KWSO News 08/11/26

Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort Appreciation Days 

During the height of the recent fires in Warm Springs, Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort managed to remain safe and open. The resort says it welcomed more than 2,100 residents form Warm Springs and Madras with complimentary access, RV stays, and a safe place to get away from the smoke.

With the community now transitioning to long-term recovery, the resort is extending their support by hosting weekly appreciation days. These appreciation days are aimed at honoring both the local emergency workers and the tribal community. Every Tuesday through the end of September will serve as First Responder Appreciation Day.

It’ll offer free resort admission to firefighters, law enforcement, first responders, and their immediate families.

Plus, every Wednesday through September will be designated as Tribal Appreciation Day, providing complimentary admission for all Tribal members.

Resort management says their goal is simple: to give families, relief workers, and neighbors a space to recharge, come together, and find a little peace.

Wyam Youth Center 1st Ever Fashion Show 

The Wyam Youth Center is set to host their first ever indigenous youth fashion show this Friday, August 14th. It’ll be at the Old Elementary School Gym and registration remains open through tomorrow, August 12th.

It is for Native designers aged 24 and under. Participants can showcase up to three looks, ranging from streetware to handmade apparel and family regalia.

Models of all ages are welcome to walk the runway.

The evening’s festivities will feature a live performance by local drum group NDN Boyz, as well as an event photographer, and raffles featuring items handcrafted by the Wyam Youth Center.

Young designers can register or learn more by visiting the Wyam Youth Center Facebook page, or by emailing wyamyouthcenter@wscat.org

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden’s virtual public hearing

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is hosting a virtual public hearing this Sunday to hear directly from rural Oregonians about their healthcare challenges and priorities.

The online field hearing titled “Reimagining Health Care for America,” begins at 1:30 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, August 16th.

The forum is open to rural patients, family caregivers, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to share their experience regarding long-term care, prescription drug costs, and insurance access.

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden says the feedback will help shape federal legislation aimed at creating a public Medicare option, lowering prescription costs, and establishing a home-care guarantee for families.

Rural residents can watch the live session online via Youtube or submit questions in advance through People’s Town Hall. The virtual session is part of a broader series of statewide healthcare field hearings hosted by Wyden throughout August.

Grasshopper Fire Evacuation Level Updates

The Grasshopper Fire has burned 63,659 acres and is 25% contained. Nearly 1,700 personnel are working on the fire. According to the Monday evening update, the fire was very active and several areas were upgraded to Evacuation Levels 2 and 3 overnight, including a Level 2 – Be Set to evacuate the city of Dufur.

Firefighters are actively engaged in structure protection along the Northwestern edge of the fire, working alongside wildland partners to protect homes and structures as fire activity continues to increase in the area.

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grants 

Federal dollars are on the way to help combat two fast-moving Oregon wildfires threatening homes, tribal lands, and critical infrastructure.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Fire Management Assistance Grants for both the Hagen Fire, which is burning in Umatilla and Union Counties, and the Wrights Springs Fire in Klamath County.

Together, these two blazes have threatened communities near Elgin, Tollgate, Sprague River, and Chiloquin, as well as the lands of the Klamath Tribes.

The federal grnats will reimburse up to 75% of eligible emergency firefighting costs, including field camps, heavy equipment, and crew mobilization.

These represent the sixth and seventh federal fire management declarations granted to Oregon so far this year.

KWSO Weather Forecast 

Afternoon: Widespread smoke, mainly after 2 PM. It’ll be mainly sunny with a high near the 90s with a Northwest wind 8 to 17mph, with gusts as high as 30mph.

Tonight: Widespread smoke, mainly before 11 PM. Mostly clear with a low around the 50s. Northwest wind 12 to 17 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Tomorrow: Widespread smoke, mainly after 5PM. Sunny with a high near the upper 80s. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30mph.