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Memorial Day Events Scheduled Around Mid-Valley

(SALEM) - -- Memorial Day, first proclaimed officially by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic on May 5th, 1868 has changed somewhat through the years. First observed on May 30th, 1868 as a day to lay flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate Soldiers at Arlington Nation Cemetery, Memorial Day began with the humble origins of early women`s groups decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers.

Today we use Memorial Day to pay honor to all of those who have died, not just those who served our country.

Judge Signs Off on Oregon Garden Plan

The deal allows the Silverton tourist attraction another chance at success.

(SILVERTON) - Marion County Judge Don Dickey on Wednesday approved a plan by the Oregon Garden`s major creditors and a receiver.

The action clears the way for Moonstone Hotel Properties to buy 11 acres overlooking the garden where it plans to build a hotel.

As part of the agreement, the city of Silverton has agreed to buy the nine acres owned by the garden foundation, and pay off a secured claim on the property.

The garden was built as a tourist draw for the Silverton area, however attendance numbers failed to live up to expectations.

Brooke Wilberger`s Mom to Thank Community, Discuss Family`s Faith

Though Brooke Wilberger remains missing, authorities last year arrested Joel Patrick Courtney, a New Mexico man who grew up in Oregon, and subsequently charged him with Wilberger`s murder.

(CORVALLIS) - Next month will mark the second anniversary of the abduction of 19-year-old Brooke Wilberger and the beginning of a case that gripped the nation.

Wilberger has not been seen since May 24, 2004, when she vanished from a Corvallis apartment complex. Her disappearance set off a massive search that involved thousands of volunteers, many of them from OSU, as well as law enforcement authorities.

Woman Seriously Injured Trying to Cross Highway 20

(SWEET HOME) - A Sweet Home woman was seriously injured Friday night after she stepped into an eastbound lane of Highway 20 about three miles west of Sweet Home and was struck by a van.

Troopers are investigating alcohol as a contributing factor related to the pedestrian.

OSP spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings says just before 9:30 PM, a 1990 GMC Safari van driven by 19-year-old Nicole Taylor, from Dallas, was eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 23 in the left hand lane.

Oregon AG Hardy Myers Kicks off National Crime Victims` Rights Week on Monday

Crime Victims Rights Week this year is titled: Victims Rights: Strength in Unity,' and includes a number of events throughout the country and around Oregon scheduled to highlight the importance and increase the awareness of crime victims rights.

(SALEM) - Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers will kick off National Crime Victims` Rights Week in Oregon on Monday during a ceremony honoring survivors of crimes, victim advocates and service professionals.

At the event, AG Myers will recognize the ongoing efforts of victim services providers, justice professionals, volunteers and advocates.

Senior Living Center Evacuated Due to Small Fire

(SALEM) - A small fire on a stove in the common area of the Englewood West Apartments, 1068 Park Ave NE was quickly extinguished by Salem firefighters on Saturday.

A resident inadvertantly turned on the wrong burner on a stove, which caused a plastic tray to catch fire said Deputy Fire Chief Joe Parrot.

Smoke from the tray triggered the building's fire alarm system, causing residents to evacuate the building.

However the fire was small enough to not trip the fire sprinkler system Parrot said.

Republican Representative Disappointed in Passage of Bills That Help Education and the Poor

An Oregon politician who leaves the NW to patrol the Mexican border in an airplane, votes against funding schools, DHS, and regulating payday loan companies.

(SALEM) - Representative Jeff Kropf District has issued a statement about his voting record on the recent Special Session in the Oregon State Legislature.

His points illustrate the amazing contrast between some elected Republican leaders, and the majority of Oregonians who clearly support schools, and the housing and nutritional needs of kids and poor people.

But he does want to lock up the bad guys.

Columbia River Gorge Landmark, Vista House, Restored

Vista House serves as a rest stop and viewpoint for highway travelers, and as a memorial honoring Oregon's pioneers.

(CORBETT) - Vista House first opened its doors in 1918.

88 years later, Vista House atop Crown Point opens in early May to those eager to see the newly restored icon of the Columbia River Gorge

Visitors will see the stone building`s outside surface restored from top to bottom, repairing years of water damage.

Copper roofing – added decades ago to try and stop leaks – was removed and stronger tiles that match the original tiles` honey, green and gold colors now adorn the dome.

Senate Democrats Go Five for Five in Special Session

Prevent Cuts at DHS; Increase Funding for Schools Statewide; Avoid Teacher Layoffs in Portland; Crack Down on Sexual Predators; Cap Payday Loan Fees.

(SALEM) - In a dramatic demonstration of leadership, Senate Democrats today won passage of all five bills they fought to include in special session. They say those bills reflect the top priorities of Oregonians, and the top priorities of Democrats: health care, education, public safety, and economic fairness.

`Today counts as a victory for all Oregonians,` said Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown. `After spending months putting together detailed and comprehensive proposals on each of these issues, our hard work paid off, and the people can be proud of their Legislature.`

Weyerhaeuser Enters Into Final Negotiations To Sell Six Composite Panels Mills

The sale includes Albany and Eugene mills.

(FEDERAL WAY, Wash.) - Weyerhaeuser announced Friday it has entered into an agreement in principle to sell its composite panels business to two companies and is entering into final negotiations with these companies on the sale.

Weyerhaeuser is negotiating with Flakeboard Company Ltd. for the sale of its six composite mills in the United States.

Those locations include Albany, Ore.; Bennettsville, S.C.; Eugene, Ore.; Malvern, Ark.; and Simsboro, La.

The mills, which produce medium density fiberboard or particleboard, have the capacity to produce a total of 1.1 billion square feet annually.