The Sheriff's Office of Sherman County, Oregon has now put out a statement following the recent court ruling on Oregon's controversial gun control Measure 114. Sheriff Brad Lohrey expressed his concern over the absurdity of the recently proposed law.

His statement reads as follows:

Citizens of Sherman County and other supporters,

I would like to thank you all for the support you gave me and my office on resisting Measure 114. Measure 114 is an attack on one of our most beloved civil liberties, the right to keep and bear arms.

It is an attack on our ability to defend ourselves and our communities. Sherman County had the wisdom to vote an overwhelming 89% NO on this measure. However, a slight majority in the State of Oregon didn't feel the same way and they voted to take away the rights of the minority and surrender their own. Disgraceful.

As you likely know, I and others took the fight to Federal Court because this measure is clearly unconstitutional and it should not become law. After my team and I battled in Federal Court, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut ruled against us on July 14th.

Judge Immergut ruled that the ban on the sale or manufacture of large-capacity magazines and the requirement for a permit to purchase a gun are both constitutional. The existing case law from the U.S. Supreme Court and both the State and Federal Constitutions are plainly worded and any reasonable reading of these documents would show how the Judge is clearly wrong.

Here is the thing, there a are a lot of people out there that don't care what these documents say. They have an agenda and they are not comfortable with citizens exercising firearm rights. They want barriers to these rights. I'm sure they think they are protecting children and making their communities safer, but they are completely wrong and their solutions tend to also make it harder, or not even possible, for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves. Their solutions disrespect liberty.

While the measure is not in effect yet due to another lawsuit, I wouldn't be surprised if the pattern of rights violations continues. Unless there are some serious changes to how the measure is written, there is no way a permit can or will be issued. Even if I wanted to comply with the measure, the logistics and process make it impossible. You won't be able to buy a in gun in Oregon (at least legally) and you will have to worry about how many bullets you carry in your magazines (if you worry about unconstitutional laws).

I want to thank the following law enforcement leaders that cared enough to fight Measure 114 that they actually joined the lawsuit: Sheriff Cody Bowen, Sheriff Terry Rowen, Sheriff Brian Pixley, and Sheriff Brian Wolfe (retired). These gentlemen are true patriots that support the communities they serve.

A huge shout out to Kevin Starrett with Oregon Firearms Federation, who lead the charge. Attorneys Leonard W. Williamson and Stephen Joncus, and all the other attorneys on the team, did a great job. This fight is not over and there will be an appeal. Rest assured, we will not surrender our freedoms.

Sheriff Brad Lohrey

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Attorney James L. Buchal has filed notice to appeal the recent ruling in U.S. District Court in Portland on behalf of the gun rights groups.

The Sherman County Sheriff is responsible for maintaining the peace within the county and is directly accountable to the people. Sherman County lies between the deep canyons of the John Day River on the east and the Deschutes River on the west in north central Oregon.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-19 19:09:17

Last Update: 2023-07-19 19:34:34

Researchers in the Oregon State University College of Engineering now say they are developing technology to convert wastewater into a product that would simultaneously irrigate and fertilize crops.

The three-year project led by Xue Jin, assistant professor of environmental engineering, will be supported by $750,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will involve partnerships with farmers, wastewater treatment plants and USDA scientists.

“Agricultural activity accounts for 70% of all available freshwater,” Jin said. “Worldwide, demand for food production continues to grow along with the population. As droughts become more frequent and severe, there is a critical need for effective treatment technologies that provide safe reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation.”

The project also aims to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, which are produced by mining and manufacturing processes that consume limited natural resources and create significant environmental impacts. Further impacts occur after fertilizers are applied to fields.

“Fertilizer runoff is a major source of pollution for surface water,” Jin said. “This results in algal blooms that contaminate drinking water sources and produce further harmful ecological effects downstream.”

The researchers are developing a two-stage, hybrid membrane filtration technology to treat the murky liquid discharge from anaerobic digesters, a type of bioreactor used in water treatment plants and on some larger farms. The digesters rely on bacteria to break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

In the first stage, an electrically charged membrane attracts ions such as ammonium, phosphorus and potassium and concentrates them into a fertilizer-rich brine. In the second stage, a forward-osmosis membrane removes contaminants such as bacteria, and the bacteria-free water is then recombined with the brine to produce a nutrient-enhanced solution that can be applied to crops.

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“In laboratory-scale testing, we were able to recover 80% of the water,” said Quang Ngoc Tran, a graduate student who has been a key participant in the research. “When the technology is scaled up with optimal operating conditions, that number could go even higher. The output is basically pure water, with a little bit of dissolved salts that are the plant nutrients.”

Tala Navab-Daneshmand, an associate professor of environmental engineering at Oregon State, and David Bryla, a research horticulturist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Corvallis, will conduct greenhouse studies to evaluate both the effectiveness of the treated water in plant growth and the biosafety of the resulting crops.

OSU says the team will also perform economic feasibility studies. Jin says the technology could potentially be deployed directly on farms that operate their own anaerobic digesters, or even on high-tech vertical farms situated adjacent to municipal treatment plants. Vertical farming refers to growing crops in stacked layers rather than just using the ground.

“We are examining multiple prospective use-case scenarios,” Jin said. “The fiscal impacts of this technology will prove to be a key consideration in whether it becomes widely adopted. The goal is to make agriculture more sustainable not just environmentally but economically as well. If we can develop an affordable system that will effectively reduce the costs of crop production, that could be very attractive to farmers.”


--Keith Hautala

Post Date: 2023-07-18 19:12:50

Last Update: 2023-07-18 21:43:12

Willamette Week has broken news that Jesse Lee Calhoun, one of over 1,000 criminals former Governor Kate Brown let out of prison early, is a suspect in the killing of at least four women found dead this year around the Portland metro area.

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) released the following statement:

“Even after leaving public office as America’s most unpopular governor, Kate Brown’s legacy continues to have dire consequences for Oregonians. If Jesse Lee Calhoun is found guilty of these murders, Kate Brown will have signed the death warrants of four innocent women in the name of ‘second chances’.

“Oregon Democrats have a pathetic record of putting criminals over victims and patting themselves on the back for it. We have not forgotten that the Democrat majority stayed totally silent while Governor Brown issued a record number of commutations and pardons for drug dealers, murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders like Calhoun. This is disgraceful.

“On behalf of all Oregonians, we demand that Democrat leaders govern to protect–not jeopardize–the lives of Oregonians by holding criminals accountable and allowing law enforcement to keep us safe. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families, and we pray for healing in the years to come. The perpetrator must be fully held accountable.”

Governor Brown, whose words have come back to haunt, had this to say about clemency:

“If you are confident that you can keep people safe, you’ve given victims the opportunity to have their voices heard, and made sure their concerns are addressed, and individuals have gone through an extensive amount of rehabilitation and shown accountability, what is the point of continuing to incarcerate someone, other than retribution?”

The Oregon Senate Caucus asks, rhetorically, "Are you still as confident as you were then, Governor?"


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-18 16:09:52

Last Update: 2023-07-18 16:23:29

After several months, the City of Eugene has completed its purchase of the former Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) headquarters site at the downtown Eugene riverfront to be transformed into Eugene’s new City Hall. City Manager Sarah Medary and EWEB General Manager Frank Lawson signed closing documents and officially handed over the site keys on Tuesday.

“This is an exciting day and step for Eugene!” said City Manager Sarah Medary. “After more than a decade without a City Hall, it feels very good to say that we’ve finalized this purchase in a location that builds on our great history and relationship with EWEB, connects our downtown to the Willamette River and uses City funds responsibly.”

“We’re glad that the City of Eugene is buying EWEB’s former riverfront headquarters site to maintain this location as a space for the community,” said EWEB General Manager Frank Lawson. “EWEB and the City have always had a positive and productive relationship, and we’re grateful to staff in both organizations for all the work they’ve done to make this sale happen. In short, selling the site to the City aligned with EWEB’s core values and serves our customers well.”

The new City Hall site is located at 500 E. 4th Ave. in Eugene. The city says it will establish a place for civic and community engagement, a public space on the river, increase ease of access to City services and provide long term savings to the community.

Several offices from within the Central Services Department, including the City Manager’s Office, will relocate to the new site first. An exact timeline and list of offices has not yet been finalized.

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City Hall offices are expected to open to the community in early 2024. As part of the sale, EWEB will be able to maintain about 1,000 square feet of shared public-facing space where customers can make an appointment to conduct EWEB business.

The Eugene City Council voted 7-1 approving proposed terms and details for the City of Eugene to purchase the former headquarters site of the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) at its January 30 Special Meeting.

The City of Eugene says that the purchase will provide space for an accessible City Hall while retaining public ownership of a valuable public building space along the river for better access and service to the community.

The terms of the deal include the 4.4-acre property, which includes two buildings and parking lots, for $12 million.

The Mayor of Eugene is Lucy Vinis.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-07-16 14:06:34

Last Update: 2023-07-16 14:19:45

The State of Oregon has announced that they have now created a brand new state agency to oversee programs and services related to early learning and care throughout Oregon. The Department of Early Learning is now operational and they have provided the link for their new website.

“This is an historic step to ensure Oregon’s families and child care professionals get the resources, services, and programs they need to thrive,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, DELC Director. ”It positions our state as a leader in the early learning space. We know accessing child care is still a challenge for families, and our child care workers are facing multiple stressors. The launch of DELC is a milestone for our state, recognizing the importance of early learning and child care for Oregonians

The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 3073 in 2021, heralding the transition towards the launch of DELC.

DELC says that the agency brings together the Early Learning Division (ELD) and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program. ELD was a division of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), and Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) was a program of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

“The best way to support whole communities is to serve the needs of children and families. Bringing ERDC into DELC allows us to center the needs of children and families first and foremost. DELC is in the opportune position to work with families and providers, and design systems built for and with them” said Chatterjee.

Certain ERDC changes also take effect as of July 1. Families can now receive cash assistance from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and get help paying for child care from ERDC at the same time.

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The State says that the current TANF child care program will end because ERDC will provide those families more flexible child care assistance.

The State also says there will be fewer reasons for child care assistance to end mid-certification. They say most cases will now stay open a minimum of 12 months. Cases will no longer close if a family is not connected to a child care provider.

ERDC benefits will now supposedly continue if a caretaker loses their job or stops attending school.

Early Learning Division (ELD) staff will transition from ODE to DELC and the ERDC program and staff (including the Direct Pay Unit) will transition from ODHS to DELC.

“DELC Is honored to support Oregon families and child care professionals through this unified agency. We thank our partners, supporters, child care professionals, and families for being part of the work to make Oregon’s early learning and care system as strong as possible. We are committed to continue working together to best meet the needs of children, families, and child care professionals across the state,” said Chatterjee.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-15 19:15:07

Last Update: 2023-07-15 19:39:46

Late on a Friday afternoon, on a hot summer day, Judge Karin Immergut of the Oregon District of US Circuit Court handed down a long-anticipated decision on Ballot Measure 114 -- which bans "large capacity magazines" and requires citizens to acquire a permit to acquire a firearm. The decision will almost certainly be appealed to the 9th Circuit.

During the trial several witnesses pointed out that the ban is actually on virtually all ammunition magazines because most can easily be converted to hold more than 10 rounds no matter how many they held when they came from the factory. Adam Johnson, a firearm’s dealer and defensive tactics instructor, pointed out that these modification can be done with nothing more than a screwdriver or pointed object. Immergut ruled that it was not her court’s responsibility to address that saying "Whether a ten-round magazine with the baseplate removed would violate BM 114 is not for this Court to decide. This Court need not parse every potential hypothetical scenario to find what is generally prohibited under BM 114."

As many predicted, it upheld the legality of Measure 114. The Measure passed in the November 2022 with 975,862 yes votes and 950,891 no votes, a margin of 50.65% to 49.35% -- hardly a landslide in anyone's book.

According to some, Judge Immergut, a Trump appointee, shows a lack of first-hand knowledge of firearms. Ballot Measure 114 defines a Large Capacity Magazine as "Magazines over 10 rounds or readily modifiable to exceed 10 rounds." A study done by the Policing Institute revealed that in 1,180 officer involved shootings, police fired an average of 7.59 rounds and often exceeded 10 rounds. Though the ban doesn't apply to law enforcement, it shows that firing multiple rounds is not uncommon, even for trained law enforcement.

Immergut also appears to have completely ignored the Supreme Court’s direction in the landmark case NYSRPA vs Bruen, where they rejected the “two-part” analysis of gun laws, essentially saying that if a law violates the Second Amendment, it is unconstitutional period and the state’s “public safety interest” cannot be considered.

In her decision Immergut wrote "Defendants’ public safety interest in regulating LCMs is a legitimate legislative purpose. As discussed above, Defendants set forth evidence showing that LCMs are frequently used in the commission of mass shootings and that the use of LCMs in mass shootings increases the lethality of these events.”

Immergut also dismissed the plaintiff’s concerns that because of the way BM 114 was crafted, it is actually impossible to comply with. She wrote in a footnote: " Plaintiffs essentially argue that when BM 114 is implemented, it will operate in such a way that individuals will be unable to receive a permit, due to lack of funding, bureaucratic disorganization, and the refusal of the FBI to process background checks. As this Court has previously held, this evidence goes to Plaintiffs’ unripe as-applied challenge, not their facial challenge. Speculation about how BM 114 might be implemented in the future—including whether the FBI’s refusal to process background checks will in practice prohibit a permitting agent from issuing a permit—is irrelevant to a facial challenge, which looks only at the language of the statute.”

Immergut’s ruling would require that completely new lawsuits would have to be initiated after people attempt to get "permit to purchase" permits and are denied because, as Sherman County Sheriff Brad Lohrey pointed out in his testimony, it is impossible for him issue permits under the measure’s requirements.

Judge Immergut doesn't see a problem with the restriction.

The Supreme Court has held that Second Amendment protects an individual right to self defense inside and outside of the home. Large Capacity Magazines are not commonly used for self-defense, and are therefore not protected by the Second Amendment. Even if LCMs are protected by the Second Amendment, BM 114’s restrictions are consistent with this Nation’s history and tradition of regulating uniquely dangerous features of weapons and firearms to protect public safety. This Court accordingly enters judgment in favor of Defendants and Intervenor-Defendant on Plaintiffs’ Second Amendment challenge to BM 114’s LCM restrictions.

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Oregon Firearms Federation Director Kevin Starrett was critical of the decision, saying, "What we have read defies belief. While not entirely unexpected, Immergut’s ruling is simple nonsense and sure to be overturned at the 9th circuit. When faced with the clear and undeniable issues about all magazines being banned and the permit system being completely unworkable, she essentially said 'not my problem.'"


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-15 11:07:46

Last Update: 2023-07-16 12:41:07

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has now announced the availability of the draft decision notice, environmental assessment, and comprehensive plan to start the objection period for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan.

The comprehensive plan is a key document that will guide the development of the nonmotorized trail throughout its entire length, from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean.

The Forest Service gathered public input on key content in the plan and environmental analysis during a scoping comment period from September 29 to November 14, 2022, and a draft comprehensive plan and environmental assessment public comment period from March 17 to April 17, 2023. The documents have been updated to address comments received during these comment periods.

The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile hiking trail that starts in Glacier National Park in Montana, crosses through northern Idaho, and finishes in Olympic National Park in Washington.

Currently, about a third of the trail is on roads, and some portions in remote areas require bushwhacking with no trail.

It was designated by Congress as part of the National Trails System in 2009.

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The Forest Service says that while the comprehensive plan would only be binding on the Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the plan aims to provide a guide for local, state, federal, and tribal land managers to develop the trail and preserve its natural beauty. They hope to complete the plan by late 2023.

During the objection period, the Forest Service says they will accept objections from those who submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during the scoping comment period or the draft comprehensive plan and environmental assessment public comment period.

The Forest Service says that this input will be used to help shape the future of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.

The objection period will be open from July 14 to August 28, 2023.

Those interested can find more information on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-07-14 14:14:12

Last Update: 2023-07-14 17:24:07

Aovernor Tina Kotek has signed HB 2005 into law. The new law tries to prohibit so-called "ghost guns" that have parts that don't bear a serial number. Legal sources think that this includes currently held firearms, which makes an unknown number of Oregon citizens instant felons.

The use of "ghost guns" in crimes has been the subject of much discussion and peddling of questionable statistics. According the the Washington Times they are rarely used in crimes. "In Chicago, for example, only 139 out of the 11,258 firearms seized last year -- roughly 1.2% -- were ghost guns. That number, however, represents a 93% increase from the 72 ghost guns seized in 2019. Philadelphia police in 2019 seized 95 ghost guns, accounting for 2.2% of the 4,264 guns they confiscated. In 2018, Philadelphia police confiscated 13 ghost guns."

According to sources, federal officials don't make a distinction between personally manufactured firearms -- which don't have a serial number and never needed them -- and commercially manufactured firearms which have had the serial number removed. "Ghost guns" would only be a subset of these statistics.

Senator James Manning lauded the bill, saying, “After years of work, my colleagues and I also took action on ghost guns with HB 2005. Ghost guns are unserialized and undetectable, making them the gun of choice for gun traffickers, violent criminals, and people legally prohibited from buying firearms.”



Oregon Firearms Federation Director Kevin Starrett raised expectations for House Republicans, who have pledged $25,000 to fight this legislation in court. "Now is the time for the House Republicans to put their money where their mouths were. This is totally on them and we fully expect them to keep their word. They have made a pledge, they helped the bill pass by showing up when they could have walked out. The ball is in their court."

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Representative Tracy Cramer (R-Woodburn) pointed out that "HB 2005 restricts the rights of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in public spaces. Those who are most vulnerable to being harmed by violent crime are the ones who need this right the most. Those are my constituents. Yet, HB 2005 unconstitutionally restricts when and where they can protect themselves with a firearm."


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-14 09:42:23

Last Update: 2023-07-15 21:03:18

The Oregon Housing Stability Council has now approved $103.5 million in Local Innovation Fast Track funding to go to 10 affordable housing developments across the state of Oregon. Oregon Housing and Community Services will provide 646 additional homes with these developments for individuals and households living on low incomes. Half of the funded projects will be built in rural communities and half in urban areas.

“Lack of affordable housing is a top concern for many people across the state and we must continue to pursue measurable progress. These investments will help improve the futures and quality of life for thousands of Oregonians in rural and urban areas of the state,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “We are grateful to Governor Kotek and the Oregon legislature for having the foresight to invest in the LIFT program. Together we recognize that investments in safe, affordable housing are also investments in communities where everyone can thrive.”

OHCS received a total of 23 applications, amounting to over $221.6 million in LIFT funding requests, more than LIFT funds available. Special consideration was given to those who have a Qualified Culturally Specific Organization on the development team.

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The developments receiving awards include:

• College View Apartments in Bend, receiving $8.3 million
• Depoe Bay Townhomes in Depoe Bay, receiving $2.3 million
• Estacada Apartments Phase II in Estacada, receiving $11.9 million
• Ollie Court in Eugene, receiving $11.3 million
• Pacific Flats in Phoenix, receiving $13.5 million
• Phoenix Corner in Phoenix, receiving $15.3 million
• Rand Road Affordable Housing in Hood River, receiving $15.1 million
• Rivergreen Apartments Phase II in Corvallis, receiving $5.6 million
• Salem Apartments in Salem, receiving $17.9 million
• Unicorn Bed in Portland, receiving $2.3 million

OHCS says that the assessment considerations included multiple factors such as: readiness to proceed, financial viability, development capacity, service to communities of color, innovation, replicability, minority-, women-, veteran-owned business participation, use of affordable rents, family-sized units, and the involvement of Qualified Culturally Specific Organizations.

“By approving these funding recommendations, OHCS is taking a crucial step forward in addressing the pressing housing needs of communities across Oregon,” said Bell. “The LIFT program continues to make a significant positive impact on affordable housing development in Oregon.

For more detailed information about each recommended project, please refer to the Housing Stability Council packet from July 7, 2023.


--Bruce Armstrong

Post Date: 2023-07-13 17:03:04

Last Update: 2023-07-13 17:46:01

In a bulletin to school districts, the Oregon Department of Education, under the direction of Charlene Williams is asking school districts to "double-check all EL data records to confirm that all English Learners scoring proficient on the English Language Proficiency Assessment have an EL exit date and confirming that students who did not score proficient do not have an EL exit date." Incorrect data may cause overpayment to school districts.

According to the bulletin, "ODE staff determined that a number of students scored proficient on the 2022-23 ELPA Summative assessment but do not have a corresponding EL Exit Date in the Spring EL Data Collection. Students move from current EL status to monitored EL status after scoring proficient on the ELPA summative, the status change is documented in the ODE data servers with the EL Exit Date."

The bulletin continues,

"Title III allocations are a per student calculation, English learners who are currently receiving EL instruction are included in the allocation calculation. Students who have obtained proficiency on ELPA summative are not current ELs; these students are not included in Title III allocations. Failure to include EL Exit dates for proficient ELs in the EL data collection could result in misappropriation of Title III funds.

"This data is also used for all EL accountability/reporting calculations related to: school district report cards, state report cards, EL legislative reports, and other reports where the English learner data is used.

All districts are requested to double-check all EL data records to confirm that all ELs scoring proficient on ELPA have an EL exit date and confirming that students who did not score proficient do not have an EL exit date.

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School districts receive more money for each EL student, which creates a disincentive to report students who become proficient and progress beyond the program.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-13 11:31:22

Last Update: 2023-07-15 21:06:01

Avelo Airlines announced an exclusive nonstop service from the greater Salem region to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Avelo is the first commercial airline serving Salem Municipal Airport (SLE) in nearly 15 years and is the only airline offering nonstop flights from SLE to the Entertainment Capital of the World and Southern California.

With 70% of Oregon’s population living in the Valley, Avelo’s new service at SLE makes getting to Southern California and Las Vegas more convenient than ever. Introductory one-way fares between SLE and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and L.A.’s best airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) start at $39.

Avelo will operate twice-weekly nonstop service on Thursdays and Sundays between Salem and Las Vegas beginning October 5, 2023. Twice-weekly nonstop service on Fridays and Mondays between Salem and BUR begins on October 6, 2023, this route will then adjust to Thursdays and Sundays on November 2. Both routes will utilize Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 aircraft.

Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Salem – say hello to Avelo!... Say goodbye to the hassle of long and expensive gas-guzzling drives to other distant airports, and say hello to a new era of convenience, low fares and reliability.”

Salem Mayor Chris Hoy said, “This is a bright day for Salem’s future. As our city continues its coming of age journey, commercial passenger air service will make investing in our city easier and will make the world a little more accessible for our residents who travel. This win-win was made possible through much community collaboration and dedication of our city staff.”

Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron said, “Marion County wholeheartedly supported the infrastructure needed for commercial flights to move forward with our economic development dollars. We are excited to see this come to fruition.”

Salem Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Hoffert said, “We are thrilled to see this investment in Salem’s future pay off. Since the early days of this effort to bring commercial air service to our community, the Chamber has remained steadfast in its support. We look forward to this new beginning for our community, the local economy, and the regional impact of restoring commercial flights to SLE.”

Travel Salem CEO Angie Villery said, “What started out as an endeavor led by a few key stakeholders five years ago has grown into a full-blown community-wide effort to restore commercial air service to Oregon’s capital and the state’s second largest city. The tourism and hospitality industry has backed this initiative from the very beginning along with leaders from the private sector; the support from Salem’s hoteliers, restauranteurs and business owners has been nothing short of amazing.”

Avelo was founded with a vision to help its customers save money and time. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 2.5 million Customers on over 20,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 45 destinations spanning 24 states. The airline has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition in air travel by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. At least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small hometown airport – making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable.

At Avelo, every flight is nonstop. This connection-free travel experience not only provides Avelo Customers with faster and simpler travel, but also minimizes delays, cancellations and lost bags. In fact, Avelo has established itself as one of America’s most reliable airlines. In the first five months of 2023, Avelo achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the second best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry.

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In addition to offering customers everyday low fares on every route, customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, the American-made Boeing 737 jets Avelo flies offer a more spacious and comfortable experience than the small regional aircraft currently operating at most of the airports Avelo serves.

Why Salem? Salem is Oregon’s second largest city and the state’s capital. It’s a diverse community with a small-town feel. Salem is in the midst of sustained, steady growth, investing in preservation of historic buildings, affordable housing, residential and commercial development, local businesses and industry.

Avelo airline operates a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, serving 45 popular destinations across the U.S., including its five bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region’s Wilmington Airport (ILG) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Avelo will open a sixth base at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in September. For more information and to make reservations, visit AveloAir.com.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-07-13 11:31:15

Last Update: 2023-07-13 17:42:14

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has established and appointed members to a new Federal Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations on modernizing landscape management across national forests within the Northwest Forest Plan area in Washington, Oregon and Northern California.

The committee will make recommendations focused on a climate-informed amendment of the Northwest Forest Plan to update management direction so that national forests are managed sustainably, adapted to climate change, and resilient to wildfire, insects, disease, and other disturbances, while meeting the needs of local communities.

“Establishing this committee is another way for us to embrace climate-smart science, ensure we hear from diverse voices and get a range of perspectives on how to best confront the wildfire crisis and climate change,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This committee will also be asked to help reshape ways we engage with communities and deepen our connections with tribes as we go through the Northwest Forest Plan amendment process.”

The committee’s recommendations will incorporate traditional ecological knowledge, the latest science, and climate resilience into its recommendations for the 17 national forests in the Northwest Forest Plan area. The committee will also advise how these planning efforts can complement the Wildfire Crisis Strategy and help the Forest Service take more proactive measures to reduce wildfire risk, restore fire resilience, and enable long-term ecological integrity for people, communities and natural resources.

Establishing this committee is in line with President Biden’s Executive Order 14072 and Secretary’s Vilsack’s Memorandum on Climate Resilience. The national forests in the Northwest Forest Plan area have significant ecologic values, including for water, wildlife, and carbon, and contain important old and mature forests. They are embedded in the people and communities of the area and are important for the social and economic sustainability of those communities. These lands are also culturally significant and the ancestral homelands for tribal nations. According to a recent inventory conducted by federal researchers as required by the Executive Order, the 17 national forests represented in the Northwest Forest Plan contain one quarter of the remaining old-growth forest on national forests and grasslands in the lower 48 states.

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The committee represents a diverse group from Tribes, local communities, environmental groups, industry, and academia across Northern California, Oregon and Washington.

Committee Members
Name	Title	Location	Committee Category
Jerry Franklin, PhD	Professor Emeritus, School of Environmental and Forest Science, University of Washington	Oregon	Science
James Johnston, PhD	Assistant Professor (Senior Research), College of Forestry, Oregon State University	Oregon	Science
Meg Krawchuk, PhD	Associate Professor of Landscape Fire, Ecology, and Conservation Science, College of Forestry, Oregon State University	Oregon	Science
Angela Sondenaa, PhD	Certified Senior Ecologist, Nez Perce Tribe	Idaho	Science
Elaine Harvey, PhD	Environmental Coordinator, Yakima Nation	Washington	Science
Ryan Haugo, PhD	Director of Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy	Oregon	Science
Heidi Huber-Stearns, PhD	Associate Research Professor and Director, Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon	Oregon	Science
Daniel Reid Sarna-Wojcicki, PhD	Postdoctoral Researcher, UC Berkeley	California	Science
Robert “Bobby” Brunoe	Secretary Treasurer/CEO, Confederate Tribes of Warm Springs	Oregon	Science
Jarred Patton	Deputy Director, California Conservation Corps	California	Organization
Lindsay Warness	Western Regional Manager, Forest Resource Association	Oregon	Organization
Travis Joseph	President/CEO, American Forest Resource Council	Oregon	Organization
Elizabeth Robblee	Conservation and Advocacy Director, The Mountaineers	Washington	Organization
Jose Linares	District Manager (Retired), Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District and Board Member, Straub Outdoors	Oregon	Organization
Susan Jane Brown, JD	Principal, Silvix Resources	Oregon	Organization
Mike Anderson	Senior Policy Analyst, The Wilderness Society	Washington	Organization
Nicholas Goulette	Executive Director, Watershed Research and Training Center	California	Organization
Ryan Reed	Co-founder and Executive Director, Fire Generation Collaborative and Wildland Firefighter	California	Public
Karen Hans	Good Neighbor Authority Program Coordinator, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife	Oregon	Government
Lauren Osiadacz	Kittitas County Commissioner	Washington	Government
Ann House, JD	Staff Attorney, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe Environmental and Natural Resources Department	Washington	Government

The Forest Service will be working with committee members to plan and conduct its first meeting later this year.

The Northwest Forest Plan was first implemented in 1994 and is a comprehensive plan for administering parts of federally managed lands in Oregon, Washington and California. The plan was designed to protect old-growth forests and critical habitat for the northern spotted owl, while also providing for forest products, water quality, recreation and other uses.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-12 11:06:17

Last Update: 2023-07-12 12:06:18