New leads announced in Kyron Horman disappearance
Citing new investigative leads in the case, Multnomah County officials delayed the lawsuit against Teri Horman regarding the disappearance of her stepson Kyron Horman. Though specific details were not released, the Multnomah County sheriff said that new leads, as well as furtherance of previous leads, have developed and may lead to further developments in the case.
The lawsuit against Teri Horman was filed by Kyron Horman’s mother when the then 7-year-old boy vanished in 2010, according to The Oregonian. It alleges that Teri Horman kidnapped Kyron. To date, Kyron has not been discovered and no arrests have been made in the case.
Timber sales halted to protect threatened species
Timber sales in Tillamook, Clatsop and Elliot state forests have been placed on hold while judges deliberate a lawsuit claiming the sales endanger a threatened species of seabird. According to The Oregonian, the state’s logging goals in the three state forests may threaten the nesting habitat of the marbled murrelet.
When issuing the order, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken wrote that halting logging could prevent irreparable damage, and conservation groups are likely to win the lawsuit.
Mountain biking park plan approved
After two years of review, plans to build a mountain bike park at Timberline Lodge have been approved by the U.S. Forest Service. The Oregonian reports that the park will include 17 miles of trails on Mount Hood and bike carriers on its newest lift.
Although critics claim the bike park would cause environmental damage, it was decided the project’s design would prevent erosion and damage to plant life, and its proposed watershed restoration plans would improve current conditions of watersheds.
Oregon gas prices fall, closing gap with national prices
Gas prices in Oregon and Washington are continuing to fall, narrowing the price gap between Northwest gas prices and the national average. According to The Oregonian, Oregon gas prices have fallen another four cents in the last week.
In the first five months of 2012, Oregon and Washington’s gas prices ranked among the nation’s highest. Currently, Oregon and Washington are ranked at 23rd and 2nd most expensive, respectively.
Portland grocery store agrees to limit alcohol sales
Responding to pressure from the Grants Park Neighborhood Association, Jacksons grocery store has agreed to limit its alcohol sales at its new location in Northeast Portland. According to The Oregonian, the Idaho-based chain agreed to not to sell malt beverages at the new location after complaints of crime, loitering and public urination in the area.
The store will open at its new location on Dec. 4 and will limit the hours of alcohol sales in addition to its agreement not to sell malt beverages.