AP-OR–2nd Right Now/1164
RANCHING STANDOFF
Lawyers: Bundy intended occupation to end up in civil court
(Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Newly-filed court documents say Ammon Bundy intended the takeover of an Oregon wildlife refuge to lead to a civil court taking up the constitutionality of federal land management policy.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports documents filed Monday show the 40-year-old leader of the occupation didn’t expect arrests and indictments. Instead, documents say Bundy thought the government would issue a refuge eviction claim.
Documents say Bundy is now asking for the indictments to be dismissed, arguing the federal government lacks jurisdiction over the sanctuary in eastern Oregon.
Bundy is one of more than two dozen people facing federal indictment after a 41-day armed protest at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. During the occupation that started Jan. 2, they demanded the government turn over the land to locals and release two ranchers imprisoned for setting fires.
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SHERIFF INVESTIGATION
Deputies vote ‘no confidence’ in Multnomah County sheriff
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The union that represents patrol deputies has “no confidence” in Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton.
President Matt Ferguson of the Multnomah County Deputy Sheriff’s Association announced the vote Monday, saying Staton is not fit to lead.
The sheriff has been under fire for months, even since a chief deputy threatened legal action on grounds that Staton made inappropriate comments and created a hostile work environment.
The vote of no confidence comes days after the Oregon Department of Justice completed an investigation of the sheriff and found no criminal wrongdoing.
The union says Staton leads “ruthlessly and unpredictably through fear and favoritism,” and has lost sight of the community’s demand for accountability and transparency.
A sheriff’s office spokesman did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment from Staton.
DOMINOS-CUSTOMER RESCUED
Domino’s Pizza crew helps save Salem customer’s life
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Employees at a Domino’s Pizza shop in Salem have been credited with saving a customer’s life.
The team had become concerned Sunday after not hearing from one of their regular customers, Kirk Alexander, in 11 days.
The store’s assistant manager, Jenny Seiber, says they sent a delivery driver to Alexander’s home. The employee noticed lights and a television on inside, but calls to the man and a knock on his door went unanswered. The team then instructed the driver to call 911.
Marion County sheriff’s deputies responded and heard Alexander calling for help. Lt. Chris Baldridge says they entered the home and found Alexander suffering from undisclosed medical problems that could’ve ended his life.
The 48-year-old was reported in stable condition Monday.
The employees say they’re happy he’s doing better.
HERMISTON SHOOTINGS
2 injured during exchange of gunfire in Hermiston
(Information from: East Oregonian, http://www.eastoregonian.com)
PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) — Gunfire in Hermiston sent a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy to the hospital.
Hermiston Police Chief Jason Edmiston says officers responded Saturday to a report of gunfire on Southeast Fourth Street. Some officers were then redirected to Good Shepherd Medical Center, where two victims arrived separately in the emergency room.
The chief says the two were transported elsewhere to receive further care for their non-life threatening injuries.
The East Oregonian reports authorities have made one arrest but the investigation remains active.
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OREGON EDUCATION-SCIENCE STANDARDS
Oregon to begin new science standards tests in 2018
(Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com)
BEND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon schools will begin teaching to a new science standard and plans to introduce new science tests in 2018.
The Bulletin reports that Oregon has begun phasing in the new Next Generation Science Standards, which are used by 18 states and emphasize hands-on learning and cross-cutting concepts such as cause and effect or stability and change.
Officials say it’s too soon to tell what the tests will look like, but that the standards move away from memorization.
The science standards pair with the state’s Smarter Balanced tests for English language arts and math, which debuted last year. Previously, schools used the old Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test for science.
Oregon Department of Education officials say the delay between the new standards and introducing the tests is typical.
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FILBERT BLIGHT FIGHT
Springfield officials look to replace blight-infected trees
(Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com)
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) — A Springfield parks district is raising money to remove and replace blight-infected trees at Dorris Ranch, a park, filbert tree farm and special event venue.
The Register-Guard reports that the Willamalane Park and Recreation District has raised more than $5,000 toward gradually removing the trees infected with eastern filbert blight, a fungus, and replacing them with healthy, disease-resistant trees.
Willamalane estimates it will cost $300,000 to $400,000 to remove the diseased trees and plant about 7,300 new ones. It will pay for the work using donations as well as proceeds from filbert —also known as hazelnut — sales.
Workers have already cut down about 1,400 of the sickliest trees. New trees will be planted in the fall.
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KLAMATH ETHICS COMPLAINT
Ethics complaint reveals split on Klamath Irrigation board
(Information from: Herald and News, http://www.heraldandnews.com)
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — Two Klamath Irrigation District board members have filed complaints against their colleagues, saying they broke public meeting laws.
The complaint filed with the state ethics commission says Board Chairman Brent Cheyne, Board Vice President Grant Knoll and board member Ken Smith decided prior to public discussion to fire district manager Mark Stuntebeck. He later agreed to resign.
The complaint filed by board members Dave Cacka and Greg Carleton also says the board also tackled subjects not allowed in executive session on Feb. 29 and March 15.
A separate complaint sent to the Oregon State Bar alleges legal counsel Nathan Rietmann “aided and coached” a majority of the board to violate the public meeting law.
Rietmann declined comment when reached by the Herald and News of Klamath Falls .
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WRONG WAY CRASH-ACID
Wrong-way driver slams into semitrailer carrying acid on I-5
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — A semitrailer carrying hydrochloric acid has been struck by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 5 north of Grants Pass.
The Oregon State Patrol says the semitrailer had been heading north on Sunday when it was struck by a vehicle going the wrong direction. The wrong-way driver was identified as 27-year-old Ashley Whipple, who was hospitalized with minor injuries. She was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants and released.
The semitrailer driver was uninjured.
Initial reports had said the collision caused an acid spill, but a hazardous materials team from Medford that responded to the scene says there were no chemical leaks.
The northbound lanes were reopened after several hours.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.