Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

(Update: adding interview with BPRD, video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — With this week’s scorching forecast, the most popular way to cool off is to head to the water. Whether it’s the river, a community pool or one of our parks’ splash pads, Central Oregonians have a variety of cooldown options to choose from. 

The Bend Park & Recreation District maintains many of the area’s most favored spots. KTVZ spoke Monday with BPRD’s community engagement director, Julie Brown, about their offerings and safety tips. 

“When the temperature gets hot, like we’re experiencing right now, it’s pretty common for people to want to come and cool off. We do have a lot of other spaces that are free to use — all of our parks and our trails,” Brown said.

“We have a really great spray ground area at Alpenglow Community Park,” she added. “Being able to access the Deschutes River or even Tumalo Creek, there’s some spots where you can kind of splash your feet in at Shevlin Park. All of those are very accessible, free activities to consider as well.”

 If you’re looking to escape the sun entirely, Juniper Swim and Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center are popular choices, offering indoor pools and a track — along with air conditioning, of course. 

“Both Juniper Swim and Fitness Center and the Larkspur Community Center have a drop-in daily fee. If you’re not a member, you are certainly welcome to access those spaces with just a day-use pass,” Brown said.

For those who are enjoying one of the park district’s summer camps, extra precautions are being taken to safely deal with the heat wave.

“We have a lot of summer camps that are happening right now,” Brown. “They’re making adjustments to the exertion level, taking some extra rest breaks, making sure that they’re playing some games in the shade and doing a lot of extra hydration.”

Bend Park & REC estimates around 6,000 people will float the Deschutes River in the Old Mill each day of the heat wave. For the thousands of expected river users going through Bend Whitewater Park, safety is just as important as cooling down. Be sure you are prepared to handle both the extreme heat and water conditions before heading out. 

“Make sure that you have as durable a gear that is meant for a river environment,” Brown said. “Those really inexpensive pool floaties do not hold up well against the jagged rocks in the branches and things like that that you’re going to encounter in the river.”

“We recommend life jackets for everybody who’s enjoying the river,” she added. “We have them available at Riverbend Park, as well as Miller’s Landing Park. So if you don’t have one, make use of those loaners that we have available – and just make sure that you’re doing all the right things to have a safe day on the river.”

Bend Park and Rec reminds the community — the key to enjoying summer heat is preparation. Be sure to hydrate often, take breaks in the shade, and practice water safety. Keep an eye on yourself, your loved ones, and don’t forget about your pets!

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: New size, containment figure, human-caused)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A wind-fanned, human-caused wildfire dubbed the Canal Fire broke out Sunday afternoon near Redmond’s Roberts Field and scorched 23 acres before crews working from the air and on the ground got the upper hand, officials said Monday.

Mapping reduced the fire’s size from an earlier estimate of 30 acres for fire. The winds caused the flames to torch and spot ahead of the main fire up to 100 to 200 yards, Ludie Bond, public information officer for Central Oregon Fire Management, told KTVZ News.

“Since Friday, we have responded to 18 fire calls,” Bond told us. “Only seven of them resulted in wildfires, and most were contained and controlled.”

Only Sunday’s Canal Fire and the Chevy Fire that broke out in Madras on Saturday grew to noteworthy sizes.

But amid an Extreme Heat Warning and two Local Alert Weather Days, Bond said challenging conditions are expected in the coming days. By mid-week, temperatures will start to cool but the winds are expected to pick up and shift, bringing “critical fire weather.”

“People need to be cautious,” Bond said.

Here’s the earlier update from fire officials Monday morning:

UPDATED: 8/11/2025 11:00 a.m.

Start Date: August 10 at 3:45 p.m.

Location: 44°16’58.8″N 121°06’59.8″W

Near Redmond Airport at the end of East Antler Avenue

Jurisdiction: Deschutes County

Fire Size: Approximately 30 acres 

Cause: Under investigation

Fuels: grass, brush and timber. Fire is running and torching

Structures: no structures threatened

Fire Crews/Resources: 6 engines, 1 five-person module, and 2 water tenders

Visit the official source for wildfire information in Central Oregon at centraloregonfire.org for wildfire updates or follow fire information on X/Twitter @CentralORfire. Call 9-1-1 to report a wildfire. For smoke and air quality information, visit fire.airnow.gov.

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — August 10 — The Canal Fire burned in grass, brush, and timber and reportedly jumped a nearby canal, moving toward a power-line corridor. No structures were threatened or evacuations reported.

Fire officials ordered additional resources to fight the blaze, including four single-engine air tankers, two more engines, dozers, and a 20-person hand crew.

There is no word yet on any threatened structures or evacuations.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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KTVZ

We’re expecting some extreme heat the next couple of days across Oregon and SW Washington. The American Red Cross urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe:

1.     Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

2.     Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.

3.     Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,” said Priscilla Fuentes, Chief Executive Officer of the Cascades Region. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Remind everyone to drink water, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Aim for a cup of water every hour and encourage people to avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Babies should be breast-fed or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration.

Encourage athletes and outdoor workers to take breaks in the shade. They should drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes.  

Help those without air conditioning find a safe place to go like a mall, library or cooling center. They can also take cool showers or baths to help cool off. Remind people to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors.

Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car, and make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

HEAT ILLNESS SIGNS Anyone can become ill during extreme heat if their body can’t cool down properly. It’s critical to act fast as some types of heat illness can be deadly.

Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if cramps last more than two hours or you have heart problems.

Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. Loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you’re vomiting, don’t feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.

Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. If possible, sip a sports drink or water. 

IF THE POWER GOES OUT When a heat wave and a power outage happen at the same time, it can be even more dangerous. Stay in air conditioning either at home or at a mall, library or cooling center. Keep an ice-filled cooler stocked with food, water and medicine, so that they don’t spoil. More information is available here.

Finally, download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and heat safety information. Content is available in English and Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find both apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

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Claire Elmer

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond Preschool is now enrolling infants and toddlers. For families who qualify, there’s an opportunity for students to attend at no cost.

Ellie Francis, Director of Redmond Preschool, spoke with KTVZ News about the new school.

“We do have infant and toddler spots at Redmond Preschool. And we do have programs for financial assistance and free preschool. So I think that will help a lot of families in need,” said Francis.

Preschool Promise is a state-funded grant program to assist families with the cost of childcare. Redmond Preschool works with Preschool Promise to offer free school Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., for students aged 3 and 4. 

“It’s a really helpful tool for families who are working but aren’t making enough for childcare,” said Francis of the program.

The school has room for up to 38 students, and spots are still available. 

For the staff, the school provides more than just a job — it’s a way to help the community. 

“I’ve lived here my whole life. This is my hometown, and I really just want to serve the community,” said Francis.

Redmond Preschool will be hosting an open house event for the community. Prospective families can stop by the event on Saturday, August 16th, from 9 to 11 am.

“We’re going to be making pancakes and inviting families to come in and talk to me. And I can give them all the information and show them around the school,” said Francis.

Their website offers the ability to apply for school, programs, and request a tour or more information. You can visit their site here.

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KTVZ

LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – The La Pine Community Kitchen says it’s seeing a increase in visitors, but donations aren’t keeping pace.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping the community by offering not only food, but also clothing and hygiene essentials to those in need.

Staff report more people are walking through their doors seeking meals, yet food and monetary contributions have dropped.

That combination has left pantry shelves nearly empty.

The nonprofit is now asking the community for help. They’re requesting perishable food donations or monetary contributions so they can restock supplies and continue serving local families in need.

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KTVZ

(Adding video from Monday’s broadcast)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Do you have what it takes to represent the western way of life, lead with poise and grit, and carry the rodeo tradition into the next generation? The Sisters Rodeo Association is now accepting applications for its 2026 Rodeo Queen Contest.

They invite young women from across the state of Oregon to step into the arena who are between the ages of 18-25.

This annual tradition is more than a crown; it’s a life-changing opportunity to serve as a rodeo ambassador, gain leadership and public speaking experience, and make lasting connections in the rodeo community.

The contest will be held on September 7th at the Sisters Rodeo grounds. Applications are due by Thursday, September 4th, 2025.

“We’re looking for candidates who love rodeo, are passionate about representing our sport and community, and want to grow as leaders,” said Aly Fazz, Queen Advisor. “Our queen becomes the face of our rodeo and travels to events across Oregon; it’s a year of incredible memories and impact.”

Visit https://sistersrodeo.com/queen-tryouts/ for full contest rules, application packet, and important dates.

For press inquiries or to schedule an interview with the event organizer, contact Aly Fazz at afazz@sistersrodeo.com.

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: adding video)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Chevy Fire sparked just after 12:30 Saturday afternoon on vacant land off Highway 97 in Madras. Officials say a mini excavator working in dry grass and shrubs ignited the flames.

KTVZ was there and spoke with Ludie Bond, public information officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Service, about the fire and subsequent response.

“All the resources had responded with a lot of equipment and we got this thing fully contained within about 30 minutes,” said Bond.

The fire was about a quarter of an acre when it was reported, then quickly grew to two acres within an hour — threatening homes, and the large Chevy dealership it bordered. Crews were able to stop the flames before any structures were damaged. 

“It was critical to get the forward progression stopped as soon as possible. We were in the process of ordering air resources, but the ground resources that responded got it contained very quickly,” said Bond.

After the initial attack and containment phases, firefighters began “mop up” operations — dousing hotspots to keep the flames from reigniting in the dry, windy conditions.

“They are searching out the hotspots that are still remaining out there, digging them up, putting water down to make sure that they are extinguishing all the areas that are hot and smoking. But we’re putting water down and there’s low humidity, so this water can dry up very quickly. Crews will continue to come, put eyes on this fire, continue mop up, continue monitoring for a while,” said Bond.

About 85% of wildfires in the U.S. are human-caused — mostly by accident — making awareness and preparation critical during peak fire season.

To best protect yourself, your property, and others, be sure to stay informed by signing up for local alerts. Know where your fire extinguishers, water sources, and shovels are in case you need to access them quickly. Keeping your phone on you to call 911 or receive evacuation notices is also crucial. 

During fire season, even simple activities such as mowing your lawn or hauling your boat come with risk. 

“This was an accidental fire that happened. And it just goes to show you how quickly just one spark can spread and threaten local homes and businesses. Get out, recreate, enjoy this beautiful weather, enjoy the natural areas of Central Oregon, but be careful. You’re pulling your boat down to have a good time for the weekend, make sure your chains have chain guards on them. Simple things like that can make a big difference,” said Bond.

The area was issued a short-lived level 3 evacuation notice, but returned to normal status before 5pm on Saturday.

The quick response by officials stopped the further spread of the Chevy Fire, but it’s a good reminder for Central Oregonians to stay aware and prepared as fire season is still ongoing. 

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A quickly spreading grass fire ignited by construction equipment was stopped just short of nearby homes Saturday afternoon, thanks to a fast and coordinated response from Jefferson County Fire & EMS and partnering agencies.

Crews were dispatched at 12:37 p.m. to a reported wildfire near 2000 SW Highway 97. Upon arrival, firefighters found approximately one-quarter acre of grass and shrubs burning on vacant land near an active construction site. According to Jefferson County Fire & EMS, a mini excavator in use at the site sparked the fire, which began running toward homes on the southeast side of the fire area.

Emergency personnel, including five wildland units, one engine, one tender, and support crews, worked quickly alongside the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) to stop the fire’s forward progress. A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notice was issued briefly but was quickly downgraded after containment was achieved.

Fire Chief Jeff Blake praised the swift actions of responders. “We were lucky everyone was available in station and not working other calls for service when this fire came in,” Blake said. “The quick response from our on-duty staff and students saved a lot more damage from happening. Our volunteers played a key role in staffing additional resources.”

UPDATE: The evacuation level has been downgraded to a LEVEL 1.

Firefighters are making progress on containing and extinguishing the fire.

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters are rushing to the scene of a new wildfire in Jefferson County, just south of Madras.

The Chevy Fire is currently burning along U.S. 97.

Level 3 – “GO NOW” – Evacuations are in place.

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Claire Elmer

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since 2015, NBC Universal’s nationwide pet adoption initiative, Clear The Shelters, has helped nearly 1.2 million pets find their forever family. Animal shelters across Central Oregon are joining in with hopes of emptying their kennels. KTVZ News will be featuring shelters in the region throughout August to highlight the local impact.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) is partaking in Clear The Shelters this month — a campaign focused on finding every animal a home. Lynne Ouchida, director of community partnerships at HSCO, spoke to KTVZ about the shelter’s participation.

“The Humane Society of Central Oregon is always excited to be a part of the Clear the Shelters. We have emptied our kennels one year, so we’re really depending on the community to help us do that,” said Ouchida.

In recent months, the Humane Society of Central Oregon has struggled with capacity. After a large number of recent intakes, especially of dogs, the need for homes is even more urgent.

“This summer has been really tough on us. We have been at capacity. And currently we are beyond capacity. Every dog that you adopt opens up a kennel space so that we can respond to another animal in need,” said Ouchida.

HSCO is hopeful the Clear The Shelters event will help motivate people to add a furry friend to their family — not only giving a pet a loving home, but also freeing up shelter space for new intakes. 

Adoption promotions are running all month long, ranging from discounted adoption rates, to baskets of goodies, and more. You can find more information about the promotions on HSCO’s website. 

“We hope to have adoption promotions throughout the month of August, so you never know who you might want to fall in love with. The Humane Society of Central Oregon loves to make it a very fun and memorable process to adding that new furry family member,” said Ouchida.

If you can’t adopt, there are still ways you can support the mission. Fosters are critical when the shelter has reached capacity. Donations are also greatly appreciated, as is the community’s help in simply spreading the word. 

“One way that people can help right now is to donate some dog treats. If you can adopt, even better. And if you can foster, that really helps us out. But we depend on our community to help us get through these bumps,” said Ouchida.

Clear The Shelters will run through the month of August. The Humane Society of Central Oregon hopes the national push and strong local support will help every pet find its fur-ever home.

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Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County is in the process of updating its 20-year Transportation System Plan (TSP), a critical roadmap that will guide future transportation investments across the county.

As part of this effort, the County said Friday it is hosting a Juniper Canyon Community Meeting to present the preferred access alternative from the TSP study and broader plans for general wildfire safety. Following the presentations, there will be an open Q&A session, so residents can get any questions they have answered.

Here’s the rest of Friday’s announcement

This interactive event will include presentations from county staff and partner agencies, including Crook County Fire and Rescue District, OSU Extension College of Forestry, the Bureau of Land Management and more, covering topics ranging from transportation planning and wildfire resilience to juniper management and ecology.

Community members will have an opportunity to learn about the preferred route identified through the Juniper Canyon Alternative Access study, review updated cost and funding options, and weigh in on project priorities.

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Crook County Fairgrounds – Carey Foster Hall

Address: 590 SE Lynn Blvd, Prineville, OR 97754

The Transportation System Plan update addresses key county-wide issues such as road safety, congestion, and access. This community meeting will have a specific focus on the growing Juniper Canyon area. The community’s input is essential to ensure that the final plan reflects the needs and priorities of Crook County residents.

“I’m new to this role, so it was important to witness firsthand at the last Juniper Canyon meeting how urgent and critical it is for the County to find an appropriate alternative access route and address wildfire safety for the residents of the area,” said John Eisler, Community Development Director.

“Especially given the recent Highland Fire, I am eager to present the progress we’ve made and discuss how we can address their concerns. We look forward to a strong turnout and hope that attendees leave feeling optimistic about the future.”

This is a pivotal moment for shaping the future of Juniper Canyon’s infrastructure and wildfire resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to be informed and involved.

For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at 541-447-3211 or visit https://co.crook.or.us/commdev/webform/cc-tsp-update.

Here’s the full April proposal with access options:

CrookCountyTSP_JuniperCanyonPresentationDownload

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Harley Coldiron

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Galveston Avenue corridor on Bend’s westside has blown up with businesses and visitors. Now, major upgrades to two buildings are sparking more debate on issues relating to traffic, parking and street safety.

The Problem Solvers have previously reported on parking issues in the area, which have led to missed mail deliveries, and neighbors to put up dozens of illegal signs to prevent people from parking in front of their mailboxes.

In recent weeks, the debate over growth has heated up after a local family company bought the building that houses Boss Rambler, which they plan to turn into a two-story building with three restaurants and office space on top.

Side by side of the current Boss Rambler building (left), and a rendering of the upgrades (right).

The company, RSM Investments, also bought the Bakery Building on Galveston and plans to improve the interior and exterior. The construction will also include adding a new restaurant space in the back of Bosa, which includes a covered year-round patio.

Rendering of the new restaurant space in the back of Bosa, which includes a year-round covered patio.

Rendering of the interior of the new restaurant space in the back of Bosa on Columbia Street.

The Problem Solvers spoke to Ty, who grew up blocks away and now works at Blue Eyed Burgers and Fries, located at the Boss Rambler building. He says while it’s been growing for over a decade, it has become really busy since COVID: “There’s constant traffic. It’s a bustling street, and it never really used to be like that.”  

Piper, who works in the corridor and was also raised in Bend, echoed the same sentiment: “Galveston has become the spot to go to. I mean, being in high school a few years ago, kids would come to Taco Salsa at night.”

McKenna Mikesell with RSM Investments said they wanted to upgrade the buildings to better benefit the community: “We wanted to design something that we want to go to. We are local. We live here. We’ve been here for a while, and we want something fun and exciting.”

But to make the project work, the 16 current parking spaces had to go. While many like Piper can’t wait for the new businesses, saying, “Growth is super important, especially for Bend, because it just keeps getting better and better.”

The Problem Solvers also talked to a neighbor, Gail Ngo, who says she and many others are up in arms: “The big concern is parking, because I live right around the corner. I live on the same block, and as it is, there’s never any parking.”

The owner of RSM Investments told the Problem Solvers there’s a reason they had to remove the parking.

“The only way to pay what we paid for the building is to demo it and to take advantage of the entire lot and build one larger building,” Rick Mikesell said in an interview at their downtown Bend office.

It’s exactly why the Oregon Legislature passed the state law forbidding minimum parking requirements for certain developments. But some neighbors like Gail say it’s a slap in the face: “I don’t think that it’s being respectful of the city, and the neighborhood needs of the residents to do such a thing.”

But Rick and McKenna of RSM Investments say they’re committed to a solution, already working with the city and neighbors.

“There are lots of alternate ways of transportation, and Bend is moving towards that. And hopefully we can enhance that with some sort of trolley system or bus routes,” Rick told the Problem Solvers.  

One thing the City of Bend wants to do is make it safer for people walking, biking and rolling on the corridor. It’s a long-standing issue that’s only been exacerbated with the increased traffic. Along with new pavement, the bike lanes will also be made bigger, with painted buffers helping create more space between people riding and driving.

The city also plans to put in more street lighting and a raised crosswalk on 12th Street to help people cross the road. The Problem Solvers observed many close calls between drivers and pedestrians while preparing this report.

Pedestrians and bikers said crossing Galveston is often scary, and creates close calls with drivers.

Many people we spoke with say the street infrastructure upgrades are long overdue. “I would get on a bike ,if it were that much more bike-friendly,” Ty said in an interview.

But others like Gail are skeptical that it’s a solution to the parking problem: “You know, they’re imagining that people are going to bike, they’re going to carpool, they’re going to commute. But the bottom line is we don’t have a good infrastructure for that here in the city.”

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