Salem-News.com Madras articles Page 2

Police Need Public Help Locating Wanted Madras Man

Several central Oregon police agencies seek information on wanted Madras man.

(MADRAS, Ore.) - Police are asking for the public's help in locating a Madras man wanted after two separate eluding incidents over the weekend in Jefferson and Deschutes counties.

28-year old Carl Jake Williams III of Madras was reportedly involved in the two incidents on Saturday and Sunday; he is wanted for eluding State, county and city police officers.

One Driver Dies in Crash Involving Two Semi-Trucks

Debris from the vehicles,which consisted of a large amount of tomato juice from the southbound vehicle's load, was spread out across the highway and had to be cleared from the scene.

(MADRAS, Ore.) - Police say one person is dead following a head-on crash involving two semi-trucks on Highway 97 near milepost 191. The crash, which closed Highway 97 for approximately 7 hours, is now open to one lane traffic.

Madras Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Oregon State Police troopers from the Bend Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

(MADRAS, Ore.) - Police say a Madras-area man died at a Bend hospital from injuries sustained in a Saturday afternoon two vehicle crash in Madras on Highway 361 at SW Belmont Lane.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Don Wagner says that Saturday around 1:00 PM, a 1981 Honda motorcycle operated by 51-year old Wayne Schjoll of Madras, was southbound on Culver Highway when it was struck by a 1975 Chevrolet pickup driven by 28-year old Jeremy Pollock of Culver.

Oregon Lays a Hero to Rest (VIDEO)

Hate protestors from Kansas stayed home, getting cold feet rightfully influenced by the thousands of veterans on hand. Oregon is the first state to intimidate them out of attending, many hope it isn't the last.

(REDMOND) - Oregon laid a hero to rest Saturday. U.S. Army Private First Class Thomas Tucker of Madras, Oregon was killed in Iraq. He was a member of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Tom Tucker was loved by thousands in this rural central Oregon community.

Anti-Gay Hate Group Will Protest Funeral of War Hero Thomas Tucker

A law was recently signed into effect by President Bush that bans protests at funerals in national cemeteries, the rule offers no protection for the Tucker family though in Eastern Oregon.

(MADRAS) - The anti-gay hate group from Topeka, Kansas that operates the Website godhatesfags.com, has announced that they will hold a protest at the funeral of Pfc Thomas Tucker of Madras, Oregon this weekend and the funeral of Pfc Kristian Menchaca of Houston, Texas, who was also killed in Iraq.

The group that hails from the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka is headed by the notorious Pastor Fred Phelps. He claims that American soldiers are dying in Iraq because homosexuality is condoned in American homes.

According to the rumor mill, very little proof of that theory exists in Topeka, Kansas.

Governor Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Memory of Oregon Soldier

Flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday in honor of Private First Class Thomas L. Tucker.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski has ordered that all flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff on Monday, in memory of Private First Class Thomas L. Tucker of Madras, Oregon.

PFC Tucker was assigned to the Army`s 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

He was killed on or about June 16th near Baghdad, Iraq.

"Private First Class Tucker was a son of Oregon and a true American Hero. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family..."

Family of Pfc Thomas Tucker Says Army Has Confirmed Their Son`s Death

(MADRAS) - At approximately 1:30 PM Thursday, the family of Private first class Tom Tucker received official notification from the Army confirming the death of their son.

Pvt. 1st Class Tom Tucker's body is still at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Memorial service arrangements are pending and will be put forward as soon as details are
finalized.

Wesley Tucker, Tom's father, has stated that he has no anger towards the Iraqi people, because they are not the ones responsible for the death of their son. The fault lies with the insurgents.

Memorial Fund Set-Up For Private First Class Thomas Tucker

An earlier version of this story stated that the fund would be used to bring Tom Tucker's body home. The U.S. Army says they pay the fees for the transportation, and it is not incumbent on the family to do so. We apoligize for the mistake.

(MADRAS) - Private first class Thomas Tucker thrived on adrenaline, whether he was working construction in Oregon or manning checkpoints in Iraq.

Word slowly spread Tuesday that his body and that of a Houston soldier had been found in Iraq. Both were tortured.

On Wednesday, Tucker's father, Wes Tucker, was on N-B-C's Today show. He talked with pride about his son's enthusiasm and devotion to his work.

In one of his last phone calls home, Tucker's mother, Meg Tucker, said on the Today show that she told him to get enough sleep. "He said, 'Mom, I've only been here for five months. These men have been here for a year.' He said, 'I don't mind. I don't mind. I will do my share.'"

Oregon Mourns a Soldier (AUDIO)

Local radio and TV stations are staying close to the story, hear reports from our news partner, Newsradio 1190 KEX in Portland, Oregon.

(MADRAS) - The family and friends of Army Private First Class Thomas Tucker of Madras, a soldier believed to have been killed in Iraq this week, say they appreciate the outpouring of support from people all around the nation.

U.S. Maj. Gen. William Caldwell said the remains found by U.S. troops were believed to be those of Thomas Tucker, 25, and Private First Class Kristian Menchaca, 23, of Houston, Texas.

Statement From the Family of PFC Thomas L. Tucker

(MADRAS) - The family of Tom Tucker would like to thank the community of Madras and all of Central Oregon. Especially the people at Brightwood, the school district, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and the Oregon National Guard.

They want everyone to know that it may seem like they are secluded with the roadblocks and extra security, but, they are very grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, food and love that the community has shown.

They are watching the news and can see all the support this community and the nation is providing.