Salem-News.com Corvallis articles Page 13

Kids Will `Shop With a Cop` in Mid-Valley Cities

The "Shop with a Cop" events are a great opportunity for police officers to interact with children that may only have had a negative experience with law enforcement.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The need is greater this year as state troopers, county deputies, and city police officers reach out to help over 600 kids shop for special gifts this holiday season at three locations in Linn, Benton and Marion counties. It is part of their area annual "Shop with a Cop" event.

For the 14th year, Corvallis and Albany-area police officers will help local disadvantaged and foster children shop for Christmas gifts as part of the local "Shop with a Cop" program. Last year, 181 children left with smiles on their faces after purchasing videos, clothing, toys, and other special gifts while shopping with state, county, and city police officers.

"We all are experiencing in some way the impact of the economy and most of these children would receive very little even in the best of times," said long-time "Shop with a Cop" organizer, Ms. Reita Wyatt.

Oregonians Prepare to Protest California`s New Gay Marriage Ban

Oregon protests against Prop 8 at several locations Saturday.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Advocates for gay marriage are outraged over the passage of California's Proposition 8, which amends the state Constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. Prop 8 overturns a recent California Supreme Court decision that had recognized same-sex marriage in California as a fundamental right.

On Saturday, people across the country will join together to raise their voices against the what Basic Rights Oregon calls the injustice of California’s Prop 8.

"Passage of Proposition 8 means that, for a little longer, families in California will be denied important security and respect, and will have to continue to fight against inequality and second-class status."

Halloween Party Rape Suspect Arrested in Corvallis

A 19-year old Corvallis resident faces a charge of first-degree Rape, Coercion and Sexual Abuse II.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Police say a woman was raped in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 1st in Corvallis and a suspect is under arrest.

Lieutenant Dave Henslee with the Corvallis Police Department says the 21-year old female resident of Portland reported she had been forcibly raped during a Halloween costume party at Phi Kappa Psi fraternity located at 140 NW 13th Street, Corvallis.

"Reportedly, a male member of the fraternity, wearing a green beer bottle costume, was identified as the suspect by the victim. Corvallis Police Department detectives investigated the allegation and identified the suspect living at the fraternity," Henslee said.

Pair Arrested for Throwing Projectiles at Cars in Corvallis

Police are continuing to investigate the incidents that have caused thousands in property damage and shattered glass inches from at least one person's head.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Corvallis Police officers say they have responded to numerous reports of vehicles being struck by unknown types of projectiles over the past few weeks along SW Philomath Boulevard between SW 15th Street and SW 26th Street.

Captain Dan Hendrickson with Corvallis Police says that in addition to endangering the safety of dozens of people, the persons throwing the projectiles have caused several thousand dollars in damage.

OSU Bookstore Online Security Breach Under Investigation

OSU says their Bookstore has hired an outside agency to help with its own investigation of the security breach.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Oregon State Police say they are investigating the theft of personal information from as many as 4,700 online customers of the OSU Bookstore who used credit cards to purchase items.

In March of this year, OSP began investigation into a report that approximately 30 OSU Bookstore customers' personal information may have been compromised following online orders.

Brooke Wilberger Murder Suspect Faces Oregon Judge

Joel Courtney is currently serving 18-years in a New Mexico prison for sexually assaulting and kidnapping a college co-ed.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - The man accused of killing former BYU co-ed Brooke Wilberger made his first court appearance in Oregon on Wednesday.

With Wilberger's family watching the proceedings, the judge entered a “not guilty” plea for the defendant, Joel Patrick Courtney, who was indicted in Wilberger’s disappearance in 2005. He is charged with aggravated murder, rape and kidnapping.

Suspect in Brooke Wilberger Case Joel Courtney Arrives Back in Corvallis

Brooke Wilberger has never been found, but prosecutors believe they still have the goods on Joel Courtney who will soon go on trial.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson, Corvallis Police Department Captain Jon Sassaman, and Benton County Sheriff Diana Simpson held a joint media conference to announce the arrival of Joel Courtney in Benton County today.

Courtney is alleged to have murdered Brooke Wilberger nearly four years ago after she was abducted in Corvallis.

Former Corvallis City Councilor Dies in Iraq During Green Zone Attacks Easter Sunday

Both his parents and commander believe that the national service of Paul Converse was nothing short of heroic.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - The seventh person with ties to the Corvallis area has died in Iraq. The Gazette-Times reported today that Corvallis High School graduate, 56-year old Paul Converse, died in Baghdad from injuries suffered in an Easter Sunday rocket and mortar attack.

Public Invited to Observe Spring Lambing at OSU Sheep Center

More than 180 Polypay and Suffolk ewes are expected to give birth to several hundred lambs in the barn.

(CORVALLIS, Ore. ) - The public is invited to view newly born lambs now through March 28 at the Oregon State University Sheep Center.

Each year, the sheep center draws thousands of school children and other visitors. There is no admission charge, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Linn-Benton Food Share.

Salem Man Arrested for Gun Possession in Corvallis

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to call Officer Ryan Larson at (541)766-6924.

(CORVALLIS, Ore.) - Corvallis Police officers stopped a vehicle Friday driven by Marcus A. Kell in the 400 block of SW Madison Avenue after a witness reported Kell had a handgun concealed in his pants at a downtown Corvallis bar.