KWSO News: Vendor Opportunities Open at Warm Springs Commissary; Plateau Travel Plaza Announces Soft Opening for Tribal Members; Traffic & Wildfire Warnings for C.O. Holiday Weekend

The Warm Springs Community Action Team is opening the Commissary Outdoor Pavilion this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to welcome 4th of July holiday weekend crowds. The pavilion will feature two permanent food carts, Twisted Teepee and Painted Pony, alongside pop-up vendor opportunities. Organizers are currently seeking Tribal arts and crafts vendors for these weekend slots throughout the summer. No additional food vendors are being accepted at this time. To reserve a space, interested artists can call 541-553-3148 or email Starla@wscat.org.

The Plateau Travel Plaza is hosting a special soft opening for Warm Springs Tribal Members and Tribal Council on Monday, July 6, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The day kicks off with a 10 a.m. opening ceremony and blessing, followed by hourly prize drawings, casino giveaways, and promotional fuel discounts. Attendees can also enjoy free refreshments and a five-dollar coupon for Three Tepee’s Café. The public grand re-opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 11.

State and local officials are urging holiday drivers to expect heavier-than-normal traffic across Central Oregon this Fourth of July weekend. Travelers are reminded to slow down, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired. Additionally, officials warn of heightened wildfire dangers due to hot temperatures and dry grasses. Public safety agencies advise skipping prohibited fireworks, properly extinguishing campfires, and avoiding parking vehicles over dry vegetation to prevent sparks.

While Seattle hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians is making history as the first Indigenous nation in the U.S. to serve as an official host city supporter. NWPB reports that the tribe is hosting public watch parties, a three-day powwow, and a traditional Coastal Protocol cultural exchange with Northwest tribes. “The winning point is to share our culture, our language, and our heritage with the world,” said Amy McFarland, a Puyallup Tribe member directing the events. Visitors will experience the Lushootseed language at Sea-Tac Airport and around Seattle, marking a major cultural revival for the community.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will soon roll out new supplemental food benefits for eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members facing serious health challenges or food insecurity. According to KLCC, qualified members can receive up to six months of nutrition support via home-delivered food boxes or grocery cards. “Members can receive either a physical card or a digital card to use at a participating grocery store,” said Jessica Wilson, who oversees the OHA program. OHP members are encouraged to contact their coordinated care organization to apply.

The 39th annual Waterfront Blues Festival is underway at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland, running through Saturday. The event features more than 50 artists across three stages, including headliners The Revivalists, Durand Jones & The Indications, and Tank and The Bangas, concluding with a Saturday night fireworks show. KWSO is broadcasting live music from the festival daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., courtesy of KBOO Radio and Oregon Community Media.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is testing underwater “bubblers” to help migrating salmon survive rising water temperatures. NWPB reports that the devices pull cooler water up from seven feet deep to mix with warm surface water near fish ladders. “Those bubbles have drag, and they pull that cold water up towards the surface,” explained Corps engineer Ryan Laughery. This summer, the Corps will study the technology at four dams along the Columbia and Snake Rivers to prevent heat-induced fish die-offs.

The Pac-12 conference announced that its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments are returning to Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The move marks the official relaunch of the conference following the addition of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State, and Utah State. Oregon State and Washington State remain as the only original members of the newly reorganized conference.

The United States Men’s National Soccer Team secured its first World Cup knockout stage victory since 2002 with a thrilling 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The U.S. team is now scheduled to face Belgium in a highly anticipated Round of 16 match in Seattle on Monday, July 6. Other upcoming knockout matches include matchups between France and Paraguay, Canada and Morocco, Brazil and Norway, and Mexico against England.

Expect mostly sunny and breezy conditions today with a high of 83, cooling to a clear low around 50 tonight. Friday will be calmer and warmer with a high of 90, leading into a sunny weekend with temperatures staying in the 90s.