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Smith Rock BMX track vandalized, staff asking for help in identifying culprits
What appear to be teenagers rode prohibited motorized bikes on the Smith ROck BMX track, damaging it. Competitions are held every Tuesday and Friday, putting pressure on volunteers to ensure the track is always race ready. Smith Rock BMX track vandalized; culprits caught on surveillance video. Surveillance video from Monday...
New AI Policy Approved For Deschutes County Staff
BEND, OR -- Deschutes County staff have new rules for using artificial intelligence in their work. "AI is out there, it has been out there for a long time," says County IT Director Tania Mahood, "And yes, county employees are using it." The new policy includes a training requirement for...
CASA of Central Oregon seeks compassionate volunteers for training sessions starting next month
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- CASA of Central Oregon is calling on individuals with a heart for helping children to become Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). With 52 children in foster care currently waiting for a CASA volunteer, we urgently need dedicated community members to step up and make a lasting difference.
‘Plenty of wildfire season ahead’: Oregon DEQ urges staying prepared, despite end to air quality advisories after 42 days
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality says that for the first time in 42 days, no air quality advisory has been issued for any part of the state, as recent cooler temperatures and weather changes bring an end - or a pause - to the wildfire smoke many communities have been dealing with. The post ‘Plenty of wildfire season ahead’: Oregon DEQ urges staying prepared, despite end to air quality advisories after 42 days appeared first on KTVZ.
School Health Program Shows Progress Ahead of its Fourth Year
A program that gives support to students struggling with mental health is about to go into its fourth year of implementation, now serving all 14 Bend-La Pine middle and high schools. The program, a partnership between Bend-La Pine Schools and Deschutes County Health Services, offers a collaborative approach to addressing and preventing mental health issues.
Permanent supportive housing proposal for homeless near Redmond approved by county
A new model to take people out of chronic homelessness -- permanent supportive housing -- could be coming to Redmond. Amanda Harris lives in one of Mountain View Community Development's seven Safe Parking locations in Redmond. The non-profit is seeing great success in helping people like her through the program which gives people a safer place to sleep at night.
Central Oregon jobless rates hold steady in July; job losses tied to seasonal factors such as summer schools break
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --Total nonfarm employment, throughout Central Oregon followed its usual seasonal pattern in July, as seasonally adjusted unemployment rates saw little change over the month. Here's Wednesday's report from the Oregon Employment Department: Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased over the month of July and is now 6.0%, down from 6.1% The post Central Oregon jobless rates hold steady in July; job losses tied to seasonal factors such as summer schools break appeared first on KTVZ.
Deschutes County Fair & Expo issues reminder: Leashes required for dogs at fairgrounds
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center wants to remind dog owners to keep their four-legged friends on a leash while visiting the fairgrounds. Canines are not allowed inside the fairground gates unless they have an ADA service animal classification, or they have prior approval for a canine-related event. However, many The post Deschutes County Fair & Expo issues reminder: Leashes required for dogs at fairgrounds appeared first on KTVZ.
County to Test Vote Counting System Prior to August 27 Special Election
(Photo courtesy of Deschutes County Clerk’s Office) In preparation for the August 27 Special Election being held for Black Butte Ranch Rural Fire Protection District and Deschutes County Special Road District #8, the Deschutes County Clerk’s Office will test the County’s vote counting system on Tuesday, August 20, at 11am.
Air quality alert affecting Deschutes County
An air quality alert was issued on Monday at 9:01 a.m. for Deschutes County. "Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has no active Air Quality Advisories in place for Oregon. They will continue to monitor conditions this week," according to the National Weather Service. Guidance for air quality alerts: Insights from...
CASA Seeks Volunteers
CASA of Central Oregon is calling on individuals with a heart for helping children to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). With 52 children in foster care currently waiting for a CASA volunteer, we urgently need dedicated community members to step up and make a lasting difference. “We have seen...
Letters to the Editor 8/21/2024
I am writing to express my appreciation to those making the effort to expand the size of the Deschutes County Commission. With a current membership of only three representing the rapidly expanding population of the county, adding to the viewpoints of those representing us is long overdue. Approving this expansion is particularly critical since only one of three current commissioners shows any interest or ability to properly manage the county.
Deschutes County Clerk Tests Voting System
In preparation for the August 27 Special Election being held for Black Butte Ranch Rural Fire Protection District and Deschutes County Special Road District #8, the Deschutes County Clerk’s Office will test the County’s vote counting system on Tuesday, August 20, at 11 a.m. Deschutes County Elections ensures...
Deschutes County under a severe thunderstorm watch until Saturday night
On Saturday at 1:22 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. for Deschutes County. Staying safe as lightning approaches: Expert advice. Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the...
New ‘Solarize Deschutes’ campaign offers discounted solar pricing to county residents
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – If you have been thinking about going solar, now is the time to get a bid while the Solarize Deschutes campaign is offering big discounts. The Environmental Center, Energize Bend, Envision Bend and the City of Bend are committed to working together to encourage Deschutes County residents to live lighter on The post New ‘Solarize Deschutes’ campaign offers discounted solar pricing to county residents appeared first on KTVZ.
Strong to severe storms expected today in the Cascades, Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Deschutes County until 9 pm
2 pm Update: The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Deschutes County, until 9 pm. A line of strong and possibly severe storms will move over the crest of the Cascades this afternoon producing gusty winds that may reach 60 mph. Small hail is possible, along with significant brief rounds of heavy rain. The storms over the mountains are going to be drifting east into Deschutes county by late in the afternoon. Residents in Sisters, Sunriver, Bend, La Pine, and Redmond need to stay alert for strong storms. Dangerous lightning is expected along with the chance for creeks and streams to run fast and full. Stay alert today if you are out and about.
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