SALEM — Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Athena, announced Thursday, March 2, that he would not seek reelection in 2024, ending more than four decades in politics.
PENDLETON â A former Umatilla County Commissioner candidate who claimed a racist letter was left anonymously in his mailbox was sentenced on Friday, Jan. 29, for initiating a false report, according to the Umatilla County District Attorneyâs Office.
Jonathan Lopez, 30, reported to the Hermiston Police Department in June 2020 that he found a letter in the mailbox of his residence in Hermiston containing derogatory racial terms and veiled threats. At the time, Lopez was a recent candidate for a Umatilla County Commissionerâs seat. He placed fourth in the May 2020 primary.
A copy of the letter was given to the police department, prompting an investigation into Lopezâs background that raised concerns about the letterâs authenticity. Lopez was questioned by police and later confessed to writing the letter himself.