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Crash on Silverton Road Hospitalizes Two

Firefighter and paramedics reported a van on top of a car upon their arrival.

(SALEM) - Two men survived a collision Tuesday in Salem that left one vehicle on top of the other, literally. The unusual incident happened just after 1:00 PM on Silverton Road NE where it intersects with Beacon Street NE.

Salem Fire Department crews received the call for a Motor Vehicle Accident and found the car, van, and two male patients at the scene.

Salem Fire Spokesman Bill Holmstrom says two men were treated by firefighter and paramedics then transported to Salem Hospital in fair condition.

Oregon State Police Celebrate 75 Years (VIDEO)

Demonstrations included rows of patrol cars and the OSP Bomb Squad robots.

(SALEM) - Today marks the anniversary of the Oregon State Police, which became an agency August 1st, 1931. As part of a special celebration honoring the time span, state police gathered at the Oregon state capitol in a show of solidarity and force. The 75 years have been witness to every kind of challenge that a police agency has endured.

Oregon, National Average Gasoline Prices Moving in Opposite Directions

National average is up about a penny a gallon since last week; Oregon’s statewide average Is down about a penny; Portland leads the way with gas selling a nickel cheaper than Salem.

(SALEM) - In the past week, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline went up a penny but Oregon's statewide average dropped a penny. In the Portland metropolitan area, the decline was almost 2-cents per gallon.

The Oil Price Information Service, OPIS, which provides AAA's daily fuel price information, said demand is the primary driver behind current prices.

"OPIS analysts indicate West Coast fuel demand is down compared to the rest of the nation," said AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Elliott Eki. "The most noticeable drop was in California when retail prices hit $3.40 earlier this summer. It appears the tipping point was reached there and motorists really put the skids on discretionary driving, pushing regional demand down."

Citizens and Firefighters Begin Returning Home as Black Crater Conflagration Contained

Crews breathe a sigh of relief as a fire that had significantly grown worse over the weekend, came under firefighter control.

(SISTERS) - Cooler temperatures and a secure fire line contain the Black Crater Conflagration burning southwest of Sisters allowing both the evacuated residents and structural firefighters to return home.

Record Number of Marion County Residents Used Oregon Heat

Over 350,000 Oregon households qualify for energy assistance. Last year, Oregon HEAT was able to help over 7,000 households keep the heat on.

(SALEM) - A record number of Marion County residents used Oregon HEAT, a nonprofit group that helps low-income residents pay energy bills.

From July 2005 to June 2006, 1,325 people in Marion County used the service, said Roger Rees, the executive director of Oregon HEAT.

Oregon HEAT, the state’s largest non-profit organization providing energy assistance to low-income Oregonians, was recently recognized for its outstanding efforts to raise awareness of low-income energy issues by the The National Fuel Funds Network.

Pentagon: U.S. Troop Levels in Iraq Could Rise to Over 135,000 by Years End

The move means the extended deployment of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. They will operate in Iraq up to 120 additional days.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - In an effort to quell violence in Baghdad, the Pentagon said Friday that U.S. troop levels in Iraq could rise to 135,000, and hinted that number could be maintained for much of the 2007.

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman says that recent increases, including the delay of the scheduled return of a Alaska-based brigade, could push the number of total U.S. troops to 135,000 in the coming weeks.

As of Friday, there are 16 U.S. combat brigades with 132,000 troops in Iraq, compared to 14 combat brigades several months ago, and the troop levels will further increase by roughly 3,000 in the coming weeks, Whitman said.

Telephone Scam Targets U.S. Veterans

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs is warning all Veterans’ of a telephone scam regarding the recent data loss the by the VA.

Kevin F. Doyle, VA Police Operations Team Leader says the scam works like this; the caller talks the veteran into believing that they have a resource to assist them with the lost veteran data.

The veteran is talked into calling a 1-800 number.

Once the veteran call the 1-800 number, they are directed to call a 1-900 number where they incur a $9.99 per minute charge.

Polk County Youth Program Seeking Foster Parents

To become a foster parent, or for more information call the Polk County Youth Program at (503) 623-2042.

(DALLAS) - The Polk County Youth Program is seeking dedicated people who want to become foster parents for at-risk youth.

Caring homes are needed for youths ages 12-18 who have emotional and behavioral issues.

Youths who are part of the Polk County Youth program have progressed through the system, have a criminal record, or are on parole from the Oregon Youth Authority.

The program, however does not accept youths who are considered a danger to the community such as fire setters, and un-treated sex offenders.

Initiative Petition 6 Would Gut Oregon’s Ability to Pay for Roads, Parks and Schools

State Treasurer goes on the record to speak out against an initiative that would further weaken Oregon's abilities to meet its most basic needs.

(SALEM) - As the chief financial officer of the state, I am deeply concerned about the negative impact of Initiative Petition #6, a short-sighted idea that would reduce funding for public schools, public safety, our parks and more.

The State estimates that $2.2 billion would be cut from the 2007-2009 budget, just as Oregon is digging out of a nearly $2 billion hole from the 2001-03 budget.

Two Vehicle Crash Closes Highway-22

Salem Police say all traffic on Highway is stopped and the road will be closed to all through traffic for the next two to three hours.

(SALEM) - A serious injury traffic crash happened shortly after 5:00 PM on Highway 22 in Salem. All traffic is blocked from Joseph Road East, and Gaffin Road West. The crash is in the area of the Oregon Correctional Institution.

Salem Police spokesman say the collision happened between a pick-up truck and a Honda automobile. Two people were injured and police say there do appear to be possible life-threatening injuries.

Salem officers at the scene are being assisted by Oregon State troopers.