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Section

Public Safety

JCSO Sheriff Log: Search Warrant Uncovers Commercial Meth at Culver Residence

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office detectives, working with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team, executed a search warrant at a Culver residence this week and recovered a commercial quantity of suspected methamphetamine — the latest enforcement action in a series of drug investigations across the county.

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Hires Communications Intern to Deepen Community Ties

A $6,000 grant-funded internship is helping Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue do something small rural fire districts often struggle to fit between emergency calls: staying consistently connected with the people they serve.

FBI, Tribal Police Investigating After Human Remains Found Near Warm Springs Health Facility

Human remains were discovered Saturday morning near an Indian Health Services building in Warm Springs. The FBI and Warm Springs Police Department are jointly investigating, and the public is asked to avoid the area.

Open Burning Still Prohibited as Jefferson County Closes Out a Drought-Stricken Summer

Open burning remains fully closed across Jefferson County as the region wraps up one of the driest summers in recent memory. Residents are urged to check current restrictions before any outdoor burning and to be aware of fire danger that can persist well into fall.

Fire Danger Remains Elevated Across Jefferson County and Warm Springs as Burn Season Peaks

Open burning is closed across Jefferson County and the Warm Springs Reservation as fire managers maintain high danger ratings and Industrial Fire Precaution Level upgrades heading into mid-September.

JCSO Handled 883 Calls Across Jefferson County in August

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office fielded 883 calls for service in August, with Crooked River Ranch accounting for the highest call volume of any unincorporated community, according to the department's monthly report released this week.

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Lands Internship Grant to Strengthen Community Ties

An internship grant is giving Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue the capacity to do something small volunteer departments often struggle to fit in alongside emergency calls: stay consistently connected with the community they serve. Chief Sean Hartley says the funding fills a real gap.

Fire Precaution Levels Rise on Warm Springs Reservation; Burn Ban Remains Countywide

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service and Warm Springs Fire Management elevated industrial fire precaution levels this week, moving Zone 1 to Level 3 as the reservation holds under high fire danger. A reservation-wide burn ban remains in place, and open burning is prohibited across Jefferson County.

Jefferson County Updating 5-Year Wildfire Protection Plan; Free Car Seat Fair Sept. 26 and Community Briefs

Jefferson County is overhauling its Community Wildfire Protection Plan with public input ahead of next fire season, while upcoming community events include a free car seat safety fair and cemetery cleanup reminders.

Meet Maria: How a Grant is Helping Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Stay Connected With Its Community

A $3,000 matching grant through the Special Districts Association of Oregon funded a communications intern at Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue — giving the small district the capacity to focus on community outreach between emergency calls.

Open Burning Fully Closed in Jefferson County as Fire Season Reaches Its Peak

Jefferson County Fire & EMS confirms all open burning is prohibited through fire season, which has been in effect since May. The Round Butte Fire scorched over 1,100 acres in August — a reminder of how quickly conditions can escalate. Here is what residents need to know.

Open Burning Closed Countywide as Jefferson County Enters Peak Fire Season

Jefferson County Fire & EMS has closed all open burning effective this season, and the region is still feeling the effects of a summer that included the human-caused Round Butte Fire. Residents are reminded that fire danger remains extreme across Central Oregon.