Around Oregon and Idaho
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 11:11 AM PST
Hispanic commission seeks better ID census count
BOISE (AP) — The state Commission on Hispanic Affairs is working with the federal Census Bureau to provide a more accurate count of minorities living in Idaho in 2010.
The commission estimates at least 20,000 people of Hispanic heritage, as well as other minorities, were left out of the last census in 2000. The government counted 101,690 people of Hispanic heritage in Idaho eight years ago, nearly 8 percent of the total state population then pegged at 1.3 million.
Accused Salem church burner out of mental hospital
SALEM (AP) — After spending more than two years in the state mental hospital, a man accused of setting fires inside a crowded Salem church is ready to face charges of arson, assault and attempted murder.
Daniel Chan, 55, was arraigned Oct. 27, 2006, but soon moved to the Oregon State Hospital after injuring himself twice in jail, according to court documents. At the time, Marion County Circuit Judge Terry Leggert determined Chan was unfit to proceed.
Four times since then, state hospital officials ruled that Chan was unable to assist in his defense. Last month, however, examiners determined Chan had improved enough to help his attorney.
ID city official claims discrimination in firing
HAYDEN (AP) — A former department head with the north Idaho city of Hayden is contending he was fired for trying to help ease the workload and make other accommodations for an employee with cancer.
