Wow, what a hole!
An Oregon State Parks staffer stands next to a sinkhole that opened up at Cape Kiwanda near Pacific City, Ore., Jan. 23, 2023.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
A sinkhole was discovered over the weekend at the Cape Kiwanda natural area near Pacific City. The sinkhole in the sandstone outcropping is about 20 feet wide and 15 feet deep. It’s been cordoned off, but Oregon State Parks officials are asking people to stay clear of the area for safety and to keep children and pets away. They say the hole could change in size at any time, and there’s a chance other holes may appear nearby. The parks department is monitoring the situation and working to find the cause of the sinkhole. (OPB Staff)
This year’s Bend Brewfest is canceled
The Bend Brewfest is the second-largest craft beer festival in the Pacific Northwest, but organizers have canceled this year’s event. The festival returned last year after a COVID-fueled hiatus, setting up shop in the Old Mill District and raising $15,000 for local groups. However, organizers said they’re waiting to bring the festival back until renovations at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater, its original location, are finished. (The Bulletin)
OHSU racks up surprisingly large profits
Oregon hospital leaders have warned that hospitals face a financial crisis as the so-called triple-demic rages on. Still, Oregon Health & Science University released a glowing financial report for the second half of last year. Net patient revenue is up for OHSU, which has helped cover higher personnel costs. But as other hospitals struggle, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems is urging the state to increase the amount it pays hospitals to care for Medicaid patients and fund new efforts to train and recruit health care workers. (Christian Wihtol/The Lund Report)
Remembering Liz VanLeeuwen, an Oregon ag leader
On Sunday, friends and family gathered at the Linn County Expo Center to celebrate the life of Elizabeth “Liz” VanLeeuwen, a leader in Oregon’s agricultural industry, who died on Nov. 27 at her home near Halsey. She was 97. VanLeeuwen was a farmer, a founding member and first secretary of Oregon Women for Agriculture, a founding member of American Agri-Women, helped form Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom program, counseled at 4-H camps and was a state representative for nine terms. Farmers say VanLeeuwen was “an inspiration” and “a strong leader.” (Sierra Dawn McClain/Capital Press)
Washington County elementary students join Oregon Kid Governor’s cabinet
Three Washington County elementary schoolers are looking to make a big impact across the state as members of the Oregon Kid Governor’s cabinet. The Kid Governor program was started by the Connecticut Democracy Center in 2015 to introduce civics education to fifth graders. In 2017, Oregon became the second state in the nation to implement the program. Avah McAdams, Elle Downs and Amelia White were sworn into Oregon Kid Governor Lea Andrus’ cabinet earlier this month after being selected to carry out their platforms of addressing racism, fighting pollution, and recycling. (Lauren Bishop and Troy Shinn/Beaverton Valley Times)
