A brand-new two-day tribute band festival drew roughly 2,000 people to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds last weekend, bringing out-of-town visitors and economic activity to Madras. Organizers say the event is planting permanent roots here.

Central Oregon's largest employer cut 22 leadership roles and left 23 vacancies unfilled this week, saying it is rebalancing responsibilities amid rapid growth. No direct patient care positions were eliminated, but the cuts ripple across all four hospital campuses including Madras.

The Made in Jefferson County Tour returned June 18 after a years-long hiatus, attracting 60 participants — many from outside the area — to tour Central Oregon Seeds, Keith Manufacturing, and Poland Organic Dairy.

The 2026 Made in Jefferson County Tour, held June 18, attracted 60 attendees for behind-the-scenes visits to three local Madras businesses. EDCO reports 60-70% of participants came from outside the county — a sign that Jefferson County's industrial sector is drawing regional attention.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have unveiled a dramatically transformed Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort for the 2026 season, featuring 30 mineral and wellness pools, remodeled lodging, new teepees, and expanded RV sites — with even bigger plans on the horizon.

Sixty attendees — many from out of the area — toured Keith Manufacturing, Central Oregon Seeds, and Poland Organic Dairy during the annual EDCO-organized Made in Jefferson County event on June 18.

EDCO's annual Made in Jefferson County tour takes place today, June 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, offering business leaders, elected officials, and community members a behind-the-scenes look at three of the county's top manufacturers.

Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort is moving forward with 2026 season upgrades including entrance improvements, new soaking tubs, and dining enhancements. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs continue a multi-phase resort revival with long-term expansion plans.

Jefferson County Commissioners have approved a site control agreement for a proposed battery energy storage facility in Madras, allowing a feasibility study to move forward. The project could bring significant energy infrastructure and economic investment to the region.

As Oregon communities scramble for a piece of the data center development wave, Madras's interim city administrator is pumping the brakes on speculation. But the city's name keeps appearing in statewide planning documents alongside Prineville and Boardman.

The Wells Fargo branch on E Street in Madras will permanently close on June 24, leaving Jefferson County without a single Wells Fargo location. Customers are being directed to the bank’s Redmond branch.