Category: ktvz-local-news

Matthew Draxton

DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County residents are preparing for fire season this May as the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management rolls out a community-wide awareness campaign. A key part of this effort includes a countywide test of the Deschutes Alerts system, scheduled for May 13 at 1:00 p.m.

The test aims to strengthen residents’ readiness for fire season and ensure the emergency notification system functions properly. It also provides an opportunity for more than 70,000 registered residents to confirm or update their contact information.

The annual test is critical for system reliability. Residents can verify their phone numbers, addresses and any special assistance needed during an evacuation are up to date. These details are vital for receiving timely and urgent information, including evacuation notices, as wildfire season approaches.

Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert emphasized the shared responsibility in wildfire preparedness. “Wildfire preparedness is a responsibility we all share,” Rupert said. “Taking a few minutes this month to check your alerts, understand evacuation levels and talk through a plan with your family can make all the difference when a real emergency hits.”

During May, residents are encouraged to focus on four core actions. These include signing up for Deschutes Alerts, the county’s primary emergency notification system for urgent information and evacuation notices. Residents can customize these alerts for their home, work or school at deschutesalerts.org.

Another key action is understanding the three evacuation levels: Level 1 for “Be Ready,” Level two for “Be Set” and Level 3 for “Go Now!” Authorities advise that leaving early is the safest option when conditions change quickly.

Residents should also build or refresh a 72-hour kit. This essential kit should contain food, water, medications, important documents, pet supplies, chargers and cold-weather clothing. Preparing such a kit helps ensure self-sufficiency during an emergency.

The final recommended action involves preparing homes and neighborhoods. This includes creating defensible space around structures, securing heavy items, safely storing flammable materials and checking in with neighbors who may require extra help in an emergency. The Sheriff’s Office website offers additional wildfire-readiness tools, evacuation guidance, shelter information, animal-evacuation resources and home-safety checklists.

The Wildfire Preparedness Month campaign, with its focus on encouraging residents to sign up for alerts, understand evacuation levels, build 72-hour kits and prepare their homes, will continue throughout May. The countywide test of Deschutes Alerts will proceed as scheduled on May 13 at 1:00 p.m.

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Matthew Draxton

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County School District 509J has received a three-year summer learning grant from the Oregon Department of Education. The funding will allow the district to sustain its summer programming for students at no extra cost. This initiative aims to strengthen literacy and support student success across all grade levels.

The district was one of only two in its region to be awarded this competitive grant.

The grant provides approximately $478,860 in annual funding over the next three years. This support benefits more than 500 students in grades K-12.

The program’s goal is to improve student achievement in academic areas.

The summer acceleration program will be offered at Bridges High School, Madras Elementary School and Madras High School. It will run Monday through Thursday, starting on July 20 and concluding on Aug. 6.

Warm Springs K-eight Academy has historically served as a program site. However, its campus will be unavailable this year due to a major construction project. Students who attend Warm Springs K-eight Academy will attend the summer program at Madras Elementary.

The district will offer transportation for students in need and provide meals to all summer program participants. The program provides opportunities for academic enrichment designed to help students meet state standards in subjects including reading and language arts, math and science.

Students will have many opportunities for science, technology, engineering and math-based learning that sparks curiosity. Hands-on activities will make learning engaging. There will also be a strong daily focus on English language arts and math.

Superintendent Jay Mathisen emphasized the importance of the funding for student development. “This competitive funding allows our district to continue to invest in a meaningful and robust summer program that offers additional support to students across all grade levels,” Mathisen said. “We are thankful to receive this funding which allows us to offer these programs that support our students’ growth and ensure they flourish here.”

Jefferson County School District 509J serves approximately 2,650 students across Jefferson County, Ore. The district is committed to uniting to empower culturally enhanced learners to shape the world. Its core values are Students Flourish Here, We Care for Each Other and Better Every Day.

More information on registration and program schedules is available on the district website. Families are encouraged to visit the website to learn more about the programs.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prescribed burn ignitions on Pine Mountain, located 14 miles southeast of Bend, were cancelled for Thursday due to unfavorable conditions. The area remains temporarily closed to traffic and recreation.

The Pine Mountain area closures include Forest Service Road 2017 and Pine Mountain Campground. These closures are expected to remain in place for multiple days while firefighters conduct mop-up and patrol operations after the prescribed burn is complete. Prescribed burns can protect homes from tragic wildfires.

The temporary closure to traffic on Pine Mountain affects off-highway vehicles and paragliding. Dispersed recreation opportunities are also unavailable during this period. Firefighters will reopen roads and recreation sites after assessing conditions and determining they are safe for the public.

Fire management officials plan prescribed burns in coordination with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists. These burns are conducted when weather conditions are most likely to move smoke up and away from local communities. While preventive measures are taken, communities may still experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

For additional information on prescribed burning in Central Oregon, the public can visit centraloregonfire.org. Information specific to the Deschutes National Forest is available at fs.usda.gov/deschutes. Updates are also provided on X @CentralORFire, and wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts can be received by texting “COFIRE” to 888-777.

Closures will remain in place for multiple days. Firefighters will reopen roads and recreation sites once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.

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Triton Notary

CORVALLIS, Ore. – A new study from Oregon State University scientists suggests that social media connections with strangers can contribute to increased loneliness among U.S. adults. The research, published today in Public Health Reports, is the first of its kind to focus on the impact of such interactions.

This nationwide study involved more than 1,500 adults ages 30-70, revealing that connecting online with individuals known in person was not linked to either increased or decreased loneliness.

The findings suggest a critical need for individuals experiencing loneliness to reassess their online interactions and prioritize in-person connections. The official journal of the U.S. Public Health Service, Public Health Reports, published the study, marking the agency’s deep interest in the topic following the 2023 report on the nation’s loneliness epidemic by then Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

Prior to COVID-19, about half of American adults reported measurable levels of loneliness, a lack of connection that carries health risks comparable to smoking. People who frequently feel lonely are more than twice as likely to develop depression.

Loneliness also increases the risk of several serious health conditions. Individuals face a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Furthermore, loneliness is associated with a greater than 60% chance of premature death.

Brian Primack, study leader and a professor in Oregon State University’s College of Health, highlighted the significance of the research. He noted that most prior studies on social media and loneliness have focused on teens and young adults, creating a knowledge gap.

“This gap in the literature is important because people who aren’t teens or young adults comprise 75% of the U.S. population,” Primack said. “These people are heavily exposed to social media and many of the downstream health impacts of loneliness grow increasingly severe as adulthood progresses.”

The researchers found that about 35% of the study group’s social media contacts were people they had never met in person. They suspect that interactions with strangers on social media are linked to loneliness due to the high potential for misinterpretation.

Jessica Gorman, a study co-author, elaborated on this point. “We know that social media interactions can result in idealization of other people’s friendships with each other, which can exacerbate the effects of social comparison,” Gorman said. “This idealization is possibly stronger when those friendships involve people you’ve never met because there is no personal experience to counter that idealization.”

The research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, took place in summer 2023. Research assistant professor Dawn Hyosin Kim and graduate students Geethika Koneru and Memuna Aslam also contributed to the project.

Study participants reported their non-business engagement with ten social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Reddit, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest and WhatsApp. The current project expands on earlier work by Primack and Gorman that identified a link between loneliness and the amount and frequency of social media use. This research also adds to a growing body of scholarship by Oregon State University researchers exploring loneliness’ link to conditions such as insomnia and nightmares.

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Harley Coldiron

KTVZ News recently welcomed a local Girl Scout troop, where young aspiring filmmakers learned the ropes of video production from the pros. Guided by Bend native Claire Elmer, the enthusiastic scouts delved into everything from filming techniques to weather casting, all while having a blast on the green screen.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A structure fire on NW Florida Avenue on May 6, 2026, rendered an original mill house uninhabitable, displacing two adults and two dogs. The fire, reported at 12:44 p.m., was determined to be caused by the improper disposal of oily rags.

Bend Fire & Rescue reported the incident, noting the significant damage to the historic residence.

The home, originally built in 1925, is an older mill house. The fire spread to its attic area. Fire crews quickly knocked down the blaze, but extensive overhaul operations were necessary.

The fire originated on the exterior of the house and spread up the wood siding to the eaves and into the attic space. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the two displaced adults and their two dogs.

The cause of the fire was attributed to oily rags from a recent home improvement project being improperly discarded into household trash.

Oil-based paints, stains and varnishes used in home projects can pose a significant fire risk if rags, cloths and brushes are not handled and disposed of correctly. Rags should never be left in a pile or bucket. Instead, they should be laid flat outdoors in an area away from structures and other combustible materials.

Once the rags are completely dry, they can be placed in a metal can containing a water and detergent solution, with the lid sealed tightly. These materials can then be disposed of at the Hazardous Waste Disposal area at Knott Landfill, which is open every Friday and Saturday.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Park and Recreation District staff presented information on recently completed and future forest health and fuels reduction projects at a board of directors meeting on May 5, 2026. The presentation addressed growing community interest in wildfire risk and protecting natural and residential areas.

BPRD manages more than 3,000 acres and is committed to promoting forest health and resilience while reducing wildfire risk within its properties.

The district employs a two-part strategy for its forest health and fuels reduction program. This approach includes enhancing Bend Fire & Rescue priorities into new project prescriptions, incorporating Extended Zone space efforts where neighborhoods meet natural areas.

Zara Hickman, BPRD’s Natural Resources and Trails Manager, explained the historical context of Central Oregon’s forests. “Historically, Central Oregon’s dry forests adapted to frequent, low intensity fires that maintained open forest structure and reduced fuel accumulation,” Hickman said. “Decades of fire suppression, logging operations and current environmental factors have increased forest density and surface fuels, elevating the risk of severe wildfire in and around Bend.”

BPRD’s responsibilities as a land manager differ from those of individual homeowners, prioritizing broader forest health strategies. For new fuels projects within city limits, the district focuses on the 20-foot boundary where its property meets private property.

This focus enhances mitigations in the Extended Zone, also known as Zone 3, which extends 30 to 100 feet from residential structures. The goal is to reduce ladder fuel to slow the spread or risk of embers. Hickman clarified the distinction between district and homeowner responsibilities. “It is encouraging to see homeowners aware of Firewise requirements and doing their part to increase wildfire resistance,” Hickman said. “It is important for community members to know that our natural areas are managed for resilience and are not subject to Firewise, which focuses on structural hardening defense. These two treatments complement one another at a high level for the community, supporting stronger neighborhoods.”

During the current budget year, Natural Resources staff completed nine projects, improving 39 acres through fuels reduction. Additionally, three contracted fuels reduction projects totaling an additional 90 acres are currently in process.

These current projects include pile burning at North Shevlin and mowing at Alpine Park and Shevlin Park adjacent to Tree Farm.

BPRD is increasing its investment in forest health management. The Natural Resources vegetation management budget has steadily increased over the past five years. The proposed fiscal year 2026–2027 budget represents a 60% increase from the current year. This higher budget is attributed to an increase in contracted fuels reduction acreage and the rising cost of this work.

For the next budget year, from July 2026 to June 2027, the district has three contracted projects planned, totaling 140 acres. These projects include Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase 1, Eastgate and Rose Property. Treatments will involve cutting and piling trees to remove understory and brush.

BPRD is a co-sponsor of the Wildfire Preparedness Fair, a free community event to share information and answer questions. The fair is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Central Oregon Community College. Bend Fire, Deschutes County and other partners are also sponsoring the event.

Piles from the planned projects at Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase 1, Eastgate and Rose Property will be left to cure and burned in one to two years. The Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Area phase two project is scheduled for burning in fall/winter 2027.

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Kelsey Merison

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Voters in Central Oregon will soon decide on a proposed fire levy that leaders say is critical to maintaining emergency response–especially in the wake of last year’s Flat Fire.

The Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District is asking voters to approve a higher levy, but officials say the need has been building for years. 

The measure would replace an existing levy, with a net increase of about $0.46 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

“We’ve had a 44% increase in calls in the last four years,” said Chief Thad Olsen with the Cloverdale RFPD. “In ten years, it’s a 119% increase.”

Chief Thad Olsen

Chief Olsen says rapid population growth and a nationwide decline in volunteer firefighters are stretching resources thin. 

“They’re struggling, having volunteer firefighters because people…have to work. People are having two jobs. And it takes a lot of time and effort to be a volunteer.”

Right now, the district relies heavily on student firefighters for around the clock coverage, but they aren’t always available. 

“The student firefighters are 66% of our 24-hour staffing,” Chief Olsen said. “Problem is, they aren’t here all the time. They go to COCC to get their paramedics or they’re working on their firefighter.” 

If the levy fails, Chief Olsen says staffing would be cut significantly, impacting response times. 

“We would lose two of the paid captains, which would take away the vast majority of our staffing for shift. And we would also lose the three student positions because we just don’t have the money to fund that,” Chief Olsen said. “Majority would have to be based on a volunteer response. But that’s about a 10 to 12 minute from the time that we get dispatched till they get here, get on the truck and get responding. So, unfortunately, we would probably see a very increased response time.” 

That delay could be critical, especially with wildfire risk on the rise.  

“If there’s a big fire in Oregon, it’s usually in our backyard,” Chief Olsen said. “Unfortunately, that’s laid true for the last several years, and our risk is just growing evermore.” 

The proposed levy would fund additional staffing, and a new wildfire risk reduction specialist—to help homeowners better protect their properties.

“We’re really trying to put our best foot forward with this. We don’t have any fluff in our budget. And we do the best we can with the taxpayer dollars that we’re provided,” Chief Olsen said.

Fire officials say faster response times and stronger staffing could make a major difference in stopping fires before they spread. The district is encouraging voters to learn more and weigh the costs against the potential impact on emergency services.

Click here to learn more about the levy.

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Matthew Draxton

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon advocates are raising concerns about what they say are widespread issues with the Social Security Administration, calling the problem a nationwide challenge impacting people with disabilities and their support networks.

Sam Robinson, Board President and Founder of Unity4Inclusion, says the organization has been hearing from families, caregivers, and service providers struggling to access clear information and resources. In response, Unity4Inclusion is organizing a community meeting aimed at improving transparency and connecting people with support.

Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden are expected to attend, offering constituents a chance to share concerns directly and learn more about available assistance.

The meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Full Access High Desert Meeting Room. Organizers say the event is open to parents, caregivers, support coordinators, personal agents, and others seeking guidance or resources.

Robinson says the goal is to build stronger communication between the Social Security Administration and the communities it serves, while helping people better navigate available services.

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Matthew Draxton

Prescribed burns are set to commence today across multiple locations in Central Oregon, including significant operations near Sisters, Bend and Crescent. These controlled burns, managed by local fire officials, aim to mitigate wildfire risks and enhance forest health. Residents in the affected areas should prepare for potential smoke and fire activity as these strategic burns get underway.

Prescribed burns are expected on 244 acres 3 miles west of Sisters, 659 acres on Pine Mountain 14 miles SE of Bend, and 238 acres five miles SE of Crescent.

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