Section
Local News
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Hold Annual Joint Meeting, Discuss Water and Growth
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the City of Bend held their annual joint government meeting on June 30, discussing Deschutes Basin water conservation, tribal artwork in Bend, and the city's 20-year growth plan. Tribal leaders emphasized that actions — not words — will define the relationship.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Marks 171st Anniversary of Treaty Signing with Five Days of Celebration
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs celebrated the 171st anniversary of their 1855 treaty with the U.S. government last week with five days of events, including the Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days Powwow, a rodeo, barbecue, and dance competitions.
Local News
Lake Billy Chinook Health Advisory Downgraded; Cyanobacteria Bloom Still Present
The Oregon Health Authority has downgraded the Lake Billy Chinook recreational health advisory from 'advisory' to 'precaution' after cyanotoxin levels fell below guideline values for people. However, a bloom remains active and dogs are still at risk.
Local News
Gambler 500 Hauls 250,000 Pounds of Trash from Jefferson County Grasslands
The annual Madras Gambler 500 brought thousands of volunteers together to clean an estimated 80,000 acres of public grasslands near Madras, removing 250,000 pounds of trash — including 14 cars, 8 RVs, 4 boats, and over a thousand tires.
Local News
New Madras City Administrator Brenda Fahey Set to Start July 20
Brenda Fahey, a veteran municipal administrator from The Dalles, was officially hired as Madras's new city administrator at the June 23 City Council meeting. She begins July 20, ending a five-month search for the position.
Local News
Madras Celebrates America's 250th Birthday with Parade, Veterans, and Fireworks
Thousands of Jefferson County residents lined the streets of Madras on July 4 for the annual Independence Day parade, honoring veterans and celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. The day included a memorial run, parade, and fireworks show.
Local News
Jefferson County Families: Your Library Card Can Now Get You Free Oregon State Park Parking
A new partnership between Oregon Parks and Recreation and the State Library of Oregon lets library cardholders check out parking permits for any Oregon State Park — including The Cove Palisades. Permits are limited, so check with your local library soon.
Local News
Madras Has a New City Administrator: Brenda Fahey Officially Confirmed
The Madras City Council formally hired Brenda Fahey as city administrator at its June 23 meeting, capping a weeks-long search process that included a public meet-and-greet with three finalists. Fahey comes from The Dalles, where she served as assistant city manager and HR director.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Hold First Joint Meeting Under New Leadership
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Bend City Council convened a joint session June 30 to discuss Deschutes Basin water conservation, public art, and Bend's 20-year growth plan — with tribal leadership emphasizing that the relationship will be judged by actions, not words.
Local News
Madras Marks America's 250th With Parade, Races, and Fireworks at High School
Thousands turned out in Madras on July 4th for the annual Independence Day celebration, with the theme "Red, White and Blue — 250 Years With You" anchoring a full day of community traditions at Sahalee Park and beyond.
Local News
Crooked River Ranch Board Meeting Monday; Pool Rentals Available for Private Events
The Crooked River Ranch Rural Service District Board meets Monday, July 6 at 10 a.m. in the Juniper Room or via Zoom. Separately, the Ranch is offering pool rentals for private events this summer.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Celebrates 171 Years Since Historic Treaty Signing with Five Days of Tradition
From June 23–28, tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs marked the 171st anniversary of the Treaty of 1855 with rodeo, barbecue, powwow competitions, and community gatherings — a celebration of culture, sovereignty, and resilience.