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Local News
Local News
New Bus Route Connects Warm Springs Residents to Kah-Nee-Ta and Simnasho — Paid Fares Begin in June
Cascades East Transit's new Route 21 is now running three daily trips between Madras, Warm Springs, Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort, and Simnasho — filling a long-standing transit gap for outlying reservation communities. Free rides end in June.
Local News
Warm Springs General Council Raises Concerns Over Wages, Financial Transparency, and Tribal Trust
At a General Council meeting attended by 84 tribal members, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs residents pressed leadership on wages, substance abuse services, treaty rights, and the balance between tradition and modernization.
Local News
Class of 2026: Jefferson County Schools Hold Graduation Ceremonies This Week
Graduation season is here for Jefferson County's Class of 2026. Bridges and Culver high schools hold ceremonies on Friday, June 5, followed by Madras High School on Saturday, June 7 at the football stadium.
Local News
Drought Expected Across Central Oregon This Summer — Water Conservation Tips for Residents
With much of Oregon facing drought conditions heading into summer, the Oregon Water Resources Department and local officials are encouraging residents across Jefferson County and the Warm Springs Reservation to conserve water now.
Local News
New Bus Route Now Connects Madras and Warm Springs to Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Simnasho
Cascades East Transit launched expanded service into the Warm Springs Reservation on May 5, adding a new route that links Madras and Warm Springs to Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort and the community of Simnasho for the first time.
Local News
Warm Springs Holds First General Council Meeting Since Fall; Plateau Travel Plaza Plans Grand Opening for July 11
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs gathered for a General Council meeting May 26 at the Agency Longhouse — the first since last fall's budget session. Tribal business updates included reports on Kah-Nee-Ta, Indian Head Casino, and a coming grand opening at the Plateau Travel Plaza.
Local News
Madras City Administrator Search Narrows to Three Finalists; Public Meet-and-Greet Set for June 10
After months of leadership turbulence, the City of Madras has identified three finalists for its next city administrator. Residents can meet the candidates at Initiative Brewing on June 10 before final interviews on June 11.
Local News
More Than 40 Energy Efficiency Projects Completed in Warm Springs — With Significant Cost Savings for Tribal Members
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Energy Trust of Oregon have completed more than 40 energy efficiency projects on the reservation over the past two years, cutting utility costs for tribal members as part of a broader push toward energy resilience.
Local News
Crooked River Ranch Board Candidate Applications Close — Community Election Season Opens
The May 29 deadline has passed for Crooked River Ranch Rural Services District board applications, kicking off a community election season for one of Jefferson County's largest unincorporated communities.
Local News
Jefferson County Homelessness: 80 Unsheltered Residents Counted Despite Existing Madras Shelter
New homeless count data shows 80 unsheltered people in Jefferson County versus just 23 sheltered — raising questions about gaps between available services and the people who need them most in rural Central Oregon.
Local News
Rafael Queahpama Sworn In as Warm Springs Chief on Tribal Council
Rafael Queahpama was sworn in as Warm Springs Chief on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council on May 20, following a period of community deliberation and consultation with district elders.
Local News
Warm Springs General Council Hears Financial Update, Welcomes New Leadership at First Meeting Since Fall
Eighty-four community members attended the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs' first General Council meeting since last fall, hearing a financial update and meeting new senior officials — including a new Chief Operations Officer and Director of Governmental Affairs.