Millersburg fire protection

The story: In June, Millersburg City Councilor Scott Cowan suggested that the council look at whether the Albany Rural Fire Protection District could provide better protection than the Jefferson Rural Fire Protection District. Jefferson has provided service to Millersburg for years. Cowan is a battalion chief for the city of Albany.

The latest: The council voted this month to table any further discussion on the proposal until January 2010. Councilor Lisa Metz-Dittmer is the only other council member who has said she would like to look into the matter.

Cathy Ingalls

Injured soldier fundraiser

The story: Oregon National Guardsman Spc. Jeremy Pierce of the Mehama/Lyons area was seriously wounded earlier this month while serving in Iraq. Pierce is receiving medical care at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. His mother, Samantha Jones, is with him. Friends held a benefit concert at the John Neal Memorial Park last weekend to raise money to help Jones with expenses while she is off work.

The latest: Benefit concert organizer Daryl Stroschine said the event was attended by more than 100 people and raised about $2,000. "It went very well," Stroschine said. "The weather was perfect. We had three bands and a soloist. The family is very appreciative." Stroschine said other fundraising events will be held this fall. Donations can be made at any US Bank to the Spc. Jeremy Pierce Fund.

Alex Paul

New GAPS bus routes

The story: Greater Albany Public Schools consolidated and eliminated bus stops because of budget cuts and transportation costs. More children will have to walk to school or go farther to a bus stop.

The latest: The new routes and schedules are posted on the websites of the school district (www.albany.k12.or.us) and individual schools. "When creating the new routes, we kept safety as the primary concern," said Chris Ellison, the director of transportation. Those with questions, comments or concerns about the new routes are encouraged to call the district transportation department at (541) 967-4626.

Amanda Robbins

Tangent restaurant

The story: Three times last December, vandals hit the La Roca Mexican restaurant at 32050 Birdfoot Drive in Tangent. Someone scratched the windows, painted racial slurs on the building and turned off the natural gas valve on the meter outside.

The latest: No attacks have been reported since then, and owners Luis and Margarita Marin said business has improved enough to expand the restaurant's hours. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cathy Ingalls