Salem-News.com Holiday articles Page 18

Mother and Daughter Die from Injuries Sustained in New Year`s Eve Crash

Police say the daughter was riding on her mother's lap in the back of the vehicle without seatbelts.

(ODELL, Ore.) - A mother and her 8-year old daughter both from West Linn died early Tuesday morning at Portland-area hospitals from injuries sustained in a Monday morning crash on Highway 35 south of Odell, police say. A third person remains in critical condition, and Oregon State Police are continuing the investigation.

48-year old Anita Kawecki and 6-year old Anna Kawecki were passengers in a car that lost control on an icy section of Highway 35 south of Odell and was involved in a collision with a Chevrolet Blazer.

Here`s to a Happy New Year for our Salem-News.com Visitors

2008 stands a chance of being a bright and shining year for Americans hungry for change, here are our "most commented" on stories from 2007 and thoughts about what it all means.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It has been an interesting and life changing year for many Oregonians. The loss of our soldiers in war, weather systems wreaking havoc in our communities, and an undeniable economic depression underscore the orchestra of an everyday harmony which has been notable quiet and all too often absent in 2007.

The Hoof N` Holler Bull Riding and Dance Rocks Albany on New Year`s Eve

The Event includes a Designated Driver Program and a Free Shuttle service to Comfort Suites and Phoenix Inn & Suites.

(ALBANY, Ore.) - The HOOF N` HOLLER, the Biggest New Year`s Eve Event of its kind in the Northwest is coming to the Linn County Fairgrounds New Year’s Eve. Complete with Pyrotechnics, Special Effects, Concert Sound and Lighting.

This year, Les Schwab Tire Centers is offering "The Bounty in Linn County", an added Cash Bounty that goes to the winning cowboy. Bull riding Champions from 5 states will put it all on the line to determine who’s number #1.

Canby Police Deliver Family Christmas Miracle

A Canby family's Yorkie named "Penny" went missing after her owner was involved in a three vehicle traffic collision December 20th.

(CANBY, Ore.) - Canby Police Officers located a mini Yorkie dog Sunday December 23rd that was missing from a traffic crash that occurred on the afternoon of Thursday December 20th.

The family spent exhaustive hours searching for their dog and for a while they wondered if they would ever see her again.

Preliminary Post-Christmas Holiday Statistics Show Fewer Fatalities Than Last Year

State Police and other agencies are Preparing for New Year's Holiday Period

(SALEM, Ore.) - Traffic fatalities were down during this year's Christmas holiday period on Oregon highways. Oregon State Police, county sheriff departments, city police agencies and ODOT are preparing for the upcoming extended New Year's holiday weekend.

Preliminary information indicates between 6:00 PM, Friday, December 21st, and 11:59 PM, Tuesday, December 25th, two people were killed in two separate fatal traffic crashes over the 102-hour holiday period.

Is there Magic in Oregon`s Christmas Snow?

Christmas snow fell across much of Western Oregon and for some, it is a sign of better things to come.

(SALEM, Ore.) - What were the odds that the ground would be blanketed with snowflakes on Christmas day? Many Willamette Valley children awoke to see it floating down from the winter sky just in time to open their presents yesterday, what a special treat! Of all things that underscore the holiday tradition, snow certainly makes a winter holiday brighter.

You see, many people believe that a snowy Christmas morning is a good sign for the future, an indicator of better things to come. Some say it is "magic snow" and if there is magic, then it surely would be good for this troubled world we live in.

Salem Riverfront Carousel Hosts Family Holiday Traditions (VIDEO)

The Carousel is OPEN Christmas Day and New Years Day: free rides with a canned food donation.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Traditions come in many forms, and this one goes around and around. The Salem Riverfront Carousel began hosting Santa and his reindeer 4 years ago, and it's a regular stop for him now. Arriving on the Santa Express every year the day after Thanksgiving, Santa then makes himself at home through Christmas Eve, greeting children and even taking a few rides around the carousel himself.

Kids and their families are invited to join Santa for breakfast up until Christmas, and they can even watch as the woodcarvers create more magical carousel horses.

Gift Cards Help The Salvation Army Address Critical Needs this Holiday Season

$200,000 from Wal-Mart to be distributed among eight U.S. communities with great need this Christmas.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Wal-Mart will lend a hand to The Salvation Army with one more holiday gift this season. Local Salvation Army corps in eight U.S. cities each received $25,000, for a total of $200,000, which will be presented by a local Wal-Mart store in each community.

The stores presented each corps with 500 gift cards, which The Salvation Army will then distribute to families and individuals in each area whose needs are especially critical.

Anonymous Angel Will Help a Family at Christmas

Send us an email telling us how someone you know could use $250 for Christmas. Deadline is 12-23-07.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Do you know somebody who doesn't have Christmas handled? If you think $250 would help them, then write to us and tell us why. The money will be provided to one family through the generous heart of the Anonymous Angel, a "Secret Santa' who desires to share her good fortune with others.

Many families are hard pressed to make ends meet, particularly at this time of year. We need you to write to us and tell us about that family in need that you know. We will select one family and a $250 money order will be sent to them.

`Shop With a Cop` in Salem Helps 415 Local Kids

Law Enforcement for Youth says they are pleased to announced that their 2007 Shop with a Cop program was a resounding success.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Shop with Cop program partners disadvantaged children with a law enforcement officer to shop for a holiday gift. The kids are selected through several agencies including the housing authorities of Marion County and Salem, Salem/Keizer Schools, crisis centers and others,