The Argus Observer

08/10/2026

Payette approved an ordinance requiring the mayor to follow council-adopted policies and explain within five days if a policy cannot be implemented or enforced. Two councilors opposed the ordinance, questioning its enforceability and necessity.

Payette City Council approved Ordinance No. 1578 on a 4-2 vote Aug. 4, requiring the mayor to follow council-adopted policies and explain within five days if a policy cannot be

08/10/2026

The following reservoir storage reports are from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for Aug. 9. As of Sunday, the Owyhee Reservoir is at 38% capacity.

The following reservoir storage reports are from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for Aug. 9.

08/09/2026

The Argus Observer weekly faith column features a rotation of writers from many different faiths and perspectives. This week's column is written by Pastor Wesley Higgins, of Celebration Church of God in Ontario.

The Argus Observer weekly faith column features a rotation of writers from many different faiths and perspectives. This week's column is written by Pastor Wesley Higgins, of Celebration Church of

08/07/2026

FROM THE I-E: Payette City Council approved Resolution 2026-07 on Aug. 4, increasing building inspection fees by calculating permit costs at 100% of estimated construction value instead of 70% and raising the minimum inspection fee from $50 to $150.

Payette City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-07 on Aug. 4, increasing building inspection fees by calculating permit costs at 100% of estimated construction value instead of 70% and raising the

08/07/2026

The Tartar Fire was 155,719 acres and 66% contained Friday morning as firefighters held the fire at Mann Creek and focused efforts near Adams Creek. Local officials praised improved coordination between fire managers, ranchers and landowners as stro…

The Tartar Fire was 155,719 acres and 66% contained Friday morning as firefighters held the fire at Mann Creek and focused efforts near Adams Creek. Local officials praised improved coordination

08/07/2026

The lightning-caused Big Grass Fire grew to 442,316 acres and was 39% contained Aug. 7, with more than 1,100 firefighters assigned. Level 3 evacuations remain in effect in parts of Owyhee County.

The lightning-caused Big Grass Fire grew to 442,316 acres and was 39% contained Aug. 7, with more than 1,100 firefighters assigned. Level 3 evacuations remain in effect in parts of

08/06/2026

OSD Family,

It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of one of our high school students and the hospitalization of another. We want to honor the family’s privacy at this time and keep details brief. Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone affected by this tragic loss.

The coming days may bring a range of emotions for our students, staff, and families. Grief affects everyone differently, and we encourage you to take time to talk with your children, listen to their concerns, and remind them that it is okay to ask for help.

Our school counselors and behavioral health team are available to support students and staff as they process this loss. Additional counseling resources will be available; we are working closely with our local crisis response team to ensure support is available throughout the weekend for anyone who may need it.

Please remind your children that they are not alone, and that support is available.

Our staff is committed to connecting families, students, and staff with the appropriate resources and support.

OSD Counseling Resources:
District Support - Oscar Hernandez: 541-889-5374
OHS - Jon Kilzer & Janice Castellon: 541-889-5309
OMS - Stacey Parrish: 541-88-5377
Alameda - Heather Annis: 541-889-5497
Aiken - Lionel Segura: 541-889-5584
May Roberts - Beverly Smith: 541-889-5379

YouthLine: https://www.theyouthline.org/get-help/
Call: 877-968-8491
Text: 'teen2teen' to 839863

Lifeways Crisis Phone Number: 541-823-9050 or 988

Thank you for your compassion, kindness, and support as we come together as the Ontario School District community to care for one another.

OSD

08/06/2026

ONTARIO — Saint Alphonsus will offer a free mobile medical clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at 802 S.W. Fifth St. in Ontario.

08/05/2026

Here's the front page of today's paper. Subscribers can read the full edition here: bit.ly/aoeedition.

To access this edition, and all of our content, head here to subscribe: argusobserver.com/subscribe

08/05/2026

The trial of Stacey Wondra, accused of kidnapping and killing 5-year-old Michael Vaughan, has been delayed until March 29, 2027, extending the family’s wait for answers.