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Local News
Local News
Lake Billy Chinook Water Advisory Downgraded — But Keep Dogs Away from Shore
The Oregon Health Authority has downgraded the Lake Billy Chinook cyanobacteria advisory from a full recreational use warning to a precaution level. Human activity is now considered generally safe, but toxin levels remain dangerous to dogs and pets.
Local News
Gambler 500 Volunteers Haul 250,000 Pounds of Trash Off Jefferson County Public Lands
The annual Madras Gambler 500 brought thousands of volunteers to Jefferson County this week, removing an estimated 250,000 pounds of debris — including 14 cars, eight RVs, and over a thousand tires — from roughly 80,000 acres of grasslands.
Local News
Fallen Soldier Cart Stops in Madras, Drawing Outpouring of Community Support
A letter to the editor published this week describes how the Madras community turned out in force to honor the Fallen Soldier Cart during a recent stop — a moment that reminded organizers of the deep patriotic spirit in Jefferson County.
Local News
Warm Springs Celebrates 171st Treaty Anniversary — July 4th Fireworks on the Reservation Tonight
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs wrapped up a five-day celebration of the 171st anniversary of the 1855 Treaty of Warm Springs last week — and tonight, the community comes together again for its annual 4th of July fireworks show.
Local News
Madras Has a New City Administrator: Brenda Fahey Starts July 20
After more than five months of searching and interim leadership, Madras has officially hired Brenda Fahey as its new city administrator. Fahey, currently assistant city manager for The Dalles, begins her role July 20.
Local News
Gambler 500 Hauls 250,000 Pounds of Trash from Jefferson County Grasslands
The annual Madras Gambler 500 event this week removed an estimated 250,000 pounds of debris — including 14 cars, 8 RVs, 4 boats, and over 1,000 tires — from roughly 80,000 acres of public grasslands near Crooked River Ranch.
Local News
Jefferson County Schools Cut $2 Million from Budget — But No Layoffs
The Jefferson County School District is trimming roughly 18 positions for the 2026-27 school year due to declining statewide enrollment and funding formula changes. District officials say they avoided layoffs through attrition and restructuring.
Local News
Jefferson County Fair Returns July 8 — But the Carnival Rides Are Gone
The carnival vendor that has served the Jefferson County Fair for years is canceling due to a worker shortage — part of a nationwide staffing crisis that has forced 14 event cancellations this year. Fair organizers say all other attractions remain in place.
Local News
Madras Gets a New City Administrator: Brenda Fahey Starts July 20
After months of interim leadership, the City of Madras has officially hired Brenda Fahey as its new city administrator. She comes from The Dalles, where she served as assistant city manager, and has set her sights on economic development, community engagement, and filling key vacant positions.
Local News
Warm Springs Celebrates July 4th with Unique Tribal Theme: '250 Years of America, Time Immemorial'
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs mark Independence Day with a full day of tribal events honoring both the nation's 250th anniversary and the Tribes' timeless presence on the land.
Local News
New $22 Million COCC Madras Campus Building Brings Healthcare Training to Jefferson County
Central Oregon Community College's transformed Madras campus is now six months into serving students in five new programs — including nursing, certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, and early childhood education — inside a brand-new 24,000-square-foot facility built on donated land.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Chairman Demands Transparency After Longview Chemical Disaster
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Chairman Dennis White III has called for strict environmental accountability and full public transparency following the deadly May 26 rupture of a chemical storage tank at a Longview, Washington paper mill that killed 11 workers and raised concerns about contamination reaching the Columbia River.