KWSO recently went around the Rez to inquire about the newest developments happening.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center is a federally-funded program that is dedicated to helping children succeed academically. Our guest is Kayla Kneeland, Expanded Learning Programs Director for Jefferson County School District.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers compassion, care and support. Our guest is Shane Lopez-Johnston, THRIVE 988 Project Director for the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) recently came to Warm Springs to discuss new developments, changes, and to gain a better understanding of the well-being of the community.

At the meeting, tribal leaders of Warm Springs and ODHS directors sat down to talk about new developments and programs; hearing what needed to be focused on for the community; and sharing what works and what didn’t work.

Brandie McNamee and Seth Taylor are candidates for Oregon's Jefferson County Commissioner Position 3 in the November 5, 2024 election.

Elected Official Candidate Forum were held at different locations within Jefferson County. This audio was obtained from the Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s forum recordings.

Forum recordings can be found online at https://www.madraschamber.com/2024-candidate-forums.html.

Jeff Rasmussen and Yoonsun Reynolds are candidates for Oregon's Jefferson County Treasurer in the November 5, 2024 election.

Elected Official Candidate Forum were held at different locations within Jefferson County. This audio was obtained from the Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s forum recordings.

Forum recordings can be found online at https://www.madraschamber.com/2024-candidate-forums.html.

The next election day in Oregon and across the US is Tuesday November 5th. In Oregon - there are 5 ballot measures that will be decided. 3 measures were placed there as referendums by the legislature and 2 were initiated by citizens.

Greg Leo is a lobbyist in Salem and he explains each measure.

Measure 115 – Amends the Constitution: Authorizes Impeachment of statewide elected officials by Oregon Legislature with two-thirds vote by each house; establishes process.

Measure 116 – Amends Constitution: Establishes “Independent Public Service Compensation Commission” to determine salaries for specified officials; eliminates legislative authority to set such salaries.

Measure 117 – Gives voters option to rank candidates in order of preference; candidate receiving majority of votes in final round wins.

Initiative 118 – Increases highest corporate minimum taxes; distributes revenue to eligible individuals; state replaces reduced federal benefits

Initiative 119 – Cannabis retailers/processors must remain neutral regarding communications to their employees from labor organizations; penalties

In Warm Springs Tribal Culture, name-giving holds deep and historical significance. Traditionally, names are not merely labels but carry spiritual meanings. A name can reflect the characteristics of an ancestor, a significant event, or an individual's role within the community. Recently, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and Madras High School’s Native American Student Union (NASU) collaborated with the Warm Springs Culture and Heritage Committee to host a boat-naming ceremony.

Tony Summers, Madras High School Principal, came in to talk about a variety of topics regarding his school, and to bring up-to-date information that parents and students would like to know about new events, statistics, and more.

Information for Warm Springs K-8 Academy students and families for October 2024