Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — On July 15th, 2026, Oregon State Police arrested Gregory Adam Polanski, 43, after he struck two Oregon Department of Transportation workers on a closed Interstate 84 off-ramp in Hood River and then left the scene. Polanski was booked into the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR) on charges including reckless driving and recklessly endangering highway workers.

The incident occurred on the Exit 64 eastbound off-ramp, which was closed for a commercial motor vehicle crash removal.

At approximately 4:10 a.m., Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) crews had closed the Exit 64 eastbound off-ramp in Hood River. Despite the closure, Polanski entered the off-ramp in a white Porsche and told workers he needed to take the exit to get to work.

As the Porsche drove through the closure, it struck two ODOT workers who were staffing the area. Neither worker was injured and both declined medical treatment.

Polanski, a resident of Hood River, left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers located Polanski’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at approximately 5:46 p.m.

He was arrested and booked into NORCOR on charges of reckless driving, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and recklessly endangering highway workers.

OSP reminds motorists that highway work zones are in place to protect both workers and the traveling public. Drivers are required to obey traffic control devices, road closures and directions from roadway workers.

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Spencer Sacks

Aright fishin’ friends, get your rods and reels ready!  it’s time for Big Ol’ Fish.

Dane Krueger who went fishing in the depoe bay. He reeled in a nice looking king salmon for dinner. 

Rick Ham who caught an absolute monster 13 pound 28 inch monster brown trout from wickiup reservoir.

Andrew Hickman caught this impressive german brown trout.

Its a fintastic day to be a fisherman but a bad day to be a trout

Last but not least, Glenn Nygard caught this rainbow trout in a secret fishing spot.

Some real monsters this week caught by our viewers.

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Spencer Sacks

UPDATE: Watch Duty – A Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation has been issued for Zone CRR-7S-M. A Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation has been issued for Zone CRR-7S-N. Per the Genasys Evacuation Map. These zones are also visible on the Watch Duty map.

The fire has jumped SE Newsome Creek Road and is traveling east.  Please pay attention to your surroundings.

A shelter is available at Eastside Church in Prineville located at 3174 NE 3rd St, Prineville, OR 97754, per Crook County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook. Those in need of any assistance as a result of the evacuation can go to that church.

UPDATE: Watch Duty – Level 3 – GO NOW – Evacuate immediately from SE Conant Basin Road east to SE Newsome Creek Road, from Paulina Highway south. Wildfire Alert from Crook County Sheriff’s Office: Level 3 – GO NOW – Evacuate immediately! – Per a Wireless Emergency Alert from Alert Crook County via PBS Warn.

UPDATE: Watch Duty – Firefighters are responding to the Coyote Fire, burning in Crook County. The fire is burning southeast of the Pilot Fire. Right now, the fire is 300 acres.

UPDATE: Watch Duty – Air Attack is on scene and dropping retardant. Helicopters are also dropping water. More resources are in route. So far there are no changes to the LEVEL 1 evacuation notice, per Crook County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook.

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — LEVEL 1 BE READY evacuation notice has been issued for the area of SE Paulina Hwy from milepost 12 south to approximately milepost 14 for the east side of the highway according to the Crook County Sheriffs Office.

The Pilot fire is up to 25 acres according to watch duty as air assets attack the fire.

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

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Lance Campbell

BEND, Ore. — A nationwide blood shortage is raising concerns in Central Oregon, where hospitals depend on a steady supply of donated blood to treat patients every day.

The American Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to give blood as it works to rebuild the national blood supply.

When someone needs blood after a serious crash, during surgery or while undergoing cancer treatment, hospitals depend on donations that were made days or even weeks earlier. Health officials say maintaining a steady blood supply depends on people donating before an emergency happens.

The American Red Cross recently declared an emergency blood shortage after the nation’s blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. The shortage comes during the busy summer trauma season, when hospitals often see an increase in serious injuries and other medical emergencies.

While the shortage is being felt nationwide, hospitals in Central Oregon work with regional blood suppliers to ensure patients have access to the blood products they need for traumatic injuries, surgeries, cancer treatment and other medical emergencies.

“We support 63 hospitals with blood products here in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jen Shaw, donor recruitment supervisor for the American Red Cross. “Summer is traditionally a slower time for donations as schools are out, people are traveling and regular routines change.”

Those seasonal declines can leave hospitals with fewer available donations even as the need for blood remains constant.

Blood collection tubes used during the donation process.

Unlike many medical supplies, blood cannot be manufactured and has a limited shelf life. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets last only five days, making regular donations critical to maintaining an adequate supply.

St. Charles Health System officials said they continue working closely with regional blood suppliers to help ensure patients receive the blood they need while encouraging eligible community members to donate.

“The blood is there because somebody decided to donate before it was needed,” Shaw said.

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment through the American Red Cross website or the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

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Adrielle Hasara

Wheeler County, ORE. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon experienced widespread lightning activity yesterday, July 15, 2026, with more than 2,000 strikes initiating more than 50 wildfires across areas managed by Central Oregon Fire Management Service and the Oregon Department of Forestry. The highest concentration of these fires is in Wheeler County, including the Crosswhite Fire, which spans 1,500-2,000 acres and has prompted evacuations.

These numerous fire starts occurred as storm cells passed through the region on July 15, 2026. Resources anticipate locating additional fires today as fuels dry out from the rain associated with these storms.

The Crosswhite Fire, located northwest of Twickenham, is approximately 1,500-2,000 acres. Structures are threatened and evacuations are in place for this incident. Southwest of Fossil and one mile east of the John Day Fossil Beds, the Cove Creek Fire is 1,000-2,000 acres. This fire threatens a number of outbuildings and residences, but no evacuations are currently in place. The Hopkins Fire, situated northwest of Condon, spans approximately 5,000 acres as of this morning. Some structures and infrastructure are threatened, though no evacuations have been ordered for this fire. Other notable fires in the area include the Twickingham Fire, the Camel Hump Fire, the Red Rock Fire and the Porcupine Fire. Each of these fires is under full suppression and is located in remote areas with no structures threatened. Interagency fire crews are actively working toward containment of these incidents, deploying a mix of engines, hand crews, dozers, overhead personnel and aircraft. The safety of firefighters and the public remains the highest priority during these events. For fire information, the public can call the info line at 541-316-7711.

Resources expect to find more fire starts today as fuels dry from the accompanying rain. For additional information and updates on wildfires, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, ORE. (KTVZ) — The Bend Police Department is seeking applications from community members to serve on its Police Chief’s Advisory Council. Applications for the council must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29.

The Police Chief’s Advisory Council, which was rebooted in 2022, aims to build and maintain trust between the Bend community and the Police Department. The council is designed to include as many as 20 community members, reflecting the diverse life experiences within Bend.

The Police Chief’s Advisory Council fulfills three critical missions for the department. It advises the Chief of Police and the Police Department on various issues from the community’s perspective. The council also acts as a communication channel between community networks and law enforcement. Additionally, it works to enhance trust between residents and the law enforcement agencies that serve them.

Members of the council will serve two-year terms. While the Chief of Police has the discretion to reappoint members for additional terms, members generally do not serve more than one single two-year term. The Chief of Police will select members based on their integrity, commitment to the community and demonstrated ability to act as a communication channel to community networks.

Meetings for the council will typically be held one evening per month, primarily on the fourth Wednesday. These meetings are expected to run for 90 minutes to 2 hours and regular attendance is required. In addition to meetings, members are expected to attend the Community Academy and participate in at least one ride-along with a police officer.

Community members interested in serving on the Police Chief’s Advisory Council must submit their applications by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. More information about the council is available on the Bend Police Department website.

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Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — From questions regarding the amount of cannabis dispensaries allowed within city limits to reports of illegal firework usage over the 4th of July weekend, Mayor Ed Fitch answers viewer-submitted questions for this month’s Ask the Mayor.

Viewers can submit questions for Mayor Fitch at any time as part of our monthly segment – just click here.

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Spencer Sacks

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson announced today that Ochoco Viewpoint in Prineville, Ore., will remain open until 10 p.m., an hour later than its previous 9 p.m. closing time. The extension, effective immediately for the summer season, is a collaborative effort by Rep. Breese-Iverson, the City of Prineville and Oregon State Parks to make the viewpoint more accessible to the community.

The later closing time allows residents and visitors to enjoy the scenic spot for an additional hour during summer evenings.

Perched above Prineville, Ochoco Viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Crooked River valley and the Ochoco Mountains. The viewpoint is particularly popular on summer evenings, when cooler temperatures and long Central Oregon sunsets attract families, photographers and visitors from across the region.

Rep. Breese-Iverson, a Republican representing Prineville, emphasized the communal aspect of the location. “This viewpoint belongs to all of us and summer evenings are when it truly shines,” Breese-Iverson said. “By coming together with the City of Prineville and Oregon State Parks, we’ve made it easier for families and visitors to end their day watching the sun set over our incredible valley.”

Police Chief Shane Wilson for the Prineville Police Department, highlighted the role of law enforcement and community satisfaction. “Our officers patrol the viewpoint regularly and we want people up there enjoying those summer evenings — that’s exactly what this park is for,” Wilson said. “We are thankful to the quick action of Oregon State Parks and Representative Breese-Iverson in responding to the community desire to see the park stay open longer.”

Oregon Parks Director Lisa Sumption and Recreation Department, noted the department’s mission to connect people with nature. “Our mission is to help all Oregonians connect with the outdoor places that make this state special,” Sumption said. “Working with Representative Breese-Iverson and the City of Prineville to extend summer hours at Ochoco Viewpoint means more people can experience it at the most beautiful time of day.”

Ochoco Viewpoint is located just west of Prineville off Highway 126. Visitors are reminded that it is a day-use park and overnight camping is not permitted.

The extended hours are effective immediately and will run through the summer season.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) sat down with KTVZ News on Wednesday to discuss new legislation he says is aimed at preventing future helicopter tragedies following the deaths of four members of an Oregon family earlier this year.

The proposal would require better marking and lighting of temporary obstructions, such as slacklines, in low-altitude airspace and modernize Federal Aviation Administration notifications and warnings for pilots.

During the interview, KTVZ’s Claire Elmer also asked Senator Merkley about President Donald Trump’s expected address to the nation, recent claims surrounding 2020 election results and voting integrity, and reports of recent increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Central Oregon.

Watch KTVZ News at 6:00p.m. tonight for the full report on Senator Merkley’s responses.

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Tracee Tuesday

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The 60th annual Crooked River Roundup parimutuel horse races kick off Wednesday night at the Crook County Fairgrounds, bringing a long-standing Central Oregon tradition back to life with four days of racing, community spirit and regional pride.

The races run July 15 through July 18 and are known for drawing the largest daily attendance of any horse racing track in Oregon. Each evening features a full slate of competition, with up to eight races scheduled Wednesday and Thursday, and as many as 10 races planned for Friday and Saturday.

Gates open nightly at 5:30 p.m., with the first race set for 7:15 p.m. Opening night also includes a special “Ladies Night,” offering free admission for women of all ages.

General admission is $10 for anyone age 4 and older, while children 3 and under get in free. Tickets are available at the gate or online through Rodeo Ticket.

Organizers say the races are more than just entertainment — they are a reflection of Crook County’s deep western roots.

“It is such an honor to be a part of the history that is the Crooked River Roundup,” said a Roundup participant, reflecting on years of family involvement in the event. “What an amazing thing it has been to watch family traditions become a community’s heritage.”

The Crooked River Roundup Association hosts both the horse races and its PRCA-sanctioned rodeo each summer, celebrating what many call the “Cowboy Capital of Oregon.”

Race Chair Doug Smith says the event also honors a lesser-known part of the region’s past.

“Very few people know it, but if you go back into the ’60s, some of the top money-winning horses in the state of Oregon came out of Prineville,” Smith said. “It’s imperative that we keep that story alive. It’s a very important part of who Crook County is.”

For jockeys, the races demand a balance of strength and precision.

“You’ve got to be physical. You’ve got to be quick and you’ve got to be soft-handed, too,” said jockey Vladimir Jenson. “You need the strength to control a 1,200-pound animal.”

With warm summer evenings, fast-paced racing and a strong sense of tradition, organizers expect another packed turnout as the Crooked River Roundup races continue through the weekend.

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