Banks Fire District’s Hornshuh Creek Station. Photo: Banks Fire District Update: At 2:30 p.m., the Banks Fire District announced that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office had officially suspended the search for a possible missing aircraft somewhere in the Tillamook Forest. “Ultimately there have been no reports of missing planes/pilots and[Read More…]
TRANSPORTATION
Flood Watch issued beginning early Thursday morning
Debris floats down a swollen Gales Creek in February 2019. Photo: Chas Hundley Between snow levels rising and rain falling in the forecast, “expect rising river levels, with potential of some flooding,” starting Thursday morning, the Portland office of the National Weather Service said in a Flood Watch issued Tuesday[Read More…]
With snow likely around Christmas, local, state officials urge caution on roads, at home
A snow-covered Half Mile Lane on Tuesday, December 26, 2020. Photo: Chas Hundley As families across the state gear up for Christmas and finalize travel plans, the Portland office of the National Weather Service is warning that snow and freezing temperatures are increasingly likely beginning Friday, Christmas Eve. The latest[Read More…]
ODOT urges caution for travelers over Thanksgiving weekend
The junction of Highways 6 and 8 in Gales Creek on February 24, 2021. Photo: Chas Hundley Thanksgiving weekend is upon the United States, and the Oregon Department of Transportation is urging travelers to use caution during what is traditionally among the busiest travel weekends of the year. AAA Oregon/Idaho[Read More…]
Statewide vehicle title, registration fees to increase by three percent January 1
A vehicle drives near Gales Creek on Highway 6. Photo: Brenda Schaffer The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced a “historic transportation investment” that beginning January 1, 2022 increases by 3 percent fees for renewing vehicle license plates, getting new trip permits, and applying for vehicle titles. The 3 percent[Read More…]
County could face delays obtaining anti-icing materials this winter
A Washington County Land Use and Transportation anti-icing truck applies liquid magnesium chloride to Gales Creek Road just east of downtown Gales Creek in 2019, photo courtesy LUT Global supply chain disruptions have come to Washington County, and they have and could continue to impact county road work projects. “The[Read More…]
It’s studded tire season, but consider alternatives, ODOT says
A studded tire. File photo: Chas Hundley Today marks the first day you can legally use studded tires on Oregon roads. The Oregon Department of Transportation would rather you didn’t. “Our latest study concluded studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage each year on state highways,” ODOT said in[Read More…]
Oregon’s salmon plates get a refreshed look
An example of the new design, courtesy Oregon Parks and Recreation Department A new design for Oregon salmon license plates will be available to vehicle owners September 1, 2021, and the money from plate sales will go toward salmon habitat and restoration. The salmon plate VIP list auction opens for[Read More…]
Willamette Falls Locks Authority created by Oregon Legislature to explore reopening locks
The Willamette Falls on August 6, 2018. Photo: Chas Hundley The Oregon House of Representatives passed a bill with a 54-3 vote creating the Willamette Falls Locks Authority, a public corporation establishing ownership, management, and oversight so the waterfall’s locks could someday reopen for the first time since 2011. House[Read More…]
County seeks two applicants for regional transportation commission
A map that shows the general area of the NWACT in Washington County. Photo courtesy Washington County Land Use and Transportation Want to advise the Oregon Transportation Commission on transportation issues in rural western Washington County? Two positions — each for a two-year term — on a little-known regional commission[Read More…]
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