Date: 01/15/2013 10:39 AM
OR–3rd NewsMinute/298
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BEND, Ore. (AP) – A Bend couple goes on trial today in federal court in Eugene, four years after an investigation began into what prosecutors call a real estate scheme that left investors $4 million poorer. The Bend Bulletin reports the trial is expected to last two weeks. Tami Sawyer, a former real estate broker, and Kevin Sawyer, a former captain on the Bend police, are accused of siphoning investment money for their own use, such as to pay bills, make car payments and buy a vacation home in Mexico.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Trail Blazers are making another attempt to sell naming rights to the Rose Garden. The Oregonian reports the team has hired a Los Angeles firm, Premier Partnerships, that specializes in such deals. Team president Chris McGowan says a new name might be on the arena by the start of next season.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Eugene voters could be asked in May to approve a fee of up to $10 a month to help pay for city services such as the fire department, ambulance system and library. The city council voted last night to hold a public hearing on the proposed fee. The council is looking at the fee increases to close a $6 million gap between expected revenue in the next year and projected city expenses.
BAKER CITY, Ore. (AP) – ODOT is installing a new reader board and snow zone signs on Interstate 84 in the Blue Mountains, the same general stretch of freeway where a bus plunged down a ravine last month, killing nine passengers. The Oregonian reports the variable message board west of Baker City will alert eastbound travelers of upcoming road conditions and winter chain requirements. The signs are scheduled to be installed next summer. They were planned before the bus crash.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.