(Whitewater Valley)--A part of the Whitewater Valley is now officially in a drought. A new U.S. drought monitor is issued every Thursday. This Thurday’s showed the eastern halves of Preble and Butler County are now in a drought, while the rest of the Whitewater Valley is still classified as abnormally dry. It’s prompted one county to issue a burn ban. In Franklin County, all open burning has been banned until further notice. Outdoor grilling is still permitted. Earlier this week, Richmond Mayor Dave Snow said a similar ban was under consideration, but that has not been implemented.