Woodburn Fire District sees increased emergency calls, begins considering 2026 levy ask
The Woodburn Fire District is sounding the alarm on its department resources. The district says a steep increase in emergency calls over the past decade have put a strain on department staff, which is causing the district’s board to look at a possible levy in the future to boost its funding. In the short term, a...
Oregon Humane Society lands record with more than 12,000 adoptions in 2025
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon Humane Society ended the year with a record 12,482 adoptions at its Portland and Salem campuses in 2025. Among those was Stevie the kitten, the last adoption in Portland. After only arriving at OHS from Tacoma just a few days before, Stevie “instantly captured the hearts of Lindsay...
Lebanon fire highlights need for working smoke alarms
LEBANON, Ore. - Firefighters tackled a structure fire on Monday afternoon, according to Lebanon Fire District officials. LFD officials said they responded in the mid-afternoon of Dec. 29 to a structure fire on Weldon Road after the homeowner reported smoke detectors alarming and noticed melting window blinds upon...
5 Cars for Corvallis College & Commuting and 5 Students Should Skip
Living and studying in Corvallis creates a very specific set of transportation needs for students. Corvallis is compact, bike-friendly, and walkable in many areas, yet students often rely on cars for commuting to campus, part-time jobs, internships, grocery runs, and weekend travel across Oregon. The mix of short...
Stovepipe likely cause of fire that displaced 2 on Christmas Day near Sherwood
Fire investigators believe an exterior stovepipe connected to a chimney caused a two-alarm Christmas Day fire that displaced two individuals and damaged a more-than-4,000-square-foot home near Sherwood. The two-story home was in the 17900 block of Southwest Elsner Road, just off of Roy Rogers Road. “It’s unclear...
Albany’s new tax aims to boost affordable housing construction
ALBANY, Ore. - Albany is taking steps to address housing needs with a new Housing Construction Excise Tax (CET) set to take effect today. This one-time fee, effective as of Jan. 1, will apply to new developments and aims to generate revenue for affordable housing. The Albany City Council passed the CET on Aug. 13,...
10 Scenic Orchards In Oregon Locals Swear Have The Crunchiest Pears In The State
Wondering where to find the crunchiest, most delicious pears in Oregon?. These 10 scenic orchards grow amazing pears and welcome visitors to experience their beautiful farms!. 1. Mt View Orchards (Mt Hood) Talk about a room with a view – these pear trees get to stare at Mt. Hood all...
Aurora settles lawsuit against state over Aurora State Airport
The city of Aurora and Oregon Aviation Department have settled the city’s lawsuit to stop the state from submitting its proposed master plan for the Aurora State Airport to the Federal Aviation Administration. As part of the settlement, the Department of Aviation put out a statement on Dec. 29 that it would hold a...
Lebanon fire veterans retire after shaping community safety for years
LEBANON, Ore. - The Lebanon Fire District is marking a significant milestone with the retirement of Division Chief - Fire Marshal Ken Foster and Lieutenant/Acting Battalion Chief Michael Maynard. Together, they have contributed over 70 years of dedicated service to the community. According to the Lebanon Fire...
MWVCAA opens overnight warming centers in Marion and Polk counties Dec. 29–30
The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency will open overnight warming centers Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29–30, offering a temporary place to get out of the cold for people at risk during forecasted freezing temperatures in Marion and Polk counties. The centers are scheduled to operate from 7 p.m. to...
