Excavator Hits Gas Line, Closes Hwy. 219

NEWBERG, Ore. — An excavator hit and ruptured a gas line at the intersection of Oregon Highway 219 and Wynooski Rd at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, causing an hour-long closure of the highway and area businesses to be evacuated. 

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According to Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Public Information Officer Stefan Meyers, the fire department was dispatched to the scene around 11 a.m. to help assess and stabilize the scene. By 12:15 p.m., the leak had been repaired and traffic had reopened.

NW Natural Communications Consultant Bryant Clerkley said NW Natural was contacted and repaired the line to restore service for all customers affected. The incident 

“Third-party dig-ins are the most common cause of natural gas pipeline damages,” Clerkley said. “This is why homeowners and contractors need to follow the law and call 8-1-1 to locate utility lines before digging.”

George Fox Partners with A.T. Still University to Expand Healthcare Access in Rural Oregon

NEWBERG, Ore. – George Fox University announced a new partnership this week with A.T. Still University aimed at improving healthcare access and training in Oregon’s rural and underserved communities.

The collaboration will create new pathways for George Fox students interested in osteopathic medicine through ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona. The agreement includes guaranteed interviews for up to 10 qualified George Fox students each year through ATSU’s Hometown Scholar Program.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to preparing students for impactful careers in healthcare,” said George Fox President Robin Baker. “By working with ATSU, we can provide an exceptional pathway for our students to pursue osteopathic medicine and serve their communities.”

The partnership also includes the development of clinical rotations and residency opportunities in Oregon’s rural areas, expanded mentoring for George Fox students interested in healthcare professions, and a “Dreamline” program designed to engage high school students from rural and underserved regions.

ATSU President O.T. Wendel said the collaboration “is a testament to our shared dedication to addressing critical healthcare disparities” and will help build “a more accessible and equitable healthcare future for Oregon and beyond.”

George Fox is Oregon’s largest private university, with more than 4,000 students across its Newberg campus and teaching centers in Portland and Redmond.

Buckley Park Swings Temporarily Removed for Maintenance

NEWBERG, Ore. —  The belt swings at Buckley Park were temporarily removed on October 9 to allow for the removal of tree roots that are protruding underneath the swings, according to the Chehalem Parks and Recreation website. 

CPRD Public Information Director Kat Ricker said the work is likely to be completed and the swings returned by Wednesday, October 15.