Weekday Wrap: Oregon drought no longer ‘exceptional,’ but it’s still bad

Moisture helps Central Oregon escape worst drought class

No a part of Oregon is within the worst drought class for the primary time in two years, in keeping with the U.S. Drought Monitor. Final yr, all of Criminal County in Central Oregon was within the “distinctive” drought class — essentially the most extreme underneath the monitor’s score system. However a number of winter storms have boosted snowpack within the Cascades and introduced water yr precipitation near regular, downgrading Criminal County’s drought class to “excessive.” Whereas the added moisture is a slight enchancment for wildlife, farmers and fireplace resistance, drought circumstances are more likely to worsen as climate will get hotter and warmer. (Michael Kohn/The Bend Bulletin)

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What we’re speaking about after we discuss drought

C-Tran could improve fares

Clark County public transit company C-Tran this week proposed growing fares by 25 cents to 50 cents, relying on the service. The company permitted momentary fare reductions in the beginning of final yr because the COVID-19 pandemic wore on. C-Tran administrators will vote on the proposed worth improve at their June 13 board assembly. If permitted, the brand new fares would take impact on Jan. 1, 2024. (William Seekamp/The Columbian)

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Grant County residents converse out in opposition to becoming a member of Idaho

A bunch of 10 residents in matching inexperienced T-shirts attended a public assembly on the Grant County Courtroom this week to voice opposition to becoming a member of Idaho. It could be the primary organized opposition to the motion that proposes combining a number of Japanese Oregon counties with the Gem State subsequent door. Members of the group, whose shirts learn “Simply Say No to Idaho,” voiced issues about Idaho’s low minimal wage, training funding and environmental laws, amongst different points. Voters in 11 Oregon counties, together with Grant County, have permitted poll measures endorsing the concept of becoming a member of Idaho. (Neil Nisperos/Blue Mountain Eagle)

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Renovations underway at Fort Clatsop Customer Heart

The Fort Clatsop Customer Heart at Lewis and Clark Nationwide Historic Park will endure inside and exterior upgrades throughout a transform. Enhancements will embrace an enhanced entrance, a revamped heating and cooling system, new home windows, modernized bogs and extra. A lot of the customer middle, together with the bogs and home windows, was constructed in 1963, 5 years after the park was established. The ability underwent a significant growth in 1991 — including a theater and exhibit corridor — by way of a private and non-private partnership with supporters of the park. The brand new facade is impressed by Chinook and Clatsop tradition. (Ethan Myers/The Astorian)

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Meet the electrician-turned-beekeeper at Willamette Valley Vineyards

Mason bees, to fanatics like Stephen Paisley, are the underappreciated underdog of the bee household. Pollinators are essential members of any ecosystem. They assist vegetation reproduce. “You lose pollinators, you lose a big portion of your meals supply,” Paisley mentioned on a current morning at Willamette Valley Winery. That’s why Paisley has devoted his retired life to mason bees. The winery’s former electrician is now its resident volunteer beekeeper. His job is to create an atmosphere for the bees to thrive. (Shannon Sollitt/Salem Statesman Journal)

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Why the magical, mysterious mason bee is a gardener’s greatest buddy 🐝