Local News

KWSO News for Thu., Jan. 1, 2026

Posted on by sue.matters
01
Jan

Warm Springs Housing Authority reminds those on their waiting list that updates have been sent in the mail.  The “Statement of Continued Interest” must be filled out and returned to Housing no later than Friday January 30th.  If you don’t return that form – you will be dropped from the Housing list.  If you don’t get that letter by January 9th, Contact Housing.

 

Tribal Members are being asked for input through two surveys currently being conducted by the Qw’thlp Waq’ishwit  – IMCE program.   One is a customer satisfaction survey to rate the new Indian Managed Care Entity.  The second survey is a Tribal member health care survey. Responses will help collect data to guide the program.  Those who take the surveys will be put into a drawing for a gift card.  Here are the two survey links:  END OF YEAR SURVEY + HEALTH SURVEY

 

The Museum at Warm Springs shared its most recent newsletter with highlights from 2025 including their 3 exhibits: 31st Annual Warm Springs Tribal Member and Youth Art Show.  “Saddle Up: Ranchers and Rodeo Life of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs” “32nd Annual Warm Springs Tribal Member and Youth Art Show.  A TRADITIONAL MASTER ARTS CLASS AND WORKSHOP for Columbia River Plateau Shell Dress Making was held.  Funding was secured for a Museum Roof Replacement.  And the Permanent Exhibit Renewal Project is underway to renew the permanent exhibit with updated technology.  A $1.5 million grant was awarded that represents the “half-way” point in overall funds needed for the realization of the project.

 

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved new rules and interim actions designed to continue expanding protections for residential utility customers, especially those facing financial hardship, medical needs, or severe weather conditions. These changes apply to customers served by Oregon’s investor-owned utilities, including Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, Idaho Power, NW Natural, PacifiCorp, and Portland General Electric (PGE).  The new and updated rules are aimed at making utility services safer, more affordable, and easier to access. They also expand protections during emergencies, such as extreme weather, air quality, and wildfire evacuations, and help prevent unnecessary disconnections.  This means:

  • Easier access to utility service – Utilities will now accept additional forms of identification to initiate service.
  • Lower reconnection costs – No reconnection fees when utilities can do so remotely or for income-qualified customers and those with medical certificates at any time. Additionally, no reconnection fee or outstanding balance payment required for income qualified or medical certificate holders seeking reconnection after a wildfire evacuation or severe weather event.
  • More time to pay past-due bills – Customers seeking reconnection now have up to six billing cycles to catch up on overdue utility balances, expanding on the previous two billing cycles.
  • Stronger weather-related shutoff protections – Disconnections will be paused during and for 48 hours after a severe weather event for all residential customers.
  • Clearer Information about customer protections – Utilities will offer simple explanations of available protections in bill inserts, online, and through community action agencies and customer service teams.

 

the 12th Annual Warm Springs Cougars Youth Basketball Tournament is taking place at the Community Center.  Play today starts at:

  • 2pm with 8 and under – the Warriors -vs- # New Gang
  • 3pm – 8 and under – WS Eagles -vs- Bitty Blazers
  • 4pm – 10 and under – “67” -vs- WS Eagles
  • 5pm – 10 and under – Skoden -vs- Team Problem
  • 6pm – 12 and under – Rez Rebels -vs- Wasco Yak Attack
  • 7pm –  12 and under – Blazers -vs- Vols

Tomorrow’s games start at 9am.

 

Sisters Shootout Tournament schedule for Madras High School Teams

  • The girls play the host team at 3:30 this afternoon at Sisters High Scholl while the Boys face Newport at the same time at Sisters Elementary
  • Tomorrow the Boys play Cascade Christian at 5:15 at Sisters Elementary while the Girls face Junction City at 7 at the High School.
  • Saturday’s games have the girls tipping off at 1:30 at Sisters High School.  The Boys will face Sisters at 3:15 at the High School as well.

 

KWSO Weather for Central Oregon

  • Cloudy today with a 50 percent chance of rain and a high near 39
  • That chance of rain continuing tonight with an overnight low expected right around 32 degrees
  • Warmer tomorrow with a slight chance of rain – getting up to near 52 degrees
sue.matters