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Local News
Local News
Water Wars: Jefferson County Farmers Bear the Cost as Drought and Senior Water Rights Collide
A new investigation by ProPublica and OPB finds Jefferson County irrigators have fallowed a third of the county's irrigated acreage during recent drought years — while upstream users with senior water rights continue drawing from the Deschutes largely unchecked.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Council Backs Hwy. 26 Rest Area Study; Youth Canoe Journey Prepares to Launch
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs this week approved a feasibility study for a potential new rest area on tribal land along Highway 26, while the N'chi Wana Pum Canoe Family prepares for the annual Paddle to Nisqually journey launching July 20.
Local News
Four MACRD Board Members Face Recall Vote Aug. 4 — Voter Registration Deadline Is July 14
Voters in the Madras Aquatic Recreation Center District will decide the fate of four board members on August 4. Petitioners cite fiscal mismanagement and reduced public access. Ballots mail July 15 — but you must be registered by July 14.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Meet on Water, Growth and Regional Future
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Bend City Council held their second annual joint meeting on June 30, discussing Deschutes Basin water conservation, regional growth planning, and the ongoing effort to build a lasting government-to-government relationship.
Local News
SriPonya Collective Awarded $1.4 Million to Build Jefferson County Recovery Community Center
A Madras nonprofit that supports people recovering from addiction and re-entering society after incarceration has received $1.4 million in state funding to build a dedicated community center — a first-of-its-kind facility for Central Oregon.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Hold Joint Meeting on Water, Growth, and Art
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Bend City Council met June 30th to discuss Deschutes Basin water conservation, groundwater use, Bend's 20-year growth plan, and public art -- part of a landmark 2024 government-to-government agreement.
Local News
Madras Celebrates America's 250th: A Community Fourth of July to Remember
Madras marked Independence Day 2026 with parades, the Todd Beamer Run, live music at Sahalee Park, and a grand fireworks display — celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary with the spirit Jefferson County does best.
Local News
Jefferson County School District Faces $2 Million Budget Cut for 2026-27 School Year
Falling enrollment and Oregon's school funding formula have forced Jefferson County School District 509J to cut $2 million from its budget for the coming school year, with impacts already visible in Career and Technical Education programs at the middle school level.
Local News
Warm Springs Community Roundup: Fishing Season Opens, Free Meals for Youth, Legal Clinic Available
A busy week on the Warm Springs Reservation includes a Columbia River gillnet fishery opening, free summer meals at three locations for youth ages 1–18, a free legal clinic today, and a Tribal Council session with member concerns on Tuesday.
Local News
Warm Springs Timber Company Begins Summer Log Hauling Near Camp Sherman
Warm Springs Timber Company LLC has received U.S. Forest Service approval for log hauling and road maintenance along Forest Service roads near Camp Sherman, with operations scheduled through November 2026. Motorists should expect increased truck traffic.
Local News
Culver High Students Restore the Iconic 'C' on Juniper Butte After Years of Neglect
Students from two Culver High School classes hiked Juniper Butte after school for a month to clear brush, cut overgrowth, and repaint the hilltop 'C' — a symbol of community pride that had faded from view for nearly a decade.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Council and City of Bend Meet on Water, Growth, and the Deschutes Basin
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the City of Bend held their annual joint meeting last week, discussing Deschutes Basin water conservation, groundwater usage, Bend's 20-year growth plan, and a public art project.