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Wyden Proposes Historic New Health Care Plan; Effort Has Business/Labor Support

In 2004, Americans spent $1.9 trillion on health care.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Following 60 years of gridlock on a desperately-needed overhaul of the nation’s health care system, Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, (D-OR), a member of the Finance Committee, Wednesday unveiled a groundbreaking new proposal to provide affordable, high quality, private health coverage for everyone regardless of where they work or live.

The plan, known as the Healthy Americans Act: guarantees private health care coverage that cannot be taken away for all Americans; provides benefits for all Americans equal to those of Members of Congress; provides incentives for individuals and insurers to focus on prevention, wellness and disease management; provides tough cost containment and saves $1.48 trillion over 10 years; and is fully paid for by spending the $2.2 trillion currently spent on health care in America.

Weekend Fatal Crash Victims Identified

An autopsy conducted on Tuesday determined both individuals died as a result of the crash and not as a result of the fire.

(SALEM) - Salem police have released the names of the victims in a double fatal motor vehicle crash Saturday night in northeast Salem.

The Driver was identified as 21-year-old Silvino Lopez-Serrano, and his passenger was identified as 17-year-old Alejandro Tapia-Martinez.

Due to the fire the identification was based on a combination interviews with family and friends and not on an eye witnesses identification, Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer said.

The car belonged to Lopez-Serrano's uncle who told investigators Silvino used the car frequently.

The State Medical Examiner made a decision not to do DNA testing based on the totality of the investigation.

Kohlmeyer added that toxicology tests will be conducted however those reports will not be available for some time.

The crash occurred late Saturday night at about 11:40 PM when an Acura Integra was seen north bound on Lancaster Drive at a very high rate of speed.

Oregon Sends the Holiday Spirit to Soldiers in Afghanistan

How to mail to the Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan

(SALEM) - During his recent visit to Afghanistan, Governor Kulongoski received numerous requests for the men and women of the 41st Brigade Combat Team supporting Task Force Phoenix V.

There is a way for all Oregonians to help fulfill this simple wish from the Soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard in Afghanistan.

They have requested postcards, Christmas Cards, Calendars etc, however, they would like these to contain scenic photos of Oregon. A reminder of Home.

Members of this Task Force come from every corner of the State, so this could be an effort supported by every citizen interested in bringing a touch of home to our citizen soldiers.

Fund Set-Up For Chemawa Indian School Graduate Killed in Iraq

To donate send a check or money order to the school made out to the Billy B. Farris memorial fund.

(SALEM) - A memorial service was held Wednesday at Chemawa Indian School in Salem for a 2004 graduate who was killed in Iraq on December 3rd.

According to the Department of Defense 20-year old Army Cpl. Billy B. Farris, of Bapchule, Arizona., died in Taji when an explosive detonated near his vehicle while he was conducting escort operations.

Salem Police Asking For Help in Identifying, Locating Theft/Fraud Suspect

The suspect is described as a Black Male Adult, in his 40s, medium-heavy build and bald.

(SALEM) - The Salem Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public in locating and identifying a suspect in multiple thefts/frauds from banks up and down the I-5 corridor between Portland and Medford.

It is also believed that he has committed similar crimes since 2004 in various areas of the country, and has committed similar offenses in Oregon as early as July 2005.

Lt. Dave Okada said the suspect enters banks with large sums of cash and asks to change bills from one denomination to another, or from US currency to another currency.

During the course of the transaction he takes or tricks the tellers into giving him more money than he is supposed to receive.

He is reportedly a very smooth operator and the losses are in the thousands, Okada said.

Man Arrested Twice by OSP Trooper Following Two Separate Alcohol-Related Crashes Sunday

70-year-old Wayne Davenport, from Seal Rock just couldn't resist from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

(NEWPORT) - A Seal Rock-area man was arrested twice by an Oregon State Police Trooper less than six hours apart Sunday afternoon following two separate alcohol-related crashes in the Newport area.

In both cases the man was transported to a local hospital for treatment, but following the second incident he was lodged in jail on multiple charges.

Marion-Polk Food Share Receives $50,000 Grant

In FY 2005-06, 4.4 million pounds of emergency food was distributed by Marion-Polk Food Share.

(SALEM) - Marion-Polk Food Share announced Tuesday the receipt of a $50,000 grant from Beck Family Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation and the Betty Lou Roberts Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation to develop a major donor program.

Funds will support a new major gifts manager position,fundraising training for board, staff and key volunteers, and production of a new Food Share video and outreach materials.

An expanded major donor program will play a key role in sustaining the agency and supporting our efforts to improve and expand programs in our new facility.

Governor Requests FEMA Relief Funds For Oregon Flooding Disaster

The funds would help repair roads and other damages to public property.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski Monday requested through the Federal Emergency Management Agency that President Bush declare a disaster in Lincoln, Tillamook, Clatsop and Hood River counties as a result of November's massive flooding.

"When the floods hit our counties last month, state and local governments responded..." (more)

School District to Take Over City’s Public Access Television Channel

Funding for the station will continue to be provided by the City of Corvallis, with additional grant money available for equipment upgrades and educational uses.

(CORVALLIS) - In a move to increase 'access' to Corvallis' public access television channel, the City of Corvallis has transferred management of the station to the Corvallis School District 509J.

Corvallis Community Television, CCTV 29, provides residents the opportunity to broadcast video productions and promote community events to television viewers.

According to Brian Flannery, who will coordinate the station's programming and operations for the school district, the change will have many benefits including education for students, greater access for the general public and improved programming.

Oregon Senate Democratic Caucus Welcomes Ben Westlund

Westlund left the Rebulican party in February to run for Governor as an independent.

(SALEM) - The Senate Democratic Caucus Tuesday welcomed Senator Ben Westlund (D-Bend) as its newest member.

The welcome came after Westlund announced that he is changing his registration from Independent to Democrat.

“We are very happy to have Senator Westlund join our caucus and the Democratic Party,” said Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland).
In welcoming Westlund, who will become the 18th member of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Brown noted that “Senator Westlund has always been willing to work across party lines.

Everyone in the caucus is looking forward to working with him as we move ahead on the issues that matter to all Oregonians.”