Category: ktvz-local-news

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An R.V. Fire in Redmond took place earlier Wednesday.

Fire Officials believe it was intentionally set.

Details are still coming in but here’s what we’ve learned:

Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney told KTVZ News, the fire near 11th and Greenwood is currently being investigated by Redmond Fire and Rescue and the Redmond Police.

There were no injuries.

a viewer sent us this video of the scene earlier while driving east on Antler Avenue. It shows dark thick black smoke pouring on what appears to be an RV, according to the viewer. She said the RV was near an encampment better known to locals as Redmond Dirt World.

This comes after a week ago, Justin Jiminez was shot and killed in Redmond Dirt World. KTVZ News spoke with Justin’s mother.

We’ll update you with new information as we get it.

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Triton Notary

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– Oregon’s “Motor Voter” program, the system that automatically registers eligible voters through the DMV, is now up for public debate.

State election officials held a public hearing this week in Salem, inviting citizens to share their views on proposed rule changes to the program. The Secretary of State’s Office says the updates are meant to strengthen the accuracy, security, and oversight of voter registration.

The review comes after an independent audit found hundreds of people were mistakenly registered to vote through the program and a handful even cast ballots. The audit’s findings fueled renewed scrutiny over how voter eligibility is verified.

At the hearing, several citizens raised concerns about voter trust and verification. One speaker urged the state to take extra care to ensure only eligible citizens are registered, saying confidence in the system is vital to preserving election integrity.

Public comments on the proposed changes are being accepted through January 13th. Residents can find details and submit feedback through the Secretary of State’s website.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As child care providers across the country await clarity amid delayed and frozen federal funding, NeighborImpact said Wednesday it has received confirmation of a renewed $2.7 million federal grant that will enable its Head Start program to continue serving families in Central Oregon for the next five years. 

While NeighborImpact continues to assess how ongoing child care funding uncertainty may affect other programs, it said “this renewal provides continued, reliable early learning and care for families enrolled in Head Start.”

NeighborImpact Director of Marketing and Communications Rachel Haakenson told KTVZ News the grant awarded for 2026 totals $2,748,320.

“This is the same exact amount that was awarded in 2025 and is the first time in at least six years —possibly longer — that funding remained completely flat over the prior year,” she said.

The grant renewal supports NeighborImpact’s Head Start program in Crook and Deschutes counties, which currently serves 617 children and their families through early childhood education, health services, and family support. (Jefferson County is served by another grantee.)  

Head Start is a comprehensive early learning and family engagement program for children from birth to age 5. Designed to support families facing economic hardship, the program offers classroom- and home-based education and connects families to health screenings, nutrition support, and other resources that help children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn and help parents build stability at home. 

“This funding allows us to continue doing what Head Start does best — supporting children’s development while partnering with families during some of the most formative years of a child’s life,” said Kim Brown, director of Head Start at NeighborImpact. “For the families we serve, Head Start isn’t just pre-school. It’s a foundation for long-term success.” 

NeighborImpact pointed out that it has continued to grow its early-learning services in Central Oregon. The organization recently opened its second Early Head Start Center, providing in-person care and education for 2- and 3-year-olds in classroom settings. 

Early Head Start centers are currently located in Redmond and Prineville, where families have access to reliable child care that allows parents to work. NeighborImpact is seeking funding to expand Early Head Start classrooms in Bend, La Pine and Sisters.  

“Especially in times of uncertainty, families need consistency,” said NeighborImpact Executive Director Scott Cooper. “This renewal allows us to continue providing stable, high-quality Head Start services that are proven and effective in ending intergenerational poverty.” 

NeighborImpact said the Head Start programs support children and families in Central Oregon by strengthening early learning and long-term well-being. The program takes a whole-family approach, offering support that extends beyond the classroom. 

NeighborImpact Head Start is accepting applications now. Families interested in enrolling their children can call 541-323-6543 or visit www.neighborimpact.org/headstart for more information. 

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: Adding quotes from Senator Merkley and video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — After weeks of confusion regarding the legality of hemp on a federal level, a new bill could bring clarity to consumers, producers, and dispensaries.

We’ve gone from “more relaxed” after 20-18, to an impending ban on hemp products in 20-25.

During the government funding bill votes, a provision was put in by Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell that would close the hemp loophole making it illegal.

Now both Oregon Senators are trying to keep the “more than one billion dollar industry” legal.

A new bill co-authored by Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden will create a federal framework to legalize hemp. 

Senator Merkley shares, the biggest concern is “Delta-8” that has circumvented other state’s laws

“My hope is to have a nationally regulated, market that, avoids the abuses that have occurred with delta-8 and youth, and delta-8 being a replacement for marijuana in states that don’t allow marijuana, which has made those states angry,” Senator Merkley told KTVZ News. “We can fix those things, and preserve a very healthy, profitable hemp market.”

The bill would also create guidelines on product and consumer safety, like making the federal legal age to be 21 like alcohol, and limiting its marketability to kids.

The bill would also create serving sizes for edible, inhalant, topical, and drinkable cannabinoids.

For example, edible cannabinoid products can not contain more than five milligrams of thc per serving, and a container can not have more than 50 milligrams. 

If it passes and becomes law, it’ll benefit producers by creating a nationwide market place for hemp products.

On the consumer side, it would create a database, like what we have in Oregon, that can track the entire journey from seed to sale.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bend City Council meets tonight at 6 p.m. at City Hall, with one of the agenda items centering on an amendment to the city’s agreement with Flock Group Inc. — the company providing automatic license plate reader technology for Bend Police.

The proposed amendment would modify the city’s existing contract with Flock, updating the hardware and software products used under the agreement. Officials say the change effectively replaces the older equipment and software with new products while keeping the rest of the contract intact.

KTVZ News will be there, focusing on what the amendment means for transparency, technology use, and public safety here in Bend.

You can watch the meeting online at https://www.youtube.com/live/3CTAuN76Opw

Catch Tracee’s Tuesday full report tonight on our FOX and NBC affiliates during the 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts.

Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said the department began using four Flock cameras six months ago at the entrances and exits from town. She said the license plate readers are used in criminal investigations, where they are looking for specific vehicles.

Some residents critical of the city’s contract with Flock planned to speak to councilors as well, noting that several cities in Oregon and elsewhere have dropped or paused use of their cameras in recent months amid concerns over who would have access to the license plate and other data.

Miller told KTVZ News, “The Flock system is currently set to local lookup only. We did that as an additional safeguard in December, though previously we did have it set to share with Oregon agencies.”

Miller also stressed that the Flock camera system is not the one being used by city contractor Vierra Mobility for the police department’s new Automated Traffic Enforcement system. Bend Police said in their fourth-quarter report that those red-light and speed cameras will go live this month at three locations: NE 27th Street and Neff Road, SE Third Street and Reed Market Road, and SE Powers Road and Business 97.

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Board of Commissioners plans to hold a public hearing next Wednesday to consider proposed wildfire mitigation standards for new residential construction in unincorporated areas of the county.

Last fall, following the repeal of the Statewide Wildfire Hazard Map with Senate Bill 83, county commissioners directed staff to modify building codes to reduce wildfire risk in the community.

Staff proposed amending the county code to align with state wildfire mitigation standards in Section R327 of the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC).

Last month, the Deschutes County Planning Commission held a public hearing and, after deliberation, voted unanimously to recommend that the board approve the proposed amendments.

If adopted by commissioners, the standards would apply to all new residential construction in unincorporated Deschutes County, including some accessory structures.

Key requirements include:

Roofing: Requires noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials, such as asphalt shingles, slate shingles, metal, tile or other approved roofing.

Exterior Walls: Exterior wall coverings or wall assembly should use noncombustible or ignition-resistant materials.

Glazing: Exterior windows, skylights, and glass in exterior doors must be tempered, multilayered, glass block, or have a 20-minute fire rating.

Ventilation: All attic, soffit, and underfloor vents must use fine, noncombustible metal mesh or ember-resistant designs.

Gutters and Downspouts: Where provided, gutters and downspouts must be constructed of noncombustible materials and have means to prevent debris buildup.

Eaves, Soffits, and Cornices: No installation of ventilation openings on the underside of eaves, soffits, or cornices.

The public hearing will be held during the regular BOCC meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 9 a.m. in the Barnes Sawyer Room of the Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend. The public is invited to attend in person or virtually.

Virtual log-in information and the meeting agenda, including the specific hearing time, can be found at www.deschutes.org/meetings.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bureau of Land Management fire crews began three days of prescribed pile burning operations Wednesday on the Cline Buttes west of Redmond, including about 670 acres of hand piles.

The BLM said the operations are expected to continue through Friday, as weather and site conditions allow. The burn area is located off Fryrear Road, east of Highway 20 and south of Highway 126.

The agency said the burns are designed to reduce hazardous fuels, protect nearby communities and restore native ecosystems, and are conducted under strict safety protocols and in coordination with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s smoke management plan.

“Prescribed fire is one of our most effective tools for reducing wildfire risk and improving habitat,” said Jona Ensley, assistant fire management officer. “By carefully planning and executing these burns, we’re helping protect communities and strengthen the health of our public lands.”

Smoke may be visible for several days after ignition and could settle overnight near residential areas. Residents are advised to close windows, limit outdoor activity, and drive cautiously in smoky conditions. No road closures are expected, but signage will be posted.

To view planned and active BLM burns across Oregon and Washington, visit Prescribed Fire | Bureau of Land Management

For more information, contact Prineville BLM at (541) 416-6700

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KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding other weather impacts)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor picked up eight inches of snow in the last 24 hours, with another 6-10 inches expected by tomorrow morning.

Check out the KTVZ Local Alert Weather Team Snow Report at:

Snow Report: Finally, some decent snow across the Cascades

Here’s what the resort shared with KTVZ News regarding what this means for skiers and snowboarders alike:

We’re spinning 8 lifts with access to 75 trails and 2 terrain parks today, and the team is working towards expanding terrain on the west side of the mountain towards Outback if conditions allow the next few days.

Snow is expected to pick back up around noon with heavy snowfall in the forecast this afternoon and evening.

Hoodoo Ski Area also benefited from the latest storm as it prepares to open Thursday, reporting about seven inches of snow in the past 24 hours and a base of nearly 22 inches.

Roads and sidewalks at lower elevations of the High Desert got icy in places after overnight temperatures below freezing.

But higher elevations snow snow, and that prompted the Sisters School District to delay classes by two hours.

“The safety of our students is our number one concern,” Superintendent Curt Scholl said.

No major crashes were reported in Central Oregon by midday, but there were slide-offs of trucks or other vehicles and a crash Wednesday morning closed Highway 97 north of Klamath Falls for a time.

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Tracee Tuesday

SUNRIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert used a Sunriver town hall to highlight his focus on rebuilding trust, transparency and community engagement as he heads toward the 2026 sheriff’s race.​

Sunriver town hall focus

Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert met with Sunriver-area residents Tuesday night in Sunriver, inviting questions and concerns about public safety, transparency and trust in the sheriff’s office. He framed the event as part of a broader effort to connect directly with people in each community he serves.​

“Trust is something that’s earned over time; it’s not just given,” Rupert told attendees, saying recent months have shown progress but also the need for continued work. He said he wants residents to see him more often in their neighborhoods and at public events as he works to rebuild confidence in the agency.​

Emphasis on transparency

Rupert said he welcomes difficult questions because they help his team understand community concerns and “make our office better.” He described community feedback as essential to setting his priorities and shaping how the sheriff’s office approaches enforcement, communication and outreach.​

He also tied transparency to visibility, promising to spend more time out in the community rather than behind a desk. That approach, he said, is key to restoring trust and demonstrating that the agency is accountable to the public.​

Looking ahead to 2026

Rupert was appointed interim sheriff in 2025 and plans to run for a full term in the 2026 election. He said the town hall series is as much about listening as campaigning, helping him understand what residents want from the next permanent sheriff.​

His next town hall is scheduled for January 14 at Terrebonne Community School from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Additional meetings are expected in other parts of Deschutes County as Rupert continues outreach ahead of the 2026 race.

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: adding video and quotes from Bend-LaPine Schools Director of Communications, Scott Maben)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Snow, Sleet, Ice, all conditions making it difficult to drive around.

With students back from break, schools are preparing for winter weather.

So what does the preparation look like? 

“We have our maintenance team, all prepared and kind of on standby to to get ready to go out there and tackle, any snow that accumulates or ice, that we have on our school properties,” Bend-LaPine Schools Director of Communications, Scott Maben told KTVZ News. “They’re on alert, ready to go out this week if needed.”

Work begins for the Bend-LaPine School district as early as 2 A.M., with maintenance crews and school officials looking at road conditions. They drive bus routes and evaluate if they themselves are having difficulty driving.

Then around 4 A.M., the superintendent speaks with the director of operations about how roads look and if buses will be able to safely drive.

By 5:30 A.M., the school district announces if the school day will start as normal, be delayed by 2 hours, or canceled all together.

If the day goes ahead, buses and bus drivers are ready to handle the roads.

Maben told KTVZ, “We also have, what we call drop chains on our buses. So if they need that extra traction in snowy conditions, just with a push of a button, a driver can activate automatic chains for their tires. So that’s a big benefit.”

Among the many safety features that these buses have, drivers also take the time every year to train on winter weather. That could also mean going up to mount bachelor and training up there. They do that at least once a year.

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