Sports
Summer Fishing Is Excellent on the Crooked and Metolius Rivers — Here’s What’s Biting
July is shaping up to be a banner month for anglers in Jefferson County. The Crooked and Metolius Rivers are producing strong catches of redband trout and mountain whitefish, while kokanee fishing on Lake Billy Chinook’s arms remains excellent — though an algae advisory warrants extra attention.
Weather
Fire Season at Full Intensity: What Jefferson County Residents Need to Know This July
With the 2026 fire season in effect since May and extreme fire danger ratings persisting across Central Oregon, Jefferson County officials and the Oregon Department of Forestry are urging residents to take campfire and burn restrictions seriously heading into the hottest weeks of summer.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County School District Cuts $2 Million From Budget — No Layoffs Expected
The Jefferson County School District is trimming $2 million from its 2026–27 budget due to falling enrollment and changes to Oregon’s school funding formula, but administrators say the cuts were made proportionally across departments and no staff will lose their jobs.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Meet on Water, Growth and Regional Future
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Bend City Council held their second annual joint meeting on June 30, discussing Deschutes Basin water conservation, regional growth planning, and the ongoing effort to build a lasting government-to-government relationship.
Events
Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo Returns July 22–25 — Without the Carnival
The 2026 Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo is less than two weeks away, but this year’s event will look a little different: the carnival is out after the longtime vendor cited a worker shortage. Organizers say the fair itself is "alive and well" and moving forward with a full slate of events.
Weather
Fire Season at Full Intensity: What Jefferson County Residents Need to Know This July
With the 2026 fire season in effect since May and extreme fire danger ratings persisting across Central Oregon, Jefferson County officials and the Oregon Department of Forestry are urging residents to take campfire and burn restrictions seriously heading into the hottest weeks of summer.