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Seattle/Western Wash. News Releases for Thu. Sep. 10 - 8:04 am
Thu. 09/10/26
Oregon National Guard, U.S. Navy Break Ground on $12 Million Machine Gun Range in Boardman (Photo)
Oregon Military Department - 09/10/26 7:01 AM
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BOARDMAN, Ore. — The Oregon National Guard and U.S. Navy broke ground Sept. 9 on a new Multi-Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) Range at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility, marking the start of construction on a project more than two decades in the making.
The $12 million range will become the first and only Army Standard crew-served weapons range in Oregon, allowing soldiers to qualify on the M240, M2, and MK19 in-state rather than traveling to facilities in Yakima, Washington, or Boise, Idaho.
"That travel costs time, costs money, and it pulls our soldiers away from being available here at home when the state needs them most," said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General, Oregon. "This range changes that."
The project traces back to a license agreement signed in August 2004 between the Departments of the Army, Navy, and the Oregon Military Department. Since then, it has appeared repeatedly on the military's Future Years Development Plan in 2007, 2015, 2025, and 2026, before finally reaching groundbreaking. The effort required a six-and-a-half-year environmental impact statement spanning more than 1,400 pages and coordination across U.S. Pacific Fleet, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the National Guard Bureau and the Oregon Military Department.
"Twenty-two years ago, someone signed a piece of paper that made a promise, a promise that Oregon soldiers would someday train on their own ground for their own state," Gronewold said. "Today, we break ground on keeping that promise, and when this range opens, it won't just serve the soldiers standing here today; it will serve the generations of Oregon's citizen-soldiers who come after them."
Gronewold tied the project to the Guard's leadership framework, telling attendees the range reflects the standard he asks of every member of the organization: to be connected, competent and committed. He noted the facility also positions the Guard for the Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon and its 6.8mm round, which soldiers will need to qualify on in coming years.
Cmdr. Joshua Overn, Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the Northwest Training Range Complex, delivered remarks on behalf of Capt. Nathan Gammache, the air station's commanding officer, who was traveling and unable to attend.
"Today, we aren't just turning dirt; we are laying the foundation for the future of our tactical readiness," Overn said, calling proficiency with crew-served weapons "a cornerstone of ground combat." He said the range will help ensure that when Oregon forces deploy, "they are fully qualified, confident and lethal in the field."
Overn said the partnership between the Navy and the Oregon Military Department has helped advocate for and protect military interests across the Northwest while balancing compatible land and air use in the region. He added that a ribbon-cutting ceremony is expected within the coming year as construction wraps up.
Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees, a former Adjutant General of Oregon, attended the ceremony. Also on hand were Boardman City Manager Brandon Hammond, Morrow and Umatilla County commissioners, local fire and police representatives, and field representatives for Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.
 
Released B-Roll Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1022321/oregon-national-guard-us-navy-break-ground-12-million-machine-gun-range-boardman
Released photos:
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Cmdr. Joshua Overn, Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the Northwest Training Range Complex, and Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General, Oregon, render honors during the playing of the national anthem at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility in Boardman, Oregon. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
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CW5 Lenora L. Landwehr, Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Oregon National Guard, and CMSgt Brent W. Cavanias, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, render honors alongside community leaders and dignitaries during the national anthem at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility in Boardman, Oregon. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
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Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General, Oregon, delivers remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility in Boardman, Oregon, as Cmdr. Joshua Overn, Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the Northwest Training Range Complex, looks on. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
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From left, CW5 Lenora L. Landwehr, Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Oregon National Guard; Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees; Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General, Oregon; Cmdr. Joshua Overn, Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the Northwest Training Range Complex; CMSgt Brent W. Cavanias, Command Senior Enlisted Leader; and Brandon Hammond, Boardman City Manager, break ground on the Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range at the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility in Boardman, Oregon. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)
LTC Stephen Bomar
Director of Public Affairs
Oregon Military Department
503-990-9508



Attached Media Files: 260909-Z-ZJ128-1001 , 260909-Z-ZJ128-1002 , 260909-Z-ZJ128-1003 , 260909-Z-ZJ128-1004

| Oregon Military Department
Tue. 09/08/26
90’s Flannel Fest Turns Up the Heat for October 2–3 Return to Moses Lake (Photo)
Harefest LLC - 09/08/26 3:59 PM
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http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2026-09/8026/190844/90sFlannelFest2026.jpg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Fellman | canbyharefest@gmail.com |503-515-2687

 

90’s Flannel Fest Turns Up the Heat for October 2–3 Return to Moses Lake

Fifth annual concert-campout adds heating throughout the venue and new discounted group ticket packages

 

Moses Lake, WA – September 8, 2026 — 90’s Flannel Fest returns to the Grant County Fairgrounds & Events Center October 2–3 for its fifth year, bringing two days of live music celebrating the defining artists of 90’s alternative, grunge and rock.

 

And this year, Flannel Fest is literally turning up the heat.

 

New for 2026, propane heating towers will be located throughout the festival grounds, while large blowers will pump warm air into the pit area in front of the stage. The additions are designed to keep fans more comfortable as temperatures cool down after dark.

 

“It gets a little crisp at night, but it IS Flannel Fest,” says co-producer Jason Fellman of Harefest LLC and J-Fell Presents. “We love the outdoor fall atmosphere, and this year we wanted to make it easier for people to stay warm while they’re hanging out with friends and watching the bands.”

 

The 21-and-over concert-campout features 10 tribute bands over two days. Friday’s lineup includes Red Not Chili Peppers [Red Hot Chili Peppers], Nevermind [Nirvana] and Head Over Feet [Alanis Morissette]. Saturday features Grand Royale [Beastie Boys], Jar of Flies [Alice in Chains], Fighting Foos [Foo Fighters], Outshined [Soundgarden], TribU2 [U2], Corduroy [Pearl Jam] and Nookie [Limp Bizkit].

 

Also new this year is group pricing, with packages of 10 tickets available at a 20% discount, giving groups of friends another reason to make a weekend of Flannel Fest together.

 

Fans also won’t have to choose between the music and college football. Flannel Fest’s sports bar will be showing Saturday’s action, including Washington State vs. Fresno State and Washington at USC, allowing fans to keep tabs on the games throughout the festival.

 

RV and tent camping are available on site, allowing attendees to stay for the entire weekend without leaving the fairgrounds. Blankets and chairs are also permitted in the festival grounds.

 

Tickets, camping passes and additional festival information are available at 90sflannelfest.com.

LINKS

Festival Info: www.90sflannelfest.com

Tickets: www.aftontickets.com/90sflannelfest

Festival Promo Video: www.facebook.com/reel/1122902036758289

Graphics/Media: https://bit.ly/90'sFFmedia

 
Jason Fellman
canbyharefest@gmail.com
503-515-2687



Attached Media Files: 90sFlannelFest2026.jpg

| Harefest LLC
Fri. 09/04/26
Fire Season Isn’t Over When Summer Ends, BLM Warns
Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash. - 09/04/26 10:46 AM

PORTLAND, Ore. – As Labor Day weekend approaches, the Bureau of Land Management is reminding visitors that wildfire season is far from over across Oregon and Washington.

 

More than 2.5 million acres have already burned across the Northwest this year, making 2026 an exceptionally active wildfire season. While temperatures may begin to cool and some areas may receive rain, fuels can remain dry and fire danger can change quickly. September can also bring periods of warm, dry and windy weather that increase the potential for rapid fire growth.

 

“Labor Day can feel like the end of summer, but it is not necessarily the end of fire season,” said Todd Forbes, acting BLM Oregon/Washington Associate State Director. “We are asking visitors to keep fire prevention in mind as they enjoy public lands this weekend. Conditions can change quickly, and one careless spark can have consequences for communities, wildlife, natural resources, and firefighters.”

 

The BLM has recently adjusted some closures and restrictions as local conditions change, allowing more opportunities for people to visit public lands. However, fire restrictions remain in effect across BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington, and additional local restrictions or closures may apply. Restrictions vary by location based on fire danger, weather, and fuel conditions. Before traveling, visitors should check the latest information for the specific BLM District or recreation area they plan to visit.

 

“The best wildfire is the one that never starts,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “This Labor Day weekend, we’re asking visitors to know the restrictions, understand the conditions and do their part to prevent human-caused fires.”

 

The following items remain prohibited on all BLM-administered public lands in Oregon and Washington:

  • Fireworks and sky lanterns

  • Exploding or metallic targets

  • Tracer or incendiary devices

  • Steel-core or steel-jacketed ammunition

 

For more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

 

-BLM-

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 
 

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service conducts operations in close coordination with the Bureau of Land Management. As a unified federal entity under the Department of the Interior, the USWFS integrates expertise to streamline wildfire prevention, response and recovery under our shared mission to foster fire-resilient landscapes and safeguard communities across America’s public lands.

blm_or_wa_press@blm.gov

| Bureau of Land Management Ore. & Wash.