Salem-News.com Oregon articles

Opioid Overdoses in Oregon Increased in 2021

Fentanyl and methamphetamine drive the rise in deaths and hospitalizations

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Methamphetamines and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl helped drive an increase in opioid overdoses and related deaths in 2021, according to a new Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report.

Overdoses involving multiple drugs also rose during 2021 and now account for more than half of all fatal overdoses.

Oregon`s Cedar Creek Fire is 92,596 acres with 0% containment.

Fire behavior could increase under the right conditions.

(OAKRIDGE, Ore.) - A community meeting for the communities of Oakridge and Westfir is scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at 11 am at the Oakridge High School Auditorium. The meeting will also be streamed on Facebook Live.

Although fire behavior has calmed considerably since last weekend, fuels are still dry.

LUBA Decision Final on Short-Term Rentals in Lincoln County

The County has yet to adapt its approach to comply with LUBA’s ruling.

(WALDPORT, Ore.) - The Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) ruled that the ballot measure (21-203) violated pre-existing Oregon state land-use law in seeking to phase-out short-term rentals in unincorporated Lincoln County.

LUBA also ruled that the County’s longstanding ban on transfer of vacation rental licenses to a property’s new owner also violates Oregon law.

Oregon Fire Weather: Red Flag Warning

Most of Oregon is in extreme fire danger.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Conditions may be favorable for rapid fire spread, which may threaten life and property. Use EXTRA CAUTION with potential ignition sources, especially in grassy areas. All outdoor burning is not recommended.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY: AS LOW AS 15 PERCENT.

PGE Announces Power Shut Down Schedule

Portland General Electric issued this update:

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Power shut off times are estimated to begin within the timeframes provided below by area for Friday, Sept. 9:

• Area 1: Mt. Hood Corridor/Foothills: Power Off


• Area 2: Columbia River Gorge: Power Off


• Area 3: Oregon City: 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.


• Area 4: Estacada: Power Off (more...)


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Trial for Oregon Man Scheduled: Assault with Metal Knuckles

Stone will continue to be held without bail or security pending disposition.

(CRESWELL, Ore.) - Dakota Stone arrived unannounced at his ex-girlfriend’s place of employment and punched a male at the location with metal knuckles, causing various facial injuries. Stone then punched the female victim in the face.

It had been about five years since Stone and the female had seen each other.

Oregon Man Sentenced to 35+ Years for Child Exploitation

Guilty of 23 counts involving the online sexual exploitation of children.

(LINN COUNTY, Ore.) - Investigators believe DiMolfetto either exploited or attempted to exploit over 300 children across the United States in the six months prior to his arrest.

Some of the child victims, as young as 7-years-old, were known by him and others were children he met online.

High Level of E. Coli Bacteria in Discharge to Willamette River Near Keizer

Avoid the Willamette River between Spongs Landing Park and Willamette Mission Park until further notice.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The City of Salem has detected higher than normal E. Coli bacteria results while monitoring treated effluent from the Willow Lake Water Pollution Facility.

The Willow Lake facility is located in Keizer, Oregon. The City of Salem treats wastewater and discharges treated effluent to the Willamette River at this location.

Santiam Canyon Wilderness Main Access Points to Remain Closed for Summer

Many sections of the forest are technically open, but with limitations.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This week, the Willamette National Forest announced the reopening of approximately 188,641 acres of Forest Service land, previously closed because of fire damage and hazards.

This reopening includes some popular locations for Santiam Canyon residents and tourists alike, including the Opal Creek Wilderness and Little North Fork.

Oregon Temporarily Lifts Animal Import Requirements for Fire Evacuees

As wildfires burn, Oregon issues an import exemption for animals.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Due to the ongoing threat of wildfires in Oregon and neighboring states, the Oregon Department of Ag is providing an emergency exemption to all import requirements for companion animals and livestock under an evacuation order for fire or other natural disaster.

The exemption applies only under the following conditions...