The Oregon Capitol building in Salem. Photo: Chas Hundley Governor Kate Brown announced she will convene a special session of the Oregon Legislature at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 21 to ask lawmakers to provide $800 million in financial relief for Oregonians who are suffering through the COVID-19 pandemic, and for[Read More…]
Government
County commissioners to host COVID-19 town hall December 12
Face masks. Photo: Chas Hundley On December 3, Washington County was one of 25 Oregon counties placed in the “Extreme Risk” category under a new COVID-19 risk classification system unveiled by Governor Kate Brown, and it is this topic and more that will be discussed by the Washington County Board[Read More…]
Washington County in ‘Extreme Risk’ category under new restrictions beginning December 3
A graph from the Oregon Health Authority showing county risk categories as of November 23 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[Read More…]
“Pause” replaced with “Freeze” as Oregon enters another COVID-19 shutdown
Face masks. Photo: Chas Hundley 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. Governor Kate Brown is calling the latest measures a “Two-Week Freeze” and[Read More…]
Washington County added to COVID-19 ‘Pause List’
A face mask. File photo: Chas Hundley Washington County and three other counties have been added to a new list of counties that will see restrictions placed on social gatherings and businesses beginning November 11, the office of Governor Kate Brown announced. In a Monday afternoon press release, Brown said[Read More…]
State officials urge limiting gatherings, enact “pause” restrictions on five counties
A face mask. File photo: Chas Hundley With climbing numbers of COVID-19 being recorded with no slowing down in sight, Oregon is walking toward the limits of hospital capacity in the Portland Metro area, a scenario public health officials have been trying to avoid since the first lockdown order in[Read More…]
Washington County Sheriff’s Office launches Banks-specific Facebook page
Deputy Frank Ward (left) and Deputy Ryan Pope, right, pose in front of the Banks city sign on Highway 6. “Masks were removed for this photo as it was taken outside with appropriate social distancing,” the original caption read. Photo: WCSO The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has launched a Facebook[Read More…]
Gov. Brown extends declaration of a state of emergency into 2021
A face mask. File photo: Chas Hundley Governor Kate Brown has extended Oregon’s declaration of a state of emergency into 2021. The announcement came Tuesday, October 27 that the declaration would be extended by another 60 days, lasting until January 2, when it will almost certainly be extended further as[Read More…]
In city election, only competitive race is for mayor
Banks City Hall. Photo: Brenda Schaffer One week remains before the election ends at 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, and for voters in Banks, the only city race with more than one candidate presents a choice between current city councilor Stephanie Jones and political newcomer Jonathon Boyer to become the[Read More…]
Daylight Saving Time ends early morning of November 1
The sun near Mountaindale on July 31, 2017. Beginning November 1, you’ll see less of it in the evening. Photo: Chas Hundley Sunday, November 1 will have 25 hours instead of the usual 24 as the end of daylight saving time happens at 2 a.m., rolling back to 1 a.m.[Read More…]