Accused killer of 21-year-old Gresham woman arraigned
New details in the murder of  Whitney Heichel emerged Monday afternoon when 24-year-old Josh Holt was arraigned for the killing of 21-year-old Gresham woman, The Oregonian reports. Holt revealed he had sexually assaulted Heichel before shooting her four times and concealing her body at Larch Mountain.
Holt had waited outside Heichel’s apartment complex the morning of Oct. 16, and asked her for a ride as she was going to work. Holt had known Heichel because the two lived in the same apartment complex, and both were Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Heichel’s body was found Friday. Holt faces seven counts of aggravated murder.
Medford police seek acne scarred man after taxi driver’s death
After the robbery and killing of a taxi cab driver, Medford police are searching for the man believed to have hailed the cab late Saturday night, according to The Associated Press.
William Roy “Huey” Huson’s body was found Sunday morning. He had been shot once in the head.
The suspect in his murder is described as 25-35 years old, 180 pounds, and 6-foot-1 with a fair complexion and an acne scarred face.
Oregon Liquor Control Commission director announces retirement
Longtime liquor control director Steve Pharo announced Monday night he plans to retire next month, according to The Oregonian. Pharo, who has served the Oregon Liquor Control Commission for 18 years, said his last day will be Nov. 16.
There is no word yet who will replace Pharo.
Forest Grove increases donation to local senior and community center
After financially struggling for the last decade, the Forest Grove Senior and Community Center received increased funding from Forest Grove, The Oregonian reports. The city’s annual gift to the nonprofit center was raised from $10,000 to $15,000. The center, which is the only nonprofit senior center in Washington County, operates mainly on grants and donations, which have decreased in recent years.
The additional funding from the city will go towards the center’s operating expenses.
Polluted Portland Harbor site to receive overdue clean-up
Arkema, one of Portland’s most polluted harbor sites, is scheduled to receive an extensive clean-up, according to The Oregonian. The construction site, which covers 54 acres along the Willamette, was once home to a DDT and rocket fuel maker.
Construction is underway to bury a 1650-foot-long groundwater storm wall 85 feet into the ground in order keep contaminated groundwater from seeping into the river.