Linn County

A sign declares opposition to large chicken grow-out facilities planned in Scio, Ore., east of Salem in this Dec. 9, 2022, photo.

Judge halts controversial proposed chicken farm east of Salem

Alejandro Figueroa

A Linn County judge has invalidated a permit for a proposed chicken farm that would have raised over three million chickens per year east of Salem.

A marquee for a school is in the foreground, with the school building behind.

Education

Central Linn School District aims to pass its first bond measure since 1996

Karen Richards

Central Linn School District hasn’t passed a bond in nearly 30 years. District leaders say this spring’s $34 million initiative follows a community advisory committee’s recommendations.

Politics & Government

Lebanon Fire District looks to cut services after failed levy

Nathan Wilk

The Lebanon Fire District is considering further cuts to its emergency services, following the failure of a funding levy last year.

Economy & Business

Linn County to keep setbacks for large chickens farms, exclude other livestock

Alejandro Figueroa

In a decision some farm groups say could have implications in communities beyond Oregon, Linn County commissioners voted two-to-one Thursday to clarify where new large-scale livestock farms can be built.

Economy & Business

Oregon’s Linn County to revisit large-scale livestock rules following pushback from farm groups

Alejandro Figueroa

Just six months after Linn County commissioners thought they’d voted to limit large-scale poultry farms, the commission is now revisiting its decision, after learning other livestock operations could also be restricted.

Economy & Business

Controversial Linn County chicken ranch put on hold following permit withdrawal

Alejandro Figueroa

The state of Oregon has temporarily withdrawn a permit for a large-scale chicken farm in Linn County. A petition challenging the permit was set to go to trial in early May.

Linn County will launch a mobile crisis clinic. The modified van will be dispatched throughout the county and is shown in this photo shared by Linn County.

Health & Medicine

Linn County will launch mobile mental health services

Elizabeth Castillo

The Mobile Crisis Intervention Team will be able to work with residents throughout the county and assist in a crisis situation.

Refrigerator with well placed items for food safety on June 5, 2020, in San Antonio, TX. Keep your refrigerator and pantry clean and organized so you can see what needs to be eaten first. If fresh food is “out of sight, out of mind”, it may be forgotten and ultimately wasted. Food is less likely to go bad when you use the more perishable and older items first. Also, storing food in clear containers can help you see what you have available in your fridge and pantry and can help you avoid buying food you already have. In the fridge, extend the life of your food by putting it in the right place. For example, the temperature in the refrigerator door fluctuates more than the cabinets or the back of the unit so don’t store perishable foods like milk in the door. More background - FSIS Food Safety refrigerator tips - https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/refrigeration-and-food-safety/ct_index USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.

Disasters & Accidents

Deadline for those impacted by storm to replace SNAP benefits extended

Rebecca Hansen-White

Normally, people have a 10-day window from when they had to throw out the contents of their fridge, freezer or pantry to request replacement food. SNAP beneficiaries in Lane, Benton, Linn, Lincoln, Multnomah and a few other counties have until Feb. 16.

Human Interest

A jury room at Lincoln County Courthouse will see a kid-friendly makeover

Jasmine Lewin

For children involved in foster cases, visiting the sterile Lincoln County Courthouse can be upsetting. A new donation aims to make them feel more comfortable with a room equipped with toys, books, art and more.