Date: 01/04/2016 04:00 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/329
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
BURNS, Ore. (AP) – One of the protesters occupying a national wildlife refuge in Oregon says the ultimate goal is to turn the land over to local authorities so people can use it free of federal oversight. Ryan Bundy – one of the sons of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, who was involved in a 2014 standoff with the government over grazing rights – told The Associated Press yesterday that the protesters want to “restore the rights to people so they can use the land and resources” for ranching, logging, mining and recreation.
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) – Officials in Vancouver are seeking community members to serve on two task forces that will be exploring options for new toll-free bridges across the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon. Each task force will include 10 community members from the two states to gather information and make written recommendations for a bridge design that can be constructed quickly. One group will explore options for a new bridge between I-205 and Troutdale, Ore. The other group will work on ideas for a bridge that will be located west of the Portland International Airport.
BEND, Ore. (AP) – A fourth-grade teacher in Central Oregon recently named the state’s teacher of the year will be celebrated at a community event in Bend next week. Heather Anderson, who teaches at an elementary school in Bend, was named Oregon’s 2016 Teacher of the Year. KTVZ reports that Bend-La Pine Schools Superintendent Shay Mikalson will recognize Anderson at the Jan. 12 gathering.
BEND, Ore. (AP) – Snowstorms over the past month have already pushed Sunriver past its snow average for the whole season. The Bend Bulletin reports an average winter season, measured from the first to last snowfall , brings about 60 inches of snow to Sunriver. Spokesman Brooke Snavely says Sunriver has already received about 70 inches this winter. Although some of the snow has melted or compressed, there is still about 30 inches of snow on the ground.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.