Local News
Three Central Oregon Farmers and Ranchers Earn Business School Scholarships
The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance has awarded $2,000 scholarships to three Central Oregon agricultural producers to attend the nationally recognized Ranching for Profit School — a program that helps farm and ranch families build more sustainable, profitable operations.
Local News
Jefferson County Schools Trending Up, But State Tests Show Gap From Pre-Pandemic Levels Remains
New state testing data shows Jefferson County School District students are making gains in math, reading, and science — but the district hasn't yet climbed back to where it stood before COVID disrupted learning in 2020.
Weather
Fire Season Still Active in Central Oregon: Check Before You Burn This Fall
Oregon's 2026 fire season hasn't officially ended yet, and debris burning remains prohibited on ODF-protected lands across Jefferson County. Residents are urged to check local restrictions before any outdoor burning this fall.
Events
Jefferson County First Responders Go Pink for Breast Cancer Research This Friday
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Fire & EMS are facing off in a friendly fundraising rivalry at The Human Bean in Madras on October 16 — pick your team, grab your coffee, and support breast cancer research.
Business
EDCO Suspends Jefferson County Operations, Catching Local Officials Off Guard
Economic Development for Central Oregon abruptly suspended its Jefferson County program this week — just over a year into a renewed five-year agreement — leaving local officials scrambling for answers.
Jefferson County
Your Voice Wanted: Madras and Jefferson County Seek Input on Shared Five-Year Strategic Plan
Jefferson County and the City of Madras are developing parallel five-year strategic plans and want resident input to guide priorities through 2030. Online surveys and public meetings are open now.