News Stories Thu., May 3, 2018

The Three Rivers Humane Society will officially open its new facility on May 13^th. The upgraded facility in Madras will have a number of indoor kennels, with five of them available for law enforcement after hours drop-offs. There will be a meet and greet room for people looking to adopt. The $400,000 construction cost was nearly all raised by community donations. The public is invited to the event on Sunday, May 13^th from 2-4:00. The new facility is located next to the current facility at 1694 SE McTaggart Road. The grand opening event is just for two-legged friends, no dogs please. And, if you want to bring a housewarming gift – they can always use bleach, paper towels, laundry soap, and blankets.

MADRAS, Ore. – The Bureau of Reclamation will re-open West Shore Recreation Area at Haystack Reservoir approximately May 11. The West Shore Recreation Area has been closed to the public since April 9 because of the paving of roads, campsites, and parking lots. Haystack Reservoir is located about 10 miles south of Madras. The North Shore Fishing Pier day-use area continues to be open for day-use recreation activities. And, The South Shore Group Campground continues to be open for the 2018 season. Haystack Reservoir was built in 1957. It is owned by Reclamation and operated by the North Unit Irrigation District that supplies irrigation water to the area.

Oregonians are getting new Medicare cards.  The Oregon Attorney General’s office in an effort to protect older adults from identity theft, the federal government started mailing out new Medicare cards that come with a new 11-digit identification number instead of your Social Security number.  Oregon officials say that as long as your address is correct, you don’t have to do anything to receive your new card. There is no activation process or fee, and Medicare will never initiate calls and ask to verify information over the phone. Scammers are trying to take advantage of the new cards. If someone calls and asks you for your personal info, money to activate the new card, or threatens to cancel your benefits if you don’t share your personal information, just hang up! It is a scam. For more information on the new Medicare cards, visit https://www.medicare.gov/