Browse All News Articles on Salem-News Page 3089

Salem First Wednesday in May Just Around the Corner

Merchants will give away free packets of wildflower seeds, highly appropriate for this growing event that offers so much for downtown visitors.

(SALEM) - The Salem First Wednesday event features local merchants showing off all types of art, music and fun for all ages, and the next chance to be part of it happens May 3rd, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, throughout downtown Salem.

Holly Ivy-Wyllie with First Wednesday says organizers have the event that runs through September up and running. She says they teamed up with the A.C. Gilbert House for May, to focus on garden art and assist them with their `secret garden` ticket sales.

National Average Gasoline Price Moves Down, Then Back Up

"It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride for fuel prices" says the Oregon AAA's Elliott Eki, with Oregon's average gaining 11-cents in a week.

(SALEM) - Salem`s average price for a gallon of regular is currently $2.91, with Portland ringing in a penny higher. Oregon`s statewide average of $2.96 is felt the most in the Medford area, where people are paying $3.02 for a gallon of regular gasoline.

On Monday, May 1st, the national average price for a gallon of regular fell by a penny but by the next day, it regained upward momentum, closing at an average $2.92, a tenth of a cent higher than the previous week. In Oregon, prices continued their steady forward march, raising the statewide average by 11-cents per gallon to $2.96, a new all-time high. In eight states—four more than a week ago—and in the District of Columbia, the overall average exceeds $3 per gallon.

Spring Burning Calls for Caution

(SALEM) - Spring burning of yard debris can prevent a wildfire later on when the weather turns hot and dry. But, as Oregon Department of Forestry's Greg Wagenblast can testify, timing is crucial.

"Yesterday, we ran on a two-acre escaped debris burn east of Cottage Grove," the protection unit forester said. "This afternoon, we're working another fire east of Springfield."

In both situations, well-meaning property owners were trying to clean up yard waste by burning it in piles, when the fires escaped control. Their mistakes were twofold: poor timing and poor location.

"When the wind is blowing as it has the past two days, it's best to wait for lighter winds or calm conditions before burning," Wagenblast said.

Gusty winds lobbed embers from today's debris burn in the Mohawk Valley near Springfield 100 feet into a nearby grassy field. Dead grass left over from last fall quickly ignited.

Oh Say, Can You See? Si.

(MIAMI AP) - Immigrants say they want to honor their new country in their native language.

Their critics say singing the U-S national anthem in Spanish is an insult.

The track "Nuestro Himno" (NWAY'-stroh EEM'-noh) is out today, featuring artists including Wyclef Jean (zhahn), hip-hop's Pitbull and Puerto Rican singers Carlos Ponce and Olga Tanon.

Governor, Attorney General Sue Feds Over Fuel Economy Standards

Rules hurt energy independence as gas prices soar, Governor says.

(SALEM) - Tuesday, Governor Ted Kulongoski and Attorney General Hardy Myers filed a lawsuit challenging the Bush Administration`s new fuel economy standards for SUVs and light trucks, alleging the rules fail to address global warming and other harmful effects on the environment. The state also challenges an assertion in this new federal rule that claims that only the federal government can regulate motor vehicle carbon dioxide emissions.

`The greatest environmental challenge facing our nation is global warming, and our dependence on foreign oil threatens the financial security of working families as gas prices rise to more than three dollars a gallon,` Governor Kulongoski said.

Extreme Teen Makeover Contest For The Marion County Fair

(SALEM) - Marion County teens have an opportunity to win an Extreme Teen Makeover at the Marion County Fair this summer.

North Salem JROTC Excels At Pacific Northwest Drill and Rifle Championships

Vikings compete against best Color Guards and Drill Teams from three states, now head to nationals.

(SALEM) - North Salem High School's Army JROTC unit, the Viking Battalion, went head to head with the top thirty-one teams from Oregon and Washington and added more honors to its already impressive list Saturday, April 22nd.

AJ`s Auto Repair Receives National Small Business Pollution Prevention Award

The Salem business is recognized for pollution prevention excellence.

(SALEM) - AJ`s Auto Repair, a Salem area auto service and repair business was the recipient of a national award for its environmental leadership in pollution prevention.

Owner Robert Anderson accepted the second Annual Environmental Leadership Award during the 13th Annual Small Business Ombudsman/Small Business Assistance Programs National Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.

The award was presented by the National Steering Committee for the Clean Air Act`s Small Business Assistance Programs, the National Compliance Advisory Panel, and the US Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Ombudsman.

Motorcycle Rally Saturday at State Capitol

Drivers need to keep an extra eye out for motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles, as warmer weather and high gas prices mean more bikes on the road than ever.

(SALEM) - Oregon's Governor has proclaimed May to be Motorcycle Awareness Month, and several hundred cyclists plan to mark the month with the 16th annual May Awareness Rally this Saturday, May 6th, at the Oregon state Capitol in Salem.

They say they have several important issues that they hope the event at the capitol brings attention and action to, regarding laws that affect the lives of those who choose two wheels, over four.

Governor Proclaims May as Transportation Safety Month

Not only is summer the peak travel season, but this summer there will be more day and night highway and bridge construction work zones in Oregon than the state has seen in many decades.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski has proclaimed May "Transportation Safety Awareness Month" in Oregon, in anticipation of a massive jump in highway construction and bridge work coming this summer.

The $2.5 billion, 10-year Oregon Transportation Investment Act to repair vital bridges and expand highway capacity will nearly double the amount of highway work in Oregon during this period.