Regional News Archives for 2014-05

Kitzhaber Seeks Lawsuit Against Oracle

(Salem, OR)  --  Governor John Kitzhaber is asking the state attorney general to begin legal action against an information technology company for its role in the troubled rollout of Cover Oregon.  Oracle Corporation has received more than 130-million dollars in state money for the failed health-care exchange website.  Kitzhaber says because the website was not launched as scheduled and didn't work, there's cause for a lawsuit.  The governor has also asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to impose fines and penalties against Oracle.

Six Monkeys Die In Quarantine At Oregon Zoo

(Portland, OR)  --  Officials at the Oregon Zoo are trying to determine what caused six monkeys to die while in quarantine at the facility.  The group of nine cotton-top tamarins arrived at the zoo on May 22nd, and six were found dead the following day.  The zoo says the three monkeys that survived appear to be in good health.  Necropsies haven't determined the cause of death, and samples are being sent to a pathologist.

Fire At Storage Facility Ruled Arson

(Clackamas, OR)  --  Authorities say a fire that damaged a self-storage business in Clackamas has been ruled a case of arson.  Officials say the blaze last Sunday at the self-storage facility on Southeast 82nd was contained to two units.  The fire caused about 35-thousand dollars in damage to the structure and ten-thousand in damage to the contents.  Oregon State Police are investigating.

Officials: Part Of Street Fee Plan Needs Work

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland city officials say part of the proposed street fee needs work before it's finalized.  Dana Haynes, spokesperson for Mayor Charlie Hales, says when and how businesses will pay the fee are still to be determined.  Haynes says the amount households will pay remains at eleven-dollars-56-cents per month.  Revenue raised from the fee is to be used to maintain and improve Portland streets.

Neighbor Accused Of Assaulting Longview Woman

(Longview, WA)  --  A Longview man is in custody after being accused of groping his neighbor and dragging her into her house.  Robert Frederickson is facing charges of kidnapping, assault, and burglary, following his arrest Tuesday.  FOX-12 reports the victim was attacked as she was returning home from a walk.  The woman says she fought off the assailant and screamed until neighbors called police.
 

Police: Kids Lived In Squalor Inside Camper

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Police say a couple and their two children lived in squalor in a camper parked near a Beaverton apartment complex for months.  Thirty-three-year-old Sarah K. Clark and 34-year-old Marcelino Navarro, Jr., who own the camper, are facing multiple counts of criminal mistreatment.  Police say the couple lived for nearly a year inside the camper with their seven- and 12-year-old children, even though it was filled with garbage and feces.  The children are now staying with a relative.

Some Marion County Schools To Make Condoms Available

(Gervais, OR)  --  A school district in Marion County says it will make condoms available to students as young as sixth-graders in an attempt to slow the rate of teen pregnancy.  Gervais School District Superintendent Rick Hensel says the policy will go into effect in the fall.  Hensel says students will be required to discuss the issue with a trained professional, such as a nurse or counselor, before being given condoms.

Supreme Court Asked To Stay Same-sex Marriage Ruling

(Washington, DC)  --  A traditional-marriage advocacy group is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a stay on a recent ruling overturning Oregon's law against same-sex marriage.  The group, known as the National Organization for Marriage, says it has filed a motion with Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy to issue a stay on the case.  U.S. District Judge Michael McShane overturned Oregon's ban on same-sex marriage last week, saying it's unconstitutional.  Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has refused to defend the ban, calling it "indefensible."

Oregon Ranked Best State For Nurses

Oregon and Washington state are ranked One and Two, respectively, on WalletHub's list of "Best States for Nurses."  The survey compares the 50 states and the District of Columbia in the areas of job opportunities that exist for nurses, competition for each position, differences in the workplace environment, and projections for the future.  Oregon is at the top, followed by Washington, South Dakota, Arizona, and New Mexico.  
 

Man Killed After Running Into Traffic Identified As Portland Resident

(Beaverton, WA)  --  Officials say a man who was struck and killed by a car after he ran into the middle of Oregon 217 near Beaverton has been identified as a Portland resident.  Police say 35-year-old Joseph Ryan Donais [[ doh-NAY ]] deliberately went into the north- and southbound lanes of the highway near the U.S. 26 interchange around 10:30 p.m. Friday.  Authorities say Donais had talked about committing suicide prior to the crash.  Police say the vehicle that hit Donais was struck from behind by another car and one person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
 

Man Wanted In Fatal Shooting Spotted In Iowa

(Boring, OR)  --  Sheriff's deputies say a man wanted in connection with a deadly shooting in Clackamas County was spotted in Iowa last month.  Authorities say Dirck White was seen on a highway near Des Moines, firing shots from his car.  White is suspected in the February murder of 47-year-old Grady Waxenfelter on Highway 224 near Boring.  Investigators say White has an extensive criminal record and is also wanted in Pierce County, Washington, on a weapons charge.

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured In Crash

(Canby, OR)  --  A motorcyclist is being treated for serious injuries following a crash in Canby.  Officials say the wreck happened around 8:30 last night at the intersection of South Redwood Street and Township Road.  The motorcyclist was airlifted to a Portland hospital.  No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

WA Parolees To Be Allowed To Smoke Pot

(Olympia, WA)  --  The Washington State Department of Corrections will reportedly allow parolees in Washington to smoke marijuana.  KING-5 reports the policy, which will take effect next week, will allow about 14-thousand parolees to consume pot under the voter-approved initiative legalizing recreational marijuana use.  DOC assistant secretary Annmarie Aylward says the policy means offenders won't be routinely tested for THC, the component in marijuana that produces the desired high.  The department says while it's not endorsing the use of marijuana, it's aligning with state law that allows adult citizens to use pot on a recreational basis.

Poll: Merkley Leads Wehby

(Salem, OR)  --  A new Rasmussen Reports opinion poll on Oregon's U.S. Senate race shows Democratic incumbent Jeff Merkley with a ten-point lead over GOP challenger Monica Wehby.  The tally is 47-percent in favor of Merkley, 37-percent favoring Wehby, five-percent preferring another candidate, and eleven-percent undecided.  The poll was taken among 750 likely voters on May 21st and 22nd, following the recent primary elections.

No Foul Play Suspected In Woman's Death

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Authorities say it appears no foul play was involved in the death of a Battle Ground woman who had been missing for more than three weeks.  Vancouver police say the body of 33-year-old Beverly Goheen was found inside an abandoned building Saturday, not far from the area where she had last been seen.  Goheen was reported missing on April 29th from Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital in Vancouver.  An autopsy will be conducted.

Woman Hospitalized Following Crash In West Linn

(West Linn, OR)  --  A woman is being treated at OHSU hospital following a crash involving a tractor-trailer rig.  Clackamas County sheriff's deputies say the woman was trapped inside her car after the crash happened at the intersection of Southwest Stafford Road and Southwest Ek Road around 8:30 last night.  No names have been released.

Memorial Day Events Planned For Portland Area

(Portland, OR)  --  Events honoring those who gave their lives in service to their country are being held today throughout the Portland area.  The Willamette National Cemetery in Portland is holding its annual services beginning at 10 a.m.  The Community Military Appreciation Committee's Vancouver ceremony will start at 11:00 a.m. at the Vancouver Barracks on the Fort Vancouver Historic Site.  The Washington County Memorial Day Ceremony in Beaverton will begin at 1 p.m. at the Washington County Fair Complex.

Police: Groper Targeting Women Along Walking Trail

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Police in Vancouver are warning women who frequent a popular walking trail of a man who's been known to accost and grope female victims.  Authorities say the man has been riding a skateboard along the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail, which runs through the heart of Vancouver.  Police have received two reports this week of a man groping two women along the trail and exposing himself to one of the victims.  The man is described as being in his 20s, having shaggy hair, wearing a white t-shirt and cargo shorts, and either riding or carrying a skateboard.

Hummus Recalled For Possible Listeria Contamination

(Washington, DC)  --  Some hummus products that are sold at Trader Joe's and Target stores are being recalled because of possible Listeria contamination.  The manufacturer, Illinois-based Lansal, says it's voluntarily recalling hummus and dip products sold under the Target, Trader Joe's, and Giant Eagle brand names.  The Food and Drug Administration says the recall affects nearly 15-thousand pounds of hummus and dip products throughout the country.  No illness has been reported.

Missing Elderly Woman Found

(Beaverton, OR)  --  An 84-year-old Beaverton woman who was reported missing earlier this week is now being treated at a medical facility.  Police say Sandra Stahl, who has multiple health and depression issues, left a suicide note before renting a car Wednesday and saying she was driving to San Diego.  Authorities say Stahl was found yesterday at a Beaverton-area hotel.  There's no word on her current condition.

Milwaukie Man Accused Of Abusing Young Girls

(Milwaukie, OR)  --  A 41-year-old Milwaukie man is facing charges after being accused of abusing 12-year-old girls.  Police allege that Jason Karsten abused the victims in his home on Southeast Plum Street in the last year.  Karsten is charged with three counts of child sex abuse.  His bail is set at 750-thousand dollars.
 

Police Arrest Suspect In Hit-And-Run

(Portland, OR)  --  A man accused of injuring a 67-year-old woman in a hit-and-run crash is now in custody.  Portland police say Judy Bolton suffered traumatic injuries in the crash on Interstate 84 near Northeast 53rd Avenue last Sunday.  Authorities say a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Hanh Huu Nguyen hit Bolton's vehicle from behind and continued on at high speed along I-84.  Nguyen is scheduled to be arraigned today on multiple charges. 

One Killed In I-205 Crash

(Gladstone, OR)  --  Oregon State Police are investigating a deadly crash near Gladstone.  Troopers say 19-year-old Cheyanne Black of Salem lost control and traveled off southbound I-205 early yesterday morning, striking a tree.  Black was pronounced dead at the scene.  OSP is seeking witnesses to the crash.

WSU Names New Apple

(Pullman, WA)  --  A new variety of apple is on the horizon.  Washington State University says the Cosmic Crisp is a cross between Enterprise and Honey Crisp apples, and will be widely available to consumers in about five years.  WSU officials say the Cosmic Crisp apple is described as crisp, sweet, and tangy, with a long shelf life.
 

City Of Portland Finds $10 Million In Additional Cash

(Portland, OR)  --  City officials say fiscal responsibility and higher-than-expected tax revenues will provide Portland with an additional ten-and-a-half-million dollars to spend this year.  It's the first time in a decade the city has had a budget surplus to work with.  Mayor Charlie Hales says he'd like to spend a portion of the money on new school students, aid for the homeless, and emergency preparedness.

Hit-and-run Crash Injures One

(Wilsonville, OR)  --  A Beaverton woman is listed in serious condition following a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 5 just south of Wilsonville.  The three-vehicle wreck happened around 9:00 a.m. yesterday in the northbound lanes of the highway.  Olga Avalos Valencia is being treated at OHSU Medical Center for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.  Police say the SUV that caused the crash was being driven recklessly and didn't stop at the scene.

Elderly Beaverton Woman Reported Missing

(Beaverton, OR)  --  An 84-year-old Beaverton woman is reported to be missing.  Police say Sandra Stahl, who suffers from health and depression issues, left a suicide note before leaving her home.  Investigators say Stahl rented a car and told the agency she was driving to San Diego.  She's described as being five-feet-five, with hazel eyes and gray hair, and is believed to be driving a silver 2013 Nissan Maxima with California plate 6WJM894.

Kitzhaber To Meet Richardson In Governor's Race

(Salem, OR)  --  It will be incumbent John Kitzhaber versus Dennis Richardson this November to decide the Oregon governor's race.  Kitzhaber easily won the Democratic primary election with more than 88 percent of the vote.  Early returns show Richardson garnered 66-percent of the vote in the Republican primary among a field of six candidates.

Wehby Wins GOP Senate Primary

(Salem, OR)  --  Republican Monica Wehby will challenge Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley this November.  Initial returns show the Portland physician leads state Representative Jason Conger by a margin of 53 to 35 percent in the GOP primary.   Merkley easily outdistanced three opponents in the Democratic primary, with about 92 percent of the vote.

Oregon Ranks Near Bottom For Military Retirees

A new report ranks Oregon among the states considered the "worst" for military retirees.  The rankings, issued by WalletHub, place Oregon at 44th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia.  WalletHub says the ratings are based on criteria such as state tax policies relative to military benefits and the relative friendliness of different job markets to veterans.  Wyoming is ranked the top state for military retirees, with New Hampshire second.  Washington state is Number 26.

Feds Keep Pot Growers From Using Water

(Washington, DC)  --  The federal government won't allow state-licensed marijuana growers to use federally-controlled water on their crops.  That announcement came yesterday from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.  Agency spokesman Dan DuBray says the bureau is "obligated to adhere to federal law in the conduct of its responsibilities to the American people."  Pot growers in Washington may feel the impact of the ruling more than their counterparts in Colorado, as the Bureau of Reclamation controls about two-thirds of the water used for irrigated land in Washington state.

More Than 900 Urged To Test For Hepatitis C

(Vancouver, WA)  --  More than 900 patients are being urged to get tested for hepatitis C after possible exposure at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver.  Health officials say 936 patients may have been exposed to hepatitis C because of the actions of a former PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center employee who's accused of diverting drugs for personal use.  Hospital CEO Sy Johnson says while the risk of infection is low, the testing is being encouraged as a precaution.  The hospital is footing the bill for the hepatitis C testing.
 

Gresham Woman Charged In Deadly Stabbing

(Gresham, OR)  --  A Gresham woman is facing charges following a deadly stabbing.  Police say 33-year-old Latoya Gilbert is accused of stabbing 32-year-old Stephen Markeith Delarose to death early yesterday morning.  Investigators say Delarose was found wounded at Gilbert's apartment on East Burnside near 181st Avenue.  Emergency medical personnel were unable to save him.

Oregon Gay-marriage Ban Struck Down

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.  That's according to U.S. District Judge Michael McShane, who made the ruling yesterday.  Same-sex couples throughout Oregon were lined up in anticipation of McShane's decision and began securing marriage licenses immediately following the ruling.  Governor John Kitzhaber calls it "a major step for Oregon and our constant struggle to live up to our ideals of freedom and equality for all.

Man Accused Of Beating Girl, Making Her Smoke Pot

(Fairview, OR)  --  A Fairview man is facing charges after being accused of beating a five-year-old girl and making her smoke pot.  Police allege that 26-year-old  Marquise Harris-Hill severely beat the girl at a Northeast 205th Avenue apartment earlier this month with a heavy-grade belt.  Investigators say the child told officers Harris-Hill also forced her to smoke marijuana.  Harris-Hill has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges.

Man Arrested For Multiple Thefts At Car Dealerships

(Salem, OR)  --  A man accused of stealing vehicles from multiple car dealerships in Salem is in police custody.  Authorities say Gonzalo Luna-Hernandez allegedly burglarized several Salem dealerships over the past two weeks.  Luna-Hernandez is facing charges of burglary, unauthorized use of a vehicle, felony elude, and reckless driving

One Killed, Three Injured In Highway 20 Crash

(Jefferson County, OR)  --  A man is dead and three members of his family are injured following a crash in Jefferson County.  Police say a car traveling yesterday on Highway 20 near Santiam Summit went out of control on the rain-soaked road.  The Ford hit a guard rail, then went into the opposite lane and struck a Honda, which hit an SUV.  The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene, and a woman and two young children in the car were taken to hospitals.
 

'Click It Or Ticket' Campaign Under Way

(Salem, OR)  --  Drivers in Oregon and Washington are being urged to buckle up and put down those cell phones.  State troopers and local law-enforcement agencies have begun this year's "Click It or Ticket" campaign, stepping up enforcement of state laws requiring seat belts.  Police will also be targeting those who are using cell phones or engaging in other distractions while driving.  The enforcement campaign will run today through June 1st.

Lightning Causes Woodburn House Fire

(Woodburn, WA)  --  A lightning strike is believed to be the cause of a house fire in Woodburn.  The fire started as a thunderstorm swept through the area Saturday night.  The couple inside the home was able to escape, but the home was severely damaged.

Oregon Among Top States For Dog-bite Claims

Oregon ranks in the top 15 states for dog-bite insurance claims nationwide.  The list was put together by State Farm Insurance, which is teaming up with renowned dog trainer Victoria Stillwell to teach people how to be responsible pet owners and reduce the number of dog bites.  Oregon is 13th, with a total of 91 claims in 2013, paying out one-point-four-million dollars.  California at the top of the list for State Farm dog-bite claims, followed by Illinois, Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

Radio Icon Casey Kasem Found In Washington

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Radio icon Casey Kasem is no longer classified as a missing person.  Kasem's family has issued a statement saying they've received confirmation that he's been located in Washington state and that they're doing everything in their power to bring him back home to Los Angeles.  But the statement also said Kasem's exact location in Washington "is still being determined."  Kasem's children say his wife, Jean Kasem, has prevented them from visiting their dad.  The 82-year-old DJ is reportedly suffering from a form of dementia that has impaired his ability to speak.

Man Pleads Guilty To Attack On Bus Driver

(Portland, OR)  --  A man accused of assaulting a TriMet bus driver is on probation after pleading guilty.  As part of a plea agreement, Daemon Bowman admitted hitting Pam Thompson after a fare dispute with the driver last December.  Thompson suffered injuries after being repeatedly punched by the assailant.  Bowman was placed on probation for three years and ordered to pay a 200-dollar fine, complete community service, and take an anger-management course.

Man Killed On Mt. Hood Identified As Priest

(Hood River, OR)  --  Authorities say a man who died in a fall on Mount Hood has been identified as a Catholic priest from New Jersey.  Officials say 57-year-old Robert J. Cormier fell to his death around 8:00 a.m. yesterday on the Eliot Glacier side of the mountain, after he reached the summit.  Cormier, who was a member of the Newark Archdiocese, was also an author and a pilot.

Study: Washington Among Best States For Jobs

A new study shows Washington is ranked highly among the "best states for jobs."  The Evergreen State is ranked second in the CreditDonkey study, which lists the best states for college grads to find jobs.  The criteria used in the study includes college graduates' pay, employment growth, and work environment.  Texas is listed at the top, with Nevada third, California fourth, and Colorado in fifth place.

'Psychic' Accused Of Bilking Gaston Man Out Of Millions

(Gaston, OR)  --  A Portland woman who calls herself a psychic is facing federal charges for allegedly bilking the heir to a Gaston tree farm out of millions of dollars.  Prosecutors say 43-year-old Rachel Lee and some of her relatives allegedly took over the family business and the victim's corporate and personal accounts, using the proceeds to pay for stays at luxury hotels, a sports car, and several properties.  The U.S. Attorney's Office says nearly the entire 12-hundred-acre tree farm was eventually sold off for about 12-million dollars.  Prosecutors say Lee worked in Bend and has been affiliated with psychic shops in Canby, St. Helens, and Portland.

Police: Person Found Dead Identified As 16-year-old

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police say the person found shot to death inside a parked car in Northeast Portland has been identified as a 16-year-old boy.  The body was found around three a.m. yesterday in the area of Northeast 59th Avenue and Killingsworth.  Investigators say the teen was shot at close range.  No suspects have been identified.

Portland Drivers Ranked 'Most Courteous'

(Undated)  --  Portland ranks as the "most courteous" city in the U.S. when it comes to driving.  That's according to a 2014 Driver's Seat Road Rage Survey by Advantage, which says Portland has the most courteous drivers in the country.  Pittsburgh is second, followed by St. Louis, San Francisco, and Charlotte.  Seattle ranks seventh, while Houston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Boston rank as having the least courteous drivers.

Hillsboro City Leader On Leave During Investigation

(Hillsboro, OR)  -- Hillsboro's assistant city manager is on administrative leave pending an investigation.  The Washington County Sheriff's Office says it's investigating allegations of contact between Steve Greagor and an underage person through a dating website.  The sheriff's office says Greagor's name was found on the website during an unrelated investigation.  Officials say they're taking the allegations seriously, though there's no information to show Greagor believed the person he was contacting was underage.

Crash Involves Spurs' Team Bus

(Portland, OR)  --  TriMet officials say there were no injuries following a minor collision between one of its buses and the San Antonio Spurs' team bus in downtown Portland.  The transit agency says the Spurs' bus was on its way to the Moda Center for last night's Blazers-Spurs game when the fender-bender took place.  The crash happened at Northwest Fifth Avenue and Everett Street.  The Spurs' arrival at the Moda Center was delayed by about 15 minutes.

City Of Beaverton Sued Over Yellow Lights

(Beaverton, OR)  --  The City of Beaverton is being sued by a local man who claims some of the yellow traffic lights at the city's intersections are too short in duration.  Mats Jarlstrom says the short length of several yellow lights doesn't allow a driver who's unable to stop safely to get through the intersections before the lights turn red.  Jarlstrom says he began complaining to the city after his wife received a red-light camera citation at one of those intersections.  He says he plans to file the suit in federal court later today.

Missing Milwaukie Hiker Found

(Multnomah County, OR)  --  A Milwaukie man and his dog are doing fine after getting lost while hiking in the Angel's Rest area.  The sheriff's office says 25-year-old Simon Kaine called 9-1-1 around 2:30 yesterday afternoon to report he was lost.  Kaine was found in a steep ravine around 6:30 p.m. by the Multnomah County Search and rescue team.

Autopsy Results On Woman Shot By Police Released

(Salem, OR)  --  The Marion County District Attorney's Office is investigating the death of a woman who was killed by Salem police.  An autopsy on the body of 25-year-old Jacklynn Ford shows she died of a gunshot wound to the head and one to the chest.  Authorities say Ford was pulled over for a traffic stop late Friday night near Eastgate Basin Park.  Ford was shot after she reportedly ran from police, into the park.  Details of what led to the shooting haven't been released.

Man Found Dead In Cully Neighborhood

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in a parked vehicle in the Cully neighborhood.  The body was found shortly after 3:00 o'clock this morning in the car, which was parked in the 58-hundred block of Northeast 59th Avenue.  Investigators say it's not clear at this time whether the man was the victim of a homicide or a suicide.

Debate To Start On Landslide Protection Regulations

(Olympia, WA)  --  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting today in Olympia on its proposal to implement regulations aimed at protecting people and property from future landslides.  Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark says DNR will present its findings on the causes of the March 22nd mudslide in Oso and then take public comment.  Goldmark says testimony may include comments from spouses of people who were killed in the Oso slide.

Mollala Police Investigate Attempted Kidnapping

(Mollala, OR)  --  Mollala police are looking for a man who reportedly attempted to abduct a ten-year-old girl who was walking home Saturday night.  Authorities say the man jumped out of the bushes and tried to kidnap the girl in a rural neighborhood.  The girl told investigators she ran and barely evaded the grasp of the man, who was pursuing her.  The suspect is described as possibly a Hispanic with a mustache, between 40 and 50 years old, wearing jeans, boots, and a dark baseball cap, and possibly driving an older-model red van.

Faulty Road Joint Blamed For Crashes On Flyover Ramp

(Lake Osweg, OR)  --  State transportation officials say a faulty road joint on the flyover ramp connecting northbound I-5 to Oregon 217 in Lake Oswego may be the cause of several crashes over the past few days.  Three crashes happened within hours of each other yesterday.  The department says the teeth of the road joint are slightly out of alignment.  That can cause problems for drivers who take the ramp at highway speeds rather than slowing to the posted 35-mile-an-hour speed limit.

Metro: Zoo Firings Related To Orangutan Death

(Portland, OR)  --  Metro leaders say the recent management shakeup at the Oregon Zoo is related to the death of an orangutan at the facility.  Officials say Oregon Zoo Director Kim Smith and lead veterinarian Mitch Finnegan were fired because "mistakes were made" regarding the care of the 20-year-old animal named Kutai.  Metro leaders say they plan to implement a system to thoroughly review animal care procedures and protocols at the zoo.

Oregon Ranked 1st For Working Mothers

Financial information website WalletHub has Oregon topping its list of "Best States for Working Moms."  WalletHub based its rankings on analysis of local dynamics, including child care, professional opportunities, and work-life balance.  Oregon scores highest in the work-life balance category.  Washington, D.C. is second overall, followed by Vermont, Maine, and New York, with Washington state tied for 33rd with Oklahoma.

Officials: Potential Hepatitis C Exposure At Vancouver Hospital

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Clark County health officials say some patients and staff may have been exposed to hepatitis C at Peacehealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver.  The health department says it may be two weeks before test results on the extent of the exposure are received.  Officials say the risk is low that anyone was exposed to hepatitis C.  A list of people who may have been exposed is being developed, and those people will be notified and tested at the hospital's expense.

Teen Convicted In Torture Shed Case

(Portland, OR)  --  A 15-year-old boy is in the custody of the Oregon Youth Authority after pleading guilty to multiple charges involving the torture of another teen.  Shane Connell pleaded guilty on May 1st to charges including kidnapping, robbery, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm.  Connell was 14 when he and three other teens were accused in February of beating and torturing a 16-year-old boy inside a shed in east Portland.  The other teens have been charged as adults.
 

Bail Set For Sex Offender Accused Of Sexual Assaults

(Oregon City, OR)  --  Bail is set at one-million dollars for a sex offender accused of breaking into homes and sexually assaulting women.  Thirty-two-year-old David Brian Martin is facing multiple charges, including  burglary, rape, and kidnapping.  Police allege that Martin broke into a home in Mollala in April and raped a woman and committed a similar crime at another Mollala home in August of last year.  Martin's criminal history includes a sexual-abuse conviction in 2005.

Director, Veterinarian Leave Oregon Zoo

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Zoo is looking for a new director.  Kim Smith, who served as the zoo's director since 2010, has left the zoo and has been replaced on an interim basis by Teri Dresler.  Zoo officials say input will be sought from the community and others as the search for a new director is being conducted.  A veterinarian, Mitch Finnegan, has also left the zoo.  There are no details available on the reason for the departures.

Police Use K-9 To Find Missing Boy

(Washington County, OR)  --  An eight-year-old boy is back home with his parents after being rescued from a frigid creek in Washington County.  The sheriff's office received a report of a missing autistic boy in the Cedar Hills neighborhood around 5:42 yesterday evening.  Deputy Daniel DiPietro and his K-9, Maverick, were able to locate the boy in Ward Creek, which was running high because of recent rains.  The boy was reported to be wet and shivering but suffered no serious injuries.

Two Killed In Lincoln County Crash

(Eddyville, OR)  --  Oregon State Police are investigating a crash that killed two people in Lincoln County.  Officials say a car went out of control yesterday morning on Highway 20 in Eddyville and plunged into the Yaquina [[ ya-KWINN-ah ]] River.  A 21-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man were inside the vehicle, and both died.  The crash remains under investigation.

Inmate Faces More Time After Escape

(Portland, OR)  --  An inmate who escaped from the Columbia River Correctional Facility with only days until his scheduled release is now facing an additional two-and-a-half years behind bars.  Matthew Medlin scaled a fence to escape from the facility early Wednesday afternoon, but was tracked down and taken back into custody at a Portland Jack-in-the-Box restaurant Wednesday night.  Officials say Medlin, who was serving time for burglary, sex abuse, and assault, was due to be released on May 6th.  He pleaded not guilty yesterday to a felony charge of second-degree escape.

Workers' Rights March Held On May Day

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland police are reporting a march in support of workers' rights went peacefully.  Hundreds of people marched yesterday in the May Day procession to celebrate International Workers' Day.  Marchers were accompanied by police along the parade route.  The procession began and ended at Shemanski Park, where marchers listened to various speakers.

Washington, Oregon Ranked Among Top Bicycle-friendly States

A new survey shows Washington ranked as the most "bicycle-friendly" state in the nation, maintaining its hold on the top spot from last year.  The annual survey by the League of American Bicyclists ranks all 50 states on their "bikeability."  This year's survey gives Washington high marks in the categories of legislation and enforcement, policies and programs, and education and encouragement.  Oregon dropped to fifth place, down from third in 2013.

Escaped Prisoner Back In Custody

(Portland, OR)  --  An inmate who escaped from the Columbia River Correctional Institute in Northeast Portland is back in custody.  Police say sex offender Matthew Medlin scaled a fence at the facility around 12:37 p.m. yesterday.  Medlin was found shortly before 10:00 last night at a Jack in the Box restaurant on Northeast Columbia Boulevard and Martin Luther King Boulevard.  Medlin's escape happened just six days before he was slated to be released.

Portland Area Gets Passing Grades For Air Quality

The Portland area is getting a passing grade for air quality.  The latest "state of the air" report card, issued by the American Lung Association, gives Multnomah County a grade of "B" for high-ozone days.  The county gets a "C" for particle pollution over a given 24-hour period, and a passing grade for annual particle pollution.  Washington and Clark counties each get an "A" for number of high-ozone days, but Clark gets a "D" for 24-hour particle pollution.

Magma Levels Rebuilding Inside Mount St. Helens

(Seattle, WA)  --  Scientists say magma levels are slowly rebuilding inside Mount St. Helens, but there's no sign of an eruption occurring anytime soon.  The volcano erupted in May 1980, shearing the top off the majestic peak and resulting in 57 deaths.  It also spread debris over a 230-square-mile area and caused property damage totaling more than one-billion dollars.  The U.S. Geological Survey says the magma reservoir beneath Mount St. Helens has been slowly re-pressurizing since 2008, probably caused by the arrival of additional magma between two-and-a-half and five miles below the surface.

Portland Reservoir Not Flushed

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland city officials say Mount Tabor Reservoir 5 hasn't been flushed after all.  The city initially said it would drain the reservoir of its 38-million gallons of drinking water after an 18-year-old was caught on security video apparently relieving himself in it.  But the city now says it has, instead, moved most of that water to another reservoir at Mount Tabor Park as an experiment to see whether the reservoirs can be used as water features after they're no longer used for drinking water.  Reservoir 5 has since been refilled.

One Killed, One Injured In Keizer Crash

(Keizer, OR)  --  Marion County sheriff's deputies are investigating a three-vehicle crash that killed one person and injured another.  The wreck happened around 5:30 p.m. yesterday on River Road Northeast near Keizer.  Deputies say a car carrying the two victims turned into the path of another vehicle.  No names have been released.
 

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