News Digest
Sunday, January 13, 2008 3:34 AM PST
OREGON - First Oregon agency to go tobacco-free in May
PORTLAND (AP) — The first state agency in Oregon to officially ban tobacco of any kind will be the Department of Human Services.
Beginning May 30, no more chewing tobacco can be tucked in the cheek and smokers cannot huddle near outside doors. For 10,000 employees and for visitors to the agency’s headquarters in Salem and its 49 other offices across the state, it’s take it to the sidewalk if you need tobacco.
State analysts approve $200 million in bonds for Oregon arena
EUGENE (AP) — A University of Oregon request for $200 million in state bonds to finance a new basketball arena has been approved by state financial analysts. The Legislative Fiscal Office, which evaluates money issues for state lawmakers, recommended sending the bond request on to the full Legislature. The report issued Friday found that the UO athletic department should be able to cover all arena costs.
IDAHO
Task force targeting Internet predators gets federal grant
BOISE (AP) — An Idaho task force targeting Internet predators and child pornography has received a $250,000 grant for training and equipment.
First Assistant United States Attorney Marc Haws says the grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will help the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children task force prosecute more crimes.
Hearings officer issues ruling in water dispute
BOISE (AP) — A former Idaho Supreme Court chief justice has upheld most of a 2005 order aimed at resolving disputes between groundwater users and two fish farms that get their water from springs near Hagerman.
In a ruling issued Friday, former justice Gerald Schroeder supported former Idaho Water Resources Director Karl Dreher’s order compelling farmers, cities and businesses that pump groundwater to make more water available.
Now, current Water Resources Director David Tuthill is expected to issue a final order in the next few months. The parties can ask him to reconsider, or eventually appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court.
