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Squirrel caused power outage that impacted over 14,000 customers, Pacific Power says
UPDATE, 1:20 p.m.: The outages were caused by a squirrel, Pacific Power told NewsWatch 12. "Some of our equipment are placed on enhanced safety settings and when there is a fault detected the lines de-energize within fractions of second," Pacific Power told NewsWatch 12 in an email. "These settings result in lines being de-energized more rapidly when there is a fault, which is commonly caused by animals, birds, or airborne debris coming into contact with our equipment. The animal (squirrel) interference caused the transmission outage in Ashland, leading to outages in Medford and Talent."
Oregon to get a massive 900 MW solar + battery storage project
Brookfield Renewable US has filed a Notice of Intent to develop one of Oregon’s largest solar + battery storage projects. The 900-megawatt (MW) Speedway Solar and Battery Storage Project will be east of the city of Grass Valley in Sherman County and will span roughly 9,500 acres on privately owned land. It’s named as such because it’s near an operating racetrack. Brookfield has not yet shared how much battery storage it intends to use, but the solar farm could potentially power up to 150,000 households.
Temperatures from 102 to 108 degrees predicted on Thursday and Friday
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning at 12:56 p.m. on Wednesday valid from Thursday 11 a.m. until Friday 8 p.m. for Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Oregon, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, John Day Basin, Foothills of the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon and Foothills of the Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon as well as Wallowa County.
Hundreds of jobs including mascot up for grabs at Oregon State Fair job fair
SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — If you've ever wanted a job as a mascot, this could be your chance. The Oregon State Fair is looking to hire hundreds of people for this year's celebration. One of those jobs is the fair mascot, Sunny the Sunflower. The fair will hold its...
Sheriff: 2 drivers with ‘alarmingly’ high blood-alcohol levels involved in Clackamas Co. crashes
CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV) - Two drivers with “alarmingly” high blood-alcohol content levels were arrested over the weekend following separate crashes, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. The first crash happened just before 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, on Southeast Monterey Avenue near Southeast 82nd...
Here’s Where 12 Big Lots Stores Are Closing in Washington State
Here’s Where 12 Big Lots Stores Are Closing in Washington State. So many retailers are closing these days and sadly a Washington State favorite is closing twelve stores in the PNW. Is Big Lots Closing In Washington State? What Stores Are Closing In WA?. I remember the first time...
Washington State Considering Killing Gray Wolves After Livestock Deaths
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is considering killing wolves after an investigation confirmed the predation of livestock in Stevens County. WDFW reports three calves were killed and four were injured near Colville in late July. The location was in the range of the Dominion pack. Wolves in the...
Clear, sunny skies and average temps before the triple digits return to the lowlands
Air Quality Alert for Yakima, Chelan, Okanogan, and Ferry Counties in Washington until further notice…. Regional wildfire smoke can impact respiratory issues, irritate eyes, and cause a scratchy throat. Sensitive groups in Eastern Washington and Oregon could be at risk for smoke inhalation if air quality continues to worsen. Wildfire...
Mayor Lisa Brown honors late Washington Representative and trailblazer
SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Tuesday to honor former Washington State Representative Georgette Valle. The order coincides with a request from Governor Jay Inslee’s office to honor the late representative, who served in the Legislature over a span of four decades.
Vernonia Friendship Jamboree and Logging Show returns
The longest-running logging show on the West Coast will return this week, as the Vernonia Friendship Jamboree and Logging Show will have chainsaws revving and crowds cheering. The event will happen in Vernonia and span three days, from Aug. 2 to Aug. 4. Jamboree Board President Roby Brewer said he and organizers are hoping to see around 8-10 thousand people attending the festivities over the course of the jamboree. Though he said the festival has been around since 1956, attendees should expect some fun new...
Invasive green crabs linked to decline of shrimp, clam populations
In the serene waters of Willapa Bay, a silent invader is causing a stir among scientists and local communities. The European green crab has been linked to the decline of shrimp, clam and crab populations, posing a threat to biodiversity and local economies. The green crab is an invasive species...
Man suspected of groping a child arrested
The man suspected of groping a child in a Southeast Portland grocery store has been arrested. On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at approximately 7:25 p.m., an alert community member called 911 to report the location of the man suspected of groping a child in a Southeast Portland grocery store. Officers responded to the area of Southeast 52nd Avenue and Southeast Duke Street and arrested Adam M. Caldwell, 42, of Portland. Caldwell was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center and lodged on the following charge: Sex Abuse in the Third Degree.
Rep. Maxine Dexter announces early resignation from Oregon House of Representatives
Rep. Maxine Dexter has resigned from the Oregon House of Representatives, effective Aug. 31, in order to provide an onramp for the next Representative of House District 33 and allow them to hire staff and prepare bills.
Missing 13-year-old runaway from Gresham
GRESHAM Ore. (KPTV) - Gresham police are currently searching for a teen girl runaway from Gresham and is currently missing her medication. Ceciliah Greene reportedly left her home without permission in the 1300 block of Northeast 8 Street at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Greene is familiar with TriMet. She...
WA art exhibit underscores need for action to save orca
An art exhibit in Seattle is highlighting the dire situation for orca off the coast of Washington. The show, called SUPER POD: All Together features all the members of the endangered Southern Resident orca pods. Gabriel Newton, the artist behind the project, painted the whales in acrylic on 45 pieces...