Companies like Kraft-Heinz are hiring around the region. (The Enterprise FILE) ONTARIO – Pandemic-related unemployment benefits ended earlier this month, but experts say it’s too soon to tell how that will impact the Malheur County economy, or if it will ease the labor shortage with a wave of new applicants[Read More…]
Business & economy
Malheur Enterprise wins awards in state news contest
This photo at the Vale City Pool in 2020 won a first-place award for Rachel Parsons of the Enterprise in state journalism competition. (The Enterprise/Rachel Parsons) VALE – The Malheur Enterprise has been honored by the state newspaper association with 12 awards, including four first-place finishes in judging for journalistic[Read More…]
County trims back rail lines for Nyssa center in cost-cutting move as construction looms
The rail reload center project still lacks a federal permit even as construction is slated to kick off in September. Officials also still do not have a signed agreement from the firm that is set to operate the facility. (The Enterprise/Pat Caldwell) NYSSA – The Treasure Valley Reload Center continues[Read More…]
Seat open on local board to help Malheur County’s economy
Shawna Peterson, left, is executive director of the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Board. (Enterprise/File) The Malheur County Court is seeking candidates to fill Ralph Poole’s seat on the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Board. The board, created in 2017, focuses on economic development in the border region of Malheur[Read More…]
Data shows Malheur County jobless rate is better than state average
Restaurants were especially hard hit during the pandemic. (The Enterprise/Yadira Lopez) VALE – Malheur County has a lower unemployment rate than the state, but according to the Oregon Employment Department, that strong number likely doesn’t represent all groups equally. A new report, “Disparate Impacts of the Pandemic Recession in Oregon,”[Read More…]
New heat rules aim to safeguard farmworkers in Malheur County
Drinking lots of water was first among the farmworkers’ protective measures to stay safe in the heat. (The Enterprise/Angelina Katsanis) Editor’s note: Some of those interviewed agreed to talk only if their identities were protected as they may not have legal immigration status. VALE – Following the heat-related death last month[Read More…]
Construction permits peak in Malheur County
Construction crews work on the site of a 179-unit RV park in Ontario on Friday, July 16. (AUSTIN JOHNSON/The Enterprise) ONTARIO – Expect to see more orange vests and hard hats around town. From home renovations to new housing, Malheur County is under construction as builders take a chance in[Read More…]
Nyssa rail project gets another $3 million in public funds to get water
The site of the Treasure Valley Reload Center is still farmland but construction on the project is expected to start in September. An extra $3 million was granted to the rail reload center project by state lawmakers last month. (AUSTIN JOHNSON/The Enterprise) NYSSA – Another $3 million in public money[Read More…]
RV park proposed for vacant land in west Vale
This property on Graham Boulevard has been annexed to Vale to clear the way for a new RV park. (AUSTIN JOHNSON/The Enterprise) VALE – A proposed RV park at Vale’s west end could become a hub for weary travelers, bringing new customers to local businesses in Vale. For now, the[Read More…]
Lawmakers OK Malheur County bills to open up more housing and retain local jobs
Legislation approved by the Oregon Legislature will allow, under very specific circumstances, construction of houses on low-grade farmland in Malheur County. (The Enterprise file) VALE – More housing will be available on marginal farmland and local government agencies will have to favor Malheur County residents when filling jobs after action[Read More…]