Date: 12/05/2012 03:59 AM
OR–1st NewsMinute/313
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Heavy winds and widespread rains are causing scattered problems in southwestern and coastal Oregon, and the weather forecasts call for “a burst of rain” that could cause flooding up and down the western edge of the state. Highway crews cleared trees from two highways yesterday, and rocks and debris from two more. The weather service expects rains that could cause flooding today along the north coast, inland valleys and the Cascade Range since the ground is saturated.
BEND, Ore. (AP) – The Deschutes County district attorney says a Bend police officer’s use of force with a combative patient outside St. Charles Medical Center was lawful and justified. The patient later died. KTVZ-TV reports that Patrick Flaherty issued a three-page report yesterday on his investigation into Officer Steve Craig’s actions last Aug. 12. Bend police have said 64-year-old Jerry Nichols of Bend was combative with staff at the hospital. Craig responded to a call for help with an out-of-control patient.
UMATILLA, Ore. (AP) – Authorities say an 86-year-old Umatilla, Ore., woman died from smoke inhalation after a fire started in her apartment. The East Oregonian says Opal Young’s caregiver found the fire when she went to visit the woman yesterday morning. The newspaper says the fire started in a plastic trash can next to the victim’s bed and was believed to be caused by a cigarette.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) – A former Clackamas County, Ore., elections worker charged with ballot tampering has pleaded not guilty. The Oregonian reports that Deanna Swenson did not speak yesterday during her brief arraignment in Circuit Court in Oregon City. Her next court appearance is set for Jan. 16. The 55-year-old registered Republican is accused of filling in down-ballot races left blank to cast additional votes for Republicans around Oct. 30 or 31.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
