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Local News
Local News
Where to Go, Where to Help: Evacuation Shelters and Support Resources for Jefferson County Fire Evacuees
As thousands of Jefferson County residents flee wildfires across the county, shelters have opened in Madras, Warm Springs, Sisters, and Prineville. Here is a complete guide to where evacuees can find a bed, a meal, and help moving their animals.
Local News
Four Active Wildfires Burning Across Jefferson County: What You Need to Know
Jefferson County is simultaneously battling four major wildfires — the Bench, Akawa Butte, Rowe Creek Complex West, and Ten Mile fires — covering a combined footprint of more than 370,000 acres. Here is a status update on each fire and what it means for communities across the county.
Local News
Jefferson County School District Halts All Summer Programming as Wildfires Threaten the Region
The Jefferson County School District canceled all summer programs and meal sites on Monday, July 27, citing rapidly changing wildfire conditions and active evacuation orders affecting parts of the district.
Local News
Madras Steps Up as Evacuation Hub: Fairgrounds Shelter Horses and Livestock While Church Welcomes Families
As wildfires push thousands from the Warm Springs Reservation and surrounding areas, Madras has become a critical hub for displaced residents and their animals, with the Jefferson County Fairgrounds hosting a livestock shelter and St. Patrick’s Church opening its doors to families.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Government Responds to ICE Activity on Reservation, Urges Members to Know Their Rights
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs issued a statement following a reported ICE enforcement action at a reservation rest stop on July 23, confirming no tribal members were taken into custody and reminding community members to contact tribal police if federal agents are spotted on reservation lands.
Local News
Ten Mile Fire Grows to Nearly 5,000 Acres Northeast of Madras; Stage 2 Restrictions Now Cover All Central Oregon
The Ten Mile Fire, burning 11 miles northeast of Madras, has grown to 4,809 acres and is 36% contained as of Sunday. Meanwhile, Stage 2 public use fire restrictions are now in effect across all Central Oregon public lands, banning campfires and chainsaw use.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Responds to ICE Stop on Reservation, Urges Members to Know Their Rights
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs issued a statement this week after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made a stop at a rest area on tribal lands July 23. Tribal police confirmed no tribal members were detained, and the tribal government emphasized it does not participate in federal immigration enforcement.
Local News
Jefferson County Museum Project Gets Third $20,000 Grant to Restore 118-Year-Old Church
The Jefferson County Historical Society has received a $20,000 Diamond in the Rough grant from Oregon Parks and Recreation to restore the exterior of the former Methodist Church on SE D Street in Madras — the building being converted into the Jefferson County Museum.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Responds After ICE Agents Stop on Reservation Lands
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs issued a statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made a stop on reservation lands July 23. No tribal members were taken into custody. The tribe urged community members to know their rights and contact tribal police if ICE is seen on the reservation.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Council Unanimously Backs Feasibility Study for New Highway 26 Rest Area
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council has passed a unanimous resolution supporting a feasibility study to potentially site a new Highway 26 rest area on reservation lands — a project that could bring economic opportunity, improved highway safety, and new small business development to the community.
Local News
Jefferson County Mourns Stacy Chiddix, Killed While Defending His Home from Brewer Fire
Stacy Chiddix, 58, of Madras died Monday in an ATV crash while trying to protect his property from the advancing Brewer Fire. His death is a sobering reminder of the dangers facing rural residents as wildfires sweep across Jefferson County.