Leslie Thompson, Argus Observer Journalist Profile

Articles

Bill to study PFAS in certain ag crops heads to governor's desk

6 days ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

ONTARIO — So long as Gov. Tina Kotek signs House Bill 2947, the state will allocate $410,000 for a statewide study on PFAS in biosolids applied to agricultural fields producing crops that are not for human consumption. The bill carries an emergency clause and, as such, could begin on July 1.
‘Selling off public land is a colossally bad idea’

1 week ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

MALHEUR COUNTY — U.S. congressmen who represent Malheur County and other parts of Oregon are opposed to a bill introduced by a Utah senator that would see the widespread sale of public land across the West by auction to the highest bidder. Many of the areas are in places that are remote and unsuitable for affordable housing — a reason stated for selling those lands in the Senate budget reconciliation bill floated by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.
Nyssa park improvements should be complete by July

1 week ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

NYSSA — Two parks in the city of Nyssa are getting an overhaul that altogether totals more than $1 million, thanks to grants from Oregon State Parks. The city was able to leverage the large grants with a fraction of their own. For South Park, the city used $100,000 of its own money to get a $400,000 grant. For Lions Park, the city obtained a $750,000 grant, for project that is close to $1 million dollars, using the city’s money to complete the remainder.
Councilor disputes letter to editor, says Oregon law allows for amending budget

1 week ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

ONTARIO — An opinion piece by the Argus Observer calling on the Ontario City Council to amend the budget for more firefighters before adopting it sparked a letter to the editor from the Ontario Budget Committee Chairman and one Ontario City Councilor who balked at the idea and said "such a move would be undemocratic and deeply discouraging."This spurred another councilor to read his own letter into the record at the Ontario City Council meeting on June 10.
UPDATE: Vikings fall to Yamhill-Cartlon in quarterfinals

1 week ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the final outcome of the state playoffs for the Vale Vikings. VALE — The No. 6 Vikings softball team made it to the quarterfinals game in state playoffs this year. In that game, Vale traveled to meet No. 3 Yamhill-Carlton on their diamond on May 30. kAm*2>9:== H2D 23=6 E@ AFE CF?D @? E96 3@2C5 :? E96 7:CDE[ E9:C5 2?5 D:IE9 :??:?8D[ 3FE '2=6 H2D F?23=6 E@ >2<6 :E E@ 9@>6 A=2E6[ =@D:?8 E96 82>6[ _\b]k^AmkAmx?
Malheur County Democrats bring No Kings Protest to Ontario

1 week ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

ONTARIO — Most of the No Kings Protests that were held around the nation on June 14 were peaceful. That includes a local one in Ontario. It drew a couple hundred citizens to Lions Park on Southwest Fourth Avenue who held signs or flags as they listened to speakers then lined up along the avenue. Lucy Hutchens, chairwoman of Malheur County Democrats, thanked those who showed up in a post on social media following the event. kAm“(6 5:5 @FC 3:E :?
Opinion: Hands off our public lands

1 week ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

Anybody who cares about the preservation of public lands — including accessing it for conservation or any form of recreation — needs to call or write their U.S. lawmakers this week and tell them, "We're not for sale."A draft budget reconciliation bill released by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this past week seeks "mandatory disposal" of more than 3 million acres of public lands in several western states, including Oregon and Idaho.
May Roberts kindergarteners - class of 2037 - get graduation ceremonies

2 weeks ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

ONTARIO — May Roberts graduated seven classes of kindergartners on June 3. The students are part of the future class of 2037. With the new school configuration putting all the kindergarteners and first-graders in one building, it took three ceremonies to get it all done. kAm!C:?4:A2= z6G:? r2AAD H2D 56=:89E65 E@ D66 E96 7:CDE 4=2DD @7 <:?56C82CE6?6CD 8C25F2E6 2D AC:?4:A2=] w6 H2D E96 G:46 AC:?4:A2= 2E p:<6? t=6>6?E2CJ AC:@C E@ E9:D D49@@= J62C]k^AmkAmu@C E96 DA64:2= @42DD:@?[ 96 82G6 2== E96 49:=5C6?
From 'Star Rune' to didgeridoo concerts, it's summertime at the library

2 weeks ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

ONTARIO — The Ontario Community Library has jam-packed its summer events, offering something for everyone. The annual summer reading program will go through Aug. 8. Participants of all ages will be able to participate in reading raffles and goal programs, as well as Reading Bingo, guessing jars and coloring contests. There will be story time and craft programs, as well as special community programs throughout the summer, with information to be announced as the time nears. kAm$E2CE:?8 :?
Council OKs increasing funds, expanding areas for security grant program

2 weeks ago | argusobserver.com | Leslie Thompson

ONTARIO -- Not many people have taken advantage of a security grant program rolled out by the city several years ago. The program offers up to $500 in matching grant funds from the city to help with security measures, such as cameras. At recent budget meetings, the committee suggested the city raise the limit to $1,000. At its last meeting in May, the Ontario City Council unanimously agreed to do so on a roll call vote. Council President Penny Bakefelt was absent. kAm%96 4@F?4:= 25@AE65 2 C6D@=FE:@?