Salem-News.com Benton County articles Page 1

County Advisory Group for Forestry to Meet May 6

(Salem, Oregon) - A group of commissioners representing Oregon counties that in the past deeded forestland to the State for management will meet on Friday, May 6, in Salem.

SELCO Employees Exceed Goal for Fall Food Drive

(EUGENE, Ore.) - SELCO Community Credit Union employees reached out to their communities by donating nearly 6,000 pounds of food to four local food banks. With an initial goal of donating 3,500 pounds of food, SELCO employees exceeded this goal by more than 2,400 pounds.

A list of most-needed foods was published to all SELCO employees, each of whom were given a plastic shopping bag to fill and deposit in barrels placed throughout the branches and offices of SELCO Community Credit Union, its subsidiaries and business units. Food was collected and donated directly to the food bank closest to each branch. These included: NeighborImpact Food Bank (www.neighborimpact.org), Food for Lane County (www.foodforlanecounty.org), Linn Benton Food Share (www.csc.gen.or.us/foodshare.htm), and Marion Polk Food Share (www.marionpolkfoodshare.org).

Agriculture Appropriations Bill Passed by Senate Includes Funding for Oregon Projects

Wyden/Merkley-Requested Funding for Agriculture Research Contained in Bill.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Working to improve agricultural research capabilities in Oregon, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D- Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D- Ore.) announced that an agriculture appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate contains more than nearly $7 million in projects for Oregon.

Included in the bill is funding for research into improving Oregon’s crops, utilizing Oregon’s forest resources, and controlling invasive species.

Kids Will `Shop With a Cop` in Mid-Valley Cities

The "Shop with a Cop" events are a great opportunity for police officers to interact with children that may only have had a negative experience with law enforcement.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The need is greater this year as state troopers, county deputies, and city police officers reach out to help over 600 kids shop for special gifts this holiday season at three locations in Linn, Benton and Marion counties. It is part of their area annual "Shop with a Cop" event.

For the 14th year, Corvallis and Albany-area police officers will help local disadvantaged and foster children shop for Christmas gifts as part of the local "Shop with a Cop" program. Last year, 181 children left with smiles on their faces after purchasing videos, clothing, toys, and other special gifts while shopping with state, county, and city police officers.

"We all are experiencing in some way the impact of the economy and most of these children would receive very little even in the best of times," said long-time "Shop with a Cop" organizer, Ms. Reita Wyatt.

Albany to Host Public Forum on Bike Park

Local BMX riders asked for a bike park at the March 5th Parks & Recreation Commission meeting

(ALBANY, Ore. ) - Albany Parks & Recreation staff will host a public forum and workshop to consider creating a bike park in Albany.

Second Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Benton County

This year in Oregon nine bats have tested positive for rabies including two bats in Benton County.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Officials from the Benton County Health Department have confirmed a bat has tested positive for rabies.

On Sunday, September 16th, residents near Finley Wildlife Refuge discovered their dog had a live bat in its mouth. When the dog released the bat, the owners killed the bat and notified the Benton County Health Department.

Benton County Initiates New Youth Community Service/Work Crew Policy

In 2006, over 250 young people were ordered to complete community service or work crew.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - The Benton County Juvenile Department is initiating a new policy to reduce “no-shows” for youths court ordered to community service or work crews.

The new policy will add an additional day of community service or work crew for the first offense, a second offense the person will be sent to the Linn-Benton Detention Center.

The Benton County Juvenile Department manages community service and work crew projects for local non-profit and public service organizations.

Benton County Sheriff`s Office Begins Seatbelt Enforcement Blitz

Oregon ranks third nationwide for seatbelt use.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Starting Monday and running through Sunday, June 3rd, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office will participate in Oregon’s Three Flags Blitz, a statewide seatbelt enforcement blitz.

Three Flags Blitz will coincide with the nationwide “Click it or Ticket” mobilization promoted by U.S. Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Administration.

Patrol enforcement activities will focus on proper seatbelt use and minors in open pickup beds.

Benton County to be Without Early Morning Sheriff Patrols Beginning Sunday

Two deputies will be assigned to an “on-call” status during the early morning hours and will respond to life threatening incidents.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Effective April 1st, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office will begin a new patrol schedule that will leave rural Benton County without early morning patrol coverage.

With the loss of federal county payments and voter approved tax limitations, the Sheriff’s Office will not have resources or personnel to provide twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week patrol coverage.

From 3:00 AM until 7:00 AM, the Sheriff’s Office will not have deputies on patrol.

Country Superstar Mark Chesnutt to Perform at Benton County Fair

Chesnutt has four platinum albums, five gold albums, 14 Number One singles and 23 Top Ten singles.

(CORVALLIS) - Show Up – Show Off – Celebrate! is the 2007 theme for the Benton County Fair and Rodeo, Aug. 1st – 5th.

This year’s Fair will feature new events such as daily hypnotist shows and a petting zoo.

The main stage for entertainment will feature award-winning artists. County Music Association Horizon Award winner Mark Chesnutt will open on Wednesday, Aug. 1st.