Archive for the Oregon Press Releases Category 
Smith Wants Canada to End Lumber Give Away
Friday, February 17th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) today called for Canada and the United States to resolve its differences regarding lumber systems and to create a shared market that abides by similar rules.
“We can continue along the path of a patchwork of tariffs and quotas, or we can seek to resolve the differences in our lumber systems,” Smith said. “We can continue to act as two countries with two markets, or we can proceed as one continent with a shared market that abides by the same market rules.”
Smith, chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Trade, Tourism and Economic Development held a hearing to examine the economic impact of the Canadian softwood lumber dispute on American industries. Smith noted the dramatic impact the Canadian advantage has had on Oregon’s forest products industry.
Smith urged for the swift resumption of negotiations and warned that extended litigation would only risks jobs in the forest products industry.
Smith added, “If litigation is pursued at the expense of mutual settlement, however, I fear both countries and both economies will suffer. Mills on both sides of the border will continue to close and other nations, beyond this continent, will gladly fill the gap.”
The committee heard from Steve Swanson, the chairman of the Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports and the president of the Oregon-based Swanson Group, a forest products company. Also testifying was Bill Kluting, the legislative representative of the Western Council of Industrial Workers/United Brotherhood of Carpenters of America which represents workers in western states working in the forest product industry.
Smith noted, “Oregon mills can compete against anyone’s mills. They just can’t compete against the Canadian government.”
Medford man arrested on sex abuse charges
Friday, February 17th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
Oregon State Police detectives arrested a Medford man on Monday afternoon following a three-week investigation in allegations of sexual abuse.
Randall Ray Chadwick, 36, from Medford, was lodged in the Jackson Jail for Sex Abuse in the Second Degree (1 count), Sex Abuse in the Third Degree (2 counts), Sodomy in the Third Degree (1 count), Rape in the Third Degree (1 count), and Prostitution (1 count).
On January 23, 2006, Oregon State Police were contacted by Department of Human Services regarding information that a 15-year old female reported to a school nurse that she had been sexually abused a known person. OSP Detective Beck, assisted by Detective Phillips, conducted an investigation that led to CHADWICK’s arrest.
Smith Maintains Opposition to Higher Electricity Rates
Thursday, February 16th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) and a bipartisan group of Northwest Senators today warned U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman that the administration’s budget proposal regarding Bonneville Power Administration risks raising electricity rates in the Pacific Northwest and does not consider river operations for fish.
“There is a lot of history behind the Bonneville Power Administration,” Smith said. “It has a tremendous economic impact on the Pacific Northwest. The hydro-electric power system is an incredible asset, but it is an asset ratepayers are still paying for. These are the same ratepayers who have watched electricity costs go up 46% because of the 2001 electricity crisis. Stripping the BPA of its revenue is a bad precedent that does not consider the impact on ratepayers, river operations for fish, and BPA’s ability to meet scheduled Treasury payments. It’s best to just keep hands off BPA.”
Smith remains adamant that the U.S. Department of Energy does not have the ability to use administrative procedures to mandate a portion of BPA’s secondary revenues be used to prepay debt. During the meeting Smith pointed to the Transmission System Act of 1974 which calls for the BPA Administrator to set rates at the lowest possible level.
Attending the meeting along with Smith were Northwest Senators Ron Wyden, (D-OR), Larry Craig, (R-ID), Conrad Burns, (R-MT), and Maria Cantwell, (D-WA). The purpose of the meeting was to inform the Energy Secretary about BPA’s important historical and economic role in the Pacific Northwest. Senators also wanted to discuss alternatives to stripping BPA of its revenues. Smith noted the Energy Secretary was “very attentive” and “listened to their side of the story.”
Earlier this month, Smith questioned the Energy Secretary at a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee warning him of the economic impact electricity rate changes could have on Oregon. Smith said, “Energy is at the heart of any economy. Someone doesn’t produce power, others don’t have jobs. It is just that simple.” In addition to today’s meeting and the recent committee hearing, Smith has joined a bi-partisan coalition of Northwest legislators in writing to Office of Management and Budget Director Joshua Bolten opposing the administration’s proposed changes to the financial structure of BPA. The letter is available online at: http://gsmith.senate.gov/bolten020806.pdf
In the coming weeks, Smith will press the Senate Budget Committee to not include the administration’s proposal in Congress’s FY 2007 Budget Resolution. The Budget Resolution will guide Congress as it decides how to fund the government.
Governor advances program to reduce diesel pollution
Thursday, February 16th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
One of Governor Ted Kulongoski’s highest priorities, clean air, received a boost in Aurora Thursday, as the Energy and Engine Technology Corporation introduced its “auxiliary power unit” (APU), which enables diesel-powered semi-trucks to power their onboard systems without idling, reaping huge savings for trucking operators and substantially reducing air pollution.
“It’s a great day for everyone who cares about the environment and the creation of new jobs,” Governor Kulongoski told a crowd of industry representatives, government officials, and truckers at the Aurora ceremony. “It’s an equally great day for those who strive to make industry cleaner, more efficient and more profitable. The future looks bright for making air cleaner in Oregon. And the future looks bright for the companies and industries that bring clean-air technology to our state.”
In accordance with the Governor’s policy of targeting investments to reduce diesel pollution while promoting clean economic growth and the creation of new family-wage jobs, the Oregon Department of Energy provided a “state energy loan” of $860,000 to the Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority to pay for installation of APUs in more than 100 trucks. The Authority also took advantage of a tax credit of $360,000 to offset project costs. The Oregon Department of Energy will provide an additional state energy loan of $2.5 million to install another 250 APUs.
“We are thrilled that Governor Kulongoski has taken such a strong stance on clean air and the reduction of emissions on the I-5 corridor,” said Will McAndrew, the CEO of the Energy and Engine Technology Corporation. “He is exemplifying Oregon’s reputation as a leader on green issues, and we are happy to play a part by marketing a product that has the ability to markedly reduce emissions from the thousands of long-haul trucks traveling the corridor on a regular basis.”
The APU provides a secondary source of electricity to the cabs of big trucks. Without an APU, the only way to run systems in the cabin-such as climate control, lighting and sound systems-is idling. Unfortunately, idling diesels emit huge amounts of toxic pollutants and impose high fuel costs on trucking operators.
Within the coming month, the Energy and Engine Technology Corporation will open an installation center in Portland, the Governor explained. The company will conclude three agreements with dealers this week, with each dealer committing to buy between three and 500 units a year. The installation and sales will generate 30 new jobs in the first year alone, and that number will grow. “The potential market in Oregon is vast-and we’re committed to serving that market,” the Governor added. “We’re committed to making a clean air technology a major industrial sector in Oregon.”
The Governor and the state of Oregon have led the way to reducing diesel pollution since 2004, when Oregon joined the West Coast Collaborative, an ambitious partnership among leaders from federal, state, and local government, the private sector, and environmental groups in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. The goal of the collaborative is to reduce pollution from diesels on the West Coast.
The Governor explained that initial investment will save an estimated 216,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year, and $500,000 a year at current fuel prices. Ultimately, the follow-up investments will save nearly 600,000 gallons of diesel annually, and nearly $1.5 million at current prices.
The Governor said this day was an especially great for him personally.
“Among the things I care most passionately about are jobs, clean air and reduction of greenhouse gases,” the Governor said. “Today, we’re celebrating a major step in the cause to make Oregon’s air cleaner. We’re reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. And we’re bolstering clean new industries like the Energy and Engine Technology Corporation, that create clean, family-wage jobs. Just as important, these new industries help strengthen other businesses by supplying technology they can use to save serious money.”
Public Input Shapes High School Schedule Proposal
Thursday, February 16th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
The concerns of parents, students and staff about a proposed change to high school schedules is carrying weight with school leaders, said Doug Nelson, superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools. “We take community input seriously when making decisions that will impact students and families, and we’ve learned a lot about community priorities through our discussions,” he said. “Given what we’ve heard, implementing changes to the high school schedule for 2006-07 is highly unlikely.”
Each high school held meetings to discuss elements of a proposal that would have significantly reduced class size by dividing the high school day into five class block instead of the current four. While parents supported efforts to have fewer students in classes, they expressed concerns about shorter class periods, alternative schedules for upperclassmen and underclassmen, and a reduction in tutorial time where teachers can meet one-on-one with students.
“Reducing class size has been one of our top priorities, but we’ve also worked hard to have students spending more time in school,” Nelson said. “By discussing an actual proposal, with all its positives and negatives, we’ve gained a much clearer picture of what parents, students, teachers and our public see as important.”
While a public process takes time, its been well worth it, Nelson said. “We were testing the proposal and we received many, and varied, opinions.”
United Way officers appointed to Board
Wednesday, February 15th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
United Way of Deschutes County, a non-profit community catalyst since 1953, has announced the appointment of Officers to the volunteer Board of Directors. The Board plays an instrumental role in identifying essential community programs, ensuring the efficient use of donor dollars and establishing policies and objectives.
Officers of the Board will serve a one year term: President: Pamela Hulse Andrews, Cascade Publications, 1st Vice President: Terri Rahmsdorff, Bend Community Volunteer, 2nd Vice President: Gary Smith, Mental Health Consultant, and Treasurer: Rick Bailey, Avion Water.
President Hulse Andrews appointed the following board members to chair standing committees: Communications: Kasandra Reams, Bend Memorial Clinic, Community Impact: Terri Rahmsdorff, Bend Community Volunteer, Fiscal & Operations: Rick Bailey, Avion Water, Nominations: Jerry Bass, Redmond Community Volunteer, and Resource Development: Gary Smith, Mental Health Consultant. Mike McKnight, River West Builders will chair the Planned Giving Committee.
For over 50 years, United Way of Deschutes County has helped enrich community life by addressing local priorities. Volunteers and donors research the needs of the community and develop strategies for assisting people who need it most. The 2005-2006 United Way of Deschutes County Annual Campaign has achieved its $1,300,000 human service fund raising goal. Thanks to the many volunteers who help raise funds by reaching out to the community through presentations for the workplace, small businesses and individuals.
Donations are accepted year-round by contacting the United Way office or online at www.deschutesunitedway.org.
National gas prices fall, Oregon holds steady
Wednesday, February 15th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline fell by slightly more than a nickel, while in Oregon, it went down by less than a penny this week. The declining prices come at time when crude oil continues to trade in the low-to-mid-$60 per barrel range.
“Until this week, winter has been quite moderate across the country, so the demand for heating fuel has not driven up fuel prices, and, as usual, demand for gasoline during the winter has leveled. This combination of factors enables fuel inventories to build, holding pump prices down despite the high price of crude oil,” said AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Elliott Eki. “As we move closer to the heavy summer travel season, however, the demand for fuel will increase, putting upward price pressure on available supplies.”
In addition to global events influencing oil prices, refineries shutting down to conduct routine maintenance, the conversion to cleaner burning summer gasoline blends and requirements to reduce sulfur content in diesel fuel are significant pricing factors. Now is the time for consumers to monitor discretionary driving and adjust routines so they’ll be prepared for summer spikes in fuel prices that analysts are forecasting.
At $2.21, Oregon’s average gasoline price ranks 18th lowest in the nation. Hawaii has the highest average price at $2.86. California’s average price is $2.56; Nevada’s dropped to $2.49; Washington’s fell to $2.30; and Idaho’s held steady at $2.28. Minnesota, Ohio and Oklahoma have the lowest average price at $2.14. The national average diesel price is down to $2.57 per gallon. In Washington, the diesel average dropped to $2.64. In California, it backed off 4-cents per gallon to $2.85; in Nevada, it fell to $2.70; in Idaho, it went up to $2.63, and in Oregon, it fell 3-cents to $2.55.
New Director of Adventures at Pronghorn
Tuesday, February 14th, 2006Bend Bugle News Reports
Pronghorn, the premier private golf community in the Pacific Northwest, announced today that Josh Walker has been appointed director of Pronghorn Adventures, the onsite outdoor outfitter for Pronghorn.
In his new role, Walker will lead and develop Pronghorn Adventures programs which serve to introduce Pronghorn members, guests and prospective buyers to all that Central Oregon has to offer through interactive activities and on- and off-site excursions. Located on 640 acres outside Bend, Oregon, and surrounded by 20,000 acres of protected federal land, Pronghorn is the first community in the West to offer a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and Tom Fazio Championship Golf Course side-by-side.
“Pronghorn prides itself on being a second home community that promotes enthusiasm for the outdoors, offering members year-round adventures with organized and customized experiences in the surrounding area of Bend,” said Thomas Hix, managing partner for Pronghorn Investors, the developer of Pronghorn. “Josh brings a wealth of outdoor knowledge and will be instrumental in creating memorable adventures for Pronghorn members.”
As director of Pronghorn Adventures, Walker’s responsibilities will include serving as the main outdoor activity concierge for Pronghorn Adventures, developing family-friendly, organized tours throughout the Bend area and designing customized excursions for individual members. Additionally, he will lead all activities for the full-service outfitter.
“I am honored to be doing the work that I love in a community that places such a high value on celebrating and engaging in its natural resources,” said Walker. “Pronghorn and Bend provide a natural backdrop for almost any outdoor activity you can imagine and I’m ready to challenge our members and guests with unique adventures they might not otherwise have the opportunity to partake in.”
Walker spent the past eight years as a Survival, Resistance, Evasion, Escape (SERE) instructor for the U.S. Military. He has taught basic survival skills in global environment conditions and trained the Danish Royal Air Force in Artic Survival on the Greenland ice cap. As an outdoor activity expert, Walker enjoys hunting, backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, rafting, kayaking, skydiving and skiing. He is married and has two children.
