Salem-News.com Dallas articles

Salem Man Gets 10 Years for Wallace Marine Park Rape

The victim was present and addressed the court prior to sentencing.

(DALLAS, Ore. ) - Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton announced Tuesday the conviction and sentencing of Jack Wayne Hamilton to ten years in prison for an attack that occurred in West Salem's Wallace Marine Park in November of 2013.

Hamilton pled guilty before Judge Sally L. Avera to Rape in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Oregon Police Department Goes Green; Reports Taxpayer Savings

Polk County Sheriff's Deputies reported no change in vehicle performance after the switch to propane autogas.

(DALLAS, Ore. ) - One year after converting its gasoline patrol vehicles to propane autogas, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office - based in Dallas, Oregon - is reporting significant fuel savings and reduced emissions.

Within 18 months, the department saved $25,000 in fuel costs and took advantage of a 2013 federal tax credit worth another $8,000.

Dallas, Ore. Man Killed in Crash Near Wilsonville

Oregon State Police would still like to talk with any witnesses who saw this crash occur.

(WILSONVILLE, Ore. ) - Oregon State Police troopers are on scene investigating Friday's single vehicle fatal traffic crash off the northbound shoulder of Interstate 5 about three miles south of Wilsonville.

Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings says at approximately 11:55 a.m., a 1993 Buick Regal four-door driven by 48-year-old Emuel Smothers, from Dallas, Oregon, was northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 281 in the far right lane.

Funeral for Polk County Deputy Killed in West Salem Crash Set

Sgt. Whittaker was a huge fan of NASCAR, the Oregon Ducks, and the NFL's Tennessee Titans.

(DALLAS, Ore. ) - Funeral services have been set for a 15 year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff's Office who died following a car crash in West Salem on July 19.

48-year-old Randy W. Whittaker of Dallas, was a Sergeant with the sheriff's office, and will be laid to rest on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 320 SE Fir Villa, in Dallas, Ore.

Sergeant with Polk County Sheriff`s Office Killed in Crash

Police are searching for the following vehicle: a white Dodge or Chevy 3/4 ton or 1 ton pick up truck, standard or possibly with an extended cab.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - A 15-year veteran of the Polk County Sheriff's Office has died following a car crash in West Salem.

Salem Police say 48-year old Randy W. Whittaker of Dallas was a Sergeant with the sheriff's office.

Oregon Sheriff: Budget Cuts Giving Bad Guys the Upper Hand

A noticeable change has been a 30 percent reduction in warrants being served.

(DALLAS, Ore. ) - Polk County Sheriff Bob Wolfe continues to express concern regarding the ability of his agency to handle calls due to loss of staff and budget reductions.

Sheriff Bob Wolfe said, "Since July of last year we have lost several experienced deputies and reduced our patrol hours to just 10 hours per day in March of this year"

Second Drive By Shooting Suspect Identified

The Silver Honda Accord that one of the suspects had been seen driving is no longer of interest in this case.

(DALLAS, Ore. ) - The Polk County Sheriff's office has identified the second involved person in a drive by shooting on June 8 in Falls City known initially as "Scotty".

"Scotty" has been identified as 31-year-old Scott Newton of the Mill City area. Scott Newton also goes by the nickname, "sidewinder".

Dallas Drug Raid Leads to One Man`s Arrest

Polk County Sheriff's Office Sergeant and POINT supervisor Mark Garton said, "Evidence also suggests that the sales of methamphetamine and heroin from this residence have been ongoing for some time".

(SALEM, Ore. ) - On Thursday, at about 3 p.m., the Polk County Inter Agency Narcotics Team served a search warrant at 1141 SW Fairview Ave in Dallas stemming from tips the team received starting at the beginning of May of this year.

The POINT team arrested 27-year-old Calvin Craver. During the search warrant service detectives located 19.8 grams of heroin and 23.6 grams of methamphetamine.

Two Dead in Crash on Oregon Highway 22 Near Dallas

The male drivers of both vehicles were pronounced deceased at the scene.

(DALLAS) - Oregon State Police (OSP), with the assistance of Polk County District Attorney's Office and Keizer Police Department, are continuing the investigation into the cause of a Friday evening two vehicle double fatal traffic crash along Highway 22 about three miles west of Dallas.

The crash resulted in the death of two males and serious injuries to another male and a female.

Polk County Sheriff Makes Additional Reductions

The Polk County Budget Committee meets next week to work on the 2014-2015 budget which begins on July 1, 2014.

(DALLAS) - Polk County Sheriff Bob Wolfe announced additional reductions in patrol hours from 20 hours a day to 10 hours a day due to budget and staffing reductions.

"My overtime budget is less than 6% for the remainder of this budget cycle which ends in June and I have received notification from another deputy who has accepted a conditional job offer making this the fourth deputy to leave in the last two months" stated Sheriff Bob Wolfe.