AP-OR–1st NewsMinute,310
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Road crews have removed more than two
dozen trees from Oregon 18 and cleared the road through the Coast
Range. The first of two storm systems to sweep in from the Pacific
blew down the trees Tuesday. The wind was so heavy the state crews
pulled back Tuesday night and completed the job yesterday. Another
blast is expected today. The Transportation Department says the
closure of the highway is a reminder of the importance of preparing
for bad-weather driving, including keeping the fuel tank as full as
possible.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A condemned inmate spared by a reprieve from
Oregon’s governor is applauding Gov. John Kitzhaber’s decision to
temporarily halt all executions and start a statewide debate about
the death penalty. Kitzhaber said he’s morally opposed to the death
penalty and Oregon’s system of capital punishment is arbitrary,
inequitable and expensive. Two-time murderer Gary Haugen told The
Oregonian in a phone interview from prison yesterday that the
governor cited some of the same criticisms that the 49-year-old
Haugen has raised.
SHADY COVE, Ore. (AP) – Authorities say a murder-suicide in
Southern Oregon has left four children orphans. Officers identify
the dead as 30-year-old Makiala Lynn Upton and her husband,
36-year-old Dewayne Garrett Upton of Shady Cove. The Medford Mail
Tribune reports that the Jackson County sheriff’s office says the
children are staying with relatives and are safe. Their ages were
not immediately available.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Two homeless men have been convicted of
third-degree assault for a fight with a Glenwood man and sentenced
in Lane County Circuit Court. The Register-Guard reports
44-year-old John Henry Chartrand was sentenced Monday to a year in
jail and 49-year-old Carl Nels Pyritz to two years in prison.
Pyritz got the longer term because of his criminal record. Their
lawyer argued the beating in August was in self-defense.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-11-24-11 0401EST
