The latest buzz on a partnership between Oregon State and regional vineyards
A new partnership between regional vineyards and Oregon State University is aimed at strengthening habitats for native bees. Already, 10 wineries have already expressed interest in participating. The program uses a huge and growing data set, gathered since 2018, of Oregon’s wild bees to coach the vineyards to enhance their bee habitats and help visitors learn how to create better habitats at home. OSU is also working with ODOT on a roadside management project using the same data. They’ve trained 500 frontline workers to manage the weeds at the side of the state’s highways, while at the same time allowing some key, bee-friendly plants to grow. The program will soon be an online course, available to all state road workers. (Karen Richards/KLCC)
Oregon State Police settles lawsuit in 2015 killing of Wilderville man
After a lengthy legal battle, a lawsuit over the death of 55-year-old Robert Box has been settled for $1.6 million. Box was killed by Oregon State Police in 2015 at his home in Wilderville, southwest of Grants Pass. Two OSP officers were responding to a domestic violence call at Box’s home. Troopers Gregor Smyth and Heather West were absolved of any wrongdoing in 2017, as prosecutors said Box pointed a loaded .44 Magnum at them despite their demands that he not touch the gun. Lawyers for the family argued Box had every right to be armed on his own rural property late at night and accused the troopers of essentially ambushing him. Last year, the Oregon Court of Appeals reinstated the case and remanded it back to Josephine County for a jury trial. The court said the troopers were trespassing when they encountered Box and made several tactical errors in the process. (Chris Bristol/Grants Pass Daily Courier)
Lawmakers consider emergency funding for local food banks
The Oregon Food Bank is bracing for an increase in need because Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have returned to pre-pandemic levels this month. Gov. Tina Kotek urged lawmakers to approve $7.5 million for emergency food purchasing through Oregon Food Bank, saying the state is facing an unprecedented food shortage. Estimates predict that more than 720,000 people, or one in six Oregonians, will be impacted and face an average 40% reduction in benefits. At the same time, food supply chain disruptions continue and food costs are up 32%. (Dianne Lugo/Salem Statesman Journal)
Clatsop County code changes could expand access to child care
Clatsop County commissioners are considering changes to their development code as a way to increase access to child care. The Astorian reports that the county is considered a child care desert for infants and toddlers. Clatsop County lost over half of its licensed child care capacity since 2017 — more than 1,000 slots at licensed care centers, care homes and family homes. County leaders are considering adding standards for family child care homes and child care centers in two dozen zoning districts. Centers that serve up to 16 children at a time would be permitted outright in all areas zoned for residential and commercial purposes. Some residents in Cove Beach, a wealthy community at the southern edge of the county, have objected. (Kaila Mellos/The Astorian)
Partly made in Portland, ‘Pinocchio’ wins an Oscar
The Academy Awards were on Sunday, and “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” won Best Animated Feature. Del Toro worked with Mark Gustafson of Portland, the co-director, on the film and Portland’s ShadowMachine created much of the animation. ShadowMachine has been well-known for some time, having made the likes of “BoJack Horseman” and “Robot Chicken,” as well as “Final Space” and “Tuca & Bertie.” Gustafson specifically thanked the crew in Portland when accepting the Oscar onstage at the Dolby Theatre. (Jason Vondersmith and Troy Shinn/The Portland Tribune)
