09.26.2024

Today’s Forecast

74º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:03 a.m. | Sunset 6:59 p.m.
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A potent puzzle

What’s that smell? Unknown odor wafts from SW Washington to Portland

Paper mills belch white gas along the Columbia River near the Lewis and Clark Bridge in Longview, Washington.

This time, Longview’s paper mills and a pot farm near I-5 in Clark County may be off the hook. | Photo by @stumptownimages

Many mysteries exist to boggle the mind at any given moment, but it’s not every day that an unknown odor boggles noses across entire cities.

On the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 24, emergency dispatchers in Southwest Washington started receiving reports from residents about strange odors. People described smelling something reminiscent of sulfur, natural gas, or propane; others complained of burning garbage, ammonia, or “sewage broccoli.”

Not pleasant aromas by any stretch of the imagination.

Based on public reports, officials determined the noxious cloud started somewhere in the Kelso area before drifting south into Clark County. A breeze out of the north/northwest pushed the scent down the I-5 corridor, covering communities one after the next from Woodland to Vancouver. Like a fog, it rolled over the Columbia River and into parts of Portland around midnight. Some people said the scent caused headaches, eye and throat irritation, and disrupted sleep.

So… what was it?

Officials from multiple agencies, including local, state, and even federal organizations, jumped into action to pinpoint the source of the stench. The Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management said air monitors didn’t detect any abnormal gas readings. Gas pipelines were functioning normally, railroad operators had zero leads, and no ships passed through the Kalama area at the time.

Other theories, according to the Cowlitz County fire district, had nothing to do with potential human mishap. Did the Earth shake? Did Mount St. Helens let out a belch? We can all breathe an odorous sigh of relief — the Cascades Volcano Observatory reported no abnormal activity or readings.

Up in the air

As of Wednesday night, the source of the stench had not been determined.

Folks who notice the smell are advised to stay inside and keep their windows closed — anyone experiencing adverse reactions should call 911, Cowlitz County officials said. Keep an eye on Facebook for updates.

Asked

What do you think caused the mystery odor?

A. Natural phenomenon
B. Industrial plant spill
C. Nearby biosolids application
D. Other

Clear the air

Events

Thursday, Sept. 26

Annual Dahlia Festival | Thursday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 29 | 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Swan Island Dahlias, Canby | Free | See the blooms before they’re gone during the final days of this flower farm’s annual festival.
Masters of Hawaiian Music | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 8 p.m. | Alberta Rose Theatre | $28 | George Kahumoku Jr., Led Kaapana, and Jeff Peterson will share Hawaii’s unique “slack key,” or open tuning, guitar music rooted in paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture.

Friday, Sept. 27

Portland Retro Gaming Expo | Friday, Sept. 27-Sunday, Sept. 29 | Times vary | Oregon Convention Center | $15+ | Play classic video + arcade games, sit in on panel discussions with industry pros, meet the actors behind game franchises like Mortal Kombat, and more.
Zootoberfest | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Oregon Zoo | $30+ | Enjoy a kid-free time at the zoo with 45+ regional breweries and cideries, plus live music, entertainment, food carts, keeper chats, and more.
Star Party with Rose City Astronomers | Friday, Sept. 27 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Glendoveer Golf Course and Nature Trail | Free | Look for distant stars, planets + other out-of-this-world wonders, plus learn about the importance of dark skies for wildlife and try science-based activities with OMSI staff.

Saturday, Sept. 28

Spirit of Halloweentown | Saturday, Sept. 28-Thursday, Oct. 31 | Times vary | Locations vary, St. Helens | Free+ | The town where cult-favorite flicks “Halloweentown” and “Twilight” were filmed revives the magic of the season with decorations, themed attractions, events, and more.

Sunday, Sept. 29

Mushroom Church | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 7 p.m. | The Old Church Concert Hall | $38 | Biologist and musician Tarun Nayar combines nature + sound using synthesizers to improvise with the Earth’s vibrations at a specific place and time.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Award

Two Portland teens were awarded the Carnegie Medal for their incredible acts of heroism and selfless bravery. When a couple slipped and were electrocuted by downed power lines in January, 15-year-old Ta’Ron Briggs died trying to save their baby. Neighbor Majiah Washington, 18, successfully pulled the child to safety. (KGW)

Ranked

The New York Times released its annual list of America’s top 50 eateries and two Portland establishments made the cut: L’Orange and Yaowarat. The former’s menu “speaks French with a Pacific Northwest accent”; the latter’s take on a Bangkok Chinatown dish has “depth of flavor found in the best street food.” (The New York Times)

Portlander

Musician, fashion designer, and Benson Polytechnic High School alum Aminé has a new sneaker partnership that pays homage to his alma mater. The New Balance shoes feature a blue-and-orange color scheme and the letters “BN.” Aminé also donated $25,000 to support college fees for students in the school’s radio program. (KGW)

Closed

After two years of serving “micro-seasonal, highly local” food in McMinnville, fine-dining restaurant ōkta has closed. The decision comes just months after chef Matthew Lightner was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Northwest. “We wish him the best in his next chapter,” ōkta wrote in a statement.

Real Estate

Some of the fastest-selling zip codes in the country are in the Portland metro area. Homes spent an average of 44 days on the market during Q2 of 2024 in Gladstone (97027), while Irvington neighborhood (97212) listings averaged 45 days. Mount Tabor, Tigard, and Aloha homes all averaged under 50 days. (Portland Business Journal)

Sports

If a NBA expansion draft happened right now, which Trail Blazers players would you protect? Do the owners of Portland’s new WNBA franchise have the means to buy Rip City? Locked On Blazers answers these questions and more on the latest mailbag episode.

Festival

Celebrate the season on Sauvie Island at Topaz Farm’s annual Fall Harvest Festival, starting Saturday, Sept. 28. Attendees can enjoy sunflowers, mazes, hayrides, u-pick pumpkin fields, and family-friendly activities. Psst… The farm’s ticketed admission for fall weekends means fewer crowds. Book your autumn adventure.*

Shop

Great deals are a click away with the Habitat for Humanity ReStore’s online store. Find bargain prices on furniture, appliances, lighting, décor, building materials, and more. Bonus: Every purchase helps fund local Habitat homebuilding programs.*

Finance

Experts say thousands of folks with credit card debt are flocking to this leading card, which now offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases until nearly 2026. Pay down debts + avoid fees? Sounds like a fall must-do.*

Beauty

You don’t have to break the bank to attain strong, silky-soft hair. Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner can repair split ends + protect against future damage for less than $20.*

Eat

🍋‍🟩 It’s lime time

Where to find the best key lime pie in Portland

A circular case of pies contains several desserts, including one marked with a sign that reads "key lime."

The long-lasting, golf ball-shaped, green citrus fruits are good for more than margaritas and squeezing over dishes in need of a little zhuzh. | Photo by @laurettajeans

The 26th of September is a day for those who love citrus and pie — it’s National Key Lime Pie Day. Made with fragrant limes naturalized in the Florida Keys, key lime pie has a creamy filling sandwiched between a graham cracker or pastry crust and a meringue or whipped cream topping.

Where the pie originated is up for some debate. But what we’re most concerned about is where we can get our hands on a sub-lime slice around Portland.

Here are some options:

Lauretta Jean’s, 3402 SE Division St.
It’s easy to be distracted by all the pie options at this shop, but keep your eyes on the limey prize and you won’t be disappointed.

Pacific Pie, 1520 SE Seventh Ave.
This shop’s melt-in-your-mouth, buttery-crust key lime pie might be better than your grandma’s. Don’t tell her that though.

Caffe Destino, 1339 NE Fremont St.
Tangy and tart with real whipped cream on top — this key lime pie has been known to star in weddings.

The Buy

The Buy 9.26.24 (Affiliate)

A set of glass cups with bamboo lids and straws. These fan-favorite drinking cups are great for ciders, mocktails, and cocktails, plus they’re perfect for year-round iced coffee fans (we know you’re out there).

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Cambrie

From the editor

Here’s a bit of sweet news: DB Dessert Company will celebrate its grand reopening this Saturday, Sept. 28, 12-5 p.m. The shop on Northeast Alberta Street has been closed for over six months, repairing damage caused by a winter storm. Stop by to try cupcakes, custom cakes, and other treats, as well as new savory offerings (think — focaccia pizzas, sandwiches + salads) and wines.

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