Warm Springs Boil Water Notice Lifted; Madras Schools Resume Normal Operations
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Branch of Public Utilities has cancelled the boil water notice for Sidwalter residences following negative water sample results, according to EPA testing. Water users on the Sidwalter community water system may resume normal water consumption and activities.
Madras-area schools have returned to normal operations following a security situation during morning drop-off Friday, November 6. At approximately 7:30 a.m., dispatch received reports of an individual carrying what appeared to be a firearm near Buff Elementary School. Local schools immediately entered secure lockdown while deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department and Oregon State Police responded. Authorities located the individual and determined the weapon was an air-powered pellet gun. Investigators found no threat to students or staff and no indication the individual intended to enter a school campus. The lockdown was lifted and classes resumed their regular schedules. Officials thanked the community for remaining calm while law enforcement investigated.
Federal prosecutors have announced charges in two separate abuse cases involving young children on the Warm Springs Reservation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 34-year-old Jesse James Hicks with aggravated sexual abuse following an investigation that began when Warm Springs Police responded to a residence last month. If convicted, Hicks faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison. Earlier this week, a federal grand jury indicted 25-year-old Cedrick Bruce Davis on multiple felony charges, including assault with intent to commit murder, in connection with alleged assaults involving two young children and an adult partner. Both investigations involved the Warm Springs Police Department and FBI. The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Vital Statistics office is reminding Tribal Members to keep their mailing addresses and contact information current. Ten 2027 Tribal Budget pamphlets were recently returned as undeliverable. Members are encouraged to verify their mailing address with Vital Statistics and make sure they are registered to receive mail through the U.S. Postal Service. Those experiencing mail delivery problems may also consider setting up a care-of address. KWSO.org has an address change form that can be submitted to Vital Statistics.Address Change FORM - CTWS.pdf The returned pamphlets were addressed to Angelica Maki, Anna Madrid, Avis Palmer, Brandon Sampson, Faye Drew, Jerome Henry, Lakakoosh Selam, Larisa Wallulatum, Truman Estimo and Willard Suppah.
Central Oregon's weekend weather will bring partly sunny skies Saturday with a high near 69 degrees. Gusty winds are expected Saturday night, followed by mostly cloudy skies Sunday and a high near 58.
