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Local News

Madras Couple Follows a Classic Car — and Ends Up Winning a Trophy

Susan and Atilla Kovari spotted a Triumph TR3 cruising through Madras, followed it out of curiosity, and discovered an international classic car show they didn't know was happening. They entered their own TR3 and walked away with third place.

Madras Hires Brenda Fahey as New City Administrator, Starting July 20

After months of interim leadership, the City of Madras has officially hired Brenda Fahey as its new city administrator. Fahey plans to focus on public engagement, economic development, and filling key vacancies including a police chief and finance director.

Pacific Power Hosts Community Town Hall in Madras Tonight to Address Outages

Pacific Power will hold a public meeting this evening at the Jefferson County Public Health building to explain recent planned power outages and its wildfire safety upgrades — including equipment changes that could mean longer or more frequent disruptions for some customers.

Madras Animal Shelter Could Close if New Contract Isn’t Reached

The Madras Humane Society, which operates the Jefferson County animal shelter under contract, warns it will shut down at the end of June if a new contract agreement isn’t reached. Rising costs and low adoption rates have pushed the organization to the brink.

Warm Springs Filmmaker LaRonn Katchia Wins First Emmy Award

LaRonn Katchia, a Warm Springs/Wasco/Paiute filmmaker from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, won his first Emmy Award at the 63rd Annual Northwest Emmy Awards for his work on a documentary made in partnership with Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Madras Weighs $59K Waterline Grant That Could Unlock Downtown Housing

The Madras City Council this week is voting on a $59,000 grant to design a 12-inch waterline near downtown — a project city leaders say could enable the high-density housing development Madras needs to address its housing shortage.

Madras Names Brenda Fahey as New City Administrator

After months of leadership turnover at City Hall, the Madras City Council voted Monday night to hire Brenda Fahey, a veteran public administrator from The Dalles, as the city’s new city administrator. She is expected to begin her role next month.

Every Kid Sports Pass Opens Today for Fall 2026 — Jefferson County Families Can Apply Now

The Every Kid Sports Pass for Fall 2026 is officially open as of today, June 23. Families in Jefferson County with children on SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC can apply through a new online portal for sports registration assistance.

Warm Springs Tribe Calls for Columbia River Protections After Longview Disaster

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are urging stronger focus on Columbia River protections in the aftermath of the deadly Longview paper mill disaster, which released corrosive chemicals into nearby waterways earlier this month.

Jefferson County Schools Cut $2M from Budget — But No Layoffs

Jefferson County School District is trimming roughly $2 million from its 2026-27 budget due to falling enrollment and state funding formula changes, reducing about 18 positions. But district leaders say they avoided layoffs by not filling vacancies.

Madras Eyes $59K Waterline Grant to Unlock Downtown Housing Growth

The Madras City Council is voting this week on a $59,000 housing infrastructure grant to design a new 12-inch waterline near downtown — a project leaders hope will unlock high-density residential development near St. Charles Madras.

Warm Springs Hosts Tribal Community Energy Fair Today

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are hosting a free Community Energy Fair today, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the campus pavilion — featuring interactive activities, information on tribal energy projects, and raffle prizes.