Date: 12/11/2015 03:59 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/254
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SEATTLE (AP) – Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has declared a state of emergency for 13 counties due to recent heavy rains, high winds, flooding and landslides. The counties include: Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill. The declaration ensures state resources, emergency response personnel and equipment can be activated to respond to communities if local resources are exhausted. The state of emergency is in effect until further notice.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Supreme Court has ruled that a Portland taxicab company must pay unemployment insurance taxes for certain drivers. The justices ruled that the Broadway Cab drivers are not independent contractors, who would be exempt from unemployment tax mandates. In a statement, Broadway Cab president Raye Miles says the company is disappointed in the court’s ruling.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) – Officials say an embattled Eugene employee has resigned after performing unlicensed engineering work. The Register-Guard reports that an investigation found that Tom Larsen approved city engineering plans without a license and updated his state-issued engineer’s stamp to do so. Larsen couldn’t be reached for comment.
SWEET HOME, Ore. (AP) – A mushroom picker reported missing in Linn County has been found unharmed. The Oregonian reports that Jason Lee Key was located about a half mile from where he was last seen. Sheriff Bruce Riley says Key was last spotted in a heavily wooded area in Sweet Home. Authorities say the 38-year-old Lebanon resident had hiked approximately 400 feet down some rough terrain.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
