Category: ktvz-local-news

Spencer Sacks

(Update: Added full story with quotes from Mayor Ed Fitch and Redmond resident James Miller)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ News) — A lot of people drive pretty quickly between Bend and Redmond, 

However, This stretch of highway is also known for head on collisions as drivers swerve from one direction to the other.

According to ODOT, at least three fatal head on collisions have occurred just on this stretch alone in the last few years.

ODOT and the City of Redmond have decided to take action. Over the last several years, ODOT has put in miles of permanent barriers.

KTVZ News spoke with Ed Fitch, the Mayor of Redmond about how this divider will save lives.

Mayor Fitch told KTVZ News, “Yeah, it’s, critical because with the traffic amounts we’re getting right now and speed people are traveling; we’ve had too many head on collisions to many fatalities. The barriers are really absolutely necessary.”

Many residents have felt the effects of the highway not having the divider.

KTVZ News spoke with James Miller, a resident of Redmond, who says people have lost their lives.

“I would agree. I’ve known a couple of personal friends who’ve had accidents. The one gentleman killed the family because he crossed the crossed the center lane and killed the family. So I’m all for that.”

At the same time, ODOT has also put in what is commonly referred to as J Turns.

A ‘J’ turn is a safety tool road designers can use to reduce collisions.

How it works is a third lane forms and you would merge into the left most lane.

You would take a left, loop around and exit the semi circle to perform the turn around.

Officials believe this alone will save countless lives and prevent accidents.

Mayor Fitch also told KTVZ News that the ‘J’ turns will become a way of life for everyone.

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore (KTVZ) — This past weekend, Street Dog Hero successfully hosted a low-cost spay/neuter clinic at their facility in Bend, Oregon, providing essential veterinary services to 50 families and their beloved pets across Central Oregon. The initiative aims to reduce pet overpopulation and prevent overcrowded shelters by making spay/neuter procedures affordable and accessible to the community.

With the cost of spaying or neutering a large male dog reaching an estimated $700 at local veterinary offices, many pet owners face financial barriers to accessing these essential services. “Money should not be an obstacle for people wanting to get their animals spayed or neutered,” said Jaymie Friesner, Medical Manager at Street Dog Hero. “That’s why we offer low-cost options so that every pet owner can do what’s best for their animals and our community.”

Since its founding in 2017, Street Dog Hero has facilitated over 11,000 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries both locally and internationally. Their commitment to animal welfare continues with monthly clinics at their Bend facility, providing ongoing opportunities for pet owners to access affordable veterinary care.

The clinics are open to the public, and pet owners interested in registering their animals for upcoming events are encouraged to visit streetdoghero.org for more information and to sign up.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies across Oregon and Washington are now offering the updated 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccines, with doses available for patients age 7 and older, along with new at-home flu and COVID-19 test kits to help families stay healthy this season.

Here are the full details from Safeway Albertons:

Customers are welcome to walk into any Safeway or Albertsons pharmacy at their convenience, where experienced pharmacy teams are ready to assist. For those who prefer to plan ahead, appointments can be scheduled online, via our store apps, or directly at the pharmacy counter. Most locations offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate busy schedules.

Customers who receive a qualifying vaccination at their local Safeway or Albertsons pharmacy will receive a coupon for up to $20 off their next grocery purchase. This offer is available to every individual who receives a qualifying vaccine, making it especially valuable for families who choose to immunize together.

In addition, Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies now offer new at-home combined flu and COVID-19 test kits, providing two results from a single sample. These kits help customers monitor their health and prevent the spread of illness throughout the respiratory virus season.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Honor Flight of Central Oregon welcomed veterans back this weekend after their trip to Washington, D.C., where they visited memorials honoring their service and sacrifice.

On Saturday, veterans and their guardians were escorted from the airport to Ridgeview High School. There, the community greeted them with cheers, hugs, and plenty of love.

Each veteran received a handmade quilt designed to resemble the American flag, a symbol of appreciation and gratitude for their service.

Honor Flight of Central Oregon says its mission is to ensure veterans receive the recognition they so greatly deserve.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: adding video, interview with artist)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — This weekend in Central Oregon, art lovers had the chance to step inside the creative world of local artists. The Sisters Arts Association hosted its annual Artist Studio Tour — a free, self-guided event featuring more than two dozen artists.

Attendees explored 16 studios and galleries, watching demonstrations and learning about the inspiration behind each piece. Taylor Manoles, a Central Oregon artist specializing in paintings, partnered with sculpture and printmaking artist, Danae Bennet-Miller, at Bennett-Miller’s home gallery. 

Manoles spoke with KTVZ News about the motivation behind her art, saying, “I get a lot of inspiration from camping trips and hiking. I’m inspired by being outside and trying to communicate how I feel out there.”

The tour showcased a wide range of mediums, from painting and pottery to sculpture and photography. For many artists, it was a chance to connect directly with the community.

“It’s really nice to get out and have the face-to-face conversations, because the nature of being an artist is you spend a lot of time alone in your studio. But it is really lovely to just interact with people and see how your work speaks to them,” said Manoles.

Visitors not only saw finished pieces, but some got a rare look at the creative process — and even had the opportunity to purchase work straight from the source. 

The two-day tour ran Saturday and Sunday, drawing crowds from across Central Oregon. Organizers say it offered an intimate glimpse into the heartbeat of Sisters’ thriving arts community.

Manoles echoed that sentiment — “There’s a lot of beauty and talent in this community. I would encourage everyone to try and get out and participate in these type of events. It’s really fun to get to meet artists kind of on their home turf and see what they’re all about.”

While this year’s tour has wrapped up, the Sisters Arts Association hopes the weekend left visitors inspired — and eager to return next year.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Redmond Fire & Rescue welcomed neighbors for a Community Day on Saturday.

Visitors had the chance to meet local firefighters, tour the station, and connect with community partners.

Highlights of the day included a live vehicle extrication demonstration, as well as activities for kids such as a dunk tank, bouncy slide, and prize giveaways.

Kids also had the opportunity to win a brand new bike or the chance to ride to school in a fire truck.

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KTVZ

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A climber was injured Saturday afternoon at Smith Rock State Park, prompting a technical rescue and airlift.

Redmond Fire & Rescue says eight personnel responded around 1:50 p.m. to an area within the park, along with Deschutes County Search and Rescue. Crews worked for about two hours to reach and stabilize the patient.

The climber was then wheeled out of the area and transferred to a Life Flight helicopter for transport. There’s no word yet on the person’s condition.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ News) —  Saturday afternoon, members of the Bend Bulletin along with members from the Central Oregon News Guild picketed in downtown Bend’s Peace Corner, after not finalizing a contract.

The Bend Bulletin was recently bought by Carpenter Media Group.

KTVZ News spoke with Noemi Arellano-Summer, an education reporter, to learn more about some of the changes that have been made since the new ownership came in.

Arellano-Summer told KTVZ News, “definitely means stories have to be done earlier, started earlier. A lot of times, breaking news doesn’t might not make it in the next day’s paper. If we get a breaking news story at 12:30, 1 p.m., it’ll make it online. Definitely. I would say we are digital first, but it won’t make it into the next day’s paper.”

Arellano-Summer also told KTVZ News that the Bend Bulletin workers are picketing to finalize contracts for reporters, photographers among others.

Bulletin workers also expressed concerns about downsizing.

Additionally Arellano-Summer said that Carpenter Media Group has slow walked contract negotiations and making it take longer than it should.

KTVZ News have reached out to Carpenter Media Group but have not heard back.

This is a developing story, KTVZ News will have more as it develops.

  

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KTVZ

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Reports of gunfire late Saturday morning drew a heavy police response to 9th street and Harwood Avenue, according to The Prineville Review.

The Prineville Police Department stated that the Crook County 911 center received several calls around 11:15 a.m. about shots fired in the neighborhood.

Officers quickly arrived, locating and apprehending the suspect. Police said the individual had non life-threatening injuries. He received treatment before being taken into custody.

Police emphasize there is no ongoing threat to the public. Detectives were on the scene this afternoon. Certain blocks around 9th street will remain closed while evidence is collected.

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Dump City Dumplings restaurant on Galveston Avenue in Bend, known for starting as a food cart in downtown Bend, is now renovating to become a pub called The Roundabout Pub.

The owners tell KTVZ News they will continue to cook and serve Dump City Dumplings at the bar. Customers can also buy the dumplings through food delivery services like DoorDash.

KTVZ News visited the restaurant on Galveston after being tipped off by several viewers. A sign on their door reads, “Opening September 26th, The Roundabout Pub.”

Our team saw construction crews installing what appeared to be a pool table and pinball machines.

The pub will be located on one of Bend’s busiest and growing corridors, which is set to see some major street safety upgrades soon.

Dump City Dumplings is famous in Bend for starting as a go-to spot for late-night locals in downtown Bend, where they operated as a food cart. They were also featured in Season 34, Episode 15 of Guy Fieri’s hit Food Network TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

In 2018, they opened a brick and mortar in the Old Mill District before moving to their current location on Bend’s Westside. KTVZ News covered them when they launched a Dim Sum menu, one of the first in Bend.

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