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Local News
Local News
Camp Sherman Fire District Levy Passes; Jefferson County Library Measure on the Ballot
Voters in the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District approved a levy to fund fire, EMS, and wildfire preparedness staffing by a nearly 2-to-1 margin in the May primary. Jefferson County Library District voters also weighed in on a general obligation measure.
Local News
Plateau Travel Plaza Reopening Soon — Warm Springs Artisans Invited to Display Cultural Items
Indian Head Casino and the Plateau Travel Plaza are seeking proposals from Warm Springs tribal artists, craftspeople, and families to display arts, crafts, and culturally significant keepsakes for a 3-to-6 month showcase as the plaza prepares to reopen.
Local News
Warm Springs Launches STRONG Youth Wellness Program to Fight Diabetes, Build Community Leaders
Warm Springs Diabetes Prevention has launched a new initiative called Warm Springs STRONG, a youth wellness program combining fitness, mentorship, and health education. High school athletes are invited to participate as coaches and mentors.
Local News
Jefferson County Schools Celebrate Class of 2026 This Weekend
Graduation season is here for Jefferson County School District 509J. Bridges High School holds its ceremony Friday evening, and Madras High School follows Saturday morning. Warm Springs K-8 also celebrates its 8th grade class on Friday.
Local News
TODAY: Great Madras Community Dine-Out Raises Funds for Struggling Food Pantry
The fourth annual Great Madras Community Dine-Out is happening all day today, June 4. More than 30 restaurants across Madras, Metolius, Culver, and Terrebonne are participating, with a portion of the extra business going back to the Madras Community Food Pantry — which is facing a 21% drop in food supply.
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.