This afternoon, Rafael Queahpama was be sworn-in to Tribal Council as Warm Springs Chief. The ceremony took place at the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Administration Building. Queahpama will hold a lifetime seat on the Council. A traditional installation ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 30th at the Simnasho Longhouse.
Members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are encouraged to attend a General Council meeting on Tuesday, May 26th. The Tribal Council’s revised agenda focuses on tribal operations and enterprises, including a Financial Update, progress reports from the Chief Operations Officer and Governmental Affairs Director, and updates on the Indian Head Casino, Plateau Travel Plaza, and Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort. Dinner begins at 6:00 PM, followed by the meeting at 7:00 PM.
The 6th Annual Warm Springs Reservation Horse Sale takes place this Saturday, May 23rd, at the Warm Springs Rodeo Grounds from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Led by Harry Hisatake and the Hisatake Ranch family, the event helps the Tribe’s Natural Resources group reduce the feral horse population from over 4,000 to roughly 1,500. Using traditional riders, ATVs, and modern tools like drones, the operation draws buyers from as far away as France. “Once you get them to where they trust you, they are the greatest horses you can have,” Hisatake said.
Jefferson County Fairgrounds Manager Bart Platt has extended a warm invitation to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs for the upcoming Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo, running July 22nd through July 25th in Madras. “Your presence has long been an important and valued part of our community gatherings, and we deeply appreciate the culture, history, and spirit that the Warm Springs community brings,” Platt said. Information regarding open class exhibits and rodeo participation is available online at https://www.jeffersoncountyor.gov/fairgrounds/page/jefferson-county-fair-rodeo
Local and Regional Elections
Tuesday’s Primary Election brought victory for incumbents in Jefferson County. Mark Wunsch retained Commission Position 1 with 58% of the vote, defeating George Curtiss. For Position 2, incumbent Kelly Simmelink secured 54% of the vote against three challengers. However, a bond measure for the Jefferson County Library District to build a new facility in Madras and a smaller one in Culver failed, with 63% of voters casting “no” ballots. County turnout was moderate at 38%. Initial local results from the Jefferson County Clerk can be viewed HERE
In Deschutes County, Democratic-backed candidates led two of four Commission races, though two open seats appear headed for November run-offs. Challenger Jamie Collins is on track to defeat longtime Position 1 incumbent Tony DeBone. Rick Russell held a strong lead over Chet Wamboldt for Position 4. In Position 3, Lauren Connally and Amy Sabbadini lead a six-candidate field that includes Klamath Tribes citizen Amanda Page. In Position 5, Morgan Schmidt leads Rob Imhoff but lacks a clear majority.
State and Federal Elections
Oregon state Senator Christine Drazan won a crowded GOP primary with over 43% of the vote and will challenge Democratic Governor Tina Kotek in November. Drazan, who lost to Kotek in 2022 by around 67,000 votes, stated at her election party, “This is about giving our state back to the people of Oregon.”
Incumbent Republican Cliff Bentz and Democrat Chris Beck are on track for a November matchup in Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District. Beck emerged from a crowded Democratic field, while Bentz has represented the sprawling eastern and southern Oregon district since 2021.
Oregon voters overwhelmingly rejected Measure 120, which proposed raising the state gas tax for road and bridge maintenance. More than 83% of voters defeated the measure, which faced steep odds due to high living costs and gas prices. The failure sends lawmakers back to the drawing board to address transportation funding deficits.
Central Oregon Weather
- This Afternoon & Tonight: Increasing clouds with a high near 78°F. Partly Cloudy tonight, partly cloudy with a low around 46°F and wind gusts up to 20 mph.
- Thursday & Thursday Night: Sunny skies with a high near 82°F. Gusty winds up to 20 mph. Clear overnight with a low around 48°F.
- Friday & Friday Night: Mostly sunny and warmer with a high near 87°F. Turning clear overnight with a low around 50°F.
