Category: ktvz-local-news

Lance Campbell

LA PINE, Ore. — The gates are officially open and the action is underway in southern Deschutes County for one of Central Oregon’s longest-running Independence Day traditions.

The La Pine Rodeo kicked off night one of its three-day run, expected to draw thousands of holiday visitors. Proudly dubbed “The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,” organizers say the event is a massive economic and social anchor for the entire South County community.

The dust kicks up in the arena as the La Pine Rodeo launches its three-day holiday run in southern Deschutes County.

“The most special thing about the La Pine Rodeo is that it’s the only rodeo in Central Oregon held over the 4th of July weekend,” said La Pine Rodeo Association Board Director Lacee Lady. “It brings all of the local, South Deschutes County businesses together. It gives them an opportunity to come and congregate, and it’s just a really great time.”

Powered by Volunteers

That community spirit extends directly behind the scenes. The entire board of directors operates purely on a volunteer basis, spending the entire week on-site to run the event. Planning is a year-round process, with prep for the next year beginning the literal day after the current rodeo wraps up.

Local support also shines in the hospitality area, where members of the American Legion are spending the weekend cooking up fresh meals for the arriving contestants.

“Scott here, from American Legion is making hamburgers and hot dogs for our contestants,” said a volunteer who goes by Cowgirl. “We’re living a dream. Come on out to La Pine and see the rodeo!”

Beyond the arena action, the event features local vendors, live entertainment, a nightly afterparty in the beer garden, and a nightly fundraiser auction. Every dollar raised from those auctions goes directly back into local community programs.

“There is nothing more patriotic than coming to a rodeo,” Lady said.

Event Details & Showtimes

The La Pine Rodeo runs nightly through Saturday, July 4th.

Gates Open: 5:45 PM nightly

Performances Begin: 7:00 PM

Tickets: Available online via the official La Pine Rodeo Association website.

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Spencer Sacks

Another strong week of anglers showing off their skills around Central Oregon. Allie recently caught a 17-inch rainbow trout at Twin Lakes. Allie submitted photos of the trout, noting they would make a nice dinner. Waylon also submitted a catch from Twin Lakes. Waylon caught an 18-inch rainbow trout. Porter had a particularly successful outing at South Twin Lake, catching three rainbow trout during his trip. Emelia caught a large trout at the Metolius Fish Hatchery.

Don’t forget to share your catches with us, all you gotta do is click the contests tab.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes County Road Department is implementing a project to install 24 signs with digital speed displays built into them. These signs will be added to across eight roads in the county.

The initiative is part of a larger effort to remind drivers of speed limits in locations where motorists may exceed safe speeds.

These solar-powered signs display vehicle speeds alongside the posted speed limit. They are designed to serve as reminders rather than tools for surveillance or enforcement.

Deschutes County Road Department Director Chris Doty told KTVZ news people ask for these types of signs to be installed in their neighboods, because they get people to slow down. “Typically it’s about a anywhere from a 2 to 7 mile per hour reduction in the corridor speed,” Doty said. “And so it’s a proven safety countermeasure. Again, just to help folks drive, you know, a safer speed and and operate their vehicle more safely.”

High speeds were identified as a key trend in road user behavior by the Deschutes County’s 2019 Transportation System Action Plan. Data indicates speeding was a contributing factor in 42% of fatal crashes that year. These speed signs, called “Dynamic Speed Feedback signs” are considered a cost-effective method to reduce driver speeds on rural roadways.

The 24 Dynamic Speed Feedback signs will be installed on various roads across the county. Four signs will be placed on Alfalfa Market Road, Burgess Road, Cline Falls Highway, Day Road Powell Butte Highway, South Canal Boulevard, South Century Drive and the Old Bend–Redmond Highway.

The project is funded by a grant totaling $1,032,873, which the county road department received.

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Adrielle Hasara

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority is encouraging residents to plan for safe July 4 celebrations, urging individuals to “Rethink the Drink” to prevent excessive alcohol use. The initiative emphasizes planning ahead to protect individuals, families and communities as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to motor vehicle crashes, preventable deaths and other health concerns across the state.

More than one in five adults in Oregon drink excessively, contributing to more than 3,000 alcohol-related deaths each year. Alcohol is involved in more than one-third of motor vehicle crashes in Oregon, with impaired driving remaining a leading cause of preventable death.

The Oregon Health Authority is the lead agency for the “Rethink the Drink” campaign, which aims to address these issues.

Independence Day celebrations frequently involve barbecues, parades, fireworks and gatherings with friends and loved ones. Alcohol is often part of these celebrations and its widespread presence can lead people to drink more than they intended or feel pressure to drink.

Binge drinking, defined as four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men on a single occasion, poses particular risks during holiday weekends. Beyond motor vehicle crashes, it can lead to violence, falls and other preventable injuries. Data shows that people in their 30s and 40s report binge drinking at nearly the same rate as younger individuals, though most in this age group do not have an alcohol use disorder.

Long-term effects of drinking beyond recommended limits include serious health consequences such as liver and heart disease and several types of cancers. Excessive drinking can also influence how children and teens view alcohol if it is consistently associated with holidays and celebrations.

Dr. Tom Jeanne, deputy state health officer and deputy epidemiologist at OHA, stressed the importance of holiday safety and planning. “This weekend is about celebrating our nation’s history and spending time with the people who matter most,” Dr. Jeanne said. “As people across Oregon gather to mark our country’s 250th birthday, we want everyone to plan ahead so the holiday is both fun and safe. If alcohol is part of your plan, arrange for a safe ride home before you go. Setting a limit and tracking your drinks can also help you avoid drinking more than you intended.”

The OHA offers several tips for a safe celebration, including planning a designated driver, using public transportation or ride-share services and hosting responsibly by offering non-alcoholic beverages. They also recommend staying hydrated by drinking water and eating food while consuming alcohol and considering drinking less by swapping alcoholic beverages with water or low-sugar mixers, or watering down drinks. Additional advice includes setting a weekly limit, tracking drinks using mobile apps or other tools and having conversations with loved ones about the prevalence of alcohol in daily life.

Dr. Jeanne also highlighted the broader health benefits of reducing alcohol intake. “Even small changes in drinking habits can meaningfully improve your health,” Dr. Jeanne said. “And no matter who you are, drinking less is better for your health than drinking more.”

The “Rethink the Drink” campaign is a health communications initiative led by OHA in partnership with Oregon’s Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission and the Oregon Department of Transportation. This collaboration invites Oregonians to engage in mindful conversations about when, how much and why they drink, not only during holidays but throughout the year.

Resources are available at RethinkTheDrink.com to help individuals who want to drink less, or to support those with alcohol use disorder and their loved ones. The campaign also maintains a presence on Facebook and Instagram.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Volunteers will be out early Saturday morning helping Bend mark the Fourth of July — and the nation’s 250th birthday — with a display honoring veterans.

The Bend Heroes Foundation says it will install American flags along the Bend Pet Parade route, beginning at the Bend Heroes Memorial at Brooks Park, continuing along Veterans Memorial Bridge on Newport Avenue and into downtown Bend.

Boy Scout Troop 25 will lead this year’s installation, marking the troop’s 21st year helping with the annual flag display. According to the Bend Heroes Foundation, each flag was previously flown over the nation’s capital and bears the name of a veteran.

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Kelsey Merison

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — Right now, Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue is seeking a communications and marketing intern.

Do you know a student interested in communications and marketing? This is the perfect opportunity for them!

The 3-month temporary position pays $20 an hour and has a flexible schedule.

The position is funded through a grant from the Special Districts Association of Oregon.

You can apply today or learn more by clicking here to learn more.

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Kelsey Merison

WILSONVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here’s something you don’t hear about often in Oregon: a young black bear made an unexpected visit to Wilsonville on the night of June 29th, drawing several calls to local authorities.

Officers with the Wilsonville Police Department responded to the sighting around 10:45 p.m. Using their patrol vehicles, they safely directed the bear toward the nearby river, where it left the neighborhood without any problems.

Wildlife officials believe the bear was likely searching for an easy meal, such as unsecured garbage or pet food.

Police remind anyone who encounters a bear to stay a safe distance away, never approach or feed it, bring pets inside or keep dogs on a leash, and secure garbage and other items that could attract wildlife.

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Lance Campbell

LA PINE, Ore. — Final preparations are underway at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds as crews set up for one of Central Oregon’s longest-running Fourth of July traditions, kicking off Thursday night.

Proudly dubbed “The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon,” the three-day, NPRA-sanctioned event brings thousands of visitors to Southern Deschutes County annually, serving as one of the single largest economic holiday drivers for local businesses.

Beyond the immediate boost to area retail, restaurants, and lodging, the event acts as a direct investment back into the local community. Because the La Pine Rodeo Association operates as a non-profit organization, ticket proceeds from the weekend are funneled directly back into local youth programs, 4-H chapters, civic groups, and regional schools.

For those representing the community inside the arena, the weekend represents a profound sense of regional pride. For 2026 La Pine Rodeo Princess Natalee Küper, who hails from just down the road in Silver Lake, taking on her first rodeo court role has been an incredibly meaningful experience.

“I feel very, very honored, especially for this to be the first rodeo court that I’m doing and for it to be La Pine,” Küper said. “I just feel very honored to represent this community because I just love the people here. I love everybody that I’ve met so far.”

Küper added that the community’s welcoming nature highlights the inclusive spirit of the event.

“You don’t have to necessarily live here or be from here to be a part of the community, and that’s a great representation of that,” she said.

La Pine Rodeo Princess Natalee Küper and her horse, Lolo, prepare for the 2026 holiday weekend events at the La Pine Rodeo Grounds. (KTVZ)

La Pine Rodeo Days runs from Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4. Festivities throughout the holiday weekend include nightly pro rodeo performances, a local vendor market, and a community parade.

Gates open each evening starting Thursday at 5:45 PM, with the main rodeo events kicking off at 7:00 PM.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — July is one of the busiest months for tourism in Bend, with the Fourth of July weekend drawing a significant number of visitors.

Last year, approximately 9,500 visitors came to Bend for the Fourth of July weekend. Tourism room taxes from visitors staying in hotels brought $2.2 million to the city last year.

The Fourth of July weekend stands as a peak time for tourism in Bend, matched only by Memorial Day for its visitor volume during the summer season.

The popularity of Bend during the summer is driven by its natural attractions and amenities. Tim Neville, communications manager for Visit Bend, highlighted the area’s appeal. “Summertime here is just a is obviously a popular time to, to be here for everyone. We have such beautiful landscapes and great river just flow and lakes and hiking and biking. It’s all the things we have wonderful food, cultural events, concerts. I mean, who doesn’t want to be here?” Neville said.

Hotel rates in Bend reflect this demand. During busy weekends like this, hotels in Bend frequently achieve high occupancy rates, booking 80 to 90% of their available rooms. The rooms cost more too, at up to $220 a night. This contrasts sharply with December, when the rates are slightly more than $100 a night.

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Tyson Beauchemin

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A special election will be held to decide if four members of the Madras Aquatic Center board, including the executive director, will be recalled. This special election was triggered after petitioners successfully gathered enough signatures to force the public vote.

Jefferson County officials confirmed that the petition collected the necessary signatures, and that the special election would be held on August 4th. The recall effort follows the dismissal of a lawsuit filed against the district by some individuals involved in the petition.

Nikki Carson, a petition organizer, says she, and other members of the public are dissatisfacted with the aquatic center’s management.

“Our pool is barely open. It was closed last summer. The executive director is making a lot of money. It’s a six figure salary that that she is making,” Carson said in an interview with KTVZ.

Potential voters must register by July 14 to participate in the special election. Ballots for the Aug. 4 election will be mailed out on July 15.

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