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After a summer marked by wildfire, drought, and community stress, Jefferson County's schools are preparing to open their doors for a new academic year. Jefferson County School District 509J and the Warm Springs K-8 Academy are getting ready to welcome students back.

It has been a punishing summer for agriculture across Jefferson County. A combination of low snowpack, above-average temperatures, and state-mandated water curtailments on junior water rights has left many local farmers scrambling to keep their crops alive heading into August.

Campfires are still banned across public lands in Central Oregon, with Stage 2 fire restrictions in place since late July. Fire officials say dry, hot conditions and critically low vegetation moisture continue to justify the highest level of public-use restrictions.

With the Bench Fire now largely contained after scorching more than 67,000 acres on the Warm Springs Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs say the long work of rebuilding has only just begun — but community generosity has given them a strong start.

Aviation fans across Central Oregon are counting down the days: the beloved Airshow of the Cascades touches down at the Madras Airport next Friday and Saturday, August 28–29, 2026, for two full days of aerobatics, vintage aircraft, live music, and family fun.