Author: KTVZ

Harley Coldiron

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – State officials revoked the certification of Emily Fisk, a former corrections officer at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution, following an investigation into a sexual relationship she had with an inmate. Fisk resigned from her position in 2022 instead of termination after authorities discovered the unauthorized relationship and determined she had been untruthful during an internal inquiry.

The Corrections Policy Committee found that Fisk engaged in sexually harassing conduct and misused her position to develop an inappropriate relationship with an adult in custody. While Fisk initially provided misleading information to the Department of Corrections, investigators confirmed she had sent the inmate sexually explicit letters and participated in a plan to provide him with contraband.

The investigation sustained findings that Fisk authored four sexually explicit letters to the inmate. In one of the letters, Fisk wrote that she “was all his,” a statement she initially denied making. Investigators also found that she had added the individual as a friend on Facebook.

Corrections Policy Committee, Minutes 11-12-25Download

Fisk reportedly admitted to writing four letters only after she was confronted with evidence, having previously claimed there was only one. She also falsely claimed the letters were written during her trial service period, though they were actually written after that period had ended. Melissa Lang-Bacho, the professional standards compliance coordinator who presented the review, noted during the proceedings that Fisk was “incapable of telling the truth” throughout the process.

The Corrections Policy Committee identified multiple moral fitness violations, including dishonesty and misuse of authority. Fisk’s actions were found to have threatened the efficient operation of the Department of Corrections by violating the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. The report noted that the inmate involved was legally unable to provide consent.

Officials expressed specific concern regarding a request from the inmate for Fisk to provide him with contraband. According to the committee report, Fisk took steps to contact a third party as part of a plan to supply the prohibited items. While there was no evidence that contraband was actually delivered, the report stated that Fisk attempted to set up a post office box for the inmate. The third party involved ultimately chose not to participate in the scheme.

A search of public records indicates Fisk has not faced criminal penalties related to the investigation. This differs from a previous case at the same facility involving Jobett Zamora, a former contract worker. Zamora served 10 days in jail last year after it was discovered she had a sexual relationship with an inmate at Deer Ridge.

The Jefferson County District Attorney’s office has not yet provided information regarding why criminal charges have not been filed against Fisk. A request for comment was left with the office seeking clarification on the status of the case.

KTVZ News wants viewers to know that we have firsthand witnessed many positive programs happening at the Correctional Facility. In 2025, we captured a historic basketball game between the inmates and guards. It’s part of a larger program to show inmates their true potential.

We’ve also reported on the many educational programs they have inside the prison.

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Warm Springs man who admitted last fall he sexually abused two minors on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in 2024 was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in federal prison.

Harold Charley, 39, also was sentenced to a lifetime term of supervised release, federal prosecutors said in a news release.

According to court documents, in January of 2024, Charley, a prior sex offender, “engaged in sexual abusive contact with two minor victims between the ages of 12 and 16 over the course of several weeks on the reservation,” they said.

Last Sept. 23, Charley was charged with two counts of abusive sexual contact. Two weeks later, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with help from the Warm Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Paaso.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend is launching its first Saturday programming beginning this week to provide additional child-care support for local families.

The organization says it will offer services for youth ages 5-18 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The expansion marks the first time the organization will offer weekend services during the school year. The initiative is intended to fill child care gaps for Central Oregon parents who work on Saturdays and to increase the overall community impact of the club’s programs.

The club will provide services for youth ages 5-18 Monday through Saturday. While the organization traditionally operated only on weekdays, the new Saturday hours will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the school year.

Boys & Girls Clubs CEO Michael Baker said in a news release that the decision to expand was based on the specific needs of local working parents.

“We are so excited to offer this additional day of service each week during the school year,” Baker said. “For many of our families, Saturday is just another day when they have to work in order to make ends meet. Opening on Saturdays falls in line with our goal to serve more members, more often with deeper impact.”

Current club members can register for the weekend sessions through the My Club Hub portal. The organization noted that a child does not need to be a current after-school member to participate, as options for Saturday-only registration are available for interested families.

The programs offered by the organization are designed to promote academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character. Families who wish to become members or learn more about the enrollment process can call the club at 541-617-2877 or visit the club’s website..

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Barney Lerten

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Crude oil prices jumped to four-month highs above $65 per barrel last week, driven by geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran as well as significant production disruptions caused by severe winter weather in much of the U.S., AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday.

This has led to higher gas prices in more than half of all states this week, including Oregon, AAA said in their weekly report on Oregon gas prices, which continues below:

Oil prices have settled down to start this week. However, we’re entering the time of year for seasonal increases at the pumps. Here on the West Coast, the annual transition to summer-blend gas is already beginning, which is tightening supplies in the region.

For the week, the national average for regular slips half a cent to $2.88 a gallon. The Oregon average jumps 10 cents to $3.48 a gallon, while Bend’s average was up 13 cents, to $3.46 a gallon.

Crude oil prices jumped above $65 per barrel last week, the highest price since last September, on escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran after the Trump Administration warned of possible U.S. military action.

A weak U.S. dollar also put upward pressure on crude oil prices. Crude oil is traded globally in U.S. dollars, and when the value of the dollar falls, it takes less foreign currency to buy oil. The cheaper price can increase demand for oil, putting upward pressure on oil prices.

Crude oil prices have fallen to start this week, after President Trump said he was hopeful about negotiations with Iran.

“It’s likely we’ve already seen the seasonal low prices for gas in 2026. We’re entering the time of year for refinery maintenance and the annual switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce than winter-blend fuel,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.

The Oregon average for regular gas began 2026 at $3.42 a gallon. The highest price of the year so far is today’s average of $3.48. The lowest price of the year so far is $3.33 on January 20.

The national average began 2026 at $2.83 a gallon. The highest price of the year so far is $2.89 on January 27. The lowest price of the year so far is $2.795 on January 11.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. gasoline increased from 7.83 million b/d to 8.76 million for the week ending January 23. This compares to 8.30 million b/d a year ago. Total domestic supply of gasoline increased from 257 million barrels to 257.2 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day, compared to 8.8 million barrels the previous week.

Gas prices typically rise starting in mid-to-late winter and early spring as refineries undergo maintenance ahead of the switch to summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to produce and less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures. The switch occurs first in California, which is why pump prices on the West Coast often rise before other parts of the country.

The East Coast is the last major market to switch to summer-blend fuel. Most areas have a May 1 compliance date for refiners and terminals, while most gas stations have a June 1 deadline to switch to selling summer-blend. Switch-over dates are earlier in California with some areas in the state requiring summer-blend fuel by April 1. Some refineries will begin maintenance and the switchover in February.

Gas prices usually drop in the fall, due to the switch from summer-blend to winter-blend fuel, which costs less to produce. The switch starts in September. Many areas, including Oregon, can sell winter-blend fuel starting September 15.

However, Northern and Southern California require summer-blend fuel through October 31. Prices usually decline to their lowest levels of the year in late fall and early winter before increasing again in the late winter and early spring.

The U.S. price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) has mostly been in the upper $50s to mid-$70s since September 2024.

WTI is trading at $63 today, compared to $62 a week ago and $73 a year ago. In 2025, West Texas Intermediate ranged between $80.04 (January 15) and $57.46 (October 16) per barrel. In 2024, WTI ranged between $66 and $87 per barrel. In 2023, WTI ranged between $63 and $95 per barrel. WTI reached recent highs of $123.70 on March 8, 2022, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and $122.11 per barrel on June 8, 2022. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude prices are impacted by economic news as well as geopolitical events around the world including the current economic uncertainty, the current situation in Venezuela, tensions over Greenland, protests in Iran, sanctions on Iran’s oil, unrest in the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a top global oil producer, behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

In addition, production cuts by OPEC+ in previous years tightened global crude oil supplies, which continued to impact prices. But in 2025, the cartel boosted production which put downward pressure on crude oil prices. For 2026, OPEC+ says it’s not planning any production hikes in the first quarter of the year due to lower demand.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 47% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 16% is refining, 20% distribution and marketing, and 17% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Meanwhile, crude oil production in the U.S. remains at or near record highs. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that crude production in his country is at 13.70 million barrels per day for the week ending January 23. Production has been at 13.5 million barrels per day many times since October 2024. The U.S. has been the top producer of crude oil in the world since 2018 and has been increasing its oil production since about 2009.

Quick stats

Oregon is one of 29 states with higher prices now than a week ago. California (+12 cents) has the largest week-over-week increase in the nation. Nevada (+11 cents) has the second-largest, and Oregon (+10 cents) has the third-largest increase in the country. New Mexico (-11 cents) has the biggest week-over-week decrease in the country.

Hawaii ($4.40) has the most expensive gas in the nation for the eighth week in a row. California ($4.37) is second. These are the only states with averages at or above $4 a gallon. This week five states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range. There are 43 states with an average in the $2 range this week.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Oklahoma ($2.37) and Arkansas ($2.44) and. No state has had an average below $2 a gallon since January 7, 2021, when Mississippi and Texas were below that threshold. At the time, the COVID-19 pandemic drove significant declines in crude oil and gasoline demand in the U.S. and around the world.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.03 this week, compared to $2.00 a week ago.

Oregon is one of 34 states with higher prices now than a month ago. The national average is six cents more and the Oregon average is seven cents more than a month ago. Colorado (+36 cents) has the largest month-over-month increase in the country. Alaska (-9 cents) has the nation’s largest month-over-month drop.

Oregon is one of 49 states and the District of Columbia with lower prices now than a year ago. The national average is 22 cents less, while the Oregon average is eight cents less. Iowa (-40 cents) has the largest year-over-year drop in the nation. Alaska (+13 cents) is the only state with a year-over-year increase.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. It’s typical for the West Coast to have six or seven states in the top 10 as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Rank
Region
Price on 2/3/2026

1
Hawaii
$4.40

2
California
$4.37

3
Washington
$3.96

4
Nevada
$3.49

5
Oregon
$3.48

6
Alaska
$3.44

7
District of Columbia
$3.10

8
Pennsylvania
$3.08

9
Arizona
$3.07

10
Maryland
$2.99

As mentioned above, Hawaii has the most expensive gas in the country for the eighth consecutive week. California, Washington, Nevada, Oregon, and Alaska round out the top six. Arizona is 9th. Oregon moves up to fifth after three weeks at sixth.

Five of the seven states in the West Coast region have week-over-week increases: California (+12 cents) has the largest increase in the country and the region. Nevada (+11 cents), Oregon (+10 cents), Washington (+9 cents), and Arizona (+8 cents) also have week-over-week jumps. Alaska (-3 cents), and Hawaii (-1 cent) have week-over-week declines.

The refinery utilization rate on the West Coast declined from 82.2% to 81.7% for the week ending January 23. This rate has ranged between about 70% to 93% in the last year. The latest national refinery utilization rate fell from 93.3% to 90.9%.

The refinery utilization rate measures how much crude oil refineries are processing as a percentage of their maximum capacity. A low or declining rate can put upward pressure on pump prices, while a high or rising rate can put downward pressure on pump prices.

According to EIA’s latest weekly report, total gas stocks in the region decreased from 31.50 million bbl. to 30.45 million bbl. for the week ending January 23. An increase in gasoline stocks can put downward pressure on pump prices, while a decrease in gasoline stocks can put upward pressure on pump prices.

Oil market dynamics

Crude oil prices have backed away from last week’s four-month highs on deescalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which has helped to ease supply concerns.

Meanwhile, the EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2.3 million barrels from the previous week. At 423.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year. 

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, WTI slipped 21 cents to close at $65.21. At the close of Monday’s formal trading session, WTI dropped $3.07 to close at $62.14. Today crude is trading around $63, compared to $62 a week ago. Crude prices are about $10 less than a year ago. ($73.16 on February 3, 2025)

Drivers can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Megan Geiss of Bend has joined the Family Access Network (FAN) foundation Board of Directors, the organization announced Tuesday. Geiss, a long-time community advocate, will support the nonprofit’s mission of connecting Central Oregon children and families with essential resources.

The Family Access Network organization was established in 2006. FAN raises funds and increases community awareness to support the operations of FAN advocates working in schools throughout the region.

Geiss has lived in Bend for 20 years and has a professional background in digital marketing and strategy. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Bend and has been involved in several youth-focused community initiatives. Geiss holds a degree in communication from San José State University.

Julie Lyche serves as the Executive Director of FAN and expressed support for the new addition. “We are thrilled to have Megan join our team. Her enthusiasm, local connections and heart for our work are a perfect fit for our Board of Directors,” Lyche said.

The Family Access Network began in 1993 and currently employs 28 advocates who work across 66 sites. These advocates are placed directly within schools in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. The organization aims to help families break the cycle of poverty by providing direct access to essential resources. Geiss is a mother to a son, Cooper, who is currently a senior at Mountain View High School. She stated she is honored to support the organization’s mission of ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

Geiss is a mother to a son, Cooper, who is currently a senior at Mountain View High School. She stated she is honored to support FAN’s mission of ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

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Tracee Tuesday

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) — Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert is continuing his series of community Town Halls, with upcoming stops in Redmond and Bend. The events give residents a chance to meet the Sheriff, share their concerns, and help guide the future of public safety in Deschutes County.

After visiting La Pine, Sunriver, Terrebonne, and Sisters, Rupert says these forums have already led to action. During last month’s meeting in Terrebonne, residents raised concerns about speeding and traffic congestion caused by Highway 97 construction. In response, deputies increased patrols in the area, and neighbors say they’ve noticed safer conditions near school bus stops.

“These Town Halls are a great way for us to hear directly from the community,” Sheriff Rupert said. “Your feedback helps us address concerns and improve how we deliver public safety.”

The Redmond Town Hall will take place Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Redmond VFW Hall Post 4108, 491 SW Veterans Way.The Bend Town Hall is set for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, also from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Bend VFW Hall Post 1643, 1503 NE 4th Street.

Rupert says his goal is to continue building trust and making sure local concerns guide law enforcement priorities across Deschutes County.

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Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor is teaming up with Bend Brewing Company for a Passholder Party this week, giving season passholders a chance to unwind after a day on the mountain. The February Passholder Party will take place Wednesday, February 4, at Bend Brewing Co. in Bend.

The event features a live DJ, a special après menu, swag giveaways, lawn games, and a Polaroid camera photobooth for guests to capture memories. The first 200 passholders to arrive will receive a free beer.

The Passholder Party runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bend Brewing Co., located at 1019 NW Brooks Street in Bend.

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Tracee Tuesday

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As communities across Central Oregon move into fair season, the Jefferson County Fair Board is gearing up for a busy year ahead. The board will hold its regular meeting this Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras.

Among the agenda items: discussion on the return of this year’s Mobile Museum, presented by the Children’s Museum of Central Oregon, along with planning for the Challenge of Champions Tour Bull Riding Event.

The meeting is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and share input on upcoming events and programs that highlight the county’s fairgrounds.

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Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new business is moving into the booming commercial park surrounding Bend’s new Costco.

Postal Connections plans to open by the end of February, adding shipping and mail services right next to the warehouse club.

KTVZ caught up with owner Peter Pierce during final setup. He said Costco’s massive draw made the spot a no-brainer.

“We decided that because Costco is such a good anchor tenant, a good drawer, that we wanted to be part of this new center as well,” Pierce said. “There’s a lot of development going on out here, and we want to be able to serve people.”

You might remember the original Postal Connections location sat next to the old Costco. That one’s staying open.

Both spots will keep offering mailboxes, packing supplies and everything needed to ship or send mail.

The new store plans a grand opening in March, complete with a laptop raffle.

We’ll keep you updated.

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