Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Leads Effort to Restore Ancient Pacific Lamprey to Oregon Waterways
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are among the tribal partners working with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission to restore Pacific lamprey populations to Oregon rivers through translocation efforts that bypass impassable dams — reviving a species with 450 million years of history and deep cultural significance to the Warm Springs people.
Jefferson County
Drought and a Century-Old Water Law Are Squeezing Jefferson County Farmers Off Their Own Land
A new investigation by KLCC and ProPublica spotlights Madras-area farmers who have watched their water disappear during drought years while senior rights holders upstream continued drawing heavily from the Deschutes River. With all Central Oregon counties now under a state drought emergency, the issue remains urgent in 2026.
Weather
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Expand to Deschutes Wilderness Areas Monday as Danger Hits Extreme
Beginning July 20, all Deschutes National Forest Wilderness areas — including the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness on Jefferson County's western border — will come under Stage 1 public use fire restrictions. Fire danger across Central Oregon is currently rated extreme.
Events
Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo Opens Wednesday: Four Days of Agriculture, Rodeo, and Community Pride
The 2026 Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo runs July 22–25 at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras, featuring livestock shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits, rodeo action, carnival rides, live music, and free historical homestead tours by the Jefferson County Historical Society.
Sports
Jefferson County Softball Team Earns Oregon State Title, Heads to Montana Regionals
The Jefferson County Little League Senior Softball All-Stars captured the Oregon state championship and are bound for the Western Regional Tournament in Missoula, Montana, July 23–28. A community send-off parade departs from the Bi-Mart parking lot in Madras at 8:30 a.m. on July 22.
Local News
Central Oregon Firearm Safety Initiative Distributed Over 1,700 Free Lockboxes Across Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes Counties
A two-year firearm safety initiative has successfully distributed more than 1,700 free gun lockboxes across Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties, according to a new evaluation report. The S.A.F.E. program is credited with reducing the availability of unsecured firearms that can contribute to suicide risk.