KWSO News for 10/31/19

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Branch of Public Utilities announced a Boil Water Notice last Thursday, October 24, 2019, due to a loss of pressure in the Agency Water System during repairs.   The Boil Water Order remains in effect following negative results on the first round of BacT testing.  The second round of BacT test samples were delivered to the lab yesterday afternoon with results expected back today in the early afternoon. Once those results are picked up, the water treatment staff will compile the necessary chlorine residual results to go with the two rounds of BacT testing and send them to the EPA for review and guidance on whether or not the notice can be lifted.  The earliest that feedback is expected is this afternoon. The Boil Water Notice is in effect until the EPA reviews all the results.   Drinking water distribution continues at the old Warm Springs Elementary Library open from 7am-6pm on weekdays and 10am-3pm on weekends.

Due to the recent dip in temperatures, a warming shelter has been opened at the Youth Center in Warm Springs where the Boys and Girls Club had vacated.  They were open the last two nights and Because of anticipated temperatures below 32 degrees, the shelter will be open again tonight beginning at 7pm and most likely through the weekend with the hours currently 7pm-7am, but could change. No meals are going to be provided, but coffee and possibly hot cocoa would be available. Capacity for the shelter is estimated at 13 people. Each person wanting to utilize the shelter will be screened before being admitted and are expected to adhere to the rules of the Shelter.

The Madras Indigent Defense Consortium and the general counsel for the Oregon Office of Public Defense Services are telling two very different stories. The office recently decided not to renew the local attorney group’s contract, making numerous allegations of misconduct. According to the Madras Pioneer the contract is worth more than $800,000 over two years. Local government agencies and the consortium are worried that if the contract is not renewed, Madras will lose attorneys and may have trouble recruiting new ones. Retired Judge Dan Ahern has stated that the allegations against the Madras Indigent Defense Consortium have not changed his opinion in any way. Ahern also stated that the allegation of a show of authority by standing next to a defendant had no bearing for him as a judge when assigning an attorney to the defendant.

Wells Fargo is suing California’s Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians over a $250 million loan that the bank says the casino-owning tribe is avoiding paying back. The Fresno Bee reported Saturday that the 2012 loan was issued to refinance debt from the Chuckchansi Gold Casino and Resort. It came with several requirements that the suit filed in New York last week alleges are not being met. Chukchansi representatives did not immediately return calls from the newspaper seeking comment. Wells Fargo claims the tribe is violating terms by stockpiling cash meant for loan repayments. The complaint also accuses the tribe of informing investors that it would stop making payments after Sept. 30, 2019 — which the bank says violates the loan agreement. The case was first reported by the legal news service Law360.

In Sports: In the NBA the Portland Trailblazers got past the Oklahoma City Thunder 102-99 led by Damian Lillard who had 23 points and 13 assists. Locally: On Saturday at Stampede Stadium the Redsides of South Wasco County will be playing for the 6 man state championship against the Joseph Eagles. WS Tribal Members Timo Hisatake and Tyler Smith will be suiting up for that action. Game time is 7pm.