Phase 1 of Jefferson County's new ATV ordinance went into effect November 1, opening 42 county roads to street-legal side-by-sides and UTVs near Madras, Culver, and Crooked River Ranch. Here's what riders need to know before hitting the road.

Jefferson County voters turned out Tuesday for a packed local ballot — including the Madras mayoral race, three city council seats, the open sheriff contest, and a closely watched jail operations levy renewal. Early returns show Jennifer Townsend on track to become Madras's next mayor.

Sheriff Jason Pollock leads with 70.5% of the early vote, the Jefferson County Jail levy is passing at 57.2%, and Jennifer Townsend leads the Madras mayor race at 57.1%, according to unofficial election night results.

It is Election Day across Jefferson County. Voters have until 8 p.m. tonight to return their mail-in ballots as contested races for Madras mayor, three city council seats, county sheriff, and a five-year jail operations levy all come to a close.

Jefferson County residents have until November 3 to cast ballots in a busy election featuring a contested sheriff's race, a five-year jail operations levy renewal, and contested Madras mayor and city council seats.

The Warm Springs Branch of Natural Resources Fisheries Department is passing out fresh coho salmon at the Community Center around noon Wednesday — one of several community events this week, including a tribal budget General Council meeting and Spirit Week celebrations at workplaces across the reservation.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. With mail routed through Portland, Jefferson County election officials are strongly encouraging voters to use official drop boxes to ensure their ballots arrive on time.

Jefferson County will certify its ballot tally machine on Tuesday, October 27, a key step ahead of the November 3 general election. Ballots are already arriving in mailboxes across the county, with races for Madras mayor and Jefferson County Sheriff on the line.

Jefferson County farmers, ranchers, and Commissioner Seth Taylor have raised concerns about COID's $66.9 million Pilot Butte Canal piping project, warning that eliminating seepage along 18.5 miles of the open canal could significantly reduce groundwater recharge across the region.

Jefferson County residents are now receiving their November election ballots, which include an open Madras mayoral race between Travis Montgomery and Jennifer Townsend, six candidates vying for three city council seats, a competitive sheriff contest, and a jail levy renewal.

Redmond has pulled back from a potential lawsuit over a major canal piping project and is instead pursuing a collaborative groundwater recharge partnership — a shift with direct implications for North Unit Irrigation District patrons and Jefferson County agriculture.