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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


9-8-8 Cell Phone Tax Enacted Despite Opposition
Rep. Reschke identified many problems in committee

Aespite several consecutive quarters of rosy revenue income, the Oregon Legislature has chosen to pass another tax to raise even more revenue in the form of a cell phone tax to benefit the 9-8-8 system which is the mental health hotline in Oregon. Unlike some tax increases, which are fees targeting users who create an expense for the state -- such as a park use fee, or a fee for policing a certain industry -- cell phone users aren't any more susceptible to mental illness than other Oregonians. Governor Tina Kotek signed into law HB 2757 recently in a signing ceremony dedicated to behavioral health.

During the last legislative session, Representative E. Werner Reschke, a member of the House Committee on Revenue presented testimony in opposition to HB 2757.

According to Representative Reschke, the need identified to operate the 9-8-8 center is about $5M per biennium which -- with about 5,710,000 cell phones would need a tax of less than 3 1/2 cents per month. The proposed tax of 50 cents per month per phone would yield more than $68M per biennium -- far more than the $5M needed to run the call center.

In his presentation, Representative Reschke recounted recent legislative action supporting mental health call centers in Oregon -- efforts that presumably overlap with the goals of HB 2757 In addition to Representative Reschke's testimony, impacted organizations added their opinion of the tax.

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The Oregon Combined Chapters of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and National Emergency Number Association offered testimony in opposition to HB 2757, saying

We believe that supporting a tax as outlined in this bill dilutes our ability to secure future increases that may be needed to augment the acquisition of new technology and/or services. As a federally mandated program addressing mental health and addiction services, 9-8-8 will likely have a significant number of other funding options ranging (but certainly not limited to,) from private insurance companies to grants.

In the past, there have been other attempts to enact similar tax mechanisms added to phone lines in Oregon have been rejected. The examples we have are Life Flight and OHSU’s Poison Control Center. Again, while we support the mission of both organizations, we opposed both of those taxes. We feel that adding a 9-8-8 tax falls into that same category.

We feel that any further taxes or increasing our tax to fund other things is an open invitation for many others to want their piece of that pie and it would risk our ability to successfully continue down the road.

Brant Wolf of the Oregon Telecommunications Association objected to the tax increase, offering these thoughts to the House Committee on Revenue,

Based on prior comments offered on HB 2757A, it is important to note and understand that the FCC did not direct states to impose 988 fees. The clear majority of states have not adopted any such fee. Most states have used their own general fund dollars, federal funds or some combination of the two in order to fund 988 systems and response teams if they have taken action at all.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-19 14:54:23Last Update: 2023-08-25 19:09:32



Kotek Announces Emergency Management Director Appointment
McMahon advised feds on the 2021 Oregon wildfires

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has now announced that Erin McMahon, a retired General Officer for the Oregon National Guard and United States Army has been appointed to lead the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. The Oregon Senate will take up her confirmation as permanent director in September.

"As our state responds to wildfires, extreme weather events, and other rapidly changing emergencies, the person leading the Oregon Department of Emergency Management must be able to anticipate and respond to a broad range of crises that Oregon will inevitably encounter,” said Governor Kotek. “Erin McMahon brings over twenty years of experience leading teams in response to large-scale emergencies at the state and national level. I am confident in her ability to support Oregonians across the state and look forward to seeing her positive impact and leadership at ODEM.”

Kotek says that McMahon has twenty-four years of experience advising state and national leaders on emergent and active emergencies requiring operational and civilian support.

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

In her role as Principal Deputy General Counsel for the United States National Guard Bureau, McMahon advised federal leaders on the 2021 Oregon wildfires, when more than 1,000 fires burned at least 518,303 acres across the state.

She claims that McMahon also worked with programs for the Department of Defense to combat sexual assault. McMahon served the United States as an Army Brigadier General (ret.).

Most recently, McMahon was a Senior Advisor at The McChrystal Group in Virginia.

“I am honored and proud to serve Oregon as the Director of the Department of Emergency Management,” said director Erin McMahon. “After over fifteen years of supporting emergency management operations at the national level – including during the COVID-19 health emergency and dozens of climate-related catastrophes – I will capitalize on my prior work with FEMA and other federal partners to develop a strategic plan for emergency management that will help our communities before, during and after disaster. I am honored to serve Oregonians in times of crisis and beyond.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-18 11:22:02Last Update: 2023-08-18 20:31:37



Landscape Resiliency Program’s Impact on Fires
Prescribed fires are center of discussions

In 2023 Oregon has seen 628 fires, so far, burning 63,104 acres. Of those, 85 fires were started by lightning down from an average of 181. It’s the other 543 fires that are on the increase from 481 average over 10 years that are human caused and concerning.

SB 762 (2021) passed as the Landscape Resiliency Program (LRP) to improve forest restoration and set up landscape-scale projects that reduce wildfire risk on both public and private forestlands. The bill has been criticized over the Wildfire Maps producing a backlash. However, the appropriated $20 million also funded the placement of 20 more SensORs to monitor air quality from wildfires, and to treat 210,734 acres in the four highest expected net value change (eNVC) risk classes by the end of 2021-2023 biennium.

The Landscape Resilience Program Final Report concluded that the projects exceeded the expectation treating 211,914 acres. To date, there are no wildfires in the treated areas.

The most discussed part of the LRP are the three projects involved in prescribed fire (Rx) work, totaling 6,325 acres. The report says, “when Rx was completed, the fuel model changed, resulting in a less fire prone site, reduced fire risk, and decreasing potential fire intensity limiting severity.”

Timber owners fear ODF may be forced to burn profitable resources if the Western Oregon Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is adopted. They are linking Rx to the proposed HCP if there is a decrease in timber harvest by 50 percent. The National Forest Service (NFS) timber sales tied up in courts since 1970, lack of revenue from harvesting, and lack of funding by Congress has them suspecting that the larger fires may be creatively used as prescribed fire burns. Others site a federal agent as saying the way government works is to make NFS more influential by exploiting wildfires and growing the need to employ more firefighters and equipment to grow the agency.

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Out of the 24 current fires in Oregon, there are currently five large fires. A complete list can be found on Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard. The five large fire areas to avoid: The Oregon Department of Forestry worked towards a shared stewardship approach to the LRP for implementing land management that improves community resilience against wildfires. However, resilience has different priorities when the community depends on timber for their necessities.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-17 09:43:21Last Update: 2023-08-17 17:01:00



Aruna Masih Appointed to Oregon Supreme Court
Oregon’s first Punjabi, India supreme court justice

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced the appointment of Aruna Masih, a long-time employment, worker, and civil rights attorney, to the Oregon Supreme Court. Masih will be Oregon’s first Punjabi, Indian American and South Asian Supreme Court Justice. Born in New York to a Punjabi, Indian father and British mother, when six-months old, they moved back to India as medical missionaries to work at a rural, mission hospital in Punjab, returning to this country when she was in high school.

"Aruna Masih is a decorated civil rights attorney who has worked on behalf of Oregonians for over twenty-five years in both her career and community service," said Governor Kotek. “As a practicing attorney, Aruna will bring direct and recent experience working for people — an invaluable perspective that will strengthen the current Oregon Supreme Court. Aruna’s dedication to public service and passion for equal access to justice is also evident from her long-time leadership in advancing equity and diversity in the legal field. I look forward to seeing her continued service to Oregonians as a Supreme Court Justice.”

Aruna Masih’s experience has been as a practicing attorney in Oregon for over 25 years. For most of her career, she has been a partner in the law firm of Bennett Hartman LLP, providing representation in a variety of areas, including employment, labor, appellate, professional licensure, contract, and constitutional law. Masih has also represented clients at McKanna Bishop Joffe LLP. Her legal background is a depth of technical expertise in nuanced Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and pension case law.

Masih is no stranger to the Oregon Supreme Court, she has been a part of her firm’s PERS team, representing the PERS Coalition of unions and public employees in their fight to preserve retirement benefits before the legislature and the courts. She has testified as an expert witness about public pensions and represented public employees in all the major PERS cases decided by the Oregon Supreme Court since 2003.

Along with her law partner, Margaret Olney, she advises on and litigates election law matters, including filing ballot title challenges before the Oregon Supreme Court.

Masih has served as Chair of the Oregon State Bar’s Advisory Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and as Chair of the Labor and Employment Section. She is a founding member and Vice-President of the South Asian Bar Association of Oregon and currently serves on the Board of the Multnomah Bar Association receiving their Diversity Award, and the Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation. She is also a former board member of the Oregon Women Lawyers and the Oregon Minority Lawyers Association.

Masih attends the Calvary Presbyterian Church in NE Portland serving on the advisory board for their Roseway Recovery Cafe, which serves community members in northeast Portland who have experienced trauma and the results of trauma, such as homelessness, substance use disorder, and addiction.

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“Equal access to the courts is an issue of civil rights,” said Masih. “To meet the challenges of our society that the pandemic has undeniably made apparent, we must renew our purpose and redouble our efforts to create a justice system that is recognized by those who interact with it and are impacted by it to be respectful, accessible, and just. Over the last twenty-five years, I’ve represented the interests of hundreds of Oregonians, and I look forward to bringing my unique perspective to the Oregon Supreme Court. I am committed to being a fair and thoughtful Justice and to continue being a steward of equal access under the law.”

Masih says her “parents modeled the importance of public service, commitment to a larger cause, and equitable access for all. These values have informed my personal and professional life.”

Since this is an elected position, voters are challenged to analyze how well she transitions from a defense attorney to an impartial judge.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-16 14:30:59Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:28:51



Oregon Treasurer in the Limelight
Underestimation of pension fund investments are risky

Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read announced to Willamette Week his intent to run for the Secretary of State position in 2024. He is shifting his focus from seeking the governor’s office to secretary of state. Read is prohibited by term limits from running again for State Treasurer.

The open position for secretary of state comes after Shemia Fagan resigned for moonlighting as a consultant for a cannabis company and criticism over the questionable donations from the bankrupt cryptocurrency firm FTX.

Now Read’s office may be facing similar criticism. According to the New York Times, the Oregon State Treasury “routinely understate” the risks of their investments in private equity funds. Michael Markov, a mathematician who runs a financial technology company told the Times: “Oregon’s pension fund is over 40 percent more volatile than its own reported statistics show”.

The state pension fund has been pouring money into private equity funds engaged in debt-fueled takeovers of companies promising high returns. Markov says that, on average, the risks being carried by public pension funds are at least 20% greater than they are reporting, largely because they aren’t taking account of the true risks embedded in private equity, and Oregon is twice that.

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Individual investors of private equity funds are rich enough to be insulated from fund losses. But public pension plans don’t give the option to decide where their money is invested. The Securities and Exchange Commission considers private equity too complex and perilous for ordinary people to rely on as core investments, an assessment Markov wholeheartedly agrees with.

In the long Oregon legislative session this year, the mounting deficit for the PERS fund was not addressed. Who will run for state treasurer to address this risk? What qualifications does Read bring to Secretary of State?


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-14 21:16:57Last Update: 2023-09-20 20:11:11



Dave Drotzmann Running for Oregon Senate 29
“Tax spending decisions in Salem too often overlook rural Oregonians”

Dave Drotzmann, a small business owner, Hermiston mayor, and president-elect of the League of Oregon Cities Board of Directors, has announced that he will run for Oregon State Senate District 29.

“This dynamic rural district deserves representation in Salem that understands not only the challenges ahead but the opportunities to build on our unique strengths through our core values,” said Drotzmann. “Senator Hansell has been a strong voice for the region, and with his pending retirement, I believe I have the experience and abilities necessary to strengthen relationships and advocate for each of District 29’s counties and communities.”

Drotzmann says he will focus on making sure state government is accountable for every dollar it spends, which will allow Oregonians to afford everyday expenses in the face of record inflation and incentivize private businesses to invest in their employees. He says he will also stand firm on his conservative principles of lower taxes, safer communities, and protecting Second Amendment rights and the right to life.

Drotzmann moved to Eastern Oregon in 1998 when he started Lifetime Vision Source in Hermiston as the sole optometrist and has since grown the business to more than a dozen employees and three optometrists. During his 25 years in the community, Drotzmann served in elected office 8 years on the Hermiston School Board and the past 10 years as Hermiston’s mayor.

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“As a business owner, mayor, and father, I’ve seen first-hand how policies and tax spending decisions in Salem too often overlook rural Oregonians,” Drotzmann said. “I will advocate for a common-sense state budget that keeps dollars in pockets of Oregonians by cutting back bloated and ineffective state programs, invest in the responsible use of our region’s natural resources to create family-wage jobs, and protect the constitutional rights of every Oregonian.”

In 2018, Drotzmann was appointed to the League of Oregon Cities Board of Directors to advocate for cities, focusing on providing the tools and local control necessary for communities to set and reach their own goals for growth and development. As president-elect he states that he is working to understand the issues facing cities of all sizes and connect with leaders across the state to help bridge divides and find solutions.

Republican leaders are already voicing their support for Drotzmann. He begins his campaign with endorsements from Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) and U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

“Dave’s experience both as an Optometric Physician and Mayor of Hermiston has made him an outstanding advocate for Northeast Oregon and he will continue to demonstrate his leadership and wisdom as State Senator,” said Rep. Smith.

Those interested can find more information on his campaign website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-14 11:52:30Last Update: 2023-09-16 16:29:33



Two Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting in Oregon
Washington County Sheriff partnered with FBI and other agencies

In July, the Washington County Oregon Sheriff's Office partnered with the FBI and multiple local agencies to target traffickers and connect survivors with advocacy services. The mission was part of the FBI’s annual Operation Cross Country. Nationally, the operation led to the identification or arrest of 126 suspects and the recovery of 59 victims of child sex trafficking.

During WCSO’s mission, investigators arrested two men and helped seven women speak with advocates dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking.

Detectives arrested 30-year-old Calvin Daejuan Smith of Portland for promoting prostitution, identity theft, and a parole violation. Mr. Smith was released in July and arrested again in August after failing to appear for court.

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Deputies also arrested 31-year-old Chris Kendall West Jr. of Portland for unlawful possession of a firearm. Detectives continue to investigate multiple other people identified during the mission.

WCSO was joined by Safety Compass, which offers free and confidential advocacy services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington counties. During the mission, multiple survivors were connected in person with Safety Compass advocates.

The mission was a partnership involving the Sheriff’s Office, the Beaverton, Hillsboro, Sherwood, and Tigard police departments, the FBI, Safety Compass, and the Washington County Human Trafficking Task Force. That task force is overseen by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and brings together prosecutors, law enforcement, and numerous community partners and agencies to rescue victims, identify sex buyers, and hold traffickers accountable.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-13 15:20:53Last Update: 2023-08-13 15:29:26



West Nile Virus on the Rise in Eastern Oregon
Do your best to prevent mosquito bites

Oregon Health officials are reminding people heading outdoors in eastern Oregon to do their best to prevent mosquito bites after a recent jump in the number of mosquito pools – collections of up to 50 insects – testing positive for West Nile virus, according to local vector control districts.

Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., state public health veterinarian at Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Public Health Division, said high heat combined with sporadic precipitation has created perfect conditions for mosquito growth in recent weeks. As a result, eastern parts of the state are seeing more mosquitoes and a corresponding increase in traps containing West Nile-positive insects.

The increase in mosquito populations may be behind new human cases of the virus.

“Eastern Oregon has seen a little bit of rain, leading to additional water available for mosquitoes to lay eggs,” said DeBess. “We saw an increase of 13 West Nile-positive mosquito pools in one week, 10 of them in Baker County, and two presumptive human cases.”

So far in 2023, a total of 22 mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus. Eleven have been in Baker County, seven in Malheur County, two in Union County, and one each in Jackson and Umatilla counties.

Last year, there were five human West Nile virus cases in Oregon, and three cases among horses, with 45 positive mosquito pools. There also were five human cases in 2021, along with eight horse cases, two bird cases and 75 positive mosquito pools.

Groups at risk for severe disease include adults 50 and older, immunocompromised people and those living with certain conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

While most infected people show little to no signs of disease, one in five show signs of West Nile fever. Flu-like symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks and may include fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headaches, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis or rash. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should contact their health care provider.

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People should mosquito-proof their homes by following these steps: Take personal precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Oregon Health Authority says that the easiest and best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites.

The Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division works with local health departments, mosquito control districts and other agencies to detect and test for the presence of West Nile virus in animals and humans.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-11 17:48:06Last Update: 2023-08-11 18:48:06



Linn County Urged to Oppose Solar Energy Park
Local group says it will have a negative effect on the area for decades

Three people representing a group called “Friends of Gap Road” recently asked Linn County Oregon Commissioners Will Tucker and Sherrie Sprenger to oppose a proposed solar energy park project about eight miles south of Brownsville near Harrisburg that would be sited on 1,500 acres of prime farm land.

Linn County Board Chairman Roger Nyquist was not present.

Farmers and others recently packed the Community Room of Brownsville City Hall, opposing the proposed Muddy Creek Energy Park which would be developed and operated by a company called Hanwa Qcells, whose U.S. headquarters are in California and international headquarters in South Korea.

Because the project would encompass more than 160 acres, its siting and land use process falls under the Oregon Department of Energy’s jurisdiction, although Linn County commissioners can provide oral and written comments.

Present Tuesday morning were Troy Jones, Stephanie Glaser Hagerty and Arnold Kampfer. All own property near the proposed project and have long family histories in the area.

Although the proposed project would be on Class I and II soils, solar projects are allowed as a conditional use under state law use laws. The developers plan to graze sheep on the property under the solar panels.

Jones asked the commissioners to oppose the project. “We are concerned about wetlands, wildlife and the fact this would be on EFU (Exclusive Farm Use) land,” Jones said.

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The group also believes the siting process would “circumvent” Linn County’s Planning & Building Department.

He added that the state has long-valued EFU land to keep “farming alive.”

Glaser-Hagerty said her family has lived and farmed in the area for five generations. She considers the project as a 1,500-acre experiment that will have a negative effect on the area for decades.

Kampfer encouraged the commissioners to execute “more leverage” on the siting process and to be “more forceful.” “This is not good for the community or the neighbors,” Kampfer said. “There is a place for this, but not on EFU ground.”

Commissioner Tucker said he doesn’t know enough about the project to come out in opposition, but he does “know enough to be concerned. As commissioners we can express our concerns, but we don’t have the ability to change the course.”

Commissioner Sprenger said she has had conversations with numerous people and although she has to be cautious and let the process work its way through, she is “not a fan”. “It’s a very big project on prime farm land,” Sprenger said.

The proposed facility would generate 199 megawatts of power, enough to service about 34,000 homes in the Willamette Valley. One of the issues that makes the site viable is there is a Pacific Power substation nearby with capacity to carry electricity produced at the park.

The property would be leased for 40 years from local landowners.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-11 11:43:22Last Update: 2023-08-11 12:00:28



Excessive Data Breaches Plague Oregonians
How responsible is the state with personally sensitive data?

On June 1st, 2023 the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles was made aware that many Oregonians' sensitive data was compromised and stolen via online hackers. Apparently highly sensitive information was accessed. That sensitive data is now accessible to thieves and scammers through dark web markets. The Oregon DMV response seems to be a very tongue in cheek "we did what we can, now do what you can" stance that leaves a lot of observers of the incident wondering as to how it all happened or who to point the blame at.

The incident has prompted skeptics to wonder if the State needs so much of our private data, what they do with that information that might benefit Oregonians, and whether the trade-off is worth it, given the fact that Oregon has had 8 large data breaches recently.

In a statement from the Oregon DMV website they state that "Unfortunately, we are not able to check your DMV customer account or monitor it for suspicious activity." They go on to state that "We also cannot change the number on your card unless there is proof that your name and number were used in committing a fraudulent act. If that happens, you should first call police to report the crime."

ODOT says they are working closely with state cybersecurity services and they have engaged a third-party security specialist for forensic analysis. This is a developing, world-wide issue, and ODOT says it is coordinating with local and federal law enforcement.

They say they are sharing information as it becomes available and acting upon advisories provided by them. They say that they will continue to closely monitor systems, as well as vendor and industry information sources with information related to this vulnerability and its after-effects.

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Everyone agrees that information security and keeping personal information of Oregonians safe should be a priority. ODOT says they will constantly update security protocols to stay current with what they are saying is industry best practices and they insist that they will guard against future vulnerabilities.

There are immediate steps you can take to protect your information from identity theft. Its recommend you actively monitor your account statements and credit reports. According to the Oregon DMV website, Oregonians are entitled to a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.


--Sabrina-Marie Fisher

Post Date: 2023-08-10 14:21:08Last Update: 2023-08-10 17:04:14



Governor Kotek Signs Bill to Raise Property Tax Cap For Re-evaluation
Property tax limits are cause for other taxation

In a bi-partisan vote. the Oregon legislature passed and Governor Kotek signed HB 3194, which is viewed to help businesses and control inflation. The bill allows remodeling or construction projects at today’s costs without running into the caps that trigger a re-evaluation of value for property tax purposes.

HB 3194, sponsored by Representative E. Werner Reschke (R-Crater Lake), changes the current fixed cap from $10,000 per year to $18,200 per year, and from $25,000 over a rolling five-year period to $45,000. It further allows the caps to be increased based on an increase in the CPI. The assessment year begins January 1, 2024.

Oregon voters placed limits on property taxes in the Oregon Constitution in 1990 with the passage of Measure 5, modeled after California’s Proposition 13. Voters were frustrated by the increase in property taxes attributed to rapidly rising property values, mostly in the Portland area at that time.

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 Oregon tax revolt is a political movement that is an ongoing campaign for lower taxes. The tax revolt has, in large part, been by a series of citizen's initiatives. The caps on property taxes didn’t stop the increase in property values bringing in higher tax bills. This led to Measure 47 in 1996, which capped the annual rate at which property taxes could rise. Measure 47 also adopted Oregon's double majority rule, in which local tax levies could only pass in minor elections when voter turnout surpassed half of the registered voters.

The Committee to Unleash Prosperity says every state needs a property tax limit. A new study by Laffer Associates and CTUP shows the damage of property taxes. When property taxes rise, home values fall because the higher taxes get capitalized into the value of the house.

The table shows where property taxes are highest and lowest across the U.S. with an average tax rate of 0.99%. The effective property tax rate in Oregon is 0.82%, currently ranking 23rd highest in the country. However, specific tax rates can vary drastically depending on the county and city. The caps have succeeded in keeping property taxes far lower than if they rose in sync with home values. However, limiting property taxes has caused other taxes to be implemented or rise.

Government unions like to say that high property taxes are associated with better public services and schools, but that doesn’t bear out. If you look at the states on the extreme ends, quite the opposite is true. Oregon implemented the CAT tax to subsidize the lack of property tax, which likely impacts low-income families more than a property tax. Still they claim our schools are underfunded.

Oregon’s May 16 special election should send a strong signal to government officials. Multnomah County voters said a resounding “no” to a proposed capital gains tax

Salem City Council squeezed out a capital improvements bond measure of $300 million last November by saying the tax will simply replace a bond that has been eliminated. Now they are proposing to implement a new employee tax without voter approval that is causing a revolt. The Council blames this tax on their lack of being able to raise property tax rates. Isn’t the point of a limitation to halt spending? Salem’s Council might consider the cause of the revolt isn’t the source of the proposed tax, but it’s the rich appetite for spending.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-08-10 11:00:01Last Update: 2023-08-09 17:33:05



Governor Kotek Hosts Signing Ceremony for Behavioral Health Bills
The damage control from Measure 110 continues

Governor Tina Kotek hosted a signing ceremony on Tuesday for six bills passed during the 2023 legislative session to address the behavioral health crisis in Oregon.

“As your Governor, I’m fighting for a behavioral health system that supports healing and recovery no matter where you live,” Governor Kotek said. “And to the friends and family who have watched a loved one struggle with an untreated mental health issue or addiction, I recognize your suffering and am moved by your hope. Know that I am focused on improving outcomes across our state.

“That’s why today is so important. The bills I am signing mark progress towards building a behavioral health continuum of care that incorporates harm reduction, suicide prevention, stronger tools against substance abuse among youth and adults, and improvements to the implementation of Measure 110.”

Governor Kotek has signed the following: Arden Sleadd of Grants Pass testified against HB 2757 to the House Committee On Behavioral Health and Health Care, saying “With inflation and the cost of living so high, this bill would make it worse by imposing a cell phone tax. The state has been flush with cash. Budgets are about priorities. If the majority party prioritized Oregon's budget better, we wouldn't have to increase taxes on hard-working Oregonians.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-08-10 06:17:55Last Update: 2023-08-10 07:02:31



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