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Local News
Local News
Highway 97 Safety Upgrades for Madras: What ODOT Is Planning â and What Residents Are Demanding
With a documented history of fatal crashes on the 15-mile stretch between Terrebonne and Madras, local leaders and a regional coalition are pushing ODOT to act. Here is where things stand.
Local News
Plan for Delays: Highway 26 Work Between Warm Springs and Mt. Hood Continues Through June 15
ODOT and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are removing roughly 1,000 hazardous trees along Highway 26. Drivers should expect 20-minute or longer delays through mid-June.
Local News
Investigation Exposes Leadership Failures in Culver School District -- New Superintendent to Start in July
A third-party investigation into former Culver Superintendent Stefanie Garber found 10 of 12 complaints founded, including age discrimination, missed employee evaluations, and violations of board policy. The probe cost the district over $25,000. A new superintendent has now been hired and starts in July.
Local News
Warm Springs Chairman: âWe Are Its Voiceâ -- Tribe Calls for Accountability After Longview Chemical Disaster
Warm Springs Tribal Chairman Dennis White III issued a formal statement demanding transparency and accountability for contamination that may have reached the Columbia River after a tank rupture at a Longview, Washington paper mill killed 11 workers. The tribe invokes its 1855 treaty fishing rights.
Local News
Mayor Lepin Wonât Seek Reelection -- Madras Mayor Race Is Now Open for November
Mayor Mike Lepin announced he will not run for reelection in November, opening up the Madras mayorâs seat for the first time since 2023. Three city council positions are also on the November ballot, including a currently vacant seat.
Local News
Meet the Finalists: Madras City Administrator Forum Set for Wednesday Night
Madras residents will have their only public chance to meet the three finalists for City Administrator at a free meet-and-greet Wednesday, June 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Initiative Brewing. The council will conduct closed interviews June 11 before selecting a hire.
Local News
Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days 2026: Parade Honors âHonoring the Horsesâ Theme June 26â28
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will hold their annual Pi-Ume-Sha Treaty Days celebration June 26â28, with this yearâs parade theme dedicated to honoring the cultural and spiritual bond between the people and the horse.
Local News
COCCâs Expanded Madras Campus Brings Nursing, Medical Assistant Programs to Jefferson County
After 76 years in Madras, Central Oregon Community College marked the completion of a $22 million campus expansion in April, adding nursing and medical programs that could reshape healthcare workforce pipelines in Jefferson County.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribe Speaks Out After Chemical Spill Reaches Columbia River
Tribal Chairman Dennis White III issued a statement urging sustained attention to the health of the Columbia River following a 900,000-gallon âwhite liquorâ spill from a Longview, Washington paper mill.
Local News
Warm Springs WIC Secures Farm Direct Grant; Fresh Produce Vouchers Now Available for Eligible Families
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs WIC program has secured a Farm Direct grant that provides $28 in produce vouchers to over 100 eligible participants. The vouchers, available through November 30, can be used at participating farmers markets and farm stands.
Local News
Madras Names Three Finalists for City Administrator; Public Meet-and-Greet Set for Wednesday at Initiative Brewing
The City of Madras has identified three finalists to replace departed City Administrator Will Ibershof: Brenda Fahey, Maurice Henderson II, and Jody Yates. Residents can meet the candidates this Wednesday at Initiative Brewing before final interviews Thursday at City Hall.
Local News
Warm Springs Tribal Chairman: Columbia River Must Be Protected After Longview Mill Disaster
Tribal Chairman Dennis White III issued a formal statement demanding full transparency and environmental accountability following a catastrophic industrial explosion at a Longview, Washington paper mill that sent hundreds of thousands of gallons of toxic 'white liquor' into the Columbia River system, killing 11 workers.