KWSO Radio

Jefferson County Library District voters will find a General Obligation Bond for Public Library Facilities on their May 19th Primary Election Ballot. The question is – shall Jefferson County Library District issue 15 million – 9 hundred thousand dollars – principal amount of general obligation bonds for public library facilities.

Around the Bend Farms is a nonprofit working to close that gap by growing food specifically for food banks, markets, and direct community programs. If you’d like to learn more about Around the Bend Farms visit www.aroundthebendfarms.org .

The MHS art gala is a showcase of student artwork blending visual, literary, and performing arts into one experience.

Dr. Barbara Largent, or Dr. Barb, is a practitioner at Warm Springs Behavioral Health who specializes in trauma recovery through a holistic, body-centered approach. The work she does with patients helps with releasing stored trauma through various techniques that help to move chaotic, traumatic energy out of the body’s systems.

General Manager Shawn McDaniel talks about all the renovations, new construction and expansion at Indian Head Casino and the Plateau Travel Plaza.

The Heart of Oregon Corps is a non-profit organization that empowers youth and young adults in Central Oregon through a "Work-Earn-Learn" model. Founded in 2000, it provides job training, education, and leadership development to young people (typically ages 16–24) who face barriers to success. Shelby Sauer is the Recruitment Coordinator for the Youth Conservation Corps Cullen Doyle, the Heart of Oregon Corps’ Madras program specialist, Heart of Oregon Corps operates six primary programs focused on different career pathways for youth and young adults • High Desert Conservation Corps (HDCC): An AmeriCorps program where members (ages 17–24) perform natural resource projects like wildfire fuels reduction and trail maintenance. • YouthBuild: Participants (ages 16–24) spend alternating weeks in the classroom earning their GED or diploma and on worksites building affordable housing. • Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps (COYCC): A summer program for youth (ages 16–18) working on local public lands. • Stewardship: A year-round program for ages 16–24 focusing on outdoor projects near Bend, with compensation of approximately $16/hour. • Camp LEAD & Go! LEAD: Programs specifically for youth with diverse abilities to gain outdoor leadership and work experience. • In Jefferson County there is a Food Heros program with a focus on making a difference for food insecurity.

An update from Warm Springs Telecom GM Tim York

Cheryl Evan Occupational Therapist works at High Desert Education Service District in the Early Intervention Program and Early Childhood Special Education Program at Warm Springs ECE. She talks about the programs that are available to all families.

A look back at the 2026 Elders Fair that was held at the Old Warm Springs Elementary Gym on March 25, 2026. Hear from some of the information booths that were set up explaining local resources that are available to Senior Citizens in our community.

There are 6 individuals running for 2 seats on the Jefferson County Commission that will appear on the primary ballot on May 19, 2026. Running for County Commissioner Position 1 is George Curtiss and Incumbent Mark Wunsch Running for County Commissioner Position 2 is Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead , Bill Atherton and Incumbent Kely Simmelink

There are 6 individuals running for 2 seats on the Jefferson County Commission that will appear on the primary ballot on May 19, 2026. Running for County Commissioner Position 1 is George Curtiss and Incumbent Mark Wunsch Running for County Commissioner Position 2 is Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead , Bill Atherton and Incumbent Kely Simmelink

There are 6 individuals running for 2 seats on the Jefferson County Commission that will appear on the primary ballot on May 19, 2026. Running for County Commissioner Position 1 is George Curtiss and Incumbent Mark Wunsch Running for County Commissioner Position 2 is Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead , Bill Atherton and Incumbent Kely Simmelink

There are 6 individuals running for 2 seats on the Jefferson County Commission that will appear on the primary ballot on May 19, 2026. Running for County Commissioner Position 1 is George Curtiss and Incumbent Mark Wunsch Running for County Commissioner Position 2 is Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead , Bill Atherton and Incumbent Kely Simmelink

There are 6 individuals running for 2 seats on the Jefferson County Commission that will appear on the primary ballot on May 19, 2026. Running for County Commissioner Position 1 is George Curtiss and Incumbent Mark Wunsch Running for County Commissioner Position 2 is Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead , Bill Atherton and Incumbent Kely Simmelink

There are 6 individuals running for 2 seats on the Jefferson County Commission that will appear on the primary ballot on May 19, 2026. Running for County Commissioner Position 1 is George Curtiss and Incumbent Mark Wunsch Running for County Commissioner Position 2 is Ara Erdekian, Greg Mead , Bill Atherton and Incumbent Kely Simmelink

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley held a Jefferson County at the Madras Performing Arts Center on Saturday April 4th. 2026. Prior to the event – he walked some laps at the Madras High School Track on a beautiful sunny afternoon and then he sat down with KWSO.

The CTWS Special Diabetes Program for Indians is back! Austin Raushenburg is the fitness coordinator and Briana Stacona is the wellness coordinator.

Papalaxsimisha means “unity” in Ichishkiin. Papalaxsimisha was first created with a goal of preparing Warm Springs youth for college and careers. It has evolved in ways that include opportunities for awareness, learning and healing in a wide range of activities for the community. There remains a strong focus on supporting indigenous students and their families in 6th through 12th grade on their educational journey using culturally based educational practices. One of Papalaxsimisha’s programs is the Native American Student Union at Madras High School.

Warm Springs Community Health has a new full-time doctor. Dr. Michaela Frey has joined the program with a focus on preventative care and overall health.

In the state of Oregon, there are over 70,000 Oregonians living with dementia, and that number will only grow from here on out. It is a progressive disease that afflicts millions of people all over the world. From Alzheimer’s, to Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, and more, they all result in the loss of brain cells crucial to thinking and remembering. Doctors Allison Lindauer & Suvi Neukam are specialists from OHSU who specializes in dementia.

Dr. Jay Mathisen is the superintendent of the Jefferson County School District 509J, based in Madras. Mathisen is a veteran of Central Oregon education, with a career spanning decades. KWSO Student Intern, Riyah Stacona, who attends Madras High School, sat down with Mathisen recently for an interview about 509J and its schools.

Matt Olson and Ryan Valdesuso, COIC Employment counselors, sharing what their organization can provide to those out there in the communities of Oregon in need of finding a job or getting the experience needed for a job. COIC and Work Source Oregon come to Warm Springs to assist job seekers, in their mobile employment van.

A visit with Jenna Deibel, the Central Oregon Forestry and Natural Resources agent for OSU Extension and Sophie Escobar from the Warm Springs Branch of Natural Resources. They recently put on a Juniper 101 session for the community and share information about Juniper Trees.

Starla Green is the project manager for the Warm Springs Community Action Team Commissary Project. The project is finishing up their Food Cart Pod construction and will be moving on to the next phase of work to remodel the old Commissary Building to serve as a small business incubator. Green offers an update.

A look back at some of the powwow participants at Lincolns Powwow 2026 held in February at the Simnasho Longhouse on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation of Oregon.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) recently hosted a webinar entitled, “Know Your Rights: Tribal Citizens, Law Enforcement Encounters, and Practical Steps to Stay Safe” It focused on ensuring Tribal citizens know their rights when approached by immigration agents. NARF & NCAI wanted to provide clear, practical information that Tribal citizens and Tribal nations can use to make informed decisions and navigate uncertainty with confidence - offering supportive, grounded guidance and resources rooted in respect for tribal sovereignty, safety and dignity of our people. Beth Wright is from the Pueblo of Laguna and serves as the Senior Staff Attorney with the NARF team. Matt Campbell is a member of the Native Village of Gambell in Alaska. He is the Deputy Director of NARF. Leonard Fineday serves as NCAI’s General Counsel. He is a citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

The State of Indian Nations is delivered by the President of the National Congress of American Indians and serves as a formal address to Congress, the Administration, and the nation. The address outlines Indian Country’s priorities for the year ahead, grounded in Tribal sovereignty and nation-to-nation governance, and presents clear recommendations for federal action. This podcast includes comments from Jonas Kanusha and Angelia Serna, Co-Presidents of the National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission, NCAI President Mark and Senator Tina Smith with a congressional response.

The Museum at Warm Springs (2189 Highway 26 in Warm Springs) hosted Diné (Navajo) elder Lupita McClanahan from the Navajo Nation on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Lupita McClanahan grew up at Tse'gi (Rock Canyon), which is now known as Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. She was raised in secrecy by her clan’s medicine people so she could avoid the boarding schools and keep her culture alive. While the Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school system took Lupita away from her family and ancestral land, she used that experience to understand the contemporary world. She worked for years as a Park Service Ranger and has dedicated her life to building a bridge between the modern world and traditional Diné culture.

Updates from around the community

Native film producer Elise Beers came to the warm springs community to host a screening of her film titled “Braids”.

A visit with Dayle Tufti who helps coordinate the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Point in Time Count - that helps gather data about our unhoused population. The count was held Jan. 28, 2026 .

KWSO CPB CSG Funding Elimination Recap Jan 2026 - KWSO Warm Springs Program Podcast by KWSO Staff

Newly produced Legends for 2026, produced by KWSO Student Intern Riyah Stacona. For Native People from the Columbia river, its tributaries, the plateau region and beyond – wintertime telling of stories and legends has been a way to teach history, values, and connection to the land.

Newly produced Legends for 2026, produced by KWSO Student Intern Riyah Stacona. For Native People from the Columbia river, its tributaries, the plateau region and beyond – wintertime telling of stories and legends has been a way to teach history, values, and connection to the land.

Newly produced Legends for 2026, produced by KWSO Student Intern Riyah Stacona. For Native People from the Columbia river, its tributaries, the plateau region and beyond – wintertime telling of stories and legends has been a way to teach history, values, and connection to the land.

Newly produced Legends for 2026, produced by KWSO Student Intern Riyah Stacona. For Native People from the Columbia river, its tributaries, the plateau region and beyond – wintertime telling of stories and legends has been a way to teach history, values, and connection to the land.

Newly produced Legends for 2026, produced by KWSO Student Intern Riyah Stacona. For Native People from the Columbia river, its tributaries, the plateau region and beyond – wintertime telling of stories and legends has been a way to teach history, values, and connection to the land.

Newly produced Legends for 2026, produced by KWSO Student Intern Riyah Stacona. For Native People from the Columbia river, its tributaries, the plateau region and beyond – wintertime telling of stories and legends has been a way to teach history, values, and connection to the land.

A visit with John Charles about the 2026 Warm Springs Academy Youth Sports Camp - goals and activities making a difference for kids.

An interview with Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Tribal Elder Lola Sohappy. Conducted by the High Desert Museum & the Tribes' Culture & Heritage Program for Wasco Educational Curriculum .

The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board - Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center adolescent health team December 2025 Healthy Native Youth Community of Practice featuring winter storytelling. Anita Davis, of Warm Springs Oregon, shares some stories.

One food option in Warm Springs is Kikkis Delicias run by Dina Alonso. She shares her story, her menu, her love of cooking and more.

A visit with folks offering food in Warm Springs. Hear from Hustle Kitchen, Choices, Eagle Crossing, Twisted Teepee & Indian Head Casino's Tule Grill.

A compilation of audio from KWSO books we have shared with the community.

KWSO student intern Riyah Stacona surveys students at Madras High School to find out how they feel about journalism and what they do and don't trust about information sources.

Hear from local vendors and booths set up at the 2025 KWSO Native Market on the day before Thanksgiving on the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon

A visit with Gavin Begay of Warm Springs Prevention talking about Round Dance, Tobacco Prevention and connecting with youth learning about Drumming.

Fields Artist Fellowships are awarded every other year by the Oregon Community Foundation and Oregon Humanities. To be considered for a Fields Artist Fellowship, applicants should have: • At least five years of professional practice in an artistic discipline or combination of disciplines • At least three years of residence in Oregon (non-continuous) and the intent to reside in Oregon for the majority of the fellowship term (May of 2026 to May of 2028) • Demonstrable evidence of artistic practice that can engage with community groups and organizations and/or address community concerns The four fellows for 2024-2026 are: Myles de Bastion of Portland, Chava Florendo of Ashland, Eduardo Melendrez of Ontario and Scott Kalama of Warm Springs. Jodie Cavalier works for the Oregon Community Foundation for ARTS AND CULTURE During the two-year program, they visit the Oregon city of each fellow, usually in fall and spring. This month – they met here in Warm Springs and we spoke with each of them. I’m Sue Matters for Our People & Mother Earth on 91.9 FM KWSO

Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide, and according to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease. By 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. It is undeniable that the number of people living with dementia is growing, and it’s growing at an exceedingly high rate. Dr. Emily Morgon is a doctor at OHSU, and she was at the Elder’s Fair on the Warm Springs Reservation, providing information and advice to the local community about dementia and geriatric support.

Thanksgiving week information from youth of the Warm Springs K-8 Academy