The motorcycle crash rate has nearly doubled in the last five years in the State of Oregon. ODOT's Sally Ridenour says this year a new law requires people under the age of 30 that haven’t gotten a motorcycle in the past or have gotten one from another state will have to take a basic rider training course. The 15 hour training course; part riding and part classroom. You can contact your DMV office for details or contact TEAM Oregon website which is the approved motorcycle provider in the State of Oregon.
Starting January 1st, 2011 it will cost more to buy gas in Oregon. Gas taxes increase six cents to 30 cents per gallon. ODOT's Dave Thompson says it's sorely needed because gas tax revenues don't go as far as they used to. Thompson says the gas tax is also much less than in neighboring Washington or California.
The Bureau of Land Management received more than 9000 comments from the public on the proposed Wild Horse and Burro Management Strategy, so the Bureau will wait to release a final draft of the plan. Many animal rights groups have protested the agency's method of rounding up horses to control the population. Tom Gorey, with the BLM says the groups want them to stop the round-ups. He says the round-up measures have been reviewed and are considered "humane and necessary." Research continues on new ways to control the horses' fertility. When the final draft of the proposed strategy is complete, it will be presented to Congress for further review.
Wednesday, a Japanese TV show called "Unbelievable" went live from an Oregon hotel: The Geiser Grand in Baker City. Co-owner Barbara Sidway says the hotel is haunted and the show hopes to catch some ghosts doing the haunting - like party ghosts. “There are, perhaps two dozen people who party almost every night in the original dining room. And you’ll hear the sounds of the laughter, the clinking of the ice cubes in the glass. Perhaps a little background music, and you go , find the source, open the door and it stops.” Sidway says they will post a copy of the show on the website: www.geisergrand.com by January first.
This is Goodwill's busiest time of the year for donations as people clean out their closets and look for last minute tax deductions. Dale Emanuel with Goodwill says they get four-times the usual amount of weekly donations between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. She suggests donors have a list of the items they're donating before pulling up to the drop site and they get a receipt.
The search continues today for a Gresham man missing in the Columbia Gorge. The only sign of David Mekvold, 42, is his truck that was found on a gravel road about 3 miles from north Bonneville . Skamania County Undersheriff Dave Cox says nearly three dozen searchers scoured the area near Mekvold's truck but found no trace of him.
A priest identified only as “Father X” is suing Mount Angel Abbey for abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of the late father Emmanuel Clark. Father X's attorney is Bill Barton. He admits this is a first of its kind lawsuit but disagrees that the case is unique. Barton says the Abbey has settled other suits involving Father Clark that were filed by other seminarians. The Abbey is reviewing this new matter.
Oregon’s gas tax increases by six cents as of January first. It's the first state gas tax bump since 1993. State Representative Jefferson Smith, a Democrat, voted against the increase in the gas tax two years ago but says the billion dollars raised over the years will provide hundreds of jobs. Smith says the tax will pay for 37 projects around the state, largely improvements to highway bypasses and interchanges. The tax increase is expected to cost the average driver $30 dollars a year.
As national health care policies change with the new year, AARP recommends seniors check their status and find the best plan. There may be a more affordable combination of benefits. Jerry Cohen with AARP Oregon says changes in policy can lead to confusion, but more information is available now than ever before to help seniors decide which plan is best. Children of seniors on Medicare are encouraged to talk over plans with their parents. Trained volunteers with SHIBA, Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance are available to help. The fall Medicare Open Enrollment period ends Friday.
Oregon gets a $15-million boost from the federal government for making sure more kids are enrolled in Medicaid. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is sending Oregon's Department of Human Services $15-million dollars for being one of the top ten states to get children enrolled in state and federal health insurance programs. The performance bonus was set in place by the 2009 Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Legislation. More than 70,000 children are now enrolled in Oregon's Healthy Kids Plan.
A longtime grocery store in Seaside is a total loss after an early Tuesday morning fire. The fire at the 12th Avenue grocery store broke out about three thirty. Seaside Fire Chief Dale Kamrath says some walls are standing, but the rest of the building is pretty much gutted. The store had been in business since the 1940's. Investigators are looking into the cause of the fire.
A 34-year-old man armed with a machete was shot by Portland Police. It happened in the 3400 of Southwest Dakota. A woman called 911 saying her son was suicidal and threatening suicide by cop. Sergeant Pete Simpson says they used bean bags rounds and a taser, but they had no effect; so an officer fired one round.
2010 has been a tough year for auto dealers. Ed Tonkin, Vice President of the Tonkin dealerships and Chairman of the National Auto Dealers Association says Oregon business regulations aren't helping. He says Oregon’s is not a business friendly state, and that is not generating jobs. Tonkin says sales are up and projections for next year look better. He says this week is one of the best to buy a car, because auto companies offer great incentives and dealers are trying to make year-end sales numbers.
Shawna Moore-Saia is facing several federal charges after surrendering to the FBI in Los Angeles. The FBI's Beth Ann Steele says Moore worked at the Coos Bay Wells Fargo for four years. Moore reportedly stole as much as $1.2 million by opening bogus bank accounts to pad her commissions. Now Moore Saia is facing I.D. theft, credit card fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering charges.
This week is prime viewing for whale watching at the Oregon coast . Whale watchers have many options to see the whales as they migrate south to Mexico. There are about 26 sites along the coast. There will be volunteers from 10am-1 pm everyday this week. You will need to bring your own binoculars. Linda Taylor is a park ranger at Depoe Bay. She says viewers occasionally will see the whales jump completely out of the water.
An increasing amount of power in the northwest is generated by wind. Michael Milstein, with the Bonneville Power Administration, says there are enough wind farms to power Portland and Seattle. He says “When all those are cranking out full power at full capacity, it’s roughly the equivalent of three nuclear plants.” That's 3000 megawatts of electricity and more wind farms are being built. Milstein says that when the wind isn't blowing, the hydropower system takes up the slack.
Last week's tornado in Aumsville did $1.1-million in damage to the City's homes, business and public buildings. John Vanderzanden with Marion County Emergency Management says federal help will not be on its way. 
For the second year in a row, Oregon farmers and ranchers will donate more than 2-million pounds of meat and produce to the Oregon Food Bank. Executive Director of the Food Bank, Rachel Bristol, says it took a lot of work, because they were only set up to handle non-perishable products. The group Farmers Ending Hunger donates potatoes, onions, vegetables and beef to the Food Bank. More than a million Oregonians a year get food boxes.
Growers sold millions of dollars worth of Oregon barley last year. But the product is mostly untested for use in beer. Oregon State University professor Pat Hayes is changing that with a mini-malter. He wants to bring in testers, making a sample run to show that Oregon barley has the same qualities as the Oregon grape does.” 
A Marion County jury is unanimous: Bruce and Joshua Turnidge sentenced to the death penalty. Janet Turnidge, the wife and mother of the men, says the entire Turnidge family will rely on their faith in God to sustain them through whatever happens next. She also said they are praying for the families and friends of the victims in the 2008 explosion.
Special Olympics Oregon’s Summer Games will return in 2011 after a two-year hiatus due to the rough economy. Philanthropists and Newberg business owners Ken and Joan Austin supplied the funds to revive the games. He says giving is a family tradition that he enjoys. The games will be played July 15th through 17th at Newberg High, George Fox University, the Chehalem Glenn Golf Course and various Chehalem parks and recreation facilities.
Oregon’s consumer watchdogs say hackers are using the holidays to hijack computers. Justice Department Spokesman Tony Green says they're trying to sneak malicious software onto your hard drive. “They tell you when you open an attachment you can see where a package is. What that’ll do is allow them install some software that can harvest passwords and other sensitive financial information.” Tony Green says there are currently lots of scams that aim to break into your computer, including offers of free I-Pads. 
Police in Oregon will have more eyes on the road as holiday travelers start to leave for vacation. “Our plan, along with several other agencies at the County and City levels is to have extra officers out on the roadway at different parts over the Christmas holiday period.” State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings says they'll be watching for speeding, intoxicated and aggressive drivers. They're asking everyone to drive with their lights on for safety.
A strong 7.4 earthquake near Japan happened about 9:20 this morning; but experts do not expect the quake to trigger a tsunami on the west coast of the United States. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the location and historic records indicate that a big wave is not expected to hit the Oregon, California or Washington coast.
They were driving around the country robbing banks, including one in Salem, until they were shot by police in Florida. On November 26th, they hit the U.S. Bank in the Safeway on Commercial Street. Before that, they'd robbed a bank in their home state of Massachusetts. They stopped in Pocatello, Idaho. But a stop in Stuart, Florida ended badly for this Bonnie and Clyde. Sarah Gauvin, 30, was shot to death by police, Kevin Cyr, 36, was injured in the shooting. Salem Lieutenant Steve Birr says his department assist the FBI in the ongoing investigation.
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is recovering at a Baltimore hospital following successful prostate cancer surgery Monday. Wyden is expected to be discharged on Tuesday and plans to rest at his Washington, D.C. home. He was able to vote for "don't ask don't tell" this last weekend, but it's not clear whether he'll be able to vote on other issues later this week. Wyden caught his prostate cancer in its early stages through a routine screening.
An increase in housing starts helped to push the University of Oregon Economic Index forward. Tim Duy, Director of the Oregon Economic Forum, two up months in a row is a good sign. Duy says it's not a huge increase, but it's growth. Duy says all signs appear to show that Oregon's economy will continue to grow in 2011 maybe a little better than expected. But he cautions that the construction industry still has some significant challenges.
If you're stumped for a holiday gift, the Oregon Agriculture Department wants you to think Oregon. The Ag Department's Laura Barton says there are 250 Oregon grown products you can use to make gifts; including milled flour in bread, or legumes in a soup. Even Oregon seeds if you have a gardener on your list.
n an effort to ease the upward pressure on utility rates, the Bonneville Power Administration says it'll keep transmission rates flat for the next two years. BPA's Doug Johnson says they're doing what they can to help in a down economy. But higher rates could come in a couple of years, because of the costs of major new projects, and integrating wind power into the grid.
Lonna Waters of Portland was one of the first to find her Christmas present at the Oregon Humane Society today. She's adopting a Cavalier King Charles and plans to call him Vinnie. He does have some health problems, but Waters says she can handle that. More importantly, he’ll now have a good home. A breeder voluntarily surrendered the dogs to comply with a new state law cracking down on puppy mills. It’s expected all forty one dogs will all be adopted by the end of the week.
Before the November election, a group Oregon voters gathered to study two ballot measures. After in-depth review, the group wrote recommendations against the two measures and submitted their thoughts to voters. The Citizen Initiative Review was a pilot project studied by the University of Washington. They reported back to the Senate Rules Committee that voters who knew about the citizen reviews found them useful. Doctor John Gastil said Oregonians were surveyed on how they'd probably vote on the measures before and after they read the citizen reviews. There was a shift. Before reading the reviews, a majority of voters said they favored the measures. After reading the review, a majority was opposed.
Safeway theft investigators called on local police to help them catch the people stealing millions of dollars worth of baby formula. Dora Hernandez, 31 and Moises de Jesus Lopez, 35, allegedly moved from Los Angeles to Gresham to expand a baby formula theft ring that's cost Safeway stores about $2.5 million. Gresham Police Officer Malaka Kerbs says the store's investigators called her department and the Hillsboro Police for help. 486 cans of formula found during the search of the suspects' home The arrests mark the end of a four-year investigation.
The first argument heard in support of a ban on plastic bags is about their impact on the environment. During an informational hearing. Oregon Senator Mark Haas: “They will ban plastic bags next year at most retailers and will replace them with recycled paper bags that will be available for a 5 cent charge.” Oregon Senators also pointed out that replacing plastic bags with recycled paper is good for jobs in Oregon. A bill will likely get quick passage when lawmakers meet next month.
The company that makes Dannon Yogurt has reached a $21-millionsettlement with 39 states. Tony Green, in the Oregon Attorney General's Office, says that includes the claim that Activia Yogurt makes your digestive track work better. Under the settlement, Dannon agrees to not make claims it can't back up with scientific evidence.
DIREC TV tops the list of consumer complaints at the Oregon Attorney General's Office. Direct TV will pay $21-million to settle lawsuits from several states including Oregon. Under the agreement, DIRECTV will make the terms and conditions of contracts clearer to consumers. They’re also working to settle specific complaints. Go the Oregon Attorney General's website for a form to file a complaint: http://www.doj.state.or.us/
Hitting the road to visit the relatives this holiday season? Estimates from Triple a say there will be a lot of company on the interstates. Marie Dodds with Triple A says it's not much better if you're flying. The average American is flying over a thousand miles. Flyers in the Pacific Northwest will go farther, she says, an average of 1200 miles to reach their destinations.
It’s a common scam on Craigslist. People say they have a job or will buy what you're selling. But they want to send you a check to cash it and then have you send some money back. Tony Green in the Oregon Attorney General's Office says you should never send money back until the check clears. Otherwise, you'll be responsible for repaying the money.
Signs of hope for the Oregon economy. The State Employment Department says although the unemployment rate is up to 10.6%, the number of jobs has grown substantially. November was another month of strong jobs gains for Oregon. The economy added 6300 jobs; 5900 of which were in the private in the private sector. Employment Economist Nick Beleiciks says the unemployment rate is slightly higher because more people are starting to look for jobs; and that's a sign of a recovering economy.
In spite of the struggling economy, one out of three private employers in Oregon expects to hire workers over the next six months. That’s according to a 'future hiring survey' by the Oregon Employment Department. But economist Nick Beleiciks says that doesn't mean they're expanding. More jobs are expected in job services and computer technology, but fewer in construction.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley says he cannot support the Obama - McConnell tax package before the Senate. Merkley says he has very strong concerns, including that it adds nearly a trillion dollars to the debt and adds bonus tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. He does like the tax cuts for working families and the continuation of unemployment benefits. But he believes this legislation is the easiest compromise and far from the best. Merkley says he cannot support legislation that will do so little to create jobs and help working families yet cost our nation so much.
Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer says the Tax Cut Extension Bill is starting to look like something he could vote for: ”Since the package was first released, we have been able to make some changes that are very significant for Oregon.”
Democratic Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio says it doesn't make sense to go into debt to pay for the extension of tax cuts to the wealthy that President Obama and Republicans want. DeFazio says the other expenses being added to the Bill for the sake of adding jobs aren't worth the return. The President predicts the Bill will pass. If it doesn't, the tax cuts will run out for all tax payers at the end of December.
Governor Kulongoski has signed an Executive Order, creating a new Public Safety Commission charged to find inefficiencies and excess spending within the State's Criminal Justice System. Members of the Commission, including Chief Justice Paul de Muniz will also make recommendations to the Legislature for comprehensive sentencing reform. The Governor has talked with Governor-elect Kitzhaber and he supports the new commission. Kulongoski said the public will have to be part of the process because recommendations to change mandatory sentencing law are likely to be suggested. They require a vote by the public.
The Oregon Attorney General's Office has just released its list of the 20 worst charities operating in the State. Tony Green says it's to highlight what they're really doing with the money. Green says the AG will also present legislation next session that would not grant a tax deduction to donors if the charity spends less than 30% of money raised on the people they claim to support. To see the complete list, click 
Convicted child killer Diane Downs goes parole the parole board once again Friday. At her last hearing in 2008, she tearfully denied shooting her children. The Board took less than 30 minutes to deny parole at that hearing. Downs has threatened not to appear at the hearing, but she made the same threat two years ago. The hearing will go with or without her, according to the Parole Board Director.
People in Woodburn are hearing the news; many celebrating. Pam Veelle lives in Salem, but lived across the street at the time of the explosion” I think it’s awesome. I think that in this case justice has really prevailed on this. And it’s unfortunate for them, but you live with the consequences of your actions.” The Jury was unanimous in their decision, finding Bruce and Joshua Turnidge guilty on all counts brought against them by the state. The penalty phase begins this afternoon.
The verdicts are in for the two men accused in the Woodburn bank bombing two years ago. Bruce and Joshua Turnidge both sat quietly at the defense table as Judge Tom Hart read the verdicts. Both of the Turnidges were found guilty on all 18 counts. That includes aggravated murder, which means both men could face the death penalty for the bombing that killed two police officers at the West Coast Bank. 
These days you can find just about everything on the Internet, including Christmas trees. Bryan Ostlund with the Oregon Christmas Tree Growers Association says most people still like the personal experience of choosing their own tree. Online retail business is growing, but most tree farmers are busy enough with wholesale businesses shipping to places like Dubai and Mexico.
With reports of on-line scams already turning up, the Oregon Attorney General is warning Ducks fans not to get cheated into buying phony tickets for the BCS Championship game: “Watch our for Craig’s List or E-Bay. Be very cautious if you receive email solicitations; those sort of things.” Justice Department spokesman Tony Green says requests for payment through Western Union may be a tipoff that a ticket is bogus. He says it's best to get tickets from people you know and trust. 
The field at Reser Stadium in Corvallis was damaged by fire following the Civil War game. A Portland Tribune photographer captured the suspect with what appeared to be a burning jersey in the end zone . They’re hoping someone can identify the suspect or that witnesses who were nearby will come forward. Damage to the field is at least $1500 and if the entire end zone needs replacement, could go up to $5000.
Incoming Governor John Kitzhaber says his budget's top priority is helping children. Because kids who have an education are less likely to need state services when they grow up. Kitzhaber says bridging the State's $3.5 billion budget gap will require pay and benefit cuts for state workers, collecting more unpaid taxes and implementing recommendations from state audits.
Help is on the way for 5000 Oregon homeowners having trouble paying their mortgages. On December 10th, the Oregon Mortgage Assistance Program will start taking applications. Administrator Mike Caplan says the program is funded with $100-million. Homeowners don't need to be behind on payments, only show a loss of income. The deadline to apply is January 14th. For more information go to: 
This year's BCS Championship game has two teams that you don't normally see play for the national title; Oregon and Auburn. University of Oregon Sports Information Director Dave Williford says football fans are in for a treat. Williford says over the next month he expects to be hit with requests from media around the country to get access to the team and its coaches.
The Childhood Nutrition Bill has passed both houses of Congress and is on its way to President Obama's desk for his signature. The House overwhelmingly passed the bill Thursday, while the Senate passed it back in August. The Bill aims to reduce childhood obesity and strengthen programs dedicated to improving child nutrition. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley says the Bill will help put healthier food in our school cafeterias and will help millions of families who are struggling to provide school lunches and after school snacks for their kids.
The holidays are a great time for meals, but you have to be careful how you handle the food so you don’t get sick. Food borne illness always takes a jump in December. Food safety experts say food that’s left out for more than a couple of hours probably should be thrown out.
The search is on for the perfect Christmas tree. Chal Landgren, at Oregon State University, says they think they found it in Turkey. It's called a Trojan Fir. It's a tree with several benefits. “That means they use fewer pesticides; they also aren't prone to root rot like the Nobel Fir.” They'll plant these new trees and watch their growth over several years to see whether they'd make a good replacement for the Noble Fir.
If they want to add spending, they have to cut spending. That’s what Oregon Congressman Greg Walden, as Chair of the Republican House Transition Team, says will be one of the new House rules. There will also be major changes in commemorative resolutions, which take up much of the time in Congress and for the first time ever, the Republicans will publish their internal rules online and they're encouraging the Democratic Party to do the same.
Oregon State University Security Director Jack Rogers says campus staff have met and talked about how to address potential problems related to a former student's allege involvement in the Portland bomb plot. He has seen no evidence of retaliation against Muslim students. He says officers are on duty 24/7 to address any security issues students might face - the campus safety phone number programmed on many students' cell phone. Right now, Rogers, his campus officers and state police assigned to the Corvallis campus are preparing for a massive influx of Ducks and Beavers football fans for Saturday’s Civil War Game.
Ducks fans are getting excited about the Civil War game, but beyond that is the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Championship. Triple A Travel is already prepared to get fans to the game in Glendale, Arizona. Travel Director, Doreen Loofburrow, says one package ready to book covers everything, including tickets if you need them. There are two other levels of travel packages available, including a same-day flight package. Booking now reserves a spot. Loofburrow adds if the Ducks don't make the BCS, they have a Rose Bowl package ready to go, too.
A 17 year old boy in Jackson County is recovering after being kidnapped and at a remote home in Eagle Point. The home is a registered medical marijuana grow site. Andrea Carlson with the Jackson County Sheriffs Office says the boy was also beaten with a stick and ordered to dig a hole before being let go. Two men are now under arrest, charged with kidnapping and assault.
Three dams on the Columbia River system need something other than simple maintenance work. They will be replacing the downstream navigation lock gates starting in December. Scott Clemens with the Army Corps of Engineers says that is why the river will be closed. The work will cost more than $50-million. The Dalles and the John Day dams on the Columbia and the Monumental on the Snake River will be closed through next March for replacement of navigation locks. Usual river traffic will be put on trucks and trains.
A new report shows how climate change will affect Oregon. Phillip Mote, Director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute, says we'll have fewer rainy summers. As temperatures rise, it'll affect the crops that can be grown in Oregon. It’ll also affect the types of animals and insects that can live in the state. Warmer temperatures might mean a lower snowpack, which could result in summer water shortages.
This is turning out to be a deadly year for Oregon pedestrians. We have the death toll from Julie Yip with the ODOT Safety Division: “Last year, w had 39 deaths. It was quite low last year. This year, as of 11/29/10, we were at 56 pedestrian deaths.” That number changed again Tuesday morning when a Salem pedestrian was hit and killed. The death toll is now 57 with still a full month to go. Experts say poor visibility is often to blame in such accidents.
Oregon Senate Republican leader Ted Ferrioli wants a recount in District Three. Incumbent Alan Bates, a Democrat, has the lead in southern Oregon’s District three. He's ahead of Republican Dave Dotterrer by about 275 votes out of nearly 49,000 cast. Senate Republican leader Ted Ferrioli thinks it's a close enough race to call for a recount. If Dotterer managed to come out on top, power in the Senate could shift to Republican control. Senate Republican say they'll pay for the recount. Senate Democratic leader Ddiane Rosenbaum issued a statement saying Republicans are too hasty - the Secretary of State still not finalizing vote tallies. She also says bates is a clear winner in the race.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving want you to be part of the tie one on for safety campaign. “It’s a red ribbon that we tie on antennas, tie on rear view mirrors as a notice to the public not to drink and drive.” MADD's Cathy Stromvig says it's a good reminder considering there is typically a lot more drinking around the holidays. Her brother was killed by a drunk driver 34 years ago.
Oregon may be number one in a lot of things; like college football and quality of life. But when it comes to paychecks, the state is well below average. Employment Economist Nick Beleiciks says Oregon's per capita personal income is $3500 a year less than the national average. Reasons include the high unemployment rate, and a much higher-than-average number of people working part time.
