Date: 07/17/2014 04:00 AM
AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/316
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber has issued an emergency declaration in response to wildfires. Kitzhaber’s verbal declaration yesterday enables the Oregon National Guard to assist with firefighting as needed. Kitzhaber says the declaration will help protect people, property and natural areas. Hot and dry weather has fueled a number of wildfires across Oregon, forcing evacuations and closing roadways.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Romanian princess Irina Walker has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal gambling business in connection with a cockfighting enterprise in eastern Oregon. Walker and her husband, John, accepted plea deal in which the government dismissed charges of animal fighting and conspiracy to violate the animal welfare act. Sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 22. The government plans to seek a sentence of probation, along with the forfeiture of $200,000.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A Portland police captain who was suspended for posting a plaque that honored Nazi-era German soldiers will have the disciplinary action removed from his personnel file. The city of Portland agreed to that after Capt. Mark Kruger threatened a lawsuit. Kruger claimed a city official repeatedly slandered him in text messages by referring to him as a Nazi. Kruger posted the plaque in a city park in 1999 and removed it about five years later. He described himself as a military history buff, and denied any admiration for Nazis.
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) – The Coos County, Oregon, sheriff’s office says two men accused of attacking a third man with a baseball bat called for help after the beating victim grabbed a shotgun and fired two rounds into the air. The Register-Guard reports the sheriff’s office says the men went to the 23-year-old man’s home early yesterday with a bat and several aggressive dogs. Officers say the men took turns hitting the victim with the bat, causing extensive head, face and back injuries.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
