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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (April 16, 2003)
Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, April 16, 2003 Page 13 Oregon top in tobacco reduction The latest data on tobacco released last month shows Oregonians outpacing the na- tional average in reducing to- bacco use. Since 1996, overall ciga- rette consumption is down by almost 30 percent, a far steeper reduction than the rest of the nation. Young males are chewing tobacco considerably less and pregnant women are also smoking less. “Oregon’s comprehensive tobacco prevention and educa- tion program is a program that clearly gets results,” said Jean I. Thorne, director, Oregon Dept. of Human Services (DHS). The DHS Tobacco Pre- vention and Education Pro- gram biennial report docu- ments 2,600 fewer 11th-grade males chewing tobacco today than in 1997. The rate dropped from almost 28 percent in 1997 to 12.5 percent in 2002 - a 45 percent decline compared to the national reduction of 20 percent. The report also sows a 28 percent drop in smoking among pregnant women be- tween 1996 and 2001 - a de- cline almost three times the national rate. “This translates into tre- mendous savings for Oregon,” said Thorne. “The program’s current success results in sav- ings of almost $40 million a year in direct medical costs. And abut $10 million of these savings are in Oregon Health Plan costs.” Dr. Mel A. Kohn, state epidemiologist, added that the current reduction in smoking among pregnant women alone results in 57 fewer low birth weight babies annually and saves more than $1 million every year in neonatal medical costs. “Since voters dedicated tobacco taxes to tobacco pre- vention in 1996, Oregon has made considerable progress,” said Kohn. “Now that the pro- gram has been suspended until June 30, 2003, to balance the state budget, it’s important that tobacco prevention efforts are up and running again as soon as possible so Oregon can maintain its current suc- cess, and savings.” Bill protects Ore. soldiers House Bill 3601, which will establish rights of persons called into active state service has unanimously passed out of the House Rules and Public Affairs Committee. The goal of the bill is to make it easier for Oregon Na- tional Guard members to tran- sition when they are called into active duty for more than 90 days. “Our National Guard members offer such an in- credible service to this state, I believe we need to make sure they are able to take care of issues they might have at home when they are required to serve the state,” said Rep. Patti Smith (R-Corbelt) who sponsored the bill. Specifically, HB 3601 allows National Guard mem- bers called to active duty to change their rental agreement, offers relief for debt and grants a stay from any civil court proceedings while they are on active duty. In November last year federal legislation was enacted which gave U.S. National Guard members relief while serving under federal deploy- ment; HB 3601 simply gives Oregon servicemen and women protection while they serve within our state. I.V. SENIOR BAZAAR - The Illinois Valley Senior Center held its annual Spring Bazaar on Fri- day and Saturday, April 11 and 12. The event included 17 craft tables featuring a variety of handmade items. The dolls pictured above were just one of the numerous creations offered. Food including hamburgers, hot dogs and baked goods were also sold. JoCo residents sought for advisory council Senior citizens and com- munity members interested in becoming a member of the Senior Advisory Council for Jackson and Josephine coun- ties are being sought. The 21 person council, which serves as an advisory body to the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, speaks on behalf of seniors and advises and assists the RVCOG Board in developing and implementing services for seniors in Jackson and Jose- phine counties. Persons who are interested in helping with the senior nu- trition program and with re- source development are strongly encouraged to apply. The council meets at 1:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Rogue River Fire Hall. Members are reimbursed for mileage when attending meetings. Persons interested in ap- plying can obtain applications by phoning 474-5947/664- 6676/779-6785, ext. 226. The application deadline is on Friday, May 2. The news is in - Many ‘Illinois Valley News’ readers have enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane with ‘Remember When?’ To see it continue, more old photographs with descriptions included, are needed. To submit a photo, come to the ‘Noose’ office on Mondays or Fridays. RAMCELL NOW AVAILABLE AT DARN NEAR EVERYTHING 136 South Redwood Hwy. 592-5255 Current Ramcell customers FREE upgrades, phones & promos! Free phone with charger - Free activation Affordable packages to suit you No roaming charges - 10 states $ AL’S SURPLUS BOX SALES $ 18254 Redwood Hwy. (Look for the big yellow tent) Open Thursdays through Saturdays - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some Sundays - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. HUNDREDS & HUNDREDS OF BOXES (Adding new boxes constantly) Announcing that a very special person, Treana Carrier has graduated from Thomson High School this year, (while taking care of her new baby) We Love You, Your Family Store returns, damaged, broken cases, Come prepared to DIG! Nice selection of groceries - Great prices! Kellogg’s and General Mills Cereals Starting at $1.25 per box. Buy 3 boxes, get 1 box FREE! (Free box of equal or lesser value) GREAT DEALS! SOMETHIING FOR EVERYONE! NO CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS, PLEASE.
