(Salem, OR)  --  An Amazon warehouse worker in Salem has tested positive for COVID-19.  The online retail giant says it's now offering a 14-day paid self-quarantine to employees who came into contact with the patient.  However, the warehouse is remaining open for businesses.

(Portland, OR)  --  A former Oregon State University basketball star is under isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.  Sydney Wiese says she's exhibiting mild symptoms after contracting the virus.  Wiese played for the Beavers from 2013-2017 and helped lead them to the women's basketball Final Four in 2016.  She is currently on the Los Angeles Sparks.

(Portland, OR)  --  The CEO of Portland-based Columbia Sportswear is slashing his own salary to help pay for his employees' paychecks.  CEO Tim Boyle is reducing his salary to ten-thousand dollars a year so his employees can keep collecting their regular paychecks during the coronavirus pandemic.  The company announced Sunday that Boyle made the decision after Columbia closed its doors two weeks ago because of coronavirus restrictions.  The sportswear and outdoor gear giant says Columbia's 35-hundred employees were at risk of losing their jobs or not getting paid before Boyle cut his own pay.  The Oregonian reports he made three-point-three million dollars in 2018.

(Portland, OR)  --  The state of Oregon is now allowing self-service at gas stations due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  The Oregon Fire Marshal's Office announced on Saturday it is suspending its enforcement of self-service regulations statewide.  The move is aimed at helping people maintain social distancing.  The suspension will last until April 11th.

(Milwaukie, OR)  --  Clackamas Fire is seeking donations of personal protective equipment for first responders working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.  The fire department says it's looking for masks, gloves, face shields and medical gowns.  Donations can be dropped off at Clackamas Fire District Station 1 in Milwaukie.

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Officials say an employee at a senior living facility in Beaverton has tested positive for COVID-19.  Brookdale Beaverton says one of its employees tested positive for the virus on Friday.  Officials at the facility say they've informed residents, family members and other employees and are now working with local health officials.

(Junction City, OR)  --  Police in Junction City are searching for a suspect in connection to a series of burglaries.  Police say 24-year-old Steven Mitchell Mercier is accused of stealing several items from multiple vehicles parked near homes in the city late last week.  Among the stolen items are an Oregon license plate number D64665.

(Portland, OR)  --  TriMet is reducing its bus and MAX service due to a dramatic drop in ridership amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  TriMet says starting on April 5th, they'll be making adjustments to 68-percent of its bus service.  TriMet says bus lines in low income areas will remain mostly unchanged.  The agency has seen a 47-percent drop in ridership this month compared to February.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland's Powell's Books is bringing 100 laid off employees back onto its payroll thanks to a boom in online orders.  The bookseller released a statement Friday saying it's been able to rehire 100 of its employees at full time status with benefits thanks to online orders.  Powell's had previously closed its stores and laid off a vast majority of its employees in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

(Corvallis, OR)  --  Oregon State University is donating more than 12 pallets of personal protective equipment like face masks and gloves to health care workers.  Faculty and employees at the college collected more than eight-thousand face masks and nearly 200-thousand pairs of gloves to send to health care workers responding to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

(Portland, OR)  --  The government agency that oversees the Portland metropolitan area is laying off 40-percent of its staff due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Oregon Metro sent a letter to employees making that announcement yesterday.  The agency says there would also be between five-percent and 20-percent schedule reductions or furloughs in all departments.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are confirming another COVID-19 death in Oregon.  The Oregon Health Authority says the latest death was a 69-year-old woman from Washington County.  Officials say she tested positive for coronavirus on March 15th and died ten days later.  Her death marks the eleventh coronavirus death in Oregon.  Officials also announced 50 new cases yesterday, bringing the state's total number of cases to 316.

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Health officials are confirming a fifth COVID-19 death in Clark County.  Clark County Public Health says the latest patient to die was a man in his 80s.  Officials say the number of coronavirus cases in the county more than doubled overnight to reach 48 cases yesterday.

(Portland, OR)  --  Dozens of hotels in Washington County are getting grants to help them stay afloat during the novel coronavirus pandemic.  The Washington County Visitors Association granted more than 500-thousand dollars to 56 hotels in the Tualatin Valley.  The grants are meant to help the hotels pay for their mortgages and utilities and support employees.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregonians who receive food stamps can now use them to buy groceries online and have them delivered.  The Department of Human Services announced yesterday that people with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits can now use them to purchases food online at Amazon and Walmart.  The move is aimed at helping to promote social distancing amid the novel coronavirus.

(Portland, OR)  --  Multnomah County is looking to hire several temporary workers to help set up emergency shelter space for the homeless amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  County Chair Deborah Kafoury says they're looking for workers to help convert unused public buildings and hotel settings into shelters.  The Jupiter Hotel on East Burnside is one such space.  The hotel has donated more than 80 rooms to be used as shelter for the homeless.  To learn more about the job or to apply, visit the county's website.

(Beaverton, OR)  --  Police in Beaverton are searching for a missing 75-year-old man.  The Beaverton Police Department says Ronald Bond was last seen just after midnight this morning at his home on Menlo Drive.  Police believe Bond could be undressed or inappropriately dressed.  He's described as six feet tall and 230 pounds with glasses and a beard.

(Tillamook, OR)  --  The Tillamook County Community Health Center says one of its workers has tested positive for COVID-19.  The health center says the patient is a female health care provider between 35- and 54-years-old.  The health center closed its doors yesterday and will undergo a deep cleaning over the weekend.  Employees have been sent home to self-monitor for symptoms.  The patient is Tillamook County's first case of the novel coronavirus.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is seeing a record number of claims for unemployment insurance amid the coronavirus pandemic.  The Oregon Employment Department says it received more than 76-thousand-500 initial claims for unemployment benefits during the week of March 15th.  That's a sharp rise over the previous week, during which just four-thousand-900 people filed new claims.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland will remain under a state of emergency for another two weeks.  The declaration was supposed to expire this morning, but Mayor Ted Wheeler says it will now end April 9th if it isn't extended again.   Wheeler says residents need to stay home as the number of cases continues to grow.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are confirming two more COVID-19 deaths in Oregon.  The Oregon Health Authority reported the new deaths yesterday, raising the state's death toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic to ten.  Officials also announced 57 new cases yesterday, raising Oregon's total number of cases to 266.

(Portland, OR)  --  The U.S. Postal Service says two Portland employees have tested positive for COVID-19.  One employee worked at the Portland processing and distribution center, while the other worked at the office in Oak Grove.  Postal officials says risk to other employees is low, but they are taking precautions.

(Salem, OR)  --  All public colleges and universities in Oregon are waiving the requirement that students applying for admission have to provide SAT or ACT scores for the fall term.  Students who have completed the testing can still submit the results, but it's no longer mandatory.  They will still need to provide results from standardized testing.

(Portland, OR)  --  Truck maker Daimler is shutting down its Portland truck plant because of coronavirus.  The facility is closed through April 6th.  The company says its employees should talk to their supervisors or human resources if they have questions.

(Portland, OR)  --  A carjacking suspect is facing charges after allegedly leading police on a chase through southeast Portland.  Officers say 20-year-old Jaquin Rubio confronted a woman near Southeast 135th and Powell early Tuesday morning and stole her car.  Late Tuesday night, a chase started after officers tried to stop the car near Southeast 136th and Holgate.  Police finally used spike strips to stop the car near Southeast 101st and Division.  Three occupants were detained, including Rubio, who faces nine charges including robbery and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Multnomah County District Attorney's office is concerned that the risk of online sexual exploitation may increase with more people, especially kids, looking for ways to pass the time during the coronavirus pandemic.  The D-A's Human Trafficking Team recommends that parents and guardians have conversations about internet safety.  Then, set up rules for children and teens while they use the internet and other social media applications, and closely monitor their online activity.

(Newberg, OR)  --  Two people are seriously injured following a two-car crash in Newberg.  First responders say at least one person became trapped inside their vehicle following the crash last night at North Everest Road and 1st street.  One person was airlifted to a hospital, while a second person was transported by ambulance.

(Olympia, WA)  --  The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed recreational fishing and shellfishing statewide until April 8th.  The move is aimed at complying with Governor Inslee's stay at home order.  Fishery managers reported some anglers crowding banks of rivers and lakes.  They've seen an increase in outdoor recreation as people are looking for things to do outside.

(West Union, OR)  --  Fire officials say improperly disposed ashes are responsible for a blaze that displaced seven people in Washington County.  Fighters responded to a mobile home park in West Union yesterday morning and found two mobile homes and a carport on fire.  Both mobile homes were destroyed.  No one was injured. Investigators say the ashes were sitting in a recycling bin for two days before they ignited.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are confirming more deaths from the novel coronavirus in Oregon.  The Oregon Health Authority announced three more COVID-19-related deaths yesterday, raising the state's death toll to eight.  The department also reported 18 new cases of the virus, raising Oregon's tally of cases to 209.

(Tigard, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into the death of a man who was found dead inside his Tigard home following a fire there.  Firefighters responded to the house off Southwest 109th Avenue yesterday to find the home engulfed in flames.  Crews found the man's body inside the home's kitchen.  Fire officials say it's not yet clear if the man died before or during the fire.  Investigators are still looking into how the blaze started.

(Newberg, OR)  --  Residents at a retirement community in Newberg are self-quarantining after several residents tested positive for COVID-19.  KATU reports all common areas of Astor House at Springbrook Oaks are closed and all activities are suspended.  Residents are having meals served to their rooms.  It's not yet clear exactly how many residents have tested positive.

(Portland, OR)  --  Providence Health of Oregon is getting a two-million-dollar donation to help fund its response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  KATU reports retired businesswoman and philanthropist Nancy Lematta made the donation in hopes of encouraging others to donate what they can.  Lematta is the retired chair of Columbia Helicopters.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is being called one of the top five worst states in the nation for social distancing.  Data company Unacast used location data from smart technology to put together a "Social Distancing Scoreboard" showing how well each state is complying to social distancing guidelines amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  The company found Oregon was the fifth worst with a grade of C.  Rounding out the worst five states are New Mexico, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.  The top five areas doing the best at social distancing are Alaska, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia. 

(Portland, OR)  --  The Waterfront Blues Festival is being cancelled due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Event organizers announced the cancellation yesterday.  The annual event usually takes place around the Fourth of July holiday.  Organizers say this year's passes will be accepted at next year's festival.

(Cook, WA)  --  A 23-year-old woman is recovering from mild hypothermia after falling over Spirit Falls on the White Salmon River near Cook, Washington.  The Skamania County Sheriff's Office says Rachel Goodwin of Washougal fell over the falls Monday night.  She was able to swim to a bank behind the waterfall but became trapped there by the force of the falls.  First responders rescued her and brought her to Peace Health Salmon Creek.

(Portland, OR)  --  The state of Oregon is receiving nearly one-point-nine-million dollars in federal money to help fund health centers in their response to the coronavirus.  The funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be divided among 30 health centers in Oregon.  Oregon Health & Science University in Portland will receive more than 61-thousand dollars

(Portland, OR)  --  The U.S. Geological Survey is confirming a seven-point-five-magnitude earthquake struck in the north Pacific last night.  The USGS says the quake struck around 8 p.m. near the Kuril Islands, putting Hawaii on a tsunami watch that has since been cancelled.  The National Weather Service in Portland says the earthquake did generate a very small tsunami, but no damaging waves were expected to hit the U.S. coastline.

(Portland, OR)  --  A landlord in southeast Portland is reducing rent charges to help those struggling amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  Mike Shiley tells KATU he's cut rent by 200 dollars for each of his 12 tenants indefinitely.  Shiley says it's cheaper to temporarily reduce rent than it would be to lose a tenant.

(Portland, OR)  --  Mayor Ted Wheeler is voicing his support for Governor Kate Brown's order to stay at home.  Wheeler issued a statement yesterday thanking Brown for "taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Wheeler added that social distancing is currently the best defense against the virus in the absence of a vaccine.

(Portland, OR)  --  The state of Oregon is under a stay-at-home order.  Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order yesterday directing residents to stay home "to the maximum extent possible" to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.  Residents are ordered to stay at home except to engage in essential activity, which includes grocery shopping, doctors appointments and essential work duty.  Residents can also still go outside for a walk or to garden but have to stay at least six feet away from others.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon now has nearly 200 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.  The Oregon Health Authority announced 30 new cases yesterday, raising the state's total to 191 confirmed cases.  That includes five deaths.  The new cases are in Clackamas, Hood River, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk and Washington counties.

(Newport, OR)  --  Police in Newport say they've arrested a woman who's accused of trying to set fire to the 4-plex apartment where she lives.  A resident called police yesterday after noticing the garbage area was on fire.  The resident then grabbed a hose to put the fire out, prompting 24-year-old Ashley Hunt to allegedly turn off the water.  Residents say she had threatened to burn the building down earlier.  When police arrived she was barricaded in her apartment and had doused the unit with an accelerant.  Officers forced their way in and arrested her.

(Portland, OR)  --  Forest Grove police have started a prescription drug delivery service for vulnerable citizens.  Officers will pick-up prescriptions at Bi-Mart, Safeway or Walgreens and deliver them to people who need them but can't get out of their homes because they're high risk.  People who need the service can call the Forest Grove Police Department's main office number and give them the prescription information.  They also need to pre-pay for the prescription over the phone.

Portland, OR)  --  TriMet is asking riders to avoid making unnecessary trips to give extra space for people who need to ride the buses and trains.  The agency says they will announce service adjustments later this week.  Ridership is down by over 45-percent.  They're asking passengers to maintain six feet of distance including space for the operator.

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are searching for some vandals who damaged several Pearl District businesses that were closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.  Police say the suspects threw rocks through the windows of at least seven businesses over the weekend.  Officers used a K-9 to search the area but couldn't find the suspects.

(Portland, OR)  --  Two dogs area dead and one person is hospitalized following a house fire early Monday morning in Southeast Portland.  Fire crews responded to the blaze near Southeast 58th and Francis Street.  One person was injured after trying to get back into the burning house to rescue the two dogs, who perished.  The person is expected to recover.  Investigators are trying to find the cause of the fire.
 

(Woodland, WA)  --  A high school in southwestern Washington is being converted into a truck stop during the coronavirus response.  Woodland High School has access to I-5 and it'll be open around the clock for truckers to park in the lot and use the shower and restroom facilities.  The community is also putting together meals for the truck drivers.  They want to show their support for truck drivers who are moving vital products to stores and businesses.

(Portland, OR)  --  Mayor Ted Wheeler appears poised to issue a stay-at-home order as soon as today to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.  Wheeler took to Twitter yesterday afternoon saying he's "ready to act for Portland" on Monday if Governor Brown fails to issue a statewide stay-at-home order.  Wheeler had made a similar comment on Friday, saying Portland would act independently to keep residents at home if necessary.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are reporting one new death from COVID-19 in Oregon along with two-dozen new cases of the virus.  The Oregon Health Authority announced the new death and 24 new cases yesterday.  Oregon has now had five deaths from the novel coronavirus and 161 total cases.

(Portland, OR)  --  All state parks are closed starting tonight due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  The Oregon State Park system announced yesterday it will close all of its parks at the end of the day today in order to comply with Governor Brown's order to maintain social distance.  All campers must be gone by 1 p.m.  Residents who decide to visit county or city parks are encouraged to maintain social distancing while there.

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say they've recovered thousands of respirator masks that were stolen in Portland.  Police say the suspect stole more than 20 cases of the masks on March 6th.  Police later arrested 22-year-old Vladislav Drozdek for selling the stolen masks on Craigslist the following day.  Police recovered six cases from Drozdek and later found another seven cases at a home on Northeast Sacramento street.  The recovered masks have been donated to local hospitals.

(Portland, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into a two-alarm fire that injured half a dozen people at a high-rise apartment building in northwest Portland.  Firefighters responded to the Portland Towers Apartments late Friday night to find flames shooting out the window of an eighth-floor unit.  Fire officials say the building does not have a sprinkler system.  Six people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, and several people are displaced.

(Lincoln City, OR)  --  One man is dead after falling off a boat into the water on Devil's Lake in Lincoln County.  Police say 60-year-old Steve Ton fell overboard Saturday when the boat he was on crossed its own wake while maneuvering a turn.  The driver of the boat dove into the water, but was unable to rescue Ton.  First responders were able to retrieve him and rushed him to a hospital, where he died.  The boat's driver was also hospitalized.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland-based KEEN is donating shoes to those spending all day on their feet amid the coronavirus crisis.  The footwear retailer says it wants to donate 100-thousand shoes to nurses, grocery store employees and other workers who spend hours on their feet.  The company has donated 62-thousand shoes so far.  You can nominate someone for a free pair at the company's website at www.KEENfootwear.com

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Evergreen Public Schools in Clark County is offering free childcare to first responders and health care workers.  School district officials say they plan to open a childcare facility tomorrow at Crestline Elementary School in Vancouver.  The daycare will be called Camp Evergreen and will be open to children ages 30 months to 12 years weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

(Portland, OR)  --  Multnomah Falls Lodge is closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  The lodge announced yesterday on Twitter that all areas will be closed until further notice.  The I-84 parking lot at Multnomah Falls is also closed.  The Oregon Department of Transportation says they've decided to shut down access to the entire falls area because crowds haven't been complying with safe social distancing practices.

A number of north Oregon coast communities cracked down on tourists this weekend. State Senator Betsy Johnson along with elected leaders from up and down the coast spoke to Governor Brown Sunday afternoon for guidance on how to handle the influx of visitors. The city of Warrenton, Tillamook and Clatsop counties all passed emergency ordinances. Tillamook County closed all state, local and federal parks, all county parking lots and transient lodging facilities with a few exceptions.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon has 13 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state's total to 88.  Health officials announced the new cases yesterday.  The patients live in Linn, Marion, Multnomah and Washington counties.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Convention Center might be used to house homeless during the coronavirus response.  Metro and Multnomah County are discussing plans to use the Convention Center as a shelter.  The Convention Center hasn't been used since the Governor issued the executive order banning events with more than 250 people, so the space is available.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Portland Rose Festival is postponing this year's celebration due to the coronavirus.  The festival is normally held between May 22nd and June 7th.  Organizers hope to hold some or all of the events, but at this point they don't know when it'll happen.  They'll work with city leaders to determine the best timing to hold the celebration.

(Portland, OR)  --  A 31-year-old man is facing half a dozen charges after allegedly stealing and wrecking a TriMet Lift Bus.  Police say the empty bus was stolen yesterday from near Northeast 102nd and Halsey.  Officers tracked it down and tried to stop it, but the driver, Marco Martinez Menchaca [[ men-CHAW-kuh ]], allegedly sped off.  Eventually, the bus crashed into another vehicle at Southeast 122nd and Division. Officers arrived and then arrested Martinez-Menchaca.

(Tigard, OR)  --  Four people are facing narcotics and gun charges following a crash in Tigard.  Police say the suspects' SUV rolled over on Scholls Ferry Road near 121st Avenue Wednesday night.  When police arrived, they found people screaming at each other and throwing broken glass.  Police arrested one juvenile with a gun and three other people on previous warrants.  None of them suffered serious injuries.

(Portland, OR)  --  A woman who stole more than ten-thousand dollars in donations from the Portland Women's March is facing nearly two years in prison.  A judge sentenced 39-year-old Rebekah Brewis yesterday after she pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree aggravated theft.  Court records say Brewis collected donations for the group from the community and then put that money into her own bank account.  When the organizers of the march asked for the money, Brewis refused to transfer the funds.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Humane Society is set to resume pet adoptions today.  They're implementing new procedures to minimize contact between the public and staff.  All adoptions require appointments.  You can start the process by going to the Oregon Humane Society website to fill out a questionnaire.

(Coos Bay, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown is blasting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's untimely move to approve the Jordan Cove pipeline and natural gas terminal for Coos Bay.  Brown says it's stunning that the federal government made the decision now, in the middle of the novel coronavirus pandemic.  The project still needs state approvals.  A clean water permit has been denied and several other key permits don't have active applications.  Brown has asked the state's lawyers to make sure Oregon's permitting process is followed.

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  The City of Hillsboro is freeing up one-point-one-million dollars for grants to help with the COVID-19 crisis.  The city says 500-thousand dollars will be used for emergency business support grants.  Another 500-thousand dollars will go toward emergency loans for small and medium-sized businesses, and the final 100-thousand dollars will go toward rental assistance.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon's death toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic now stands at three.  The Oregon Health Authority announced two new deaths yesterday.  The most recently announced death was a 70-year-old man who died from the virus Tuesday at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Washington County.  Health officials also announced ten new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, bringing the state's total to 75 cases.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland State University says all spring term classes will be taught remotely.  The school says it'll make it easier to plan for the rest of the year.  The school wasn't set up to teach all classes online, so they're in the process of developing a plan.  Students are told to watch the school's website next week.

(Lebanon, OR)  --  Coronavirus testing is now complete for all 151 residents of the Oregon Veterans Home in Lebanon.  Officials say there were no new positive cases.  Fourteen residents of the home have tested positive for COVID-19, and they continue to be cared for at the facility.  One staff member also tested positive.  That person is recovering at home in isolation.

(Salem, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown is issuing a temporary ban on all non-emergency medical procedures in order to preserve personal protective equipment like masks and eye protection.  The order also includes hospitals, outpatient clinics, health care providers, veterinarians and dentists.  The order also limits visitations in hospitals to protect health care workers and at-risk patients from COVID-19.

(Eagle Creek, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into a fiery plane crash that seriously injured one person in Eagle Creek.  Clackamas Fire says it appears the aircraft crashed on take-off at the Eagle Nest Ranch Airport yesterday afternoon.  It caught some nearby trees on fire, but fire crews managed to get flames under control quickly.  LifeFlight airlifted the person to an area trauma center.

(Portland, OR)  --  The city of Portland is considering issuing a shelter-in-place order to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.  The order would require residents to stay inside their homes except to go to grocery stores and medical facilities.  KATU reports the policy is still in draft form and is being circulated among county officials.  Mayor Ted Wheeler's office says the city is planning for multiple contingencies while seeking the guidance of public health officials.

(Beaverton, OR)  --  The city of Beaverton is imposing a temporary ban on residential evictions due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Mayor Denny Doyle issued an emergency declaration yesterday imposing a moratorium on residential evictions.  He has also suspended water shut-offs and library fines, under his authority from the city's state of emergency.  All city buildings are closed through at least Sunday March 22nd.

(Aloha, OR)  --  A student from Aloha High School is confirmed to have coronavirus.  The Beaverton School District says the student was sick while at school the week of March 9th.  Washington County Public Health is reaching out to close contacts now to let them know to watch for symptoms.

(Salem, OR)  --  The Oregon Lottery's Salem headquarters are set to reopen today following a deep cleaning after a person with flu-like symptoms visited the building.  The offices were closed yesterday to undergo sanitation.  The person is being tested for COVID-19, but the test results haven't come back.  The Lottery is contacting anyone who worked near the individual, so they can self-quarantine.

(Portland, OR)  --  Top executives at Beaverton-based Nike are putting millions of dollars toward the fight against the novel coronavirus.  Nike CEO John Donahoe and his wife, Eileen, along with Nike Chairman Mark Parker and his wife, Kathy, have joined Phil and Penny Knight in a seven-million-dollar donation to Oregon Health & Science University to accelerate statewide efforts to contain, diagnose and treat COVID-19.  The money will be used to help organize the effort to deal with the virus throughout the Portland-metro region, provide digital tools to increase patient capacity and triage health care needs, and provide equipment and supplies to increase testing.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland-based McMenamins is laying off nearly three-thousand employees as the company temporarily closes all of its pubs, hotels and restaurants due to the coronavirus pandemic.  That's nearly the company's entire staff.  The company says it's drastic but necessary to allow employees to file for unemployment benefits.  For the next several weeks, only the company's bottle shop in Northwest Portland remains open.

(Gresham, OR)  --  One person is injured following a shooting in Gresham.  Police say the shooting happened yesterday afternoon near Southeast 190th Avenue and Yamhill Street.  One person was injured.  It's not yet clear whether police have identified a suspect.  An investigation is ongoing.

(Portland, OR)  --  Multnomah County and the city of Portland are both imposing bans on residential evictions during the coronavirus state of emergency.  Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced yesterday that renters will be given six months after the state of emergency ends to repay their back rent.

(Portland, OR)  --  The state of Oregon is expanding childcare benefits to support families and providers during the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Eligible families will have co-pays eliminated.  The income limit will be increased from 185-percent of the federal poverty level to 250 percent.  That would be an income of five-thousand-889 dollars a month for a family of four.

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Clark County is reporting its first deaths from the novel coronavirus.  Clark County Public Health says two COVID-19 patients died Monday night.  The patients were a husband and wife in their 80s who tested positive for the virus last week.  Two other people in Clark County have tested positive for the test.  One of them remains hospitalized, while the other is self-quarantining at home.

(Salem, OR)  --  Schools across Oregon will remain closed for another six weeks.  Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order last night extending school closures through April 28th.  Employees will be paid during the closure, and they can also be used to deliver limited learning and support services to students.  Districts are required to provide learning supports and supplemental services along with child care for essential health care professionals and first responders.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are reporting the second death linked to the novel coronavirus in Oregon.  Officials in Lane County say test results came back positive for COVID-19 last night for a 60-year-old woman who died at a hospital on Saturday.  The death brings the state's total number of coronavirus cases to 68.

(Government Camp, OR)  --  Timberline Lodge has announced it will stayed closed beyond March 23rd, when they previously hoped to reopen.  Employees are being paid to stay home through this Sunday.  They don't know when they'll reopen, but when they do they plan to have extended days, since Timberline has the longest ski season in North America.  Because they'll add days to the season, they won't be giving refunds on passes or lift tickets.

(Portland, OR)  --  The novel coronavirus pandemic is now taking a toll on the state's lottery system.  The Oregon Lottery is shutting down its statewide network of Video Lottery terminals in compliance with the Governor's order on social distancing. The terminals will remain in the field and Lottery staff will continue to provide regular maintenance.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Department of Human Services is putting new restrictions on visitors to long-term care facilities and residential group homes.  It is part of an effort to protect against COVID-19.  Only essential medical and emergency personnel and visitors to residents who are in the end of life are allowed to enter the facilities.

(Portland, OR)  --  Clark County is confirming its fourth case of the novel coronavirus.  County health officials say the patient is a woman in her 40's who had contact with a confirmed case in Oregon.  She is being quarantined at home.  Washington State has 904 cases and 48 deaths.

(Salem, OR)  --  Marion County is now under a state of emergency in response to COVID-19.  The county's commissioners made the declaration Monday.  So far, there have been three cases of COVID-19 in Marion County.

(Salem, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown is giving the Oregon Attorney General the go-ahead to go after retailers engaging in price gouging to profit off the coronavirus outbreak.  There have been reports of some retailers charging twice the price for toilet paper and four times the price for rubbing alcohol.  The new order signed by Brown yesterday only applies to essential items.  The Attorney General's office has set up the hotline 503-378-8442 and you can also file a complaint online.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Grotto in Northeast Portland is suspending all Masses through the end of the month.  Grotto Rector, Father Don Siple, says the move is in response to CDC recommendations to stop the spread of coronavirus.  However, the 62-acre Catholic shrine will remain open and admission to the upper gardens is free through March 31st.

(Portland, OR)  --  The novel coronavirus outbreak is forcing the rescheduling of the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup.  The event originally set for March 28th is now scheduled for July 5th.  Event organizers are asking people who visit the beach before then to pick up as they go. 

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are confirming three new cases of novel coronavirus in Oregon, bringing the state's total to 39.  The Oregon Health Authority announced the new cases yesterday afternoon, one day after reporting Oregon's first death from COVID-19.  The three new patients are in Yamhill, Deschutes and Linn counties.

(Portland, OR)  --  A 70-year-old Multnomah County man is the first person to die from the novel coronavirus in Oregon.  The Oregon Health Authority says the man died Saturday at the Portland Veterans' Affairs Medical Center after testing positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.  Health officials say the man had underlying health conditions that made it more difficult for his body to fight off the virus.

(Battle Ground, WA)  --  One person is dead and two others are injured following a chain reaction crash near Battle Ground Lake State Park in southwestern Washington state.  The Clark County Sheriff's office says the crash happened off Northeast 182nd Avenue yesterday afternoon when 60-year-old bicyclist Keith Kawazoe struck some debris with his bike and fell into the avenue's northbound lane.  Police say a motorcyclist identified as Neal Karlsen crashed into Kawazoe and then veered into oncoming traffic, where he was struck head-on by a pickup truck driven by 18-year-old Brynna Childress.  All three were taken to hospitals, where Karlsen died from his injuries.

(Portland, OR)  --  In addition to Mt. Bachelor, a couple other ski resorts are temporarily shutting their doors due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Timberline Lodge and Mt. Hood Meadows both announced on yesterday they'll be suspending operations until March 23rd.  Timberline says it plans to add extra days to the end of the season for season pass holders.  Mt. Hood Meadows says it's reaching out to pass holders and multi-day skiers.

(Portland, OR)  --  Powell's Books is closing its doors for the rest of the month due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.  The bookseller announced yesterday on its website it will be closing all of its locations through March 31st, possibly longer.  The bookseller says they made the decision in order to put the safety and welfare of their employees, customers and community first.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Sunshine Division says it plans to stay open amid the novel coronavirus pandemic in order to provide food to those who need it.  The organization says it's still operating under normal hours, though it has suspended volunteer activities and has many staff members working from home.  The organization says their services are especially necessary during pandemics such as the current one. 

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland-area churches are making changes to services to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.  Trinity Episcopal Cathedral took its Sunday services online yesterday with streaming on Facebook.  And Imago Dei Communities has canceled its Sunday services until further notice.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Moda Center says its donating unused food from cancelled events to a local non-profit.  The Moda Center said on Twitter Saturday they've donated 28-hundred pounds of food to the volunteer-run group Urban Gleaners.  The food had been ordered for NBA games, concerts and other scheduled events at the venue that ended up being cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
 

(Newport, OR)  --  Police in Newport are asking residents to stop calling 9-1-1 because they've run out of toilet paper.  The Newport Oregon Police Department published a post on Facebook Saturday night saying their officers cannot and will not deliver toilet paper, adding, quote, "You will survive without our assistance."  The post goes on to list several historical alternatives to toilet paper, including newspaper, corn cobs and even anchor lines soaked in salt water.  Toilet paper has been flying off grocery store shelves as people stock up on supplies over fears about the novel coronavirus.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Archdiocese of Portland says he has no plans to cancel public Masses over the novel coronavirus outbreak.  Archbishop Alexander Sample said yesterday that parishes with high Sunday Mass attendance should consider adding more Masses.  However, he said he won't cancel public Masses.  The archbishop said the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist is the "summit" of Christian life and where Christians are "nourished by God's Word, and receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ."  The announcement comes in response to Governor Kate Brown's ban on gatherings of more than 250 people due to the new coronavirus. 

(Salem, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown is ordering the closure of all K-12 schools in Oregon due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Brown announced yesterday that the closure will take effect Monday and last through the end of the month.  Brown is asking school districts to develop plans to help feed students who rely on free school meals.

(Portland, OR)  --  The city of Portland is declaring a state of emergency over the novel coronavirus.  Mayor Ted Wheeler issued the declaration yesterday.  Wheeler also announced that the Portland Water Bureau will not be disconnecting service for customers who are unable to pay their bill.

(Portland, OR)  --  State health officials are confirming nine new cases of the novel coronavirus.  The Oregon Health Authority announced three new cases yesterday afternoon, followed by six new cases last night.  That brings Oregon's total number of cases to 30.

(Portland, OR)  --  The 29th annual Kell's St. Patrick's Day Irish Festival is among events being canceled due to the novel coronavirus.  The owners of Kell's Irish Pub announced yesterday they're calling off the event in order to comply with new state guidelines banning gatherings of more than 250 people.  The festival was scheduled for today through Tuesday.  The owners say they'll still be celebrating St. Patrick's Day at their pubs, which will remain open for business as usual.

(Stevenson, WA)  --  One person is dead and another is hospitalized following a crash on SR-14 in the Columbia River Gorge.  The Washington State Patrol says the crash happened yesterday afternoon at milepost 35 near Beacon Rock.  The crash left the highway shut down in both directions for several hours.  It's not yet clear what led to the collision.

(Portland, OR)  --  Pacific Power is agreeing not to disconnect service to Oregon customers amid the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak.  The utility announced yesterday it is temporarily suspending disconnections and late fees for non-payment for customers in Oregon, Washington and California to support the state of emergency declared in all three states. 

(Portland, OR)  --  The University of Portland is moving its classes online to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.  The college says it will suspend all in-person classes starting Monday and transition to online instruction on Wednesday.  The school says it will be keeping its dorms open for students who are unable to return to their permanent addresses.

(Portland, OR)  --  TriMet is stepping up its cleanings for buses and trains to help fight the spread of COVID-19.  The agency says it's now cleaning its buses and trains every night.  However, TriMet says it's still directing staff to continually remind transit riders to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their faces.

(Portland, OR)  --  Portland Public Schools is suspending non-essential gatherings and activities in response to the novel coronavirus.  The district announced yesterday it's canceling all school-based assemblies and events, field trips and other meetings and events for the next 30 days.  So far, there's no plan to cancel classes.  District officials say they're consulting with state and county health officials on whether classes should be cancelled.

(Salem, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown is banning large gatherings in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.  Brown announced yesterday that gatherings and events with more than 250 people will be prohibited in Oregon for the next four weeks, starting immediately.  The announcement came hours after Washington state Governor Jay Inslee enacted a similar ban in the Seattle Metropolitan area.

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say they've made an arrest in connection to a shooting in Portland's Old Town neighborhood.  Police arrested 39-year-old Erik Wayne Joseph Tuesday afternoon near Northwest 1st Avenue and Northwest Couch Street.  Police say he shot and injured a man in that area on February 24.  He's facing charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.

(Lake Oswego, OR)  --  An eleven-year-old boy is recovering from minor injuries following a hit and run in Lake Oswego.  Police say the boy was using a crosswalk at Boones Ferry Road at Kruse Way Monday evening when he noticed the car coming.  The boy reportedly tried to jump back, but he wasn't fast enough, and his foot got caught under the car.  The driver allegedly briefly slowed down before speeding away.  Police say the boy did have the "Walk" signal when he started to cross.  A search for the suspect is ongoing.

(Silverton, OR)  --  A Silverton police officer is escaping charges in the deadly shooting of a domestic violence suspect on Valentine's Day.  A Marion County grand jury ruled unanimously on Tuesday that Officer Timothy Hein was justified in his use of force when he fired a single shot at William Bluestone.  Hein and other officers were responding to reports that Bluestone was assaulting his wife and holding their three-month-old baby hostage when the shooting happened.  Police say Bluestone was hiding underneath a bed at the home and had told police he was armed when he suddenly shot himself in the chest.  The officers returned fire when they heard his gun go off.

(Astoria, OR)  --  Police are offering a one-thousand-dollar reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for killing a family's dog in Astoria.  The Astoria Police Department says the dog named Saucy was found dead near 12th Street and Jerome Avenue on March 3rd, three days after going missing.  A veterinarian confirmed that Saucy was killed intentionally by a human.  Police are investigating the death as first-degree aggravated animal abuse, which is a class-C felony.  The perpetrator could face up to five years in prison. 

(Winston, OR)  --  Police are seeking the public's help in their investigation of a sexual abuse suspect in Douglas County.  Oregon State Police made a public appeal yesterday for information on 21-year-old Brandyn Olinger of Winston.  Police arrested Olinger yesterday following an investigation that began on March 1st, when a state trooper pulled him over and found a 15-year-old girl in his car.  Detectives say the girl did not have permission to be with Olinger, and they called her mother to pick her up.  Anyone with information on Olinger is urged to contact police.

(Portland, OR)  --  A former school volunteer in the Portland area is facing three years probation for child pornography possession.  Alfred Crotts was convicted of two counts of second degree encouraging child sexual abuse following an investigation in 2017.  A search of Crotts' property turned up hundreds of images of children being raped, sexually assaulted and molested.  In addition to probation, Crotts will also be required to receive treatment as part of Multnomah County's sex offender probation program.

(Portland, OR)  --  Hospitals in Portland and Vancouver are taking extra precautions to protect patients from the novel coronavirus.  KATU reports hospitals are now screening patients for the virus and limiting visitations.  PeaceHealth in Vancouver is restricting people under the age of 18 from visiting the hospital and is also requiring patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 to wear a mask.  Currently, four hospitals in the Portland area are caring for patients who have tested positive for the virus.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are confirming the first presumptive case of novel coronavirus in Multnomah County.  The Oregon Health Authority announced yesterday a Multnomah County resident is being treated at Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center after testing positive for COVID-19.  Health officials are working to identify and contact anyone who may have come into close contact with the patient.

(Tigard, OR)  --  A homicide investigation is underway into the death of a man whose body was found inside a hotel in Tigard.  Police say 61-year-old Brian Lowes of Nehalem was found dead Friday inside his room at the Embassy Suites Hotel.  The state medical examiner has ruled his death a homicide.

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say they've arrested five people after serving a search warrant at a Fairview home known for drug activity.  The East Metro Special Weapons and Tactical team served the warrant yesterday at the home off Northeast Pacific Drive.  Police say 14 people were inside the home, and officers arrested five of them.

(Portland, OR)  --  Two more candidates are throwing their hats into the race for Clackamas County Sheriff.  The Oregonian reports Clackamas County police captain Kevin Poppen and Oregon State Police Detective Roger Edwards have announced their candidacy for the race.  They join three other employees of the sheriff's office who have announced plans to run, including Sergeant Lynn Schoenfeld, Lieutenant Brian Jensen and Undersheriff Angela Brandenburg.  Sheriff Craig Roberts officially announced his intentions to retire yesterday.

(Portland, OR)  --  An Oregon man is facing charges in connection to a human trafficking case involving a juvenile girl.  The Washington County Sheriff's Office has arrested 21-year-old Devanne Branderhorst of Sandy on charges of prostitution and sexual abuse following a months-long investigation.  Police say he knew his victim was 17-years-old when he coordinated meetings with men who paid for sexual acts.  He's also accused of sexually assaulting the girl.  Bail is set at 750-thousand dollars.  Police say they've also arrested 74-year-old Robert Sunamoto of Portland on sexual solicitation charges after he allegedly met with the girl.

(Portland, OR)  --  Multnomah County will begin efforts today to warn the homeless population about the novel coronavirus.  County officials say outreach workers will be out giving information on how to safely set up camps and when to seek medical care for symptoms associated with COVID-19.  Workers will also be handing out respiratory masks.  The county is hoping to reach two-thousand people.

(Portland, OR)  --  Forecasters say there's a chance of snow for the Portland area this weekend.  The National Weather Service says snow is likely at elevations of 500 feet and above in the Willamette Valley on Saturday.  Forecasters say it's possible snow could fall at lower elevations on the valley floor as well. 

(Portland, OR)  --  The number of COVID-19 cases in Oregon is expected to rise along with the number of people being monitored for the virus.  The Oregon Health Authority says 226 people are being monitored after being exposed to the disease.  There have been 165 negative tests with 52 tests still pending.  So far, the CDC has confirmed only one test, but local tests show 14 people have the virus.

(Salem, OR)  --  Police are releasing the identity of a driver who drove into the Willamette River near Salem last week.  The Marion County Sheriff's Office says 56-year-old Jeanie Sandall drove her GMC Terrain into the river at Wheatland Ferry last Wednesday.  Search crews found her body the next day.  Police say she was the only person inside the vehicle when it crashed into the river.  An investigation is ongoing. 

(Portland, OR)  --  The Oregon Department of Human Services is sending specialized teams to visit care facilities around the state.  That includes all nursing, assisted living and residential care communities.  They'll review each facility's pandemic response plans and infection control procedures and offer assistance where needed.  DHS says it'll also review emergency plans for other facilities that it oversees including children's residential programs.

(Portland, OR)  --  Police say they've made an arrest in connection to a shooting Friday night in north Portland.  The Portland Police Bureau says officers arrested 25-year-old Fernando Flores-Quinones of Portland on Saturday.  Police say a caller to 911 had reported a disturbance with a man driving a pickup Friday night.  While the caller was on the phone, shots were fired.  No one was injured in the shooting.

(Milwaukie, OR)  --  Firefighters are searching for two missing dogs following a blaze at a home in Milwaukie.  Clackamas Fire responded to the home off Southeast 45th Place just after midnight this morning.  Fire officials say all residents were able to safely escape the blaze, and no injuries were reported, but two dogs were missing.

(Portland, OR)  --  County elections officials are launching a campaign to fight misinformation.  Multnomah County Elections tells KATU the campaign titled "Trusted Info 2020" is aimed at making people aware of how to recognize misinformation.  The campaign will also encourage people to look at the source of information and do a little research to ensure it's accurate before sharing on social media.  Officials say the risk for misinformation is particularly high this election season.

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Health officials in Clark County are warning residents about a bloom of blue-green algae at Battle Ground Lake.  Clark County Public Health is testing to determine if toxins are in the water.  Results should be available later this week.  Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to avoid direct contact with lake water in areas of floating blue-green-colored scum. 

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  Health officials say a middle school student in Hillsboro has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.  State health officials announced yesterday the student from South Meadows Middle School is being treated in isolation.  So far, officials say the child is experiencing only mild symptoms of the virus.  Officials say the school will be open today following an "enhanced cleaning" over the weekend.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon is in a state of emergency over the novel coronavirus.  Governor Kate Brown issued the executive order yesterday, saying resources are being made available to agencies including the Oregon Health Authority.  The order comes after seven new cases of the virus were reported.  Oregon now has 14 coronavirus cases.  Neighboring Washington state has been the hardest hit with at least 19 deaths.

(Tigard, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into the discovery of a body inside a hotel room in Tigard.  Police say staff at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Southwest Washington Square Road called 9-1-1 on Friday after finding a guest dead inside their room.  Police are calling the death suspicious.

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing charges after allegedly robbing a Voodoo Doughnut shop with a hatchet.  Police say 40-year-old Christopher James entered the store on Southwest 3rd Avenue at Burnside downtown early yesterday morning with a hatchet and demanded a box of doughnuts.  Responding officers say they found him about a block away holding one of the chain's iconic pink boxes and eating a doughnut.  Police arrested him on a charge of first-degree robbery.

(Keizer, OR)  --  Police are searching for a suspect in connection to a shooting during a party at an apartment in Keizer.  Police say a 20-year-old man was shot early Saturday morning in a unit of the Evergreen Villa apartments off Bever Drive Northeast.  Investigators say the shooting happened when a group of uninvited people showed up at the party and started a fight.  The victim was hospitalized and is expected to survive.

(Portland, OR)  --  Oregon Health and Science University in Portland is announcing its first presumptive coronavirus case.  Hospital officials announced yesterday that a patient has tested positive for COVID-19.  Officials say staff members used "appropriate precautions" in caring for the patient from the moment they arrived at the hospital, and the risk of exposure to others is low.

(Portland, OR)  --  A new restaurant and bar opens its doors today in the former Trifecta Tavern and Bakery space.  The Japanese-inspired Bar King will open for business today, with a connected cafe and bakery slated to open by the end of the month.  Bar King will feature wagyu beef and seaweed-cured scallops along with bar-friendly fare like smoked onion rings.

(Salem, OR)  --  A woman is facing charges in connection to a crash that killed three Salem residents including a child near Dayton back in November.  Oregon State Police say officers arrested 33-year-old Krista Marie Ann Ashley late last week on three counts of first-degree manslaughter, one count of second-degree assault and one count of third-degree assault DUII.  Police say Ashley was intoxicated while driving on Highway 221 on November 18th when she crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Chevy Cruze head-on.  The 69-year-old Chevy driver Susie Valdez and her 70-year-old passenger Robert Valdez were both killed in the crash, along with a girl riding in Ashley's car.  Three others including Ashley were hospitalized for injuries.

(Salem, OR)  --  Police say they've located the body of a driver who crashed into the Willamette River near Salem.  The Marion County Sheriff's Office says divers found the car in the river yesterday with the body still inside of it.  Investigators say they've tentatively identified the victim but are awaiting further confirmation.  The victim drove off a ramp at Wheatland Ferry Wednesday afternoon.  Police are still investigating what led to the crash.

(Gresham, OR)  --  Two men who were accused of stealing equipment from a church construction site in Gresham are changing their pleas to guilty.  Gabriel Deere and Michael Schroeder pleaded guilty to theft in the first degree this week.  Both men were placed on two years formal probation.  They'll also be required to perform 60 hours of community service and pay 13-thousand dollars in restitution.

(Portland, OR)  --  Two men are facing charges after allegedly getting caught in the act of stealing from a storage facility.  The Portland Police Bureau says officers responded to the Public Storage Facility at Southeast 105th and Division Wednesday to find the two men leaving in car.  The suspects allegedly got out and ran, but police caught them.  The car they were in was stolen.  The items that were stolen from the storage facility were recovered.

(Salem, OR)  --  The Oregon legislative session is ending early due to the Republican walkout over a cap and trade bill.  Democratic leaders say that even if they return on Sunday, there wouldn't be enough time to finish the bills that have passed committees.  Leaders say they will use the Legislative Emergency Board to fund the state's response to COVID-19 and flooding in Umatilla County.  Governor Kate Brown says she'll use her executive authority to put parts of the cap and invest bill into action. 

(Portland, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into a vandalism spree that left several cars with shattered windows in north Portland.  Police say the suspect went from car to car smashing windows early yesterday morning in the area of North Fenwick near Argyle.  Police say eight cars were vandalized in total.

(Portland, OR)  --  A man is facing charges after allegedly kidnapping a woman and then trying to sexually assault her.  The Washington County Sheriff's Office says 31-year-old O'Neal Payne followed the woman as she got off a MAX train at the Willow Creek station yesterday morning.  He then allegedly grabbed her near Southwest 197th Avenue and pulled her under a bridge, where he tried to sexually assault her.  The woman used a stun device to fight him off and then ran to a convenience store to get help.  Deputies found Payne a few blocks away and arrested him for Kidnapping and Sexual Abuse.

(Salem, OR)  --  Governor Kate Brown says the state has reached an agreement with health insurance companies to wave cost sharing for patients who need coronavirus testing.  That means people will not be charged copayments or deductibles related to tests or a vaccine when it becomes available.

(Buxton, OR)  --  One person is dead following a crash on Highway 47 in Buxton.  Oregon State Police say the single-vehicle crash happened yesterday morning when a car left the roadway and hit a utility pole.  Police say 35-year-old Andrew Schappert was killed in the crash.

(Portland, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into a racist threat found inside a bathroom at a high school in northeast Portland.  Grant High School Principal Carol Campbell says the graffiti discovered Tuesday threatened violence against black students.  Police increased their presence at the school yesterday.  The Portland Police Bureau is investigating.

(Portland, OR)  --  A former postal worker is facing four years behind bars after stealing thousands of dollars from mail on her mail route.  The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office says a judge sentenced 38-year-old Jamie Dent yesterday.  She was convicted of eleven counts of mail theft and one count of aggravated identity theft after stealing more than 100 pieces of mail on her route.  Investigators believe she likely was stealing mail for years before getting caught.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Moda Center is ramping up its efforts to fight the spread of novel coronavirus.  KATU reports staff at the Moda Center have installed additional hand sanitizers.  They've also put up flyers in the bathrooms urging people to wash their hands and practice good hygiene.  Fans are also being asked not to lean over the railings for high fives or autographs from NBA players. 

(Salem, OR)  --  The search for a person who drove their vehicle into the Willamette River near Salem is transitioning into a recovery mission.  The Marion County Sheriff's Office says the driver is now presumed dead after driving off a ramp at Wheatland Ferry yesterday afternoon.  Police are resuming their search this morning after suspending it last night.

(Portland, OR)  --  One man is injured following a shooting in southeast Portland.  Police say the man was shot in the buttocks around 8 o'clock last night near Southeast 136th Avenue and Powell Boulevard.  He was taken to a hospital.  It's not yet clear whether police have identified a suspect.

(Salem, OR)  --  The state of Oregon is getting half a million dollars in federal funding to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.  Representative Greg Walden says the 500-thousand dollars from the CDC will be used on medical supplies and staffing and to help monitor incoming travelers.  So far, three people have tested positive for the virus in Oregon. 

(Salem, OR)  --  An investigation is ongoing into a deadly hit and run in Salem.  Police say a male pedestrian was killed in the hit and run Tuesday night in the area of McGilchrist Street Southeast and 22nd Street Southeast.  Investigators say it appears the man was walking his bike along the shoulder of the road when a vehicle crashed into him and then kept going.  The man was pronounced dead at the scene.  Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact police.

(Portland, OR)  --  One person is dead and two others are injured after their vehicle crashed into a tree on Naito Parkway.  The Portland Police Bureau says three women were inside the car when it crashed yesterday morning near Harriston Street.  The driver died at the scene, while two female passengers were hospitalized, one of them with life-threatening injuries.  An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

(Vancouver, WA)  --  The Clark County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a new phone scam targeting people in Oregon and southwestern Washington.  The office says the scammer is calling people up and telling them they need to make a payment because of an outstanding warrant.  The scammer generally asks for the payment in cash or pre-paid gift cards.  The Sheriff's Office says deputies will never ask for cash or demand a payment over the phone.

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Police in southwestern Washington state are seeking the public's help in their investigation into a sexual assault.  The Clark County Sheriff's Office says the victim was assaulted last Thursday morning in the area of Northeast 42nd Avenue and 44th Street.  Police are asking anyone with surveillance cameras in the area to check their footage for suspicious people or activities.

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  Dozens of employees at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro are under quarantine after it was determined they may have been exposed to the coronavirus.  The first person in Oregon to be diagnosed with COVID-19 went to the Kaiser Center to seek treatment.  Officials say this patient was eventually put into isolation, but at some point he came into contact with unprotected employees.  The healthcare facility will not release exact numbers about how many employees are under quarantine, but sources are saying it could be as many as 70 people.

(Keizer, OR)  --  A Silverton Police sergeant is facing several charges after allegedly threatening his wife with a knife and then barricading himself inside their home in Keizer.  Police arrested 60-year-old Sergeant Rene Bravo Monday night following the domestic disturbance at a home off Lakeport Street North.  Bravo's wife says she also struggled to gain control of a loaded rifle that Bravo had at some point during the argument.  Two children were home at the time of the incident.  Responding officers say Bravo was wearing a ballistic carrier vest when they arrived and he refused to comply with commands, barricading himself inside the home instead.  Police eventually sent in a SWAT k9 to subdue Bravo and take him into custody.

(Portland, OR)  --  More than half a dozen minors are facing charges following an assault on a MAX train in Portland.  Police arrested the seven juveniles for the assault involving a knife yesterday afternoon at the Holgate Boulevard transit station.  The juveniles allegedly assaulted a man, leaving him with non-life-threatening injuries.  The suspects range in age from 13 to 16.  They were booked into the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center.

(Undated)  --  Oregon is among 19 states suing the Trump Administration for reallocating three-billion-dollars of defense funds to the border wall.  Prosecutors say it's unconstitutional as it violates the separation of powers as well Congress's power over funds.  The 19 states also argue that the administration is not taking into account the environmental impacts of a border wall and that it violates the National Environmental Policy Act.

(Salem, OR)  --  Oregon Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick is stepping down from her leadership position.  Burdick tells KATU she plans to step down from the role after the current legislative session.  Burdick has served as Senate majority leader since 2015 and has served in the state Senate for 24 years.  Despite stepping down from her leadership role, Burdick says she does plan to run for reelection.

(Portland, OR)  --  A 25-year-old man is accused of kidnapping and sexually abusing a four-year-old girl in Portland.  The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office says it's issued a six-count Jessica's Law indictment against Richy Kinu for the incident last August.  Police say the victim and her mother were walking home from the grocery store when Kinu distracted the mother and then ran off with the child.  The mother was unable to keep up with Kinu and lost sight of them.  When she finally found her child, she says she saw signs of sexual assault.  She took the child to a hospital, where authorities collected a sexual assault forensic examination kit, which turned up Kinu's DNA.

(Hillsboro, OR)  --  The Washington County Jail is screening inmates for the novel coronavirus.  KATU reports the jail is giving questionnaires to everyone booked into the jail with questions about travel and symptoms.  So far, no inmates have been hospitalized for the virus.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are confirming a third case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Oregon.  The Oregon Health Authority says an adult Umatilla County resident has tested positive for the virus and is being hospitalized in Walla Walla, Washington.  The agency says the patient has not traveled to a part of the world with known cases of COVID-19, and that it's being considered a case of community transmission.  The Health Authority announced Sunday night that a Washington County resident has tested positive for the virus.  Officials say that patient lives in the same home as the first person to be diagnosed with the virus in Oregon.

(Portland, OR)  --  Two children are hospitalized after being shot inside an apartment in northeast Portland.  Police say the 12-year-old boy and 14-year-old boy were shot yesterday afternoon in the apartment off Northeast Tillamook Street near the Rose City Golf Course.  It's not yet clear what led to the shooting, and investigators say it may have been accidental.  The 12-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was hospitalized in critical condition.  The 14-year-old was hospitalized in serious condition for a gunshot wound to the arm or hand.

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are releasing the identity of a pedestrian who was killed in a hit and run in northeast Portland.  Police say 36-year-old Chantel Downs of Portland was using the crosswalk at Northeast 42nd Avenue and Halsey Street Saturday night when a vehicle crashed into her and then kept going.  First responders pronounced her dead at the scene of the crash.  Police are still searching for a suspect.

(Portland, OR)  --  One person is injured following a shooting in northeast Portland.  Police say the 21-year-old man was shot last night off Northeast Hassalo Street.  He was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.  Police say a car was seen speeding off after officers arrived at the scene.  The suspect remains at large.

(Portland, OR)  --  The Multnomah County Health Department is holding a series of workshops to help educate the public about the novel coronavirus.  The department held its second Coronavirus 101 workshop yesterday for community health workers, home visitors and community educators.  The department plans to hold more workshops this week. 

(Portland, OR)  --  Clackamas County is declaring a state of emergency as it prepares for possible cases of novel coronavirus.  The county issued the state of emergency yesterday "to address the potential of future COVID-19 incidents."  So far, Oregon has had three cases of coronavirus.  Two of the patients live in Washington County, while the third is from Umatilla County.

(Lake Oswego, OR)  --  One woman is dead after crashing into a tree in Lake Oswego.  Police say the 61-year-old woman was driving along Iron Mountain Boulevard between Summit Drive and Fairway Road yesterday morning when her vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree.  She was rushed to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.  It's not yet clear what led to the crash.

(Portland, OR)  --  Police are searching for a suspect in connection to a deadly hit and run in northeast Portland.  Police say the victim was walking at Northeast 42nd Avenue and Halsey Street Saturday night when a vehicle crashed into them and then kept going.  First responders pronounced the victim dead at the scene of the crash.

(Portland, OR)  --  Health officials are confirming the second case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Oregon.  The Oregon Health Authority announced last night that a Washington County resident has tested positive for the virus.  Officials say the patient lives in the same home as the first person to be diagnosed with the virus in Oregon.  That patient tested positive on Friday.  Officials say both cases are considered presumptive until another test is done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm.

(Aloha, OR)  --  A woman is facing charges after allegedly stabbing her boyfriend in the neck.  The Washington County Sheriff's Office says 36-year-old Sabrina Peeler stabbed her boyfriend early Saturday morning during an argument at a home in Aloha.  The man reportedly fled to the Chevron station on T.V. Highway, where employees called 9-1-1.  Police arrested Peeler on multiple charges including attempted murder.

(Portland, OR)  --  A motorcycle rider is dead following a crash in southeast Portland.  Police say the crash happened between the motorcyclist and another vehicle Saturday night near Southeast 34th Avenue and Powell Boulevard.  The motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene.  An investigation into the crash is ongoing. 

(North Plains, OR)  --  Police say they've found some items belonging to a missing 20-year-old woman in a rural area of Washington County.  KATU News reports someone came across the belongings of Allyson Watterson Saturday along Pumpkin Ridge Road, near the area where she disappeared more than two months ago.  Watterson was last seen on December 22nd with her boyfriend, Ben Garland.  Watterson's mother says they were headed to a friend's home when their car broke down and they got separated.

(Seaside, OR)  --  A couple and their dog are back on dry land after becoming stranded at sea due to bad weather.  The U.S. Coast Guard says the 56-year-old woman and 55-year-old man were on a 44-foot recreational boat with their dog off the coast of Seaside Friday when they were beset by weather preventing them from crossing the bar.  A Coast Guard crew determined it wasn't safe to tow the boat across the bar, so they instructed the couple to stay on the boat with their life jackets on until the weather improved.  However, the weather didn't improve, and the Coast Guard decided to send out an aircrew to hoist the couple and their dog from the boat early Saturday morning.  The couple was back on dry land by 5:45 Saturday morning. 

(Vancouver, WA)  --  Friends and family members are saying their final goodbyes to a transgender teenager from Vancouver, Washington who was murdered in an alleged hate crime last year.  A memorial service took place last night for 18-year-old Nikki Kuhnhausen.  Authorities found her body in December after she went missing last June.  Police have arrested 27-year-old David Bogdanov on charges of second-degree murder and malicious harassment for her death.  Investigators believe Bogdanov strangled Kuhnhausen to death after she revealed to him that she'd been born male.  The two had reportedly been talking on Snapchat and had agreed to meet up on June 6th, which was the last day Kuhnhausen was seen alive.

(Portland, OR)  --  A lawyer is on the wrong side of the law after allegedly trying to dine-and-dash at a strip club.  The Washington County Sheriff's Office says 38-year-old Dylan Vinzant was at the strip club Friday night when he refused to pay his tab and then ran out, with bouncers chasing after him.  Police pursued him over fences, across some train tracks and through a train tunnel before catching up to him and arresting him.  He's facing charges of theft of services and trespassing.