Ex-school leader in Central Oregon faces new charges
Michael Bremont, 39-year-old former charter school leader, has been accused of theft and fleeing a traffic stop.
According to The Register-Guard, Bremont was accused on Tuesday of taking computers and equipment meant for the Redmond Proficiency Academy. The traffic incident occurred on Oct. 26, with State Police accusing Bremont of driving at 103 mph in order to evade a trooper attempting to pull him over.
Portland’s economy among the fastest growing in the U.S.
In a Value of Jobs report published by the Portland Business Alliance, Portland’s economy has expanded more quickly in comparison to most states. Since hitting a recessionary low in 2009, the economy has expanded 20.6 percent. New Orleans is the only city with a higher rate.
According to The Oregonian, the success of the expansion and recovery is believed to be a result of the region’s semiconductor industry, professional and business services and leisure and hospitality industries.
Driver and pedestrian in Hazel Dell crash identified
The driver killed and pedestrian seriously injured in an accident that occurred last Tuesday has been identified, according to The Oregonian. Annastasia Mae Morrison, 20, was driving south around 3 p.m. on Northeast Highway 99 when her Mazda MX6 crossed over the northbound lanes and crashed into a metal beam at the intersection of NE 72nd Street.
Morrison also struck 21-year-old Joseph Reilly who is currently in critical condition at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.
Oregon’s high school graduation rate fourth worst in nation
A state-by-state report on graduation rates conducted by the federal government revealed that only 68 percent of Oregon high school students in the class of 2011 graduated on time. According to The Oregonian, this places Oregon behind 42 states (not including three who were unable to submit an accurate report).
Of Oregon’s class of 2011 which consisted of more than 48,000 students, 33,300 graduated within four years, 14,900 dropped out and 3,900 returning for a fifth year.
Woman housing stray dogs convicted of animal neglect
Violet Helen Chenoweth of Molalla has been sentenced to five years on probation and 40 hours of community service after being charged with second-degree animal neglect. Chenoweth took in more than 20 dogs with the intent to help them, but was unable to provide sufficient care.
According to The Oregonian, an Oregon Humane Society investigation revealed that the dogs were caged outdoors in unsanitary conditions without food or water. Chenoweth was also keeping cats, ducks and miniature ponies.