Section
Local News
Local News
Warm Springs STRONG Launches Youth Wellness Program, Seeks High School Mentors
Warm Springs Diabetes Prevention has launched Warm Springs STRONG, a new youth wellness initiative using team challenges, health education, and mentorship to build healthy habits and prevent diabetes. The program is also seeking high school athletes to step up as mentors and coaches.
Local News
Warm Springs WIC Program Launches Farm Direct Vouchers for Fresh Local Produce
Starting June 1, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs WIC program began issuing $28 Farm Direct vouchers to eligible participants, redeemable at local produce stands and farmers markets including Paradise Produce and Martin's Produce in Madras. WIC staff will be at the Thursday Market starting June 18.
Local News
COCC's New Madras Campus Is Open — Here's What the 24,000-Square-Foot Building Means for Jefferson County
Central Oregon Community College's new 24,000-square-foot Madras campus has been welcoming students since January 2026, replacing an outdated facility with a modern learning center that expands higher education access across Jefferson County.
Local News
Cascades East Transit Adding New Midday Madras Run Starting June 15
Cascades East Transit is adding a new 11:30 a.m. midday run on Route 22 between Madras and Redmond starting June 15, improving transit connections for Jefferson County residents. The update is part of broader service changes across the CET network.
Local News
Expect 20-Minute Delays on Highway 26 Through Warm Springs Corridor — Through June 15
ODOT and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are removing about 1,000 hazardous trees along Highway 26 between mileposts 71 and 87, causing delays of 20 minutes or more through June 15. Work happens Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Local News
Jefferson County Library Bond Fails for Second Consecutive Year
Jefferson County voters rejected the Jefferson County Library District's $15.9 million bond measure for the second year in a row, with roughly two-thirds voting no. The bond would have funded a new main library in Madras and a branch in Culver.
Local News
North Unit Irrigation District's Floating Solar Project Nears Reality — A Milestone for Madras-Area Water and Energy
North Unit Irrigation District near Madras secured federal funding for a floating solar array on its main canal, joining a growing statewide movement to generate clean energy while conserving water through evaporation reduction.
Local News
New Bus Route Connects Warm Springs Residents to Kah-Nee-Ta and Simnasho — Paid Fares Begin in June
Cascades East Transit's new Route 21 is now running three daily trips between Madras, Warm Springs, Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, and Simnasho — filling a long-standing transit gap for outlying reservation communities. Free rides end in June.
Local News
Warm Springs General Council Raises Concerns Over Wages, Financial Transparency, and Tribal Trust
At a General Council meeting attended by 84 tribal members, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs residents pressed leadership on wages, substance abuse services, treaty rights, and the balance between tradition and modernization.
Local News
Class of 2026: Jefferson County Schools Hold Graduation Ceremonies This Week
Graduation season is here for Jefferson County's Class of 2026. Bridges and Culver high schools hold ceremonies on Friday, June 5, followed by Madras High School on Saturday, June 7 at the football stadium.
Local News
Drought Expected Across Central Oregon This Summer — Water Conservation Tips for Residents
With much of Oregon facing drought conditions heading into summer, the Oregon Water Resources Department and local officials are encouraging residents across Jefferson County and the Warm Springs Reservation to conserve water now.
Local News
New Bus Route Now Connects Madras and Warm Springs to Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Simnasho
Cascades East Transit launched expanded service into the Warm Springs Reservation on May 5, adding a new route that links Madras and Warm Springs to Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort and the community of Simnasho for the first time.