November 2018
Volume 10, Issue 4
FEATURES
County adds planning staff to keep pace with building activity
There’s more than 300 apartment units being built in Philomath. In Monroe, the biggest subdivision in more than 20 years is going in. A new school is under construction in North Albany. Adair Village has new subdivisions underway that could add several hundred homes to that area.

To keep pace with all this activity, Benton County has hired additional building inspection staff and a new shared planner position to serve the needs of the county, Adair Village, Monroe and Philomath.

Honoring Commissioner Anne Schuster

By Joe Kerby, Benton County Administrator

While I have only had the pleasure of knowing Commissioner Schuster for the past 18 months, she has been a passionate advocate to advance progress on various local and regional issues, including emergency preparedness, economic development, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and health and human services.


Parole and Probation, Juvenile programs among Oregon's best

Addressing behaviors that need to change benefits not only the individual involved, but also his or her family and the community at large. To achieve this, Benton County’s adult and youth supervision programs utilize best practices to protect the community and prevent crime.

Criminal Justice System Assessment in final stages, draft report available

The draft report recommends varied components to transform the current system into an effective, efficient and equitable criminal justice system that maintains public safety and accountability, while providing treatment opportunities that address underlying causes of criminal behavior.

FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE
Sheriff's Office supports rural schools

During late August and early September, Benton County Sheriff's Office employees and volunteers purchase school supplies to help support our local learning environments.

Preparedness Coalition hosts Flood and Winter Storms community meeting

Are you ready for winter storms and flooding? Come to this free seminar on December 8 and learn what you can do to prepare!

Sheriff’s Office participates in holiday parade

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office will again be participating in the annual Corvallis Community Christmas Parade! The Sheriff’s Office will light up the parade with representation from Patrol, Marine Patrol, the Jail, and the Mounted Posse.


IN BRIEF
Adult 4-H Volunteers Wanted
Are you interested in making a positive impact on youth? Do you have an expertise that you want to share? The Benton County 4-H Program is actively looking for adults who want to share their time and talents with youth, aged 5-19. 

Prairie Soils for Sustainable Restoration
Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) partnered with federal agencies to implement the Prairie Soils for Sustainable Restoration (PSSR) project. Benton SWCD is working with soil scientists and botanists to map and analyze soil characteristics in existing upland prairie remnants and in prairie restoration sites. 

Commissioners approve Climate Action Plan

Commissioners resolve to cut County government’s greenhouse gas emissions to 75 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2050. 

Drug Court provides proven strategies

Treatment courts are the most successful intervention to lead people with substance use disorders out of the criminal justice system.

County offers free, 24/7 confidential crisis support

Text OREGON to 741741 to be connected to receive text-based, in-the-moment support during active crisis situations.

Benton Health Center remodel wraps first phase, begins phase two
The first phase of construction of the Benton Health Center remodel, located on 530 NW 27th Street, was completed earlier this month and the second phase began on November 19, 2018.

Beginning November 19, the main entrance on the south side of the building will be permanently relocated to the new entrance on 27th Street.

AWARDS AND HONORS
County receives funds for veteran suicide awareness and prevention
In the United States, 22 veterans commit suicide every day. In June, Benton County was awarded $4,700 to provide additional resources to help veterans in crisis. 

3rd annual Volunteer Appreciation Night
Roughly 60 volunteers attended an appreciation reception hosted by the Benton County Board of Commissioners at the Adair Village Clubhouse in September. Participation on County boards and commissions involves residents directly in local government in an impactful way. 

Special and rural transportation program receives federal grant funding
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $198,900 to the Oregon Department of Transportation on behalf of Benton County, who will receive funding to purchase new accessible buses. Five grant awards were made in Oregon, and the Benton County Special and Rural Transportation project was the third highest award in the state.

District Attorney elected chair of Latino leadership organization
District Attorney John Haroldson recently was elected chair of the Board of Directors of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, the nation’s largest Latino leadership development organization. Haroldson was invited to serve on the board two years ago.

The institute’s focus is developing leaders by promoting education, research and leadership development, and empowering Latinos and other groups by maximizing participation in the electoral process.
@ BentonCoGov    //  541-766-6800 //   http://www.co.benton.or.us