heatherroberts

A North Portland company is looking to make a dent in the housing shortage in rural Oregon.  Through a partnership with the USDA, the modular building company has unveiled a new workforce housing option.  The panels for the homes are created with mass timber.   “It is a h...

Researchers at Oregon State say they’ve created a way to predict when irrigating farmland makes groundwater resources unsustainable.  Professor Bill Jaeger said the 30-year model is for the Harney Basin in eastern Oregon.   “Five years ago, it was agreed that something had to be done, but there were differences of opinion of how broad the problem was, how much of a change in behavior, in terms of

Money is coming from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand broadband access in Oregon.  Nick Batz, Director of the Oregon Broadband Office, said there are more proposals than the money will cover.   "We received 63 applications totaling $440 million.  So, highly c...

State officials say they are not changing their approach to bird flu, despite the recent report of Oregon’s first human case of the virus.  Monitoring continues at a Clackamas County poultry farm, after a worker tested positive for H5N1.  The Oregon He...

Much like Washington, the early season snowpack across Oregon is reason for optimism and encouragement.  Some are crediting La Nina for the cooler, wetter weather.  But Matt Warbritton with NRCS said that may be premature.   “We can’t ...

This is open enrollment season for health care plans.  Amy Coven, with the Oregon Health Authority, said Marketplace health insurance is for people who can't get it elsewhere.   "Open enrollment is for anyone who needs health coverage.  Typically, f...

It's Christmas tree harvesting time in Oregon.   "We're deep in the heart of it.  Trucks are rolling this week, especially to the East Coast and the eastern half of the United States.  Those go out first, because it's a little longer trip."   Tom ...

Come January, Republicans will take control of the U.S. Senate, putting Washington’s and Oregon’s Senators in the minority, for the first time in four years.  Despite the change, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley said he will continue to find Republican partners for legislation he believes is good for his state.   “I’ve been able t...

The Oregon Department of Forest has a new program to increase prescribed and cultural burns.  Some private land owners are reluctant to have controlled burns, because of the risk they could get out of control and the owners would be responsible for the costs.  Jessica...

The Oregon Department of Agriculture continues to monitor a Crook County farm where bird flu led to the euthanization of around 70 ducks and geese as well as five pigs.  State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz said they’re testing other animals at the property, but not neighboring farms.   “Becau...