Following a story published March 21 about Metro’s Killin Wetlands property expanding by 52 acres, several readers reached out and asked for a map showing the new acreage. At this newspaper’s request, Metro created a map showing the expanded area recently purchased by the regional government. Located to the south[Read More…]
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ODOT begins study process after passage of Highway 6 bill
With the ink barely dry on Governor Kate Brown’s signature on a bill requiring the Oregon Department of Transportation to study Highway 6 and make repair recommendations to the legislature no later than September 15, 2023, ODOT is already at work on their newly mandated task. “ODOT has issued a[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…]
Merkley to hold digital, phone town hall Wednesday for Washington Co. residents
Washington County residents will have the opportunity to hear from and provide input to Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley at a Washington County-specific digital town hall scheduled for Wednesday, April 6 starting at 4:30 p.m. “Hearing from Oregonians across the state is critical to doing my job. In these uncertain times,[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…]
Gales Creek Library shifts hours
Operating since 2011—with a two-year pause for Covid reasons—the public library housed inside the Gales Creek School (9125 NW Sargent Rd) is now open Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Previously, the library was open 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The library, the smallest in Washington County, is run by two[Read More…]
Balm Grove Dam removal rescheduled for summer of 2022
Plans to move the stalled Balm Grove Dam removal project forward are back, the Tualatin River Watershed Council announced Wednesday evening. In an email, TRWC Executive Director Scott McEwen said that removal of the decades-old concrete dam will begin this summer. “Removal of the structure and restoration of the site[Read More…]
Man still missing after three weeks of searching in Coast Range
A man believed to have gone missing at the summit of the Coast Range near Highway 6 and Storey Burn Road has yet to be found after nearly a month of searching. Now, while the case remains open, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has no new searches planned for the[Read More…]
Metro adds 52 acres to Killin Wetlands area between Banks and Gales Creek
The Metro-owned property between Banks and Gales Creek betwixt Highway 6 and Cedar Canyon Road grew by 52 acres, Metro said in a press release, adding to the natural area connected to a public park opened there in 2018. More than one square mile—or 640 acres—of peat soil wetlands is[Read More…]