rural communities

A new postal policy is shaking up mail delivery across Oregon, raising eyebrows and concerns. It’s not just about letters.

On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed legislation to reauthorize the Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program through Fiscal Year 2026.  The votes was celebrated by Idaho’s Republican senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, as well as Oregon Democrats Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden; the four worked together to get the legislation across the finish line.   The Secure R... R

The Washington Department of Natural Resources will turn over 15 surplus wildfire engines to fire districts in wildfire-prone rural communities across the state this spring.  The agency says this is part of their annual effort to help strengthen fire response at the local level.   “...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced $145 million in funding for 700 loan and grant awards through the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, to help agricultural producers and rural small business owners make energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments to reduce energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resiliency of their operations...

WSU partners with Washington State Broadband to bridge the digital divide in rural areas, providing education and training opportunities with grant funding.

Jessie Samarin the 2022-2023 Oregon Reporter says many people from more urban areas may not appreciate it, but people and businesses in rural areas are very supportive of the next generation of farming.     If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@to...

Adoption of electric vehicles has been slower in rural areas than in urban ones, but a "rideshare" program in Oregon is allowing farmers to try out electric tractors.  The program is a partnership between a number of organizations and lets farmers test out electric tractors on their farms for free for several months if needed.  Bridget...

Washington wheat ambassador Cady Zellmar talks about how growing up on a farm outside of Davenport molded her into the person she is today. If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia... Read More ...

The White House's Office of National Drug control Policy has established a new Website to help rural leaders in the ongoing fight against drug addiction.  It's the Rural Community Toolbox dot org, and local government officials can go to this one website and find the resources they need to get help to individuals in their community," Jim Carroll, the Trump Administration's Drug Czar. "

Roughly 80% of American live in urban areas, but research shows they would rather live in rural areas, and rural residents are the happiest.  As population density increases, the level of happiness decreases.  AARP’s Sean Voskhul said that’s part of the reason a majority of the nation would rather live in rural areas.   “Rural and s...