East Portland News

Every week KATU does the work to find out what's making people sick in the area.

This week local doctors say there are fewer cases of the H1N1 virus.

But the number of colds are on the rise. 

They say if you're feeling sick but don't have a fever it's NOT the swine flu.

Police say hundreds of stolen goods are just the tip of the iceberg in a crime spree by a trio of heroin addicts.

Police are working to get the stolen items back to their original owners and are actively looking for victims so they can prosecute the thieves.

Police are not identifying the three suspects because they are still building their case. They do say they believe the crime spree stretched across Oregon, out to the coast and into Vancouver.

The stolen items include big screen TVs, tools and lots of jewelry that police in Portland, Clackamas County and Multnomah County have recovered. Detectives even found Civil War money. But they know many things like computers and guns have already been sold at pawn shops or on the street.

They are also hoping to track down the owner of a Purple Heart that has the name Leonard B. Cox inscribed on it.

Multnomah County residents may have noticed a jump in their property taxes this year - an average of 6 percent.  So the why the increase? The assessor says it is due in part to voters approving tax funding for the zoo, the children's investment fund and Portland Community College.

What: At Santa's Place, kids can play with toys at Santa’s Toy Shop, create an art project, play games, watch Christmas movies, eat popcorn – and visit with Santa as he sits in his historic throne.

When: Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, Monday through Saturday.

Where: Eastport Plaza Shopping Center is located at 4000 SE 82nd Avenue of Roses, Suite #1400 (Between Powell Blvd. and Holgate Blvd.). For more information, see www.eastportplaza.com or call (503) 771-3817.