Date: 01/14/2016 03:59 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/285
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Linn County says it intends to file a class-action lawsuit against the state seeking $1.4 billion over the reduction of timber sales on Oregon Forest Trust Lands. County officials say they will file the lawsuit on behalf of 13 other counties as well. The threat of a lawsuit is the latest development in long-running disputes over the use of state forest lands.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Department of Corrections says it will reduce isolation and improve care for inmates with serious mental illness. Officials say they have entered into an agreement with the Disability Rights Oregon effective this month. Corrections officials will now allow the inmates more out-of-cell time and will provide enhanced access to mental health services. To make the changes, the department will ask the legislature for funding.
GRANT COUNTY, Ore. (AP) – Authorities say one man was injured and another walked away after a helicopter crash in Grant County. Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer says 60-year-old Cliff Hoeft, of Pilot Rock, was flying a 1988 Enstrom helicopter when it crashed. Palmer says the helicopter ran out of fuel. Hoeft was injured and transferred by aircraft to a hospital in Bend. Hoeft’s passenger, 34-year-old Cody J. Cole, of Monument, walked away from the crash and was taken to a hospital for observation.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – State lawmakers are looking for a better way to fund the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife amid budget woes at the agency. The Bulletin reports that hunters and anglers say they’ve been trapped in a vicious cycle with the department: As ODFW raises license fees to boost revenue, fewer people buy the licenses.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.