How Oregon grass seed found its way to the World Cup
Over the course of five decades, a family-owned company in Canby, Oregon, has supplied grass seed for golf courses, football fields and soccer pitches around the world. This year, Rose-Fricker, president of Pure Seed in Canby, had a keen interest in one of those sporting events: the World Cup in Qatar. After years of research and testing to develop a popular ryegrass blend, Pure Seed collaborated with another grass seed company, Atlas Turf International, to provide tens of millions of pounds of grass seed for eight stadiums and 71 practice fields at soccer’s premier competition. The grass had to be able to withstand the heat in Qatar and the rigors of 64 soccer games in 29 days. John Holmes, president of Atlas Turf, said it’s been a “long process” but rewarding. “It’s been so exciting to see how well it’s held up during the matches,” he said. (George Plaven/Capital Press)
Snow rescues prompt winter travel safety reminder
After the icy rescues of a 77-year-old man in southern Oregon and a family of five in Marion County, law enforcement wants drivers to brush up on the basics of how to prepare for winter travel. Some common mistakes they see drivers make include venturing onto unfamiliar roads, pushing vehicles past their limits and splitting up once in trouble, with one person walking down a road to get help. “Now, we have two different parties that we’re looking for, not just one,” said Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Jones. (Jasmine Lewin/KLCC)
Animal advocates propose Oregon fish farming restrictions
Fearing the expansion of “factory farming in water,” animal rights advocates are urging Oregon lawmakers to impose restrictions on the state’s aquaculture industry. Ocean net pens for fish would be prohibited under a bill the nonprofits Mercy for Animals and Animal Equality want to be introduced during next year’s legislative session. The bill would also establish minimum animal welfare standards for the slaughter of fish and requirements meant to prevent harm to aquatic habitats and water quality. The Oregon Aquaculture Association, which represents farmed fish producers, believes the bill is too restrictive and would open the door for more limits on animal agriculture in the state. (Mateusz Perkowski/Capital Press)
Vancouver places temporary hold on new warehouses
The Vancouver City Council has placed a temporary hold on plans to build more large warehouses in the city. In a written statement, the council said it was concerned about a sharp increase in plans for warehouses that take up more than 100,000 square feet. Companies are building more distribution facilities of that size across the nation to keep up with e-commerce demands. Vancouver councilors noted that these large facilities often create few jobs per acre, and those jobs are often low paying. The buildings can also lead to more truck traffic, which could put the city off course of its recently approved Climate Action Plan. The six-month moratorium on the warehouses will give city leaders time to assess how they want to proceed. Under state law, Vancouver could extend that temporary ban for an additional six months. (OPB Staff)
Another solar power station in the works in Umatilla County
Umatilla County could be getting a new solar power-generating site as EE West End Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of Eurus Solar Holdings LLC, is looking to build a 50- to 99-megawatt facility, including a 70-megawatt lithium-ion energy storage system, on 324 acres. According to the draft of the EFSC’s proposal to grant the certificate, the Oregon Department of Energy on Dec. 4, 2020, received a request for an expedited review for the West End Solar Project. After a review, the department granted the request. (Hermiston Herald)
