Salem-News.com Benton County articles Page 2

Second Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Benton County

This year in Oregon nine bats have tested positive for rabies including two bats in Benton County.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Officials from the Benton County Health Department have confirmed a bat has tested positive for rabies.

On Sunday, September 16th, residents near Finley Wildlife Refuge discovered their dog had a live bat in its mouth. When the dog released the bat, the owners killed the bat and notified the Benton County Health Department.

Benton County Initiates New Youth Community Service/Work Crew Policy

In 2006, over 250 young people were ordered to complete community service or work crew.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - The Benton County Juvenile Department is initiating a new policy to reduce “no-shows” for youths court ordered to community service or work crews.

The new policy will add an additional day of community service or work crew for the first offense, a second offense the person will be sent to the Linn-Benton Detention Center.

The Benton County Juvenile Department manages community service and work crew projects for local non-profit and public service organizations.

Benton County Sheriff`s Office Begins Seatbelt Enforcement Blitz

Oregon ranks third nationwide for seatbelt use.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Starting Monday and running through Sunday, June 3rd, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office will participate in Oregon’s Three Flags Blitz, a statewide seatbelt enforcement blitz.

Three Flags Blitz will coincide with the nationwide “Click it or Ticket” mobilization promoted by U.S. Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Administration.

Patrol enforcement activities will focus on proper seatbelt use and minors in open pickup beds.

Benton County to be Without Early Morning Sheriff Patrols Beginning Sunday

Two deputies will be assigned to an “on-call” status during the early morning hours and will respond to life threatening incidents.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - Effective April 1st, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office will begin a new patrol schedule that will leave rural Benton County without early morning patrol coverage.

With the loss of federal county payments and voter approved tax limitations, the Sheriff’s Office will not have resources or personnel to provide twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week patrol coverage.

From 3:00 AM until 7:00 AM, the Sheriff’s Office will not have deputies on patrol.

Country Superstar Mark Chesnutt to Perform at Benton County Fair

Chesnutt has four platinum albums, five gold albums, 14 Number One singles and 23 Top Ten singles.

(CORVALLIS) - Show Up – Show Off – Celebrate! is the 2007 theme for the Benton County Fair and Rodeo, Aug. 1st – 5th.

This year’s Fair will feature new events such as daily hypnotist shows and a petting zoo.

The main stage for entertainment will feature award-winning artists. County Music Association Horizon Award winner Mark Chesnutt will open on Wednesday, Aug. 1st.

Benton County Again Named One of 100 Best Communities for Young People

Benton County also won the award in 2005.

(CORVALLIS) - America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth has announced that Benton County is a winner of a national competition to identify the 100 Best Communities for Young People.

The 100 Best competition honors communities - ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America - for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.

Registration Underway For “Live Out Loud” Teen Summit

Teen Summit 2007 is open to all Benton County high school age students.

(CORVALLIS) - The Benton County Commission on Children and Families Youth Commission will host Teen Summit 2007 “Live Out Loud.”

Benton County teens are invited to join their peers and learn more about issues that impact their lives such as alcohol and drug abuse.

Teen Summit 2007 will feature workshops on healthy relationships, college planning,sports careers, self defense, yoga and much more

JeVon Thompson, an internationally recognized motivational speaker, will give the keynote address.

OSU Extension Teams With Community Partners to Test Sweet Home Well Water

In Oregon, household well owners aren’t required to test their water.

(SWEET HOME) - An Oregon State University Extension Service program is teaming with the Sweet Home Rotary Club and other partners to offer free well water testing in the area.

Sweet Home area residents who pre-register for a class on well management will receive the free water tests.

Water samples will be tested for nitrates, coliform bacteria and arsenic, said Gail Andrews, coordinator of the OSU Extension Service’s Well Water Program.

Benton County Public Safety Agencies go High Tech To Search For Missing Persons

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office will begin using the system March 1st, after staff training has been completed.

(CORVALLIS) - Corvallis Police Chief Gary Boldizsar and Benton County Sheriff Diana Simpson have formalized an agreement with the “A Child Is Missing” alert program that has led to a high tech method now in place to aid in searches locally for missing children, missing elderly (often with Alzheimer’s), college students, and missing persons who may be mentally or physically challenged.

Effective February 1st, upon receipt of some missing persons calls; Corvallis police will make their first phone call to a toll-free number that rings in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Benton County Hosting First Public Meeting For Habitat Conservation Plan

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

(CORVALLIS) - The first public meeting for the Benton County Prairie Species Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) will be held Monday, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Benton Plaza, Plaza Meeting Room, 408 SW Monroe Avenue, in Corvallis.

Benton County is developing a HCP to balance the needs of conservation and economic development within the County.

The HCP will cover eight rare and endangered species that occur in local prairie habitats.