Kristof Vows Challenge + COVID-19 Cases Skyrocket + Kotek Leaving

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around town today.

First, today's weather:

Morning rain; windy. High: 47 Low: 39.

Here are the top stories today in Oregon City:

1. Oregon COVID-19 Numbers Keep Rising Dramatically (Patch).
2. Nick Kristof Challenging Ballot Eligibility Ruling (Patch)
3. Landslide Closes I-84, ODOT Warns Conditions 'Still Unsettled' (Gresham Patch)
4. Tina Kotek Leaving Legislature To Focus On Governor Run (Patch)
5. Arson Arrest In Hillsboro Fire (Patch)
6. Chance To Win Super Bowl Tickets By Donating Blood: Red Cross (Oregon City Patch)
7. Oregon City Prospective Homeowners: 5 New Properties On The Market (Oregon City Patch)
8. This Weekend's Oregon City Area High School Sports Schedule (Oregon City Patch)

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Today in Oregon City:

From my notebook:

• City of Oregon City: "Congratulations to our new and returning committee and advisory members. There are still vacancies in the Enhancement Grant Program Committee, Natural Resource Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Urban Renewal Budget ..." (Instagram)
• Oregon City - City Hall: "Congratulations to our new and returning committee and advisory members. There are still vacancies in the Enhancement Grant Program Committee, Natural Resource Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Urban Renewal Budget ..." (Facebook)
• City of Oregon City Parks and Recreation: "Who else is excited to see Hazel Grove Park open in 2022? Stay tuned!" (Facebook)
• Oregon City Public Library: "On Sunday, January 16 from 3-5 PM, the Monday Third Authors Group and the #OregonCityLibrary are delighted to sponsor a William Stafford Birthday Celebration and Poetry Reading! The event will take place via Zoom. We will share poems by ..." (Instagram)
• Oregon City Chamber of Commerce: "Trail Distilling has been featured in Drink in Nature Photography. Check it out and remember to support local, including your local distillery. #oregoncitychamberofcommerce #occoc #occhamber #gin #whiskey #trillium #supportlocal #support..." (Facebook)

Loving the Oregon City Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll see you soon.

— Colin Miner

About me: I've been at Patch for almost 6 years after a career that had stops at The New York Times, Oregonian, Washington Post, as well as KATU, KOIN, and KGW. For the past three years I've been Patch's Manager News and Content Partnerships as well as a National Writer.