Longview Grapples with Public Safety, Infrastructure Changes Amid Summer Heat

Public Safety:

* Homicide Investigation: Longview police are searching for 51-year-old Alexander Rogers, who is the suspect in a deadly double stabbing that occurred near the Mint Valley Golf Course. The victims have been identified, and the suspect remains at large.

* Police Shooting Settlement: The City of Longview has agreed to a $2 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit with the family of Katelyn Rose Smith, a woman who was fatally shot by police on New Year's Day 2024.

City and Infrastructure:

* Solid Waste Rate Increase: The City of Longview is proposing a 15% rate adjustment for solid waste and recycling services, which would increase the monthly residential fee from approximately $19.92 to $22.91.

* Transportation: New commuter bus routes from RiverCities Transit to Rainier, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, began on July 1st. Additionally, the city is conducting chip seal maintenance on selected roads and replacing concrete panels in an alley behind 1029 23rd Avenue.

* Personnel: The city recently appointed Justin Brown as the new Parks and Recreation Director and Lisa Wolff as the new Finance Director.

Weather:

* An Extreme Heat Watch is in effect for Sunday afternoon through Monday evening, with highs expected to reach the mid-90s.

Elections:

* Primary election results are being finalized, with updates on races like the Longview City Council Position 5. The top two candidates from each primary race will advance to the general election on November 4th.