News-Register

12/01/2020

Happy as a larch: A hillside smiles down on Highway 18 drivers

When it came harvest time for a very visible stand of Hampton Lumber-owned timber, co-owner David Hampton and crew devised a plan.

“The first year (following planting) it came up, it was hilarious," Hampton said. "I thought, ‘look at that thing.’ We had created forest art. It showed clear cuts are a happy place.

David Hampton said his late father, John, admonished him regarding the subject of clear-cuts and how to make them aesthetically pleasing. The elder Hampton had an idea ...

12/01/2020

News-Register

UPDATE: The crash earlier today resulted in fatal injuries for a 50-year-old Grand Ronde man:
https://newsregister.com/article?articleTitle=grand-ronde-man-dies-in-highway-18-crash--1606794567--38805--1home-news

A Two-vehicle crash, in the area of the Sheridan junction, has closed Highway 18 in both directions.

This is expected to be a lengthy closure for a law enforcement investigation and reconstruction. Travelers should avoid the area, use an alternative route or expect long delays.

Traffic is being diverted onto Sheridan Road and through town. Sheridan Public Works Department is setting up detour signage.

11/30/2020

Fire engulfs apartment building south of downtown McMinnville

UPDATE: Roads back open to traffic.
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Both Adams and Baker streets remain closed near the scene of an apartment fire that personnel from multiple fire crews are still battling.

Multiple fire agencies responded to a two-alarm fire Monday afternoon at the apartment complex at 429 S.E. Baker Street, just behind St Vincent de Paul.  Flames ...

11/30/2020

A Two-vehicle crash, in the area of the Sheridan junction, has closed Highway 18 in both directions.

This is expected to be a lengthy closure for a law enforcement investigation and reconstruction. Travelers should avoid the area, use an alternative route or expect long delays.

Traffic is being diverted onto Sheridan Road and through town. Sheridan Public Works Department is setting up detour signage.

11/30/2020

Champion Team seeks help to keep doors open

New leadership is trying to save Champion Team, a McMinnville nonprofit that provides services to people with mental health issues, homelessness and drug addiction.

Yamhill County terminated its contract, the nonprofit's sole source of revenue, due to deficiencies in record keeping by former staff.

Now, without an infusion of cash, organizers say, Champion Team will have to close its doors just as the cold of winter hits, leaving area homeless people without a warm, safe place to be during the day. [🔑]

Champion Team — a McMinnville nonprofit that provides services to people with mental health issues, homelessness and drug addiction — is asking the community ...

11/30/2020

After years of challenges, McMinnville City Council to vote on expansion of urban growth boundary

The McMinnville City Council will hold 3 days of public hearings this week on the urban growth boundary expansion plan that's on remand after 26 years of legal challenges.

N-R's Dora Totoian takes an in-depth look at that long and winding road: [🔑]

After working on an urban growth boundary expansion plan for 26 years and navigating a series of legal challenges, the city of McMinnville is close to voting ...

11/26/2020

Thankful, even in 2020

The News-Register's Starla Pointer revisited with just a few of the locals she has interviewed this year for N-R articles, to ask what they're thankful for in this year no one will soon forget ...

Remember back in January, as many breathed a sigh of relief that 2019 was over and they could start anew? Little did we know. In 2020, we’ve fought over toilet ...

11/26/2020

Oregon releases new framework for counties following freeze

Yamhill County is among 21 Oregon counties designated as “extreme risk," the highest of four risk categories. "Extreme" means more than 200 cases per 100,000 over 14 days, for counties with populations greater than 30,000. A new 14-day measuring period started Sunday, meaning limited indoor dining could be allowed in Yamhill County starting Dec. 6 if cases slow.

Yamhill County reported 24 cases on Tuesday and 12 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the county to 1,615 cases to date.

SALEM — Bars and restaurants can reopen for limited outdoor service next week but many restrictions will remain in place until a vaccine against the coronavirus ...

11/25/2020

Fire crews respond to Willamette Valley Medical Center

There was a report of a "light haze of smoke" on the third floor, according to Fire Chief Rich Leipfert.

The cause appears to be electrical, he said.

The third floor was being evacuated shortly after the first crews arrived, according to Yamhill Communications Agency radio traffic. Hospital personnel were assisting with the evacuation.

McMinnville firefighters responded about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to the four-story Willamette Valley Medical Center. There was a report of a light haze of smoke on the ...

11/24/2020

Killing of elk in watershed under investigation

A brown Jeep and blue Ford Explorer were seen in the area and may have been involved.

OSP is requesting that any person with information about this incident contact the Northern Command Center, 1-800-442-0776 and leave information for Trooper Tayler Jerome.

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify the person or persons responsible for the unlawful killing of ...

11/24/2020

A dream lost in litigation: Pair’s plans for bakery, flour mill fall apart

Wesley Stoller and Bram Yoffie are confident their planned flour mill and bakery outside of Amity would hold up in court. But the entrepreneurs dropped their application because a well-known Gaston farmer signaled he would oppose the plan "at all cost," Stoller said. [🔑]

Two entrepreneurs who hoped to open a local flour mill and bakery outside of Amity have neither the time, patience nor money to battle an opponent who appealed county ...

11/20/2020

Along the Street: New brewing venture takes over Allegory site

ForeLand Beer's first run of cans goes on sale today. Headed by award-winning brewer Sean Burke, formally of Von Ebert Brewing, the company is operated out of the former Allegory Brewing location.

That and much more in the N-R's latest Along the Street.

The inagural run of ForeLand Beer moved through the canning line this week as the new McMinnville brewery announced its launch. ForeLand will operate from the former ...

11/20/2020

Local law enforcement looks to public for voluntary compliance

Local police agencies say it would take an egregious situation for them to issue citations or make arrests related to the current state-mandated restrictions due to COVID-19, in part because they don’t have the time, energy or staffing to respond to calls about the restrictions.

To limit burdening emergency communications, agencies recommend business workplace violations be reported to Oregon OSHA and bar/restaurant violations be reported to OSHA and/or the OLCC.

N-R Crime/Courts reporter Paul Daquilante has more: [🔑]

While some Oregonians decry the possibility of arrests related to Gov. Kate Brown’s “two week freeze” Executive Order, local law enforcement said they ...

11/17/2020

If you're not already, follow our Vintage N-R page for classic scenes of Yamhill County's past, and check out the feature page each Tuesday in the print edition of the News-Register.

November 1, 1960
Ready For Christmas-- This is what the new Christmas decorations planned for McMinnville this holiday season will look like. Chamber of Commerce committeemen are in the midst of a drive to pay for purchase of the nearly $5000 in tinsel, garlands, and stars.

11/17/2020

The city of McMinnville has a much clearer path toward a UGB expansion after land-use watchdog groups said they would not oppose the plan as presented.

Public information sessions are underway; a 3-day hearing set for next month.

[🔑] https://newsregister.com/article?articleTitle=land-use-watch-groups-on-board-with-ugb-expansion-plan--1605292752--38679--

11/17/2020

The Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center is offering free COVID-19 tests and flu vaccines today from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 1145 S.E. First St., in McMinnville.

https://newsregister.com/article?articleTitle=free-covid-tests-available-tuesday-nov-17--1605292740--38674--1home-news

11/13/2020

He cruises for the Corps, and more

“Loud and proud," retired Marine Sgt. Chris Parks spent several hours this week driving through McMinnville, large American flags waving from the back of his pickup.

N-R's Starla Pointer talked to Parks about how he chose his path of service at a young age.

To honor all veterans and fellow Marines, retired Marine Sgt. Chris Parks spent several hours this week driving through McMinnville, large American flags waving from ...

11/13/2020

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announces 14-day statewide freeze

The freeze will be in effect from Nov. 18 through Dec. 2.

Restaurants and bars, which had a capacity limit of 50-100 people depending on the county and curfew of 10 p.m., will now be limited to take-out only.

Grocery stores, pharmacies and retail stores are limited to a maximum capacity of 75%. Faith based organizations will also have their capacity reduced to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.

However, other facilities — gyms and fitness centers, museums, pools, sports courts, movie theaters, zoos, gardens, aquariums and venues — will have to close their doors completely.

SALEM — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on Friday announced a statewide two-week “freeze” which will limit restaurants and bars to take-out only and close gyms, ...

11/13/2020

Members of the McMinnville High School cross country team jog on Third Street wearing masks. School board members praised the students and their coaches for taking safety precautions as they return to practices. Other fall sports teams and those from winter and spring also are practicing skills and teamwork one or two afternoons a week. Marcus Larson/News-Register #mcminnville #oregon #mcminnvilleoregon #crosscountry #highschool #practice #covid_19 #masks @mhsgrizzlies

11/13/2020

Rusty Rae/News-Register
Volunteers with the Naval Sea Cadets and American Legion installed flags on the Three Mile Lane bridge before dawn on Veterans Day. The Wednesday holiday honors all veterans and service members. Several area restaurants and other businesses offered free coffee or meals to veterans that day. The Evergreen Aviation Museum will continue with free admission to vets through Sunday, Nov. 15.

11/11/2020

Happy Veterans Day to our military and their families.

Click here to see the featured page in today's newspaper honoring a few locals who have or currently are serving, with messages submitted by family and friends:https://newsregister.com/pub/doc/HONORVETS_2020_24704.pdf

11/09/2020

Fatal hit-and-run driver sought

The initial investigation determined the victim had been struck between 2 and 3 p.m. Saturday.

Evidence left at the scene indicates the suspect vehicle was traveling westbound on Durham toward Highway 18 at the time of the crash.

Vehicle pieces located at the scene are consistent with parts from a 2006-2008 full-size Dodge Ram pickup. The color is likely a dark metallic blue, and the pickup will have significant damage on the front, passenger-side headlight area.

The body of an unidentified adult male was found late Sunday morning in the ditch on Durham Lane near Highway 18, about one mile west of McMinnville. He was the victim ...

11/07/2020

Oregon officials announce new COVID-19 restrictions

The threshold for counties being added to the two-week pause is counties with a case rate above 200 cases per 100,000 people over a two-week period.

Yamhill County (with a population of about 107,000) reported 78 cases in the last seven days.

SALEM — Following a record-breaking day of COVID-19 cases in Oregon, officials on Friday announced new restrictions that will be implemented in at least five of ...

11/06/2020

Stopping By: Father, daughter to open new Yamhill restaurant

“Success in the restaurant business has to do with the atmosphere, the love, great service and an amazing experience,” said Heidi Davis.

She and her dad, Mike Larson, hope to replicate the success they've had at Carlton Corner with their new venture, The Larson House, opening soon in downtown Yamhill.

The father-daughter were the subject of this week's Stopping By with Starla Pointer: [🔑]

Heidi Davis dreamed for many years of having her own restaurant. As a teen in a Clackamas Community College restaurant management class, she drew up plans for an eatery ...

11/06/2020

Ben Ranieri, an outfielder and one of the better hitters on the ‘Cat baseball team according to head coach Dan Spencer, sizes up a pitch during a inner-squad baseball-lacrosse contest last (oct. 30) Friday at Roy Helser field. The game was a season ending event also celebrating Halloween. Rusty Rae/News-Register #mcminnville #oregon #mcminnvilleoregon #lacrosse #halloween #linfield @linfielduniv

11/04/2020

Bledsoe early leader in treasurer's race

Kris Bledsoe had received 19,783 votes, or 53.04%, to 17,375 votes, or 46.58%, for Paulette Alexandria in initial returns.

Kris Bledsoe may be her way to becoming the next Yamhill County Treasurer based on early returns Tuesday night. Bledsoe had received 19,783 votes, or 53.04%, ...

11/04/2020

Ward 3 councilor Garvin on way to earning second term

In his second term, Garvin said he wants to focus on service levels at the fire department, a way to provide affordable housing and finalizing a long-term funding model for an after-school child care program.

In Ward 3, early results show that Councilor Adam Garvin has kept his seat for another four-year term. McMinnville community organizer Tynan Pierce, who works in the ...

11/04/2020

Menke retains Ward 2 seat on Mac city council

Menke, 68, framed her re-election bid as an opportunity for her to finish guiding several initiatives that have developed during her time on the council, such as the expansion of the urban growth boundary and the possible creation of a regional, consolidated fire district.

Initial returns show that longtime councilor Kellie Menke has held off a contentious run by opponent Brittany Ruiz to keep her Ward 2 seat on the McMinnville city council. Menke ...

11/04/2020

Chenoweth wins council seat over McCracken in Ward 1

In McMinnville's Ward 1, early returns show Chris Chenoweth, owner of computer sales and service company Acupro Oregon, with 1,935 votes, or 55.64%, in his race against U.S. Navy veteran and former assistant veterans’ service officer Lisa McCracken, who tallied 1,527 votes, or 43.9% after initial returns.

[Updated Wednesday 2:40 a.m.] An open seat for Ward 1 on the McMinnville City Council will go to Chris Chenoweth, who has 2,300 votes, or 57.33%, in unofficial ...

11/04/2020

Hill on his way to second term as McMinnville's mayor

Mayor Scott Hill appears headed for a second term with more than 60% of the vote after initial returns Tuesday night.

McMinnville Mayor Scott Hill held a large lead over challenger Heidi Parker in first returns Tuesday night, with 7,914 votes, or 61.15%, to Parker's 4,966, or 38.37%.  Hill, ...

11/03/2020

County approves rural broadband project

County Commissioners last week OKd spending $500,000 of CARES Act funding toward rural broadband internet expansion that could benefit up to about 8,000 homes either unserved or underserved by access.

“The impact is significant," said economic development manager Abisha Stone.

N-R's county gov reporter Nicole Montesano has the details: [🔑]

Over the next 12 to 18 months, every rural home in Yamhill County wanting adequate internet service should be able to have it. Yamhill County Commissioners on Thursday ...

11/02/2020

Just a couple days left to send in a free ad recognizing one of our local veterans for a special display in next Tuesday's newspaper. Visit https://newsregister.com/honorvets for more info and to submit.

10/30/2020

Local races generate big spending

Races for McMinnville City Council and the mayor's seat, along with the part-time county treasurer position, have generated an unprecedented amount of campaign spending this year for those elections.

“Nobody would have spent so much money on these races 10 years ago," says Chris Stout, an Oregon State University political science professor whose research areas include campaign behavior. "That has advantages and disadvantages.” [🔑]

Campaign finance records show this election cycle has been the most expensive in McMinnville’s history. As of Thursday, total contributions to races for three council ...

10/29/2020

UPDATE: The food program is back today, but then will have another break likely of a couple weeks while a new grant bid is submitted, according to program coordinator Doug Young.

Young said the Knights have distributed about 250,000 pounds of food to locals since the last week of May.

After a five-week hiatus, The Knights of Columbus will again be distributing food boxes by 10 or 11 a.m. on Thursday, depending on when the truck comes, in the parking lot of St. James Catholic Church (1145 SE 1st St.). Anybody can pick up a box, there are no requirements.