The Argus Observer

06/12/2026

Gov. Tina Kotek has approved Malheur County’s request for a state drought emergency declaration.

Malheur County officials declared a local drought disaster May 27, citing historic snow drought, reduced Owyhee Irrigation District water allotments, dry stock ponds, low creek flows and increased wildfire risk.

06/12/2026

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06/12/2026

The Ontario Rural Fire Protection District voted on June 11 to join the city of Ontario and Malheur County with enacting a burn ban effective June 12 through Sept. 30. Here's what to know.

ONTARIO — The Ontario Rural Fire Protection District voted on June 11 to join the city of Ontario and Malheur County with enacting a burn ban effective June 12 through

06/11/2026

Two Ontario residents were each sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute m**hamphetamine as part of a trafficking organization operating in eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho.

Two Ontario residents were each sentenced to five years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute m**hamphetamine as part of a trafficking organization operating in eastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho.

06/10/2026

🔥 Idaho's State Fire Marshal determines May 28 fire near I-84 and milepost 15 was intentionally set. Investigators are asking motorists who were traveling west before the fire began to call the arson hotline. Read more below 🚨🔥🛣

A fire near Interstate 84 in Payette County has been confirmed as arson. Investigators are seeking witnesses after the blaze spread rapidly during a windstorm.

06/10/2026

Plea hearings for Nyssa goat dairy owners Aaron and Taunia Barr, who face hundreds of animal neglect charges after the seizure of goats in February, have been postponed.
Read more below 🐐⚖️👇

Plea hearings for Nyssa goat dairy owners Aaron and Taunia Barr, who face hundreds of animal neglect charges after the seizure of goats in February, have been postponed until Aug.

06/10/2026

🔥 Read more below for information on when burn bans take effect, what activities are still allowed and what penalties could apply throughout Malheur County.

Burn bans begin June 12 across Malheur County as fire officials warn of worsening conditions. Local departments have already responded to dozens of fires this month.

06/10/2026

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06/10/2026

If you’re like many Americans, particularly older Americans, you know that the FIFA World Cup is a Big Deal worldwide and that this year it’s being held in the U.S., with a number of matches in Mexico and Canada, as well.

If you’re like many Americans, particularly older Americans, you know that the FIFA World Cup is a Big Deal worldwide and that this year it’s being held in the U.S.,

06/10/2026

A $3 million capital campaign is underway to transform the former Argus Observer building into the new home of Four Rivers Senior Prep, with school officials aiming to move the high school’s students into the campus by spring 2027.

ONTARIO — A $3 million capital campaign is underway to transform the former Argus Observer building into the new home of Four Rivers Senior Prep, with school officials aiming to