Jefferson County Archives

Andersen Corporation acquires Madras-based Bright Wood, Central Oregon’s second-largest private employer

December 10, 2025 12:17 pm KTVZ

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Bright Wood Corp., a 60-plus-year fixture of Central Oregon’s timber roots and the region’s second-largest private employer, is being acquired by Andersen Corporation, the nationwide window and door maker, in a deal announced Wednesday. Bright Wood, the largest independent manufacturer of window and patio door components and engineered dimension lumber in

Update: Power back on for over 1,000 Central Electric Co-Op members after four-hour outage

December 4, 2025 3:42 pm Barney Lerten

More than 1,000 Central Electric Cooperative members lost power for several hours Thursday due to an equipment issue at the Madras substation.

Problem Solvers: Investigation launched after mother dog survives 40-mile trek before rescue

December 2, 2025 4:26 pm Harley Coldiron

The Problem Solvers spoke exclusively with the Smith Rock Resident (a new mother herself), who helped capture the Cane Corso. BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A heartbreaking journey that began across the rugged trails of Central Oregon ended in rescue and relief, thanks to a Redmond mother, a Missing Pet Recovery expert, and the KTVZ Problem

Three people seriously hurt in van-semi collision on Highway 26 north of Madras

December 2, 2025 11:46 am Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three people were seriously injured when a van collided nearly head-on with a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 26 north of Madras Monday morning. According to Oregon State Police, a Chrysler van was heading east near milepost 112 around 6:20 a.m. when the driver drifted into the westbound lane and the path

IMAGES: Native American Heritage Month marked with vibrant celebration at Warm Springs K-8

November 25, 2025 4:20 pm Harley Coldiron

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Warm Springs K-8 Academy celebrated Native American Heritage Month with a vibrant powwow showcase last week, bringing together students, families, and staff to honour Native American cultures and traditions. The event filled the gym with song, dance, and tradition, recognising the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Native American

100 Warm Springs students to receive backpacks and school supplies donated by local organization

November 20, 2025 10:32 am Claire Elmer

Sunriver Christian Fellowship is teaming up with the Sydney Paige Foundation to deliver an inspiring boost to young students at Warm Springs K-8 Academy. The organizations will hand out more than 100 backpacks today filled with school supplies to kindergarten through second-grade students.

Crooked River Ranch takes straw poll on ATV road access; Jefferson County officials still considering draft ordinance

October 13, 2025 8:52 am Claire Elmer, Tracee Tuesday

Jefferson County leaders are reviewing a proposed ordinance that would allow ATVs on designated roads in Crooked River Ranch, sparking a community-wide conversation about safety, lifestyle, and the future of their neighborhood.

Madras city councilors approve contract to start first phase of Hoffman Park development

November 13, 2025 4:04 pm KTVZ

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Madras announced Thursday that city councilors have approved a construction services agreement with Rickabaugh Construction, LLC for the first phase of the Hoffman Park development, moving this long-planned community project into construction. Phase One includes the development of two adjacent 3-acre parcels along 10th Street south of J

‘Justice for James’: Family of homicide victim speaks out as investigation quietly continues

November 2, 2025 8:17 pm Claire Elmer

It’s been more than a month since 43-year-old James Herrera was found dead near Lake Simtustus in Jefferson County. His death has been ruled a homicide, but so far, no arrests have been made.

‘We have been slammed’: food banks and pantries react to latest snap benefits issues

November 1, 2025 6:04 pm Spencer Sacks

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Families were supposed to receive their SNAP benefits for the month of November on Saturday. However they have not received it due to the on going and seemingly never-ending government shutdown. This has put a strain on resources not just for families who receive benefits but on local food banks and

From pipe dream to half-pipe: Culver celebrates new skatepark with touching tribute after years of community effort

October 28, 2025 6:09 pm Claire Elmer

In Culver, families now have a new place to get active — and a lasting reminder of the kind of community spirit one woman inspired for decades.

Pay It Forward: Culver volunteer honored for bringing community space to life

October 26, 2025 6:53 pm Claire Elmer

Culver’s sense of community got a major boost thanks to one local’s dedication. This week, our Pay It Forward segment spotlights resident Cindy Dix, who was recognized for her relentless efforts and work in making a new recreational space in Culver a reality.

Jefferson County deputies investigating unsafe target shooting; bullets crossed canyon, landed near worker

October 24, 2025 12:46 pm KTVZ

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County authorities are investigating an incident in which gunfire from apparent target shooting crossed a canyon and struck near a worker in the Opal Springs area southwest of Culver, according to Sheriff Jason Pollock. Pollock said in a Facebook post late Thursday that deputies were called on Tuesday to a

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office patrol car

Jefferson County sheriff seeks to halt social media rumors of ICE raids, explains what officers were doing

October 20, 2025 6:51 pm KTVZ

(Update: Adding video, text of statement) MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock posted a statement on the agency’s Facebook page Monday evening, refuting rumors of immigration raids and saying the local officers, some in plainclothes, actually were part of a national domestic violence sweep. Here’s the full statement from the sheriff: Clarification

‘It was low before, it’s low after’: Oregon student test scores show improvement, still not at pre-pandemic level

October 2, 2025 11:57 am Claire Elmer, KTVZ

Oregon’s new state education data reveals a landscape marked by incremental progress and enduring challenges. For the first time since 2021, student test scores have improved across all major subjects— literacy, mathematics, and science.

However, the climb back to pre-pandemic achievement levels remains a daunting one, as proficiency percentages statewide are still lagging behind what was seen before COVID-19 disrupted classrooms and learning routines.

Billing issues lead to Jefferson County Fire & EMS budget crisis as fire chief announces resignation

October 7, 2025 11:17 am Claire Elmer

Jefferson County Fire and EMS is grappling with a severe financial shortfall that has forced deep spending cuts, the temporary relocation of its headquarters, and the upcoming departure of Fire Chief Jeff Blake.

Madras attorney Timothy R. Gassner receives 2025 David C. Glenn Professionalism Award

October 7, 2025 12:16 pm KTVZ

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As a member of the Oregon State Bar for over 50 years, David C. Glenn has served as a role model for professionalism within the 22nd Judicial District. Throughout his career, Mr. Glenn has exhibited civil and courteous behavior in court proceedings, shown the utmost respect for his clients, fellow attorneys,

Governor Kotek declares drought emergency in Jefferson County; eighth in Oregon so far this year

September 29, 2025 1:50 pm KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ)– Governor Tina Kotek announced Monday that she has declared a drought in Jefferson County through Executive Order 25-23 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. A link to Executive Order 25-23 can be found here. Here is the rest of Monday’s news release from the governor’s office: According

Jefferson County, City of Madras partner to develop five-year strategic plan; survey, events seek public input

September 26, 2025 5:17 pm Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County and the City of Madras announced this week that they are partnering to create a shared vision for the future through the development of a five-year strategic plan. The strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for the next five years, guiding decisions about priorities such as economic growth,

Drug agents find fentanyl, meth and guns in crashed car, arrest two fugitives north of Madras

September 25, 2025 6:38 pm Barney Lerten

(Update: Adding video) MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A long-term drug investigation concluded Wednesday night when a suspected trafficker’s vehicle crashed north of Madras, and detectives with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team seized large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and three guns, authorities said. Officers said they suspect the drugs were introduced into Jefferson County from

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