In today’s news, Kate Brown receives presidential endorsement, a Tualatin contractor takes responsibility for NW explosion and Nutcase Helmets is acquired.
1. President Obama endorses Gov. Kate Brown
The president announced his endorsement yesterday just before Gov. Brown and Republican nominee Bud Pierce faced off in their final debate. This is the only gubernatorial race in which Obama has made an endorsement. It’s unlikely the endorsement will have much impact on the election, as Brown already has a strong 13% lead over Pierce.
2. Subcontractor takes blame for Portland explosion
Loy Clark Pipeline Co. of Tualatin was working with Bremick Construction on a mixed-use building on Northwest 23rd and Glisan. Loy Clark said while their workers dug in the location that caused the gas leak, they are investigating if the dig information the crew had at the time was incorrect. The Oregonian reports NW Natural is investigating the situation.
3. Nutcase Helmets acquired by Bravo Sports
The helmet designer was founded 10 years ago by former Nike designer Michael Morrow. Nutcase hired its first CEO earlier this year and distributes in more than 40 countries. The company joins 23 other brands under the Bravo umbrella.
4. Nearly 50% of new students use Oregon Promise in Bend
Central Oregon Community College announced 500 of the 1,075 new students received aid from the Oregon Promise program. Of those students attending COCC with Oregon Promise funding, the Bend Bulletin reports nearly 70% of students graduated high school in-district. The number of full-time students also increased to 81% from 35% last year.
5. Lane County considers gas taxes
Springfield, Cottage Grove and Coburg are considering a tax increase from 3 to 6 cents, the Register Guard reports. If approved by voters, the gas taxes would surpass Eugene which has the largest tax at 5 cents. Only 23 other cities in Oregon have gas taxes in place.
6. PenAir service in Klamath Falls going well
It’s been two weeks since PenAir service began at Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport. Flight service was suspended in June 2014. The new service is going well, as Herald and News reports. More than 2,000 flights have been booked in the first 150 days, and passenger loads per flight are in the double digits. A third flight could be added next summer between Portland and Klamath Falls if needed. The airport use so far indicates the need exists.
7. Reader Forum
Readers respond to the Billionaire & the Ballot, Federal Health Gurantees and a Shifting Nonprofit landscape.
