Columbus
Columbia County Spotlight
Appeals court hears arguments in Oregon lawsuit on Department of Human Services protections for LGBTQ kids
A federal appeals panel heard arguments Tuesday, July 9, in a Malheur County woman’s lawsuit that challenges state adoption rules intended to protect LGBTQ children on the basis of religious and free speech rights. Jessica Bates, who lives in Vale, sued the state in U.S. District Court in Portland in April 2023 after the Oregon Department of Human Services blocked her from qualifying as an adoptive parent. The state requires adoptive parents to support LGBTQ children they adopt — something that goes against Bates’ Christian...
Four tips to make a yard less attractive to ticks
Backyards are ideal places to spend warm afternoons soaking up some sun. Lazy days in the yard are a big part of what makes warm weather seasons like spring and summer so appealing. But those afternoons can quickly go off the rails when an unwelcome visitor makes its presence known. Ticks can be found throughout the world, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that only a select few types of ticks transmit bacteria, viruses, parasites, or pathogens that cause diseases in people....
Citizens can vent at a St. Helens Town Hall featuring U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden’s constituents in Columbia County will be able to bend his ear at an upcoming town hall, scheduled for Sunday, July 14, at St. Helens Middle School. The 1 p.m. gathering, open to all, will allow citizens to probe the senator on both national and local concerns. Heading into four town halls, including stops in Linn, Yamhill and Jackson counties, Wyden will have held 1,089 of these...
Troy's four hits aren't enough in Hillsboro's 9-4 loss to Tri-City
Tommy Troy brought his game, but unfortunately for one of the very few times this season, Avery Short didn’t, and the result was a 9-4 Hops defeat to Tri-City on July 9, at Hillsboro Ballpark. Troy finished game with four hits, but Short — who has an ERA of 2.87 this season — allowed six earned runs on eight hits in just 2.2 innings of work, with the bulk of the damage coming in the third inning. ...
Legislator calls for review of camping restrictions
A state legislator has urged leaders to set up a review of Oregon’s 2021 law requiring cities to follow “objectively reasonable” standards when they regulate the time, place and manner of camping on public property. Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, said in a letter released to colleagues on Tuesday, July 9, that a review is warranted in the aftermath of a June 28 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that upheld the authority of Grants Pass to regulate such camping. The decision effectively overturned a 2018...
Our TV picks for Thursday, July 11: The 2024 ESPYS; Don’t Forget the Lyrics!; Deadly Wives Club
The 2024 ESPYS KATU 8 p.m. Live from the Dolby Theatre in LA, tennis legend Serena Williams hosts as numerous celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment gather to celebrate outstanding achievement, spectacular moments and leading performers from the past year in sports. Don’t Forget the Lyrics! ...
Leftover produce from your harvest? Columbia Pacific Food Bank wants to collect it
The Columbia Pacific Food Bank is initiating a program that will bring more fruits and veggies to plates of those in the county facing food insecurity. The gleaning program at the Columbia Pacific Food Bank, overseen by Al Grabhorn, food bank generalist, will operate throughout the harvest season. Produce collected from local farmers will be distributed through Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s network of partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs. ...
Oregon among 27 states with illnesses linked to mushroom-derived candies
Oregon is one of 27 states with cases of a severe and acute illness associated with a brand of candies that contain a potentially harmful chemical found in mushrooms, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. So far, Oregon has had only one reported case. That patient recovered from the illness. CDC reports there now are 58 cases across the country, with 30 hospitalizations. One death also is being investigated. ...
Kroger-Albertsons announces sale of stores across Portland metro area
Kroger-Albertsons has released a list of stores in the Portland metro area that they expect to sell to a New Hampshire-based chain, C&S Wholesale Grocers, as part of a nationwide, $2.9 billion deal. The Kroger chain includes Safeway, Albertson and QFC. The change is happening across the country. Locally, stores to change ownership are in Portland and many of its suburbs. ...
PCC Foundation Board of Trustees welcomes five new members
There are five new faces among the Portland Community College Foundation Board of Trustees. The new trustees are Abby Coppock, an independent consultant; Brigid Flanigan of Tenfold Senior Living; Elaine Charpentier Philippi of M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust; Sama Shagaga of Northwest Natural; and Rich Truitt, a retiree of Indian Health Service. “It is with great excitement that we welcome our new board members to the Portland Community College Foundation,” said...
Honoring veterans in St. Helens one more podium, flag at a time
In time to celebrate America's birthday, St. Helens' VFW put the finishing touches on a monument aimed at honoring those who have died defending the country's freedom. Judge Advocate Gene Hester, serving with VFW Post 1440, was on hand Thursday, July 4, at McCormick Park, to help dedicate podiums and flags at the Veterans Memorial Plaza. The Veterans Memorial wall honors those who have died in conflict, from World War...
Evanson: Bronny James may be doing things the old fashioned way, but he's definitely not earning it
How are you feeling about Bronny James? The 19-year-old son of LeBron James was recently drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and by doing so, the famed franchise and its star forward started another painstaking conversation about what’s right, along with who’s right or wrong for doing it? But while you can argue endlessly about whether the NBA star’s first born deserves the opportunity, what you can’t argue is whether...
Home Energy Spotlight: Why weatherization is one of the best ways to save energy, money
Before spending money on bigger items like a new heat pump, furnace or air conditioner, one of the best and first things to consider when looking for ways to save energy at home is weatherization. Weatherization includes a variety of improvements that all do the same thing: they keep air from coming in or out of your home through gaps, cracks and other openings. That means your heating and cooling system uses less energy to keep your home comfortable. Weatherization can include small but effective...
Survey: Oregonians wary of artificial intelligence
Oregonians are apprehensive about artificial intelligence, a recent survey from the nonpartisan Oregon Values and Beliefs Center found. The Portland-based nonprofit regularly surveys Oregonians about their opinions on matters of public interest. Its latest research on artificial intelligence comes as the state grapples with how to handle the emerging technology. Earlier this year, the Oregon Legislature passed a law to crack down on artificial intelligence used by political campaigns to mislead voters, and Gov. Tina Kotek formed a new advisory council. ...
Signatures submitted for two Oregon ballot initiatives
Advocates await word on whether they have gathered enough valid signatures to qualify their ballot initiatives for Oregon’s Nov. 5 general election. One proposed measure would rebate $750 per Oregonian annually, funded by a 3% surcharge on the current minimum tax paid by businesses with annual Oregon sales of at least $25 million. (The law sets $30,000 as the minimum for these businesses.) The sole sponsor is Antonio Gisbert of...
Our TV picks for Wednesday, July 10: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire; Dynamic Planet; Claim to Fame
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire KATU 8 p.m. Celebrity contestants can use their lifelines once more as Jimmy Kimmel returns as host in this season premiere. The questions get harder and harder as celebs work in pairs for a chance to win up to $1 million for charities of their choosing. Dynamic Planet ...
Columbia County fire chiefs report low number of heat-related calls
Talking with fire agencies in Columbia County on Monday, July 8, it appears most have been following hot weather tips during this first brutal heat wave of 2024. “I would say we were probably status quo,” Columbia River Fire & Rescue Chief Eric Smythe said. “We ran the same, roughly, number of calls we normally do. Obviously, we have periods of time that are busier than others.” CRF&R recorded two...
2024 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe is EV version of legendary BMW sedans
For years BMW has flourished by offering exceptional base models and a range of more powerful and better handling M versions for more money. That has allowed buyers who want to save money to afford a genuine BMW car or SUV, while enthusiasts with money can fulfill their dreams. Now BMW has committed to an electrified future and is applying the same strategy to its EVs. A case in point is the i4, an all-electric four door hatchback that straddles the line between a compact...
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