Page 2 Spilyay Tymoo, Warm Springs, Oregon June 17, 2020 Your vote I would like to thank the voters of Warm Springs and surrounding areas that came out to vote in the May 19 Primary Election. This was the first year our Oregon mail-in ballots included pre- paid postage to return bal- lots! I am excited about this and hope this positive change will make it easier to for all of us to vote. During this time of Covid-19, and our need to stay safe and healthy, it is dif- ficult to meet with people and learn more about indi- vidual and community needs. I hope people will come to know I am open to being contacted to learn about the cares and concerns of your communities. One thing Covid-19 has brought out into the open is the lack of internet access and bandwidth for those of us living in rural communi- ties. Senators Wyden and Merkley are working dili- gently, and have written and introduced legislation “aimed at ensuring all k-12 students have adequate home internet connectivity and devices.” This would include resources for tribal schools and librar- ies. I strongly support this and other legislation that would bring needed resources to our communities. We have another big elec- tion coming up, the General Election on November 3. I encourage you to make your voice heard by voting; and remind your neighbor and relatives to vote, as it takes all of us to make change. And while I am on the ballot for Jefferson County Commissioner again, and want to earn your vote, most important is that you vote! Please contact me at 541- 980-6371 if you have ques- tions or concerns that I need to be aware of or should gain understanding about. Thanks again to the vot- ers of Warm Springs! Kim Schmith, kim- schmith26@gmail.com Congratulations, 2020 Graduates! Congratulations, Jessi Wahnetah, 2020 graduate of St. Mar y’s Academy in Portland, where she helped found the First Nations Club. Katla is Kate Jackson, and her Tila is Richard Craig. Births Eiden Rose Wagner James Wagner and Marlanea Lynn (Manion) Wagner of Culver are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Eiden Rose Wagner, born on June 12, 2020. Eiden joins sister Adelia Lynn, almost 2. Grandparents on the father’s side are Linda and Jerry Wagner of Drain, Or- egon. Grandparents on the mother’s side are atwai Kelli Muskopf of Madras; and Eddie Manion of Warm Springs. Katrina Hazel Kalama Katherine S. Kalama of Madras is pleased to an- Summer Solstice this Saturday In the Northern Hemi- sphere, the June solstice— also called the Summer Sol- stice—occurs when the sun reaches both its highest and northernmost points in the sky, marking the beginning of summer. This year the Summer Solstice happens on Satur- day, June 20. After the sol- stice, the sun appears to re- verse course and head back in the opposite direction. The Summer Solstice is the day with the longest pe- riod of sunlight: The sun appears highest in the sky at the solstice. In the Southern Hemi- sphere the June solstice marks the beginning of winter. The word ‘solstice’ comes from Latin solstitium—from sol (sun) and stitium (still or stopped). nounce the birth of her daughter Katrina Hazel Kalama, born on June 12, 2020. Katrina joins brothers Micah, 5, and Deigo, 1; and sister Bella, 3. Grandparent on the father’s side is Donald J. Hoptowit of Warm Springs. Grandparent on the mother’s side is Tamera J. Kalama of Warm Springs. James Wyatt Bemrose Ike Bemrose and Dayna Bemrose of Madras are pleased to announce the birth of their son James Wyatt Bemrose, born on May 26, 2020. Grandfather on the father’s side is Chet Bemrose. Grandmother on the mother’s side is Amy Eagleton. COCC celebrates 2020 graduates More than 600 col- lege degrees and certifi- cates are being conferred at the Central Oregon Community College’s 2020 commencement. The commencement was originally set for last Saturday, and has since been moved instead to a web for mat due to Covid-19 restrictions. A compilation of videoed presentations, now accessible, will de- liver the customar y, from the graduate ad- dress to the conferment of diplomas. The col- lege has also invited 2020 graduates to walk in next year’s ceremony. Sonya Littledeer- Evans—a 1997 COCC graduate and now the deputy director of the Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice Depart- ment—provides this year’s recorded graduate address. The college weighed many options in reshaping the event. In the end the college decided to offer its students the classic tradi- tions, albeit prerecorded, said Ron Paradis, COCC spokesperson. Graduates received packets in advance that in- cluded a congratulatory let- ter from COCC president Dr. Laurie Chesley; and a COCC 2020 mortarboard tassel. The college also cel- ebrated graduates across its social media channels, sharing stu- dents’ photos and de- grees on Facebook and Instagram. The college’s summer term begins on June 22. Looking ahead, the college plans to offer some in-person instruc- tion at all campuses this fall, along with online, remote and hybrid op- tions for students, though the college is pre- pared to move to fully remote or online in- struction if directed by state guidelines. For more informa- tion call Ron at 541-383- 7599. Registration has started for COCC’s Summer Term for Adult Basic Skills Class. Due to Covid-19, clases will be offered through a combi- nation of remote and online instruc- tion. Essential Com- munication class will be Monday and Wednesday after- noons; and Essen- tials of Math will be Tuesday and Thursday after- noons. To learn more and sign up email: jjudd@cocc.edu Or call the ABS office at 541-504- 2950.