Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, no active large fires are burning on Oregon Department of Forestry-protected land, but three are burning statewide, according to the agency.

So far this year, 2,867 fires have burned statewide, 1,060 fires of them on ODF-protected land..

In total, more than 322,000 acres have burned this year across the state. That’s compared to nearly 2 million acres that burned during the 2024 fire season.

Here’s Monday’s report on the fire situation:

ODF Complex Incident Management Teams

Team 1 on rotation

Team 2 is on standby.

Team 3 is on rest.

ODF Priority Fires

FIRE NAME
TOTAL ACRES
ODF ACRES
CONTAINMENT
LOCATION
COMMAND

Moon Complex
3,958
0
10%
12 miles NE of Agness
NW Team 13

Emigrant
32,388
0
41%
24 miles SE of Oakridge
RM Team 1

Foley Ridge
437
0
37%
7 miles SE of McKenzie Bridge
IMT 3

*These numbers may change as we receive more data.

There are approximately 2,113 personnel assigned to the 3 large fires across the state, not including many of the local and agency government employees, landowners, forestland operators, and members of the community who are contributing every day.

Initial attack remains ODF’s top priority.

Prevention: Fire season is not over and no season ending events are forecasted at the moment. Remaining informed of local fire restrictions is a simple way to prevent you from bringing prohibited fire hazards onto the landscape and from potentially starting the next wildfire. Find danger levels and restrictions across the state here.

Weather: A warming and drying trend will begin today. Overnight humidity recovery will range from moderate to poor, particularly on exposed ridges. North to northeast winds develop west of the Cascades as a thermal trough builds along the coast, drifting toward the crest each afternoon. Westerly winds return across the crest Thursday as a weak front passes through British Columbia bringing gradual moderation west of the Cascades, but also dry, gusty winds through the Cascade gaps and east slopes. Pressure gradients weaken Friday and Saturday, with hot and dry conditions persisting.

ODF Highlight: Happy first day of fall! We’re so excited for the beauty of the trees this season, and it’s already beginning at the Tillamook Forest Center!🍂 Autumn hours at the Tillamook Forest Center are Wednesday through Sunday, 10a.m. to 4p.m.

Resources

ODF wildfire blog and Public Fire Restrictions/Danger Levels map

Regional situation report and national situation report

Inciweb (information, photos, videos, and maps from specific incidents)

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KTVZ – News Team

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening Tuesday, September 23rd, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum will be hosting a press conference with Congressman Ted Lieu in Portland to highlight the letter they are sending to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The letter raises concerns about the issues they say veterans are facing with accessing care at the VA, including mental health care. It also demands answers from Secretary Collins for the ongoing mistreatment of veterans.

That’s happening from 4-5 p.m. at Portland Community College. You can register to attend by emailing koray.rosati@mail.house.gov

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Today, the family of a toddler who nearly lost his life got to thank the team that saved him.

Four great old Grayson Collier was born with ‘Tetrasomy 18p’ – a very rare genetic disorder as well a heart issues. Earlier this year he came down with RSV, which is normal for children his age – but his conditions complicated things. He was staying at Saint Charles, but they had made plans to transport to him to Portland.

According to Grayson’s mother, Jennifer Underhill, the AirLink team met with them ahead of the transfer and explained every detail of how Grayson’s helicopter ride would go. Underhill says she likes to know how things are going to go ahead of time, and having it explained to her was very calming.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, and Grayson had a heart attack right before they loaded him onto the helicopter. Underhill could only watch from the sidelines, as the Airlink team tired to save him.

“He completely stopped breathing. His heart stopped.” Underhill told KTVZ, recalling the event.  “So they had to revive him. Right then and there. We’re standing there, the helicopters going.  And it was quite terrifying. It was very helpless feeling”

Those feelings were quickly replaced with hope, as the Airlink teams training quickly turned the dire situation around “…They were fortunately able to revive him.” said, Underhill, “It was beautiful. And, I was very scared, and, Yeah, they got him back onto the helicopter, and he was able to be safely transported to Portland.”

Today, the same hanger and helipad where Grayson nearly lost his life were filled with smiles as the family got to meet the heroes that saved their child.

Greyson is non-verbal, but seemed very interested in the helicopter. He even asked to be held by one of the crew that saved him. Grayson also got a small AirLink teddybear as a moment.

While the family couldn’t say thank you enough to the team, the Airlink crew said this was a special treat for them. They rarely get to meet the people they help a second time.

“He completely stopped breathing. His heart stopped.” Underhill told KTVZ, recalling the event.  “So they had to revive him. Right then and there. We’re standing there, the helicopters going.  And it was quite terrifying. It was very helpless feeling”

Those feelings were quickly replaced with hope, as the Airlink teams training quickly turned the dire situation around “…They were fortunately able to revive him.” said, Underhill, “It was beautiful. And, I was very scared, and, Yeah, they got him back onto the helicopter, and he was able to be safely transported to Portland.”

Today, the same hanger and helipad where Grayson nearly lost his life were filled with smiles as the family got to meet the heroes that saved their child.

Greyson is non-verbal, but seemed very interested in the helicopter. He even asked to be held by one of the crew that saved him. Grayson also got a small AirLink teddybear as a moment.

While the family couldn’t say thank you enough to the team, the Airlink crew said this was a special treat for them. They rarely get to meet the people they help a second time.

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Triton Notary

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– It’s the first week of classes at OSU Cascades and the school had an event helping freshmen find their way. Today it had a resource fair at the newly constructed Student Success Center. It was an open house for all the clubs and organizations. Freshmen got to pick up free items and find activities that suit them.

Eloa Keanaaina, a freshman at OSU Cascades told KTVZ News “I like looking at the career development and the internships and work study. Booth, see all those opportunities over there. “

Elliot Coyle, a fellow freshman at OSU Cascades told KTVZ News “Actually, the COCC rugby team, yeah, that really caught my eye. I think I might go out for practice this week.”

 Afterwards there was a carnival outside the Success Center with a bounce house. The school also gave us this year’s enrollment numbers. 43% of students are from right here in Central Oregon. 38% are from here in the state. A total of 26% of all OSU Cascade students are first-time students.

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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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