Category: ktvz-local-news

Claire Elmer

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division, is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old, Jaylynn Rose O’Hara, who is believed to be in danger.

Jaylynn Rose O’Hara went missing from Eugene near Alton Baker Park on June 29th. She is suspected to be in the areas of Eugene, Corvallis, or Springfield. If you have any information, please call 911 or contact your local law enforcement immediately.

O’Hara is reportedly 5’7″ tall, weighs 220 pounds, with dark brown hair and blue eyes.

The full press release with additional details is below:

“The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Jaylynn O’Hara, age 16, who went missing from Eugene near Alton Baker Park on June 29. They are believed to be in danger. 

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Jaylynn O’Hara and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see Jaylynn. 

Jaylynn O’Hara is suspected to be in the Eugene area but may also be in Springfield or Corvallis. 

Sometimes when a child is missing, they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child. 

Report suspected child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

Child Legal Name: Jaylynn O’Hara

Child Preferred Name: Jaylynn

Pronouns: She/her

Age: 16

Height: 5-foot-7

Weight: 220 pounds

Hair color: Dark brown

Eye color: Blue 

Specific Identifying Characteristics: piercings: Industrial left ear, septum, nose both nostrils, upper lip snake bite

Eugene Police Dept. Report #26-09846

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Report #:  2093355

Date Missing: 6/29/26

Suspected and/or frequented location(s):  Eugene-Station 7, New Roads, Hosea Youth Shelter, 7-11 on 8th and HWY 99, Skinner’s Butte”

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Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: adding comment from Oregon Senator Ron Wyden)

TACOMA, Was. (KTVZ) — The truck driver involved in a deadly crash near Brothers that killed a newlywed couple will be deported to India, avoiding trial.

Rajinder Kumar, an undocumented immigrant from India, was involved in the fatal car crash in November of 2025. William Carter and Jennifer Lower were killed in the crash.

This week, Kumar’s detention hearing was held, prior to answering to felony charges in Deschutes County. His case was scheduled to go trial is January 2027.

Investigators say Kumar’s semi-truck jackknifed across Highway 20, blocking the roadway outside Brothers. According to the family, the truck was stretched across the highway with no warning lights, flares, cones or emergency signals to alert approaching drivers.

The family tells KTVZ News they are devastated by today’s news.

Senator Merkley’s office was able to help them provide victim impact statements for the judge to consider. The family was not allowed to attend the hearing through digital means. In addition, the family was told to call the courthouse every 30 minutes and they were told to keep waiting. Following the hearing, the website was updated with the order for removal.

Senator Wyden’s office provided KTVZ News with a statement:

“I consider the following principle to be fair, simple and proven: People charged with a crime in a U.S. court should stand trial in a U.S. court where our justice system is designed to determine guilt or innocence. If Donald Trump believed in actual justice, he’d let the U.S. courts do their work,” Wyden said. 

You can watch the victims’ family’s story with KTVZ News here.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Kefi Fast Fresh Mediterranean, a family-owned Bend restaurant known for its Greek and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, has been listed for sale, according to a public comment from owner Nick on a Facebook post and a commercial real estate listing for the restaurant space.

“Yes it’s true we have put Kefi for sale,” Nick wrote in the comment. “It was my dream to start a restaurant, and it’s been a tumultuous ride to say the least.”

Kefi is located in Northeast Bend near the Cascade Village. The LoopNet listing describes the space as a 2,005-square-foot, fully built-out restaurant or café space, available now. The listing says the restaurant is in the beginning of the sixth year of a 10-year lease. 

The listing says a new tenant may purchase the Kefi concept or bring in their own, and that all furniture, fixtures, and equipment may be purchased. It describes the business as an “excellent casual restaurant” in “immaculate condition.” 

Kefi’s website describes it as a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant focused on traditional Mediterranean flavors with fresh local ingredients whenever possible. The restaurant says “kefi” means joy, high spirits and a passion for food, dance, and life in Greek culture.

In his comment, Nick said the Bend community, including the Bend Foodies Facebook group, has been supportive of the business through its ups and downs.

“We couldn’t have made it as far as we did without all of you,” he wrote.

Nick said his parents are getting older and want to fully retire, leaving him essentially running the business on his own for the past year and a half, with help from his team.

“It’s no easy feat, and one that takes a toll on me not only physically, but mentally and in my marriage,” he wrote.

Nick said the decision to sell comes as he looks for a future that would allow him more time to start a family and be a present father.

“We don’t have any interest in it yet, but it’s a solid business and a good concept so I’m hoping someone will take it over and keep it going,” he wrote.

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Tracee Tuesday

MADRAS/PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon communities are marking the Fourth of July with a full slate of events in Madras and Prineville, celebrating Independence Day as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. From early-morning breakfasts and parades to fireworks and stargazing, the holiday stretches from sunrise to well after dark.

In Madras, the celebration centers around Sahalee Park, where organizers say the day is about family, tradition and community. Debbie Taylor, executive director of the Madras/Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s theme — “Red, White and Blue 250 Years With You” — reflects the spirit of the holiday and the country’s milestone anniversary.

“I think for us, it’s really just about being together with family and friends,” Taylor said. “When we looked at what our theme would be for this year, we decided it was going to be red, white and blue 250 years with you. And that’s really what it is, just to have that time for people to come together, enjoy those traditional events that they have … It’s for everyone just to be together and to celebrate.”

Taylor pointed to a full day of familiar Fourth of July traditions, including the parade, Todd Beamer Memorial Run and fireworks show at night. Tracee Tuesday also noted that if you’re spending the Fourth in Madras, one stop not to miss is the splash park at Sahalee Park.

Prineville offers its own packed holiday schedule, with morning events leading into an evening fireworks show. The day includes a pancake breakfast, parade, Pioneer Park Celebration and the Splash-n-Dash before the Flashback Cruz Car Show wraps up the holiday weekend at Ochoco Creek Park.

Later in the evening, Prineville Reservoir State Park shifts the celebration to the stars. Park manager Chris Gerdes said clear skies can make for a memorable experience.

“If the stars align, ideally, we’ll have a beautiful, really clear sky,” Gerdes said. “And if that’s the case, you’ll be able to see the Milky Way. We’ll have some individual planets or stars that we really want to kind of showcase, whether it’s just a constellation or something. We also have at least one of them we use to kind of help people visualize what that looks like.”

Tracee Tuesday said the night-time event stands out because Prineville Reservoir is an official International Dark Sky Park.

“There will be a number of 4th of July events happening in the city of Prineville during the day, on the 4th of July,” Tuesday said. “But at night, the party doesn’t stop. In fact, right here at the Prineville Reservoir, it is officially the International Dark Sky Park. Beginning at 10 p.m., you’ll be able to take in the stars, the planets, the moon crystal clear, which makes it such a unique place for stargazing.”

Madras events

Breakfast by Madras Elks BPOE: 7 a.m.

Todd Beamer Memorial Run: 7 a.m.

Food and entertainment: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

National anthem and American flag raising: 9:45 a.m.

Parade: 10 a.m. at 10th & B streets and 7th Street

Fireworks: 10 p.m. at Madras High School

Prineville events

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast: 7 to 10 a.m.

Splash-n-Dash: 9:30 a.m. at Ochoco Creek Park

Independence Day Parade: 10 a.m.

Pioneer Park Celebration: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Flashback Cruz Car Show: July 3-4 at Ochoco Creek Park

Evening fireworks: 9:30 p.m. at Ochoco Wayside State Park

Dark sky highlight

The Prineville Reservoir event adds a different kind of Fourth of July experience, offering stargazing under some of the clearest skies in Central Oregon. The park’s dark sky designation has made it a draw for visitors looking to see the Milky Way, planets and constellations after sunset.

This year’s holiday celebrations reflect both the long tradition of the Fourth of July and the country’s 250-year milestone, with communities across Central Oregon choosing to mark the occasion in their own hometown ways.

Reported on July 1, 2026 – 11:09 am

From parades to fireworks, Central Oregon is gearing up for a festive Fourth of July, with Prineville and Madras both preparing full days of community celebrations.

Each town is putting its own spin on the holiday, with hometown traditions, family-friendly activities, and evening fireworks expected to draw crowds across the region. From early morning breakfasts and races to parades, live music, and community gatherings, there’s something planned for all ages throughout the day.

Organizers say these annual celebrations continue to bring communities together, with both cities expecting strong turnout as residents and visitors mark the holiday.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday takes a closer look at what’s planned, what’s new this year, and what you need to know before you go—including key event highlights and tips for navigating the busy holiday.

Watch the full report tonight on KTVZ News at 6 on our NBC affiliate.

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Kelsey Merison

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management has implemented strict fire restrictions across all of its public lands in Oregon and Washington This comes as the Independence Day holiday weekend approaches, with national firefighting resources already stretched.

Individuals responsible for starting wildfires face severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000, up to 12 months in prison and liability for all firefighting suppression costs.

These statewide fire restrictions remain in effect due to already strained national firefighting resources. Local regions have also put additional emergency closures in place, underscoring the critical need for fire prevention during this period.

Visitors to BLM lands should research their destinations in advance. Local restrictions dictate when power tools can be used, what types of stoves or campfires are allowed and what kind of safety equipment visitors need to have on hand.

Several items are strictly prohibited on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington, including fireworks, sky lanterns, exploding or metallic targets, tracer or incendiary devices and steel component ammunition.

Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, highlighted the dangers and legal ramifications. “There are serious consequences for starting a wildfire, including fines and possibly imprisonment, which we hope everyone can avoid through careful choices,” O’Connor said. “We have already experienced excruciating loss this season. I cannot stress the gravity of the situation enough. Please help protect our firefighters and communities.”

Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director, echoed the call for vigilance. “Lighting a firework or leaving a smoldering campfire creates significant wildland fire risk. Under the right conditions, they easily start wildfires,” Prill said. “Don’t risk it. Let’s work together to prevent every wildfire possible.”

The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land, primarily across 12 western states, on behalf of the American people. The agency also oversees 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate nationwide. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of America’s public lands for both current and future generations.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service works in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery efforts. Their shared mission is to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

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Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Patrol Sergeant Tyler Takagi has returned to the Prineville Police Department after a year-long military deployment, bringing with him the same dedication and professionalism he has always shown. The department says his service as a Staff Sergeant reflects his commitment to both our nation and the Prineville community.

From all of us here at KTVZ News, welcome home Sergeant Takagi, and thank you for your service.

Here’s what the Prineville Police Department posted to social media about Sergeant Takagi’s return:

“Today, we are proud to welcome Patrol Sergeant Tyler Takagi back to the Prineville Police Department after a year-long military deployment.

Over the past year, Sergeant Takagi served our country as a Staff Sergeant, demonstrating the same dedication, professionalism, and commitment that he brings to our department every day. We are incredibly grateful for his service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation.

Please join us in welcoming Sergeant Takagi home and thanking him for his continued service to both our country and the Prineville community. Welcome back, we’re proud to have you on the team!”

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Spencer Sacks

(UPDATE: Adding more information on the Department.)

ALFALFA, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Alfalfa Rural Fire District has faced a series of challenges in recent months, including board member resignations, the departure of longtime Chief Chad Lavallee, and a failed levy.

But firefighters on the ground say the department remains focused on maintaining service to the community.

“I know that the board and departments made efforts to fix things if that’s needed to be fixing,” said Buddy Payne, a firefighter with Alfalfa Fire and Rescue. “But our main concern is running smoothly and keeping service going to the community.”

Calls for stability and community involvement

Payne said he hopes the recent turmoil will settle and allow the department to refocus on its mission, while also encouraging more community engagement.

“I would love to see the turmoil kind of just get everything running back smooth and have the community more involved,” he said. “That way there’s no misconception of what’s going on.”

“I hope the community knows that our volunteers, all of us, are very dedicated,” Payne added. “We love our community and we do the best we can, and we want to keep doing it here as long as they’ll let us.”

He also urged residents to stay informed and involved.

“I think what people can do is come to meetings and ask questions,” Payne said. “Our doors are open Monday through Friday. Come talk to someone.”

A small budget with big demands

Running a fire department comes with significant costs, from personnel to equipment.

Bend Fire & Rescue operates with an annual budget of about $38 million. In contrast, Alfalfa Fire works with roughly $265,000.

The department also recently lost a state summer grant that previously allowed it to hire two additional full-time EMTs.

“That would have meant that during the summer, we’d have two firefighter EMTs staffed here 24 hours a day,” Payne said. “That way somebody would be able to respond no matter what.”

He said that staffing would also allow crews to respond to regional fires while maintaining coverage locally.

“If we go out to help on fires and don’t have people here to cover medical calls, we can’t leave,” Payne said.

Staffing concerns during fire season

As fire season ramps up, staffing remains a major concern for the rural district.

Payne said the department typically has about 10 to 12 volunteers available on any given day, many of whom live outside the district and balance other jobs and family responsibilities.

“It’s a huge balancing act,” Payne said. “I haven’t shut my phone off at night for almost four years now because I can’t.”

He said the loss of additional staffing support will put more pressure on an already stretched team.

“We’re going to have to rely on just what we’re doing now, and it’s going to be multiplied by ten,” Payne said. “In the summertime, we’ve got more fires, more heat, more people out recreating. There’s more things bound to happen, and we’re not going to have the people.”

He added that the department is already short on EMTs, many of whom work outside the district and cannot always respond.

Reliance on volunteers and resourcefulness

The department depends heavily on volunteers, grants and donations to continue operating.

Payne said much of the department’s equipment — including medical gear, protective clothing and even a response vehicle — has come through grants or donations, including support from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

“I think more people need to check in and see what has been done to acquire the equipment that we have,” Payne said.

To cut costs, firefighters also take on maintenance and construction projects themselves.

Volunteers have built parts of the firehouse, completed interior work and continue to maintain equipment and facilities on their own time.

What happens when crews can’t respond

If Alfalfa Fire is unable to respond to an emergency, calls are routed to Bend Fire & Rescue.

That response can take about 30 minutes in the best-case scenario — a delay that could be critical.

“If we weren’t here in that two- to three-minute time frame and it’s something real serious, it could be detrimental,” Payne said. “So far, we’ve been lucky that we’ve been able to accommodate the calls.”

But he said that could change if staffing shortages continue.

“If we don’t have the staff, they’re going to have to wait for Bend,” Payne said.

Commitment to continued service

Despite the challenges, Payne said the department remains committed to serving the community as long as possible.

“Everybody is on the same page — we’re going to keep responding until somebody tells us we can’t anymore,” he said. “If we’re here and we’re able to, we’re going to respond no matter what.”

Search for new fire chief underway

The district has begun its search for a new fire chief and is reviewing several candidates. Sources within the department say a meet-and-greet with finalists is planned once the selection process narrows.

KTVZ News will continue to follow developments within the department and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire officials are reminding residents about firework safety for the Fourth of July. Public safety advice includes soaking all used fireworks in water for at least 24 hours before disposal.

The city of Bend implemented its fireworks restrictions in 2021, allowing only novelty items such as sparklers, smoke bombs and snakes. Officials with Bend Fire have observed a noticeable decrease in fire-related incidents since the ban’s enactment. However, they advise soaking any type of firework after they’ve been set off, even the novelty ones.

Dan Derlacki, Deputy Fire Marshal for Bend Fire, stressed the importance of proper disposal for all fireworks. “Make sure they soak in there long as you can, at least 24 hours before you go. Put them in the garbage,” Derlacki said, adding that trash companies are equipped to handle properly soaked fireworks. Derlacki also added a broader goal: “We would like to not to have your vehicle or home burn down as well.”

Beyond proper disposal, other fundamental safety guidelines include not pointing fireworks at people. Additionally, individuals should never light fireworks while holding them or attempt to throw them once ignited.

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Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Problem Solvers are continuing to investigate complaints surrounding 541 Roofing, this time hearing from former employees who claim they are still owed money.

The former employees tell KTVZ News they sold roofing jobs for the Central Oregon company, but were not paid commissions they say they earned.

The claims come after previous Problem Solvers’ reports on customers who said they paid thousands of dollars in deposits before communication with the company stopped, as well as local contractors now offering help to some homeowners impacted by unfinished projects.

Court records also show 541 Roofing is facing a lawsuit from a materials supplier, while public records show a federal tax lien tied to the company’s owner.

The Problem Solvers have made numerous attempts — including phone calls, emails, and in-person visits to the company’s Bend headquarters — to contact 541 Roofing and the owner about the complaints, but have not received any response. 

We’ll have the latest on the investigation, including what former employees say happened, coming soon on KTVZ News.

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Tracee Tuesday

LA PINE/SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, communities across Central Oregon are preparing to celebrate with events that highlight both patriotism and local connection.

In Sisters, preparations are underway for the annual Sisters 4th Fest, a free, family-friendly event at Village Green Park on July 4. The half-day celebration, running from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is designed to bring the community together with activities for all ages.

“I am here in Sisters, and the entire town is gearing up for Sisters Fourth Fest,” said KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday.

Launched in 2024, the event draws inspiration from traditional small-town Independence Day gatherings, with a focus on community, accessibility and local pride.

“The fact that it is the 250th anniversary of our country, we definitely want to honor and celebrate that,” said Kellen Klein, executive director of Citizens 4 Community. “But we also want to focus on the things that bring us together, that make us feel connected to one another. And so that’s why this is meant to be a free and welcoming and inclusive event.”

Sisters 4th Fest schedule

Festivities begin early Saturday morning with a range of family-friendly events:

7:30–10 a.m.: Pancake breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Sisters ($12 per plate).

7:45 a.m.: Red, White and Blue 3-miler and Lil’ Firecracker Dash.

9 a.m.: Opening ceremonies and Pledge of Allegiance led by Sisters veterans.

9:30 a.m.: “Kids on Wheels” parade for children 12 and under.

10–11 a.m.: Live music by Dry Canyon Stampede.

10:30–11 a.m.: Guided line dancing.

11–11:15 a.m.: Water balloon toss.

11:15 a.m.–noon: More live music.

Noon–12:30 p.m.: Pie-eating contest featuring Sisters Bakery.

Additional attractions throughout the morning include fire truck tours, a kids zone with face painting, lawn games, local food trucks and activities hosted by community organizations. Organizers encourage attendees to head downtown after the event to support local businesses.

Whether you make the trek to Sisters for the Sisters 4th Fest or head south, celebrations continue across the region.

In La Pine, Frontier Days offers four consecutive days of events, beginning Wednesday and featuring live music, barn dancing and historical presentations.

“Here in La Pine, the Fourth of July is a pretty big deal,” Tuesday said. “In fact, the city dedicates four consecutive days of nothing but festivities. It’s called the La Pine Frontier Days, and it kicks off on Wednesday.”

La Pine Frontier Days highlights

Events run Wednesday through Saturday, with entertainment and historical programming each day:

Wednesday, July 1: Newberry Family Band (3–4:30 p.m.), History Comes Alive (4:30 p.m.), open mic night (5–7 p.m.).

Thursday, July 2: Bryan Keith (noon–2 p.m.), barn dancing (2–3 p.m.), The Wild Cards (4–6 p.m.), History Comes Alive (6:15 p.m.), DMM Band (7–8:30 p.m.).

Friday, July 3: The Wild Cards (2–3:30 p.m.), Copper Ridge Band (4–6:30 p.m.), History Comes Alive (6:30 p.m.), Desert Wheelhouse (7–9:30 p.m.).

Saturday, July 4: TRUU Band (2:30 p.m.), Highway 97 Band (4:30–6:30 p.m.), History Comes Alive (6:45 p.m.), Brooke and the Honeybees (7:30–10 p.m.).

Saturday morning: 16th annual Woodcutters Chop and Eggs Breakfast at 7 a.m. before the parade.

This year, organizers are placing a special emphasis on history and education through interactive storytelling.

“A lot of my friends, we actually invented little historical vignettes to present throughout the four days, because we want people to understand what it took to get us here,” said Ann Gawith with La Pine Frontier Days. “Most people don’t realize it took 11 years before we ever signed the Declaration of Independence. It was a long process, and many, many people gave their lives, gave the ultimate sacrifice — and still do. And honoring our veterans, we have an honor this year, honoring everything that has brought us to this point.”

From live music and family activities in Sisters to multi-day festivities in La Pine, both communities are using this milestone anniversary to reflect on the nation’s history while bringing people together close to home.

Reported on: June 30, 2026; 11:11 A.M.

America is marking a historic milestone this Independence Day, as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary—and Central Oregon is celebrating in full force.

From parades to community festivals, cities across the region are preparing for a packed Fourth of July. In La Pine, Frontier Days returns with its signature blend of small-town tradition, including live music, a parade, and family-friendly events. More details on the celebration can be found at lapinefrontierdays.org.

Meanwhile, in Sisters, the annual Sisters 4th Fest promises a full day of festivities, drawing crowds for its popular parade and community gatherings in the heart of downtown.

KTVZ’s Tracee Tuesday takes a closer look at how these local celebrations reflect the spirit of America’s 250th birthday—and what it means for communities here at home.

Watch the full report tonight at 6 p.m. on KTVZ’s NBC affiliate.

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