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Fire season declared in Northeast Oregon |
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Oregon fire officials have declared the fire season for Oregon Department of Forestry lands, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest and the Umatilla National Forest. Forest officials say they expect a normal fire season this summer- and that means we will have fires. The snowpack we had over the winter along with the heavy spring rains have produced a bumper crop of grasses in Oregon’s wildlands and, with weather forecasters calling for a long, dry spell in the coming days, officials say the danger of fire will rapidly increase. The start of fire season means that burn permits are required before burning projects start. Anyone who conducted a burn of slash piles in the fall or spring are encouraged to check those burns to ensure they’re completely out. It’s not unusual for them to smolder for months before restarting. Logging and industrial operations must have fire tools on site along with water supplies and crews must maintain a fire watch during work activities. Campfires are still allowed, but officials remind people to ensure their fires are all the way out before they leave it unattended. Pour water on it and stir the ashes to make sure there are no live coals still in the fire pit. |
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Walden says Dems pushing aggressive agenda |
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Speaking yesterday to a group of Union County businessmen and political leaders, Congressman Greg Walden gave them an update on what’s going on in Washington D.C.- and the news wasn’t good. Congressman Walden says that in more than a decade of serving in Congress, he’s never seen a more aggressive or rapid start to a session than this years. But what’s making it so fast is the absence of democracy at work. During the run up to last years election, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed that if Democrats won the majority, no bill would go to a vote without having forty-eight hours for lawmakers to review it, and that Democrats would work hand-in-hand with the minority. But Congressman Walden says neither of those things is happening. He says bills are being introduced and ammendments added at 3:00 in the morning and then going to a vote at 10:00. And, with their majority, Democrats are aggressively trying to push through an agenda that will affect Americans for generations to come. He says in the first six months they have taken defecit spending to levels never seen before in the history of the U.S. starting Monday we will look at some of the big issues that have come up so far this session and see how they will affect us here in Northeast Oregon. |
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ODF&W to host sporting clays workshop |
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The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced yesterday that they would be holding a workshop in La Grande to help introduce people to the basics of shooting sporting clays. The workshop, which is designed for beginners but open to people of all skill levels, is intended for anyone nine-years-old and older. The workshop will teach basic shotgun skills, firearm safety and handling, terminology, shooting techniques and marksmenship. Participants will get the opportunity to shoot clays in a number of patterns, and they will also get instruction on wing shooting with some targets in life-like hunting situations. The workshop will be held on Saturday, July 11th from 9 AM to 3:00 at the La Grande Club. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids and includes the use of the firearms, all ammunition and clays and lunch. To sign up, call Mary at 962-1826 |
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4th of July Oregon's deadliest holiday weekend |
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The second deadliest day of the year for Oregon motorists is coming up this weekend- and law enforcement officials will be out in force this holiday period to try and reduce the number of deaths. Next to New Years Day, the Fourth of July is the most dangerous single day on state roads, the Fourth of July holiday weekend is the deadliest holiday period of the year. Last year six people died in six separate accidents, and since the state first started keeping records in 1970, 292 people have died in the Fourth of July holiday period- an average of more than seven people per year. Officials this year will kick off their safety campaign at 6:00 Friday night and continue through midnight Sunday night. During that time motorists can expect to see more law enforcement officials on Oregons roads. They will be watching for speeders and aggressive drivers as well as impaired motorists. The Oregon State Police will be working with officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation as well to try and increase safety in work zones. Emergency officials also want to remind drivers to switch lanes when they encounter emergency vehicles on the shoulder of the roads. |
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Driver fatigue a problem over 4th of July |
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Another area of concern for law enforcement officials this holiday weekend- and a big reason for the number of fatal accidents over the Fourth of July- is driver fatigue. For many people, the Fourth of July is the first chance they’ve had to really get out and play. Whether it’s hiking, camping, four wheeling or boating, it’s easy to overdo it in the sudden heat. Add a few drinks and a drive back to civilization, and many people soon find themselves ready for a nap- just about the time they’re hitting the road. And, being on a lake or river intensifies the effect. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk, however. First, officials say you should get plenty of good, quality sleep the night before you’re scheduled to drive. Avoid alcohol, and if you do find yourself getting tired, pull over and take a nap. Caffiene, the radio and cold air do little to stimulate a drivers brain which is where the sleep signals stem from. Law enforcement officials warn that driver fatigue is just as dangerous as drunk driving- and it’s also a crime. |
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