News Digest:
Thursday, September 18, 2008 10:27 AM PDT
GOOD AFTERNOON
OREGON
Appeals court approves PERS mortality tables
PORTLAND (AP) — One of the last legal battles over a major reform in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System in 2003 may be over. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday the state could update the mortality tables used to calculate benefits beginning in 2004 as ordered by the Legislature. Attorneys and state officials said the ruling means PERS will not have to pay any additional money to retirees in this case.
Body found in Willamette River
WEST LINN (AP) — An Oregon City man discovered a dead body floating in the Willamette River.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that the body was near the Oregon City-West Linn Bridge.
Detective Jim Strovink said the body hadn’t been in the water for a long time, and didn’t show any obvious signs of foul play. Investigators have yet to identify the woman. Strovink said she appeared to be in her 40s.
Oregonians to get
heating assistance
PORTLAND (AP) — The federal Department of Health and Human Services announced that Oregon will receive $1.2 million in emergency energy assistance. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said in a news release Wednesday that the money will help low-income families heat their homes this winter. A total of $121 million is being released nationwide. People interested in applying for help should contact their local Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) agency.
Ore. crash kills 1,
injures 3
GRAND RONDE (AP) — An 18-year-old Willamina High School student died and three other students were injured when a pickup collided with a commercial truck on Highway 22.
The Oregon State Police says Tamara L. Coila died at the scene Wednesday. She reportedly attended Canby High School before entering Willamina High for her senior year.
The injured have been identified as 18-year-old Anthony Gorretta, 14-year-old Vincent Gorretta and 17-year-old Jeff Haggard. All are from Grand Ronde.
