good time for the weekend, make sure your chains have chain guards on them. Simple things like that can make a big difference,” said Bond.

The area was issued a short-lived level 3 evacuation notice, but returned to normal status before 5pm on Saturday.

The quick response by officials stopped the further spread of the Chevy Fire, but it’s a good reminder for Central Oregonians to stay aware and prepared as fire season is still ongoing. 

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A quickly spreading grass fire ignited by construction equipment was stopped just short of nearby homes Saturday afternoon, thanks to a fast and coordinated response from Jefferson County Fire & EMS and partnering agencies.

Crews were dispatched at 12:37 p.m. to a reported wildfire near 2000 SW Highway 97. Upon arrival, firefighters found approximately one-quarter acre of grass and shrubs burning on vacant land near an active construction site. According to Jefferson County Fire & EMS, a mini excavator in use at the site sparked the fire, which began running toward homes on the southeast side of the fire area.

Emergency personnel, including five wildland units, one engine, one tender, and support crews, worked quickly alongside the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) to stop the fire’s forward progress. A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notice was issued briefly but was quickly downgraded after containment was achieved.

Fire Chief Jeff Blake praised the swift actions of responders. “We were lucky everyone was available in station and not working other calls for service when this fire came in,” Blake said. “The quick response from our on-duty staff and students saved a lot more damage from happening. Our volunteers played a key role in staffing additional resources.”

UPDATE: The evacuation level has been downgraded to a LEVEL 1.

Firefighters are making progress on containing and extinguishing the fire.

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters are rushing to the scene of a new wildfire in Jefferson County, just south of Madras.

The Chevy Fire is currently burning along U.S. 97.

Level 3 – “GO NOW” – Evacuations are in place.

Click here to follow the original article.

Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since 2015, NBC Universal’s nationwide pet adoption initiative, Clear The Shelters, has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find their forever family. Animal shelters across Central Oregon are joining in with hopes of emptying their kennels. KTVZ News will be featuring shelters in the region throughout August to highlight the local impact.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is partaking in Clear The Shelters this month — a campaign focused on finding every animal a home. Lynne Ouchida, director of community partnerships at HSCO, spoke to KTVZ about the shelter’s participation.

“The Humane Society of Central Oregon is always excited to be a part of the Clear the Shelters. We have emptied our kennels one year, so we’re really depending on the community to help us do that,” said Ouchida.

In recent months, the Humane Society of Central Oregon has struggled with capacity. After a large number of recent intakes, especially of dogs, the need for homes is even more urgent.

“This summer has been really tough on us. We have been at capacity. And currently we are beyond capacity. Every dog that you adopt opens up a kennel space so that we can respond to another animal in need,” said Ouchida.

HSCO is hopeful the Clear The Shelters event will help motivate people to add a furry friend to their family — not only giving a pet a loving home, but also freeing up shelter space for new intakes. 

Adoption promotions are running all month long, ranging from discounted adoption rates, to baskets of goodies, and more. You can find more information about the promotions on HSCO’s website. 

“We hope to have adoption promotions throughout the month of August, so you never know who you might want to fall in love with. The Humane Society of Central Oregon loves to make it a very fun and memorable process to adding that new furry family member,” said Ouchida.

If you can’t adopt, there are still ways you can support the mission. Fosters are critical when the shelter has reached capacity. Donations are also greatly appreciated, as is the community’s help in simply spreading the word. 

“One way that people can help right now is to donate some dog treats. If you can adopt, even better. And if you can foster, that really helps us out. But we depend on our community to help us get through these bumps,” said Ouchida.

Clear The Shelters will run through the month of August. The Humane Society of Central Oregon hopes the national push and strong local support will help every pet find its fur-ever home.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County is in the process of updating its 20-year Transportation System Plan (TSP), a critical roadmap that will guide future transportation investments across the county.

As part of this effort, the County said Friday it is hosting a Juniper Canyon Community Meeting to present the preferred access alternative from the TSP study and broader plans for general wildfire safety. Following the presentations, there will be an open Q&A session, so residents can get any questions they have answered.

Here’s the rest of Friday’s announcement

This interactive event will include presentations from county staff and partner agencies, including Crook County Fire and Rescue District, OSU Extension College of Forestry, the Bureau of Land Management and more, covering topics ranging from transportation planning and wildfire resilience to juniper management and ecology.

Community members will have an opportunity to learn about the preferred route identified through the Juniper Canyon Alternative Access study, review updated cost and funding options, and weigh in on project priorities.

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Crook County Fairgrounds – Carey Foster Hall

Address: 590 SE Lynn Blvd, Prineville, OR 97754

The Transportation System Plan update addresses key county-wide issues such as road safety, congestion, and access. This community meeting will have a specific focus on the growing Juniper Canyon area. The community’s input is essential to ensure that the final plan reflects the needs and priorities of Crook County residents.

“I’m new to this role, so it was important to witness firsthand at the last Juniper Canyon meeting how urgent and critical it is for the County to find an appropriate alternative access route and address wildfire safety for the residents of the area,” said John Eisler, Community Development Director.

“Especially given the recent Highland Fire, I am eager to present the progress we’ve made and discuss how we can address their concerns. We look forward to a strong turnout and hope that attendees leave feeling optimistic about the future.”

This is a pivotal moment for shaping the future of Juniper Canyon’s infrastructure and wildfire resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to be informed and involved.

For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at 541-447-3211 or visit https://co.crook.or.us/commdev/webform/cc-tsp-update.

Here’s the full April proposal with access options:

CrookCountyTSP_JuniperCanyonPresentationDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Galveston Avenue corridor on Bend’s westside has blown up with businesses and visitors. Now, major upgrades to two buildings are sparking more debate on issues relating to traffic, parking and street safety.

The Problem Solvers have previously reported on parking issues in the area, which have led to missed mail deliveries, and neighbors to put up dozens of illegal signs to prevent people from parking in front of their mailboxes.

In recent weeks, the debate over growth has heated up after a local family company bought the building that houses Boss Rambler, which they plan to turn into a two-story building with three restaurants and office space on top.

Side by side of the current Boss Rambler building (left), and a rendering of the upgrades (right).

The company, RSM Investments, also bought the Bakery Building on Galveston and plans to improve the interior and exterior. The construction will also include adding a new restaurant space in the back of Bosa, which includes a covered year-round patio.

Rendering of the new restaurant space in the back of Bosa, which includes a year-round covered patio.

Rendering of the interior of the new restaurant space in the back of Bosa on Columbia Street.

The Problem Solvers spoke to Ty, who grew up blocks away and now works at Blue Eyed Burgers and Fries, located at the Boss Rambler building. He says while it’s been growing for over a decade, it has become really busy since COVID: “There’s constant traffic. It’s a bustling street, and it never really used to be like that.”  

Piper, who works in the corridor and was also raised in Bend, echoed the same sentiment: “Galveston has become the spot to go to. I mean, being in high school a few years ago, kids would come to Taco Salsa at night.”

McKenna Mikesell with RSM Investments said they wanted to upgrade the buildings to better benefit the community: “We wanted to design something that we want to go to. We are local. We live here. We’ve been here for a while, and we want something fun and exciting.”

But to make the project work, the 16 current parking spaces had to go. While many like Piper can’t wait for the new businesses, saying, “Growth is super important, especially for Bend, because it just keeps getting better and better.”

The Problem Solvers also talked to a neighbor, Gail Ngo, who says she and many others are up in arms: “The big concern is parking, because I live right around the corner. I live on the same block, and as it is, there’s never any parking.”

The owner of RSM Investments told the Problem Solvers there’s a reason they had to remove the parking.

“The only way to pay what we paid for the building is to demo it and to take advantage of the entire lot and build one larger building,” Rick Mikesell said in an interview at their downtown Bend office.

It’s exactly why the Oregon Legislature passed the state law forbidding minimum parking requirements for certain developments. But some neighbors like Gail say it’s a slap in the face: “I don’t think that it’s being respectful of the city, and the neighborhood needs of the residents to do such a thing.”

But Rick and McKenna of RSM Investments say they’re committed to a solution, already working with the city and neighbors.

“There are lots of alternate ways of transportation, and Bend is moving towards that. And hopefully we can enhance that with some sort of trolley system or bus routes,” Rick told the Problem Solvers.  

One thing the City of Bend wants to do is make it safer for people walking, biking and rolling on the corridor. It’s a long-standing issue that’s only been exacerbated with the increased traffic. Along with new pavement, the bike lanes will also be made bigger, with painted buffers helping create more space between people riding and driving.

The city also plans to put in more street lighting and a raised crosswalk on 12th Street to help people cross the road. The Problem Solvers observed many close calls between drivers and pedestrians while preparing this report.

Pedestrians and bikers said crossing Galveston is often scary, and creates close calls with drivers.

Many people we spoke with say the street infrastructure upgrades are long overdue. “I would get on a bike ,if it were that much more bike-friendly,” Ty said in an interview.

But others like Gail are skeptical that it’s a solution to the parking problem: “You know, they’re imagining that people are going to bike, they’re going to carpool, they’re going to commute. But the bottom line is we don’t have a good infrastructure for that here in the city.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — While reporting on the growth and gridlock on Bend’s Galveston Avenue corridor, the Problem Solvers learned from the owners of the Bakery Building that major upgrades are planned, including adding a third restaurant space, which includes a back patio. The historic building currently houses Sunriver Brewing and Bosa.

The local family company that owns the building, RSM Investments, says they plan to knock down the duplexes on the back side of the building. The owners plan to create a more inviting back patio for the space that hosts Sunriver Brewing, which will be able to be utilized year-round.

Exterior rendering of the back patio space that currently houses Sunriver Brewing.

Interior renderings of the upgrades to one restaurant space at the Bakery Building, which currently hosts Sunriver Brewing. (Courtesy of RSM Investments)

Next door in the Bakery Building, the space that hosts Bosa will also see a refresh of the inside, along with new private restrooms.

The duplexes in the back of Bosa will be knocked down and turned into a new restaurant space on Columbia Street. You can see from the rendering below that they plan to build a covered terrace that can be used year-round.

Rendering of the new restaurant space in the back of Bosa, which includes a year-round covered patio.

Rendering of the interior of the new restaurant space in the back of Bosa on Columbia Street.

The owner, Rick Mikesell, tells the Problem Solvers that, unfortunately, Sunriver Brewing will be moving out at the end of the year, due to construction. However, the plan is to work with Bosa to keep them as tenants, as they undergo construction for the private bathrooms. Office space is also planned for the second story.

The Galveston corridor has been at the center of several exclusive Problem Solver reports. The growing neighborhood has seen major parking problems, which have led to missed mail deliveries and prompted neighbors to put up dozens of illegal signs, saying people can’t park outside their neighborhood.

While many people who live and work nearby support the growth and changes, many other neighbors are up in arms, especially when it comes to parking.

Click here to follow the original article.

Harley Coldiron

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Prineville Police are asking for the public’s help in an early–morning break-in and theft from several vendors at the Crook County Fair.

Police say a security guard reported that two people had broken into a vendor’s booth at 3:35 AM Friday.

Sergeant Daniel Pelayo told KTVZ News that several other vendors reported later in the morning that they were also broken into, and had items taken from them.

The Prineville Review, which first broke the news, reported that a security guard injured himself while engaging in a foot pursuit of the suspects. The security guard’s boss said the employee is feeling better today.

Amanda was one of the vendors who was broken into and told the Prineville Review, “I’m just really frustrated…but what’s really frustrating to me is that my kids, who are 10 and 7, they saved their own money into starting their business, and they had $50 worth of products stolen.”

Crook County Sheriff John Gautney told the Prineville Review that they plan to increase foot patrols at the fairgrounds.

Prineville Police are working to get video of the suspects, and could not provide identifying characteristics. Fair organizers have not yet issued a statement.

The news rocked residents and vendors, who took to social media to share their frustration, but also to offer support to the vendors who were victimized. The historic Crook County Fair brings immense pride to the small town, which is known for its Western values and cowboy way of life.

Police are asking for the public’s help with any related information. If you know anything, you’re asked to call the Prineville Police Department at 541-447-4168,and ask for Officer Mitch Merrit.

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Do you have what it takes to represent the western way of life, lead with poise and grit, and carry the rodeo tradition into the next generation?

The Sisters Rodeo Association is now accepting applications for its 2026 Rodeo Queen Contest and invites young women from across the state of Oregon to step into the arena who are between the ages of 18-25.

This annual tradition is more than a crown; it’s a life-changing opportunity to serve as a rodeo ambassador, gain leadership and public speaking experience, and make lasting connections in the rodeo community.

The contest will be held on Sunday, September 7th at the Sisters Rodeo grounds. Applications are due by Thursday, September 4th, 2025.

—

Contest Highlights:

· Horsemanship competition

· Speech and Personal Interviews

· Community engagement and ambassador duties throughout the year

“We’re looking for candidates who love rodeo, are passionate about representing our sport and community, and want to grow as leaders,” said Aly Fazz, Queen Advisor. “Our queen becomes the face of our rodeo and travels to events across Oregon; it’s a year of incredible memories and impact.”

—

Who Can Apply:

· Oregon residents ages 18-25

· Riders with access to a horse and transportation

· Young women with strong communication skills and a love for the rodeo way of life

No prior pageant or rodeo queen experience is required, just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

—

Statewide Outreach & Representation

The Sisters Rodeo Queen serves as a representative across Oregon, making appearances at community events, rodeos, parades, and school programs. Past titleholders have gone on to compete at the state and national level and have become leaders in agriculture, business, and education.

—

To Apply: Visit https://sistersrodeo.com/queen-tryouts/ for full contest rules, application packet, and important dates. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram https://www.facebook.com/sistersrodeoassociation/ https://www.instagram.com/sistersrodeo/ for updates, spotlights on past queens, and behind-the-scenes features

Click here to follow the original article.

Barney Lerten

(Update: Addiing video and comments from Humane Society of Central Oregon)

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Humane Society of Central Oregon, said Friday it was seeking to find loving homes for 12 Toy Australian Shepherds surrendered from a Tumalo-area property owner who deputies said will face a felony animal neglect charge.

And within hours of Friday’s announcement, most indeed had found new homes.

Here’s the information shared with KTVZ News in a news release from DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr:

Last Sunday, Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a property on Tumalo Reservoir Road for a reported structure fire. While there, firefighters observed multiple dogs living in filthy conditions and requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Benn Smith responded to the scene and found the dogs on the property. He discovered extensive accumulations of animal waste inside the home and in the basement.

After speaking with the owner, 38-year-old David De Persio, 12 dogs were voluntarily surrendered and taken to HSCO. De Persio was cited for Animal Neglect in the Second Degree, and the charge is being elevated to a Class C Felony under Oregon law due to more than 11 animals being on scene, Carr said.

The surrendered dogs are generally healthy but under-socialized, meaning they will do best in homes where they can receive extra one-on-one attention, training, and patience. All have received veterinary examinations and age-appropriate vaccinations and will be spayed or neutered before adoption.

The 12 Toy Australian Shepherds are being processed for adoption through the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Anyone interested in providing a home for one of these dogs should visit the shelter at 61170 SE 27th Street in Bend, Oregon, or visit their website www.hsco.org for more information on the adoption process and availability.

Two of the dozen dogs need additional medical attention before they can be adopted. Because of their lack of socialization, many of the dogs are shy around people. Others did not receive proper toilet training. The Humane Society recommends experienced owners look into adopting them.

“They’re going to need a home where somebody is pretty dog savvy. They’re going to need to be patient or need experience with the breed,” said Lynne Ouchida, HSCO’s director of community partnerships.

“Toy Australian Shepherds are not just small, standard Australian Shepherds,” she added. “They do have the personalities of the toy breeds, which is going to be active, needing a lot of enrichment. ”

While adopting and volunteering can be a great way to support the Humane Society, they currently have a critical need for dog treats, and are asking the public to make donations. These dog treats are used in rehabilitation training while canines stay at the shelter.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanked Bend Fire & Rescue for reporting the conditions, Deputy Smith for his quick response, and HSCO for their commitment to animal welfare. Community members are encouraged to consider adoption to give these dogs the second chance they deserve. 

Click here to follow the original article.