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Local News
Local News
ODOT Plans Major Highway 97 Overhaul Through Downtown Madras
The Oregon Department of Transportation is set to bring significant improvements to U.S. Highways 97 and 26 through the heart of Madras, including new sidewalks, signal upgrades, ADA ramps, and repaving.
Local News
Juneteenth 2026: Jefferson County and Tribal Offices Observe Holiday Thursday
This Thursday, June 19, is Juneteenth — a federal and Oregon state holiday. Several county, tribal, and state offices will be closed or operating reduced hours. Here's what's open and what's not.
Local News
New Bus Route 21 Is Changing Daily Life on the Warm Springs Reservation
Cascades East Transit's Route 21 launched in early May, threading 50 miles through the Warm Springs Reservation to connect Simnasho, Kah-Nee-Ta, and the main community to Madras — bringing long-overdue public transit to one of Oregon's most remote regions.
Local News
Madras Narrows City Administrator Search to Three Finalists — Community Weigh In
After months without a permanent city administrator, Madras has identified three finalists: Brenda Fahey, Maurice Henderson II, and Jody Yates. Residents got a chance to meet the candidates at Initiative Brewing last week.
Local News
Free Breakfast and Lunch Available This Summer for Kids in Madras and Warm Springs
The USDA Summer Food Service Program is providing free meals this summer to children 18 and under at locations in Madras, Warm Springs, and across Central Oregon. No registration is required — just show up.
Local News
Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort Unveils 2026 Improvements as Summer Season Heats Up
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have unveiled a significant revitalization of Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort for the 2026 season, including entrance upgrades, lodging improvements, and new wellness and dining offerings. The resort is open daily, with long-term plans that could eventually include an RV park, amphitheater, and indoor water park.
Local News
Jefferson County Moves Forward on Battery Storage Project in Madras
County commissioners have approved a site control agreement for a proposed large-scale battery energy storage project near Madras, a step that opens the door to a formal feasibility study and could position Jefferson County as a hub for clean energy infrastructure.
Local News
Jefferson County Senior Center's Meal Program Builds More Than Lunches — It Builds Community
The Jefferson County Senior Center's community meal program — held three days a week in partnership with the Council on Aging — is building more than lunch. It's building community for older adults across the county, with Meals on Wheels and Medicare counseling rounding out the services.
Local News
Want to Shape Madras' Future? City Council Candidate Filing Is Now Open
Filing is now open for residents interested in running for Madras City Council or Mayor in the November 2026 election. The city is at a pivotal moment, and local voices on the council matter more than ever.
Local News
No Data Center Coming to Madras, City Administrator Confirms
Madras Interim City Administrator David Clyne has confirmed the city is not entertaining any data center proposal for Jefferson County, putting to rest rumors that had been circulating locally.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Chairman Calls for Columbia River Accountability After Longview Chemical Spill
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are demanding transparency and accountability after a 900,000-gallon "white liquor" spill at a Longview, WA paper mill. Tribal leaders fear long-term harm to the Columbia River and their treaty-protected fishing rights.
Local News
Madras City Council Weighs Three Finalists for City Administrator
Three finalists have been named for the Madras city administrator position: Brenda Fahey of The Dalles, Jody Yates of Portland, and Maurice Henderson II. The City Council is reviewing public feedback from a June 11 meet-and-greet before making a final selection.