Oregon News from the AP

Date: 07/04/2013 03:59 AM

AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/319
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – An Eastern Oregon fire near the Owyhee Dam and reservoir got active in windy weather yesterday. A fire spokeswoman says the fire burned intensely on its eastern flank, and fire crews again closed a road popular with recreational users of the canyon. She said flames could threaten some cabins and a state parks building, but they were not in immediate danger. The Owyhee Fire is burning on about 70 square miles.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The state Senate has approved a bill that would legalize and license medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon. The bill passed 18-12 Wednesday. It now goes to the House, which approved an earlier version of the bill but must agree to the Senate’s changes. Under the current medical marijuana program, cardholders must grow the drug themselves or designate someone to grow it for them. If the bill passes, patients will be able to buy their medicine from a local dispensary.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Legislature has passed a bill to help struggling timber counties handle elections, collect taxes and handle veterans services. The Senate vote yesterday in Salem was unanimous, sending the bill to Gov. John Kitzhaber. The Legislature has yet to act on a more significant bill, which would allow the governor to declare a public safety emergency in counties that refuse to vote for enough tax revenue to finance their sheriff’s departments and jails.

KEIZER, Ore. (AP) – Police in Keizer say a southwest Washington man has been arrested for investigation of burglary after a couple arrived home to find a stranger taking a shower in their home. Lt. Lance Inman says the woman called 911 on Monday while her husband tried to keep the intruder from fleeing. Police found the man wearing only a towel around his waist as the homeowner continued trying to restrain him. Officers arrested 29-year-old Francis Lucero of La Center, Wash.

 

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.