KWSO News: Red Flag Warnings Hit Central Oregon; Local Health Programs and County Fair Kick Off

Warm Springs Holistic Health is introducing new options to support local student-athletes starting this August, according to physical therapist Gavin Boen. “We’re running physicals for any athlete here in Warm Springs, and the next one is Monday, August 10th,” Boen said, adding that physical therapy referrals can follow immediately. The clinic is launching new group therapy sessions on Mondays at 8 a.m. at the old elementary school beginning August 3rd, alongside standard one-on-one sessions and a hybrid telehealth option. Residents can schedule physicals by calling 541-553-2610 or reach the clinic office at 541-777-2663.

In Madras, the Jefferson County Fair & Rodeo begins today, carrying on a tradition established in 1931. Free to attend through Saturday, July 25th, the fair features 11 live bands, traditional livestock exhibits, NPRA Rodeo events, camel rides, and family entertainment like the 541 Bounce Experience. Tonight’s music lineup features The Substitutes at 9:30 p.m.

Jefferson County officials reported that 58-year-old Stacy Chiddix of Madras died Monday in an ATV rollover on steep terrain while defending his property from the Brewer Fire. Sheriff Jason Pollock commended Chiddix’s efforts to protect his home while reminding residents that active fire zones carry severe hazards.

Across Central Oregon, firefighters are bracing for critical weather as a Red Flag Warning brings potential thunderstorms, lightning, and wind gusts up to 35 mph. Crews on the Akawa Butte Fire are working around the clock to secure containment lines and protect homes, prompting officials to request caution near the Sisters Rodeo Grounds. A community meeting will be held Thursday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Sisters High School and streamed on Facebook. North of Prineville, task forces are mopping up around homes near Grizzly Road, Sealy Creek, and Old Fort Road on the Brewer Fire, while fire managers warn the Box Springs and Crosswhite fires could merge within 24 hours in the Ochoco National Forest.

Statewide, Oregon’s 2026 wildfire season is escalating rapidly. A KATU analysis through July 21st reveals 42 active large blazes burning over 406,000 acres—nearly four times the acreage burned by this time last year—with suppression costs exceeding $90.9 million. Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Kacey Davey urged travelers to check TripCheck.com, expect sudden road closures, drive with low beams in heavy smoke, avoid GPS detours onto unsafe forest roads, and refrain from parking on dry grass to prevent new ignitions.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that NBA star Stephen Curry will be featured in a new exhibit opening Friday in Springfield, Massachusetts. Titled “Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc,” it marks the first dedicated feature experience for an active player in the museum’s nearly 75-year history.

Hot conditions will reach 103 degrees today with patchy smoke and a 30 percent chance of evening thunderstorms before clearing overnight. Thursday will remain hot with highs near 98 degrees, light breezes, and morning smoke.