Date: 08/19/2013 03:59 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/297
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
THE DALLES, Ore. (AP) – A group of wildfires near The Dalles is threatening about 70 homes. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office said yesterday that the fire is about a mile and a half from some structures. Residents in the area have been given notice to be ready for evacuation. Three fires are in the area, with the largest covering about 700 acres in The Dalles watershed.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Authorities say a convicted murderer has been killed at the Oregon State Penitentiary. The Department of Corrections says 45-year-old Joseph Akins was found in his cell Saturday morning. Officials said yesterday that an autopsy determined that Akins died of inflicted trauma and that his death was ruled a homicide. The Department of Corrections says an inmate suspect has been identified and is being held in segregation as the investigation continues. No name was released.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Law enforcement authorities in Eugene are encrypting their radio channel to prevent the public from listening to police activity. Police Lt. Nathan Reynolds told the Eugene Register-Guard that officials are trying to improve safety for officers. He says there are times when an officer responds to a crime and finds the suspect listening to the local police scanner. The move will also block public access for law-abiding hobbyists and others who want to keep tabs on police activity.
VALDEZ, Alaska (AP) – Work continues on plans to salvage an Oregon-based fishing vessel that ran aground near Valdez. The 65-foot fishing tender Fate Hunter, based in Astoria, grounded Aug. 11 about four miles west of the Prince William Sound community. It had 1,900 gallons of fuel and oil aboard, as well as 75 tons of fish. The four people on board were not injured.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
