After the passing of Wasco chief, Alfred Smith Jr., the matter of who will be the next Wasco Chief has not been decided.

Autwai Chief Smith did name a subchief, his brother, Wissie Smith in 2016 and his family maintains that the traditional custom of naming a subchief means he automatically becomes the Wasco Chief.

For the prior two times the Wasco Chief passed away – a vote was conducted for the people to elect their Chief. Autwai Alfred Smith Jr. was elected in 2012 and Autwai Nelson Wallulatum was elected in 1959.

Wissie Smith and some of his family members stopped by KWSO to do an interview.

Anyone pursuing the Wasco Chieftainship is invited to contact KWSO for an interview.

Warm Springs Power and Water Enterprise hosted a community meeting in March 2023 to discuss renewable energy opportunities and funding availability with the bi-partisan infrastructure legislation.

Mountain Star Family Relief Nursery's mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect through community support and therapeutic services that help vulnerable children and families succeed.

They are looking forward to a new partnership with the Warm Springs Community Action Team. Hear from WSCAT's Carina Miller.

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives-Warm Springs group members are Raylene Thomas and Reina Estimo. They share about how the group started and all the many ways they are trying to being attention and assistance to the the movement to address the high rates of: violence against Natives, disappearances and murders.

The Warm Springs Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives 2023 Relay and Marathon has been set for May 6th. The event was created to honor and remember those relatives and brings together families and community members for a day of healing.

To learn more email [email protected]

The Museum at Warm Springs opened in March of 1993. From the KWSO Archives - hear the speakers at the grand opening.

Atwai Delbert Frank was the President of the Museum’s board of Directors at the time of the Museum at Warm Springs Grand opening

Ken Smith was Secretary Treasurer/CEO for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

The welcome was given by then Tribal Council Chairman Raymond Tsumpti Sr.

Wilson Wewa Jr. represented the Paiute Tribe

Warm Springs Tribal Chief Delvis Heath introduced Kathleen Health, Evaline Patt & Nina Rowe.

Autwai Chief Nelson Wallulatum shared history

Atwai Warren Rudy Clements was the MC.

Atwai Wasco Elder Gladys Thompson offered a blessing.

In 1974 Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Council passed a resolution adopting a charter for the Middle Oregon Indian Historical Society which was the Museum’s forerunner organization.

From the KWSO Archives – a few months ahead of the Museum’s Opening, KWSO’s Sue Ryan talked with Museum Director Michael Hammond.

Jaycelene Brisbois is the Opioid Prevention Coordinator with the Warm Springs Prevention Team. She shares with the community about Opioids, the danger of Fentanyl, and overdosing,

She also talks about NARCAN which is a potentially lifesaving medication designed to help reverse the effects of an opioid overdose in minutes.

Having a NARCAN rescue kit nearby can save a life and so she is providing training on how to use it so community members can have it on hand if needed.

Ahead of his Jefferson County Town Hall meeting in Madras on Friday, March 10, 2023 - Oregon Senator Ron Wyden talked with KWSO.

The Heart of Oregon Corps provides opportunities for young people, ages 16 to 24, through employment, job training, education and service to Central Oregon communities. Its YouthBuild program members helped on some housing units in the West Hills neighborhood here in Warm Springs.

Learn more about all Heart of Oregon Corps programs at https://heartoforegon.org/programs/programs.html

The Health and Human Services Branch of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs has several projects in the works for 2023. GM Caroline Cruz gives an overview of the projects.