Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new casino at the Plateau Travel Plaza in Madras is set to celebrate its Grand Opening this Saturday (July 11th), featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Chamber at noon, alongside a cultural blessing and a series of exciting events.

From noon-9 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music, art vendors, special deals, and more. The ribbon cutting will take place at noon.

It all happens Saturday, July 11th, at 215 NW Cherry Lane in Madras.

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Tracee Tuesday

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new Junior Law Enforcement Camp for Women in Redmond is giving local girls a hands-on look at careers in criminal justice, far beyond the traditional image of a police officer. The camp was created by Redmond Police Lieutenant April Huey, a 20-year veteran of the department, to help young women see themselves in a wide range of public safety roles.

Huey said the idea is to introduce participants to the many different areas of law enforcement, including patrol, dispatch, parole and probation, police records and forensics. She shared that her own career started in police records, and she wants students to understand that there are multiple pathways into the field, whether or not they ever put on a badge.

During the camp, the girls rotate through stations that highlight different parts of the job. At one point, they step into a mock dispatch center, where they listen to and practice the kind of rapid, coded communication that helps keep officers and the public safe. In one training scenario, an officer and dispatcher trade information about a stolen car and share identification numbers over the radio, giving campers a feel for how precise and fast those interactions need to be.

The camp also emphasizes the physical demands of law enforcement work. Participants are asked to complete a dummy drag, a common part of law enforcement physical fitness testing. Huey explains and demonstrates how to safely lift or drag the dummy from one point to another, and notes that every participant in this academy has successfully passed the test. She said seeing the girls accomplish that challenge gives her “forward momentum” and reinforces why the camp matters.

For some campers, the interest in law enforcement started with a television character or episode that made the job look compelling. One participant, 12-year old Alisyah, said she was inspired by seeing a character on a show and thought, “That character is so cool.” Now, instead of just watching from home, she and other local girls are getting real-world experience in Redmond, with mentors who work in the field every day.

The camp also introduces students to forensics, where evidence collection and analysis play a key role in solving crimes. From learning how information moves through dispatch, to seeing how physical and digital evidence are handled, organizers say they hope the experience helps Central Oregon girls imagine themselves in these roles and consider law enforcement as a future career close to home.

Lieutenant Huey encourages anyone interested in learning more about the Junior Women’s Law Enforcement Academy to contact her directly at april.huey@redmondoregon.gov.

Reported: July 7, 2026; 11:56 am

Teen girls in Central Oregon are stepping into the world of law enforcement this week through a unique, hands-on academy designed to inspire the next generation.

The Junior Women’s Law Enforcement Academy in Redmond is giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to serve, with interactive activities led entirely by women in the field. From high-intensity scenarios to real-world demonstrations, organizers say the experience is about more than just skills — it’s about building confidence and opening doors.

The free two-day camp runs July 7 and 8 and brings together local agencies to mentor and guide young women curious about careers in criminal justice.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday will have a full report tonight during our 6 PM newscast on our NBC affiliate.

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Kelsey Merison

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority is awarding about $97.1 million in additional federal funding to improve the health and well-being of Oregon’s rural communities this year. These grants will support 136 new projects across all counties in the state.

This announcement brings Oregon’s total awarded for rural health initiatives to about $175.3 million this year.

The funding originates from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which aims to address critical health care needs in rural areas.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek noted the significant interest in the program, highlighting its role in supporting maternal and child health, bolstering the behavioral health workforce, and sustaining safety net providers.

“Overwhelming interest in this program demonstrates the need across Oregon,” Gov. Kotek said. “At a time when Oregon’s health care system is facing significant funding shortfalls due to federal policies, I’m pleased to announce this next step in distributing funding to innovative projects that further the state’s goals to support maternal and child health, bolster the behavioral health workforce and sustain safety net providers. Our goal is to move these funds as quickly as possible to these critical partnerships.”

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program, created by U.S. House Resolution 1, a federal tax and spending bill that became law in July 2025, will distribute a total of $50 billion nationwide between 2026 and 2031 through the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi emphasized the community-driven nature of these awards. “These awards support practical, community-driven efforts to improve access to health in rural Oregon,” Dr. Hathi said. “Rural communities know their needs best and this funding is intended to help them strengthen local services, expand workforce capacity and address barriers that make it harder for people to get care close to home.”

The new grants are offered through two funding pools established by OHA. The largest, competitive Catalyst Award grants, will provide about $80.1 million to 85 organizations, leading 103 projects. These projects will address maternal and child health, co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorder, aging in place, or chronic disease in every Oregon county.

Another $17 million will go toward Immediate Impact Awards, funding 33 new projects this year. These direct grants supplement OHA’s April announcement of $6.5 million in Immediate Impact Awards for 12 other projects. New Immediate Impact Award projects include expanding mobile health units, creating a new family medicine residency training program and connecting patients with nutritious food.

Clare Pierce-Wrobel, OHA Health Policy & Analytics Director, highlighted the swift distribution of funds. “OHA is quickly distributing grants through this unique federal funding source and looks forward to supporting Oregon’s rural communities as they improve their own health for years to come,” Pierce-Wrobel said. “While the total funding Oregon is receiving through the Rural Health Transformation Program is relatively small when you consider the full impact of recent federal Medicaid cuts, these awards can make a huge difference for individual organizations that are doing much-needed work in rural Oregon.”

Oregon is receiving a total of $197.3 million in 2026 and could receive more in the following four years, potentially totaling an estimated $1 billion through the program. Earlier rural health awards from Oregon included $35 million in direct funding for rural hospitals, $21.7 million for the Tribal Initiative, $10 million for rural health clinics and $5 million for local public health authorities.

Exact grant amounts and other details for the newly announced awards will be finalized when award negotiations are completed this summer. Oregon’s first annual progress report is due to the federal government by the end of August. The federal government will determine 2027 funding after reviewing Oregon’s first annual progress report.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), partnered with Semper Fi & The America’s Fund, will host a three-day Veterans Gravel Cycling Camp from July 15th-17th in Deschutes National Forest. OAS organization expands opportunities for veterans with disabilities to build skills and foster community through adaptive outdoor recreation.

This cycling camp is part of Oregon Adaptive Sports’ year-round efforts to provide adaptive outdoor recreation. The organization’s Service to Summit program offers adaptive skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and gravel cycling, along with other outdoor recreation opportunities designed for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities. These programs allow participants to engage in outdoor activities throughout the year based on their interests and goals.

The Service to Summit program ranges from multi-day camps to private adaptive lessons. Adaptive sports provide veterans with opportunities to continue pursuing challenging outdoor activities after injury or illness. These activities also connect veterans with a community of peers who share similar experiences.

The Veterans Gravel Cycling Camp will use adaptive bicycles to support veterans with varying abilities. The camp aims to develop cycling skills, build confidence, and connect fellow service members through shared outdoor experiences. Oregon Adaptive Sports programming emphasizes individualized instruction and adaptive equipment, allowing each participant to engage in recreation in ways that meet their unique needs.

Veterans interested in participating in upcoming programs or learning more about eligibility can contact Oregon Adaptive Sports. Inquiries can be made via email at info@oregonadaptivesports.org or by phone at 541-848-9390.

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Adrielle Hasara

OnPoint Community Credit Union has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to 59 nonprofit organizations across Oregon and Southwest Washington. The funding supports programs focused on education, foster youth, food security, housing stability, workforce development and access to summer camp for underserved children.

The grants are part of the credit union’s bi-annual Community Grants & Giving program, aimed at building strong communities across the region.

OnPoint Community Credit Union’s Community Grants & Giving program awards grants to community-based organizations whose work aligns with the credit union’s core impact values. These values include education, financial wellness, housing stability, food security and youth development.

Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union, highlighted the importance of these investments. “Investing in the well-being of our communities is central to who we are,” Stuart said. “These organizations are doing critical work to create opportunity, stability and connection for people across our region and we’re proud to help support their missions.”

The bi-annual grant program supports local nonprofits year-round, with eligible organizations able to apply for programmatic or general operating support during two annual application periods each spring and fall. Funding decisions are made by OnPoint’s Community Relations Committee within 90 days of each application cycle closing.

Among the spring grant recipients, Dream for Life Outreach received $15,000 to expand community meal and outreach programs in Southwest Washington. The funding will cover costs for food, meal-preparation supplies, serving equipment and outreach materials, helping to sustain and expand efforts to assist people facing food insecurity amid rising food costs.

SMART Reading was awarded $20,000 for literacy programming and the distribution of inclusive books for children in Title I schools in Marion, Polk and other counties across Oregon This support will help recruit and train volunteers, expand access to diverse books and strengthen family literacy engagement. Only 40% of Oregon third graders met or exceeded reading standards in 2025 and research indicates that children not reading proficiently by third grade are less likely to graduate high school and are more prone to experiencing poverty and housing insecurity later in life.

The Willamalane Park Foundation received $15,000 to provide scholarships for children in Springfield to attend summer camp. Dani Thompson, a representative for the Willamalane Park Foundation, underscored the timely nature of the support. “Support from community partners like OnPoint couldn’t come at a better time as summer camp season gets underway and families look for affordable opportunities for their children,” Thompson said. “OnPoint’s generosity helps ensure local kids have access to safe, enriching summer experiences while providing families with child care support. We’re honored to be part of this round of grant recipients and grateful for OnPoint’s investment in local youth and families.” The donation helps working families access reliable child care and recreation opportunities, with the Willamalane Park & Recreation District serving more than 300 children across 15 camps and more than 100 weeks of programming.

Salem Angels received $5,000 to support mentorship and relationship-building programs for local foster youth and families experiencing foster care. Oregon has faced significant foster care challenges, with nearly 6,800 children experiencing foster care statewide last year, including nearly 570 in Marion and Polk counties. Marion County has also seen a 72% decrease in available general foster homes since 2012. Salem Angels works to reverse this trend by providing personalized care packages and resources for foster families, as well as mentorship opportunities designed to help children build confidence, stability and community connections.

BendNEXT received $3,500 to fund leadership development scholarships for 10 emerging leaders in Central Oregon. The program includes skills-development workshops, networking opportunities and year-round mentorship circles aimed at strengthening the region’s workforce pipeline. Central Oregon employers continue to face workforce challenges tied to high housing costs and child care shortages, which can create barriers to professional development and long-term talent retention.

OnPoint Community Credit Union maintains a 94-year legacy of building strong communities, having been founded by schoolteachers in 1932. In addition to its grant program, OnPoint supports communities year-round through event sponsorships, employee volunteerism, financial education initiatives and nonprofit partnerships across Oregon and Southwest Washington In 2025, OnPoint donated more than $4 million to more than 350 nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 648,000 members. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties and one of four Washington counties and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for the Community Grants & Giving program during annual application periods held each spring and fall.

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Kelsey Merison

UPDATE: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says the goat has been reunited with its family.

TERREBONNE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says a friendly goat is searching for his owners after he was found wandering along B Avenue in Terrebonne.

“A very kind resident has him safely hanging out at their place, while our Animal Control team searches for his people. If this goat looks familiar, or if your own goat didn’t come home for dinner, please reach out to non-emergency dispatch so we can get him back where he belongs! (541) 693-6911.”

If you this is your goat or you know who he belongs to, you’re asked to contact DCSO’s non-emergency dispatch number.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Demolition of the old Bend High School began today, starting with the gymnasium.

An excavator with a specialized pincer attachment started pulling apart the old structure.

The demolition is expected to continue until the end of the summer, by which time every part of the old school, except a mini-gymnasium, will be removed. This will make room for new buildings, including a new gymnasium.

The excavator took large bites out of the roof and walls of the old school, carefully peeling away the side of the building. As pieces of the structure fell, another machine scooped away the wreckage.

Christopher Reese, Principal of Bend High School, was on site for the occasion. He reflected on the sentiment surrounding the demolition. “spent a lot of, time in that facility and a lot of memories wrapped up in that,” Reese said. “But also on the flip side, with those mixed emotions is, the sooner we get this down, the sooner we, get working on a brand new gymnasium.”

Yesterday, workers opened the gymnasium roof to safely remove the original Lava Bears bear claw logo, which had been at center court since 1955.

The original Lava Bears bear claw, a fixture at center court for decades, was carefully extracted. The flooring that bears the logo will be reinstalled in a future hallway that will lead up to the new gymnasium.

Demolition is scheduled to conclude by the end of the summer. The salvaged Lava Bears bear claw flooring will be installed in a future hallway leading to the new gymnasium.

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Tyson Beauchemin

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Member of the Madras Aquatic Center board is making a statement in light of the upcoming special election.

This August, four of the five board members are facing recall.

KTVZ has asked the members of the board for comment, and so far we have heard back from vice-chair Jean McCloskey.

In a written statement, McCloskey offers explanations for budget errors, staff reductions, and temporary closures.

She ends her statement by urging people to vote no on the recall.

McCloskey’s full statement is as follows:

“It is true that the necessary number of votes for the Madras Aquatic Center 10-member budget committee, to adopt the 2025-26 budget was not met. The mistake was discovered late September and the Madras Aquatic Center notified the Oregon Department of Revenue. The department found that it was not necessary for the district to redo the process and closed the matter.

Madras Aquatic Center ended FY 2024-25 with a budget deficit of $67,565. This led to a reduction in staff, elimination of land-based activities and temporary closure of the Aquatics facility.

I was elected and honored to serve as the county assessor from 2012-2021. In that capacity, I fully understood and gained appreciation for the profound importance of carrying out fiduciary responsibilities. I have continued that commitment to public trust as a board member of the MAC. We as a board exercise our authority collegially with an eye to wise use of public resources.

I ask Madras Aquatic Center patrons to reject this recall effort and join us in working to resolve the difficult financial and maintenance issues that face the Madras Aquatic Center”

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Tracee Tuesday

Bend/Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon fire crews spent the Fourth of July weekend racing from one call to the next, as hot weather and holiday activity helped spark multiple fires from Crooked River Ranch to Bend. The incidents ranged from fast-moving wildfires threatening powerlines and homes to a structure fire in a Redmond neighborhood, underscoring what local officials call an already active wildfire season.

Peninsula Fire – Terrebonne

In Jefferson County, the Peninsula Fire broke out in the 14800 block of Southwest Peninsula Drive in Terrebonne. The fire was reported at about half an acre with forward progress stopped, and later mapped at 1.2 acres. Officials said a wet line was placed around the fire and the blaze is now 100% contained and being deactivated from public incident maps unless conditions change.

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue credited the property owner’s work to create defensible space for keeping the fire from spreading. The homeowner recently brought in a herd of goats to reduce grass and shrubs across much of the property, slowing the flames and allowing crews to keep the fire on-site.

Sean Hartley, Fire Chief for Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue, said the goat-grazing partnership is proving to be a unique but effective local tool in wildfire prevention.

“It’s amazing to go to see them work,” Hartley said. “In a few days, they will take a place that’s got knee-high grass down to basically nothing. And it really, it’s a neat way to make defensible space work. And it’s a safe way to do all summer long because people are now with lawn mowers and stuff where they can have a rock strike. So it’s a neat thing to see. And it’s a very unique way to do defensible space.”

Antelope Creek Fire – north of Antelope

North of the city of Antelope, the Antelope Creek Fire started July 4 at 12:39 p.m. on private land and quickly spread through grass, brush and sage. The fire burned 1,261 acres, and at one point 10 primary structures were identified as at risk.

The Antelope Creek Fire is now 100% contained. All evacuations have been lifted as interagency crews continue mop-up around the perimeter, keeping a close eye on remaining hot spots.

Hole in the Ground Fire – Deschutes National Forest

Farther south, the Hole in the Ground Fire ignited July 4 around 4:28 p.m., about one mile west of the Hole in the Ground Vista Point in the Deschutes National Forest. The fire burned 83 acres in mixed timber and sage and was listed at 50% containment.

Officials said there was no new growth overnight, but smoke will remain visible as heavy fuels continue to burn inside the perimeter. Fire managers are asking the public to avoid using Forest Service Road 3100-200 to access the Hole in the Ground recreation area, to keep the area safe for firefighters and visitors.

Coyner Fire – near Redmond

Closer to Redmond, the Coyner Fire started July 4 northwest of Tetherow Road on Bureau of Land Management land. The wildfire burned about 20.5 acres in juniper, grass, brush and sage and was listed at 10% containment. Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices remain in place in Deschutes County, with powerlines and nearby residential structures considered at risk.

Crews worked through the night of July 5 to secure the perimeter and put out flare-ups in unburned fuels, and were expected to continue mop-up through the day while monitoring hot spots as temperatures rise.

Officials said wildland firefighters from the newly established U.S. Wildland Fire Service are working with interagency partners to protect BLM lands, underscoring a unified approach to suppressing wildfires in Central Oregon.

Redmond structure fire – illegal fireworks

Redmond firefighters also responded to a structure fire near Northwest 4th Street and Northwest Hemlock Court, blamed on illegal fireworks. When crews arrived, they found a single-story manufactured home with heavy flames coming from the front of the structure and threatening nearby homes. Firefighters quickly deployed hoselines and kept the fire contained to the one residence, preventing further spread.

Weather, safety and the local message

With several fires now contained but fuels still drying out across the high desert, fire officials say weather and terrain remain challenging and that more fire starts are possible as summer continues.

“With fires in particular, the last couple of days, we’ve had some pretty hot weather. I think we’ve all felt that, and that can always really highlight those flare ups,” said Emilie Bedard, Public Information Officer for the Central Oregon Fire Management Service. “It continues to burn heavy fuels that are within fire perimeters. So our fire managers and our fire personnel are really watching those areas to make sure that they’re staying safe and keeping that fire within those containment lines.”

She added that the public plays a key role in reducing risk and helping crews stay safe while they work.

“We ask members of the public whether you’re traveling, whether you’re local to the area, please respect those closures,” Bedard said. “Keep those working areas safe for our firefighters and also for your own public safety. Slow down when you’re in those areas. That’s really going to allow those fire response agencies to get in and do the work that they need to do to keep our community safe.”

Local fire agencies are urging residents to continue clearing defensible space around homes, obey closure signs and avoid illegal fireworks as Central Oregon moves deeper into wildfire season.

Reported: July 6, 2026; 11:14 am

A busy Fourth of July weekend for fire crews across Central Oregon left several communities on alert as multiple brush fires broke out in quick succession.

Firefighters responded to a number of incidents, including the Peninsula Fire near Terrebonne, the Pilot Butte Fire in Bend, the Hole in the Ground Fire burning in the Deschutes National Forest, and both the Fairgrounds and Coyner fires in Redmond. Crews worked through the holiday weekend to contain the flames and prevent further spread in dry, windy conditions.

While all of the fires have since been contained, the incidents serve as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change during peak fire season.

Officials are continuing to investigate how some of the fires may have started, including whether fireworks or other human activity played a role.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday will have a full report tonight at 6 p.m. on NBC, including a closer look at when and where each fire sparked, how many acres burned, and what firefighters are urging residents to do now to reduce wildfire risk.

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Adrielle Hasara

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — One in ten residents in Deschutes County access services annually through the Deschutes Children’s Foundation campuses. This reach represents nearly 21,000 children and family members who received critical services in 2025 through the foundation’s four locations.

The foundation works to provide space and support for 23 nonprofit partners across Bend, Redmond and La Pine. These partners offer a range of services from health care to early childhood education to meet the growing needs of Central Oregon families.

The Deschutes Children’s Foundation has served the community since 1990 by facilitating collaborations among its nonprofit partners. Through campuses in Bend, Redmond and La Pine, these partners address various needs, including health care, counseling, early childhood education, family support, advocacy and youth services.

Cassi MacQueen, executive Director of Deschutes Children’s Foundation, noted the significant impact the foundation has on the community. “It’s often eye-opening for folks to learn that one in ten residents in Deschutes County access services through our campuses,” MacQueen said. “But behind that number are real children and families. Our nonprofit partners are showing up for our community every single day.”

The foundation’s 23 nonprofit partners are continually meeting rising demand for their services. These services are vital for children and families navigating various challenges, from seeking support and critical care to finding resources that promote well-being and development.

Community support is essential for the foundation to continue its work. One opportunity to help is “The Big Dill,” the Deschutes Children’s Foundation’s second annual pickleball fundraiser. The event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at Widgi Creek Pickleball Club.

The fundraiser is open to players of all skill levels and includes a day of connection, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Proceeds from “The Big Dill” directly support the Deschutes Children’s Foundation’s mission and the thousands of children and families it serves each year.

Stephanie Powell, Development Manager for Deschutes Children’s Foundation, highlighted the event’s purpose. “Behind every number is a child or family seeking support and a brighter future,” Powell said. “The Big Dill is an opportunity to come together and help ensure these services remain available for the families who need them most.”

Community members can support the foundation by registering to play in “The Big Dill,” becoming a sponsor, donating auction items, volunteering or making a gift.

More information is available at www.deschuteschildrensfoundation.org.

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