te
Date: 08/20/2015 09:14 AM
AP-OR–2nd NewsMinute/244
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A wildfire in eastern Oregon that destroyed 36 homes and threatened 500 more has become the nation’s top priority for firefighting resources. Fire officials say the alert for the blaze 150 miles east of Portland is based on the danger to people and homes as well as the closure of a highway that is a major artery for the region and cuts through the fire perimeter.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has banned campfires and candles in state campgrounds and beaches due to the high number of wildfires burning around the state. Many local fire departments are short-staffed after sending engines to protect homes from wildfires around the state.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Former Gov. John Kitzhaber’s fiancee, Cylvia Hayes, has turned over thousands of her emails to the Marion County Circuit Court. The emails were delivered on a thumb drive yesterday, two weeks after a judge sided with the Oregonian in a public records dispute. Earlier this year, Hayes filed a lawsuit seeking to block the release.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – The Lane Transit District is one step closer to increasing its payroll tax in 2016. The Register-Guard of Eugene reports that the governing board conducted a first reading yesterday of an ordinance that would raise the tax, followed by a public hearing in which three residents opposed the proposal. A second reading and formal vote on the plan is scheduled for Sept. 16.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
