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New York Times Features Salvation Army in Oregon

The city of Salem's future was featured in today's edition.

(SALEM) - The New York Times featured Oregon Salvation Army operations today, August 4th. The coverage includes a front page story on the The Salvation Army's Kroc Centers, including the one going into Salem.

Salem's Mayor Janet Taylor was quoted in the article, saying "The army's always been there, quietly behind the scenes taking care of what needs to be taken care of without fanfare or attention".

The Salvation Army's National Commander Israel L. Gaither is quoted, as is John Berglund, National Disaster Services Coordinator and John Sebby, Executive Director of Development and Public Relations in Portland, Oregon.

Olson and Brown Make Child Protection an Early Bipartisan Priority for 2007

Lawmakers Spearheading Effort to Protect Children from Sex Abuse Grooming and Online Predators.

(SALEM) - One year after Democrats and Republicans in the Oregon Legislature came together to pass the landmark meth package, Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (D-Portland) and Rep. Andy Olson (R-Albany) say they are laying the groundwork for another bipartisan anti-crime effort in 2007.

This time, the focus is on children, and the goal is safeguarding Oregon’s kids from the growing threats of sex abuse grooming and online solicitation.

“As a veteran of the State Police, I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences for children who are exposed to sexually explicit materials and become the victims of further sexual abuse,” said Olson. “As a member of the Legislature, I have an obligation to help law enforcement by giving them the tools they need to reduce the number of victims, and that’s what this effort is all about.”

Pension Reform Bill with Key Provision for PGE Employees Now Goes to the President

Legislation includes “catch up” language for PGE employees hurt by Enron.

(Washington, D.C.) - A provision by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith to help Portland General Electric (PGE) employees “catch up” on their retirement savings was included in a major pension reform bill passed by the full U.S. Senate late last night.

“Many PGE employees lost much of their retirement savings through Enron’s unforgivable actions,” Wyden said. “This ‘catch-up’ language will help the folks hurt by Enron to rebuild their retirement savings.”

"No one should be faced with a loss of their hard-earned retirement savings to the hands of unscrupulous executives," said Smith. "By allowing PGE employees to 'catch up’ on their contributions, this measure takes an important step to restore their retirement security."

Federal Tax Benefits of 529 College Savings Plans

Tens of thousands of Oregon families will benefit.

(SALEM) - State Treasurer Randall Edwards, administrator of the Oregon College Savings Plan, announced good news from Washington, D.C., for Oregon families saving for college. Congress voted overwhelmingly last night to retain the federal tax advantages of the 529 college savings plans, which were set to expire after 2010.

“This is a great day for Oregon families struggling to send their kids to college,” said State Treasurer Randall Edwards. “Tax-free investing will help families save more money for their children’s future. I’d like to personally thank the Oregon delegation for its support on this bill.”

Under the 529 college savings plans, investments grow free of federal tax and can be withdrawn tax-free provided the funds are used for educational expenses.

Homes Spared at Black Crater Fire Boost Interface Protection Effort

Fire officials say residents listened, and their creation of firebreaks saved every threatened home, while promoting the entire fire prevention effort. Good work Sisters!

(SISTERS) - As the Department of Forestry implements the Oregon Forestland-Urban Interface Fire Protection Act in high fire risk areas of the state, accounts of residents who helped save their homes from the Black Crater Fire by creating fuel breaks are helping promote the prevention effort.

The 9,200-acre fire threatened hundreds of homes near Sisters and prompted the evacuation of several small communities. That no homes burned can be credited in great part to residents' foresight in cleaning up their landscaping, making structural modifications, and completing a self-certification process.

Salem Man Dies While Driving on I-5

(SALEM) - A Salem man who died Thursday afternoon while driving on the freeway may possibly be the victim of a heart attack. A pick-up truck operated 65-year old Ronald English of Salem left Interstate 5 south of Salem and came to a stop in a bordering field around 4:30 PM.

Oregon State Police troopers and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of a vehicle that went off the freeway, through a fence, and came to a stop in a field.

Troopers say their preliminary investigation indicates a 1998 Mazda pickup driven by Mr. English was northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 243 when it veered off the right shoulder. The pickup went through a fence and stopped in a field on the east side of the freeway.

Op-Ed: Long-Denied Dollars
Threaten Life-Chances
For Oregon’s Learners

Best State Investment Shut Down For Political Purposes.

(SALEM) - Recognized universally as an absolute foundation needed for ANY equal-chance-for-all, “Educational Opportunity” is known as “the best possible investment any nation can make” for both current developments and future potentials.

North Salem High School Recognized by Project Lead The Way for its Pre-Engineering Program

OIT recognized the district’s commitment to teacher and counselor ongoing training during the school year.

(SALEM) - Oregon Institute of Technology, the Affiliate University for Project Lead The Way in Oregon, has recognized North Salem High School by certifying that its Project Lead The Way Pre-Engineering and Engineering Technology Program has met the stringent standards of quality set by the college.

Dr. Tim Brower, Director for PLTW in Oregon and OIT professor of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering and Technology, said that North Salem High School has demonstrated its commitment to the quality standards of the PLTW program by having teachers of pre-engineering trained during the summer and by teaching the PLTW courses using the latest computer software.

“A crucial element to the success of the program is regularly updating teacher skills and promoting counselor awareness of the latest PLTW initiatives for their students,” Brower said.

Driver Involved in May 7th Quadruple Fatal Crash East of Government Camp Arrested

The crash in May left four people dead, including the driver's sister.

(GOVERNMENT CAMP) - Police say the driver of a car involved in a May 7th fatal traffic crash on Highway 26 east of Government Camp that resulted in the death of four people, was arrested Friday
morning following an indictment by the Wasco County Grand Jury.

Museum Showcases Art Made of Recycled Materials

The new display will open August 26th and run through November 4th.

(SALEM) - In today’s era of heightened environmental awareness, artists are increasingly turning to junk stores, trash bins and surplus outlets to satisfy their urge to create while still caring for the planet.