News Stories for Thu., Aug. 17, 2017

In Warm Springs, there have been road closure signs going up and other signs indicating one way traffic on the campus area. We are getting ready for the Solar Eclipse Events in Warm Springs. Public Safety General Manager Stan Sunega spoke a public meeting this week and said resources are limited and they will focus on keeping people and property safe.  He says people should expect heavy traffic and be patient on the roads.

Other things folks should remember – conserve water to ensure we have an adequate supply if we need it. To make sure you have water – stock up so you have 3 gallons per person in your household. Stay fire aware.  If you see smoke or a fire – contact dispatch right away.  Fire conditions remain extreme.  Also – make sure you do not drive on or park in dry grass or brush to prevent sparking a fire.

The anticipation for the total eclipse is building, and for 30 Post Offices in Oregon, that excitement will be celebrated with special local postmarks available on Monday, Aug. 21, the date of this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event. The commemorative postmarks will be applied to envelopes, cards or any other items bearing First-Class postage stamps, including the Postal Service’s Total Eclipse Forever Stamp issued last month – the stamps themselves are the first of their kind, with the depiction of the eclipse revealing a photo of the moon when the heat from your finger touches the stamp. The Post Offices in Warm Springs and Madras are two of the participating post offices.

Madras is readying for the Total Solar Eclipse event on Monday and its Solarfest this weekend ahead of the eclipse. Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Think Out Loud yesterday featured  Sandy Foreman at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds talking about Solarfest. There is a bus running between Indian Head Casino and Madras as part of the Solar Fest.  You can purchase bus passes at the Casino or at Solartown off NW Dogwood Lane in Madras.  There will be stops at the Casino, Museum, Campus and the Community Center on the Red Line.  Learn more about Solarfest at https://www.oregonsolarfest.com/.

There is an opportunity for visitors to do day parking in Warm Springs on Monday.  That will happen at the Tribal Administration building and Community Center.  Tribal offices are closed on Monday. Kah-Nee-Ta Resort also has a package for Day Parking and you get eclipse viewing glasses and swim passes.

Solar Eclipse viewing glasses are being given out for free in Warm Springs, a donation from NASA. Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed this evening at the Simnasho Fire Hall between 6:00 – 8:00.   Eclipse glasses will also be given out on Sunday at the Native Sol event on the west side of campus. And, on Monday everyone is welcome to attend solar eclipse viewing activities from 9–11:30am. There will be free solar eclipse glasses and eclipse viewing telescopes. Things to remember when it comes to Solar Eclipse viewing glasses: Keep the glasses put away until it’s time to view the eclipse to prevent damage. Do not use them if they are torn, scratched, or punctured, wrinkled or bent, or loose from the card board frame. The use of photo film or cell phone cameras is not safe for direct viewing of the Solar Eclipse.

The Milli Fire west of Sisters has prompted the raising of some evacuation notices. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office this morning issued a Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation notice for areas south of Hwy 242 (McKenzie Hwy) and west of the Pole Creek Ditch. This area includes several subdivisions. Level one Pre-Evacuation notices remain for some areas between Highway 242 and Highway 20 from the Cold Springs Campground to the city of Sisters. The notification does not include the city of Sisters or Black Butte Ranch.

A small fire was sparked under a power line just off Chukar Road in Greeley Heights yesterday early evening.  Public Safety along with Fire Management responded quickly to contain the fire.  Fire conditions remain extreme on the reservation and in Central Oregon.  Warm Springs residents are asked to immediately report any smoke or fire to police dispatch.  Be fire safe – and remind folks not to drive in or park on dry grass or brush.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Wednesday it is prohibiting all campfires and open flames in Oregon State Parks and other properties owned and managed by the department, until further notice. These restrictions extend to all Oregon beaches. Charcoal briquettes, tiki-style torches and candles are also prohibited until further notice. Only fuel sources that can be turned off instantly, such as propane stoves, will be allowed. Some parks will also allow propane fire pits; campers are advised to check directly with the park.

The weather forecast through Monday shows clear and warm conditions with no precipitation. Sunny and a high of 93 today, a low of 54 tonight. Friday calls for sunny skies and a high of 93, lows at night down to 66. Saturday: Sunny Hi/87 Low/52 Sunday: Sunny Hi/88 Low/55 and Monday: Sunny Hi/93 Low/59