Local News
News Stories for Wed., Aug. 30, 2017
Several new fires were reported yesterday across Central Oregon. Two new fires were found south of Lava Butte and triggered the evacuation of the Lava River Cave and Lava Lands Visitor Center in the Deschutes National Forest just south of Bend. One fire was fully lined. The second fire was less than two acres with some spotting. The McKay Fire, located east of Hwy 97 near McKay Butte, was also reported yesterday. This fire was estimated at 120 acres yesterday afternoon. Fire crews also assisted Walker Range Rural Fire Protection Association on a new fire, 10 miles south of La Pine near Hwy 97. That fire was contained at approximately 1.5 acres.
Wildfire yesterday closed US 20 in the Santiam pass. This morning One lane was opened on U.S. 20 between mileposts 75 to 88 with two way traffic being flagged with a pilot car. Motorists should expect delays there.
Air quality conditions degraded through the day yesterday and were Unhealthy for most of Central Oregon. More haze and smoke is expected again today. Over recent days, air quality has been unhealthy in much of Oregon due to wildfire smoke. Those most vulnerable are the very young, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.
The Western States Indian Rodeo Association is holding their regional finals September 30th and October 1st at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras. DMJ Automotive of Warm Springs is sponsoring the event which is typically held in Klamath Falls. All the usual events will be part of the rodeo plus mutton busting and cow milking and a wild horse race. Winners will advance to the Indian National Finals in La Vegas.
Bend Spay+Neuter Project will be in Warm Springs This Sunday for their spay and neuter clinic. Despite the Labor Day holiday – the clinic will begin as usual at 7:30am at the Greley Heights community building. It is first come first serve. There is no fee for this clinic and all dog owners are welcome to come have their pup spayed or neutered
