Oregon

Oregon policymakers look to mend broken trust with Harney County irrigators

Published

3 weeks ago

January 28, 2026

Oregon policymakers look to mend broken trust with Harney County irrigators

It’s January, fields of water-hungry hay are dormant, and a layer of hoarfrost and fog blankets the sagebrush for miles in Oregon’s remote southeast corner.

But as fields lie frozen, the seeds of an impending crisis continue to grow in Harney County.

It’s sure to force many farmers into a tough financial spot. Some say it could put them out of business. And now, some farmers are trying to navigate a problem that’s both about the economy, and the environment.

A center pivot sits on agricultural land in Harney County, Ore., on Dec. 18, 2025.

Eli Imadali / OPB

The Harney Basin does not have enough groundwater to allow the current pace of irrigation to continue.

In December, water regulators adopted a plan to address the issue.

But many locals feel that the plan ignores their needs and could devastate a region whose economy largely revolves around agriculture.

Some have come to distrust the very agency in charge of managing the state’s water. They’re now forging a partnership with the governor’s office with the hope they can avoid, or at least delay, costly litigation.

“There’s a lot of animosity. And some of it is valid, and some of it’s not,” said state Rep. Mark Owens — a Republican from Harney County and a farmer. “Right now, if the state wants to work with this community, there needs to be a different face leading this instead of the water resource department, and the other option is the governor’s office.”

A disagreement over water management

Last month, the Oregon Water Resources Commission unanimously voted to designate much of the Harney Basin in southeast Oregon a critical groundwater area.

This designation will give the state more authority to reduce how much water irrigators can pump out of the aquifer, with the goal to stabilize it by 2058.

The Harney Basin spans 5,240 square miles of southeast Oregon’s high desert.

Almost all of the groundwater that’s used each year, about 97%, is pumped out to irrigate fields of hay that feed beef and dairy cattle.

For the last three decades, there’s been a problem: The water is drying up.

A center pivot sits on agricultural land in Harney County, Ore., on Dec. 18, 2025.
*Eli Imadali / OPB*

For decades, the state’s water resources department – overseen by the commission – enabled developers to drill new wells and pump out more water from the aquifer than what can naturally be replenished by rain and snowmelt.

That continued long after the department knew it wasn’t sustainable.

Irrigators in the basin acknowledge the problem – but many disagree with the state’s “critical groundwater area” designation and with how the state has interpreted the science that underpins it.

In one area of the basin north of Malheur Lake, groundwater levels have declined by more than 140 feet below the water table and, since 2016, have continued to drop by as much as eight feet per year.

But groundwater levels in other parts of the basin have not dropped as drastically – falling by less than a foot per year in some places.

As it stands, the water resources department’s plan to cut how much water irrigators can use in the basin doesn’t go into effect until 2028. That plan outlines how some water users will have to cut back their use by up to 70% over the next 30 years.

Before the plan takes effect, water users will have the opportunity to contest the restrictions they might face – a process that would require an attorney and an administrative law judge. It could be costly and take years to resolve.

But many farmers disagree with this plan.

Some feel they’re being punished for the water resources department’s failure. Some say the plan treats all irrigators the same, even though groundwater declines are not uniform across the basin.

Meanwhile, other people in the basin, residents who have domestic or livestock wells but are not irrigators, say the state is not acting fast enough to regulate water users.

In September, a coalition of residents, irrigators, tribes and local governments organized under Owens filed a petition asking the water resources commission to consider a different plan that diverged from the state’s own proposals to cut water use in the region.

In a memo, the water resources department determined the petition’s proposal would result in “continued long-term groundwater level declines” in most areas of the basin.

The commission rejected the petition and adopted the state’s plan instead.

Lost trust, and a different approach

Now, Owens is advocating for a different approach.

If the water resources department proceeds with its plan, many irrigators are likely to contest the restrictions they face.

Owens would like to give them more time to work on what’s called a “voluntary water conservation agreement” – a binding agreement to reduce water use, but one that irrigators would have a say in writing.

That’s where the governor’s office could come in, he said.

“There is some trust that needs to be gained again if we have a desire to work with the [water resources] commission on voluntary actions, because it’s not there right now,” Owens said. “The governor’s office can weigh in with the agencies, specifically the water resource department, and give direction on, ‘You have regulatory sideboards now, but slow down.’”

FILE - State Rep. Mark Owens, R-Crane, poses for a portrait in his Burns, Ore., office on Dec. 17, 2025. — FILE – State Rep. Mark Owens, R-Crane, poses for a portrait in his Burns, Ore., office on Dec. 17, 2025.
*Eli Imadali / OPB*

That doesn’t mean the governor’s office plans to take over for the water resource department, according to Anca Matica, a spokesperson for Gov. Tina Kotek.

“We trust our agency. We know we monitor the agency’s work and implementation, but we also want to hear from community members to figure out are there ways we can do better,” Matica said. “Are there ways that we can help provide guidance to that agency that maybe they didn’t have?”

Geoff Huntington, a senior natural resources advisor for the governor, was at a meeting last week in Burns when irrigators met with Owens and state officials to discuss their options.

He acknowledged the lack of trust.

“We have a trust issue, right? Let’s call it what it is. It’s a trust issue,” Huntington said. “That’s a legitimate thing that has to be overcome if we’re going to be moving forward, and I say that on behalf of the department and the governor’s office.”

Geoff Huntington and Chandra Ferrari, both with the governors natural resources policy office, at a community meeting in Burns, Ore. on Jan. 22, 2026.
*Alejandro Figueroa / OPB*

Chandra Ferrari, also a natural resources advisor for the governor, told irrigators at the meeting that developing voluntary water conservation agreements would require a joint effort between the governor and the water resources department.

“Part of the trust building is us resetting right now and recognizing that we have an opportunity for a better pathway,” Ferrari said. “There is potential right now for this agreement, but ideally, we’re coming with you, right? The [Kotek] administration is coming with you to the [water resources] commission and saying we have a good path here.”

To date, no voluntary water conservation agreements have succeeded or even been proposed in Oregon, though.

A center pivot in a field covered with a layer of hoarfrost at a farm near Crane, Ore., Jan 22, 2026.
*Alejandro Figueroa / OPB*

“Voluntary agreements are a tool that’s available, but has not been used,” said a spokesperson with Oregon’s Water Resources Department. “There has not been one proposed to the department in regards to the Harney Basin.”

Owens said he’s optimistic the approach can work in the Harney Basin, but it will take time.

“These community members would like to try to take some of the fate in their own hands,” he said. “I am optimistic that our farmers will come together for the benefit of the community, for the benefit of themselves, and for the benefit of the state. And work toward reasonable reductions to hit reasonably stable [water levels] within a time frame that can work.”

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Two Oregon State Police troopers, truck driver hurt in crash off I-84 in The Dalles

Published

12 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Press Room

Two Oregon State Police troopers, truck driver hurt in crash off I-84 in The Dalles

THE DALLES, Ore. (KATU) — Two Oregon State Police troopers were hurt Monday morning in a crash involving two commercial trucks on an Interstate 84 off-ramp, The Dalles Police officials said.

The crash was reported about 7:30 a.m. at the top of I-84 on-ramp at exit 87, along Highway 197 just north of the interstate.

Initial reports state an Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife K-9 vehicle was involved in a crash with two commercial vehicles – an unloaded log truck and a semi-truck & trailer.

Two OSP troopers and one of the commercial truck drivers were all taken to medical facilities for treatment.

The K-9 and the other truck driver were not hurt in the crash.

RELATED | Crash on Airport Way led to DUII arrest during unrelated traffic stop

Highway 197 was closed at Bret Clodfelter Way through much of the day Monday, and is expected to reopen in the evening hours.

Washington traffic heading south to Oregon was diverted to Hood River or Biggs Junction, while northbound traffic was rerouted onto Highway 30 at Exit 85.

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“The investigation is ongoing and we are asking for anybody who has information regarding this crash to call us at 541-296-2613 and reference case number D26-0261,” City of The Dalles Police Department said.

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Oregon 4A wrestling: Champions, takeaways from district meets

Published

24 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Press Room

Oregon 4A wrestling: Champions, takeaways from district meets

The 4A wrestling district meets took place over the weekend, with the OSAA state championships scheduled for Feb. 26-27 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

Here’s a look at the champions and three takeaways from each of the four district meets. The top four finishers from each district advance to state.

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Special District 1 (at Molalla)

Team champion: Tillamook (376.5 points)

Most automatic qualifiers: Tillamook (15), Molalla (11), Estacada (10)

Individual champions

106 Liam Pyle, jr., Tillamook

113 Braiden Grochowsky, sr., Estacada

120 Cole Stafford, fr., Molalla

126 Kipton Allen, soph., Tillamook

132 Leroy Mixon, jr., Estacada

138 Beau Sandberg, sr., Molalla

144 Beau Smith, jr., Astoria

150 Logan Riga, jr., Estacada

157 Brayden Cooley, jr., Seaside

165 Tyler Kenton, jr., Molalla

175 Turner Jackson, jr., Estacada

190 Charlie Becker, jr., Gladstone

215 Melesio Brito, soph., Astoria

285 Adrian Balli, sr., Astoria

3 notes

Tillamook earns eighth consecutive district title

The Cheesemakers romped to another championship, putting six wrestlers in the finals and advancing 15 to state to outscore runner-up Estacada by 105 points and set themselves up for a run at improving upon back-to-back sixth-place finishes at state. Pyle repeated as 106-pound champion, pinning teammate Javier Vazquez in 74 seconds in the final.

Three-time champions hope to make mark in two weeks

Two wrestlers won their third consecutive district titles, with Sandberg pinning Scappoose’s Lawson Komp 41 seconds into the second round and Cooley earning a 4-0 decision over Tillamook’s Dillon Bennet. Now, each looks to improve upon his 2025 state finish — Sandberg placed fifth at 132 and Cooley sixth at 150.

Estacada’s Grochowsky avenges loss in district final

Grochowsky won a district title as a freshman but lost 12-11 to Seaside’s Henry Rollins in the 113 final last year. This weekend, he got the better of Rollins when the Seagulls junior had to retire because of injury after the second round. Grochowsky’s teammate, Mixon, also won a second title, as did Astoria’s Balli.

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Special District 2 (at Newport)

Team champion: Sweet Home (507 points)

Most qualifiers: Sweet Home (20), Cascade (14), Cottage Grove (7), Philomath (7)

Individual champions

106 Cody Sieminski, fr., Sweet Home

113 Keegan Jefferson, jr., Sweet Home

120 Riley Vaughan, jr., Sweet Home

126 Jesse Landtroop, jr., Sweet Home

132 Jeffery Conklin, jr., Cottage Grove

138 Henry Bankhead, jr., North Marion

144 Leonardo Michel, sr., Stayton

150 Riley Barrett, sr., Philomath

157 Porter Compton, sr., Philomath

165 Hans Kamm, jr., Cascade

175 Luke Rosa, sr., Sweet Home

190 Lake Mulberry, sr., Philomath

215 Matthew Hinkle, sr., Cascade

285 Lynkin Royer, sr., Sweet Home

3 notes

Sweet Home poised to reclaim state championship

A 12th consecutive district championship trophy is nice, but with 2025 champion Crook County now in 5A, the Huskies put themselves in fine position to reclaim the state title in two weeks — they won in 2017 and 2024 and have five runner-up finishes in the past decade. They owned the lower weights, winning every title from 106 to 126 pounds, and Jefferson, Vaughan, Landtroop and Rosa repeated as district champions.

Conklin ends six-year title drought for Cottage Grove

Conklin improved to 46-0 (improving his win streak to 48 after placing third at state as a sophomore) when two-time district champion Tytus Hardee of Sweet Home sustained an injury in the final. Cottage Grove had not had a district finalist since 2023, and Conklin became the program’s first champion since 2020, when Jacob Dunn, Drew Swenson and Cobie Simpson took home titles.

Philomath state champion shrugging off early-season injury

Barrett suffered an ankle injury at Philomath’s season-opening tournament and has been brought back gradually to prevent a recurrence as he tries to become the program’s first three-time state champion. He improved to 18-0 with a 14-0 major decision over Sweet Home’s James Hearick in the district final.

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Special District 3 (at Hidden Valley)

Team champion: Marshfield (299 points)

Most qualifiers: Marshfield (14), Hidden Valley (9), North Bend (9), Mazama (9)

Individual champions

106 Rhoan Rambo, fr., Hidden Valley

113 Garron Castro, sr., Marshfield

120 Ryker Pruett, fr., North Bend

126 Acen Clark, soph., Henley

132 Nicholas Campbell, sr., North Bend

138 Nicco Kovacic, soph., Klamath Union

144 Jackson Swanson, sr., North Bend

150 Levi Padoshek, jr., Mazama

157 John Willett, sr., North Bend

165 Walter Collier, sr., Henley

175 Jyles Peterson, jr., Hidden Valley

190 Brent Kolkow, sr., Hidden Valley

215 Dylan Swanson, sr., North Bend

285 Mitchell Quist, sr., Hidden Valley

3 notes

Depth key to Marshfield’s second consecutive district title

A year ago, Marshfield won eight individual championships en route to its first team title since 2018. This year, the Pirates won only one weight class when Castro took home his third district crown with a third-period technical fall, but their depth (state qualifiers at 12 of 14 weight classes) was enough to stave off Hidden Valley (and the Mustangs’ four district titlists) by 39 points.

Returning champions square off in 285 final

The 285 final featured returning district champions Quist moving up from 215 to challenge Marshfield’s Skyler Folau. Quist, whose only loss this season came in the High Desert Classic final to Burns’ Joe Weil, defeated Folau for the second time this season with a 4-1 decision. It was a closer match than in mid-December, when Quist (third at state a year ago) won an 11-3 major decision in the North Bend Coast Classic quarterfinals.

North Bend’s Swanson, Henley’s Collier also repeat

Two other wrestlers repeated as district champions, with Swanson moving down from 150 (where a possible final against two-time state titlist Riley Barrett awaited) to beat Phoenix’s Caden Cunningham by second-period fall, and Collier moved up from 157 to 165 and earned a second-round pin over Mazama’s Isaac Stacey.

—

Special District 4 (at Madras)

Team champion: La Grande (396 points)

Most qualifiers: Pendleton (18), La Grande (16), Madras (9)

Individual champions

106 Darren Gulzow, jr., La Grande

113 Hank Roy, soph., Pendleton

120 Aiden Cox, fr., Pendleton

126 Deegan Nelson, soph., La Grande

132 Bragen Anderson, sr., La Grande

138 Colton Livingston, sr., La Grande

144 Bryler Anderson, soph., La Grande

150 Cole Roy, sr., Pendleton

157 Tommy Belding, sr., La Grande

165 Kainen Zimmerman, sr., Pendleton

175 Vance Nelson, sr., Pendleton

190 Aidan Perkins, sr., Pendleton

215 Dex Dunlap, jr., La Grande

285 Gage Valencia, sr., Ontario

3 notes

La Grande edges Pendleton for first district title since 2022

The departure of three-time reigning champion Crook County to 5A created a wide-open district tournament, where Pendleton enjoyed a 3-2 edge over La Grande in district finals matching the schools’ wrestlers and an 18-16 edge in state qualifiers but still saw the Tigers eke out a 1.5-point victory for their first title since 2022 — the year before the Cowboys dropped to 4A. Belding and Bragen Anderson each won a third district title to lead the charge, and Dunlap repeated as 215 champion.

Two No. 2 seeds help Buckaroos push for team title

The Buckaroos had six district champions, one fewer than La Grande, with Nelson needing just 31 seconds to pin Madras’ Colton Gillespie to earn his third individual crown. They also got wins at 120, where Cox earned a 5-3 decision over La Grande’s top seed Kallen Blakely, and 165, where Zimmerman posted a 14-5 major decision over top seed Noah Collins of La Grande.

Ontario heavyweight denies La Grande-Pendleton title sweep

Ontario will have only four wrestlers make the 375-mile trip from the eastern tip of the state to Memorial Coliseum, but one of them is Valencia, who was the only wrestler not from La Grande or Pendleton to win a title — he earned a second-period technical fall over La Grande’s Darryn Richardson to improve to 31-4.

—

For complete coverage of Oregon high school sports, visit OregonLive’s high school sports section throughout the year.

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Four-star RB Cadarius McMiller talks pledge to Oregon: “It felt right”

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2026

Press Room

Four-star RB Cadarius McMiller talks pledge to Oregon: “It felt right”

Tyler (Texas) High Rivals300 running back Cadarius McMiller committed to Oregon over the weekend, choosing to play for the Big Ten powerhouse over the likes of Arizona State, Baylor, Texas Tech, SMU, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Tennessee, Washington and Ole Miss.

“I really like the school,” McMiller said. “Nobody else showing me love like Oregon.”

That love begins with future position coach Ra’Shaad Samples.

“Coach Samp it’s a good relationship,” McMiller said. “It felt right.

“He’s a good dude. I feel like to be a good recruiter you have to have good communication and relationship skills and he has both of them.”

Rivals ranks McMiller as the nation’s No. 15 running back and No. 173 prospect overall. He visited Eugene a few weeks ago.

“The coaching staff of course,” he said of what stood out. “Everybody is cool. They got a good facility.”

McMiller also highlight the “winning” program.

“The head coach he’s a good leader. He knows how to run a program.”

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound McMiller has 10.2 speed in the 100m dash and as a junior he used his speed to rush for 943 yards and 17 touchdowns with 186 more yards receiving and three scores.

“I’m a run hard running back,” McMiller said. He can also play in the slot. “I’m not doing all that dancing. I’m straight downhill into somebody’s face.”

Oregon signed Rivals No. 4 ranked class in the 2026 cycle and with recruiting wins like McMiller they’ll compete for another top five haul in 2027.

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