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Local News
Local News
Pacific Power Hosts Community Town Hall in Madras Tonight to Address Outages
Pacific Power will hold a public meeting this evening at the Jefferson County Public Health building to explain recent planned power outages and its wildfire safety upgrades — including equipment changes that could mean longer or more frequent disruptions for some customers.
Local News
Madras Animal Shelter Could Close if New Contract Isn’t Reached
The Madras Humane Society, which operates the Jefferson County animal shelter under contract, warns it will shut down at the end of June if a new contract agreement isn’t reached. Rising costs and low adoption rates have pushed the organization to the brink.
Local News
Warm Springs Filmmaker LaRonn Katchia Wins First Emmy Award
LaRonn Katchia, a Warm Springs/Wasco/Paiute filmmaker from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, won his first Emmy Award at the 63rd Annual Northwest Emmy Awards for his work on a documentary made in partnership with Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Local News
Madras Weighs $59K Waterline Grant That Could Unlock Downtown Housing
The Madras City Council this week is voting on a $59,000 grant to design a 12-inch waterline near downtown — a project city leaders say could enable the high-density housing development Madras needs to address its housing shortage.
Local News
Madras Names Brenda Fahey as New City Administrator
After months of leadership turnover at City Hall, the Madras City Council voted Monday night to hire Brenda Fahey, a veteran public administrator from The Dalles, as the city’s new city administrator. She is expected to begin her role next month.
Local News
Every Kid Sports Pass Opens Today for Fall 2026 — Jefferson County Families Can Apply Now
The Every Kid Sports Pass for Fall 2026 is officially open as of today, June 23. Families in Jefferson County with children on SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC can apply through a new online portal for sports registration assistance.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Calls for Columbia River Protections After Longview Disaster
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are urging stronger focus on Columbia River protections in the aftermath of the deadly Longview paper mill disaster, which released corrosive chemicals into nearby waterways earlier this month.
Local News
Jefferson County Schools Cut $2M from Budget — But No Layoffs
Jefferson County School District is trimming roughly $2 million from its 2026-27 budget due to falling enrollment and state funding formula changes, reducing about 18 positions. But district leaders say they avoided layoffs by not filling vacancies.
Local News
Madras Eyes $59K Waterline Grant to Unlock Downtown Housing Growth
The Madras City Council is voting this week on a $59,000 housing infrastructure grant to design a new 12-inch waterline near downtown — a project leaders hope will unlock high-density residential development near St. Charles Madras.
Local News
Warm Springs Hosts Tribal Community Energy Fair Today
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are hosting a free Community Energy Fair today, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the campus pavilion — featuring interactive activities, information on tribal energy projects, and raffle prizes.
Local News
Madras City Council to Vote Tonight on New City Administrator
After five months of leadership transition, the Madras City Council is expected to formally approve Brenda Fahey as the city’s next City Administrator at tonight’s meeting. Fahey brings more than 25 years of public sector experience from her current role in The Dalles.
Local News
Jefferson County Schools Trim 2026–27 Budgets Without Layoffs Amid Enrollment Decline
Jefferson County School District 509J joins Bend-La Pine and Redmond schools in cutting millions from its 2026-27 budget due to falling enrollment and reduced state funding — but avoided teacher and staff layoffs, according to reporting from Central Oregon Daily.