Lebanon Express hangs it up after 136 years
Less than a month into 2023 and Oregon has lost its third local newspaper. The Lebanon Express published its final weekly edition this week, ending its decadeslong run serving its namesake Lane County community. The paper historically covered the local school board, city council and community events, which editors suggested in the final printing would continue under reporters from the Albany Democrat-Herald. (Chris M Lehman/KLCC)
Winter draws storm watchers to a stretch of South Coast
Enormous ocean swells, crashing waves and roaring sea winds are on full display during winter storm season on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, which comprises Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston. “Winter storms anywhere on the Oregon Coast can be pretty amazing, but on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, they rise to a whole new level,” said Janice Langlinais, who directs the regional visitors bureau. Storm season will soon come to a close, so the bureau has tips on how to safely take in nature’s wrath. (The Coos Bay World)
Southern Oregon to get federally funded fast-chargers
The Oregon Department of Transportation expects to install 50 new fast-charging stations for electric vehicles within the next five years, as EV sales continue to soar. Oregon is set to receive $65 million in federal dollars to install those chargers. ODOT spokesperson Matt Noble said the department will begin installing chargers this year on Interstate 5 south of Eugene, Highway 97 through Central Oregon, and Interstate 205 in the Portland metro area. (Zack Larsen/KOBI-5)
Umatilla County seeks funding for river trail
Umatilla County will apply for a $6 million state grant to help fund the first phase of a multi-use trail project that it hopes will eventually connect the towns of Umatilla, Hermiston, Stanfield and Echo. The money would support permitting, engineering, design and construction for a portion of the trail from Umatilla to Hermiston. “We’re going to eat the elephant one chunk at a time,” said Dan Dorran, chair of the county board of commissioners. “It’s a showcase project, which we can complete in little pieces.” (John Tillman/East Oregonian)
Portland police investigating 3 suspicious deaths
Portland homicide detectives are investigating a string of suspicious deaths recorded late Thursday night into Friday morning. Within a span of eight hours, police found three people dead — at least two of whom appeared to have died by gunfire — in the Montavilla, Cully and Hazelwood neighborhoods. (Jim Redden/The Portland Tribune)