Local News

According to news reports, graduation rates in Oregon schools are falling. In 2021, 80.6% of the class of 2021 graduated on time, a 2% drop from the year before. While many things can contribute to dropout rates, it’s essential to focus on how we can keep our children in school for longer.

In 2022, Mental Health America ranked Oregon second-to-last in a report highlighting the prevalence of mental illness and access to care. The state has also ranked in the bottom three states for the last nine years. The report stated that the ranking is based on substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and self-reported rates of mental illness.

"This election was a critical moment for voters to address hunger and its root causes at the ballot box. "Our communities are reeling from ongoing pandemic impacts and the rising cost of food and housing."

Oregon's Cedar Creek fire has been burning since August 1st. As of 5:30 a.m. today, there are 301 firefighting personnel working to contain the wildfire, east of Eugene. The fire remains at 127,283 acres and 55% contained. Expected fire behavior is best described as... smoldering.

Methamphetamines and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl helped drive an increase in opioid overdoses and related deaths in 2021, according to a new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report. Overdoses involving multiple drugs also rose during 2021 and now account for more than half of all fatal overdoses.

For nearly three months, we’ve seen the devasting impacts of abortion bans across the country, where patients are fleeing to states like Oregon to access critical health care. Now, anti-abortion lawmakers are doubling down, hoping to pass a national abortion ban. Voters must know which candidates will defend their reproductive freedom.

A community meeting for the communities of Oakridge and Westfir is scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at 11 am at the Oakridge High School Auditorium. The meeting will also be streamed on Facebook Live. Although fire behavior has calmed considerably since last weekend, fuels are still dry.

The Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) ruled that the ballot measure (21-203) violated pre-existing Oregon state land-use law in seeking to phase-out short-term rentals in unincorporated Lincoln County. LUBA also ruled that the County’s longstanding ban on transfer of vacation rental licenses to a property’s new owner also violates Oregon law.

Conditions may be favorable for rapid fire spread, which may threaten life and property. Use EXTRA CAUTION with potential ignition sources, especially in grassy areas. All outdoor burning is not recommended. RELATIVE HUMIDITY: AS LOW AS 15 PERCENT.