Public Safety
Open Burning Still Prohibited as Jefferson County Closes Out a Drought-Stricken Summer
Open burning remains fully closed across Jefferson County as the region wraps up one of the driest summers in recent memory. Residents are urged to check current restrictions before any outdoor burning and to be aware of fire danger that can persist well into fall.
Events
Cowdeo Registration Closes Today; Jefferson County’s Fall Tradition Returns Sept. 26
Registration closes today, Sunday Sept. 20, for the 2026 Jefferson County Cowdeo. The popular fall event goes Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Jefferson County Event Complex in Madras.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribes Invite Community to Huckleberry Habitat Workshop This Week
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will host a Huckleberry Habitat Management Workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Hehe Longhouse — inviting tribal members and traditional harvesters to help shape the future of a culturally vital landscape.
Sports
Bulldogs, Eagles Hit the Road for Cross Country Season Openers
Madras High School and Culver High School cross country programs opened their 2026 fall seasons at invitationals across Oregon this weekend, with Culver standout Thad Blankenship among the athletes to watch.
Local News
COCC Madras Health Sciences Building Welcomes First Full Fall Semester
After a spring ribbon-cutting, the Central Oregon Community College Madras campus is now running its new $22 million Health Sciences facility at full capacity — bringing nursing and medical assistant training directly to Jefferson County for the first time.
Local News
Madras Not Interested in Data Centers, City Administrator Says
As tech companies scout Central Oregon for data center sites and a statewide debate over the industry heats up, Madras is taking a clear position: not here.