Category: ktvz-local-news

Silas Moreau

(Update: City council picks interim administrator)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Madras City Council held a special meeting Friday morning to formally accept City Administrator Will Ibershof and appointed Public Works Director Jeff Hurt as his interim successor.

Here’s that official announcement from the City of Madras:

City of Madras Appoints Interim City Administrator

Madras, Oregon – At a special meeting held on January 16, 2026, the Madras City Council formally accepted the resignation of City Administrator Will Ibershof, effective January 14, 2026. Mr. Ibershof resigned from his position, and the Council expressed appreciation for the contributions he made to the City of Madras and the Madras community during his tenure, wishing him well in his future endeavors.

At the same meeting, the City Council appointed Public Works Director Jeff Hurd as Interim City Administrator, effective immediately.

Mayor Mike Lepin stated that the appointment provides steady leadership during a period of transition. “Jeff is a steady leader who knows this organization and understands the work,” Lepin said. “His appointment allows the city to keep moving forward while Council takes the time needed to discuss next steps.”

“I appreciate the Council’s trust and confidence in me,” Hurd said. “My focus right now is to give the organization a moment to breathe, take a clear look at our current projects and priorities, and then move forward thoughtfully. We have a strong team that’s here to serve the community, and that work will continue.”

At this time, the City Council has not formally discussed the process or timing for selecting a permanent City Administrator. Those discussions will occur at a future public meeting.

City operations and services will continue without interruption.

Earlier story:

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ-Jan. 15) — The city of Madras received the resignation of City Administrator Will Ibershof on January 14, 2026.

The city will hold a special meeting Friday, January 16th to formally recognize this indictment, and consider appointing an interim city administrator.

Read the official release from the City of Madras below:

The city of Madras received the resignation of City Administrator Will Ibershof on January 14, 2026.

The Madras City Council will hold a special meeting on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. to formally accept Mr. Ibershof’s resignation.  During this special meeting, the council will also consider the appointment of an interim city administrator.  The special meeting will be conducted in accordance with Oregon public meeting laws.

City operations and services will continue without interruption.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kelsey Merison

BANDON, Ore. (KTVZ) — According to the USGS, just before 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 15th, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the Oregon coast, about 180 miles west of Bandon.

This area often experiences earthquakes and no tsunami is expected.

Seattle’s Lumen Field currently has six seismic sensors monitoring activity ahead of the Seattle Seahawks taking on the San Francisco 49ers Saturday in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, according to our Portland affiliate station KGW.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management, or OEM, posted the following to its Facebook following the quake:

“Earthquake Update – No Tsunami Expected

The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a Tsunami Information Statement following a magnitude 6.0 earthquake off the Oregon coast this evening.

– There is NO tsunami expected.

– No tsunami warning or advisory has been issued.

– Earthquake details (preliminary):

• Location: Offshore Oregon Coast

• Magnitude: 6.0

• Depth: ~7 miles

• Time: 7:25 PM PST

This will be the only message issued for this event unless additional information becomes available. Any further updates will come from the United States Geological Survey or regional seismic networks.

As always, we encourage Oregonians to stay informed through official sources and be prepared for aftershocks.

Learn more about earthquake and tsunami preparedness: oregon.gov/oem“

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Triton Notary

CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ)– Members of 100+ Women Who Care of Central Oregon have collectively donated $16,800 to Friends of the Children, a nonprofit that provides one-on-one professional mentoring for children facing significant obstacles.

The donation aims to support Friends of the Children’s mentoring program, which pairs children with a full-time, paid professional mentor, starting as early as kindergarten. These mentors, referred to as Friends, play a crucial role in helping children build confidence, develop life skills and achieve academic success. Over the years, this program has been pivotal in creating generational change for families and communities in Central Oregon.

Christi Haynes, leader of 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon, expressed pride in the donation, stating, “Members of 100+ Women Who Care are proud to make this donation and impact lives through the power of giving.” This organization meets quarterly to support local nonprofits in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties. At each meeting, members nominate organizations, listen to presentations and vote for the recipient of their collective donations.

Since its inception in 2014, 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon has raised over $860,865 for various organizations, making a significant impact on the local community. Each member contributes $100 directly to the selected nonprofit during meetings, leading to substantial financial support for initiatives like Friends of the Children.

The next meeting for 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon will take place on March 2 at the Council on Aging located at 1036 NW 5th Street in Bend. Interested individuals can find more information about membership and nonprofit eligibility by visiting www.100wwcco.com. They’re also encouraged to follow the organization on Facebook for updates and photos.

Following the recent donation, Friends of the Children will continue to enhance its mentoring programs, thanks to the generosity of the members of 100+ Women Who Care. The organization looks forward to the upcoming meeting and the opportunity to support more local initiatives.

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KTVZ – News Team

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Shoppers across Central Oregon helped raise more than $85,000 to fight hunger through the 15th annual Food for February fundraiser organized by Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen.

The employee-owned grocery stores announced Thursday that the campaign brought in a record $85,236.70, with more than $30,000 matched by parent company Rudy’s Markets, Inc. The funds will support Family Kitchen, which serves Bend, Redmond, and Terrebonne, and the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank.

The month-long fundraiser took place in December, when customers donated at checkout counters at all three store locations. The employee-owned markets also use their wholesale relationships to make contributions go further: buying fresh produce, meat, and other staples at reduced prices based on needs identified by local nonprofits.

Newport Avenue Market launched Food for February in 2011 to address the post-holiday drop in food donations. February is often one of the toughest months for families facing food insecurity. The Oregon Food Bank Network recently reported that one in eight Oregonians are experiencing hunger, with food assistance visits up 31% from the previous year.

Since its inception, Food for February has raised nearly $716,000, including more than $311,000 in matching company funds.

“Food for February is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lauren G.D. Redman, CEO and president of Newport Avenue Market. “Our customers show up year after year with incredible generosity, and as a 100% employee-owned company, it’s important to us to match that commitment.”

Family Kitchen Board President Allison Slater said the fundraiser directly supports their mission. “Access to healthy food is central to our mission, and our long-standing partnership with Newport Avenue Market and their shoppers allows us to meet people where they are with compassion and respect,” she said.

Jeff Taylor and Doug Wills, directors of the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, said support from Oliver Lemon’s and its customers helps them keep up with growing demand. “Balancing rising food costs with increasing demand is an ongoing challenge,” they said in a statement.

Rising prices continue to strain families and nonprofits across the region, making campaigns like Food for February a vital source of support during the winter months.

Click here to follow the original article.

John Carroll

The Second and Third Grade students at Terrebonne Community School were visited by our Chief Meteorologist John Carroll to discuss the weather. They learned all about the water cycle and listened to John’s book “The Adventure of Robbie the Raindrop” that follows Robbie on his journey through the water cycle.

They also became weather detectives, looking for clues in the sky to solve the mystery of the weather.

As always, the students were well behaved and asked several fun questions about the weather.

Thanks to Karylyn Christman, third grade teacher at Terrebonne Community School, for getting in touch with John.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jillian Fortner

(Jillian Fortner has a full report tonight)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Many small aircraft still use a type of aviation gasoline that contains lead, and that’s raising concerns for some people living near the Bend Airport.

“I had no idea that they were still using leaded fuel,” said Ken Saurbier, a Northeast Bend resident.

Saurbier said he first started digging into the issue while researching aircraft noise near his home.

Leaded gasoline was banned for cars nearly three decades ago, so why do some aircraft still use it?

KTVZ spoke with Leading Edge Flight Academy, which said it understands the concerns, but switching fuels is complicated.

“We really don’t have a viable alternative at this point,” said Travis Warthen, President of Leading Edge Flight Academy.

Fuel companies are working to develop unleaded alternatives, but replacements must be tested and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration before it can be used nationwide.

“That process is complicated and it takes time,” Warthen said. “It could be a couple of years.”

Local climate advocacy group 350 Deschutes said aviation fuel remains a significant source of lead pollution and that even low levels of exposure can pose risks.

“The neurotoxin lead affects IQ, learning, and behavioral problems,” said Amy Thomas, Executive Director of 350 Deschutes. “It can impact reading ability and cognition, increase cardiovascular risks later in life, and lead to higher rates of ADHD in both children and adults.”

The group also said cost remains a major barrier, adding incentives and funding will be key to speeding up the transition.

“It would be important to have funding, whether that’s grant funding or nonprofit funding, to allow the airport to make that transition,” Thomas said. “Oftentimes we want change, but we have to understand change is expensive.”

The FAA told the Problem Solvers it is working toward a solution through its EAGLE initiative. The program’s goal is to safely eliminate leaded aviation fuel by the end of 2030.

Catch the full Problem Solver report tonight on KTVZ News.

And if you missed Part 1 of our “Frequent Flying” series, you can watch it here.

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KTVZ – News Team

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — As overnight temperatures dip below freezing across Oregon, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is issuing a renewed call for home heating safety after a series of recent fires — some with tragic outcomes.

Since January 1, the agency has investigated ten home fires statewide from a range of causes. Over the weekend, the Baker City Fire Department responded to two home fires linked to fireplaces and chimneys. In Portland, a 64-year-old woman was taken to the hospital after a house fire Monday morning and later died. Investigators believe the blaze was caused by an extension cord used with a portable space heater.

“These fires come as a tragic reminder of the importance of home heating fire safety, the second leading cause of home fires every year in Oregon,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Following fire safety guidance and testing smoke alarms regularly are important steps every Oregonian can take this winter.”

The Fire Marshal’s Office is sharing several safety tips to help prevent future incidents:

Keep anything that can burn—such as paper, curtains, or bedding—at least three feet away from heating equipment.

Plug space and portable heaters directly into wall outlets, never into extension cords or power strips.

Have chimneys and heating equipment inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.

Keep space heaters out of foot traffic and away from exits.

Turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.

Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all heating equipment fires in the U.S. occur between December and February. So far this year, three fire-related deaths have been reported to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

For more home heating safety information, visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ News can exclusively tell you that one of Bend’s best-known music venues is not going anywhere after all.

Owner Johnny Davis had planned to sell the Volcanic Theatre Pub and move out of the area, but says he had a change of heart after strong community support and outreach. Instead of selling, he’s bringing in new local business partners and rebranding as Volcanic Theatre, dropping “Pub” from the name while keeping the venue’s live entertainment focus.

Davis says the new, diverse ownership group of local Bend business owners and community members shares a goal of growing the venue’s quality of shows and events. Plans include upgrading production to better accommodate artists, adding more festivals and community events, and opening the space to more private parties and nonprofit functions.

Davis, who has promoted shows in Bend for more than two decades, says he will stay in Bend while also traveling and working with larger promoters and venue owners. He hopes to build a year-round network of high-quality artists and entertainment opportunities that will support both Volcanic Theatre and Central Oregon’s music and arts community.

The refreshed venue already has major acts on the calendar, including Particle Kid’s “Acoustiquest” tour stop on February 6. Later in the month, Jeffrey Lewis & the Voltage perform on February 24, with Amargoso opening the night with their high-energy, guitar-driven set.

Davis and his new partners say they want Volcanic Theatre to remain a pillar of Bend’s cultural scene for years to come. Tickets for upcoming shows and more event information are available through the venue’s official listings, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early.

Click here to follow the original article.

Triton Notary

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ)– A Warm Springs, Ore., man has been charged with possessing multiple firearms as a felon and eluding police during a high-speed chase. Edward Francis Jones, 32, faces federal charges stemming from two incidents involving law enforcement.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, Scott E. Bradford, Jones has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and fleeing from police. Bradford emphasized the risks associated with evading justice, stating, “Running from justice puts lives at risk and threatens the safety of everyone around us.” Law enforcement officials have been pursuing Jones since May 29th, 2025, for previous supervised release violations. Multiple agencies, including the FBI and local sheriff’s offices, collaborated to apprehend him.

On Nov. 6th, 2025, Warm Springs Police officers observed a Hyundai sedan that matched the description of a stolen vehicle. After confirming its status, they activated their lights and sirens, prompting the driver, identified as Jones, to speed away into a field and a short chase ensued. Officers found a loaded 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number in the vehicle, along with alcohol, fireworks, drug paraphernalia and approximately 94 rounds of ammunition. A second backpack containing mail belonging to Jones was also discovered in the car.

The following incident occurred on Jan. 7th, 2026, when deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office tried to pull over a woman linked to Jones for an expired registration. The vehicle failed to stop and sped through Madras, reaching dangerously high speeds and driving against traffic. It eventually lost control and crashed, allowing Jones to exit and flee on foot. Law enforcement used drones to locate him a short distance away and he was taken into custody. Inside the vehicle, officers found an additional handgun on the driver’s side floorboard.

Jones has been wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service since May 29th, 2025 and his capture was made possible by intensive collaboration among federal and local agencies. Pete W. Cajigal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Oregon, expressed gratitude for this teamwork: “The unwavering dedication, relentless hard work and steadfast diligence of these agencies stand as a powerful testament to the exceptional caliber of law enforcement that safeguards and serves our communities.” He emphasized that these efforts led to the removal of a dangerous individual from the community.

Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephanie Shark noted the importance of inter-agency partnerships in enhancing community safety: “Our community is safer because of our partnerships with local, state, tribal and federal agencies.” Following his arrest, Jones made his initial appearance in federal court where he was ordered detained pending further proceedings.

The FBI is continuing its investigation into Jones’ activities and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley is prosecuting the case. Further court proceedings will determine the outcomes related to his charges.

2026-01-14-COMPLAINT_JonesDownload

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KTVZ – News Team

JEFFERSON CO, Ore. (KTVZ)– Oregon State Police are requesting public assistance following a fatal crash that occurred on Jan. 10, 2026, between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., on Highway 97 near milepost 101 in Jefferson County. The pedestrian who was struck and killed has been identified as Jared Elijah Cooper, 38, of Madras. Police are looking for any and all witnesses with information.

The crash involved a Ford Explorer driven by James Edwin Legore, 63, of Sandy, Utah. Preliminary investigations indicate that Legore’s vehicle was merging into the northbound lanes when it collided with Cooper, who was on the shoulder of the roadway. Cooper was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Legore reported no injuries.

The crash occurred just before 11:43 a.m., prompting a response from the Oregon State Police and other local agencies. Investigators are seeking any additional witnesses or information about the vehicles prior to and at the time of the incident, particularly regarding a gray or aluminum Dodge Grand Caravan associated with Cooper at the crash scene.

The accident caused significant disruption, as Highway 97 was closed for approximately 5 hours during the investigation. Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police’s Northern Command Dispatch Center at 800-442-0776 or by dialing *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone, referencing case number SP26-010591. Investigators are hopeful that additional eyewitness accounts will help clarify the details surrounding the crash.

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