The Madras McDonald's, closed since a February fire, is getting more than just repairs — a full renovation will add a third drive-through lane, more kiosks, and a bigger kitchen when it reopens this December.

The Made in Jefferson County Tour returned to Madras after a years-long break, giving residents a behind-the-scenes look at three homegrown operations: Central Oregon Seeds, Keith Manufacturing, and Poland Organic Dairy.

An unnamed company wants to purchase or lease 150 acres of land at Madras Municipal Airport for an industrial project that city leaders say could create up to 1,200 jobs. The City Council voted September 1 to pursue state funding to begin releasing the land from FAA restrictions.

Construction is underway on Madras's only McDonald's, which has been closed since a February fire damaged the drive-thru. Owner Paul Rodby says a grand opening is planned for late 2026, with 30 to 40 new jobs on the way.

Six months after a fire shuttered Jefferson County's only McDonald's, construction is officially underway on a fully upgraded restaurant — featuring a new kitchen, renovated dining room, and an expanded drive-thru — with a late 2026 grand opening planned.

The Madras Redevelopment Commission and City Council have approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the former Initiative Brewing property at 715 SW 4th Street, putting the city in control of an asset backed by $1.2 million in urban renewal funding as officials work to recover the public investment.

The city of Culver has received a $50,000 federal planning grant to study options for bringing full-service grocery access to the community. A March survey of residents showed strong demand for fresh produce and meat — staples residents currently have to drive out of town to find.

The Madras Redevelopment Commission has approved a $1.1 million buyback of the former Initiative Brewing property on SW 4th Street, moving to protect the public investment after the brewery failed to sustain operations at its Madras location.

Two Madras-based operations — KEITH Manufacturing and Central Oregon Seeds — were spotlighted during a regional business tour last month as examples of how Jefferson County’s industrial and agricultural sectors are cutting costs through energy efficiency partnerships.

The City of Madras is working to recover more than a million dollars in public funds after Initiative Brewing permanently closed its Madras location — leaving city officials scrambling to recoup loans and grants used to help the brewery relocate here.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs-owned Plateau Travel Plaza is celebrating a major expansion with a grand reopening on July 11. The renovation doubled the gaming floor and added expanded dining, ice cream, and a new coffee station.