Date: 12/23/2015 03:59 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/275
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The backlog of untested forensic evidence at the Oregon State Police’s five crime laboratories has nearly doubled over the past 10 years. A state audit shows a backlog of nearly 3,700 cases, and it says it’s partly because staffing levels have not kept up with increased demands for testing. Auditors say the Forensics Division has taken steps to improve efficiency, but recommend additional ways to improve the flow of cases and stop duplicating work.
LAS VEGAS (AP) – An Oregon wrestling coach who was in Las Vegas on Sunday for a college tournament says he and some of his players were outside the Planet Hollywood hotel-casino when a car came up over the curb. Severin Walsh says four wrestlers in his group of 20 players and coaches from Pacific University were struck at the end of the crash scene, suffering cuts, minor injuries and soreness that lingered days later. The 24-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court today.
BEND, Ore. (AP) – No new marijuana businesses will be allowed to open in unincorporated areas of Deschutes County as commissioners instituted a temporary ban. The Bulletin of Bend reports that county commissioners will revisit the ban in 90 days. The ban does not affect potential businesses within city limits.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – While lack of snow kept the Mount Ashland Ski Area closed for much of last year, the slopes have closed again as heavy snow knocked out power. The Mail Tribune reports that officials say the recent drought contributed to the outages, as trees stressed by two dry years didn’t stand up to the heavy snow.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.