News Stories for Mon., Oct. 16, 2017

Flu season has begun, and it’s a good time to get vaccinated. Public health officials say now is the best time—when the number of flu cases in Oregon is still low. While it’s difficult to forecast exactly how bad the flu season will be this year, health officials say getting a flu shot is the best way to prepare for however it shapes up. Flu is a virus that causes mild to severe respiratory illness and can lead to hospitalization. The virus kills thousands of people in the U.S. each year. People at higher risk of severe illness or death include children, adults older than 65, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions or weak immune systems. It can take up to two weeks to become effective, so getting it earlier in the season is ideal. Vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. In Warm Springs, flu shots are available at the Pharmacy at the clinic. Community Health Nurses will also be at schools this week to administer flu shots. Tomorrow at the Warm Springs Early Childhood Education Center, Wednesday at the K8 Academy and Thursday at JCMS and Madras High School. Students must have signed parent consent to receive a shot.

Early snowfall on Hood prompted a preseason opening for a nearby ski lift, but the snow won’t last for long. The Oregonian reports more than 2 feet of snow fell on the mountain from Wednesday through Friday, leading to the opening of a lift at the Timberline Ski Area. National Weather Service Meteorologist Jon Bonk says the system that produced the snow was isolated. The snowy mountain conditions are expected to vanish by Tuesday, but he says there’s potential for another Pacific storm that could produce snow later in the week.

The 17^th Annual Native American Music Awards were held on Saturday in Niagara Falls, NY and a local Warm Springs artist took home an award. James Greeley was in attendance as his name was called as the winner for Best Traditional Recording for his album “BEFORE AMERICA”. Greeley’s win makes it two consecutive years that a local Warm Springs artist won at the Native American Music Awards. Scott Kalama, who was also in New York for the awards this year, brought home a Nammy last year for Best Music Video as Blue Flamez and the video Rez Life.

The shaking starts. It’s an earthquake! What do you do? This Thursday at 10:19 a.m., people from all around will practice what you should REALLY do during an earthquake: Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urges everyone to be 2 Weeks Ready for earthquakes and other disasters. Andrew Phelps, OEM director, suggests that in addition to having two weeks’ of food, water and other supplies, take time to talk with your family and friends about what you will do when disaster strikes and if you’re not together during an emergency. Develop a family disaster plan, assign roles or duties for each family member, and do the same for people in your neighborhood. More info is available at www.shakeout.org.