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ODOT warns I-84, other highways in Eastern Oregon may be closed as wildfires continue
The Oregon Department of Transportation is warning drivers trying to get to Eastern Oregon that many highways, including Interstate 84, may be closed due to the numerous wildfires burning on that side of the state. The largest is the Durkee Fire, which is right next to I-84 in areas between...
Wildfires threaten communities in the West as Oregon fire closes interstate, creates its own weather
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Firefighters in the West are scrambling as wildfires threaten communities in Oregon, California and Washington, with at least one Oregon fire so large that it is creating its own weather. Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon was closed in both directions Tuesday between Ontario and Baker City as flames from the Durkee fire advanced toward the roadway in multiple locations. The Oregon Department of Transportation also closed the eastbound lanes of I-84 from Pendleton to Baker City and warned Tuesday night that travelers should expect continued highway closures in eastern Oregon as fire crews actively fight fire from the interstate. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday night authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the lightning-caused blaze that started July 17. It had scorched nearly 375 square miles (971 square kilometers) as of Tuesday afternoon. The Durkee fire was threatening homes in and around the communities of Durkee, Huntington and Rye Valley, as well as the interstate, cell towers and power infrastructure in the area. Fire crews and equipment from 22 states were battling the blaze as of Tuesday, authorities said.
TravisMathew clothing opens first store in Oregon at Washington Square mall
TravisMathew, an upscale men’s and women’s lifestyle store from Huntington Beach, California, opened its first Oregon store in Washington Square mall on Monday, July 22. Founded in 2007, the store distinguishes itself as drawing inspiration from “laid-back living and the idea that comfort and style should always go hand in hand.” The opening marks the 54th brick-and-mortar store for the company, which offers dress-up, dress-down and active-wear styles of clothing. ...
Smoky conditions come into Treasure Valley, impacting air quality
BOISE, Idaho — With two large fires burning in eastern Oregon, the impacts are being felt heavily in the Treasure Valley. Between the Cow Valley Fire and the Durkee Fire, more than 200,000 acres have been burned in the Malheur Reservoir area in Oregon. For some in Idaho, they...
Wildfire threats cause campfire bans at some state parks
The increasingly dry conditions in Oregon’s forests and grasslands, partially to blame for a rash of nearly a dozen large wildfires across the state, are now impacting state parks as well. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Tuesday, July 23, it has banned campfires at most state parks in response to the dry conditions, threatening wildfires and the strain on firefighter resources as the season progresses. Campfires have been...
Oregon receives $197 million for green energy projects from EPA
(The Center Square) - The United States Environmental Protection Agency (will provide Oregon with $197 million from the taxpayer-funded federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program.“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a critical strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Governor Tina Kotek said in a statement. “When I was Speaker of the House, I fought for ambitious GHG reduction goals. This investment is not only an affirmation of Oregon’s collective efforts to combat climate change, but a significant down payment on our ability to meet our reduction goals with a statewide approach. I want to thank Oregon’s congressional delegation for...
Oregon Housing and Community Services Awarded More Than $11 Million to Increase Energy Efficiency in Affordable Housing
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services is set to receive more than $11 million in federal funding to increase energy efficiency in affordable housing. The award is part of a nearly $200 million federal grant Oregon received from the Environmental Protection Agency. “This is the largest climate...
Hayden Homes VP Deborah Flagan appointed to governor’s Regional Solutions Advisory Committee
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Hayden Homes Vice President of Community Engagement and Giving Deborah Flagan is grateful to be selected to join Governor Tina Kotek’s Regional Solutions Advisory Committee (RSAC) for the Central Oregon Region. The appointment was announced earlier this month. The committee will provide input and recommendations...
TravelCenters of America opens four locations in South Carolina, Oregon, and Nevada
TravelCenters of America (TA) announced the opening of four locations in South Carolina, Oregon, and Nevada. In June 2024, TA acquired and opened stores in Cowpens, South Carolina and Coburg, Oregon. Last week, TA opened two franchised truck stop locations in Henderson, Nevada. See below for amenities at each of...
Spotlight’s Scott Keith wins statewide award
The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association has bestowed a major award on Columbia County Spotlight reporter Scott Keith. The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association presented the awards in its Better Newspaper Contest on Thursday, July 18, at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond. The association recognized reporters and editors across the Portland region and the Spotlight’s sister publications for their outstanding coverage. Keith won second place in the Best Feature Story category for...
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