Oregon State Police - SAT 9:33pm

Oregon State Police: Fatal Traffic Crash - Southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near milepost 222 - All southbound lanes reported blocked - No more information related to the crash anticipated for release until Sunday - Traffic updates www.tripcheck.com .

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Student Recognized for Quick Action

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
STUDENT RECOGNIZED FOR QUICK ACTION
Posted: September 9th, 2011 4:05 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-09/1294/47540/Yahaira__and__Sheriff_Myers.jpg (Yahaira & Sheriff Myers)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-09/1294/47540/Yahairas_award.jpg (Yahaira's award)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-09/1294/47540/Mother_and_daughter.jpg (Yahaira and her Mom)
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-09/1294/47540/Yahairas_interview.jpg (Yahaira's media interview)

When 13-year old Yahaira Vallejo saw the young boy crying as he stepped from the school bus, she knew something was wrong. It was about 3:30pm, Thursday afternoon when the 6-year old Lamb Elementary School student, who was attending his first day of school, inadvertently boarded a school bus assuming it would take him home. Instead, the boy rode about two miles to Falcon View Way and Ward Drive NE in Salem, where he got off the bus and discovered his was no where near his home. Yahaira lived in the nearby apartments. She realized she needed to do something. She comforted the boy, calming him down, and then walked him to Hayesville School. Yahaira thought he might be a student there. She didn't know the boy, but felt compelled to help him.

Hayesville School officials quickly determined that he was from Lamb Elementary and that deputies were already at the school responding to a call from his mother. Sr. Deputy Skip Lumley met with the boy's mother after she arrived at the school to pick him up after class and was unable to locate him. He and other MCSO deputies were beginning a methodical search, assisted by school personnel.

The boy and his mother were reunited within 30 minutes of the original call.

School officials learned that the boy had somehow obtained a school bus pass and boarded the bus. Because it was the first day of his school year, he didn't stand out among the other students. Jay Remy, Director of Communications for the Salem Keizer School District, reemphasized that student safety is a top priority for the school district. They will conduct a review of this incident to determine if they can improve their protocol.

On Friday afternoon, Sheriff Jason Myers surprised Yahaira in her classroom at Adam Stevens Middle School. He commended her for her quick thinking and willingness to get involved to return the boy to his family. Sheriff Myers presented her with a Sheriff's Recognition Award certificate, a MCSO shoulder patch and some wrist bands. Yahaira received a loud applause from her fellow students. Sheriff Myers told Yahaira's classmates, "You can all be proud of Yahaira's actions. She was a real hero".

The recognition award was the second one given to an Adam Stevens student in the past year. In May of 2011, Alexander Rodriguez was commended for his honesty in returning $60 in cash that was found in a parking lot.

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Oregon State Police - FRI 2:12pm

Oregon State Police: One northbound and southbound lane of Intersate 5 near milepost 250 is now open following an earlier grass fire that closed all lanes - Traffic updates www.tripcheck.com . UPDATE

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Oregon State Police - FRI 1:38pm

Oregon State Police: Grass fire has north and southbound lanes of Interstate 5 near milepost 250 in Salem area closed both directions while firefighters at scene - Possible closure up to an hour but check for traffic updates at www.tripcheck.com .

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Oregon State Police - THU 9:49am

Oregon State Police: Multiple vehicle injury traffic crash - Highway 97 about ten miles north of Redmond near milepost 110 - Highway reported blocked and no more info available for release - Traffic updates www.tripcheck.com .

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Hot Weather Fire Prevention and Safety

News Release from: Salem Fire Dept.
HOT WEATHER FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY
Posted: September 7th, 2011 6:20 PM

With the current and projected hot weather, the Salem Fire Department reminds everyone that additional steps should be taken to prevent fire and maintain health. Due to increased temperatures and lower fuel moistures, the risk of fire ignition and fire spread is magnified. Additionally, high heat can impact the health of people and pets. Here are some key points to follow to "beat the heat" and be safe:

Fire Prevention
*Dispose of cigarettes properly in non-combustible ashtrays or extinguish them in water or sand. In Oregon, cigarettes start one in ten fires statewide.
*When using barbeque grills, maintain clearance from combustible decks, fences, and vegetation. Allow ashes to completely cool and then dispose of them in metal containers. Barbeque ashes can maintain ignition temperatures for many hours, even if the surface is cool to touch.
*Avoid using welding, grinding, or mowing equipment near dry weeds and grass.
*Avoid parking vehicles in dry, weedy areas. The temperature of vehicle exhaust components can easily ignite dry grass and weeds.
*Don't overload electrical outlets with portable fans, air conditioners, or extension cords.
*Keep a fire extinguisher, water hose, or bucket handy in the event a fire occurs.
*Observe no-burn regulations.

Hot weather safety
*Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which promote dehydration.
*Minimize direct exposure to the sun and wear sunscreen.
*Limit exercise and exertion, rest frequently and pace yourself.
*Wear temperature-appropriate and moisture-absorbing clothing such as cotton.
*During the warmest parts of the day, consider indoor activities such as visiting Salem's libraries, a shopping mall, or a movie theater. Consider scheduling outdoor activities during cooler time periods.
*Don't leave children or pets in vehicles. Check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be at higher risk to heat-related issues.

Being prepared and proactive can decrease the likelihood of fires starting and spreading. Take time to review your family's fire evacuation plan and emergency preparedness supplies and also review the basic safety tips for staying cool.

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Oregon State Police - WED 4:22pm

Oregon State Police: Injury Traffic Crash - Highway 224 near milepost 16 in Barton area - Two vehicle head-on and highway temporarily blocked in both directions - No more information available for release - Traffic updates www.tripcheck.com .

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City of Salem - WED 11:33am

City of Salem: School Zone Warning Flashers Experiencing Difficulties
The system of overhead school speed zone warning flashers that warn drivers to lower their speed to 20 mph near schools in the Cities of Salem and Keizer has been experiencing timing and communication malfunctions for the first two days of school. This summer, the City of Salem completed installation of a new radio-based communication system that tells the overhead warning flashers when to turn on and shut off, based on the specific time schedule of each individual school.
"Approximately half of the 210 overhead warning flashers did not activate Wednesday morning," according to Mark Becktel, AICP, Parks and Transportation Services Manager, from the City of Salem. "We are working with the manufacturer to determine why the system has had such major difficulties despite having successfully passed a number of tests in prior weeks. We are working as quickly as possible to get all of the flashers working, but it may be several days before all of the problems are resolved. In the meantime, we ask that all motorists observe the 20 mph speed limit in school zones during times that children are present and that they exercise caution at all times."
Motorists are encouraged to report any problems with the School Zone Warning Flashers to Salem Public Works at 503-588-6333.

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Oregon State Police - TUE 5:21pm

Oregon State Police: Serious injury auto / pedestrian crash Highway 214 near Jack Lane in Marion County - possible blockage - no more info at this time.

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Schools are Open - Please Drive Carefully!

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
SCHOOLS ARE OPEN - PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY!
Posted: September 6th, 2011 10:26 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-09/1294/47404/School_is_Open.JPG (Drive Carefully ! Schools are Open)

The Marion County Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Team wants to remind drivers that the end of summer and opening of school brings with it some changes in the patterns drivers can expect to see on the roads in Marion County.

Many children will be walking to and from their schools, often with their minds on meeting their new teachers and getting back in touch with friends. Drivers are encouraged to watch for them and anticipate them crossing or running into the streets without using the crosswalks. Children who are getting out of their parent's cars in front of their school often run into traffic without looking; so be careful and watch out for them.

For the protection of the children, the speed limit for school zones is 20 miles per hour. Deputies will be focusing on enforcement in these zones.

Your Traffic Safety Team, Marion County Public Works and the City of Sublimity have worked together to improve the signage around the schools in Sublimity. Reminder notices will be sent the residents in the next water bill mailing.

Drivers are also reminded to watch for school buses flashing their lights to indicate they are stopping to load or unload passengers. The red flashing lights require that drivers traveling in both directions stop until the lights are turned off by the bus driver.

Parents are encouraged to talk with their kids, reinforcing pedestrian safety rules:

Never allow children under age 10 to cross streets alone. Adult supervision is essential until you are sure a child has good traffic skills and judgment.

Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings, using sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

Make sure children know to cross 10 feet in front of a school bus, never behind, and to wait for adults on the same side of the street as the school bus loading or unloading zone.

Always cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Do not assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you.

Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross. Walk, do not run, across the street.

Be a safe pedestrian around cars; watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

Parents and kids should hold hands in parking lots.

Parents, drivers and students are invited to join the Traffic Safety Team in making this school year a safe one.

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