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Local News

Free Wildfire Recovery Resource Event Coming to Madras Tuesday

OSU Extension Service is bringing together local, state, and federal agencies for a one-day wildfire recovery resource event on Tuesday, November 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Madras ag center — free and open to all affected Jefferson County residents.

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue Hosting Blood Drive on Veterans Day, Nov. 11

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue is partnering with the American Red Cross for a community blood drive on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 6971 Shad Road in Terrebonne. Blood supplies typically tighten heading into the holiday season, and community donations help stock regional hospitals.

North Unit Irrigation District Closes 2026 Season After a Tight Water Year for Jefferson County Farmers

The North Unit Irrigation District closed the 2026 irrigation season on October 9, wrapping up a challenging year that saw reduced water allotments due to below-average snowpack and drought conditions. As the offseason begins, Jefferson County growers are watching winter precipitation closely for clues about what 2027 may bring.

Three Sisters Rural Track Doctors Now Three Months Into Madras Practice

Three family medicine residents who joined Madras in August through the Three Sisters Rural Track Program are now three months into their rotations, seeing up to 1,200 patients a year at local clinics and working toward a future in rural medicine.

COCC Madras Health Programs Complete First Full Year, Demand Still High

Central Oregon Community College's Madras campus wrapped up its first full year of nursing, medical assistant, and early childhood education programs this fall — and local enrollment pressure shows demand for healthcare training in Jefferson County is very real.

This Week in Warm Springs: Free Dental Care, Veteran Services, COCC Heritage Month Event

Warm Springs residents have several community services and events this week, including a free dental clinic today, a visit from Oregon's Tribal Veteran Coordinator, a free vaccine clinic for pets on Saturday, and a COCC speaker event at the Madras campus this weekend marking Native American Heritage Month.

November Is Native American Heritage Month: Warm Springs Events and Ways to Engage

November marks National Native American Heritage Month. In Jefferson County — home to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs — a Native Market and free community meal are planned for Nov. 11 at St. Charles Madras, with cultural programming throughout the month.

Jefferson County Farmers Take Stock After Punishing 2026 Drought Season

With the growing season behind them, Jefferson County farmers are reckoning with one of the toughest water years in recent memory — a season marked by a governor's emergency declaration, slashed irrigation allotments, and wildfire compounding already strained conditions.

Free Wildfire Recovery Resource Fair Set for Nov. 10 in Madras

A multi-agency event next Tuesday will bring state and federal agencies to the OSU Extension Center in Madras, giving fire-affected residents and farmers a one-stop shop for recovery resources, insurance help, and support services.

Warm Springs Community Roundup: Fitness Challenge Begins, Legal Aid Today, Head Start Carnival Wednesday

The Warm Springs Recreation Department's November Fitness Challenge kicks off today, NAPOLS legal aid services are available this morning, and a family carnival at Head Start is set for Wednesday evening.

Election Day Tomorrow: Jefferson County Voters Have Until 8 p.m. to Return Ballots

Jefferson County residents have one day left to cast their votes in the November 3 election, with races for sheriff, Madras mayor, city council seats, and a five-year jail levy renewal all on the ballot.

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Partner on $850 Million Solar-Storage Project

Portland General Electric has signed a build-transfer agreement for the Salmonfly project — a 199-megawatt solar and 199-megawatt battery storage facility co-developed with the Tribe at the Round Butte substation, marking one of the largest tribal energy investments in Oregon history.