The Obama administration got the attention of America's boardrooms with its largely symbolic firing recently of Rick Wagoner, the General Motors Corp. chief executive. Other CEOs, particularly at the nation's biggest banks, should be wary. There's a new boss in town. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Sunday on the CBS talk show "Face the Nation" that if banks get "exceptional assistance," there might be a need for a management change. Wagoner may have richly deserved ... [full story]

Diversity in the workplace may give companies an extra edge when competing in the economic downturn. Businesses need diversity in order to connect with clients, according to Martha Fields, CEO and founder of Fields Associates Inc., an international management consulting firm. A range of ages, races and cultures gives a company a better ability to serve customers from different nations. Businesses require a workplace and product that appeals to both a national and worldwide market; ... [full story]

Q: I am sending a photo of my parents' Singer sewing machine. They purchased it when living in Vermont in the early 1940s. I have had it since the mid-1980s. The cabinet is made of oak, and both the cabinet and the machine are in excellent condition. I still have the instruction booklet, which is dated 1937. Could you please give me an idea of its current value?   A Singer sewing machine, created by Singer ... [full story]

Q: I inherited this single-piece electric toaster from my parents. Decorated with a gazelle on the side, the still-working toaster has a shiny chrome metal finish and its original cord. There is a plate with the words: "Edison Toaster by General Electric Appliance Co. — Patent No. 1551338." My parents had it when I was born in 1931. I have a 1994 magazine article that featured a photo of the same toaster, which was referred ... [full story]

BROWNSVILLE, Ore. – A 76-year old Medford man was seriously injured and flown by helicopter to the hospital after his motorcycle collided with a SUV on Interstate-5 south of the Brownsville interchange on Sunday afternoon.   Oregon State Police (OSP) said Richard R. Graybeal was traveling in the right lane near milepost 216 on his 1996 Honda Goldwing when the SUV, following behind, began to pass him. Graybeal also began to change lanes and the motorcycle ... [full story]

ROCK CREEK, Ore. – Despite valiant efforts by a deputy who risked his life to free a driver trapped underwater in his SUV early Saturday morning, the Beaverton man was pronounced deceased at the scene of the single-vehicle crash to which alcohol may have contributed. Two of the three passengers in the vehicle were injured.   Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Nuehleck risked his life to save the driver, who was trapped in his vehicle and was ... [full story]

BEND, Ore. -- Seasonally adjusted unemployment rates in Central Oregon increased in again in March. Individual county rates ranged from 14.7 percent in Deschutes County – more than double than the rate of one year ago – to 18.5 percent in Crook County. The state rate also rose, from 10.7 percent (as revised) to 12.1 percent.   Deschutes County (Bend MSA): The county’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from a revised rate of 12.4 percent in ... [full story]

SALEM, Ore. — There's a week left before the income tax filing deadline and the Oregon Department of Revenue is standing by to help you, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 8 through Wednesday, April 15. On Saturday, April 11, customer service representatives will take calls from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you have questions about Oregon income taxes but can't find the answers online, in your tax preparation software, or in your ... [full story]

SB 311 Raises Liability Limits for State and Local Government over Seven Years SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon House yesterday voted to pass SB 311, which would raise caps on tort claims brought against the state and local governments.   “This is a good bill that sets adequate limits for public liability claims,” said Representative Jeff Barker (D-Aloha), Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, which heard the bill.  “SB 311 provides stability and certainty so all ... [full story]

BEND, Ore. -- Public health officials in Oregon are stepping up surveillance for a new strain of influenza known as swine flu, after 40 cases have been confirmed in multiple states along with the numerous cases in other countries including Mexico and Canada. No known cases have been confirmed in ... [full story]