County & State News
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State Drone Use Has Grown
Oregon Department of Aviation director Kenji Sugahara operates a drone at the Toketee State Airport. (Photo by Oregon Department of Aviation)
July 14, 2026
In 2013, the state passed some of its earliest regulations regarding the public use of drones. Today, the state police, and the departments of forestry and transportation are among the Oregon State agencies using drones as a standard part of the job.
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Oregon Country Fair opens Friday, July 10
July 9, 2026
The 57th annual Oregon Country Fair runs from July 10 through July 12 on the Long Tom River in Veneta. An adult one-day pass is $60, a three-day pass costs $150. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are not sold on the fair grounds.
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Minimum wage increase
photo/Will Yurman
June 30, 2026
Oregon’s minimum wage will increase by 50 cents per hour on July 1. For workers in the Siuslaw region, the new minimum wage will be $15.55/hr.
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Firework restrictions
Fireworks file photo/Will Yurman
June 29, 2026
Oregon State Park officials are urging people to keep fireworks off the beaches and out of state parks. They are illegal and a fire hazard officials said.
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Uptick in Ticks
June 27, 2026
Ticks are spreading north, including into Oregon, where they can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. Preventing infection includes checking for ticks after being outdoors and carefully removing any tick within the first 24 hours of being bitten.