KWSO News 3/8/19

The Warm Springs K-8 Academy is celebrating its classified employees today with a Super Hero Spirit Day. Kids and teachers will be dressing up in their favorite superhero clothing. Classified employees support the smooth operation of offices, the safety and maintenance of buildings and property, and the safe transportation, healthy nutrition and direct instruction of students. Today they are paying special recognition to the dedication and hard work of these individuals.

Today is International Women’s Day, which has celebrated the economic, cultural, political and social achievements of women for more than 100 years. But more than a celebration — it’s a call to action for everyone to continue to push for complete gender equality. This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter, meant to promote a future in which both men and women are equal in professional status, media perception, the positions they hold in government and more.

U.S. officials are considering whether new fishing restrictions are necessary to help prevent the extinction of endangered killer whales that frequent Puget Sound. The Seattle Times reports that new evidence of the fish the whales depend on and the risk posed to orcas by depleted prey has caused the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to write a letter of guidance to the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The letter says NOAA is examining whether new restrictions are needed — particularly on fisheries in the Lower Columbia and Sacramento River and on fall-run chinook salmon in the Klamath River. NOAA in 2009 concluded fisheries did not jeopardize the survival and recovery of killer whales.

The 4A girls basketball tournament is going on at Forest Grove High School and yesterday three of four games saw lower seeds emerge with wins. No. 9 Marist Catholic knocked off No. 1 and reigning champion Marshfield 45-40. No. 12 Newport defeated No. 4 North Marion 50-33. And, No. 6 Philomath handed number 3 Banks a 45-43 loss. Second ranked Baker topped number 7 Stayton 42-36, the only higher seed to defend its ground Thursday. Tonight’s semifinal matchups are Philomath & Baker, followed by Newport & Marist Catholic. On the Boys side, the semis feature Woodburn vs. Banks and Stayton vs. Seaside.

The University of Oregon is offering its Indigenous Pre-College Academy this summer. The classes and workshops will cover college prep, the admissions process, financial aid, the unique challenges of being a Native scholar and various academic areas. It will be held July 21-28 at U of O in Eugene and it is open to students who will be in grades 9-12 in the coming school year. It is free, rooms and meals will be provided. Applications are due April 15. Get all of the details and apply online at “admissions dot U Oregon dot E D U forward slash I P C A.