Union Commissioners Pass First Reading of Zoning Changes
The Union County Board of Commissioners has passed the first reading of an ordinance which proposes changes to zoning laws to allow additional dwelling units in several rural zones. The ordinance would enable ADUs under conditional use review in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones. While some residents raised concerns about potential impacts on […]
Read MoreHealth Insurance Rate Hike Reduced
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has revised its preliminary health insurance rate hike for 2025, lowering the average increase from 9.3% to 8.1% for individual market plans. The decision follows public hearings and an actuarial review. In the small group market, average rate increases were adjusted from 12.3% to 12.2%. The Oregon Reinsurance Program […]
Read MoreHospital in the Clear
The Oregon State Hospital has been cleared from its ‘immediate jeopardy’ status by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This follows issues related to hourly checks on patient wellness, which were addressed by new administrative procedures. The investigation, prompted by the unexpected death of a patient in May, is ongoing. An official CMS statement […]
Read MoreMore Helping Hands Working Wildfires
The Oregon Department of Forestry has called in four hand crews from the Oregon National Guard to bolster wildfire response efforts. Governor Kotek’s State of Emergency Declaration has allowed the ODF to mobilize additional resources, including two medevac helicopters earlier this season. The four crews, totaling 92 personnel, will include both Air and Army Guard […]
Read MoreFire Figures Updated
As of Monday afternoon, the Badlands Fire Complex was spanning 54,566 acres, and it was just 40% contained with 278 personnel assigned. The Coyote Fire, at 22,184 acres, was 75% contained, with smoke jumpers transitioning to the Thompson Fire, which has burned 31,556 acres and said to be 20% contained. Firefighters continue focusing on thick […]
Read MoreNo New Details Surrounding School Fire After 2-months
The investigation into the fire that severely damaged Baker City’s historic Central School Building more than two months ago is ongoing. The Oregon State Police have released no new details about the fire, which broke out on May 22, and destroyed the 108-year-old building which had been vacant since 2009. The roof collapsed and the […]
Read MoreAnother Resignation From “team Kotek”
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s Behavioral Health Director, Juliana Wallace, has resigned, marking the sixth departure from Kotek’s team in five months. Wallace, who joined the administration last August, will return to her previous role as Senior Clinical Director of Behavioral Health at Central City Concern. Her resignation follows concerns from former aides about the involvement […]
Read MoreHigh Speed Chase Leads to Arrest in La Grande
A high-speed early morning chase in La Grande ended with the arrest of 21-year-old Caleb Walker. La Grande Police observed Walker’s silver Dodge Charger speeding and running stop signs near Cove Avenue and Albany Street. Walker fled, reaching speeds over 100 MPH, but lost control briefly. The pursuit was initially halted for safety, but Walker […]
Read MoreFinancial Literacy Courses Will Soon Be Required for High School Graduation
Oregon high schools will soon require a financial literacy course for graduation, starting with the class of 2027. The new mandate, approved by the Oregon School Board, also includes a career preparation class. While some educators opposed the change, arguing for integration into existing classes, supporters believe the focus on financial skills is crucial. They […]
Read MoreWoman Loses Arm/ear in Vicious Dog Attack
A rather gruesome story today from Portland, where a woman lost her arm and ear following a brutal dog attack. She was mauled by a pack of dogs while walking in her neighborhood. Emergency responders rushed her to the hospital, where she underwent immediate surgery. Authorities are working to locate the dogs’ owners and are […]
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