City Takes Control of Former Initiative Brewing Site on SW 4th Street After $1.2 Million Investment Falls Short

With a meager snowpack winter behind them and reduced irrigation allotments now in effect, Jefferson County farmers are navigating one of the toughest water years in recent memory. The North Unit Irrigation District cut allotments in March, and statewide, some Oregon irrigators face potential shutoffs as streams fall short.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs issued a statement following a reported ICE enforcement action at a reservation rest stop on July 23, confirming no tribal members were taken into custody and reminding community members to contact tribal police if federal agents are spotted on reservation lands.

The Ten Mile Fire, burning 11 miles northeast of Madras, has grown to 4,809 acres and is 36% contained as of Sunday. Meanwhile, Stage 2 public use fire restrictions are now in effect across all Central Oregon public lands, banning campfires and chainsaw use.

Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on July 25 for the Bench and Beachcomb fires burning in Jefferson County, triggering state mutual aid as Level 3 "Go Now" evacuation orders remain in effect for multiple areas, including Lake Simtustus and portions of the Warm Springs Reservation.

The Madras Dragstrip is hosting the NHRA 75th Anniversary Challenge this Saturday and Sunday, July 25–26, drawing competitive drag racers from across the region to one of Central Oregon’s most beloved motorsports venues. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. both days.