Regional News Archives for 2016-09

Man Sentenced To 6 Years For Deadly Hit-And-Run

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland man is scheduled to spend six years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to a hit-and-run that killed a bicyclist.  Kenneth Smith Britt Jr. entered the plea last month to manslaughter, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence of marijuana in the death of 38-year-old Martin Lee Greenough.  Authorities say Greenough had a flashing red light on the back of his bike when he was hit from behind.  Police say Smith slowed down and then drove on following the crash.
 

Police Investigate Reports Of Shots Fired

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are investigating reports of a possible shooting in Northeast Portland.  Authorities say the reports came in around 2:48 this morning, and officers were sent to the area of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Northeast Couch Street, where the initial investigation found no gunshot victims.  Police later told KOIN-TV that a traffic stop on the ramp leading from I-84 eastbound to I-205 southbound was likely connected to the shooting investigation.  That ramp has since been cleared and there's no word on whether anyone has been detained.

Report: Accused Mall Shooter U.S. Citizen

(Burlington, WA)  --  There's a new report that accused Cascade Mall shooter Arcan Cetin is a U.S. Citizen, not a permanent resident.  KING-TV reports a federal official is citing an investigation that shows Cetin, who moved with his parents to the U.S. from Turkey when he was a child, is a naturalized American citizen.  It has been reported that Cetin is not a U.S. citizen, but a permanent resident, and had cast ballots in the last three election cycles after registering to vote in 2014.

Person Of Interest Arrested In Death Of Portland Woman

(Portland, OR)  --  Authorities say a man who's considered a person of interest in the death of a Portland woman is in custody.  Jesse Lane was arrested yesterday in Santa Barbara, California.  Lane is an ex-boyfriend of 24-year-old Apache Hightower, whose body was found in a wooded area in Columbia County on September 20th.  Lane has not officially been named a suspect in Hightower's murder.

Wyman To Push For Checking Citizenship Of WA Voters

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman says she'll ask the Legislature to pass a law that allows a citizenship check on voters in the state.  Wyman says while U.S. citizenship is a requirement to vote in Washington and voting illegally is a felony in the state, the Secretary of State's Office and county auditors are not allowed to check the citizenship of voters.  Wyman says her office has fielded many questions about the citizenship of accused Cascade Mall shooter Arcan Cetin, who was born in Turkey but completed all legal steps to register to vote in Washington before participating in the last three election cycles.

Missing Woman From SE Portland Being Sought

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are looking for a Southeast Portland woman who hasn't been seen since Saturday night.  Authorities say Amber Dawn Pierini [[ per-REE-nee ]], a mother of two, was last seen leaving her home to meet a friend.  Police say Pierini is described as five-feet-two, weighing about 100 pounds, with reddish dyed hair and blue eyes, last seen wearing a red tank top, a gray sweater, and blue jeans.  Anyone who knows Amber Pierini's location is asked to call 911.

Feds Give $6.9 Million To Washington Charter Schools

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington's charter schools will be getting an infusion of federal money.  The three-year, six-point-nine-million-dollar grant will come from the U.S. Department of Education.  Washington State Charter Schools Association CEO Tom Franta tells the "Spokesman-Review" the money will help the state's eight charter schools buy needed supplies, start new schools, and increase the classroom capacity of existing schools.

Case Against Murder Suspect Dismissed

(Portland, OR)  --  A man accused of killing another man in Portland is out of jail after the murder charge against him was dismissed.  The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office filed a motion saying it could not proceed with the case it had filed against Leo Lee Burns.  Burns was accused in the stabbing death of Gerardo Granados-Marin in October 2015.  Authorities say the investigation remains open and active.
 

Uroboros Glass To Close Next Year

(Portland, OR)  --  Uroboros Glass Company says it's going to close its location in Northeast Portland after more than 43 years in business.  The glassmaker says its business model and location have lost viability for the long term.  DEQ found elevated levels of heavy metals in air-quality tests near Portland glassmaking facilities earlier this year.  Uroboros says it will shut down early in 2017.

Amazon Surpasses $400 Billion In Market Value

(Seattle, WA)  --  Amazon.com is now among an elite list of companies worth at least 400-billion-dollars.  The tech giant reached a market value of more than 401-billion at the close of trading yesterday after seeing its stock rise to nearly 829-dollars per share.  The "Seattle Times" reports Amazon still trails Apple, Alphabet and Microsoft in market value, but has moved ahead of Facebook, Exxon Mobil and Berkshire Hathaway.  The milestone comes after several analysts predicted strong growth for Amazon.

Oregon In Top Ten In Business Tax Climate Index

(Undated)  --  Oregon is listed among the most competitive states when it comes to business tax climate.  That's according to the non-profit Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index, which is based on an analysis of each state's tax code using variables in corporate, individual income, sales, property, and unemployment insurance taxes.  Oregon is ranked tenth in the nation for business tax climate.  The five most competitive states are Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Florida and Nevada.  Washington is ranked 17th.

Police: Peeping Tom Seen In SE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say there have been reports of a Peeping Tom around houses in Southeast Portland.  KOIN-TV reports it's been contacted by two women who live in the Lents area, saying a man has been scaling fences, creeping around their houses, and looking into their bedrooms on a number of occasions.  Police say the reports filed by the women indicate the same man is responsible for each incident.

Search For Missing Portland Man Suspended

(Portland, OR)  --  Authorities say the search for a Portland man who's been missing since Saturday has been suspended.  Officials say 68-year-old Thomas Branch McAdams, who recently displayed signs of memory loss, vanished after going into the Columbia Gorge around Horsetail Falls.  Officials say his vehicle was found Sunday near Horsetail Falls.  Through yesterday, searchers had covered about 200 miles of trails in the search for McAdams.

Barefoot Bandit Out Of Prison, Starts Work Release

(Seattle, WA)  --  The so-called "Barefoot Bandit" is out of prison and into a work-release program.  Twenty-five-year-old Colton Harris Moore engaged in a crime spree that made national headlines while he was a teenager.  Washington Department of Corrections officials say Moore was put in the Reynolds Work Release program in Seattle yesterday.  Moore, who was sentenced in 2012 to seven years in prison, is expected to work for his attorney, John Henry Browne.

Portland, Seattle Top List Of Best Cities For Coffee Lovers

(Undated)  --  In observance of National Coffee Day, a new report from consumer website WalletHub.com places Portland and Seattle at the top of its list of Best Cities for Coffee Lovers.  WalletHub's rankings are based on data that range from "number of coffee shops, coffee houses and cafés per capita" and "average price of a coffee pack" to "Google search average for the word 'coffee.'"  Portland and Seattle are ranked one and two, respectively, followed by Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, and Orlando.  San Francisco, New Orleans, Madison, Wisconsin, Cincinnati, and Scottsdale, Arizona round out the top ten.

Man Accused Of Carrying Rifle Near Portland Courthouse Charged

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing a federal firearms-related charge, after being accused of carrying a rifle in a controlled area near the courthouse in downtown Portland.  Court documents show Department of Homeland Security officers arrested Matthew Thomas Mglej on September 15th as he approached the Hatfield Courthouse with the rifle.  Records filed in federal court show Mglej was indicted on September 20th by a federal grand jury on a charge of possession of a firearm in a federal facility.  Mglej could face up to two years in prison if convicted.

Hales Holds Meeting With Protesters Outside City Hall

(Portland, OR)  --  Organizers of a Black Lives Matter group are upset with Mayor Charlie Hales, saying he didn't mention he was moving a promised meeting with them to a location other than Portland City Hall.  The protesters marched to City Hall yesterday afternoon, but the building was locked, and Don't Shoot PDX organizers say they were told the meeting was moved to a North Portland church.  The protesters then held a news conference outside City Hall, saying they planned to camp out outside the building all night unless the mayor came to speak with them.  Hales did arrive at City Hall around seven o'clock last night and addressed protesters' concerns with police behavior.

WA HOV Lane Cheater Caught With Cardboard Cutout Of Trump

(Auburn, WA)  --  Drivers who've tried to get away with illegally using an HOV lane with inanimate objects in the passenger's seat now include someone who drove with a cardboard cutout of Donald Trump.  The Washington State Patrol says a driver with a cutout of the presidential candidate's face was pulled over and cited yesterday on State Route 167 in Auburn.  Trooper Greg Ulrich tells SeattlePI.com he and the driver had a chuckle over the Trump face and Ulrich remarked that the cutout was "awesome."  He then wrote the driver a ticket for a 136-dollars.

Portland 71st Among Best Cities For The Disabled

(Undated)  --  Portland is ranked 71st in the U.S. in WalletHub's study of the best cities for the disabled.  The consumer website says it examined 150 of the nation's biggest cities across 25 key metrics to develop its rankings, including number of physicians per capita, rate of employed people with disabilities, and park accessibility.  Portland scored just under 48 points in all, with a rank of 19th in the "quality of life" category and 124th in the category of health care.  Vancouver is 93rd overall, while Overland Park, Kansas is ranked as WalletHub's Best City for the Disabled.

No Charges Against Driver For Deadly Crash In Boring

(Boring, OR)  --  A driver won't face charges after he struck and killed a woman in Boring with his work truck last March.  Clackamas County prosecutors say 53-year-old Brian Schaffer was driving his truck home from a job site when he hit and killed Katherine Rusk on 282nd Avenue near Halsey Road.  Schaffer left the scene, but officials say he later contacted authorities after seeing a news story on the crash and told investigators he thought he had hit a deer, but turned around and looked for the animal and didn't see anything in the heavy rainstorm.  The DA declined to press charges after investigators verified Schaffer's alibi.

PPS Official Resigns

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Public Schools Chief Operating Officer Tony Magliano is stepping down.  Magliano, who was put on paid administrative leave June 2nd in the midst of controversy surrounding revelations of elevated levels of lead in school water, says his resignation will be effective October 3rd.  He's led the PPS Facilities and Maintenance Department since March 2014.  Chief Financial Officer Carole Smith and Environmental Health and Safety Officer Andy Fridley recently resigned from Portland Public Schools.

Dozens Displaced Following Apartment Complex Fire

(Seattle, WA)  --  Dozens of people are having to make other living arrangements after a large fire damaged an apartment complex in West Seattle.  The fire was reported yesterday afternoon at the Lam Bow Apartments.  More than one-hundred firefighters were involved in extinguishing the blaze, but no injuries were reported.  Officials say at least 40 people were being assisted by the Red Cross in finding shelter.

OR Places 7th On State Energy-efficiency Scorecard

(Undated)  --  Oregon ranks in the nation's top ten when it comes to energy efficiency, according to a scorecard issued by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.  The non-profit says it develops the rankings based on studies of each state's energy-efficiency policies and procedures, including financial incentives for energy-efficient businesses.  Oregon is ranked seventh overall, and scores a total of 35 out of a possible 50 points.  Washington is ranked eighth with 34-point-five points, while California and Massachusetts are in a tie for first place with 45 points each.
 

Sheriffs: Drug Possession Should Be Misdemeanor

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association is reversing its position on the severity of punishment for people caught with a "user amount" of drugs.  The association is now saying those offenders should be charged with misdemeanors and receive treatment.  The organization says felonies associated with those low-level offenses result in unintended and collateral consequences, including barriers to housing and employment and a "disparate impact on minority communities."  The sheriffs say they want to work with lawmakers and prosecutors to develop a more "thoughtful approach" to drug possession when it's the only crime committed.
 

Woman Killed In Crash Of Clackamas County Van

(Canby, OR)  --  Clackamas County sheriff's deputies say a woman who was a passenger in a county van died in a two-vehicle accident near Canby.  Authorities say the woman was a county Health, Housing, and Human Services client.  She died yesterday morning at the scene of the crash, located at South Central Point and New Era roads.  The drivers of both vehicles suffered non-life-threatening injuries.  

Pioneer Courthouse Square To Receive Makeover

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland city officials say Pioneer Courthouse Square is a well-visited area, and it shows.  That's why it will soon be receiving a makeover with a price tag of ten-million dollars.  Officials tell KGW-TV most of the work will focus on lifting the bricks in the square and rebuilding the waterproof membrane underneath.  Work is slated to begin in January and is expected to be completed in June.
 

Seattle Mayor's Budget Proposes More Spending To Fight Homelessness

(Seattle, WA)  --  Mayor Ed Murray wants to spend another 12-million dollars to combat homelessness in Seattle.  The mayor says despite the fact that spending on the crisis has risen 40 percent since he took office, the city must do better when so many lives are at stake.  Murray says he wants to focus more on people being placed in permanent housing and funding the conversion of an existing shelter into a 24-hour homeless help center.  The mayor's proposed budget also includes improving Seattle's 911 system and funding a new downtown streetcar line.

Person Of Interest Named In Death Of St. Helens Woman

(St. Helens, OR)  --  A wanted felon is being sought as a person of interest in the death of a St. Helens woman.  Authorities say 28-year-old Jesse Allen Lane currently has an active warrant from the State Parole Board.  The body of 24-year-old Apache Rose Hightower was found on September 20th alongside a rural Columbia County road.  Officials ruled her death was a result of homicidal violence.

Suspect In Salem Murder Arrested

(Salem, OR)  --  A man who's accused of shooting another man to death in Salem is in custody.  Police say 18-year-old Isaiah R. Garcia of Salem was arrested yesterday in connection with the death of 25-year-old Leonardo Martinez-Hernandez, who died in a hospital hours after the Sunday shooting.  Garcia is expected to appear in court today.

Documents: Accused Mall Shooter Has Criminal History

(Burlington, WA)  --  Court documents say a 20-year-old who's accused of gunning down five people at a mall in Burlington, Washington has admitted killing the victims.  Arcan Cetin also is reported to have attempted suicide last November and was diagnosed at age 18 with post-traumatic stress disorder.  The documents say he also has a criminal history, having been charged with counts that included assault, driving under the influence, and malicious mischief.  Cetin is facing five counts of first-degree murder in the Friday shooting at the Cascade Mall in Burlington.
 

Oregon Ranked Among The Worst States For Teachers

(Undated)  --  A new WalletHub survey of the "Best States for Teachers" places Oregon among the worst.  Data used in the survey included median starting salary, pupil-teacher ratio, and school safety.  Oregon is ranked 48th overall on the WalletHub list, coming in at 41st in the category of Job Opportunity and Competition, and 46th for Academic & Work Environment.  New Jersey is ranked the Best State for Teachers, with Washington state ranked 38th overall.
 

Salem Shooting Victim Dies

(Salem, OR)  --  Authorities are looking for a suspect in the deadly shooting of a man in Salem.  Marion County sheriff's deputies say the victim died after being wounded yesterday in a parking lot on 47th Avenue Northeast.  The shooter is described as a Hispanic man who was seen driving a dark or light blue 1980s Toyota pickup truck.  Anyone with information is asked to call 503-588-5094.

Officials: Legionnaires' Appears To Be Contained

(Seattle, WA)  --  King County health officials say the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle appears now to be contained.  Four people at the facility were sickened, including two who died.  UW Medicine officials began more than a week ago taking steps to prevent the spread of the disease, including installing filters and flushing water systems in the hospital's Cascade Tower, which is believed to be the source of the outbreak.

Former Portland State President Dies At 69

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who was president of Portland State University for a decade is dead at age 69.  Daniel O. Bernstine served in that capacity from 1997 until 2007, and is credited with overseeing 114-million dollars in donations during his tenure at PSU.  Bernstine is reported to have died last week.  Funeral arrangements are pending.

Woman's Body Found Near Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center

(Gresham, OR)  --  Gresham police say they're investigating the death of a woman whose body was found near Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center.  Authorities say the body was found yesterday in an area of bushes, and the woman's death is considered suspicious.  Her identity hasn't been released.

Portland-area Gas Prices Leveling Off

(Portland, OR)  --  The price of gasoline is up only slightly in the Portland area over the past few days.  Triple-A reports the average for a gallon of regular is two-53, up about a half-cent per gallon from this time last week.  The national average for regular is two-21 a gallon.

Ten Displaced By Forest Grove Fire

(Forest Grove, OR)  --  Ten people are having to stay elsewhere after a triplex was damaged in a fire in Forest Grove.  Forest Grove Fire & Rescue got the report around 1:45 yesterday morning and responded to the 19-hundred block of Douglas Street.  Firefighters put out the flames quickly and monitored hot spots.  Investigators say the blaze was caused by an electrical failure inside a wall in one of the units.  No injuries were reported.

Suspect In Cascade Mall Shooting To Appear In Court

(Oak Harbor, WA)  --  The man who's accused of gunning down five people in Burlington, Washington is slated to make his first court appearance today.  Twenty-year-old Arcan Cetin [[ AR-zhahn shuh-TEEN ]] is charged with five counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of four females and one male at the Cascade Mall Macy's Friday.  Cetin was arrested near his apartment in Oak Harbor, less than 24 hours after the shootings.  Police say they haven't yet determined a motive.

Missing Portland Man Being Sought

(Portland, OR)  --  Authorities are searching for a Portland man who vanished Saturday.  Officials say 68-year-old Thomas Branch McAdams's car was found yesterday at Horsetail Falls in the Columbia Gorge.  It's not known whether McAdams, who recently showed signs of memory loss, went on a hike, as he left his regular hiking gear at home.  McAdams is described as white, five-feet-eleven, 165 pounds, with gray hair and green eyes.  Anyone with information is asked to call 503-823-3333.

Pit Bull Shot, Killed By Police During Dogfight

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say an officer shot and killed a pit bull that was involved in a fight with two other dogs in the Multnomah Village area.  Officers were dispatched yesterday to the Village Coffee Company on Southwest Capitol Highway in response to a report of the fight between one leashed dog and two unleashed canines.  Police say one of the dogs, a seven-year-old pit bull named Piper, refused to calm down and was shot to death.  The case is being turned over the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.
 

Lawyer: WA School District Must Allow Satan Club

(Mount Vernon, WA)  --  An attorney representing the Mount Vernon, Washington School District is advising officials to allow the Satanic Temple of Seattle to begin an after-school program at one of the district's elementary schools.  The lawyer, Duncan Fobes, says if the district were to deny the application, it could set off costly litigation.  Fobes tells the "Skagit Valley Herald" the district was one of nine throughout the country to receive such applications.  A Satanic Temple spokesman says its curriculum doesn't worship a deity but focuses on teaching children logic, self-empowerment, and reasoning.

Study: OR Highways 23rd In Cost-effectiveness

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Oregon is ranked in the top half of states with the most cost-effective and best-performing highways.  The annual highway report released by the Reason Foundation ranks Oregon's roads at number 23.  The report tracks the performance of state-owned highways based on several indicators, including highway spending, traffic congestion, bridge and pavement conditions, and the number of deaths on the roads.  According to the Reason Foundation, South Carolina, South Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska are ranked one through five, while Washington is among the worst at number 43.

85-year-old Man Dies From Injuries Suffered In Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  Officials say an 85-year-old man who was seriously injured in a crash on Highway 99W has died.  Authorities say Richard Mitchell of Newberg was a passenger in a Prius that was hit by a pickup truck that veered Wednesday into oncoming traffic on Highway 99W in Portland.  The driver of the Prius, 84-year-old Velda Mitchell, is still in the hospital.  The driver of the pickup suffered minor injuries.

Man Found Guilty Of Abusing Infant Son

(Portland, OR)  --  Sentencing is slated for October 3rd for a man who's been convicted of severely assaulting his three-month-old son.  A Multnomah County jury found 29-year-old Awes Sheikhuna guilty of assaulting the baby in the summer of 2015.  Doctors said the boy suffered critical brain injuries and will be permanently disabled.  Sheikhuna is also facing charges in a pending case, in which he's accused of three counts of encouraging child sexual abuse.

Car Belonging To Missing Portland Man Found

(Portland, OR)  --  Authorities are searching for an 86-year-old man who was last seen at a Portland gym.  Officials say Duane Irving Anderson was last seen Wednesday morning, leaving the Lloyd Athletic Club on Northeast Halsey Street.  The Tillamook County Sheriff's Office says they found Anderson's Toyota Prius yesterday on the Oregon coast.  Coast Guard personnel are searching the coastline.
 

Portland-area Poverty Rate Falls

(Portland, OR)  --  The U.S. Census Bureau says the Portland-area poverty rate fell considerably last year.  Bureau figures show about 26-thousand area residents rose above the poverty line, including the families of 12-thousand children.  The agency says the Portland-area poverty rate was 12-point-two percent last year, compared to 13-point-six percent in 2014.

Cantwell Pushing Effort To Ban Automated Online Ticket "Bots"

(Washington, DC)  --  Washington's junior U.S. senator is pushing legislation that would ban the use of automated online ticket scalpers.  Senator Maria Cantwell says the measure targets so-called ticket bots that scalp tickets to popular events at an average markup of 49 percent.  A spokesman for Cantwell tells the "Seattle Times" the senator is concerned about making sure consumers have fair access to tickets and don't become victims of price gouging.

Boeing, Airbus Get Go-ahead To Sell Jets To Iran

(Chicago, IL)  --  Boeing and Airbus will be allowed to sell airliners to Iran for the first time in decades.  Boeing has been given the go-ahead by the federal government to sell more than 100 aircraft to Iran, and Airbus will be able to sell 17 planes.  CNN reports the Treasury Department's decision means Boeing will be allowed to deliver 80 jetliners that Iran agreed to buy in June.  The license also lets Boeing help Iran Air find 29 aircraft from leasing companies.

Poll: Most Oregonians Favor Allowing Rent Control

(Portland, OR)  --  A new statewide opinion poll shows slightly more than half of Oregonians questioned favor eliminating a ban on rent control.  The DHM Research survey shows 52 percent of participants support getting rid of the ban.  The "Portland Tribune" reports most of those favoring repeal are located in the Portland area.  State House Speaker Tina Kotek had said she'll ask the lawmakers next year to repeal that statewide ban on rent control.

Deputies: Rollover Crash Caused By Spider

(Portland, OR)  --  Sheriff's deputies say a rollover crash in Washington County was caused by a spider dropping from the rear-view mirror.  Authorities say the wreck happened yesterday on Northwest Thompson Road.  Deputies say fortunately, the driver came out unscathed.  No word on the spider.

Man Accused In Toddler's Death Appears In Court

(Coeur d'Alene, ID)  --  Bail is set at a quarter-million dollars for Jason Obermiller, who's accused in the death of a two-year-old child in Spokane.  Obermiller made his initial court appearance yesterday in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho after he was captured in Kootenai County Tuesday.  Obermiller is accused of killing Adalynn Hoyt on September 13th at a home on Spokane's South Hill.  The Medical Examiner says the toddler was beaten or kicked so hard she bled to death internally.

5-year-old Hit By Car, Critically Injured

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  A five-year-old girl is in critical condition, after being hit by a car while in a crosswalk in Hillsboro.  Police say a woman and her two children were hit while crossing Southeast Johnson Street near Southeast 75th Avenue yesterday morning.  The younger sibling was in a stroller, but suffered only minor injuries along with her mother.  Police say the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with officers.

Woman Found In Columbia River Was From Portland

(Columbia Co., OR)  --  Authorities are identifying a woman whose body was found in the Columbia River as a Portland resident.  Sheriff's deputies say the body of 24-year-old Apache Rose Hightower was found Tuesday afternoon down an embankment off Pittsburg Road.  The Columbia County Sheriff's Office says Hightower's case is being investigated as a homicide.  Deputies say Hightower was identified through fingerprint records.
 

Nursing Assistant Now Accused Of Assaulting 6 Other Victims

(Portland, OR)  --  A certified nursing assistant who was accused last week of raping an elderly patient at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is now believed to have assaulted six other victims.  Police say 34-year-old Adeladilew Mekonen is slated to appear in court today to face multiple charges.  Police say Mekonen was arrested last week for reportedly raping an 87-year-old woman, and investigators say the other six alleged victims range in age from 27 to 94.

Bryant Accuses Inslee Of Incompetence

(Seattle, WA)  --  Republican candidate for governor Bill Bryant cites problems with Washington's largest psychiatric hospital as evidence of the "growing incompetence" in Democratic incumbent Governor Jay Inslee's administration.  Bryant illustrated his point at a news conference by displaying 25-thousand keys on a table, the number of master keys that were found to be missing from Western State Hospital according to an audit of the state-owned facility.  A spokesman for Inslee tells the "Seattle Times" the attack by Bryant is a desperate stunt from a "faltering campaign" that hasn't gained traction with voters.

TB Diagnosed In Person At Sunset High School

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Washington County Public Health officials say a person at Sunset High School in Beaverton has been diagnosed with tuberculosis.  It's not been revealed whether the patient is a student or a school employee.  WCPH Deputy Health Officer Jennifer Vines told parents that the situation is not a medical emergency and there's not a TB outbreak in the Sunset High community.  Health officials tell KOIN-TV it's not believed the patient caught tuberculosis at the school.
 

Young Man Shot Dead In North Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are investigating the shooting death of an 18-year-old man near Cesar Chavez School in North Portland.  Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot around 8:30 last night in the area of North Willis Boulevard and Hereford Avenue.  The victim's body was found at the scene.  Police say it doesn't appear the shooting was connected with the school.

Portland 12th On "Most Fun Cities" List

(Undated)  --  Portland is ranked on a list of "Most Fun Cities in America."  Personal-finance website WalletHub.com has released its top 150 such cities, and Portland is in 12th place, the only Oregon city on the list.  Vancouver is one of four Washington cities included, coming in at 102nd place.  WalletHub's top five "Most Fun Cities in America" are Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, New Orleans, and Salt Lake City.

Man Accused Of Offering Cop Drugs For Sex

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing charges after being accused of offering an undercover cop drugs in exchange for sex.  Portland Police say the arrest of Justin Michael Fincannon was a result of an undercover operation targeting online prostitution.  Prosecutors say Fincannon had arranged via text messages to meet the officer in a motel room where he agreed to exchange drugs for sexual acts.  Fincannon has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges.

Man Sought In Connection With Deadly Salem Shooting

(Salem, OR)  --  Salem police are looking for a suspect in a deadly shooting.  Authorities say the body of 20-year-old Lucia Pamatz was found around 1:45 yesterday afternoon at the Brookside Manor Apartments on Hyde Court Southeast.  Police have identified the suspect as 22-year-old Cristian J. Acosta.  He's believed to be driving a silver, 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer with a black hood and an Oregon Crater Lake license plate, CA61820.

Beaverton Among "Money's" Best Places To Live

(Undated)  --  Beaverton is among Money magazine's "Best Places to Live in 2016."  The publication has released its list of the 50 best places to live in America, analyzing factors such as taxes, education, and health care.  Beaverton is ranked ninth, with Money citing the city's diverse population of people born outside the U.S. and its sharp rise in home values.  Sammamish, Washington is in 14th place, and Columbia, Maryland is at the top.

Jet Hits Bird, Make Emergency Landing At PDX

(Portland, OR)  --  All passengers and crew are safe after a United Airlines 737 had to make an emergency landing at Portland International Airport.  Airport officials say the plane hit a bird and smoke filled the cockpit as a result, making the unscheduled landing necessary.  United Flight 766, which took off from San Francisco, landed safely at PDX.

Microsoft Trims Jobs In Seattle Area and Abroad

(Seattle, WA)  --  Employees in Microsoft's Seattle-area offices were among the roughly 520 workers laid off by the software giant last week.  A company spokeswoman tells "The Seattle Times" the cuts are the latest round of the more than 28-hundred layoffs Microsoft announced would happen during its current fiscal year.  More than 200 of the cuts took place in London, while most of the remainder were located in the Seattle area.

Police: Man Armed With Chainsaw Robs Store

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say they've arrested a man who was armed with a chainsaw and a knife when he held up a Plaid Pantry store in Southeast Portland.  Authorities say 34-year-old Jonathan Lee Lathrop entered the store on Southeast Woodstock Boulevard last night and attempted to rob it, but officers arrived shortly afterward and apprehended him.  KOIN-TV reported there was a car on fire next door to the store, but it hasn't been determined whether there was a connection to the holdup.

Man Accused Of Swinging Sword

(Portland, OR)  --  Authorities say a 17-year-old has been arrested after he was reported to have swung a samurai sword at another person outside a Cedar Mill apartment complex.  Washington County sheriff's deputies say they arrived last night to find the teen suspect bumping chests with another person in the parking lot of the Cornell Woods Apartments.  The teen was arrested on charges of menacing and unlawful use of a weapon.

One In Custody Following Pot Shop Robbery Attempt

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say they have one suspect in custody, after an attempted robbery at a marijuana shop.  Authorities say the four armed suspects entered Green Buds Dispensary on Northeast Sandy Boulevard around 8:40 last night and told the employees to lie on the floor.  Officers were able to apprehend one suspect, but the other three fled the scene.  Police say no shots were fired during the incident.
 

Gasoline Prices Rise In Portland Area

(Portland, OR)  --  The price of gasoline is still on the rise in the Portland area.  The latest Triple-A survey shows the average for a gallon of regular is two-53, up four cents a gallon from a week ago.  The national average for regular is two-21 a gallon.

"Most Wanted" Man Wounded By Police During WA Standoff

(Lakewood, WA)  --  A man who was considered to be among Washington's "Most Wanted" fugitives is in a hospital after being shot and wounded by Lakewood police officers.  Investigators say officers entered the apartment and were shot at by the suspect, who was hiding there with his girlfriend.  A SWAT team was called in, and negotiations continued for four hours before the suspect fired twice and came out of the apartment and threatened the officers.  The officers then shot the suspect, who was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Portland Man Accused Of Trying To Kill Ex-girlfriend

(Portland, OR)  --  A Portland man is awaiting his next court appearance, after being accused of trying to kill his former girlfriend.  Authorities say 19-year-old McKeever Thompson the Third fired a gun at a car that was carrying his ex-girlfriend, Alexia Campbell, and her friend, Valeria Chavez in Southeast Portland last Wednesday.  Thompson has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and with participating in a drive-by shooting.  He's next slated to appear in court on September 26th.

Spokane Sheriff Rips GOP Lawmaker Over Triple-murder Claims

(Spokane, WA)  --  Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich is threatening to withdraw his endorsement for Republican candidates for office unless they publicly disavow a GOP lawmaker.  The "Spokesman-Review" reports Knezovich is upset with Spokane Valley Representative Matt Shea, saying he has attempted to connect the sheriff's office with a triple homicide.  In a podcast he released last week, Shea claimed that the gun used to kill the suspect's estranged wife's mother, stepfather, and brother can be traced back to Spokane County Deputy Travis Pendell.  Knezovich says Shea's claim is untrue and that the murder weapon hasn't even been located.
 

Family Of Kidnapped Girl Settling With State Of WA

(Seattle, WA)  --  The family of a six-year-old girl who was kidnapped two years ago in Seattle by a high-risk sex offender will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in a settlement with the state.  The attorney for Robert and Vernee Fletcher tells KING-5 the Department of Corrections has agreed to pay the family 750-thousand dollars.  Attorney Julie Kays filed a lawsuit, saying the DOC should have known that Jesse Brisbin routinely violated his parole but was never punished for it.  The department says it won't comment on the case until the settlement is approved by the court.

Man With Rifle Arrested At Portland Courthouse

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing federal charges, after bringing a rifle into the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland.  The Department of Homeland Security says 27-year-old Matthew Mglej brought a rifle concealed in a towel into the controlled area around the courthouse yesterday evening.  Mglej was arrested after the towel slipped off the rifle and DHS agents saw it.  KOIN-TV reports Mglej was previously arrested for indecent exposure outside the same courthouse for playing a violin while naked, but the charge was dropped.

$1 Million Settlement In Death Of Man On Escalator

(Seattle, WA)  --  The estate of a man who died when he got caught in an escalator in downtown Seattle in 2013 has reached a million-dollar settlement with the city.  Maurecio Bell was strangled in April 2013 when his shirt got caught at the base of the escalator inside the University Station bus terminal.  Surveillance video shows Bell getting snagged in the escalator and struggling to get free before he stops moving.  Police say a Good Samaritan tried to pull him from the still-moving escalator, but was unable to.

Polar Bear Cub Arrives At Oregon Zoo

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Zoo is inviting you to come welcome Nora.  Nora is a ten-month-old polar bear cub who was born at the Columbus Zoo last November.  Oregon Zoo officials say the cub will move to the zoo's polar bear habitat after 30 days in quarantine.  Visitors will be able to see Nora in her permanent environment, starting in mid-October.

Suspect In Death Of Spokane Girl Still At Large

(Spokane, WA)  --  Authorities continue to look for a man who's accused of killing a two-year-old girl in Spokane.  Investigators say 32-year-old Jason J. Obermiller either kicked or punched Adalynn Hoyt and caused her to bleed to death internally.  Officials say the suspect has been on the run since before the toddler was discovered Monday not to be breathing at her home.  Deputies say the girl's mother left her four children in Obermiller's care while she left to go out drinking.

Former Nursing Assistant Accused Of Raping Patients

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  Washington County authorities say a Certified Nursing Assistant from Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is accused of sexually assaulting two patients.  Sheriff's deputies say 34-year-old Adeladilew Mekonen was arrested after two victims, ages 87 and 94, lodged complaints with the hospital.  Officials say Mekonen worked at the hospital from May until he was arrested, but is no longer employed there.  His bail is set at a quarter-million dollars.

Kids Pepper-sprayed In NE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are investigating, after a man pepper-sprayed three children who were inside a car in Northeast Portland.  The kids, aged seven, eleven, and 13, told officers a man on a bicycle rode by their car on Northeast 9th Avenue and sprayed the substance in their faces while yelling a racial slur.  The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic man in his mid-20s, five-feet-nine, and weighing 160 pounds.  A police Bias Crimes detective is investigating the attack as a possible hate crime against African Americans.

PPS Could Face Lawsuit Over Assault Of Student

(Portland, OR)  --  The mother of a student at Portland's Whitman Elementary School could file suit against Portland Public Schools over the alleged sexual abuse of the student.  Former para-educator Brent Christy-Hamilton was arrested on the charges in July.  The complaint filed with PPS claims the seven-year-old girl was sexually abused, assaulted, battered, and falsely imprisoned on two separate occasions during November 2015 by Christy-Hamilton.  He's facing two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree.
 

Washington Among America's Richest States

(Undated)  --  A 24-7 Wall Street study ranks Washington among the nation's ten richest states.  Washington's median income is ranked tenth, at just above 64-thousand dollars, and its unemployment rate in 2015 was five-point-seven percent.  The 24-7 Wall Street study notes that Washington's relatively high educational attainment rate is one reason for the higher incomes.  Oregon is ranked 26th in the study, with a median income of more than 54-thousand dollars and a jobless rate last year of five-point-seven percent.
 

Man Going To Prison For Killing Cyclist In Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who was convicted of killing a bicyclist in a crash is scheduled to spend more than six years behind bars.  Prosecutors say 27-year-old Kenneth Britt Smith was high on medical marijuana when he hit and killed the cyclist last December in Northeast Portland before leaving the scene.  The crash killed 38-year-old Martin Greenough.  Smith pleaded guilty yesterday to second-degree manslaughter and will be formally sentenced later this month.

Suspect In Murder Of Portland Man Being Sought

(Estacada, OR)  --  A man who's accused in the shooting death of a Portland man in Estacada is being sought by authorities.  Sheriff's deputies say 47-year-old Richard Allen Hess of Sandy is facing a murder charge in the deadly shooting of 39-year-old Dominick James Perry of Portland on Saturday.  Investigators say Hess's pickup truck was found abandoned just east of Estacada yesterday.  Anyone with information on the case is asked to call 503-723-4949.

Woman Hit By MAX Train In East Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  A woman is being hospitalized after she was hit by a MAX train in East Portland.  Authorities say it appears the woman deliberately stepped into the path of the train yesterday afternoon.  Police say it happened near 143rd Avenue and East Burnside.  There's no word on the woman's condition.

Man Accused Of Flashing Gun In Road-rage Incident Out On Bail

(Oregon City, OR)  --  A man who's accused of displaying a gun during a confrontation with another driver if free on bail.  Clackamas County deputies say real-estate broker Bradlee J. France displayed the weapon last Friday along Interstate 205 in Oregon City.  KATU-TV reports France posted more than 14-thousand dollars in bail yesterday morning and was released from jail.  According to court records, France was convicted of careless driving in 2009 and pleaded guilty to DUII in 2006.

WA Jobless Rate Falls Slightly For August

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington's state unemployment rate is slightly lower, after holding at five-point-eight percent for eight straight months.  The Employment Security Department says the seasonally-adjusted jobless rate fell in August to five-point-seven percent, despite more people being added to the workforce.  The department says Washington added 26-hundred jobs last month.  August private-sector employment rose by 18-hundred jobs and government employment increased by 800.

Body Of Missing Fisherman Recovered

(Fairview, OR)  --  Authorities say they've recovered the body of a Sandy fisherman who vanished near McGuire Island.  The body of 52-year-old Brian Louis Schmitz was pulled yesterday afternoon from the Columbia River and taken to Chinook Landing Marine Park.  Schmitz was reported missing Sunday morning after his boat was found adrift in the river.  His death has been ruled an accident by drowning.
 

Seattle Has Among Highest Rates Of Same-sex Marriages

(Undated)  --  A new federal study shows Seattle is one of the leading cities for same-sex marriages in the nation.  The Office of Tax Analysis says the Seattle area ranks fifth in the U.S. for male couples getting married, and second for women marrying women.  The study shows there were more than 183-thousand same-sex marriages nationwide in 2014, or point-35 percent of all marriages in the United States.  San Francisco is the top city for same-sex marriages, followed by Washington DC, New York City, Palm Springs, and Seattle.

Poll: 52% Of NW Residents Not Ready For "Big One"

(Portland, OR)  --   Many residents of the Pacific Northwest aren't prepared for the so-called "big one."  That's according to a new poll by PEMCO Insurance, which found that 77 percent of Oregon and Washington residents expect to experience a big earthquake in their lifetimes.  But 52 percent say they're only "somewhat" prepared and 39 percent say they aren't at all prepared.  The PEMCO poll shows more renters are unprepared for a big quake than homeowners.

Suspects In Death Of Vancouver Teen Plead Not Guilty

(Portland, OR)  --  Two suspects accused in the death of a Vancouver teenager in Gresham say they're not guilty of intimidation.  Police say Russell Courtier and his girlfriend, Colleen Hunt, are accused of deliberately running over 19-year-old Larnell Bruce in what's being described as a racially-motivated crash in a convenience-store parking lot on August 10th.  Both pleaded not guilty yesterday in a Portland courtroom to intimidation charges.

Portland Police Union Strikes Agreement With City

(Portland, OR)  --  The union representing Portland police officers says it's reached a tentative agreement with the city.  The Portland Police Association says it hopes the deal will alleviate staffing shortages by bringing well-trained and experienced officers to the Police Bureau.  Under the contract, police officers would receive a raise, but a rule that allows officers up to 48 hours before being interviewed about use-of-force complaints would be eliminated.  Union members will vote on whether to ratify the contract.

Recall Petition Against Spokane Mayor Tossed

(Spokane, WA)  --  A petition filed to recall Spokane Mayor David Condon is no more.  David Green, who had filed the petition, claimed Condon withheld the release of public records until after his re-election.  Yakima County Superior Court Judge Blaine Gibson dismissed the petition, saying not enough information was filed with the petition on how the conclusion was reached that the mayor had withheld the records.  The judge made similar assertions about other charges contained in the petition, including claims that Condon violated city ethics laws and lied during a news conference when asked about sexual harassment complaints against ex-Police Chief Frank Straub.

Man Arrested Following Road-rage Incident

(Oregon City, OR)  --  A man who's accused of pulling a gun during a road-rage incident on Interstate 205 is facing charges.  Oregon State Police say 38-year-old Bradlee J. France was caught on video displaying the gun during an argument with another driver on September 9th in Oregon City.  Troopers say France was arrested yesterday during a traffic stop in West Linn.  He's facing multiple counts, including menacing and pointing a firearm at another.

Low-income Housing Vouchers Available In Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Low-income housing vouchers are available in Portland for the first time in four years.  Officials say they expect 20-thousand people to sign up, but will place about three-thousand people on the voucher list.  The Section 8 vouchers can be used at any apartment building in Portland for residents who meet income requirements.  The Home Forward housing voucher program will accept applications through September 17th.

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured In Crash

(Portland, OR)  --  A motorcyclist is seriously injured, following a crash in Southeast Portland.  Police say the motorcycle crashed into an oncoming car shortly after five o'clock yesterday afternoon on Southeast Deardorff Road near Flavel Street.  The motorcyclist was taken to a Portland hospital with life-threatening injuries.  The driver of the car cooperated with police.

Man Accused Of Pepper-spraying Trooper

(Tigard, OR)  --  A man is facing burglary and assault charges, after being accused of pepper-spraying an Oregon State Police trooper and breaking into several houses with people inside.  Authorities say John Michael Auer became combative during a traffic stop yesterday in Tigard and pepper-sprayed the trooper, who tried to Taser him.  Officials say Auer ran from the trooper and barged into several occupied homes, from which he was chased out.  Auer was finally apprehended and booked into the Washington County Jail.

Deal: 30K Washington State Workers To Get Raises

(Olympia, WA)  --  Under a deal tentatively struck between union leaders and state officials, about 30-thousand Washington state employees would receive pay raises of about six percent.  Washington Federation of State Employees spokesman Tim Welch tells the "News Tribune" the raises would be spread over two years.  The proposed contract would also set a 12-dollar minimum wage for the general government workers.  Union members will vote by October 1st on whether to ratify the contract.

Portland Police Looking To Solve Hit-and-run Case

(Portland, OR)  --  A reward of up to 25-hundred dollars is being offered for information leading to an arrest in an unsolved hit-and-run that killed a 65-year-old man.  Police say 65-year-old Stanley Grochowski was crossing North Greeley Avenue on the night of August 30th when he was hit by a vehicle, which stopped for a moment and drove off.  Grochowski was seriously injured and died on September 9th.  Police believe the driver was in a dark-colored, 2008 to 2012 Toyota Rav4 SUV with silver trim.  Anyone with helpful information is asked to call Crime Stoppers.

Deputy Accused Of Abusing Child Free On Bail

(Hood River Co., OR)  --  A Hood River County sheriff's deputy is free on bail, after being accused of sexually abusing a child.  Deputy Marc Smith is facing charges that include luring a minor and third-degree sexual abuse.  Authorities say the incident happened while Smith was off duty, and the deputy has been placed on leave.  The Crook County District Attorney's Office is handling the case.

Trial Of Ex-Gladstone Cop To Begin

(Oregon City, OR)  --  Opening statements are to be delivered today in the trial of a former Gladstone police sergeant.  Lynn Edward Benton is accused of conspiring with friend Susan Campbell and her son to murder Benton's wife, Debbie Higbee-Benton.  Higbee-Benton's body was found in her beauty salon in May 2011.  An autopsy showed the victim was shot and beaten.

Washington Among "Happiest States In America"

(Undated)  --  When it comes to the happiest states in America, Washington is in the top tier.  WalletHub says Washington ranks as the 12th-happiest state in the U.S. overall.  It's listed in 20th place for emotional and physical well-being, 13th for work environment, and seventh for community & environment.  Utah is ranked the happiest state, with Oregon in 32nd place and West Virginia dead last.

Boyfriend Suspected In Death Of St. Helens Woman

(Klamath Co., OR)  --  Authorities say the boyfriend of a St. Helens woman whose body was found Saturday in Klamath County is now more than just a person of interest in her death.  Cheryl Hart had been missing since early August, and was last seen with the suspect, Jeremy Milutin.  Milutin was arrested on August 5th in Eugene on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle and remains in the Lane County Jail.  Investigators now say Milutin will be charged in Hart's death.

Pedestrian Injured In SE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say alcohol may have been a factor in a crash that left a pedestrian injured.  Authorities say the pedestrian was hit last night near the intersection of Division and 131st in Southeast Portland.  Investigators say the pedestrian may have been intoxicated.  There's no word on the pedestrian's condition.

Spokesman: Inslee Doesn't Support State Income Tax

(Olympia, WA)  --  Governor Jay Inslee's office is reiterating his stance on a state income tax for Washington.  The campaign for Republican candidate for governor Bill Bryant has been claiming that Inslee plans to introduce a state income-tax proposal.  But Inslee spokesman Jamal Raad tells the "Seattle Times" the governor has been "clear as day" and doesn't support a state income tax.  Raad is not saying, however, whether Inslee would veto a state income tax if it were passed by the Legislature.

Campaign Launched To Build Portland Firefighter Memorial

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland is among the cities and towns across the nation to remember the victims of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks.  A ceremony was held yesterday, the 15th anniversary of the attacks, at the proposed site of a memorial for fallen firefighters.  It's located outside Portland Fire and Rescue Station 21, and would be named after Portland Fire Chief David Campbell, who died in the line of duty in 1911.  Terry Shanley, of the nonprofit David Campbell Memorial Association, tells "The Oregonian" that he's hoping for public support to cover the cost of construction, which is estimated at 750-thousand dollars.

Family: Missing Woman's Body Found In Klamath County

(Chiloquin, OR)  --  Family members say the remains of a St. Helens woman who had been missing have been found in Klamath County.  Authorities say 35-year-old Cheryl Hart was last seen on August 4th in Eugene with her boyfriend, Jeremy Milutin.  KATU-TV reports her remains were found Saturday just west of Chiloquin.  Milutin was arrested on August 5th on charges of driving a stolen vehicle and trying to escape police, but he's never been named a suspect in Hart's disappearance.

Gasoline Prices Rise

(Portland, OR)  --  Drivers in the Portland area are seeing higher gas prices.  Triple-A reports the average for regular is two-49 a gallon, nearly four cents above the average of a week ago.  The national average for regular is two-18 a gallon.

73-year-old Man Gets Life In Prison For Killing Wife

(Kelso, WA)  --   A 73-year-old man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing his wife.  Cleon Moen of Longview received a sentence of life without parole for strangling his 58-year-old wife, Michelle, in September 2015.  The sentence was handed down in Cowlitz County Superior Court Friday, following a hearing.  Authorities say the victim died of strangulation and was found with ax wounds to her head.

Hillsboro Woman Accused Of Arson

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  A Hillsboro woman is in custody, following a fire that destroyed her home.  Authorities say the blaze was reported yesterday afternoon in the 600 block of Southeast 20th Court.  Firefighters say the fire had spread from the lower level of the three-story home to brush behind the house, but was brought under control in about 20 minutes.  Hillsboro police say 30-year-old Sara Brown has been charged with first-degree arson.
 

12-year-old Seriously Injured By Truck

(Springfield, OR)  --  Police say they've arrested a man who's accused of hitting a 12-year-old bicyclist with his pickup truck in Springfield.  Following the crash around 6:45 Saturday night, the boy was taken to a hospital for treatment of severe head trauma.  Authorities say 40-year-old Jeffery Kent Cantrall of Bend was arrested following the crash.  Cantrall is facing multiple charges, including assault and DUII.

Full Ballot In WA For Nov. 8th General Election

(Olympia, WA)  --  Voters across Washington will have a full ballot to consider for the fall general election.  Along with myriad local and county measures, Washingtonians will be pondering seven statewide initiatives, races for president and Congress, along with governor and other state executive offices.  There will also be legislative candidates and people running for spots on the state Supreme Court.  Election pamphlets are scheduled to be mailed October 8th, and ballots should be sent out October 20th, with the deadline for return on November 8th.

WA Mayor Now Willing To Reschedule Seahawks Rally

(DuPont, WA)  --  The mayor of the Pierce County city of DuPont, Washington says he's reversing his position on a city-sponsored Seahawks rally.  Mayor Mike Courts cancelled the scheduled rally Saturday because he believed there were indications the Seahawks players had a "deliberate plan that's disrespectful" to the flag during the national anthem for yesterday's game.  Courts says he changed his mind and is willing to reschedule the event after seeing the players stand with arms interlocked during the anthem.  Members of the DuPont City Council tell "The Seattle Times" they're upset because Courts didn't consult them about the cancellation.

Adult PPS Employee Tests Positive For Lead

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials say an adult employee with Portland Public Schools has tested positive for lead.  The Multnomah County Health Department says two of the three employees tested turned out to have false positives, while the reading for the third was shown to be in a "gray area."  The County says it's unclear at this time whether the employee has a lead reading high enough to be confirmed.  The Oregon Health Authority tells KATU-TV the state would only oversee the case if the adult's lead level is 25 micrograms per deciliter or higher.

Man Accused In Deadly Crash Facing Charges

(Portland, OR)  --  A 20-year-old man who's accused in a connection with a crash that killed a 15-year-old is facing charges that include first-degree manslaughter.  Abdulrahman Noorah is accused of hitting Fallon Smart, who died after he was hit on Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland on August 19th.  Police say Noorah had been issued 18 parking- and traffic-related citations between March 2015 and July of this year.  He was also convicted in April of driving while suspended and failure to carry proof of insurance.

Name Of UO Dorm To Change

(Eugene, OR)  --  A residence hall on the University of Oregon campus will no longer bear Frederic Dunn's name.  The university's Board of trustees has voted unanimously to remove the name of a man who had served as a former professor in the 1920s and 30s, and as an exalted cyclops of the Ku Klux Klan.  The campus's Black Student Task Force requested last year that Dunn's name be removed from the building.  The building will be called Cedar Hall until it undergoes a renaming process.
 

Body Found In Hazel Dell

(Hazel Dell, WA)  --  Clark County sheriff's deputies are investigating, after a body was found in a wooded area of Hazel Dell.  The body was found around 1:30 yesterday afternoon near Northeast 78th Street and Northeast 13th Avenue.  Investigators say there's no obvious sign of how the person died.  There's no word on the age of sex of the victim.
 

Man Arrested Following Hours-long Standoff

(Portland, OR)  --  Police have a man in custody, following an hours-long standoff at a house in Northeast Portland.  Authorities say a man who was wanted on multiple counts, including attempted murder, barricaded himself in the home in the 35-hundred block of Northeast 81st Avenue around three o'clock yesterday afternoon.  Officials say members of the Special Emergency Reaction and Crisis Negotiation Team used an explosive breach to blow open the door and a number of gas rounds to get the suspect to give up.

Deadly Fire In Spokane Thought To Be Accidental

(Spokane, WA)  --  Spokane Fire officials say a blaze that killed two people and injured a firefighter at an apartment complex likely started accidentally.  Spokane Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Schaeffer tells the "Spokesman-Review" the fire could have been controlled much more easily if the building had a sprinkler system.  The Rosewood Club Apartments reportedly was built before sprinkler systems were required.  The firefighter, 29-year-old Charles McKenzie, is now being treated at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for severe burns across his upper torso and arms.
 

Portland Man Dies In Washington County Crash

(Helvetia, OR)  --  Washington County authorities are investigating a crash that left a Portland man dead.  Deputies say 46-year-old Christopher Smith struck a ditch along Northwest Phillips Road in the community of Helvetia late Wednesday night.  Officials say Smith was ejected from the car as it rolled, and he died at the scene.  Authorities say excessive speed seems to have been the cause of the crash.

Ferguson: No Criminal Charges In Pasco Shooting

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson says he won't bring state charges against three Pasco police officers who shot and killed a man who was throwing rocks in February 2015.  About a year ago, Governor Jay Inslee directed Ferguson to review the decision by Franklin County Prosecutor Shawn Sant not to file charges.  Federal prosecutors also declined to charge the officers in the death of 35-year-old Antonio Zambrano-Montes, who authorities say was high on meth at the time of the shooting. 

Lincoln County High School Students Stage Walkout

(Portland, OR)  --  School officials say hundreds of Lincoln High School students staged a walkout yesterday, demanding that the 750-million-dollar school bond issue be placed back on the November ballot.  The Portland school board voted earlier this week to keep the measure on the May ballot, saying they don't want to approach voters at this time with such a huge bond measure.  The measure would fund repairs on public-school campuses throughout the district.

Officials Say Car Was Booted, Fined Nearly $16K

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Bureau of Transportation says a car that was "booted" and towed yesterday had racked up nearly 16-thousand dollars in parking citations.  Officials say the 2014 Mustang was among the first vehicles to be booted for accumulating 500 dollars or more in parking violations or at least six citations.  The Bureau says the cars towed yesterday had run up a total of 25-grand in violations, including the Mustang.

Eight-year-old Boy Injured On Bicycle

(Washougal, WA)  --   Police say an eight-year-old boy was injured when he rode his bicycle into a street in Washougal [[ wa-SHOO-gul ]].  Authorities say the boy suffered minor injuries yesterday when he was hit by a Jeep at the intersection of Evergreen Way and 34th.  The boy was taken to a hospital.  Police say the driver wasn't cited. 

Ferguson Proposes Assault-style Weapons Ban

(Olympia, WA)  --  State Attorney General Bob Ferguson says he'll propose a bill next year that would ban all assault-style weapons with high-capacity magazines in Washington.  Ferguson told reporters he was spurred on by the recent killings of three teenagers and the wounding of a fourth in Mukilteo.  He says these types of weapons are designed for killing people and have no place in civilian use.  State Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler tells the "Seattle Times" that Ferguson is using state resources to promote himself in an election year.

Man Accused Of Biting Two People During Home Invasion

(Salem, OR)  --  Marion County authorities say they've arrested a man who's accused of biting the homeowner and his teenage son during a home invasion.  Sheriff's deputies say the homeowner and the teen were able to detain 25-year-old Mario Vega-Nabarro until authorities arrived yesterday.  Officials say deputies struggled with Vega-Nabarro until they could subdue him.  The victims suffered bites and bruises.

Car Crashes Into West Linn Home

(West Linn, OR)  --  A man is facing a reckless driving charge, after crashing into a home in West Linn.  Police say no one was home at the time of yesterday's crash at the house near Hidden Springs Road and Cottonwood Court.  Authorities say the driver wasn't intoxicated and walked away from the crash with a scratched finger.

Pedestrian Killed In Crash Identified

(Salem, OR)  --  Authorities continue to investigate a crash that killed a pedestrian in Salem.  Sheriff's deputies say 51-year-old Baxter Harrell of Aumsville was walking along the center line of Cordon Road Northeast when he was hit by the vehicle early yesterday morning.  The driver cooperated with the investigation.  Family members said Harrell had left home earlier to go for a walk.
 

WA Supreme Court Asked To Consider Closing Schools

(Olympia, WA)  --  Washington's superintendent of public instruction says closing down all public schools should be considered if the Legislature doesn't come through with a plan to fully fund public education.  Superintendent Randy Dorn made the remarks following an hour-long state Supreme Court hearing on the McCleary case yesterday, saying the high court should make closure an option.  State lawmakers were declared in contempt of the Supreme Court two years ago and have racked up more than 39-million-dollars in fines since then.  The court will likely next decide whether to increase penalties or wait to see what the Legislature and the governor will do next year.

Pedestrian Seriously Injured In SE Portland

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are investigating, after a pedestrian was struck and seriously injured in Southeast Portland.  Authorities say the wreck happened in the area of Division Street and 148th Avenue around 8:45 last night.  Police say the vehicle left the scene, but the man later came back to aid the driver, then left before police got there.  Officers then arrested a woman who later got in the car and left the scene before crashing.  The man is still at large.

Man Suspected In Deadly Salem Crash To Be Arraigned

(Salem, OR)  --  A man who's accused in a Salem crash that left a woman dead is scheduled to be arraigned today.  Esteban Alvarez-Ayala was indicted by a grand jury last month on charges of second-degree manslaughter, third-degree assault, and reckless driving.  The crash killed Shana Lucas in July and seriously injured her daughter.  Alvarez-Ayala entered a plea of not guilty following his arrest.
 

Milwaukie Man Found Dead

(Milwaukie, OR)  --  Milwaukie police say the death of a local man in his home is being investigated as a homicide.  Authorities say 57-year-old Phillip Gatto was found in his residence Monday night in the 95-hundred block of Southeast 42nd Avenue.  There's no word yet on how Gatto died.  The Clackamas County Major Crimes unit is helping with the investigation.

Oregon Tops In Home-price Surge

(Undated)  --  Oregon is leading every other state in the rate of home price increases.  That's according to 24-7 Wall Street, which shows an eleven-point-two percent rise in single-family home prices in Oregon between July 2015 and July of this year.  Washington places second with a ten-point-two-percent increase.  The national average price rise for single-family homes nationwide is six percent.

Rock Vandalism Being Investigated

(Pacific City, OR)  --  The Oregon State Police are investigating the vandalism of the Pedestal Rock last week at Cape Kiwanda.  Troopers say the act was recorded on video and shown on social media.  Authorities say the vandals are shown toppling the iconic sandstone on August 29th.  Officials say the perpetrators could face civil fines, but it hasn't been decided whether they'll face criminal charges.

Board Votes To Keep School Bond On May Ballot

(Portland, OR)  --  A 750-million-dollar school-improvement bond will remain on Portland's May 2017 ballot.  Portland Public Schools voted yesterday to leave the measure on the ballot, after schools from several school districts staged a sit-in in an effort to keep the item on the ballot in November.  KGW-TV reports the Lincoln High school students are planning to walk out of school this morning.  Board member Pam Knowles says whether the bond passes in November or May, the work will start at the same time and it won't start right away because that doesn't happen with bonds.

All ITT Tech Colleges Closing

(Portland, OR)  --  All ITT Technical Institute campuses are to shut down across the U.S., including two locations in Oregon and three in Washington.  State officials and educators are urging ITT students in Portland, Salem, Seattle, Everett, and Spokane to contact local community colleges to learn about options for transferring.  ITT Educational Services informed more than 35-thousand students that its 130 campuses across the country won't open for the fall term, which was scheduled to start September 12th.  The closure is taking place after the chain of colleges was banned last month from enrolling new students who used federal financial aid.

Suspect Arrested In Deadly Hit-and-run In Douglas County

(Winchester Bay, OR)  --  Authorities say they've made an arrest in connection with a hit-and-run ATV crash that left a Washington man dead in Douglas County.  Sheriff's deputies say 25-year-old Walker Thomas Kellogg of Winchester Bay was arrested Monday night in connection with the death of Benjamin Wohl of Poulsbo, Washington.  Wohl was killed and his passenger, Brauna Ellison of Clackamas, was seriously injured.  Deputies also cited a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of hindering prosecution.
 

Suspect Arrested In Deadly Hit-and-run In Douglas County

(Winchester Bay, OR)  --  Authorities say they've made an arrest in connection with a hit-and-run ATV crash that left a Washington man dead in Douglas County.  Sheriff's deputies say 25-year-old Walker Thomas Kellogg of Winchester Bay was arrested Monday night in connection with the death of Benjamin Wohl of Poulsbo, Washington.  Wohl was killed and his passenger, Brauna Ellison of Clackamas, was seriously injured.  Deputies also cited a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of hindering prosecution.
 

Milwaukie Man Found Dead

(Milwaukie, OR)  --  Clackamas County authorities are investigating, after a Milwaukie man was found dead.  Sheriff's deputies say the body was found late last night in a home in the 95-hundred block of Southeast 42nd Avenue.  Investigators say the death is classified as suspicious.  Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Clackamas County detectives at 503-786-7500.

Man Takes Plea Deal In 2014 Portland Shooting Death

(Portland, OR)  --  A man who was accused in a deadly drive-by shooting in North Portland more than two years ago is awaiting sentencing after taking a plea deal.  Authorities say 24-year-old Marcell Lee Daniel, Jr. has pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree manslaughter and attempted murder in the June 2015 death of Andrew Coggins.  KOIN-TV reports that records show Daniel's sentence will be a minimum of 13 years behind bars.  Sentencing is scheduled for September 26th.

Washington Man Killed In ATV Crash In Oregon

(Winchester Bay, OR)  --  Douglas County sheriff's deputies are looking for three people who were involved in an ATV accident that left a Washington man dead.  Authorities say the three fled the scene after the Friday crash between two ATVs north of Banshee Hill in Winchester Bay.  Investigators say 30-year-old Benjamin Wohl of Poulsbo, Washington  was killed, and his passenger, 30-year-old Breauna Ellison of Clackamas, was seriously injured.  Deputies say the two men and one woman who left the scene were riding a side-by-side ATV.

Eight Injured In Gresham Crash

(Gresham, OR)  --  Gresham police say eight people were taken to hospitals, following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26.  Authorities say people who suffered traumatic injuries were transported by LifeFlight following last night's wreck.  Police say the crash involved a car and a pickup truck on Highway 26 between Southeast Palmquist and Hillyard.

Portland-area Gas Prices Steady

(Portland, OR)  --  Triple-A reports little change in Portland-area gas prices.  The average for regular is two-46 a gallon, a fraction of a cent lower than the average at this time last week.  The national average for regular is two-20 a gallon.

States With The Highest Percentage Of McDonald's

(Undated)  --  Oregon is 26th on a list of states with the highest percentage of McDonald's restaurants.  "24-7 Wall Street" says the fast-food chain is nearing saturation in the U.S. and is trying to draw more sales out of each franchise while closing those which are underperforming.  In Oregon, there are 205 McDonald's locations, or five-point-two stores for every 100 thousand people.  Washington ranks 34th in the nation, with four-point-six McDonald's for every 100-thousand people.

Portland 7-Eleven Set On Fire, Suspect In Custody

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police have a man in custody, after he was accused of setting a 7-Eleven on fire with people inside.  Authorities say Kevin Mitchell, Jr. is facing charges of arson and criminal mischief, following yesterday morning's fire at the store on North Fessenden.  Officials say most of the items inside the store were destroyed, but there were no reports of injuries.

Washington State Heading To Supreme Court Again

(Olympia, WA)  --  The State of Washington will again go before the state Supreme Court to argue that it's doing everything possible to work toward full funding of public education.  The Tacoma "News Tribune" says attorneys for the state will present those arguments beginning tomorrow, as lawyers for a coalition of parents, school districts, and education groups maintain that lawmakers still haven't done enough toward that end.  The case revolves around a 2012 high-court decision that mandated the state have a plan to fully fund public education in place by 2018.  The state was ruled in 2014 to be in contempt of court and has accrued fines of 100-thousand dollars a day over lawmakers' failure to produce a plan to meet the 2018 deadline.

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