County and State
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Five Things to Know About Oregon’s Record Wildfire Season The Wrights Spring Fire as seen on the afternoon of Friday, August 7 from Sprague River Road. ~ Photo from InciWeb August 28, 2026 Oregon Journalism Project | Khushboo Rathore
Oregon’s unfinished fire season is the most destructive ever, burning more than 2.5 million acres and choking off clean air across the state.
At the same time, Oregonians may misunderstand some aspects of the wildfire crisis, which could leave communities unprepared as fire seasons grow longer and more intense year after year. The Oregon Journalism Project analyzed recent data updated Aug. 24 by the National Interagency Fire Center to dispel some misconceptions.
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Data centers emerge as new flashpoint between Kotek, Drazan in Oregon governor’s race A view of data centers in Boardman, Oregon. ~ Photo by Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle August 28, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Shaanth Nanguneri
Growing public backlash over data centers is becoming an issue for voters of both parties in the Oregon governor’s race.
A fissure between the candidates is emerging over data centers and the growing public backlash over the server farms in Oregon and nationwide. A late July poll by the Portland-based firm DHM Research found that 71% of Oregonians have a negative view of data centers
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State rebates on electric vehicle purchases, leases open again An electric vehicle charging at a station in a national park. Oregon’s popular EV rebate program is reopening through Nov. 4, 2026. ~ Photo courtesy of the National Park Service August 25, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Alex Baumhardt
Oregonians planning to buy or lease an electric vehicle before Nov. 4 can get thousands of dollars from the state to help pay for it, according to an article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle.
Officials at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on Tuesday reopened the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which offers rebates of $1,500 to $7,500 on the purchase or lease of an eligible electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, depending on income. Motorcyclists through the program can get up to $375 back on the purchase of an electric motorcycle.
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Oregon News Site to Close August 25, 2026 KLCC | Zac Ziegler
Another Oregon news website is shutting down.
The Highway 58 Herald, an online news outlet that covered Oakridge, Lowell, Pleasant Hill and other communities along the scenic highway, will officially shut down in September.
Earlier this year, The News-Review in Roseburg announced a significant restructuring of its newspaper, ceasing its print edition and laying off 11 of 15 employees.
According to the Agora Journalism Center, 13% of Oregon’s newspapers have closed since late 20222.
Read more about the Herald’s closure…
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Siuslaw National Forest is Hiring August 24, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
The USDA Forest Service is hiring for wildland firefighter positions on the Siuslaw National Forest.
Jobs include fire engine operators, assistant fire management officer, and entry-level firefighter positions. Applications are open Aug. 24 through Sept. 22, 2026
Click to see the job postings…
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One of the greatest films ever shot in Oregon turns 100 this year August 21, 2026 The Oregonian/OregonLive | Jamie Hale
Buster Keaton’s classic film “The General” turns 100 this year. It was filmed in Cottage Grove and released in 1926.
This year locals will celebrate the anniversary with a special screening Aug. 29 at the Cottage Theatre. Tickets are available at cottagetheatre.org.
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Compost bins can be a fire risk This semi-truck was hauling hay when it caught on fire on July 25, 2026. The entire truck and trailer were consumed by flames, stalling traffic on Interstate 5 Northbound near Albany, Oregon. ~ Photo by Brian Bull/KLCC August 20, 2026 KLCC | Brian Bull
Compost bins are a potential fire risk for homeowners. The enclosed space can’t easily dissipate the heat generated by composting, Mike Caven, Chief of Eugene Springfield Fire, said to KLCC.
Fires have erupted in gardens, hay trucks, and grain silos, sometimes explosively if pressure and heat exacerbated significantly. Caven said monitoring for moisture and tilling can help prevent such build-up.
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Matsutake mushroom season arrives September 8 August 19, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
Matsutake mushroom commercial permits will be available starting September 8, 2026, for use within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Central Coast Ranger District. The Siuslaw National Forest announced.
Permits can be purchased in person at the Reedsport office starting on September 8 and then at the Waldport office as well, on a first-come basis. 100 commercial use permits will be available.
The permits cost $200. No permit is required for non-commercial use, up to six mushrooms per day,
Similarly looking, poisonous mushrooms exist in the same areas as the matsutake, the Forest Service warns.
Click for more information…
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Oregon wants your input on transportation August 19, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman
Oregon is looking for public comment on the state’s transportation system. The governor has convened “The Rebuilding Our Transportation Vision Workgroup,” to offer recommendations by the end of the year.
The deadline for public comments is September 10.
Read more…
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Rise in Measles Cases in Oregon in 2026 Measles rashes usually appear as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. ~ Photo by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention August 17, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Mia Maldonado
The Oregon Capital Chronicle reports that Oregon has seen a rise in measles cases this year, already ahead of the 2024 outbreak.
The State of Oregon requires that children receive two doses of the measles vaccine before entering kindergarten, though parents can request an exemption and opt out.
Vaccination rates for individual school districts are available from the Oregon Health Department online.
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More Local News
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Electricity rates to rise 3% June 30, 2026 Press Release Central Lincoln, which provides electricity to most of our area, is raising its rates 3%, effective July 1. In the press release, they say that even with the increase, the rates are lower than most of the state.
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The New Website Design June 27, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman
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New Shop in Old Bike Store June 27, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman A new business on Route 101
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Dollar Days from LTD June 27, 2026 Press Release During July and August, Lane Transit is offering discounted tickets, including for the Rhody Express.
