News Stories for Fri., Sep. 1, 2017

It was a steady line for hot dogs and hamburgers yesterday at the back to school BBQ at the Warm Springs K-8 Academy.  The annual event brings the community, families and school staff together for a meal and to get excited about the new school year. This year – classroom supplies are being purchased and delivered directly to classrooms so all students benefit.  A delay in the arrival for some of the backpacks meant a future distribution date will be set.  For students age 11 and older, you can talk to the HPV awareness program at Prevention to learn about how you might score a Nike backpack. Contact Misty.Kopplin@wstribes.org for details on that. At the resource fair held during the Back to School BBQ, there was an opportunity to sign up to shop at a clothing closet that is being established.  For students in need of some back to school clothes – you can complete a form and get an appointment to shop.  Contact Jaylyn Suppah to fill out an intake, her email is jaylyn.suppah@wstribes.org.

The 30th edition of the Cycle Oregon recreational bike ride has been canceled because of wildfires. Cycle Oregon executive director Steve Schulz announced the news Thursday, citing fire danger and unhealthy, smoke-filled air. He said the event’s first-ever cancellation is a disappointment, but “sometimes the risks far outweigh the potential benefits.” The annual event attracts about 2,000 riders and takes place in different part of the state. This year’s ride had been scheduled to start Sept. 9 in Central Oregon and end there a week later. Riders would have covered 490 miles (789 kilometers), much of it in areas where firefighters are expected to be battling wildfires for the next several weeks.

The Heart of Oregon YouthBuild Program is recruiting students for the Fall 2017 cohort starting September 25th. YouthBuild focuses specifically on high school diploma or GED preparation and attainment, job skills and construction training, and AmeriCorps service for motivated young people ages 16-24. The program works primarily with students who have either dropped out or are on the verge of being dropped from traditional high school. YouthBuild requires at least a 12-month commitment Monday-Friday, 8am to 3pm. Crews are recruited from Madras, Warm Springs, Prineville, Sisters and Redmond.  Students need to apply and attend an information session, there are two coming up September 5th and 12th in Sisters. Information and applications are available on their website heartoforegon.org.

Central Oregon is preparing for high temperatures this Labor Day weekend, and so a reminder that has been frequent this summer – take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke is a serious medical condition, it’s symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset of heat stroke can be rapid and serious symptoms can occur within minutes. Keep victims of heat stroke in a cool area and immediately call 911. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat stroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in a . Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Keep an extra eye on children. Drink plenty of fluids. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes. Avoid direct sunlight. And, NEVER leave pets or children in a car, even with the windows cracked.

In prep sports yesterday: Madras varsity Volleyball fell to Redmond 3-2. The Panthers dropped the first two games but rallied to claim the nonconference win over the White Buffaloes. In Girls soccer, Madras varsity was defeated by Ridgeview 4-0. The Madras boys varsity soccer team won 3-1. Today, Madras football takes on The Dalles Wahtonka at the Dalles High School JV plays at 3:30, varsity at 7 this evening and Cross Country competes at the Marist Invitational

College Football this weekend: Following a blowout loss at Colorado State, Oregon State will aim for its first win of the season when it takes on Portland State in its home opener tomorrow at 11am. And, the Oregon Ducks and coach Willie Taggart open 2017 Saturday at 5:15 with a nonconference game against Southern Utah of the lower-division Big Sky.