JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. 28 Oct. 2024 – Oregon State Police detectives are asking for witnesses to a non-lethal shooting to come forward with any video of the incident.
On Oct. 26, 2024, at about 2:00 a.m., police responded to a report of shots fired at a large party in rural Josephine County. An adult male was taken to a local hospital by private vehicle from the party and was treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
Many of the party attendees were juvenile and intoxicated. However, all the individuals involved in the altercation that led to the shooting have been identified and are over 18 years of age. Multiple party attendees fled from the scene, resulting in two rollover traffic crashes with minor injuries.
Investigators do not believe there are any public safety threats stemming from this incident.
Investigators believe multiple cell phone videos of the incident exist and are asking witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center at 800-442-2068 or call OSP (677) from a mobile device. Please reference case number # SP24-350006.
The investigation is ongoing and OSP is not releasing the names of the parties involved at this time.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Lane County Elections was notified today, October 28, that a key used to open two United States Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes in Marcola was stolen during a break-in at the Marcola post office overnight.
The two USPS mailboxes are located:
“Although this does not appear to be related to the election, we are being cautious and asking voters in Marcola not to return their ballots using these mailboxes,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “Instead they can use the official ballot drop box at Mohawk Marketplace on the way into town.”
Voters who placed their ballots in the affected mailboxes over the weekend are encouraged to track their ballot on oregonvotes.gov/myvote. If they do not see their ballot marked as received by Lane County Elections within a day or two, those Marcola-area voters should call or visit Lane County Elections to request a new ballot.
A list of official ballot drop boxes is available online.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation related to the break-in in coordination with the US Postal Inspection Service.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
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Update - 2:19 p.m., 10/28/24 - Corrected time of incident listed below
At 3:52 p.m. on October 27, 2024, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 1739 W. Harvard Avenue. The reporting party stated the fire was spreading up the exterior wall of the building and into the roof area.
Firefighters arrived on scene to find a single story, commercial structure with light smoke showing from the roof and flames visible from the backside of the structure. Firefighters extinguished the exterior portion of the fire and checked for possible fire extension inside the structure. Several doors were forced and access holes made to gain entry and extinguish the small portion that had spread to the interior portion of the structure.
The commercial structure sustained structural, smoke, and water damage. Firefighters remained on scene to complete overhaul. There were no reported injuries. A fire investigator was on scene and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Thirteen firefighters assisted with firefighting operations. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Avista Utilities, and Pacific Power.
The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work, to gather and engage with staff at an Open House on October 30, from 5 pm to 7 pm. The agency is hosting an Open House to better understand the needs of boaters in Lincoln County and surrounding areas. The Open House is being held at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Glady’s Valley Marine Studies Building, Room 164, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport.
The Open House is intended to build relationships with local recreational boaters and hear perspectives on how the agency can improve operations to meet future needs. Staff will be available to answer questions about boating safety, agency policies, plans, regulatory considerations, grants, boating access, revenues and expenditures, safety education, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and the agency’s environmental programs.
Learn more about other Open House locations and the proposed Outfitter Guide legislative concept.
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PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Natalie Wight announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ethan Knight will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.
AUSA Ethan Knight, Cyber and National Security Unit Chief, has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Oregon, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“The Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process,” said Natalie Wight, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The Justice Department has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation on Election Day, threats of violence directed at election officials and workers, and election fraud. The department will address these violations wherever they occur. The department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
The FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. To report allegations, contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or www.tips.fbi.gov.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
If you have questions about the Justice Department’s Election Day Program in Oregon or need assistance directing election-related complaints to the proper authorities, District Election Officer Knight can be reached by calling (503) 727-1000.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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(Salem, Oregon) The Travel Information Council is pleased to announce that McGregor “Mac” Lynde will serve as the agency’s next Executive Director, beginning on Monday, November 18, 2024. The council agreed by unanimous vote to offer Lynde the appointment at its public meeting on Wednesday, October 23. Currently serving as Special Advisor to the Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Lynde brings to the Travel Information Council twenty-two years of experience with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
“The council is thrilled to bring Mac’s significant experience in agency leadership and expertise in management of Oregon’s transportation system to the Travel Information Council, where he will join a staff dedicated to enhancing travelers’ experience with good information and safe places to rest,” said chair Eliza Canty-Jones.
The Travel Information Council, a semi-independent state agency, was created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s to operate the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. The agency now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs as well as 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon, providing clean, safe, and inviting locations that are open and free to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Executive Director and I look forward to working with the council, the staff, and our public and private partners to deliver our services across the state”, said Mac Lynde.
Mike Auman has served as the agency’s interim executive director since April, when the Travel Information Council began an open-recruitment process for the position of Executive Director. “The council is grateful for Mike’s leadership and for the steady work of all agency staff during this transition,” said Canty-Jones.
The FBI is coordinating with federal, state and local partners to actively investigate the two incidents in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, in the early morning hours of Monday, October 28th to determine who is responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the nearest FBI office, provide information through tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).
Salem, Ore.—After a record-breaking year, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, marking the end of the 2024 Oregon fire season declaration. With over 1.9 million acres burned across the state, firefighters and resources experienced extreme strain.
“This season proved that wildfire in Oregon is not just one agency’s issue but effects ALL Oregonians from government agencies to private landowners to Oregon residents.” Kyle Williams, ODF Deputy Director of Fire Protection, said, “This is our reality, and we need to adjust in response to it.”
Throughout May and June, the state experienced an average, even below average, season. However, early July brought the beginning of peak season with a heat wave followed by several lightning and wind events that primarily affected Central and Eastern Oregon.
Meteorological events combined with lightning-and human-caused fire brought immense strain on Oregon’s in-state resources. In response, the department leaned heavily into its interstate relationships. Firefighters and resources from about 20 states and Canada were brought to Oregon through state-to-state mutual aid agreements and the Northwest Compact.
“The outpouring of support from out of state has been amazing to say the least,” Chris Cline, ODF Protection Division Chief, said. “It truly goes to show that fire is a family, no matter where you are.”
Year to date, there have been 1,003 fires on ODF-protected lands resulting in 314,181 acres burned. ODF Type 1 Incident Management Teams (IMT) have been mobilized 11 times to wildfires this year. The assignments were to the following incidents:
An ODF team was also deployed earlier in the year to assist Lane County and Springfield in their ice storm response. The department also mobilized a Complex IMT comprised of North Carolina and Florida firefighters through state-to-state mutual aid agreements. Statewide, regardless of jurisdiction, there have been 1,956 fires that have burned 1,937,512 acres.
Due to the agency’s aggressive approach to initial attack to preserve natural resources, protect communities, and increase firefighter safety, many fire starts that happened this year were never heard about. Overall, the department put out 93 percent of fires on ODF-protected land at 10 acres or fewer this year.
Fighting alongside ODF and other wildland firefighters this season were members of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations. Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) are independent, non-profit, volunteer fire organizations that provide local fire protection in rural Oregon, usually in areas outside of local fire district protection.
There are 28 RFPAs that protect rangeland and are an integral part of Oregon’s complete and coordinated system. This season, RFPAs were some of the first resources to respond and begin work on a fire while more resources were on their way. They also provided incident management teams and fire managers with information on the area and the land that gave in-depth situational awareness and influenced operations. ODF supports the associations through administrative guidance, insurance reimbursement, fire suppression training and facilitating access to federal grants and surplus firefighting equipment.
The start and end of fire season restrictions and regulations are set by each forest protection district based on the conditions in their area including drought, climatic forecasts, and seasonal trends. These restrictions and regulations are on activities prone to start wildfires, such as debris burning and certain equipment use, and are intended as preventative measures during times with elevated wildfire risks. The arrival of steady soaking rain, coupled with cooler temperatures and shorter days, usually triggers the closure of fire season. The end of fire season removes ODF imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. However, many structural fire departments in Oregon still require a permit for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round, so check with your local fire department or ODF office before starting a burn.
As Oregon transitions out of fire season, ODF districts across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning efforts.
For more tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe from wildfire at any time of year, visit ODF’s Fire Prevention website or Keep Oregon Green’s website.
ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal forest and grazing lands in Oregon.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University and Clackamas Community College have collaborated on a joint early childhood bilingual pathway partnership that actively supports and recruits Clackamas Community College graduates ready to complete their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Western.
Clackamas offers an applied associate degree in early childhood education in Spanish, allowing graduates to seamlessly transfer to Western and earn their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Thanks to this partnership, Western will provide flexible courses to ensure students receive a comprehensive education in early childhood entirely in bilingual settings. The demand for early educators with Spanish expertise has grown in Oregon, making this collaboration essential in meeting those needs.
A Ford Family Foundation grant has been awarded to Western to support efforts in onboarding bilingual early childhood faculty. The grant will facilitate collaborative work and help revise and plan future bilingual coursework. The first courses in this partnership launched at Western this fall.
“We are humbled by the passion and commitment demonstrated at Clackamas Community College and Western to get this program up and running. We salute the ongoing efforts of Clackamas to offer an associate degree in early childhood completely online and in Spanish,” said Cindy Ryan, Ed.D., associate professor in early childhood and chair of the Division of Education and Leadership. “We are honored to support these students as they come to us to complete their bilingual bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies.”
“Access to education changes the lives not only of our students but of their children, their families, and their communities. Providing an opportunity to pursue coursework in their home language of Spanish and obtain a degree can change the trajectory of the lives of our students. At Clackamas, we are so incredibly grateful to be in partnership with Western Oregon University to collaboratively build this bilingual pathway,” said Dawn Hendricks, Ph.D., department chair of Early Childhood Education, Education, and Human Services at Clackamas Community College.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU Belong.
Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—urges residents with curbside yard waste collection services in Eugene, Springfield and Veneta to compost their jack-o-lanterns in their yard waste bins after Halloween.
“We want to remind folks they can put their pumpkins—and other types of food waste, including fruit, veggies, meats, and bones—into their yard waste bins,” said Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator Daniel Hiestand. “Keeping food out of the landfill by composting helps reduce methane production, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting is a huge help.”
One caveat for residents who compost in their yard waste bins is that pumpkins covered in non-organic materials must be thrown away.
“If organic matter such as pumpkins, twigs, or pinecones is covered in something non-organic like glitter, paint, glue, or twine, it can’t be mixed with yard debris,” said Hiestand. “Even with Christmas, people make beautiful wreaths with greenery and pinecones and then spray them with a glittery substance. The glittery stuff now means it has to go in the trash.”
Other post-Halloween pumpkin disposal alternatives
Oregon pumpkin facts
According to the Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation:
About Waste Wise Lane County
WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com
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SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at noon on Monday, Nov. 4 in the Clatsop Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.
The committee’s agenda includes:
The meeting is open to the public to attend in person and online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.
The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.
Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, November 5.
In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:
“We have wonderful, secure elections that allow all eligible voters the opportunity to return their ballots in the way most convenient for them,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “Every voter should make a plan for how they plan to return their ballot and ensure their ballot is received on time.”
Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.
The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. The Lane County Elections Office compares it to signatures in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.
If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.
What can you do to ensure your signature matches?
Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
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Cooler, wetter weather and hard work by fire personnel are allowing the Lane County Sheriff’s Office to cancel the evacuation notice near Cottage Grove, including all areas previously under a Level 2 evacuation.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the fire personnel from several different agencies who quickly responded to keep the fire away from homes and critical infrastructure.
Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police also assisted firefighters yesterday with thermal drone imagery to view fire activity through the smoke.
Residents are still encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.
The following area near Cottage Grove is at a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notification:
Level 2 means: You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, and this may be the only notice that you receive.
Public safety personnel cannot guarantee they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Continue to closely monitor your phone, local media and www.LaneCountyOR.gov for information.
An evacuation map may be made available if fire spreads.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.
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Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a vehicle fire on Interstate 5 in the south bound lanes over Franklin Blvd in Eugene. Firefighters from ESF were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire at 11:08 AM on October 26th. Engine 4 from 5th and Centennial in Springfield was the first to arrive finding a garbage truck well involved in fire. During the fire fight, crews noticed the diesel tank had become detached and was leaking. Due to the fire’s proximity to the Willamette River, diesel leak, potential hydraulic fluid leak and potentially hazardous materials in the garbage, ESF’s Haz-Mat team from the Valley River station was called to the scene assessing and preventing further environmental impacts from the incident. ESF is being assisted by OSP, ODOT and Northwest Haz-Mat. Expect delays in the area.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho - A fugitive with ties to the southern Oregon region is on-the-run after eluding capture Tuesday, October 22 in Idaho. Christian Bert Fischer, 42, is wanted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child.
Fischer is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. He is also known to dress like a woman. Before heading to Idaho, Fischer was in the Portland area. This June and July, he was in Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek.
U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task forces throughout the country have joined the search, including the local Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). If you have any information on Fischer’s whereabouts, contact the local USMS office at (541) 776-4277, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.
For more information here is the USMS Release:
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – The Hernando County Crime Stoppers in Florida is offering up a $5,000 reward for information directly leading to the arrest of Christian Bert FISCHER, a fugitive convicted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first in order to be eligible for the cash rewards of up to $5,000.00. For additional information and instructions for the reward, please visit the following Crime Stoppers link:
http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?P=wanteds&ID=449&Sort=Name&F=&W=.
FISCHER is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. FISCHER is also known to dress like a woman.
On the second day of FISCHER’s trial in Hernando County, Florida, he failed to appear in court and immediately fled the state the same day. Investigators learned he fled to California, Oregon and as of recently to North Idaho. FISCHER has been utilizing fictious name(s), likely utilizing cash and has had associates pay for certain expenses while he’s been on the run.
In North Idaho, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Greater Idaho Fugitive task force learned FISCHER has attempted to befriend multiple families in the area, to include those with children. Earlier this week, prior to the task force’s attempt to arrest FISCHER, he was seen carving pumpkins at his last known location off Kelso Rd in Athol with an unknown family. Investigators have not been able to identify the family yet and urge the family or anyone else who has had interactions with FISCHER to contact the local USMS office. All tips or information regarding this fugitive investigation case will remain anonymous.
The local task force is continuing to work closely with the USMS office in the Middle District of Florida, the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Brooksville, Florida, as well as other investigators from multiple other states.
The following is a link to a short announcement on Facebook from Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis regarding fugitive Christian FISCHER:
https://www.facebook.com/HernandoSheriff/videos/manhunt-monday-02-12-2024/356273974034934/.
The USMS Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is a state-wide cooperative to locate and arrest violent offenders wanted for local, state and federal crimes. Member agencies throughout the State of Idaho include: the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Idaho Department of Corrections, Idaho State Police, Nampa Police Department, Pocatello Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Anyone with information on FISCHER’s whereabouts is urged to contact the local USMS office at (208) 518-4024, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
DATE: 10/25/2024
Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.
The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the Oregon State Police. Additionally, this person’s criminal history places them in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.
NAME: Sol, Justin
SID#: 15656380
DOB: 11/22/1986
CURRENT AGE: 37
RACE: H SEX: M
HEIGHT: 5' 09" WEIGHT: 145 Ibs
HAIR: BLACK EYES: BRO
RESIDENCE: 575 D ST NE, SALEM, OR 97301
Justin Sol is on Post Prison Supervision for three counts of Sodomy I.
This person was granted supervision on: 2/21/2023
Supervision expiration date is: 10/23/2034
Special restrictions include: [X] – No contact with minors [X] – Not to frequent places where minors congregate
Other: Sol’s offending history includes a minor male known to him.
DATE: 10/25/2024
Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.
The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the Oregon State Police. Additionally, this person’s criminal history places them in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.
NAME: Savage, Riley Edward Otis
SID#: 13654055
DOB: 12/02/1980
CURRENT AGE: 43
RACE: W SEX: M
HEIGHT: 6' 00'' WEIGHT: 180lbs
HAIR: BRO EYES: BLU
RESIDENCE: 1625 CENTER ST NE ROOM 50, SALEM, OR 97301
Riley Edward Otis Savage is on Post Prison Supervision for 3 counts of Sex Abuse II and 1 count of Sodomy I attempted.
This person was granted supervision on: 12/3/2019
This person is on supervision for life.
Special restrictions include: [X] – No contact with minors [X] – No frequenting places minors congregate
Other: Mr. Savage’s offending history includes minor children known to him.
On October 22, 2024, after a two-day jury trial, Christopher Cortez Tolbert was found guilty by a Marion County jury of Robbery in the First Degree, Kidnapping in the Second Degree, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. Before the jury returned its verdict, Tolbert also pled guilty to Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver When Property is Damaged and Resisting Arrest.
On the night of February 9, 2024, while a Salem resident was stopped in his vehicle at a stop sign, Tolbert opened the passenger side door of the vehicle and got in. There, he pointed a screwdriver at the victim and said “Go.” The victim drove Tolbert around Salem for ten to fifteen minutes before Tolbert made the victim stop and switch seats. From there, Tolbert drove the vehicle. The victim asked Tolbert to let him go but Tolbert refused. The victim said Tolbert kept the screwdriver in his hand the whole time he was driving.
After a couple hours, Tolbert drove the victim to Polk County near Premier RV Resort. He demanded the victim give him $3,000. The victim refused. Tolbert broke the victim’s phone. Tolbert also took the victim’s necklace, wallet, and IDs before telling the victim he could go. The victim was able to find help through contacting the night guard at Premier RV, who contacted the police.
Tolbert was arrested approximately an hour later by the Salem Police Department after fleeing from two Keizer Police Department officers in the victim’s car. Tolbert lost control of the vehicle during the chase, damaging another vehicle and fleeing on foot. When arrested, Tolbert resisted. He was found with the victim’s IDs in his pocket and a screwdriver in his backpack.
Marion County Circuit Court Judge Audrey J. Broyles presided over the trial. Defense counsel Michelle Vlach-Ing represented Tolbert, and the state was represented by Deputy District Attorney Mae D’Amico. On October 25, 2024, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Audrey Broyles sentenced Tolbert to a total of 90 months (7.5 years) s at the Department of Corrections.
Tolbert also received an additional 61 months for separate cases involving Robbery in the Third Degree, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer.
At the time of his arrest, Tolbert was 32 years old and had 47 arrests and multiple previous convictions.
The Marion County District Attorney's Office would like to the thank both the Salem Police Department and Keizer Police Department for their professional, quick response and thorough investigation on this matter.
Please contact DDA D’Amico with any questions at (503) 588-5222.
CORRECTION: This version corrects a type in the press release.
October 25, 2024
Media Contact: Amber Shoebridge, er.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov">amber.shoebridge@oha.oregon.gov, 503-931-9586
Salem, Ore. – After four overlapping surveys and more than 12 months, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has ruled Oregon State Hospital (OSH) has made significant patient safety and quality improvements and is now in substantial compliance, no longer slated to lose CMS certification.
“The hospital is a foundational component of our behavioral health continuum of care. And our hospital staff care for patients suffering from the highest acuity, patients who are often forgotten or misunderstood by the rest of society,” said Sejal Hathi, M.D., MBA, director of Oregon Health Authority. "While there is still much work to do, this milestone is a testament to the ongoing commitment of our hospital staff to fostering and ensuring a safe and therapeutic setting where all patients can thrive.”
Representatives of CMS resurveyed OSH the week of Oct. 7 to evaluate the hospital’s implementation of Plans of Correction related to four separate investigations. Based on their findings, CMS issued a letter rescinding its termination action and returning the hospital back into its normal cycle of surveys.
“OSH remains committed to ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment for our patients, and we’ve already started work to address continuity in our implementation,” said Sara Walker, M.D., OSH interim superintendent and chief medical officer. “OSH staff care deeply about our patients and each other, and they’ve been instrumental in making effective changes across the hospital.”
The hospital will continue to implement and audit its prior plans of correction to ensure progress, as well as to address all standard-level CMS deficiencies, which do not require plans of correction, in its commitment to ongoing improvement. OSH has contracted with The Chartis Group, a leading health care regulatory advisory firm, to help the hospital develop and implement strategies to ensure continued quality improvement.
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WHAT HAPPENED
On September 9, 2024, Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) discovered that a staff member mistakenly emailed an internal spreadsheet to two individuals wishing to visit one of its institutions. This spreadsheet included the personal information of 861 individuals on whom ODOC had completed background checks. This mis-mailing was on August 28 and 29.
Once ODOC learned of the error, immediate action was taken. ODOC contacted the two email recipients and coordinated an appropriate response with its State-side information security resources. It was confirmed the emails and their attachments were fully deleted from both recipients’ email and from State mail systems on September 16, 2024.
WHAT INFORMATION WAS INVOLVED
The protected information inadvertently shared is the combination of each individual’s name, and drivers’ license or state identification number. This is “personal information” protected under the Oregon Consumer Information Protection Act (OCIPA), ORS 646A.600 et seq. Other information relating to background checks (such as approval or denial and reason) was also summarized in the spreadsheet, as was dates of birth and FBI Numbers. No Social Security numbers or financial information was in the spreadsheet.
WHAT ODOC IS DOING
ODOC takes this event very seriously. ODOC reported the incident to the Oregon State Police and to the State’s Cyber Security Services office; and confirmed the information was deleted from State mail systems and recipients’ emails. Additionally, ODOC has been working with facility staff and the State’s Cyber Security Services office to take specific steps to limit the likelihood of future errors of this kind. It is also evaluating additional measures to further enhance protocols for the protection of visitors’ personal information.
Again, this exposure was due to error and was not the result of a cyberattack. It does not appear individuals’ information is at risk. However, to assist in protecting those affected against identity theft, ODOC is making 12 months of identity theft resolution services available at no cost.
The Oregon Department of Corrections is committed to protecting individuals' information. Immediate action was taken to investigate and address the vulnerabilities of this breach, and to implement corrective actions. DOC reaffirms its commitment and dedication to the safety and security of individuals’ information.
SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD)’s e-bike rule advisory committee will hold three additional meetings to discuss possible changes to electric-assisted bicycle rules on state park properties and the ocean shore.
The committee held its first meeting Oct. 17. Once the committee makes suggestions about possible changes, OPRD staff can draft proposed rule changes based on recommendations. If rule changes are anticipated, a draft of the proposed rule will be open for public comment in early 2025.
The committee will meet online on the following days:
These meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed and recorded. They can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqL6iVPBrfCTO27cNmCTwg.
Committee members, appointed by OPRD, include individuals from around the state who enjoy electric assisted bicycles for recreation and others who enjoy other forms of recreation in state parks and the ocean shore. The committee also includes individuals from other agencies, natural resource specialists, law enforcement, transportation specialists, non-profit organizations and business owners.
More information about this rulemaking is available on the OPRD website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-EBikes.aspx.
Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Jo Niehaus at least three days in advance of a meeting at jo.niehaus@oprd.oregon.gov.
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BEND, OR— What comes to mind when you hear the word "flannel?" Perhaps it’s your favorite plaid shirt, your trusty yardwork outfit, a rugged lumberjack or even a classic grunge band.
A new, original High Desert Museum exhibition, Blood, Swe & Flannel, explores what flannel represents. Opening November 2, 2024, and running through June 15, 2025, this unique experience invites visitors to explore the stories behind flannel—a fabric that goes beyond clothing to reflect the history of work and culture in the High Desert region.
While flannel originated centuries ago in Europe, the warm fabric with an ability to wick moisture became staple in the United States. Today, flannel is produced from various materials, including wool, cotton and even synthetic fibers. Its signature softness comes from a brushing process called “napping,” which raises fine fibers on one or both sides of the fabric after weaving, enhancing its cozy feel.
“Flannel is more than just a fabric; it’s a symbol of resilience and identity,” said Museum Bonnie Lee and Oliver P. Steele III Curator of Education and Engagement Molly Wilmoth. “For generations, flannel shirts, jackets and undergarments have been essential for workers in the High Desert, providing warmth and comfort as they logged trees and roped cattle. Later, alternative rock artists like Nirvana adopted flannel as their nod to non-fashion.”
To tell the stories of these histories, the exhibition will be split into these five major sections: timber, ranching, herding, sportswear from the 1950s and ‘60s, and alternative rock from the early 1990s. The exhibition will feature imagery, tactile elements and interactive displays that bring to life the experiences of those who wore flannel during each era.
Blood, Sweat & Flannel also delves into the cultural significance of clothing as a representation of identity. Visitors will explore how flannel has shifted through various eras, culminating in its association with the grunge movement, featuring music from iconic bands like Nirvana and Built to Spill. This evolution reflects not only a change in fashion but also a broader cultural dialogue around individuality and expression.
For more information, visit highdesertmuseum.org/flannel. Blood, Sweat & Flannel is made possible by the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation with support from 1859 Oregon’s Magazine.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM:
The HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Salem, Ore. – A store employee is facing charges after they were caught stealing a winning lottery ticket as part of a Retail Integrity Check operation conducted by Oregon State Police (OSP) and Oregon Lottery.
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, detectives from OSP’s Lottery security section presented a winning ticket to an employee at the Short Stop located at 1709 Gekeler Lane in La Grande. The employee scanned the tickets presented by the detective and advised there were no winners, keeping the ticket worth $25,000. Following the check, detectives had the ticket placed on “hold” by Oregon Lottery staff.
On September 26, 2024, the clerk mailed in the winning Lottery ticket in an attempt to redeem the $25,000 prize. Along with the winning ticket, the clerk also mailed in the Lottery Winner Claim Form and signed the declaration. After interviewing the clerk, OSP Lottery detectives cited the individual for Aggravated Theft 1 and Computer Crime. Additional charges of Theft by Deception and Forgery in the First Degree are being recommended to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
The business has been an Oregon Lottery retailer since 2005 and does not have a history of compliance issues.
“While it is rare to see an individual be dishonest at one of our retailers, we have a responsibility to ensure our games are played with fairness and integrity,” said Justin Hedlund, Oregon Lottery’s assistant director of security. “These checks are one way we accomplish that.”
Undercover checks are done routinely by OSP at Oregon Lottery retailers throughout the year, with more than 170 being conducted since 2020. OSP detectives assigned to Oregon Lottery help support the agency by ensuring fairness, integrity, security and honesty in the operation of the Lottery. The Oregon Lottery recommends that you sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim any prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.
Do you have unwanted or expired medications at your home? The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to help community members safely dispose of prescription drugs.
This is a no-questions-asked prescription drug drop off in effort to prevent the unsafe disposal of prescription medications, and to prevent medications from being stolen or abused. Disposing of unused medications by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards.
Check your medicine cabinet for prescription drugs that are expired or that you no longer use and bring unwanted, outdated, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to the following location for safe disposal:
Where: Veneta Bi-Mart (25126 Jeans Rd., Veneta)
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Acceptable items: Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, drug samples, pet medications, ointments, lotions, and liquid medicines in glass or leak proof containers.
We are unable to accept: Needles, thermometers, bloody or infectious waste, medications from businesses, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, inhalers, and diabetic meters.
During two events held in 2021, over 918 pounds of medications were turned in by community members to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office for disposal.
If you are unable to attend the Drug Take Back Event and you have medications you would like to dispose of, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office has a drug drop box located in the Central Reception lobby in the Lane County Courthouse that is available to accept medications Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding holidays (no appointment necessary).
To find other participating collections sites, visit www.deatakeback.com
Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a gas leak that forced evacuations in downtown Eugene early Friday morning. Firefighters were dispatched at 12:59 AM on October 25th to reports of a gas smell outside a cafe in the Market District located at 550 Oak St. Arriving crews smelled gas in the area and used specialized monitors that detected low levels of gas present. The first priority was to check for gas above the cafe in the Market District Commons apartments to determine if there was a life safety threat. There was gas detected in the apartment building and a full evacuation was initiated. While several crews worked to evacuate the building with the support of responding EPD officers, the truck crews forced entry in to the cafe. Once inside the cafe high levels of gas were detected and the leak was addressed.
Once the building was evacuated and the leak mitigated, crews worked to ventilate the building. Command staff coordinated with NW Natural to determine the building was safe to occupy once again. There were no injuries reported and residents were evacuated for about 2 hours. We appreciate Eugene Police for their support on this incident and want to recognize the Gordon Hotel for providing a safe space to house evacuees.
CORVALLIS, ORE.—Fourteen (14) households (individuals or families) have moved into housing through the Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP) since its inception in July 2024.
The FHSP funds, locates, and secures housing with wraparound supports for people experiencing homelessness with the ultimate goal of reducing the frequency and duration of homelessness. Key components of the project include:
What makes the FHSP unique in Benton County is that it brings property managers and owners to the table as key partners in Benton County’s response to homelessness. The FHSP does this through outreach, education, and recruitment of property owners and managers; innovative lease and contract agreements to incentivize property owners/managers participation; and conflict resolution between tenants and property owners/managers aimed at preventing eviction.
“The success of this program relies on strong relationships with property owners and managers and our network of local homeless service providers,” said Rebecca Taylor, Project Manager for the Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO).
Street outreach teams and service providers from Benton County Health Department and community-based organizations identify participants eligible for FHSP services and work with the CHRO to ensure successful housing placements.
“It’s not just a referral to our program and then we take it from there. We are in ongoing coordination with the referring support agencies and the property managers and owners to ensure successful housing placements. We couldn’t do this without our partners,” Taylor said.
The FHSP is part of a state-funded pilot program led by the CHRO, a partnership including the City of Corvallis, City of Philomath, Community Services Consortium (CSC), and the Benton County Health Department.
In July 2023, the CHRO was awarded $1.2 million through House Bill 5019 with a goal of achieving long-term housing stability for 31 households by June 30, 2025. An additional $975,000 was awarded through Oregon Senate Bill 5701 as part of the Oregon Rehousing Initiative (ORI) which increased the goal by twenty (20), for a total of 51 households.
The CHRO continues to seek additional funding sources to develop programming and support staffing while maintaining as much flexible funding as possible to serve households in need.
Recently, the CHRO successfully competed for two (2) one-time funding opportunities through InterCommunity Health Network – Coordinated Care Organization (IHN-CCO):
“We’re grateful for the funding we’ve received from our state and local partners to help sustain this work,” said April Holland, Director of the Benton County Health Department.
“We also know that so much more systemic change is needed to ensure everyone in Benton County has an opportunity to live in decent, safe, and affordable housing,” Holland said.
For more information on Benton County’s Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool program, visit their website at health.bentoncountyor.gov/fhsp.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
CORVALLIS, ORE.—Catorce (14) hogares (individuos o familias) se han mudado a viviendas a por medio del Fondo de Ayuda de Vivienda Flexible (FHSP, por sus siglas en inglés) desde el inicio del programa en julio de 2024.
El programa de FHSP financia, ubica y asegura viviendas con apoyos integrales para personas sin hogar con el objetivo final de reducir la frecuencia y la duración de la falta de vivienda. Los componentes clave del proyecto incluyen:
Lo que hace que al programa de FHSP único en el Condado de Benton es que reúne a los administradores y dueños de propiedades como socios clave en responder a la falta de vivienda en el Condado de Benton. El programa de FHSP hace esto por medio de conexiones a la comunidad, la educación y el reclutamiento de dueños y administradores de propiedades; contratos de renta y acuerdos innovadores para motivar la participación de los dueños/administradores de propiedades; y la resolución de conflictos entre inquilinos y dueños/administradores de propiedades con el objetivo de prevenir el desalojo.
“El éxito de este programa depende de las relaciones sólidas con los dueños y administradores de propiedades y nuestra red de proveedores de servicios locales para personas sin hogar”, dijo Rebecca Taylor, Gerente de Proyectos de la Oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para Personas sin Hogar del Condado de Benton (CHRO por sus siglas en inglés).
Los equipos de alcance a la comunidad y los proveedores de servicios del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton y las organizaciones comunitarias identifican a los participantes que son elegibles para los servicios del programa de FHSP y trabajan con la CHRO para garantizar la colocación exitosa de las viviendas.
“No se trata solo de un referido a nuestro programa y luego nos encargamos de todo. Estamos en constante coordinación con las agencias de apoyo que refieren a nuestro programa y los administradores y dueños de propiedades para garantizar la colocación exitosa de las viviendas. No podríamos hacer esto sin nuestros socios”, dijo Taylor.
El programa de FHSP es parte de un programa piloto financiado por el estado dirigido por el CHRO, una asociación que incluye a la Ciudad de Corvallis, la ciudad de Philomath, el Consorcio de Servicios Comunitarios (CSC) y el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton.
En julio de 2023, el CHRO recibió $1.2 millones a través del Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara de Representantes 5019 con el objetivo de lograr estabilidad de vivienda a largo plazo para 31 hogares antes del 30 de junio de 2025. Además, se dieron $975,000 adicionales a través del Proyecto de Ley del Senado de Oregón 5701 como parte de la Iniciativa de Reubicación de Oregón (ORI), que aumentó la meta en veinte (20), para un total de 51 hogares.
El CHRO continúa buscando fuentes de financiamiento adicionales para desarrollar la programación y el personal de apoyo, al mismo tiempo que mantiene la mayor cantidad posible de financiamiento flexible para atender a los hogares necesitados.
Recientemente, el CHRO compitió con éxito por dos (2) oportunidades únicas para obtener fondos a través de InterCommunity Health Network – Coordinated Care Organization (IHN-CCO):
“Estamos agradecidos por el financiamiento que hemos recibido de nuestros socios estatales y locales para ayudar a sostener este trabajo”, dijo April Holland, Directora del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton.
“También sabemos que se necesita mucho más un cambio sistemático para garantizar que todos en el Condado de Benton tengan la oportunidad de vivir en casas decentes, seguras y accesibles”, dijo Holland.
Para obtener más información sobre el programa de Ayuda de Vivienda Flexible del Condado de Benton, visite su sitio web en health.bentoncountyor.gov/fhsp.
El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
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PORTLAND, Ore.—17 people are facing federal charges for conspiring to defraud the United States of more than $2.4 million in fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement operation was conducted Tuesday to dismantle the interstate fraud organization that used skimming devices and stolen Electric Benefits Transfer (EBT) accounts to purchase SNAP-eligible products for resale on the black market.
“This group targeted a program that ensures access to healthy and affordable groceries for low-income and food insecure individuals and families,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We thank all our partners for their commitment to protecting the integrity of vital public programs like SNAP.”
“The USDA OIG is working relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle organized skimming operations targeted at stealing EBT card information from victims relying on such benefits to feed their families. These conspirators used skimmed accounts to fraudulently purchase retail goods such as infant formula and energy drinks, and later resold the stolen goods for illicit gain. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, Homeland Security Investigations, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon Department of Justice, and Orange County District Attorney’s Office for our joint effort in pursuing and holding these conspirators accountable for defrauding American families and the Federal Government,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Dionida, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG).
“This kind of fraud cheats a system that is designed to help families and children who need assistance the most,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Every dollar stolen is a dollar that could have fed a child in need. I’m appreciative of our partnerships with federal and local law enforcement, as it is through investigations like this that we will be able to protect resources for those that rely on them, while making sure those who commit these abuses are held accountable.”
“Our role in this case started with the initiative and extensive follow-up by one of our detectives,” said Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day. “He then reached out to our federal partners, and as the investigation grew, more resources were brought in to assist. It soon became very apparent how many people were criminally involved and the wide scope of this investigation. This indictment ultimately was the result of an exhaustive amount of investigative work by our detective and federal authorities and I commend everyone involved for their dedication to this important case.”
The following individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, for their roles in the fraud organization:
Ramirez Dumitru, 25; Giovanni Spirea, 28; Santa-Madalina Costache, 25; Florin Mareata, 25; Anita Vaduva, 36; Ion Paul Miclescu, 19; Nicolas Barbosu, 25; Alberto Tomescu, 27; Oana Aura Cristina Caldararu, 23; Roberta Elena Sardaru, 27; Salvis Foro Dunca, 26; Ana Patricia Escalante, 57; Jessica Gonzalez, 27; Edwin Lionel Santizo-Ralon, 54; Cristina Yesenia Escalante, 33; Edgar Basilio Hernandez, 33; and Marta Hernandez de Estrada, 53.
According to court documents, from August 2023 to October 2024, Ramirez Dumitru and his co-conspirators are alleged to have possessed skimming devices and stolen EBT accounts to illegally purchase items with stolen SNAP benefits. Dumitru shared information with other members of the organization who, along with him, used the stolen EBT accounts to purchase large quantities of infant formula, energy drinks, and other SNAP-eligible nonperishable food items from grocery stores in Oregon, Washington, and California, and through websites associated with grocery stores offering curb-side pickup.
Over the course of the conspiracy, the group purchased more than 120,000 pounds of goods and stored them at residential properties and storage units in Oregon and Washington until they were packaged and transported to California in private vehicles or via commercial carriers. The fraudulent goods, obtained with more than $2.4 million in stolen SNAP benefits, were then sold on the black market.
All seventeen members of the organization were arrested on Tuesday without incident and made their initial appearances in federal court this week before U.S. Magistrate Judges in Oregon, Washington and California. All have been arraigned and are pending a trial in the District of Oregon.
The case was investigated by USDA OIG, HSI, U.S. Marshals Service, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon Department of Justice, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Vancouver Police Department, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department, and the Redmond, Washington Police Department Financial Fraud and Identification Theft Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Washington and Central District of California.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Halloween is just around the corner. Many view Halloween as a time for fun and treats, costumes, and attending spooky parties. Due to the increased pedestrian traffic, especially in low light conditions, it is also time to use extra caution. According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween night compared to other nights of the year. Here are some safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council to make Halloween safer for everyone.
Children should:
Adults should:
Following these tips can help ensure this Halloween is a safe and fun holiday for everyone.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Wilsonville, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison today for laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds as the chief money launderer for a drug trafficking organization operating in the Pacific Northwest and California.
Jacqueline Paola Rodriguez Barrientos, 44, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.
“We thank the coordinated efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners actively combatting these drug trafficking organizations and the damage they inflict on our communities,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“While people like Ms. Rodriguez Barrientos conceal the profits of drug enterprises, the losses fall on far too many Americans and their families,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “We will continue doing our part to expose the finances of criminal organizations.”
According to court documents, beginning in fall 2021, special agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Portland began investigating a drug trafficking organization suspected of transporting counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and heroin from California into Oregon and Washington State for distribution.
A parallel financial investigation led by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) revealed that Barrientos laundered money generated by the drug trafficking organization through the Mazatlán Beauty Salon in Tualatin, Oregon and by buying real estate that she converted into income-generating rentals. The real estate purchases were made with cashier’s checks funded by large cash deposits. Currency Transaction Reports generated by several banks showed that Barrientos made frequent cash deposits ranging from $10,000 to more than $373,000 into accounts held in her name or the name of her salon. These deposits totaled more than $3.5 million during a 9-month period in 2021.
Since February 2021, members of the drug trafficking organization also purchased a total of nine residential properties in Oregon, Washington and Nevada with an estimated total value of more than $4.6 million. All nine properties were purchased outright with no mortgages. Barrientos used laundered funds to purchase eight of these properties. She then used third-party property management companies to rent these properties and received approximately $10,000 per month in rental income.
On February 17, 2022, DEA agents arrested Barrientos and an associate at their Las Vegas residence. Agents found and seized two luxury vehicles, several loose receipts documenting high-end retail purchases, credit card statements documenting more than $16,000 spent on tickets to attend a professional boxing match, and other evidence memorializing the couple’s high-end lifestyle.
On February 9, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Barrientos with conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. She pleaded guilty on July 31, 2024.
Barrientos has agreed to forfeiture of the properties purchased with criminal proceeds as part of the resolution of her case. Some of the properties have been sold by the government; others are pending forfeiture and sale. The proceeds of forfeited assets are deposited in the Justice Department’s Assets Forfeiture Fund (AFF) and used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of other law enforcement purposes. To learn more about the AFF, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/afp/assets-forfeiture-fund-aff.
This case was investigated by DEA with assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS:CI, Tigard Police Department, and Oregon State Police. It is being prosecuted by Peter D. Sax, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Forfeiture proceedings are being handled by AUSA Katie De Villiers, also of the District of Oregon.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 23 Oct. 2024 – Yesterday, an Oregon State Police K-9 team intercepted fentanyl and heroin destined for Portland.
On Oct. 22, 2024, at about 11 a.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 135 in Douglas County. During the stop, the trooper observed signs of criminal activity and deployed a drug detection K-9. The vehicle search resulted in the discovery of 5.8 pounds of fentanyl and 5 pounds of heroin with suspected fentanyl inside the vehicle.
The driver, Dago Rodrigo Rodrigues (22) of Oakland (CA), and passenger, Mateo Marin Peraza (20) also of Oakland (CA) were arrested for unlawful possession and delivery of fentanyl and heroin and lodged in the Douglas County Jail.
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OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
(Douglas County, Ore.) After an extensive recruitment process, the Douglas County Fair Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Ciera Keith as the new Fairgrounds Director. The appointment will be effective at the end of December. She will replace the outgoing Director, Dan Hults, who will officially retire at the end of 2024. In her new role, Keith will oversee the planning, organization, and direction of all aspects related to managing the Fairgrounds Complex. Under the supervision of the five-member Fair Board and in collaboration with the Board of Commissioners, she will work to continue meeting the Fairground’s current and long-term goals of growing and improving the Fairgrounds Complex for the citizens of Douglas County.
“The Fair Board is very excited about selecting Ciera as the new Fairgrounds Director. We believe that with Ciera's energy and her connections across Oregon and through the Western Fair Association, we can harness her enthusiasm and expertise to position our fairgrounds complex as a premier hub for entertainment on the West coast. Together with a dedicated Fair Board we hope to bolster the visibility of our assets including the racetrack, indoor spaces, livestock and horse venues, and the RV Park to be able to attract an even wider range of events. For the past 28 years, Dan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has been a mentor to Ciera. Congratulations to Ciera and thank you Dan for serving our County!” - Lisa Platt, Douglas County Fair Board Chair.
This new role is a promotion for Keith, who has worked for Douglas County at the Fairgrounds Complex since 2011. During the past thirteen years, she has worked as a Senior Department Assistant, Event & Exhibitor Coordinator and most recently as the Business & Administrative Coordinator. As the Business & Administrative Coordinator, Keith managed all marketing, promotions, and sponsorships for the Fairgrounds Complex. During her tenure, the Fairgrounds has received several industry awards, including two first-place trophies for its television and radio ads, a second-place award for the fair logo, and a third-place award for the 'Fair Time' advertising poster in the small fair division at the 2024 Western Fair Association Convention and Trade Show. Keith has been the lead representative for the Fairgrounds while serving on committees for the Oregon Fairs Association, International Association of Fairs and Expositions, and the Western Fair Association. Before she joined the fairgrounds staff, Keith worked as a Customer Service Representative and Inventory Purchasing Agent for the Oregon Ophthalmic Group Provider.
“We have one of the best, if not the best, County fairgrounds operations and County Fairs in Oregon. Ciera has been a key contributor to that success, and we are fortunate to have her on our team. We look forward to our award-winning County Fairgrounds continuing to grow and succeed under her leadership.” - Commissioner Tom Kress, Fairgrounds Liaison Commissioner.
Hults has worked for Douglas County at the Fairgrounds Complex for almost 28 years. He was hired as the Food and Beverage Manager in 1998 and promoted to Operations Manager in 2003. Following the retirement of Fairgrounds Director Harold Phillips in September of 2017, Hults was appointed Interim Fairgrounds Director by the Douglas County Fair Board and the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. In December of 2017, he was officially appointed as the Fairgrounds Director. Prior to his time working for the County, Hults spent seven years as General Manager for the Food Service Corporation. In that role, he oversaw all concessions and catering at the Oregon State Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Salem. The Fair Board and Commissioners wish him all the best in his retirement.
The Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex is home to the annual award-winning Douglas County Fair, Sportsman Show, Poker Craze and Christmas Fair! Nestled along the Umpqua River in Roseburg, Oregon, the Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex is conveniently located off I-5 Exit 123, minutes away from Downtown Roseburg. The complex boasts their own RV Park, racetrack, onsite catering and over 80,000 square feet of rentable building space. The complex can host any event imaginable. If you are interested in renting or learning more about what the Douglas County Fairgrounds has to offer, visit https://douglasfairgrounds.com/.
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 23 Oct. 2024 – Roseburg area Fish and Wildlife troopers are asking for the public’s assistance to locate and apprehend the person responsible for unlawfully killing a buck deer and leaving it to waste earlier this week.
The preliminary investigation indicates the buck was shot multiple times with a handgun from the roadway. The incident occurred between 6 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 20, 2024, in the 500 block of South Deer Creek Road. The individual left the area in a vehicle traveling southbound on South Deer Creek Road.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Matt Bowersox through OSP Dispatch at 800-442-2068 or OSP (677) from a mobile device. Those with information can remain anonymous and a TIP reward for cash or preference points will be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in the case. Please reference Oregon State Police case number #SP24344796.
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuing a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling licenses or tags, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.
Cash Rewards
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Lane County, Ore 22 Oct 24- On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 3:15 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a four-vehicle crash on Hwy 126, near milepost 19, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Kenworth log truck, operated by Billy Lee Bales Coder (50) of Myrtle Point, was passing through the Knowles Creek Tunnel when a catastrophic engine failure caused an oil spill approximately 200 yards long before the vehicle exited the tunnel and parked along side the roadway.
A westbound Nissan Rogue, operated by Mary Helen Dale (65) of Florence, lost control in the oil slick and crashed into the Kenworth before moving off of the highway.
A westbound Toyota Prius, operated by Radiant Jaime Gaines (48) of Eugene, lost control in the oil slick, crossed into the eastbound lane and struck an eastbound Chevrolet HHR, operated by Christine Dorene Weathers (59) of Florence, head-on.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Weathers) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Kenworth (Coder) was not injured.
The operator of the Nissan (Dale) was not injured.
The operator of the Toyota (Gaines) suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local medical center.
The highway was impacted for approximately 9.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Western Lane Ambulance and Fire, Mapleton Fire, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
The Oregon State Marine Board held its quarterly board meeting in Hood River on October 23, at the Hood River Library. The Board approved four boating facility grant applications as part of the agency’s Cycle Three funding opportunity for the 2023-2025 biennium. The Board also approved opening rulemaking and gathering public comments on proposed rule language for the Upper Rogue River.
The Board awarded $286,824 in Cycle Three boating facility grants for projects totaling $471,690:
In another agenda item, the Board discussed the public comments received during its Upper Rogue River hybrid Work Session in Medford, held on October 2. Staff provided marine law enforcement data and offered rule language for consideration, including redefining the section of the Upper Rogue River to align with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fishing regulations and to also include Rogue River tributaries. Other recommendations include a motor restriction of over 10 hp which is consistent with Coast Guard regulations. Staff also recommended provisions specific to commercial jet boat operations along with provisions that allow law enforcement and search and rescue to be exempt from these regulations while conducting official business.
The Board approved opening rulemaking for the Upper Rogue River to gather comments on the proposed rule language. Procedurally, agency staff will open a written public comment period in addition to scheduling a rule hearing in a similar format to the October 2nd Work Session in Medford, to comply with the Oregon Secretary of State Rulemaking hearing procedures. Comments will then be presented to the Board at its January 2025 meeting. The Board can modify, adopt or end the rulemaking process. If there are substantiative modifications to the rule language, staff would be required to conduct a repeated hearing process for transparency and additional public comments.
To view the Board Book and presentation, visit the agency’s Public Meetings Page.
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The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollarsor local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees support the boating public through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, grants for the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, and environmental protection programs.
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Tax Collection Office has mailed out Property Tax Statements for the 2024/2025 Property Tax year. 2024/25 Property Taxes are due November 15, 2024. To receive a 3% discount and avoid interest and penalties, payment in full must be received or postmarked by November 15, 2024. Second trimester taxes are due February 17, 2025, and third trimester taxes are due May 15, 2025.
Payments can be made in person at the Douglas County Tax Collection Office, Room 205 inside the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon. The Douglas County Tax Collection Office is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday – Friday. The Tax Office will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans Day. Please note: Credit/debit card or e-check payments CANNOT be accepted at the Tax Counter. However, we have a public computer in the Tax Office lobby that can be used to access the online tax payment system.
Payments can also be made using the U.S. Postal Service. Due to recent changes with the US Postal Service, mail is often transported out of town for processing and postmark. Be sure to mail your tax payment early or take your payment envelope into the Post Office to receive an official “hand stamped local postmark”, to avoid potential late penalties and loss of discount. Please do not mail cash. Please convert your cash payment to a cashier’s check, money order or personal check.
Additionally, payments can be made using our drop boxes which are located at the front of the Douglas County Courthouse at the base of the steps and in the hallway outside the Dougals County Tax Collection Office. The drop box located in front of the Courthouse will be open until 11:59 pm on November 15, 2024, upon which it will be locked. We ask that you do not place cash in the drop boxes. Please convert your cash payment to a cashier’s check, money order or personal check.
Further, payments can also be made on-line at https://orion-pa.co.douglas.or.us/Home using a credit/debit card or eCheck. If payment is made using this method, there will be a 2.49% transaction fee for credit cards, a $3.95 transaction fee for debit cards and a $3.00 transaction fee for eChecks. We have a public computer in the Tax Office lobby that can be used to access the online tax payment system.
Reminder if you have multiple statements they all will arrive in one envelope. Be sure to take everything out of the envelope to verify that you have all your statements.
Please note, while Douglas County is statutorily required to collect property taxes on behalf of ALL the taxing districts within the County, only about 8% of the total amount collected is retained by Douglas County for use in County operations.
For more information, please contact the Douglas County Tax Collection Office at (541) 440-4253.
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov
PR 19-24
BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, October 23, 2024
CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, BPA, 971-207-8390 or 503-230-5131
Michael-David Bushman, Yakama Nation Fisheries, 509-865-5121 ext. 6345
Upgrades to Klickitat Hatchery to increase spring Chinook salmon
Work will shift hatchery production to incorporate natural-origin broodstock
and boost smolts from 600,000 to 800,000 annually
Portland, Ore. – Members of the Yakama Nation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA Fisheries, and the Bonneville Power Administration gathered at a hatchery nestled in the 42-river mile of the Klickitat River on October 11 to celebrate the construction, now underway, of upgrades intended to boost the population and resilience of spring Chinook salmon in the river basin.
The Klickitat Hatchery was originally constructed in 1949 and is operated by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to rear spring and fall Chinook as well as late-run coho salmon. BPA is spending roughly $35 million to upgrade several components of the hatchery still operating with 75-year-old equipment. That work is focused on improving the spring Chinook population, with plans to increase juvenile production from 600,000 to 800,000 annually.
“BPA is funding the upgrades to enable the Yakama to move from exclusively using hatchery-raised fish for broodstock to incorporate natural-origin broodstock,” said Jason Sweet, executive manager of BPA’s fish and wildlife program. “By integrating natural-origin broodstock, we expect to see greater fitness, production and survival of these salmonids.”
These capital improvements help to fulfill commitments BPA made in the 2008 Columbia Basin Fish Accords Memorandum of Agreement and its subsequent extensions. The project is part of BPA’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of the Federal Columbia River Power System on fish and wildlife in the mainstem Columbia River and its tributaries.
The importance of the event was not lost on the chairman of the Yakama Nation, Gerald Lewis.
"A wonderful day – the sun bearing witness, birds singing, as everyone was there to celebrate with the tribe for 20 years of holding the hatchery together,” Lewis said. “The words spoken by BPA, NOAA, WDFW, BIA, Klickitat County and by YN helped preserve all the work done by the entities coming together as one. The tribe never gave up on our resource of Spring Salmon, Steelhead, Coho and Lamprey. Now with the Fish Accord Agreement, BPA and the Yakama Nation have come together to rebuild the aging hatchery to better support fisheries across the Northwest.
“It is only through prayer and song that Yakama can keep the resources going forward as Elders have been saying since the demise of Celilo. With the help of other entities, we are making progress on our natural resources.”
Other key supporters of the Yakama/Klickitat Fisheries Project were on hand for the celebration as well, including Klickitat County, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
Construction on the upgrades at Klickitat Hatchery began in September and include:
Work on the upgrades is expected to be completed in June of 2026 with the first yearlings released from the upgraded facilities in May of 2027.
About BPA
The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer in the U.S. Department of Energy that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov
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The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during its Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
This event will feature remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of "Taps."
The celebration will honor Oregon veterans of all eras and will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park located on Court Street Northeast in Salem — directly in front of the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
The event is open to the public and uncovered seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be provided. Attendees are reminded to plan accordingly for Oregon weather.
For those unable to attend, the event will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/odvavet. If you have any questions about this event, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.
On October 22nd, 2024, at approximately 1:55 PM, a Lincoln City Police Department Officer observed a female lying in the street next to an electric bicycle at the intersection of SE 9th St and Highway 101. The Officer began to render assistance as 911 calls about the incident were being received. North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance personnel also responded; however, 47-year-old Danielle Wolff of Lincoln City ultimately succumbed to her injuries and passed at the scene.
An initial investigation determined that Wolff had been driving her electric bike southbound on the sidewalk on the east side of the Highway. She applied her brakes abruptly as she came upon a stopped vehicle at the intersection of SE 9th St and ended up falling into the roadway. The driver of the stopped vehicle commenced a right-hand turn without seeing Wolff on the pavement, striking her, but then immediately pulled to the side of the road and called 911 to summon assistance. The driver has fully cooperated with the investigation of the incident.
During the scene investigation, traffic was diverted down to two lanes for approximately four hours, while members of the Lincoln County Multi-Agency Crash Team, representing each of the law enforcement agencies in the County, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation, assisted with the investigation, which is currently on-going. No charges have been filed at this time.
Unfortunately, Wolff was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. This tragedy emphasizes the need for protective gear while cycling. Oregon’s cycling laws allow us to share our roads safely. Cyclists are required by law to use bicycle lanes when present and electric bicycles are specifically prohibited on Oregon’s sidewalks. In the limited locations where cyclists share a sidewalk with pedestrians, they may do so at a speed no greater than an ordinary walk when approaching crosswalks. Lastly, although Oregon’s laws do not require the use of a helmet for riders aged 16 and above, we strongly recommend the use of a DOT helmet for cyclists.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Wolff, and encourage all members of our community to observe Oregon’s Traffic Safety laws during their daily commutes.
When: October 24 – 31
Where: Virtual via Zoom, or
In person at the BLM Ashland Field Office, Oregon
Who: Emma Busk, Wildlife Technician
Contact: Jeanne Panfely, jpanfely@blm.gov
Ashland, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s annual Bat Beauty Contest returns! Your local Oregon bats are here to defend their crown and try to take home the top prize for the third year in a row.
Each October, the BLM hosts a beauty contest to find the most stunning bat photographed on BLM public lands across the county. The event begins on October 24 and ends on Halloween. It also coincides with International Bat Week, which raises awareness about bat conservation and the essential role bats play in the natural world.
This year, there are two Oregon bats participating in the contest! Hoary Potter, a male hoary bat with a feisty personality, will compete in the first round of the contest October 24. Honey Bunches of Myotis, a long-eared myotis bat, will compete in the second round of the contest October 25.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, located primarily in 11 western states and Alaska. Those other states are working hard to end the batty three-peat. You can help Oregon bring home the crown by voting on the BLM National Facebook page or the BLM National Instagram page.
Last year, William ShakespEAR, a female Townsend’s big-eared bat from Butte Falls, took home the crown on the afternoon of October 31. During the final round, she beat out Gizmo, an Allen's Big-Eared Bat. William was photographed by Emma Busk, BLM wildlife technician.
The year before, the BLM crowned Barbara, a canyon bat from Lake County, the 2022 Bat Beauty Contest Winner. Barbara was photographed by Kate Yates, BLM wildlife biologist.
Both of this year’s bats were photographed by Busk.
“It’s important that we fact check what we think we know about bats,” said Busk. “There are a lot of myths around bats, but they’re amazing wildlife and they contribute so much to our ecosystem.”
Bats play an essential role in Oregon. All bats in the Pacific Northwest are insectivorous, meaning they rid our world of pests like mosquitos, beetles, and moths. Just one bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour!
Want to do your part? As we head into winter, avoid exploring mines and caves where bats may be hibernating.
“In your own backyard, you can have a bat house!” said Emma. “It’s a shelter that helps protect bats during the winter. You can also make your garden more bat friendly by planting native flowers to attract insects and turning off any unnecessary lights. Light pollution is not great for bats."
Want to get involved? Follow the Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington on Facebook (@BLMOregonAndWashington) or Instagram (@BLMOregonWashington). We’ll be sharing how you can vote for Hoary Potter and Honey Bunches of Myotis and support your native Oregon species!
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.
Salem – Improving worker safety in Oregon's pulp, paper, and forest products industries will take center stage during a conference held Dec. 3-6 in Portland that will highlight key safety and health topics. Those topics include everything from fall protection and potential equipment failures to starting and expanding safety programs.
Although the 32nd annual Western Pulp, Paper, and Forest Products Safety and Health Conference delves into safety and health issues in those industries, the event also offers learning opportunities that apply to many other workplaces. Those sessions include nutrition and wellness in the workplace; tools for creating effective safety committees; root cause analysis; and making an emergency plan for your household.
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the four-day conference at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront in Portland.
The conference will feature three keynote and general session speakers:
The conference will include exhibits, company safety meetings, roundtable discussions, and numerous workshops.
Sessions include:
The registration fee is $450 to attend the full conference. The fee to attend one day – Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday – is $150. It is $50 for Friday. To register, go to https://safetyseries.cventevents.com/event/wppfp24/.
If you have questions or need help registering, call the Oregon OSHA Conference Section at 503-947-7411, or email egon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov">oregon.conferences@dcbs.oregon.gov.
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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Salem, Oregon — The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the council’s website.
The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council.
The purpose of the Council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness education, and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the State’s policies, goals and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Meetings of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council are open to the public.
Public comment may be made during the meeting. Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Monday, Oct. 28 at 1:00 p.m. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online via the office form.
Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.
Links:
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Alumni Awards recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions. The 2024 Alumni Award recipients are Joanne Fuhrman, Christy Perry, William Wiltse, and Brigadier General Jenifer Pardy.
Joanne Fuhrman is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Community Service Award for her lifelong commitment to social justice and impact on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As co-founder and CEO of Partnerships in Community Living (PCL), she has dedicated over 40 years to advocating for marginalized individuals and played a crucial role in Oregon's transition from institutional care.
Christy Perry, the former superintendent of the Salem-Keizer School District, is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Community Service Award for her exceptional leadership and commitment to equity in education. Perry's strategic plan for equitable outcomes and her efforts to expand Career and Technical Education programs have advanced student achievement and fostered inclusivity for underserved communities.
William Wiltse is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Award for Professional Achievement for his pioneering work combating child exploitation through technology and law enforcement collaboration. As the President of the Child Rescue Coalition, Wiltse developed the Child Protection System, a powerful tool used by law enforcement worldwide to detect and prosecute child predators.
Brigadier General Jenifer Pardy is the recipient of the 2024 Alumni Award of Excellence for her outstanding leadership and service in the Oregon National Guard. As the Director of the Joint Staff, Pardy has provided invaluable guidance and oversight for state and federal missions. Her executive experience and recent mobilization efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and civil unrest in Oregon exemplify her commitment to strengthening partnerships and making a positive impact.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s alumni award recipients. Their achievements serve as a testament to the values and excellence our institution upholds,” said Raeann Salchenberg, director of Alumni Engagement. Each of them has made a profound impact in their respective fields, embodying the spirit of leadership, innovation, and service that defines our alumni community. We are honored to celebrate their success and grateful for the inspiration they provide to our students and fellow alumni.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
The free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will collect up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste per customer on Saturday, November 2, in Leaburg. Hazardous waste from businesses, schools, churches, government agencies or non-profits may be subject to disposal fees and those organizations must pre-register for the event.
When: Saturday, November 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: McKenzie Fire & Rescue Leaburg Station, 42870 McKenzie Highway
Who: All community members are welcome to participate in the roundup.
What to bring:
Up to 35 gallons of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products, arts and crafts products, pool chemicals, fluorescent lamps and other household hazardous waste. Check labels for words like flammable, corrosive, poison, caution, and danger.
Please don't bring:
Empty containers, drums, radioactive or infectious waste, asbestos, pressurized cylinders, or explosives. Any empty containers can be safely thrown in the trash. For information about disposal of radioactive waste, asbestos or explosives call 541-682-3828 or 541-682-3899.
What about hazardous waste from businesses?
Businesses that generate small amounts of hazardous waste may pre-register to bring that waste to this event. Businesses must pay for disposal of the waste, but most can save money by using this program rather than hiring a contractor.
Electronics recycling
The Cottage Grove, Creswell, Florence, Marcola, Oakridge, Rattlesnake, Veneta and Vida transfer stations accept the following items for free during normal operating hours: televisions, computer monitors, CPUs, printers, phones and laptops. Maximum seven items per day. No commercial or floor-standing copiers, parts or dismantled units.
Please call 541-682-4120 for more information about hazardous waste disposal for households or businesses.
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Salem, OR. – With recent cooler, wetter weather reducing fire danger levels, the Bureau of Land Management has lifted restrictions on certain activities on open BLM land in northwest Oregon. This change means that activities such as campfires, smoking, cross-country vehicle travel in designated areas, and the use of chainsaws will now be permitted.
However, a larger ban on incendiary devices—fireworks, exploding targets, and incendiary ammunition—remains in effect. This regional order is in place across the states of Oregon and Washington to ensure the continued safety of our public lands and neighboring communities due to the inherent fire risks associated these devises. This measure is crucial for preventing accidental fires and protecting the environment, wildlife, and the safety of individuals enjoying outdoor recreation.
Additionally, some BLM land in the region remains closed following this season’s wildfires. For example, all BLM public lands within the Lane One fire boundary are still off limits.
“I encourage everyone to stay informed and exercise caution while enjoying the changing seasons,” said Adam Johnson, fire management specialist with the BLM Northwest Oregon District. “Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to keep our public lands safe for everyone.”
For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.
To learn more about fire careers with BLM Oregon-Washington, please see https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/careers.
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
The 2024-2025 property tax statements were mailed beginning October 21, 2024. Statements are available online now, as well as information about the county value trends, levy changes, and individual property tax account information, at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/AT. The first payment is due on November 15, 2024.
Lane County Assessment and Taxation collects property tax on behalf of 85 separate taxing districts, including cities, schools, education service districts, water districts, rural fire districts, urban renewal districts and other taxing districts such as park and recreation, library, and ambulance districts.
The total property tax certified for all tax levies combined in 2024–2025 is $720.9 million. This is approximately 2.9 percent more than in 2023. The total amount changes each year because of the addition of new or renewed local option and bond levies, the expiration of local option and bond levies, the 3 percent statutory increase in Maximum Assessed Values (MAV), the addition of new properties to the tax roll, and the number of exemptions granted.
Oregon’s constitution limits the increase in the MAV of each property to 3 percent per year, unless there have been changes made to the property, such as new construction or additions, new partitions or subdivisions, removal from special assessment or exemption programs, or changes in zoning and use of the property.
The statement shows the property’s Taxable Value (TV), which is the lower of the Real Market Value (RMV) or the MAV minus any exemptions. Most properties will continue to see the 3 percent statutory increase in MAV.
Lane County’s January 1, 2024 RMV increased from $97.8 billion to $101.3 billion, an overall increase of approximately 3.55 percent from January 1, 2023.
The total TV for all properties combined in Lane County increased by 4.09 percent over last year, from $41.4 billion in 2023 to $43.1 billion in 2024.
There are 182,619 property tax accounts in Lane County consisting of: 54.2 percent residential/tract; 16.6 percent exempt; 9.4 percent commercial; 6.4 percent industrial; 4.2 percent farm/forest; 5.1 percent multi-family; and 4.1 percent business personal property, utilities and other.
Property values for tax purposes are set only once a year at the time of certification. Certification occurred for the 2024–2025 tax roll on October 8, 2024. Oregon does not reset property values at the time of sale, nor does it reset property values for tax purposes at the time of a refinanced loan. The 2024–2025 tax statement reflects a property’s RMV as of January 1, 2024, based on sales of similar properties during 2023.
Market value changes for individual properties will vary each year due to many factors including the general real estate market, property location and changes made to the property such as new additions, remodels, or demolition.
Voters in the past year have approved changes to the tax levies and bond rates which are then applied to a property’s TV. However, Oregon’s constitution limits the total tax rate that can be billed to an individual property to no more than $10 per $1,000 of market value for government and $5 per $1,000 of market value for schools. These limits do not apply to bonds.
New Voter-Approved District
Row River Fire Protection District: $2.40/$1,000 (new permanent rate).
Modified Districts
The Pleasant Hill and Goshen rural fire protection districts dissolved and a new, larger district named Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire & Rescue was formed with a new rate of $2.20/$1,000.
New Voter-Approved Tax Levies
Voter-Approved Levy Renewals
Levies that Expired
Attached Documents
Appeals
If taxpayers believe their properties’ market values are incorrect, taxpayers should first contact Lane County Assessment and Taxation. Taxpayers have the right to appeal to the Property Valuation Appeal Board (PVAB) through the Deeds and Records Division of the County Clerk’s Office.
PVAB has the authority to reduce market value when sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate the RMV of a property was different on January 1, 2024 compared to the tax statement. A reduction to the value does not always result in a refund. PVAB cannot grant reductions to a tax amount; it can only review a property’s value. Taxpayers can appeal through Deeds and Records through December 31, 2024.
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SCOTTSBURG, Ore. - Detectives are investigating a fatal shooting incident that occurred on Monday in Scottsburg.
On Monday, October 21, 2024, at approximately 12:00 pm, deputies were responding to a reported criminal mischief and assault in the 5000 block of Lutsinger Creek Road.
While deputies were responding, 9-1-1 dispatchers received additional calls from the residents in the area reporting the incident was escalating and reports of gunshots heard.
When deputies arrived, they located 58-year-old Darrel Dow Dodd unconscious with apparent gunshot wounds. Deputies attempted lifesaving efforts, which were unsuccessful.
Detectives with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office responded to the scene.
Through the investigation, it was learned that Dodd was armed with a weapon, had broken into a residence and began assaulting and strangling a female known to him while threatening to stab her. Another individual attempted to intervene, but Dodd continued his attack. Dodd was shot twice by a third individual.
Detectives are currently investigating the incident as a case of justified defense of another person, based upon the evidence and circumstances of the incident, although the investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney's Office for review.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office intends to submit an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program FY 2024 Local Solicitation Application through the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Byrne/JAG local allocation funds may be used to support a range of program areas including law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education programs and crime victim and witness programs.
Requirements for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program FY 2024 Local Solicitation indicate that an applicant agency make its grant application available for review to the public upon request. The Sheriff’s Office is making the application available to the public for consideration and comment, which will fulfill the requirement.
Requests to review the application or to submit public comment must be submitted by e-mail to dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us before Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Public comments must include the name and address of the person submitting the comment.
TILLER, Ore. - Douglas County Deputies investigated an apparent accidental shooting on Sunday evening in Tiller.
Shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, deputies responded to the 32000 block of Tiller Trail Highway for a report of a person with a gunshot wound.
When deputies arrived, they learned 63-year-old Carolyn Hatley had sustained a gunshot wound after finding and handling the firearm. Ms. Hatley reported to deputies the injury was accidental and she was uncertain how the firearm discharged. She was transported to Mercy Medical Center for treatment of her injury.
Deputies conducted follow up and have concluded in the incident was accidental.