1st Oregon News Minute from the AP

Date: 10/02/2013 03:59 AM

AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/273
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s health insurance marketplace is up and running, but technical problems are preventing people from enrolling in coverage. Tens of thousands of Oregonians went to coveroregon.com yesterday to scroll through insurance plans and prices, and find certified insurance agents to help them start buying coverage as mandated by the federal government. They can’t enroll, though, since the online system is incorrectly determining Medicaid and tax credit eligibility.

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) – Nearly 300 people are being laid off at Crater Lake National Park – employees of the park and the concessionaire – as a result of the federal government shutdown. Park Superintendent Craig Ackerman said yesterday that two snowplow drivers, and law enforcement and emergency medical personnel will continue working. But otherwise the entrances to the park are barricaded, and guests at Crater Lake Lodge and campgrounds have 48 hours to leave.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – An Oregon legislative committee has begun advancing a series of bills tackling changes to pensions, taxes and agricultural regulations. The action late yesterday came nearly 10 hours later than planned. Gov. John Kitzhaber and legislative leaders spent the day trying to nail down details and line up votes. The progress set the stage for votes in the full House and Senate today.

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) – Thirteen sheep that got into the traffic lanes of Interstate 84 in the Blue Mountains after dark were killed when a driver plowed into them. The State Police said the driver was uninjured. His car caught fire and was totaled, though. Authorities said yesterday it wasn’t clear how the herd got onto the interstate highway south of Pendleton.

 

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.