Please see the attached news release or view the PDF on-line at the DHS web site:http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2009news/2009-0107.pdf

January 7, 2009 @ 4:45pm On December 2, 2008 at 4:50pm, a female entered Key Bank located at 1817 NW 9th Street and provided a teller with a note demanding money. The teller complied with the demand and the suspect fled the business with an undisclosed amount of money.On January 5, 2009, a female committed a similar crime at a Washington Mutual Bank in Roseburg, Oregon. Based upon the description of the suspect and commonalities between the two incidents, detectives from the Corvallis Police Department are investigating the possibility the two crimes were committed by the same suspect.An image of the suspect robbing the Washington Mutual Bank in Roseburg, Oregon has been released and the Corvallis Police Department needs your help identifying the person. Anyone who recognizes the suspect, or has information regarding either of the two crimes is asked to contact Corvallis Police Detective Tyson Poole at (541) 766-6924.Corvallis Police Department Case # 08C06240

The linked photographs were taken Wednesday morning, January 7th, on Highway 26 east of Government Camp near the Highway 216 junction. Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Mike Bates advised the trucks have been removed from the area.ODOT and OSP encourages motorists who are planning a trip on state highways during and after such heavy rains to visit www.TripCheck.com to check their route before leaving. Be prepared for delays by making sure vehicles are fully fueled, and carry extra supplies. Be aware of the potential for hydroplaning with water on the roadway. More winter driving tips are available on ODOT's Web site. Questions regarding highway closures should be directed to ODOT.### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

The official winter season is just a few weeks old and with plenty more cold days on the way, Acting Oregon State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson reminds Oregonians any time is a good time to have chimneys, fireplaces and woodstoves inspected and cleaned. From 2003 through 2007 in Oregon there were 1,227 fireplace or woodstove-caused fires resulting in four deaths and nine injuries. During this same period there have been 1,368 electrical-caused fires with many related to portable heaters and other home heating equipment. "Keeping your family warm should never result in tragedy," says Simpson. "If you haven't already had your chimney, fireplace or woodstove inspected this season, don't put it off until next year. Also, if you use portable room heaters make sure to give them space and keep them away from combustible materials." Oregonians can keep themselves safe by following these additional safety tips:* Have chimneys, flues, fireplaces and woodstoves inspected and cleaned each year by a qualified chimney sweep. Ask them to check for creosote deposits, soot build-up and physical damage.* Always use a fireplace screen. Make sure the screen is made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass to prevent sparks from escaping. * Keep a clutter-free environment. Store kindling, fire logs and wood at least three feet from any heat source. * Dispose of ashes in a metal container and place the container outdoors at least three feet from anything flammable. Ashes may retain heat for days after they appear out. * When using portable heaters make sure they have an automatic tip-over switch and a high temperature limit switch. The tip-over switch turns the heater off if it's knocked over. The high temperature limit switch regulates the heat, preventing the heater from getting too hot.* Give heaters space. Put at least 36 inches of space between the heater and combustibles such as furniture, curtains, papers and people.* Check the cord on portable electric heaters. If the cord gets hot or is frayed or cracked, have the heater serviced.* Never use extension cords with portable electric heaters. It can overload the circuit and cause a fire. * Unplug heaters when not in use and before going to bed.* Be aware of electric baseboard or wall heaters. These heaters are thermostatically controlled and turn on without warning when temperatures drop. Keep combustibles at least three feet from these heaters as well.* If using a propane-fueled heater, or other appliance make sure it is designed for indoor use. Follow all manufacturer's instructions and make sure it is properly vented.* Do not use any barbecue indoors.* If you smell gas, do not operate any switches, appliances or thermostats. A spark from one of these could ignite the gas vapor. Get everyone outside and away from the building. Shut off the gas supply. Call your propane supplier from a neighbor's phone.* Only use kerosene heaters outdoors as they may emit poisonous fumes.* Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area and inside each bedroom.* Test smoke alarms monthly. * Vacuum regularly to remove dust and cobwebs. * Never disconnect or remove smoke alarm batteries for other uses.* Make a home escape plan and practice it with your whole family at least twice a year.For more home fire safety tips, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/FPW_2008.shtml. # # #

Happy Birthday, Oregon!A 2 day celebration at the Oregon Historical SocietyPortland, Ore.-January 7, 2009- The Oregon Historical Society is proud to host a birthday party for the great state of Oregon. There will be cake, children's activities, music, readings from Oregon Authors, and much more. Exhibits will be open to the public, with many local organizations participating in the festivities. WHO: The Oregon Historical SocietyWHERE: The Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park AvenueWHAT: A Party! Activities, cake, readings, guided tours.WHEN: Saturday, February 14th from 10 am to 5 pm Sunday, February 15th from 12noon to 5 pmTICKETS: Free Admission for all! Both Days.

January 6, 2009 2008-09 Adjusted School Calendar - Philomath School District 17JDue to the unprecedented weather conditions and the subsequent cancellation of classes for 4 days on December 15, 16, 17 and 19, 2008 the Philomath School District Board of Trustees approved adjusting the 2008/09 school calendar by extending the school year one week.Highlights include:* Moving the end date of the second and third quarter for Elementary and Middle School students back one week respectively (January 29 to February 5 and April 8/9 to April 15/16.* Extending the middle trimester at the High School one week, ending on March 18 instead of March 11.* High School graduation will move from Saturday, June 6 to the Saturday, June 13, 2009. Graduation will begin at 11:00 a.m.* Final day of K-11 instruction - June 18, 2009.

A Seattle, Washington man was arrested by Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers Tuesday afternoon following a hit and run crash northbound Interstate 5 south of Eugene. The arrest occurred when troopers spiked the vehicle's tires after he failed to stop for nearly ten miles.On January 6, 2009 at approximately 3:30 p.m. the suspect's 2002 Hyundai sport utility vehicle was reportedly involved in a hit and run crash on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 189. OSP Recruit Trooper Will Ulch spotted the vehicle northbound near milepost 197 and attempted to stop it. The driver failed to yield and continued driving northbound at about 55 mph until Trooper Clay Core deployed spike strips near milepost 206. After spike strips were used deflating the vehicle's tires, the driver pulled onto the shoulder and stopped.Troopers arrested JASON CORD MENK, age 40, from Seattle, Washington. Subsequent search of the vehicle led troopers to find a concealed firearm and other evidence.MENK was transported to Lane County Jail and booked for Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle, Reckless Driving, DUII, Hit and Run with Property Damage, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Following booking he was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital for an evaluation.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

PORTLAND, Ore. - "It's either buy food or take your medicine. It's a real hard choice.""There are times when you have to choose between milk and diapers."Those are just two comments from Oregon Food Bank's 2008 Voices report, released today. The annual report summarizes focus-group feedback from emergency food recipients around Oregon. "With the high cost of food, utilities and rising unemployment, more of our neighbors are struggling with hunger," said Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski. "I ask Oregonians everywhere to join together to listen to the voices of our most vulnerable neighbors and to do what you can to help fight hunger and its root causes." OFB conducts its annual Voices project to engage people who receive food assistance in conversations about their everyday experience with hunger. The Voices project helps OFB gain insight into who is hungry and how to best address the root causes of hunger. Voices participants share their stories to help Oregonians understand the lives of those who struggle with hunger. This year, the roundtable discussions took place at food pantries in five Oregon communities: Gaston, Madras, Sweet Home, Riddle and Langlois. Participants explained the challenges they face as they stretch their budgets to put food on the table. They discussed rising unemployment, the high cost of housing and gas and the lack of affordable medical care among other factors that contribute to food insecurity. The Voices report shows that many parents work hard to shield their children from the negative effects of hunger. One mother from Madras described a household ritual with her daughter involving two simple ingredients: crackers and jelly. Although she is struggling to afford nutritious meals, serving crackers with jelly is fun for her daughter and helps her feel, in her words, "Like we have a million dollars." "These Oregonians have been feeling the economic downturn long before Wall Street plummeted," said Rachel Bristol, executive director and CEO of Oregon Food Bank. "We believe we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg. As the recession continues, we anticipate the need for food assistance will climb for months to come. In these troubled times, we need everyone to do whatever they can to help their neighbors in need ... because no one should be hungry."* Visit www.oregonfoodbank.org to download a copy of Voices 2008. Read what your neighbors in need are saying and work for public policies to help fight the root causes of hunger. * Donate funds, food or time online at www.oregonfoodbank.org. Cash contributions are especially important. OFB is purchasing food by the truckload as demand outstrips its food supply. Financial support also helps OFB with increasing transportation costs and packaging supplies for bulk foods being packed by thousands of volunteers* Find the regional food bank or food pantry nearest you and volunteer. ###

On January 9, 10, and 11 the Oregon Fire Instructor's Association [OFIA] will be hosting its Firefighter Safety and Survival Symposium titled "The Art of Survival" at the DPSST training facility in Salem. Instructors from across the Nation will converge and share their wisdom and knowledge base to help create a safer working environment for firefighters. Annually, more than 100 firefighters die each year in the United States. Add to that the countless thousands that are gravely injured or suffer life-altering exposure to chemicals, toxins, and blood and air-born pathogens.The Oregon Fire Instructors Association is hosting its second annual Firefighter Safety and Survival Symposium. Last year more than 500 firefighters from eight states attended this conference, making it one of the most successful first year conferences in the fire service, earning the prestigious "Public Safety" Award of Excellence from the Oregon Fire Chief's Association.The Symposium will be kicked off in the "Hall of Heroes" on Friday at 8:00AM with a full Fire Service Honor Guard ceremony. From there, students will receive the Keynote address from Retired Fire Chief and Editor of Fire Engineering Magazine, Bobby Halton. Next, firefighters will be inspired by CHief Rick Laskey's Pride in Ownership presentation. Friday is capped off with an author's book signing.Keynote lectures and hands-on "Hot Classes" are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Included in this real life training are modules on Large Area Search, Rapid Intervention, Advanced Fire Behavior, and a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus confidence course.There is also a scheduled Instructor's Dinner on Saturday PM at the Historic Reed Opera House in Salem. THis is a rare opportunity to chat up-close and personally with many of the Nations most recognized fire service instructors.For more information and a detailed schedule please go to: http://www.ofiaartofsurvival.com There will many media opportunities. Please contact event PIO Troy Buzalsky at 503.572.5504. The DPSST is a secured facility and all media must be escorted at all times.

Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into Saturday afternoon's four vehicle fatal traffic crash that left one person dead and six others injured on Highway 38 east of Scottsburg in Douglas County.The victim is tentatively identified as HEIDI ROSANNA JOHNSON, age 20, from North Bend. JOHNSON was traveling from North Bend to Springfield where she was a student at Lane Community College. Her dog also died in the crash.On January 3, 2009 at 2:49 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) received a report of a multi-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 38 near milepost 20. Preliminary investigation indicates a Toyota Sequoia driven by JOHN FLAXEL, age 72, from Coos Bay, was westbound on Highway 38 approaching three eastbound vehicles when it crossed the centerline and sideswiped the first vehicle, a Ford F150 pickup, driven by KONRAD W. KENNELLY, age 50, from Port Angeles, Washington.After sideswiping the pickup, the Toyota continued into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a Volkswagen Jetta driven by JOHNSON causing it to land off the highway were it caught fire.A third eastbound vehicle, a Chrysler minivan driven by SHIRLEY A. POWELL, age 59, from Sutherlin, saw the collision and steered to the right to avoid the Toyota. The minivan came to a stop off the highway in a ditch.The Ford F150 pickup came to a stop overturned in the middle of the highway. KENNELLY and passenger MARTHA XITCO, age 50, from Port Angeles, Washington, received minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Bay Area Hospital in Reedsport.JOHN FLAXEL accompanied an OSP trooper to Bay Area Hospital for an evaluation where it was discovered he was bleeding internally. He was transported to a Eugene-area hospital by air ambulance. His passenger/wife, JOY FLAXEL, age unknown, was transported by air ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital at RiverBend in Eugene.SHIRLEY POWELL and passenger/husband EVERT POWELL, age 59, were transported with minor injuries by ambulance to Bay Area Hospital.OSP troopers from the Coos Bay and Roseburg Area Command offices are continuing the investigation with the assistance of an OSP crash reconstructionist. Highway 38 was closed 3 hours before being opened to one lane. Highway conditions were wet.Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Elkton Fire Department, Scottsburg Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

EXPERIENCE THE ART AND SCIENCE OF LEONARDO DA VINCIDa Vinci: The Genius Featuring Secrets of the Mona Lisa Opening at OMSI January 31PORTLAND, OR (Jan. 6, 2009) Da Vinci: The Genius, opening January 31 at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), explores the art and science of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest minds the world has ever known. During his lifetime da Vinci was an inventor, painter, scientist, engineer, musician, architect, and more. Da Vinci: The Genius originated in Italy and is the most complete and comprehensive traveling exhibition on da Vinci ever created. More than 10 years in the making, the exhibit has been seen in Paris, Rome, Moscow, Melbourne, San Paulo, San Francisco and other major cities around the world. OMSI's presentation of Da Vinci: The Genius is made possible through the generous support of major sponsor Lufthansa German Airlines, with additional support provided by Chevron Corporation, Mentor Graphics, and The Standard. "Lufthansa welcomes the opportunity to support an exhibit which portrays an artist of such exceptional vision and innovation," said Mark Lagler, Lufthansa district sales manager, Pacific Northwest.Da Vinci: The Genius demonstrates the full scope of da Vinci's remarkable genius utilizing an array of full-scale re-creations of his machine inventions-a hang glider, helicopter, military tank, and more-crafted from his personal codices (notebooks). Visitors will be able to push, pull, crank, and interact with many of these exhibits for a greater understanding of the math, engineering, and physics principles behind them.Visitors can also explore never-before-seen perspectives of da Vinci's most famous Renaissance art, including his anatomical sketches, the Mona Lisa, Virgin of the Rocks, The Annunciation, preparatory drawings of the Anghiari Battle; and three-dimensional interactive presentations of the Last Supper, the Vitruvian Man, and the Sforza Horse sculpture.OMSI's presentation of Da Vinci: The Genius features the U.S. debut of the full presentation of the Secrets of Mona Lisa gallery, created by French scientific engineer and photographer, Pascal Cotte. Cotte invented a 240-million pixel camera to photograph the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, allowing for the most accurate recreation of the masterpiece in its original color and unveiling 25 startling revelations and producing the world's only 360 ° walk around replica. With his camera, Cotte was able to uncover how the Mona Lisa looked as she was originally painted, taking viewers behind layers of over-painting, restoration, and attempts at preservation. His amazing revelations are displayed in gallery style and in super sized, high-resolution prints, with the largest being the 13ft x 10ft infra-red of Mona Lisa.This exhibition has been made available by Grande Exhibitions; The Anthropos Foundation, Italy; and Pascal Cotte, France. About OMSIFounded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation's leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit www.omsi.edu.

The North Bend School District Board of Directors will hold their Regular Board Meeting on Monday, January 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the North Bend City Council Chambers at 835 California Street, North Bend, OR 97459.Agenda1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, FLAG PLEDGE2. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS/ APPROVAL OF AGENDA3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION4. ACADEMIC FOCUS5. COMMUNICATIONS6. ACTION / CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS7. NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION8. NEW BUSINESS ACTION9. OLD BUSINESS DISCUSSION10. OLD BUSINESS ACTION 11. BOARD COMMENTS12. INFORMATION ONLY13. ADJOURN

The official statement from the National Weather Service can be found at: http://www.weather.gov/alerts/or.html THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE POTENTIAL FOR DEBRIS FLOWS AND LANDSLIDES AS PART OF THE FLOOD WATCH FOR LARGE PORTIONS OF OREGON INCLUDING: CASCADE FOOTHILLS IN LANE COUNTY...CASCADES IN LANE COUNTY...CENTRAL COAST RANGE OF WESTERN OREGON...CENTRAL OREGON COAST...CENTRAL WILLAMETTE VALLEY...COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON...GREATER PORTLAND METRO AREA...LOWER COLUMBIA...NORTH OREGON COAST...NORTHERN OREGON CASCADE FOOTHILLS...NORTHERN OREGON CASCADES...SOUTH WILLAMETTE VALLEY...UPPER HOOD RIVER VALLEY AND WESTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE. IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON...GREATER VANCOUVER AREA...I-5 CORRIDOR IN COWLITZ COUNTY...SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADE FOOTHILLS...SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES...SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST...WESTERN COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AND WILLAPA DEBRIS FLOWS ARE DANGEROUS RAPIDLY MOVING LANDSLIDES. STEEP SLOPES, CANYONS, GORGES AND THE MOUTHS OF MOUNTAIN STREAMS ARE THE LOCATIONS AT GREATEST RISK. PERSONS WHO LIVE OR MAY TRAVEL THROUGH THESE LOCATIONS SHOULD BE ALERT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF DEBRIS FLOWS DURING OR SHORTLY AFTER PERIODS OF INTENSE RAINFALL. Stay alert. Listen to the radio, TV, or a weather radio for flood watches, which include the potential for debris flows. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately. If water in a river or stream suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream. Assume highways are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Don't overdrive your headlights. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road. Landowners and road managers should check road drainage systems and conduct needed maintenance in case the predicted heavy precipitation does occur. The official statement from the National Weather Service can be found at: http://www.weather.gov/alerts/or.html

Oregon - January is National Learn a Snow Sport Month across the United States. Twenty-three states, of which Oregon is one, are offering special learn to ski and snowboard packages to locals.Oregon ski areas have promoted this initiative for many years and will once again be offering special packages that are fun and affordable. Whether learning for the first time or simply brushing up on unpracticed skills, these "Learn to Ski/Ride' packages are the jackpot for people looking to improve their skills on the slopes this January.For more information on January Learn a Snow Sport Initiative, and to find a participating ski area in Oregon, visit www.SkiOregon.org. Click on the Learn to Ski/Snowboard Packages icon and then clickon it again on the upper right. From there, click on individual ski area logos to view packages.Reasons to learn a snow sport include:*; Happy and healthy sport for winter month entertainment*; Fun, wholesome sport that brings generations of families closer together*; Winter sports can build self-esteem and self confidence while fighting obesity*; Opportunity to enjoy nature and the great outdoors the northwest has to offerVisit www.SkiOregon.org for detailed information on each ski area's openings. You will find links to each ski area where detailed information is posted on opening times, rates, weather conditions, lodging and transportation, hot deals and more.Ski Oregon is a non-profit association representing the ski industry in Oregon. Members include ski areas throughout the state, retailers, lodging partners, manufacturers, transportation, rental equipment companies and more. Ski Oregon's mission is to create awareness of and demand for Oregon ski and snowboard industry services and products.###Ski Oregon - Ride the Endless Winter - www.SkiOregon.org

The Oregon Small Business Coalition (OSBC) has elected the following statewide officers for 2009:President: John Killin of the Merit Construction AllianceVice President: Jeff Stone of the Oregon Nursery Association Secretary/Treasurer: Pamela Leavitt of the Credit Union Association of Oregon. Board Members include: Shawn Miller of the Oregon Rental Housing Association; Shawn Cleave, Oregon Farm Bureau Federation; Darrell Fuller of the National Automotive Trades Association; and Hasina Squires of the Hood River Distillers and the Independent Medical Examination Association.OSBC is a coalition of small business associations, which serve as the "Voice for Main Street" in the halls of the State Capitol. The united membership of OSBC represents approximately 40,000 Oregon businesses. The group publishes a yearly directory of Oregon Legislators and staff that is available in February. The mission of OSBC's members is to protect and enhance Oregon small business. For more information about OSBC, visit their website at

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Tim Wood has appointed Kendell Phillips of Cave Junction and Lynn Reagan of Vale to the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries. Phillips has long experience with local museums and cemeteries, with an emphasis on genealogical records. Reagan is a school administrator with personal interest in cemeteries and knowledge of Malheur County history. "The commission is pleased to welcome these enthusiastic individuals to the group," said Chair Judy Juntunen of Corvallis. "They bring ideas and skills to enhance the resources offered by the commission and the historic cemeteries program."The seven-member Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries supports OPRD historic cemetery preservation efforts by offering training, educational resources, coordination and grants. Its other members are Robert Keeler of Portland, Diana LaSarge of Pendleton, Col-Lea Lane of Yachats and Dirk Siedlecki of Jacksonville. For more information about the commission and the historic cemeteries program visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Historic Cemeteries Program Coordinator, Kuri Gill at Kuri.Gill@state.or.us or (503) 986-0685.###

SALEM -- The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Commission on Children and Families today announced that a new partnership with national foundation Casey Family Programs will support Oregon's efforts to safely reduce the number of Oregon children in foster care.Please see the attached news release or view the PDF online at the DHS web site:http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2009news/2009-0105.pdf

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a single vehicle traffic crash that resulted in the death of an Astoria-area man shortly after midnight on Highway 30 in the Knappa area.According to OSP Lieutenant Duane Stanton, on January 5, 2009 at 12:03 a.m. police, fire and medical agencies were notified of a single vehicle crash on Highway 30 near milepost 82. Preliminary investigation indicates a 2009 Toyota Tacoma pickup driven by ROBERT JAMES RANKIN, age 21, from Astoria, was eastbound on Hillcrest Loop when it failed to negotiate a curve. The pickup left the roadway, crashed through a guardrail and continued airborne over a 50 foot embankment where it rolled and came to rest on its driver's side onto Highway 30.RANKIN was pronounced deceased at the scene. Safety restraint use information is not available.OSP troopers from the Astoria Area Command office are continuing the investigation.Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Knappa/Stevenson EMS, Medics, and ODOT assisted at the scene.Highway 30 was closed about two hours.No photographs available for release.### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

A project conceived by professional foresters in 2008 as a way to clean up winter storm damage to northwestern Oregon forests and help afflicted local residents heat their homes has garnered a national honor. This fall, the Society of American Foresters (SAF) bestowed the House of Society Delegates National Recognition Award on the Portland SAF chapter for the outstanding public service benefits achieved by "Project Woodcut."When SAF member Bob Alverts learned of the extensive blowdown of trees from back-to-back storms last December, he pondered how to solve two pressing concerns: the millions of board feet of downed timber that would soon become a wildfire hazard, and the roughly 800 Vernonia homeowners without heat due to storm-caused power outages. His solution, dubbed Project Woodcut, helped address both problems. The retired Bureau of Land Management natural resource manager took his idea to the SAF leadership, and soon they were working the phones to recruit woods-savvy volunteers to cut up the dead trees into fuel and deliver it to the remote community. He set the project goal at an ambitious 100 cords of firewood.Public response was gratifying: Stihl Northwest and Precision Power Equipment loaned power saws and other gear to the crew, volunteers provided wood splitters, and lumber mills sent trucks to haul the wood to the stricken homeowners. Cash donations flowed in to help with fuel and other expenses. All told, the generous gifts of services, equipment and supplies, and money by Oregon businesses, organizations and individuals exceeded $50,000.In several weekends the foresters, working with Columbia County Disaster Relief coordinators and local volunteers, cut and split more than 50 cords of firewood from Weyerhaeuser Company and Bureau of Land Management lands, as well as Banks and Vernonia landowner properties, and delivered the fuel to Vernonia residents.Initially, much of the toppled timber proved unreachable due to forest road blockages. To keep the firewood deliveries on track, DR Johnson Lumber of Prairie City donated an entire truckload of dry pine logs. Iron Triangle Logging of John Day hauled the logs to Pendleton, and local mill Blue Mountain Lumber completed the relay by delivering them to Vernonia.Longview Timber Company, Green Diamond Company and Roseburg Forest Products also donated several log truck loads of wood to help exceed the 100-cord goal.A final forest outing of Alverts' band of volunteers on Nov. 15 closed out the nearly year-long relief effort. He reflected on the multiple benefits of the project:"It has helped connect rural and urban people and provided for the basic needs of several hundred flood victims," he said. "Also, it has clearly helped the Society of American Foresters get back to its roots and develop relationships with a number of agencies, companies and volunteer organizations."

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Friday night's two-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of three Parkdale-area women Friday night on Highway 35 about two miles south of Hood River. This tragic crash is a reminder of the dangers when traveling on icy stretches of highway even if the air temperature is above freezing.According to OSP Sergeant Julie Wilcox, on January 2, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. a 1997 Geo Metro driven by CHEREE CLUFF, age 24, from Parkdale, was southbound on an uphill curve when it slid out of control on black ice. The Geo crossed into the northbound lane and collided with a 2007 Jeep Wrangler driven by VINCENT HOGAN, age 24, from Tacoma, Washington. Both vehicles came to a stop on the northbound side.CHEREE CLUFF and right front passenger JAN CLUFF, age 16, were pronounced deceased at the scene. Two other passengers, CLARISSA ORTIZ, age 13, from Parkdale, and SHANNON CLUFF, age 13, was transported to Providence Hood River Hospital.ORTIZ was critically injured and died from those injuries at the hospital.SHANNON CLUFF was ejected from the car and received non-life threatening injuries.The three deceased victims were using safety restraints. SHANNON CLUFF was not using safety restraints.The CLUFF women are sisters and ORTIZ is a friend of SHANNON CLUFF.None of the four occupants of the Jeep Wrangler were injured. All were using safety restraints. The three passengers are identified as KERRY CAFAZZO, age 22, from Tacoma; JENNIFER BRAVO, age 20, from Puyallup, Washington; and, DYLAN MILLS, age 24, from Fort Lewis, Washington. Sergeant Wilcox noted OSP troopers were already working several other crashes related to black ice conditions on Interstate 84 at the time of this crash. "Monitor the temperature and remember that ice-related crashes can occur even when the air temperature is well over freezing. Severe black ice conditions were present even with an air temperature of 38 degrees," said Wilcox.Highway 35 was closed in both directions for three hours.OSP troopers were assisted by Hood River County Sheriff's Office deputies, Hood River Police Department and ODOT.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife troopers from the Newport Area Command Office are asking for the public's help to solve the illegal killing of two cow elk near Siletz in Lincoln County. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered by the Oregon Hunter's Association for information lead to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for these crimes.According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper Heather Van Meter, on January 2, 2009 troopers responded to Jaybird Rd near Ojalla Rd outside of Siletz to investigate a report of two dead cow elk left to waste. Troopers discovered two dead elk along the side of the roadway within .3 of a mile of each other about four miles up Jaybird Road. One cow elk was missing both backstraps and the second cow missing only part of the backstrap from one side. The remainders of both carcasses were left to waste and were not salvageable. The condition of the elk indicates they had been dead for approximately 2-3 days.A conviction related to these investigations carries a penalty of a fine up to $7,500 and a year in jail.Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Trooper Van Meter at 541-270-9637 or through the OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Public health officials in the Oregon Department of Human Services warn that using alternative fuel sources for heating or electricity during power outages can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide which can poison people and animals.Please see the attached news release or view the PDF online at the DHS web site:http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2009news/2009-0102.pdf

Approximately 20 soldiers are scheduled to mobilize in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom this week with a ceremony scheduled to be in the House Chambers, Oregon State Capitol at 3:00 p.m., January 6.Soldiers from 2-641 Aviation are set to rotate into theater and relieve their Oregon National Guard unit counterparts that departed in August this past year. The 2-641 Aviation soldiers will continue to conduct flight missions required for battle command of theater operations, liaison among theater commands, and transportation of supplies, equipment, and personnel within the Iraq area of responsibility.For sustainment of operations, 2-641 AVN will perform those missions, which lie between the strategic and intra-theater missions performed by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the tactical maneuver and movement performed by Army rotary wing and/or Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), or ground assets.Governor Ted Kulongoski and Major General Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, are scheduled to be in attendance at the ceremony.Family, friends and media are invited to attend to wish them well on this deployment.

A Eugene-area man previously arrested for attempted murder related to a September 2008 incident in which he shot at Lane County sheriff deputies failed to appear last week in Lane County Circuit Court and is now wanted. Neither the suspect, nor his girlfriend who is also wanted on a misdemeanor warrant, has been seen since December 24th. Police and the Lane County District Attorney's Office are asking for the public's help to find them.NATHAN MILES DIX, age 31, from Springfield, was arrested by Oregon State Police (OSP) detectives November 17th related to an arrest warrant issued following an indictment by a Lane County Grand Jury on two counts of Attempted Murder and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon Against a Person. He was lodged in the Lane County Jail where he remained until he was bailed out December 23rd pending a court appearance scheduled for December 29th.The arrest followed an investigation into a September 1, 2008 incident in which Lane County Sheriff's Office responded to the 100 block of Bauer Lane related to a report of a suicidal person armed with a shotgun. When deputies arrived, DIX exited the home and fired at two deputies in the driveway. The deputies returned fire, striking and injuring DIX. Following the shooting, DIX was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital at RiverBend where he was treated until he was discharged.DIX failed to appear at the December 29th court appearance and a nationwide felony Fail to Appear warrant was issued for his arrest.DIX was last scene December 24th with his girlfriend, ANNIE JO WELCH, age 31, who reportedly has an outstanding fail to appear misdemeanor arrest warrant.On December 30th the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked at the Cape Perpetua Lookout south of Yachats on the central Oregon coast. The 1991 Subaru Legacy four-door, which was reported parked at the lookout for at least four days, is registered to WELCH. Deputies responded to the area, located the car but were unable to locate anyone associated with the vehicle. OSP had the vehicle towed and impounded.DIX is described as a white male, 5'07", 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. DIX has numerous scars and tattoos on his chest, back and arms. His right arm may have limited use because of injuries sustained in the September shooting. DIX should not be approached and is considered possibly armed and dangerous.WELCH is described as a white female, 5'08", 120 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. WELCH has a tattoo on her right breast displaying clouds and a half moon.There is no information of any other vehicle that may be associated with DIX or WELCH at this time.Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of NATHAN MILES DIX and / or ANNIE JO WELCH is asked to call Oregon State Police Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888 or their local police department.The lead investigator is OSP Detective Andy Kenyon.Photograph Sources: DIX - Lane County Sheriff's Office WELCH - Oregon DMV### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

A 16-year old Redmond-area girl died Friday morning after losing control of her pickup and colliding with another pickup on Highway 97 about eight miles north of Bend. A third pickup was involved in the crash but its driver was not injured.According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Sergeant Chris Seber, on January 2, 2009 at approximately 7:35 a.m. a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by SHALAE RAE MORTENSON, age 16, from Redmond, was northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 127 when it lost control during icy highway conditions. The pickup spun counter-clockwise across the center median into the southbound lanes where it was struck in the passenger side by a southbound 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by JOSE ALEX MENDOZA, age 33, from Terrebonne. After the initial collision, a southbound 2007 Ford F150 pickup driven by RANDALL S. BURCHAM, age 46, from Terrebonne, crashed into the back of MENDOZA's pickup.MORTENSON was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was using safety restraints.MENDOZA was seriously injured and transported by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. He was using safety restraints and his pickup's airbags deployed.BURCHAM was not injured. He was using safety restraints and his pickup's airbags deployed.OSP troopers from the Bend Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Redmond Police Department, Redmond Ambulance, and ODOT assisted at the scene.All lanes were closed for about two hours before one lane was open in both directions using the northbound lanes.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

A new Breastfeeding Support Group called "Mom and Me" starts Thursday, January 8, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the West Valley Hospital Conference Room at 525 SE Washington St. in Dallas. There is no registration or charge for attendance. The support group, for moms and babies, will meet every Thursday (except holidays).Mom and Me is designed to help breastfeeding moms during the first six weeks, but moms with older babies that would like additional support are also welcome. Moms are encouraged to leave other children with family or friends and focus on the baby's feeding."Breastfeeding is a learned skill," says Jackie Alloway, RN, internationally board certified lactation consultant. "We help mothers to recognize feeding cues, and be comfortable with positioning and latching the baby," says Alloway. A nurse who is a lactation specialist will be available to provide assistance about breastfeeding. The weekly sessions include checking infant weight, assisting with problems, answering questions and providing education. Information is also provided to help mothers prepare for continuing to breastfeed after returning to work. "It is an opportunity to talk with other moms about the joys and challenges of breastfeeding your baby," says Alloway.All breastfeeding mothers are welcome no matter where your baby was born. For more information, please contact 503-562-5338.West Valley Hospital, located in Dallas, Oregon, is a critical access hospital offering 24-hour emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services to people in the Polk County area. A part of Salem Health, West Valley Hospital and its affiliates, Monmouth Medical Center and West Valley Physicians & Surgeons Clinic, partner with Salem Hospital for additional healthcare services.

PURPOSE: To invite public comment concerning the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) for Comprehensive Site Evaluation Phase II and Soil Removal Action at the Former Coos Head Air National Guard Station, (ANGS) Oregon. SUMMARY:The U.S. Air Force, in consultation with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), invites public comment on the above referenced document for the Coos Head ANGS, Oregon. Before finalizing the Action Memorandum for the site, the U.S. Air Force will consider all written comments received during the public comment period. THE 30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD IS FROM: Friday JANUARY 2, 2009 to Sunday FEBRUARY 1, 2009 WRITTEN COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: Roger Rein, U.S. Air Force ANG Coos Head Environmental Manager, OR ANG 142 MSG/EM, 6801 Cornfast Rd., Portland, OR 97218 Phone: (503) 335-4462 E-mail: roger.rein@orport.ang.af.mil; Fax: (503) 335-4953 PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE FOR MUNITIONS CONSTITUENTS AT THE COOS HEAD ANGS, OREGON: Three alternatives were evaluated in the EE/CA to address potential health and environmental hazards at the Coos Head ANGS, Oregon. The following potential alternatives are as follows: Alternative 1: No Further Action; Alternative 2: Institutional Controls; and Alternative 3: MC Removal. A Comprehensive Site Evaluation (CSE) Phase II investigation will precede any mitigation actions. Based on a detailed evaluation provided in the EE/CA the preferred action in areas where MC is found to pose a risk to human health and the environment is Alternative 3 -MC Removal, where MC is found to exceed screening criteria. In areas where the data does not indicate a risk to human health and the environment, the preferred action is Alternative 1 -No Further Action.

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a Thursday afternoon serious injury crash on Interstate 5 in the Salem area involving a pickup and a commercial truck. ODOT is still on scene helping coordinate vehicle removal.According to OSP Senior Trooper Peggy Bishop, on January 1, 2009 at approximately 2:40 p.m. a 2001 Toyota Tacoma pickup was reportedly driving in the grassy center median "spinning cookies" between the north and southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near milepost 254. Several people called OSP Northern Command Center (NCC) dispatch to report the unusual driving by the pickup in that area.The pickup's driver, THEODORE MAYNARD, age 44, from Beaverton, lost control and drove across the northbound lanes where it collided in the far right northbound lane with a commercial truck driven by AMALIO GOMORA HERNANDEZ, age 32, from Salem.MAYNARD was using safety restraints and received serious injury. He was transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital.GOMORA HERNANDEZ was not injured.One lane is reported to be closed while ODOT coordinates vehicle removal.Any witnesses who have not talked to police are asked to call OSP NCC at 800-452-7888.No photographs available for release.### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Jan. 1, 2009SAN FRANCISCO -- Wells Fargo & Company has completed its merger with Wachovia Corporation, effective Dec. 31, 2008, creating North America's most extensive distribution system for financial services with 11,000 stores, 12,260 ATMs, wellsfargo.com and Wells Fargo PhoneBank. Beginning today, Wells Fargo and Wachovia customers have free use of all of the company's combined ATMs.Wells Fargo now has community banks in 39 states and the District of Columbia and is #1 in deposit market share in 18 of those states plus the District of Columbia.*It also is #1 in the U.S. in community banking presence (6,650 stores), small business lending, middle market commercial banking, agriculture lending, commercial real estate lending, commercial real estate brokerage, and bank-owned insurance brokerage. It is #2 in banking deposits in the United States, home mortgage originations and servicing, retail brokerage (number of financial advisors), and debit card. Wells Fargo serves 48 million banking households and is one of America's largest private employers with 276,000 team members. "This merger creates what we believe will be a very compelling value proposition for our team members, customers, communities and shareholders with significant potential for even more market share growth," said Wells Fargo President and CEO John Stumpf. "Our team members can benefit from even more professional development opportunities across a much broader geography. Our customers can benefit from greater convenience and a better value for entrusting us with more of their business. Our communities can benefit because we want to be a leading contributor of financial, human and social capital in every community in which we do business. Our shareholders can benefit because of the exciting growth opportunities created by this merger. We're being very thoughtful and deliberate in our three-year merger integration. Just as we did with the very successful Norwest-Wells Fargo merger integration a decade ago, we'll take the time to do it right for our customers, always putting their interests first by seeking to satisfy all their financial needs and helping them succeed financially." Pat Callahan, an executive vice president and head of the Company's merger transition, said Wachovia customers will continue to see the Wachovia brand in their banking stores and communities for the near future."The key to a successful integration will be our ability to provide outstanding customer service throughout the integration," said Callahan. "So we're going to take our time and do this right. Wells Fargo and Wachovia customers should continue banking as they do today - using the same bank accounts, payment coupons, online sign-on, credit cards, ATM cards and check cards, checks and banking stores. We're committed to keeping customers informed of all significant changes before they happen."At closing, Wells Fargo acquired all outstanding shares of common stock of Wachovia in a stock-for-stock transaction. Wachovia shareholders received 0.1991 shares of Wells Fargo common stock in exchange for each share of Wachovia common stock they owned. Shares of each outstanding series of Wachovia preferred stock were converted into shares (or fractional shares) of a corresponding series Wells Fargo preferred stock having substantially the same rights and preferences. As a result of the transaction, Wells Fargo acquired all of Wachovia Corporation and its businesses and obligations, including all of its banking deposits. With Wachovia, Wells Fargo for the first time has a Community Banking presence in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington D.C. Wachovia's stock symbol "WB" was retired effective Dec. 31, 2008. Wells Fargo stock trades under the symbol WFC. For more information about the merger, visit www.wellsfargo.com.Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.4 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through almost 11,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. has the highest possible credit rating, "Aaa," from Moody's Investors Service and the highest credit rating given to a U.S. bank, "AA+," from Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.* Deposit data as of June 30, 2008 (pro forma for acquisitions; excludes deposits greater than $500mm in a single banking store.) # # #

Preliminary reporting of DUII arrests by Oregon State Police shows troopers arrested 52 DUII drivers December 31st through 8:00 a.m., January 1st. Troopers reported 81 DUII arrests during last year's 78-hour official reporting period. Updated holiday-related fatal traffic crash, DUII arrests, and other enforcement related statistics over this year's 102-hour national reporting period will be provided by Monday afternoon, January 5th. OSP, county sheriff departments, city police agencies and ODOT continue to stress to drive safely and not impaired during the extended New Year's holiday weekend running through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, January 4th. During last year's 78-hour New Year's holiday period, four people died in four separate traffic crashes on Oregon roads. An average of more than five fatalities has happened each year over this holiday period during the last ten years. Troopers did not investigate any fatal traffic crashes over New Year's Eve night. A NHTSA national study released last year showed the daily death toll from impaired driving crashes during the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods is significantly more than for the rest of the year. The report showed from 2001 - 2005, an average of 36 fatalities occurred per day on America's roadways as a result of crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. That number increased to 45 per day during the Christmas period and to 54 per day over the New Year's holiday. Oregon law enforcement agencies and ODOT urge holiday travelers to remember these tips:* Don't drink and drive ("Buzzed driving is drunk driving"), and don't ride with anyone who has had too much to drink. * Never use illegal drugs. * Volunteer to be a designated driver. * If someone who's been drinking insists on driving, take his/her keys. * If hosting a gathering, provide non-alcoholic beverages. * Use public transit or local drive-home services provided by taxis and other companies. * Always use safety restraints. * Avoid travel after midnight, especially on weekends or holidays. * Drive defensively at all times. * Report any suspected impaired driving by calling 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865) or 9-1-1. Oregon public safety responders ask everyone to think of the safety of emergency responders working everyday and to remember we have a "Move Over Law." It states if you are driving up behind any type of police car or emergency vehicle pulled over on the roadside with emergency lights flashing, you must:* Move over into another lane. * If you can't safely change lanes, slow down. * In all cases, the driver must try to provide as much room as possible for the emergency vehicle.Road and weather condition are changing, sometimes without little warning, so keep up on current information at ODOT's website www.tripcheck.com. TripCheck is a one-stop shop for information on traveling in Oregon, with the latest conditions via road cameras, continuous winter travel updates, year-round highway construction details, and other valuable tips to get you to and from your favorite places in Oregon via air, bus, rail, or ride share.### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Contact: James Roddey (503) 807-8343POTENTIAL DANGER OF DEBRIS FLOWS ISSUED FOR LARGE PORTIONS OF WESTERN OREGONThe official statement from the National Weather Service can be foundat: http://www.weather.gov/alerts/or.htmlTHE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE POTENTIAL FOR DEBRIS FLOWS AND LANDSLIDES AS PART OF THE FLOOD WATCH FOR LARGE PORTIONS OF OREGON INCLUDING: The North and Central Oregon Coast, the north and central Coast Range of Western Oregon. the Lower Columbia Basin, the Greater Portland Metro area, the Central and South Willamette Valley, the Western Columbia River Gorge and the Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills.DEBRIS FLOWS ARE DANGEROUS RAPIDLY MOVING LANDSLIDES. STEEP SLOPES, CANYONS, GORGES AND THE MOUTHS OF MOUNTAIN STREAMS ARE THE LOCATIONS AT GREATEST RISK. PERSONS WHO LIVE OR MAY TRAVEL THROUGH THESE LOCATIONS SHOULD BE ALERT TO THE POSSIBILITY OF DEBRIS FLOWS DURING OR SHORTLY AFTER PERIODS OF INTENSE RAINFALL.Stay alert. Listen to the radio, TV, or a weather radio for flood watches, which include the potential for debris flows. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides.If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.If water in a river or stream suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.Assume highways are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Don't overdrive your headlights. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.Landowners and road managers should check road drainage systems and conduct needed maintenance in case the predicted heavy precipitation does occur.The official statement from the National Weather Service can be foundat: http://www.weather.gov/alerts/or.htmlContact Information:James Roddey, Earth Sciences Information OfficerOregon Department of Geology(503) 807-8343 celljames.roddey@state.or.us

An Oregon State Police traffic stop in the Bend area Monday night led to the arrest of two men following the discovery of approximately 8 pounds of marijuana.According to Oregon State Police Lieutenant Carl Rhodes, on December 29, 2008 at approximately 10:35 p.m. an OSP trooper stopped a northbound 2002 Ford F250 pickup registered out of California on Highway 97 south of Bend near milepost 143 for a traffic violation. Subsequent to the stop the trooper smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Investigative efforts during the course of the traffic stop led to the discovery of approximately 8 pounds of marijuana in the pickup worth an estimated value of near $25,000.The pickup's two occupants were arrested. They are identified as driver IAN GONZALES, age 36, from Orick, California, and passenger DREW WASSERBURGER, age 34, from Boise, Idaho.Both men were lodged in Deschutes County Jail for felony Unlawful Possession, Distribution, and Manufacturing of Marijuana.The investigation is continuing.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

- Oregon Food Bank top recipient in PGE Employee Giving Campaign - PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland General Electric employees set a new record during the company's annual Employee Giving Campaign this year, raising more than $1.59 million (including PGE's 50 percent match) for community organizations. "The devotion and kindness of PGE employees and retirees never ceases to amaze me," Peggy Fowler, CEO and president of PGE, said. "This year's campaign truly demonstrates the PGE family's unwavering dedication to our community." The 2008 PGE Employee Giving Campaign totals $1,593,619 with 61 percent of employees participating and benefiting 897 nonprofits and schools. PGE's percentage of participation nearly doubles the national employee giving average of 35 percent. This year's campaign beat last year's record of $1,438,708 by more than ten percent. PGE employees and retirees ranked Oregon Food Bank top of their donor list in the company's annual campaign this year, raising more than $92,000 (including the company match) for the local hunger-relief agency. With more than 400 individual donations from PGE employees, Christine Hames, corporate relations and events manager at the Oregon Food Bank, said she is impressed with the overwhelming involvement in the Employee Giving Campaign and PGE's commitment to Oregon Food Bank during these tough economic times."Once again, the generosity of PGE employees and retirees has gone above and beyond for the Oregon Food Bank," Hames said. "These donations come at a critical time, as nearly half of the OFB network's 20 regional food banks are distributing record amounts of emergency food. The PGE family continues to make a significant difference for Oregon's hungry children, working families, elderly and disabled; and we are very grateful for that." In addition to the financial contributions, PGE employees volunteered more than 645 hours at the Oregon Food Bank in 2008. During the annual Employee Giving Campaign, PGE's 2,700 employees and more than 1,000 retirees can designate any charitable nonprofit or accredited school to receive their pledges and PGE matches their contributions by 50 percent. Since the company match program began in 1998, PGE employees and retirees have contributed more than $10.5 million to their communities through the campaign. For 2008, top local recipients include:* Oregon Food Bank, Inc. * Providence Cancer Center (Providence Medical Foundation)* Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation* Oregon Burn Center (Emanuel Medical Center Foundation)* Oregon Public Broadcasting* Oregon Heat* SOLV* Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan AreaIn addition to making monetary donations to their favorite organizations, PGE employees and retirees also give freely of their personal time. During 2008 alone, PGE volunteers are expected log nearly 80,000 volunteer hours with their favorite nonprofit organizations. # # # About Portland General Electric CompanyPortland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 814,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 52 Oregon cities. Visit our Web site at PortlandGeneral.com

Who: Governor's Commission on Senior ServicesWhat: Executive Committee meeting When: Thursday, Jan. 8, 10 - 11 a.m.Where: Human Services Building, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem - Conf. Rm. 164Please see the attached news release or view the PDF online at the DHS web site:http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2008news/2008-1231b.pdf

Who: Oregon Home Care CommissionWhat: Public meetingsWhen: Training Subcommittee, Jan. 7, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Full commission, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Where: 676 Church Street NE, SalemPlease see the attached news release or view the PDF online at the DHS web site:http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2008news/2008-1231a.pdf

Who: Oregon Disabilities CommissionWhat: Full commission meetingWhen: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 1 - 4 p.m.Where: Human Services Cherry Avenue Office, 3420 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem - Large Conf. Rm.Please see the attached news release or view the PDF online at the DHS web site:http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/news/2008news/2008-1231.pdf

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies Center (Oregon BEST) has hired a former environmental attorney and community affairs specialist to serve as its operations director and tapped a nationally recognized expert in sustainable forestry and conservation issues to join its Technical Leadership Team.Susan Safford, a former environmental outreach manager for the Port of Portland who served as an administrator of the Oregon Hanford Waste Board for the Oregon Department of Energy and as an environmental attorney with Stoel Rives LLP, will oversee operations at Oregon BEST. Safford holds degrees from Princeton University and the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College.Catherine Mater, president of Mater Engineering in Corvallis, Ore. and a senior fellow of the Pinchot Institute for Conservation, joins Oregon BEST's Technical Leadership Team. With more than 30 years of research and design experience in the forest products industry, including the study of woody biomass and residual fiber, Mater will help Oregon BEST further develop the state's national reputation as a green building materials and design innovator."Oregon BEST is quickly expanding as an economic catalyst for Oregon's green building and renewable energy sectors, and both Sue and Catherine bring skill sets that will be invaluable as we continue helping Oregon's universities and businesses collaborate to power the state's green economy," said David Kenney, Oregon BEST's president and executive director. "Oregon BEST's role in the state's economic development drive is vital as Oregon positions itself to take advantage of the Obama Administration's upcoming investments in renewable energy and green job creation. Having two more highly qualified people on our team will be a great help."Oregon BEST is one of seven initiatives sponsored in 2007 by the Oregon Innovation Council, which brings together the best thinking from business, higher education and government to create and retain jobs; spin off new companies in emerging industries such as nanoscience, renewable energy and sustainability, and build critical research infrastructure shared by universities around the state. Gov. Ted Kulongoski has proposed a $20.5 million Oregon InC package for the 2009-11 biennium, which would continue funding for Oregon BEST and other innovative programs including the Oregon Wave Energy Trust, which has launched two wave energy projects in Reedsport and Coos Bay to generate clean, renewable electricity from the motion of the waves, and the Oregon Translational Research and Drug Development Institute (OTRADI), which is focused on developing and commercializing therapies to fight infectious diseases. The 2009 package includes a new initiative aimed at making Oregon's forestry industry more competitive.As a senior community affairs specialist for Jones and Stokes, Inc., Safford's principal responsibilities included project management and business development. "Oregon BEST connects university research teams with Oregon businesspeople to create new green technologies, companies, and jobs, so I'm excited to apply my knowledge of business development to Oregon's fast-growing sectors of renewable energy and green building," Safford said.In the past 10 years Mater, who holds degrees in civil engineering and political science, has served on two presidential panels to evaluate forest industry harvest and manufacturing options, has spearheaded a pilot project in forest certification on public lands, and provides expertise for a wide range of Pinchot Institute projects."Oregon already enjoys a national reputation for our innovative approach to green building design, and Oregon BEST is helping cement that reputation by fast-tracking green building research at our universities," Mater said. "I'm pleased to be a part of this organization that's working to build Oregon's economy based on sustainable products and services."The Oregon Innovation Council ("Oregon InC") is a private-public statewide advisory council created by the 2005 Oregon Legislature and charged with developing a biennial public investment plan to stimulate economic development and job growth across the state. The Council works in partnership with the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, which works to create, retain, expand, and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living wage jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding, and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and entrepreneurs. Visit www.oregon4biz.com for more information on doing business in Oregon.The 2009 Innovation Plan is available online at: www.oregoninc.org.# # #

Douglas County area law enforcement agencies are teaming together New Year's Eve night in a multi-agency DUII enforcement crackdown to find and remove intoxicated drivers from area roads. Oregon State Police, Roseburg Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Winston Police Department, and Sutherlin Police Department will focus on Interstate 5 and area roads with the assistance of the Mobile DUII Processing Center (MDPC) motorhome.According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Steve Mitchell, the MDPC will assist the multi-agency enforcement starting Wednesday night, December 31st, through Thursday morning, January 1st. The MDPC helps police officers process arrested DUII drivers and get them back out on the road sooner looking for the other impaired drivers."Planning ahead, stepping up to be a designated driver, and being on the lookout for intoxicated drivers will help you and others on our area roads," said Mitchell. A national study released last year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed the daily death toll from impaired driving crashes during the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods is significantly more than for the rest of the year. The report showed from 2001 - 2005, an average of 36 fatalities occurred per day on America's roadways as a result of crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. That number increased to 45 per day during the Christmas period and to 54 per day over the New Year's holiday. Douglas County-area law enforcement agencies, ODOT, Douglas County District Attorney's Office and Douglas County Traffic Safety Commission urge holiday travelers and those planning on going out tonight to remember these tips: * Don't drink and drive, and don't ride with anyone who has had too much to drink.* Never use illegal drugs.* Volunteer to be a designated driver.* If someone who has been drinking insists on driving, take his/her keys.* If hosting a gathering, provide non-alcoholic beverages.* Always use safety restraints.* Avoid travel after midnight, especially on weekends or holidays.* Drive defensively at all times.* Report any suspected impaired driver by calling 9-1-1 or 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865).### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Today is the Last Day Cultural Supporters Can Make a Donation That Will Reduce Their 2008 Taxes by 100% of Their GiftAny Oregonian who belongs to a public broadcaster, museum or historical society is a cultural donor. Everyone who makes cash donations to a school music booster group, library friends society, an Oregon college alumni association, or any performing arts group is a cultural donor.In Oregon, cultural donors can make a matching gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust to earn the state's unique cultural tax credit - a 100%, dollar-for-dollar, bottom line savings on what you owe the state of Oregon. The cultural tax credit may be claimed for a gift to the Cultural Trust of up to $500 by individuals, $1,000 by couples filing jointly, or $2,500 by corporations - as long as that gift is matched by equal or greater contributions to any of Oregon's 1,200 arts, heritage and humanities by nonprofits.But, like any charitable contribution, the gifts must be completed by December 31. Here's how it works. Say, you're a member of a public broadcaster at $60; you joined the historical society for $50; and you supported the local schools foundation at $50. Your cultural donations total $160. Make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust of $160 by December 31 and, when it comes time to do your taxes, the cultural tax credit will reduce your tax bill by...$160.A tax credit is easier to claim than a deduction. It can be claimed by anyone (including Washington residents) who owes Oregon taxes; you don't have to itemize deductions, and the cultural tax credit can be claimed on the short form, or long.The money raised through the cultural tax credit returns to the community as grants that benefit every county in Oregon.Mailed donations must be postmarked December 31. Online donors have until 11:59 PM tonight to make a gift that will save significantly on 2008 Oregon taxes. Donate today! to double your support of culture at no additional cost to you.Online www.culturaltrust.orgBy mail Oregon Cultural Trust 775 Summer Street NE, Ste 200 Salem, OR 97301By phone 503-986-0088- 30 -

A Prineville-area man died and his wife was injured Tuesday afternoon when their pickup traveled off Highway 97 about twelve miles north of Klamath Falls and rolled down an embankment.According to Oregon State Police Trooper Patrick Irish, on December 30, 2008 at approximately 2:45 p.m. a 1996 Dodge Ram pickup driven by AL LENNON NEVILLE, age 84, from Prineville, was northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 260 when, for an unknown reason, it drove across the southbound lane and off the opposite shoulder. The pickup traveled down the embankment and rolled, coming to rest on its top about 40 feet from the highway near railroad tracks.AL NEVILLE was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was using safety restraints and the pickup's airbags deployed.His wife, CLARA BELLE NEVILLE, age 79, was using safety restraints and received non-life threatening injuries. She was transported by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls.Oregon State Police troopers from the Klamath Falls Area Command office are continuing the investigation. ODOT, Klamath County Fire District, and Union Pacific Railroad law enforcement personnel assisted at the scene.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Coos Bay School District board members received an Oregon School Boards Association Leadership Institute third-year outstanding board achievement award at a banquet during the OSBA annual convention Nov. 15.Board members earned the award for completing board-leadership training activities, earning a total of at least 200 points in OSBA's Leadership Institute, a training program focused on improving the skills necessary for citizens to be effective members of public school, education service district and community college boards of education. The board members who contributed to winning this award were: Kathy Murray, Wally Hazen, David Ford, Donna Opitz, Andy Post, Don Blom and Randy Miles.Oregon School Boards Association, a state association, provides leadership training, legal and policy assistance, financial, insurance, human resources, communications and other services to K-20 boards of education.

(Salem) -An Oregon woman who complained to the state after PacifiCare Life Assurance Company denied six of her seven medical claims helped launch an Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services investigation that overturned nearly 5,000 other claim denials.Department Director Cory Streisinger today signed an order fining PacifiCare Life Assurance $46,000 for failing to conduct reasonable investigations before denying claims, making policyholders with pre-existing conditions wait more than six months for coverage of those conditions, and for failing to act promptly on a claim.In its investigation, the department's Insurance Division discovered that PacifiCare Life Assurance was denying claims without contacting the people who made the claims or their health care providers to determine whether the services were covered. "Oregon law requires insurers to conduct a reasonable investigation before refusing to pay claims, and that didn't happen here," Streisinger said.As a result of the investigation, PacifiCare Life Assurance reviewed more than 10,000 claims it denied during a 21-month period that started in September 2005. The company determined that it should have paid 4,928 of the denied claims. It also discovered that it erred in denying some claims involving pre-existing conditions. Oregon law requires coverage of these conditions after an employee has been enrolled in a group plan for six months. The company was basing coverage decisions on a federal law that allows pre-existing condition claims to be denied for up to 12 months. The insurer notified the department of the error.The third part of the order -- failure of the company to act promptly on a claim -- stemmed from the case of a policyholder who complained after he twice faxed a claim to PacifiCare Life Assurance and finally sent a copy by certified mail, only to be told multiple times that the company didn't have a record of the claim. He waited 236 days to learn that the claim for non-emergency medical services from a non-participating provider wasn't covered.PacifiCare Life Assurance has been licensed in Oregon since 1999 and has administrative offices in California. It is one of a number of companies that is part of the United Healthcare Group. The company insured nearly 13,000 Oregonians and earned $42 million in health premiums in Oregon in 2007, the most recent year for which data is available. The company already has paid the fine, paid all valid health claims, and changed its practices to avoid future problems.The department's insurance advocates can be reached at 888-877-4894. The department's enforcement order against PacifiCare Life Assurance is at: http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/ins/admin_actions/actions_2008/insur... ###The Insurance Division is part of the Department of Consumer & Business Services. For more information, visit www.insurance.oregon.gov. The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov

Greater Albany School District board members received an Oregon School Boards Association Leadership Institute third-year outstanding-board-achievement award at a banquet during the OSBA annual convention Nov. 15.Board members earned the award for completing board-leadership training activities, earning a total of at least 200 points in OSBA's Leadership Institute, a training program focused on improving the skills necessary for citizens to be effective members of public school, education service district and community college boards of education. The board members who contributed to winning this award were: Liisa Reid, Don Bacher, Frank Bricker, Sandi Gordon and Tom Sramek.Oregon School Boards Association, a state association, provides leadership training, legal and policy assistance, financial, insurance, human resources, communications and other services to K-20 boards of education.

The Roseburg School District is joining the other 14,885 school districts throughout the United States in celebrating January as "School Board Recognition Month." Serving on our local school board are: Denny Austin (Chair), Theresa Lundy (Vice Chair), Rodney Cotton, Joseph Garcia, Dan Huff, Charles Lee, and Paul Meyer."These men and women volunteer countless hours of unpaid time not only providing the best possible education for our 6500 students, but also serving as the corporate board of directors for one of our community's largest employers," Dr. Larry C. Parsons, Roseburg Public Schools superintendent, said."As your elected leaders, they represent you in their continuing commitment to local citizen control and decision-making for our public schools," Parsons said. "Too often the efforts of school board members go unrecognized and unrewarded.""The key work of our school board is to support student achievement by:Creating a vision for what we want our school district to become and how we will focus on student achievement as our top priority; Establishing standards for what we want our students to learn and to be able to do; Ensuring assessment to determine if we are achieving our goals and if students are learning; Being accountable for the outcomes of their decisions and actions by continually tracking progress and reporting results; Aligning how the district's human and financial resources should be used; Creating a safe and orderly climate where students can learn and teachers can teach; Forming collaborative relationships with others in our community to solve common problems and to support common successes; and Focusing attention on continuous improvement by questioning, examining, revising, refining and revisiting issues related to student achievement." "Even though we are making a special effort during January to show appreciation for our school board members, we recognize their contributions reflect a year-round effort on their part. They are dedicated individuals who are committed to improving student achievement and to fighting for the best for all of our students," Parsons said.

Even though the snow and ice has mostly disappeared, a crash early Tuesday morning is a reminder of the need to watch for highway maintenance workers and vehicles as they work to keep our area roads safe to travel on.On December 30, 2008 at approximately 3:47 a.m. three ODOT maintenance vehicles were involved in sweeping loose sanding material in the far right southbound lane of Interstate 5 near milepost 286 north of Wilsonville. An ODOT dump truck operated by KENTON W. BRENNER, age 53, was at the rear of the slow-moving maintenance vehicles with flashing amber lights and directional arrows displayed to move rear approaching traffic to the center and left southbound lanes.The driver of an approaching commercial truck was distracted and looked down to pick up a dropped object. When truck's driver looked up he noticed the ODOT vehicles and swerved to the left. The right rear side of the semi-trailer sideswiped the ODOT dump truck's left rear corner.The truck's driver, ROBERT F. BUTLER, age 62, from Salem, kept control of his truck and came to a stop. No one was injured.Oregon State Police Recruit Trooper Tyler Bechtel cited BUTLER for Careless Driving.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Police (OSP) Superintendent Timothy McLain will open the New Year by swearing in 17 newly hired recruit troopers Sunday, January 4th, starting their new careers to serve communities and help protect the citizens of Oregon. On January 4, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. before family and friends at the Oregon Public Safety Academy Hall of Heroes in Salem, each recruit will take their oath of office beginning 25 weeks of intensive academy-based training. Following four weeks of OSP specific training, each recruit trooper will continue their training during the 16-week Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) program with other agency recruits. Upon successful completion of the DPSST training program, they will move through an advanced-DPSST five week training program unique to OSP requirements. "Since July 2007 our Department has been able to fill vacant positions and recent authorized new positions by hiring and retaining over 110 recruit troopers," said Superintendent McLain. "These seventeen individuals are part of the approved staffing increases supported by Governor Kulongoski and legislative leadership during the 2007 session. We will continue to carefully manage future hiring in light of the current economic situation while responsibly managing our budget and resources." The 17 recruit troopers range in age from 21 to 39 (averaging 27 years old) and come from a wide range of life experiences and backgrounds. Four have law enforcement experience including one individual who is returning home to Oregon after working as a South Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper. Nine individuals have military backgrounds.The fifteen men and two women will be assigned to the Patrol Services Division. After successfully completing their training the recruit troopers are assigned to report at the following locations:* Albany* Bend* Burns* Capitol Mall - Salem (2)* Central Point* Klamath Falls* Newport* Oakridge* Ontario* Portland* Salem* Springfield (2)* St. Helens* Tillamook (2) OSP has scheduled one more Entry Level Testing opportunity for February 7 - 8, 2009 in Canby. Information about OSP recruiting efforts is available on our recruitment website at www.OSPTrooper.com where prospective applicants can find more information and an online application. New applicants are required to participate in Entry Level Testing that includes a physical fitness test consisting of push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile timed run. (Refer to OSP recruiting website for specifics and standards for passing.) Applicants, who successfully complete the physical fitness tests, proceed to take a written test to evaluate basic educational competencies. Applicants passing the written test are invited to take an aptitude test and begin the background investigation process. Anyone interested in becoming an Oregon State Police Trooper may obtain more information on the OSP recruiting website at www.OSPTrooper.com.### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Cultural Supporters Have Just Two More Days to Make a Donation That Will Reduce Their 2008 Taxes by 100% of Their GiftAny Oregonian who belongs to a public broadcaster, museum or historical society is a cultural donor. Everyone who makes cash donations to a school music booster group, library friends society, an Oregon college alumni association, or any performing arts group is a cultural donor.In Oregon, cultural donors can make a matching gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust to earn the state's unique cultural tax credit - a 100%, dollar-for-dollar, bottom line savings on what you owe the state of Oregon. The cultural tax credit may be claimed for a gift to the Cultural Trust of up to $500 by individuals, $1,000 by couples filing jointly, or $2,500 by corporations - as long as that gift is matched by equal or greater contributions to any of Oregon's 1,200 arts, heritage and humanities by nonprofits.But, like any charitable contribution, the gifts must be made by December 31. Here's how it works. Say, you're a member of a public broadcaster at $60; you joined the historical society for $50; and you supported the local schools foundation at $50. Your cultural donations total $160. Make a matching gift to the Cultural Trust of $160 by December 31 and, when it comes time to do your taxes, the cultural tax credit will reduce your tax bill by...$160.A tax credit is easier to claim than a deduction. It can be claimed by anyone (including Washington residents) who owes Oregon taxes; you don't have to itemize deductions, and the cultural tax credit can be claimed on the short form, or long.The money raised through the cultural tax credit returns to the community as grants that benefit every county in Oregon.If you donate online, you have until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 to make a gift that will save significantly on your 2008 Oregon taxes. But why wait? Donate now to double your support of culture at no additional cost to you.Online www.culturaltrust.orgBy mail Oregon Cultural Trust 775 Summer Street NE, Ste 200 Salem, OR 97301By phone 503-986-0088- 30 -

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen answered the call to assist fellow Oregonians affected by the winter storm in Columbia and Multnomah Counties, Dec. 20 through Dec. 28.Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) is the coordinating state agency for resources during an emergency. Assistance is requested from OEM by counties when they have exhausted resources at the local level. When the request was made by the counties, OEM utilized National Guard assets to fulfill the counties needs."This was a great partnership between local and state government," said Capt. Charles Patzner, Operations Officer for the Joint Emergency Operations Center. "The counties did a superb job and we were thankful to have been a part of their operation." During the event, 47 Soldiers and Airmen used 10 Humvees to work with incident commanders in the counties to assist with fire, police, and humanitarian missions.Twenty-seven Soldiers of the 141 Brigade Support Battalion provided vehicles and drivers to the Gresham Fire Department and Gresham Police Department, which responded to more than 70 emergencies, including 11 life-saving missions, and more than 80 other incidents.Seventeen Airmen and three Soldiers with the 116th Air Control Squadron, working with civilian agencies in Columbia County responded to 103 fire, medical and public assistance calls, conducted 164 welfare checks, and delivered 162 cases of heater meals and 200 cases of water. The Soldiers also performed 11 critical medical transports, distributed 49 meals and water to remote residences in the area. They delivered, operated and maintained two generators, provided drinking water for the entire Mist community, and powered a warming shelter in Vernonia."This response in coordination with the military and emergency management has been phenomenal," said Vicki Harguth, Director of Homeland Security in Columbia County. "The rapid response and professionalism of the Soldiers working hand-in-hand with the civilian agencies shows that the emergency systems in place work."Photo Captions:DSC-0066Oregon Guardmembers work with local firefighters and emergency responders in St. Helens, Ore., Dec. 23. Photo courtesy, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kim Johns, LNO/ORSDF Oregon Military Department.DSC_0158Oregon Guardmembers load cases of heater meals into a Humvee to transport to the Mist, Ore., Rescue Headquarters, Dec. 26. Photo courtesy, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kim Johns, LNO/ORSDF Oregon Military Department.DSC_0167Oregon Guardmembers load cases of heater meals into a Humvee to transport to the Mist, Ore., Rescue Headquarters, Dec. 26. Photo courtesy, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kim Johns, LNO/ORSDF Oregon Military Department.

Preliminary information for this year's 102-hour Christmas holiday period indicates traffic fatalities were slightly higher and Oregon State Police (OSP) DUII arrests equaled last year's figures in Oregon.Known fatal traffic crashes investigated by Oregon law enforcement agencies between 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 24th, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, December 28th, reflects five people were killed in five separate traffic crashes. During last year's Christmas holiday period, two people were killed in two separate crashes. According to ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) statistics, an average of 4 fatalities have occurred each year over this holiday period during the last ten years.The following is a brief review of this year's Christmas holiday period known traffic fatalities:* On December 24th at 6:30 p.m. a 21-year old Shady Cove man died in a single vehicle crash on Highway 234 northeast of Gold Hill. Speed and alcohol are possible contributing factors. Oregon State Police is the lead investigating agency.* On December 25th at 1:53 p.m. a 68-year old Fairview man reportedly suffered a heart attack and crashed into a telephone pole on a Gresham street. The victim was pronounced deceased after arriving at an area hospital. Gresham Police Department is the lead investigating agency.* On December 26th at 10:00 p.m. a 57-year old Milwaukie man was struck by a vehicle trying to cross Highway 99E north of Gladstone. The victim died the next morning at a Portland-area hospital. Alcohol, limited visibility and unlawful attempting to cross the highway are contributing factors. Oregon State Police is the lead investigating agency.* On December 27th at 7:15 p.m. a 25-year old Corvallis woman was a passenger in a car involved in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 101 north of Seal Rock. She died after arriving at a Newport-area hospital. Oregon State Police is the lead investigating agency.* On December 28th at approximately 2:45 a.m. a commercial tanker truck and tanker trailer drove off southbound Interstate 5 near milepost 283, crashed and caught fire. The vehicle was destroyed and the remains of a 56-year old male driver from Scappoose were found in the burned wreckage.OSP preliminary DUII enforcement statistics shows troopers arrested 50 impaired drivers. State troopers arrested nearly 50 DUII drivers last year and 59 DUII drivers during the 2006 Christmas holiday period.The OSP Bend Area Command office reported 9 DUII arrests, followed by OSP offices in Portland and Central Point areas each with 8 DUII arrests. Six of the OSP Central Point office arrests were on Saturday. The Springfield OSP office reported 6 DUII arrests; the OSP Salem office reported 5 DUII arrests; and, OSP offices in Klamath Falls and Roseburg each reported 4 DUII arrests. The four DUII arrests reported by the Klamath Falls OSP office happened Friday night / Saturday morning as part of an interagency DUII enforcement effort involving OSP, Klamath County Sheriff's Office and Klamath Falls Police Department.One unusual DUII arrest of note occurred December 26th in central Oregon following a report of a traffic crash in the Crooked River Ranch area. Upon arrival the trooper determined a vehicle had only slid off the highway and was occupied by a 54-year old Redmond woman and a dog. The woman was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Redmond where a preliminary blood test showed her blood alcohol level was .469 percent, nearly six times the legal .08 limit in every state. She was cited to appear on the DUII charge.OSP, county sheriff departments, city police agencies and ODOT are preparing for the upcoming extended New Year's holiday weekend starting 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 31st, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, January 4th. During last year's 78-hour New Year's holiday period, four people died in four separate traffic crashes on Oregon roads. According to FARS, an average of more than five fatalities has happened each year over this holiday period during the last ten years.A NHTSA national study released last year showed the daily death toll from impaired driving crashes during the Christmas and New Year's holiday periods is significantly more than for the rest of the year. The report showed from 2001 - 2005, an average of 36 fatalities occurred per day on America's roadways as a result of crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. That number increased to 45 per day during the Christmas period and to 54 per day over the New Year's holiday. Oregon law enforcement agencies and ODOT urge holiday travelers to remember these tips: * Don't drink and drive ("Buzzed driving is drunk driving"), and don't ride with anyone who has had too much to drink.* Never use illegal drugs.* Volunteer to be a designated driver.* If someone who's been drinking insists on driving, take his/her keys.* If hosting a gathering, provide non-alcoholic beverages.* Use public transit or local drive-home services provided by taxis and other companies.* Always use safety restraints.* Avoid travel after midnight, especially on weekends or holidays.* Drive defensively at all times.* Report any suspected impaired driving by calling 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865) or 9-1-1.Oregon public safety responders ask everyone to think of the safety of emergency responders working everyday and to remember we have a "Move Over Law." It states if you are driving up behind any type of police car or emergency vehicle pulled over on the roadside with emergency lights flashing, you must: * Move over into another lane.* If you can't safely change lanes, slow down.* In all cases, the driver must try to provide as much room as possible for the emergency vehicle. For more information about the national effort against impaired driving, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

(Salem) - In an ongoing effort to strengthen its regulation of the mortgage lending industry, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services ordered three former mortgage company principals to stop all unlawful activity in Oregon and issued a conditional license to another mortgage company.The department, through its Division of Finance and Corporate Securities (DFCS) ordered Eric Christopherson, Granville Budlong, and Robert Paduano to cease and desist from engaging in fraudulent activity in connection with false documentation created to obtain mortgage loans. The division issued a $30,000 fine with $15,000 suspended for a four-year period as long as the individuals do not violate Oregon mortgage laws or any terms of the agreement. Christopherson, Budlong, and Paduano previously worked as managers at Gibraltar Funding Corp., a mortgage company formerly based in Florida. DFCS investigated and discovered Gibraltar was sold to a New York owner. The new owner shut down the Florida location upon discovering fraudulent loans, and reported that Gibraltar originated several loans, including loans to Gibraltar employees, using false W-2s and pay stubs. Christopherson, Budlong, and Paduano all had knowledge of this fraudulent activity, including creation of false documents. None of the activity involved Oregonians. In July 2007, DFCS issued an enforcement order against Gibraltar for violations in connection with the fraudulent activity. Because Gibraltar's new owner acted quickly and appropriately in response, including closing the Florida office, no fine was issued. In addition, DFCS issued final orders to cease and desist by default with $5,000 in fines respectively to former Gibraltar employees Jodi Gastel and Jill Gastel earlier this year.Christopherson is currently the president and part owner of the Florida-based mortgage company, Allegro Funding Corp. DFCS issued a conditional license to Allegro requiring the company to hire a compliance specialist to allow for stronger oversight and to ensure all loans originated by Allegro are made in compliance with the Oregon Mortgage Lender Law. Allegro also agreed to additional DFCS examinations of the company. If Allegro violates any condition of the agreement, its license will be revoked. "It is vital that individuals either allowing or aiding in fraudulent activity in connection with the mortgage industry be held accountable," said David Tatman, administrator of the Division of Finance and Corporate Securities. "We expect firms and individuals working in Oregon or with Oregonians to adhere to high levels of ethics and good business practices."DFCS can help investors find licensing, registration, and enforcement history information on individuals, companies, and securities products. You can call DFCS toll-free at 866-814-9710, 503-378-4140 in Salem, or go to www.dfcs.oregon.gov.###The Division of Finance and Corporate Securities, part of the Department of Consumer & Business Services, helps ensure that a wide range of financial products and services are available to Oregonians and helps protect consumers from financial fraud and abuse. For more information, visit www.dfcs.oregon.gov.The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

(Salem) - The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services issued a cease-and desist order and assessed $4,000 in fines against RJJ Pasadena Securities, Inc., for selling securities to Oregon residents without first obtaining an Oregon broker-dealer license.RJJ Pasadena is a broker-dealer located in South Pasadena, Calif. The department, through its Division of Finance and Corporate Securities, began investigating RJJ Pasadena after a routine examination by the Pacific Regional Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that RJJ Pasadena had an account for an Oregon resident. The division's investigation revealed that RJJ Pasadena traded securities for at least four Oregon residents between November 2003 and June 2008 and that it was not licensed as a broker-dealer in Oregon. Generally, firms and individuals who offer or sell securities in Oregon must be licensed."Monitoring broker-dealers that sell securities in Oregon is essential to ensuring that those securities are delivered in a safe, sound, equitable, and fraud-free manner," said David Tatman, administrator of the Division of Finance and Corporate Securities. "Investors should always take steps to ensure that a broker-dealer, and the salesperson that offers its services, are both licensed in Oregon before doing business with them."DFCS can help investors find licensing, registration, and enforcement history information on individuals, companies, and securities products. You can call DFCS toll-free at 866-814-9710, 503-378-4140 in Salem, or go to www.dfcs.oregon.gov and click on "Securities."###The Division of Finance and Corporate Securities, part of the Department of Consumer & Business Services, helps ensure that a wide range of financial products and services are available to Oregonians and helps protect consumers from financial fraud and abuse. For more information, visit www.dfcs.oregon.gov.The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Board of Forestry will begin 2009 with a changed lineup when it meets on Jan. 7 in Salem. Former World Forestry Center President John Blackwell will fill the board's vacant chair position, joined by new member Steven Wilson, secretary of the labor group, Woodworkers District Lodge No. 1. Appointed by Gov. Ted Kulongoski and confirmed earlier this month by the Oregon Senate in an action that also included the reappointment of Jennifer Phillippi to a second term, the two new members fill vacancies left by former Board Chair Stephen Hobbs, Corvallis, and member Barbara Craig, Portland.Blackwell cited a record in leadership positions with the World Forestry Center, Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission and other organizations as evidence of his ability to bring disparate interests together to build upon common conservation values."I hope to apply my experience, accomplishments and values to sustaining Oregon's forests," he said, "while leaving a legacy to those who will rise above conflict."As secretary-treasurer of the Gladstone, Oregon-based branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Wilson has represented workers in the wood products industry for the past 23 years. A former mayor and city councilman in Reedsport, he has a strong commitment to Oregon's forest-dependent towns."I believe I have a good grasp of the interests of timber industry communities and the effects of how the forests are managed," he said, "along with a keen interest in the environmental issues surrounding Oregon today."President of Perpetua Forests Company and an owner of Cave Junction-based Rough & Ready Lumber Company, Phillippi is a fourth-generation Oregonian and third-generation family sawmill owner. In her first term on the board, she took an active role in developing the Forestry Program for Oregon, the board's strategic policy. The 2003 policy update was distinguished by the inclusion for the first time of a sustainable forest management framework."I have found my fellow board members to be remarkable champions of Oregon and Oregon's forests," she said. "I believe that both my personal and forest business experience offer a useful perspective to the board."Wilson and Blackwell's terms on the board will run through Dec. 31, 2012, with Phillippi's term ending Jan. 31 of that year.More information about the Oregon Board of Forestry can be found at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD/index.shtml.

The above links are to two photographs taken at the scene of Sunday morning's fatal commercial tanker truck crash southbound Interstate 5 near milepost 283.Photograph Source: Oregon State Police### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Police troopers investigating Sunday morning's commercial truck crash and tanker fire have completed the on scene investigation and tentatively identified the lone victim. Next of kin have been notified. ODOT personnel will remain on scene to help coordinate wreckage removal while the southbound on ramp from Wilsonville will remain closed until completed.On December 28, 2008 at approximately 2:45 a.m. a report was received of an explosion near Interstate 5 in the south Wilsonville area. Fire personnel from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVFR) responded and found a commercial tanker truck and trailer fully engulfed about 70 feet west of the southbound lanes near trees. TVFR pulled back from the fire and let it burn until it was safe to approach and extinguish it. Some trees in the area caught fire.Oregon State Police (OSP), Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and ODOT personnel responded. Freeway traffic was closed in both directions with a detour established for approximately 5 1/2 hours. One southbound lane remained closed and will be re-opened shortly.After the fire was extinguished and the crash scene determined safe for troopers to begin investigating, the partial remains of the driver was found in the overturned truck. With the assistance of Reinhard Petroleum LLC company representatives, the victim is tentatively identified as WILLIAM NEIL ADAMS, age 56, from Scappoose.ADAMS was reportedly operating a tanker truck pulling a tanker trailer loaded with approximately 10,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline. The tankers were loaded at the Highway 30 fuel terminal in Linton and enroute to Salem.The preliminary investigation indicates the commercial tanker truck and tanker trailer were southbound when, for an unknown reason, it drifted onto the right shoulder and onto an ice berm. The truck and trailer continued approximately 70 feet off the freeway and overturned, catching fire. The tanker truck and tanker trailer were extensively damaged by the fire.OSP troopers from the Portland and Tualatin offices are continuing the investigation. TVFR, ODOT, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and Clackamas County Medical Examiner's Office assisted at the scene.Questions regarding fire response should be directed to TVFR.Photographs will be forwarded when available.### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Oregon State Police troopers investigating Sunday morning's commercial truck crash and tanker fire have confirmed this as a fatality following the discovery of remains at the crash scene. The victim has been tentatively identified but the name and other information is withheld pending next of kin notification. Troopers, fire personnel and ODOT are still on scene.On December 28, 2008 at approximately 2:45 a.m. a report was received of an explosion near Interstate 5 in the south Wilsonville area. Fire personnel from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVFR) responded and found a commercial tanker truck fully engulfed about 70 feet west of the southbound lanes near trees.Oregon State Police (OSP), Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and ODOT personnel responded. Freeway traffic was closed in both directions with a detour established for approximately 5 1/2 hours. TVFR pulled back from the fire and let it burn until it was safe to approach and extinguish it. Some trees in the area caught fire.The involved truck and two tankers were registered to Reinhard Petroleum. Company representatives are on scene assisting.No more information available for release. Questions regarding fire response should be directed to TVFR.### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

A Corvallis-area woman died and four other people were injured Saturday evening in a two vehicle crash on Highway 101 near Seal Rock in Lincoln County.According to Oregon State Police (OSP) Senior Trooper Greg Plummer, on December 27, 2008 at approximately 7:15 p.m. a 1998 Toyota Camry driven by SANGEET KUMAR LAL, age 29, from Corvallis, was northbound on Highway 101 near milepost 149. As the Toyota was negotiating a downhill sharp right curve the right side tires left the roadway. LAL overcorrected and the car spun across the southbound lane, striking a guardrail and continued to spin out of control. The Toyota was struck in the rear by a southbound 1996 Ford Econoline van driven by DOUGLAS M. HOWARD, age 52, from Battle Ground, Washington.Five people were transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. All were using safety restraints and the Ford van's airbags deployed.The Toyota's left rear passenger, GAYA