1st Oregon News Minute from the AP

Date: 02/13/2015 03:59 AM

AP-OR–1st NewsMinute/264
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Oregon’s top legislative leaders have called on Gov. John Kitzhaber to resign because of a growing ethics scandal. Senate President Peter Courtney said yesterday that he and House Speaker Tina Kotek had asked for Kitzhaber to give up the office. The scandal has unfolded in the wake of influence-peddling allegations involving the governor’s fiancee.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Reporters camped outside the home of embattled Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber have been joined by deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Oregon State Police provides security for Kitzhaber, but sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Ray says the agency requested extra help because of the large media presence. Ray says troopers wanted to ensure they can freely come and go from the governor’s home in southwest Portland.

COQUILLE, Ore. (AP) – A Coos County jury has found a 49-year-old man guilty of conspiring to have two witnesses killed during his trial six years ago on charges of raping a teenage girl. The World newspaper of Coos Bay reports that Kenneth Moore was sentenced Wednesday to 32 years in prison. Moore was convicted of raping the girl, but the conviction was thrown out.

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) – A bill to renew federal subsidies to timber counties has been filed in the Senate. The Secure Rural Schools program made up for federal timber revenues that declined as environmental protections reduced national forest logging, but it expired last year. The latest version calls for sharing $360 million with counties across the country. The program has been particularly important in Oregon timber counties.

 

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