1st Oregon News Minute from the AP

AP-OR–1st NewsMinute,301
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A robust November storm sweeping through
Oregon packed winds strong enough to blow over a tractor-trailer
rig on the coast and topple trees, blocking a major highway in
Western Oregon. Falling trees closed Oregon Highway 18, which
connects Portland’s southwestern suburbs to Lincoln City on the
coast. The Oregon Transportation Department pulled cleanup crews
out until today due to the danger. The National Weather Service
reported a peak wind gust of 97 mph on Mount Hebo, about 12 miles
inland from the coast.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Death penalty proponents say Oregon Gov. John
Kitzhaber is usurping the will of voters who have supported capital
punishment by imposing a moratorium on the death penalty for the
remainder of his term. In revealing his decision yesterday, the
Democrat said he’s morally opposed to capital punishment and has
long regretted allowing two men to be executed in the 1990s. His
moratorium gives a temporary reprieve to Gary Haugen who was
scheduled to be executed in two weeks.

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Jackson County sheriff’s officers say
evidence indicates that the deaths of two people found early
yesterday at a Shady Cove residence were a murder-suicide. However,
spokeswoman Andrea Carlson says the case remains under
investigation until the medical examiner has a chance to review it.
The Medford Mail Tribune reports both suffered gunshot wounds.

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) – Friends and family say a 23-year-old man
killed while walking on a popular bike path in Ashland over the
weekend worked at a local grocery story, lived for music, enjoyed
reading science fiction, and was generous and thoughtful to others.
David Grubbs was found dead late Saturday afternoon where the
Central Ashland Bike Path passes a park and an elementary school.
Police say Grubbs was cut by a large sharp object.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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