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Jefferson County
Jefferson County
Drought and a Century-Old Water Law Are Squeezing Jefferson County Farmers Off Their Own Land
A new investigation by KLCC and ProPublica spotlights Madras-area farmers who have watched their water disappear during drought years while senior rights holders upstream continued drawing heavily from the Deschutes River. With all Central Oregon counties now under a state drought emergency, the issue remains urgent in 2026.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Seeks Public Input on ATV Road Designations Through August 10
Jefferson County is accepting public nominations through August 10 for county roads that could be designated for Class 4 ATV use under a new ordinance adopted this spring. The proposal has sparked enthusiasm in Crooked River Ranch — and some pushback from residents worried about safety.
Jefferson County
Today Is the Last Day to Register: MAC Recall Ballots Mail Tomorrow
Voters in the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District have until end of day Tuesday to register or update their voter registration ahead of a special August 4 recall election targeting four board members.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Schools Cut $2 Million for 2026-27 — But No One Is Losing Their Job
The Jefferson County School District is trimming $2 million from its 2026-27 budget due to falling enrollment and state funding formula changes, but district leaders say attrition prevented any staff layoffs.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County School District Cuts $2 Million From Budget — No Layoffs Expected
The Jefferson County School District is trimming $2 million from its 2026–27 budget due to falling enrollment and changes to Oregon’s school funding formula, but administrators say the cuts were made proportionally across departments and no staff will lose their jobs.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County School District Cuts $2 Million for 2026–27 as Enrollment Continues to Fall
Declining enrollment is forcing the Jefferson County School District to reduce about 18 positions and cut $2 million from its 2026–27 budget. No one is being laid off, but programs like Career and Technical Education at the middle school level are being scaled back.
Jefferson County
Historic Drought Cuts Water to Jefferson County Farmers — Earliest Curtailment on Record
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.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Commissioners Advance Battery Storage Project in Madras
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners has approved a site control agreement for a proposed battery energy storage project in Madras, allowing a feasibility study to move forward. The project could add significant grid resilience and clean energy capacity to Central Oregon.
Jefferson County
Warm Springs Tribe Raises Alarm Over Long-Term Columbia River Impacts From Longview Chemical Spill
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is urging state and federal agencies to keep a sustained focus on the Columbia River in the aftermath of the deadly Longview paper mill disaster, expressing concern about long-term effects on tribal fishing rights, water quality, and ecosystem health.
Jefferson County
Warm Springs Higher Education Now Accepting Applications; Kah-Nee-Ta Upgrades Underway
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Higher Education Department is accepting applications for the 2026–27 academic year, with a new $1,200 annual scholarship available. Meanwhile, Kah-Nee-Ta Resort is rolling out improvements across lodging, dining, and recreation for the 2026 season.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Commissioners Approve Site Agreement for Battery Storage Project in Madras
Jefferson County commissioners have approved a site control agreement that allows developers to conduct feasibility studies for a proposed battery energy storage project in Madras — a potential economic development win for the region.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County, City of Madras Launch Joint Five-Year Strategic Plan
Jefferson County and the City of Madras have announced a joint strategic planning effort to create a shared five-year vision for the future of the county. The collaboration represents an unusual step toward coordinated governance between the two biggest local governments.