"Wind Power's Dirty Secret: Hidden Carbon Footprint?" by Anita Kissee

(Video and article courtesy: KATU-TV)

PORTLAND, Ore. – In 10 years Oregon has handed out $1.3 billion in tax credits for renewable energy and conservation projects like wind power, but questions about why the state is spending so much on something that may have a hidden environmental drawback have been raised by some.

Wind power is touted as the cleanest and greenest renewable energy resource.

"You've got a non-carbon-emitting source of energy that's free," said Doug Johnson of the Bonneville Power Administration.

However, Todd Wynn of the Cascade Policy Institute says it’s not as clean as advocates claim. He says it’s simply because the wind is volatile and doesn’t blow all the time.

WATCH/READ STORY HERE

"Skamania Co. auditor under investigation for misusing funds," by Anita Kissee

Article and Video: Courtesy KATU

Records show Garvison billed taxpayers for $51,000 in travel expenses last year. This year he’s already racked up a reported $32,000.

Our investigation led to his early resignation and continues.

Watch/Read Part 1 HERE.

Watch/Read Part 2 HERE.

Watch/Read Part 3 HERE.

Watch/Read Part 4 HERE.

"Single in Portland: Building the skills and confidence to succeed," by Anita Kissee

Article and Video: Courtesy KATU

PORTLAND, Ore. – Dating in Portland can be hard but many are finding they just need to develop the confidence and the skills that will help them meet that special someone.

Read the remainder of the article HERE.

"Experts: too much care pushes health costs up" by Anita Kissee

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Video courtesy: KATU-TV

Could TriMet's fat benefits sink the transit agency? by Anita Kissee

From KATU-TV 

PORTLAND, Ore. - You may have heard the radio ads calling out TriMet, which spends as much as $1,900 per employee, per month, just for health insurance benefits.

Radio Ad: "Free breast enhancement, fitness centers, eyeglasses, no co-pay -- and taxpayers are paying for all of it!"

That's enough to win the so called 'Golden Fleece Award' for wasting taxpayer money but you will be floored when you see the millions more TriMet is spending every year on people who don't even work there.

Over the last month, KATU investigated TriMet's union benefits package and we learned the same kind of deal that drove GM into bankruptcy is happening right here, even as the transit agency faces a $31 million budget deficit.

Click here for the link.

Moving Out Due to Taxes - by Anita Kissee

Story and Photo: Courtesy of KATU

Tax hikes may force some higher income families to move out of Oregon and over the river to Washington. Here's the story for KATU.

Rich Man, Poor Town - by Anita Kissee

Photo and Story: Courtesy of KATU

IT SEEMS MONEY DOESN'T ALWAYS BUY FRIENDS, AT LEAST IN THE TINY CENTRAL OREGON TOWN OF SHANIKO. LAKE OSWEGO BUSINESSMAN ROBERT PAMPLIN JR. IS SELLING HIS SHARE OF THE HISTORIC TOWN. WHAT COULD MAKE HIM MAD ENOUGH TO LEAVE - AND SOME IN TOWN TO SAY GOOD RIDDANCE?
K-2'S ANITA KISSEE TRAVELED TO SHANIKO TO FIND OUT.