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12,000 Fruit Trees Go To Farmers in Afghanistan

Fruit trees in this area can mean a stable economy without opium

(HERAT, Afghanistan) - During a ceremony held Thursday at the Shindand Governor's Palace, government officials and the Herat Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) facilitated the donation of 12,000 fruit trees to local farmers from six districts in Afghanistan's Herat province.

The program is part of a coordination plan between the PRT and the U.N.'s Disbandment of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG) initiative, with the aim of boosting the local economy and eradicating illegal activity in the area, such as the cultivation of opium.

A similar project for nine other districts in Herat is expected for the future.

Op Ed:
Wit, Wisdom, Will:
People Power Can
Turn World Around

Be Thankful: Proud Force Worked Once, Will Win Again

(SALEM) - It is the wit, the wisdom, and the indomitable will of the American people that made this nation one of the greatest in all world history -- and will do so again.

NOT because of world power expressed in arrogance and via weaponry.

NOT because of world domination by the dollar, in trade or towering edifice for effective corporate cash-mongering.

Not because of stock-tradings, currency-manipulations, or conglomerate consolidations.

Not because of world control via even so potent a force as the atom itself.

Santa Claus Arrives at the Salem Riverfront Carousel (VIDEO)

The holiday season was put in motion Friday at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel.

(SALEM) - This is the third year that Santa and Mrs. Claus have arrived in Salem by train. Between rainstorms, at least 250 people gathered to watch for the Portland Western Railroad pull in, Santa and his entourage waving from the caboose.

Oregon Christmas Trees Heading For Troops Just Back From Iraq

Operation Thank You began four years ago as a way to say thanks and to support troops and their families.

(MOLALLA) - A semi-truck-load of Christmas trees bound for soldiers and their families based at Fort Hood, Texas, will be loaded Sunday morning at a Yule Tree Farms in Molalla.

Operation Thank You 2006 marks the fourth year that the Christmas Tree Chapter of the Oregon Association of Nurseries has coordinated the donation of trees and stands and their delivery to Fort Hood, which is a hub for soldiers fighting the war in Iraq.

The load of 1,100 Douglas fir trees will depart Molalla on Sunday, and arrive at Fort Hood on Saturday, Dec. 2nd.

Donations Sought For Salem Police and Fire`s CODE 3 TOY DRIVE

Donations of NEW, unwrapped toys are needed for children from infants to 14 years old.

(SALEM) - The Salem Fire Department and the Salem Police Department have combined our "emergency forces" to bring Christmas cheer to more kids than ever in the City of Salem.

This year's combined Code 3 Toy Drive is expected to provide toys to over 1,300 families that would be otherwise unable to have the Merry Christmas that most of us take for granted.

Both agencies have provided toys to hundreds of families in the past, but by combining our efforts, our hope is to reach more children than we ever have before.

STORM WATCH: Strong Winter Storm Expected to Bring Strong Winds, Rain, And Possibly Snow to The Valley

The freezing level could hit the valley floor early Monday morning.

(SALEM) - The National Weather Service says a significant winter storm is expected to impact northwest Oregon for the end of the holiday weekend travel period.

The storm is expected to approach the coast late Saturday night then move through northwest Oregon during the day Sunday.

This storm could bring strong wind gusts to over 60 mph to parts of the coast on Sunday especially to areas south of the Columbia River.

Coalition Forces Widely Accepted in Afghanistan (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
"The most important thing is that our country is getting better, it is getting positive steps toward democracy.” -Mohammad Bashure

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - Weather conditions in Afghanistan include plenty of rain, that's something Oregon soldiers relate to, but they're also relating to people from many nations, like these Romanian troops. One British officer visiting Camp Phoenix today says the Oregon yanks are a good bunch, and this isn't the first time he's served with Americans.

"I have, I've served in Iraq twice with them,” says Captain Nick Diamond of the British Forces. “Interesting bunch, we get along quite well, a good bit of bantering between the two sides, not too bad at all."

OSU Alum to Pilot Space Shuttle, Help Rewire Space Station

Oefelein was a naval aviator, served on the U.S.S. Nimitz and attended the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, TOPGUN.

(CORVALLIS) - An electrical engineering graduate from Oregon State University who grew up in Alaska learning to fly bush planes will make his first journey into space as pilot of the space shuttle Discovery, scheduled for liftoff on Dec. 7th.

William Oefelein, who graduated from OSU in 1988 before becoming a pilot in the U.S. Navy, didn’t dream of being an astronaut growing up, but he loved to explore.

Oefelein was selected by NASA in June, 1998, and was originally scheduled to pilot the space shuttle in 2003.

Oregon State Wins 110TH Civil War

Read the full story and get game stats in the Salem-News.com SPORTS section.

(CORVALLIS) - Oregon State fans have a lot to be thankful for this Holiday weekend.

For Oregon fans, Friday brought heartbreak and frustration after a 30-28 loss to the Beavers in the 110th edition of the Civil War.

Beavers placekicker Alexis Serna kicked a 40-yard field goal with 1:12 left, and Oregon State defensive lineman Ben Siegert blocked Matt Evensen 44-yard potential game-winning kick as Oregon State held on to beat the Ducks, 30-28.

Serna also connected from 49 and 50 yards.

Oregon State quarterback Matt Moore completed 16 of 22 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown.

Sammie Stroughter caught 8 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown for the Beavers.

STORM WATCH: Snow Could Spell Trouble For Those Returning Home From Thanksgiving Holiday

Salem-News.com has a complete 7-day Salem-area weather forecast available 24-hours a day.

(SALEM) - The National Weather Service has issued a Snow Advisory until 4:00 AM Saturday for the following locations: Government Camp, Detroit, Santiam Pass, Mckenzie Bridge Oakridge, Willamette Pass, and Marion and Linn Counties.

Snow showers will continue over the north and central Oregon Cascades through tonight. Snow levels will be around 3000 feet today and early tonight lowering to near 2500 feet late tonight

The heaviest snow tonight will be south of Mount Jefferson.

The snow will taper off on Saturday but likely increase again by Sunday.

Persons traveling in the Cascades this Holiday Weekend should expect difficult winter driving conditions as roads across the Cascades have become snow and ice covered.

Additional snow is expected over the Cascades this weekend that will make travel across the Cascades and home from Thanksgiving difficult.