Fire danger, the fair, and bad bugs in this week’s newsletter!
News
As Kotek Scrambles to Save ODOT Union Jobs, Here Are Positions Being Cut and Vacated
The lists of proposed layoffs and elimination of unfilled vacancies at the Oregon Department of Transportation show that the impact of the cuts will hit all across the state, as will the closure of a dozen maintenance stations. See the list for yourself.
Washington County Fair returns July 18 through July 27
The annual Washington County Fair is set to return to Hillsboro July 18 through July 27, offering guests 10 days of free admission, family fun, live entertainment, animals, carnival rides and fair food.
Gov. Kotek declares statewide emergency over wildfires
On Wednesday, July 16, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency over the wildfires at the request of the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
Welding believed to have sparked four-acre fire north of Forest Grove
According to Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, about four acres of grass field and some adjacent brush were burned Sunday evening near the intersection of NW Thatcher Road and NW Kemper Road. The cause appeared to be a welding job in the middle of the field that went awry, the agency said.
Oregon’s emerald ash borer infestation was first discovered in western Washington County. Now they’re back.
A pest that has destroyed over 10 million ash trees across the eastern United States is expected to reach its peak emergence in Oregon this month. First discovered in Oregon in trees growing at Forest Grove’s Joseph Gale Elementary School, the insects are expected to devastate Oregon’s ash trees.
NWS issues Heat Advisory, Extreme Heat Watch
The Portland office of the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Sunday, July 13 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and an Extreme Heat Watch from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.
Fire danger to rise to ‘High’ Monday
The Oregon Department of Forestry is raising fire danger from moderate to high Monday in NW-02 and NW-03, the eastern and central portions of the Tillamook Forest and surrounding areas, including regions in and near Gales Creek and Glenwood.
ODOT chief details layoffs in staff email
“Today, 483 current ODOT employees will be notified that they will be laid off as of July 31,” Strickler wrote in the email at 8:37 am. Monday.
Gales Creek Journal Independence Day Newsletter | July 4, 2025
Chief urges rural fire board to take ownership, a Gales Creek resident skips oath of office to fight wildfire, a list of Gales Creek roads with paving coming soon and more in this week’s email newsletter.
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