Auditor finds errors in city of Vancouver’s accounts
The Washington State Auditor’s office found slight “material weaknesses” in Vancouver’s 2021 financial statements, including overstatements and incorrect journal entries. In response, the city attributed its errors to a significant staff turnover in its accounting department. “While we don’t take anything lightly, these are pretty isolated, relatively small items that we are absolutely confident that we can assure are addressed before the auditor takes a look at the next fiscal year,” Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes said. (Lauren Ellenbecker/The Columbian)
1,000 acres of sacred land returned to Karuk Tribe
President Joe Biden signed a bill on Jan. 6 returning 1,000 acres of land across Humboldt and Siskiyou counties to the Karuk Tribe. The tribe said the land holds many sacred spaces, including what they consider the center of the world, where they have performed their religious ceremonies for generations. The tribe’s chairman, Buster Attebery said this is a huge step forward in protecting their culture and religion for generations to come. (Nick Borden/KOBI5)
From fender to freedom, Gordon the Red-Tail has new lease on life
Gordon, a red-tailed hawk found embedded in a car’s grille last fall, has recovered from a broken pelvis and was released last Thursday at Mt. Pisgah. After 65 days of care, therapy, and training, Ulrike Streicher, director of rehabilitation, released Gordon back into the wild on the west side of Mt. Pisgah. “He was in perfect condition and today we could release him so, we wish him luck.” (Brian Bull/KLCC)
Rogue Retreat interim director says nonprofit ‘grew too big’, promises reform
Bill Ihle, the interim executive director of Rogue Retreat, sat down to talk about the region’s largest homeless provider. Rogue Retreat’s founder was fired over poor administrative and financial management last August. Surrounding the decision were claims that conversion therapy was taking place at the founder’s church. Rogue Retreat shelters hundreds of residents every night. (Roman Battaglia/JPR)
Drug overdose deaths are soaring in Central Oregon, and fentanyl is largely to blame
Drug overdose deaths in Central Oregon have increased for three consecutive years, a crisis that regional law enforcement and paramedics say is driven by the highly addictive and potentially lethal drug fentanyl. “I don’t think people understand how serious this epidemic is right now,” said Ben Donovan, 26, of Bend, who said he has survived at least three fentanyl overdoses. After years of struggling with substance abuse, Donovan is receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center in Bend. Still, he lives in constant anxiety: He has an enlarged heart, which places him at risk should he relapse and use fentanyl again, he said. (Bryce Dole/The Bulletin)
