Local News
Jefferson County Farmers Head Into Fall Harvest After One of Oregon’s Toughest Drought Years
Fall harvest is underway across Jefferson County, but this year’s season carries extra weight. A formal drought declaration, 94% of the county classified under severe drought in spring, and historically low snowpack made 2026 one of the most punishing growing years in recent memory for local farmers and ranchers.
Public Safety
Open Burning Fully Closed in Jefferson County as Fire Season Reaches Its Peak
Jefferson County Fire & EMS confirms all open burning is prohibited through fire season, which has been in effect since May. The Round Butte Fire scorched over 1,100 acres in August — a reminder of how quickly conditions can escalate. Here is what residents need to know.
Events
Culver Booster Club’s Back-to-School Cornhole Tournament Scores Big for Student Athletics
The Culver Bulldog Booster Club hosted a Back-to-School Cornhole Tournament on September 5 at Shorty’s Taphouse, bringing the community together and raising funds for Culver School District athletics ahead of the fall sports season.
Business
Mystery Company Eyes 150 Acres at Madras Airport, Could Bring Up to 1,200 Jobs
An unnamed company wants to purchase or lease 150 acres of land at Madras Municipal Airport for an industrial project that city leaders say could create up to 1,200 jobs. The City Council voted September 1 to pursue state funding to begin releasing the land from FAA restrictions.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Set to Hold Public Hearing on ATV Ordinance That Could Open Hundreds of Miles of Roads
More than 100 miles of county roads near Crooked River Ranch, Madras, and Culver could soon open to side-by-sides and other Class 4 ATVs under a proposed ordinance. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 10 a.m.
Jefferson County
A Tough Season Ending: Jefferson County Ranchers and Farmers Weathered Drought Curtailments All Summer
As summer irrigation winds down across Jefferson County, local farmers and ranchers are taking stock of a difficult 2026 season marked by water curtailments, a meager snowpack, and statewide drought conditions that forced some water users off their rights entirely.