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Local News
Local News
From Madras Fields to World Cup Pitches: Jefferson County Grass Seed Takes Global Stage
Kentucky Bluegrass grown by farmers in Madras and Culver is being played on by the world's best soccer players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Oregon produces 70% of the world's Kentucky Bluegrass seed supply — and Jefferson County is a major part of that story.
Local News
Brenda Fahey Named Madras City Administrator, Starts July 20
After months of interim leadership and a months-long search, Madras has officially hired Brenda Fahey as its new city administrator. Fahey, currently with the City of The Dalles, takes over July 20 with an agenda that includes hiring a police chief, a finance director, and engaging the public.
Local News
Seven Jefferson County Restaurants and Food Vendors Earn Perfect Health Scores in June
Jefferson County Public Health conducted its latest round of unannounced food safety inspections in June, with seven local establishments earning perfect scores — including Burger King, Harmodius Pizza, KFC–A&W, and a pair of newer businesses building strong track records.
Local News
St. Charles Madras to Share in $37 Million State Maternity Care Lifeline
St. Charles Medical Center–Madras is among 21 rural Oregon hospitals set to receive a share of $37 million in new state funding aimed at preventing labor and delivery closures. The Madras hospital loses roughly $1 million annually on its maternity services but has committed to keeping them open.
Local News
Warm Springs Celebrates 171 Years Since Treaty Signing with Pi-Ume-Sha Festivities
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs wrapped up five days of Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days celebrations Sunday, marking the 171st anniversary of the 1855 treaty that established the Warm Springs Reservation and secured tribal rights to fish, hunt, and gather on ancestral lands.
Local News
St. Charles Madras Among 21 Oregon Hospitals to Receive Rural Maternity Care Funding
A state investment in maternity care infrastructure at 21 rural Oregon hospitals includes St. Charles Medical Center–Madras, offering some relief to a county where access to obstetric care has been a persistent challenge.
Local News
New Midday Bus Trips Now Connecting Madras and Redmond as Cascades East Transit Expands Service
A new weekday 11:30 a.m. departure from the Madras DMV fills a longstanding midday gap in public transit between Jefferson County and Redmond. Additional morning trips to Bend were also added in the mid-June expansion.
Local News
Health Advisory Now Covers All of Lake Billy Chinook. Here’s What Visitors Need to Know.
Oregon health officials have expanded a cyanobacteria advisory to all three arms of Lake Billy Chinook, warning against swimming and high-speed water activities. The advisory is in effect heading into the Fourth of July weekend.
Local News
Madras Officially Hires New City Administrator Brenda Fahey, Set to Start July 20
After nearly six months of interim leadership following Will Ibershof’s resignation, Madras has a permanent city administrator. Brenda Fahey, currently with the City of The Dalles, was confirmed by the City Council on June 23 and begins her new role July 20.
Local News
Madras Residents Pack Heated Town Hall, Demand Answers from Pacific Power Over Repeated Outages
At least five power outages hit the Madras area in June alone. A standing-room crowd confronted Pacific Power representatives Wednesday, with farmers and county officials warning that wildfire safety settings are causing serious economic damage.
Local News
Jefferson County Moves Forward with Utility-Scale Battery Storage Project in Madras
Jefferson County commissioners have approved a site control agreement for a proposed battery energy storage project near Madras, allowing a feasibility study to move forward on what could become a significant addition to the county's clean energy portfolio.
Local News
Madras Names Brenda Fahey as New City Administrator, Bringing Stability to City Hall
After months of leadership turnover and an extensive public search, the Madras City Council has officially confirmed Brenda Fahey — a 25-year public sector veteran from The Dalles — as the city's new city administrator. She is expected to start next month.