Salem-News.com Washington articles Page 36

Coast Guard Expresses Concern Over Fishing Vessel Safety

Fishermen say tightening economic times are already strangling aspects of the fishing industry, and new demands will worsen the economic picture.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The Coast Guard says several problems repeatedly lead to commercial fishing as being the country's most hazardous occupation. Issues include stability and watertight integrity issues and maintenance of vessels has also been identified as a significant issue leading to vessel losses.

On March 21st, the federal government took a regulatory effort to develop amendments to Coast Guard commercial fishing industry vessel regulations a step farther.

Oregon Studded Tire Season Extended through Saturday

Studded tires cause at least $11 million damage each year.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Forecasts from the National Weather Service predict a slight rise in temperatures statewide beginning late this coming weekend, which may not provide enough time for motorists traveling this weekend to remove their studded tires by April 1st.

ODOT is extending the studded tire season through Saturday, April 5th. The Washington State Department of Transportation has made the same decision.

Parachute Found by Kids in Washington Could be D.B. Cooper`s (VIDEO)

It is a mystery that captivates people and perhaps the discovery of this parachute will bring us answers.

(SEATTLE) - The FBI is investigating a parachute found by some kids near Amboy, Washington that may be from the country's most famous hijacker, the extremely elusive D.B. Cooper.

The man using the name Dan Cooper checked into the Portland, Oregon airport and hijacked a Northwest Orient flight that was heading to Seattle in November 1971. He told the flight crew that he had a bomb.

Gas Prices Back Off Slightly for Spring Break

Gas prices often climb during Spring Break, but both the national and Oregon averages are down slightly this week, dropping a few cents from last week's record highs.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "Gas prices are coming down a few cents from the record highs we set in the past week." AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, "Even though it's spring break, a time when prices normally rise, the Oregon average for regular unleaded is down three cents this week to $3.43.

The national average also drops three cents to $3.26. The Oregon and national averages are both below their record highs of $3.462 for Oregon set on March 17th, and $3.285 for the national average set on March 16th.

Oregonian Travels Thousands of Miles to Honor our War Dead

Photographer spends his life honoring fallen heroes and documenting their sacrifice, but he needs like minded individuals to help his effort.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - As a nation we recently heard about the number of American casualties in Iraq passing 4,000. Afghanistan casualties have increased in recent months.

While some people wave flags and others protest the war, one Oregonian spends his life paying respects at these somber events and he records those images that only an experienced world class photographer can take. He does it for the families and the legacy of our fallen heroes. It is time people get behind the efforts of Q. Madp.

Oregon, Washington and Idaho Cleared to Kill Sea Lions

NOAA has authorized the states to remove as many as 85 animals annually, but estimates that only about 30 animals will be removed each year.

(PORTLAND, Ore. ) - NOAA’s Fisheries Service is granting authorization requested by Washington, Oregon and Idaho to permanently remove a number of California sea lions that are eating imperiled salmon and steelhead congregating below Bonneville Dam before moving up the Columbia River to spawn.

The action allows these states to target only individual sea lions that continue to eat salmon after deterrence methods have proven unsuccessful.

Investigators in Washington Seek Location of 75-Year old Woman

Her green '97 Chevy S10 pickup has a "Proud to be American" bumper sticker on the rear canopy window.

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - Deputies in Washington say they are concerned over the location of 75-year old Theresa Ann Fleming, a white female who is five feet tall, weighs 158 pounds, and has blue eyes and gray hair.

Sgt. Steve Shea with the Clark County Sheriff's Office says she lives in the Sifton area north of Vancouver, Washington.

Couple Displays Nature in Photographs and Drawings

WSU Vancouver galleries are open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday.

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - A collection representing nature in two different media will be on display March 10th to April 4th at Washington State University Vancouver in the Administration Building gallery. Entry to the campus exhibit is free.

Former partners in a Portland art gallery, Debbie and Storm Smith now own and operate Creative Heartworks in Tigard, Oregon, which produces fine art giclée prints for local artists.

Boeing Issues Statement on U.S. Air Force Aerial Refueling Tanker Decision

The selection of Southern California based Northrop Grumman and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Corporation, the manufacturer of Airbus airplanes, was a surprise to members of the aviation industry.

(ST. LOUIS, Mo.) - A national aviation group that has served as the backbone of the nation's military strength, learned this week that the federal government has decided to "outsource" a contract to build new military aircraft to France.

Boeing released the news this week, "We were just informed that our KC-767 Advanced Tanker proposal was not selected in the KC-135 Replacement Program known as KC-X."

Large Ship Loses Power in the Strait of Juan de Fuca

The vessel eventually reached port safely.

(SEATTLE) - At large vessel lost power at 3:30 AM Thursday Coast Guard officials said. They received notification that the 651-foot bulk carrier Star Indiana suffered a loss of propulsion just north of Neah Bay, Wash., in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.