CENTRAL OREGON — (KTVZ) With Election Day just one week away, ballot returns in Central Oregon are running ahead of the pace recorded during the 2022 midterm election.An early look at Oregon Secretary of State data shows more ballots have been returned in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties compared with the same point in the
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Fall is just getting underway, but now is a good time for Central Oregon drivers to start thinking about getting their vehicles ready for winter.Les Schwab says drivers planning to travel in snow, ice or temperatures at or below 40 degrees should consider switching to winter tires. The company says winter
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. – For the third time this year, the city of Madras will reopen its recruitment process for a new police chief, having decided not to hire any of the three second-round finalists that were interviewed in August. The city has been without a permanent police chief for over a year, since former chief
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Drivers in Madras should expect temporary traffic impacts this week as city crews complete roadway maintenance on B Street. The City of Madras Public Works Department will conduct crack seal maintenance Tuesday, October 6, through Wednesday, October 7. Work is scheduled from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Detours
Continue Reading
As millions of birds migrate through Oregon this fall, residents are being asked to dim unnecessary lights at night. Many birds travel after dark, and artificial light can disrupt their migration and increase the risk of window and building collisions. KTVZ’s Lance Campbell is looking at why darker skies matter during migration season, what people
Continue Reading
Madras, Ore. (KTVZ) — Construction is underway at the McDonald’s in Madras following a fire earlier this year. The fast food restaurant suffered a minor fire in February. The owners told KTVZ the damage required a full replacement of the plumbing and electrical systems, prompting the owners to opt for a complete renovation. As one
Continue Reading
Central Oregon — Communities across Central Oregon are marking 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with memorials and displays honoring the lives lost.In Prineville, a 9/11 memorial display is set up at Town Plaza and on the Crook County Courthouse lawn along Third Street. Organizers say the display will remain open to
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Madras Public Works Department will conduct road striping Thursday, September 10, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work is planned on portions of Oak Street, 7th Street, C Street, J Street, Kemper Way and Cherry Lane. No parking will be allowed on the roadway within the project areas
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This week’s Pet Pals visited the Humane Society of Central Oregon to meet Remy, an eight-year-old dog who has been waiting for a new home since Aug. 3.Shelter staff describe Remy as house-trained, comfortable on a leash and previously happy living with cats. She may be shy and quiet at first,
Continue Reading
CENTRAL OREGON — From early heat and limited water to fields still producing strawberries and pumpkins, harvest season is telling a different story from one Central Oregon farm to the next.At Sakari Farms, farm manager Sam Schreiner said this growing season has been tougher than most. Heat arrived early and persisted, while water availability remained
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The skies over Madras will come alive with precision jets, aerobatic maneuvers, and historic warbirds as the 26th annual Airshow of the Cascades returns to the Madras Municipal Airport Friday and Saturday. Organizers describe the event as more than an airshow. The two-day festival combines aerial performances with aircraft displays, rides,
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Madras has selected three finalists for its next police chief. The finalists are Jeffrey Hattersley, Adrian Passadore, and Perry Phipps. The city is inviting the public to meet the candidates Monday, August 24th, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Madras City Hall. Residents will also have an opportunity to
Continue Reading
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Federal authorities are warning the public about the dangers and illegal nature of pointing lasers at aircraft following recent reports of laser strikes on flights near Madras and Bend. Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime that carries penalties ranging from substantial fines to up to 20 years
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Three new medical residents joined the Three Sisters Rural Track Program in Madras this week to focus on rural family medicine. Drs. Nathaniel Cheney, Jolene Gremel and Patrick Roach will provide care for up to 1,200 patients annually in Jefferson County primary care clinics and at St. Charles Madras. The residency,
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Four of five Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District board members are expected to be removed from office following a special recall election. Current results show most of the recalls passing by more than 300 votes Approximately 23% of ballots have been returned so far, which is the expected turn-out for a
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Heads up Madras residents, happening tomorrow (Tuesday, August 4th), city crews are trimming trees along B Street. The city says eastbound B Street and the center turn lane between Seventh Street and Ninth Street will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You’re asked to please follow the posted detour route and allow extra
Continue Reading
(Update: adding comments from fire official, updates, and video) MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Round Butte Fire is one of the newest of several significant wildfires burning across Central Oregon, but the threat isn’t always obvious from the sky. Even with relatively clear conditions in town, firefighters say the same winds helping push smoke away
Continue Reading
Hot, dry weather, low humidity, and occasional gusty winds continue to keep fire danger very high across Central Oregon. With several active wildfires already burning, it only takes one spark to start another.Here are a few simple ways you can help protect our communities:Prevent human-caused sparks. Avoid mowing dry grass during the hottest part of
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Jefferson County Fair is currently underway, offering classic fair attractions and entertainment despite ongoing wildfires in the area. The fair will continue through Saturday. The community has gathered for the annual celebration, which features classic fair food, vendors and a live rodeo. Four-H participants are showcasing their sheep, cows and
Continue Reading
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Wildfire smoke has been hanging over much of Central Oregon this week, but in Jefferson County on Wednesday, the focus shifted to something far more festive: opening day at the Jefferson County Fair. Families filled the fairgrounds in Madras as exhibitors proudly showed the animals they’ve spent months raising and caring
Continue Reading