Spanning the State: Alphorn edition

Carla Axtman

I've long been a big fan of setting aside and protecting farmland in Oregon. To me, it's an integral part of our state heritage and agriculture is key to our continued economic growth as a state. The Helvetia area of Washington County encompasses some of the finest farmland in our state, as well as some pretty interesting cultural mashups. This Sunday, September 22nd is the Helvetia Culturefest, located smack in the midst of the gorgeous rolling farmland of Washington County. This mix of Native American culture with the Swiss alporns, yodeling and strudel is just...well, it has to be seen. Proceeds go to Save Helvetia, a group working to preserve the area's farmland. I'll be there. I hope to see you, too.

And now, let's Span the State!

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Also in Washington County, it would seem that Intel has been emitting fluoride since 1978 without the state's knowledge. The company is just now adding the fluoride to an air quality permit for its operations.

One city which seems to represent the hopelessly divided state of Clackamas County is Damascus. Plagued by a stymied city council that may see themselves obsolete due to possible disincorporation, the city is facing down the business end of a state Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) decision on whether or not to punish the city for not filing a comprehensive plan. Except because of the city's unique charter, the normal avenues to ensure compliance (withholding state tax revenues, limiting building permits) don't exist. The county seems poised to inherit this mess. Either that, or the disincorporation vote fails and the current intractable situation continues. Wow.

As of yesterday morning, there were 116 people in the Klamath County Jail. Jail capacity is 116.

The 509-J School District in the Madras area has been leading a community discussion/debate on the merits (or lack thereof) of serving chocolate milk to students at school. After what appears to be a heated and intense discussion among health advocates, district specialists and school board members, it was ultimately decided to continue serving the flavored milk. Board members cited concerns about Michael Bloomberg (mayor of New York, who worked to lower soda pop intake) and Big Brother.

By Carla Axtman Sept. 17, 2013