From a press release

Rural firefighters set fire to vacant buildings on the Hebo Ranger District through a cooperative agreement with the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Identified for decommission in the current Forest Facilities Master Plan the firefighters were able to participate in training and get rid of surplus buildings during Burn to Learn exercises.
 
“The buildings had very high deferred maintenance costs associated with them, no commercial value, presented a liability to the Forest Service and were at risk for vandalism,” said George Buckingham, Hebo District Ranger. “By cooperating with the five local rural fire districts, we were able to save the tax payers money for this first stage of demolition and provide local emergency responders a controlled environment to practice their skills.”
 
The three vacant buildings, which were lastly home to a bunkhouse, day-care center and gas-house, were all burned successfully. All that remains are the foundations and above ground infrastructure. The district will next work on restoring the sites to a more natural state. The cost savings provided by this partnership allows the Hebo District to spend funds maintaining facilities instead of demolishing them.

LEGO Education named Mark Gullickson of Central Elementary School in Albany the Featured Teacher for February.

Gullickson teaches fifth grade and advises LEGO robotics teams.

Teams from Central did well at the Albany Regional First LEGO League Qualifying Tournament held Dec. 10.

An evacuation site for residents of Scio, Ore., is being opened at the Lighthouse Mennonite School, 31919 Oakville Road, in Shedd, Ore.