Date: 10/11/2012 09:33 AM
OR–2nd NewsMinute/310
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon education officials’ report card ratings for public schools and districts shows that 31 percent of Oregon’s 1,155 schools were rated outstanding in 2011-2012 – up from 28 percent the year before. But schools judged to be in need of improvement also increased, from 8 percent to 10 percent. This is Oregon’s final year with the current version of school report cards. They are being redesigned as part of the state’s waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind law.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – The Eugene City Council is considering an ordinance that would fine property owners for out-of-control parties, especially those near the University of Oregon. The council yesterday decided to hold a Nov. 19 public hearing on student parties that draw police attention. Student government president Laura Hinman asked the council to postpone the public hearing and scrap the ordinance because it appears to specifically target students.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Opponents of Portland’s plan to add fluoride to the city’s water say they intend to turn in signature petitions a day ahead of a deadline and with thousands of signatures to spare. The City Council approved a plan last month to add fluoride by March 2014. Dental experts say fluoride is effective in fighting cavities. Opponents of public fluoridation say it’s unsafe and violates an individual’s right to consent to medication.
GARDINER, Ore. (AP) – A weekend break in a sewer line between Gardiner and Reedsport has sent an estimated 50,000 gallons of raw sewage into the Umpqua River. The World newspaper reports that the Gardiner Sanitary District shut down the line and sewage has been rerouted through a temporary pipe. Oregon Agriculture Department shellfish specialist Alex Manderson asked oyster farmers to delay harvesting for a few days. He said the spill shouldn’t affect fish.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.