News Stories Wed., Jan. 10, 2018

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will prepare for, what management calls a very challenging 2019 budget season, by continuing cost savings measures this year. Some of those measures include a hiring freeze for non-essential positions and travel restricted to essential and critical meetings and training. There are several other areas the tribes are implementing cost savings measures – organization wide, for all funding sources.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A federal judge has approved a plan to help salmon by increasing spill at 8 dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. US District Court Judge Michael Simon ruled last spring that more water must go through spillways, rather than turbines. He told the government to spend the next year studying how to release the right amount of water without creating unintended consequences. He signed off on the plan Monday. Conservationists say the extra water will help young salmon migrate out to sea.

Madras basketball had games with Sisters on Tuesday. The Madras girls played on the road and beat Sisters 63-33. Lynden Harry delivered 24 points, Jackie Zamora had eight points and Jayden Davis seven points and six steals. The Madras boys hosted an exciting game versus Sisters, and walked away with the win – 67-64. Tyler Lockey’s two made free throws with 19.4 seconds left gave Madras the lead, and Chad Thurby’s steal and layup soon after made it official.

Gas prices in Oregon have continued to rise. The state average is up nearly two cents a gallon, at $2.80.  AAA’s Marie Dodds says gas prices are higher than normal because OPEC agreed to cut production. That decision sent crude oil above $60 a barrel. AAA expects prices will decline slightly this spring before moving up again during the heavy summer travel season.

When the Madras High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2018 is inducted next week, an unforgettable girls’ basketball squad will be among the honorees. The 1977 Girls’ Basketball Team finished with an almost perfect season and the state title. Coach Dave Wiles coached the girls to a 22-1 season. The 1977 girls AA state basketball champions included Mary Nelson, Kim Manion, Barb Earl, Fran Moses, Joanie Hatfield, Mollly Davis, Mina Shike, Robert Koch, Tami Winterburn, Marla Patt and Kimiko Danzuka. 5 of them went on to play college basketball. The induction ceremony is planned for January 19^th – before the varsity boys basketball game, the class will be introduced during a chili feed and again during halftime of the game. After, there will be a reception. Also being inducted will be Loren “Peewee” Corwin, Greg Macy, Joe Stensgar, Kathy Pirrie Noethlich, Margaret Sturza, Carrie Hawes Preston and Brian Miller.