Open for about six months on Iris Lane in Culver, Shorty's Taphouse has added food trucks, live music, farmer's markets, and themed nights to build the kind of community gathering spot that small-town Oregon rarely has.

A brand new tribute band festival debuted in Madras on June 19–20, drawing roughly 2,000 attendees to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Organizers say it was a smashing success and are already considering a return.

St. Charles Health System, the region's largest employer with a hospital in Madras, laid off 22 people in leadership roles on June 23 and will leave 23 additional vacancies unfilled as part of a restructuring of its top management.

Over The Edge Taphouse — Jefferson County's 2025 Business of the Year — has opened The Edge RV Park on adjacent property in Crooked River Ranch, adding 28 sites for visitors who want to extend their stay in the canyon country of Central Oregon.

A brand-new two-day tribute band festival drew roughly 2,000 people to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds last weekend, bringing out-of-town visitors and economic activity to Madras. Organizers say the event is planting permanent roots here.

Central Oregon's largest employer cut 22 leadership roles and left 23 vacancies unfilled this week, saying it is rebalancing responsibilities amid rapid growth. No direct patient care positions were eliminated, but the cuts ripple across all four hospital campuses including Madras.

The Made in Jefferson County Tour returned June 18 after a years-long hiatus, attracting 60 participants — many from outside the area — to tour Central Oregon Seeds, Keith Manufacturing, and Poland Organic Dairy.

The 2026 Made in Jefferson County Tour, held June 18, attracted 60 attendees for behind-the-scenes visits to three local Madras businesses. EDCO reports 60-70% of participants came from outside the county — a sign that Jefferson County's industrial sector is drawing regional attention.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have unveiled a dramatically transformed Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort for the 2026 season, featuring 30 mineral and wellness pools, remodeled lodging, new teepees, and expanded RV sites — with even bigger plans on the horizon.

Sixty attendees — many from out of the area — toured Keith Manufacturing, Central Oregon Seeds, and Poland Organic Dairy during the annual EDCO-organized Made in Jefferson County event on June 18.

EDCO's annual Made in Jefferson County tour takes place today, June 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, offering business leaders, elected officials, and community members a behind-the-scenes look at three of the county's top manufacturers.