Portland, Ore. -  The Bonneville Power Administration is proposing construction of a new 500-kilovolt transmission line to meet increasing demands for electricity along Washington and Oregon’s I-5 corridor. The line would meet growing local and regional energy demands and help bolster the BPA transmission system to accommodate energy deliveries, including wind power. The proposed line, known as the I-5 Corridor Reinforcement Project, would run between a new substation in the Castle Rock area of Washington and a new substation in Troutdale, Ore.

“BPA is committed to meeting local and regional power needs while ensuring a reliable and stable transmission system,” said Steve Wright, BPA administrator. “The region is growing and so is our need for energy, including green energy such as wind. This line would serve both of those needs.”

The transmission system in southwest Washington and northwest Oregon is heavily used and is approaching its capacity as power production and electricity consumption increase. This increased congestion combined with pending requests for firm transmission service and new patterns of electricity use make consideration of the system reinforcement necessary.

Vader, WA - On 10/22/09 at 7:25 a.m. the Washington State Patrol responded to collision involving a school bus and an elk.

VANCOUVER, Wash. –The Attorney General’s announced today that it is suing RGH Marketing, Inc., and the general manager of Interstate Auto Liquidators, as part of an ongoing crackdown on deceptive practices by some dealers and marketers.

“Deceptive advertising by some auto dealers and marketers has accelerated in the down economy,” Attorney General Rob McKenna said.

McKenna said that’s unfair for auto businesses that are playing by the rules and for consumers.

“Whether some dealers are intentionally detouring around the law or ignorant of it doesn’t matter in the end – they can still be sued. The increased sales revenue isn’t worth so much when you have to pay attorneys’ fees and penalties.”

Grays Harbor County, WA - Local health care providers, schools, and emergency rooms are reporting a sharp increase in the number of people they’re seeing with symptoms of the flu. Local health officials say it looks like the flu is here.

“We’ve been watching for and expecting this,” says Dr. John Bausher, the county’s health officer. “Like communities all over the state, we’re seeing a more rapid spread of the flu as the colder weather sets in.”

“We know people are anxious for vaccine, and so are we,” says Bausher. “But we really want people to remember to do the simple things that can so powerful in preventing the spread of the flu. Wash your hands often, cover your cough, and if you’re sick stay home.”

Anyone with a fever over 100 degrees should not go to work or school until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. And since most people with the flu get well in 4-7 days without treatment, health officials are encouraging people with the flu to take care of themselves at home. “We want to make sure people who are at high risk of severe disease are able to get care promptly,” says Bausher. “That becomes impossible if everyone with the flu tries to see a health care provider.”