Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How engineers replaced a key I-5 bridge in one weekend

Also, don't miss Portland Spirit Happy Hour Sightseeing on the Portland Patch calendar

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Hello Portland! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How engineers replaced a key I-5 bridge in one weekend
  • How Portland schools plan to get more kids back in class
  • Why an indicted Portland burglary suspect walked free and vanished

Also on today's calendar: Portland Spirit Happy Hour Sightseeing and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Nate P.!

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Portland? Post it to Portland photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A shower in spots, with a high of 61 and low of 45 degrees.
  • Wednesday: A couple of showers, temps: high: 53, low: 44.
  • Thursday: Rain, with a high of 56 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Award of Merit, Highway/Bridge: I-5 over SW 26th Ave. Bridge Replacement (enr.com) — Drivers in Southwest Portland now travel over a newly replaced I-5 overcrossing at SW 26th Avenue, finished on time and under budget in October 2024. Engineers avoided years of traffic disruption by sliding in precast slabs beneath the old bridge, then completing the swap during a single 56-hour weekend closure.
   

2. Portland schools address absenteeism with new attendance initiatives and support teams (katu.com) — Portland Public Schools are ramping up new attendance initiatives and support teams as the district struggles to lift daily attendance from 73% toward a long-term goal of 82% by 2028. With chronic absenteeism still a major hurdle, Roosevelt High and a 20-member ASERT team are testing hands-on strategies like morning texts and classroom escorts to keep Portland kids showing up.
   

3. How an alleged serial Portland burglar ended up back on the street (kgw.com) — Portland convenience stores and clerks are on edge after a man accused of repeatedly stealing tobacco products from Plaid Pantry locations was indicted on dozens of counts, then released because of a missed legal deadline. Multnomah County’s district attorney says the case exposes how public defender shortages and limited staffing can let alleged repeat offenders return to the streets. Police say the suspect remains at large.
   

4. PPB increases patrols at Pioneer Square after attack on Jewish community in Australia (koin.com) — Portland police have stepped up patrols around Pioneer Courthouse Square during Hanukkah, responding to heightened safety concerns in the local Jewish community after a deadly attack in Australia. Religious leaders and security advisors say residents will see more officers, private guards, and K-9 sweeps, while emphasizing that the celebrations remain open, welcoming, and focused on Hanukkah’s message of light and unity.
   

5. Portland volunteers step up to fill 5K holiday food boxes for families (koin.com) — Thousands of Portland-area families will receive holiday food boxes this week as more than 100 volunteers help Sunshine Division pack 5,000 meal kits in a Wilsonville warehouse. About 3,000 boxes will be delivered directly to homes in Portland and Gresham, with the rest going through local schools and nonprofits. The nonprofit also plans to open a larger headquarters near downtown Portland in 2026.
   

📸 Around Portland

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📸 St. Johns Bridge. —Nate P. Like

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • UPDATE: Munson is home!
    I just found him in a neighbor’s yard Help Bring Munson Home - he’s very friendly and not allowed outside. He got out last night (12/13) and has… (Nextdoor Brentwood-Darlington)
  • ​😻 Nextdoor Post Idea: Welcome Mia to the Pearl District!
    ​Title: Meet Mia! Our New Furry Friend Helping With Healing in the Pearl ​ ​Hi neighbors! ​I wanted to introduce you all to the newest member of my… (Nextdoor Pearl District South)
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Recreation Employment Music and Arts Centers (Ages 16+) - Talent Pool in Portland. Apply here.
  • Kroger Family of Companies posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

Ok Portland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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