KWSO News 6/4/19

Water outages were reported on Monday by Greeley Heights residents.   As water is drawn down from the Greeley Heights, West Hills and South East water reservoirs, neighborhoods and businesses will experience water shortages. Public Utilities staff is working to alternate the refilling of these three reservoirs to lessen the impact. Daily updates on reservoir levels will be given so that residences and businesses can plan accordingly. Additional information will be provided as soon as possible on the timeline for repair of the water main line and pressure reducing valves.

Water shortages will directly impact the following residents and businesses located in these areas only: Campus area, West Hills, Tenino Valley, Tenino Apartments, Elliott Heights, Senior Housing, Trailer Courts, and Greeley Heights. Additionally, businesses located along Highway 26 will also be impacted including: Indian Head Casino, Shell Station, Museum at Warm Springs, Eagle Crossing, and Warm Springs Composites. All residences and businesses are encouraged to conserve water.

The boil water notice will remain in effect until further notice for the entirety of the Warm Springs Agency area including Kah-nee-ta, Wolfe Point, Sunnyside, Upper Dry Creek, Miller Heights, Campus area, West Hills, Tenino Valley, Tenino Apartments, Elliott Heights, Senior Housing, Trailer Courts, and Greeley Heights.

Warm Springs has issued a reservation wide burn ban. With dry fuel conditions and lack of water for fire suppression, it is critical precautions are taken to help protect the people, property and resources of the Reservation. A burn ban means that all outside agricultural and residential burning is NOT allowed. This includes weed burning, burn barrels, and burn bins. All HOT WORK in all facilities is banned: All operations involving open flames or that produce heat and/or sparks. All fireworks are prohibited. Outdoor camp fires are not allowed. Only cooking in a propane or charcoal barbecue or camp cooking stove is allowed. All ceremonial and traditional fires are exempt from this burn ban. For further information on the Burn Ban status, contact the Warm Springs Fire Management Prevention team.

Firefighters are planning prescribed burns outside of Sisters, Sunriver and Crescent on the Deschutes National Forest today. Smoke may be visible from the highways. Keep up with prescribed burns in Central Oregon by visiting: http://www.centraloregonfire.org or text “COFIRE” to 888-777 to receive text alerts.

The Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States will hold a Legislative Hearing Wednesday on several bills include H.R. 1803 to nullify the Supplemental Treaty Between the United States of America and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Indians of Middle Oregon. The bill was introduced in the House by Representative Greg Walden in March and it was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. Senator Jeff Merkely introduced the Senate Bill in March also and it has been ordered to be reported without amendment favorably by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. On the witness list for Wednesday’s hearing representing Warm Springs is former tribal council member Ron Suppah.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon State University’s Board of Trustees has approved a budget of more than $1.3 billion for the next fiscal year, beginning in July. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports the board, which approved the budget Friday, is asking university leaders to prioritize funding toward recruiting and retaining students and faculty and promoting diversity and inclusivity. Other key priorities include advancing construction on the OSU-Cascades campus in Bend.