Smoke To Be An Issue For Travelers
State officials are urging Oregonians to prepare for changing wildfire conditions before traveling this summer. ODOT, OEM, DEQ, and OHA say heavy smoke can reduce visibility, worsen air quality, and lead to road closures, detours, and reduced speed zones. Travelers are encouraged to check TripCheck.com before leaving, carry an emergency car kit, and keep vehicle air systems set to recirculate when driving through smoky areas. Officials also remind drivers to avoid roadside fire risks and sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov.
Whitmore Classical Academy Rounding Off Staff
Whitmore Classical Academy is continuing to build its team ahead of opening this fall. The public, tuition-free charter school has hired Lisa Brandow as its first Office Administrator. Executive Director Jennifer Waggoner says Brandow brings experience in customer service, education and office management, and will serve as the face of the school. Brandow most recently worked for the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and has also served as a teacher and instructional assistant. She begins August 1. Whitmore Classical Academy opens this fall with grades K through 3 and will grow to serve grades K through 8 in the coming years.
Forestry Board Approves New Long-Term Management Plan
The Oregon Board of Forestry has approved a new long-term management plan for western Oregon state forests. The plan was adopted on a 5-to-2 vote and is designed to guide timber harvests, habitat protection, and recreation opportunities on more than 640-thousand acres of state-managed forestland west of the Cascades. Officials say the plan will take effect once federal agencies approve a related Habitat Conservation Plan and issue required permits, which could happen later this year or in early 2027. The new plan replaces management plans dating back to 2010 and 2011 and is intended to provide greater certainty for counties, timber interests, and environmental protections.
