News Stories for Mon., Sep. 18, 2017

The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Fall Convention is being held this week in Spokane, Washington and hosted by the Colville Tribes. ATNI Conventions are where members convene for discussion, presentations and the work of the committees in regard to policy, legislation, and the future of Indian Country in the Northwest.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Employee Benefits Fair has been set for Oct. 4th and 5th from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Community Center gym. This is an opportunity for all permanent full-time employees to learn more about benefit options, meet vendors face to face, and listen to benefits presentations. This is also the start of the open enrollment period which means that all permanent full-time employees who qualify for benefits effective Jan. 1st, 2018 can sign up for coverage if they missed their opportunity during the new hire season. If you already have coverage this is also your opportunity to make any changes or renew your flexible spending pledge for 2018. All changes and new enrollments will be effective Jan. 1st, 2018. Presentations will be made throughout the day.

Oregon officials have moved more than 1 million salmon from a hatchery threatened by the Eagle Creek Fire. The precautionary measure to protect the juvenile salmon happened over the weekend. Rain forecast for the next week could cause mudslides and debris to clog the hatchery’s water-intake system. That would prevent water from flowing, and could kill the fish. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shipped the salmon to hatcheries around the region.  Earlier, the department had to release 600-thousand salmon prematurely because of the fire.

The Madras White Buffaloes got their first football win in nearly three years Friday. Madras was down seven points at halftime to Valley Catholic but three unanswered touchdowns gave the Buffs the win over the Valiants 19-7, snapping a 23-game losing streak. Madras faces Molalla at home next Friday to open Tri-Valley Conference play.