Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
Good morning, McMinnville.
The McMinnville Kiwanis Club has rebooted its long-running "Bids for Kids" auction — this event will now raise funds for a new shoe program and continues a nearly 40‑year tradition of fundraising.
Gas prices in Oregon increased by 15 cents to $4.28 per gallon last week because the 400-mile Olympic Pipeline shut down for repairs and refineries made a more expensive summer fuel blend — gas was barged in at a higher cost.
Refineries have now switched to a cheaper winter blend and the pipeline appears operational, so drivers may see relief soon.
The McMinnville economic council said last week that more than half the city's renters are having trouble with high housing costs—raising concerns over local growth goals.
The review of annual housing statistics shows that many residents will face challenges in finding affordable homes in the future.
House Bill 3991 will raise registration fees, gas taxes, and add a road usage charge that will increase yearly costs for car owners, with fee hikes beginning in July for some vehicles and in January for others.
The changes will add up to as much as $203 a year for popular models and will also raise title fees and payroll taxes to help fund road and bridge repairs—calculations are based on 12,000 miles of driving per year.
Environmental groups say House Bill 3991 will raise fees for EV and hybrid owners by up to $131 a year, a cost they call a penalty against clean car drivers—environmentalists argue that the bill hurts the fight against climate change.
Lawmakers will vote today, and the new fees will take effect in 2027 for existing EV owners and in 2028 for new EV and hybrid owners.
The Community, Parks, and Recreation Political Action Committee will hold a town hall forum on Oct.
9 at 6 p.m. at Kent Taylor Civic Hall to explain a $98.5M bond measure that may fund a new rec center, renovations for the library and senior center, park improvements, and remodeling of the aquatic center—voters will decide on the measure in the Nov. 4 election.
Harvest Nights Fundraiser
6-10:30 p.m. — Yamhill Valley Heritage Center — Ticketed entry — A magical evening featuring BBQ, local brews, live music, and vintage rides under the stars.
McMinnville Chess Club Gathering
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in strategic battles of minds at a community-driven chess club in a historic venue.
3-Day RVer Passes at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
9 AM Sep 26th - 9 AM Sep 29th — Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum — Special $18 admission for two — Enjoy the museum and an air show all weekend long with overnight RV parking options.
McMinnville Chess Club Gathering
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in friendly chess matches at a community hub in a historic setting.
Runtoberfest 2025
8:30-11:00 a.m. — McMinnville High School — Registration fee required — Participate in a 5K run/walk and a kid's mile in support of education.
McMinnville Bluegrass Jam
7-9 p.m. — Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant — Free entry — Weekly acoustic jam welcoming all levels of bluegrass enthusiasts to join the fun.
McMinnville Chess Club Gathering
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in some friendly chess matches at a relaxed community venue.
McMinnville Chess Club Gathering
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mac Market — Free entry — Engage in a friendly chess club community with open play and resources for all skill levels.
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