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Local News
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
Jefferson County School District Faces $2 Million Budget Cut for 2026-27 School Year
Falling enrollment and Oregon's school funding formula have forced Jefferson County School District 509J to cut $2 million from its budget for the coming school year, with impacts already visible in Career and Technical Education programs at the middle school level.
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.
Local News
Warm Springs Community Roundup: Fishing Season Opens, Free Meals for Youth, Legal Clinic Available
A busy week on the Warm Springs Reservation includes a Columbia River gillnet fishery opening, free summer meals at three locations for youth ages 1–18, a free legal clinic today, and a Tribal Council session with member concerns on Tuesday.
Local News
Warm Springs Timber Company Begins Summer Log Hauling Near Camp Sherman
Warm Springs Timber Company LLC has received U.S. Forest Service approval for log hauling and road maintenance along Forest Service roads near Camp Sherman, with operations scheduled through November 2026. Motorists should expect increased truck traffic.
Local News
Culver High Students Restore the Iconic 'C' on Juniper Butte After Years of Neglect
Students from two Culver High School classes hiked Juniper Butte after school for a month to clear brush, cut overgrowth, and repaint the hilltop 'C' — a symbol of community pride that had faded from view for nearly a decade.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Council and City of Bend Meet on Water, Growth, and the Deschutes Basin
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the City of Bend held their annual joint meeting last week, discussing Deschutes Basin water conservation, groundwater usage, Bend's 20-year growth plan, and a public art project.
Local News
Jefferson County Tourism Leaders Push Back on OHA Algae Advisories as Lake Billy Chinook Revenue Falls
Jefferson County commissioners and the Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce say confusing state health advisories for Lake Billy Chinook are costing the county millions in tourism dollars — even when the water is safe for swimming.
Local News
Plateau Travel Plaza Reopens July 11 With New Gaming, Dining, and a Drone Show
The Warm Springs-owned Plateau Travel Plaza is celebrating a grand reopening this Saturday after completing an expansion that doubles the gaming room and adds new dining options. The public event runs noon to 9 p.m., capping off with a drone show.
Local News
Brenda Fahey Named Madras City Administrator After Five-Month Search
The Madras City Council has confirmed Brenda Fahey as its new city administrator. Fahey, who brings more than 25 years of public sector experience from The Dalles, is expected to begin her new role next month.
Local News
Homelessness in Central Oregon Drops 19% — Including on Warm Springs Reservation
A new point-in-time count shows homelessness fell nearly 20 percent across Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook counties in 2026 — bucking a statewide trend — with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs crediting expanded state-funded services on the reservation.