News Stories Wed., Mar. 7, 2018

The Trump administration is asking tribes about easing burdens in environmental reviews even as it seeks to add more hurdles in other areas. The National Environmental Policy Act requires agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs to conduct environmental reviews before undertaking major actions, such as placing land into trust or approving an energy project. But the law recognizes situations where an analysis might not be necessary. These so-called categorical exclusions, or CATEXs, are the subject of a notice that was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday. The BIA wants to know whether it should make any changes to the process.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A primary elections milestone for Oregon in 2018 has been reached with the deadline for candidates to file for races. Candidates had until 5 p.m. Tuesday to register their candidacies with the Oregon Secretary of State. As of the deadline, 17 had people registered as candidates for governor, 39 for the state Senate, 129 for the state House, and 35 for Oregon’s five U.S. House seats in Congress. Candidates for governor include incumbent Kate Brown and Knute Buehler, a Republican state representative from Bend. After the May 15 primary elections, winners advance to general elections. The deadline to register to vote in the 2018 primary election is April 24.

Madras High School spring sports will get going next week. Girls Tennis will host matches versus The Dalles on Tuesday, Boys Tennis will travel to The Dalles. Varsity Baseball has a home game against Eagle Point on Tuesday at 4:00, followed by JV & Varsity Home Baseball Matchups with Bend on Wednesday. MHS Softball will start its season on the road at Bend High on Wednesday. Track and field’s first meet will be on Wednesday at Summit High School.

And, remember, Warm Springs Nation Little League is taking signups for baseball, softball and t-ball at the Community Center weekdays from 8 to 4:30. They also need volunteer coaches and umpires. Practices are set to begin March 20^th.