Category: ktvz-local-news

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville Police said Friday they have arrested three juveniles on burglary and theft charges, accused of stealing nearly $2,000 worth of items from several Crook County Fair vendors a week ago.

Here’s the full news release:

On Friday, August 8, around 3:34 a.m., the Prineville Police Department responded to a report from a security guard at the Crook County Fairgrounds.

The guard reported encountering unidentified individuals in the vendor booth area. When he attempted to contact them, they fled on foot. The guard pursued the suspects but was unable to catch them and sustained injuries during the chase.

Later that morning, as fair vendors began arriving, officers conducted follow-up investigations and discovered multiple thefts had occurred overnight.

A total of six victims reported stolen items from their booths, with the total value of the stolen property estimated at nearly $2,000.

Through the course of the investigation, Prineville Police detectives identified three juveniles believed to be responsible for the thefts. Investigators also developed information regarding the possible location of some of the stolen property. Based on this evidence, arrest warrants were issued for all three juveniles, along with a search warrant for a residence on SE Elm Street.

On Thursday, August 14, at around noon, officers executed the search warrant at the SE Elm Street residence. Two of the juvenile suspects were located at the home, while the third was found at another location.

All three were taken into custody and lodged on charges of second-degree burglary and first-degree theft. Their identities are being withheld due to their age. Multiple stolen items were located at the residence.

This case remains under active investigation. No further information is available at this time.

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Jillian Fortner

(Update: comments from DEQ, Deschutes County Public Health, KTVZ chief meteorologist)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has released the 2025 Wildfire Smoke Trends Report, which gathers and examines data about how the 2024 wildfire season affected air quality across the state.

Oregon’s wildfire season has historically started in late July and continued into early September. In the last three years, fires have begun in mid-July and extended into early October. The 2024 wildfire season included numerous fires and complexes throughout the entire state. Smoke from wildfires in Washington also affected the air quality in Oregon.

Across the state, wildfire smoke has contributed to an increase in the number of days with Air Quality Index levels that are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse, with notable examples observed in Bend and Klamath Falls.

Between 2000 and 2012, Bend had six USG (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) days caused by wildfire smoke.

Between 2013 and 2024, Bend experienced 98 days at USG or worse, including 31 Unhealthy days, 10 Very Unhealthy days, and eight Hazardous days. Of those, 94 days ≥ USG occurred from 2017 to 2024.

“It’s a pretty dramatic change, and we see increases like that across the state,” said Chris Varley, DEQ’s air quality public affairs specialist.

“It is important to note that even Moderate AQI levels can adversely affect sensitive individuals. There is no completely ‘safe’ level of exposure to PM2.5. Additionally, wildfire smoke contains a complex mixture of hazardous elements, things like formaldehyde, benzene, and even some heavy metals, which are dangerous to breathe,” explained Ali Mirzakhalili, DEQ’s Air Quality Administrator. “Everyone should keep watch on local air quality and take steps to avoid or minimize exposure to smoke in order to protect themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors.”

The report features the recalibration of historical data for Oregon’s AQI levels back to the year 2000 in order to reclassify the data according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s more protective AQI standards introduced in May 2024.

Deschutes County Health Services Climate and Health Coordinator Sarah Worthington said, “That particulate matter is actually more hazardous than what we previously believed it to be. So even just a smaller amount is considered to have impacted the air quality.”

Despite last year’s costly wildfire season and the large number of acres burned, the DEQ report shows it wasn’t unusual, when it comes to poor air quality.

KTVZ Chief Meteorologist John Carroll says wind and fire location can matter more than the size of the fire.

“The year before that, we had a big fire in the Cascades with the winds coming from the west, bringing that smoke right here into Deschutes County,” Carrol saidl. “Although it was a smaller number of acreage that year, we had poorer air quality because of the position of the fire and the direction of the winds.”

The DEQ says this year has been milder so far, with fewer smoky days.

“The weather has been a little cooler, a little more wet,” Varley said.

Officials warn that severe wildfire seasons are still likely in the years ahead.

Worthington said, “We’re really in somewhat uncharted territory, in terms of having this new and unfortunately, often frequent hazard with our air quality,” Worthington said.

Check the air quality in your area here.

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Spencer Sacks

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ)– Rural health care was the topic of discussion at a town hall meeting Thursday night in Madras. It was a packed house at the Madras Performing Arts Center.

The Oregon Nurses Association hosted the event to address concerns about the president’s recently passed big beautiful bill. Oregon’s 5th District Democrat Rep. Janelle Bynum was the featured speaker, where she talked about Medicaid, Medicare and what could possibly happen in the future while emphasizing the challenges rural health care faces.

Janelle Bynum told KTVZ News, “Well, we want to make sure that hospitals, particularly rural hospitals, are protected. When I first came here, I was told very clearly that this was not the place to have a nervous breakdown, and it wasn’t the place to have a baby, because there was not enough care, there was not enough coverage.”

Oregon’s 2nd District Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz was invited, but as expected, he did not attend.

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Triton Notary

(Update: More burns planned the next couple of days)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — With these warm and dry conditions, wildfire concern is top of mind. KTVZ News received several calls and emails Thursday from residents seeing smoke plumes and worried about new fires.

Meanwhile, there were at least two sanctioned agriculture burns in central Jefferson County. On a warm and dry day, seeing the smoke plumes could be concerning.

Jefferson County Smoke Management advised of more field burns planned for Friday and Saturday.

KTVZ News spoke to Jefferson County Fire and EMS Chief Jeff Blake, who said the farmers take several precautions.

“Our farmers do a great job prepping their fields, making sure that they have fire breaks around, making sure that they do everything safe,” he said. “Because they want to protect the crops that they’re burning next to, but they also want to protect this program, because it is so valuable to the agricultural industry.”

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Barney Lerten

 WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Museum at Warm Springs announced Thursday it has been awarded $1.5 million in state funding for the renewal of its popular, though aging, Permanent Exhibit. The funding officially kicks off The Museum’s capital campaign for the project to update technical equipment and provide more information on the progress of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

The Museum at Warm Springs was one of 13 Oregon arts and cultural organizations that was awarded state funding, which will be distributed through the Cultural Resources Economic Fund (CREF). 

Museum staff worked in close cooperation with the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon — the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to advocating for public support of the arts, culture, heritage, and humanities — throughout the application and legislative process.

“This was an amazing effort by the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon, our staff and consultants, our Board of Directors and Board of Regents, the Permanent Exhibit Steering Committee, which includes Warm Springs Tribal members, and others who advised and advocated, testified on our behalf, wrote letters of support, and met personally with our legislators in Salem,” said Museum Executive Director Elizabeth A. Woody (Warm Springs, Yakama and Diné). 

“We’re immensely grateful to our champions in the Legislature, including Arts and Culture Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Rob Nosse (D-District 42-Portland) and Caucus Co-Chair Sen. Dick Anderson (R-District 5-Lincoln City), Rep. Greg Smith (R-District 57-Umatilla, Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wheeler, Wasco, Jefferson, Marion and Clackamas Counties) and Sen. Todd Nash (R-District 29-Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler counties as well as parts of Clackamas, Jefferson, Marion, and Wasco counties) — and to everyone who listened to us and helped get us here,” said Woody.

“We also know Representatives in other districts supported our effort, including Rep. Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton) and Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-District 43-North and Northeast Portland), said Woody.

The 7,500 square-foot Permanent Exhibit is The Museum’s central visitor attraction, representing the soul and voice of the people of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. In 2023, a $90,000 grant from Visit Central Oregon made possible initial project scoping and planning work.

“The estimated budget for Permanent Exhibit renewal is more than $3 million, so the CREF funding is an excellent head start for the project,” said Woody. “Fundraising to reach our goal is now one of our primary objectives.

“We are reaching out to our Oregon foundation and corporate partners and our Board of Directors and Board of Regents, as well as our generous private funders. We are also seeking major funding from national foundations and asking our members, loyal visitors and public supporters to contribute to this historic project. With everyone’s support, we are confident that we will be successful in renewing our Permanent Exhibit.”

The need for renewal is great. In 1993, the Permanent Exhibit included state-of-the-art in technology and was based on what was then a thriving tribal economic program. 

Over the past three decades, museum technology has advanced significantly with the enriched presentation of art and cultures with new insights, and the Permanent Exhibit has suffered in its impact and maintainability.

During this time, the history, culture, experiences and stories of the Warm Springs Tribes have deepened and expanded. Much, if not most of the exhibitry is in disrepair or doesn’t work. The original carpeting on floors and walls hold moisture that is potentially damaging artifacts.

The entire infrastructure has aged, and with improved museum technology over the last 30 years, the new technology will improve the presentation and elevate the visitor experience of the Tribal peoples, government, and environmental sensibilities. 

“When the Museum at Warm Springs was first established, esteemed Simnasho District Tribal Council Representative Delbert Frank, who is now an Ancestor, asked that the design do two things — one, ‘that the building represent the three tribes (Warm Springs, Wasco, Northern Paiute) as separate but equal,’ and two, ‘that the Museum tells the truth about who we are, where we come from, and that our story continues,’’ said Woody. “The renewed Permanent Exhibit will continue being the storyteller of the Warm Springs Tribes and this place.”

Individuals are invited to contribute to the Permanent Exhibit renewal. Donations can be mailed to The Museum at PO Box 909, Warm Springs OR 97761 (please note that the donation is for “Permanent Exhibit Renewal”) or made online at the Warm Springs Museum’s website at https://www.museumatwarmsprings.org/ (click “Donate” at the top of the toolbar and indicate your donation is made “on behalf of Permanent Exhibit Renewal”).

Become a Museum Member

The Museum kicked off its annual Membership campaign this month and will continue through August 31. Several Oregon collaborators are helping spread the word about the Membership Drive, including Central Oregon LandWatch, Deschutes Land Trust, Jefferson County Arts Association and Art Adventure Gallery, Jefferson County Historical Society, KWSO 91.9 FM Warm Springs Radio, Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, Old Mill District, Redmond Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor Bureau, The Environmental Center and Visit Central Oregon. 

There are several levels of annual Museum Membership, which begin at $25 for elders and students. All Members receive these benefits: free admission for one year, 10% discount in the Museum Gift Shop and special invitations to exhibits and programs. Members have access to the Oregon Historical Society Reciprocal Membership Program and free admission to a different Oregon museum each month.

Join by visiting https://museumatwarmsprings.org/ and click “Join” to see Membership levels and online payment information. Or send a check to: The Museum at Warm Springs, P.O. Box 909, Warm Springs, OR 97761 (Attn: Membership).

About The Museum at Warm Springs

The Museum at Warm Springs opened its doors to the public on March 14, 1993 and celebrated its 30thanniversary in 2023. Built to Smithsonian Institution professional standards, The Museum’s mission is to preserve, advance and share the traditions, cultural and artistic heritage of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. Regular Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission: Museum Members (free), Adults ($7), Senior Citizens over 60 ($6), Students 13-18 with student body card ($4.50), Children 5-12 ($3.50) and Children 4 and younger (free). The Museum is located at 2189 Highway 26 in Warm Springs. Phone: (541) 553-3331.

For more information, visit https://www.museumatwarmsprings.org/.

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KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A cat is back home with her family after they spotted her on KTVZ News.

BrightSide Animal Center says the family recognized their cat, “Marcy,” during our Clear the Shelters segment. They came into the shelter today to confirm it was her and were able to re-adopt her.

Shelter staff say they’re thrilled for Marcy and called it an emotional reunion.

“We were emotional. Marcy is a great cat, and we’re so happy that she got to go back to her family,” said  shelter manager, Hannah Loftis.

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Jillian Fortner

(Jillian Fortner has a Problem Solvers report at 6)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Residents in a Northeast Bend neighborhood are raising concerns about frequent speeding on their street.

Linn Harrison, who lives between Empire Avenue and Yeoman Road, says drivers often speed through at 45 to 60 miles per hour, well above what’s safe for a residential area.

Jillian Fortner is talking with neighbors, city officials and police about the issue. Watch her Problem Solvers report tonight at 6 on KTVZ News.

“We can’t have people going 50, 60, 70 miles an hour in a residential zone,” said resident Linn Harrison.

He and other neighbors say the issue is especially concerning given the location: right next to Ponderosa Elementary School and Pine Nursery Park.

“When you have an elementary school and a park right next door, it’s just a disaster waiting to happen,” said resident Chad Nathanson.

Some residents believe the lack of speed limit signs, particularly in the northbound direction, adds to the problem. Assistant City Engineer Janet Ruby says a northbound sign may be missing near the school zone due to spacing limitations.

“It’s a challenge just spatially,” Ruby said. “We don’t want to put a 35 mile an hour sign and then ten feet later have the 20 mile an hour sign.”

The city conducted a speed study in the area in 2023. The results showed most drivers were going under 35 miles per hour, with an average speed of 29. Still, Ruby acknowledged that it only takes a few outliers to create a lasting impression.

Harrison says he’s contacted the city, Bend Police, and even the mayor over the years, but feels his concerns haven’t been addressed.

“Nothing happens,” he said.

So far in 2025, Bend Police say they’ve received more than 1,200 traffic complaints across the city. They prioritize enforcement based on crash data and recurring issues.

“We do have to be strategic about where our officers, go and spend their time doing speed work,” said Sheila Miller, Communications Manager for Bend Police.

Miller said officers do receive complaints about Purcell in general, but not as many near the Empire–Yeoman section. She encourages residents to report consistently when problems arise.

City engineers say they haven’t received any recent formal complaints about that stretch of Purcell. They recommend using the city’s BendWorks portal to ensure concerns are routed to the appropriate department.

“I’d love to have a conversation about what they’re seeing,” Ruby said. “People who live there are our best input. They might notice something we haven’t thought of.”

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — National fashion retailer Madewell is expanding into Central Oregon with a new storefront set to open in Bend’s Old Mill District early next year, it was announced Thursday. 

Madewell will take over 4,554 square feet in the heart of the district, between Sisters Coffee Co. and Warby Parker, offering a full line of men’s and women’s clothing, including its signature denim, wardrobe staples and accessories, the Old Mill District said in a news release that continues below:

Known for a style that is both laidback and lasting, Madewell focuses on creating timeless pieces that wear well and feel effortless. 

Madewell’s new Central Oregon location at 520 SW Powerhouse Dr. Suite 606 continues the brand’s expansion into markets outside traditional metro areas, offering a full-service shopping experience to a broader audience. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Madewell to Bend and offer a new level of fashion variety for our community,” said Beau Eastes, the Old Mill District’s marketing director. “They offer classic and timeless designs for both men and women.” 

First introduced in 2006 as a premium women’s denim brand, Madewell launched its men’s line in 2018. Since then, it has steadily expanded to include denim and everyday apparel, with a focus on comfort, versatility and a streamlined shopping experience. 

“Additional menswear has really been a goal for us,” Eastes added. “And Madewell’s women’s line is something our guests have long been interested in.” 

Madewell is also recognized for its sustainability efforts. Through its Madewell Forever program, the company offers recycled, vintage and preloved clothing options while helping customers responsibly recycle worn items. The program is part of the brand’s broader commitment to keeping clothing in circulation and reducing textile waste. 

-30- 

ABOUT MADEWELL 

Madewell was founded with a focus on quality, style and ease. Known for its denim expertise and signature wardrobe staples, the brand blends cool, casual pieces with curated collections and sustainability efforts. Madewell operates more than 150 stores in the U.S. and offers both men’s and women’s apparel, accessories and footwear. Learn more at www.madewell.com. 

 ABOUT THE OLD MILL DISTRICT 

Celebrating more than 20 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors. More than 55 local, regional and national retailers and businesses call the Old Mill District home. Bend’s Old Mill District – the most unique shopping, dining, living and entertainment experience in the region. www.oldmilldistrict.com .

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Barney Lerten

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies rescued 23 Pit Bull Mixes – four adults and 19 puppies suffering from heat exhaustion – from a Redmond property earlier this week, and the two owners now each face nearly two-dozen counts of animal neglect, officials said Thursday.

The animal neglect case comes just days after deputies rescued 33 Toy Australian Shepherds, most puppies, from a Tumalo property where they endured what authorities called filthy conditions. Their owner also faces felony animal neglect charges.

In the Redmond case, the sheriff’s office received a report Monday of animal neglect involving 23 dogs at a property in the 3100 block of NE O’Neil Way in Redmond, DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr said in Thursday’s news release, which continues in full below:

Animal Control Technician Michelle White responded and located four adult dogs and 19 puppies, approximately 6–8 weeks old. The Pit Bull mixes were found in metal wire crates covered with thick blankets, and the temperature on Monday reached 100 degrees.

Sergeant Aaron Harding and Deputies Michael Dolan and Dean Marshall arrived to assist. The dogs were panting heavily and showing signs of heat exhaustion.

The owners of the dogs, Nicole Allison Sly, 45, and Jeremy Shane De France, 49, were not home at the time, and deputies could not reach them by phone.

Carr told KTVZ News the pair is staying in a fifth-wheel on someone else’s property. The O’Neil Way property owner made the call to authorities about the dogs in distress, he explained.

Due to the immediate danger to the animals’ health, deputies removed the most vulnerable puppies —some found crawling in dirt in direct sunlight — and placed them in an air-conditioned patrol vehicle. All 23 dogs were transported to BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond.

Shelter staff took immediate action to cool the puppies by providing fresh water, increasing air circulation with box fans, and applying cooling compresses. Staff documented that the puppies’ body temperatures ranged from 103 to 104.7 degrees, consistent with heat exhaustion.

“Thankfully, the puppies survived and are now doing well under the care of BrightSide staff,” Carr said.

Sly and De France later contacted deputies and agreed to surrender all the dogs. Both are facing 23 counts of Animal Neglect, Carr said.

How You Can Help

Members of the public who want to support or are interested in giving these dogs a safe, loving home can learn more about the adoption process, volunteering, or ways to give by visiting BrightSide Animal Center at 1355 NE Hemlock Ave. in Redmond, calling (541) 923-0882, or going online to www.brightsideanimals.org. Adoption hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Here’s a statement BrightSide Animal Center posted Wednesday to Facebook:

On Monday evening, we received a call that there were 19 puppies and four adult dogs seized from a home in Redmond. All 23 dogs made it to BrightSide and have been seen by our medical team. They are all doing well and recovering.

With these animals, we have received 75 animals from court cases since May. On top of these 75 animals we’ve helped community members with their animals and have had more strays than usual entering our program. Like shelters across the United States, and right here in Central Oregon, we have been operating at or above capacity for months.

At this time we are in need of donations, adopters, fosters, and volunteers. We’re so happy to be able to give these amazing animals a second chance but we’re unable to do it alone. You can visit the link in our bio to donate directly or shop our wishlist. Thank you to this community who always steps up to allow us to save lives!

**These puppies are not old enough for adoption but we are actively looking for foster homes. Please contact foster@brightsideanimals.org or give us a call at 541-923-0882 for more information about our foster program!

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