Salem-News.com Benton County articles Page 3

Benton County Receives Homeland Security Grant

"By expanding our network, we will fill radio communications gaps between Eugene and Salem and provide coverage along Highways 20 and 34 to the coast." Benton County Sheriff Jim Swinyard said.

(CORVALLIS) - The Benton County Board of Commissioners have voted to accept a $390,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to expand the county's emergency radio and microwave communication system.

Police in Linn And Benton Counties to Participate in Two Shop With Events

Each child has a $25.00 shopping limit and works their way around the store with a police officer to find gifts for family and friends.

(ALBANY ) - For the 12th year, Corvallis and Albany-area police officers will shop together with local disadvantaged and foster children for Christmas gifts as part of a local program called "Shop With a Cop".

Last year, 153 children shopped with state, county, and city police officers in the two very successful events while purchasing videos, clothing, toys and other special gifts.

The event is sponsored mainly through donations from police officer associations, private individuals, and K-Mart, Target, and Wal-Mart.

Benton County Begins Habitat Conservation Plan For Rare And Endangered Species

The plan will give the county and private landowners flexibility to meet the legal requirements of the Endangered Species Act.

(CORVALLIS) - Benton County is developing a multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan for seven rare and endangered species that occur in local prairies.

The rare, threatened and endangered species include: two butterflies - Fender’s blue and Taylor’s checkerspot; one bird – Streaked Horned Lark; and four plants - Kincaid’s lupine, Nelson’s checkermallow, Willamette daisy, and Bradshaw’s lomatium.

These species are native to the Northwest, and many of them occur only in the Willamette Valley.

Dead Bird Found in Benton County Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

In Oregon, the first reported case of WNV was in 2004. This year, DHS has reported 62 human cases of WNV.

(CORVALLIS) - Benton County public health officials announced Tuesday that Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed a dead bird has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

The bird, a Western-Scrub Jay, was found in North Corvallis. According to Benton County Environmental Director Bill Emminger, "Both this year and last year, bird populations in Benton County did not test positive...

Burn Ban in Polk, Linn, Benton, And Lincoln Counties Extended

This fire season to date, 779 human-caused wildfires have occurred on the 16 million acres of forestland protected by the Department of Forestry, well above the 10-year average of 632 fires.

(SALEM) - Continued dry forest conditions and warm weather prompted the Oregon Department of Forestry and local fire districts to extend the current prohibition on open burning in Linn, Benton, Polk and Lincoln counties.

Benton County Commissioners Proclaim September as Alcohol And Drug Addiction Recovery Month

The proclamation is an effort to reduce drug use, support recovering substance abusers and reduce the risk of teen drug use in Benton County.

(CORVALLIS) - The Benton County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed the month of September 2006 as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in Benton County and September 25th as Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children in Benton County.

According to Jay Dixon, chair of the Benton County Board of Commissioners, the county believes it’s vital to educate the community about the impact of substance use disorders on children and families.

Marine Deputies -The Real Deal in Action

Two-week training course teaches boat handling, safety and survival. Coast Guard recruits -Columbia River Indian Fisheries Enforcement (CRIFE)

(SALEM) - Marine law enforcement officers from 17 counties will converge on Camp Rilea, near Astoria, for an intensive two-week training course beginning May 11th.

Benton County Health Officials Advise Precautionary Steps For Suspected Norovirus Outbreak

(CORVALLIS) - An outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting, suspected to be caused by Norovirus, was reported to the Benton County Health Department on Friday.

As of Monday morning, 13 cases were identified. Cases identified so far are connected with North Albany Community Church.

Samples were sent to the Oregon Public Health Laboratory on Monday, and results are expected by Thursday.

All people directly linked to the outbreak have been identified and contacted.

Survey: Voters in Benton County Are Positive About Present, Future

Voters were positive about the performance of the Benton County Commissioners and give Benton County high ratings for its efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

(CORVALLIS) - A survey of Benton County voters has found that the most important priorities for local government should be: affordable health care, illegal drugs, child and domestic abuse, jobs and the economy, and law enforcement and public safety.

Two potential levy measures to fund Benton County government received majority voter support. An "affordable health care and law enforcement" levy is supported 58-32% and a "drug and alcohol" levy is supported 61-30%. Generally speaking, funding proposals that reach 60% support in initial polling are considered viable.

The most popular potential components of a levy include:

The levy includes funding for a program for youth age 15 and under who are at risk of becoming serious and chronic delinquents...