AP-OR–1st NewsMinute,315
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
UNDATED (AP) – Oregon transportation officials have reopened a
highway through a Native American reservation were wildfires have
forced the mandatory evacuation of 18 homes. Firefighters reported
progress yesterday despite gusting winds and announced that a
section of the Deschutes (duh-SHOOTS’) River is reopening to
rafters and campers. The Oregon Transportation Department says U.S.
Highway 26 through the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
reservation has reopened. Fire crews hope to have the blazes
contained by Monday.
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) – Crews briefly evacuated homes in a
three-block area of the Portland suburb after a Northwest Natural
Gas relief valve was triggered and began venting natural gas into
the air. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue spokesman Storm Smith says
residents began calling 911 yesterday afternoon when they smelled
the odor of mercaptan, a chemical that the utility adds to natural
gas to give it a distinctive odor so leaks can be detected.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The U.S. attorney’s office says a
29-year-old man has pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge, and
the plea bargain calls for a 10-year sentence for the shooting
death of a man on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
reservation. Prosecutors accused Windy Harvey of shooting Warren
Wallulatum Jr. during an argument in August 2008. Sentencing is
scheduled for Nov. 16.
SCIO, Ore. (AP) – A teenager in the Willamette Valley town of
Scio, Ore., was helping clean out closets in an old lodge when she
found a black box full of human bones. KATU-TV reports that
Jennifer Minten was tidying the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
lodge. The Linn County sheriff says the bones could be anywhere
from 50 to 150 years old, although he doesn’t think the small box
is the original casket. Sheriff Tim Mueller says the bones appear
to be those of a fairly tall, muscular, adult man. Mueller says he
doesn’t believe foul play was involved.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-09-01-11 0404EDT
