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Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Police in Medford are investigating the death of a 31-year-old woman found in her apartment. The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that Maria Victoria McDonald died of asphyxiation, although the manner of her death is still undetermined. McDonald was found Friday night. Police say her death appears to be suspicious. Detectives from several law enforcement agencies are investigating.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) – The Polk County sheriff wants help solving the 7-year-old cold case of a missing man. The Albany Democrat-Herald says new information has turned up in the disappearance of 56-year-old Glenn Pennie. The sheriff says someone coming forward may solve the case. Pennie was last seen by a neighbor Oct. 3, 2004, at Pennie’s home 10 miles south of Dallas. He had told friends he was on his way to settle his father’s estate in Oakland, Calif. A reward for information is at $7,000.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – A vivid drawing on the front of an east Medford pipe shop has ignited a debate over whether the mural is art, graffiti, or another counterculture reference. Medford officials cited the shop, known as 42 degrees – similar to the popular marijuana reference “420” – for graffiti. Business owner Adam Spiegel tells the Mail-Tribune it can’t be graffiti because he authorized it. He considers it a piece of art. Most of the mural is painted onto two roll-up doors visible when the business is closed.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s expected drop in fuel tax revenue is sending officials into new directions for assessing road user tax. The Albany Democrat-Herald reports the answer may be in measuring mileage and giving drivers a choice in how it’s done. A task force working on the issue in the Oregon Department of Transportation in 2006 looked at a GPS-based system that could track the miles a vehicle was driven. The idea drew opposition because drivers feared it could be used for surveillance.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.