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Local News
Local News
COCC Opens $22 Million Madras Campus Expansion With Nursing, Healthcare Programs
After 76 years in Madras, Central Oregon Community College has completed a major campus expansion — a $22 million facility on donated land that brings nursing, medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, and early childhood education programs directly to Jefferson County.
Local News
New Bus Route Finally Connects Simnasho, Kah-Nee-Ta to the Outside World
For the first time in decades — possibly ever — residents of Simnasho, a remote community on the Warm Springs Reservation, have reliable public transit connecting them to Madras and beyond. Route 21 launched May 5 as a 15-month pilot program.
Local News
Boat Inspection Event Today at Madras Marine — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is holding a free boat safety inspection this morning at Madras Marine. If you’re planning to hit Lake Billy Chinook or the Deschutes River this season, today is the time to get your vessel checked.
Local News
Bright Wood Corporation Hosting Open House May 20 — Tours, Careers, and More
Bright Wood Corporation invites the Madras community to an Open House on May 20, 1–4 PM. Tours, career opportunities, and hiring across multiple positions. No RSVP required.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribes and Energy Trust of Oregon Complete 40+ Energy Efficiency Projects Across the Reservation
A two-year partnership between Energy Trust of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs has delivered more than 40 energy upgrade projects across the reservation — saving money for tribal households and reducing the community's energy footprint.
Local News
Major Delays on U.S. 26 Near Warm Springs as Tree Removal Project Gets Underway
Drivers on U.S. 26 between the OR 216 junction and Warm Springs should expect significant delays through mid-June as crews — working alongside the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs — remove roughly 1,000 dead or dying trees from the highway corridor.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Districts Hold Meetings This Week Amid Voter Outreach Push Ahead of May 19 Primary
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are holding all three district meetings this week, with the Agency District meeting scheduled for tonight at the Agency Longhouse. Meanwhile, a voter outreach campaign is working to ensure tribal members are informed ahead of the May 19 primary election.
Local News
Free Mobile Dental Clinics in Warm Springs and Madras This Week — No Insurance Required
Medical Teams International is offering free mobile dental services across three locations this week, including the Warm Springs Old Cafeteria, the JCFBN Madras Shelter, and the Warm Springs Pavilion. Services include fillings, extractions, and x-rays for uninsured adults.
Local News
Jefferson County Event Complex Lands $62,000+ in New Grants for Infrastructure and Youth Rodeo
The Jefferson County Event Complex has secured more than $62,000 in new grant funding, including a $48,000 Visit Central Oregon Future Fund award for infrastructure improvements and additional state lottery funding that could bring $150,000 annually to the fairgrounds.
Local News
Energy Trust of Oregon Completes 40+ Upgrades at Warm Springs, Saving Thousands Annually
A two-year partnership between Energy Trust of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs has delivered more than 40 energy efficiency projects across the reservation, with upgrades at the High Lookee Lodge and the Fire and Safety Building projected to save $13,800 per year.
Local News
ODOT and Warm Springs Tribes Team Up to Remove 1,000 Dead Trees Along US 26 — Expect Major Delays Through Mid-June
Drivers on US 26 between Madras and the Cascades face significant delays through mid-June as ODOT and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs work together to remove roughly 1,000 dead or dying trees along the highway corridor. Traffic will be stopped in both directions when trees fall onto the roadway.
Local News
KWSO Tribal Radio Launches Strategic Planning Effort After Federal Funding Cuts
KWSO 91.9, the voice of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, is developing a long-term strategic plan after losing federal Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding — leaning on community donations, tribal support, and a national media initiative to chart a path forward.