Author
Suit over sacred tribal site on Mount Hood will be heard in Ninth Circuit on Tuesday
Two tribal leaders who’ve pursued a year’s long battle with the federal government over a patch of Mount Hood they consider sacred will get another chance to make their case in court. The leaders want the federal government to restore what they say is an ancestral religious location. They sued the Federal Highway Administration in […]
Advocates craft bills on bolstering children’s mental health services in Oregon
Advocates for the children’s mental health system hope to persuade legislators in their February session to do more to help providers who have struggled to stay afloat. Among the bills in the works is one that would send resources to rural areas to help officials find solutions for homeless youth. They often have the will, […]
Oregon will be flush in money to dramatically expand broadband – but that’s not happening soon
Oregon will reap at least $100 million to expand broadband services to homes and businesses throughout the state from the new infrastructure bill passed by Congress. The money has many people’s attention, including lawmakers, internet experts and local governments. “This is exciting stuff,” said Mallorie Roberts, legislative affairs manager for transportation and community development for […]
Grants in Oregon to tackle smoke threat to grapes, wild carrots invading fields, and more
Oregon’s wine industry, which has been hard hit by recent wildfires, might not have to worry so much about smoke spoiling grapes in the future. A plan is in the works to protect grapes from “smoke taint” that fouls the taste of wine. The research project by Oregon State University is among 15 projects that […]
CHILDREN IN CRISIS: Strained mental health system failing Oregon children
EDITOR’S NOTE: Some of the most troubled children in Oregon are failing to get the care they need in Oregon. The reasons are complex but the impact is clear. This is a compilation of the four-part series reported by Deputy Editor Lynne Terry of Oregon Capital Chronicle. – Editor Les Zaitz PART 1: CHILDREN IN […]
CHILDREN IN CRISIS: Improvement is slow for distressed Oregon families
When Angela Weirich moved her family to Pennsylvania in June, they had relief from trauma. Her daughter, who had repeatedly tried to kill herself in Oregon, seemed happy. But a crisis soon shattered the calm. Her daughter tried again to kill herself. Weirich, who had repeatedly struggled to get enough help for her daughter in […]
Some of Oregon’s most powerful state boards getting new members
A McMinnville hay farmer, a Wilsonville dentist and the former deputy director of the state Agriculture Department are among dozens of unelected Oregonians set to wield power over state lands, government ethics and public pensions. Gov. Kate Brown’s nominees to multiple state boards and commissions are up for confirmation in the state Senate later this […]
Gov. Brown says Covid-19 vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds can begin today
Gov. Kate Brown gave the go-ahead Wednesday for the vaccination of 5- to 11-year-olds against Covid-19. Her announcement follows approval from the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use of Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for younger children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, which includes immunization experts from […]
Former cook sues Oregon Youth Authority, alleging whistleblower retaliation
A former part-time cook at Oak Creek Correctional Facility in Albany has filed a lawsuit against the Oregon Youth Authority and several of its employees, alleging they retaliated against her for being a whistleblower and intentionally inflicting emotional distress. The case was filed Friday, Oct. 29, in Marion County Circuit Court and seeks at least […]
CHILDREN IN CRISIS: Pandemic sparked exodus of employees in children’s mental health system
Mental health treatment centers for children have one main problem: finding employees. They’ve suffered from a chronic workforce shortage for years but the pandemic made it worse, and the impact on children has been profound. Employees are with the children around the clock, helping them with daily activities. They’re responsible for keeping the children safe, […]
CHILDREN IN CRISIS: ‘Bottlenecked’ mental health system leaves kids untreated
The pandemic has been especially challenging for Rainy Williams. She’s a single mother with three children. Her middle child, an 8-year-old boy, was sexually abused in daycare as a toddler. The resulting trauma left him needing medical care. A Polk County coordinator helps Williams arrange some treatment but when her son turns violent, she is […]
CHILDREN IN CRISIS: Mental health, addiction care falling short for distressed children
Over the last four years, Angela Weirich’s daughter cycled in and out of emergency rooms, residential treatment, and outpatient therapy. The 16-year-old had treatment and medication but still she acted out. She attacked family members, ran away and skipped school. Last spring she tried repeatedly to end her life. Following specialized hospital treatment, she was […]