May 11 2020 thru May 17 2020

Given the green light to relax restrictions, Malheur County stepped up on Friday as barbershops were busy and restaurants opened for dine-in customers – albeit with a few modifications.

It's not a formal holiday, but Malheur County people are likely in a celebratory mood Friday as state restrictions ease, more businesses turn on the "Open" sign, and even video poker comes back to life. Officials warn, though, that the coronavirus remains a menace to be closely watched.

A money-maker for the state, video poker machines were turned off as restaurants and bars closed down sit-down service. In counties that operate under relaxed rules starting Friday, the Oregon Lottery plans to put the poker machines back to work - while enduring deep staff cuts.

Fry Foods closed its food processing plant Weiser after an outbreak of coronavirus cases over the weekend. The company's Ontario operation, a major employer in Malheur County, remains open.

The Enterprise put out the call to see who has a supply of masks available or can make face masks for you. Here's our quick guide.

We got to this point because of hard work – by local officials, by health authorities and by responsible citizens who know a crisis when they see one. Many have worked tirelessly to protect you and the community, and a few deserve a special call-out.

The Malheur County Health Department announced Thursday morning that it had received written approval from Gov. Kate Brown to proceed with a reopening plan meant to reduce restrictions that have limited business in the county for two months. Brown was to formally announce which counties could open at a news conference Thursday morning.

Paul Wesley Shaw, Shelly M. Goodfellow, John Melvin DePonte, Elmer Sr. Duncan, Toni Lyn Wright, Alice Doraine Keele, Wayne Palmer

Positions available include Owyhee Irrigation District, Mill Worker, Transportation Supervisor, Transportation Maintenance, Ranch Worker.

Melissa Wilson knows what it is like to hit hard times. That's why she decided to repair an old cabinet and turn it into a modest platform for free items such as food and cleaning products.

Summons, Jordan Valley Cemetery District, Notice of Sale

Top Crop opened for business at 297 S.E. 10th St. this week. This is the store's second location following a first shop in Eugene.

When Malheur County is approved to phase in some openings, residents can expect life will change. Here is what state and county officials say will now be allowed.

Todd Hesse will move to Tillamook County to become the Rockaway Beach fire chief after a 20-year public service career in Vale. Hesse said serving the Vale community has been a rare privilege.

Gov. Kate Brown is expected to decide by mid-week whether counties including Malheur can reopen in a phased return to some semblance of normal business.

Two sessions will be held Wednesday and can be accessed either online or by phone. The webinars are sponsored by the Malheur County COVID-19 Task Force.

The decision by the fair board Monday night will be the first time in 111 years the event was scrubbed.

The first testing session will be in Nyssa Tuesday and the second will be held in Vale Thursday. Both events begin at 10 a.m. and run through 2 p.m. There is no charge for the testing.