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Cottage Grove Police Department Faces Phone Outages Due to Cell Tower Malfunction

Cottage Grove Police Department Faces Phone Outages Due to Cell Tower Malfunction

The Cottage Grove Police Department in Oregon reported phone service outages due to a malfunctioning cell phone tower. The department advised residents to use Wi-Fi calling or landlines to reach dispatch during the outage. The police department expressed hope for a quick restoration of cell service and thanked the public for their patience and understanding as the issue is being resolved.
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Oregon Governor Supports Local Moratoriums on Data Center Development

Oregon Governor Supports Local Moratoriums on Data Center Development

Governor Tina Kotek of Oregon has announced her support for local governments to pause the development of data centers until the Oregon Data Center Advisory Committee releases its policy recommendations. This decision comes amid growing concerns from residents about the environmental and community impacts of data centers. The governor's office has stated that while Oregon lacks the authority to impose a statewide moratorium, local actions are encouraged. This move follows the governor's previous decision to cancel a state land sale intended for a data center project in Salem.
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Exploring the Prettiest Small Towns in the Pacific Northwest

Exploring the Prettiest Small Towns in the Pacific Northwest

Exploring the Prettiest Small Towns in the Pacific Northwest
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American Red Cross Responds to Spokane Wildfires, Urges Caution as Some Areas Reopen

American Red Cross Responds to Spokane Wildfires, Urges Caution as Some Areas Reopen

The American Red Cross is actively involved in providing aid to those affected by the wildfires in Spokane, Washington. As firefighters gain control over the fires, some neighborhoods are reopening, but evacuation orders remain in place for other areas. The Red Cross is urging residents to stay out of restricted areas until it is deemed safe to return. They are providing shelter, meals, health support, and distributing relief items. In areas where evacuation orders have been lifted, wildfire kits are being distributed. The Red Cross is also responding to other fires across the West, including in Oregon and California, where they have opened shelters and are prepared to expand their response if necessary.
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Damon Wayans Joins David Alan Grier for NBC's 'St. Denis Medical' Season Three Premiere

Damon Wayans Joins David Alan Grier for NBC's 'St. Denis Medical' Season Three Premiere

Damon Wayans Joins David Alan Grier for NBC's 'St. Denis Medical' Season Three Premiere
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Grasshopper Fire Prompts Evacuations and Highway Closures in Oregon

Grasshopper Fire Prompts Evacuations and Highway Closures in Oregon

The Grasshopper Fire in the Mt. Hood National Forest has expanded to approximately 77,311 acres, prompting new evacuations and the closure of Highway 35. The fire, which is 20% contained, has led to Level 3 'Go Now' evacuation notices for several areas, including Sportsmans Paradise and Shell Rock Rd. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has released maps showing the affected zones. The Oregon Department of Transportation has closed Highway 35 for safety reasons, and it will remain closed until conditions improve. Fire crews are actively working to contain the blaze, which poses a significant threat to nearby communities.
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Oregon Approves Solar Project with Wildlife Corridor to Protect Deer and Elk

Oregon Approves Solar Project with Wildlife Corridor to Protect Deer and Elk

Oregon has approved the Diamond Solar Project, which will install 406,000 solar panels on 1,560 acres of forest land. The project, developed by Invenergy, includes a unique 600-foot gap in the solar array to allow deer and elk to access water sources. This decision was influenced by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to prevent disruption of wildlife migration routes. The project is part of a broader trend in Oregon to incorporate wildlife-friendly designs in large renewable energy projects.
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Oregon Approves Solar Project with Wildlife Corridor to Protect Local Ecosystem

Oregon Approves Solar Project with Wildlife Corridor to Protect Local Ecosystem

Oregon has approved a solar project that includes a unique wildlife corridor to protect local deer and elk populations. The Diamond Solar Project, developed by Invenergy, will install 406,000 solar panels on 1,560 acres of forest land. A 600-foot gap will be left between two blocks of panels to allow wildlife to access water sources. This decision comes as part of Oregon's efforts to balance renewable energy development with environmental conservation. The project is expected to be operational by 2029, with construction taking approximately 24 months.
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Pacific Northwest Wineries Impacted by Wildfire Smoke and Evacuations

Pacific Northwest Wineries Impacted by Wildfire Smoke and Evacuations

Wineries across the Pacific Northwest are facing significant challenges due to ongoing wildfires and smoke. In British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, the district of Summerland was placed under a mandatory evacuation order, affecting nearly 20,000 residents and forcing wineries like Solvero Wines and Lightning Rock Winery to temporarily close. In Washington, the Little Giant Fire has burned over 100,000 acres, causing hazardous air quality in areas like Lake Chelan Valley and prompting closures and event cancellations at several wineries. Walla Walla Valley and Yakima Valley have also experienced elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) levels due to nearby fires. Oregon and Idaho are similarly affected, with air quality advisories issued for eastern Oregon and smoky conditions reported in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. The situation is creating immediate safety concerns and potential long-term impacts on wine grapes and vineyard workers.
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Historic Wildfires Devastate Pacific Northwest Amid Prolonged Dry Conditions

Historic Wildfires Devastate Pacific Northwest Amid Prolonged Dry Conditions

The Pacific Northwest is grappling with an unprecedented wildfire season, with over 2.9 million acres (1.1 million hectares) burned across Washington and Oregon as of early August 2026. According to the US National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), 95 large blazes are currently active nationwide, with extreme fire behavior reported in multiple regions. Washington is experiencing its most destructive fire season, while Oregon has recorded its highest burned acreage in history. The fires have destroyed at least 846 structures in eastern Washington, including entire neighborhoods in Spokane. The region's dry conditions, exacerbated by climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, are expected to persist, with below-normal precipitation forecast through November. Firefighting resources are stretched thin, with the US at preparedness level 5, indicating full deployment of available resources.
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Downgrades Issued for Lower Wolf Creek Fire in Josephine County

Downgrades Issued for Lower Wolf Creek Fire in Josephine County

Fire officials in Josephine County, Oregon, have announced downgrades for the Lower Wolf Creek Fire, signaling progress in containment efforts. The fire, which has been burning in the region, prompted evacuations and significant firefighting activity. Recent updates indicate that the fire's intensity has decreased, allowing authorities to reduce evacuation levels in certain areas. This development comes as crews continue to work on containment lines and monitor hotspots. The fire has impacted local communities and natural resources, but the downgrades suggest that the immediate threat is diminishing. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels as conditions evolve.
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Rowe Creek Complex Fire Reaches 83% Containment in Oregon

Rowe Creek Complex Fire Reaches 83% Containment in Oregon

The Rowe Creek Complex Fire, located 10 miles south of Fossil, Oregon, has burned 372,971 acres since it began on July 15, 2026. The fire is now 83% contained, but active fire behavior continues in some areas. Firefighters are focusing on strengthening containment lines, protecting structures, and preparing contingency lines. Efforts include mop-up operations, strategic firing, and vegetation removal. US Highway 26 remains partially closed, and evacuation orders are in place for affected areas.