News Stories Jul. 10, 2018

SEATTLE (AP) — A count of orcas in the Pacific Northwest indicates that no calves have been born for the last three years, resulting in a 30-year population low. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports the annual census of Puget Sound’s killer whales has counted 75 across three Southern Resident pods. The census also reported two orcas missing and presumed dead. Researchers say the dwindling whale numbers are linked to pollution and a decreasing primary food source.

SPRAY, Ore. – A new wildfire spotted in steep terrain on the southern bank of the John Day River had grown to about 700 acres by Monday afternoon and was 10 percent contained, fire officials said. The Solitude Fire was first spotted around Sunday eveing, burning along state Highway 19 between Service Creek and Spray, officials said. The cause of the fire was unknown

Last night’s report says the Klamathon wildfire burning on the California-Oregon border is reached 36,500 and was 40 percent contained. Five homes have been damaged and 34 destroyed. Costs of containment were estimated at around $13.2 million and 3,102 people were evacuated since the fire ignited. At least one fatality was reported.

Warm Springs’ Veteran’s Memorial is one of 5 Oregon projects for veterans and war memorials recently awarded money by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The Veteran’s Memorial will be located on the grounds of the Museum at Warm Springs. Other projects awarded in the state are, the WWI Doughboy Monument in Astoria, the Coast Guard monument in Bandon, and construction of memorials in Veneta and Malin.