Salem-News.com Vancouver articles Page 5

Gaza Conflict Sends Gas Prices Higher to Start 2009

The Oregon average for regular unleaded increases six-and-a-half cents in the past week to $1.81 while the national average gains seven cents to $1.69.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Continued fighting between Israeli and Palestinian forces in the Gaza Strip over the past week, and optimism for a resumption in economic growth in 2009 have propped up the price of oil and sent pump prices higher to start the new year, says AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.

"The Oregon average for regular unleaded increases six-and-a-half cents this week to $1.81, while the national average gains seven cents to $1.69. Despite the increases, drivers are still paying the lowest prices in nearly five years with the Oregon and national averages at their lowest point since February 2004."

She says just a year ago our national and Oregon averages were at $3.11, and crude oil first passed $100 a barrel.

Clark County Winter Weather Update: Hazardous Road Conditions

Vancouver crews unrelenting in battle with constant snow; Residents urged to stay off snow-packed, icy streets‏.

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - As steady snowfall continues to cloak the City of Vancouver, unrelenting Public Works crews maintain their push to keep open critical streets connecting fire, police and hospitals.

All streets within the city were reported open as of 5:00 PM, but snow-packed and extremely slick in many areas as temperatures dropped. Side streets were socked with snow, 3 to 4 inches deep.

Vancouver Public Works urges residents to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel if at all possible. For those who must drive, chains or traction tires are recommended. Please remain a safe distance from snow plows and other equipment, giving them ample room to safely do their job.

Vancouver Residents Need to Use Caution During Storms

Persistent deicing keeps main Vancouver streets clear; caution urged on slick side streets‏.

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - Persistent deicing by Public Works street crews have kept main Vancouver roadways wet and clear, despite freezing temperatures that have created slick side streets in areas throughout the city.

Arrest Made in Vancouver School Bomb Threat

The devices found at the school were determined to be coincidental and not related to the threat that was made.

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - An arrest was made today over the bomb threat at Evergreen High School on December 16th, according to Vancouver Police.

The investigation by the Evergreen High School school resource officer reportedly led to the arrest of a 15-year old male who is an Evergreen School District student.

Vancouver Police Respond to Bomb Threat at Evergreen High School‏

One additional suspicious device was located outside of the school, along with a backpack located outside the school sitting out in the open on the Evergreen High School campus

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - Vancouver Police responded to a bomb threat at Evergreen High School today at 10:10 AM. A student notified school security of a note in one of the school's bathrooms referencing a possible bomb threat.

Kim Kapp with Vancouver Police, says school security notified the Vancouver Police School Resource Officer assigned to Evergreen High School and the school was locked down immediately.

Gas Prices Tick Up for First Time in 86 Days

Oregon AAA says they are still at lowest level in nearly five years.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Oregon AAA says we've seen the national average tick up twice in the past week, after 86 consecutive days of declines.

"This development signals a potential period of firming prices during the upcoming holiday travel period," AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says.

"The national average falls nearly four cents in the past week to $1.66, while Oregon's average drops nearly eight cents to $1.73. Both averages are at their lowest point since February 2004 and more than $1.30 a gallon lower than a year ago."

Vancouver Police Release Composite of Armed Robbery Suspect

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic in his 30's approximately five foot seven, 250 pounds, with a heavy build.

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - Vancouver Police responded to an armed robbery at Quik Cash Payday Loans, 5210 E. Fourth Plain Blvd December 8th at approximately 7:20 PM.

Oregon Average falls to $1.80; National Average drops below $1.70

Gas prices continue to drop like a rock, with the national average reaching its lowest point since March 2004, and Oregon's average falling to levels we last saw in January 2005.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The national average hasn't been this low since March 1st, 2004 when it was $1.69 a gallon. Regular unleaded fell 11 cents in the past week to just under $1.70. Oregon's average is the lowest it's been since January 2005. It drops 12 cents this week to $1.80, says AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds.

"Both averages are more than $2.40 a gallon lower than the record highs of more than $4 a gallon set in July. That's a decline of about 58% in just five months."

The price of crude oil has fallen more than $100 per barrel since setting the record high of $147 per barrel on July 11, 2008. Today crude is trading at about $43 per barrel, after dropping to $40.81 last Friday. Dodds says, "The steep decline in crude prices is because of the faltering global economy and the resulting soft demand for fuel in the coming months."

Falling Gas and Oil Prices Bring Some Relief

Gas prices continue to plummet, with the Oregon average dropping 9 cents this week and the national average losing 15 cents. Both averages are at their lowest level since mid-April.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "If there's a silver lining in all of the bad economic news, it may be that gas and oil prices are declining. The national average for regular unleaded plunges 15 cents this week to $3.48, while Oregon's average drops another 9 cents to $3.49. Both are at their lowest points since mid-April." AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says "AAA predicts pump prices will continue to drop with our national average falling to near $3.00 a gallon before Thanksgiving."

Phone Lines in Washington Cities are Down

Authorities in Washington say people need to flag down police or fire if they experience an emergency until the problems are resolved; 911 is part of the failure.

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - Clark County Fire & Rescue in Washington state says that at the present time, telephone lines in the Battleground and Yacolt area with the prefixes 342, 666, and 687 are down.

Henry Von Dem Fange, Public Information with Clark County Fire & rescue, says people can not call 911 at this time. We have not been able to learn exactly what the problems are that are resulting in the outage, we will advise when we learn more.