Date: 02/18/2014 04:00 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/283
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Portland Public Schools and the local teachers union met with the state mediator on Monday in hopes of avoiding a strike. The Oregonian reports they worked through the weekend and district leaders expressed optimism about their efforts after weeks of no progress. If they do not reach an agreement, Portland teachers could go on the first strike in the district’s history.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon House has approved a measure that Democrats say would help prevent future technology debacles like the troubled rollout of Cover Oregon. The bill would require an independent quality-assurance contractor be involved with some large technology projects. The 40-18 vote on Monday came over the objections of Republicans, who point out that Cover Oregon had a quality-assurance contractor, but its warnings were ignored. The measure goes next to the Senate.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Police and striking Medford teachers say a man employed as a substitute teacher drove too close to a picket line, pulling up on the grass within striking distance of the teachers. The Medford Mail Tribune reports 47-year-old Monte Muirhead was cited by Medford police for reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. The incident was reported Monday, and took place on Thursday. Negotiations between the Medford Education Association and the school district stalled Feb. 6 and the Medford teachers’ strike began.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A Wilsonville woman freed herself from a tree that crashed through her roof and briefly trapped her on her bed. Gusty weather has blown through the Oregon coast and Willamette Valley. KGW-TV reports the tree split and fell on the woman’s home early Monday. She freed herself and drove to the hospital.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
