June 2012

Sen. Wyden To Meet In Medford On Violence Against Women Act

By Jim McCoy Fri 29th June News domestic violence Sen. Ron Wyden

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden will be making a stop in Medford Tuesday, July 3rd, to meet with local elected officials and advocates for a roundtable discussion on the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act. Enacted in 1994, the act is credited with helping women escape domestic violence. Its renewal is currently stalled in Congress, Wyden's office says.Read More »

Bill Extending County Timber Payments Passes House

By Jim McCoy Fri 29th June News federal timber payments Greg Walden Rep

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a one year extension of county payments that he helped secure in the transportation agreement. Oregon 2nd District Representative Greg Walden applauded the vote.Read More »

Net Income Falls For Nike In 4th Quarter

By Jim McCoy Fri 29th June News Business news Nike

Portland-based Nike says its 4th quarter net income fell 8 percent as restructuring charges and higher raw material costs offset price increases that helped boost its revenue. In a rare circumstance for the world's largest athletic shoe and clothing company, the results missed expectations, and Nike shares sank almost 10 percent after hours.

Geothermal Plant Near Vale Begins Operation Next Week

By Jim McCoy Fri 29th June News energy geothermal

The operator of Oregon's first geothermal plant near Vale says it will start generating electricity this summer. In an update Wednesday to Malheur County officials, U.S. Geothermal environmental manager Scott Nichols said the first of three power plant units will start on July 6. The second will follow later in July and the third by the end of the summer.
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Oregon Out In Front On Health Care Reforms

By Jim McCoy Thu 28th June News Gov. John Kitzhaber health care

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold much of the federal health care overhaul will require many states to scramble to get ready because they hoped it would be overturned and dragged their feet. Oregon won't be one of them.
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Work On I-5 North Near Medford May Cause Delays

By Jim McCoy Thu 28th June News ODOT road construction

ODOT spokesman Gary Leaming says work on Interstate 5 north between exits 19 and 27 should be wrapping up tomorrow at around 2:30 p.m. Workers are repairing damaged concrete on travel lanes and shoulders.Read More »

Timber Counties Won't Rush To Re-Hire Deputies

By Jim McCoy Thu 28th June News federal timber payments

News that federal payments to timber counties are being revived for one more year has not put rural counties in Oregon in any mood to rehire sheriff's deputies and others they have already laid off.
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Oregon Health Authority Delaying Mandatory Hand Washing Ruling

By Jim McCoy Thu 28th June News health policy Oregon Health Authority

The Oregon Health Authority has delayed a rule that would have taken effect Sunday to require restaurant cooks to wear gloves and avoid touching food with their bare hands. The delay of several months will give restaurant owners time to make their case that a glove requirement is not safer than current state rules for rigorous hand-washing. The Oregonian reports the authority plans toRead More »

Help Available For Vets With PTSD

By Jim McCoy Wed 27th June News PTSD Veterans

It affects some 5.2 million Americans, and 30 percent of war veterans. Today is "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day," raising awareness of the depth of the problem and resources available to help those affected by it.Read More »

Women To Be Honored For Saving Life At Medford Church

By Jim McCoy Wed 27th June News Citizen Recognition Award CPR Mountain Christian Fellowship

Three women credited with saving the life of a friend and heart attack victim during a May 17th church service will receive a Citizen Recognition Award. The honor will be handed down tomorrow (Thursday) at 4 p.m. Read More »