In a new framework announced Wednesday afternoon, Governor Kate Brown unveiled restrictions that will begin on December 3, continuing many of the restrictions from the “freeze” that began on Wednesday, November 18 and ends December 2.

"Safe corridors and habitat are critically important. We need to keep this in mind as we further develop Oregon, and we need to take steps to help our wildlife," writes Don Backman in response to a previous letter to the editor.

The city of Banks announced that long-time Banks resident, citizen, and community activist, Leslee Sipp, is the winner of the Banks 2020 Citizen of the Year award.

A 2017 bond to build a new station in Buxton has come to fruition with the "soft opening" this month of Hornshuh Creek Fire Station #14 near Buxton.

One of the closer races for the Oregon Legislature was in Oregon House District 31, which largely represents Columbia County with a small portion of Buxton and Manning included, where victory went to Democratic incumbent Brad Witt - by less than 600 votes.

While so many traditions have been upended by the coronavirus pandemic, there's one that will return the day after Thanksgiving: Free parking at the 25 state parks that normally charge a $5 parking fee for day-use on Friday, November 27 from when parks open to when they close.

Read the executive order that defines what closes and what stays open for 15 days starting Wednesday, as well as how the Washington County Sheriff's Office will enforce the new measures, reactions from local elected officials and more.

To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Banks, the Banks Historical Society released a book on the town’s history, titled “Banks: A Town on the Move.” The first batch have nearly sold out, with a second printing on the way.

If you are one of the roughly 1,800 voters in Washington County that received a notice from the Washington County Elections office that your ballot had been challenged, tomorrow — Tuesday, November 17 — is your last day to fix that ballot.

Billed as "A Drive thru Holiday Light Adventure,” this year's parade will stand still at Sunset Park while visitors drive past on Saturday, December 12.

A summary of calls from October 2020 within the city of Banks, as written by contract deputies with the Washington County Sheriff's Office and presented to the Banks city council on November 10.

A number of new measures will begin on Wednesday, November 18 aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 before Oregon’s hospital system becomes overwhelmed. A travel advisory asking residents to stay home and self-quarantine after travel also was announced.

Free Fishing Weekend will return to Oregon on Friday & Saturday, November 27 & 28, the weekend after Thanksgiving Day.

In a letter to the editor, the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) urges Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to develop and implement a policy to enhance and conserve migratory habitat for big game, and all wildlife that make seasonal movements.

Tuesday's fatal crash on Highway 26 resulted in the death of a Portland man and injuries to another man who was transported to a hospital. The scene also saw a vehicle engulfed in flames and a chemical spill.

A summary of calls from October, and a few messages from the Banks Fire District.

A flyover in support of various Veterans Day ceremonies by the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing will be held Wednesday, November 11, including over North Plains at 11:25 a.m. and over Tillamook at 11:30 a.m., so keep your eye to the sky, as they may be visible to our readers as well.

Highway 26 is closed as a result of a fatal crash involving three vehicles near mile marker 35, just east of the Columbia County line. One vehicle was ablaze, and the closure is expected to last several hours.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that public tours for the 2020-2021 elk feeding season at Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area have been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

New restrictions on social gatherings will begin on November 11.

50 years ago, we blew up a whale and it either went terribly, or very well depending on your perspective. Learn more at a free Oregon Historical Society talk with the KATU reporter who was on the scene of the fated blubbery blast.

Election updates: Presidential race called for Biden, Washington County has around 1,700 ballots that voters must be "cured" by Nov. 17, and a close race in House District 31.

In a last-ditch effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus before enacting strict measures that could have devastating effects for Oregon’s businesses and economy, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced a “Two-Week Pause” for five counties, with five others — including Washington County — on the cusp of being added to the list.

With newer results in hand from the Oregon Secretary of State, here is where county, state, and federal races and measures stand on Thursday afternoon.

"I'm very excited to be able to get started in January," Jones said in a phone call with the Banks Post on Wednesday morning. "I walked around today and collected my signs and I'm missing one, so I'm going to be putting a call out on Facebook for that one," she said with a chuckle.

For the first time since 2003, residents in House District 32, which includes the city of Banks, Gales Creek, Gaston, Timber, and the North Coast, will be represented in the Oregon Legislature by a Republican legislator.

Running unopposed in the House District 30 race, State Representative Janeen Sollman coasted to an easy victory, netting 93.94% of the vote in early returns.

Voters in the city of Banks are on track to approve a measure to annex just over one acre of new land into city limits.

With the first wave of results from tonight’s election rolling in, we can confirm that the candidates running unopposed for a city council race — Jeff Thompson for CC2, Peter Edison for CC4, and Mike Rainey for CC6 — have won their respective races.

In the Banks Public Library parking lot, more than 100 feet from the one of Washington County's 21 ballot drop boxes, Lauren Sheehan is strumming a guitar. She's there as a volunteer for the "Play For The Vote" organization, a nonpartisan group that aims to increase voter turnout with the help of music.