Highway 26 reopens after crash causes closure north of Madras
A crash closed U.S. Highway 26 about three miles north of Madras late Monday afternoon, and ODOT advised to expect extended delays or use another…
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Elk Lane Fire west of Madras now 91% contained; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office lifts all evacuation zones
Just over a week after lightning ignited the Elk Lane Fire west of Madras, prompting evacuations and a fierce battle amid heat and shifting winds,…
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Five dogs perish in Madras mobile home fire, firefighters rescue 2 others; resident to hospital with smoke inhalation
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A resident was taken to the hospital with possible smoke inhalation and five dogs perished in a Madras mobile home fire…
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Growing, harmful algal bloom prompts OHA to issue recreational advisory for Lake Billy Chinook, Lake Simtustus
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Health Authority issued a preemptive recreational use health advisory Thursday for Lake Billy Chinook and Lake…
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‘Suffocating in the car:’ Teens returning from day on Lake Simtustus get trapped by Elk Lane Fire, rescued by firefighters
A group of young people returning from a day boating on Lake Simtustus Sunday evening were caught by surprise and trapped by the fast-growing,…
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Lake Billy Chinook search ends in tragedy, as divers find Warm Springs man’s body in 42 feet of murky water
The search for a 31-year-old Warm Springs man who jumped into the Crooked River at Lake Billy Chinook with a friend late Sunday night and soon…
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‘It hasn’t been as busy’: Weeks of wildfire smoke affecting Central Oregon residents’ and visitors’ plans in many ways
Central Oregonians are ending a record-hot, dry and smoky July with more “unhealthy” air quality readings, and with the traditional peak-wildfire…
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‘Most outstanding trip’: Over the Edge Taphouse at Crooked River Ranch holds car show to raise funds for Honor Flights
A taphouse in Crooked River Ranch honored military veterans with a fundraiser on Saturday. At Over the Edge Taphouse, the parking lot was flooded…
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‘There is no justice for Devyne’: Madras woman sentenced to nearly 18 years in fatal shooting of her ex-husband
Sentencing hearings after a violent killing are as intensely emotional as one would expect. But when nine fatal shots are fired at close range amid…
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Jefferson County commissioners hold open house for community to view the now-abandoned county dog kennel
MADRAS, Ore (KTVZ) — Here at the County Dog Kennel, the Jefferson County commissioners opened up the facility to the community on Monday evening so…
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Crooked River Ranch brush fire threatens homes, forces evacuations before C.O. firefighters stop blaze at 8 acres
(Update: New details, photo) CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) – A fast-moving brush fire brought numerous firefighters from several agencies to…
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US Highway 97 reopens after reported injury crash about four miles north of Terrebonne
A reported injury crash closed U.S. Highway 97 for a time late Thursday afternoon about four miles north of Terrebonne, officials…
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Jefferson County commissioners give their side of dog kennel dispute, set open house, tours, public comment
MADRAS, Ore. – Jefferson County commissioners said Friday they are pleased to announce an open house and tour of the county’s dog kennel facility…
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Juniper Fire, sparked by Hwy. 97 vehicle fire at Juniper Butte, declared fully contained after burning 628 acres
A vehicle fire along U.S. Highway 97 at Juniper Butte sparked a wind-fanned brush fire Wednesday afternoon that quickly grew to more than 600 acres,…
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Jefferson County Fire crews battle two house fires, along with three brush fires believed sparked by passing train
Jefferson County firefighters, joined by several other departments from around the region, rushed to stop and put out a string of three brush fires…
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Madras woman, facing murder charge, pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2022 fatal shooting of her ex-husband
A 27-year-old Madras woman entered a negotiated guilty plea Monday afternoon to a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter in the December 2022…
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Madras man, 88, killed in two-vehicle crash at Highway 26 intersection, OSP reports
An 88-year-old Madras man was killed Saturday morning in a crash on U.S. Highway 26 north of Madras when he turned his SUV into the path of a pickup…
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Jefferson County Commissioner Kelly Simmelink appointed to Regional Solutions Advisory Committee
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Commissioner Kelly Simmelink has been appointed to the Central Oregon Regional Solutions Advisory Committee…
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Late-night explosion, fire tear through Crooked River Ranch home; $530,000 in damage, no injuries reported
The owners of a Crooked River Ranch home awakened late Saturday night to the sound of an explosion and found a wall of flames in another room from a…
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Gov. Kotek issues drought declaration for Jefferson County as drought has eased, but severe impacts still linger
Sixth straight year for county, which was rejected in its initial request earlier this year WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek…
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