Moisture helps Central Oregon escape worst drought category
No part of Oregon is in the worst drought category for the first time in two years, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Last year, all of Crook County in Central Oregon was in the “exceptional” drought category — the most severe under the monitor’s rating system. But several winter storms have boosted snowpack in the Cascades and brought water year precipitation close to normal, downgrading Crook County’s drought category to “extreme.” While the added moisture is a slight improvement for wildlife, farmers and fire resistance, drought conditions are likely to worsen as weather gets warmer and hotter. (Michael Kohn/The Bend Bulletin)
Related: What we're talking about when we talk about drought
C-Tran may increase fares
Clark County public transit agency C-Tran this week proposed increasing fares by 25 cents to 50 cents, depending on the service. The agency approved temporary fare reductions at the start of last year as the COVID-19 pandemic wore on. C-Tran directors will vote on the proposed price increase at their June 13 board meeting. If approved, the new fares would take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. (William Seekamp/The Columbian)
Grant County residents speak out against joining Idaho
A group of 10 residents in matching green T-shirts attended a public meeting at the Grant County Court this week to voice opposition to joining Idaho. It may be the first organized opposition to the movement that proposes combining several Eastern Oregon counties with the Gem State next door. Members of the group, whose shirts read “Just Say No to Idaho,” voiced concerns about Idaho’s low minimum wage, education funding and environmental regulations, among other issues. Voters in 11 Oregon counties, including Grant County, have approved ballot measures endorsing the idea of joining Idaho. (Neil Nisperos/Blue Mountain Eagle)
Renovations underway at Fort Clatsop Visitor Center
The Fort Clatsop Visitor Center at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park will undergo internal and external upgrades during a remodel. Improvements will include an enhanced entrance, a revamped heating and cooling system, new windows, modernized bathrooms and more. Much of the visitor center, including the bathrooms and windows, was constructed in 1963, five years after the park was established. The facility underwent a major expansion in 1991 — adding a theater and exhibit hall — through a public and private partnership with supporters of the park. The new facade is inspired by Chinook and Clatsop culture. (Ethan Myers/The Astorian)
Meet the electrician-turned-beekeeper at Willamette Valley Vineyards
Mason bees, to enthusiasts like Stephen Paisley, are the underappreciated underdog of the bee family. Pollinators are critical members of any ecosystem. They help plants reproduce. “You lose pollinators, you lose a large portion of your food source,” Paisley said on a recent morning at Willamette Valley Vineyards. That’s why Paisley has dedicated his retired life to mason bees. The vineyard’s former electrician is now its resident volunteer beekeeper. His job is to create an environment for the bees to thrive. (Shannon Sollitt/Salem Statesman Journal)
Related: Why the magical, mysterious mason bee is a gardener's best friend 🐝
