Regional News Archives for 2015-07

Fennica Leaves Portland After Bridge Cleared Of Protesters

(Portland, OR)  --  The Shell icebreaker "Fennica" is on its way to the Arctic after law-enforcement personnel cleared the St. Johns Bridge of Greenpeace protesters.  Yesterday, police carefully removed three of the 13 protesters who had rappelled from the bridge earlier this week and dangled in the air to block the path of the vessel.  Removal of the three left enough room for the vessel to make its departure.  The Fennica arrived in Portland for repairs days ago and is on its way to an oil-drilling assignment in the Arctic.

Police Officer Injured In Altercation With Suspect

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland police officer is expected to recover after being injured during an altercation with a suspect.  Authorities say officers responded early yesterday morning to a disturbance call in the area of Southeast 137th Avenue and Stark Street.  A suspect got into a scuffle with one of the officers and hit her in the head.  Police say Joshua O'Farrell was booked for assaulting a public officer, and faces charges of telephonic harassment and second-degree criminal trespass relative to the disturbance call.

Firefighter's Body Found At Diamond Lake

(Diamond Lake, OR)  --  Authorities are investigating after the body of a volunteer firefighter was found in Diamond Lake.  The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says 51-year-old Rodney Shay was presumed drowned after he jumped into Diamond Lake on July 25th and didn't resurface.  His body was found around 3:10 p.m. yesterday.  Shay was a member of the Pleasant Hill Volunteer Firefighters Association.

Vancouver Teacher Pleads Guilty To Child Rape

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A Vancouver teacher is awaiting her sentence, after changing her plea to guilty to a charge of child rape.  Thirty-six-year-old Stephanie McCrea, a drama teacher at Evergreen High, was accused of having sex repeatedly with a 15-year-old student.  McCrea pleaded guilty yesterday to four counts of third-degree child rape and tampering with a witness.  She's being held without bail until she's sentenced on September 30th.
 

Man Accused Of Spitting On, Insulting TriMet Driver

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing charges of criminal mischief, after being accused of spitting on a TriMet driver and using a racial epithet against him.  David Wade Morgan is also charged with intimidation in connection with the April 23rd incident aboard a TriMet bus in Portland.  Police say the driver told them Morgan had spit on him a couple of weeks before the incident, and banned Morgan from riding the bus as a result.  Authorities say Morgan is accused of spitting in the driver's face three times and breaking off the passenger-side windshield wiper after the driver closed the door.

Gas Prices Mostly Flat

(Portland, OR)  --  The price of gasoline in the Portland area is about the same as yesterday.  Triple-A reports the average for regular is three-eleven a gallon, which is a penny cheaper than a week ago.  Tomorrow, fuel prices north of the Columbia River will be more expensive, as a seven-cents-per-gallon increase in Washington's state gas tax will take effect.

Portland Firefighters Respond To 365 Calls In One Day

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland firefighters hope it's not a sign of things to come.  The Fire Bureau responded Wednesday to 365 calls around the city, thanks in part to hot, dry conditions.  The calls ranged from a fire at a portable classroom building at Lincoln High School, to a traffic accident that resulted in a man being pinned inside his vehicle.  Portland had its first 100-degree day yesterday since 2012.

Activists Rappel In Effort To Block Shell Vessel

(Portland, OR)  --  More than a dozen Greenpeace activists are dangling from the St. Johns Bridge above the Willamette River, in an effort to prevent a Shell icebreaker from leaving Portland.  The icebreaker "Fennica" arrived in Portland last Saturday for repairs, and is set to leave for the Arctic on an oil-drilling mission.  The vessel was scheduled to depart yesterday, but after the activists rappelled over the bridge, Shell officials have refrained from saying when the Fennica will leave.  Greenpeace officials told KOIN-TV that 13 people have secured themselves in place below the bridge with enough supplies to last for days.

Fire Damages Portable Classrooms At Portland School

(Portland, OR)  --  Investigators are trying to find out what caused a fire that damaged several portable classrooms at Portland's Lincoln High School.  Firefighters arrived on the scene yesterday morning and quickly extinguished the blaze before it spread.  School officials say it appears the classrooms are a total loss.

Two Arrested In Connection With Fast-food Robberies

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Two men are facing charges after being accused of holding up two fast-food restaurants in Vancouver.  Police say the suspects, 36-year-old Stephen D. Landry and 23-year-old Destin Carter Gilyard, match the descriptions of the men who robbed a Subway and a Jack in the Box at gunpoint.  The Jack in the Box robbery happened yesterday, and the Subway was held up Monday.  "The Oregonian" reports both suspects are being held in the Clark County Jail.

Fire Burns Kelso Church, Deemed Suspicious

(Kelso, WA)  --  Damage is estimated at 80-thousand dollars after a fire ripped through a church in Kelso.  The blaze, which is being investigated as suspicious, was reported around one o'clock yesterday morning at the Journey Kelso Seventh Day Adventist Church on Westside Highway.  Investigators say the church fire may be related to a nearby brush fire.  The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office says this is the third fire on church property in as many weeks.

Police: Woman Admitted To Stealing, Selling Jewelry

(Troutdale, OR)  --  An employee of a Troutdale jewelry store is accused of stealing jewelry from the store and selling it on Craigslist.  Police say Christie Lynn Boyd admitted to stealing nine pieces of jewelry worth 15-thousand dollars from the Zales Outlet.  Investigators say store surveillance video also shows Boyd going into someone's purse and stealing a 27-hundred-dollar ring and 200 dollars in cash.  Boyd is facing charges of first-degree aggravated theft and first-degree theft.

Fuel Prices Slightly Lower

(Portland, OR)  --  The price of gasoline is slightly lower in the Portland metro.  Triple-A reports the average for regular is down a half-cent from yesterday, to just under three-12 a gallon.  A year ago, a gallon of regular sold in Portland for an average of three-93.

Website Ranks Oregon School System 46th In U.S.

(Undated)  --  A new survey has Oregon's public school system ranked 46th in the nation.  Personal-finance website WalletHub.com is basing Oregon's school-system ranking on factors that include student-to-teacher ratio, average SAT score, and high-school dropout rate.  The survey ranks Washington's school system 31st in the U.S.  Topping WalletHub's list of the best school systems is Massachusetts, followed by Colorado, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.
 

Shooting Kills One At Mobile Home Park

(Damascus, OR)  --  One man is dead and one is wounded, following a shooting at a mobile-home park in Clackamas County.  Authorities say the shooting happened around 5:30 yesterday afternoon at the Riverview Mobile Estates on South Highway 224.  Sheriff's deputies arrived to find two men wounded, one of whom died at the scene.  The man who survived the shooting was arrested.

Man Accused Of Sending Suspicious Mail Released

(Eugene, OR)  --  Oregon State Police say they've released a person of interest in connection with suspicious mail that was sent to government offices across the state.  The man was interviewed yesterday in Eugene, but no arrests were made.  Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer said he had a negative reaction from opening one of the suspicious letters Monday, but officials say all of the suspicious mail has tested negative for toxic substances.  Police say the letters contained a message that was difficult to understand, but there's no word on what the message said.

Longtime Kids' Entertainer Dies At 87

(Portland, OR)  --  A memorial service is scheduled for longtime children's entertainer Jim Allen, also known as "Rusty Nails."  Allen died yesterday morning at age 87 after being in hospice care with congestive heart failure.  He spent years on Portland television as Rusty Nails starting in 1957, and made numerous personal appearances as the beloved clown for decades after the show went off the air.  A memorial tribute to Allen will be held on August 13th at Beaverton Foursquare Church on Southwest Walker Road, beginning at one p.m.
 

Man Accused Of Killing Father Denied Bail

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  A Lake Oswego man, who's accused of killing his 73-year-old father, is being held without bail.  A Washington County Judge issued the order yesterday for 38-year-old Nicholas Krochmal, Jr. who's facing a murder charge in the death of Nick Krochmal, Sr.  The victim was found beaten to death in Tigard on March 27th.  Krochmal, Jr. turned himself in to police later that day.
 

Brown Signs Bill Allowing Early Retail Pot Sales

(Salem, OR)  --  A bill that will allow sales of recreational marijuana in Oregon to people age 21 and older starting October 1st is now law.  Governor Kate Brown signed the measure yesterday, which will allow sales of recreational pot at medical marijuana dispensaries.  The Oregon Health Authority will oversee the early sales of pot, but the state Liquor Commission will be in charge of the full-scale recreational marijuana market starting in October 2016.

Kroger Products Sold At Fred Meyer Recalled

(Portland, OR)  --  Several Kroger products that are sold at Fred Meyer stores are being recalled because of Salmonella concerns.  The products include the 12-ounce package of Bac'n Buds, the 17-point-one-ounce size of Coarse ground black pepper, the 18-point-three-ounce size of Ground cinnamon, and the 24-point-seven-ounce package of Garlic powder.  All the products can be returned for a refund or replacement.

True-crime Author Ann Rule Dies At Age 83

(Seattle, WA)  --  Author Ann Rule is being remembered for her work in true-crime writing, including a book on serial killer Ted Bundy.  Rule was 83-years-old when she died Sunday at a Seattle-area hospital.  Her daughter, Leslie, says Rule had various health problems, including congestive heart failure.  Rule turned to crime writing in the 1960s after serving as an employee with the Seattle Police Department.

Pedestrian Seriously Hurt In Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  A pedestrian is being treated for serious injuries, after being hit by a car at a North Portland intersection.  Police say the crash happened around noon yesterday at the intersection of North Russell Street and Mississippi Avenue.  The pedestrian was taken to a hospital and is listed in critical condition.  Police say the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

Audit: Art Tax Collections Falling Short

(Portland, OR)  --  The City Auditor's Office says Portland's 35-dollar Art Tax is funding art teachers in the public schools, but collections are falling short.  The new audit also says administrative costs are higher than anticipated and oversight is less than what was promised.  The audit says because fewer Portlanders than expected are paying the annual Art Tax, collections are only at eight million, rather than 12-million dollars per year.  Revenue Division Director Thomas Lannom told the "Portland Tribune" that work is underway to address the issues.
 

Warmer Water Affecting Sockeye Population

(Portland, OR)  --  Officials say warmer waters are having a major effect on the sockeye salmon population in the Columbia River.  It's estimated that more than a quarter-million sockeye returning to the Columbia and its tributaries from the ocean to spawn are either dead or dying.  Federal and state fisheries biologists told KOIN-TV that at least half of this year's returning sockeye population is being wiped out, because of water that's five to six degrees warmer than normal.
 

Body Of Missing Vancouver Man Found

(Camas, WA)  --  Camas police say they've found the body of a Vancouver man who vanished while on a fishing trip.  A search had been conducted for 68-year-old David Gleghorn after his family reported he didn't return from his trip last Wednesday night as scheduled.  The body was found yesterday at the southeast end of Lacamas Lake.  An autopsy is being performed.
 

Fuel Prices Change Little

(Portland, OR)  --  Fuel prices in the Portland area are about the same as yesterday.  Triple-A reports that the current average of three-12 a gallon is still a penny below the average of a week ago.  The national average for regular is two-70 a gallon.

Suspicious Mail Sent To Oregon Gov't Buildings

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  The FBI and other agencies are investigating suspicious mail that was received yesterday at government offices across Oregon.  Officials say the mail was received at offices in Washington, Grant, Umatilla, Jackson, Sherman, Wasco, and Baker counties, and some of the mail contained what's being called an unknown substance.  Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer was taken to a hospital after opening an envelope addressed to him at the Canyon City sheriff's office.  Authorities say the envelope contained a white substance, and moments after it was opened, Palmer developed a rash on his arms.  The FBI says it's too early in the investigation to release more details on the suspicious mail.

Missing Man With Amnesia Found Safe

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland man with amnesia, who had been reported missing, is now back with his family.  Officials say 25-year-old Michael Gazeley-Romney wandered off from his father's work site in Josephine County around 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.  Authorities say his condition causes him to forget who he is.  Police reported yesterday that Gazeley-Romney was found safe.

Suspect In Shooting Arrested Following Standoff

(Portland, OR)  --  A man suspected in a shooting in Southeast Portland is behind bars, following a standoff with police.  Authorities say the standoff lasted about six hours before Aaron Deon Kinsey was arrested early yesterday morning at his home on Southeast 160th Place.  The shooting happened around 6:15 p.m. Saturday on the same block as Kinsey's house, but no one was injured.  Kinsey is facing charges of attempted murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

Man Accused Of Trying To Kidnap Girl Arrested

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A man who's accused of trying to kidnap a young girl from a Walmart in Vancouver is behind bars.  Police say 45-year-old Steven W. Hayes tried to walk the girl out of the store Saturday, even though he didn't know the child or her parents.  Authorities say Hayes fled, but he was apprehended early yesterday morning in Southeast Portland.

Three Accused Of Setting Woodland-area Wildfire

(Woodland, WA)  --  Three Vancouver men are facing charges, after being accused of setting a wildfire that scorched more than 100 acres.  Cowlitz County sheriff's deputies say brothers Adrian and Nathan Taylor and their friend, 22-year-old Michael Estrada-Cardenas, fired guns at some 16-ounce propane bottles, which sparked the fire.  The blaze started a week ago yesterday in a clear-cut area east of Woodland.  The three suspects are scheduled to appear in court today.

Suspects In Armed Robbery Sought

(Gladstone, OR)  --  Police are looking for two suspects in the armed robbery of an Arco station in Gladstone.  Authorities say the suspects, who wore bandannas over their faces, were armed with a semi-automatic handgun when they entered the store on East Arlington around 4:40 a.m. yesterday morning.  Police say the suspect carrying the gun was white with light-brown hair and blue eyes, and a slim build.  The second suspect is reported to be black, between five-nine and five-eleven and weighing 160 pounds.

Gas Prices Slip

(Portland, OR)  --  Gasoline prices are falling slowly in the Portland area.  Triple-A reports the average for a gallon of regular is about three-dollars 12-cents a gallon, which is more than a penny lower than a week ago.  The nationwide average for regular is two-dollars 71-cents a gallon.

Woman Struck By Boat Propeller

(Portland, OR)  --  A woman is being treated at a hospital after her leg was struck by the propeller of a pontoon boat.  Authorities say the accident happened around 5:30 p.m. yesterday evening on the Willamette River in the area of the Fremont Bridge.  Investigators believe the operator of the boat, 34-year-old Haley Ronningen, was piloting the watercraft while intoxicated.  The victim is listed in serious condition.

Police ID Man Injured In Hit-and-run

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police continue to investigate a hit-and-run that critically injured a man in a fast-food restaurant parking lot.  Officials say 48-year-old Kevin McNerney was hit Wednesday afternoon by a dark-colored Chevrolet SUV with yellow Oregon plates.  Police say McNerney was hit after having an argument with the woman who drove the SUV.  McNerney remains in critical condition.
 

Capital One Call Center In Tigard Closing

(Tigard, OR)  --  The Capital One call center in Tigard is slated to close by the end of this year.  Capital One says the center, which employs about 900 people, will close as part of the company's shifting of its call-center strategy to better meet customer needs.  Workers will get assistance in finding other jobs.  The call center is Tigard's biggest single employer.

One Wounded In North Portland Shooting

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say a man was wounded in a shooting in the St. John's neighborhood in North Portland.  Authorities say gunshots were reported around 8:50 last night in the area of North Swenson Street and Iris Way.  A man in his 20s is being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.  No suspects have been identified.

Vancouver Man Missing On Lacamas Lake

(Camas, WA)  --  A 68-year-old Vancouver man is missing, after going on a fishing trip to Lacamas Lake.  Officials say David Gleghorn took his inflatable boat to go fishing at the lake around 8:00 a.m. Wednesday.  Family members notified police when Gleghorn hadn't returned by around 10:30 p.m.  Camas police say they found Gleghorn's car parked at the public boat launch, and found evidence that his boat had been launched from that location.

Sherwood Man Killed In Lincoln County Crash

(Lincoln County, OR)  --  Oregon State Police are investigating a crash that killed a Sherwood man in Lincoln County.  Troopers say 76-year-old Ladrue Cramer was driving a pickup truck yesterday afternoon along Oregon 18 when he lost control and left the roadway.  Police say the truck landed upside down at the bottom of the bank of Little Salmon River.  Cramer died at the scene.

Burglary Suspect Arrested Following Standoff

(Beaverton, OR)  --  A suspect in a home burglary is in custody, following a standoff with Beaverton police.  Authorities say 44-year-old Wilfredo Peraza-Domenech was seen by police inside a home on Timberland Drive and Ivy Glenn Street around noon yesterday, following a call from a witness.  Officials say the suspect refused to come out of the house and engaged in the standoff for more than four hours before he surrendered.  Peraza-Domenech is charged with first-degree burglary.

Gas Prices Slightly Lower

(Portland, OR)  --  Gasoline prices are slightly lower today in the Portland area.  Triple-A reports the average for regular is about three-dollars 12-cents a gallon, a half-cent below yesterday's average.  At this time last year, a gallon of regular sold in Portland for about three-dollars 94-cents.

Woman Injured In July 4th Hit-and-run Dies

(Portland, OR)  --  Officials say a 60-year-old woman who was injured in a hit-and-run crash in Portland has died.  Marlene Popps died from injuries she suffered in the crash, which happened while she was walking at the intersection of Southeast 60th Avenue and Holgate Boulevard.  Police say Popps may have been hit by a motorcycle or a three-wheeled bike.  The suspect was last seen heading west on Holgate Boulevard.

Auditor: Red-light Cameras Make Intersections Safer

(Portland, OR)  --  A new report from the Portland City Auditor's office says red-light cameras make intersections safer.  Drummond Kahn, director of audit services, told KGW-TV the number and the rate of crashes are lower, which means even the busier intersections are seeing fewer accidents.  The audit report says since the red-light cameras were installed, crash rates at those intersections have dropped by an average of 44 percent.

Portland Cop Accused Of Demanding Sex Acts From Woman

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland police officer is being investigated after he was accused of demanding sex acts and a massage from a woman in a motel room.  Authorities say Jeromie Palaoro was accused of stripping his clothes off and demanding sexual favors from the Las Vegas woman after he responded to her call for help during the Fourth of July weekend.  Officials say the woman called police after she had a fight with her boyfriend, whom she was visiting.  The Portland Police Bureau says more information will be released after the investigation is complete.

Man Critically Hurt In Hit-and-run Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is being treated for critical injuries, following a hit-and-run crash in the parking lot of a Taco Bell in Southeast Portland.  The incident happened around 1:30 yesterday afternoon at the restaurant on Southeast 126th Avenue and Division.  Police say the man may have been in an altercation with a woman who hit him with her vehicle before driving off.  Investigators say the woman was driving a dark-colored SUV.

Accused ID Thief Arrested

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say they've arrested a man who's accused of being a prolific ID thief.  Authorities say 51-year-old Daniel Leroy Turner was pulled over yesterday for a traffic stop, and was found with several wallets, a briefcase, a number of cards with different names, and bolt cutters.  Also found was an Oregon Health & Science University spreadsheet with dozens of names, and about 50 corresponding Social Security numbers.  Portland police had been seeking Turner for weeks, saying he had stolen personal belongings from several gym locker rooms in the metro area.

Police ID Aloha Man Killed In Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say a man who died in a head-on crash in Portland was an Aloha resident.  Police say 37-year-old Todd Lane crossed the center line of Southeast Foster Road Tuesday afternoon and crashed into an oncoming car driven by Kyle Anne Baker of Milwaukie, who was seriously injured.  An autopsy is being conducted on Lane's body.

Portland-area Fuel Prices Steady

(Portland, OR)  --  Prices at the gas pump are flat in the Portland area.  Triple-A reports the average for regular is just under three-13 a gallon, about a half-cent below the average of a week ago.  The national average for regular is two-74 a gallon.

One Killed In Head-on Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  One person is dead and another is seriously injured, following a head-on collision in Southeast Portland.  Police say the wreck happened around 3:20 yesterday afternoon in the area of Southeast Foster Road and 158th Avenue.  One person was killed at the scene, and the other was rushed to a hospital.  No names have been released.

Boat Crashes Into Hawthorne Bridge, Four Injured

(Portland, OR)  --  Four people are being hospitalized, after a boat slammed into Portland's Hawthorne Bridge.  Portland Fire & Rescue says the crash, which involved a 16-foot aluminum boat, happened around 7:20 yesterday evening on the Willamette River.  Authorities say two men in their 20s and two teenage girls were injured, and all are listed in stable condition.

Motorcyclist Killed In Eugene Crash

(Eugene, OR)  --  Police are investigating a deadly crash involving a dump truck and a motorcycle.  Troopers say the truck was traveling along Oregon 99 in Eugene when it turned onto Dillard Road, into the path of a northbound motorcycle.  The 43-year-old motorcyclist, Kevin Peschel [[ PESH-ull ]], died later at a hospital.  The truck driver, 29-year-old Adam Metteer of Springfield, wasn't injured.

Vancouver Teen Accused Of Shooting Stepfather

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A 16-year-old Vancouver boy is in police custody, after being accused of shooting his stepfather.  Police say the victim was found wounded yesterday at a home on Northeast 130th Avenue as a result of the shooting, which apparently stemmed from a family dispute.  Authorities say the teenager fled the scene, but was later apprehended.  The man is expected to survive.

Fuel Prices Slip

(Portland, OR)  --  Prices at the gas pump are slightly lower in the Portland metro.  Triple-A reports the average for regular fell about a half-cent from yesterday, to just under three-13 a gallon.  The national average for regular is two-75 a gallon.

Man Accused Of Assaulting Sherwood Police Officer

(Sherwood, OR)  --  A man is behind bars, after being accused of assaulting a Sherwood police officer who responded to a report of a dog locked in a car.  Authorities say the dog's owner, 54-year-old Jeffrey D. Hagg, confronted the officer in the parking lot of a Safeway store on Roy Rogers Road yesterday afternoon.  Officials say the officer was pushed and hit in the head as he and other officers tried to take Hagg into custody.  Hagg is facing charges of assaulting a public safety officer, disorderly conduct, and harassment.
 

Apartment Complex Hit By Bullets

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say shots fired in the area of 160th and East Burnside put holes in a nearby apartment complex.  Authorities say there was damage to at least two units at the Tree Crest Apartments as a result of the shots that were fired around 4:35 yesterday afternoon.  Police say two black males, one armed with a handgun, were seen running from the area.  No one was injured.
 

Aloha Toddler Critically Injured In Fall

(Aloha, OR)  --  A two-year-old Aloha boy is listed in critical condition, after falling from a third-floor window.  Police say the incident happened Sunday night, when the toddler leaned against a window screen at an apartment on Southwest Monson Street and broke through.  The boy's father managed to partially break his son's fall.  The child is being treated at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.
 

Newberg City Manager Placed On Leave

(Newberg, OR)  --  Newberg City Manager Jacque Betz is officially on leave, following a vote of the City Council.  Yamhill County District Attorney Bradley Berry says Oregon State Police will investigate questions that have been raised concerning Betz's conduct since she announced that Newberg Police Chief Brian Casey had been placed on administrative leave.  Casey says he's not under investigation for any crimes or misconduct.  City Attorney Truman Stone will serve as city manager during the investigation.

Teen Hiker Found, Back Home With Family

(Multnomah County, OR)  --  A 15-year-old girl who had disappeared after going out on a nighttime hike is back home with her family.  "The Oregonian" reports the teen was reunited with family members shortly after midnight.  She had gone for a hike in the woods above Multnomah Falls around 6:50 yesterday evening, and was reported missing when she didn't return as scheduled.  The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Trail Hornets, who conducted the search, found the teen at the Wahkeena Falls junction.

Troutdale Voters To Decide On Proposed Gas Tax

(Troutdale, OR)  --  Voters in Troutdale will cast ballots this fall on whether to pass a proposed three-cent gas tax.  The tax would increase by a penny a year, starting in 2016 and ending in 2018.  The revenue would be used for street repairs and improvements.  Officials estimate the tax would generate 100-thousand dollars per year per penny if the measure passes.

Gas Prices Steady

(Portland, OR)  --  Gas prices remain flat in the Portland area.  Triple-A's latest survey shows the average for regular is three-13 a gallon, which is a half-cent lower than the average of a week ago.  At this time last year, regular gas averaged three-94 a gallon in the Portland metro.

Officials ID Multnomah County Inmate Who Died In Cell

(Portland, OR)  --  Officials say an inmate who died in the Multnomah County Detention Center doesn't appear to have been a victim of foul play.  The body of Lloyd Milton Virnig of Sandy was found in his cell Friday.  An autopsy was conducted Saturday, but cause of death still hasn't been determined.  Officials say Virnig had been booked into the jail Thursday on multiple counts, including heroin possession, first-degree burglary, and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Two Killed In Linn County Crash

(Albany, OR)  --  Two people are dead, following a crash about four miles east of Albany.  Linn County sheriff's deputies say the wreck happened around 12:30 yesterday afternoon at the intersection of Spicer Drive and Kennel Road.  Officials say the crash killed Janice Elaine Kummer of Lebanon and Holly Creager of Albany.  Deputies say Kummer ran a stop sign, which led to the crash.

Polk County Deputy Rescued From Burning Patrol Car

(Dallas, OR)  --  A Polk County sheriff's deputy is recovering from minor injuries he suffered while trapped in his burning patrol car.  Officials say Deputy Shon Latty was on his way to assist an Independence police officer yesterday when he crashed into another vehicle and traveled into a ditch, and his cruiser caught fire.  Another Polk County deputy and two Dallas police officers were able to pull Latty from the wreckage, and he was taken to Salem Hospital.  No one in the second vehicle was seriously hurt.

Newberg City Manager Investigated

(Newberg, OR)  --  Newberg City Manager Jacque Betz is under investigation.  Yamhill County District Attorney Bradley Berry told KGW-TV that Oregon State Police will investigate questions that have been raised concerning Betz's conduct since she announced that Newberg Police Chief Brian Casey had been placed on administrative leave.  Berry says no reason for the action against the chief has been made public.  Casey says he hasn't been accused of any wrongdoing.  There's been no comment from Betz.

Wildfire Near Woodland

(Woodland, WA)  --  Officials say a wildfire near Woodland, Washington has grown to 40 acres.  The fire, which broke out shortly after noon yesterday, is located northeast of Woodland, off Highway 503 and Frederickson Road.  There have been no reports of injuries or damage to structures.

Burglary Suspects Arrested

(Portland, OR)  --  A man and a woman accused of burglarizing two storage units in East Portland are behind bars.  Phillicia Lorianne Johnsen and Enrique Manuel Delacruz were taken into custody yesterday.  Police say they were caught while a burglary was in progress at the Public Storage on Southeast 105th Avenue.  The suspects are scheduled to be arraigned today.
 

Man Convicted Of Manslaughter In Deadly Crash

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  A Cornelius man will be sentenced next month, after being found guilty of manslaughter in a crash that killed a Hillsboro woman.  A Washington County jury deliberated for 20 minutes yesterday before coming back with the verdict against Adam Buchalski [[ buh-KAL-skee ]], who was also convicted of reckless driving and fourth-degree assault.  Twenty-two-year-old Maria Lara Martinez was killed in January when Buchalski tried to pass in a no-passing zone on Northwest Susdbauer Road in Hillsboro.  Buchalski will get a mandatory minimum sentence of six years and three months in prison.
 

Neighbor Arrested In Connection With Break-in, Rape

(Forest Grove, OR)  --  A Forest Grove man, accused of breaking into a woman's home and raping her, is behind bars.  Police say James Gialloretto is a neighbor of the victim, who was attacked last month at her home in the area of Pacific Avenue and A Street in Forest Grove.  Authorities say the woman was hit with a hammer and choked with a cord during the assault.

Man Accused Of Biting Officer During Arrest

(Gresham, OR)  --  Gresham police say they have a man in custody after he bit an officer during his arrest.  Authorities say 23-year-old Elijah David Shelton is accused of trying to steal beer Wednesday night from a convenience store and punching the clerk when confronted.  Officials say the responding officer was bitten at least twice during a scuffle with Shelton.  The suspect is facing multiple charges.

DA: Yamhill Deputy Justified In Shooting Death of Suspect

(McMinnville, OR)  --  The Yamhill County district attorney says a sheriff's deputy was justified when he shot and killed a suspect who was fleeing a traffic stop.  Deputy Richard Broyles shot 24-year-old Kevin Lamont Judson to death on July 1st after Judson scuffled with Broyles and tried to drive away in his patrol vehicle.  Officials say Broyles was involved in a foot chase with Judson prior to the shooting and commanded him to stop, but Judson refused and a stun gun failed to stop him.
 

Gas Prices Flat

(Portland, OR)  --  Gas prices are fairly stable in the Portland Metro area.  The latest Triple-A survey shows the average for regular is three-13 a gallon, which is less than a penny above the average of a week ago.  At this time last year, regular gas averaged three-95 a gallon in the Portland area.

Series Of Quakes Recorded In Southern Oregon

(Portland, OR)  --  The U.S. Geological Survey says a four-point-six earthquake was among a series of temblors that shook southern Oregon overnight Wednesday.  The four-point-six quake was centered about 40 miles away from Lakeview, near the Nevada border.  The other quakes registered four-point-oh, three-point-four, three-point-four, and three-point-two.

Murder Suspect In Custody

(Portland, OR)  --  A man accused in a deadly shooting in Northeast Portland is in custody.  Police say 42-year-old Wayne Archie Woodruff is charged with murder in the death of Brandon Kaufman at a mobile home park in the area of Northeast 72nd Avenue and Killingsworth Street.  Authorities say Woodruff was booked yesterday after undergoing treatment for a drug overdose.  Police say the Sunday shooting apparently stemmed from an argument.
 

Traffic Stop Turns Into Heroin Bust

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say a traffic stop on Southeast Stark Street at I-205 turned into a drug bust.  Authorities say a drug-sniffing dog named Lola helped officers Tuesday find five pounds of meth, one pound of heroin, and a handgun inside a backpack stashed in the trunk of the car.  Three men were arrested on multiple charges, including possession and delivery of heroin.

Gas Prices Up Slightly

(Portland, OR)  --  The price of gasoline in the Portland area is slightly higher.  The latest Triple-A survey shows the average for regular is up about a half-cent from yesterday, to three-14 a gallon.  The national average for regular is two-78 a gallon.
 

Council Votes To Keep Reservoirs Filled

(Portland, OR)  --  The reservoirs at Mount Tabor will remain full, after the Portland City Council voted to spend millions to keep them preserved and maintained.  At least four-million dollars will be spent on the reservoirs' maintenance, even after they're disconnected from the city's water system.  The reservoirs will be preserved for beautification purposes.

Two Bodies Recovered At Site Of WA Plane Crash

(Skagit County, WA)  --  Authorities say two bodies have been recovered from the site of a plane crash that was survived by 16-year-old Autumn Veatch of Bellingham, Washington.  The bodies were found yesterday in a rugged area of Skagit County, about a mile north of S-R 20 in the area of Rainy Pass.  No official identification has been made, but the bodies are believed to be those of Veatch's step-grandparents, Leland and Sharon Bowman.  The teen hiked through the woods for two days following the Saturday crash and suffered from dehydration before she was spotted and assisted by two hikers.

Fires Destroy Vancouver Homes

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Fire officials are investigating two fires that destroyed three homes in Vancouver.  The first fire broke out in a field on Buena Vista Drive around 5:30 p.m. yesterday, and spread to a nearby house.  The second blaze was reported about two miles away, and burned two homes on Southeast Hillcrest Drive.  Officials say embers from that fire settled into a field and set it ablaze.  There were no injuries resulting from either fire.
 

SE Portland Shooting Victim Dies

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say a man who was critically wounded in a shooting on Southeast Powell Boulevard has died of his wounds.  He's been identified as 19-year-old Anthony Quincy Jackson, Jr.  Investigators say the shooting happened Sunday afternoon at the Shalamar Apartments.  No information on possible suspects has been released.

Three Dead In Vancouver Murder-suicide

(Hazel Dell, WA)  --  Investigators say the deaths of three people at a home in Hazel Dell are a case of murder-suicide.  Clark County sheriff's deputies say a man shot two women to death yesterday before killing himself at a residence on Northeast 98th Street.  Officials have identified the three as a husband, his wife, and his mother-in-law.  No names have been released.

Child Hospitalized Following Near-drowning

(Beaverton, OR)  --  A young child is in a hospital, following a near-drowning in a swimming pool in Beaverton.  Officials say the incident happened at the Villa Sport Athletic Club around five o'clock yesterday afternoon.  The child, who's four or five years old, is expected to survive.

Portland Seeks Grant To Add School Resource Officers

(Portland, OR)  --  The city of Portland is hoping to secure a federal grant that would enable it to add three full-time school resource officers.  The city is seeking 375-thousand-dollars from the Community Oriented Policing Services office of the U.S. Department of Justice.  The money would enable the Portland Police Bureau to keep the additional school resource officers on the job for three years.
 

Gas Prices Up Slightly

(Portland, OR)  --  Gas prices are slightly higher today in the Portland area.  Triple-A reports the average for regular is up about a half-cent from yesterday, to three-14 a gallon.  The average at this time last month was three-04 a gallon.

Teen Who Survived Plane Crash Now Home

(Bellingham, WA)  --  Autumn Veatch, the 16-year-old Bellingham, Washington girl who survived the crash of a small plane, is back home.  Veatch suffered minor injuries and dehydration after the crash last Saturday near the community of Mazama, Washington.  After she hiked through the woods for two days, she was picked up Monday by two men who drove her to a store.  Veatch told authorities her step-grandparents, Leland and Sharon Bowman, didn't survive the crash.  Crews have located wreckage, but haven't made it to the crash site.

More Affordable Housing Coming To Beaverton

(Beaverton, OR)  --  A project that's intended to provide more affordable housing in Beaverton is underway.  Ground was broken yesterday on the future site of the Sunset View Apartments, located in an area that once contained a golf driving range.  Officials say the complex will contain 236 units whose rent will be 32-percent below that of similar facilities in the area.  The apartments are expected to open in 2017.

Three Dead Following Lewis County Crash

(Onalaska, WA)  --  State troopers say they've arrested a man on DUI charges after a crash that killed three people and injured three others in Lewis County, Washington.  The Washington State Patrol says a van driven by Joseph Rogerson collided with an oncoming SUV on S-R 508 near Onalaska late Monday night.  Police say an 18-year-old and a 13-year-old who were in the SUV died at the scene, and another 18-year-old died yesterday at a hospital.  Rogerson pleaded not guilty yesterday to a charge of driving under the influence.

Apartment Fire Injures Four

(Portland, OR)  --  Four people are reported to be injured, after a fire damaged five units in an apartment building in Southeast Portland.  Officials say the blaze started around four o'clock yesterday afternoon at the Hidden Court complex on Southeast 121st Avenue.  Authorities say one man jumped out a window of an upstairs unit to escape the flames.  Another man was taken to a hospital, and two people were treated at the scene.  Investigators are trying to determine what caused the fire.

Brown: Session Was A Success

(Salem, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown, who took over as Oregon's chief executive in February, says the legislative session was a success.  The governor signed a number of bills passed during the session, including a requirement for paid sick leave and legislation to increase voter registration.  Brown told KOIN-TV she hasn't decided whether to sign a measure that would allow retail marijuana sales starting October 1st.

Man Arrested Following Standoff

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland man, who's accused of holding his wife at gunpoint during a standoff with officers, is behind bars.  Police say they engaged the suspect in the standoff yesterday in the area of Southeast 78th Avenue and Springwater Drive beginning around 5:11 p.m.  The man surrendered around 8:30 last night.  His wife and three children were found safe.

Suspect In Stabbing Death Arrested

(Oregon City, OR)  --  A man who's accused of stabbing another man to death at a home in Clackamas County is facing a murder charge.  Authorities say Daniel Ryan Gillispie of Oregon City was already in jail on an unrelated charge when he was arrested earlier this month in connection with Alexander Moseby's death in June.  Investigators haven't released information on a possible motive.
 

Woman Mauled By Dog In NE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Animal-control officers are trying to find out who owns a dog that attacked and mauled a woman in Northeast Portland.  The attack happened on July 2nd as the victim was walking her two Chihuahuas in the area of Northeast 34th and Liberty.  Officials say the dog was a charcoal-gray pit bull that was seen running around with a brown pit bull the morning of the attack.  Animal Control officials are hoping someone will step forward to help the investigation.  
 

Man Accused Of Trying To Murder Portland Cop

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who's accused of attacking and stabbing a Portland police officer is facing charges.  Fifty-six-year-old David James Ellis has been indicted on charges of attempted aggravated murder, second-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.  Authorities say Ellis, who was a suspected in an attempted burglary, attacked Officer Jose Jiminez with a knife on July 5th.  Jiminez's partner shot and wounded Ellis during the attack.  Ellis is slated to be arraigned tomorrow.

Man Sentenced For 1982 Murder Of Aloha Teen

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  A man who was recently convicted of raping and murdering a teenage neighbor 33 years ago will spend the rest of his life in prison.  Fifty-two-year-old Kenneth Hicks was found guilty last week of the 1982 murder of 17-year-old Lori Billingsley of Aloha.  Police say there wasn't sufficient evidence to hold Hicks for the murder until improved technology linked him in 2013 through DNA to the killing.  The case is believed to be the oldest prosecuted in Washington County.

Teen Sentenced For Shooting Near Police Station

(Portland, OR)  --  A 16-year-old boy is headed to detention after pleading guilty to shooting a gun outside the East Precinct of the Portland Police Bureau.  The shooting happened in March after a party let out at the East Portland Community Center.  Dontae Eugene Mathis, Jr. was arrested, and pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of attempted first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.  He was sentenced to five years in the custody of the Oregon Youth Authority.

Gas Prices Flat

(Portland, OR)  --  Fuel prices remain flat in the Portland area.  The latest Triple-A survey shows the average for regular at three-17 a gallon, which is about a half-cent above the average of a week ago.  At this time last year, regular gas averaged three-96 a gallon in the Portland Metro.

Man Shot To Death In NE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Police are investigating a shooting death that's believed to have stemmed from an argument.  Investigators say 35-year-old Brandon Kaufman was found dead early yesterday morning at a trailer park in the area of Northeast 72nd Avenue and Killingsworth Street.  Police say they've identified a suspect, who's currently being treated for a possible drug overdose.

Runaway Teen Found Safe

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Beaverton police say a 13-year-old girl who had been reported as a runaway has been found safe.  The teen had been reported missing from her father's home early yesterday morning, leaving a note saying she had run away.  The girl was found in Hillsboro yesterday evening and has been reunited with her family.

Suspect In Fatal Shooting Arrested

(Salem, OR)  --  A man suspected in a deadly shooting in Salem is behind bars.  Police say 27-year-old Christopher Marquis Lauderdale is facing multiple charges in the death of Roderick Adams, Jr. of Salem.  Adams was found suffering from a gunshot wound late Thursday night at a residence on Ewald Street Southeast, and has since died.  There's no word on a motive for the shooting.

Teen Seriously Wounded In Shooting

(Portland, OR)  --  A teenage male is being treated for life-threatening injuries, following a shooting in Southeast Portland.  Police say the shooting happened around 3:30 yesterday afternoon at the Shalamar Apartments on 137th Avenue and Southeast Powell Boulevard.  Officers found the wounded teen after a report of multiple shots being fired.  There's no word on whether arrests have been made.

Accused Bank Robber Arrested

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who's accused of robbing a Portland bank is in custody.  Police say 54-year-old James K. Lee will be charged with robbing a branch of Key Bank on Southeast Division Street Saturday morning.  Officials say Lee was arrested after catching a ride with a cab following the robbery.

Residents Evacuate Ahead Of WA Wildfires

(Waterville, WA)  --  Firefighters are busy in Douglas County, Washington, battling wildfires that have scorched about 22-thousand acres of brush near the community of Waterville.  There have been no reports of injuries or any damage to buildings in the area.  The fires are believed to have been started by lightning around six p.m. Friday.  Nearly 300 firefighters from across Washington are involved in containing the fires, which have been named the Douglas County Complex fires.

Gas Prices Steady

(Portland, OR)  --  Triple-A reports gas prices in the Portland area are steady.  The average for regular is three-14 a gallon, which is only a fraction of a cent above the average of a week ago.  The national average for regular is two-77 a gallon.

Waste Center Fire In Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Hazmat crews are concerned over a chemical runoff after a recycling center fire in Portland.  Firefighters responded to the Metro Central Transfer station on 61st Avenue yesterday.  A contaminated runoff is possible as the station is near the Williamette River.

Uber Service For Disabled Riders

(Portland, OR)  --  Uber is planning to improve service for disabled riders in Portland.  An app lets drivers know a passenger may need help.  The taxi company has only two wheelchair accessible cabs, causing advocates for the disabled to give the ride-share transportation giant a failing grade.

Babysitter Accused Of Being Drunk

(Oregon City, OR)  --  Kathryn Roan is accused of child neglect for being drunk while babysitting.  She declined to enter a plea yesterday in court.  Roan operates a childcare business in her Oregon City home.  If found guilty, she could spent two years behind bars.

Removing Salvation Army Captain

(Portland, OR)  --  A Salvation Army captain in Portland is accused of discrimination while serving in Minnesota.  Employees seek to have Dennis Earnhart removed from the adult rehab center in Portland.  Officials at the national charity organization are investigating claims against Captain Earnhart.

Seniors Scammed In Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Senior citizens are being warned of a scam in Portland.  Schemers are duping people out of thousands of dollars.  Don't be too quick to donate money to an organization via a stranger.  The stranger and your money will quickly disappear.  CrimeStoppers is offering up to a thousand dollars for tips leading to an arrest.

Teen Drowns in Sandy River

(Sandy, OR)  --  Authorities recover the body of a Douglas High student in the Sandy River.  The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office says Joshua Hartley resurfaced briefly after jumping into the river but went under again near the Revenue Bridge.  Searchers pulled the boy's body from the river last night after several hours of searching.  Hartley was at the river with the other boys on his high school football team.

Police: Man Stole Women's Panties

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing burglary charges for stealing bras and women's underwear.  Angel Bedolla-Nievez was caught by police after a woman found him going through her Portland garage late last month.  Police found nearly two dozen pairs of underwear in his home after searching it a few days later.  Bedolla-Nievez was charged in court yesterday.  Police say you should call them if you believe you're missing any clothing.

Beaverton Officer Was Hit By Shotgun Blast

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Beaverton police say at least three officers shot at an man who wounded another officer.  Officer Scott Burke was treated for shotgun wounds to his neck and face, according to the department.  Investigators said yesterday the three officers who fired at Michael Westrich are on paid administrative leave.  Westrich was killed after reportedly throwing bricks at officers and firing his shotgun on Wednesday morning.

Cops Catch Statue Thief

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is in custody for reportedly knocking over a 600-pound statue and stealing pieces of it.  KATU-TV reports the 70-thousand-dollar Talos Number Two statue was knocked over Thursday morning and police caught up with their suspect, Trevor Van, a few hours later.  He's facing a charge of theft.  The Regional Arts and Culture Council thinks all the pieces for the Portland statue have been found and they can try to fix it.

Gay Activist Bean Seeks Settlement With Ex-Boyfriend

(Portland, OR)  --  Gay activist and Democratic fundraiser Terry Bean is trying to settle allegations of sexual misconduct with an underage boy.  The "Oregonian" says Bean has proposed a civil compromise with the alleged victim which seeks a dismissal of the sex charges.  The 66-year-old Bean and his former boyfriend are both facing charges.  Both have pleaded not-guilty.  

Man Pulled From Willamette River Identified

(Portland, OR)  --  Multnomah Sheriff's deputies are revealing the identity of the man found dead in Willamette River this week.  A county medical examiner says 43-year-old Brian Jay Burnett of Vancouver drowned near the Broadway Bridge on Monday.  Authorities say they found no signs of foul play.

Woman's Body Found At Laurelhurst Park

(Portland, OR)  --  Police officials are investigating the discovery of a woman's body in a park in Southeast Portland.  The discovery was made in a pond at Laurelhurst Park this week.  Investigators don't know how long the body was there.  

Oregon Home Prices Rising Rapidly

(Portland, OR)  --  The price of a home in Oregon is skyrocketing.  According to newly-released data, the month of May saw an increase in home prices of just under eight-percent compared with a year ago.  That was better than the national average of six-point-three-percent.  Oregon's robust numbers places the state fifth in the nation for home prices.  
 

Salem Man Injured In Stunt At Three Pools Recreation Area

(Portland, OR)  --  A Salem man is recovering from serious injuries suffered when an attempt to backflip into the Three Pools Recreation area failed.  Rescuers say Mason Young tried to backflip 26-feet into the water but hit the ground instead.  Crews needed two hours to rescue Young before he was flown to Salem Hospital for treatment. 

Oregon Ranked 2nd Worst State To Make A Living

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is rated one of the worst states to make a living.  Money-rates-dot-com ranks it 49th on the list while putting Washington at number two.  They say it's because of the high cost of living .  Researchers say Oregon's cost of living is 29-percent higher than the national average.

PSU To Lower Tuition Increase

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland State University is planning on reducing its tuition increase.  University officials say a boost in funding just approved by the state legislature is making it possible.  They had proposed an increase of four-point-two-percent for Oregon undergrads to hire more advisers and faculty, and invest in more student support services.  
 

Portland International Ranked Best Airport

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland International Airport is ranked the nation's top airport by "Travel and Leisure."   The magazine rated it the best for the third year in a row based on factors like location and access, check-in and security.  Changi Airport in Singapore is rated the best international airport.

Neighborhood Group Buys Strip Club

(Portland, OR)  --  A former strip club in the Cully neighborhood is going to be a community center.  The club Sugar Shack was bought by Hacienda CDC, the Native American Youth and Family Center and Verde.  They paid two-point-75-million-dollars for the site.

Cyclists Hope For Diverter For SE Clinton

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland bicycle advocates are working to make Southeast Clinton Street more bike friendly.  Advocates including BikeLoudPDX are trying to get a diverter on the street to cut down the volume of cars and speed on the street.  It could go up in early fall.

Lawmakers End Long Session

(Salem, OR)  --  The 155-day session of the Oregon Legislature is over.  Lawmakers ended discussions yesterday.  Final bills included more than a billion-dollars in state bonds for various projects.  The legislators meet again for 35 days in February.

Birth Control Approved Without Prescription

(Portland, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown is allowing women to buy birth control medicine without a prescription.  Representative Knute Buehler sponsored the bill and said it gives women more control and reduces unplanned pregnancies.  Versions of Oregon's measure are being introduced in Colorado and Washington.

Health Insurance Rates Rising In Oregon

(Portland, OR)  --  The cost of health insurance is rising in Oregon.  More than 200-thousand people are going to be paying more next year.  Insurance Division officials said yesterday the increases will affect people with individual or small group plans.

Portland Police Officer Stabbed

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Police Officer Jose Jimenez is recovering after being stabbed.  Jimenez was talking to burglary suspect David Ellis on Sunday, when he was repeatedly stabbed by Ellis.  Another officer shot Ellis in the arm.  Both men are being treated for their injuries.

Preteen Boys Facing Felonies For A Fire

(Eugene, OR)  --  Four preteen boys are accused of setting fire to the Civic Stadium in Eugene.  Officials said yesterday they face first-degree arson plus other crimes.  Police Chief Pete Kerns said the boys used a lighter and the fire got out of hand as the quartet tried to extinguish it.

Weather Finally Cooling Off Thursday

(Portland, OR)  --  We're still a couple of days away before cooler temperatures are finally here.  The so-called Rex blocking high-pressure system continues to keep temperatures exceedingly high, but relief is now expected on Thursday.  Portland temperatures have cracked the 90-degree mark in ten of the last eleven days.

Oregon Rated 2nd Worst State To Make Living

(Undated)  --  If you want to go from one of the worst states to make a living to one of the best, you may want to move from Oregon to Washington.  Financial website MoneyRates.com has ranked Washington among the best states to make a living, while Oregon is considered one of the worst.  The analysis ranked Oregon second-worst behind Hawaii.  The website says Oregon was knocked for high unemployment, average wages and a high cost of living.

4 New Portland School Board Members Sworn In

(Portland, OR)  --  The new-look Portland Public Schools Board of Education is finally on display.  Four new board members were officially sworn in last night to begin a new era in Portland education.  Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Balmer was on hand to officiate the ceremony.  The four new members were elected in May.

School District, Bus Company Sued For 2013 Death

(Portland, OR)  --  A school bus company and the West Linn-Wilsonville School District are facing a lawsuit from the estate of a woman who was killed by a bus in a crosswalk.  The estate of Renee Bates has filed the eight-point-seven-million-dollar suit against First Student bus company and the school district for the July 2013 tragedy.  The suit contends Bates and her husband were in a crosswalk with the walk signal when the bus turned right into the couple.

Crash Injures 10 People

(Glenwood, OR)  --  Investigators are trying to figure out what led up to a three-car crash on Highway Six near Glenwood.  Authorities on the scene say a head on collision led to another car going over a bank about three miles east of Glenwood yesterday.  In all, ten people were hospitalized after the crash, at least five in critical or serious condition.  Investigators have not said if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.

One Killed In Plane Crash

(Salem, OR)  --  The National Transportation Safety Board will be on site today to figure out what led up to a deadly plane crash in Salem.  The single-engine plane reportedly crashed right after take off Saturday morning at Salem Airport, killing one person.  Authorities didn't immediately identify the person who was killed.  The plane caught on fire after crashing but fire crews were able to get the flames under control.

Woman Hit By Car In Southeast Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police are investigating a hit and run in the southeast part of the city.  Investigators say a 60-year-old woman was crossing Southeast 60th Avenue when she was hit by a car.  The woman reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries in the accident.  The car did not stop and police couldn't provide a description of it.  Authorities expect to release the victim's name today.

Officer Stabbed, Suspect Shot In Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Police aren't saying much about what led up to an officer being stabbed and the suspect being shot.  Police say the two officers stopped the man at the intersection of Northeast Sandy Boulevard and 110th Avenue early Sunday morning when the officer was stabbed.  The other officer shot the suspect.  Both the injured officer and suspect were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Competition For Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

(Portland, OR)  --  Marijuana dispensaries are growing like wildfire in Portland.  There are 97 dispensaries compared to 35 liquor stores in the city.  A bill is on the governor's desk to let the dispensaries begin selling retail pot on October 1st.

Blues Fest Raises Money For Food Bank

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Food Bank is benefiting from the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival.  The musical event collected 850-thousand-dollars to feed nearly 900-thousand people.  The four-day festival came an end yesterday with Grammy Award-winning legend Buddy Guy providing an electrified performance.

Portland Firefighters Busy With Holiday Incidents

(Portland, OR)  --  The Independence Day weekend is keeping Portland firefighters on the go.  Kids playing with fireworks started a grass fire, followed by a heavy fire at a garage.  Additional crews responded to evacuate neighbors from a burning building and no one was injured.

Portland Fireworks Hotline A Dud

(Portland, OR)  --  A special hotline to help people report illegal fireworks is not working as planned.  A recording said an overwhelming volume of calls prevented someone from answering.  Portland police were kept busy during the holiday weekend and handed out more than 50 tickets for illegal use of fireworks.

Man Arrested For Firing Shots

(Portland, OR)  --  Vinh On is accused of trying to shoot his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend.  Portland police responded to a Safeway on 122nd Avenue where the boyfriend suffered a grazing gunshot wound on Saturday.  The shooter fled before police arrived but he was later taken into custody.

Police: Man Shot To Death By Deputy After Fleeing Traffic Stop

(McMinnville, OR)  --  Authorities say a man was shot to death by a sheriff's deputy after fleeing a traffic stop in McMinnville.  Officials say 24-year-old Kevin Lamont Judson of Dayton, Oregon was pulled over by a Yamhill County deputy around 7:30 yesterday morning at the intersection of Highway 99W and Doran Drive.  Authorities say Judson ran to his car and jumped in, after which the deputy shot him.  Officials say Judson was driving a Nissan with an Oregon plate on the back and Montana plate on the front.

Two Killed In Helicopter Crash Near Newberg

(Newberg, OR)  --  Two people are dead, following the crash of a helicopter near Newberg.  Yamhill County sheriff's deputies say the Schweizer 300C went down around 10:15 last night in the area of Northeast Valley and Northeast Dropp roads.  The two people aboard the chopper have been identified, but their names haven't been released.  Investigators will try to determine what caused the crash.
 

Wenatchee Fire Reported To Be Human-caused

(Wenatchee, WA)  --  Chelan County authorities say it appears the Sleepy Hollow wildfire in Wenatchee, Washington was human-caused.  Officials say there was no lightning present at the time the fire started, and natural causes have been ruled out.  Investigators are trying to determine whether the fire was set accidentally or deliberately.  The fire, which has damaged or destroyed 29 homes, has burned nearly three-thousand acres.

No Fireworks Ban In Multnomah County

(Portland, OR)  --  There will be no ban on legal fireworks in Multnomah County, despite a burn ban that's in place in most of western Oregon.  However, Portland city officials say there may be a ban implemented if strong winds return to the area and make even legal fireworks too dangerous.  Portland Fire Chief Erin Janssens told KOIN-TV that legal fireworks are safe to use as long as winds are calm, there's no dry vegetation in the area, and there's plenty of water nearby.
 

Four Children Accused Of Arson In Stadium Fire

(Eugene, OR)  --  Four juveniles will be facing charges in connection with a fire that destroyed historic Civic Stadium in Eugene.  The fire ripped through the depression-era ballpark Monday night, but no one was injured.  Police say the children range in age from ten to 12 and are residents of Eugene.  A news conference will be held later this morning to detail the charges.

Body Found Near I-5 In Clark County

(Ridgefield, WA)  --  Authorities say a man whose body was found along a rural dirt road in Clark County is believed to be the victim of a homicide.  The body was spotted early yesterday morning, about two blocks east of I-5 near the community of Ridgefield.  Officials say it appears the body was dumped there after the victim was killed elsewhere.  An autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
 

Gas Prices Still Level

(Portland, OR)  --  Drivers are paying about the same for gasoline in the Portland area as they have over the past week.  Triple-A reports the average for regular is about three-14 a gallon.  That's compared to the average of three-97 a gallon for regular at this time last year.

Body Of Missing Jetskier Recovered From Columbia River

(Portland, OR)  --  A jetskier who vanished Saturday in the Columbia River is now accounted for.  Multnomah County authorities say the body of 25-year-old George Walker was found floating in the river yesterday.  A search was conducted Saturday after Walker disappeared, but his body wasn't spotted until a kayaker saw it floating in the North Portland harbor yesterday afternoon.  An autopsy is being conducted.

Recreational Marijuana Now Legal In Oregon

(Salem, OR)  --  Possession of an ounce of recreational marijuana for people age 21 and older is now legal in Oregon.  But buying and selling are currently still illegal in the state, as the first state-licensed retail marijuana shops won't open until October 2016.  Bringing in pot from neighboring Washington is illegal under federal law.  State officials are urging Oregonians to wait until October of next year to legally buy their marijuana.

Sleepy Hollow Fire 47-percent Contained

(Wenatchee, WA)  --  Firefighters are making progress in their battle against the Sleepy Hollow wildfire in Wenatchee, Washington.  Officials say the fire is now 47-percent contained, but the number of homes destroyed is now at 29.  The fire had consumed nearly three-thousand acres by yesterday morning.  More than 300 people are involved in fighting the Sleepy Hollow fire.

Man Accused Of Stalking Prosecutor

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who's accused of stalking a Multnomah County deputy prosecutor is behind bars.  Authorities say 53-year-old Shane Vondell Greene is a convicted sex offender who's being held on a parole violation.  Deputy District Attorney Nicole Jergovic told police that Greene followed and harassed her on several occasions after finding out she was a prosecutor.  Greene is also charged with failure to register as a sex offender and possession of methamphetamine.

Knight To Step Down As Nike Chairman

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Nike founder Phil Knight has plans to step down as chairman of the sporting-goods giant.  Nike has released statements saying Knight, who co-founded the company more than 50 years ago, has recommended that CEO Mark Parker succeed him as company chairman.  Knight says Parker is the "best choice" to chair Nike and has been an outstanding CEO for the last nine years.  Knight, who's 77-years-old, will likely step aside in 2016.

Gas Prices Flat As Holiday Nears

(Portland, OR)  --  Drivers in the Portland area are paying about the same amount at the gas pump as the July 4th holiday gets closer.  Triple-A's latest survey shows the average for regular is about three-13 a gallon, which is only a fraction of a penny higher than a week ago.  Regular gas averages two-76 a gallon nationwide.
 

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