2nd AP Northwest News Minute

Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A Salem man has died in a Philippines jail after being arrested while on vacation. The Statesman Journal reports that 51-year-old Mark Pikl was on vacation in Cebu City, Philippines, when he was arrested. Cebu City police say there was no foul play in Pikl’s death on Thursday. An autopsy has not yet been conducted.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A Colorado couple is facing charges for allegedly defrauding an Oregon retiree of more than $2.5 million. The Oregonian reports that Hiep Cong Van and Thy Minh Phan appeared in court yesterday. Van pleaded not guilty. Phan’s arraignment was rescheduled, because she required an interpreter who spoke Vietnamese.

GLADSTONE, Ore. (AP) – Fire officials want to ban motor vehicle access on a sandbar at a Gladstone park after a recent drowning in the Willamette River. The Oregonian reports a man from New York drowned Sunday after he drove onto the sandbar and the rising tide forced the vehicle into the water. Two others in the vehicle were rescued.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A state commission is recommending that Molalla and Chetco rivers be designated as scenic waterways. The Molalla is an undammed tributary of the Willamette River. The Chetco is in southwest Oregon. Scenic designations would require permits for some logging and construction near the rivers.

 

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