Umatilla tribes vote to align cannabis policy with Oregon law
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have legalized cannabis possession on their land. The East Oregonian reports the tribes’ Board of Trustees approved the change Monday night. Changing the policy brings the tribes in line with Oregon law. Anyone 21 or older can now possess and consume cannabis on the reservation. The change does not immediately legalize business operations for marijuana, however. The trustees said they are reviewing policies currently and will decide in the future if they want to approve businesses. (OPB Staff)
Bill would remove tax penalties for in-stream water leasing
Oregon farmers who lease their water rights to improve stream flows could be taxed on the full market value of their property, instead of the lower assessed value for farmland. Currently, such in-stream water leases aren’t considered a “farm use” under the state’s property tax discount for agricultural lands. “You could jeopardize your farm deferral,” said Rep. Mark Owens, R-Crane, who has co-sponsored a bill to address the issue. (Mateusz Perkowski/Capital Press)
Smart grid efforts get funding help in Morrow, Umatilla and Union counties
Morrow, Umatilla and Union counties are getting a $12 million boost in federal funding for smart grid technologies. Hermiston’s Umatilla Electric Cooperative, which provides service to nearly 16,000 customers across the three counties, will use the funding to connect 645 new consumers and to build and improve 93 miles of line with smart grid technologies. The funds are part of more than $89.6 million the department is spending to expand and modernize part of Eastern Oregon’s rural electric grid and increase grid security. Nearly half of the federal grants will help finance infrastructure improvements in underserved communities. (Hermiston Herald)
Community groups meeting Saturday to discuss Rogue River Basin water issues
Two activist groups focused on water issues are coming together to host an educational event for the public in Medford this weekend. Water League executive director Christopher Hall says for decades the public has been left out of outreach about water issues that affect their lives. “For the public to be able to have agency, to have a voice and to have an idea about how they can contribute, it’s best that they can understand some of these important concepts,” Hall said. (Erik Neumann/Jefferson Public Radio)
Oregon is looking for applicants to help with a shortfall of sports officials
The Oregon Athletic Officials Association is hiring and it wants people to know, and the sooner the better. “We are way more than a little short of officials,” OAOA Executive Director Jack Folliard said. “It has been going on for several years and has been exacerbated since COVID. If your heart beats, we will train you.” The association has lost dozens of officials because of age and burnout, but one of the biggest reasons is the lack of respect from parents and fans, especially at the lower level. (Annie Fowler/Hermiston Herald)