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On this day, July 27, 2020, the mayors of Portland, Oregon, and five other major US cities appealed to Congress to make it illegal for the federal government to deploy militarized agents to cities that don't want their presence.

Also on this day, July 27, 2020, US agents declared an unlawful assembly, and just after 1 a.m., confronted protesters on the street and worked for hours to clear the area. Several people were seen being detained, but it was not immediately clear how many may were arrested.

Also on this day, June 27, 1859 US General William S. Harney sent troops to San Juan island -- in what is now Washington State -- to face the British in the Pig War, which was a dispute started by a British pig eating potatoes out of an American farmer's field.




Post an Event


TRUMP TRAIN RALLY
Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 12:00 pm
ALL ABOARD THE LINN COUNTY TRUMP TRAIN! Tail gate BBQ / Guest Speakers / Meet and Greet This is a non-partisan event. All Trump Supporters are welcome THE RIDE STARTS approximately 1:30PM ROUTE: to be determined Presented with local sponsorship by Linn County Conservative Alliance Trump, patriot, Americana, caps,flags, t-shirts and other merchandise available on-site. Profits support conservative and traditional values candidates. https://indd.adobe.com/view/902ce3bb-72b5-4f03-9c74-b71fcdbb6aad
Location: Linn County Fair / Expo parking lot. 3700 Knox Butte Road E. Albany, OR 97322



TRUMP TRAIN RALLY
Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 12:00 pm
ALL ABOARD THE LINN COUNTY TRUMP TRAIN! Tail gate BBQ / Guest Speakers / Meet and Greet This is a non-partisan event. All Trump Supporters are welcome THE RIDE STARTS approximately 1:30PM ROUTE: to be determined Presented with local sponsorship by Linn County Conservative Alliance Trump, patriot, Americana, caps,flags, t-shirts and other merchandise available on-site. Profits support conservative and traditional values candidates. https://indd.adobe.com/view/902ce3bb-72b5-4f03-9c74-b71fcdbb6aad
Location: Linn County Fair / Expo parking lot. 3700 Knox Butte Road E. Albany, OR 97322



Clatsop County Fair
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://clatsopcofair.com/
July 30 - August 3
Clatsop County Fair & Expo



Malheur County Fair
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.malheurcountyfair.com
July 30 - August 3
Malheur County Fairgrounds - Desert Sage Event Center



Benton County Fair & Rodeo
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
bceventcentercorvallis.net
July 31 - August 3, 2024
Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds



Deschutes County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://expo.deschutes.org/
July 31 - August 4
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center



Union County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.unioncountyfair.org
July 31 - August 3
Union County Fairgrounds



Yamhill County Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.co.yamhill.or.us/fair
July 31 - August 3
Yamhill County Fairgrounds



Klamath County Fair
Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.klamathcountyfair.com/
August 1-4
Klamath County Fair



Wallowa County Fair
Friday, August 2, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://co.wallowa.or.us/community-services/county-fair/
August 2-10
Wallowa County Fairgrounds



Baker County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.bakerfair.com
August 4-9
Baker County Fairgrounds



Harney County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.harneyfairgrounds.com
August 4-9
Harney County Fairgrounds



Sherman County Fair
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.shermancountyfairfun.com
August 19-24
Sherman County Fairgrounds



Crook County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.crookcountyfairgrounds.com
August 7-10
Crook County Fairgrounds



Douglas County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.douglasfairgrounds.com
August 7-10
Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex



Grant County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.grantcountyoregon.net
August 7-10
Grant County Fairgrounds



Josephine County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.josephinecountyfairgrounds.com/
August 7-11
Josephine County Fairgrounds & Events Center



Polk County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.co.polk.or.us/fair
August 7-10
Polk County Fairgrounds



Tillamook County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.tillamookfair.com
August 7-10
Tillamook County Fairgrounds



Umatilla County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.umatillacountyfair.net
August 7-10
Umatilla County Fairgrounds



Wheeler County Fair
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.wheelercountyoregon.com/fair-board
August 7-10
Wheeler County Fairgrounds



Clackamas County Fair
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 8:00 am
clackamascountyfair.com
August 13-17
Clackamas County Event Center



Morrow County Fair
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.co.morrow.or.us/fair
August 14-17
Morrow County Fairgrounds



Wasco County Fair
Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.wascocountyfair.com
August 15-17
Wasco County Fairgrounds



Gilliam County Fair
Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 8:00 am
http://www.co.gilliam.or.us/government/fairgrounds
August 29-31
Gilliam County Fairgrounds



Lake County Fair
Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 8:00 am
https://www.lakecountyor.org/government/fair_grounds.php
August 29 - September 1
Lake County Fairgrounds



Oregon State Fair
Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 8:00 am
www.oregonstateexpo.org
August 31 - September 9
Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center



Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla
Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Linn Laughs LIVE with Adam Corolla 5pm-9pm
Albany, OR


View All Calendar Events


Climate Change Is Making The Poor Poorer
Per capita emissions are at 60 year low

Remember at the beginning of 2020 when gas was $2.59 per gallon when President Trump left office, until June 2022 when prices jumped 62 cents per gallon in one month? Now, according to AAA, gas is at an average of $4.59 per gallon and diesel has risen to $5.62 per gallon.

Biden keeps saying he has lowered gas prices. He’s right that they’ve fallen from the peak of above $5 a gallon in his financially disastrous first 18 months in office. Of that 18.4 cents-per-gallon goes to pay federal fuel tax, and 38 cents goes to Oregon's state fuel tax, which is scheduled to increase to 40 cents in 2024.

Climate change proponents in Europe and in the Biden administration are bribing governments in poor nations to endanger their energy sectors, impoverish their people, and actually discourage the economic growth they desperately need. South Africa’s electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa stated that the new climate change agreement with wealthy countries will be a disaster for his country – causing power blackouts and energy shortages. He denounced Western attempts to turn South Africa into a “guinea pig” for the worldwide Green New Deal.

Climate change “justice” isn’t just impacting poor countries. Where is the justice when low- and moderate-income families spend a larger percent of their income on energy and gas, and rising gas and energy prices take a bigger bite out of their income? The options provided to coup with climate change is also out of their reach.

Oregon’s answer is to increase energy costs and restrictive building regulations. Omission restrictions are increasing cost on everything from food and housing to transportation. To compensate, provide incentives to go electric, give away over $2 billion for affordable housing including $7.5 million in down payment assistance. Governor Kotek signed a number of bills this week that neither helps low-income families or the economy.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

She sign a bill in the Climate Resilience Package Investment (HB 3409, HB 3630), which invests $90 million in community-focused and forward-looking solutions with the idea to increase energy efficiency, keep Oregonians safe from extreme weather, and grant counties up to $50,000 for developing energy resilience plans in the event of grid disruptions to basic services with a focus on an equitable energy system. Appropriates $4,641.112 general funds.

But is all this energy subsidy, caused by climate change regulations, really necessary? The U.S. per capita person emissions are lower today than at any time in the last 60 years and lower than during World War 1 when the economy was less than one-tenth as large as it is today. Since 1990 per capita carbon emissions has decreased nearly 15t. How can they claim that productivity is the culprit?

Even the Paris accord climate negotiators agreed there is currently no reliable accurate way to measure emissions or how much CO2 is coming from individual nations. They admit the science of accurate carbon accounting is in its infancy and there are gaps in the data. “Even developed nations with lots of climate scientists do not deliver demonstrably reliable emission statistics,” according to Sourish Basu, a research scientist at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He reported that national CO2 emissions are only known “to within 5-10 percent for most developed countries.”

Since U.N. executive secretary, Christiana Figueres, admitted at the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2017 that Global Warming was framed to destroy capitalism, and not an environmental goal to save the world from ecological calamity, the world, U.S. and Oregon remain duped pursuing a false narrative.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-07-28 12:01:08Last Update: 2023-07-28 16:36:23



Gresham Police Launch Drone Program
Drones have the ability to arrive at a scene within a couple of minutes

The Gresham Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in the State of Oregon to implement the Drones as First Responders program (DFR) and the sixteenth law enforcement agency in the Country. The program launched on Friday, July 14. The city says it will continue as a pilot program depending on staffing levels.

"Without the additional staffing the Gresham Safety Levy would have provided our department, we are having to find innovative ways to be more efficient while keeping our community safe,” said Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg.

Gresham says the drones dedicated to the DFR program will launch from Gresham City Hall and are deployed specifically for exigent circumstances which could include but are not limited to, searching for lost or missing persons and crimes in progress.

These drones have the ability to provide critical information to ground personnel.

The city says that it is important to note that the drones do not record video unless it is necessary for the collection of evidence. The drones deploy with their cameras at a 15-degree angle, meaning, they are aimed straight ahead in order to better locate the scene and they return to City Hall at the same angle.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The City of Chula Vista, California, which implemented DFR in 2018, has recorded the average response time for a drone to a priority one call as three minutes, nine seconds, and the patrol unit on scene as six minutes, six seconds. For priority two calls, they recorded drones arriving on scene within an average of five minutes, three seconds, and patrol units on scene within ten minutes, one second.

The Gresham DFR program allows an officer to get visuals on a situation in approximately two minutes, which can be almost half the amount of time of a patrol unit response.

“Utilizing the Drones as First Responders program allows our police to respond faster to our community’s needs while keeping our officers safe,” said City Manager Nina Vetter. “Drones have the ability to arrive at a scene within a couple of minutes, which allows our officers to have their eyes on an incident in record time and can potentially reduce the amount of personnel needed.”

With the failure of the Gresham Safety Levy in May 2023, the City of Gresham says it is now leveraging technology in order to continue the efforts of the Safe Gresham initiative developed last year.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-28 10:33:45Last Update: 2023-08-04 10:18:17



Kotek Signs Housing and Homelessness Bills
“It won’t be solved overnight”

Governor Tina Kotek has hosted a signing ceremony for four bills passed during the 2023 legislative session to address the housing and homelessness crises.

“These bills are about progress toward making sure every Oregonian has a place to live, safely and securely,” Governor Kotek said. “Each tackle these issues from a different angle and complement the efforts well under way through the Emergency Homelessness Response Package that passed early in March. We have work to do. There isn’t one solution to our housing crisis, and it won’t be solved overnight. So let’s keep going.”

In March, Governor Kotek signed House Bills 5019 and 2001 to help address Oregon's housing and homelessness crisis, which included the urgent funding she proposed in response to the homelessness state of emergency that she declared on her first full day in office. The funding is dedicated to homelessness prevention programs, more shelter capacity, rehousing services and more. Critics have said that much of this work enables homelessness and doesn't address the core issues of mental illness and drug abuse.

Below is the list of bills Governor Kotek signed:

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The Legislature did not make much sought changes to land use laws -- what many point to as a major source of the problem with housing availability.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-27 21:52:29Last Update: 2023-07-27 22:16:25



Oregon Senate Republicans Announce Plans for 2024 Elections
“Oregonians deserve better than the reckless tax and spend policies”

Senate Republicans across Oregon have announced plans for re-election to their current Senate seats. Barring litigation on Constitutionality of Measure 113 nine Senators -- 10 Republicans and 1 Independent -- will no longer be able to file to run for their seats.

Senators Tim Knopp and Dennis Linthicum have sent a letter to Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade asking for a declaratory ruling on Measure 113 on whether Senator Knopp and Senator Linthicum will be allowed ballot access for the 2024 election. This is being done to lay the foundation for a Republican lawsuit to have the measure invalidated -- most likely based on the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution.

Republican Senators Eligible for Re-election Based on M113
David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford)
Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City)
Fred Girod (R-Lyons)
Senators Not Eligible for Re-election Based on M113
Lynn Findley (R-Vale)
Bill Hansell (R-Athena)
Tim Knopp (R-Bend)
Art Robinson (R-Cave Junction)
Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer)
Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook)
Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles)
Cedric Hayden (R-Roseburg)
Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls)
Brian Boquist (I-Dallas)
“Oregonians are fed up with the national Democrat agenda.” Knopp said. “They are tired of out-of-control crime and drug use making their neighborhoods more dangerous. Oregonians deserve better than the reckless tax and spend policies driving up the cost of living and inflation across Oregon. They desperately want balance. Senate Republicans are looking forward to vigorous debates over the course of the campaign season.”

Senators Dick Anderson and David Brock Smith did not participate in the walkout. Senator Fred Girod had a well-documented medical reason for his absences.

Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) Senate District 1, Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) Senate District 5 and Senator Fred Girod (R-Lyons) Senate District 9 have announced for 2024. and are not barred from running in 2024. Additionally, Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) Senate District 27 and Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) Senate District 28 will need a successful challenge to Measure 113 in order to file for election.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-26 15:50:30Last Update: 2023-07-26 16:12:16



Oregon Launches Program to Put Heat Pumps In Rental Homes
Rebate amounts vary based on the project

The Oregon Department of Energy has announced that it is now accepting incentive reservations through the agency’s new Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program. Under this new program, owners of rental homes and manufactured dwellings or recreational vehicles in a rented space may receive incentives for installing energy efficient heat pumps and related electrical upgrades.

The heat pump program was established at ODOE by the Oregon Legislature with bill SB 1536 following the 2021 heat dome event, during which at least 100 Oregonians died of heat-related illness – often in their own homes.

Heat pumps, which move heat rather than create it, are becoming more popular in Oregon homes thanks to their efficient heating and cooling, lower energy use, and potential incentive savings (including a federal tax credit.

Oregonians interested in installing energy efficient heat pumps in their rental properties should contact an approved program contractor, who will be able to reserve rebates on behalf of their customers. After completing installation, the contractor will submit project completion information to receive the rebate from the agency. The full amount of the savings must be passed on to the customer.

Rebate amounts vary based on the project, and higher incentives are available for homes with tenants who have low or moderate incomes. For rental homes, rebates are available between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the efficiency of the heat pump and the income level of the tenants. For a manufactured home or recreational vehicle renting space in a manufactured home or RV park, rebates are available between $2,000 and $7,000 depending on heat pump efficiency and income level.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Grants are also available for associated upgrades alongside the heat pumps, such as electrical wiring. For homes where tenants meet low- or moderate-income eligibility, up to a $4,000 grant is available. For those who are not low- or moderate-income, up to $2,000 is available.

“Renters are often limited in making significant energy improvements at home since they don’t own the property,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “The Oregon Department of Energy looks forward to helping rental home owners across the state make the switch to energy efficient heat pumps, which will make their tenants’ homes more comfortable – and safer – in the heating and cooling seasons.”

More information and a list of approved contractors is available on ODOE’s website. The agency also continues to recruit contractors statewide to participate in the program. Interested contractors can also register online.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-26 10:22:37Last Update: 2023-07-26 11:17:01



Effort to Refer Salem Payroll Tax to Voters
Approximately 4,000 valid signatures are due August 9th

There is now an ongoing effort to avoid yet another devastating tax in Oregon, this time in the state's capital city, Salem. Oregon Business & Industry (OBI) has launched an effort to refer the city of Salem’s recently adopted payroll tax to voters.

On July 10, the Salem City Council voted 5-4 to adopt a nearly 1% payroll tax despite overwhelming opposition during public comment.

OBI says the new tax will be a significant burden for employees, exacerbating the effects of steadily rising inflation and providing an incentive to seek work outside of Salem or stop coming to Salem for portions of work as they otherwise might have. For employers, the tax will create a significant compliance burden, especially for those with employees who work on the road, at various job sites, or on hybrid schedules.

“OBI is headquartered in Salem, and we care deeply about this community. We have no problem with Salem or any other city asking voters to support levies for important local services. However, this proposal is vague, the tax is high, the administrative burden is significant, and there is little assurance as to how funds will be spent. At a minimum the community deserves a chance to vote,” said Angela Wilhelms, OBI’s president and CEO.

Preston Mann, OBI’s director of political affairs and a Salem resident, filed the petition on July 14. The city approved OBI’s petition that same day. Approximately 4,000 valid signatures from Salem voters are due Aug. 9 to refer this to the November 2023 ballot.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

To account for possible errors and ensure success, OBI says they aim to submit 6,000 signatures. OBI stressed that time is of the essence, if the effort to avoid the tax is to be successful.

Those who are interested can find out more on the Let Salem Vote website, including how to sign a petition, circulate a petition among neighbors and friends, or contribute to the campaign

OBI is a statewide association representing businesses from a wide variety of industries and from each of Oregon’s 36 counties. In addition to being the statewide chamber of commerce, OBI is the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation. They boast 1,600 member companies, more than 80% of which are small businesses, and they employ more than 250,000 Oregonians.

Oregon’s private sector businesses help drive a healthy, prosperous economy for the benefit of everyone.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-25 14:28:11Last Update: 2023-07-25 14:58:51



Newport Seeking New Mayor
The application deadline is August 9th

The Newport City Council is seeking applications from residents interested in filling the vacancy of mayor on the Newport City Council. The vacancy was created by the resignation of former mayor Dean Sawyer. The selected applicant will fill the remainder of Sawyer’s term, which will expire on Jan. 6, 2025.

The mayor presides over and facilitates council meetings, preserves order, enforces council rules, and determines the order of business under council rules. The mayor is a voting member of the council and has no veto authority.

The mayor shall appoint committees and boards as provided by code, ordinance or council rules. The mayor shall sign all records of council decisions and acts as the representative of the city at all ceremonial events, but may delegate this responsibility.

Council members, including the mayor, receive no pay or other compensation, but may receive reimbursement for attending conferences, or other expenses in accordance with council rules.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Applicants must be qualified electors and have resided within the city limits for at least one year immediately prior to appointment. In addition, the mayor may not be employed by the city.

The application deadline is Aug. 9 by 5 p.m. The city council will conduct interviews of the applicants at a work session open to the public on Aug. 14, beginning at 3 p.m. An appointment to fill the vacancy may be made by the city council at a special meeting on Aug. 14.

Anyone interested in applying to fill this vacancy shall apply using the city’s committee application found online. The completed form can be submitted electronically. It can also be printed and hand delivered to the city manager’s office at Newport City Hall, 169 SW Coast Highway.

Questions may be directed to Melanie Nelson by email or by calling 541-574-0603.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-24 13:24:48Last Update: 2023-07-24 13:51:42



$34.6 Million for Multi-Use Paths, Planning and Improvements
Grants in biking and walking facilities that are “off system”

The Oregon Department of Transportation has now announced that they are spending $34.6 million on 25 Oregon Community Paths (OCP) projects approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission. It was approved at the meeting last week in Pendleton.

“We had another round of outstanding applicants, requesting a total of $80 million,” said Alan Thompson, OCP program manager. “All 57 of them addressed needs for off-road paths or as necessary alternatives to busy roadways.”

The OCP program, created by the large transportation funding program HB 2017, is a program that is intended to provide federal and state grants in biking and walking facilities that are “off system,” meaning facilities that are not primarily on or along a roadway.

ODOT says they will now develop agreements with the successful applicants allowing the projects to start after October 1. Grantees will then move forward with their various construction and planning projects.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

ODOT says that staff reviewed and ranked applications according to procedures approved by the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The staff scored an initial list of projects as follows:

The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee then reviewed all applications for this second round of funding and recommended the list of applications to the Oregon Transportation Commission for approval.

More information about the program is available on the Oregon Community Paths Program website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-23 13:52:17Last Update: 2023-07-23 15:02:38



National Forest Use Fee Increase Proposed
Many increases will be phased in over time

The Willamette National Forest is proposing fee changes at multiple campgrounds, group campgrounds, cabins, and lookouts.

“These fee increases will help us maintain the sites to the level and quality people have come to expect. Many of the proposed fee increases will be phased in over time, rather than all at once. We are also excited to bring on two new cabins into the popular program,” said Dave Warnack, Forest Supervisor for the Willamette National Forest.

The proposed fees by site are listed in the tables below.

Cabins/LookoutsExisting feeProposed
Timber Butte Cabin$80 per night$90 per night
Warner Mountain Lookout$85 per night$90 per night
Indian Ridge Lookout$75 per night$90 per night
Box Canyon$70 per night$75 per night
Gold Butte Lookout$80 per night$90 per night
Marion Forks Guard Station (new)$0 per night$85 per night
Gold Lake Cabin (new)$0 per night$85 per night
In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act which allows the Forest Service to retain 80% of the revenue from these proposed recreation fees to operate, maintain and improve facilities.

Raising the revenue collected through recreation fees would help keep up with rising maintenance, utility and staffing costs. The fees help provide and ensure quality recreation opportunities and creates a more financially sustainable developed recreation program.

CampgroundsExisting feeProposed
Year 1-2
Proposed
Year 3
Alder Springs$10 per night$14 per night$16 per night
Blair Lake Campground$14 per night$16 per night$20 per night
Daly Lake$5 per day
$0 extra vehicle fee
$14 per night
$6 extra vehicle fee
$16 per night
$6 extra vehicle fee
Elk Lake - Single site$12 per night$14 per night$16 per night
Double site$22 per night$26 per night$30 per night
Harralson Horse Camp$5 per day
$0 extra vehicle fee
$14 per night
$6 extra vehicle fee
$16 per night
$6 extra vehicle fee
Horse Creek Group Camp$75 per night$100 per night$125 per night
Indigo Springs Campground$12 per night$14 per night$16 per night
Kiahanie Campground$14 per night$16 per night$20 per night
Piety Island - Single site$12 per night$14 per night$16 per night
Double site$22 per night$26 per night$30 per night
Roaring River Group Camp$50 per night$60 per nightno change
Sacandaga$14 per night$16 per night$20 per night
Scott Lake Campground$5 per day
$0 extra vehicle fee
$14 per night
$6 extra vehicle fee
$16 per night
$6 extra vehicle fee
Shady Cove - Single site$12 per night$14 per night$16 per night
Double site$22 per night$26 per night$30 per night
Skookum Campground$5 per day
$0 extra vehicle fee
$14 per night
$6 extra vehicle fee
$16 per night
$6 extra vehicle fee
Timpanogas Campground$14 per night$16 per night$20 per night
Trail Bridge$16 per night$18 per night$20 per night
All fee changes are reviewed by a citizen’s advisory committee, which will make recommendations to the Pacific Northwest Regional Forester about whether to approve the proposed changes. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes to the developed recreation program.

The comment period is set to end by close of business on September 15, 2023. You can email your comments, or mail them to: Willamette National Forest, Attention: Matt Peterson, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite D, Springfield, OR 97477. Comments can also be provided online.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-23 10:07:22Last Update: 2023-07-23 10:13:24



OLCC Sends $620M Back to Cities and Counties
Oregon liquor consumers are choosing higher-priced liquor options

Over the course of the past two years, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, under the direction of Marvin Revoal, has provided $620.7 million dollars to cities, counties and public health programs. This funding provides communities and statewide public health and safety programs with vital resources that benefit Oregonians daily and is a key benefit of Oregon's control state model for liquor.

At its regularly scheduled meeting on July 20th, Commissioners received the perspective of Rick Garza, Former Executive Director of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board in a presentation on Washington State. Garza spoke to how in Washington – which formerly operated as a liquor control state prior to 2012 – consumers felt the effects of privatization in terms of higher prices and reduced selection for smaller brands. Garza additionally fielded Commissioners questions on compliance efforts, delivery and operations in the state.

According to the OLCC, Oregon liquor consumers are "buying up" and choosing higher-priced liquor options. This resulted in 2.4 percent increase in revenue over the prior year. This was an increase in profitability for the agency, but notably without an increase in consumer consumption. Information on the agency's budget can be found on the OLCC website.

The city of Portland's Cannabis Policy Oversight Team, an advisory group within city's Bureau of Development Services, provided the Board of Commissioners with a review of their annual report from 2022. The report focused upon issues facing Portland's cannabis industry as well as a summary of its Cannabis Emergency Relief Fund. Commissioners asked that the city work with the OLCC and industry partners to find consensus on improvements that could benefit the industry overall.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

With the legislative session complete, the Commissioners initiated rulemaking to respond to several bills that passed during the 2023 legislative session. The legislative changes include developing more robust requirements for alcohol delivery to consumers and technical changes to both the marijuana and alcohol programs. Staff will hold advisory committee meetings and public comment periods to allow industry and the public to weigh in on the proposed changes. Commissioners also finalized a relaxation on artificially derived cannabinoids to allow the industry more time to come into line with the requirements.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-23 06:02:30Last Update: 2023-07-22 13:55:14



Klamath Falls Tech Campus to Receive Full Renovation
The university has a unique geothermal heating and hot water system

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) have now announced that they have successfully secured $18,160,000 in state bond funding to complete a full renovation of the university’s unique geothermal heating and hot water system at its Klamath Falls campus. This crucial funding will renovate the existing geothermal system that supplies the entire campus. Oregon Tech says that despite routine maintenance, the 60-year-old system was at risk of a full system failure.

In 1964, Oregon Tech relocated to its current location to tap into this valuable resource, which has made the university a leading institution in renewable energy.

“We take pride in our Klamath Falls campus that relies solely on renewable energy for heating, which saves the university over $1.4 million in annual energy costs,” Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganathan said. “We are grateful for the legislature's bipartisan support and investment in helping Oregon Tech be proactive in renovating our system, as it allows us to continue conserving resources and provides an exceptional teaching and research tool for our faculty and students.”

Oregon Tech says that the renovation project addresses urgent repairs, identified by a professional engineering firm in June 2022, needed to avoid imminent system failure and maintain life safety standards on campus.

Oregon Tech states that the consequences of a system failure would be catastrophic, causing no heat or hot water on campus, flooding in buildings, and power disruptions. The school insists that maintaining the system and addressing the deficiencies is substantially cheaper than replacing the system using electricity or gas.

“Future generations of students and faculty can look forward to a safe and sustainable learning environment at Oregon Tech for the next 75 years,” added President Naganathan.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Oregon Tech stated that they deeply appreciate the dedication and tireless efforts of both Representative Emily McIntire (R-Eagle Point) and Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls), who were crucial in securing the funding.

“As a member of the House Committee on Higher Education and the Joint Ways & Means Subcommittee on Education, I’m proud to have the state’s only polytechnic university in my district,” said Representative McIntire. “This funding will not only keep the heat on for students, it will further research and learning. My biggest thanks to all the stakeholders who worked so hard to get this funding request across the finish line. It is our partnership that makes these happen.”

“Investing in critical community projects is the right way for the government to return Oregonians’ hard-earned tax dollars. I am pleased to join Representative McIntire in announcing this historic funding for the Oregon Institute of Technology,” said Representative Reschke.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-22 14:41:39Last Update: 2023-07-22 15:06:15



Motor Voter Manual Updated
Most voters become registered through this process

Secretary of State Lavonne Griffin-Valade has announced that minor revisions have been made to the Oregon Motor Voter manual -- for the most part to account for the new software.

The amendment to OAR 165-005-0170 adopts current revisions to the Oregon Motor Voter Registration Manual. Revisions include changing how information is presented, clarifying the Secretary of State Elections Division information processing, and technical fixes necessary to conform to the new ORVIS (formerly Oregon Votes) centralized voter registration system.

The Motor Voter Manual is a key part of Oregon's elections process because most voters become registered and have their information updated through this process.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-22 11:12:32Last Update: 2023-07-22 11:29:53



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