Category Special Reports

Rail project fails in $1.5 million request; another $1 million source isn’t documented

By Pat Caldwell - The Enterprise
December 12, 2022

The Malheur County Development Corporation - the public board appointed by the county to oversee the Treasure Valley Reload Center - hoped to secure millions from the Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Board but the effort failed last week. The company also had no records backing a claim that another $1 million source was lined up. The Malheur County. Court on Wednesday, Dec. 14, will consider again giving the project $2 million more.

Reload project managers mum on interest costs for contractors

By Les Zaitz and Pat Caldwell - The Enterprise
November 23, 2022

Treasure Valley Reload project officials aren't saying if they've complied with contract requirements to put some funds in escrow and pay interest on that money to contractors working on the rail center.

Senator defends push for $3 million; records contradict his rail project claims

By Les Zaitz - The Enterprise
November 1, 2022

Malheur County's state senator insisted $3 million would make the Treasure Valley Reload Center usable. At the time, he had in his own files reports showing far more was needed, an investigation by the Enterprise has established.

Malheur history: Ontario temple emerges to offer spirituality, hope

Cynthia Liu
October 13, 2022

This article is from the Enterprise’s annual history magazine, “Journey Into Malheur County’s Rich History.” Copies of Journey are available for free at the Enterprise office and at local businesses in the area. ONTARIO – In 1947, as snow padded the quiet streets of Ontario,…

More contract troubles dog Smith in public work as business awarded without bidding

By Les Zaitz - The Enterprise
October 11, 2022

SPECIAL REPORT: Contract awarded without bidding ensnares Greg Smith in another controversy. This time, it is in his role with Boardman's Columbia Development Authority.

DA orders reload center documents released, imposes fine on county’s development company

By Les Zaitz - The Enterprise
September 21, 2022

Records showing cost overruns and wetland details of Treasure Valley Reload Center are ordered released to the Malheur Enterprise. The disclosure is being compelled at the order of Malheur County District Attorney Dave Goldthorpe.

OUR SERIES: Fentanyl in Malheur County

By Les Zaitz - The Enterprise
September 11, 2022

Fentanyl is disrupting lives in Malheur County and a special series by the Malheur Enterprise examines the impacts and introduces you to the people who confront the community crisis.

PART 2: SNEAKY KILLER: Fentanyl in Malheur County – a medic trains crews to help

Mac Larsen
August 31, 2022

Ambulance supervisor Samantha Chamberlain says overdoses are on the rise in Malheur County. The Enterprise talks with people on the frontline of the fentanyl surge in the special report Sneaky Killer: Fentanyl in Malheur County.

PART 2: SNEAKY KILLER: Fentanyl in Malheur County – a nurse sees repeat users

Isaac Wasserman
August 30, 2022

Children as young as 13 are showing up as overdose cases, says Madison Hartung, an emergency room nurse in Ontario. The Enterprise talks with people on the frontline of the fentanyl surge in the special report Sneaky Killer: Fentanyl in Malheur County.