AP-OR–1st NewsMinute,297
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon forecasters say heavy rains
expected this week across much of Western Oregon could bring more
flooding. High winds are also expected along the coast. Last week’s
flooding was blamed for two deaths and soaked cities up and down
the Willamette River valley. The National Weather Service has
issued a flood watch from this afternoon through Thursday afternoon
for much of northwest Oregon.
ESTACADA, Ore. (AP) – Clackamas County officials say rescue
workers have searched without success for a 6-year-old girl who
fell into the frigid, rain-swollen Clackamas River and was swept
downstream. Vinesa Snegur’s father raced along the river but
couldn’t keep up after his daughter fell in Sunday afternoon. The
waterway is running fast and cold from a recent winter storm. About
50 ground searchers and divers suspended their search at nightfall
yesterday.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Marion County Jail inmates in Salem, Ore.,
were temporarily kept in the exercise yard while deputies searched
every cell and all common areas of the jail. Commander Sheila
Lorance gave the order to search yesterday after learning that two
small razor blades had been found in the possession of different
inmates. A sheriff’s spokesman says the search involving 35 law
enforcement officers and six canines took place after the 400
inmates ate breakfast.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Gov. John Kitzhaber’s top managers have
approved more than 1,000 exceptions to a state government hiring
freeze, most on the grounds of protecting public safety, since the
freeze was ordered six weeks ago. The Oregonian reports that only
about 200 appeals have been turned down. After state tax
collections fell short of what was forecast, Kitzhaber ordered the
freeze effective Dec. 14 and created an “exception committee” of
five top managers to hear requests to fill jobs.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-01-24-12 0403EST