Clarkston, WA - Former Clarkston High School students, Keaton Brenner and Mikalah Marbach, will be attending the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis on October 28th to receive their American FFA Degree.

The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention each year to less than 1% of FFA members, making it one of the highest honors. Keaton Brenner and Mikalah Marbach have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences and will join the select few in obtaining this degree. To learn more about the eligibility requirements go to https://www.ffa.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/awards_americandegree_requirements.pdf.

Brenner and Marbach both had Market Beef Supervised Agricultural Experience projects while attending Clarkston High School under the direction of Cami Browne, Agriculture Education Advisor. Brenner is seeking a pre-veterinary major at Washington State University and Marbach is studying equine science at Colorado State.

A total of 39 students in the State of Washington will join Brenner and Marbach in receiving their award at the National FFA Convention this month. Congratulations to these two students on their outstanding accomplishment!

Spokane's own Brooke Martin, will deliver "Ted Talk" to hundreds of credit union leaders this afternoon

SPOKANE, WA--Spokane native Brooke Martin was only 12 when she invented a device that helped humans connect with their pets from anywhere in the world. iCPooch let people video chat with and deliver treats to their dogs through a mobile app. The innovative product addressed her own dog's separation anxiety and was then sold worldwide through Amazon, Petco, and Bed Bath & Beyond.

Now an accomplished "Ted Talks" speaker, Brooke will take center stage when the Northwest Credit Union Association's (NWCUA) MAXX Convention opens in Spokane this afternoon. More than 500 credit union professionals from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are in attendance.
As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions are owned and driven by the very members who use their financial products and services. By putting people ahead of profits, credit unions offer tangible financial benefits to their members, while also leading innovation and technology. In Spokane, 270,000 consumers are member-owners of their local credit unions.

Those strategies make Brooke a perfect keynote as she addresses how to drive technology while keeping the human connection. Spokane media are invited to see their hometown expert as well as two other Ted Talks speakers this afternoon.

WHAT: Spokane's Brooke Martin Keynotes Ted Talks at MAXX Convention
WHEN: Today, Monday, October 23 3:00 p.m. (Please arrive 15 minutes early)
WHERE: Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls, Blvd. Spokane, WA 99201
Please note: Brooke Martin's address is open to media, however she will be available for interviews prior to 3:00 P.M. only. Interested media should contact Lynn Heider at (503) 329-7208 lheider@nwcua.org
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The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing over 180 credit unions in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and their 6.2 million consumer members. Northwest Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions help members achieve their financial goals. All earnings in excess of operating expenses and required reserves are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher interest paid on savings. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org.

On October 22, 2017 just before 6:00 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers from The Dalles Area Command were dispatched to a single vehicle crash occurring westbound on I-84 near milepost 76, just west of the Rowena Exit.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a white 2011 Kia Rio sedan was traveling westbound at this location and for unknown reasons, left the roadway into the ditch, and collided into a tree. The driver and sole occupant of the Kia, identified as 18 year old The Dalles resident Aileen Pineda-Garcia, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators concluded that both speed and weather were likely a contributing factor in the crash. Pineda-Garcia was confirmed to have been wearing her safety belt at the time of the crash.

Oregon State Police was assisted at the scene by Mid-Columbia Fire Department and ODOT. The crash did not inhibit traffic flow and there were no road closures as a result.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Billy Henry, Founder/Executive Director
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
311 West Evergreen Blvd, Ste. 200
Vancouver, Washington 98660
Local Phone: 1-360-718-2826
Toll Free: 1-800-880-9837
http://www.nwaba.org
bhenry@nwaba.org

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes to Host Paralympic Experience for Children with Visual Impairments in Spokane, Washington

Vancouver, Washington--October 20, 2017--Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) announced today that it will be hosting a 2017 Paralympic Experience in Spokane, Washington. The event is scheduled for Friday, November 3rd at Shadle Park High School (4327 N Ash St. Spokane, WA). The event will run from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. This event is open to all K-12 students who are blind or visually impaired. Teachers of the visually impaired and parents of children are also welcome.

"We are extremely excited to deliver another Paralympic Experience to youth who are blind or visually impaired in Spokane. This truly life-changing opportunity will introduce participants to sports and physical activity and support NWABA's long-term vision of drastically enhancing on-going opportunities throughout the region to ensure every person with a visual impairment is receiving services they need to reach their greatest potential in all areas of life.," said Founder & Executive Director, Billy Henry.

The event will give K-12 students with visual impairments an opportunity to learn the fundamental skills to participate in Goalball (a sport specifically designed for individuals who are blind and visually impaired), track and field, and 5-a-side soccer. For more information on Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, please contact Billy Henry at 1-360-718-2826, or visit www.nwaba.org.

About NWABA
The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. A group of visually impaired students formed the Association in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding charitable organization that provides more than 1,500 children, youth, adults and military veterans with visual impairments tailored programming, which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

For information: http://www.nwaba.org or
Contact: bhenry@nwaba.org
Phone: 1-360-718-2826
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Find out why 270,000 Spokane consumers choose credit unions as their financial services partners

SPOKANE, WA. -- When the curtain goes up at the Northwest Credit Union Association's 2017 MAXX Convention Monday, a 17 year old Spokane entrepreneur will take center stage as one of three "Ted Talks" speakers. Brooke Martin will share her innovative journey, from the product she created as a 12-year old that wound up being sold worldwide, to now, where she is encouraging technology thought leaders to keep the human connection.

Martin won't be the only young voice to be spotlighted. MAXX Convention is offering a unique, front row seat to 18 of the credit union movement's up and coming young professionals, who will rub elbows with CEOs, financial technology developers, and other role models. Hear from members of the Northwest Young Professionals Network why they chose cooperative, not-for-profit credit unions for their careers.

Other highlights of interest to Spokane media include:
The Credit Unions for Kids Dinner and Auction benefitting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, where hundreds of thousands of dollars will be raised. (Tuesday, 6:30-9:30 p.m.)
A trade show featuring more than 100 top business partners who help credit unions provide secure products and services such as mobile apps, networked, surcharge-free ATMs, and more. (Tuesday, 10-12:30 a.m., or Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.)
Access to experts on cybersecurity, affordable housing, and how not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions are helping people achieve their financial dreams (Monday -- Wednesday)
Washington's potential to drive the "drone economy" which will generate billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. (Tuesday, 3.15 p.m.)
Interested media should contact Lynn Heider, VP, Public Relations, NWCUA lheider@nwcua.org. Please note, Brooke Martin will be available in the early afternoon Monday only. She is returning to her college campus following her address.


The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing over 180 credit unions in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, and their 6.2 million consumer members. Northwest Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions help members achieve their financial goals. All earnings in excess of operating expenses and required reserves are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher interest paid on savings. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org.

Attached Media Files: 2017-10/4992/108933/Find_Out_Why_270000_Spokane_Consumers_Choose_Credit_Unions.docx

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PASCO, WA -- Students across Southeast Washington will attend the 14th annual Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum on Friday, November 3 at Columbia Basin College. This full-day forum teaches middle and high school students about the many professions and resources that make up our justice system, with the principal goal of creating opportunities for racial and ethnic diversity in the justice system to match the people it serves.

This year's theme is "How Science and Technology Can Help Us In Our Quest for Justice." Thanks to a greatly generous $10,000 donation from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the 2017 Forum features a strong emphasis on the integration of technology in the field. The event invites students in grades 8-12 to explore how technology can be used in conjunction with regular law practices to advance justice. Students in attendance will have the opportunity to learn more about using technology, such as social media and apps, to solve crimes, as well as participate in a drone demonstration. Students will also meet with professionals in every area of the justice system, including lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officers.

ESD 123 Prevention Services Director, Dana Camarena, looks forward to co-hosting this event each year and is especially grateful for the contribution by PNNL to strengthen the Forum.

"The annual Youth and Justice Forum is a valuable event for our department in many ways," says Camarena, "especially because the students who attend gain such a deeper understanding of our justice system. It's also a great opportunity to inspire youth to pursue a future career in the justice system."

The forum will be held in the Byron Gjerde Multipurpose Facility (Building H) at CBC, and the event is free for all 8-12th grade students (schools must pre-register). For more information, contact Mireya Onofre, Prevention Services Assistant, at monofre@esd123.org.

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The Tri-Cities Youth and Justice Forum is sponsored by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Washington State Minority & Justice Commission, Educational Service District 123, Columbia Basin Community College, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and AACCES, with more sponsors to be announced.

Find out why 235 million consumers worldwide, and 3.6 million in Washington, have chosen not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions as their financial services partners.

SEATAC, WA-- If you visit a credit union branch anytime, you'll receive a warm welcome, local service, and better interest rates than most other financial institutions offer. If you visit a credit union branch October 20th you'll feel an even more energized buzz. It's International Credit Union Day, an annual celebration of more than 68,000 credit unions and their 235 million members worldwide.

As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions provide a viable alternative to profit-driven financial institutions. Credit unions not only offer a plethora of financial services to their member-owners; they are also committed to community service, and are a force for positive economic and social change.

In Washington, 10,000 employees of 90 credit unions serve 3.6 million members across the state, in 521 branch locations, and with 24/7 technology that helps consumers make wise financial decisions.

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. Each year, the international event affords the opportunity to remember credit unions' proud history and promote awareness of and support for the credit union difference. This year's theme, "Dreams Thrive Here," celebrates how credit unions and other financial cooperatives serve as catalysts to make different professions, personal choices, and career paths real.

Interview credit union employees and members in your community on #ICUDay. Please share this video with your audiences so consumers know they have a not-for-profit, cooperative financial services choice: https://vimeo.com/229748075

Find out why 235 million consumers worldwide, and nearly 800,000 in Idaho, have chosen not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions as their financial services partners.

BOISE, ID. -- If you visit a credit union branch anytime, you'll receive a warm welcome, local service, and better interest rates than most other financial institutions offer. If you visit a credit union branch October 20th you'll feel an even more energized buzz. It's International Credit Union Day, an annual celebration of more than 68,000 credit unions and their 235 million members worldwide.

As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, credit unions provide a viable alternative to profit-driven financial institutions. Credit unions not only offer a plethora of financial services to their member-owners; they are also committed to community service, and are a force for positive economic and social change.

In Idaho, 2,500 employees of 28 credit unions serve nearly 800,000 members across the state, in 172 branch locations, and with 24/7 technology that helps consumers make wise financial decisions.

Since 1948, International Credit Union Day has been celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October. Each year, the international event affords the opportunity to remember credit unions' proud history and promote awareness of and support for the credit union difference. This year's theme, "Dreams Thrive Here," celebrates how credit unions and other financial cooperatives serve as catalysts to make different professions, personal choices, and career paths real.

Interview credit union employees and members in your community on #ICUDay. Please share this video with your audiences so consumers know they have a not-for-profit, cooperative financial services choice: https://vimeo.com/229748075

Attached Media Files: 2017-10/4992/108863/International_Credit_Union_Day_in_Idaho.docx

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WASHINGTON -- The Bureau of Land Management announced today that the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture have made selections for the three open positions on its nine-member National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. Mr. Fred T. Woehl, Jr. of Harrison, Arkansas, has been reappointed for the category of public interest (equine behavior); Dr. Sue M. McDonnell of West Chester, Pennsylvania, has been reappointed for the category of wild horse and burro research; and Mr. James French of Winnemucca, Nevada, has been newly appointed for the category of natural resources management. Each individual will serve a three-year term on the Advisory Board.

The nine-member National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board advises the BLM, an agency of the Interior Department, and the U.S. Forest Service, part of the Agriculture Department, on the management and protection of wild free-roaming horses and burros on public lands and national forests administered by those agencies, as mandated by the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Members of the board, who represent various categories of interests, must have a demonstrated ability to analyze information, evaluate programs, identify problems, work collaboratively, and develop corrective actions. More information about the advisory board can be found here.

Mr. Woehl has been involved in the horse community for over 43 years as a trainer, natural horsemanship clinician and educator. He has been involved with the Equine Science Department at the University of Arkansas and taught Equine Science at North Arkansas College. He has served as a volunteer for the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program for ten years, conducting demonstrations of wild horse versatility and assisting with adoptions. Additionally, Mr. Woehl worked as a senior agricultural adviser for the U.S. State Department from October 2008 to November 2009 in Iraq, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of agricultural programs and policy for the Ninewa Province. From November 2009 to March, 2011, he worked in the Kingdom of Jordan, for the Department of Interior's International Technical Assistance Program, where he developed policies for horse use and trained the local Bedouin tribesmen in humane methods of training and in the use of horses at the Archeological Park of Petra. Mr. Woehl currently has four BLM mustangs that are used for demonstrations in Branson, Missouri, and good-will visits at nursing homes, schools and churches.

Dr. McDonnell is a Clinical Associate and Adjunct Professor of Reproduction and Behavior at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Also, as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, she consults privately on equine behavior and welfare. Dr. McDonnell, who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, co-edited the current leading academic book on horse behavior, titled "The Domestic Horse: The Evolution, Development and Management of its Behavior," published by Cambridge University Press.

Mr. French has spent more than 40 years involved in the management of wildlife on public lands in north-central Nevada. Over the course of his career, including 32 years as a biologist with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, he developed a unique understanding of wild horse and burro issues, and has worked with diverse groups to develop land management plans on county, state and federally-managed public lands. Since 2011, he has served on the Humboldt County Commission, the Nevada Association of Counties (also known as NACO) Board of Directors, the National NACO Western Interstate Region Board of Directors, NACO Public Lands and Natural Resources Steering Committees (both state and national), the Humboldt River Water Authority Board of Directors, and the Nevada State Land Use Planning Council. He has contributed to the development of public lands policy, resource management plans and herd management plans for more than three decades. Mr. French has worked collaboratively with county commissions in 16 counties, as well as the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs and government in six states.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any federal agency. This land is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.