Mountain snow could impact Oregon holiday travel
Those traveling across Oregon for Thanksgiving will find mostly mellow conditions en route to their destinations, but forecasts look increasingly sketchy for the return trip this weekend if the drive includes the Cascade Range passes. By the time the weekend arrives, snow is expected on Cascade Mountain passes between the Willamette Valley and central Oregon. “Our forecast right now — and it is still early so this could change — is showing periods of moderate to heavy snow on Saturday and Sunday,” National Weather Service meteorologist Jon Bonk said. “Right now, Sunday looks to be the more difficult travel day.” (Zach Urness/Statesman Journal)
Snow could impact Thanksgiving travelers on Oregon's mountain passes this weekend.
Anna Reed / Statesman Journal
OSU researchers hunt for Earth’s oldest ice
A team of 22 scientists from Oregon State University is heading to Antarctica in search of the oldest ice on the planet. Much of the work will take place in remote areas that haven’t seen much scientific activity. A couple of years ago, researchers found so-called blue ice in the Allan Hills in East Antarctica that is believed to be two to three million years old. Scientists have used Antarctic ice — and the dust and tiny ancient air bubbles trapped inside — buried over millions of years to reveal important data about atmospheric changes Earth has experienced. (The Corvallis Advocate)
Newport seeks solutions to traffic congestion
Newport’s historic bayfront has long been a popular destination for tourists on the Oregon Coast. It’s also led to some traffic and parking headaches that city officials hope to fix with an update to its long-term transportation plan. Potential solutions so far include more paid parking, permits and time limits, but another proposal is to add a bus or trolley to shuttle people from parking in less-congested areas to other spots around town. (Chris M. Lehman/KLCC)
Clark County hospital beds are almost full
Clark County hospital and intensive care beds are nearly full, but this time it isn’t COVID-19 that’s the culprit. Officials say many of the beds are filled with patients with lingering health issues who couldn’t get medical care during the pandemic. A surge in flu and respiratory syncytial virus cases also hasn’t helped the situation. The lack of beds has prompted public health officials to ask people to stay out of the emergency department if possible. “Given we are at what is likely the height of the influenza and RSV seasons, we ask at this time you consider other options to assist with your non-emergency health care needs so our team can care for the most ill and vulnerable,” Dr. Jason Hanley, PeaceHealth Southwest Emergency Services medical director, said in a press release. (Nika Bartoo-Smith/The Columbian)
Staffing challenges persist at Astoria’s 911 dispatch center
Staffing emergency dispatch centers has been an issue nationwide, but last fall it reached a critical point in Astoria, prompting a temporary merger with nearby Seaside’s dispatch center. Astoria’s dispatch center returned to normal by May of this year, but recent staffing departures have put the city in another bind. “It was a gut punch,” said police chief Stacy Kelly. To remedy the situation, officials have taken measures to increase pay and add support in hopes of recruiting and retaining new workers. (Nicole Bales/Daily Astorian)
