Astoria man charged

in death of Salem woman

SALEM — An Astoria man is facing charges in connection with the murder of a Salem woman who went missing in March.

Gustavo Ochoa-Valadez was arrested and is being held without bail at the Marion County Jail in the death of 42-year-old Tonna Marie Purnell, The Statesman Journal reported.

Ochoa-Valadez, 35, was arraigned earlier this month on murder, kidnapping and unlawful use of a firearm charges.

The alleged crimes occurred on or about March 29 in Dayton and Salem, according to a probable cause statement and court records.

— Associated Press

Theater damaged by gunfire in Seaside

SEASIDE — Shots fired downtown on Thursday night damaged a high window at the Times Theatre & Public House on Broadway but did not injure anyone inside.

People reported hearing gunfire around 10 p.m. near S. Columbia Street and Avenue A.

People can call Sgt. Josh Gregory at 503-738-6311 to report information or provide surveillance video that captured the area or incident.

Federal grants to help

rural fire departments

Rural fire departments in Clatsop County will receive more than $1.2 million in federal grants to buy new tools and resources that are in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici announced.

Warrenton will receive $160,952. Knappa will receive $200,000. Cannon Beach will receive grants of $574,571 and $46,380. Hamlet will receive grants of $268,571 and $44,761.

The money comes from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

County expands virus testing

after getting more supplies

People who have been in quarantine for COVID-19 exposure for a week can now schedule a virus test from the Clatsop County Public Health Department.

A negative result will allow them to return to activities such as work or school.

The county has been focusing testing supplies on people showing symptoms. The new option is made possible by an increase in supplies from the state.

Drive-thru testing is available at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center in Warrenton from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

— The Astorian