Salem-News.com Washington articles Page 32

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.

Oregon and SW Washington College, Business and Government Agencies Openings and Closures

Openings and closures at Oregon and SW Washington colleges, universities, business and other public institutions.

(SALEM, Ore.) - This is the latest Oregon winter college, university and business closure and openings list. We are doing our best to bring you the latest information as quickly as possible.

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.

Wellers-Childers to be Formally Charged for Perjury for his Testimony During a Murder Trial

Prosecutors say that in May of 2006, Wellers-Childers agreed to plea guilty to Murder in the second degree and agreed to testify truthfully during the trial of Taylor Conley, but he told a different story to the jury during the June 2008 murder trial.

(KELSO, Wash.) - Perjury charges are being pursued again Ronnie Wellers-Childers for his testimony during the June murder trial of Taylor Conley. The charges stem from evidence that was uncovered during and shortly after trial, prosecutors say.

Chief Criminal Deputy Charlie Rosenzweig says that when Wellers-Childers was arrested shortly after the March 2006 murder of Brian Swehla, he told Sheriff Office detectives very specific details about the murder.

"Wellers-Childers told detectives he saw Conley shoot Brian Swehla," Rosenweig said.

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."

Alternatives to Evacuation Can Save Homes, Lives

Researchers say alternatives to evacuation make sense because in many cases, mass "relocation" often results in traffic jams and car accidents, nervousness and panic, which can cause harm to people during fire events.

(PULLMAN, Wash.) - When uncontrolled fires are close to inhabited areas, people are asked to evacuate their homes. Lack of knowledge concerning what to do during a fire leaves some people with no alternative.

The United States does not have a lot of experience regarding alternatives to evacuation, but a Washington State University researcher and his doctoral student are studying several Western U.S. communities that have begun to explore opportunities for alternatives to evacuation during wildland fires.

"People hate to evacuate," said Matt Carroll, professor in the Department of Natural Resources Sciences. "When asked after an evacuation, many people say they will stay behind next time. There are many reasons for that feeling, you have to give up your autonomy and control over your life when you evacuate."

Pilot Injured in Ultralight Crash at Mulino Airport (PHOTO UPDATE)

The injured pilot received several facial lacerations and a broken ankle as a result of the crash.

(MULINO, Ore.) - Clackamas County deputies say an ultralight aircraft crashed today at 12:36 PM during takeoff from the Mulino Airport in rural Clackamas County.

Detective Jim Strovink, Spokesman for the Clackamas Sheriff's Office, says the ultralight is described as a fixed wing, single engine "Ridge Runner 2" that was manufactured in 2005. Its registered owner is from Tacoma, Washington.

Strovink says the male pilot was the sole person onboard during take off when this aircraft crashed at the north end of the Mulino runway.