Nov 23 2020 thru Nov 29 2020

Sarah Poe, Malheur County Health Department director, said a unified public effort - such as the cohesive attitude prevalent during World War II - will squash the local spread of the infection.

Leading Covid vaccines still need to earn federal regulatory approval, but Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen said once that hurdle is cleared, Oregon expects to receive limited shipments.

Nathaniel Stringer is one of 10 people who contact area residents that have contracted the infection. His job is an important element to the ongoing struggle to contain the malady and often puts him face-to-face with tragedy and triumph.

TEXT: This is the text of remarks on Wednesday, Nov. 25, by Dr. David Zonies of Oregon Health and Science University about the urgency of containing the virus in Oregon.

TEXT: This is the text of Gov. Kate Brown's statement on Wednesday, Nov. 25, explaining why she is imposing new restrictions for Oregonians to control the coronavirus

TEXT: This is the prepared text of remarks by Pat Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority, who spoke of the impacts of the pandemic on Oregonians beyond medical care.

On the afternoon before Thanksgiving, Gov. Kate Brown announced changes in restrictions that now could last through December. Restaurants and bars can provide outdoor dining and churches can hold services with more people starting next week.

Malheur County is one of 21 counties listed Wednesday as at "extreme risk" of the spreading coronavirus. Gov. Kate Brown announced new measures that will further limit retailers but will allow restaurants to resume dining - outside.

The drive-thru feast begins at noon and runs until 2 p.m. at the restaurant in Vale. The free dinner has been part of the community since 2006 and though it will look a little different this year Starlite Café owner Sharon Bannon said she is happy to provide the venue for the meal.

Local businesses and nonprofits are struggling during the pandemic, and workers are facing a tough winter. But there's a lot we can do in our community to support those who need help if we embrace the spirit of giving.

The "Shop Four Rivers" effort revolves around the purchase of a virtual MasterCard that can be used at stores across Malheur, Payette and Washington counties. The plan is sponsored by the Treasure Valley Community College Small Business Development Center, area chambers of commerce and local merchants.

Ontario police detectives need help to solve the year-old murder of Billy C. Tucker, found dead on the back porch of his Ontario home. Security video showed two people, hooded and masked, arriving at the home. Anonymous tips are welcome, police said.

Restaurant owners at more than a dozen locations in Malheur County said they would be closed to observe the holiday.

Luis Carlos Duran, 20, received a 24-year prison sentence Monday in Malheur County Circuit Court in the wake of the stabbing death of Jonah Noel Reyes. The incident occurred March 1 just outside the Burnt River dispensary in Ontario.

Positions include CDL Driver, English Instructor, Behavioral Health

As local retailers have suffered economic fallout from Covid, a strong holiday performance has become even more important. Here's how some plan to make the best of the season.

Estate of Mary Lou Feasel

Gov. Kate Brown's two-week "pause" leaves some Malheur County business owners worried about the future. The "pause" was issued to try to cut down on the number of Covid cases across Oregon.

WATCHDOG: Malheur County bought farmland outside Nyssa with the hope of putting up an industrial park. The county was hoping the federal government would come up with the $15 million needed to make that happen. But the county's application was thin on information needed, according to an analysis by the Enterprise

Eligible area business have until 3 p.m. Tuesday to seek the money from Biz Oregon, the state's economic development agency. This round is for medium-sized firms that have received at least $100,000 in earlier federal aid - a qualification that will leave out smaller businesses.

After a resignation at the elementary and middle school, Adrian School District Superintendent Kevin Purnell will become principal there and former teacher and football coach Bill Wortman will become principal at the high school.