No incumbents filed for re-election for seats on the Ontario School Board and three newcomers are running unopposed in the May 16 contest.
Author: Steven Mitchell
Sports scoreboard
The latest results and scores from area high school sports teams from the past week.
Nyssa parents decry outdoor school gender pronoun policy
An outdoor school’s equity policy inviting students to use their preferred gender pronouns prompted parents in Nyssa to call on the school board to cancel a three-day field trip next month.
PortaPros’ business culture draws plaudits
The portable toilet company PortaPros has garnered attention from around the country for the business’ focus on a positive company culture.
Rural school boards bristle at financial disclosure requirements
State Rep. Mark Owens, R-Crane, said amendments to a bill in the Senate Committee on Education exempting school board members in districts with 1,625 fewer students will prevent people from quitting boards.
With rural housing bill for Malheur County stalled, compromise may get it moving again
As the legislative deadline to move a bill along in the Oregon Legislature intended to open up housing in Malheur County fast approaches in the face of scrutiny from several conservation groups around the state, local leaders have hammered out a compromise they believe will make all parties happy and garner enough of votes to move the legislation out of committee.
The average home price in Ontario increased by nearly 50% over the last five years
Home sales have steadily declined in Ontario since 2018 when the city saw 186 homes sold. And despite mortgage rates at a historic low in 2021, buyers purchased 170 homes in Ontario, according to a report by the Four Rivers Association of Realtors. The five-year data, from 2018 to 2022, looked at real estate trends in Payette, Weiser, New Plymouth and Ontario. The region saw similar trends over the last five years. Home prices surged, and the demand for homes went up, with homes spending fewer days on the market and the number of houses sold in the region was down from the previous year, but not by much.
TVCC board mulls tuition hike
As Treasure Valley Community College officials look to balance the school’s budget, the college is considering a tuition and fee hike.
Bill to shift predator management sparks farmer concerns
Supporters of a bill giving state wildlife officials control over regulating all control over predators in and outside of agricultural lands say the legislation would allow a commission to manage animals classified as “predatory” while not hindering farmers and ranchers from protecting their property. Meanwhile, local leaders contend that such a bill will diminish the county’s protection against crop and livestock damage.
Spelling bee buzzes back to Malheur County
The seventh annual Malheur County Spelling Bee, held at Nyssa Elementary School on Thursday March 16, from 7 a.m. to noon, offers students a rare chance to compete academically.