Here's a list of local issues that have been covered recently in the Gazette-Times and the status of those stories:

Philomath Scout Lodge

THE STORY: Locals are aiming to build the Philomath Scout Lodge, which youth groups could use for outdoor education or fun, on the east end of Philomath.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT: The organization recently received a $50,000 grant from the Oregon Community Foundation.

WHAT'S NEXT: More fundraising. Volunteers hope to raise enough to complete the shell of the building and its roof before January. The group has raised about

85 percent of the $1.4 million needed to complete the structure. "Although we're still not 100 percent funded, this pushes us close, and certainly gives us momentum to keep moving forward," said Bill Mayer, scout lodge president. "These are exciting times," he added.

Fire victim's recovery continues

THE STORY: Corvallis resident Ben Beekman suffered was severe burns Aug. 9 when his apartment was destroyed by fire.

WHAT'S HAPPENED SO FAR: Beekman spent six weeks undergoing treatment and surgery at the Oregon Burn Center. Meanwhile, his friends and family held multiple fundraisers for Beekman, to help pay his medical bills and replace possessions destroyed in the fire.

WHAT'S NEXT: Beekman is recovering well. He is at home, and he is able to using a treadmill and do yard work for his family. He continues various therapies, and he anticipates being strong enough to attend the Corvallis Fire Department's New Year's Eve celebration at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Benton, Linn get funds

THE STORY: In November 2006, Oregonians approved Ballot Measure 44, which opened the Oregon Prescription Drug Plan to any uninsured Oregonians. Previously, the drug plan was open only to Oregonians age 55 years and older with low incomes.

WHAT'S HAPPENED SO FAR: As of spring, only 300 Benton County residents of the 14,000 eligible for the plan had signed up. AARP Oregon formed a partnership with Oregon State University to promote news of the drug plan.

THE LATEST: Friday marked the one-year anniversary of the program, and Benton and Linn counties have just received $3,000 from AARP Oregon to use for outreach and education about the Oregon Prescription Drug Plan. Additionally, OSU student Vishal Khemalani spent the summer as an intern for AARP, crossing the state to share information on the drug plan.