|
January 1, 2009 Front Page |
|
Governor Proposes Controversial New Oregon State Mileage Tax
According to Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski’s official web site, the governor has filed more than 30 pre-legislative session bills, including the transportation-related proposal for a new mileage-based tax.
The governor’s site says he plans “a path to transition away from the gas tax as the central funding source for transportation.” This plan is focused on a new tax based on the miles driven by a certain vehicle. However, the current gas tax would stay in place, and increase by two cents per gallon, for cars not equipped to measure mileage for the tax.
Small Woodlands Association Explores Local Wood Industry Opportunities
Nils Christofferson of Wallowa Resources Community Solutions Inc. (WRCSI) presented a Prefeasibility Study of a value added wood products industry to Baker County’s Oregon Small Woodlands Association (OSWA) recently. The study was spurred by a $2 million dollar state grant awarded to Sustainable Northwest, which included $35,000 for Baker County OSWA for planning of new wood products markets, infrastructure, and for equipment.
Baker County OSWA in conjunction with Sustainable Northwest and WRCSI conducted a preliminary review of the available harvestable timber in Baker County for the Prefeasibility Study. The review showed that Baker County has over 100,000 acres of private forestland and about 185,000 acres of national forest system lands zoned for commercial timber production within 50 air miles of Baker City.
Halfway Woman Arrested For Stabbing Boyfriend
A Halfway woman was arrested Monday, Dec. 22, for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend. Anna Irene Brisk, 21, was taken into custody about 4 a.m. Monday and charged with assault.
Baker County Sheriff Mitch Southwick said an altercation occurred between Brisk and Jason W. Landers, 28, also of Halfway, which allegedly resulted in Brisk stabbing him once in the shoulder with a kitchen knife.
Southwick said Brisk called 911 and Landers was transported to St. Elizabeth Health Services where he was treated and later released.
|
