Central Oregon school closures and delays: Friday, December 13th
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Here’s NewsChannel 21’s current list of school closures and delays for Friday, December 13th: -Jefferson County School District…
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Serious-injury two-vehicle crash closes icy Highway 97 south of Madras for about two hours
A two-vehicle, serious-injury crash closed U.S. Highway 97 south of Madras for about two hours Thursday night amid continued icy roads across the…
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Jefferson County Fire & EMS under fire over allegations including misuse of agency funds; Fire Chief Blake responds
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Jefferson County Fire & EMS agency is facing allegations, including misuse of agency funds, potential layoffs, a…
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ODOT holds Open House for Madras community to learn about safety & transportation improvements to US 97
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — ODOT is working to make US Highway 97 safer for all travelers, and has been studying the cause of crashes. The Highway 97…
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Second suspect appears in court, not-guilty pleas entered in 2022 kidnapping, fatal shooting of Madras man
A Madras man who was serving time in a California prison on drug crimes has been returned to Central Oregon to face murder, kidnap and other charges,…
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C.O.’s stormy aftermath: Airborne shed took out 10 Madras power poles and lines; teepee shredded, portable toilet tossed
U.S. Highway 26 reopened just north of Madras Wednesday morning, but ODOT advised drivers to still expect slow traffic after an outdoor carport…
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Former Deer Ridge prison inmate files federal lawsuit against prison doctor, alleging sexual abuse
By Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle This story contains details of a sexual assault. SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — A former Oregon inmate filed a federal…
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‘Win-win solution’: Heart of Oregon Corps youth crew’s defensible space work was key when fire threatened Madras-area homes
A Heart of Oregon Corps youth crew helped to reduce wildfire danger in a high-risk area – a crucial step, as made clear this summer there when the…
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Fire heavily damages century-old Madras home; bystander spots smoke, alerts occupants, who escape unhurt
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A more than century-old Madras home was heavily damaged Saturday morning by an attic fire traced to faulty wiring for a light…
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Decision 2024: Jefferson County votes could help $97.7 million Redmond school bond ensure success
The renewal bond measure before Redmond School District voters, including some in Jefferson County, has held onto a narrow but growing margin of…
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Philomath man killed in weekend crash on SW Belmont Lane west of Madras; speed, alcohol apparent factors
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Philomath man was killed west of Madras late Saturday night when he failed to negotiate a sharp turn at about 90 mph and…
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Gov. Kotek asks Biden for federal major disaster declaration after record-breaking, devastating wildfire season
Jefferson County one of six specified in request, backed by entire congressional delegation SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek sent a letter…
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‘It really changed the trajectory of my life’: Heart of Oregon Corps expanding program for youth to work on public lands
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Recently, the Heart of Oregon Corps got what it called a “game-changer” grant to expand one of its programs for young adults. …
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Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue receives new fire engine through state program, invites public to ‘push-in’ ceremony
CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue has received a new wildland interface fire engine through a state program…
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Despite all the hoops to jump through, Culver farmer is excited about $822K USDA grant to help them go solar
Kerry Backsen has learned a thing or two over the years about running a combination feed mill, 1,300-acre farm, retail store and trucking company…
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Central Oregon has seen 325 wildfires this year, burning 550,000 acres; 2 new fires near Madras, Tumalo stopped small
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Central Oregon has seen about 325 wildfires this year that have burned over 550,000 acres, the region’s fire officials said…
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Crooked River Ranch hiker falls nearly 50 feet from Steelhead Falls trail, suffers life-threatening injuries
CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) – An elderly Crooked River Ranch resident fell on a trail and tumbled nearly 50 feet down an embankment while…
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Jefferson County Middle School English teacher Christa Rohrbach honored as Regional Teacher of the Year
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, announced Friday afternoon at a Jefferson County…
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Project to remake Madras Elementary Schoolyard as accessible community park gets boost from T-Mobile Hometown Grant
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – One of the nation’s largest cellphone and network providers is giving a boost to the effort to redesign and turn the Madras…
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After 13 years, Heart of Oregon Corps closing Madras Thrift Store training program
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Heart of Oregon Corps announced Tuesday the closure of its Thrift Store training program in Madras after 13 years of…
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