Around Oregon | July 2016 News Round Up

 written by Lindsay McWilliams


In case you missed it, here are some highlights from July in Oregon—election and politics-free.

 

“Not All Who Wander Are Lost” Says Cow

An Oregon cow set off on an adventure on July 26, exploring Interstate 5 and blocking traffic for nearly an hour, according to the Mail Tribune. Ultimately, Exit 27 was shut down in order for authorities to herd the cow off the freeway. This wandering cow’s adventure was cut short.

 

Drop in Timber Harvest

Oregon’s timber harvest declined eight percent in the year 2015, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry, which released the new data in July. After a steady incline between 2009 and 2013, the numbers have declined in the past two years. For more information, see The Register-Guard’s report.

 

GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL in Autzen Stadium

On July 24, Autzen Stadium in Eugene hosted the soccer match between Internazionale and Paris Saint-Germain as part of the International Champions Cup. Paris Saint-Germain came out victorious. Though the match was a unique opportunity for Autzen and the city of Eugene, ticket sales were lower than expected, never reaching sold-out status as many Oregon Ducks games have.

 

Famous Portland Retailer, Tom Peterson, Dies at 86

Advertising Icon Tom Peterson, known for his flat-top haircut and quirky, low-budget commercial spots, died on July 25 at the age of 86. Peterson owned several retail stores in Oregon, including his chain, Tom Peterson & Gloria’s Too. Peterson died in the care of the Emerson House in Southeast Portland after battling advanced Parkinson’s disease.

 

 

Nike Brings Bright-Orange Bikes to Portland (Because Portland Needs More Bikes)

BIKETOWN, a shareable bike company sponsored by Nike, launched in Portland this month. With 1,000 bikes spread out in 100 stations around the city of Portland, visitors and locals can rent bikes for a single ride, a full day, or sign up for a monthly membership. biketownpdx.com

 

More Tech Expansion in Prineville

Apple, Inc. submitted plans to build a third facility in Prineville, accompanying its current two-building campus, as reported by The Bulletin. The new building is expected to be a data center of 330,000 square feet. Due to the company’s large upcoming expansions, Apple has agreed to fund a multimillion dollar wastewater treatment plant to reduce its use of local water.

 

 

A Llama and an Alpaca Walk Into a Senior Living Center

In Woodburn, a llama named Rojo and an alpaca named Napoleon are offering pet-therapy to senior citizens. These animals were brought to the Silver Creek Senior living center and Woodburn Estates for an event called the Llama Luau on July 21. Rojo and Napoleon, robed in their best luau attire, come from Mtn Peaks Therapy Llamas & Alpacas in Vancouver, Washington.

 

A Good Time to Sell a House in Portland

A report released by real estate company Redfin this month showed Portland as having one of the most competitive housing markets in the nation. Portland tied with Seattle, and landed just below Denver, which has the quickest turnover in the country. On average, houses in Portland are sold eight days after they go on the market.

 

 

Oregon Businesses Want to Catch Them All

The Oregon Garden in Silverton invites you to play Pokémon Go in its gardens, boasting “over two-dozen PokéSpots and two onsite gyms.” The Garden is just one of the many Oregon businesses jumping on the Pokémon Go wave to increase its traffic. Some businesses have complained of players frequenting their properties without any intention to purchase anything, while others are using it as a tool for sales, offering discounts to those who are playing, for example.

 

Marijuana at the Oregon State Fair, “4-H-Style”

For the first time in history, marijuana plants will be showcased at the Oregon State Fair in Salem, which takes place August 25 through September 5. Nine different plants will be on display in a greenhouse with 21-and-over entry. The plants will be judged “4-H-style” and will be awarded blue, purple or yellow ribbons, according to The Oregonian.

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