Local News
Rural Oregon's Pharmacy Crisis: How Jefferson County Residents Feel the Squeeze
Rural Oregon ranks near the bottom nationally for pharmacy access, with some communities forced to travel long distances or rely on medication pickup boxes. As state lawmakers struggle to rein in pharmacy benefit managers, the gap between urban and rural care keeps growing.
Local News
Jefferson County Homelessness Data Shows Mixed Progress: Two New Transitional Homes Open, But 80 Remain Unsheltered
New Point-in-Time homeless count data shows some improvement in Jefferson County — including a cleaned-up camp near the Madras Shelter and two new transitional homes — but 80 individuals were counted as unsheltered compared to just 23 who were sheltered.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Member Honored by Gov. Kotek for Bridging Tribes and Oregon State Police
Glendon Smith, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs who serves as a tribal liaison with the Oregon State Police, received Governor Tina Kotek's Public Service Ambassador Award for his work strengthening relationships between law enforcement and tribal communities.
Public Safety
Fire Season Arrives Early for Central Oregon: Campfire Bans Now in Effect, Official Season Begins May 30
Unusually warm and dry spring conditions have pushed campfire restrictions two to three weeks earlier than normal across Central Oregon's public lands, including the Crooked River National Grassland and Ochoco National Forest. Oregon's official fire season begins Friday, May 30.
Local News
BestCare Breaks Ground on Oregon's Only Latino-Specific Residential Treatment Facility in Madras
BestCare Treatment Services broke ground May 20 on a new $6.5-to-$8-million, 16-bed residential treatment facility in Madras designed specifically for Latino men — the only program of its kind in the state.
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.