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Local News
Local News
Jefferson County Tourism Leaders Push Back on OHA Algae Advisories as Lake Billy Chinook Revenue Falls
Jefferson County commissioners and the Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce say confusing state health advisories for Lake Billy Chinook are costing the county millions in tourism dollars — even when the water is safe for swimming.
Local News
Plateau Travel Plaza Reopens July 11 With New Gaming, Dining, and a Drone Show
The Warm Springs-owned Plateau Travel Plaza is celebrating a grand reopening this Saturday after completing an expansion that doubles the gaming room and adds new dining options. The public event runs noon to 9 p.m., capping off with a drone show.
Local News
Brenda Fahey Named Madras City Administrator After Five-Month Search
The Madras City Council has confirmed Brenda Fahey as its new city administrator. Fahey, who brings more than 25 years of public sector experience from The Dalles, is expected to begin her new role next month.
Local News
Homelessness in Central Oregon Drops 19% — Including on Warm Springs Reservation
A new point-in-time count shows homelessness fell nearly 20 percent across Jefferson, Deschutes, and Crook counties in 2026 — bucking a statewide trend — with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs crediting expanded state-funded services on the reservation.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Marks 171st Anniversary of Treaty Signing with Five Days of Celebration
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs celebrated the 171st anniversary of their 1855 treaty with the U.S. government last week with five days of events, including the Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days Powwow, a rodeo, barbecue, and dance competitions.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe and City of Bend Hold Annual Joint Meeting, Discuss Water and Growth
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the City of Bend held their annual joint government meeting on June 30, discussing Deschutes Basin water conservation, tribal artwork in Bend, and the city's 20-year growth plan. Tribal leaders emphasized that actions — not words — will define the relationship.
Local News
Gambler 500 Hauls 250,000 Pounds of Trash from Jefferson County Grasslands
The annual Madras Gambler 500 brought thousands of volunteers together to clean an estimated 80,000 acres of public grasslands near Madras, removing 250,000 pounds of trash — including 14 cars, 8 RVs, 4 boats, and over a thousand tires.
Local News
Lake Billy Chinook Health Advisory Downgraded; Cyanobacteria Bloom Still Present
The Oregon Health Authority has downgraded the Lake Billy Chinook recreational health advisory from 'advisory' to 'precaution' after cyanotoxin levels fell below guideline values for people. However, a bloom remains active and dogs are still at risk.
Local News
Madras Celebrates America's 250th Birthday with Parade, Veterans, and Fireworks
Thousands of Jefferson County residents lined the streets of Madras on July 4 for the annual Independence Day parade, honoring veterans and celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. The day included a memorial run, parade, and fireworks show.
Local News
New Madras City Administrator Brenda Fahey Set to Start July 20
Brenda Fahey, a veteran municipal administrator from The Dalles, was officially hired as Madras's new city administrator at the June 23 City Council meeting. She begins July 20, ending a five-month search for the position.
Local News
Jefferson County Families: Your Library Card Can Now Get You Free Oregon State Park Parking
A new partnership between Oregon Parks and Recreation and the State Library of Oregon lets library cardholders check out parking permits for any Oregon State Park — including The Cove Palisades. Permits are limited, so check with your local library soon.
Local News
Madras Has a New City Administrator: Brenda Fahey Officially Confirmed
The Madras City Council formally hired Brenda Fahey as city administrator at its June 23 meeting, capping a weeks-long search process that included a public meet-and-greet with three finalists. Fahey comes from The Dalles, where she served as assistant city manager and HR director.