Oregon surpasses million-acre mark in fire season only second to 2020... so far

As of July 25, more than 1 million acres are estimated to have burned in Oregon as megafires at more than 100,000 acres are burning in three locations in the eastern part of the state.

Read More
Home Page, Positive News Tom Peterson Home Page, Positive News Tom Peterson

Take A Note: Time to nominate for Teacher of the Year

The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, is pleased to announce the continuation of Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year to honor exemplary educators in every region of the state. Last year’s winner was Fifth Grade Dry Hollow Elementary Teacher Wesley Mitchell. Sharpen that pencil and make your nomination today at oregonteacheroftheyear.org

Read More
Home Page Tom Peterson Home Page Tom Peterson

Deluge of Fentanyl Overdoses raining down on Measure 110

Ultimately, the question is will addiction and behavioral services and physical beds in which to put people catch up with the demand for it in Oregon. Or will the pendulum of public opinion swing before that point to a more punitive law for drug possession before a healthcare approach to addiction can be tested? It’s a wait-and-see if Oregonians can stomach the pain it takes to get up to speed.

Read More

Know a great Teacher? Nominate them for Oregon Teacher of the Year, today

We’ve all had them - that teacher that made us work harder, think deeper and push for something more than we thought we could achieve. That person not only taught us numbers but character, respect and understanding that the system can be changed from within by embracing the rebelliousness of our ideas and applying them with a thoughtful and strategic approach. Honor Them. Name Them. Nominate Them.

Read More

COVID Emergency funding coming to end; OR Health Plan Coverage, food benefits to change

Federal funding to stabilize people during the COVID-19 public health emergency is set to run out. This reduction will affect some 300,000 people utilizing the Oregon Health Plan who will no longer qualify. In addition, extended long-term support, providing extra food benefits are also coming to an end. Find out what to do here.

Read More
Home Page Columbia Community Connection Home Page Columbia Community Connection

Whats Wrong with this picture?

Fentanyl continues to flow through Oregon. Oregon State Police seizes 12 pounds of the pills near Albany and major busts have been on the rise along with a spike in overdoses from the highly potent synthetic opioid.

Read More

Peterson surpasses 2,000-mark on PCT, pushing toward Mt. Hood, Cascade Locks

TD’s Emily Peterson continues to push on in her goal to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail this season. She recently surpassed the 2,000-mile marker and will likely make it to Cascade Locks next week. But first a reunion with some new-old friends and some gorgeous scenery.

Read More
Business, Environment, Home Page, Hood River County, Wasco County, The Dalles Columbia Community Connection Business, Environment, Home Page, Hood River County, Wasco County, The Dalles Columbia Community Connection

USDA approves Oregon for a State Meat Inspection Program to relieve backlog

"Two years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, Oregonians and the ag industry came to us when they couldn’t move their meat products due to a shortage of inspection services,” said ODA Director Alexis Taylor. “After much hard work, collaboration, and determination, we designed a program that creates additional opportunities for producers and processors to grow and satisfy local demand.”

Read More