Election 2026
Jefferson County Primary Results Head Toward June 25 Certification: What We Know
With Oregon's May 20 primary results set to be officially certified June 25, Jefferson County's contested races have largely been decided. Incumbents Mark Wunsch and Kelly Simmelink appear to have held their commissioner seats, Jason Pollock won re-election as sheriff, and challenger Tyler Anderson lost his law enforcement certifications permanently.
Business
Made in Jefferson County Tour Spotlights Local Manufacturing This Morning
EDCO's annual Made in Jefferson County tour takes place today, June 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, offering business leaders, elected officials, and community members a behind-the-scenes look at three of the county's top manufacturers.
Weather
Fire Season Escalates: Stage 1 Restrictions Now in Effect Across Central Oregon Public Lands
With the 2026 Oregon fire season officially underway since May 8, Stage 1 public use fire restrictions are now in effect on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Prineville District BLM lands — prohibiting most open fires and posing significant consequences for summer recreation.
Public Safety
Sheriff's Log: Shots Fired in Culver, Pursuit Near Metolius, Contraband Found at Jail
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office released its log for the week of June 8–14, documenting a string of serious incidents including a firearms arrest in Culver, a high-speed juvenile pursuit on Highway 361, and a contraband discovery inside the county jail.
Local News
Historic First: COCC Graduates Nine Students from Deer Ridge Correctional Institution
Central Oregon Community College awarded associate degrees to nine incarcerated students at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution on June 9 — the first graduating class in the prison education program's two-year history.
Public Safety
Health Advisory: Toxic Algae Bloom Detected at Lake Billy Chinook
The Oregon Health Authority has issued a recreational use health advisory for Lake Billy Chinook after detecting a harmful cyanobacteria bloom. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid swimming and high-speed water activities.