Regional News Archives for 2016-07

Two Killed In Crash On Highway 213

(Silverton, OR)  --  Two people are dead and three are injured, following a head-on crash on Highway 213 near Silverton.  Oregon State Police say a southbound van crossed the center line and slammed into an oncoming car.  Troopers say the driver and front passenger in the van died at the scene.  Two other people in the van and the driver of the car suffered injuries that aren't considered life-threatening.

Missing Portland Boy Found Safe

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say a boy from Southeast Portland has been found safe after he'd been reported missing.  Authorities say Alan Lopez vanished around 2:30 yesterday afternoon after being seen riding his bike on Southeast 122nd Avenue.  Officials announced hours later that the boy was found unharmed.
 

WA Treasurer Proposing State Income Tax To Fund Schools

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington State Treasurer Jim McIntire is proposing a five-percent state income tax to fully fund public education.  McIntire's proposal would eliminate the state property tax, limit local school levies, trim the state sales tax to five-and-a-half percent, and add the five-percent flat state income tax dedicated to education.  Families of four with a household income of 50-thousand dollars or below would be exempt.  McIntire calls it a comprehensive funding plan that addresses Washington's educational needs.

Microsoft Says It Plans To Lay Off 2,850

(Redmond, WA)  --  Microsoft Corporation says it plans to lay off more than 28-hundred people before the company's fiscal year ends in June 2017.  The "Seattle Times" reports the job cuts are partly related to the company's lagging smartphone hardware business.  A Microsoft spokesperson declined to mention the locations of the employees who will be laid off.  The spokesperson says most of those employees have been notified of the layoffs.

WA DNR Expands Burn Ban Statewide

(Olympia, WA)  --  Starting today, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources is expanding its burn ban across the entire state.  Officials say the ban will be in effect through September 30th.  The burn ban started on July 2nd and initially covered only protected land in Eastern Washington.  Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark says there have already been a number of roadside fires on both sides of the Cascades, and expansion of the burn ban is intended to help minimize damage.

Search Suspended For Portland Man In Columbia River

(Portland, OR)  --  Authorities say they've suspended their search for a Portland man who's thought to have drowned in the Columbia River.  Officials say John David Martin tried Wednesday night to retrieve his boat, which drifted away from shore on Ackerman Island.  Multnomah County sheriff's deputies say Martin swam to and from his boat several times before disappearing underwater.  Authorities say additional recovery efforts are suspended until new information develops.

Unknown Irritant Sends 14 From WA AFB To Hospital

(Spokane, WA)  --  Officials at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane are trying to determine the nature of an unknown irritant that sent more than a dozen people to the hospital.  KREM-TV reports at least 28 people at the base's Logistics Readiness Station reported feeling affected yesterday by the mysterious irritant.  Fourteen of them were taken to the hospital, but were later released.  Fairchild officials say the problem appears to be contained in the Logistics Readiness Station ventilation system.

Woman Who Killed Intruder Cleared Of Wrongdoing

(Portland, OR)  --  A grand jury says a Portland woman acted within the law when she shot an intruder to death in her home.  The decision cleared 33-year-old Tara-Alexis Ford, who shot and killed David Daniel McCrary of Gresham on June 26th when he was found in the bedroom of Ford's ten-year-old daughter.  Police said McCrary might have been suffering some kind of mental illness when he broke into the Southeast Portland house.
 

Search To Resume For Swimmer Who's Feared Drowned

(Portland, OR)  --  A search will resume later this morning for a swimmer who's believed to have drowned in the Columbia River.  Multnomah County sheriff's deputies say a man in his 50s was trying last night to retrieve a boat that had floated away from the shore on the north side of Ackerman Island when he vanished.  The search started around nine o'clock last night and was eventually called off until morning.

Report: Spokane Mayor Withheld Information On Investigation

(Spokane, WA)  --  Results of an independent investigation say Spokane Mayor David Condon and other city officials withheld information on the investigation of the city's former police chief until after Condon won re-election.  The initial report, prepared by a former federal prosecutor, names Condon, while an amended version removed the mayor's name.  The report centered on the investigation of former Police Chief Frank Straub, who was accused of sexual harassment and having a romantic relationship with a police department spokesperson.  Condon disagrees with the findings and says there was no attempt to cover up the Straub investigation.

Clearing Of Springwater Corridor Homeless Camps Delayed

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Mayor Charlie Hales says the project to clear out homeless camps along the Springwater Corridor is being delayed by a month.  Hales says cleanup will begin on September 1st instead of August 1st, in response to requests from social-service providers and advocates who want more time to relocate campers.  Portland police are increasing patrols along the corridor until September 1st, citing "urgent public safety issues and environmental damage."

Salem Log-Truck Driver Killed In Accident

(Lyons, OR)  --  Linn County authorities say a log-truck driver from Salem was killed while working near the community of Lyons.  Sheriff's deputies say 55-year-old Jerry Dean Sramek died yesterday after a log, 20 feet long and 10 inches in diameter, fell on him.  Officials say the accident happened on Weyerhaeuser Columbia Timberlands property on U.S. Plywood Mainline off Trask Road.
 

Poll: Brown, Pierce Nearly Tied In Governor's Race

(Portland, OR)  --  A new opinion poll on the Oregon governor's race shows incumbent Kate Brown and Republican challenger Bud Pierce are less than two points apart.  A telephone survey of 700 voters conducted by Clout Research shows Brown preferred by more than 43-percent, while Pierce comes in with 42-percent.  Clout Research pollster Fritz Wenzel says while his firm services mainly Republican clients, he wasn't commissioned to conduct this survey.  The poll shows that Pierce, who's a Salem oncologist, has the edge over Brown with independent voters.

Boeing Considering Ending 747 Production

(Everett, WA)  --  Boeing is considering halting production of its iconic 747 jet.  Company officials told the Everett "Herald" that new technology, changing travel patterns, and economics have diminished the need for the world's first jumbo jet.  Boeing says waning demand for the 747 was a contributor to the company's second-quarter loss, its first quarterly loss in nearly seven years.  More than 15-hundred 747s have been built since the jet debuted in 1970.

Man Accused Of Throwing Batarang At Police Vehicle

(Seattle, WA)  --  A man is facing charges after being accused of throwing a "batarang" at a Seattle police SUV.  Officers responded Monday night to a report of a man carrying an "improvised spear" at a Capitol Hill bar and threatening an employee.  Authorities say the officers began chasing the suspect, who threw what's described as a "Batman-style throwing star," which became embedded in the lower front end of the SUV.  Police haven't released the name of the 23-year-old suspect, but did confirm via Twitter he isn't Batman.

Officials: Lead Levels At Portland School Surpass Levels In Flint

(Portland, OR)  --  A report from Portland Public Schools shows test results from a sink at one school with lead levels at more than four times the highest level found in Flint, Michigan.  KGW-TV reports a sink faucet in Room 237 at Grant High School had 57-thousand-600 parts per billion of lead to water, compared to the highest level in Flint, which was 13-thousand parts per billion.  The findings were among test results released on more than five-dozen public schools in Portland.  Elevated levels of lead have been found at all but one of the schools, and high levels of copper registered at 51 of the school buildings.
 

Portland-area Reverend Plans To Destroy Prize Gun

(Lake Oswego, OR)  --  A reverend at the Christ Church Episcopal Parish in Lake Oswego owns a shiny, new AR-15 rifle, and he plans to destroy it.  "The Oregonian" reports Jerry Lucas won the rifle in a local raffle, after spending three-thousand dollars on tickets that cost 20 dollars apiece.  Lucas says he's spoken with local artists to try and find a way to re-purpose the weapon from something destructive into something symbolic.  He says even if he hadn't won, he would have been happy his three-thousand dollars would go toward sending a girls' softball team to a tournament in California.

Home Intruder Arrested

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say a thorough description provided by a 16-year-old girl allowed officers to track down and arrest a home intruder.  Authorities say the suspect, 47-year-old Themba Hasaan Kelley, had entered the girl's room early yesterday morning at a home in the 78-hundred block of Southeast Franklin Street.  The girl called 911 and reported that the man had left the home, and she provided a detailed description of the suspect.  Officers arrested Kelley and recovered items that were taken from the home.

Toddler Rescued From Hot Car In Pasco, WA

(Pasco, WA)  --  Police say a two-year-old child is doing okay after being rescued from inside a hot car in Pasco, Washington.  Authorities say the child's mother accidentally locked her keys inside the car with the toddler still strapped in as temperatures outside hovered around the 100-degree mark.  Police tell the "Tri-City Herald" the child was already in distress after being in the vehicle for only a couple of minutes.  The toddler was checked by medics before being taken to a hospital and was reported to be doing fine.

Seattle Council Committee Approves Ban On Gay-Conversion Therapy

(Seattle, WA)  --  Seattle is closer to approving a ban on gay-conversion therapy.  A council subcommittee has voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance, which would ban the controversial practice that's intended to turn gay people straight.  The full council will take up the proposal Monday.  Mayor Ed Murray says he supports the measure.

White Powder In Luggage At PDX Was Baking Flour

(Portland, OR)  --  Officials say white powder found in luggage at Portland International Airport turned out to be harmless.  KOIN-TV reports HazMat crews were dispatched to the airport yesterday after the luggage was unloaded from a Delta flight from Atlanta.  The substance was found to be baking flour.

Police: Man Staged Fall Onto I-205

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon State Police say a man who was seen falling out of a Dodge Neon onto Interstate 205 in Portland staged the incident in an attempt to extort money from his mother.  Authorities say 57-year-old John R. McPhail fell out of the car Sunday morning with his hands bound behind him and a bag over his head.  Investigators tell KOIN-TV the car McPhail fell out of was not being chased as he previously reported.  Police say that McPhail had also falsely reported he had been kidnapped from his hometown of Camas, but the story didn't hold up.

Popular Portland TV Pitchman Dies At 86

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who's fondly remembered as a pitchman for electronics and other products sold in the Portland area is gone.  Tom Peterson, who suffered from Parkinson's disease, has died at the age of 86.  The flat-topped Petersen began selling home electronics in 1964, and his face and voice became indelibly linked to Portland after decades on the local airwaves.  Peterson leaves behind his wife, Gloria; his daughter; two granddaughters; and his great granddaughter.

Ex-Spokane VA Doctor Gets Consecutive Life Sentences

(Spokane, WA)  --  A former Veterans Administration doctor in Spokane will spend the rest of his life in federal prison after being convicted of child rape.  Craig Morgenstern was sentenced yesterday to one life sentence for each of the 12 counts of aggravated sexual abuse of which he was found guilty.  Morgenstern received additional sentences for multiple counts of Production of Child Pornography, Transportation of a Minor for Illicit Purposes, and Receipt of Child Pornography.  Federal authorities say he abused a number of children between 2008 and 2014 in Washington, Idaho, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Police ID Man Killed By Freight Train

(Portland, OR)  --  The Multnomah County Medical Examiner says the death of a 27-year-old man who was hit by a freight train in Northeast Portland was accidental.  Authorities say Jordan Douglas Hibler was lying between the train tracks Saturday afternoon when he was hit.  Investigators haven't determined why Hibler was lying there.  The victim was killed near Northeast 82nd Avenue and Halsey Street.

PPS Bond Measure On Hold

(Portland, OR)  --  A 750-million-dollar Portland Public Schools bond measure won't get on the ballot in November as previously planned.  School board members say the measure will wait to go before voters until May because of current efforts to find an interim replacement for departed Superintendent Carole Smith.  Smith recently announced she was leaving the superintendent's post immediately rather than at the end of the next school year.  The bond package would include money to modernize four schools and address environmental health and safety problems throughout the school district.

Many Washington Sanders Delegates Not Ready To Support Clinton

(Philadelphia, PA)  --  The 2016 Democratic National Convention is entering its second day in Philadelphia.  While it's been decided that Hillary Clinton will be the presidential nominee, the "Seattle Times" reports many Washington state delegates to the convention are still staunchly behind Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.  The same holds true for other states being represented at the convention, as people speaking on behalf of Clinton were met with choruses of boos.  Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, who previously endorsed Sanders during the primary season, called on the Democrats to unite behind Clinton.

Seattle Man Collects $25-Million Mega Millions Prize

(Olympia, WA)  --  Lottery officials say a Seattle man has stepped forward to collect his Mega Millions prize of 25-million-dollars.  The man, whose name hasn't been made public, won the Mega Millions jackpot in the July 19th drawing.  The winner has chosen a lump-sum cash option of about 16-million-bucks.  He's Washington's fifth Mega Millions winner of all time and the second in 2016.

Autopsy Performed On Person Killed By Freight Train

(Portland, OR)  --  The Multnomah County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy on a person who was hit and killed by a freight train in Northeast Portland.  Investigators told "The Oregonian" they didn't know the sex, age, or name of the person who was killed near 82nd Avenue and Halsey Street around 2:40 Saturday afternoon.  Police say the Union Pacific train engineer is cooperating with the investigation.

Grant To Allow TriMet To Buy Electric Buses

(Portland, OR)  --  TriMet says it plans to use federal grant money to buy four new battery-electric buses to add to its fleet.  The Federal Transit Administration is providing TriMet a three-point-four-million-dollar grant that will enable the transit agency to purchase the 40-foot-long, Flyer XE40 Xcelsior buses, which are designed to reduce emissions and greenhouse gases.  The buses are expected to go into service in 2018.

Seattle Man Injured When iPhone Explodes In Pocket

(Seattle, WA)  --  A Seattle man is recovering from burns he suffered when his iPhone exploded in his pocket.  Jason Matt told KIRO-TV he was working in the kitchen of a Pioneer Square bar Saturday morning when he saw smoke and felt a searing pain in his back pocket.  Matt says his iPhone 6 Plus exploded and burned right through his clothing, and caused him second-degree burns.  He says he's considering filing a lawsuit against Apple.
 

Crash Kills One, Injures Three In Aurora

(Aurora, OR)  --  One person is dead and three are injured, following a crash involving a horse trailer.  Marion County sheriff's deputies say a car slammed into a truck pulling the trailer at the intersection of Ehlen Road Northeast and Butteville Road Northeast in Aurora.  Authorities say a passenger in the car died at the scene.  Both drivers and a passenger in the truck were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Portland-area Fuel Prices Down

(Portland, OR)  --  Fuel prices are slightly lower in the Portland metro.  Triple-A reports the average for regular is two-51 a gallon, nearly a penny below the average at this time last week.  The national average for regular is two-16 a gallon.

Men Sought After Person Falls Out Of Car

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon State Police are looking for two men, after a person fell out of a car on Interstate 205 in Portland.  Troopers say they received a report yesterday of two cars chasing each other, and a person fell out of one of the vehicles during the chase on I-205 near Johnson Creek Boulevard.  The person was taken to a hospital.  Police say the car from which the victim fell was a silver Dodge Neon that may have had a flat tire.

REI Boosting Wages For Employees In Seven Cities

(Seattle, WA)  --  Outdoors supply retailer REI says it's raising wages for employees in certain cities beginning next month.  The company says employees in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Washington, DC will see increases beginning August 21st, as workers raise concerns about wage and scheduling issues.  REI says employees at 37 stores will see their base wages rise from five to 15 percent, in cities where the cost of living has been rising the most.

Lewis County Resident Bitten By Rabid Bat

(Longview, WA)  --  Health officials say a Lewis County resident was bitten last week by a rabid bat.  A county health department spokesman isn't providing details about the bite victim or where the incident happened.  He says an estimated one out of every 100 bats carries rabies.  The spokesman says this patient is on schedule for treatment, which includes a series of shots over a two-week period.

Bullseye Glass Ordered To Follow New Requirements

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon State Department of Environmental Quality says air-quality tests in Southeast Portland continue to show levels of toxic chromium in the air.  DEQ air-quality manager Keith Johnson tells KATU-TV even though furnaces at Bullseye Glass aren't using chromium, firing them up is believed to be mobilizing chromium that remains in the smoke stacks.  Johnson says DEQ has given Bullseye until September 1st to clean its exhaust stacks and remove the residual chromium.  Bullseye Glass contends the latest DEQ tests are inconclusive.

Man Accused Of Groping Teen On Flight To Remain In Jail

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who's accused of groping a 13-year-old girl on a flight from Texas to Oregon is to remain behind bars until his trial.  Authorities say 26-year-old Chad Cameron Camp was arrested earlier this summer after the teen reported he had inappropriately touched her.  A grand jury indicted Camp on a charge of abusive sexual contact.  A trial date has been set for September 6th.

Pedestrian Seriously Injured In NE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are investigating a crash that left a pedestrian seriously injured in Northeast Portland.  Authorities say a woman was hit at the intersection of Northeast 8th Avenue and Prescott Street around 6:45 yesterday evening.  The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police.  The woman's injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
 

WA AG Files Motion To Improve Hanford Worker Safety

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson wants to improve safety conditions for workers at the former plutonium production facility at Hanford.  Ferguson has filed an emergency motion to force improvements in worker-safety conditions at the site.  The motion requests that a federal judge intervene in site operations to protect workers from being exposed to toxic chemical vapors.  Ferguson tells KING-5 that there's a "culture of indifference" by the federal government and its contractors, and says he'd like to see the judge take immediate action.

Suspect Arrested Following Crash That Killed Woman

(Salem, OR)  --  Police say they've arrested a suspect in connection with a crash that killed a woman and injured her nine-year-old daughter in Salem.  Authorities say 19-year-old Estaban Alvarez-Ayala was driving east on Silverton Road around 11:20 yesterday morning when he crossed into the westbound lane and crashed into a vehicle driven by 35-year-old Shana Lucas of Salem.  Lucas died at the scene, and her daughter suffered non-life-threatening injuries.  The crash forced the closure of the immediate stretch of Silverton Road for hours.

Wildfire Reported In Gilliam County

(Arlington, OR)  --  A wildfire is reported to be burning in Gilliam County.  Authorities say the fire was reported early this morning in the vicinity of Hay Canyon Road near Arlington.  KOIN-TV reports the Arlington and Condon fire departments are working to extinguish the flames.  Some voluntarily evacuations are in effect.

Molalla Man Killed In Cement-truck Crash

(Washington Co., OR)  --  Authorities are investigating, after a Molalla man was killed in a cement-truck crash.  Washington County sheriff's deputies say the truck flipped on its side and went off the road as it was heading down a steep hill yesterday in the 38-thousand block of Southwest Laurel Road.  The man has been identified as 51-year-old David Gilbreath.  Deputies say there's no indication drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.

Missing Teen From Florida Found Safe In Federal Way

(Federal Way, WA)  --  The FBI says a 14-year-old girl from Florida who disappeared while visiting family in Skagit County has been found safe in Federal Way.  Katelynn Barlow vanished last weekend from a relative's home in the Big Lake area.  FBI spokeswoman Ayn Dietrich says the teen appeared to be healthy and unharmed when she was found yesterday at a mall south of Seattle.

PPS Starts Process Of Hiring Interim Superintendent

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Public Schools is now in the process of finding an interim replacement for departed Superintendent Carole Smith.  The school board met yesterday to discuss what they're looking for in a candidate.  Smith stepped aside Monday, rather than wait until the end of the next school year to retire.  She's been under fire over reports of lead in the drinking water at district schools.

Washington Jobless Rate Stays At 5.8 Percent

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington's unemployment rate is holding steady, hitting five-point-eight percent for the seventh straight month.  The Washington Employment Security Department says the state lost 500 jobs from May 2016 to June 2016, but has gained nearly 97-thousand jobs since June 2015.  The department says private-sector employment increased by about one-thousand jobs, but government employment fell by 15-hundred for a net loss of 500 jobs in June.

Accused Killer Now Facing Rape Charges

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  Authorities say a Beaverton man accused of murder in Aloha is now also facing charges of child rape.  A grand jury has added to the indictment of Roger Emir Gastelum-Medina, tacking on charges of delivering methamphetamine, third-degree rape, and second-degree sexual abuse.  Gastelum-Medina is accused of having sex with a minor between March and June of this year.  He's facing murder and weapons charges that stem from a June shooting near a park in Aloha.

Hutchison Calls Cruz "Traitor" For Not Endorsing Trump

(Cleveland, OH)  --  Washington State Republican Party Chair Susan Hutchison says Texas Senator Ted Cruz is a traitor to the party for not endorsing Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention.  Cruz was met by a chorus of boos from the crowd of conventioneers yesterday, after he urged them to follow their conscience and "unite behind shared principals."  Cruz dropped out of the presidential race after trading an almost daily barrage of barbs with Trump, who continued to earn primary victories leading to his nomination.

PPS Employee Accused Of Abusing Students Pleads Not Guilty

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland Public Schools employee accused of sexually abusing students says he's not guilty.  Brett Christy-Hamilton, who was a paraeducator at Whitman Elementary School, entered the plea yesterday to charges of first-degree sex abuse.  He's currently on administrative leave.  Police say the crimes were reported to have occurred at the school.

Two Injured After Fiery Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  Two people are being treated at hospitals, after a fiery crash on the Interstate 5 bridge.  Authorities say the fire was reported around 3:30 this morning, following the crash in the lanes heading into Portland from Vancouver.  Police say it appears an SUV crashed into a construction truck on the bridge.  All southbound lanes were shut down for about a half-hour.
 

Police Seek Arsonist In String Of Portland Fires

(Portland, OR)  --  Police believe a string of property fires that took place in Northwest Portland are cases of arson.  Authorities say the fires happened between two and four o'clock yesterday morning, and the items set afire included a Jeep Wrangler, shopping carts, a Porta Potty, and recycling bins.  The blazes kept fire crews busy for several hours.  Anyone who has information on the fires is being urged to call 503-823-3700.

TSA Agent Arrested For Upskirt Video At Sea-Tac

(SeaTac, WA)  --  Authorities say they've arrested a Transportation Security Administration agent at Sea-Tac Airport near Seattle, after he was accused of recording an upskirt video.  The man was arrested Tuesday, following reports he was taking pictures of womens' skirts at the airport.  The suspect, who's described as a "lead agent," was arrested and booked for investigation of voyeurism.  His name hasn't been released.

Hitchhiker Who Stabbed Man 66 Times Sentenced To Life

(Oregon City, OR)  --  A man who stabbed another man to death after being picked up while hitchhiking is scheduled to spend the rest of his life in prison.  Prosecutors charged Michael Stepina with murder after 55-year-old Timothy Way was stabbed 66 times at the French Prairie Rest Area near Wilsonville last October.  Stepina was sentenced yesterday to life without the possibility of parole for 25 years.  A jury found Stepina guilty following a two-week trial.

Accused Burglar Arrested In Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say they've arrested a man who's accused of burglarizing homes and stealing cars.  Authorities say the man broke into a Southeast Portland home around midnight and stole a 2004 Mazda and later stole another vehicle on Southeast 51st Avenue.  Police say both vehicles were later found abandoned.  Officials say the man was later tracked to a shed on Southeast Franklin Street, where he was taken into custody.

WA Man Sentenced For Leaving Baby Daughter In Freezing Car

(Tacoma, WA)  --  A Pierce County, Washington, man who pleaded guilty to leaving his baby daughter in a car in freezing temperatures is to receive treatment.  The twelve-month alternative to confinement has been ordered for Michael Dufour of Milton.  Officials say Dufour must serve a day in jail, after which he'll be released to the treatment program.  The 15-month-old girl suffered frostbite and hypothermia after being left alone in the car for an undetermined amount of time on January 9th.

Teen Girl Reported Missing In Skagit County, WA

(Mount Vernon, WA)  --  The FBI is now involved in investigating the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl in Skagit County, Washington.  Authorities say Katelynn Barlow vanished Sunday while visiting the Big Lake area from Florida with her family.  Q-13 reports investigators found Katelynn's cell phone at the Smokey Point rest area in Snohomish County near Interstate 5, about 32 miles from where she was last seen.  Authorities describe Katelynn as white, five-foot-one, about 120 pounds, with shoulder-length red hair.  Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911.

Portland School District Employee Accused Of Sex Abuse

(Portland, OR)  --  An employee with Portland Public Schools is facing charges, after being accused of sexually abusing a minor.  Prosecutors say 31-year-old Brett Christy-Hanson, who was recently a paraeducator at Whitman Elementary School, is charged with sexually abusing a person under the age of 14 in early November 2015.  He's been on administrative leave since November 5th.

Lost Hiker Found In Gorge

(Columbia River Gorge, OR)  --  Officials say a hiker who had gotten lost in the Columbia River Gorge is now safe.  Search-and-rescue crews found the 58-year-old hiker overnight near the Bull Run watershed.  The man reportedly got separated from his spouse around 6:30 last night during the hike.  KATU-TV reports search teams found the man and he was reunited with his family around 1:30 this morning.

Man Who Pulled Gun At Rally Released From Jail

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who was arrested for pulling a loaded gun at a Black Lives Matter rally in Portland is out of jail.  Thirty-six-year-old Michael Strickland is accused of pointing the gun at protesters near the Justice Center on July 7th.  Police say Strickland was also found to be carrying several magazines and a pocket knife.  He was released Monday after posting bail. 

Dorn Sues Seven WA School Districts Over Teacher Pay

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington's superintendent of public instruction is suing seven school districts across the state over school-employee compensation.  Superintendent Randy Dorn says the districts are illegally using local property tax levies to supplement the salaries of school employees who should be paid out of the state budget.  Dorn told the Tacoma "News Tribune" he filed the lawsuit out of frustration that lawmakers aren't doing more to meet the state Supreme Court mandate to fully fund public education.  The state is named as a defendant in the suit, which also names school districts in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Puyallup, Vancouver, Bellevue, and Everett.

First Known Pokemon Go-related Crash Occurs In WA

(King Co., WA)  --  Washington state troopers say the first reported crash related to a game of Pokemon Go has been recorded.  Police say the driver of a Honda admitted to being distracted by the popular smartphone game Monday when he slammed into a Chevrolet from behind on State Route 202 in Fall City.  Troopers say the woman driving the Chevy was stopped while trying to make a left turn when she was hit, but neither she nor her passenger suffered injuries.  "USA Today" reports that 26-million people in the U.S. alone have downloaded Pokemon Go.

Powerball Jackpot More Than $360 Million

(Salem, OR)  --  Tonight's Powerball drawing is for the largest jackpot since January 13th, when more than one-point-five billion dollars was split among three holders of winning tickets.  Tonight's grand prize is an estimated 361-million dollars.  The cash option will be more than 250-million.

Man Accused Of Murdering Three People Appears In Court

(Vancouver, WA)  --  A man accused of killing three people and leaving a fourth person wounded in Woodland is slated to be arraigned on August 1st.  Authorities say 35-year-old Brent Luyster [[ LIE-stur ]] is suspected of committing the crimes Friday night at a home on Northwest 417th Street in Woodland.  Police began the investigation after a woman showed up at a convenience store around 10:20 Friday night with a gunshot wound to the face.  Luyster is facing charges of murder in the first degree, attempted murder, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Vancouver Votes To Ban Future Oil Terminals

(Vancouver, WA)  --  An ordinance that would prohibit all future crude-oil facilities in Vancouver's industrial zone will go before the governor, following a unanimous vote by the City Council.  The Council took the vote yesterday, following public testimony and protests over the issue.  Arguments included the importance of economic impact, safety, and effect on the environment.  Governor Jay Inslee will decide on whether to ban a proposed project in which a rail-to-marine oil-transfer terminal would be built in Vancouver along the Columbia River.
 

Small Fire Hits PDX NWS Office

(Portland, OR)  --  Authorities say an electrical problem caused a small fire at the Portland office of the National Weather Service.  The office's services were knocked out as firefighters extinguished the blaze Sunday night.  KOIN-TV reports weather offices in Seattle and Medford backed up the Portland office while repairs were made.  Damage is estimated at 15-thousand dollars.

Zika Case Confirmed In Pierce County

(Tacoma, WA)  --  Health officials say Washington's 12th known case of the Zika virus has been confirmed in Pierce County.  The patient is reported to be in his 20s and recently returned from a trip to Puerto Rico.  The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department says the man hasn't been hospitalized and is recovering from his symptoms.  Officials say all cases of Zika in Washington are associated with travel to regions where the virus is spreading.
 

Two Killed, Four Injured In Estacada Crash

(Estacada, OR)  --  Clackamas County sheriff's deputies continue to investigate a crash that killed two people and injured four others in Estacada.  The wreck took place around 10:45 Saturday night on Oregon 224 in the area of the Memaloose Bridge and 45 Road.  A seven-year-old child died at the scene, and another person died while being airlifted to a hospital.  No names have been released.

Oregon Resident Killed In WA Crash

(Chehalis, WA)  --  Authorities say two people, including an Oregon resident, died in a crash near Chehalis, Washington.  The dead have been identified as 60-year-old Jody M. Bagnariol of Hillsboro and 50-year-old Elisabeth R. Rudolph of Seattle.  Police say they were taken to a hospital after they were hit from behind by another car Saturday afternoon.  They both died yesterday.  One other person was injured.

WA Teen Attacked During Pokemon Go Game

(Spokane Valley, WA)  --  A Spokane Valley teenager has first-hand experience with one of the hazards associated with playing Pokemon Go.  The 17-year-old told KHQ-TV he and his friend were playing the game Friday night at Greenacres Baptist Church when they heard footsteps from behind.  The teen says he was grabbed by the collar, punched in the back of the head, and pushed to the ground.  The teen suffered minor injuries.  There's no word on a description of the attacker, who ran away when a Good Samaritan stopped his car nearby and honked his horn.

Gas Prices Show Slight Drop

(Portland, OR)  --  Triple-A reports a slight drop in the price of gasoline in the Portland area.  The average is two-53 for a gallon of regular, about a half-cent lower than at this time last week.  The national average for regular is two-21 a gallon.

Portland Police Officers Now Working In Pairs

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Police Bureau is ordering its officers to ride in pairs as a safety precaution, following the shooting deaths of three law-enforcement officers in Baton Rouge.  Portland Police Sergeant Pete Simpson tells KATU-TV the bureau began flying flags at half-staff following the deadly shootings of five Dallas police officers, and they'll remain that way for a while longer following yesterday's shootings in Baton Rouge.  Simpson says other changes in Portland police policy, if any, won't likely happen until more details are made available on yesterday's shootings.

Missing Vancouver Teen Found Safe

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Police say a 13-year-old girl from Vancouver is back with her family, after she had been reported missing.  Authorities say Patience Nicole Freimuth had not been seen since she vanished after leaving her home with friends on July 12th.  KOIN-TV reports the teen was brought back to her home last night after an alert citizen saw her and contacted police.

"Fun Time" Expected At Republican Convention

(Cleveland, OH)  --  The chair of the Washington State Republican Party says she expects a "fun party" at the Republican National Convention, which will get underway this evening in Cleveland.  Susan Hutchinson told the Everett "Herald" that she's looking for an entertaining convention because likely presidential nominee Donald Trump "knows people respond to the experience."  Oregon delegate and state Representative Bill Post of Keizer described the convention to "The Oregonian" as "one big party with a formality attached."

Powerball Jackpot Continues To Climb

(Salem, OR)  --  The Powerball grand prize is taking another step up after no jackpot winners were produced by the weekend drawing.  The estimated top prize for the Wednesday night drawing will be 361-million dollars.  The lump-sum cash option will be more than 250-million.

Home Intruder Shot To Death In SE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say a homeowner shot an intruder to death early this morning at a house in Southeast Portland.  The incident happened in the 83-hundred block of Southeast 64th Avenue, shortly before one o'clock.  The homeowner suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.  No names have been released.

Murder Suspect Dies At Clark County Jail

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Authorities say a murder suspect has died two days after being found unresponsive in his cell at the Clark County Jail.  Officials say David Barker, who was accused of the May 2015 murder of Sharon Allison of Vancouver, likely committed suicide.  Barker was arrested in March and was awaiting trial for the murder.  There's no word yet on the manner of Barker's death.

Tualatin Man Dies In Motorcycle Crash

(Tualatin, OR)  --  Tualatin police say a man was killed in a motorcycle crash.  Authorities say 33-year-old Omar Ramirez-Lopez lost control of the motorcycle early yesterday on Southwest Upper Boones Ferry Road and left the roadway, then slammed into a tree.  He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

WA County Hopes To Connect Families With Unclaimed Cremains

(Tacoma, WA)  --  Pierce County, Washington officials are trying to connect families of 37 deceased people with their cremated remains.  The county Medical Examiner's Office says the ashes are currently being stored in an evidence locker.  Officials say one of the deceased died in 1998, but most of the remains are those of people who have died during the past couple of years.  The Medical Examiner's Office says ashes that go unclaimed will be loaded onto a boat and taken to Puget Sound to be scattered.

Washington To Require Warning Labels For Edible Pot Products

(Olympia, WA)  --   Edible marijuana products sold at legal pot retailers across Washington will soon be required to carry a label that reads "Not For Kids."  The state Liquor and Cannabis Board says the words will be printed in bold, red letters adjacent to a big red hand, with the goal of making children think twice before eating the products.  The label was unveiled yesterday by representatives of the board and the Washington Poison Center.  The poison center says it's responded to 65 emergency calls for kids accidentally consuming marijuana since last year.

Spokane County Prosecutor Takes Tougher Stance On DUIs

(Spokane, WA)  --  Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell is making changes that aim to increase punishment for intoxicated drivers.  Haskell says beginning August 1st, drivers who post a blood-alcohol level above point-12 will not be allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge.  He says there will also be no negotiating for any second or subsequent DUI.  Those charged with DUI for the first time will be required to plead as charged for a blood-alcohol level of point-12 or higher.

Pierce County Hopes To Connect Families With Unclaimed Remains

(Tacoma, WA)  --  Pierce County officials are trying to connect families of 37 deceased people with their cremated remains.  The county Medical Examiner's Office says the ashes are currently being stored in an evidence locker.  Officials say one of the deceased died in 1998, but most of the remains are those of people who have died during the past couple of years.  The Medical Examiner's Office says ashes that go unclaimed will be loaded onto a boat and taken to Puget Sound to be scattered.

Jackpot Rolls Over In Powerball Game

(Olympia, WA)  --  The jackpot keeps getting higher in the Powerball game.  The 311-million-dollar grand prize went untouched in last night's drawing, so the jackpot will rise to an estimated 333-million for the drawing Saturday night.  The cash option will be 237-million-dollars.

Ex-Estacada City Councilor Pleads No Contest To Sex Charges

(Oregon City, OR)  --  A former Estacada city councilor is awaiting sentencing, after pleading no contest to charges of sexually abusing a young female relative for six years.  Thirty-four-year-old Curt Steininger also pleaded no contest yesterday to possession of child pornography.  Prosecutors will recommend an eight-year sentence as part of a plea agreement with Steininger.  He won a seat on the Estacada City Council in 2012 and resigned in 2014, citing family obligations.

Portlanders Warned About Phone Scam

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police are warning the public about a telephone scam in which someone posing as an officer demands money.  The Police Bureau says callers claim to be police officers or sheriff's deputies and demand money to satisfy alleged outstanding fines, missed jury duty, or an arrest warrant.  Portland Police Sergeant Pete Simpson says the scammers typically instruct targets to buy reloadable cards and call back with the numbers.  Simpson says real law-enforcement officers never call people on the phone and demand they pay off fines or taxes or respond to warrants.

Survey: Washington Among Top States For Business

(Undated)  --  A CNBC ranking of the business climate among the 50 states places Washington state at sixth overall.  The scorecard rates Washington tops in technology and innovation, and gives the state high scores in quality of life and the state of its economy.  However, the CNBC survey ranks Washington only 37th in the category of cost of living.  Utah ranks number one in business climate, while Oregon is ranked 17th overall.

Tacoma City Council Adopts Plastic-bag Ban

(Tacoma, WA)  --  Tacoma will be joining other Washington communities in banning single-use plastic bags at grocery stores and other retailers.  The Tacoma City Council voted yesterday to adopt the ordinance, which will take effect in a year.  Retailers will be required to charge a fee of at least five-cents for paper bags and other carryout bags, and that fee will be kept by the retailer.  The Council rejected a substitute proposal that would have charged a five-cent fee for paper and plastic.
 

Missing Beaverton Woman With Dementia Found Safe

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Authorities say a Beaverton woman with severe dementia who had been reported missing is doing fine after being found safe.  Police say 65-year-old Bonnie Clark vanished around one o'clock yesterday afternoon after last being seen at her home in the area near Southwest Murray Boulevard and Maverick Terrace.  Clark was considered to be in danger because of her dementia.  Police reported last night Clark had been found unharmed.

Jefferson H.S. Reported To Be At High Risk For Lead

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials say water running through fixtures at Jefferson High School is more likely to contain high levels of lead than at any other Portland public school.  "The Oregonian" cites lab tests that show 60 percent of the school's 330 water sources gave off water with lead at or above the federal limit of 15 parts per billion.  The tests show water samples containing lead at ten to 37 times that level were found in ten drinking fountains at Jefferson High.  The EPA says action must be taken to remove lead from water systems if they're found with levels of 15 parts per billion or higher.
 

Officials: PPS Students Got Lead Poisoning At Home

(Portland, OR)  --  Officials say two Portland public-school students who were found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood contracted the toxin from household sources, rather than at school.  The Multnomah County Health Department says the two students were the only ones found to have elevated lead levels among the 519 children and adults who were tested last month at Creston and Rose City Park schools.  The department says the source of the lead exposure was found to have come from the children's homes.  PPS officials reiterate that all schools will dispense bottled water through the 2016-17 school year.

Police Urge Pokemon Go Players To Be Smart, Vigilant

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland-area law enforcement agencies are urging players of the popular Pokemon Go game to exercise caution and vigilance.  The warning comes after a Forest Grove man was stabbed earlier this week by a stranger while playing the game.  Two brothers found a loaded gun yesterday while playing Pokemon Go in a field in Hazel Dell.  The warnings have been issued by the Washington Department of Transportation, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.    
 

Seattle Police Union President Resigns Following Social Media Post

(Seattle, WA)  --  The president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild says he's stepping down, following a controversial social-media post on the deadly shootings of five Dallas police officers.  Guild president Ron Smith posted a Facebook message last week which read "The hatred of law enforcement by a minority movement is disgusting."  Smith says he posted the message in the heat of the moment and didn't mean to offend anyone.  His resignation as Officers Guild president is to take effect July 31st.

Powerball Drawing For $311 Million Top Prize

(Salem, OR)  --  The grand prize in tonight's Powerball drawing is well above the 300-million-dollar mark.  The jackpot has grown to an estimated 311-million, with a lump-sum cash option of 221-million dollars.  The last Powerball ticket to win the top prize was bought in New Jersey on May 7th, and was worth 284-million dollars.

Man Arrested Following Treehouse Standoff

(Happy Valley, OR)  --  A 40-year-old man is behind bars, after engaging sheriff's deputies in a standoff while he was in a treehouse in Happy Valley.  Clackamas County authorities say a homeowner reported a trespasser was occupying the treehouse yesterday afternoon.  Behavioral health specialists and members of the county hostage negotiation team were dispatched to the property to try to persuade Troy Miller to come down from the treehouse, and were finally successful after about two hours.  Miller is facing charges that include possession of meth, resisting arrest, and criminal trespass.

OSU Soccer Player Dead At 19

(Corvallis, OR)  --  Oregon State University officials say a member of the school's soccer team has died at the age of 19.  John Chambers died Friday in Corvallis.  He had completed his freshman year during the spring.  There's no word on cause of death.  Chambers graduated from Sprague High School in Salem before attending Oregon State.

Testimony Begins In Rape Trial Of Former Pasco Cop

(Pasco, WA)  --  Testimony will resume today in the trial of former Pasco, Washington police officer Richard Aguirre.  Prosecutors have charged Aguirre with sexually assaulting a close family member.  He's accused of committing the assault when the woman spent the night at his home in Franklin County in November 2014.  Aguirre has also been charged with a 1986 murder in Spokane.

Portland Gas Prices Steady

(Portland, OR)  --  Triple-A reports gas prices in the Portland area are steady from yesterday.  The average for a gallon of regular is two-52, which is also the same as a week ago and two cents higher than the average at this time last month.  The national average for regular is two-23 a gallon.

Police ID Victim Of Deadly Portland Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  Police continue to investigate a two-vehicle crash that left a Portland woman dead.  Authorities say 58-year-old Diana Miller-Dixon died Saturday when her car was hit by another vehicle near North Rosa Parks Way at Delaware Avenue.  Officials say 21-year-old Rayna Johnson ran a red light at the intersection and slammed into Miller-Dixon's car.  Police say Miller-Dixon died at the scene and her passenger was injured, and two passengers in Johnson's car were also injured.

Clatsop County Men Accused Of Filming Sex With Girl

(Astoria, OR)  --  Two Clatsop County men are accused of filming sexual acts last year with a 16-year-old girl and sharing the video with fellow students at Knapps High School.  Police say Cody James Carsner and James Michael Hendrickson are both 18 or older and are facing multiple charges.  Carsner and Hendrickson were indicted by a grand jury in June.  KATU-TV reports each is being held on bail of a quarter-million dollars.

D.B. Cooper Case No Longer Actively Investigated By FBI

(Seattle, WA)  --  The mysterious case of D.B. Cooper is closed.  That's the word from the FBI on the case involving the 1971 hijacking of a Boeing jet from Portland to Seattle.  An FBI spokesperson says the bureau has redirected resources allocated to the D.B. Cooper case "in order to focus on other investigative priorities."  Investigators believe the man who called himself D.B. Cooper parachuted from the plane over Lake Merwin near Ariel, Washington with 200-thousand dollars in ransom money, but neither the suspect nor the money has ever been found.

13 People Arrested In Spokane Child Sex Sting Operation

(Spokane, WA)  --  Thirteen people are facing charges in connection with a child sex sting operation in Spokane.  The five-day operation, known as "Operation Net Nanny," involved several state and federal law enforcement agencies.  All suspects have made appearances in court on charges related to child rape.  Police say the operation included an undercover officer posing as a mother offering her three children to others for sex in a Craigslist ad.
 

Linn County Woman Accused Of Stabbing Man Over Purse

(Portland, OR)  --  A Linn County woman is behind bars, after being accused of stabbing a man in a fight over a purse.  Authorities say 31-year-old Christina Marr stabbed the 57-year-old man she lived with multiple times during the altercation at their home in the community of Foster Saturday night.  The man, identified as Scott Hall, is expected to recover.  Marr has been charged with first-degree assault.

First Woman State Supreme Court Clerk Appointed

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington's new State Supreme Court clerk is the first woman to be appointed to that position.  Susan Carlson succeeds Ron Carpenter, who retired after ten years.  Carlson worked in the state Attorney General's Office, State Senate, Chelan County Prosecutor's office, and the Administrative Office of the Courts before joining the Supreme Court in 2007.  She was sworn in Thursday by Chief Justice Barbara Madsen.

Mechanical Problem Blamed For WA Bridge Shutdown

(Olympia, WA)  --  Officials are trying to find out what caused a mechanical malfunction that led to the seven-hour shutdown of the State Route 104 Hood Canal Bridge in Washington.  The span was closed around 8:17 yesterday morning after it was raised to allow marine traffic through, then got stuck.  The state transportation department told KING-5 that engineers were able to lower the span manually by around 2:30 p.m., then reinstalled a piece of equipment that was removed during the lowering process.

Portland-area Gas Prices Steady

(Portland, OR)  --  Fuel prices are steady in the Portland area.  The latest survey by Triple-A shows the average for regular is two-52 a gallon, roughly the same as a week ago.  It's only about two cents a gallon above the average at this point in June.

Interfaith Service In Portland Calls For Peace

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland church is calling for peace following a week that included deadly police-involved shootings across the country.  Hundreds of people of different faiths gathered yesterday at Augustana Lutheran Church for a service in remembrance of five Dallas police officers who were shot to death and two black men who were shot and killed in Minnesota and Louisiana.  Augustana pastor Mark Knutson says the faith community needs to spark change across the country, and says lawmakers need to pass a ban on assault weapons in Oregon.

20 Firefighters Battle Clackamas House Fire

(Clackamas, OR)  --  Authorities say two women were able to escape a house fire that was battled by 20 firefighters in Clackamas.  The blaze was reported yesterday morning in the 13-thousand-500 block of Southeast Barbara Jean Court.  The women made it outside safely before firefighters arrived.  The cause of the fire hasn't been determined.
 

Inslee Calls For Increased Inspections Of Rail Lines

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington Governor Jay Inslee says current railroad safety standards don't go far enough to protect communities from oil-train derailments.  The governor is requesting that federal regulators issue an emergency order to require railroads that haul Bakken oil send safety inspectors to walk the rail lines at least 24 hours before transporting the volatile crude.  Currently, the federal rail administration requires two mechanical inspections per week, rather than requiring that inspectors physically walk the rail looking for problems.  "The Columbian" quotes Inslee as saying tracks should be inspected at least once per day.

Powerball Jackpot Grows

(Salem, OR)  --  The Powerball jackpot will grow larger after going untouched over the weekend.  The grand prize for Wednesday night's drawing will be an estimated 311-million dollars.  The lump-sum cash option will be more than 221-million.  In case you missed it, Friday night's Mega Millions drawing was won by the holder of a ticket purchased in Indiana, worth 536-million dollars.

Portland Police Bureau On Dallas Shooting

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Police Bureau is responding to the shooting in Dallas that claimed the lives of multiple cops.  About a dozen police officers were shot during the incident.  Last night, the Portland Police said via Twitter "Our thoughts are with the Dallas P-D after the unbelievable acts of cowardice that injured and killed several officers tonight."

Former Governor's Son Admits To Drinking Before Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  The son of Former Governor John Kitzhaber says he was drinking before he crashed his car.  Logan Kitzhaber crossed over the centerline on Highway-101 and crashed into an R-V.  An affidavit that was filed on Tuesday says he admitted to having a beer before the crash.  He faces multiple charges, but hasn't been formally charged yet.

Missing Infant Found Safe

(McMinnville, OR)  --  An infant who went missing is safe.  Police say ten-month-old Audrianna Blair had been missing since Tuesday evening.  She was found yesterday evening at a campground in Tillamook County.

Apartment Fire Displaces Six

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  The Hillsboro Fire Department says a blaze displaced a mother and her five children from their home.  The fire broke out at an apartment yesterday afternoon.  Firefighters were able to put out flames quickly.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.  The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

Protestor Pulls Gun At Portland Black Lives Matter March

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is in custody for pulling a gun during a Black Lives Matter and Don't Shoot PDX protest in Portland.  Hundreds rallied downtown last night in response to the recent police killings of African-American men in Minnesota and Louisiana.  The crowd chased the protestor away after he pulled the gun.  Police then arrested him.

Police Cracking Down On Traffic Rules In Northeastern Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Traffic cops are cracking down on the intersection at Northeast 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard in northeastern Portland.  Police and officials from the Portland Bureau of Transportation gave out 33 tickets on Wednesday in a traffic enforcement effort.  Most of the citations were for drivers who didn't stop for pedestrians, which officials said is a major problem in the area.

Grooming Company Gives Out Free Beard Trimmings

(Portland, OR)  --  A bearded Portland man is 500-bucks richer today after a grooming event at Pioneer Courthouse Square.  The shaving retailer Wahl [[ WALL ]] was in town yesterday, giving out free beard trimmings.  The event was a PR gimmick in response to Portland being ranked one of the top-ten most facial-hair friendly cities in the U.S.  It gave 500-dollars to the guy it decided had the best beard.
 

Health Authority Wants To Keep Kids Off Pot

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Health Authority is launching a PR campaign to keep kids off pot.  The effort will be focused in Portland and Jackson and Josephine counties before going statewide if it's successful.  The slogan is Stay True to You and will utilize a website, streaming video, ads and social media to spread the message that smoking pot as a kid can impair memory and hinder academic performance.

Old Sheriff's Office To Become Temporary Homeless Shelter

(Portland, OR)  --  The old headquarters for the Multnomah County sheriff's office is going to soon be a temporary homeless shelter.  Officials say the Hansen Building, the longtime home for county authorities, will be converted into a temporary shelter for up to 200 homeless people.  The building is at Northeast 122nd Avenue and Glisan Street.

Intoxication At Issue With Ex-Governor's Son In Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  Alcohol may have been a factor in the crash involving the son of former Governor John Kitzhaber.  Eighteen-year-old Logan Kitzhaber admitted drinking beer before crashing on U.S. 101 on Monday.  Court records show the ex-governor's son told authorities he smoked marijuana the night before the crash.  There's still no word if charges will be filed in the incident.

Marion County Fair Begins Today

(Salem, OR)  --  The Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem is hosting the Marion County Fair over the next four days.  The grounds will be open at ten in the morning each day with carnival action starting at eleven.  Today's theme is Honor Day, when all veterans and seniors get in for free.

Mega Millions Fever Sweeping Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland lottery players are getting half a billion reasons to play tomorrow's Mega Millions game.  Nobody matched Tuesday night's drawing, putting tomorrow night's estimated winnings at 508-million-dollars.  That's the second highest in the game's history.  Oregon is one of 44 states that offer lotteries.

CSN Northwest Now Home To Blazers Through 2020-21 Season

(Portland, OR)  --  The Trail Blazers are partnering up with CSN Northwest for another four years.  CSN is now the cable TV home of Portland basketball through the 2020-21 season.  The network has been broadcasting Trail Blazers' games since 2007.  Satellite TV fans aren't happy with the decision as neither Dish Network nor DirectTV carry the network.
 

Salem Pastor Accused Of Raping Child He Met Through Church

(Marion Co., OR)  --  A Salem pastor is accused of sexually assaulting a child he met through church.  Fifty-five-year-old Mauricio Aguilera-Garcia was arrested this week on several charges, including rape and sodomy.  FOX 12 says the man is a pastor at Our Father's House, which rents space from the Solid Rock Community Church.  According to Marion County sheriff's deputies, he was convicted back in 1985 of sex abuse, but he was not listed as a registered sex offender

High Levels Of Lead Uncovered At Portland Park

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Parks and Rec officials have a lot of work to do after high lead levels were uncovered at the Maltnomah Arts Center.  A recent review found drinking fountains at the center tested high for lead over the past several years.  FOX 12 says four of those fountains were still being used until recently.  Parks and Rec officials say there are no regulations that require water testing, but they're making changes.

Oregon Leaders Develop Program To Sway Teens From Pot

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon health leaders are unveiling a pilot program to deter teens from smoking pot.  Kati Moseley with the state Health Authority tells KATU brain development is not complete until your 20s.  She says that's one of the tactics they're using in the "Stay True to You" campaign.  It also uses testimony from adults who used marijuana at a young age.

Convicted Man Seeking New Trial

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland man serving a 30-year prison sentence is seeking a new trial.  Mohamed Mohamud was found guilty in 2013 for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction after planning to bomb a Christmas tree lighting.  He thought fake explosives given by undercover FBI agents were real.  Mohamud's attorney says the federal agents' warrantless surveillance shouldn't have been used in court.

Portland Airport Named Best In U.S.

(Portland, OR)  --  A new survey names Portland International as the best airport in the U.S for the fourth year in a row.  "Travel and Leisure" surveyed travelers on their airport experience, and P-D-X came in at number one again.  Scores were based on check-in, security, design and more.  The Indianapolis International Airport came in second place.

Voters To Decide $750-Million School Construction Bond

(Portland, OR)  --  The largest school construction bond in state history is coming in front of Portland voters.  Portland Public Schools leaders will ask voters to approve a 750-million-dollar construction bond in November, just four years after voters approved one more than half as much.  School officials say the money is needed to rebuild Lincoln and Madison high schools, among other fixes.

Ex-Governor's Son Seriously Hurt In Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  The son of ex-Governor John Kitzhaber is still recovering from his Independence Day car crash.  Oregon State Police say 18-year-old Logan G. Kitzhaber was airlifted to a hospital after suffering serious injuries in Monday afternoon's crash on U.S. 101.  A Facebook post says the former governor's son is now recovering at home.

Mega Millions Fever Sweeping Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland lottery players are getting half a billion reasons to play the Mega Millions game on Friday.  Nobody matched last night's drawing, putting Friday's estimated winnings at 508-million-dollars.  That's the second highest in the game's history.  Oregon is one of 44 states that offer lotteries.

Driver Arrested For Hit-Run, Causing Multiple Crashes

(Portland, OR)  --  The driver wanted for a hit-and-run and a multiple-vehicle crash in downtown Portland is now in custody.  Authorities say the man crashed into a motorcycle yesterday morning on Southwest 3rd Avenue and Madison Street.  A few minutes later, the man is accused of hitting an SUV head-on and crashing into two other vehicles at Southwest Barbur Boulevard and Hamilton Street.  Drugs or alcohol haven't been ruled out as a factor in the man's actions.

Small Plane Believed To Have Crashed In Ocean

(Grants Pass, OR)  --  A small plane with three people on board is believed to have crashed along the Oregon coast.  The aircraft failed to arrive in Grants Pass yesterday morning after departing from Brookings.  The U.S. Coast Guard took over the search after a backpack and other items washed ashore just north of the Brookings Airport.
 

Girl's Parents Sue American Airlines After Alleged Assault

(Portland, OR)  --  The parents of a 13-year-old girl are suing American Airlines after their daughter was allegedly sexually assaulted by another passenger.  The teen was on a flight from Dallas to Portland last month and claims she was repeatedly touched by a 26-year-old man who'd been drinking.  Chad Camp was arrested upon landing.  The lawsuit claims the couple paid a 300-dollar "unaccompanied minor fee," and the airline failed to protect their daughter.  They're asking for ten-million dollars.
 

Portland Public Schools Board Members Files Complaint

(Portland, OR)  --  A member of the Portland Public Schools Board accuses the district of racial discrimination.  Paul Anthony filed a civil rights complaint with the Department of Education in May.  "The Oregonian" says Anthony accuses Superintendent Carole Smith of discriminating against students of color based on their access to educational programs.  Portland is one of several districts in the state that has struggled to help minority students match white students' achievement levels.

One Killed In Single-Car Crash In Sherwood

(Sherwood, OR)  --  One person is dead after a single-car wreck in Sherwood.  The accident happened last night near Roy Rogers and Southwest Scholls-Sherwood roads.  The passenger in the car was killed.  The driver was taken to a local trauma center, but it's not clear what condition they're in.

Homeless Shelter To Open Up At MCSO Headquarters

(Portland, OR)  --  Multnomah County is teaming up with the City of Portland to open up a homeless shelter at the sheriff's office headquarters.  The Hansen Shelter will be run by Transition Projects.  More than 200 people will live at the shelter on North-East Glisan Street when it opens its doors later this month.  It's set to open at around the same time The Peace Shelter in downtown Portland closes.

Governor Invokes Emergency Act In Brush Fire Near The Dalles

(Portland, OR)  --  A brush fire burning near The Dalles is getting some additional state aid as ten structures are in danger.  Governor Kate Brown yesterday invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to help fight the fire that as of last night burned 300 acres.  Residents along Mill Creek Road have been evacuated as the fire is only about 50-percent contained.

Motorcycle Safety Highlighted After Recent Deaths

(Portland, OR)  --  State transportation officials and law enforcement are emphasizing road safety for motorcyclists across the state after a recent spat of deaths.  Authorities say at least six motorcyclists have died on Oregon roads in less than two weeks.  Investigators have determined speed was a factor in at least four of those crashes.

Alleged Kidnapper Has Schizophrenia, Family Says

(Happy Valley, OR)  --  The family of a woman who was arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap a toddler in Happy Valley says she suffers from schizophrenia.  Police arrested Abby Cameron in June after witnesses said they saw her try to take a five-year-old girl from a car in the parking lot of the Sunnyside Church of the Nazarene.  The five-year-old's mom said if Cameron does suffer from a mental illness, she hopes the courts take that into consideration.

Portland Kayaker Dies In California's Cherry Creek Rapids

(Groveland, CA)  --  Authorities in California are confirming a Portland man died while kayaking Cherry Creek.  Logan Farrell overturned in the rapids of Cherry Bomb Gorge before noon Sunday.  His friends pulled his unconscious body from the water and started CPR while a nearby kayaker used a satellite phone to call for help, but efforts to revive Farrell failed.  The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office notified Farrell's family of his death Sunday evening.
 

Parks Officials Cutting Down Trees at Lents Park

(Portland, WA)  --  Portland park officials are planning to cut down about half a dozen trees at Lents Park.  The trees are already marked with red dots.  Parks and Rec staff say they're cutting them down to make room for a new synthetic soccer field, which is part of their plan to revitalize the park.

Woman Knits a Timbers Hat for Mask Sculpture

(Portland, WA)  --  One of the mask sculptures at Providence Park is apparently a Timbers fan.  Someone gave the face a giant knitted Timbers hat and red beard Sunday night, writing hashtag "Beard Bomb" in sidewalk chalk below it.  The trend is starting to become known as yarn bombing.  A woman named Lyndsea Moore took credit for it on Instagram, saying the hat took her more than two weeks to knit.
 

Portland Feeling Mega Millions Fever

(Undated)  --  Portland lottery players are hoping to extend their holiday fun one more day with tonight's hefty Mega Millions drawing.  Nobody won Friday night's drawing, making tonight's estimated jackpot of 449-million-dollars the second-highest in the game's history.  Portland is one of 44 states that offer the game.  The drawing will be held at eight o'clock Pacific time.

Steel Bridge's Lower Deck Closed for Electrical Problem

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland officials are hoping to re-open the bike path on the lower deck of the Steel Bridge today.  The path was closed down yesterday because of an electrical problem.  The upper deck was open, but officials said high foot traffic made it a little precarious.

Murder Suspect's Ex Says He Threatened to Kill Her, Too

(Portland, OR)  --  An ex-girlfriend of the man facing murder charges for allegedly killing his current girlfriend in Portland on Saturday says he threatened to kill her, too, when they were together.  According to a police report from last October, Spencer Johnson charged at his then-girlfriend with a gun in his hand, but police arrived and took it from him.  Now, Johnson is facing charges after police found the body of his girlfriend, Cory Lumber, last Saturday at the apartment they shared.  She died of a gunshot wound.

Portland's Stroud Retires

(Portland, OR)  --  Buzz Stroud, the Associate Athletic Director at the University of Portland, retired yesterday.  During his U.P. career, Stroud held positions as the Compliance Coordinator, Marketing Director and many others.  He had worked for the Pilots for 32 years.

Nike Co-Founder Knight Retires

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Phil Knight, the co-founder and chairman of Nike, is retiring from the company's Board of Directors.  Nike President and CEO Mark Parker will assume the role of chairman effective immediately.  The 78-year-old Knight announced last year that he would be stepping down.  He will serve as Chairman Emeritus which will allow him to attend board meetings as an observer.  Nike also announced that Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has been appointed as the lead independent director of the board.
 

Hops Sweep Volcanoes

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  Sergio Alcantara and Justin Chigbogu each drove in two runs as the Hops downed the Volcanoes, 8-2, at Ron Tonkin Field.  Kirby Bellow picked up his first win of the season, allowing two hits and striking out two in two-thirds of an inning.  The Hops open a three-game series tonight in Boise against the Hawks.  Hillsboro is 6-and-8 on the year.  Boise is a league-worst 4-and-10.

Suspect In Portland Hit-and-run Sought

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police are conducting a search for a suspect in a hit-and-run crash.  Authorities tell KOIN-TV the suspect may be connected to a shooting that happened yesterday.  Police closed down the Hawthorne Bridge and surrounding areas earlier this morning while conducting the search.  The suspect's name hasn't been released.

Portland Ranks Among Allstate's Least-safe Cities For Drivers

(Undated)  --  A new report issued by Allstate Insurance ranks Portland among the cities that are listed near the bottom for safe drivers.  Portland is ranked 181st in the nation, with Vancouver ranked 113th among 200 cities across the country.  The Allstate report shows Portland drivers only average slightly more than seven years between collisions, and the "relative collision likelihood" for the city's drivers is 39 percent above the national average.  Spokane is Washington's highest-ranking safe-driver city at number 54, while Tacoma is 159th, Bellevue is 175th, and Seattle ranks 183rd in the country for safe drivers.

WA Gas Tax Hike Kicks In Today

(Olympia, WA)  --  Today, drivers in Washington will begin paying an extra four-point-nine cents per gallon for gasoline and diesel fuel.  The increase will boost the state fuel tax to 49-point-four cents per gallon, meaning the combined state and federal gas taxes will add up to nearly 68 cents a gallon.  The hike is helping to fund Connecting Washington, a 16-billion-dollar transportation package approved by the Washington State Legislature in 2015.

Snohomish County, WA Man Diagnosed With Zika Virus

(Everett, WA)  --  Health officials say the first case of the Zika virus in Snohomish County, Washington has been confirmed.  The Snohomish Health District says a man in his 30s contracted the virus after traveling in the Caribbean.  His case is one of ten Zika cases across Washington state.  Doctor Gary Goldbaum tells the Everett "Herald" that the Zika virus can be sexually transmitted from an infected man to a woman, which is a problem for a woman who's pregnant or is thinking of becoming pregnant.

Portland-area Gas Prices See Slight Increase

(Portland, OR)  --  Gas prices are slightly higher as the July 4th weekend gets underway.  The latest survey by Triple-A shows the Portland-area average for regular is two-52 a gallon, a half-cent higher than yesterday.  The national average for regular is about two-28 a gallon.

Archives:

2024-03 | 2024-02 | 2024-01 | 2023-12 | 2023-11 | 2023-10 | 2023-09 | 2023-08 | 2023-07 | 2023-06 | 2023-05 | 2023-04 | 2023-03 | 2023-02 | 2023-01 | 2022-12 | 2022-11 | 2022-10 | 2022-09 | 2022-08 | 2022-07 | 2022-06 | 2022-05 | 2022-04 | 2022-03 | 2022-02 | 2022-01 | 2021-12 | 2021-11 | 2021-10 | 2021-09 | 2021-08 | 2021-07 | 2021-06 | 2021-05 | 2021-04 | 2021-03 | 2021-02 | 2021-01 | 2020-12 | 2020-11 | 2020-10 | 2020-09 | 2020-08 | 2020-07 | 2020-06 | 2020-05 | 2020-04 | 2020-03 | 2020-02 | 2020-01 | 2019-12 | 2019-11 | 2019-10 | 2019-09 | 2019-08 | 2019-07 | 2019-06 | 2019-05 | 2019-04 | 2019-03 | 2019-02 | 2019-01 | 2018-12 | 2018-11 | 2018-10 | 2018-09 | 2018-08 | 2018-07 | 2018-06 | 2018-05 | 2018-04 | 2018-03 | 2018-02 | 2018-01 | 2017-12 | 2017-11 | 2017-10 | 2017-09 | 2017-08 | 2017-07 | 2017-06 | 2017-05 | 2017-04 | 2017-03 | 2017-02 | 2017-01 | 2016-12 | 2016-11 | 2016-10 | 2016-09 | 2016-08 | 2016-07 | 2016-06 | 2016-05 | 2016-04 | 2016-03 | 2016-02 | 2016-01 | 2015-12 | 2015-11 | 2015-10 | 2015-09 | 2015-08 | 2015-07 | 2015-06 | 2015-05 | 2015-04 | 2015-03 | 2015-02 | 2015-01 | 2014-12 | 2014-11 | 2014-10 | 2014-09 | 2014-08 | 2014-07 | 2014-06 | 2014-05 | 2014-04 | 2014-03 | 2014-02 | 2014-01 | 2013-12 | 2013-11 | 2013-10 | 2013-07 | 2013-06 | 2013-05 | 2013-04 | 2013-03 | 2013-02 | 2013-01 | 2012-12 | 2012-11 | 2012-10 | 2012-09 | 2012-08 | 2012-07 | 2012-06 | 2012-05 | 2012-04 | 2012-03 | 2012-02 | 2012-01 | 2011-12 | 2011-11 | 2011-10 | 2011-09 | 2011-08 | 2011-07 | 2011-06 | 2011-05 | 2011-04 | 2011-03 | 2011-02 | 2011-01 | 2010-12 | 2010-11

On Air Now

Lars Larson
Lars Larson
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Lars Larson

FlashAlert

KBND ON FACEBOOK

News Disclaimers