Benton County's work to mitigate impacts of extreme precipitation and flooding on vulnerable populations is among local efforts around the state to support implementation of the Oregon Health Authority's 2017 Climate and Health Resilience Plan released in early February.
A recent assessment of Oregon's public health system found that Oregon is not equipped to handle these emerging environmental risks.
Although we currently don't have the capacity to address all of the environmental risks in Benton County we are part of a collaborative of local and state public health practitioners working together to keep Oregon healthy and safe. The video above, produced by the Oregon Public Health Division, further discusses how Benton County is responding to climate change.
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Under state law, February 15 is School Exclusion Day in Oregon, and schools and child care facilities are required to send children home if their vaccination records are incomplete.
Benton County Health Services sent 341 reminder letters to households within the county in early February.
Last year 63 students were excluded from schools and child care facilities in Benton County.
However, the county has seen overall improvement. In 2016, 32 fewer students were excluded and 217 fewer reminder letters were sent than in 2015.
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Feb. 7, 2017
The Benton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamations that February 2017 is African American History Month in Benton County.
A portion of the proclamation reads:
"At the beginning of the twentieth century, not one textbook or curriculum mentioned Black Americans or their achievements. The tradition of Black History Month led to exploring black history, raising the status of the black American from slave to full citizen. It became one of the very important parts of the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s.
"African American history is now aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of African American history. It allows African Americans and others to reflect and know the achievements and advancements they have made both as individuals and a community."
County commissioners encourage all residents and visitors of the county to join in this observance.
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2040 Thriving Communities initial comment phase ends March 6
Feb. 14, 2017
Last summer, Benton County launched the 2040 Thriving Communities Initiative; a community-driven exploration of what we like about where we live, and how we want our community to be like in the future.
More than 3,000 people provided over 8,200 comments since the initial comment phase began in late July 2017. County residents are encouraged to submit comments online at
www.Benton2040.org by Mon., March 6, 2017, when the initial comment phase will conclude.
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Feb. 24, 2017
Singers, musicians, soloists and groups are encouraged to try-out for a slot to perform the National Anthem at this year's Benton County Fair, either before the Main Stage show or the rodeo, August 2-5.
Individuals should come prepared to perform the National Anthem before a panel of judges. Singers must do so acapella.
Auditions will be held Tues., March 7th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Auditorium Building at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 110 SW 53rd Street, Corvallis.
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Feb. 24, 2017
Shoulder widening operations will begin Mon., March 6, 2017 on Independence Hwy from just south of Metge Avenue to just north of Ryals Avenue.
Work is expected to cause temporary lane closures during construction hours but no road closures or overnight lane closures are anticipated. All work will be intermittent and weather dependent.
Widening operations are expected to continue into May. Final paving operation are expected in July or August.
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