Author: KTVZ

Barney Lerten

(Update: Details of Deschutes Alert sent in neighborhood)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A police K-9’s bite helped Bend police arrest a wanted Bend man found hiding in a northeast Bend backyard during an extensive search Tuesday afternoon, minutes after nearly 900 area residents got a warning of a possibly “armed and dangerous” person on the run.

Around 10:30 Monday morning, officers responded to a report of a man brandishing a firearm at another person at the Quickway Market parking lot on NE Butler Market Road, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Joel Twobulls Caubet of Bend, and a woman fled the scene in a red 1997 Land Rover, Miller said.  

Around 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, officers spotted the suspect’s vehicle traveling on Third Street near Empire Avenue, with Caubet in the passenger seat.

The driver went through neighborhoods before Caubet ran from the vehicle near the intersection of NE Boulderfield Avenue and Meridian Place, Miller said.  

Officers detained the driver of the Land Rover, identified as 27-year-old Marjorie Deleen Eyle, also of Bend. Miller said she was cited for reckless driving and released at the scene. 

Officers set up a perimeter in the area and used drones and police K-9 Buck to search for Caubet, who was seen trying to enter a backyard in the area.  

Around 2:30 p.m., officers found Caubet hiding in the backyard of a home in the 63000 block of Meridian Place. K-9 Buck bit Caubet, who was taken into custody without further incident.

Miller said Caubet was taken to St. Charles Bend with minor injuries and will be lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on two counts of menacing, second-degree disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a weapon, felon in possession of a weapon and trespassing.

A detective also located a replica handgun at the intersection of NE Peale Street and Boulderfield Avenue.  

A Deschutes Alert sent to 871 contacts at 2:22 p.m. advised residents of law enforcement in the area looking for the wanted man, who they said “should be considered armed and dangerous.”

“If seen, secure your residence, do not make contact with him and call 9-1-1,” the alert said.

Eight minutes later, another alert advised residence that “the subject has been located. Thank you for your assistance.”

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KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Work on the Olney Avenue Improvements Project continues, city officials said Tuesday, as crews proceed with the construction project, despite a delay in work by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway crews.

Late last month, the railroad’s signal crew was reassigned to Washington state for emergency flood response, causing a delay in the Olney project, according to city officials.

City Community Relations Manager Jacob Larsen told KTVZ news Tuesday afternoon that the engineer overseeing the project said BNSF crews have returned and plan to work on the Olney project for the rest of this week, then return again to continue their work the last week of January. They expect to wrap up the signal improvements by early February. 

“These upgrades, specifically related to the railroad gate arms and flashing lights, must be completed before the road can safely reopen,” the city said.

The city said its contractor “is working to complete this project as quickly as possible, with collaboration from BNSF Railway.”

Paving and concrete work will continue by the railroad crossing through the end of the month.

“Please do not enter the closed construction zone before, during, or after hours, as there are open trenches, heavy equipment and other hazards throughout the closed work zone,” they said.

Recently, a section of Olney Avenue opened between First and Third streets. That stretch of road includes a new, safer crossing at Olney Avenue and Second Street.

For more information and to stay up to date on the Olney Avenue Improvements Project, visit bendoregon.gov/olney.

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Triton Notary

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ)– Madras City Council has tabled discussions regarding the future viability of running and operating the Desert Peaks Golf Course. The meeting took place this afternoon, where the future of the Madras Police Department will begin to take shape. Acting Police Chief, Sergeant Angela Edler was appointed. She will lead the department beginning on January 23rd until a permanent chief is selected by City Council. For more information on the course and it’s future go to the city of Madras website or the Desert Peaks Golf Course website.

Below is the full release from the city:

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Barney Lerten

(Update: Suspect driver found, arrested)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend police released a vehicle photo Tuesday and asked for the community’s help in finding a driver who allegedly left the scene of a crash involving a child on a bicycle earlier in the day. Just a few hours later, they announced a Bend man’s arrest and thanked the public for its help.

“Thanks to assistance from the public, at approximately 5:55 p.m., Bend police were able to identify the suspect vehicle and the driver in this incident,” Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

She said the driver, 61-year-old Bend resident Tracy Michael Wood, was taken into custody at his home, and the vehicle was located nearby. 

Wood was taken to the Deschutes County Jail on suspicion of failure to perform the duties of a driver.  

Around 7:26 a.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle-vs.-bike crash in the roundabout of of Brosterhous and Murphy roads, Miller said earlier.

Witnesses reported that a child was riding a bicycle in the roundabout crosswalk when a vehicle, likely a light blue or gray older-style Honda sedan, hit the bike’s back tire.

The child fell off the bike and suffered minor injuries, Miller said, and was treated at the scene by Bend Fire medics.

Witnesses told officers the driver briefly stopped, then sped away from the crash scene. 

“Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash is a crime.,” Miller said in a news release accompanied by a photo of the suspect vehicle.  

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KTVZ

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates are up year-over-year in all three Central Oregon counties, the Oregon Employment Department reported Tuesday.

Here’s the complete report they issued:

Bend MSA (Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties): MSA seasonally adjusted unemployment rates are not available at the moment, but more data should be available by the end of the month. For county data, see below.  

The Bend MSA lost 560 jobs (-0.5%) from October to November, with the largest losses occurring in professional and business services (-310 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-170 jobs); the public sector (-130 jobs); and leisure and hospitality (-100 jobs). Private-sector job gains were less widespread and concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (+150 jobs) and private education and health services (+80 jobs). Smaller but notable losses took place in manufacturing (-60 jobs), information (-10 jobs), and other services (-10 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 1.8% (+2,030 jobs) from November 2024 to November 2025. Over the year, private job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+1,110 jobs), private education and health services (+700 jobs), and other services (+260 jobs). Smaller gains were also seen in mining, logging, and construction (+40 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (+20 jobs). 

Private-sector losses were not as widespread and concentrated in information (-390 jobs), professional and business services (-170 jobs), financial activities (-110 jobs), and manufacturing (-60 jobs). The public sector gained 630 jobs over the year with all gains occurring at the local government level (+840 jobs) –federal government employment decreased by 140 jobs over the year while state government employment was down 70 jobs. 

Crook County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9% in November 2025, up 0.8 percentage point from the previous year. Outside of the pandemic recession, the last time the unemployment rate was 5.9% was in 2016.  

Crook County lost 140 jobs (-1.9%) over the month. Losses were concentrated within leisure and hospitality (-40 jobs); professional and business services (-20 jobs); and trade, transportation, and utilities (-20 jobs). 

Public-sector employment shed 60 jobs with federal government losing 40 jobs and local government losing 20 jobs. Private-sector gains were minimal and occurred in the information industry (+10 jobs). All other major industries saw little to no change over the month.  

Over the past year, the county lost 300 jobs (-3.9%). Losses were concentrated within the information industry (-270 jobs) and mostly occurred due to a change in the way the data was reported. Otherwise, losses occurred in government (-50 jobs); professional and business services (-30 jobs); trade, transportation, and utilities (-30 jobs); manufacturing (-10 jobs); and private education and health services (-10 jobs). 

Over the year, job gains were not as widespread and were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+60 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (+30 jobs); and other services (+10 jobs). 

Deschutes County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9% in November 2025, up from 4.1% in November 2024. Outside of the pandemic recession, the last time it was this high was in 2016, and it is 1.6 percentage points above its record low of 3.3% before the onset of the pandemic. 

Deschutes County lost 400 jobs (-0.4%) from October to November, with the largest losses occurring in professional and business services (-300 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-140 jobs); the public sector (-90 jobs); and manufacturing (-80 jobs).

Within the public sector, losses were concentrated in federal government (-70 jobs) and local government (-30 jobs). Smaller but notable private-sector losses also occurred in leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs), information (-20 jobs), and other services (-10 jobs).

Private-sector job gains were less widespread and concentrated within trade, transportation, and utilities (+170 jobs) with the majority of gains taking place in retail trade (+150 jobs); private education and health services (+80 jobs); and financial activities (+20 jobs).  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 2.5% (+2,410 jobs) from November 2024 to November 2025. Over the year, private job gains were seen in leisure and hospitality (+970 jobs) with more than half (+590 jobs) of gains taking place in accommodation and food services; private education and health services (+750 jobs); and other services (+130 jobs). Smaller gains were also seen in manufacturing (+90 jobs) and trade, transportation, and utilities (+20 jobs).

Over the year, private-sector losses were concentrated in information (-120 jobs); financial activities (-100 jobs); professional and business services (-40 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-40 jobs). The public sector gained 750 jobs over the year, with all gains occurring at the local government level (+910 jobs) – federal government employment decreased by 120 jobs over the year while state government employment was down 40 jobs. 

Jefferson County: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9% in November 2025, up 1.3 percentage points from November 2024. Like the other two counties, the last time the unemployment rate was this high, outside of the pandemic recession, was 2016. Shortly before the first impacts from COVID-19 were felt, the rate was 4.3%. 

Total nonfarm employment decreased by 10 jobs (-0.2%) over the month of November. Losses were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (-30 jobs); mining, logging, and construction (-20 jobs); and other services (-10 jobs). Gains were marginal and concentrated in government (+30 jobs), specifically in local government (+20 jobs) and state government (+10 jobs), with minor gains also seen in manufacturing (+20 jobs). Very little movement was seen otherwise with little to no change in all other industries.  

Jefferson County’s total nonfarm employment decreased by 90 jobs over the past year (-1.3%). Gains were minimal and concentrated within the private sector with other services gaining 40 jobs over the year. Private-sector losses were more widespread and were recorded in manufacturing (-80 jobs); professional and business services (-30 jobs); and private education and health services (-10 jobs); and government (-10 jobs). 

Next Press Releases 

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for December on Thursday, Jan. 22 and county and metropolitan area unemployment rates and employment survey data on Tuesday, Jan. 27.  

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KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon officials are warning residents to act fast as the deadline to sign up for health coverage approaches — and to be on alert for scams that often appear this time of year.

Open enrollment for health insurance in Oregon ends Wednesday, January 15, 2026, and Insurance Commissioner TK Keen says the state is seeing a rise in fraudulent websites and misleading “junk” health plans that target people searching for affordable options.

“These fake plans may look cheaper, but they often fail to cover key services like prescriptions, mental health care, or preventive care — leaving people with costly medical bills,” Keen said.

State officials urge Oregonians to look out for red flags such as websites promising “free” or “guaranteed” insurance, requests for personal information before confirming eligibility, or short-term plans marketed as full coverage.

To avoid scams, residents should only use trusted sources when shopping for coverage. Free, unbiased assistance is available to help compare plans and check for financial aid.

Eligible Oregonians can visit OregonHealthCare.gov or call 855‑268‑3767 for help enrolling before Wednesday’s deadline.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Visit Bend is looking for community members who want to help shape the city’s future in tourism, recreation, and sustainability. The city’s nonprofit destination marketing organization plays a key role in promoting Bend while prioritizing environmental, social, and economic health.​

The tourism organization is currently accepting applications for four open seats on its board of directors. The new members will serve three-year terms beginning in March, and the deadline to apply is January 30.

Visit Bend is seeking applicants with ties to the city’s visitor economy — including those working in tourism, hospitality, outdoor recreation, or related industries — as well as individuals whose work supports the group’s mission of environmental and economic stewardship.​

Those interested in applying can send an email to boardinquiry@visitbend.com with a brief bio and a statement explaining why they’d like to serve. More information about the board positions and Visit Bend’s initiatives is available at their website.

About Visit Bend

Visit Bend is the destination marketing and management organization under contract with the City of Bend, funded primarily through citywide transient room tax collections. Its work focuses on attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and reinvesting tourism dollars into community assets, with an emphasis on sustainability and respect for Bend’s natural resources.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A beloved Central Oregon winter tradition is back on the mountain. Oregon Adaptive Sports has relaunched its long-running Ski for Life program, offering youth with disabilities a chance to experience skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo.

Students from more than ten Central Oregon schools are taking part this season. The program pairs each participant one-on-one with a trained volunteer coach, giving students the opportunity to build confidence, independence, and community through adaptive snow sports.

Ski for Life runs in four-week cycles through April, thanks to the support of volunteers, donors, and local partners. Organizers say programs like this not only create access to outdoor recreation, but also empower young athletes to continue discovering what’s possible on and off the mountain.

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KTVZ – News Team

Redmond, Ore. (KTVZ) — New video captured by KTVZ on Monday shows major progress on Redmond’s long-awaited recreation center, signaling a big step forward after previous construction delays.

The 56,000-square-foot Redmond Aquatic and Recreation Center will dramatically expand community services, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, fitness areas, childcare facilities, and a full gymnasium.

Officials with the Redmond Area Park and Recreation District say the project is on track to open in July. The facility is funded by a $49 million bond measure voters approved in 2022.

Once completed, the center is expected to provide year-round recreation options and become a key gathering space for community members of all ages.

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Triton Notary

KLAMATH CO. (KTVZ)– A two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 228 in Klamath County resulted in one fatality Friday evening, according to Oregon State Police.

OSP responded to the crash at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Friday, January 9th, 2026. Investigators determined that a Ford F-450, operated by Douglas Alan Fordyce, 61, of Caldwell, Idaho, was stopped westbound on Silver Lake Road at the intersection with Highway 97.

When the Ford attempted to enter the highway, it was struck by a southbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer operated by Sebastian Mercado Juarez, 29, of Fresno, CA resulting in a side-impact collision.

Fordyce was declared dead at the scene.

Sebastian Mercado Juarez and a passenger in the Freightliner, Christian Mercado Juarez, 31 of Fresno CA, sustained reported minor injuries.

Highway 97 was impacted for approximately two hours while emergency crews conducted the on-scene investigation.

Oregon State Police were assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, Chemult Rural Fire District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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