Tag POLK COUNTY

Homeowners see modest tax increases as Salem property values rise quickly
The tax break for Amazon’s Salem distribution center is up this year, meaning the company owes $1.6 million in property taxes to fund local government and schools.

Salem man charged with attempted aggravated murder following shootout with police
Jose Corral-Zavala, 21, started a gunfight with police after they stopped his vehicle with spikes, state police said. He then fled in a minivan that stopped nearby before a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy fatally shot the driver, Isaac Oceguedo, 18.

Police identify citizen killed, deputy injured in Polk County shootout Saturday
Late Monday afternoon, the Oregon State Police identified a citizen killed in a gunfight with police two days ago as Isaac I. Ocegueda, 18 of Carlton. The agency said Polk County sheriff’s deputy Mike Smith was also injured in the shootout but otherwise provided little information.

Retired Judge Charles Luukinen, ‘gold standard’ in Polk County, dies at 75
Charles Luukinen spent almost his entire 25 years on the bench overseeing the Polk County Circuit Court as the presiding judge. After retiring, he devoted time to settling Oregon’s most complicated and costly criminal cases.

West Salem jeweler accused of scamming customers
Douglas W. Gamble, the owner of Timeless Jewelry, faces aggravated theft charges after Salem police said he scammed customers out of at least $250,000.

McNary counselor charged with sexually abusing minor in Polk County
Todd Bobeda, a school counselor and former coach, faces charges alleging he subjected a person under 18 to sexual contact multiple times and failed to perform his duties as a public servant, court records showed.

Polk County Sheriff, DA seek $4 million per year in proposed tax levy
The new levy would retain sheriff’s deputies and prosecutors hired in 2015 as an earlier public safety levy is set to expire.

Medication-assisted treatment center expands to west Salem
Polk County residents can receive same-day prescriptions for medication to move off illegal drugs at Ideal Option’s second Salem clinic, opened last month.

Salem man sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting co-worker during tree cutting
On Wednesday, a Polk County jury found Jonathan Gonzales-Salcido guilty of murdering Ryan Muniz, who he worked with at a tree trimming service. District Attorney Aaron Felton said prosecutors never established a motive for the killing.