Warm Springs LIHEAP Feedback Sought, Agency Water Notice Update, and Regional News for Monday
The Warm Springs Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is accepting public comments from tribal members regarding the development of its Model Plan for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. LIHEAP provides federal grant funding to assist low-income households with energy bills, weatherization, and minor energy repairs. Copies of the proposed plan are available at the Tribal Social Services office located inside the Family Resource Center, and comments may be submitted directly to Tribal Social Services Manager Arlissa White.
A boil water notice issued on October 1, 2026, remains active for the Agency Water System following a 6-inch water main break. Although repairs were completed, tribal health regulations require testing to ensure safety whenever system pressure drops. The notice will remain in effect until test results are cleared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Central Oregon Community College is hosting interactive events and educational displays across its campuses in Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day. Today, ethnic studies instructor Gabriann Hall and Native American student program coordinator Jeremiah Rector are leading a presentation on powwow history at Ochoco Hall on the Bend campus. Throughout the week, visitors across all campuses can view curated books by Native authors and contribute to a collaborative paper-chain reflection project that will be displayed during Native American Heritage Month in November.
At the South Sound Powwow in Graham, Washington, Shawn Reynolds introduced an accessible "special" dance category designed for dancers with disabilities. Reynolds, a Puyallup Tribe descendant whose twin 11-year-old sons and daughter have autism, noted that traditional regalia and sensory stimuli at powwows can be overwhelming. The new special allows participants to wear everyday clothes, use sensory accommodations like headphones, and dance alongside caregivers, creating a supportive cultural space Reynolds hopes other powwow organizers will adopt.
Oregonians planning to vote in the upcoming general election must ensure their voter registration is updated promptly. To review voter status or access voting guidelines, visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s website. State officials advise voters to review available candidate guides and plan their submission methods early to ensure ballots arrive at county election offices before polls close.
NEXT Clean Fuels, the developer behind a proposed $2.5 billion renewable diesel refinery along the Columbia River near Clatskanie, is facing significant financial questions. Environmental group Columbia Riverkeeper reports the company owes millions to creditors and is in violation of corporate rules for failing to pay Delaware state taxes. Activists are urging Oregon regulators to review the firm's business standing, while company representatives have not issued a public comment regarding the allegations.
Food security advocates are criticizing a U.S. Department of Justice settlement with top national egg producers, including Cal-Maine Foods, following allegations of illegal price gouging. Investigations revealed text messages suggesting major producers coordinated price increases during the 2022 avian flu outbreak, boosting profits tenfold. Representatives from advocacy group Farm Action argue the financial penalty amounts to a small fraction of annual profits, while organizations like Food and Water Watch are petitioning federal courts for stricter penalties.
Expect a sunny day with highs reaching near 62 degrees before dropping to a clear, cold 30 overnight. Tuesday brings continued sunshine with warmer temperatures reaching highs near 69 degrees.
