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Local News

Drought and Curtailments Squeeze Jefferson County Farmers in Brutal Mid-Season

A punishing combination of record-low snowpack and aggressive water curtailments is forcing Jefferson County farmers to make hard choices, with North Unit Irrigation District patrons receiving only about 57% of a normal water supply.

Warm Springs Faces Years of Recovery After Bench Fire Tears Through Reservation

The Bench Fire burned at least six homes on the Warm Springs Reservation, left thousands without power or clean water for days, and dealt a deep financial and cultural blow to the Confederated Tribes — one that tribal leaders say will take years to heal.

Three New Doctors Join Madras Rural Residency, Expanding County's Healthcare Capacity

The Three Sisters Rural Track Program welcomed three new medical residents to Jefferson County this week, bolstering primary care access for the roughly 25,000 residents of one of Oregon's most medically underserved counties.

Warm Springs Tribe Builds Recovery Network as Bench Fire Rebuilding Begins

With at least six homes destroyed and thousands left without power or water, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are shifting from emergency response to long-term recovery — launching a tribal relief fund, a distribution center, and animal support resources.

Museum at Warm Springs Launches August Membership Drive with Statewide Support

The Museum at Warm Springs kicked off its annual membership drive on August 1 and is running through the end of the month, with dozens of Oregon cultural organizations helping to spread the word.

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Warm Springs Families Begin Long Road to Recovery After Bench Fire

With the Bench Fire now 84 percent contained, Warm Springs tribal members are returning to find homes lost, wells dry, and a reservation facing months — if not years — of rebuilding ahead.

Museum at Warm Springs Launches Annual Membership Drive Through August 31

The Museum at Warm Springs has kicked off its annual Membership Drive, running through August 31. Memberships start at $25, unlock statewide reciprocal museum benefits, and support one of Oregon's most important Indigenous cultural institutions — right here in Jefferson County.

Severe Drought Squeezes Jefferson County Farms and Ranches Heading Into August

With 94% of Jefferson County locked in severe drought and a wildfire season already in full swing, local farmers and ranchers are facing a punishing summer. Governor Kotek's drought emergency declaration unlocks state assistance, but water shortages and scorched rangeland are taking a toll.

Warm Springs Bench Fire Hits 84% Containment; All Reservation Evacuation Levels Downgraded

Firefighters have pushed containment on the Bench Fire to 84%, and all evacuation levels on the Warm Springs Reservation were lowered to Level 1 'Be Ready' on Monday. A recovery distribution center remains open for affected families.

Warm Springs This Week: Tribal Appreciation Day, Board Vacancies, Head Start Enrollment Open

A busy week ahead for the Warm Springs community includes Tribal Appreciation Day at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort on Wednesday, open enrollment for Head Start, a summer movie night Thursday, and three open board positions with an August 10 application deadline.

Warm Springs Community This Week: Youth Day Camp, Kah-Nee-Ta Appreciation Day, Museum Membership Drive

A busy week ahead for the Warm Springs community, with the Prevention Team’s 6th annual Building Resiliency Summer Day Camp kicking off Monday, Tribal Appreciation Day at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort on Wednesday, and the Museum at Warm Springs’ annual membership drive running all month.