Date: 05/16/2014 09:26 AM
AP-OR–2nd NewsMinute/240
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
HILLSBORO, Ore. (AP) – A man whose body was found in a ditch near Hillsboro has been identified as a work-release inmate from the Washington County Community Corrections Center. Deputies say Ruendy Gutierrez of Hillsboro had failed to return on April 7. He was sentenced on March 28 on methamphetamine charges. He was on leave during the day and supposed to return at night.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Prosecutors say a former Portland woman has pleaded guilty to stealing identities to get more than $400,000 in federal income tax refunds. They say Latisha Simmons filed more than 50 phony returns in a two-week period in January 2012. She was arrested in January in Arizona, where she now lives.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon grape growers say herbicide drift is damaging vineyards. The Capital Press reports grape growers are calling for the state to ban 2,4-D use during the April to October growing season. One vineyard manager says herbicide drift damages grapes, blueberries, nursery stock and organic crops – all valuable and expanding sectors of farming.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Fresh off their surprising run in the playoffs, the Portland Trail Blazers have signed head coach Terry Stotts to a multi-year contract extension. Stotts led the Blazers to a 54-28 regular-season record, for the team’s biggest improvement in team history. Portland made the playoffs for the first time since 2011 and advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.