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Peeling the Onion: A Pretty Strong Smell – Our Government in Action

Here’s a great metaphor for you: “Our government is like an onion, the more you peel away the layers the stronger the smell.”

(SALEM) - Here’s a great metaphor for you: “Our government is like an onion, the more you peel away the layers the stronger the smell.”

During election times and listening to the rhetoric of the “to be” and “not to be” in the race towards our elected positions, the layers start coming off. The candidates start peeling away at each other until the stench is not only from the target but from the one doing the peeling.

New Study Finds Schools Spending Initiative 100 Percent Phony

(SILVERTON) - A study released today by the Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCPP) calls a school spending initiative that has been promoted by at least five candidates for the Oregon House of Representatives “100 percent phony” because it would not improve student performance. The candidates are Joan Draper, Dominic Biggi, Robin Brown, Shirley Parsons, and Terry Rilling.

The so-called “65 percent solution,” initiative petition 24 for the 2008 general election, requires that each Oregon school district spend at least 65 percent of its operating budget on classroom “instruction” expenditures.

Op Ed:
Kulongoski Praised,
Chastised, While
Real Record Resounds

Rationality, Reason Remain Oregonian Refuge Demanded Now.

(SALEM) - We recently explored probable reason for the Big O’s shocking endorsement of the candidate they categorized, then castigated as a shocking electoral con-man.

Longtime OREGONIAN news-coverage continuously conveyed that imperious and impractical Saxton image

Rationalization is an unconsciously-applied mental agent in many minds, forced by stressful circumstance, often to excuse and then to support original erroneous decision.
(“See also” detailed reference cited at conclusion.)

Statewide Pandemic Influenza Exercise Set for Nov. 1-2

(PORTLAND) - This Nov. 1st and 2nd, public health officials and hospitals across Oregon will participate in a statewide exercise to test many state and local systems and plans for responding to influenza pandemic.

FOX-12 Will Run Salem-News Reports From Afghanistan

"I really appreciate the staff at KPTV and their ability to understand the importance of what we are doing. This coverage will be different from what people are accustomed to seeing."- Tim King Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Internet Photojournalist/Reporter Tim King of Salem-News.com will embark for Afghanistan November 8th. While there, Tim will be embedded with the 41st Combat Brigade of the Oregon National Guard at Camp Phoenix at Kabul, Afghanistan. Reports will be posted here on Salem-News.com over the next several weeks, and now the Portland area will also be able to catch Tim's "Dispatches from Afghanistan" on local TV.

It was announced Monday that Tim's reports will be seen exclusively in Portland on KPTV FOX-12.

Gypsy Moth Detections Increase in Oregon This Year (AUDIO)

The detection of a single Asian gypsy moth in St. Helens near the Columbia River is serious. It marks only the third time that an Asian variety has been trapped in Oregon.

(SALEM) - A total of 66 gypsy moths have been trapped in Oregon this year, up from nine last year. Of those 66, 57 were detected in a Bend residential area.

Kathleen Johnson of the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program says most of the time, gypsy moths are found west of the Oregon Cascades.

ODOT PSA Uses Humor to Encourage Truckers, Motorists to Chain-Up

An average of 839 crashes resulting in an injury or fatality occur in snowy or icy conditions in Oregon each year, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. About 16 percent of these crashes involve large commercial vehicles.

(SALEM) - As winter approaches, it is important that motorists -- especially truck drivers -- are familiar with Oregon’s chain laws. These laws go into effect when snowy and icy weather conditions occur – usually in mountain passes or high elevation areas called snow zones.

The risk of crashes increases dramatically when drivers don’t carry chains or don’t know when to put them on.

Recreation Fees Waived For Vets on Veterans Day

This fee waiver applies to day-use fees at Forest Service recreation sites across Oregon and Washington. This includes many picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers.

(SALEM) - Beginning this year, U.S. veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their families will have the opportunity to visit recreation sites for free across public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture on Veterans Day.

The new policy honoring those who served their country was announced recently by Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. Veterans Day is Saturday, Nov. 11th.

People in Need of Medical Attention Should Call 9-1-1

Fire officials in Keizer are concerned over the number of citizens driving themselves to the fire station, instead of calling 9-1-1.

(KEIZER) - Keizer Fire District officials have recently noticed an increase of people in need of emergency medical services driving to the fire station to receive medical aid from paramedics.

District officials would like to remind people that in emergency situations it is far better to call 9-1-1 to get assistance. There are many reasons for calling for help, rather than trying to drive for help.

Dallas Hospital Flu Shots Will Cost $10 - Not Free as Originally Announced

Those receiving shots must be 18 years of age or older.

(DALLAS) - West Valley Hospital has determined that it will need to charge $10 for each flu shot, to cover the cost of acquiring the vaccine.