heatherroberts
Despite Snow, Drought Remains
The Northwest has seen several storms over the past couple of weeks, boosting the snowpack numbers. But unfortunately, those storms have done very little to address the on-going drought. Climatologist Zach Hoylman said the Pacific Northwest has seen cooler than average temperatures this winter, helping the region’s snowpack. But, he was quick to po...
Proposal Would Encourage Oregon Farmers To Purchase E-Tractors
A bill in the Oregon legislature would add electric farm tractors to the list of vehicles eligible for rebates. State Representative, Wilsonville’s Courtney Neron said an incentive would start the process.
"If we do not incentivize the transition to electric agricultural vehicles, then we are also missing an important opportunity to reduce emissions in the agricultural sector which also pl
Time Again For Oregon To “Grow This”
If you're thinking of growing a garden this year, you can get a free seed kit from Oregon State University Extension's statewide seed giveaway, thanks to the “Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge.” It’s spearheaded by Food Hero, a statewide initiative of the Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education Program.
"Anyone in Oregon ...
Drought Emergencies Declared In Central Oregon
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared drought emergencies for Crook and Jefferson counties in the central portion of the state. That now directs agencies to prioritize assistance to the region. Both counties requested the declaration in January...
House Joint Memorial One Moves Forward In Idaho House
The idea of moving the Idaho/Oregon border appears to be gaining traction in Boise. Former Oregon House Speaker Mark Simmons, who lives in Elgin (outside of LaGrande), testified recently before Idaho’s House State Affairs Committee, in support of the Greater Idaho Movement.
"We se...
Salinas: Appointment To Ag Committee Will Benefit Oregon Producers
The Representative for Oregon’s newest Congressional district has been tapped to serve on the House Ag Committee. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas says her appointment is good news for Oregon’s 6th Congressional District, and the many specialty crop growers that call the area home. She noted she’s loo...
SNAP Emergency Benefits Increase, Before Disappearing
Most Oregonians who receive food assistance through the SNAP program will again see a larger allotment this month; but it’s the last time emergency food benefits will go out. Around 416,000 Oregon households will share an additional 71-thousand dollars in payments in February. March will be...
Could Hunting, Fishing Become Constitutional Rights In Oregon?
The Oregon Legislature is considering whether to put a measure on the ballot asking voters if hunting and fishing should be a constitutional right. Currently, signatures are being gathered for an initiative that would ban fishing and hunting. Amy Pat...
Oregon Timber Industry Tapped To Address Housing Shortage
A new program is underway to use Oregon mass timber products to build small modular homes that can be moved anywhere in the state. The hope is these smaller homes will help reduce the housing crisis across Oregon. A $5 million grant from the Legislature with a federal match helped start the program and build the first six homes.
"It's goin...
Bee License Plate Gaining Traction In Oregon
A proposed “Pollinator Paradise” license plate appears well on its way to becoming reality, thanks to the efforts of Oregon State University. The proposal has created a lot of buzz across the state, as pre-sale vouchers are flying off shelves; and the “Pollinator Paradise'' plate could soon be available at a DMV near you. OSU Associate Professor o...