Juliet Grable and her husband bought their house near Ashland in 2014. The property is surrounded by trees, and the two were familiar with southern Oregon’s dry summers, so they were aware that they’d be subject to wildfire risks. “Anyone who’s lived here for any amount of time and is[Read More…]
OREGON
Oregon gun safety measure poised to appear on November ballot
Supporters of a gun safety ballot initiative say they have gathered more than enough signatures to guarantee a statewide vote on a law that would require licenses for all gun owners.
Brush up now on wildfire evacuation levels
It’s been a wet spring in this region, but with summer weather on the way, fire danger will soon rise. For those who live in and at the edge of wilderness areas, now is the time to brush up on evacuation procedures, the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) said. [Read More…]
Oregon to join most states in compensating the wrongfully convicted
Wrongfully convicted Oregonians will now be eligible for financial compensation for time of false imprisonment. On March 24, Gov. Kate Brown signed the Oregon Justice for Exonerees Act, which allows compensation for wrongful convictions. Victims will be able to receive money, housing assistance, counseling, a sealing of their records and[Read More…]
State takes next steps on plan to protect threatened species in western forests
A plan to protect critical animal habitat in nearly 640,000 acres of western Oregon state forests is moving towards its final stages. An environmental impact review of the Western Forests Habitat Conservation Plan was released March 18, and Oregonians have 60 days to submit their thoughts and concerns to the National Oceanic[Read More…]
Studded tire season ends Thursday, March 31
The deadline to remove studded tires from your vehicle is March 31, the Oregon Department of Transportation said. While the deadline has moved in the past due to the pandemic, this year, the deadline show’s that it’s business as usual at ODOT when it comes to getting the road-chewing studded[Read More…]
Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen returns to work after weeks of recovery
Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen during a press conference held December 17, 2021. Photo from YouTube Patrick Allen, the director of the Oregon Health Authority, returned to duty this week after a long absence. The agency declined to respond to requests for more information. He was working at his[Read More…]
Oregon Legislature passes bill mandating overtime pay for farmworkers
Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, called the farmworker overtime bill a “good beginning.” (Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Oregon is headed towards becoming the eighth state to mandate overtime pay for farmworkers. The pay bill passed its final legislative hurdle on Thursday and heads to Gov. Kate Brown, who appears ready[Read More…]
Oregon will divest Russian investments, Treasurer Read says
State Treasurer Tobias Read announced Thursday that Oregon will dispose of its investments with the Russian government and Russian companies. (Oregon State Treasury) Oregon will dispose of about $137 million invested with the Russian government and Russian companies over the country’s invasion of Ukraine, state Treasurer Tobias Read announced Thursday. [Read More…]
Oregon, California, Washington will lift most mask mandates on March 12
File photo: Chas Hundley In a surprise move, Gov. Kate Brown said Monday that Oregon, Washington and California will jointly lift their indoor mask mandate on March 12. Masks will no longer be required in schools but state officials will recommend they still be used, according to a news release.[Read More…]
