News Stories for Tue., Nov. 7, 2017

LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) — Rock salt will be used to combat ice on Interstate 84 this winter for the first time in at least two decades. The La Grande Observer newspaper reports the salt will be used along with the liquid magnesium chloride and crushed gravel the Oregon Department of Transportation has traditionally used to make roads safer. ODOT spokesman Tom Strandberg says magnesium chloride lowers the freezing level of water, but not to the degree salt does. ODOT has used salt for the past five years on two roadways: a 120-mile stretch of Highway 95 in southeastern Oregon, and an 11-mile stretch of Interstate 5 over Siskiyou Pass. The number of crashes dropped by 23 and 27 percent in those areas.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Governor Kate Brown discussed Monday her upcoming attendance at the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany. Next week, at the Conference, the governor will highlight the economic development opportunities and jobs supported by green innovation and affirm Oregon’s commitment to fighting climate change. Brown is expected to be the highest-ranking woman elected official representing the United States at the climate change conference. She will be joined by California Governor Jerry Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — Another gray wolf has been found dead in Oregon, marking the third such killing of a federally protected wolf in the past year. State wildlife officials say the wolf was found dead in Klamath County on Oct. 29 on state forest land. Gray wolves in western Oregon are endangered and killing one is a federal crime. In all three cases, US wildlife officials are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to information about the killings.

Warm Springs and Jefferson County residents are reminded that ballots for the vote-by-mail election are due by 8:00 tonight.  Voters will decide on the renewal of an operating levy for the Madras Aquatic Center and Recreation District.  Ballots should be dropped off at an official ballot drop box.  In Warm Springs you will find the drop box across the street from the post office in front of the old fire and safety house. As of last week, around 32 percent of ballots had been received. If you are still hanging on to yours, please fill it out and drop it off by 8:00 tonight.

Fifty years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bipartisan Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, legislation that created our public media system, into law. When he approved the legislation, he envisioned a system of local stations that would educate and enrich the American mind and spirit. He believed public media could unite communities and empower participation in our democracy. Folks nationwide are celebrating and you can too. Take a moment to post a message on Facebook or Twitter about why your value your public media stations. Your action will show your commitment to protecting public media this year and for many years to come. If you can, tag KWSO or whatever your local station may be, in your post with the hashtag #PubMedia50.