News Stories Thu., Dec. 7, 2017

Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police are reporting multiple motor vehicle crashes on Highway 126, the Ochoco Highway, between Redmond and Prineville. That highway is closed. They report road conditions in that area as icy with fog.

VENTURA, Calif. (AP) — Southern California authorities have ordered evacuations for the first time in Santa Barbara County as crews protect coastal communities from a destructive wildfire that’s steadily marching west and northwest. Forecasters say a more favorable wind forecast still calls for potentially dangerous gusts across the region. Residents of 300 homes in the oceanfront city of Carpinteria were ordered to leave Thursday.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is opposed to a bill introduced by Republican U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers that would reduce spill over Columbia and Snake river dams, and prevent the breaching of four Snake River dams in eastern Washington state. In a letter to leaders of the House Natural Resources Committee and the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans, the Democratic governor this week said the bill would harm “ongoing efforts to improve future salmon and dam management.” McMorris Rodgers said Wednesday that Inslee was putting politics over science. This is the latest battle in a long-running conflict between opponents and supporters of the four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River.

The holiday season is upon us again and the residents of High Lookee Lodge are looking forward to the festivities. Each year senior residents put a star on their giving tree and folks and help make their Christmas wishes come true. You can stop by High Lookee Lodge to pick up a star or you can also make a donation to help with the efforts.

THE DALLES, Ore. (AP) — A report released by Disability Rights Oregon alleges that the juvenile detention center in The Dalles skirts Oregon law and uses inhumane punishments for teens who are housed there. The director of the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional disputes the report’s findings.