The JPR news team discusses some of the biggest stories from around the region this week.
Winston is the first Douglas County city to end Flock contract
Winston has ended its contract with Flock Safety, becoming the first city in Douglas County to stop using the company’s automated license plate readers. Police Chief Brandon Sarti said the cameras helped solve major cases, including a homicide, but budget cuts ultimately drove the decision. Ending the eight-camera contract will save the department $24,000 a year.
Two-day hearing focuses on Klamath Community College labor dispute
A two-day state hearing examined allegations that Klamath Community College failed to bargain in good faith with its classified employees union. The union also alleges the college cut workers’ hours because of union activity and failed to collect union dues. The college denies the allegations. Both sides have until Oct. 16 to submit final arguments to an administrative law judge.
Shasta County elections chief wants to hire convicted former clerk Tina Peters
Shasta County’s outgoing elections chief, Clint Curtis, wants to hire former Colorado election clerk Tina Peters as a consultant. Peters was convicted of seven charges stemming from a breach of election equipment and was released on parole in June after Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuted her prison sentence. Questions remain about whether Peters could take the job and whether Curtis would need approval from county supervisors.
New Phoenix Library pollinator garden grows from Almeda Fire recovery
A new 4,000-square-foot pollinator garden has opened at the Phoenix Library. The project grew out of community conversations after the 2020 Almeda Fire, when residents expressed a desire to restore plants, wildlife and natural spaces lost in the disaster. The garden includes plants selected to attract butterflies and bees.
Guests
- Maria Carter, JPR news director
- Jane Vaughan, JPR reporter
- Roman Battaglia, JPR reporter
- Peyton Gast, JPR news intern
- Justin Higginbottom, JPR reporter
