In today’s news, Malheur jury returns surprising verdict, Redmond college goes solar and Portland developer donates winter shelter space.
1. Malheur occupation leaders found not guilty
The jury found Ammon Bundy, Ryan Bundy and five others not guilty of federal conspiracy after a five week trial, the Oregonian reports. The decision marks the end to a nearly year-long fight, sparked by the 41 day occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Ammon, Ryan and father Clive Bundy still face charges in Nevada for unpaid grazing fees and a 2014 standoff with the Bureau of Land Management.
2. Central Oregon Community College powered by solar array
The Redmond campus recently installed solar panels that can provide 90% of its power annually. The Bend Bulletin reports COCC entered into an agreement with Sunlight Solar Energy Inc. to construct the panels and the college will purchase the power produced. This agreement saved COCC $850,000 in construction costs, and will reduce its power bill by 50%.
3. Private partner steps forward for Portland winter shelter
Project^ developer Tom Cody — who plans to make a new district in Portland — has gifted the city access to the first floor of the Bushong & Co. Building for the next six months. The building is currently under renovation. The news, reported by Willamette Week, comes one day after Portland announced Terminal 1 would not longer host a winter homeless shelter.
4. Elliot Forest finally has a buyer
OPB reports a buyer for the $220.8 million property near Coos Bay has been found. The Oregon State Land Board board will announce the name of the purchaser during its December meeting.
5. James Beard Public Market delayed
The project, in the works for 5 years, was planned for the west end of the Morrison Bridge. The Oregonian reports those plans have been discarded. Back in 2011, the market won Multnomah County approval over other proposals for the Morrison location. But the planners now say it was too costly to continue in that location. The market will find new shelter in the Central Eastside, although the new location might not be revealed until May.
6. Q&A with Salem’s new economic development manager
Annie Gorski discusses development challenges, incentives and the evolution of food processing industry.
7. From the Magazine: Storyteller-in-chief — Literary Remittances
Mark Stevenson, chief nonprofit and sustainability officer of Pacific Continental Bank, describes his literary upbringing.