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Jefferson County

From prison time to game time: Side Door Foundation inspires inmates at Deer Ridge Correctional Institute

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MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hundreds of inmates at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution gathered this week to watch a basketball game between prisoners, correctional officers, and the Side Door Foundation—a nonprofit that travels the country using sports to build community and promote rehabilitation inside prisons. “It’s pretty cool, something special,” said Marcus, one of the incarcerated

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Seized methamphetamine

Jefferson County man arrested after 10 pounds of meth seized in drug trafficking investigation

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(Update: Adding video) WASCO, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Jefferson County man was arrested Friday after investigators seized about 10 pounds of methamphetamine, concluding a long-term drug investigation into trafficking between Washington and Central Oregon, authorities said. Here are the full details from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team: At approximately 1 p.m. on Friday,

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Kids Take the Reins at 56th Annual Jefferson County Cowdeo

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(Update: Adding video) The Jefferson County Event Complex is hosting the 56th Annual Cowdeo presented by NextEra Energy & Bright Wood Saturday, September 27, 2025 inside the Corwin Arena. Cowdeo Mission Statement-Providing an opportunity for kids ages 5 – 14 to experience friendly rodeo competition in a family atmosphere, while contributing to community non-profit organizations.

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Jefferson County Sheriff's Office patrol car

Portland man arrested on charges of rape, abuse while working at Camp Caldera in Camp Sherman

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Note: This article has been corrected to reflect that the individual identified and arrested by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was not a camp counselor at Camp Caldera per Caldera.CAMP SHERMAN, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 29-year-old Portland man was arrested Thursday on rape, sexual abuse and related charges of sexual misconduct while working at Camp

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Problem Solvers: Wives of men incarcerated at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution speak out on visitiaton issues

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(Update: Adding video) State prison near Madras tells KTVZ it has half the visitor space of others around Oregon MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Long drives, limited hours and growing frustration. For months, the Problem Solvers have been digging into visitation issues at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution. Officials say the concerns boil down to them having

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Central Oregon unemployment rates inch upward in July amid job losses, echoing statewide picture

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SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rates continued their upward movement in July, with job losses reported in all three counties, the Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday. The new regional figures echo last week’s report that Oregon’s statewide jobless rate rose to 5% in July, its highest level in four years, when

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Oregon Senator Ron Wyden committee hearing

Senator Ron Wyden plans an Aug. 16 town hall in Madras, one of five he’ll hold around Oregon this month

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced Thursday that he will hold open-to-all town halls this month in Polk, Jefferson, Josephine, Benton and Clatsop counties. Heading into these five town halls from August 14-23, Wyden has held 1,129 open-to-all town halls in keeping his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in

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Merkley, Wyden announce Senate-passed funding bills include $2 million for North Unit Irrigation canal piping

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WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced Monday that essential investments for Oregon families and rural and underserved communities passed the Senate, including five community-initiated projects for communities across the state championed by the senators. These investments were included in the first package of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding bills that cleared the chamber with bipartisan support. “As

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