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Local News
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Council Approves Hwy 26 Rest Area Study; Canoe Journey Launches July 20
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs moved on two fronts this week — approving a feasibility study that could bring a new Highway 26 rest area onto tribal land, and preparing to send youth paddlers to the Paddle to Nisqually canoe journey.
Local News
Lawsuit Against Madras Aquatic Center Dismissed; Recall Election Ballots Mail July 15
Jefferson County Circuit Court threw out a lawsuit targeting the Madras Aquatic Center Recreation District last week, while a related recall election for four board members is now just weeks away.
Local News
Jefferson County Schools Trim $2 Million for 2026-27, But No Staff Layoffs
The Jefferson County School District is absorbing $2 million in budget cuts for the upcoming school year — roughly 10% of its general fund — as declining enrollment and state funding formula changes squeeze district finances statewide. Eighteen positions are being reduced, but administrators say no employees will be laid off.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Council Greenlights Hwy 26 Rest Area Study; Youth Canoe Journey Sets July 20 Launch
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council has unanimously approved a feasibility study exploring whether a new Highway 26 rest area could be sited on Reservation land — a move that could bring highway safety improvements and economic opportunity to the Tribe. Separately, the N'chi Wana Pum Canoe Family is preparing to launch its annual Paddle to Nisqually journey from Celilo Village on July 20.
Local News
Voter Registration Deadline for MACRD Recall Election Is Monday — Here's What to Know
Monday, July 14 is the last day to register or update voter registration in Jefferson County before ballots go out for the August 4 recall election targeting four Madras Aquatic Recreation Center District board members. The recall centers on allegations of fiscal mismanagement and reduced public access.
Local News
Water Wars: Jefferson County Farmers Bear the Cost as Drought and Senior Water Rights Collide
A new investigation by ProPublica and OPB finds Jefferson County irrigators have fallowed a third of the county's irrigated acreage during recent drought years — while upstream users with senior water rights continue drawing from the Deschutes largely unchecked.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Council Backs Hwy. 26 Rest Area Study; Youth Canoe Journey Prepares to Launch
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs this week approved a feasibility study for a potential new rest area on tribal land along Highway 26, while the N'chi Wana Pum Canoe Family prepares for the annual Paddle to Nisqually journey launching July 20.
Local News
Four MACRD Board Members Face Recall Vote Aug. 4 — Voter Registration Deadline Is July 14
Voters in the Madras Aquatic Recreation Center District will decide the fate of four board members on August 4. Petitioners cite fiscal mismanagement and reduced public access. Ballots mail July 15 — but you must be registered by July 14.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Meet on Water, Growth and Regional Future
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Bend City Council held their second annual joint meeting on June 30, discussing Deschutes Basin water conservation, regional growth planning, and the ongoing effort to build a lasting government-to-government relationship.
Local News
SriPonya Collective Awarded $1.4 Million to Build Jefferson County Recovery Community Center
A Madras nonprofit that supports people recovering from addiction and re-entering society after incarceration has received $1.4 million in state funding to build a dedicated community center — a first-of-its-kind facility for Central Oregon.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Hold Joint Meeting on Water, Growth, and Art
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Bend City Council met June 30th to discuss Deschutes Basin water conservation, groundwater use, Bend's 20-year growth plan, and public art -- part of a landmark 2024 government-to-government agreement.
Local News
Madras Celebrates America's 250th: A Community Fourth of July to Remember
Madras marked Independence Day 2026 with parades, the Todd Beamer Run, live music at Sahalee Park, and a grand fireworks display — celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary with the spirit Jefferson County does best.