Border move would split Jefferson County and Redmond and Bend would be in different states
As voters demanded, Jefferson County commissioners has spent the past few weeks exploring the possibility leaving Oregon and joining Idaho.
It s part of the Greater Idaho initative that would shift state lines to move most of Oregon counties east of the Cascades into Idaho. Commissioners discussed the plan in August and again in mid-February.
Jefferson County voters decided in November to require commissioners to discuss the issue twice a year. There s a million questions, for sure, says Kelly Simmelink, County Commission chair.
Chris Taylor of the Move Oregon s Border campaign argued why it s worthwhile to tackle those million questions. Unfortunately, the boundary between Oregon and Idaho is really outdated because it doesn t match the cultural boundary between people who like Portland and Salem s leadership and people who don t.
March 12 2021
The Oregon Health Authority reports the newest figures the day after restrictions eased in eight counties.
The day after eight Oregon countries were allowed to ease COVID-19 restrictions, the Oregon Health Authority reported 365 new cases and three new deaths on Saturday, March 13.
On Friday, Multnomah, Yamhill, Lane, Deschutes and Klamath counties improved to the Moderate Risk category. Businesses throughout the tri-county area such as restaurants, bars, movie theaters and fitness centers will now be allowed to fill up to 50% indoor capacity. Plus, retailers and shopping centers can bump up to 75% capacity.
Benton, Jefferson and Josephine improved to the High Risk category on March 12, which allows some reopenings but carries more restrictions than the Moderate Risk category.