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Local News
Local News
Jefferson County Couple Sues Central Electric Cooperative for $10 Million Over 2025 Cram Fire
Ronald and Debra Dees, a Jefferson County ranching couple who lost property in last summer's Cram Fire, have filed a civil lawsuit alleging Central Electric Cooperative failed to properly manage its power lines during extreme fire weather — igniting the nearly 96,000-acre disaster.
Local News
Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days Returns June 26–28: 'Honoring the Horses' Takes Center Stage
The annual Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days celebration in Warm Springs is less than two weeks away, featuring a three-day powwow, the traditional parade with a special horse theme, a rodeo, food vendors, and more. The public is welcome.
Local News
Madras City Hall in Flux: Mayor Won't Seek Re-Election, Three Key Positions Still Vacant
Mayor Mike Lepin announced he will not run for re-election this fall, citing bandwidth concerns as his dual role at Jefferson County Fire & EMS intensifies. City Hall is simultaneously navigating a budget process with no permanent city administrator, police chief, or finance director.
Local News
Warm Springs' Historic Commissary Building Gets New Life: Food Cart Pod Opening July 2nd
A 130-year-old federal warehouse that once symbolized government dependence is being transformed into an economic engine for tribal entrepreneurs. The Warm Springs Community Action Team announces a July 2nd soft opening for the new Food Cart Pod.
Local News
Heads Up: Highway 26 Delays Through Warm Springs End June 15 — Final Days to Plan Ahead
ODOT and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are in the final stretch of a major hazard tree removal project on Highway 26. Drivers should expect delays of 20 minutes or more through June 15, with flaggers stopping traffic in both directions.
Local News
Highway 26 Delays Near Warm Springs Continue Through June 15
Travelers on U.S. Highway 26 between the Warm Springs area and Mount Hood should expect delays of 20 minutes or more through June 15 as ODOT and the Confederated Tribes remove about 1,000 hazardous trees.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Chairman Speaks Out on Columbia River Contamination
Following an industrial disaster at a Longview, Washington paper mill that killed 11 workers and sent caustic chemicals into the Columbia River, Warm Springs Tribal Chairman Dennis White III issued a statement calling for transparency and accountability.
Local News
Meet the Three Finalists for Madras City Administrator
The City of Madras has narrowed its search to three finalists to permanently fill the city administrator role vacant since January. A public meet-and-greet was held Wednesday evening at Initiative Brewing.
Local News
Madras City Leaders Push Back on Data Center Rumors
Interim City Administrator David Clyne says Madras is not entertaining any proposal to build a data center in Jefferson County, responding to social media speculation that followed a high-profile rejection of such a project in La Pine.
Local News
COCC Madras Now Accepting Applications for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Central Oregon Community College's brand-new Madras campus building is open, and its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program — the first of its kind at the campus — is now accepting applications from RNs seeking to advance their careers close to home.
Local News
Warm Springs WIC Program Now Issuing $28 Farm Direct Vouchers for Fresh Produce
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs WIC program has begun distributing Farm Direct vouchers to help families purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at local farmers markets and farm stands through November.
Local News
Highway 97 Safety Upgrades for Madras: What ODOT Is Planning — and What Residents Are Demanding
With a documented history of fatal crashes on the 15-mile stretch between Terrebonne and Madras, local leaders and a regional coalition are pushing ODOT to act. Here is where things stand.