Federal officials propose listing sunflower sea stars as a threatened species
Help may be on the way for sunflower sea stars, which have been decimated in recent years by a wasting disease that causes them to dissolve. Federal officials on Wednesday proposed adding the sea star as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The sunflower sea star, which grows to nearly 3 feet across and has up to 20 arms, has been a common sight along the West Coast. It’s estimated that 90% of the sunflower sea stars have died in what has been the largest marine wildlife disease outbreak on record. Their declining numbers have already had a negative impact on coastal ecosystems. Without sea stars, sea urchin numbers have exploded, causing significant damage to the kelp forests that provide habitat for a wide variety of species including invertebrates, fish, whales and birds. (Zach Urness/Salem Statesman Journal)
Washington County approves funds to support local shelters
Washington County recently approved nearly $10 million for supportive housing services, to support new and existing homeless shelters throughout the county. The supportive housing money comes from Metro-region taxes raised through a voter-approved May 2020 ballot measure. Washington County has a goal of providing at least 250 year-round shelter beds with that revenue. The total shelter capacity already increased by 100 year-round beds during the first year of funding, from 2021-22. Partway through the second year of supportive housing services funding, county staff say they are now up to 170 beds. But these aren’t necessarily permanently viable locations, and that’s where the county says the need for more funding comes in. The funds will support seven projects in Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro and Cornelius. (Troy Shinn/Hillsboro NewsTimes)
Teen in foster care alleges Bend police slammed her to pavement, dislocating shoulder
A 17-year-old girl in state foster care alleges Bend Police officers unnecessarily slammed her into the pavement and dislocated her shoulder while detaining her last year at a BottleDrop location. The May 30 incident occurred three days after the Oregon Department of Human Services reported publicly that the teen was missing from foster care and was believed to be in danger. It was the first of three such notifications from the state in May and June. She states in the tort claim notice that three officers approached her and said they intended to return her to state custody. One of the officers then allegedly swept the teen’s legs, slamming her to the ground. In her claim, she alleges the officers then roller her over onto her stomach and her right arm was pinned underneath, causing the shoulder to dislocate. (Bryce Doyle/The Bend Bulletin)
New tsunami zone restrictions force Cannon Beach to rethink city hall project
Cannon Beach’s plans to build a new city hall and police station took a recent detour after officials learned the location sat in the tsunami inundation zone, something a new state law forbids. Earlier this week, the city council looked at two alternatives for the project and costs are now estimated to be about $22 million to $25 million. Under the first option, the city hall would be rebuilt over its existing location, and the police station would be built at the Tolovana cache site. The preliminary price tag for that option is $25.1 million. The second option, which would move both facilities to the cache site, is expected to cost $22.5 million. (Nicole Bales/Daily Astorian)
Renovation of Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City turns into a longer journey
Visitors eager to step inside the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center for the first time since November 2020 will have to wait a bit longer after some unexpected delays. The $6.5 million project started a year ago about five miles east of Baker City to make the federally owned and run facility more energy efficient. The project includes new siding, insulation, roofing, windows and doors, and upgrades to heating and cooling systems. Project manager Sarah Sherman said the construction should be complete this year. Staff would then prepare over the winter to reopen in the summer of 2024. In the meantime, Sherman has been working with local organizations to arrange special programs and events in Baker City while the center is closed. “I want these community partnerships to continue,” she said. “We’re here to support the community because the community put us here.” (Lisa Britton/Baker City Herald)
