KWSO News 6/24/19

Repairs to and associated with the Shitike Creek Water Main Break have been completed.  There is additional work that needs to be done over the next few weeks to stabilize the system and additional issues may arise that could cause water outages.   Everyone should continue to conserve water.   Because of this water main break, the Warm Springs Tribes issued an Emergency Declaration on Friday May 31, 2019.

The boil water order remains in effect for those on the Warm Springs Agency Water System.

A Reservation Wide BURN BAN is in effect for Warm Springs due to dry fuel conditions and water issues. The Burn Ban is for all outside burning.  Fireworks are prohibited as well.

A one acre fire yesterday near the Yarrow subdivision in Madras was caused by Legal Fireworks according to KTVZ TV.  Six volunteers and a Jefferson County Fire District #1 staff member used two wildland fire rigs and a water tender to extinguish, then mop up the fire with no damage to any property.

The Yurok Tribe is asking for help from tribal members to attend a hearing on a proposed gas pipeline and liquefied natural gas export terminal which they say would negatively impact the health of the Klamath River.  The hearing will take place in Medford this Wednesday from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center.  According to the Jordan Cove Project website, the pipeline would run from the North Spit of Coos Bay to Malin Oregon and would provide transportation from natural gas sourced from the United States and Canada into Asian markets.

The Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde are planning to buy the former Blue Heron paper mill in Oregon City.  The sale is not expected to be complete for at least couple of months  The city of Oregon City put out a statement saying “they are excited about carrying out the community’s vision for a public riverwalk along Willamette Falls – a commitment that remains in place, even if the landowner changes. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2020.  Grande Ronde representatives have said they want to purchase the property due to its cultural and historic significance, and have no plans to build a casino at the site. They have been a strong partner on the riverwalk project, along with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation.

Games continue today at the District 5 Little League All Star Tournament being held in Madras.  Championship games are scheduled for Thursday.  Jefferson County Minor Softball lost to Crook County yesterday and play Redmond today at 9am.  Warm Springs Minor Softball lost to Bend North yesterday with a game today at 11:30.  In Major Softball – Warm Springs beat Sisters yesterday and play Redmond tomorrow at 2.  Games are being played at Juniper Hills Park in Madras.