Oregonians send record low amount of garbage to landfill
In 2011, Oregonians sent an average of 1,264 pounds of garbage per person to landfills — the lowest number the state has on record, according to The Oregonian.
Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality reported that the level of garbage generated increased slightly, which is a sign of a recovering economy. However, an increased amount of that trash was able to be recycled, composted or burned for energy.
Occupy Portland rally supports woman evicted from home
An estimated 100 people gathered to support Alicia Jackson before the Portland Water Bureau prepared to board up her Portland home today due to its lack of water service, The Oregonian reported. The city would not accept Jackson’s payment for the $413 water bill, as she is no longer the legal property owner.
This May, Occupy Portland supporters helped Jackson, 45, move back into the house after she was first evicted. She is currently contesting the legality of her foreclosure.
Lake Oswego school administrators gain permission to access information on free and reduced lunch students

In order to help low-income students in their district graduate on schedule, access to the names of students who receive free and reduced lunch was granted to Lake Oswego school district administrators, according to The Oregonian.
Principals and four district officials can view the information in order to track the students’ progress, as low-income students are more likely to struggle with graduating at the same rate as other students. Specific details about the students remain confidential.
Interim Oregon liquor director announced
After the current director of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission announced his plan to retire, the agency has selected its current deputy director to be the interim director, The Oregonian reported. Merle Lindsey will begin serving after Nov. 16 — current director Steve Pharo’s expected last day.
Agency members said they believe Merle, who has been at the agency since 1983, is the best choice as director until the position is permanently filled.
Woodlawn community works to rebuild neighborhood trick-or-treating
The Woodlawn community in Northeast Portland is working together to re-energize neighborhood trick-or-treating, according to The Oregonian. After going door-to-door asking neighbors to leave their lights on if they planned to hand out candy, a group of parents made flyers to publicize the community’s Halloween event.
Local parents said they were disappointed at the previous low numbers of trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood and wanted their children to be able to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhood.@@checked all links@@