KWSO Friday Morning News: School Supplies Covered, High Lookee Lodge Hospice Wing, Museum Milestone

At the Warm Springs Thursday Market, Emergency Management and NeighborImpact set up a free distribution booth offering clothing, shoes, blankets, and hygiene products left over from recent wildfire relief donations. According to Dot Thurby with Emergency Management and NeighborImpact, they will return to the market next Thursday for their final giveaway of the season. Local residents are encouraged to stop by the Thursday Market, which runs weekly through September 10th.

Student interns from KWSO recently toured High Lookee Lodge to view its new hospice wing, a sanctuary designed for end-of-life care in Warm Springs. Staff members noted that the dedicated space aims to remove daily caregiving stress and offer 24-hour support for families facing difficult home circumstances.

Jefferson County School District 509J announced it will cover basic classroom supplies for all students for the 2026–2027 school year to ease financial burdens on families. District officials stated that students need only bring a backpack and water bottle, though elementary families are asked to provide a box of tissues and baby wipes.

A 96-page catalog published by The Museum at Warm Springs honoring local artist Lillian Pitt has been added to the permanent collection of the Library of Congress. The publication accompanies the exhibition “Lillian Pitt: Art, Memory, Home,” which runs through October 10th with copies available at the museum gift shop.

Oregon wildfires have burned nearly 2.5 million acres this season, though recent progress has allowed officials to lower several evacuation levels. Evacuation warnings were lifted for the Mount Hood corridor near the Grasshopper Fire and reduced around the Hagen Fire in Umatilla County and throughout Wheeler County.

Nike announced a multi-year partnership with Raj Sports, owner of the Portland Thorns and Portland Fire, to supply a new practice facility and share research on female athletes. The Beaverton-based company declined to disclose financial details ahead of Saturday’s facility ribbon cutting.

Today brings smoky, cloudy conditions with highs near 97 before smoke returns tonight. Sunshine follows Saturday with a high of 92 and gusty west winds, leading into a mild, sunny Sunday near 88.