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Local News
Local News
Central Oregon Launches Public Assembly on AI — Jefferson County Residents Asked to Participate
A Central Oregon nonprofit has launched a three-phase public engagement process asking residents of Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties — and the Warm Springs Reservation — to shape how artificial intelligence affects the region. An online poll and small-group conversations are open through mid-June.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Council Faces Community Concerns at General Council Meeting
About 84 people attended the Warm Springs General Council meeting Tuesday at the Agency Longhouse, where tribal members raised questions about wages, support services, trust in leadership, financial transparency, and the balance between cultural tradition and modernization.
Local News
Central Oregon Homelessness Drops Nearly 20% — Including in Jefferson County and Warm Springs
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count found a 19.1% decrease in homelessness across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs — the first significant decline in at least five years, attributed to expanded shelter capacity and housing programs.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Member and Oregon State Police Liaison Receives Governor’s Public Service Award
Glendon Smith, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and tribal liaison with the Oregon State Police, received Gov. Tina Kotek’s Public Service Ambassador Award for his work building collaboration between tribal police and state law enforcement across Oregon.
Local News
New Bus Route Brings Long-Awaited Transit Service to Remote Parts of Warm Springs Reservation
Cascades East Transit’s Route 21, which launched May 5, connects Madras to Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort and Simnasho three times daily on weekdays — bringing public transportation to parts of the roughly 1,000-square-mile reservation that have lacked reliable service for years. Free fares end in May; paid service begins in June.
Local News
BestCare Breaks Ground on $8 Million Latino Residential Treatment Facility in Madras
BestCare Treatment Services held a groundbreaking ceremony May 20 for a new 16-bed, 8,000-square-foot residential treatment facility designed specifically for Latino men in Madras — the only program of its kind in Oregon. The project carries a price tag of up to $8 million.
Local News
City of Madras Names Three Finalists for Permanent City Administrator
Madras has narrowed its search for a permanent city administrator to three candidates: Brenda Fahey, Maurice Henderson II, and Jody Yates. The city is now seeking community input before making a final selection.
Local News
Jefferson County Commissioners Advance Battery Energy Storage Project Near Madras
Jefferson County commissioners approved a site control agreement this week for a proposed battery storage facility in Madras, clearing the way for a feasibility study. County leaders stressed the move is not a final commitment to the project.
Local News
Central Oregon Homelessness Falls 19% — and Jefferson County's Work Is Getting Noticed
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count recorded a 19.1% drop in homelessness across Central Oregon, the first meaningful decline in years — and housing advocates say Jefferson County's coordinated, community-driven approach has helped drive the change.
Local News
Cascades East Transit Expanding Bus Service to Madras and Redmond Beginning June 15
Cascades East Transit is rolling out new schedule changes on June 15 that add runs on the Madras-Redmond connector and expand service hours in Redmond — building on the Route 21 launch that already extended transit into Kah-Nee-Ta and Simnasho.
Local News
Warm Springs General Council Hears Financial Update, Welcomes New Leadership
About 84 community members gathered at the Agency Longhouse Tuesday night for a General Council meeting that included a financial briefing, introductions from newly hired senior staff, and pointed questions from tribal members on wages, transparency, and cultural services.
Local News
Madras Narrows City Administrator Search to Three Finalists; Public Meet-and-Greet Set for June 10
The City of Madras has named Brenda Fahey, Maurice Henderson II, and Jody Yates as finalists for its permanent City Administrator position. Residents can meet all three candidates at Initiative Brewing on June 10.