Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) – More than 30 states have filed briefs asking the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on same-sex marriage. Massachusetts filed a brief on behalf of 14 other states -including Oregon – arguing that by withholding the rights associated with marriage, states relegate gay and lesbian couples to a second-class status. Colorado and 16 other states that have banned same-sex marriage filed a separate brief asking the court to rule one way or the other to clear up the numerous lawsuits.
VALE, Ore. (AP) – Federal officials say it could take a few years to rehabilitate sage and grass lands burned this summer in Eastern Oregon. The Ontario Argus Observer reports that much of the land in two fires in Malheur and Harney counties was habitat for sage grouse, which are under consideration for protection on the endangered species list.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A federal agency is recommending continued operation of hatcheries in the Columbia River Basin, with focus on programs that minimize risks to wild salmon and steelhead. The recommendation is part of a hatchery management plan by NOAA Fisheries released yesterday.
PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) – A small town in Umatilla County that hasn’t had a police officer since the last one resigned in January has agreed to pay the county for a deputy sheriff. Like many Eastern Oregon towns, Weston has had trouble keeping officers as they often move on quickly to larger agencies. The total for the three-year contract is about $340,000.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
