KWSO News 5/29/19

The 2020 Census Team is hiring and will continue to do so as work on the important count ramps up. Supervisory and non-supervisory census taker positions are available in Jefferson and Wasco Counties with starting pay at $14.50 an hour and up to $16 for supervisor jobs. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and be a U.S. citizen. Men born after 1959 must be registered with Selective Service. Applications are being done online and so you will need a valid email address. The census will perform criminal background checks and fingerprinting, which is about a 2 month process. Training will be provided for all who are selected work with the Census. There is a ton of information on the website 2020census.gov and that is also where you apply. You can get assistance by calling 1-855-JOB-2020.

‘Tis the season for ticks! In Oregon, lyme disease is being reported more often than in the past in ticks, dogs and people. Only one species (the western blacklegged tick) has been documented as carrying lyme. Ticks are found all across Oregon. They are most common east of the Cascades and in Southern Oregon—and most cases of lyme disease have been reported in Hood River and Josephine Counties. When you’re out in the woods or grasslands, wear light colored clothing so ticks can be seen easily, wear your socks over your pant legs, do “tick checks” often, wear a hat, and take extra care when undressing when you get home. Inspect your full body, including your head and neck.   Any tick bite, if discovered, should be monitored for a larger rash, one with a bull’s eye pattern, or infection. Any flu like symptoms warrants a visit to the doctor.

The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded four Water Conservation Field Services Program grants in the Pacific Northwest. The program provides technical and financial assistance to irrigation districts on water conservation efforts. The North Unit Irrigation District in central Oregon will automate its water orders to create a real-time system optimization review. This project will improve efficiency district wide and help identify and prioritize future conservation projects, which supports multiple planning efforts in the Deschutes basin. The Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District in central Oregon will work with Juniper Flat District Improvement Company to update its existing Water Management and Conservation Plan. The other two recipients are the Selah-Moxee Irrigation District in Washington’s Yakima basin and the Warm Springs Irrigation District in eastern Oregon.

Donations for the second annual Central Oregon Community Baby Shower events are being collected for expectant families and families with newborns in central Oregon communities. Community Baby Shower events will be held at multiple locations across the region October 18^th and 19^th. The events will connect families with public health and community resources, including breastfeeding support, education and information on safe sleep and car seat safety, the opportunity to connect with WIC nutrition, maternal mental health, home visiting and family support programs, as well as the chance to enroll in the Oregon Health Plan and connect with OSU Extension resources. Some of the suggested donations include new and unopened Diapers, Cribs and mattresses, Wipes, Baby carriers, Gift cards, Toiletries, and any other baby items you know they will need. Donations will be accepted at the Community Health Program at the clinic in Warm Springs, and the Jefferson & Crook County Health Departments.

The Johnson O’Malley Committee is accepting requests for summer activity allowances for students. Activities such as rodeo, dance, sports, any kind of camps including academic, cultural enrichment and other activities are allowed for members of a federally recognized Indian tribe and who are students in Jefferson County 509-J or Wasco County schools. Allowances are $100 for high school, $75 for grades 6-8 and $50 for pre-k thru 5^th grade. June 7^th is the deadline to return forms to Caroll Dick at the higher education office.