Section
Public Safety
Public Safety
Madras Schools Briefly in Secure Status After Report of Armed Man Near Campus
Madras school buildings were placed in secure status Friday morning after a man was reported walking near school grounds while possibly carrying a firearm. No shots were fired, and law enforcement cleared the scene with no injuries.
Public Safety
Four Madras Schools Briefly Locked Down After Pellet Gun Report Friday Morning
Four Madras-area schools were placed in secure lockout status for nearly three hours Friday after a citizen reported a man with what appeared to be a firearm near campus during morning drop-off. The incident ended peacefully — the man was carrying an Airsoft pellet rifle and had no threatening intent.
Public Safety
Antelope Man Dies in Two-Vehicle Crash on Highway 97 Near Madras
A 77-year-old Antelope man was killed Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 97 just north of Madras. Oregon State Police continue to investigate the crash.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Fire & EMS Loses Interim Chief After 21 Years of Service
Interim Fire Chief Kasey Skaar has submitted his resignation from Jefferson County Fire & EMS after 21 years with the department, citing family priorities and a new opportunity with Portland General Electric. His last day is December 4, leaving the district to search for permanent leadership.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Fire & EMS Faces Leadership Transition as Chief Kasey Skaar Resigns After 21 Years
Interim Fire Chief Kasey Skaar has submitted his resignation after 21 years with Jefferson County Fire & EMS, with his last day set for December 4. He will join Portland General Electric as a wildfire operations program manager.
Public Safety
JCSO Log: Assault Near Haystack Reservoir Leads to Arrest; Highway 97 Pursuit Ends After Spike Strips Fail
A week of notable incidents in Jefferson County included a second-degree assault arrest at a Haystack Reservoir camp, a vehicle pursuit on Highway 97 that ended without a suspect in custody, vandalism at Madras High School, and several warrant arrests across the county.
Public Safety
Smoke May Linger Over Central Oregon as Ochoco National Forest Presses Ahead with Fall Prescribed Burns
The Ochoco National Forest is moving forward with a planned prescribed burn in the HEJ Unit 10 area near Prineville, part of a multi-year fuels management strategy. Residents in Jefferson and Crook counties may see or smell smoke in coming days when burn conditions are favorable.
Public Safety
Drive-Through Vaccine Clinic Coming to Crooked River Ranch This Thursday
Jefferson County Public Health is bringing a drive-through flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic to the Crooked River Ranch Fire Hall on Thursday, October 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. No appointment needed.
Public Safety
Fall Burn Season Open in Jefferson County — Know the Rules Before You Light Up
Residential open burning returned to Jefferson County on October 1, but fire officials say temporary closures can still happen. Here's what you need to know — plus details on free FireFree drop-off events this month.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Schools Step Up Security After Bend Elementary Shooting
Law enforcement was deployed to schools across Jefferson County on Friday following a deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend that killed three children and a teacher. Officials confirmed no threats were made to local schools.
Public Safety
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Now Fully Staffed; Madras PD Still Recruiting
Three new corrections officers have joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, bringing the department to full staffing — a milestone for a rural agency that has navigated law enforcement recruitment challenges in recent years. The Madras Police Department is still seeking applicants.
Public Safety
Drive-Through Vaccine Clinic Coming to Crooked River Ranch Fire Hall Oct. 22
Jefferson County Public Health is bringing flu and COVID-19 vaccines directly to the Crooked River Ranch community on Thursday, October 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the CRR Fire Hall on SW Shad Road. No appointment needed.