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Oregon Governor optimistic about economy, even as revenue projections slip
(The Center Square) - Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed optimism in response to the state's September revenue forecast, even as long-term economic problems loom. “It is encouraging to see that our economy continues to be stable, with healthy workforce participation in key sectors," Kotek said in a statement. "The forecast urges an emphasis on core programs and holding our ground on Oregonians’ top priorities.”The report released by the Department of Administrative Services this week said the resources available in the current 2023 to 2025 biennium...
Vaccine hesitancy eats into back-to-school shots
A recent measles outbreak in Oregon is refocusing attention on declining childhood vaccination rates as kids head back to school. Why it matters: Lingering vaccine hesitancy from the pandemic is evident in pediatricians' offices as more parents opt out of the shots for measles, chicken pox, and whooping cough, among others, using non-medical religious exemptions.
Hermiston City Council votes to reduce food truck restrictions
HERMISTON, Ore. — More food trucks may be coming to the City of Hermiston. The Hermiston City Council voted Monday night to update the city’s mobile food vendor ordinance, reducing restrictions. The existing food truck regulations, before this, went back to 2013.
Finley residents asked to take survey on Lineage Fire response
FINLEY, Wash.-Residents near the Finley Logistics Warehouse Fire are being asked to complete a survey on the health impacts of the fire. The Benton-Franklin Health District mailed the survey, along with a letter and prepaid return envelope, to residents within a one-mile radius of the fire in Aug. and is asking for residents to return them by the end of the month.
Hermiston Linebacker Club to Meet on Sept. 5 at Desert Lanes
The Hermiston Linebacker Club will be host its first lunch meeting of the year from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Desert Lanes Bowling Alley, 1545 N. 1st St. Hermiston Head Football Coach David Faaeteete will go over highlights from the previous season as well as upcoming games.
Grass fire shuts down I-84
MISSION – (From the Confederated Umatilla Journal on Instagram) The Umatilla Tribal Fire Department battled and contained a grass fire on Tuesday, Aug. 27 along South Market Road south of the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. UTFD Chief James Hall said that at approximately 4:20 p.m. the UTFD received a...
Oregon economists predict nearly $1 billion kicker tax credit in 2026
Oregon economists estimate taxpayers could see a nearly $1 billion kicker in 2026 — up from an earlier forecast of $582 million — based on the September revenue forecast presented to state lawmakers Wednesday morning. “From an economic perspective we’re doing as well as we could have hoped for,” said acting chief...
Fish are swimming the Klamath River freely for the first time in more than a century
KLAMATH RIVER – Fish are now swimming freely in the Klamath River for the first time in more than 100 years, thanks to collaboration between the state, federal and tribal partners. The Klamath River restoration project – the largest such effort in American history – is working to remove...
Mass killing of barred owls by trained shooters may start in Oregon next spring
As soon as next spring, barred owls will be shot in the woods in a plan finalized Wednesday. As many as 450,000 barred owls could be killed in three states over the next 30 years in an effort to save the spotted owl. Trained shooters will target barred owls over...
NTSB shares new details on pilot's fatal crash fighting Oregon wildfires
IZEE, Ore. — A pilot helping fight the Falls wildfire in eastern Oregon turned into an area with "visibility concerns" before his fatal crash, according to a preliminary investigation report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The report doesn't identify why the pilot's plane veered toward an area with...
Winter is Coming: To Areas Of Oregon & Washington
The time of year that many of us dread is about to hit, and hit hard!. No, I’m not talking about “Pumpkin Spice” everything (although that’s not far off). I’m talking about WINTER! The first cold snap! Jack Frost is paying his yearly visit!. Depending...
Firefighters return from fighting fires in Oregon and California
Firefighters from the North Tooele Fire District recently returned from a short deployment in Oregon and California, where they aided firefighters in fighting three wildfires. Five firefighters, a brush truck, and a water tender left the station on July 21. Firefighters from the NTFD are a part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a smaller group within the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which allows fire departments to request resources and help from neighboring states and communities and, in return, offer help themselves if neighboring departments are in need of assistance. Through EMAC, a Utah task force was put together, consisting of 12 fire agencies in the state enrolled in the program, according to Jon Smith, North Tooele Fire District’s public information officer.
The next chapter in Oregon’s fight against fentanyl starts next week
Oregon is about to embark on a new experiment as it seeks to stem the tide of fentanyl overdoses across the state. Starting Sunday, 14 counties in Oregon will start deflection programs that are intended to help people enter recovery and avoid criminal charges and jail. The timing of the programs coincides with the start […]
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