Smoke Advisory Covers Jefferson County Through Wednesday — Air Quality Poor

Central Oregon is gripped by extreme drought conditions, with Deschutes Basin reservoirs at historic lows and irrigation districts reducing or halting water deliveries entirely — a crisis that is hitting Jefferson County ranchers and farmers hard as the growing season winds down.

Seventeen-year-old Giovanni Martinelli has become Jefferson County’s first Eagle Scout in more than a decade and a half, achieving Scouting’s highest honor after 10 years of dedication to Troop 9058 in Madras.

The Jefferson County Historical Society received a $25,000 grant — plus a $25,000 matching commitment — from the Madras-based Bean Foundation, the largest single funding boost yet for the effort to convert a 118-year-old church into the county’s first dedicated museum.

Paiute Chief Joseph Moses, a pillar of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs who served three terms on the Tribal Council before leading his people as Chief for more than two decades, passed away Thursday, Aug. 27. Burial ceremonies at Simnasho Cemetery were held Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The Warm Springs K-8 Academy will host its annual Back-to-School Barbecue on September 3 from 4 to 6 p.m., bringing the community together as students prepare to head back to class.