Date: 02/06/2013 10:32 AM
OR–3rd NewsMinute/320
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) – Customers who want to show support for religious freedom have been ringing up sales at the “Sweet Cakes” bakery in Gresham where owner Aaron Klein refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. Klein told KGW he’s sticking by his decision despite the complaint by a lesbian couple to the state that could bring him a $50,000 fine. The lesbian couple released a statement yesterday saying they’re humbled by all the support they have received, including offers for a free cake and free wedding.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Portland tech startup Urban Airship has received another $25 million in new backing and plans to double its workforce this year. The company currently has about 120 employees. The Oregonian reports Urban Airship makes software for “push” notifications for smartphone apps. For example, it could notify a user of a sports score or let a pharmacy customer know a prescription is ready.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – The Lane County Board of Commissioners indicated they will be ready next Tuesday to send a property tax levy to voters that would slow down the so-called revolving door at the county jail. The revenue would allow the jail to hold 120 more inmates. The jail has a capacity of more than 500 inmates but because of staffing cuts it holds only 135 county offenders. Many are released early because of lack of space. The Register-Guard reports the board heard from people at last night’s meeting who said early release contributed to burglaries.
GLENEDEN BEACH, Ore. (AP) – Scientists say a 30-foot boat that washed ashore on Gleneden Beach on the central Oregon coast appears to be debris from the March 2011 Japan tsunami. Wildlife officials say it’s believed to have been a support vessel for a commercial fishing boat. The boat was found yesterday embedded in the sand with most of the hull exposed.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
