Rabies detected in bat in Crook County; health officials offer advice

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Crook County Public Health on Friday encouraged residents to take simple steps to protect their families and pets from rabies after the virus was recently detected in a bat in Crook County.

Friday, Oct 2, 2026

Crook County Sheriff's Office seeks tips to find missing Prineville man

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Crook County Sheriff’s Office asked the public on Thursday to be on the lookout for an 81-year-old Prineville man who left his home Tuesday afternoon and may be headed to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Friday, Oct 2, 2026

OHA reduces Prineville Reservoir recreational use advisory to a precaution

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority said Wednesday it has downgraded the more than 2-month-old recreational use health advisory to a precaution for Prineville Reservoir in Crook County.

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Crook County seeks applicants for Planning Commission, natural resources panel

Crook County is seeking applicants to fill upcoming roles on the Planning Commission. Applications are open for three Planning Commissioner Positions, which carry full terms ending December 31, 2031.

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

Ochoco National Forest begins prescribed fire near Big Summit Prairie

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- With cooler fall weather arriving, the Ochoco National Forest began prescribed fire operations Monday with a burn near Big Summit Prairie.

Monday, Sep 28, 2026

Crook County SO sergeant gets scam call claiming to be colleague

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Scam calls are still something of a sad fact of life for many. But one scammer claiming to be a Crook County Sheriff's Office lieutenant picked the wrong target - a sergeant with the department.

Thursday, Sep 24, 2026

Crook County, partner agencies plan event to help residents affected by 2026 wildfires

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Crook County, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Forestry and other local, state, and federal agencies and community organizations, will host a Multi-Agency Resource Center event to provide information, resources, and assistance to Crook County residents impacted by recent wildfires.

Friday, Sep 18, 2026

Federal land closures being lifted on several area fires, but caution urged

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Closures affecting federal lands on the Rowe Creek Complex, Shingle, Henry and Coyote fires are being lifted as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, officials announced Friday night.

Saturday, Sep 12, 2026

Crook County residents urged to serve on regional public lands committees

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Crook County is sharing two opportunities for local residents to become involved in regional public lands management.

Friday, Sep 11, 2026

Sycan Fire in Lake County covers nearly 2,200 acres

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – For the second time in 24 hours, firefighters tackled and stopped a small fire in Crook County late Friday afternoon – this time at just 1.5 acres. But another new blaze, in central Lake County, grew to over 2,000 acres over the weekend, while crews fully lined it.

Friday, Sep 11, 2026

Prineville man gets seven-year prison term for downloading child sex abuse videos

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- A Prineville man was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in prison and three years' post-prison supervision by Crook County Circuit Court Judge Wade Whiting. The sentencing followed a jury trial conviction last month on several counts of encouraging child sexual abuse involving downloaded videos.

Thursday, Sep 10, 2026

Prineville man arrested again on new child sex abuse charges

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- A Prineville man has been arrested for the second time in three months and faces five new sex abuse charges involving a second child victim a decade ago, Crook County authorities said Tuesday.

Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026

Dust off your boots, experience a weekend of all things Western at the Fall Cowboy Gathering

Saturday, Sep 5, 2026

A library card hits all the right notes: Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month

Thursday, Sep 3, 2026

Brasada Ranch worker interrupts early-AM alcohol burglary

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. -- Crook County sheriff's deputies and Prineville Police officers are investigating an attempted burglary of alcoholic beverages early Wednesday from Brasada Ranch, while warning the public not to believe all they read on social media about this or other cases.

Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026

Crook County Health and Human Services, Rimrock Trails announce September resource

Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026

Crook County SO lifts last Rowe Creek Complex evacuation notices

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- All evacuation levels for the nearly 374,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex have been removed, the Crook County Sheriff's Office said Monday.

Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026

'Tragic accident': Redmond kayaker drowns at Prineville Reservoir

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Divers assisted by several agencies on Monday recovered the body of a Redmond man who drowned Saturday while kayaking and fishing at Prineville Reservoir, Crook County sheriff's deputies said.

Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026

Prineville Reservoir 'boating incident' under investigation

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Crook County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday it is investigating a boating incident” at Prineville Reservoir, but released few details.

Sunday, Aug 30, 2026

Crook County seeks applicants for Wolf Depredation Compensation Committee vacancies

Saturday, Aug 29, 2026

Crook County College announces updated 2026–27 schedule, extended application

Friday, Aug 28, 2026

Deschutes National Forest lifts Akawa Butte Fire closure

SISTERS, Ore. -- The Deschutes National Forest lifted the Akawa Butte Fire Temporary Emergency Closure on Wednesday, but still advised caution to those visiting the recently burned area.

Thursday, Aug 27, 2026

Austin Fire smoke turns air quality 'unhealthy' in Prineville, Madras

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Smoke from surging activity on the nearly 7,400-acre Austin Fire in Clackamas County moved into the Prineville and Madras areas Tuesday evening, prompting the Crook County Sheriff’s Office to reassure there were no new fires in the area.

Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026

Portland man arrested for stealing $20K in Brasada Ranch golf clubs, gear

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. -- A 44-year-old Portland man has been arrested on aggravated theft, burglary and other charges charges, accused of stealing about $20,000 worth of golf clubs, bags and other golfing gear from Brasada Ranch Resort in Powell Butte a month ago.

Monday, Aug 24, 2026

Crook County SO reduces all Level 3 Rowe Creek Complex fire alerts

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- The Crook County Sheriff's Office on Sunday reduced all Level 3 GO NOW evacuation levels on the nearly 374,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex.

Monday, Aug 24, 2026

Rowe Creek Complex flares up In Crook County; new Level 3 evacuations

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The more than month-old, nearly 374,oo-acre Rowe Creek Complex is nearly 90% contained, but it flared in Crook County Tuesday afternoon, prompting a new Level 3 GO NOW evacuation in the area, sheriff’s deputies said.

Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026

Rowe Creek firefighters save historic school building

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Firefighters on the massive Rowe Creek Complex have saved numerous homes and other buildings from the flames, but one historic school building stands out among many area residents.

Sunday, Aug 16, 2026

Waves and Popsicles: Rowe Creek firefighters thank girl for sweet greetings

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Authorities said late Saturday they have turned the corner on the 373,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex Fire that is now 89% contained. But there have been some sweet connections made amid all the hard work and challenges.

Sunday, Aug 16, 2026

ODOT reopens Highway 26 east of Prineville after lengthy closure

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- ODOT reopened a long-closed 20-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 26 east of Prineville Thursday as firefighters continued making progress to stop a major wildfire in the area.

Thursday, Aug 13, 2026

Rowe Creek Complex tips for long-term wildfire safety, returning after evacuation

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Rowe Creek Complex fire officials offered a list of advice and reminders to Crook County residents on Monday about long-term wildfire safety and returning home after recent evacuations.

Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026

More challenges for Rowe Creek Complex Fire crews

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Here's Sunday night's update on the nearly 368,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex east of Prineville, where active behavior and shifting winds made for more challenging times for hundreds of firefighters:

Saturday, Aug 8, 2026

Rowe Creek Complex Fire 62% contained; Hwy. 26 still closed

FOSSIL, Ore. -- The 3-week-old Rose Complex Fire has burned nearly 330,000 acres, but nearly 1,800 firefighters have brought it to 62% containment, officials said Wednesday. However, a 34-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 26 remained closed east of Prineville for burnout preparation and related work.

Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026

FEMA OKs funding to help fight Rowe Creek-West Zone Fire

BOTHELL, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Saturday that it has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Rowe Creek Complex - West Zone Fire, burning in Crook and Jefferson counties in Central Oregon.

Saturday, Aug 1, 2026

Crook County Road Department announces upcoming Juniper Heights road resurfacing

Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026

Crook County accepting applications for 2026–27 County College program

Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026

Progress seen on nearly 300,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex-West Zone Fire

PRINEVILLE, Ore. - Here's Tuesday night's update on the nearly 300,000-acre Rowe Creek Complex West Zone, formerly the Brewer Fire, from the Facebook page:

Wednesday, Jul 29, 2026

Recreational use advisory issued for Prineville Reservoir

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use health advisory Monday for Prineville Reservoir due to laboratory results from recently collected water samples that show cyanotoxins above the recreational use value.

Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026

Hwy. 26 closed to through traffic east of Prineville as 3 wildfires threaten to merge

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – Three large wildfires east of Prineville kept growing quickly in Sunday’s heat and winds, threatening to merge and prompting closure of a 40-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 26.

Monday, Jul 27, 2026

Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for the Shingle Fire in Grant, Wheeler counties

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon's Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked Saturday afternoon for the Shingle Fire in Grant and Wheeler counties. The Oregon State Fire Marshal said in a news release that she is mobilizing its Blue Incident Management Team and resources to protect nearby communities from the fast-moving fire.

Sunday, Jul 26, 2026

Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Crosswhite West Fire in Crook and Jefferson counties

SALEM, Ore. – On Friday evening, the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked for the Crosswhite West Fire to protect the community of Marks Creek in Crook County. The Oregon State Fire Marshal has assigned its Red Incident Management Team and structural task forces. The team will work in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry Team 3.

Saturday, Jul 25, 2026

'The battle continues!' More teams called up to help Central Oregon firefighters

REDMOND, Ore. -- Heat, wind and low humidity kept several large Central Oregon fires growing Saturday, with more state resources on the way.

Saturday, Jul 18, 2026

Saturday update: Crews hold the line overnight on three big C.O. wildfires

Here's the Saturday morning update on three of the larger fires burning in Central Oregon, as provided by Central Oregon Fire Info adding links to Watch Duty for updates on the listed fires:

Saturday, Jul 18, 2026

Lightning sparks several wildfires across region; some prompt evacuations

(Update: New acreage figures; ODF sends management team)

Friday, Jul 17, 2026

Crook County begins first overhaul of natural resource plans since 1978

PRINEVILLE, Oregon -- For the first time in nearly 50 years, Crook County is taking a fresh look at how it protects the local landscape, history and wildlife that define the region.Local officials have launched a comprehensive update to the county’s “Goal 5” resources, which include everything from historic sites and scenic views to natural habitats. The planning offices, where much of this work will happen, are located at 300 NE Third St., just a short walk from the historic Crook County Courthouse in the heart of Prineville.“This update is voluntary and will take a significant amount of work and time to complete, but in my opinion, these Goal 5 resources are much of what makes Crook County special,” said John Eisler, Crook County Community Development Director. “As your local government, it's important that we evaluate these resources using the best available data while balancing conservation, private property rights, economic opportunity, and the community's vision for the future.”A chance for residents to leadThe Planning Commission has established three new public advisory committees to help guide the update. Each group will focus on different resource clusters to help the county determine how to move forward. Applications for these committees are open through July 27.“This update is an opportunity for Crook County residents to help shape how the county balances the protection of important resources with agriculture, economic opportunity, renewable energy, and other community priorities,” said Commissioner Susan Hermreck. “The more voices we have at the table, the stronger the final plan will be.”Commissioner Seth Crawford echoed that sentiment, encouraging neighbors to join the conversation. “This discussion is about the future of our community, and it's important that we hear from as many people as possible,” Crawford said. “We encourage everyone to join the conversation, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our county. Please also help spread the word by inviting your friends and neighbors to participate.”Eisler said he is looking for a wide variety of people to get involved in the meaningful work. “I'm really excited about these committees,” Eisler said. “Whether you're interested in wildlife habitat, groundwater, historic resources, aggregate resources, renewable energy, agriculture, or helping determine where solar facilities fit best, we want your input. The hope is that we get a cross section of people who are passionate about these issues and about shaping the county's future.”Planning for the solar futureA major component of the project involves creating a local program for commercial solar farms. While the state recently updated rules for these facilities, Crook County is developing its own path to ensure local voices guide where projects are built.“The state created a streamlined process for siting large solar facilities in partnership with counties,” Eisler said. “The county originally opted out of those rules, but with state grant funding supporting this effort, we will develop our own program—one that provides greater local direction and predictability for solar development while directing projects to appropriate locations, minimizing impacts, and providing community benefits and agricultural mitigation.”The Planning Commission will appoint committee members in August. After meeting throughout the fall, they will submit recommendations by the end of the year. Both the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners will then hold public meetings before final decisions are made.How to get involved:Apply online: crookcountyor.gov/1703/Goal-5-UpdateEmail: Goal5@crookcountyor.govCall the planning office: 541-447-3211

Tuesday, Jul 14, 2026