KWSO News Thu., Dec. 13, 2018

The Warm Springs Agency District held its Tribal Council candidates nominations meeting last night, December 12, 2018, at the Agency Longhouse. A total of seventeen individuals were nominated, fifteen of them were present and accepted their nomination.

Nominees are: Anita Jackson, Danny Martinez, Jeremiah Johnson, Carina Miller, Dustin Seyler, Valerie Switzler, Wilfred Sando, Leona Ike, Glendon Smith, Austin Greene, Mike Clements, Lola Sohappy, Jeff Sanders Jr., Randy Smith, Cassie Katchia.

A motion was made and seconded to hold a Primary vote to limit the number of candidates on the April ballot.   By a vote of 29-18 the motion passed to select the top 8 candidates to advance to the General Election.  The validity of the vote and details about the primary will be reviewed.

Candidates who were nominated must complete background checks and their eligibility to serve will be reviewed by Tribal Council for approval.  The Simnasho District and the Seekseequa District will hold their nomination meetings on Monday December 17, 2018.  The Tribal Council Election Day is set for Thursday April 4, 2019.

The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorization includes many tribal provisions including expansion of Tribal Self Determination to USDA including demonstration projects for food distribution programs.  A permanent tribal advisory committee will be established within USDA to provide technical assistance, guidance, and direction on all polices implemented by the USDA and its Office of Tribal Relations.  Grants and research opportunities will increase for tribal colleges and universities by expanding access to nearly $11.3 million in USDA research and extension funding.  And establishment of a Technical Assistance Program is planned –  tailored to tackle the unique challenges of Tribal government, Tribal businesses and entities in accessing USDA’s rural development resources.

The next time you renew your Oregon driver license or identification card, you might notice a new design with new security features. DMV is rolling out a new card design starting this winter and early next year. The beauty of the new cards isn’t just skin deep, the agency said in a news release Wednesday. The enhanced colorful look is part of the new card’s advanced security features, making it harder to alter or duplicate. Your current driver license or ID card will remain valid until its expiration date, so you do not need to replace your card before that date. In addition, the new card will provide a vertical layout for provisional driver license holders – drivers younger than 21 years old. This will make it easier to identify minors where age restrictions apply, such as the purchase of alcohol.