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Local News
Local News
Madras Community Food Pantry Raises $9,000 at Annual Great Dine-Out Fundraiser
The Madras Community Food Pantry's annual Great Madras Community Dine-Out hit its $9,000 goal, with restaurants from Madras, Culver, Metolius, and Terrebonne all participating. Organizers say they may exceed the goal as late donations continue to come in.
Local News
Central Oregon Homelessness Drops 19% — Jefferson County Among Those Seeing Progress
A nearly 20% decline in homelessness across Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties — including the Warm Springs Reservation — marks a significant reversal after years of steady increases. About 1,700 people were counted experiencing homelessness across the tri-county region in January 2026.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Hold Joint Meeting on Water, Growth, and Art
In their second annual joint meeting under a landmark MOU signed in 2024, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Bend City Council discussed Deschutes Basin water conservation, a roundabout art project, and Bend's 20-year growth plan on June 30.
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.