Jefferson County Ranchers Sue Central Electric Cooperative Over Cram Fire: A Year Later, the Legal Battle Intensifies

The Jefferson County School District is trimming roughly 18 positions for the 2026-27 school year due to declining statewide enrollment and funding formula changes. District officials say they avoided layoffs through attrition and restructuring.

Both incumbent Jefferson County commissioners won their May primary races by comfortable margins. Mark Wunsch took Position 1 with nearly 59% of the vote; Kelly Simmelink held off four challengers to lead Position 2 with 55%.

Irrigation districts serving Jefferson County farmers are cutting off or sharply reducing water deliveries due to a severe drought that has dropped the Deschutes River to roughly a third of its normal flow. This year's curtailments are happening 20 days earlier than the previous record.

The carnival vendor that has served the Jefferson County Fair for years is canceling due to a worker shortage — part of a nationwide staffing crisis that has forced 14 event cancellations this year. Fair organizers say all other attractions remain in place.

After months of interim leadership, the City of Madras has officially hired Brenda Fahey as its new city administrator. She comes from The Dalles, where she served as assistant city manager, and has set her sights on economic development, community engagement, and filling key vacant positions.