heatherroberts

Oregon is expected to get between $400 million and $1 billion from the federal government over several years to expand broadband access.  Secretary of State Shemia Fagan said an audit of the Oregon Broadband Office finds it needs funding to add staff, to administer and distribute the funds.   “...

Oregon’s 2023 Legislative session gets underway Monday with a new Governor, House Speaker and Senate President being sworn in.  House Minority Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson, a Prineville Republican, is optimistic about the change.   “I thi...

Farmers will need to feed an estimated 9.8 billion people worldwide by 2050, and to help in that effort, Oregon State University researchers are trying to expand the use of robots in agriculture.  Joe Davidson, Assistant Professor of Robotics, said nearly all fruit is harvested by humans because robots don’t operate efficiently in unstructured environments.   "Not o...

It looks like these cold temperatures aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s important to make sure your home and your operation are as energy efficient as possible.  Tom Gaunt with Pacific Power said there are a few things you can do to keep your electric bill under control.  He suggests caulkin...

It’s time once again for the USDA’s Census of Agriculture.  Oregon farmers and ranchers are being reminded to participate in this twice a decade national survey.  Dave Losh with Oregon NASS says the state Department of Agriculture, USDA, lawmakers and many others use the data to push for or against programs that impact the sector.   “I think Oregon’s at 2...

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is spending nearly $560,000 on efforts to improve habitats for the Monarch Butterfly in Oregon and California.    “Protecting monarch butterflies is an urgent issue that requires sustainable solutions,” said Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, who secured additional western monarch conservation funding as Chairman of the Interior, Environment & Related Agenci

For the first time in a generation, Oregon’s 5th Congressional District is held by a Republican.  Lori Chavez-DeRemer beat Democrat Jamie McLeod Skinner by about a one-percent margin, becoming the first Oregon Congresswoman of Hispanic descent.  Judy Stiegler...

An effort to move Oregon’s border gained support in last week’s election.  Leader of the Greater Idaho Movement Mike McCarter said Morrow County voters want County Commissioners to hold meetings on the idea.  And a 2020 request in Jefferson County was met with confusion by Commissioners, since they have no power to change a state’s border.   “The citizens signed a petit...

Much of the Northwest has seen some precipitation and cooler temperatures over that past week.  And become of that, the Oregon Department of Forestry announced that Fire Season officially comes to an end on Saturday.  ODF’s Jessica Prakke said despite predictions, the 2022 fire season turned out fairly tame.   "Our detection s...

Natural gas customers in Oregon will pay more for fuel starting Tuesday.  Oregon’s Public Utility Commission approved rate adjustments for all three gas companies operating in the state.  The agency said the increase reflects changes in the actual cost of wholesale natural gas.   Cascad...