State unemployment rate is lowest in past five years

Washington, D.C. -Today while attending the National Governor’s Association conference in the nation’s capitol, Governor Ted Kulongoski cited Oregon’s steady growth in employment over the past year as proof that his aggressive efforts to create jobs and stimulate the economy are delivering results.

“Oregon has turned the corner, and our economy is growing more than twice as fast as the national economy,” Governor Kulongoski said. “That means we’re doing something right. Over the past three years, Oregon’s economy has generated more than 100,000 new jobs, and these new jobs benefit everyone. When we lower unemployment, we reduce the demand for social services and stimulate the local economies in communities throughout Oregon – creating opportunity for Oregonians to pursue their dreams.”

According to today’s report by the Oregon Employment Department, the number of jobs in Oregon has grown by an average of 50,400 jobs a year in 2004 and 2005. In January of this year alone, the report showed that non-farm payroll rose by 2,900 jobs, continuing a rapid growth rate over the past two years. Manufacturing and trade posted better numbers than usual for this time of year. Overall, the state unemployment rate is the lowest in the past five years.

“I’ve often said that the best social program is a family-wage job,” the Governor said. “Personal problems and family crises are more manageable when someone in the family has a good job. Jobs give families hope.”

The Governor said that Oregon’s public works programs have contributed to job growth, especially the $2.5-billion bonding program to upgrade roads and bridges, which the Governor shepherded through the legislature in 2003. Another contributor to more new jobs is the “Connect Oregon” program, which has begun upgrades to rail facilities, airports, ports and mass transit.

“By improving our roads, bridges and other transportation assets, we do more than make them safer for Oregonians and their families,” the Governor said. “We enable businesses to move their goods and services more efficiently and more profitably, which means a stronger bottom line for Oregon companies.”

Since taking office he Governor has also aggressively recruited new companies to relocate in Oregon, with notable results. Amy’s Kitchen, the organic frozen food process, relocated to Medford, bringing 200 new jobs to that community. Lowe’s, the home-improvement giant, opened a distribution center in Lebanon, while Google, Yahoo, Royal Caribbean and Wachovia all opened new facilities in Oregon.

The Governor has been equally aggressive in promoting Oregon as a center for high-tech research, development and manufacturing.

“All these efforts contribute to Oregon’s overall prosperity,” the Governor said. “We may be talking about nanotechnology development, high-definition TV, or new warehouses for manufacturers. All these new create new opportunities for our children. All create jobs that enable people to buy food, clothing, fuel, houses and countless other products. Creating new jobs makes the future bright.”

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Des Chutes Historical Society Hires New Museum Manager

The Deschutes Historical Society has hired a new manager, Kelly Cannon-Miller, who will be responsible for managing the daily activities of the museum. Cannon-Miller will begin her job on Wednesday, March 1.

Cannon-Miller has Bachelors and Masters degrees in History from Portland State University. She has significant museum programming and artifact collections experience from Bend’s High Desert Museum. Cannon-Miller has also taught Introduction to Museum Studies, an upper level anthropology course, at the University of Oregon.

“I’m very excited to join the Deschutes County Historical Society. Following Bend’s centennial celebrations, I look forward to keeping the Society an active partner in preserving and promoting the history of Central Oregon. The Historical Society and Center is a tremendous resource to Central Oregonians, longtime residents and newcomers alike,” Cannon-Miller said.

An experienced public historian, Cannon-Miller’s background in the museum profession began in artifact collections care and has grown to include exhibit and event planning and management; long-range interpretive planning; grant writing and fundraising; educational programming; and donor relationship building.

“The Deschutes County Historical Society is very pleased to hire such an impressive candidate for the manager position. Imperative to the significant growth of the region, we are confident that Kelly will be effective in taking the Historical Center to its next level of excellence,” said Jon Sholes, President of the Historical Society.

Cannon-Miller will work especially towards building Museum memberships and increase the Museum’s volunteer base. She will help the Society apply for grants, and will create new fundraising opportunities and events.

The Deschutes Historical Society was incorporated on August 4, 1975. By November of that year, 144 members were ready to carry out the established purpose of the organization-“To gather, preserve, and make available museum, library and other historical material relating to the history of Central Oregon.”

The Des Chutes Historical Center, 129 NW Idaho Ave in Bend, is open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00am to 4:30pm. For more information about Historical Center donations, volunteering, memberships, or for Museum tours, please call 389-1813.

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Governor calls on President to reverse health care cuts for Oregonians

Washington, D.C. – While attending the National Governor’s Association conference in Washington, D.C., Monday, Governor Ted Kulongoski delivered a letter to President Bush asking for a renewed federal-state partnership when it comes to providing services for Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens.

“When I signed a balanced biennial budget for Oregon in August of 2005, it was with the understanding that the long-standing partnership between the federal government and our state to deliver human services would continue,” the Governor said in his letter. “However, over the last six months, we have seen a dramatic erosion of federal support at a time when our human services needs are increasing.”

The Governor’s letter detailed the impacts that the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA), which passed earlier this year, and the President’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2007 will have on Oregon’s ability to maintain the current level of essential services – particularly children and older Oregonians. The Governor cited three specific areas of concern:

Federal Match Rate: The reduction of the federal Medicaid match rate impacts the current biennium by threatening the loss of approximately $24 million dollars to help Oregon’s seniors and people with disabilities.
Targeted Managed Care: The Deficit Reduction Act and the President’s proposed budget for FY 2007 would result in millions of lost dollars to Oregon targeted to help keep families together and move kids out of the welfare system into a stable, loving home.
Elder Care & Medicaid: The proposed budget for FY 2007 cuts the provide tax rates from 6 percent to 3 percent – which in Oregon means more than $45 million/year will be cut from nursing homes and Medicaid, hurting the most vulnerable Oregonians.

“The combination of cuts passed and those proposed will create new barriers to existing challenges in providing health care for our children, seniors, working families, and people with disabilities,” the Governor continued.

“As a former governor, I am sure you can appreciate the values states place in a strong federal state partnership, particularly as it relates to human services. I need a commitment from you that the federal government will be a reliable partner that helps states meet the needs of the citizens it serves,” the Governor added.

Tomorrow the Governor is meeting with the Oregon Congressional Delegation to share these concerns in addition to changes to the Food Stamp Program that will challenge Oregon’s ability to continue the progress of reducing the hunger rate from first to 19th in the nation over the last three years.

For the text of the letter, go to: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/pdf/letters/potus_dhs.pdf

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Horizon Air Announces New Nonstop Service from Redmond/Bend to Los Angeles

Horizon Air recently announced it will offer new nonstop service from Redmond/Bend to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) twice daily starting Aug. 1. The announcement was made before a large gathering of civic and business leaders attending Economic Development for Central Oregon’s Annual Luncheon in Bend.

“Our nonstop service to L.A. will make it faster and easier for Central Oregonians to fly to Southern California for business or pleasure,” said Dan Russo, Horizon’s director of marketing and communications, at the luncheon. “Business ties between the two regions will strengthen, and more people will come up to Central Oregon to explore and enjoy the area’s vast recreational and leisure activities.”

The flights will be available for purchase starting Sunday, Feb. 26. The schedule is timed for convenient same-day travel to Los Angeles as well as for easy connections to a variety of Mexico resort destinations served from Los Angeles by Horizon’s sister company, Alaska Airlines. One of the southbound Redmond-Los Angeles nonstops will originate in Eugene and one of the northbound Los Angeles-Redmond nonstops will terminate in Eugene, giving Central Oregon new intrastate service between the two cities as well.

To kick off the new service, Horizon is offering a limited special introductory fare of $99 one way on Horizon’s nonstop flights between Redmond/Bend and LAX taken between Aug. 1 and Nov. 17, 2006. Tickets for these new flights will be available for sale starting Sunday, Feb. 26. The lowest fares on Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines are available at www.horizonair.com or by calling 1-800-547-9308.

The flight time will be only 2 hours and 35 minutes on Horizon’s 74-seat Q400s, which have a top cruising speed of 400 mph. Horizon’s complimentary inflight service features a variety of snacks and beverages, including Starbucks coffee and Northwest wines and microbrews.

Families and sun seekers looking for a vacation getaway can take advantage of a wide selection of value-packed Southern California and Mexico vacation packages – with airfare, choice of hotels, airport transfers and optional tours or rental car all included in one affordable package. They are available online at www.horizonair.com.

Russo said the key factors behind Horizon’s decision to initiate the new service were the airline’s own analysis of the prospects for the new route’s success, coupled with the pledge of significant support from the community. He specifically citied marketing support from Roberts Field/Redmond Municipal Airport, the Central Oregon Visitors Association (COVA), Economic Development for Central Oregon and Sunriver Resort marketing.

“Nonstop air service from Southern California to Central Oregon is a critical step in accommodating visitors from our No. 1 target market,” said Alana Audette, president and CEO of the Central Oregon Visitors Association (COVA). “Horizon Air is a proven and valued partner with our regional tourism efforts, and we are delighted to market and promote this new service with them.”

“The city of Redmond is very excited about Horizon Air’s announcement of nonstop service to Los Angeles,” said Carrie Novick, Roberts Field/Redmond Municipal Airport manager. “Horizon is known throughout the airport and airline industry for excellent customer service and an ability to make schedule changes as opportunities present themselves. This is another indicator of how Central Oregon is changing and how Horizon is working with us through those changes.”

Horizon Air Redmond/Bend-Los Angeles flight schedule starting Aug. 1, 2006:

Depart Redmond/Bend
Arrive Los Angeles
Frequency

6:00 a.m.
8:35 a.m.
Daily

6:00 p.m.
8:35 p.m.
Daily

Arrive Eugene

12:15 p.m.
12:50 p.m.
Daily

Depart Eugene
Arrive Redmond/Bend

4:55 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
Daily

Depart Los Angeles

9:15 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
Daily

9:15 p.m.
11:45 p.m.
Daily

Horizon Air has served Central Oregon since 1982. Horizon operates the most nonstop flights from Redmond/Bend to Portland and the only nonstop service from Redmond/Bend to Seattle.

Founded in 1981 and celebrating its 25th anniversary on Sept. 1, 2006, Horizon today serves 46 cities throughout California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and British Columbia and Alberta. In 2005, Horizon flew 6.5 million passengers, a portion of these on flights operated as Frontier JetExpress under contract to Denver-based Frontier Airlines. Together, Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines serve more than 80 cities and are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK).

For more news, information and downloadable fleet photos, visit the Horizon Air Newsroom on the Web at http://newsroom.horizonair.com.

*INTRODUCTORY FARE RULES: Valid between: Redmond/Bend and Los Angeles (LAX) on nonstop flights only, for travel Aug. 1-Nov. 17, 2006. Advance Purchase: 14 days. Purchase by: Nov. 1, 2006. Complete Travel by: Nov. 17, 2006. Blackout Dates: None. Day & Time Availability: Daily. Combinable with other fares: Yes. Not Included In the Fare Shown (each way): Airport passenger facility charge of $4.50, federal segment tax of $3.30, and Sept. 11 security fee of $2.50. Other Important Information: Tickets are nonrefundable but can be changed for only a $50 fee and any applicable changes in fare. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or all days. Fare subject to change without notice and other restrictions may apply.

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RHS Theatre Class to Perform, ‘Bang, Bang, You’re Dead’

The Redmond High School Advanced Theatre class will be presenting to all fifth period classes their performance of Bang, Bang, You’re Dead, on February 27 and February 28, at 1:25 p.m.

The 40-minute drama, written by award-winning playwright William Mastrosimone, is an antiviolence play that uses elements of the shooting at Thurston High School and addresses the issue of violence among students.

Since 1999, over 15,000 teen performances of the play have been produced in schools and community settings nationwide. It offers an unflinching look at youth violence and the problems of achieving social and emotional health in schools today.

For more information, please contact Drama Teacher Anna Fale or Principal John Bullock at 923-4800 or visit website http://www.bangbangyouredead.com/.

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Single vehicle crash leads to DUII

On February 25, shortly after 3:30 am, Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle rollover crash on South Century Drive, approximately one mile west of the Deschutes River.

The caller reported that a single occupant appeared to be unconscious. While the Deputies and medics with the La Pine Fire Department were responding, the caller advised the subject had regained consciousness and had exited the vehicle under his own power.

Medics arrived and checked the driver, identified as being Glen W. Callender, 49, for injuries. Callender had sustained a minor injury and after being examined, refused additional treatment.

Deputies arrived on scene and began investigating the circumstances of the crash. Callender was traveling westbound on South Century Drive when he left the roadway, veering onto the north shoulder and striking a snow bank. This caused Callender’s vehicle to roll, coming to rest on its top approximately 100 feet after leaving the roadway.

Callender was subsequently arrested for Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (alcohol). Callender was transported and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail for DUII.

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Bend man arrested for allegedly stabbing acquaintance

A Bend man was arrested for allegedly stabbing another Bend resident in the back at a home on Bend’s west side.

Shortly before 11 p.m. Bend Police responded to a dispute at a home on NW Albany regarding a stabbing. According to police, Hollister Starr was stabbed in the back multiple times by Thomas Cheney.

Starr was transported to St. Charles by Bend Ambulance. He underwent emergency surgery to treat his wounds. Starr remains a patient at St. Charles.

Cheney was arrested for Assault Two and lodged at the Deschutes County Jail.

Bend Police that Thomas and Cheney knew each other.

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UNICOM sponsors trivia bee

UNICOM is the proud title sponsor of the first-ever Trivia Bee, supporting the Bend-LaPine School District, to be held this Saturday evening, February 25th at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Bend. The Trivia Bee is a first-time event, developed from the Education Foundation’s Spelling Bee, of which UNICOM was the title sponsor for the past two years. “UNICOM is dedicated to every community it serves,” said Larry Sirhall, Director of Strategic Support & Development at UNICOM, “and is particularly proud of its third year of supporting this growing event, helping local educators.”

A total of 48 teams will intellectually square off, participating in this fundraiser hosted by the Education Foundation, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enriching and enhancing the local public schools. The teams will start off by participating in qualifying rounds and the finalist will advance to the championship round. Tough questions will be answered in the categories of history, arts & entertainment, sports, science & nature, current events and (of course) local history and facts.

The fun won’t end there! The evening will include an auction, giving ticket holders the opportunity to fund needed materials and projects requested by principals, teachers and students. Former auction items have included musical instruments for middle school students, calculators, anatomy and forensic science textbooks, science lab equipment and library books.

Hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar will be available. Doors open at 6 pm with the Trivia Bee set to begin at 7 pm. Tickets are available to the general public who are interested in observing the fun for $20/each. Visit www.educationfoundation.us for additional event details.

UNICOM provides local and long distance telecommunication services, high-speed Internet, business telephone systems and integrated voice and data networks to more than 18,000 business and residential customers in Oregon and Washington. The 21-year old company is headquartered in Bend with nearly 100 employees in nine offices. For more information, call 1-800-342-4708, email PR@uci.net, or find them on the web at www.uci.net.

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