Linn County to lead $1.4 billion class-action lawsuit against state

In a legal action that could have major implications for Oregon Forest Trust Lands, Linn County officials say they intend to file a $1.4 billion class-action suit against the state, charging that mismanagement of the lands has cost counties $35 million a year since 1998. --Linn County plans to file the lawsuit, alleging breach of contract, on behalf of it and 14 other counties that receive money based on annual timber harvests on the Oregon Forest Trust Lands.

Read more at the Albany Democrat-Herald
(Hat tip: KimR) Read More......

President Lincoln's Press Conference

Last night, February 12th, President Abraham Lincoln held a Press Conference at the Linn & Benton County Republican's Lincoln Day Dinner in the CH2M Hill Alumni Center in Corvallis, Oregon. It was his birthday. He began the conference with his own remarks and then took questions from the Press (the guests). Due to the seriousness of his message, all present could have heard a pin drop as he spoke. The president contended that the abolition of slavery was indeed the reason for the war between the states. He felt it was biblical, that the country was unable to avoid war and that it was a punishment for the sin of slavery. He reported on the progress of the war and about his choice of disappointing generals to lead the union. One and all could see the great personal toll it took on him over the horrible loss of life as the war wore on. Yet one could see a little colour returning to his gaunt face when he spoke of eventual victories. The President talked about the ugly reception his Emancipation Proclamation received. Some called him a tyrant or worse. The Abolitionists were furious that it did not inclued all slaves. Mr. Lincoln brought out his spectacles to read the brief remarks he'd made at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The gathered press corps could hardly agree with Mr. Lincoln's assessment that his concise words would not long be remembered. Finally, the president explained why, under extreme criticism, he refused to hang the Generals and leaders of the Confederacy in an effort to heal the nation at war's end.

Mr. Steve Holgate of Portland, is the actor who so passionately and truly portrays President Lincoln. A number of guests asked about his next scheduled event. Mr. Holgate will be presenting a longer version of President Lincoln at the Coaster Theater (MAP) in Cannon Beach, Oregon on Friday and Saturday, March 11-12 at 7:30 p.m. (Whichever way you go to Cannon Beach, you'll want to come home via Newport and Corvallis, unless you want to spend the night. The tunnel on Hwy 26 will be closed during night-time hours due to roadwork.)

For the members of the Lincoln Day Dinner Committee, it was a wonderful pleasure to host Mr. Holgate and his lovely wife, Felicia. From the feedback we've received, our guests were impressed.

The Committee offers its gratitude to all the members of the press (our guests) who contributed to the success of the evening. We thank you for generously supporting the 'buy it now' tables, the silent auction and the oral auction. We hope you enjoyed the evening. Read More......

Feb. 12: President Lincoln's Birthday Celebration

PRESS RELEASE
Lincoln Day Dinner, February 12, Corvallis
If you've never heard him speak, now is your opportunity to come hear President Abraham Lincoln. ∴ What American wouldn't love to have a conversation with our first Republican President? Imagine hearing him talk and then being provided an opportunity to ask about that era and the momentous decisions he made. This year’s keynote speaker at the Linn and Benton Republicans Lincoln Day Celebration is President Abraham Lincoln.  Our speaker is an actor, Steve Holgate, from Portland who strongly resembles Lincoln.  He gives audiences all over Oregon, throughout the West Coast and overseas a chance to hear Lincoln (in period costume) talk about his years in the White House.  Mr. Holgate has been highly praised by a member of the National Lincoln Bicentennial Commission saying that "he's the best Lincoln in America."
 
The evening’s events include no-host wine bar, hors d'eourves and buffet dinner catered by the popular El Sol de Mexico in Corvallis. A sampling of our live and silent auction items includes a BBQ dinner for 40 to 45 people in June 2011, gun training classes, blown glass items by an Oregon artisan, and beautifully created theme baskets with hotel, resort and restaurant certificates.  Pinkerton guards will be in attendance for the President's security.

The event will be at the OSU CH2M Hill Alumni Center on Lincoln's birthday, Saturday, Feb 12, 2011 from 5:00-9:00 PM. Go to www.LincolnDayDinner.net or call Jo Rae Perkins at 541-928-6077 to get all the details and make reservations ASAP for an evening you won't want to miss.
 
This is a major fundraiser for Benton County - your support is greatly appreciated.  Read More......

Linn-Benton ALERT Emergency Notification System

The Linn-Benton ALERT Emergency Notification System is a mass notification system that allows public safety officials to provide rapid notifications to Linn and Benton County residents of emergencies, evacuations, and other urgent events. Sign up HERE. Read More......