Local Headlines

Wind Tax Credits Could Blow Away

(2/08/10) Despite recent tax increases the Oregon legislature is still at least $100-million dollars in the hole for this year's budget. A revenue forecast that came out today revealed that lawmakers may have to make up as much as $180-million dollars. To offset that shortage legislators are considering a measure that would cut tax credits for Oregon’s wind farm industry. Morgan Pierce of Ashland uses the wind credits and says pulling the money could create financial problems for his operation. "The reason we went into it was because of all the tax incentives, if they start pulling the money back after we applied for it that could be a problem."The wind farm industry in Oregon has grown by $50-million dollars since the state started offering tax dollars. Lawmakers say lower than expected revenue from income taxes may be the reason for the budget shortage.

Veterans Ask For Vague War Questions

1/29/10) A troubling trend is being reported, suicide rates among veterans from all military branches are up, especially among young men. A group of local veterans are aware of the problem and are saying there’s a way to help. With hundreds of National Guard troops scheduled to come home in a few months and hundreds of other veterans living in southern Oregon and northern California, local veterans from different generations say the public needs to listen first and think twice about asking probing questions. Randy, is a veteran of the war in Iraq and has this warning. "Don't think that just cause I’m a vet, I’m crazy or violent or gonna break anything or hurt anybody and I understand if people want to help but try to ask some questions that are vague so that you're not bringing up memories or anything like that." Medford Psychologist Dr. Gary McConahay says preventing suicide starts with asking about it directly, listening, and then helping come up with a long term plan for healing.

Local Teens Are Finding It Hard To Get Jobs

(1/28/10) Oregon teens wanting to work are having a hard time finding jobs in the current economy. The state's teen unemployment rate is the third highest in the nation. New numbers from the bureau of labor statistics show 31% of teens, who want jobs, don't have them. One local high school work experience coordinator says that's not surprising. Cindy Heim works at North Medford and says there has been a jump in the number of students asking about work, but the jobs just aren't there.” I’ll make calls to employers and there's just no work available." The number of teens in the work experience program at North Medford High School has also gone down since the economy started to struggle.

Business World Concerned Over Measure 66 & 67 Passage

(1/27/10) The day after an easy passage of two tax increases in Oregon’s special election many businesses and corporations are cringing at the fallout. With more than one million votes officially counted measures 66 and 67 were approved by voters last night. The margins were decisive for both measures.The combination of the two measures will raise tax rates for businesses and the wealthy. Reactions to the tax increase for business was immediate. One company says they'll now have a much harder time recovering from the economic downturn. It’s expected that suppliers will pass on the higher cost of doing business to the retailer. Robert Galas, the owner of Father and Son Jeweler says he had hopes the measures would not be approved. “I really wasn't hoping they would pass. I'm waiting for the fine print, the bold looks alright but the underlying... I think it will hurt us.” According the group "Oregonians Against Job Killing Taxes" two-thirds of the people affected by these measures are small business owners. The Oregon legislature says the money from the tax increases will go to schools and social services..

Highay 199 Reopens To Traffic

(1/27/10) Caltrans has reopened Highway 199 near Patrick Creek in Del Norte County. A rock slide closed the highway late last night. Caltrans estimated 500 cubic yards of debris came down on the highway. Motorists are advised that conditions may change at any time. For current road information call 1-800-427-7623 (1 800-GAS-ROAD) or log on to www.ca.gov.

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