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Women in the Afghanistan National Army on the Firing Range With the AK-47 (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
For the first time in recent history, the women of Afghanistan's military are growing in numbers, and advancing in their roles as practical military soldiers. As Tim King reports, the women of Afghanistan are also gaining status and acceptance.

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, men abused women in the streets for simple infractions like not wearing a burka.

But there is no doubt that women here today are making advances.

Afghan women armed with the AK-47 assault rifle conducted their first live firing exercise this week. This historic occasion marks true progress in the Afghanistan woman's struggle to gain equality.

American women have had their own challenges in gaining equality, and the operation speaks wonders to people like U.S. Army Lt. Amanda Straub, and other Americans like Navy Lt. Janet Arencibia, who say those who understand the significance of this progress find it emotional.

UPDATE: Salem Based Oregon Guard Helicopter Launches to Aid Injured Female Hiker on Mt. Hood

The UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the Oregon Army National Guard departed Timberline Lodge en route to Hogs Back and had the rescue underway at 9:40 PM.

(Mount Hood) - The Oregon Army National Guard launched a Blackhawk helicopter Tuesday evening for a night rescue operation on Mt. Hood where a 45-year old woman who had been hiking, received injuries.

Equipped with night vision goggles, the crew departed Salem at approximately 5:30 PM to conduct the rescue hoist operation near a place called Hogs Back on Mt. Hood.

Oregon Murder Suspect Arrested in Arizona

Marcus Orozco faces charges of Aggravated Murder, Murder, Robbery 1st degree, Burglary 1st degree, and Felon in Possession of Firearm.

(PHOENIX) - Deputies in Maricopa County, Arizona arrested an Oregon murder suspect Tuesday who has successfully eluded authorities for six years.

Lt. Jason Gates with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office says 33-year old Marcus Kelo Orozco was wanted in connection with a 2001 murder involving a robbery attempt.

Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Memory of Oregon Soldier

Funeral services for PFC Ryan J. Hill of Keizer will be held on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Peoples Church, 4500 Lancaster Drive NE in Salem.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski has ordered all flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff on Friday, in memory of Private First Class Ryan J. Hill of Keizer.

Hill, 20, died January 20th in Baghdad, Iraq.

He was assigned to the Army’s 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt Germany

Governor Kulongoski Appoints Members of Search And Rescue Taskforce

the task force will examine state statutes, rules and procedures to ensure adequate coordination and communication between federal, state and local authorities

(SALEM) - Governor Ted Kulongoski Wednesday named sixteen members to a taskforce that he created by Executive Order earlier this month, which is charged with reviewing how to improve coordination of communication and resources between federal, state and local authorities in search and rescue operations.

In addition, Senator Joanne Verger (D-Coos Bay) and Representative Debbie Boone (D-Cannon Beach) as co-chairs of the Joint Emergency Preparedness and Ocean Policy Committee will serve as ex-officio members of the taskforce.

Police Searching For Missing 35-Year-Old Salem Man

William Carl Mills was reported missing on Friday at about 6:30 AM from his home, in Salem.

(SALEM) - Salem Police are asking for the public's help in locating a Salem man who has been missing since Friday.

Police are looking for 35-year-old William Carl Mills.

He is described as a white male, 5'6", 250 lbs, with brown eyes and brown hair.

Salem Paranormal Investigates Ghostly Activity at State Fairgrounds

Group says they recorded unexplainable voice-type sounds during their investigation.

(SALEM) - Oregon's capitol city is home base for a new paranormal research operation, and the group is already conducting investigations of potentially haunted locations in the Salem area.

Chris Califf, President of Salem Paranormal, says their team investigated areas of the Oregon State Fairgrounds on Saturday, January 13th, "SPI toured several of the facilities on the grounds where reports of murders and accidental deaths had occurred." The group was accompanied by State Fair representative Wayne Peterson.

Weyerhaeuser to Close Oregon Sawmill; Mill`s Planer Will Continue to Run

The facility, built in the late 1940s, produces timbers and dimensional lumber for residential and commercial construction.

(LEBANON) - Weyerhaeuser Company announced Wednesday it will close its Bauman sawmill in Lebanon, on March 30th, affecting approximately 70 positions.

The mill’s planer, which employs approximately 50 people, will continue to operate.

Employees who are being laid off will have access to a range of information and services, including area employment services, counseling and information about internal opportunities.

Sen. Joseph Biden Enters 2008 Presidential Race

Biden, a six-term senator, is the eighth Democrat to enter the 2008 White House race.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware announced Wednesday in a video statement posted on his website www.joebiden.com that he has filed the necessary paperwork to become a candidate for President of the United States.

"I am heartened by the response so many people have given to my call for a new direction in American foreign policy and to our focus on middle class concerns," said Sen. Biden.

In the video statement, Biden stressed the disastrous results of the Bush Administration's failed policies and handling of Iraq.

Cartoon Strip: Nota Bene by Leonardo No. 27 - Lunch of Terror (Part 1 of 3)

This is the twenty-seventh installment of the Salem-News.com original series "Nota Bene by Leonardo" by Salem cartoonist Glen Bledsoe.

(SALEM) - Help me out here. I'm standing in the grocery line Sunday night buying food for the week, and I'm trying not to look at the scandal rags staring me in the face. What happened to the good old days when presidents shook hands with bug-eyed aliens? Where are the seven foot babies as fat as sumo wrestlers and as furry as stray dogs?