Central Oregon Locavore Wins $25,000 Grant to Launch Farmer Business Accelerator

Jefferson County Middle School teacher Jamie Hurd has been named a regional finalist for SELCO Community Credit Union's $15,000 Classroom Makeover program, proposing to revive the school's deteriorating outdoor garden with irrigated plots, fruit trees, and pollinator habitat. A Warm Springs K-8 Academy teacher is also a finalist. Public voting opens Sunday, November 1.

The Madras High School girls volleyball team earned a spot in the Oregon 4A state playoffs this fall — but will not take the court in the postseason. The Jefferson County School District announced a forfeit of the first-round matchup against defending champion Marist Catholic, citing student conduct that did not meet district standards.

Portland General Electric has signed a landmark build-transfer agreement for the Salmonfly project — a $850 million solar and battery storage facility on the Warm Springs Reservation, developed in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Central Oregon Community College's Small Business Development Center is now offering recurring in-person advising sessions in Madras, bringing free, confidential business guidance closer to Jefferson County entrepreneurs.

The Oregon School Activities Association has elevated girls flag football to full sanctioned-sport status, validating what six Central Oregon schools — including Madras High School — helped build during last spring's pilot season.