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Police seek suspects in unlawful take, waste of mule deer doe
MADRAS, Ore. – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife is investigating the unlawful take and waste of a mule deer doe in Jefferson County. On June 13, 2024, troopers received a report of a dead mule deer doe shot with an arrow. The doe was found in the area...
The Jefferson County Fair coming up July 24
The Jefferson County Fair is just a week away, and promises to bring classic fair activities, along with musical performances every night and the annual rodeo on Friday and Saturday night. The 2024 fair theme is "County Fair with a High Desert Flair," honoring Jefferson County’s ranching legacy and the many musical acts hitting the stage during the fair. Music begins on Wednesday evening with Grits ‘n Gravy playing at...
Fresh Harvest Food Kit program expands to Madras Community Food Pantry
Access to fresh, local food is getting easier in Madras. The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance is expanding its Fresh Harvest Kit program into Jefferson County. Wednesday, Melody Gallegos picked up her first fresh meal kit from the Madras Community Food Pantry. “I'm really excited. This is what I'm...
Downtown Madras attracting customers with new look and new businesses
Downtown Madras is changing its look and adding businesses in the process, all to attract more visitors. Shops are excited as they witness the beautification and the endless potential it brings. "I see a lot of shoppers here," said Urban Home and Midtown Coffee owner Tanya Murrin. "They're walking, looking...
County to hold open house on animal shelter
The fate of the animal shelter on McTaggart Road in Madras is up in the air after Jefferson County’s contract with operators Rockn EZ Ranch was up June 30. Just before the contract ended, the county announced a temporary agreement with Brightside Animal Shelter, and Rockn EZ coordinated with other rescuers in the area to move all the animals out of the shelter. Now, the county is opening up the future of the shelter to the public. An open house and tour of the kennel...
Erika Skaar named principal at Buff Elementary
Jefferson County School District 509J recently announced some administrative job changes that includes a new principal at Buff Elementary School. Erika Skaar, an educator with the district for 15 years and a 2005 Madras High School graduate, is the new principal at Buff, replacing Billie White, who is the new curriculum director for the district. Longtime curriculum director Melinda Boyle is the new human resources director. White served as principal...
Murdock Trust Awards $500K to COCC’s “Growing Together” Campaign
On the heels of the June 17 groundbreaking ceremony, and with Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company contracted for the project, Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) Madras campus transformation made another major stride with the announcement that the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust would be awarding an incredible $500,000 grant to COCC’s “Growing Together” capital campaign. The grant supports the portion of the facility that will house COCC’s nursing, certified nursing assistant and medical assistant programs on the Madras campus.
Erika Skaar named new principal of Buff Elementary School in Madras
MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- We are thrilled to announce a new principal of Buff Elementary School. Erika Skaar brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our community, having served within our district for the past 15 years, and is a proud member of the Class of 2005 from Madras High School.
Jefferson County commissioners give their side of dog kennel dispute, set open house, tours, public comment
MADRAS, Ore. – Jefferson County commissioners said Friday they are pleased to announce an open house and tour of the county's dog kennel facility on Monday, July 22 from 5-7 p.m. This event marks the first opportunity for the public and community partners to explore the facility since the previous contractor, Rockn EZ Rescue Ranch, The post Jefferson County commissioners give their side of dog kennel dispute, set open house, tours, public comment appeared first on KTVZ.
Free air conditioners to qualified persons
Jefferson County Public Health has secured 96 portable air conditioning units in the last week through state funding for Jefferson County residents. These are portable room units that stay inside and vent through a window to the outside. Dr. Michael Baker, director of Jefferson County Public Health, said that from what he saw and read, they are energy efficient and high-quality units. The units have built in wi-fi capabilities to control them from your phone. ...
KWSO Calendar for Fri., Jul. 12, 2024
The Warm Springs Cooling Shelter is open when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees and or from noon to 7:00pm daily. The Cooling Shelter is located across the street from the Behavioral Health Center near the old Elementary. It’s senior breakfast today from 7:30-9:30 with takeout available. Fridays at the...
Juniper Fire quickly stopped at 628 acres
At about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 a report of a vehicle fire quickly turned into a fast-growing brushfire on Juniper Butte alongside U.S. Highway 97 milepost 106. The fire quickly grew to 628 acres, but has been stopped and is 100% contained. Crews will remain in the area mopping up, supporting containment lines and hitting hotspots. Initially, Level 3 evacuations were in place for homes on Juniper Butte. As...
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