On Monday, September 16, 2019 at approximately 10:10 A.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two vehicle serious injury crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 241. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a blue Saab, operated by Rena Clemons (56) of Coos Bay, was northbound on Hwy 101 when she lost control of the vehicle and crossed the center line as she was negotiating a curve in the roadway.   She collided with a southbound green Ford Taurus operated by Michael Puschel (68) of Coos Bay.

Clemons sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Puschel and his passenger, Toni Puschel (67) of Coos Bay, were transported to Bay Area Hospital with serious injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff's Office, Millington Fire Department, Sumner Fire Department, Green Acres Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance, and ODOT

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington to Honor Chief Danielle Outlaw and Carmen Rubio as 2019 Women of Distinction on September 24, 2019

PORTLAND, Ore. – Tuesday, September 17, 2019 – Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) announced today the honorees for the 2019 Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Awards on September 24, at the Portland Hilton Hotel. The distinguished recipients, Danielle Outlaw, Chief of Police, Portland Police Bureau and Carmen Rubio, Executive Director, Latino Network, will be honored for demonstrating courageous leadership, serving as role models for girls and women, and working to make the world a better place.

“Both of this year’s honorees serve in critical leadership positions, working collaboratively with others to make our communities a better place,” says Karen Hill, Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Chief Danielle Outlaw and Carmen Rubio exemplify just what Girl Scouts hopes to inspire in all girls: the courage to take action, make a difference and be the leaders our world requires. We’re pleased to recognize these extraordinary women.”

Who: Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington—alums, business and community leaders, donors, elected officials, funders, Girl Scouts, media, staff, volunteers and Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction (including past honorees Governor Barbara Roberts, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Justice Adrienne Nelson)

What: 2019 Women of Distinction Luncheon

When: Tuesday, September 24, 2019, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Where: The Portland Hilton, 921 SW 6th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97204

Tickets: To purchase tickets, please visit: www.girlscoutsosw.org/luncheon

Sponsorship | Questions: For information on sponsoring the 2019 Women of Distinction Luncheon or other event questions, please contact Shannon Spencer at (503) 977-6843 or sspencer@girlscoutsosw.org. 

Media:  This is a private, ticketed event. Interested media must R.S.V.P. by email to: communications@girlscoutsosw.org.

“It is deeply humbling to be recognized as a role model for girls and young women by an organization that is helping build many of the leaders of tomorrow,” says Chief Danielle Outlaw.

“I am humbled to be receiving this award from the Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington and to be included in the esteemed company of Chief Outlaw,” says Carmen Rubio. “The values I carry for myself as a leader truly align with the mission of Girl Scouts – to lift up the confidence and courage of our young leaders so that they can help make our communities thrive.”

The event will feature remarks from local Gold Award Girl Scout, Quinn McElroy-Fuchs. Completed in 2018, Quinn’s Gold Award entitled “Operation Tooth Fairy” provided dental care information and over 1,200 tooth care kits to low-income families in the Greater Portland area. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award for Girl Scouts in grades 9-12, and is the standout achievement of girls who develop meaningful, sustainable solutions to challenges in their communities and the world.

Proceeds from the Women of Distinction Luncheon allow GSOSW to enhance and expand Girl Scout program opportunities in key areas, including civic engagement, financial literacy, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), and outdoor leadership for more than 14,500 girls throughout Oregon and SW Washington.

About The Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Award

The award is named in honor of Marie Lamfrom, who served as a troop leader for a special needs troop at Shriners Hospitals in Portland for 35 years. She served on the Girl Scout council’s board of directors and received the highest award a Girl Scout adult can receive, the Thanks Badge. Lamfrom co-founded the company that would become Columbia Sportswear.

About the 2019 Women of Distinction Honorees

Today, the Marie Lamfrom Women of Distinction Award celebrates women who demonstrate courageous leadership, serve as role models for girls and women and work to make the world a better place.

Danielle Outlaw, Chief of Police, Portland Police Bureau

After 20 years of service with the Oakland, California, Police Department, Chief Danielle Outlaw was sworn in as Chief of Police of the Portland Police Bureau on October 2, 2017. She is the first African-American woman to hold this position. Outlaw’s TEDx Talk – Humanity in Authority – dispels the belief that the two concepts are contrary in nature and explains how the two concepts can, and should, co-exist. She has also presented on topics including Race and Policing, Women in Law Enforcement, De-escalation and Investigation of Use of Force, Building Community Relationships after Controversy and Video Recording in Policing and Early Intervention Systems. Outlaw has received numerous awards, including the Police Executive Research Forum’s Gary P. Hayes Award and the Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare Culture of Caring Award for Community Relations and Civic Engagement. Currently, Chief Outlaw serves as a Board Member for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Portland Metropolitan Area, a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Human and Civil Rights Committee and is also an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Executives. Chief Outlaw earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. She is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs Association Police Executive Leadership Institute and the FBI National Executive Institute.

Carmen Rubio, Executive Director, Latino Network

Carmen Rubio joined Latino Network as the Executive Director in 2009, where she and her team work to advance the Latino community in education, leadership, and civic engagement in Oregon. During this time she has led the organization’s growth from a staff of less than ten to one of 115 staff, with three offices serving Portland, Gresham and Hillsboro. Prior to her time at Latino Network, Rubio served on staff for former Multnomah County Commissioner Serena Cruz Walsh, former Portland Mayor Tom Potter, and Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, and worked as a campaign manager and field director for two county races and one city race. She is a recipient of the Portland Business Journal’s 2018 Women of Influence award, and she has been recognized in Portland Monthly’s 2013 50 Most Influential People. She received the Hispanic Chamber’s BRAVO Award for Leadership and the Center for Women’s Leadership Nonprofit Leadership Award. Rubio earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Oregon and enrolled for two years of graduate studies at the University of Washington’s School of Communications. She earned a certificate from the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University. Rubio currently serves as a governor-appointed member of the State of Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, and serves on the boards of the Coalition of Communities of Color, the University of Oregon Alumni Association, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She is a 2015 Marshall Memorial Fellow, an American Leadership Forum of Oregon Fellow, and a member of the International Women’s Forum. Rubio earned a B.A. in Political Science from University of Oregon. She also studied from 2000-2002 at the University of Washington, Graduate School of Communications (did not complete program). In 2015 she earned a certificate from the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University.

About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington

In partnership with more than 8,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares 14,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors and STEM serve girls in 35 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

SALEM, Ore. – The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet Thursday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon in Salem. The meeting will be in the Sun Pass Room of Building D on the campus of the Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street.  Among updates the committee will receive are ones about:

• Private Forest Division
• Wildfire
• Process for committee recommendations and charter review
• 2019-2020 work plan

The meeting is open to the public. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting after approval of the minutes. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by calling Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. You can find more information at  https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/CFF.aspx

                                                                         # # #

September 16, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Program Contact: Lisa Bui, 971-673-3397, ootg.info@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon Opioid Taper Guidelines Taskforce to meet September 23 in Portland

What: Oregon Opioid Taper Guidelines Taskforce

When: Monday, September 23, 2019, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building (PSOB), 800 NE Oregon St., Portland, Oregon

Agenda: Welcome, taskforce purpose and outcomes, agenda review, introductions, background on formation of the taskforce, principles for guidelines, key components for inclusion in the guidelines, next steps and summary

For more information, please visit the Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Task Force website.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Lisa Bui at 971-673-3397, 711 TTY, ootg.info@dhsoha.state.or.u, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On September 15th, 2019 at approximately 1:53 PM, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a commercial structure fire at the Gleneden Beach Christian Church located at 7185 Church Avenue in Gleneden Beach.  Initial reports indicated there were flames coming from the roof of the church and that the fire was spreading rapidly.  The structure was confirmed as unoccupied.

Deputies and personnel from Depoe Bay Fire District, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Newport Fire Department, Pacific West Ambulance and the Oregon State Police responded to the scene.  Fire personnel worked diligently to attack the fire which took over three hours to extinguish.  Fire personnel were able to save a large portion of the structure.  There were no injuries reported. 

There were suspicious circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire and the Lincoln County Fire Investigation Team was called to the scene.  This team is comprised of members from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Newport Fire Department, Toledo Fire Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.  Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set.  Deputies, with the assistance of the Toledo Police Department, contacted the suspect in the case, Jordan Savariego age 29, who is transient. Mr. Savariego was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

Mr. Savariego’s charges include Arson, Burglary, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief.  His bail is $357,500.

This is an active case and is still under investigation.

###

Respectfully submitted by

Rick Ballentine

Patrol Sergeant

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

541-265-4277

The City of Roseburg Fire Department will begin issuing residential burn permits, beginning on October 1, 2019 and ending on October 31, 2019.

These permits are issued for seven (7) days at a cost of $75.00.  Residential yard waste is the only material that may be burned. Prohibited items include standing berry vines, paper, wood, plastics, tires, standing grass, weeds, construction material, and material from lot clearing.  Burning may not be done on vacant lots or the property of another.  Fires must be monitored by a competent adult and extinguished prior to darkness. Tools to control or extinguish the fire must be on-site whenever there is material burning.

Burn barrels are never allowed inside City limits, and anyone burning trash or burning without a permit may be subject to a fine and/or legal action.  Additionally, due diligence must be exercised while burning, even with a permit, as fire can quickly get out of control, and the person responsible for the fire may be subject to fines, legal action, or restitution.

If possible, residents are urged to utilize alternatives to burning, such as composting, chipping, mulching, or transporting the debris to the Douglas County Landfill.  More information on these options can be found at http://www.recyclepower.org/wood.asp.

To request a burning permit in the City of Roseburg, call (541) 492-6770 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  This information, as well as the burn permit request form is also available on the city website at www.cityofroseburg.org.

The Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) will host a series of meetings across the state over the next three weeks to seek input from business taxpayers and tax preparers about the administrative rules for Oregon’s new Corporate Activity Tax.

Traveling across Oregon, rule writers will sit down to hear the concerns, questions and suggestions of those affected by the rules.

The first of those meetings is planned for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 17, at the Newport Recreation Center in Newport. The full meeting schedule includes stops in Corvallis, Beaverton, Medford, Grants Pass, Eugene, Bend, Redmond, Hermiston, Boardman, Portland and Salem.

“We believe business taxpayers and tax preparers can provide valuable input as we move through the rule-making process,” said Nia Ray, director of the Oregon Department of Revenue. “By touring the state, we hope more of the business community will be able to join the conversation.”

House Bill 3427 created Oregon’s Corporate Activity Tax and grants DOR the responsibility of writing rules to implement it.

The Corporate Activity Tax imposes a $250 tax on the first $1 million of gross receipts after subtractions and 0.57% tax on gross receipts greater than $1 million after subtractions, beginning January 1. It is expected to generate $1 billion a year to boost funding for public schools.

Throughout each meeting on the tour, department representatives will ensure two-way conversations and do their best to answer questions from attendees. They’ll also seek input from attendees to help guide the rule-making process.

Issues expected to be discussed at the series of meetings include:Who must register.

• When and how businesses register.
• Who must file and who must pay the tax.
• Annual returns based on calendar year activity.
• How commercial activity is defined.
• Exemptions for charitable organizations.
• Exclusions for groceries, subcontractors, wholesalers and others.
• What counts toward the 35% subtraction.
• How estimated payments will be calculated.
• When estimated payments are due.

More information about the Corporate Activity Tax, including a list of frequently asked questions, is available on the Department of Revenue’s website.

Those who are unable to attend but want to provide input may email questions or comments to cat.help.dor@oregon.gov.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 800-886-7204.

NEWS RELEASE – for immediate release

Media Contact:

Ken Armstrong, Communications Manager, 503-881-2623, mstrong@state.or.us">ken.armstrong@state.or.us

Sept. 16, 2019

DSL to host evening public meeting on the Elliott State Research Forest in Portland on Sept. 24

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands will host a public informational meeting in Portland on Tuesday, Sept. 24 for discussions surrounding a possible proposal by Oregon State University to establish a research forest on the Elliott. Oregon State University will join DSL  to share  information about the project.

In December 2018, the State Land Board directed the agency to work collaboratively with Oregon State University’s College of Forestry as it develops a plan for transforming the Elliott State Forest into a world-class research forest. The Land Board anticipates hearing the OSU proposal at its regular meeting in December (Salem).

Meeting date/location:

Tuesday, Sept. 24

5:30 – 7 p.m.

OSU Portland Center, classroom 2047

Located in the Meier & Frank Building (second floor)

555 SW Morrison St., Portland

(Parking nearby in Alder Street Parking Garage)

The meeting will kick off with brief presentations by DSL and by OSU on topics including the history of the Elliott, what a research forest might look like, and the status of the current  planning process. It will also include an opportunity for the public to speak with DSL and OSU representatives.

Click here for the DSL Elliott State Forest web page

Click here for the OSU Elliott State Research Forest web page

Join the Elliott State Research Forest email list! DSL will provide regular updates throughout the planning process to those who sign up for our ESRF mailing list. You must sign up for the ESRF email list separately from other DSL email lists

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Bev Clarno and State Treasurer Tobias Read. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon’s Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit.

###

www.oregon.gov/dsl

On Sunday, September 15, 2019 at approximately 5:44 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on I-84 near mile post 119.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Camry, operated by Josue Amando Lopez-Munoz (29) of Prosser, WA. was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes.  He struck a eastbound PT Cruiser operated by Anita Dugger (33) of Salem, OR.

Lopez-Munoz sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Dugger sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

A 13 year old male in the PT Cruiser was transported by air ambulance to The Dalles and later by ground to OHSU in Portland.

OSP was assisted by North Gilliam Fire Department, North Gilliam Medics, Life flight, Morrow County Sheriff's Office, Gilliam County DA, Gilliam County ME, Benton County (WA) Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

On Sunday, September 15, 2019 at approximately 2:44 A.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 228 near mile post 4.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a 2011 Chevy Silverado, operated by Cody Sanders (33) of Shedd OR, was traveling westbound when he crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a 2002 Honda Civic operated by Jessie Kater (F)(25) of Brownsville, OR. 

Kater sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Sanders and his two juvenile passengers were not injured in the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriff's Office, Brownsville Fire Department, Lebanon Fire Department, and ODOT 

On Saturday, September 14, 2019 at approximately 4:46 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 214 near mile post 41.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Travis Corter (50) of Hillsboro, was eastbound in the westbound lanes passing a car.  He collided with a westbound Chevrolet Volt operated by Massoud Jourabchi (64) of Beaverton.

Corter sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Three of the five occupants of the Chevrolet Volt were transported to Salem Hospital for minor injuries. 

OSP was assisted by Mt. Angel Fire Department, Woodburn Fire Department, Woodburn Ambulance, and ODOT.  

Aug. 2, 2019

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Public Health Advisory Board meets September 19

What: A public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board.

Agenda: Discuss 2019-21 legislative investment in local public health authorities; discuss statutes guiding the transfer of local public health authority and state responsibilities; review the Oregon Water Vision; discuss public health system changes and the role of the board in the 2019-21 biennium.

When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2-4:15 p.m. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Also available remotely by phone at 877-873-8017, access code 767068; and by webinar.

Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and the State Health Improvement Plan.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written materials in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Cara Biddlecom at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY, or a.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

September 13, 2019

What: Subcommittees of the 2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) tasked with identifying strategies and measures, and developing work plans for implementing the SHIP, are holding their second meetings. Each of the five subcommittees is focused on one of the following priority areas:

• Access to equitable preventive health care.
• Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
• Behavioral health.
• Economic drivers of health.
• Institutional bias.

Agenda: Finalize priority goal and identify outcome measures.

Where: All meetings are held on the ninth floor of the Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Meetings also are available remotely. For remote meeting attendance options visit the subcommittee's meeting page:

• Institutional bias.
• Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
• Economic drivers of health (including issues related to housing, living wage, food security and transportation).
• Access to equitable preventive health care.
• Behavioral health (including mental health and substance use).

When:

• Behavioral Health Subcommittee -- Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.
• Access to Equitable Preventive Health Care Subcommittee -- Monday, Sept. 30, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.
• Adversity, Trauma and Toxic Stress Subcommittee -- Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.
• Institutional Bias Subcommittee -- Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Room 915.
• Economic Drivers of Health Subcommittee -- Friday, Oct. 25, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.

All meetings are open to the public. A five-minute public comment period will be held near the end of each meeting; comments are limited to one minute.

Background: Oregon’s SHIP identifies interventions and strategies to address health-related priorities in the state. The SHIP serves as a basis for taking collective action with cross-sector partners to improve heath of people in Oregon. The SHIP is based on findings of the State Health Assessment.

Program contact: Christy Hudson, 971-678-4347, isty.j.hudson@dhsoha.state.or.us">christy.j.hudson@dhsoha.state.or.us

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Catherine Moyer at 971-673-1132, 711 TTY, ine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us">catherine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2kgOW5M

September 13, 2019

What: The Oral Health Program at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division is convening a series of rules advisory committee (RAC) public meetings to discuss amendments to rules related to Dental Pilot Projects.

The purpose of the RAC is to provide feedback and input on the development of amended rule language, as well as review the statement of need and fiscal impact for the proposed rules.

Agenda: Review background information; brief overview of the rulemaking process; review draft amended rules; next steps. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

When: Sept. 30, 9-11 a.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 900, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Conference line: 888-273-3658, access code: 766409.

Background: Senate Bill 738, passed by the Legislature in 2011, allows the Oregon Health Authority to approve dental pilot projects once an application has been approved. These projects are intended to evaluate the quality of care, access, cost, workforce and efficacy aspects of teaching new skills to existing categories of dental personnel; develop new categories of dental personnel; accelerate the training of existing categories of dental personnel; and teach new oral health care roles to previously untrained persons.

Materials: Meeting materials are available from the Dental Pilot Project's webpage at healthoregon.org/dpp.

Program contact: Sarah Kowalski, 971-673-1563, ah.e.kowalski@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.kowalski@dhsoha.state.or.us.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide are:

• Sing language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sarah Kowalski at 971-673-1563, 711 TTY or ah.e.kowalski@state.or.us">sarah.e.kowalski@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2mg2Dme

Sept. 13, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

North Tenmile Lake recreational use health advisory lifted Sept 13

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for North Tenmile Lake in Coos County.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins (harmful algae toxins) in North Tenmile Lake are below recreational guideline values for human exposure. However, officials advise recreational visitors to be alert to signs of cyanobacterial (harmful algae) blooms, because blooms can develop and disappear on any lake through the season. Only a fraction of Oregon’s lakes and streams are monitored for cyanobacterial blooms.

People and especially small children and pets should avoid recreating in areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red in color, if a thick mat of blue-green algae is visible in the water, or bright green cells are suspended in the water. If you see these signs avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities.

It’s possible cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. Sometimes, cyanobacteria can move into another area, making water that once looked foamy, scummy or discolored now look clear. However, when a bloom dies elsewhere in the water body, it can release toxins that may reach into the clear water. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water near the surface.

For health information or to report an illness, contact the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) at 971-673-0482.

Learn more here.

Sept. 13, 2019

Media contact: Rebeka Gipson-King, 503-945-7141, ebeka.gipson-king@dhsoha.state.or.us">rebeka.gipson-king@dhsoha.state.or.us

Program contact: Jacee Vangestel, 503-945-2852, jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board meets September 19 in Salem

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board.

When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Oregon State Hospital, Callan Conference Room, 2600 Center Street NE, Salem. The public can also attend via toll-free conference line at 888-278-0296, access code 4294893.

Agenda: After the public comment period, topics will include introduction of the new OHA Behavioral Health director, updates on Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) oversight, policy for admission, and U.S. District court hearing.

Details: The Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board advises the superintendent, Oregon Health Authority director and legislators on issues related to the safety, security and care of patients. Members include consumers, providers, advocates, legislators, community members, consumer families and OSH union members.

For more information, see the board’s website.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use Oregon Health Authority (OHA) programs and services. OHA provides free help. Some examples of the free help OHA can provide:

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Jacee Vangestel at 503-945-2852, 711 TTY or jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On September 13, 2019, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) mail room reported receiving an envelope with an unknown substance. The mail room, which is in a small building outside of the main Penitentiary, was secured and evacuated. As a precaution, one mail room employee was taken to the local hospital. The Oregon State Police were onsite, and the Salem Fire Department cleared the building as safe for employees to return to work.

On September 11, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) also received an envelope with an unknown substance. The administration building was evacuated, and four employees were decontaminated and transported to a local hospital. The CCCF incident is still under criminal investigation.

At this time, these two incidents do not appear to be related. The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) is working with its law enforcement partners to determine next steps. More details will be released when available.

DOC’s 14 institutions receive thousands of pieces of mail every day. Each piece is opened and reviewed by DOC mail room employees. 

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses over 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including death row, disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept.13, 2018
Contact: yfr@oregonfb.org or Jacon Taylor at 541.589.9694

Young Farmers & Ranchers Program Offers Ag Tour of SW Oregon Coast

Oregon Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee invites farmers, ranchers, and others to an agricultural tour of the southwest Oregon Coast, Oct. 11-13.

The tour will be a fun, educational, three-day ag tour featuring a cranberry farm, sheep ranch, working forestland, and more stops along the scenic southwest Oregon Coast.

Current ag teachers can earn graduate credit from Oregon State University for continuing education if they attend the tour.

The tour will depart from Corvallis at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, and will return by 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 13.

• Get the registration form at OregonFB.org/agtour.
• Cost is $40 per person.
• The tour is open to voting and supporting Farm Bureau members. (Join Farm Bureau at at OregonFB.org/join.)
• Lodging reservations and costs are the responsibility of attendees.
• Transportation for the tour Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is included. Attendees are responsible for getting to the departure location in Corvallis (exact location to be determined). Most meals are included.
• Space is limited. Register by Sept. 30!

For more information, email yfr@oregonfb.org or call Jacon Taylor at 541.589.9694.

###

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) finalized today the purchase of the historical Vick building in downtown Salem at 525 Trade St. WOU’s Board of Trustees voted Wednesday to approve the purchase. The Vick building will be WOU’s Salem home for several programs, including the brand new Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

“We’re thrilled to be joining Salem’s vibrant downtown. This strengthens our regional impact with a permanent Salem presence,” said WOU President Rex Fuller. “This purchase is an investment in not only Western Oregon University’s future, but the future of Oregonians and our state.”

WOU began its expansion to Salem in early 2019 with classes and programs for working adults in the Willamette Education Service District (WESD) building in south Salem. WOU purchased the Vick building from Roger Yost for $2.735 million, with the assistance of WOU alum George Grabenhorst with SNV Commercial Advisors, LLC. This includes $100,000 for a newly developed Roger Yost Leadership Endowed Scholarship, which will go to a WOU:Salem student.

WOU’s new programs that are only offered in Salem are the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and the A.B. in Liberal Studies; both offer hybrid courses to help working adults complete degrees. An M.S. Ed in Special Education is offered in Salem, as well as courses for bachelor’s degrees in psychology, criminal justice and interdisciplinary studies. Salem courses will continue in the Willamette ESD for the 2019-20 academic year. All WOU:Salem offerings will be in the Vick building beginning fall 2020, after minor renovations, furnishings and signage are completed.

Downtown Salem will serve as a great location for WOU:Salem with its convenient public transportation. As the central and historical sector of Oregon’s second-largest city, WOU will be well-suited to deliver transformative education and personalized service to the area. Currently, WOU is the only Oregon public university offering a significant face-to-face component in Salem.

“We are very excited to have WOU in downtown Salem. We have a growing economy downtown that is being fueled by creative entrepreneurs. To have WOU join this ecosystem will add to downtown vibrancy and create new opportunities for partnership that will support this growth through leadership development and meeting workforce needs,” said Kristin Retherford, City of Salem Urban Development Director.

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 and located in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. A second location opened in 2019 in the state’s capitol city of Salem. Serving approximately 5,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with more than 60 percent of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s premier higher education experience for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

# # #

On September 12th a few minutes before 12:00 pm, Community Corrections Deputies spotted a corrections client, Robert Steven Dailey, who had multiple warrants for his arrest, including violating the terms of his parole. When deputies attempted to take the man into custody on Elma Av SE near Munkers St SE, he produced a silver handgun and fled into the residential neighborhood. Deputies lost sight of the suspect and requested additional law enforcement respond to help locate him.

Due to the proximity of multiple schools in the area, the Salem-Keizer School District was notified and placed multiple schools into lock down status as a precaution. Over 30 law enforcement officers from the Sheriff's Office, Salem Police Department, and Oregon State Police responded to the area to assist with the search.

As the search for the suspect progressed, deputies were able to narrow the search to a home under construction in the 4100 block of Glenwood Dr SE. The Marion County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team responded to the residence and confronted the suspect inside of the building where he was safely taken into custody shortly after 4:00 pm.

Deputies remained in the area after Mr. Dailey was taken into custody and were able to locate a stolen firearm believed to have been possessed by the suspect during this incident.

The suspect, Robert Steven Dailey, is a 38-year-old man from Salem. He is currently on post-prison supervision for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He has been lodged at the Marion County Jail and has been charged with the following crimes: Theft 1, Escape II, Burglary II, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Mr. Dailey also had multiple warrants for his arrest, including a parole violation.

Following yesterday's incident, Undersheriff Jeff Wood stated; "We are relieved the search for Mr. Dailey came to a safe resolution. I'm proud of the courage and restraint our deputies displayed while handling this volatile situation. We appreciate the great working relationship we have with our local law enforcement partners and the Salem-Keizer School District to ensure we are doing all that we can to keep our community and children safe."

Mr. Dailey is scheduled to appear at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex today at 3:00 pm.

Mr. Daily has been located and was taken into custody by Marion County Sheriff's Office SWAT in the 4100 block of Glenwood Dr SE a short time after 4:00 pm.  Deputies are doing additional investigation into today's incident.  A final release with more detailed information will be sent out tomorrow morning.

On September 12th, shortly before noon, two Community Corrections Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office attempted to take a wanted subject into custody on Elma Av SE near Munkers St SE.  As deputies approached the suspect, he produced a handgun and fled into the residential neighborhood.  No shots were fired.

The suspect, Robert Steven Dailey, is a 38-year-old white male currently on post prison supervision for the unlawful possession of a firearm.  Dailey is approximately 6’0, 200lbs, bald, and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark colored jacket, and a blue hat.  He has an outstanding warrant for violating his parole.

Law enforcement from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, and Oregon State Police all responded to the area.  Multiple K-9 teams have been deployed to assist with the search and schools in the area have been placed into lockdown as a precaution.  The search is still active at this time.

Deputies are asking anyone who sees Dailey to call 911 immediately, he is considered armed and dangerous.

September 13, 2019 - Salem, Ore.  – Each time Stu MacDonald of Bend purchased his weekly Oregon’s Game Megabucks ticket, his wife, Claudia, would say, “Get the winning ticket.”

But when Stu went to purchase his tickets on Saturday, Sept. 7, Claudia forgot to tell Stu to get the winning ticket.

And Stu bought a ticket that was worth $4.6 million anyway.

“I am a very lucky guy,” MacDonald said. “I have survived cancer twice and here I am. This is amazing.”

MacDonald won the Oregon’s Game Megabucks jackpot on a quick pick ticket he purchased at Ashley’s Café on Northeast 3rd Street in Bend. MacDonald opted to take the bulk sum payment of $2.3 million, and after taxes took home $1.56 million.

"We are thrilled to learn that we sold a Megabucks jackpot,” said Tezra Kong, Director of Operations for Ashley’s. “We are excited for the team who sold the ticket. A big congratulations to our guests on their windfall. Some of the seller’s bonus will go back to the team that strive to delight our guests every day here at Ashley’s in Wagner Mall."

For selling the winning ticket Ashley’s Cafe will receive a 1-percent selling bonus of $46,000.

During the 2015-17 biennium, more than $28.9 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement in Deschutes County, where MacDonald lives and purchased the ticket. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, Veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

For Immediate Release                                        

September 9, 2019

Contact:  Staci Yutzie    503-378-2426

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel for Phase 3 will hold a regular meeting on September 19, 2019 from 10:00 a.m  to 2:00 p.m.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

 Agenda Items:

1. Welcome 
2. Review Content Drafts
3. Assignments 
4. Conclusion

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

Medford, Ore. -- Catch the colors of autumn from atop Table Rocks! Building on the popular spring hike series, The Nature Conservancy and Medford District Bureau of Land Management are sponsoring three educational hikes in late September and early October. The public is invite to join “Autumn Outings on the Rocks!”

There will be a ukulele hike for all ages and skill levels; a night hike to learn about bats; and a family hike that will focus on the changes and adaptations that take place as the seasons change at the Rocks. Registration opens September 13. Information about the hikes and online reservations are available at https://table-rocks-hikes-fall2019.eventbrite.com. The hikes are free, but registration is required.

Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m., UPPER TABLE ROCK

Table Rocks Unplugged:  BYOU (bring your own ukulele) and join Tish McFadden, founder and leader of the Southern Oregon Ukulele Players (SOUP), and Jeff Kloetzel, local musician and songwriter, for a musical trip along the trail. A sing-along and jam session will be held at spots along the trail and at the top of the rock. All skill levels and ages are invited to make music in nature. Music booklets will be provided. (https://ukulele-hike-fall2019.eventbrite.com)

Saturday, October 5, 6:30 p.m., LOWER TABLE ROCK LOOP TRAIL

Batty about Bats: Join retired BLM wildlife biologist Tony Kerwin on a night hike to learn about the mysteries of bats as they come out to feed on flying insects. Dispel some common misconceptions about these amazing mammals that are critical to the ecosystem. Look for and listen to other creatures that are active at night on the Lower Table Rock Loop Trail (1/2-mile accessible trail). Bring a flashlight and wear good hiking shoes. (https://bat-hike-fall2019.eventbrite.com)

Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m., LOWER TABLE ROCK LOOP TRAIL

Adapt, Hibernate or Migrate? Join Mandy Noel, environmental educator, and Kate Halstead, ornithologist, for a family friendly hike on the Lower Table Rock Loop Trail (1/2-mile accessible trail) to learn how the wildlife and plants living at the Table Rocks prepare for winter. The hike will include activities for young naturalists. Dress for fall weather and bring your rain gear just in case! (https://family-hike-fall2019.eventbrite.com)

Hikers will meet at the designated trailhead for a 2.5 to 4.5 mile round trip hike up 800 feet along a moderate grade trail -- or ½-mile accessible trail in the case of the Lower Table Rock Loop hikes. Participants should dress for the weather and terrain and bring water and snacks since hikes may last three to four hours. Restrooms are available only at each trailhead; there is no drinking water. Because of limited parking at the trailheads, carpooling is encouraged. To help protect this special place, dogs and vehicles are not allowed on the trail.

Additional information about Table Rocks is available at:

www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/oregon-washington/tablerocks

###

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have helped protect 130 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

September 13, 2019

Health advisories lifted September 13 for Agate, Beverly, Seal Rock State Park, Neskowin and Rockaway beaches

The Oregon Health Authority today lifted public health advisories for contact with marine water at Beverly Beach, Agate Beach, and Seal Rock State Park Beach located in Lincoln County and Neskowin Beach and Rockaway Beach in Tillamook County. The health authority issued the advisories September 10 and 11 after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from later samples taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. However, officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

State officials continue to encourage other recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.

Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call the OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

http://bit.ly/2lV06gT

The Oregon State Sheriffs Association (OSSA) has partnered with TGF Productions to produce a public service announcement highlighting the importance of school bus safety. “We are proud to help promote school bus safety,” said Sheriff Craig Roberts, President of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association. “We know many kids ride the bus every day to and from school and we want to make sure they stay safe.” Oregon elementary school students participated in the public service announcement along with Sheriff’s from across the state. The School Bus Safety PSA will air in television markets throughout Oregon. The PSA reminds drivers to stop when the red lights are flashing to allow for kids to safely cross the street. While school buses remain one of the safest way for kids to get to school, accidents can happen. Making sure that other drivers obey the traffic rules is essential for student safety. The SafeOregon Public Service Announcement can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUMGz4AJmc0&feature=youtu.be

Contact: Kim Lippert, Community Relations Specialist, 503-785-5016 or klippert@clackamas.us

On Friday, September 13, 2019 at approximately 2:10 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash at the intersection of Earl St. and Hwy 26 just west of Madras.

Investigation reveals that a Buick Lucerne, operated by Arrita Augustine Sampson (20) of Warm Springs, was traveling on Earl St. and failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection with Hwy 26.  She drove into the path of an eastbound CMV operated by Brandon McMurrian (30) of Prineville.

Sampson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

A passenger in the Buick, May Spino (18) of Warm Springs, was transported by ground to St.Charles - Madras and then by air to St.Charles - Bend for injuries.

McMurrian was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Madras Police Department, Jefferson County Fire/EMS and ODOT.

On Thursday, September 12, 2019 at approximately 4:49 P.M. OSP Troopers and  emergency personnel responded to a report of a crash on Hwy 20 near milepost 35 east of Sweet Home.

The investigation revealed a Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by Michael Falcioni (58) of Terrebonne,  was traveling eastbound when he lost control in a curve and crossed into the path of a westbound Ford F250 pickup operated by Dale Zoon (53) of Sweet Home.

Falcioni sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Zoon was not injured.

OSP was assisted by Sweet Home Fire and Medics and ODOT.

September 12, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA statement in response to FDA announcement to ban flavored e-cigarettes

On Wednesday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a news release announcing that the agency plans to finalize a compliance policy that would clear the market of unauthorized flavored e-cigarette products. The science is clear. Flavors are a key component of youth use and initiation of tobacco products, which is a major public health concern in Oregon.

In 2018 and 2019 OHA submitted comments to the FDA on the following dockets urging the FDA to take action on flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes:

• Docket No. FDA-2017-N-6565 – Regulation of flavors, including menthol, in tobacco products (2018)
• Docket #: FDA-2019-D-0661-0001 – Modifications to Compliance Policy for Certain Deemed Tobacco Products: Draft Guidance for Industry (2019)

Tobacco remains sweet, cheap, and easy to get in Oregon, and is the leading cause of preventable death and disease, killing nearly 8,000 Oregonians each year. E-cigarettes are the most popular tobacco products used among Oregon youth, with 21 percent of Oregon 11th graders reporting e-cigarette use in 2018. These products are available in thousands of flavors with kid-friendly names and candy-like packaging.

In Oregon, two people have been connected to the ongoing national outbreak of vaping-related severe lung illness. In one case, the illness was fatal. OHA continues to work with CDC, FDA and local health departments to investigate each case. No specific brands of e-cigarettes, vaping devices or liquids have been conclusively linked to the illnesses at this time.

If you or someone you know is ready to quit smoking or vaping, free help is available from the following resources:

• 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669), http://www.quitnow.net/Oregon
• Español: 855-DEJELO-YA (855-335356-92), https://www.quitnow.net/oregonsp/
• http://www.thisisquitting.com/ (youth quit resource for vaping)

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into this morning’s fatal crash on SR 201N near Ontario. 

On Thursday September 12, at about 11:18 AM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on SR 201N and NW 4th Ave near Ontario.

Preliminary Investigation indicates that a 2016 Ford F650 Uhaul Truck pulling a loaded car dolly, operated by Jimmie CAVANESS, age 71, from Centrailia, WA, was eastbound on NW 4th Ave attempting to cross SR 201N.  A 2007 Kenworth tractor and lowboy equipment operated by Nicholas KOTEK, age 34, from Meridian, ID, was southbound on SR 201N approaching NW 4th Ave.  For an unknown reason the Uhaul pulled out in front of the Kenworth and the front of the Kenworth collided with the driver’s side door of the Uhaul. 

CAVANESS was pronounced deceased at the scene.  KOTEK was uninjured.

Investigators are looking at Failure to obey a Traffic Control Device (Stop Sign) on the part of CAVANESS as a possible contributing factor in the crash. 

The northbound lane of SR 201N were closed for approximately 3 hours.

OSP was assisted by Ontario Police Department, Ontario Fire Department, Treasure Valley Paramedics, and ODOT.      

Photographs provided by OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

On Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at about 10:30 a.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) and emergency personnel responded to a three-vehicle crash on State Route (SR) 82 near milepost 38.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Ford F150 pickup, operated by Christy ERICKSON, age 31, from La Grande, with two child passengers, was eastbound negotiating a curve when her vehicle left her lane of travel and sideswiped an on-coming Subaru Outback, operated by Mary IMPORTICO, age 31, and passenger Ryan IMPORTICO, age 32,both from Portland. The collision caused the Ford to continue to the left into the oncoming lane and struck a Dodge Ram pickup pulling a trailer nearly head-on, operated by Colby RIMMER, age 25 and passengers Daniel RIMMER, age 53, Michael CRAMER, age 41, and John KRAUS, age 38, all from California.

All three occupants from the Ford were transported to the Wallowa County Hospital where one child passenger was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The second child passenger was transported by air ambulance to a Boise Hospital. ERICKSON was treated and released for her injuries and no other occupants were transported for injuries.

State Route 82 was closed for approximately five hours and one lane opened up for three hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Wallowa Fire Department, Enterprise Ambulance, Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office, Enterprise Police Department, and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Photograph provided by OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

PORTLAND, Ore.—Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, announced today the indictment of a Hoover Criminal Gang member for the 2015 murder of Portland resident Kyle Polk.

Javier Fernando Hernandez, 23, is charged with murder in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and causing the death of Polk through the use of a firearm.

The indictment alleges that on December 16, 2015, Hernandez murdered Kyle Polk for the purpose of maintaining and increasing his position in the Hoover Criminal Gang, a criminal enterprise engaged in racketeering in California, Oregon, Washington and elsewhere.

Hernandez made his initial appearance in federal court today and was detained pending a four-week jury trial on November 12, 2019 before U.S. Chief District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.

Murder in aid of racketeering carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison.

According to the indictment, the Hoovers are a criminal street gang operating in Oregon, and are known to engage in acts of violence including murder, assault, robbery, sex trafficking and the distribution of narcotics. The Hoovers originated in Los Angeles in the late 1960s and established a presence in Portland in the early 1980s. The gang has a loose hierarchical structure in which members have different amounts of power and influence based on age and gang activity. To maintain status and increase one’s position in the gang, members were expected to carry out violence on behalf of the enterprise.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2019

Oregon Farm Bureau statement on WOTUS repeal

The following statement about the repeal and replacement of the Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS) may be attributed to Oregon Farm Bureau.

Sept. 12, 2019, SALEM, OREGON: “Oregon Farm Bureau applauds the repeal and replacement of the WOTUS rule. The WOTUS rule enacted by the previous administration exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction, could have required farmers to get permits just to work on their fields, and would have opened farmers up to costly citizen suit litigation. 

“Oregon already has strong water quality and fill-and-removal regulations. The rule proposed by the previous administration would not add anything, it would only give litigious environmental groups the ability to bring citizen suits against farmers who are already working to improve and protect water quality. We think enforcement is best left to the state, and the rule enacted by the current administration will help accomplish that goal.

“Oregon’s farmers and ranchers have always been proactive about protecting water quality. We supported Oregon’s agricultural water quality program, which was one of the first in the nation and has done a great job of protecting water quality in our state. Farmers and ranchers have also invested millions of dollars in on-the-ground work to help protect water quality on agricultural lands. OFB believes in working collaboratively with partners to achieve water quality goals, not in allowing farmers to be subjected to costly litigation with no measurable change in water quality.” 

###

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

SALEM, Ore. — The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee will hold a special-called meeting in Salem on Thursday, Sept. 19.

This meeting is an opportunity for FTLAC commissioners to ask questions and provide input on draft measurable outcomes as part of a revised Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan. Measurable outcomes represent the quantifiable results of strategies used to assess progress towards achieving goals as well as evaluating alternatives and tradeoffs. They can be used to monitor resource strategies and trends that are responsive to strategies and management standards. 

The meeting is set for 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Santiam Room at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Salem headquarters, 2600 State St., Salem OR 97310. The meeting agenda and materials will be posted on the department’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/FTLAC.aspx.

This meeting is open to the public. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at 503-945-7200.

The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Entertaining. Inspirational. Thought-provoking. Science fiction cinema as both art and insight into popular thinking on the future is celebrated at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) 2019 Sci-Fi Film Festival. 

For seven weeks this fall, the festival will showcase more than 25 of science fiction’s most memorable films on the Empirical Theater’s giant four-story tall screen. From genre classics such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Blade Runner to more recent favorites like Inception and Interstellar, the festival’s offerings are sure to appeal to science fiction fans of all ages and interests.

Festival Events
•    Saturday, October 5: Blue Pill, Red Pill: The Matrix Trilogy. Each attendee to the evening's screenings will receive a free pass to OMSI's new feature exhibition Exquisite Creatures. Limit 1 pass per person. 
•    Saturday, October 12: The Star Trek Trilogy: Kelvin Timeline. Attendees to each of the evening's films will receive a pass to OMSI's own star ship, the USS Blueback.
•    Thursday, October 24, 7:00pm: Reel Eats presents A Clockwork Orange with a menu of curated bites matching key moments in the film. 
 
Festival Passes
Plan on attending multiple shows or events? Festival pass holders receive access to all festival screenings and a discount to the October 24 Reel Eats featuring Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange.  
 
Festival passes are priced at:
•    $30 Adult / $25 Senior (63+) & Youth (3-13)
•    Add $30 to any pass for admission to the October 24 Reel Eats screening of A Clockwork Orange
•    OMSI members receive $3 off any pass option

Festival Tickets
Tickets are also available for individual Festival shows as follows: 
•    $7 Adult / $6 Youth (3-13) & Senior (63+)
•    OMSI members receive $1 off
•    Individual tickets for the October 24 Reel Eats screening of A Clockwork Orange are $35 for all ages.
•    Both Passes and Tickets may be purchased online at omsi.edu, at the OMSI front desk, or by telephone at 503-797-4000.

Festival Schedule

Thursday, September 19
6:30pm  Godzilla: King of the Monsters (Festival pass holder bonus screening)  

Friday, September 20
7:00pm  Edge of Tomorrow
9:15pm  The Thing (1982)
 
Saturday, September 21
5:00pm  2001: A Space Odyssey
7:45pm  Edge of Tomorrow
9:45pm  Serenity 

Sunday, September 22
6:00pm  Serenity

Tuesday, September 24
7:00pm The Thing (1982)

Thursday, September 26
6:30pm 2001: A Space Odyssey
 
Friday, September 27
6:30pm  Promare
8:30pm  The Man Who Fell To Earth

Saturday, September 28
5:00pm   When Worlds Collide
6:30pm   Interstellar 
9:30pm  Promare

Sunday, September 29
6:00pm   Interstellar
 
Wednesday, October 2
6:30pm  When Worlds Collide
8:00pm  The Man Who Fell To Earth

Friday, October 4
6:30pm  Escape From New York
8:30pm  Interstellar
 
Saturday, October 5
4:30pm  The Matrix
7:15pm  The Matrix Reloaded
9:45pm  The Matrix Revolutions

Sunday, October 6
6:00 Escape From New York

Tuesday, October 8
7:00pm  The Matrix

Wednesday, October 9
7:00 The Matrix Reloaded

Thursday, October 10
7:00pm  The Matrix Revolutions

Friday, October 11
7:00pm  Star Trek (2009)
9:15pm   Inception
 
Saturday, October 12
5:00pm  Star Trek (2009)
7:30pm  Star Trek Into Darkness
9:45pm  Star Trek Beyond

Sunday, October 13
6:00pm  Inception
 
Wednesday, October 16
7:00 Star Trek Into Darkness

Thursday, October 17
7:00pm  Star Trek Beyond

Friday, October 18
6:30pm   Time Bandits
8:30pm    Arrival

Saturday, October 19
4:00pm  E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
6:15pm  Fantastic Planet
7:30pm  Time Bandits
9:30pm  TBA

Sunday, October 20
4:00pm  E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Wednesday, October 23
6:30pm   Fantastic Planet
8:00pm   Arrival

Thursday, October 24
7:00pm  A Clockwork Orange
Reel Eats presents A Clockwork Orange accompanied by a 10-12 curated bites arranged in numbered boxes matching key moments in the film. 
Please note: Festival pass holders are eligible for discounted admission to this event.

Friday, October 25
6:30pm   Aniara
8:30pm   Under The Skin
10:30pm  Eraserhead

Saturday, October 26
6:00pm  Aniara
8:00pm  TBA

Sunday, October 27
6:00pm  TBA

Tuesday, October 29
7:00 Under The Skin

Friday, November 1
7:00pm  Blade Runner (Final Cut)
9:15pm  Blade Runner 2049

Saturday, November 2
5:00pm  This Island Earth
6:30pm  Blade Runner (Final Cut)
8:45pm  Blade Runner 2049

Sunday, November 3
6:00pm  Children of Men

Tuesday, November 5
6:30pm   This Island Earth
8:15pm    Blade Runner (Final Cut)

Wednesday, November 6
6:30pm   Children of Men
8:30pm   Blade Runner 2049

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. 

SAFETY TIPS DURING HUNTING SEASON

As we get into hunting season it’s important to remember that every hunter has the responsibility to enter the field well-prepared to hunt in a safe, responsible manner. This includes being properly equipped to find your way out, taking measures to ensure the safety of self and others, and being a good steward of nature. Here are some tips we offer for those who venture out for a hunt, or to enjoy the outdoors:

Hunters:

• Check weather reports before visiting the forest.  Dress properly.
• Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.  Leave a written plan at home and in your vehicle.
• Be familiar with the area you want to hunt.
• Consider using electronic technology such as a handheld GPS or an app on your cellular phone that uses the GPS built into your phone. Such phone applications like, on Xmaps. Personal locating beacons (PLBs) or Satellite Messengers are another electronic that will assist searchers in finding you if you are lost or injured.
• Avoid wearing white or tan during hunting seasons.  Wearing hunter orange, viewable from all directions is recommended.
• If accompanied by a dog, the dog should also wear hunter orange or a very visible color on a vest, leash, coat or bandana.
• Check hunting equipment before and after each outing, and maintain it properly.  Familiarize yourself with its operation before using it in the field.
• Carry a spare set of dry clothing.  Use layering techniques to prevent moisture while retaining body warmth. Always bring rain gear.
• Carry a first aid kit and know how to use its contents.
• Clearly identify your target before shooting.  Prevent unfortunate accidents or fatalities.
• Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails.  Other recreationists are in the forest as well.
• Check out the variety of hunter safety courses available to the public from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife : https://www.dfw.state.or.us/education/hunter/

Outdoor Enthusiasts:

• Wear bright clothing.  Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange or green, and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing.  Orange vests and hats are advisable.
• Don’t forget to protect Fido.  Get an orange vest for your dog if he/she accompanies you.
• Be courteous.  Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid confrontations.
• Make yourself known.  If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
• Know when hunting seasons are occurring.  Continue to hike, but learn about where and when hunting is taking place. (Consider hiking midday when wild game and hunting activity is at its lowest.)
• Know your own comfort level.  If hunting makes you uneasy, choose a hiking location where hunting is not allowed, such as a national or state park.

For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and “Like” us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into this morning’s fatal truck crash on Interstate 5 near Rogue River. 

On September 12, 2019 at about 3:39 AM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a fatal truck crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 45. 

Preliminary investigation indicates that an International Box Truck hauling electronics, operated by Pavlo HRYZHUK, age 21, from Citrus Heights, CA, was traveling southbound on Interstate 5.  For unknown reasons the truck drifted to the right and collided with a large section of guardrail before traveling off a bridge and coming to rest on the roadway below.  The truck came to rest on Twin Bridges Road, which is the access to Valley of the Rogue State Park. 

HRYZHUK was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders.  Investigators are looking at the possibility of fatigue contributing to the crash.

Interstate 5 traffic was not affected during the crash.  The northbound exit to Valley of the Rogue State Park is currently closed while the truck is being recovered. 

OSP was assisted at the scene by Oregon Department of Transportation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Caveman Towing. 

Photograph provided by OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

ROGUE RIVER - I-5 Exit 45A northbound off-ramp remains closed after a fatal truck crash early this morning. Tows are on scene to remove the semi from Twin Bridges Road. I-5 traffic is not affected.

The northbound semi driver crashed over the bridge rail, just north of the Rogue River near Valley of the Rogue State Park, about 3:30 this monring. The truck landed on the Twin Bridges Road, on the north side of the river, which connect the state park and rest area.  The truck trailer was carrying a few pallets of computer monitors.

OSP is leading the investigation.

### ODOT ###

This year marks the 54th year of the Mt. Angel Oktoberfest. The festival kicks off September 12th and runs through the 15th. “People come from all over the U.S. and enjoy the authenticity of the German Festival,” said Monica Bochsler – Public Relations Director for Mt. Angel Oktoberfest.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to be safe and do not drink and drive. Deputies will be out on the roadways promoting traffic safety. As part of this effort, more deputies will be in the area looking for drunk and impaired drivers during this 4-day event.

The additional patrols during this and many other summer events are funded by grants obtained from our partner agencies at the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Remember, as you make plans for Oktoberfest this year, don’t forget the designated driver!

NW Natural Launches Truck Loan Program for Fleets Interested in Testing Natural Gas Trucks

Qualified companies can test a CNG truck for up to three weeks

Portland, Ore. September 11, 2019 – NW Natural today announced the launch of a Truck Loan Program, where qualified fleet owners can test heavy-duty compressed natural gas truck technology by driving a 12-Liter natural gas class 8 truck for up to three weeks. 

This "try it first” program allows fleet owners to experience the similarities between natural gas trucks and diesel trucks with respect to power, drivability, fuel range, and fuel availability – and also the lower fuel costs and environmental benefits that natural gas trucks provide.

"We want to give fleet owners, who are considering transitioning their vehicles, a real-life experience. This is the perfect way for them to test trucks on the routes they drive every day with minimal risk and no investment,” said Chris Kroeker, NW Natural product manager of natural gas vehicles.

NW Natural is collaborating with a truck leasing company which has extensive natural gas vehicle experience and support throughout North America. As part of the rental program, customers will participate in a pre-and-post-rental survey to provide feedback on the natural gas truck’s performance, fueling availability, and purchase decision.

“Natural gas vehicles are experiencing a surge in popularity in other regions in North America and throughout the world due to their significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, near zero point source emissions, and the ability to use renewable natural gas,” added Kroeker. “This trial program allows fleet managers to decide for themselves if this technology fits with their operations.”

Interested truck fleet operators located within the NW Natural service territory may call Kroeker at (503) 226-4211 to take part in the program.

About NW Natural

NW Natural provides natural gas service to approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through 750,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. It consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural is part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), which is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and owns NW Natural, NW Natural Water Company, and other business interests and activities.

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On September 11, 2019, at 8:25 a.m., the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) mail room reported receiving an envelope with an unknown white powdery substance. The mail room area was secured and the administration building evacuated.

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Hazardous Materials Team and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are on site to evaluate the powder for any hazardous substances. Four employees were decontaminated and transported to a local hospital with minor symptoms.

More details will be released when available.

CCCF is a multi-custody prison located in Wilsonville accommodating 1,260 adults in custody. The prison has cell and dormitory housing, work programs, skills training, treatment programs, health services, religious services, physical plant, a central records unit, and administrative areas. CCCF participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a contact center, auto CAD, and document scanning. In addition, CCCF houses the state’s intake center, which provides intake and evaluation of all individuals committed to state custody by the courts. The intake center houses approximately 400 adults in custody. CCCF’s minimum facility opened in 2001, and the medium facility opened in 2002.

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News release from: Oregon State Sheriffs' Association

OSSA calls on Oregon Legislature to address catastrophic SB 5504 shortfall in Community Corrections funding

The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association is calling on the Oregon State Legislature to take immediate action to address a devastating shortfall for Community Corrections in the Department of Corrections (DOC) budget. As partners in public safety, we share a responsibility to keep our communities safe, reduce crime and address the underlying factors that lead to criminal activity. We ask the Oregon Legislature to fix the devastating impact on public safety and address this funding shortfall.

THE PROBLEM:

As passed, the currently approved DOC budget (SB 5504) funds county community corrections operations statewide at a "baseline" level of $268.5 million. This amount drastically fails to take into account the findings of the recently completed Oregon Department of Corrections “Actual Cost Study” (ACS), which recommended an increase in baseline funding of nearly $50 million to counties to meet the actual cost of providing supervision services. This comprehensive study determined the actual time and cost to supervise the 30,000 people under some type of formal supervision in Oregon counties. The ACS looks at factors including the current risk of the offender population, time spent by county community corrections officials with those on supervision and the costs associated with sanctions and services provided to the offender population. This information is then used to determine the daily rate per individual on supervision which is paid by the state to the county for those services. The ACS findings resulted in an increase of the daily rate from $11.69 to $14.24 per client -- which in turn increased the 2019-21 Baseline Funding to $318 million as the amount necessary to meet the actual costs to counties for community corrections services. However, the Oregon Legislature did not approve funding to meet the increased daily rate resulting in counties having to shoulder unfunded services.

THE IMPACT:

The resulting reduction in baseline funding for statewide community corrections will have immediate, measurable, devastating impacts on county services that treat addiction and reduce recidivism. It will impact public safety and the quality of life in our local communities statewide.

The impacts across Oregon counties are significant:

Multnomah County impact: On Aug. 27, Multnomah County posted a press release on the impacts: https://multco.us/multnomah-county/news/board-updated-substantial-public-safety-cuts-due-reductions-legislature According to the release: The cuts affect the County’s Department of Community Justice, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council. They translate to layoffs and losses in public safety staff, services and available jail beds. All of the cuts would leave people on parole or probation, or post prison release, with fewer services and interventions, public safety officials told commissioners. And the cuts will increase the number of people Multnomah County sends to the state’s prison system. Countywide reductions include: • Nineteen staff in the Department of Community Justice’s Adult Services Division, including corrections counselors, probation and parole officers, community justice managers as well as staff in the department's director's office. This includes the elimination of the County’s Change Center Program, a cognitive behavioral therapy program for people on supervision. • A jail dorm or 73 jail beds • 7.2 Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy positions • Reductions in Short Term Transitional Leave for people leaving prison • Reductions to the County’s Justice Reinvestment Program, which was created as part of a sweeping statewide initiative to reduce state prison costs. And because of the cuts, Sheriff Mike Reese said, the County’s jail system would surge past capacity, forcing daily releases of people who otherwise would stay in jail. Additional details, including reactions from Multnomah County Commissioners, can be found here: https://multco.us/multnomah-county/news/board-updated-substantial-public-safety-cuts-due-reductions-legislature

Marion County impact: • Overview of losses: Elimination of five full-time employees (FTEs), funding for Transitional Housing, and treatment programming within the county's Transition Center. Additional cuts will include a reduction in funding to Marion County's one-stop support center (the De Muniz Resource Center) and elimination of 2.5 full-time sworn and management staff. There will also be significant impacts to treatment and monitoring of sex offenders. • Estimated financial impact: $1.2 million • Estimated staff cuts: 7.5 full-time employees

Clackamas County impact: • Overview of losses: Approximately $1.4 million in cuts are expected, which would lead to the likely closure of the award-winning Transition Center, an all-in-one location providing crucial services to justice-involved individuals leaving jail or prison. (Learn more at https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/transitioncenter.html ) At risk are positions for 12 Community Corrections staffers, including Parole and Probation Officers and client counselors. Current contracts for mentor, GED, housing, and client-basic-needs services could also be reduced or cut. • Estimated financial impact: $1.4 million • Estimated staff cuts: 12 Community Corrections employees.

Washington County impact: • Overview of losses: Closure of a 36-bed substance-abuse program (5 positions), as well as the elimination of six full-time Parole & Probation staff, a Community Corrections Assistant Manager, and contract recovery and peer mentors. • Estimated financial impact: $1.2 million • Estimated staff cuts: 12 Community Corrections employees. However, Washington County bridged the gap by temporarily supplementing part of the state's funding shortfall, saving six Probation & Parole staff positions; net loss is 6 positions. Hood River County impact: • Overview of losses: Inability to fully implement necessary evidence-based programs (cognitive, mental health, drug and alcohol). No funding to hire/contract for the aforementioned services. Insecure funding for custody alternative sanction (work crew). • Estimated financial impact: $220,000

"These are not marginal reductions," said OSSA President and Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts. "These are cuts that impact quality of life and public safety. Treatment and transition programs are critical to stop recidivism. By offering treatment, we keep people from returning to jail and prison -- which frees up space to house the most dangerous offenders. The loss of treatment beds will put a strain on our local correctional systems. This reduction is compounded for our Eastern and Southern Oregon Counties which are already fiscally and resource distressed. It's bad for public safety and bad for the public we serve. It will lead to increased crime and diminished quality of life."

MORE INFORMATION:

A June 25 letter sent to legislators by the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association is also attached to this release; it summarizes the findings of the Actual Cost Study and offers background on the legislation, as well as the responsibility of counties to provide parole, probation, and post-prison supervision services.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Sheriffs are available to discuss these impacts -- and to connect reporters with people helped by the now-endangered programs in their counties. Please contact OSSA with interview requests.

[END]

Sept. 11, 2019

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Agate Beach, Beverly Beach and Seal Rock State Park Beach in Lincoln County.

People should avoid direct contact with the water in these areas until the advisory is lifted. Higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses.  This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While the advisory is in effect at Agate Beach, Beverly Beach and Seal Rock State Park Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. 

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Video and audio resources for media here.

Dillard, Ore. - This morning at about 8:30 a.m. the Lane County Sheriff’s Office advised our agency that Franklin Lefever, age 51, a wanted fugitive who was considered armed and dangerous, might be staying in a gravel lot just south of the Dillard Store in Dillard.

Just before 9:00 a.m. Douglas County deputies located Lefever’s white Toyota pickup and his motor home in the 9400 block of Old Hwy 99 South.  Officers made contact and detained one female subject.  Lefever was found to be in the motor home and initially refused to come out but surrendered after about 20 minutes.

Lefever was taken into custody and lodged in the Douglas County Jail on warrants out of Douglas County charging him with Fail to Report as a Sex Offender and Second Degree Criminal Trespass, as well as additional warrants out of Lane County.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Roseburg Police Department and Winston Police Department.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation.  Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 41, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap.

The video depicting the unidentified male, John Doe 41, shown with a child, was first noted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in March of 2018; therefore, the video is believed to have been produced around 2016 to 2018.

John Doe 41 is described as an African American male, likely between the ages of 18 and 20 years old.  He appears to be a thin-framed individual with black hair.  Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov , or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).  The public is reminded no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives, both of which represent strategic partnerships between the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  Operation Rescue Me focuses on utilizing clues obtained through in-depth image analysis to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation material, while ECAP seeks national and international media exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in association with child pornography images.

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