Weather
Wildfire Smoke Lingers Over Jefferson County — Here's How to Protect Your Health
Smoke from the Rowe Creek Complex, Bench Fire, and other active Oregon wildfires continues to degrade air quality across Jefferson County, with health officials urging residents — especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions — to limit time outdoors.
Public Safety
State Grant Helps Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Keep Pace During Brutal Fire Season
A wildfire staffing grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal is helping Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue maintain local emergency coverage while contributing personnel to the statewide mutual-aid system during one of Oregon's worst fire seasons on record.
Local News
Three New Doctors Join Madras Rural Residency, Expanding County's Healthcare Capacity
The Three Sisters Rural Track Program welcomed three new medical residents to Jefferson County this week, bolstering primary care access for the roughly 25,000 residents of one of Oregon's most medically underserved counties.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Builds Recovery Network as Bench Fire Rebuilding Begins
With at least six homes destroyed and thousands left without power or water, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are shifting from emergency response to long-term recovery — launching a tribal relief fund, a distribution center, and animal support resources.
Public Safety
Rowe Creek Complex Grows to 364,000 Acres as US-26 Remains Closed
The massive Rowe Creek Complex wildfire reached 364,413 acres Saturday — spanning Jefferson, Crook, Wheeler, and Wasco counties — as crews fought extreme fire behavior and spot fires continued to threaten US Highway 26.
Sports
White Buffaloes Hit the Practice Field as Madras High School Fall Sports Season Opens
Student-athletes at Madras High School are back in pads and cleats this week as fall sports practice officially gets underway, with the White Buffaloes football team among those eyeing a stronger showing in the 2026-27 season.
Local News