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Jefferson County

Jefferson County commissioners hold open house for community to view the now-abandoned county dog kennel

MADRAS, Ore (KTVZ) — Here at the County Dog Kennel, the Jefferson County commissioners opened up the facility to the community on Monday evening so they can view the space after the previous contractor vacated the premises on June 30th. County Commissioner Wayne Fording said, “Our contract with Rockn EZ Rescue Ranch, we didn’t renew

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Crooked River Ranch brush fire threatens homes, forces evacuations before C.O. firefighters stop blaze at 8 acres

(Update: New details, photo) CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) – A fast-moving brush fire brought numerous firefighters from several agencies to Crooked River Ranch early Thursday evening, prompting evacuations and call-up of a multi-agency task force that stopped the blaze at just over eight acres. The Quail Fire, as it was named, was reported by

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Jefferson County commissioners give their side of dog kennel dispute, set open house, tours, public comment

MADRAS, Ore. – Jefferson County commissioners said Friday they are pleased to announce an open house and tour of the county’s dog kennel facility on Monday, July 22 from 5-7 p.m. This event marks the first opportunity for the public and community partners to explore the facility since the previous contractor, Rockn EZ Rescue Ranch,

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Jefferson County Commissioner Kelly Simmelink appointed to Regional Solutions Advisory Committee

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Jefferson County Commissioner Kelly Simmelink has been appointed to the Central Oregon Regional Solutions Advisory Committee to be the county representative.  The Association of Oregon Counties Board of Directors recommended his appointment to Governor Kotek.  The appointment runs through June 30, 2026. “I am honored to be selected to represent the

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Gov. Kotek issues drought declaration for Jefferson County as drought has eased, but severe impacts still linger

Sixth straight year for county, which was rejected in its initial request earlier this year WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced Thursday that she has declared a drought in Jefferson County through Executive Order 24-08 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region, granting a request initially denied by

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Groundbreaking held for COCC’s Madras expansion; gifted Miller property sold to county for food pantry site

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The former Miller lumberyard in Madras, donated to Central Oregon Community College by members of the Miller family to raise funds for a Madras campus expansion, is being sold to Jefferson County, with the property to be redesigned as a community food pantry, officials announced Monday as groundbreaking took place for

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Fire damages Central Oregon Seeds Inc. in Madras; firefighter injured as crews on scene well into the night

(Update: More details from fire official; firefighter injured; comment from COSI CEO) MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A major, stubborn fire broke out Monday evening and heavily damaged Central Oregon Seeds Inc., a grass and vegetable seed cleaning operation in Madras, prompting a call-out for assistance from several fire departments around the region and leading to

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