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Fall sports season is officially underway at Madras High School, with football, volleyball, soccer, and cross country all beginning practice and scrimmages this week. A new girls flag football program adds another option for student athletes this year.

With 94% of Jefferson County in severe drought and the North Unit Irrigation District enforcing reduced water allotments, local farmers are wrapping up one of the toughest growing seasons in recent memory — compounded by smoke, heat, and fire risk.

A black bear was spotted Tuesday morning in the SW Mare Place area of Crooked River Ranch. Oregon State Police and ODFW have been notified, and officials are asking residents not to approach the animal.

After weeks of smoke advisories tied to multiple Oregon and Washington wildfires, air quality in Jefferson County has improved to the moderate range — but health officials say sensitive groups should still take precautions as fire season continues.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office lifted nearly all evacuation orders tied to the massive Rowe Creek Complex on Tuesday, offering relief to residents who had been displaced or on standby for weeks. The fire is now 91% contained at roughly 374,000 acres.