Monday’s debris slide could block access to Mount St. Helens for months
The landslide that forced 12 people and a dog to evacuate from Johnston Ridge Observatory earlier this week could be closed for months. Mud, rocks, debris and water cover about 100 yards of Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. The observatory, which is a popular place to view and learn about Mount St. Helens, is now unreachable. Emergency responders are urging drivers to avoid the area while they assess the slide. (Brennen Kauffman/The Columbian)
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Hot, windy conditions increase fire risk in Western Oregon
Small wildfires have popped up across Western Oregon over the past few days as hot temperatures and windy conditions put firefighters on high alert. At least three significant fires ignited in the Willamette Valley area over the weekend and early this week when flames escaped slash or burn piles. There have also been several smaller-scale fires from burn piles. The trend is expected to continue over the next few days — as long as temperatures remain above 80 degrees. (Zach Urness/Salem Statesman Journal)
Grants Pass police captured a rogue alligator from someone’s driveway
Grants Pass police apprehended an alligator on the loose Monday in a downtown neighborhood. According to the Grants Pass Police Department, officers followed an early-morning report from a resident who said there was a 4-foot alligator in her driveway. That turned out to be true. The alligator belonged to a neighbor, who didn’t have proper permits for the reptile but escaped citation. Police turned the gator over to state wildlife officials who then took the animal to a wildlife sanctuary. (Shaun Hall/Rogue Valley Times)
Shilo Inn owes Klamath County more than $100,000 in taxes
Klamath County tax collector Rick Vaughn on Tuesday told commissioners that a local business was behind by more than $100,000 in transient room taxes owed to the county. The transient room tax is paid by visitors staying overnight in hotels, motels or other lodging for up to 30 consecutive days. Vaughn did not reveal the name of the business during Tuesday’s meeting, but the Klamath Falls Herald & News later found it to be the Shilo Inn. Vaughn admitted that Klamath County isn’t the only county in Oregon that has trouble with the provider, but that they usually make good on the debts owed. “It’s just a strange way that they do business,” he said. (Zak Keeney/Klamath Falls Herald & News)
Pacific Northwest tree fruit growers are hoping for a good year
Pacific Northwest tree fruit growers are optimistic about this year’s apple, pear and cherry crops. “What I keep on hearing is cautious optimism,” said Tim Kovis, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association’s spokesperson. “After a couple tough growing seasons, folks are optimistic that so far — knock on wood — things have progressed as well as we could have hoped for.” Because the spring started out cool and wet, blossoms got a slow start, but the sudden warm weather in May led to a “flash bloom.” Growers also say pollination has gone well with no storms or frosts to halt honeybees from flying. (Sierra Dawn McClain/Capital Press)
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