The Oregon State Police is on scene and leading an investigation following an officer involved shooting earlier this afternoon.  Please see the attached media release for information available at this time.

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that three Portland, Oregon residents have been charged with crimes during civil disorder events.

A federal grand jury in Portland, Oregon has returned a one-count indictment charging John Phillip Wenzel, with Civil Disorder on August 14, 2020.

Halston Eugene Hamilton and Michael Lee Pilgrim have been charged with Violation of National Defense Airspace, a misdemeanor, for flying a drone within federal airspace on September 26, 2020.

Each of these charges is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

OFB Statement on Protections for Farmworkers

September 28, 2020, SALEM, Oregon: The COVID-19 pandemic and devastating wildfires have put unprecedented strain on Oregon’s agricultural communities. Yet when tragedy strikes, farming cannot stop. Farmers and their employees must work alongside each other during harvest to keep grocery stores filled and food on our tables — something none of us should take for granted.

Recognizing the importance of keeping farms and ranches safe during this trying time, OR-OSHA has expanded its requirements for in-field sanitation, employer-provided transportation, and on-farm housing. With needed support from the state, Oregon’s farms have made millions of dollars in upgrades this season to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on farm and in our communities. In tandem, the OR-OSHA has increased its on-farm inspections and has created a regulatory emphasis program to give heightened attention and consultation to food processors and agricultural businesses. With over 11,000 complaints filed with OR-OSHA since the start of the pandemic, agricultural operations have made up less than 3% of those complaints and only a handful of those actually resulted in any type of enforcement activity.[1]

This goes to show that our system is working— through consultation and education by OR-OSHA, Oregon’s farmers and farmworkers are getting through harvest while keeping their operations safe during COVID-19.

Despite the data collected by OR-OSHA, a misinformed narrative persists that agricultural workers have been left unprotected and unsupported by both their employers and the state during COVID-19 and the wildfires. As mentioned above, farmers have taken COVID-19 protections seriously. Farmers work side-by-side with their employees and ensure that every precaution is taken to keep everyone safe. Moreover, farmers and ranchers were on the front lines when the historically destructive wildfires took place, evacuating and caring for their neighbors, animals, and rural communities. Farmers in Southern Oregon have even set up funds to provide long-term financial recovery for agricultural employees who lost their homes and have provided emergency housing for their employees. The notion that Oregon’s farmers do not care about the health and wellbeing of their employees is simply untrue. 

While we take issue with methodology, sample size, and lack of employer representation in the COVID-19 Farmworker Study, as well as the misinformed narrative espoused by union advocates who have little to no knowledge of farming and ranching, Oregon Farm Bureau’s focus remains on how we can continue to come together to support everyone, both employers and employees, in our agricultural communities. We agree that we need more tools to provide education to farmworkers in a number of languages. Although most resources are available in English and Spanish, there needs to be access to educational materials for workers who speak indigenous or other languages. We also adamantly agree that mental health awareness in our rural communities is deeply important. Between the pandemic, wildfires, and steep economic downturn, our farmers, ranchers, and farm employees are facing an enormous amount of stress. This issue has been of immense importance for the Oregon Farm Bureau over the last year, which is why we began our Rural Resilience campaign: Oregonfb.org/ruralresilience. Farm and ranch families are partners in resolving these needs for all members of our rural communities. 

We sincerely hope that through collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting rural communities, Oregon agriculture can be celebrated and supported, not vilified. It is in the best interests of all Oregonians if we choose to put politics aside and grow together, not apart.

[1 = COVID-19 Oregon OSHA Activities report to the Oregon House Business & Labor Committee, 9/22/2020, https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2019I1/Downloads/CommitteeMeetingDocument/226524 ]

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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 Barb Iverson comes from a multigenerational family farm from Woodburn, raising industrial hemp, grass seed, squash, vetch seed, hazelnuts, wine and table grapes, and operating the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, which attracts over 160,000 visitors each year. Iverson is OFB’s 17th president.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery Update for Sept. 28, 2020 to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. Additional photos are attached. See today's Wildfire Response and Recovery update here.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Stayton, Ore. - September 27 2020 - A FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crew helps wildfire survivors in Stayton Ore. (Patsy Lynch / FEMA )

2020_09_26_15.43.54.202-CDT.jpeg - Firefighters at the Archie Creek Fire. September 26, 2020. (Courtesy of Oregon Department of Forestry)

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Wildfire Evacuation Update, as of 4:00 p.m. September 28th, 2020.

There have not been any changes to the evacuation levels in Marion County. As a reminder, to access the cities of Detroit and Idanha please see the below information on the process and daily schedule.

As extensive work is being undertaken by ODOT and their crews to get OR 22E reopened following the recent wildfires, they've added an additional daily pilot car trip from Detroit to Gates at 7:30 am each day. For up to date info on pilot car schedules and access to OR 22E and other Oregon highways please visit www.tripcheck.com.

Detroit/Idanha Access Using Pilot Cars Daily:

The Oregon Department of Transportation is working with multiple contractors to remove hazardous trees and debris along OR 22E between mile post 33, in Gates, and mile post 65, near Marion Forks. To allow residents access to the cities of Detroit and Idanha, ODOT will be using pilot cars to lead residents through the closed sections of OR 22E between Gates and Detroit. Residents may travel freely between Detroit and Idanha with OR 22E closed to eastbound traffic at mile post 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Rd.

As a reminder, there is no through access to the Santiam Pass from the Detroit/Idanha area at this time. Tree removal in the area between Gates and Detroit will cause delays for the inbound and outbound pilot car trips. Residents should expect at least one hour to make a one-way trip.

Pilot cars guiding residents between Gates and Detroit will be limited to the following daily schedule:

• 7:30 a.m. – Leaving Detroit to return to Gates

• 9 a.m. – Leaving Gates for Detroit and Idanha

• 11 a.m. – Leaving Detroit to return to Gates

• 1 p.m. – Leaving Gates for Detroit and Idanha

• 5 p.m. – Leaving Detroit to return to Gates

Due to the remaining hazards in the cities of Detroit and Idanha and lack of basic services, we request people nonresidents of Detroit and Idanha to refrain from traveling to this area. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office continues to coordinate with partner law enforcement agencies to maintain an enhanced presence in the Detroit and Idanha communities as residents return to the area.

North Fork Rd / Elkhorn:

The North Fork Road corridor has been reduced to a Level 2 – “Be Set” status up to the boundary with U.S. Forest Service property, near mile post 15.5. Some roadways will remain closed to traffic by Marion County Public Works while trees are removed and damaged culverts and roadways can be repaired:

• Gates Hill Road between North Fork Rd and OR 22E

• North Fork Rd east of Gates Hill Road

Numerous fire damaged trees remain near roadways and properties. These trees may fall at any time. Power has not yet been restored to the North Fork area. We urge residents to remain vigilant and be prepared encounter downed trees on the road.

• Watch out for falling rocks and debris in the roadway.

• Do not approach downed power lines.

• Drive slowly! Be watchful for personnel working in the roadway as road cleanup and utility repairs are still ongoing.

• Keep a safe distance from septic tanks and other buried structures that may have been damaged in the fire.

• All county parks located within the fire zone are closed.

• Comply with roadway signs and instructions provided by road crews, utility workers and law enforcement.

• Keep dogs on leashes, many hazards exist which may be harmful to animals.

The Willamette National Forest remains closed to the public at this time, updates can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/.

For more information about removal of wildfire ash & debris please visit: https://www.co.marion.or.us/.../Fire/Pages/default.aspx

If you need help finding the following: Food Pantries, Emergency Financial Assistance, Medical Services, Housing Information and Support and more, please visit https://www.midvalleyresources.org/

Visit the Wild Fire Resource page to connect with services to help you and our communities recover: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/

Evacuation levels for communities in Marion County as of 4:00 p.m. on September 28th, 2020:

Level 3 – “Go”

Breitenbush

Crooked Finger Rd south of the cattle guard

Level 2 – “Be Set”

Detroit

Idanha

OR 22E between mile post 33 to 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Road

Level 1 – “Ready”

Mill City

Gates

Lyons

Mehama

The evacuation map and resources for community members impacted by the recent wildfires can be found on the Marion County website at https://www.co.marion.or.us/fire.

Community members who reside in Linn County may find up to date information at https://www.LinnSheriff.org.

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Portland, Oregon woman has been charged with jumping onto the back of a police officer who was arresting someone, as the officer was engaged in lawful crowd dispersal during a civil disorder event.

            A federal grand jury in Portland, Oregon has returned a one-count indictment charging Meganne Elizabeth Englich-Mills, 24, with Civil Disorder.

            According to court documents, during the evening hours of September 5, 2020, a crowd of people attempted to march to the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct located at 737 SE 106th avenue from Ventura Park. When the crowd encountered law enforcement officers, multiple fire bombs and commercial grade fireworks were thrown by the crowd towards law enforcement, resulting in injury to both law enforcement and community members. The assembly was declared a riot and the crowd received multiple warning to disperse from the area. The crowd refused to disperse and people in the crowd began throwing rocks at law enforcement and lit several fires in the streets using dumpsters, garbage cans and wooden pallets.  

            Oregon State Police Troopers assigned to conduct crowd control duties during the declared riot, encountered a group of persons refusing to disperse from the area as directed. As one Trooper attempted to take a female subject into custody, another member of the above group, later identified as Meganne Elizabeth Englich-Mills, jumped on the Trooper’s back as the Trooper and the other subject were on the ground. Additional Troopers came to the aid of the arresting officer and Englich-Mills was placed under arrest.   

 Meganne Elizabeth Englich-Mills made an initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta. Englich-Mills was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial to be held.

            The Portland Police, Oregon State Police and FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Peter Sax, Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.  # # #

On September 28th, 2020, at approximately 12:30 pm, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a possible hostage situation at a residence on Juneva Pl SE, near Mahrt Ave SE, in Salem.  While deputies were on scene, shots were fired, no deputies were injured.  Due to this being an officer involved shooting; the Oregon State Police are being requested to investigate.  No additional information is available at this time.

PORTLAND, Ore. – On Sunday, Oct. 4, BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life, a presentation of the groundbreaking anatomical exhibition series BODY WORLDS that has been seen by more than 50 million people globally, will close at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). In order to prioritize visitor health and safety, admissions have been carefully staggered and limited to only 25% of OMSI’s regular capacity, and heightened cleaning procedures have been implemented.

“BODY WORLDS truly is a ‘must-see’ exhibit, offering our visitors an opportunity to understand the science, splendor, and complexity of the human body,” said Erin Graham, OMSI president and CEO. “This in-depth look at human anatomy and physiology will spark conversations about the steps we can take to remain healthy and active, positively impacting the lifestyle choices of many who see the exhibit.”

The 10,000-square-foot exhibit, designed by BODY WORLDS’ creative and conceptual designer Dr. Angelina Whalley, focuses on the human life cycle, capturing the body at every stage—at its most healthy, as it changes, grows, matures, and finally wanes. 

“Learning more about the fragility and resilience of your body at any stage of your life, strengthening your immune system to fight diseases, and exercising preventive care are key elements to take on more responsibility for our health,” said Dr. Whalley. “The impact of the lessons from the exhibition stay with our visitors for years to come.”

Ticket prices for BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life are $20 for adults, $16 for youth (ages 3-13), and $16 for seniors (ages 63+). Prices for OMSI Members are $12 for adults, $10 for youth, and $11 for seniors. Guests can purchase tickets online at omsi.edu or via phone at 503.797.4000.

All specimens presented in the BODY WORLDS exhibitions are preserved through plastination, a scientific process invented by pioneering anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens. The BODY WORLDS series was originally conceived to educate the public about the inner workings of the human body and to reveal the long-term effects of both healthy and unhealthy lifestyles. BODY WORLDS is the first exhibition of its kind to inform the visitor about anatomy, physiology, and health by viewing real human bodies donated to the Institute for Plastination, established by Dr. von Hagens in 1983. 

"Dr. von Hagens originally developed plastination as a way to teach people about the human body and show its full potential,” said Dr. Whalley. “Today, BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life is the perfect way to use this science to showcase the beauty of the human body and reveal the secrets of vitality, longevity, and well-being."  

About BODY WORLDS
Invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977, the plastination process replaces the natural fluids in the specimen with liquid reactive plastics that are hardened and cured with gas, light, or heat. Before hardening the plastic in the specimens, the plastinates are fixed into extraordinary, lifelike poses, illustrating how our bodies internally respond to everyday movements and activities. Plastination provides the flexibility and strength needed to display and preserve the specimens in their true-to-life form, without the use of glass barriers or formaldehyde. Dr. von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS exhibitions stem from an established body donation program that relies on donor consent. The specimens on display, excluding a small number of acquisitions from anatomical collections and anatomy programs, stem from a body donation program that was begun in the early 1980s by Dr. von Hagens.

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 every county in Oregon and throughout the region. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.

This morning, September 28th, 2020, at approximately 8:30 am, an adult in custody (AIC) from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Transition Center walked away from a work crew while working in the area of Ibex St NE and 41st Ave NE, Salem. 

The AIC, William Bonn White, a 24-year-old male, was serving a sanction for violating his parole, his release date had not yet been determined.  White is described as being approximately 6’3” tall, 200 lbs, red hair, with blue eyes.

Staffed around the clock, the Transition Center provides an intermediate sanction between Jail and Probation. Unlike the Jail, the Transition Center provides minimum-security supervision. Residents are expected to work, either at their own jobs, or by performing community services.

If you see, or know the location of, William Bonn White, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-588-5032 or submit a tip at https://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/Pages/tip411.aspx.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) received federal approval to issue Pandemic EBT benefits in September to promote increased food security for families who receive no-cost meals through participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program.

Benefits will start being distributed Sept. 28 for an estimated total amount of more than $35.6 million in federal money. Recipients may see two deposits on their Oregon EBT card – an initial deposit of $100 and a second deposit for all students receiving an amount over $100. Amounts vary by the school district.

“These additional federal funds provide much needed assistance for our families as they manage the transition back to school,” said Dan Haun, ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director. “We hope these benefits bring some relief to families facing today’s uncertainties.”

“Child Nutrition Programs know that the P-EBT benefit plays a crucial role in supporting students’ nutritional needs during this time of crisis and change,” ODE School Nutrition Program Manager, Damasita Sanchez said. “We appreciate the partnership with DHS to provide this critical support for Oregon communities.”

Students must be enrolled in an eligible school for the 2020-21 school year to be eligible for September P-EBT. There is no application process for this benefit.

Eligible students who receive Oregon SNAP benefits, or were mailed an Oregon EBT card with P-EBT benefits in the past, will receive their September P-EBT benefits on their existing Oregon EBT card. Families who lost their Oregon EBT card can request a new one by calling their local ODHS office. New Oregon EBT cards will be mailed in October.

Many families eligible for P-EBT are also eligible for on-going food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are encouraged to check eligibility and apply at https://apps.state.or.us/onlineApplication/#NewClientAccount.

Eligible students will receive up to $176 depending on their school’s start date. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/p-ebt.aspx for details.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance, and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1.

Sept. 28, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 181 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, no new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 547, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 181 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 32,994.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (4), Clackamas (13), Clatsop (5), Columbia (8), Deschutes (13), Douglas (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (13), Jefferson (6), Lane (26), Malheur (6), Marion (12), Morrow (6), Multnomah (21), Polk (2), Umatilla (11), Wasco (4), Washington (24), and Yamhill (5).

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 28, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Our team continues to focus on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Monday, September 28, 2020, there are TWO people with new positive test results and TWO new presumptives since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 237.  Currently, there are FIVE hospitalized Douglas County COVID-19 patients being hospitalized locally.

We have now tested over 1,500 people in our drive-through COVID-19 test clinics in Douglas County.  The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1521 people tested in 73 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.  Thank you to everyone that has helped to make these clinics possible.

ALERT:  There has been an unfortunate surge in COVID cases throughout several Oregon counties over that past week.  We have worked so hard to minimize the spread of the virus, but the numbers are starting to swell once again.  This is not a time to let your guard down.  We continue to urge residents to protect themselves and their loved ones by following these simple, basic health and safety precautions: washing your hands, staying six feet apart, staying home if you are sick, minimizing travel and wearing a mask were recommended.  The most recent cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  Cases have been linked to social gatherings including: birthday parties, weddings, funerals, prayer groups, play dates, visiting family members and back–to-school events. Again, we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of this virus.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

OHA Definition for Recovered

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 35 in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, September 29, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1521 people tested in 73 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

Oregon Health Authority features new COVID-19 dashboard

Shared from OHA.  Monday, September 21, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched a new version of the dashboard Oregon COVID-19 Case Demographics and Disease Severity Statewide to provide more information on the demographics of COVID-19 cases in Oregon.  The new dashboard will present case rates per 100,000 people, which more clearly shows disparities in the burden of COVID-19 between demographic groups. In addition to case counts and rates, users will be able to view the percent of cases in each age group, sex, race and ethnicity that have ever been hospitalized for their illness or have died with COVID-19.

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Special Notice: Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Tuesday, September 29, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

Local Wildfire Information

Local wildfire information is available directly from the links listed here.  Please log onto their sites for the most up to date information.  The Archie Creek Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (971) 334-7674 and email: chiecreek@firenet.gov">2020.archiecreek@firenet.gov.  The Thielsen Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (541) 595-8227 and email: 2020.Thielsen@firenet.gov.  Please continue to monitor the Douglas Forest Protective Association’s Website and Facebook page for additional local wildfire updates.  For current evacuation information please continue to monitor the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website or Facebook page.   Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

UPDATE: Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice.  (Please note that the hotline hours were adjusted on September 23, 2020.)

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call 211 or the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  

For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website

OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

UPDATED: 
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry is canceling the scheduled October 7 planning retreat. The Board planned to welcome and orient new members to gain initial feedback on the Board and Department work. However, with no new Board confirmations, the annual planning retreat is canceled for 2020. 

Orginal News Release below from Oregon Dept. of Forestry
Posted on FlashAlert: September 24th, 2020 2:53 PM

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet virtually on Oct. 6 and 7 for a public meeting and planning retreat. Both days will be livestreamed. In compliance with Gov. Kate Brown’s directive on social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, both of these public meetings will be virtual.

The meeting agenda includes:

• State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) update, summary of feedback received from the county and stakeholder engagement process, and the board’s decision on proceeding with the HCP into the National Environmental Policy Act process
• An update from the Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee and Council of Forest Trust Land Committee Commissioners

View the agenda for additional topics to be discussed at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, the Board will have a full-day agenda, with limited time scheduled for live testimony. The meeting will be livestreamed and public comment will be accepted. The live testimony is reserved for the Board decision on the HCP. All written testimony received by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, will be distributed to the Board for review and consideration. Any testimony submitted after that window of time will not be entered into the record but will be sent to the Board as a general comment after the meeting concludes. Written testimony can be submitted before the meeting to oardofForestry@oregon.gov">BoardofForestry@oregon.gov. The live testimony instructions, board packet, and livestream option are available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

You must sign up to provide live testimony. Sign up opens on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, at 8 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m. that day. To sign up, complete this form for verbal testimony. A confirmation email will be sent with a timeslot and Zoom login instructions, as long as available time slots exist.

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, the planning retreat will provide the Board and Department leadership an opportunity to connect and explore policy issues in an informal setting. Therefore no public comment will be accepted by the Board.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, the Board will hold two executive sessions. The first executive session will be for the purpose of considering information or records that are exempt from disclosure by law, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f). The second executive session will be for the purpose of reviewing the State Forester’s Annual Performance, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(i).

The executive sessions will be conducted virtually. Members of the news media wishing to remotely attend one of these sessions can email Public Affairs Director Joy Krawczyk at awczyk@oregon.gov">joy.p.krawczyk@oregon.gov for information.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. More information about the Board is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/aboutbof.aspx.

Lane County Public Health notified of 75 additional positive COVID-19  cases, 6 new cases associated with long term care facilities, and one additional COVID-19 related death over the weekend. This makes a total of one thousand two hundred and thirty nine (1239) cases.

1,239 (+75) total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized: 9 (+1)

Deaths: 18 (+1)

Infectious: 179 (-21)

At least 64,695 negative tests (total individuals tested by result)

The eighteenth (18th) COVID-19 related death was a 85 year old man who passed on September 27th. He was from the Eugene/Springfield area. He was  hospitalized prior to his death and passed at the hospital. 

From the entire team at Lane County Public Health, we send our most sincere condolences to the friends and family of this gentleman during this difficult time. 

5 residents and 1 staff member tested positive for COVID-19 at Farmington Square Senior Living located at 2730 Bailey Ln in Eugene. The facility is working with Lane County Public Health and taking all precautionary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 at the facility. 

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

To see data related to COVID-19 in Lane County, please visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/data.

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

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Approximately two weeks ago Roseburg Police Detectives began working a sexual assault investigation that allegedly occurred in Roseburg several years ago.  This investigation began when detectives were contacted by law enforcement officials from another state, where an alleged victim disclosed the previous abuse. 

During the subsequent investigation detectives charged 62 year-old Roseburg resident Lawrence Walter Jackson with Sodomy in the First Degree and five counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.  Jackson was lodged at Douglas County Corrections on those charges.

The victim in this case was a minor child who was known to the suspect.

This is a notice from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office regarding recovery and resource updates for those affected by the Echo Mountain Fire complex and straight-line wind event. Please see the attached full version of our Recovery Update #01 or go to our Echo Mountain Fire website at www.co.lincoln.or.us/echomountainfire .

Spanish update

• FEMA – Financial Assistance Application and Tips for Protecting Yourself During Recovery
  • Extended in Person FEMA Reps at Lincoln City Community Center, 9am – 6pm Mon. Sept. 28 – Oct. 2nd; stop by to review your application, provide additional information if you were initially denied and/or to file a new claim
  • Disaster Assistance Packet –
    • Disaster Fraud – Tips to Protect Yourself - Spanish
    • What to Expect When Applying with FEMA
• American Red Cross – Sheltering
  • Do you still need temporary housing due to the disaster? See updated phone number to reach the Red Cross Assistance Center
  • Phone - 1-800-733-2767 ext. 4
  • In Person - Lincoln City Community Center – 2150 NE Oar Place, 9am to 5pm
  • Info sheet
• Small Business Administration
  • Fact sheet for Oregon Disaster – find out if you might qualify for low interest loans to help you recover
• Oregon Veterans
  • Assistance available for those affected by the disaster
• County Transit Services for Disaster Victims
  • County Transit rides are free to the Donations Site at the Outlet Mall and to the FEMA/Red Cross Services at the Community Center
• Oregon Unemployment
  • Unemployment assistance update for those affected by wildfires

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
Emergency Management Division
541-265-0621 – Call Center
www.co.lincoln.or.us/echomountainfire

For Immediate Release                                        

September 28, 2020

Contact:    Terry Moss
                 503-378-8469

                 terry.moss@state.or.us

Notice of Special Meeting

A sub-committee of the Leadership Curriculum Advisory Panel will hold a special meeting on October 19, 2020 from 09:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.  The meeting will be held virtually via WebEx.  For a link, please contact Terry Moss at the email address listed above.  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 - Terry Moss
2. Leadership Curriculum Overview - Terry Moss.
   1. Update on Ledership Curriculum Revision
   2. Leadership curriculum goals.
3. Possible Sub-committee tasks

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 the Leadership Curriculum 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.

September 28, 2020

The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be on Friday, October 2, 2020.  The meeting will be held electronically due to the current COVID-19 health crisis.

Webinar Meeting Only

Public register in advance for this webinar:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uowii8KdRFyNz5LTR9jucQ

AGENDA:
9:00  Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 
9:05  Public Comment 
9:15  Meeting Minutes for Review –Sept 4, 2020
9:25  Homeownership Division Updates

- Oregon Bond Loan Approvals

- FLEX Lending Program

- Manufactured Home Park Acquisition Fund Introduction
10:10  Affordable Rental Housing Division Updates 

- Multifamily Housing Transactions

10:25  Housing Stabilization Division

            - Winter Shelter Update

11:30  Report of the Director

- Legislative Update

- Wildfire Response and Recovery

12:00  Report of the Chair
12:15  Meeting Adjourned

Please click here to access the meeting materials packet.

On Sunday, September 27, 2020 at approximately 1:48 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a person who fell from a cliff, into the ocean, at Devil's Cauldron trail in Oswald West State Park.

Preliminary investigation revealed two people walked down the Devil’s Cauldron trail to take a photograph at a cliff side viewpoint.  Steven Gastelum (43) of Seaside, climbed a tree on the cliff’s edge to pose for a photograph.  A limb broke, on the tree, causing him to fall approximately 100 feet into the ocean.

US Coast Guard helicopter and Nehalem Bay Fire Department jet skis assisted in locating Gastelum and bringing him to shore.

Gastelum was transported to Tillamook Regional Medical Center by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with fire managers, is announcing additional evacuation level reductions. 

Effective at 9:00 am on Monday, September 28, 2020, the following changes take effect: 

• The LEVEL 1 "BE READY" notice on Little River Road at New Bridge Road to the end of Little River Road, including all side streets between these two points, has been lifted. This area is no longer under a formal evacuation notice. 
• Diamond Lake, including the Diamond Lake Resort, all recreation areas, all residential and summer homes has been reduced to a LEVEL 1 "BE READY" notice. 

The following evacuation notices remain unchanged: 

• Highway 138E at the Narrows Wayside (Idleyld Trading Post) to Steamboat Creek, including all side streets between these two points remains a LEVEL 2 "BE SET".

Current evacuation maps can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

SALEM, Ore. - There were gains in containment over the weekend on all 6 major fires in Oregon that the Oregon Department of Forestry is tracking, down from 17 originally (see table below for details). Fires are removed from the list when they are 100% lined and fire managers are confident in their progress toward containment. On that basis, the Thielsen Fire, which has not grown from 9,971 acres in days and is more than two-thirds contained, has been removed.

There have been more than 7,500 personnel assigned to these fires, not including many of the government employees, landowners, forestland operators, and members of the community who are contributing every day. There have been resources from 39 states and multiple Canadian provinces in this fight alongside Oregonians.

About 1 million acres have burned in Oregon since the start of this year, which is nearly double the 10-year average of approximately 557,811.

More information

• ODF wildfire blog and Significant Fire Potential Map
• Northwest Coordination Center – Regional Update and National Situation Report
• Inciweb (information on individual incidents)

On Saturday, September 26th, President Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat on the Supreme Court.  Justice Ginsburg was a fierce advocate for gender equality, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, abortion rights, and health care for all. The nomination of Amy Coney Barrett is an active and vocal threat to reproductive health and rights and our commitment to providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare – and goes against everything for which the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg strategically and systematically fought.

Below is a statement from Lisa Gardner, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon:

“It is irresponsible and hypocritical for the Trump administration to move this Supreme Court nomination forward less than 45 days before the General Election, while the Senate should instead be focused on responding to the Covid-19 Pandemic that has claimed over 200,000 American Lives. 

“We know that Senate Republicans have once again blindly lined up behind their President, and will work to push through this nomination before January 20th, breaking all norms and ignoring the majority of Americans who do not believe the seat should be filled by this President, or this Senate. 

“For 27 years on the Supreme Court and throughout her entire legal career, Justice Ginsburg was fought tirelessly for equal rights, gender equality, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ freedom, and health care for all.  We must defend her legacy, and demand that this seat not be filled before Inauguration Day.”

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Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (PPSO) has been dedicated to providing expert reproductive health care and sexuality education in Southwestern Oregon for over 54 years.  PPSO provides more than 30,000 patient visits each year at five health centers.  PPSO is also the region’s most respected provider of medically accurate sexuality education for young people and adults, as well as training programs for professionals who work with youth and families.  Education and training programs make over 8,000 contacts each year, transforming the lives of young people in southwestern Oregon.  PPSO’s essential health services include breast and cervical cancer screenings, well-woman annual exams, birth control, abortion care, STI prevention, testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis), HPV vaccinations and vasectomies. For more information, visit www.ppsworegon.org. 

Lane County’s non-emergency Holiday Farm Fire call center closed at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, due to low call volume.

Information and resources for those affected by the Holiday Farm Fire will continue to be available online at www.lanecounty.org/mckenziefire_resources.

Residents along the McKenzie corridor who see hazards along County-maintained roads, including hazard trees and debris on the road, can report those hazards directly to Lane County Road & Bridge Maintenance at 541-682-6900 24 hours per day.

For updates regarding road closures and information related to Oregon Department of Transportation’s Highway 126, please check tripcheck.com.

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The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery Update for Sept. 27,  2020 to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. Additional photos are attached. See today's Wildfire Response and Recovery update here.

Photo caption:
Red Cross volunteer, Rachel Brubaker, provides meals and supplies to the community in Butte Falls (Photos by Lynette Nyman / American Red Cross)

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 27, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Our team continues to focus on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Sunday, September 27, 2020, there are THREE people with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 233.  Currently, there are SIX hospitalized Douglas County COVID-19 patients.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out-of-the-area, and the remaining five are being hospitalized locally.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

NOTICE:  Today is yet another day with new cases.  The cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and presumably unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  So, again we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of this virus.  Please continue to curb your travel, limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.     

OHA Definition for Recovered

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 39 in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, September 29, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1492 people tested in 72 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

Oregon Health Authority features new COVID-19 dashboard

Shared from OHA.  Monday, September 21, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched a new version of the dashboard Oregon COVID-19 Case Demographics and Disease Severity Statewide to provide more information on the demographics of COVID-19 cases in Oregon.  The new dashboard will present case rates per 100,000 people, which more clearly shows disparities in the burden of COVID-19 between demographic groups. In addition to case counts and rates, users will be able to view the percent of cases in each age group, sex, race and ethnicity that have ever been hospitalized for their illness or have died with COVID-19.

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Special Notice: Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

Red Cross: Urgent Need for Blood Donations Continues

As we begin the new school year, the American Red Cross still has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, you are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. Donate your blood and save a life.  Remember, appointments are required, visit www.redcrossblood.org  or call (800) 733-2767 to schedule today.

Local Upcoming Blood Drives:

Monday, Sept 28         1:00 pm – 6:30 pm       Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Tuesday, Sept 29           12:00 pm - 5:00 pm       Family Church Roseburg, 4384 Carnes Road, Roseburg

Tuesday, Sept 29           9:30 am – 3:30 pm          Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Wednesday, Sept 30    1:00 pm – 6:00 pm       Riddle High School, 147 Main St, Riddle

Thursday, Oct 1          1:00 pm - 6:00 pm         Redeemer's Fellowship, 3031 W Harvard Ave, Roseburg

Friday, Oct 2               10:30 am – 4:30 pm      1176 NW Garden Velley Blvd., Roseburg

Friday, Oct 2                 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm       Drain Church of Christ, 401 2nd St, Drain

Wednesday, Oct 7        1:00 pm – 6:30 pm          LDS Church, 340 NW Glenhart Ave., Winston

Thursday, Oct 8           12:30 pm – 6:30 pm       Elks Lodge #1943, 106 S. Main St., Myrtle Creek

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Tuesday, September 29, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

Local Wildfire Information

Local wildfire information is available directly from the links listed here.  Please log onto their sites for the most up to date information.  The Archie Creek Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (971) 334-7674 and email: chiecreek@firenet.gov">2020.archiecreek@firenet.gov.  The Thielsen Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (541) 595-8227 and email: 2020.Thielsen@firenet.gov.  Please continue to monitor the Douglas Forest Protective Association’s Website and Facebook page for additional local wildfire updates.  For current evacuation information please continue to monitor the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website or Facebook page.   Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

UPDATE: Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice.  (Please note that the hotline hours have been adjusted, effective September 23, 2020.)

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call 211 or the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  

For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website

OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Wildfire Evacuation Update, as of 12:00 p.m. September 27th, 2020.

There have not been any changes to the evacuation levels in Marion County. As a reminder, to access the cities of Detroit and Idanha please see the below information on the process and daily schedule.

Detroit/Idanha Access Using Pilot Cars Daily:

The Oregon Department of Transportation is working with multiple contractors to remove hazardous trees and debris along OR 22E between mile post 33, in Gates, and mile post 65, near Marion Forks. To allow residents access to the cities of Detroit and Idanha, ODOT will be using pilot cars to lead residents through the closed sections of OR 22E between Gates and Detroit. Residents may travel freely between Detroit and Idanha with OR 22E closed to eastbound traffic at mile post 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Rd.

As a reminder, there is no through access to the Santiam Pass from the Detroit/Idanha area at this time. Tree removal in the area between Gates and Detroit will cause delays for the inbound and outbound pilot car trips. Residents should expect at least one hour to make a one-way trip.

Pilot cars guiding residents between Gates and Detroit will be limited to the following daily schedule:

• 9 a.m. – Pilot car departs Gates to Detroit

• 11 a.m. – Pilot car returns from Detroit to Gates

• 1 p.m. – Pilot car departs Gates to Detroit

• 5 p.m. – Pilot car returns from Detroit to Gates

Due to the remaining hazards in the cities of Detroit and Idanha and lack of basic services, we request people nonresidents of Detroit and Idanha to refrain from traveling to this area. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office continues to coordinate with partner law enforcement agencies to maintain an enhanced presence in the Detroit and Idanha communities as residents return to the area.

North Fork Rd / Elkhorn:

The North Fork Road corridor has been reduced to a Level 2 – “Be Set” status up to the boundary with U.S. Forest Service property, near mile post 15.5. Some roadways will remain closed to traffic by Marion County Public Works while trees are removed and damaged culverts and roadways can be repaired:

• Gates Hill Road between North Fork Rd and OR 22E

• North Fork Rd east of Gates Hill Road

Numerous fire damaged trees remain near roadways and properties. These trees may fall at any time. Power has not yet been restored to the North Fork area. We urge residents to remain vigilant and be prepared encounter downed trees on the road.

• Watch out for falling rocks and debris in the roadway.

• Do not approach downed power lines.

• Drive slowly! Be watchful for personnel working in the roadway as road cleanup and utility repairs are still ongoing.

• Keep a safe distance from septic tanks and other buried structures that may have been damaged in the fire.

• All county parks located within the fire zone are closed.

• Comply with roadway signs and instructions provided by road crews, utility workers and law enforcement.

• Keep dogs on leashes, many hazards exist which may be harmful to animals.

The Willamette National Forest remains closed to the public at this time, updates can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/.

For more information about removal of wildfire ash & debris please visit: https://www.co.marion.or.us/.../Fire/Pages/default.aspx

If you need help finding the following: Food Pantries, Emergency Financial Assistance, Medical Services, Housing Information and Support and more, please visit https://www.midvalleyresources.org/

Visit the Wild Fire Resource page to connect with services to help you and our communities recover: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/

Evacuation levels for communities in Marion County as of 12:00 p.m. on September 27th, 2020:

Level 3 – “Go”

Breitenbush

Crooked Finger Rd south of the cattle guard

Level 2 – “Be Set”

Detroit

Idanha

OR 22E between mile post 33 to 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Road

Level 1 – “Ready”

Mill City

Gates

Lyons

Mehama

The evacuation map and resources for community members impacted by the recent wildfires can be found on the Marion County website at https://www.co.marion.or.us/fire.

Community members who reside in Linn County may find up to date information at https://www.LinnSheriff.org.

September 27, 2020

Oregon reports 242 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 547, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 242 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 32,820.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (10), Clatsop (8), Columbia (6), Coos (1), Deschutes (15), Douglas (5), Grant (1), Jackson (9), Jefferson (5), Lake (1), Lane (24), Lincoln (1), Linn (3), Malheur (10), Marion (26), Morrow (1), Multnomah (72), Polk (1), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (14), Wallowa (1), Wasco (3), Washington (23).

Oregon’s 547th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 23 and died on Sept. 26, at Providence Portland Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody (AIC) died on September 27, 2020. He was incarcerated at the Snake River Correctional Institution and passed away at a local hospital. He tested positive for COVID-19. He was between 65 and 75 years old. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. This is the ninth AIC to die who tested positive for COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19 cases inside Oregon’s prisons, please visit DOC’s COVID-19 website. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,000 adults in custody who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state.

Institutions continue to clean and disinfect numerous times a day. DOC asks AICs to report symptoms of COVID to medical staff. Posters are in all DOC institutions encouraging individuals to maintain proper hygiene and to uphold appropriate social distancing to the extent possible. Health screening processes are in place before staff are allowed to enter facilities. Visiting remains closed until further notice.

DOC requires employees and AICs to wear masks if they cannot maintain six feet of social distancing. Wearing masks is mandatory at all times in health services areas, some work areas, and in food services areas. Cloth masks have been provided to AICs and staff. If an AIC becomes ill and exhibits flu like symptoms, then CDC and OHA guidance for supportive care are followed.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, DOC issued a press release when an AIC passed away. This notification would include the person’s name, county of conviction, sentence length, and date of death. However, no cause of death would be listed because the Medical Examiner makes that determination. In order to balance the desire for transparency with our legal obligation to protect personal health information, we have changed the AIC death notification process when someone dies who has tested positive for COVID-19. DOC is working with the Oregon Health Authority to publish COVID-19 related data and information on the OHA website.

SALEM, Ore. (Sept. 26, 2020) – Aircraft are crisscrossing Oregon to help in wildfire recovery, thanks to highly trained volunteers from Civil Air Patrol.

As wildfires are being contained around Oregon, state and federal emergency leaders are seeking information on damage caused by fires that have scorched almost 1 million acres this year. Aircrews and teams on the ground are photographing key infrastructure in the fire zones, using high-resolution cameras that can produce detailed photographs.

Today – the 10th day of CAP’s wildfire response - pilots will fly over the Riverside, Beachie Creek, Archie Creek and Holiday Farm fires. Airborne photographers will submit their images to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) staff for evaluation.

Another four teams responded in vehicles from McMinnville, Wilsonville, Eugene and Medford, deployed to assess damage and take ground-level photos of facilities accessible by road.

The Oregon Wing has helped federal, state and local officials with aerial photography on many occasions. One such project was flooding in Salem, where CAP images helped city leaders determine the extent of flooding and what facilities needed repair. Oregon’s CAP volunteers also monitored highway and airport traffic during the total eclipse Aug. 21, 2017, relaying information to the state departments of transportation and aviation.

The Oregon Wing’s 290 adult volunteers vigorously train to FEMA standards each year to be ready to help in emergencies. They help in searches for missing aircraft and missing hikers as well as during natural disasters. The wing also has 247 youth members, who train in leadership, character development, physical fitness and citizenship. Many also train in emergency services to assist with ground search and rescue and detection of emergency signals emitted by aircraft in distress.

About Civil Air Patrol
Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine Cessna aircraft and 1,944 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.

As a nonprofit organization, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education using national academic standards-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Members also serve as mentors to nearly 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. One of the premier public service organizations in America, CAP benefits the nation with an estimated economic impact of $209 million annually.

Often using innovative cellphone forensics and radar analysis software, CAP was credited by the AFRCC with saving 129 lives so far in fiscal 2020. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

Visit www.orwg.cap.gov, www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Wildfire Evacuation Update, as of 4:30 p.m. September 26th, 2020.

The cities of Detroit, Idanha and the Elkhorn community along North Fork Road were reduced to a Level 2 – “Be Set” evacuation level as of 9:00 a.m. yesterday, September 25th, 2020. Crews have been working tirelessly to restore access to evacuated areas. While residents will be able to return to these communities, many hazards remain and core services have not been restored to residences.

Detroit/Idanha Access Using Pilot Cars Daily:

The Oregon Department of Transportation is working with multiple contractors to remove hazardous trees and debris along OR 22E between mile post 33, in Gates, and mile post 65, near Marion Forks. To allow residents access to the cities of Detroit and Idanha, ODOT will be using pilot cars to lead residents through the closed sections of OR 22E between Gates and Detroit. Residents may travel freely between Detroit and Idanha with OR 22E closed to eastbound traffic at mile post 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Rd.

As a reminder, there is no through access to the Santiam Pass from the Detroit/Idanha area at this time. Tree removal in the area between Gates and Detroit will cause delays for the inbound and outbound pilot car trips. Residents should expect at least one hour to make a one-way trip. Pilot cars guiding residents between Gates and Detroit will be limited to the following daily schedule:

• 9 a.m. – Pilot car departs Gates to Detroit

• 11 a.m. – Pilot car returns from Detroit to Gates

• 1 p.m. – Pilot car departs Gates to Detroit

• 5 p.m. – Pilot car returns from Detroit to Gates

Due to the remaining hazards in the cities of Detroit and Idanha and lack of basic services, we request people nonresidents of Detroit and Idanha to refrain from traveling to this area. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office continues to coordinate with partner law enforcement agencies to maintain an enhanced presence in the Detroit and Idanha communities as residents return to the area.

North Fork Rd / Elkhorn:

The North Fork Road corridor has been reduced to a Level 2 – “Be Set” status up to the boundary with U.S. Forest Service property, near mile post 15.5. Some roadways will remain closed to traffic by Marion County Public Works while trees are removed and damaged culverts and roadways can be repaired:

• Gates Hill Road between North Fork Rd and OR 22E

• North Fork Rd east of Gates Hill Road

Numerous fire damaged trees remain near roadways and properties. These trees may fall at any time. Power has not yet been restored to the North Fork area. We urge residents to remain vigilant and be prepared encounter downed trees on the road.

• Watch out for falling rocks and debris in the roadway.

• Do not approach downed power lines.

• Drive slowly! Be watchful for personnel working in the roadway as road cleanup and utility repairs are still ongoing.

• Keep a safe distance from septic tanks and other buried structures that may have been damaged in the fire.

• All county parks located within the fire zone are closed.

• Comply with roadway signs and instructions provided by road crews, utility workers and law enforcement.

• Keep dogs on leashes, many hazards exist which may be harmful to animals.

The Willamette National Forest remains closed to the public at this time, updates can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/.

For more information about removal of wildfire ash & debris please visit: https://www.co.marion.or.us/PW/EmergencyManagement/Fire/Pages/default.aspx

If you need help finding the following: Food Pantries, Emergency Financial Assistance, Medical Services, Housing Information and Support and more, please visit https://www.midvalleyresources.org/

Visit the Wild Fire Resource page to connect with services to help you and our communities recover: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/

Evacuation levels for communities in Marion County as of 4:30 p.m. on September 26th, 2020:

Level 3 – “Go”

Breitenbush

Crooked Finger Rd south of the cattle guard

Level 2 – “Be Set”

Detroit

Idanha

OR 22E between mile post 33 to 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Road

Level 1 – “Ready”

Mill City

Gates

Lyons

Mehama

The evacuation map and resources for community members impacted by the recent wildfires can be found on the Marion County website at https://www.co.marion.or.us/fire.

Community members who reside in Linn County may find up to date information at https://www.LinnSheriff.org.

As residents return to wildfire affected areas and start planning on re-building, contractors will be offering their services. It is important to make sure anyone you choose to work with is licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Unfortunately, amongst the majority of reputable contractors, there are a number of scammers that target vulnerable people often affected by a disaster. There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming victim to a scam. One of the ways you can protect yourself is by knowing the warning signs of a scam. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Offering to do the work at a very discounted rate
• Presenting a “limited time offer” due to leftover materials from a previous job
• Using pressure style tactics and going door to door

Please visit the Oregon Construction Contractors Board for more information: https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/Oregon-Wildfire-Resources-for-Home-and-Business-Owners.aspx

This webpage is specifically designed as a resource for home and business owners recovering from the wildfires. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is verifying the license of any Oregon contractor at: https://www.ccb.state.or.us/search/.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfires 2020 daily release to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Response and Recovery update here.

Please direct any media inquiries to the Joint Information Center at 503-373-7872 or e.info@state.or.us">fire.info@state.or.us.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Oregon Department of Forestry Press Information Officer Marcus Kauffman clears a downed tree at the Holiday Farm Fire. (Photo by Dan Morrison)

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 26, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Our team continues to focus on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Saturday, September 26, 2020, there are FOUR people with new positive test results since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 229.  Currently, there are SIX hospitalized Douglas County COVID-19 patients.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out-of-the-area, and the remaining five are being hospitalized locally.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

NOTICE:  It’s Saturday and again see continue to see an increase in cases.  The cases can be attributed to travel and unwitting and presumably unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  So, again we ask that you take a moment and revisit how you are socializing and please protect yourself and your loved ones from the spread of this virus.  Please continue to curb your travel, limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.     

OHA Definition for Recovered

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 38 in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Tuesday, September 29, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1492 people tested in 72 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

Oregon Health Authority features new COVID-19 dashboard

Shared from OHA.  Monday, September 21, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched a new version of the dashboard Oregon COVID-19 Case Demographics and Disease Severity Statewide to provide more information on the demographics of COVID-19 cases in Oregon.  The new dashboard will present case rates per 100,000 people, which more clearly shows disparities in the burden of COVID-19 between demographic groups. In addition to case counts and rates, users will be able to view the percent of cases in each age group, sex, race and ethnicity that have ever been hospitalized for their illness or have died with COVID-19.

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Special Notice: Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

Red Cross: Urgent Need for Blood Donations Continues

As we begin the new school year, the American Red Cross still has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, you are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. Donate your blood and save a life.  Remember, appointments are required, visit www.redcrossblood.org  or call (800) 733-2767 to schedule today.

Local Upcoming Blood Drives:

Monday, Sept 28         1:00 pm – 6:30 pm       Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Tuesday, Sept 29           12:00 pm - 5:00 pm       Family Church Roseburg, 4384 Carnes Road, Roseburg

Tuesday, Sept 29           9:30 am – 3:30 pm          Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Wednesday, Sept 30    1:00 pm – 6:00 pm       Riddle High School, 147 Main St, Riddle

Thursday, Oct    1        1:00 pm - 6:00 pm          Redeemer's Fellowship, 3031 W Harvard Ave, Roseburg

Friday, Oct 2               10:30 am – 4:30 pm      1176 NW Garden Velley Blvd., Roseburg

Friday, Oct 2                 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm       Drain Church of Christ, 401 2nd St, Drain

Wednesday, Oct 7        1:00 pm – 6:30 pm          LDS Church, 340 NW Glenhart Ave., Winston

Thursday, Oct 8           12:30 pm – 6:30 pm       Elks Lodge #1943, 106 S. Main St., Myrtle Creek

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Tuesday, September 29, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

LOCAL WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Local wildfire information is available directly from the links listed here.  Please log onto their sites for the most up to date information.  The Archie Creek Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (971) 334-7674 and email: chiecreek@firenet.gov">2020.archiecreek@firenet.gov.  The Thielsen Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (541) 595-8227 and email: 2020.Thielsen@firenet.gov.  Please continue to monitor the Douglas Forest Protective Association’s Website and Facebook page for additional local wildfire updates.  For current evacuation information please continue to monitor the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website or Facebook page.   Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

UPDATE: Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice.  (Please note that the hotline hours have been adjusted, effective September 23, 2020.)

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call 211 or the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  

For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website

OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

September 26, 2020

Oregon reports 277 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 4 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed four more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 546, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 277 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 32,581.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (1), Clackamas (24), Columbia (3), Coos (4), Crook (1), Deschutes (16), Douglas (4), Hood River (3), Jackson (16), Jefferson (5), Josephine (1), Lane (44), Lincoln (3), Linn (12), Malheur (8), Marion (31), Multnomah (33), Polk (7), Umatilla (14), Union (3), Wallowa (2), Wasco (7), Washington (31), and Yamhill (2).

Oregon’s 543rd COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on Aug. 15 and died on Sept. 23, at Portland Adventist Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 544th COVID-19 death is a 44-year-old woman in Malheur County who tested positive on Sept. 21 and died on Sept. 25. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 545th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Sept. 22 and died on Sept. 24, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 546th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on Aug.16 and died on Sept. 24, at Salem Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

On Friday, September 25, 2020 at approximately 12:21 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 26 near milepost 75.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Subaru Impreza, operated by Michael Wynne (28) of Fallbrook, CA. was westbound when it left the roadway and struck several trees.

Wynne sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Warm Springs Police Department, Warm Springs Fire Department, and ODOT.

PORTLAND, Ore.— Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, provides the below statement on ongoing violence in Portland:

“This nation’s most successful movement for racial equality and justice was led by a man dedicated to non-violent principles. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in nonviolence, winning his opponents’ friendship and understanding without humiliation, and he held a deep faith in the future. His aspirations for racial justice unquestionably remain unfinished, but his philosophy on how to achieve it remains just as relevant today.

George Floyd’s death has forced law enforcement and the justice system to closely examine our work and has led our society to ask critical questions. For more than 100 consecutive nights, Portland has been the center of large demonstrations and protests. Peaceful protests, public dialogue, and ongoing legislative and policy reviews at every level are essential to identifying solutions and bringing about meaningful and positive changes. Civility and respect are key elements to this process.

By contrast, there has been nothing civil, respectful, or positive about the nightly violent and destructive protests in Portland, Oregon. On many nights, after peaceful demonstrations end, violent agitators have physically attacked police officers and firefighters, damaged buildings, and repeatedly attempted to set public buildings on fire. These agitators include not just local residents but people who have travelled from out of state. 

On several occasions in August, demonstrations were held during the day where groups with opposing ideologies clashed and engaged in physical violence against one another. Following one of these political rallies, a man was shot and killed. Most recently, acts of violence towards law enforcement and first responders include a Portland firefighter being shot in the chest with a steel ball bearing launched from an arm-mounted slingshot, a man dousing several police officers with high-powered bear deterrent spray, a man punching a female police officer in the face, and a woman striking a police officer in the head from behind with a wooden shield.

This violent and senseless criminal conduct does nothing to promote meaningful or positive change. It forces the focus away from racial justice, instills fear in our community, and deters visitors. It is destroying the fabric of a city and a state that we love.

As a direct consequence of this criminal behavior and the media attention it generates, this community must now deal with the threat of even more outsiders traveling to Portland to participate in what they’ve been watching on social media and television for weeks. This too is not a new phenomenon for Portlanders. In August 2019, after a summer of violent clashes between opposing protest groups, several groups put out national calls for supporters to travel to Portland to join in a citywide melee.

Fortunately, despite hundreds of people answering this call and traveling to Portland, the outstanding work of the Portland Police Bureau and other local law enforcement agencies kept opposing groups mostly separated and violence to a minimum. The city now faces a similar scenario for Saturday, September 26th where numerous groups with opposing ideologies are gathering in the Portland area

This comes at a time when our community and state continue to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a major uptick in gun violence, and, now, massive wildfires burning across the state. Already limited public safety resources are fatigued and stretched thin. Our community deserves an end to the violence. Together, we need to call out violent agitators on the right and the left and stand up for civility.

Local residents and anyone traveling to Portland with the intent to commit violence are on notice. There will be consequences for acts of violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting people who impede or assault law enforcement officers, damage federal property, and set fire to buildings. Make no mistake: those who commit violence in the name of protest, will be investigated, arrested, prosecuted, and face prison time. Already more than 100 people have been arrested and more than 80 people are facing federal charges related to protest violence.

Our office will work closely with our law enforcement partners, including the FBI, to monitor criminal activity, and will bring federal charges where appropriate. We are committed to supporting our community and will help our law enforcement partners perform their essential public safety duties.”

# # #

Sept. 25, 2020

Heceta Beach health advisory lifted September 25

Portland, Ore. -- The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with marine water at Heceta Beach, located in Lane County. The health authority issued the advisory Sept. 22 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.

# # #

Marion County Sheriff’s Office Wildfire Evacuation Update, as of 5:00 p.m. September25th, 2020.

The cities of Detroit, Idanha and the Elkhorn community along North Fork Road were reduced to a Level 2 – “Be Set” evacuation level as of 9:00 a.m. today, September 25th, 2020.  Crews have been working tirelessly to restore access to evacuated areas.  While residents will be able to return to these communities, many hazards remain and core services have not been restored to residences.  

 Detroit/Idanha Access Using Pilot Cars:

 The Oregon Department of Transportation is working with multiple contractors to remove hazardous trees and debris along OR 22E between mile post 33, in Gates, and mile post 65, near Marion Forks.  To allow residents access to the cities of Detroit and Idanha, ODOT will be using pilot cars to lead residents through the closed sections of OR 22E between Gates and Detroit.  Residents may travel freely between Detroit and Idanha with OR 22E closed to eastbound traffic at mile post 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Rd.  

As a reminder, there is no through access to the Santiam Pass from the Detroit/Idanha area at this time.  Tree removal in the area between Gates and Detroit will cause delays for the inbound and outbound pilot car trips. Residents should expect at least one hour to make a one-way trip. Pilot cars guiding residents between Gates and Detroit will be limited to the following daily schedule:

• 9 a.m. – Pilot car departs Gates to Detroit

• 11 a.m. – Pilot car returns from Detroit to Gates

 • 1 p.m. – Pilot car departs Gates to Detroit

• 5 p.m. – Pilot car returns from Detroit to Gates

 “As our residents return to the cities of Detroit and Idanha, we are asking the media and other visitors to be respectful of our community members during this difficult time,” City of Detroit Mayor Jim Trett.  “This will be the first time many of our residents are seeing the extent of the damage following the wildfires.  Please allow our residents an opportunity to grieve these losses privately.”

Due to the remaining hazards in the cities of Detroit and Idanha and lack of basic services, we request people nonresidents of Detroit and Idanha to refrain from traveling to this area.  The Marion County Sheriff’s Office continues to coordinate with partner law enforcement agencies to maintain an enhanced presence in the Detroit and Idanha communities as residents return to the area.

North Fork Rd / Elkhorn:

The North Fork Road corridor has been reduced to a Level 2 – “Be Set” status up to the boundary with U.S. Forest Service property, near mile post 15.5.  Some roadways will remain closed to traffic by Marion County Public Works while trees are removed and damaged culverts and roadways can be repaired:  

• Gates Hill Road between North Fork Rd and OR 22E

• North Fork Rd east of Gates Hill Road

Numerous fire damaged trees remain near roadways and properties.  These trees may fall at any time.  Power has not yet been restored to the North Fork area.  We urge residents to remain vigilant and be prepared encounter downed trees on the road.

• Watch out for falling rocks and debris in the roadway.

• Do not approach downed power lines.

• Drive slowly! Be watchful for personnel working in the roadway as road cleanup and utility repairs are still ongoing.

• Keep a safe distance from septic tanks and other buried structures that may have been damaged in the fire.

 • All county parks located within the fire zone are closed.

 • Comply with roadway signs and instructions provided by road crews, utility workers and law enforcement.

• Keep dogs on leashes, many hazards exist which may be harmful to animals.

The Willamette National Forest remains closed to the public at this time, updates can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/willamette/.

Wildfire Ash & Debris 

Remediation of property destroyed or damaged by wildfire can be dangerous and should be approached with caution. There are special requirements for transporting and disposing of wildfire debris.  For more information about debris removal see the attachment from Marion County Environmental Services.

Northwest Human Services – Mid-Valley Resources

Community Partners across Marion County have come together to provide resource information for those impacted by the Oregon wildfires. Visit the WILDFIRE RESOURCE page to connect with services to help you and our community recover. 

Evacuation levels for communities in Marion County as of 5:00 p.m. on September 25th, 2020:

Level 3 – “Go”

Breitenbush

Crooked Finger Rd south of the cattle guard

Level 2 – “Be Set”

Detroit

Idanha

OR 22E between mile post 33 to 56.2, west of Cooper’s Ridge Road

 Level 1 – “Ready”

Mill City

Gates

Lyons

Mehama

The evacuation map and resources for community members impacted by the recent wildfires can be found on the Marion County website at www.co.marion.or.us/fire.

Community members who reside in Linn County may find up to date information at www.LinnSheriff.org.

Below are North Bend School District public meetings currently scheduled for October:
 

October 1, 2020

Board Meeting – Executive Session at 6:15 p.m.

Via Zoom online meeting.

October 1, 2020

Regular Board Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Via Zoom online meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81575698723?pwd=akFvSWFJQ254cDB4U1EwQjAzaEk3QT09

 

October 15, 2020

Board Meeting – Work Session 5:30 p.m.

Via Zoom online meeting

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81575698723?pwd=akFvSWFJQ254cDB4U1EwQjAzaEk3QT09

 

The Board will meet in executive session to consider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent who does not request an open hearing, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(b).

The schedule is subject to change.
Please email cschreiber@nbend.k12.or.us or visit http://www.nbend.k12.or.us/boardmeeting.html for agenda information.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody (AIC) died on September 25, 2020. He was incarcerated at the Snake River Correctional Institution and passed away at a local hospital. He tested positive for COVID-19. He was between 65 and 75 years old. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. This is the eighth AIC to die who tested positive for COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19 cases inside Oregon’s prisons, please visit DOC’s COVID-19 website. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,000 adults in custody who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state.

Institutions continue to clean and disinfect numerous times a day. DOC asks AICs to report symptoms of COVID to medical staff. Posters are in all DOC institutions encouraging individuals to maintain proper hygiene and to uphold appropriate social distancing to the extent possible. Health screening processes are in place before staff are allowed to enter facilities. Visiting remains closed until further notice.

DOC requires employees and AICs to wear masks if they cannot maintain six feet of social distancing. Wearing masks is mandatory at all times in health services areas, some work areas, and in food services areas. Cloth masks have been provided to AICs and staff. If an AIC becomes ill and exhibits flu like symptoms, then CDC and OHA guidance for supportive care are followed.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, DOC issued a press release when an AIC passed away. This notification would include the person’s name, county of conviction, sentence length, and date of death. However, no cause of death would be listed because the Medical Examiner makes that determination. In order to balance the desire for transparency with our legal obligation to protect personal health information, we have changed the AIC death notification process when someone dies who has tested positive for COVID-19. DOC is working with the Oregon Health Authority to publish COVID-19 related data and information on the OHA website.

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DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 25, 2019

Commissioners Offering Free Disposal of Fire Related Wood Waste to Residents Affected by Local Wildfires

(Douglas County, OR.)  Starting today, Friday, September 25, 2020, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, as a part of their ongoing recovery efforts for the victims of the devastating wildfires up the North Umpqua Highway, have set up a special program for disposal of fire related wood waste material at the Glide Transfer Station.  There is no cost for this disposal and the program is only available for residents of Glide and Idleyld Park who were directly affected by the wildfires. 

There will be a sign at the transfer station directing traffic to a canopy tent, where an attendant will check residents in, record information and direct them to a designated area to dump the fire related wood waste.  The Glide Transfer Station is located at 13921 Glide Transfer Road in Glide.  It is open Wednesday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

At this time, we are only accepting fire related wood waste that is clearly burnt or charred from the fires.  Please make sure it is clean and not mixed with any other debris (i.e. no metal, concrete, mixed media, paper, drywall, plastic or household refuse (trash)).  The fire damage wood debris fee waiver is only available at the Glide Transfer Station, and again is only available for residents of Glide and Idleyld Park who were directly affected by the wildfires.

The three local wildfires (French Creek, Archie Creek and Thielsen) ignited shortly after the Labor Day holiday along the North Umpqua Highway East of Glide.  Even with the remarkable fire suppression efforts of numerous responding fire agencies, contractors and volunteers, the high winds, steep terrain and dry conditions quickly fueled the fire and it spread through the area causing a tremendous amount devastation to the Glide and Idleyld communities and homes along the river.  Fire Officials and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reported that 109 homes were lost in the fires, but that, thankfully, there were no fire related fatalities and no one has been reported missing from the fires.  As of today, only one of the fires is contained, while the other two are still actively burning.

For more information, please contact the Douglas County Solid Waste Department at (541) 440-4483.  There is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be accomplished in order to help our residents move to the next phase of wildfire recovery.  We would like to thank all the residents, volunteers, business and organizations that have stepped up to and continue to help and support the residents and the Glide Community, as they move forward to rebuild, replant and revitalize after the wildfires.  We would also like to take a moment to thank all the county, utility, emergency and community crews for all their hard work and continued efforts to help their fellow Douglas County residents. 

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist (PIO)

(541) 670-2804 cell - (541) 957-4896 office - tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a White River Junction, Vermont man has been charged with repeatedly charging at police officers while holding a shield as officers were engaged in lawful crowd dispersal during a civil disorder event.

            A federal grand jury in Portland, Oregon has returned a one-count indictment charging Charles Randolph Comfort, 24 with Civil Disorder.

According to court documents, during the late evening of June 25, 2020, a group of individuals blocked traffic on NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and NE Emerson near Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) North Precinct. Dumpsters were taken by members of the crowd from nearby businesses and rolled into the streets and fireworks were thrown over the barricade on NE Emerson Street at the officers stationed there. An unlawful assembly was declared in the early morning hours of June 26, 2020 and PPB made repeated public address announcements telling the group to leave the area.

 A PPB Rapid Response Team officer was assisting with moving the crowd that was in the middle of NE MLK Blvd and observed Charles Randolph Comfort carrying a black shield which he repeatedly used as he charged at officers as they were attempting to disperse the crowd.  Upon refusing to leave the area, Comfort was placed under arrest where he actively attempted to pull away and kicked a PPB officer multiple times.

            Charles Randolph Comfort made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial.

            The FBI and PPB investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by an Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. (Sep. 24, 2020) – Five Civil Air Patrol aircraft flew into some of Oregon’s most fire-ravaged areas again today as part of a continuing mission to assess damage and aid fire response.

Highly trained at taking high-resolution aerial and surface photos, CAP aircrews deliver much-needed information for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) to aid in their response to Oregon’s most destructive fire season in decades.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Oregon affected by the fires,” said Brig. Gen. William Betts, vice commander, First Air Force, Air Forces Northern. “It is an honor to serve these communities through CAP’s contribution to the state and federal response.”

Acting as a Total Force partner and the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, CAP is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically when tasked in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance

Low-visibility and high-wind conditions had limited opportunities for CAP to operate Tuesday and Wednesday—crews need relatively clear conditions to produce quality images—but as the sky cleared today, CAP planes were back taking more aerial photos and bringing emergency managers the up-to-date intelligence they need. The aircraft launched from bases in Salem, Eugene, Redmond and Medford, Oregon, and Kelso, Washington.

Another four teams responded in vehicles from McMinnville, Wilsonville, Eugene and Medford, deployed to assess damage and take ground-level photos of facilities accessible by road.

Today’s operations included areas of the Beachie Creek, Riverside, Lions Head, South Obenchain and Brattain fires.

This is the eighth day CAP has responded to the Oregon fires. More than 75 CAP volunteers from Oregon, Washington, California and Nevada have taken part. CAP aircraft have made 35 flights, and ground teams have completed six missions.

At last count, the Oregon Wing has 290 adult volunteers who train vigorously to FEMA standards each year to be ready to help in emergencies like the unprecedented onslaught of wildfires that have burned more than 1 million acres this year and thousands of structures and displaced huge numbers of Oregonians. The wing also has 247 youth members, who train in 

leadership, character development, physical fitness and citizenship. Many also train in emergency services to ground search and rescue and detecting emergency signals emitted by aircraft in distress.

About Civil Air Patrol
Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine Cessna aircraft and 1,944 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.

As a nonprofit organization, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education using national academic standards-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Members also serve as mentors to nearly 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. One of the premier public service organizations in America, CAP benefits the nation with an estimated economic impact of $209 million annually.

Often using innovative cellphone forensics and radar analysis software, CAP was credited by the AFRCC with saving 129 lives so far in fiscal 2020. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

Visit www.orwg.cap.gov, www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfires 2020 daily release to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. Additional photos are attached. See today's Wildfire Response and Recovery update here.

Please direct any media inquiries to the Joint Information Center at 503-373-7872 or e.info@state.or.us">fire.info@state.or.us.

PHOTO CAPTION:

2020-21-09_OR_4562_EchoMtnFire_5842.jpg: Lincoln County, Ore. - September 21, 2020 - A toy fire truck seen at the site of a home destroyed by the Echo Mountain Complex Fire near Lincoln City, Oregon. - Jeff Markham / FEMA  

2020_09_25-11.53.28.405-CDT - Archie Creek Fire: Firefighters and partner agencies working on the Archie Creek Fire continue to mitigate hazards within the burned area. Pictured here are hazard trees that were removed alongside Highway 138E and moved to a staging area at Swiftwater Park.  

All evacuation notices in Lane County issued in connection to the Holiday Farm Fire have been canceled. 

Although there are no current evacuation notices, OR Hwy 126E may be closed by ODOT for hazard and debris removal.  Please check Tripcheck.com for the road closure information.

Residents accessing reopened areas are asked to avoid barricaded locations for their own safety. Fire-damaged structures can be extremely hazardous and residents are encouraged to have professionals assess and assist with managing damaged areas once those areas open for return. Serious hazards can include unstable and falling debris, toxic substance exposure including asbestos and eye/lung/skin impacts from ash and other irritants.

Information on resource can be found at www.lanecounty.org/mckenziefire_resources.

Sept. 25, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA announces health equity grant awards

Today, OHA announced it had selected nonprofit organizations and tribal governments from throughout the state for health equity grants to address the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Oregon’s tribal communities and communities of color. The grants total $45 million, and a full list of the awardees can be found here.

OHA announced the availability of grant funding and opened for applications to not-for-profit organizations statewide and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes and the Urban Indian Health Program on Aug. 18. OHA received hundreds of applications and has funded 205 organizations and tribes. Requests totaled close to $170 million, and not all applicants could be funded.

“We look forward to partnering with these remarkable organizations and communities, who do such vital work to serve their communities,” said Patrick Allen, OHA director.  “We are deeply aware how these organizations’ linkages and knowledge of their communities and the challenges they face are so important to bringing resources to help. We look forward to the collective work to continue to meaningfully address the systemic racism and structural inequities that have caused so much health disparity, especially relating to COVID-19.”

The grants focus resources on communities most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and programs that will address health and economic disruptions, food insecurity and housing, and safety and violence prevention, among other aspects of need.

“While OHA relationships with many of these groups have existed in the past, this grant program represents a deepening and a broadening of the partnership,” said Leann Johnson, director of OHA’s equity and inclusion division. “In some cases, the partnership is new.  But whether new or existing, the relationships with these groups, the funding of their work, and their knowledge of the needs of their specific communities are the keys to breaking the hold of structural and systemic racism and oppression. We’re grateful for the work these organizations have engaged in already and will look to learn further from their wisdom.”

To learn more about this program, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/oha/covid19/Pages/equity-grants-covid-19.aspx

EUGENE--Starting tonight at 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday, September 28 (all hours)  the following ramps will be closed as part of the OR 569: Beltline @ Delta Interchange Project:

Beltline eastbound to Delta soutbound ramp; during the closure, traffic will detour taking Beltline eastbound to I-5 southbound, to I-105 westbound to Delta northbound.

Delta southbound to Beltline eastbound ramp; during the closure, traffic will detour taking Delta southbound to the Goodpasture off ramp to the Goodpasture on ramp to Delta northbound to Beltline eastbound.

https://www.tripcheck.com/

Lane County Public Health notified of 46 additional positive COVID-19  cases and one additional COVID-19 related death. This makes a total of one thousand and sixty four (1164) cases.

1,164 (+46) total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized: 8 (-1)

Deaths: 17 (+1)

Infectious: 200 (+25)

At least 63,397 negative tests (total individuals tested by result)

The seventeenth (17th) COVID-19 related death was a 76 year old man who passed on September 1st. He was from the Eugene/Springfield area. He was not hospitalized prior to his death. After his death, the Oregon Health Authority reviewed his death details and determined his cause of death to be COVID-19 related. Lane County learned of this today. 

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

To see data related to COVID-19 in Lane County, please visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/data.

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

--

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PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that two men have been charged with Fraud crimes against the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon.

            A federal grand jury in Portland has returned a 6 count indictment charging Roderick Ariwite, age 65, a resident on the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho, and Thomas Adams, age 48, a resident on the Warm Springs Reservation, with Conspiracy and Theft/Misapplication of Funds from a Tribal Organization.  This indictment charges Ariwite and Adams with conspiring to misappropriate $93,700 of tribal funds and with five counts of substantive misappropriation of tribal funds. 

In a separate indictment, Ariwite is charged alone with Interstate Transportation of Security Taken by Fraud.  This indictment alleges interstate transportation of a $23,000 check Ariwite obtained by fraud from a board member of a tribal business entity.

            According to the indictments, Ariwite was CEO of the Warm Springs Economic Development Corporation (WSEDC) d/b/a Warm Springs Ventures (WSV).  WSV operates as the management organization for several tribal business ventures.  One of those ventures is the Warm Springs Construction Enterprise (WSCE).  WSCE bids on and executes construction projects like building roads and commercial buildings.  Thomas Adams was Manager of WSCE, under the supervision of Ariwite.

            The indictment against Ariwite and Adams alleges that beginning in October 2017, Ariwite and Adams created their own construction company called Warbonnet Construction Services.  Thereafter, and on tribal time, while drawing tribal salaries and travel reimbursements, they engaged in work projects for Warbonnett.  The indictment alleges that in one instance Ariwite and Adams used $48,900 in tribal funds to hire a subcontractor for a Warbonnet construction project. 

The indictment also alleges Ariwite and Adams hired REDD, a consulting company Ariwite operated, for two projects that gave no benefit to the Tribe.  Ariwite and Adams paid REDD $9,800 to create a Statement of Qualifications (a marketing brochure) for WSCE.  Ariwite and Adams jointly created the SOQ and they allegedly included false and fabricated information about WSCE.  For instance, most of the construction projects the SOQ said WSCE had worked on were in fact projects by a private construction company Ariwite and Adams worked with through Warbonnet.  Additionally, some of the supposed WSCE professional staff the SOQ profiled were employees of the private construction company.  Ariwite and Adams submitted the false and fabricated SOQ to WSCE and allegedly enriched themselves with $9,800 of tribal funds.

Ariwite and Adams also paid REDD $28,000 in tribal funds to create and submit to the U.S. Small Business Administration what is known as an 8(a) application.  SBA operates a business development program for small, disadvantaged businesses and an 8(a) certification gives preferences to bid on government contracts.  REDD never produced an 8(a) application.  In this way, Ariwite and Adams allegedly misapplied $28,000 in tribal funds and enriched themselves with these funds.

The separate indictment against Ariwite alleges that in May/June 2018, Ariwite defrauded a WSV board member and transported the $23,000 fraud proceeds, in the form of a check drawn on the board member’s personal bank account, from Oregon to Idaho. 

            The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Warm Springs Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.

Sept. 25, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 457 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 542, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 457 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 32,314.

This is the highest daily case count since the beginning of the pandemic in Oregon. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (11), Clackamas (33), Clatsop (73), Columbia (7), Coos (3), Deschutes (17), Jackson (14), Jefferson (4), Josephine (2), Klamath (1), Lake (3), Lane (50), Lincoln (2), Linn (12), Malheur (20), Marion (58), Morrow (4), Multnomah (62), Polk (8), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (9), Union (4), Wasco (3), Washington (51), and Yamhill (5).

Oregon’s 540th COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old man in Lane County who died on Sept. 1. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. Place of death is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 541st COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 15 and died on Sept. 23 at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 542nd COVID-19 death is a 76-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Sept. 10 and died on Sept. 18 at Providence Medford Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Workplace outbreak

An outbreak of 79 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Pacific Seafood in Clatsop County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to an employee. The outbreak investigation started on Sept. 15, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

Processing error causes increase in negative case counts

Due to an error with electronic laboratory reporting (ELR) processing, there is an increase in the number of negative cases in OHA’s negative case counts. The increase is more than 7,000 negative cases.

This has no bearing on the presumed and confirmed cases of COVID 19 being reported today.

OHA apologizes for this error and has updated our ELR processing protocol.

Weekly media briefing scheduled for 1 p.m. today

Media are invited to attend a media briefing at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 25, with OHA Director Patrick Allen, Oregon State Health Officer Dean Sidelinger and Leann Johnson, OHA’s director of the equity and inclusion division. In addition to updates about the pandemic in Oregon, OHA will discuss newly released health equity grants to address the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Oregon’s tribal communities and communities of color. Media should call 877-226-8164. The access code is 9785572.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 25, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Our team continues to focus on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Friday, September 25, 2020, there are TWO people with new positive test results and TWO presumptives have been MOVED to positives with positive test results since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 225.  Currently, there are FOUR hospitalized Douglas County COVID-19 patients.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out-of-the-area, and the remaining three are being hospitalized locally.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

NOTICE: Unfortunately, we our numbers are continuing to increase at a steady pace.  This is not good.  The most recent cases all point to unwitting and presumably unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  So, again we need to take a moment and revisit how we are socializing and protecting ourselves from the spread of this virus.  Please continue to curb your travel, limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.     

OHA Definition for Recovered

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 36 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be today, Friday, September 25, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1492 people tested in 72 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

Oregon Health Authority features new COVID-19 dashboard

Shared from OHA.  Monday, September 21, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched a new version of the dashboard Oregon COVID-19 Case Demographics and Disease Severity Statewide to provide more information on the demographics of COVID-19 cases in Oregon.  The new dashboard will present case rates per 100,000 people, which more clearly shows disparities in the burden of COVID-19 between demographic groups. In addition to case counts and rates, users will be able to view the percent of cases in each age group, sex, race and ethnicity that have ever been hospitalized for their illness or have died with COVID-19.

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

USDA Announces Second Round of Coronavirus Food Assistance For Farmers And Ranchers

Shared from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.  On Friday, September 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced details of the new $14 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP 2. The program expansion will provide direct payments to farmers and ranchers to partially offset COVID-19 related losses. Sign up for CFAP 2 began September 21 and runs through December 11. Producers interested in signing up can do so at their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office.  FSA Service Center Locator.

“Since May, we have urged USDA to include more specialty crops including cranberries, sweet cherries, hazelnuts and hops to the list of crops eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program funding,” said Alexis Taylor, director, Oregon Department of Agriculture. “We are pleased to see more commodities included in this second round of aid. “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant and continuing market disruptions and these dollars will provide Oregon growers with some much-needed relief.”

The CFAP 2 includes more commodities than the original program which focused on livestock, dairy and non-specialty crop producers. For more information about CFAP 2 eligible commodities and commodity payment rates, the USDA has an online tool to help. CFAP 2 Eligible Commodities Finder.  The first round of CFAP aid was only available to producers who suffered losses from January 15 through April 15, 2020. The application period for the first round of CFAP began May 26 and ended September 11. 

Applying for CFAP 2 Assistance

Shared from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.  Producers can apply for assistance now (Acceptance stated September 21, 2020). Applications will be accepted through December 11, 2020. Additional information, eligibility requirements and application forms can be found online at farmers.gov/cfap.  Customers seeking one-on-one support with CFAP 2 application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.

Quarantine Relief Fund for Farmworkers

Shared from OHA. Farmworkers who need to quarantine may qualify for the Quarantine Fund, which provides financial support of up to $ 1,290 to farmworkers who have been exposed to COVID-19 at work or at home and who quarantine for three weeks (21 days).

Who is eligible to apply to this fund? Oregon agricultural workers, 18 years of age or old, who:

• Have had exposure to COVID-19 for which self-quarantining is recommended;
• Are practicing self-quarantining; and
• Are seeking health care assistance during the period of self-quarantine.

Call 1-888-274-7292 to apply for this fund. More information is available on the Oregon Worker Relief Fund website.

Reminder: Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Tonight, Friday, September 25, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

LOCAL WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Local wildfire information is available directly from the links listed here.  Please log onto their sites for the most up to date information.  The Archie Creek Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (971) 334-7674 and email: chiecreek@firenet.gov">2020.archiecreek@firenet.gov.  The Thielsen Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (541) 595-8227 and email: 2020.Thielsen@firenet.gov.  Please continue to monitor the Douglas Forest Protective Association’s Website and Facebook page for additional local wildfire updates.  For current evacuation information please continue to monitor the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website or Facebook page.   Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

UPDATE: Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice.  (Please note that the hotline hours have been adjusted, effective September 23, 2020.)

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call 211 or the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  

For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website

OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry is closely monitoring 7 major fires in Oregon, down from 17 originally (see table below for details). Fires are removed from the list when they are 100% lined and fire managers are confident in their progress toward containment. The South Obenchain and Brattain wildfires have both been dropped from this report.

There have been more than 7,500 personnel assigned to these fires, not including many of the government employees, landowners, forestland operators, and members of the community who are contributing every day. There have been resources from 39 states and multiple Canadian provinces in this fight alongside Oregonians.

About 1 million acres have burned in Oregon since the start of this year, which is nearly double the 10-year average of approximately 557,811.

More information

• ODF wildfire blog and Significant Fire Potential Map
• Northwest Coordination Center – Regional Update and National Situation Report
• Inciweb (information on individual incidents)

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Sheriff's Office is announcing additional evacuation changes for the Archie Creek Fire. 

Beginning on Friday, September 25, 2020, at 11:00 am the following changes take effect: 

• The LEVEL 1 "BE READY" notice for Nonpareil Road at Banks Creek to the end of Nonpareil Road, including all side streets between these two points, has been lifted. This area is no longer under a formal evacuation notice. 
• The LEVEL 2 "BE SET" on Little River Road at New Bridge Road to the end of Little River Road, including all side streets between these two points, has been reduced to a LEVEL 1 "BE READY" notice. 

The following evacuation notices remain unchanged: 

• Little River Road at Buckhorn Road to New Bridge Road, including all side streets between these two points, remains a LEVEL 1 "BE READY".
• Highway 138E at the Narrows Wayside (Idleyld Trading Post) to Steamboat Creek, including all side streets between these two points remains a LEVEL 2 "BE SET". 
• The Dry Creek area, including Happy Creek Lane, Elk Ridge Lane, Felix Flat and Illahee Road, remains a LEVEL 1 "BE READY".
• (Thielsen Fire) Diamond Lake, including the Diamond Lake Resort, all recreation areas, all residential and summer homes remains a LEVEL 2 "BE SET". 

Current evacuation maps can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

On August 29, 2020, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was made aware a suspect in an attempted murder from the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota was residing in the Siletz area. At that time, investigators from the Oglala Sioux Tribe were working with the U.S. Attorney's Office to acquire extraditable warrants for GEORGE DULL KNIFE and KIMBERLEE PITAWANAKWAT.

On September 24, 2020, Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies were notified by the Minneapolis FBI Field Office that the warrants for DULL KNIFE and PITAWANAKWAT had been issued. Information led deputies to believe the two were associated with an apartment in Siletz. Deputies watched the apartment and verified both suspects were present.  Several deputies responded to the location and took the suspects into custody without incident. 

GEORGE DULL KNIFE, 24, of South Dakota, was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on a charge of Fugitive from Another State related to outstanding federal warrants for: Discharge of Firearm During/In Relation to a Crime of Violence, Assault with Intent to Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. No Bail was authorized.

KIMBERLEE PITAWANAKWAT, 40, of Siletz, was also lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on a charge of Fugitive from Another State related to outstanding federal warrants for: False Statements and Accessory After the Fact. No bail was authorized.

September 25, 2020

Working with licensed contractors is one of the best ways for Oregon consumers to protect their most valuable investment and avoid common scams   

Salem, Ore. – The Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and construction industry leaders have a shared message for Oregonians who have had their home or business damaged or destroyed by wildfires: protect your investment – hire licensed contractors.

“It is unfortunately quite common after disasters for consumers to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals,” said Chris Huntington, Administrator of the Construction Contractors Board. “Consumers who do their homework and hire licensed contractors have protections that all Oregon licensed contractors provide.”

Oregon licensed contractors provide financial protections to Oregon consumers. Licensed contractors carry a bond and insurance, which protect the consumer if things go wrong during construction. Working with licensed contractors also provides homeowners with access to CCB’s dispute resolution service if a conflict arises, potentially avoiding lengthy and expensive court proceedings.

“On behalf of over 2,500 home builder members,” said Mark Long, CEO of the Oregon Home Builders Association, “Oregon Home Builders Association wants to remind consumers to collect references and written contracts from the start of a repair project, and avoid contractors who ask for cash up front.”

Licensed construction firms are an important part of Oregon’s economy and our Oregon communities. Oregon has approximately 41,000 licensed construction firms that have made an investment in their industry and in their communities by playing by the rules.

“AGC applauds the CCB for taking steps to protect the interests of Oregonians recovering from these wildfires as they begin the process of rebuilding their homes, businesses, and lives. We will work with the CCB to ensure state law is fully enforced, and Oregonians understand the benefit of using licensed contractors,” stated Mike Salsgiver, Executive Director of Associated General Contractors (AGC), Oregon-Columbia Chapter.

Licensed contractors also have a license history that consumers can easily check on the CCB’s website. This allows the consumer to know how long the firm has been in business and whether there is any history of complaints. Unlicensed firms found through online listing sites may not provide consumers with any verifiable history.

In addition to checking for a valid license, consumers can avoid common construction scams by simply being aware. Consumers should be wary of demands for large up-front payments, demands for cash-only payments and contractors who use high-pressure tactics, door-to-door or over the phone.

How Do You Check a License?

To verify licenses:

• Visit http://search.ccb.state.or.us/search/  
• Enter the license number in the box, then hit the “search” button.
• Select the “choose” button beside the proper license.
• Verify that the license is “active,” and that the name and other information on the license matches the contractor you are considering.
• Call 503-378-4621 for help searching or understanding the results.

Contractors and consumers can report unlicensed contractors and other illegal activity on the CCB’s website http://search.ccb.state.or.us/online_complaint_enf/ or by calling 503-934-2246.

Correction to attachment - Level 2 Evacuation Area OR 22E mile post 33 to 56.2

Effective at 9:00 am tomorrow morning, on September 25th, 2020 evacuation levels for mulitple cities within Marion County are being downgraded.  Please see the attached media release for full details.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and Community Services agenices wrapped up the Multi Agency Resource Coordination Center on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.  Represenatives from FEMA were on site all 3 days to assist community members with filing a financial assistance claim due to either the Echo Mountain Fire and/or the straight line wind event. 

Attendee turnout was very positive for the 3 day event:

• Tuesday - 72 households served
• Wednesday - 97 households served
• Thursday - 76 households served

At the conclusion of the local MARC FEMA representatives will be relocating to the Lincoln City Community Center to co-locate with the American Red Cross to continue assisting community members with filing claims and answering questions. 

Lincoln City Community Center
2150 NE Oar Place
8am – 6pm - Friday, Sept. 25 - Sunday, Sept. 27. 

Other FEMA representatives are in affected Lincoln County neighborhoods validating damage assessments once they are received and processed for review. If you have filed a claim they may also try to reach you by phone to follow-up with additional questions after their initial damage assessment.  If you were impacted by the Oregon Wildfires community members are encouraged to to register with FEMA as quickly as possible either in person, via telpehone or using their on-line application!

Individual Assistance – FEMA
Website: DisasterAssistance.gov/ela
Phone: 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA) or
TY 1-800-462-7585 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT, seven days a week.

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Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Call Center - 541-265-0621
www.co.lincoln.or.us/echomountainfire
Echo Mountain Fire Financial Assistance webpage - https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/emergencymanagement/page/disaster-financial-assistance 

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfires 2020 daily release to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. Additional photos are attached. See today's Wildfire Response and Recovery update here.

Please direct any media inquiries to the Joint Information Center at 503-373-7872 or e.info@state.or.us">fire.info@state.or.us 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

2020-21-09_OR_4562_EchoMtnFire_5846.jpg 

Lincoln County, Ore. - September 21, 2020 - Rob Dahlman, Fire Chief for North Lincoln County Fire & Rescue #1, talks with FEMA staff members Paige Queen, OPS Branch Director, and Corey Royer, Division A Supervisor about the Echo Mountain Complex fire near Lincoln City Oregon. - Jeff Markham / FEMA 

2020-21-09_OR_4562_EchoMtnFire_4727.jpg

Lincoln County, Ore. - September 21, 2020 - Jenny Demaris, Lincoln County Emergency Manager, talks to FEMA staff about the Echo Mountain Complex fire near Lincoln City Oregon. - Jeff Markham / FEMA

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) has conducted an investigation and approved a framework designed to protect residential and small commercial utility customers by ensuring continued access to essential services during COVID-19 and in the aftermath of the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, Oregonians have found themselves more reliant on their utility services as they now stay at home to combat the pandemic, stay home to work where possible, and even educate their children at home,” said Mark Thompson, PUC Commissioner.  “This increased reliance on utility services also comes at a time where many customers’ ability to pay for these services has diminished due to the economic impacts COVID-19 has had on so many in our communities.”

In June 2020, the PUC held a public meeting to hear from the regulated investor-owned utilities, as well as customer groups and interested stakeholders on the impacts of COVID-19 and actions taken by utilities to protect customers. Even prior to this time, investor-owned utilities proactively suspended disconnections of residential and non-residential accounts, stopped issuing late and final notices, suspended assessing late fees, and offered more flexible payment options for their customers in recognition of the hardships caused by the pandemic, and the importance of utility services.

“In addition to confirming the actions taken by the utilities, the Commission also wanted to further investigate the impacts of the pandemic on customers, and further evaluate additional and future actions to protect utility customers, especially low income and vulnerable populations, during and after the pandemic,” added Commissioner Thompson.

As part of the investigation, the PUC engaged participants in a dynamic and inclusive public process, which provided invaluable feedback, collaboration, and compromise from stakeholders representing utility and customer interests across Oregon. The results of these discussions were separate agreements, which had broad support from the participants in the investigation, for energy, telecommunications, and water utilities that would benefit utility customers through a variety of measures. These included establishing terms on service disconnections, reconnections, time payment arrangements, waiver of fees related to late payments, provisions to protect customers’ credit, self-certification of medical certificates, and work on programs that can assist people in donating funds to help neighbors unable to pay their bills, among others. The agreement for energy utilities also includes a condition concerning arrearage management plans to assist residential customers with outstanding balances.

The terms of the agreements are being finalized by PUC Staff and regulated energy, water, and telecommunications service providers, including: Portland General Electric, NW Natural Gas, Pacific Power, Avista, Idaho Power, Cascade Natural Gas, Avion Water, Oregon Water Utilities, NW Natural Water, Oregon Telecommunications Association, Lumen (formerly CenturyLink), and Ziply Fiber (formerly Frontier); as well as numerous stakeholders including Citizens’ Utility Board, Community Action Partners of Oregon, Verde, Northwest Energy Coalition, and Multnomah County Office of Sustainability, among others.  

“We value stakeholders’ active participation in this process and willingness to compromise and work together to develop agreements that benefit utility customers, especially as Oregonians are still dealing with the effects of the pandemic and now the wildfires that have impacted so many in our state,” added Commissioner Thompson. We also recognize the need to further examine systemic problems that low-income and vulnerable populations face with high energy burden on an ongoing basis, which were explored in our investigation. The Commission is committed to taking this challenge on.”

Staff Counsel will develop stipulations based on the tentative agreements. These stipulations will be brought back to the Commission for final approval at a later date.

For additional information, view the PUC’s COVID-19 Aftermath Report with details on the agreements for energy, telecommunications and water utilities.

# # #

The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric, natural gas and telephone utilities, as well as select water companies.  The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregon utility customers have access to safe, reliable, and high quality utility services at just and reasonable rates, which is accomplished through thorough analysis and independent decision-making conducted in an open and fair process.

Weekly media briefing scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow

Media are invited to attend a media briefing at 1 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 25, with OHA Director Patrick Allen, Oregon State Health Officer Dean Sidelinger and Leann Johnson, OHA’s director of the equity and inclusion division. In addition to updates about the pandemic in Oregon, OHA will discuss newly released health equity grants to address the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Oregon’s tribal communities and communities of color. Media should call 877-226-8164. The access code is 9785572.

WHAT: Volunteers to assemble wildfire cleanup kits including, shovels, gloves, ash sifting screens, and masks for families returning home after being impacted by wildfires throughout Oregon.

WHO: Kaiser Permanente Northwest leaders in Marion County will join volunteers from the Red Cross Cascades Region to assemble the kits and present a $300,000 donation to the Red Cross to support the ongoing needs of families impacted by Oregon’s wildfires.

WHEN:  Friday, September 25, 2020; 10 am to noon

WHERE 822 Industrial Way, Silverton, OR 97381 (Outdoor tent at Silver Creek Fellowship)

WHY: From the first moments of this disaster, Red Cross volunteers have been supporting those forced from their homes by providing meals, shelter, relief supplies and emotional support for those impacted by wildfires. The need won’t be measured in days but weeks and months to come. As those affected by the fires return home, many will need support in assessing damage, starting clean-up of their properties and putting the pieces of their lives back together. Red Cross volunteers will be on the ground providing help, hope and comfort for as long as there is a need and Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping ensure they have the financial resources to continue helping our local communities recover.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

• INTERVIEWS: Opportunity to speak with Dale Kunce, CEO, Red Cross Cascades Region, Dr. Yara Delgada, Kaiser Permanente Salem physician, Nichole Powers, Kaiser Permanente North Lancaster leader, Kevin Cameron, Marion County Commissioner and Kaiser Permanente staff who were impacted by the fires
• VISUALS: Photo and video opportunities will be available throughout the volunteer fire clean-up kit packing event.

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon está anunciando la disponibilidad de la Asistencia de Desempleo por Desastre (DUA por sus siglas en inglés) para personas que han sido desempleadas, que se les hayan reducido horas de trabajo de manera significativa o son personas que trabajan por cuenta propia que se encuentran desempleadas como un resultado directo de los incendios forestales y los vientos directos que han estado ocurriendo desde el 7 de septiembre de 2020. Estas personas tampoco deben calificar para beneficios de desempleo estatal regular, de la Compensación de Desempleo de Emergencia por la Pandemia (PEUC por sus siglas en inglés), de otros programas de extensión, o dela Asistencia de Desempleo por la Pandemia (PUA por sus siglas en inglés).

La Asistencia de Desempleo por Desastre (DUA) es un programa federal que brinda beneficios de asistencia de desempleo temporal a las personas cuyo empleo o trabajo por cuenta propia se ha perdido o interrumpido o cuyas horas de trabajo se redujeron considerablemente como resultado directo de un desastre mayor. El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon administra el programa DUA para el Departamento de Trabajo, Administración de Empleo y Capacitación de los EE. UU., en nombre de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA). Las personas elegibles para beneficios de desempleo regulares o la Asistencia de Desempleo por la Pandemia (PUA) no son elegibles para DUA.

El DUA está disponible para personas elegibles durante semanas de desempleo a partir del 13 de septiembre de 2020. Los beneficios para este desastre estarán disponibles hasta el 20 de marzo de 2021, siempre y cuando su desempleo continúe siendo un resultado directo del desastre mayor. Debe presentar la solicitud dentro de los 30 días posteriores a la fecha de este anuncio. La fecha límite para presentar un reclamo del DUA relacionada con estos incendios es el 23 de octubre de 2020. 

Además de las personas que perdieron sus trabajos como resultado directo del desastre mayor, DUA puede incluir personas que:

• trabajaban por cuenta propia y tuvieron impedido realizar dichos servicios como resultado del desastre y el trabajo o el trabajo por cuenta propia eran su principal fuente de ingresos,
• no pudieron llegar a su trabajo a causa del desastre,
• estaban programadas y tuvieron impedido comenzar a trabajar o trabajar por cuenta propia en el área del desastre,
• no pudieron trabajar debido a una lesión como resultado directo del desastre, o
• se convirtieron en jefe de familia debido a un deceso causado por el desastre,
• han solicitado y utilizado todos los beneficios de desempleo regulares de cualquier estado, o no llenan los requisitos para beneficios de desempleo regulares o programas de extensión y permanecen desempleados como resultado directo del desastre.

El desempleo es un resultado directo del desastre mayor si el desempleo se debió a:

• el daño físico o la destrucción del lugar de trabajo;
• la inaccesibilidad física del lugar de trabajo debido a su cierre por parte del gobierno federal, estatal o local en respuesta inmediata al desastre; o
• falta de trabajo, o pérdida de ingresos, si, antes del desastre, el empleador o el negocio autónomo recibió al menos la mayoría de sus ingresos o ingresos de un negocio en el área de desastre mayor que fue dañado o destruido en el desastre o una entidad en el área del desastre mayor fue cerrada por el gobierno federal, estatal o local.

Para recibir los beneficios de DUA, toda la documentación requerida debe ser entregada cuando presente su solicitud o dentro de los 21 días posteriores a la fecha en que se presentó su solicitud de DUA. Deberá proporcionar documentación de respaldo, que incluye, entre otros, prueba de empleo en el momento del desastre o prueba de trabajo por cuenta propia en el momento del desastre e información de ingresos para el año fiscal 2019. Específicamente, la documentación requerida incluye un número de Seguro Social y una copia del formulario de impuestos federales sobre la renta más reciente o talones de cheques, o documentación que demuestre que trabajaba o trabajaba por cuenta propia cuando ocurrió el desastre. La documentación para los trabajadores autónomos se puede obtener de bancos o entidades gubernamentales, o declaraciones juradas de personas que tengan conocimiento de su negocio.

Se recomienda a las personas afectadas que soliciten el DUA a través del Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED), el cual primero verificará si los solicitantes pueden calificar para beneficios estatales de desempleo, PEUC, otros programas de extensión o beneficios del PUA.

Las solicitudes para DUA están disponibles en inglés y en español en línea en www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster. Su solicitud puede enviarse por correo a la dirección que se indica a continuación, o puede enviarse en línea en unemployment.oregon.gov/contact-us. Los paquetes de solicitud estarán disponibles en ciertos sitios de evacuación y Centros WorkSource. Incluya las semanas que le gustaría reclamar en su solicitud inicial. Hay más información disponible en nuestro sitio web público y páginas de redes sociales. Si tiene preguntas adicionales o para pedir una solicitud inicial, llame al: 503-570-5000

Información de contacto:

Dirección:      Disaster Unemployment Assistance Unit

875 Union Street NE

Salem, OR 97311

Teléfono:      

503-570-5000

Información adicional:

www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster

Presente su solicitud en línea:            unemployment.oregon.gov/contact-us

Sept. 24, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 382 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 539, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 382 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 31,865.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (8), Clackamas (32), Clatsop (4), Columbia (1), Coos (2), Crook (1), Deschutes (5), Douglas (5), Grant (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (20), Jefferson (5), Josephine (1), Klamath (2), Lake (1), Lane (38), Linn (15), Malheur (15), Marion (48), Morrow (4), Multnomah (92), Polk (3), Umatilla (11), Union (4), Wasco (6), Washington (50), and Yamhill (6).

NOTE: Today’s case count is the highest since mid-July and is a reminder of the importance of staying six feet apart from each other; wearing a face covering when six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained and limiting the size of gatherings.

Oregon’s 538th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Sept.13 and died on Sept. 20, at Mercy Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 539th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Sept. 4 and died on Sept. 22, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center Ontario. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 24, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Focus continues on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Thursday, September 24, 2020, there are TWO people with new positive test results and TWO presumptives have been MOVED to positives with positive test results since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 223.  Currently, there are FIVE hospitalized Douglas County COVID-19 patients.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out-of-the-area, and the remaining four are being hospitalized locally.

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

NOTICE: Unfortunately, we our numbers are continuing to increase at a steady pace.  This is not good.  The most recent cases all point to unwitting and presumably unintentional behavior by residents choosing to attend or host social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  So, again we need to take a moment and revisit how we are socializing and protecting ourselves from the spread of this virus.  Please continue to curb your travel, limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others. Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.     

OHA Definition for Recovered

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 34 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, September 25, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1492 people tested in 72 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

Oregon Health Authority features new COVID-19 dashboard

Shared from OHA.  Monday, September 21, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched a new version of the dashboard Oregon COVID-19 Case Demographics and Disease Severity Statewide to provide more information on the demographics of COVID-19 cases in Oregon.  The new dashboard will present case rates per 100,000 people, which more clearly shows disparities in the burden of COVID-19 between demographic groups. In addition to case counts and rates, users will be able to view the percent of cases in each age group, sex, race and ethnicity that have ever been hospitalized for their illness or have died with COVID-19.

Oregon COVID-19 Presumptive

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

Reminder: Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family.

OHA: Back to School: Tips for schooling and working at home

Shared from OHA. The beginning of school this year was unusual in many ways. Most students are attending school in an online format, and many parents and caregivers are also working from home.

• Get familiar with the learning platform your child is using. Many online platforms have reminder and planning tools to help you and your child stay aware and on track.
• Learn your child’s daily school schedule and plan to try to be available for the times they may need support. For example, some children might need help logging in at the start of the day.
• Prepare for interruptions. For example, will your home network handle both you and your children to be working online at the same time?
• Establish a routine. You can write up a schedule that includes wake-up times, meals, breaks, class transitions, times for online versus offline work during your workday so that everyone is on the same page about daily expectations.

To learn more, the American Academy of Pediatrics has more tips about working and learning from home and age-based tips on how to juggle parenting and working at home during COVID-19.

OHA: Remote learning and your child’s mental and physical health

Shared from OHA.  After you have made sure your child’s workspace, schedule and physical fitness are taken care of, you may worry about mental and social/emotional health. How can you help them cope during this time? Check out the graphic below for some tips. To learn more about coping during COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and howrightnow.org.

OHA: Are you ready to talk to your children about playdates?

Shared from OHA. The conversation is bound to happen, if it has not already.  If you’re not comfortable you’re your kids meeting up with their friends, or for scheduling playdates yet, explain that it is for their safety.  Listen to their thoughts and concerns, and help them think of ways to keep in touch.

• For younger children, you can keep it simple and try to find alternatives that do not include in-person visits.
• For teens, you can point them to the facts about the virus.  Encourage them to be safe.

The Harvard Health Blog has many useful tips for what to do if your teen pushes back about staying home during COVID-19.  This article from Children’s Hospital of Orange County also explains what you can do to help your children cope with missing their friends. 

If you are ready for your kids to spend time with friends again, make sure your kids know the rules and agree to the limits that you have set together.  Yes, sit down with your kids and talk about the boundaries and COVID-19 safe guidelines.  It is recommended that everyone 5 years or older wear a face covering and stay at least 6 feet apart at all times during their visit.  Then, make sure to wash hands frequently and especially upon return home.

• For younger children, keep it supervised.  Make sure everyone is making good COVID-19 safe choices.
• This article from Boston Children’s Hospital explains how teens can set boundaries and expectations with their friends before meeting up.

To learn more about having difficult conversations with children, friends and family about COVID-19, visit the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health website.

OHA changes childcare reporting guidelines

Shared from OHA.  Starting today, Sept. 23, OHA is changing the process for reporting COVID-19 outbreaks in childcare facilities. The change will provide a more transparent and comprehensive reporting of these cases.  Childcare providers are required to report COVID-19 cases to their local health care authority. Since July, OHA has reported on outbreaks of five or more cases in facilities that enrolled 30 or more children in the Weekly COVID-19 Report. Under the new reporting threshold, outbreaks of more than two children in facilities with a capacity of more than 16 children will now be reported, provided they are not siblings in the same household.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Friday, September 25, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

LOCAL WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Local wildfire information is available directly from the links listed here.  Please log onto their sites for the most up to date information.  The Archie Creek Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (971) 334-7674 and email: chiecreek@firenet.gov">2020.archiecreek@firenet.gov.  The Thielsen Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (541) 595-8227 and email: 2020.Thielsen@firenet.gov.  Please continue to monitor the Douglas Forest Protective Association’s Website and Facebook page for additional local wildfire updates.  For current evacuation information please continue to monitor the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website or Facebook page.   Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

UPDATE: Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:

Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice.  (Please note that the hotline hours have been adjusted, effective September 23, 2020.)

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call 211 or the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  

For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website

OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

###

Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry is closely monitoring 9 major fires in Oregon, down from 17 originally (see table below for details). Fires are removed from the list when they are 100% lined and fire managers are confident in their progress toward containment.

There have been more than 7,500 personnel assigned to these fires, not including many of the government employees, landowners, forestland operators, and members of the community who are contributing every day. There have been resources from 39 states and multiple Canadian provinces in this fight alongside Oregonians.

About 1 million acres have burned in Oregon since the start of this year, which is nearly double the 10-year average of approximately 557,811.

More information

• Significant Fire Potential Map
• Northwest Coordination Center – Regional Update and National Situation Report
• Inciweb (information on individual incidents)

Evacuation levels for the Holiday Farm Fire in several areas have been downgraded.  Only Level 1 (Be Ready) notices remain, listed below, and those may be upgraded at any time due to fire behavior.

• The Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notice for Highway 126E from milepost 21 (just west of Greenwood Drive) to milepost 49.5 (just west of Taylor Road) is now a Level 1 (Be Ready).
• Deerhorn Road east of 42113 Deerhorn is now a Level 1 (Be Ready). 
• The Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation Notification for the Mohawk Valley has been downgraded to a Level 1 (Be Ready). 

Residents are encouraged to check the interactive map to determine if their property is located in a Level 1 (Be Ready) area. 

Although evacuation levels are lowered, OR Hwy 126E may be closed by ODOT for hazard and debris removal.  Please check Tripcheck.com for the road closure information.

Residents accessing reopened areas are asked to avoid barricaded locations for their own safety. Fire-damaged structures can be extremely hazardous and residents are encouraged to have professionals assess and assist with managing damaged areas once those areas open for return. Serious hazards can include unstable and falling debris, toxic substance exposure including asbestos and eye/lung/skin impacts from ash and other irritants. See more at https://lanecounty.org/mckenziefire_resources.

Please continue to monitor cell phones, landlines, local media and www.lanecounty.org/mckenziefire for evacuation updates.

###

Lane County Public Health notified of 47 additional positive COVID-19  cases. This makes a total of one thousand one hundred and eighteen (1118) cases.

1,118 (+47) total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized: 9 (+1)

Deaths: 16 (no change)

Infectious: 175 (+32)

At least 62,803 negative tests

Individuals who had contact with these community members will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care providers on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

To see data related to COVID-19 in Lane County, please visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/data.

Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

--

###

September 24, 2020

What: The quarterly public meeting of the Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee.

Agenda: Suicide Prevention Project; Pediatric EMS Data Report; EMSC Program; Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan; State EMS and Trauma Program; AmeriCorps VISTA member project.

When: Thursday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to noon. A public comment period is offered at the end of the meeting.

Where: Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Register for the meeting at https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItd-6rrTMiGyH47gE38-R0y2uUzYlK6FI.

Background: The Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee provides recommendations to the Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program under ORS 431A.105(2)(d). For more information, see the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program website at http://www.oregonemsc.org/.

# # #

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 Rachel Ford at 971-673-0564, 711 TTY or achel.l.ford@dhsoha.state.or.us">rachel.l.ford@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

 Update for September 24th, 2020, we know many of our community members are anxious to return to evacuated areas, though it remains unsafe to access Level 3 evacuation areas at this time. We are working closely with fire management officials from the Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires, Oregon Department of Transportation, Marion County Public Works and other partner agencies to plan for the safe return to evacuated areas.

As of 9:30 a.m. this morning, evacuation levels remain as follows:

Level 3 – “Go”

Detroit

Idanha

Breitenbush

North Fork Road east of Pioneer Road SE.

Hwy 22 east of Mile Post 32.5

Level 2 – “Be Set”

Hwy 22 from Mile Post 16.5 to Mile Post 32.5

Lyons

Mehama

Mill City

Gates

Fernridge Rd west of Shellburg Creek Rd to Basil Hill

Crooked Finger Rd S of Hazelnut Ridge Rd

North Fork Road to Pioneer Road, including Kubin Road SE

Pioneer Road SE to Hwy 22, including Hudel Road SE and Taylor Park Road

Level 1 – “Ready”

Scotts Mills

Areas east of Meridian Road, Davis Creek, and Victor Point south to the Marion County line

Refer to Marion County's website at http://www.co.marion.or.us/fire for additional information about returning to fire impacted areas.

To see detailed current Marion County Evacuation Zones please visit: http://bit.ly/MCEvacZones

If you happen to live in fire impacted areas of Linn County, updated evacuation maps can be found at: www.LinnSheriff.org

September 24, 2020

Contact: Daphne Peck, 503-373-1985, c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us">herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation).

What: A public meeting of the Health Evidence Review Commission.

When: October 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: By Zoom or conference call.

• By Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618204143?pwd=Y2JyUXlIaE8zeUNrNERVRzFBYkdoUT09.
• By conference line at +1 669 254 5252, meeting ID 161 820 4143, passcode 269456.

Written public comment will be accepted until Sept. 29, at noon. Impromptu testimony will not be taken at the meeting. If you think you may want to testify, please complete the survey to sign up at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/herc-public-comment by Tuesday, Sept. 29, at noon. If you decide not to testify, you can decline later. If you need assistance in signing up for public testimony, please call Daphne Peck at 503-373-1985.

Agenda: HERC will consider the following topics: VBBS report; Multicomponent Interventions to Improve Screening for Breast, Cervical or Colorectal Cancer; government ethics; evidence-based report topic selection; draft onboarding/orientation handbook. The meeting agenda and materials will be available one week before the meeting.

Topics that remain unresolved at the conclusion of the morning's VbBS meeting will not be heard by HERC until a later date. Public notice of tabled topics will be announced 28 days before their next scheduled discussion.

For more information about the meeting, visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/DSI-HERC/Pages/Meetings-Public.aspx.

# # #

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 Daphne Peck at 503-373-1985, 711 TTY or c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us">herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the event. Written comments are also welcome at c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us">herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us.

September 24, 2020

Contact: Daphne Peck, 503-373-1985, c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us">herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation).

What: A public meeting of the Health Evidence Review Commission’s Value-based Benefits Subcommittee.

When: October 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: By Zoom or conference call.  

• By Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618204143?pwd=Y2JyUXlIaE8zeUNrNERVRzFBYkdoUT09.
• By conference line at +1 669 254 5252, meeting ID 161 820 4143, passcode 269456.

Written public comment will be accepted until Sept. 29, at noon. Impromptu testimony will not be taken at the meeting. If you think you may want to testify, please complete the survey to sign up at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/herc-public-comment by Tuesday, Sept. 29, at noon. If you decide not to testify, you can decline later. If you need assistance in signing up for public testimony, please call Daphne Peck at 503-373-1985.

Agenda: Items scheduled for discussion could include, but may not be limited to, the following topics: 2021 CPT, CDT, and HCPCS placement; completion and re-review of GN173 entries: straightforward clean up; low vision aids; cryosurgical ablation of the prostate; facial nerve decompression; bone marrow MRI; radiofrequency ablation for lung tumors; AFP-L3; Cystatin C; nerve allografts; combined kidney liver transplants; hysterectomy at time of salpingo-oophorectomy for BRCA1+ women; peanut allergies and allergy testing and treatment; NASH and bariatric surgery; artificial disks and spinal fusion joint procedures; magnetoencephalography; home intraocular pressure monitoring; evidence-based report: Multicomponent Interventions to Improve Screening for Breast, Cervical or Colorectal Cancer; various straightforward coding and guideline changes.

For more information about the meeting, visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/DSI-HERC/Pages/Meetings-Public.aspx. The meeting agenda and materials will be available one week before the meeting.

# # #

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 Daphne Peck at 503-373-1985, 711 TTY or c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us">herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the event. Written comments are also welcome at c.info@dhsoha.state.or.us">herc.info@dhsoha.state.or.us.

  TIP OF THE WEEK

Date:     September 24, 2020                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:      Sheriff Curtis Landers

                   541-265-0654

                   s@co.lincoln.or.us">lcsheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

“SEE something, SAY something” Awareness Day September 25th, 2020

 On September 25th, 2020 the Oregon TITAN Fusion Center (OTFC) invites you to join us in celebrating the national “If You See Something, Say Something” (SEE/SAY) Awareness Day. The campaign is calling on citizens and its public and private sector partners around the country to lead conversations and activities, leading up to, and on September 25.

This campaign gives our partners throughout the nation and Oregon an opportunity to further promote this very crucial first line of defense against those who would seek to do harm to our communities.

As public safety officials and critical infrastructure owners and operators, you are uniquely qualified to lead this preventative effort in Oregon. As professionals and community members you see and interact with individuals in your area of responsibility that can make a difference in the prevention of criminal activity by reporting suspicious behavior all year round. Continuing education of your colleagues, local business partners, and citizens will only strengthen our collective preventative efforts.

Unusual items or situations:  A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.

Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.

Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.

Some of these activities could be innocent—it's up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation. The activities above are not all-inclusive but have been compiled based on studies of pre-operational aspects of both successful and thwarted terrorist events over several years.

Public safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority.

Describe specifically what you observed, including:

Who or what you saw;
When you saw it;
Where it occurred; and
Why it's suspicious

For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - Oregon

The  Level 3 evacuation notice issued per Goshen Fire for Garden Valley Road area from Garden Valley Road to Drummond Drive near Mt. Pisgah has been canceled. Residents may return home.

Thank you to the residents who evacuated quickly and to local fire departments for responding so quickly along with Oregon Department of Forestry, Lane County Sheriff's Office and Lane County Search and Rescue.

The Oregon Employment Department is announcing the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for individuals who became unemployed, had their work hours substantially reduced or are unemployed self-employed individuals as a direct result of the wildfires and straight-line winds that have been taking place since September 7, 2020. They also must not qualify for regular state unemployment insurance (UI), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), other extension programs, or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a federal program that provides temporary unemployment assistance benefits to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted or had their work hours greatly reduced as a direct result of a major disaster. The Oregon Employment Department administers the DUA program for the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Individuals eligible for regular unemployment benefits or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) are not eligible for DUA.

DUA is available to eligible individuals for weeks of unemployment beginning September 13, 2020. Benefits for this disaster will be available until March 20, 2021, as long as your unemployment continues to be a direct result of the major disaster. You must file the application within 30 days after this announcement date. The deadline for filing a DUA claim related to these fires is October 23, 2020. 

In addition to people who lost their jobs as a direct result of the major disaster, DUA may include individuals who:

• were self-employed and prevented from performing such services as a result of the disaster and the work or self-employment was their primary source of income,
• were unable to reach their job because of the disaster,
• were scheduled to and prevented from beginning work or self-employment in the disaster area,
• were unable to work due to injury as a direct result of the disaster, or
• became head of household due a death caused by the disaster,
• Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits from any state, or do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits, or extension programs and remain unemployed as a direct result of the disaster.

Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if the unemployment resulted from:

• the physical damage or destruction of the place of employment;
• the physical inaccessibility of the place of employment due to its closure by the federal, state, or local government in immediate response to the disaster; or
• lack of work, or loss of revenues, if, prior to the disaster, the employer or self-employed business received at least a majority of its revenue or income from an business in the major disaster area that was damaged or destroyed in the disaster or an entity in the major disaster area closed by the federal, state, or local government.

To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be turned in when you file or within 21 days from the day your DUA application is filed. You will need to provide supporting documentation, including but not limited to, proof of employment at the time of the disaster, or proof of self-employment at the time of the disaster, and income information for tax year 2019. Specifically, required documentation includes a Social Security number and a copy of the most recent federal income tax form or check stubs, or documentation to support that  you were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred. Documentation for the self-employed can be obtained from banks or government entities, or affidavits from individuals having knowledge of their business.

Affected individuals are encouraged to apply for DUA through the Oregon Employment Department (OED), which will first check if applicants can qualify for state unemployment benefits, PEUC, other extension programs or PUA benefits.

Applications for DUA are available in English and Spanish online at www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster. Your application may be mailed to the address listed below, or submitted online at unemployment.oregon.gov/contact-us. Application packets will be available at certain evacuation sites and WorkSource Centers. Please include the weeks you would like to claim in your initial application. More information is available on our public website and social media pages. For additional questions or to request an initial application, please call: 503-570-5000

Contact Information:

Address:        Disaster Unemployment Assistance Unit

875 Union Street NE

Salem, OR 97311

Telephone:   

503-570-5000

Additional Information:

www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster

Submit your Application Online:            unemployment.oregon.gov/contact-us

Throughout the day today, September 23rd, 2020, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office continued to provide enhanced patrols in the areas impacted by the Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires in Marion County.  As we move into the evening, a significant weather event is expected to arrive which will include heavy winds and rain.  With the changing weather conditions, we anticipate there to be increased risks of falling trees as well as mud and rock slides in fire impacted areas. We know many of our community members are anxious to return to evacuated areas, though it remains unsafe to access Level 3 evacuation areas at this time.  We are working closely with fire management officials from both the Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires, Oregon Department of Transportation, Marion County Public Works and other partner agencies to plan for the safe return to evacuated areas. 

A Virtual Community Meeting regarding the Lionshead Fire will be held this evening at 6 p.m. see links below.

Facebook link:facebook.com/LionsheadFire

Zoom Link: https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1606494587

As of 5:00 pm this evening, evacuation levels remain as follows:

Level 3 – “Go”

Detroit

Idanha

Breitenbush

North Fork Road east of Pioneer Road SE.

Hwy 22 east of Mile Post 32.5

Level 2 – “Be Set”

Hwy 22 from Mile Post 16.5 to Mile Post 32.5

Lyons

Mehama

Mill City

Gates

Fernridge Rd west of Shellburg Creek Rd to Basil Hill

Crooked Finger Rd S of Hazelnut Ridge Rd

North Fork Road to Pioneer Road, including Kubin Road SE

Pioneer Road SE to Hwy 22, including Hudel Road SE and Taylor Park Road

Level 1 – “Ready”

Scotts Mills

Areas east of Meridian Road, Davis Creek, and Victor Point south to the Marion County line

Refer to Marion County's website at http://www.co.marion.or.us/fire for additional information about returning to fire impacted areas.

To see detailed current Marion County Evacuation Zones please visit: http://bit.ly/MCEvacZones

If you happen to live in fire impacted areas of Linn County, updated evacuation maps can be found at: www.LinnSheriff.org

SALEM, Ore. (Sep. 23, 2020) – Civil Air Patrol crews gathered more than 100 photos Tuesday of key infrastructure in Oregon wildfire zones to help determine damage caused by the worst fires in the state in decades. 

This was CAP’s sixth day of missions in the wildfire zones. Some planned trips for CAP crews were canceled because other aircraft were in the areas helping fight the wildfires.  

More flights are planned for the near future as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) requests have come in for CAP’s high-resolution photography. That depends on weather, as CAP aerial photography depends on good visibility. Low clouds and smoke inhibit that. Weather forecasts also show the possibility of rain. 

CAP has flown 30 sorties so far in response to the wildfires. More than 20 CAP volunteers have worked organizing, flying and recording activities. In addition, CAP has highly trained emergency services personnel imbedded with the OEM in Salem, responding to requests for air support and advising on other interagency cooperation. 

Acting as a Total Force partner and the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, CAP is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically when tasked in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance. 

At last count, CAP’s Oregon Wing has 290 adult volunteers who train vigorously to FEMA standards each year to be ready to help in emergencies like the unprecedented onslaught of wildfires that have burned more than 1 million acres this year and thousands of structures and displaced huge numbers of Oregonians. The wing also has 247 young cadet members, who train in leadership, character development, physical fitness and citizenship. Many also train in emergency services to ground search and rescue and detecting emergency signals emitted by aircraft in distress.

About Civil Air Patrol
Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine Cessna aircraft and 1,944 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.

As a nonprofit organization, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education using national academic standards-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Members also serve as mentors to nearly 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. One of the premier public service organizations in America, CAP benefits the nation with an estimated economic impact of $209 million annually.

Often using innovative cellphone forensics and radar analysis software, CAP was credited by the AFRCC with saving 129 lives so far in fiscal 2020. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

Visit www.orwg.cap.gov, www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, working in conjunction with fire managers, is announcing additional reductions in evacuation notices. 

Effective, Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 5:00 PM, the following areas have been reduced from a Level 2 "BE SET" evacuation notice down to a Level 1 "BE READY". 

• Dry Creek, including Happy Creek Lane, Felix Flat, Elk Ridge Drive and Illahee Road
• Little River Road from Buckhorn Road to New Bridge Road, including all side roads between these two points (Cavitt Creek Road). 

The following evacuation notices remain unchanged: 

• Level 1 "BE READY": Nonpareil Road at Banks Creek east to the end of Nonpareil, including all side streets between these two points. 
• Level 2 "BE SET": Little River Road at New Bridge Road to the end of Little River Road, including all side streets between these two points. 
• Level 2 "BE SET": Highway 138E at the Narrows Wayside (Idleyld Trading Post) east to Steamboat Creek, including all side streets between these two points. 
• Level 2 "BE SET": Diamond Lake, including the Resort, all recreation sites, residential and summer homes

The most current interactive evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. 

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfires 2020 daily release to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. Additional photos are attached. See today's Wildfire Response and Recovery update here.

Please direct any media inquiries to the Joint Information Center at 503-373-7872 or e.info@state.or.us">fire.info@state.or.us 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

2020-19-09_OR_4562_ECCatOEM_DSF5714.jpg_FEMA: Salem, Ore. - September 19, 2020 - FEMA staff working on the 2020 Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery at the State Emergency Coordination Center. - Jeff Markham / FEMA  

2020-19-09_OR_4562_ECCatOEM_DSF5731.jpg_FEMA: Salem, Ore. - September 19, 2020 - FEMA staff working on the 2020 Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery at the State Emergency Coordination Center. - Jeff Markham / FEMA

Case 20-17591

UPDATE September 23, 2020

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Identify Murder Victim

On September 18, 2020 at 1924 hours, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a fatal stabbing in the Elderberry Flats area near Wimer, OR.

A suspect, Branden Rex Stansell, DOB 07-24-00, was lodged at County Jail on September 21, 2020 on charges of Murder II and Assault I.

The identity of the victim has now been released after next of kin were notified. The victim is Matthew James Joseph Stephens, DOB 03-07-1997. He had been staying at homes of friends in the area.

The Jackson County Grand Jury will review the case on September 24, 2020. Further information will be released by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

SALEM--OR 22E remains closed indefinitely from Gates Hill Road (milepost 33) in Gates to the OR 22/U.S. 20 intersection (Santiam Junction). Marion County still has the North Fork Road and Pioneer Road closed at OR 22E.

The wildfires damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of trees along OR 22E. These hazard trees are a threat to the road and to the travelers that use it.  Crews have been working hard to remove them so we can open up other sections of the highway.  Also, miles of guardrail and hundreds of signs have been damaged or destroyed and will eventually need to be repaired or replaced.

ODOT’s immediate goal is to get the hazard trees cleared, and then use pilot cars from the east and west to open these communities while we work on the other repairs. ODOT continues to work closely with the Oregon State Police, and the Marion and Linn County Sheriff’s departments on a daily basis and will continue to coordinate our efforts with them to open up the communities of Detroit and Idanha.

Other highways in the state are closed because of wildfire damage to the roads.  ODOT is working to open these highways as quickly and safely as possible to all access to allow for property owners and the communities that were impacted.

On those roads that are open near wildfires, travelers should make sure to drive the posted speeds, exercise caution and be aware of firefighting equipment and emergency vehicles that are still operating in the area.

https://www.tripcheck.com/

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has received federal approval to extend the normal 10-day deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in 20 counties to request replacement of benefits as a result of food lost due to power outages and wildfires that began on Sept. 7.

The extension gives SNAP recipients in Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Deschutes, Douglas, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill counties until Oct. 7 to apply to replace food purchased with their SNAP benefits.

“Replacing SNAP benefits will help Oregonians provide food for their families so they can focus on recovering from the wildfires,” said Dan Haun, ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director. “We hope that these replacement benefits will help alleviate worries about food and feeding themselves and their families.”

SNAP recipients do not need to visit an office. They can request replacement food benefits by calling their local office and submitting the required information by email, fax or regular mail. Recipients can use either Form DHS 0349D (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed Food Stamp Benefits) or submit a signed and dated written request that includes how the food was destroyed, the date it happened, destroyed food items and the amount paid for each item.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1.

Sept. 23, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 193 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed six more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 537, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 193 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 31,503.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (2), Clackamas (9), Clatsop (2), Columbia (2), Coos (2), Deschutes (2), Douglas (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (22), Jefferson (3), Josephine (4), Klamath (1), Lane (36), Lincoln (1), Linn (2), Malheur (22), Marion (17), Multnomah (29), Polk (2), Umatilla (12), Wasco (4), Washington (14), and Yamhill (1).

Oregon’s 532nd COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on September 11 and died on September 15 at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 533rd COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on September 14 and died on September 15 at Portland Adventist Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 534th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on August 17 and died on September 19 at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 535th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Lane County who tested positive on September 1 and died on September 22 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 536th COVID-19 death is a 54-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on September 3 and died on September 7 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 537th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 17 and died on August 31 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

NOTE: Updated information is available for Oregon’s 295th COVID-19 death, a 26-year-old man in Yamhill County. The updated death certificate does not list COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or as a significant condition that contributed to his death, and he is no longer considered a COVID-19 related death or case.

OHA Releases Weekly Report

In today’s Weekly Report, OHA notes that the week of Sept. 14 through Sept. 20 reported new COVID-19 infections rose 17% from the week prior, to 1,511. The number of Oregonians newly tested rose 8%, to 18,840, and the percentage of tests that were positive rose from 5.6% to 6.2%. Eighteen Oregonians were reported to have died in association with COVID-19, compared to 29 the prior week. One hundred and sixteen Oregonians were hospitalized, up from 83 in the previous week. The age group with the highest incidence of reported infection continues to be 20–29-year-olds. People under 30 years old have accounted for 37% of reported cases.

OHA changes child care reporting guidelines

Starting today, Sept. 23, OHA is changing the process for reporting COVID-19 outbreaks in child care facilities. The change will provide a more transparent and comprehensive reporting of these cases.

Child care providers are required to report COVID-19 cases to their local health care authority. Since July, OHA has reported on outbreaks of 5 or more cases in facilities that enrolled 30 or more children in the Weekly COVID-19 Report.

Under the new reporting threshold, outbreaks of more than 2 children in facilities with a capacity of more than 16 children will now be reported, provided they are not siblings in the same household.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Oregon State Police is currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred on Interstate 5 near Brooks.

This event occurred at approximately 11:50 A.M. southbound on Interstate 5 between Woodburn and Brooks.

OSP is asking anyone with any information or that might have a witnessed a road rage type incident between a Black Honda Accord and another vehicle to call Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP.

One person was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 23, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: Focus continues on our local COVID-19 response.  As of 12:00 pm today, Wednesday, September 23, 2020, there is a ONE presumptive that has been moved to a positive with a positive test result since our noon case update yesterday.  The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County remains at 221.  Currently, there are FOUR hospitalized Douglas County COVID-19 patients.  One Douglas County patient is being hospitalized out-of-the-area, and the remaining three are being hospitalized locally. 

Our daily update includes the total number of cases in Douglas County, which combines people with positive test results and presumptives. We provide a breakout of the people with positive test results and presumptives in the chart above. Please note there will be times when a presumptive will move to a positive test result, and our total case number will not change because the case has already been counted, instead you will see an adjustment to our breakout numbers for positive test results and presumptives.

NOTICE: Unfortunately, we are seeing daily COVID case counts on the rise in our county.  The most recent cases all point to unwitting and presumably unintentional behavior by these residents attending or hosting social gatherings where COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing, food preparation, hand washing and masks are not being followed.  So, again we need to take a moment and revisit how we are socializing and protecting ourselves from the spread of this virus.  Stopping the increase of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.     

In addition to dealing with COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that our residents, neighbors and friends are incredibly distracted, displaced and reeling from the devastating local wildfires, we are too.  But, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic.  We continue to encourage you to stay vigilant in protecting you and your family from contracting or spreading this virus. Please continue to curb your travel, limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.  Please stay safe and remember to be kind to others.

OHA Definition for Recovered

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 33 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, September 25, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1492 people tested in 72 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics. The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reports new cases once a day on their website at www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus. OHA also releases a daily situation status report and a weekly report that details the overall picture of the COVID-19 outbreak within our state.  The daily report details positive and presumptive cases, as well as deaths by county and statewide, while the weekly report is more in depth and includes statistical data related the severity of cases by age, gender, zip codes, ethnicity, as well as information on workplace and senior care facility outbreaks in Oregon. Find additional information on the state or Federal COVID-19 response go to Oregon Health Authority, Centers for Disease Control, and 211Info.  

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

OHA expanded their reporting for COVID-19 case management to now include presumptive COVID-19 cases in their total case number.  DPHN is reporting the number of people with new positive test results and any new presumptives and uses the OHA’s definition of presumptive as having had close contact with a known, confirmed COVID-19 case, showing symptoms and not yet having a positive nasal swab/PCR or antigen test for COVID-19.  Testing continues, as DPHN has been holding 2-3 clinics a week and hospitals, urgent cares and clinics continue to test.  DPHN continues their epidemiologic investigations, identifying individuals who may have had close contact with individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19, advising and supporting quarantine and isolation.

U.S. Department of Education Offers Virtual Webinar About Reopening Schools

Shared from the U.S. Department of Education.  In a letter sent to many K-12 education stakeholders, the U.S. Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary, Frank Brogan, for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education sent invitations to a virtual webinar that will feature a panel discussion on successful strategies used to reopen schools around the country. A geographically diverse group of education practitioners will discuss how they prepared for and executed opening their schools while sharing how they overcame difficulties along the way. This forum is meant to engage all types of K-12 education leaders as they consider creative ways to help students learn this fall.  This webinar will be held online on Wednesday, September 23 from 10:30 am to 11:45 am (PDT).  Web Link: You may join the webinar at https://edstream.ed.gov/webcast/Play/aefab277db624054a7e8620103c404221d at the time of the event.  The webinar will also be posted online after the event. 

OHA: Back to school: What Classrooms Will Look Like

Shared from OHA. Even though your local school may not be ready for in-person instruction, you may wonder how teachers, students and families will stay safe and healthy once schools do reopen. Here are some things to know:

• Oregon schools are required to take specific steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 at school. These steps include sanitizing, screening, use of face coverings; and limiting interactions between groups of students.
• You can view the specific public health and safety plans your school must follow by reviewing your school district’s Operational Blueprint for Reopening. Links to each district’s blueprint are available on the Oregon Department of Education website.

You can also learn more about the requirements for Oregon schools by reading ODE’s COVID-19 frequently asked questions and Ready Schools, Safe Learners Guidance.

Reminder: Limit Travel, Social Gatherings and Visitors

We will continue to encourage residents to be cautious about traveling or inviting people from outside our county, and instead encourage our residents to delay travel, consider stay-cations and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  We continue to identify people with positive test results that have chosen to travel out of Oregon to visit relatives or to take vacations.  While traveling those individuals and families have come in contact with someone with COVID-19 and brought it back to Douglas County.  We have expanded our list of states directly related to our cases though travel, they include Alaska, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and Wyoming.  A few other cases were the result of a family member coming to Douglas County to visit, brought the virus with them and infected their host family. 

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Friday, September 25, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

LOCAL WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Local wildfire information is available directly from the links listed here.  Please log onto their sites for the most up to date information.  The Archie Creek Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (971) 334-7674 and email: chiecreek@firenet.gov">2020.archiecreek@firenet.gov.  The Thielsen Fire Website, Facebook page, phone number: (541) 595-8227 and email: 2020.Thielsen@firenet.gov.  Please continue to monitor the Douglas Forest Protective Association’s Website and Facebook page for additional local wildfire updates.  For current evacuation information please continue to monitor the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website or Facebook page.   Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.

Stay Informed with Accurate Local Information

Stay up to date on COVID-19 in Douglas County on the Douglas County Government website or the DPHN website.  Your Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, DPHN and the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team (DCCRT) have been working hard to cooperatively provide accurate and timely information to Douglas County residents since March 8, 2020.  Our local COVID-19 updates represent the coordinated effort of the agencies that make up the DCCRT. 

Douglas County Resource/COVID-19 Hotline: (541) 464-6550:  Douglas County Commissioners and Douglas Public Health Network have added a resource and referral service to the current COVID-19 hotline for Douglas County residents.  The added service will help residents get connected to resources and services due to the local wildfires.  Referral and resource information will be available about local emergency shelters, livestock and animal boarding options, donation locations, volunteer opportunities, welfare check referrals, food and water resources and help with health and wellness questions.  This is NOT the hotline for Fire Updates or Evacuation information.  Please contact or follow DFPA and DCSO for the most up-to-date wildfire information.  The Resource/COVID-19 Hotline is (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. 

Questions about Governor’s Reopening or Statewide Rules?  If you have questions or need more information go to the Governor’s COVID-19 website at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/ or call 211 or the Business Oregon's Navigator Hotline at (833) 604-0880.  

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?  Please do not call 911, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office or Douglas County Offices to report compliance issues with the Governor’s orders.  The Governor has directed the State offices for Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to be the enforcement agencies responsible for ensuring restaurants, bars, and other businesses comply with COVID-related rules.  

For more information or to report compliance issues contact:

OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website

OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website

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Contact Tamara Howell, Public Information Officer, Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, (541) 670-2804 cell/(541) 957-4896 tjhowell@co.douglas.or.us

Contact Vanessa Becker, Public Information Officer, Douglas Public Health Network, (541) 817-6552 cell (541) 440-3571 vanessa@douglaspublichealthnetwork.org

As evacuation levels change, people affected by the fires are eager to know when it is safe to go home. As conditions may be unknown in an area, it is important that residents follow the advice of local authorities to learn when it is safe to return. Residents should also check road closures and conditions to know the safest way to travel. Check roads by visiting Oregon Dept. of Transportation’s TripCheck.com.

Once local authorities have given the all-clear to re-enter properties, homeowners should take steps to protect themselves and others, when cleaning up after a wildfire. Many dangers may remain, such as ash and fire debris, which can be toxic. 

Staying safe around ashes:

• If you see ash or a layer of dust, keep children away until it has been cleaned.
• Cloth face coverings, paper masks or bandanas are not effective at filtering out fine airborne ash, dust or asbestos fibers. N95 or KN95 respirators, if properly fit, tested and worn, can offer protection from airborne particles.
• Avoid activities that could stir up ash and make it airborne again, like using a leaf blower, dry sweeping, or vacuuming without a HEPA filter.
• Use rubber gloves when cleaning up ash. Wash any ash off of your body or clothing right away.
• To clean up ash outdoors: Gently dampen the ash – do not use a pressure washer, which will generate dust before it wets things down. Then use a vacuum with a high efficiency HEPA filter if you have one. If you don't have a HEPA-equipped vacuum, gently sweep or scoop up the ash.
• To clean up ash indoors: Use a damp cloth to clean surfaces, a wet mop on floors. Do not use a vacuum to clean up ash unless it has a high efficiency HEPA filter.
• Turn on an air purifier or ventilation system with a HEPA filter, if you have one, to help remove particles from indoor air.
• Find more safety tips on the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality website.

Making your yard safe:

• Extinguish hot embers. Check for them in yard debris, rain gutters or crawl spaces, on the roof, and under overhangs and decks.
• Clear away debris. Move it away from the house to the edge of your home.
• Check the electric meter. If there is visible damage, don’t turn the breaker on. Call your utility company.
• Stay clear of electrical wires on the ground. Report them to your utility company.
• Check the gas meter, gas lines or propane tank. If there is visible damage or if you smell gas, call your local utility or propane company.

Before entering structures: If you have safety concerns, have a qualified building inspector or structural engineer inspect your structures. Don’t enter if you smell gas. Turn off the power before you inspect your structure. Use a flashlight, but turn it on outside because the flashlight battery may produce a spark that can cause a fire.

Entering your structures safely:

• Check for immediate dangers. This includes remaining fire and fire damage, and wild or domestic animals that may have taken refuge.
• Check the attic. Embers may have entered through vents.
• Keep appliances turned off until you have determined the electric meter and electrical lines are undamaged.
• Discard food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
• Don’t drink or use water from the faucet until emergency officials say it’s okay. Water systems may become polluted if there is post-fire flooding.
• Take safety precautions for utilities:
  • Electric – If you turn on the breaker and still have no power, contact your utility company.
  • Propane tank or  system – Turn off the valves and call your propane supplier to inspect the system.
  • Heating oil tank system – Call your supplier to inspect it before you use it.
  • Solar electrical system – Have it inspected by a licensed technician to verify the solar panels and wiring are safe.

Documenting Damage and contacting your insurance company: Call your insurance agent. Make a list of the damage and document it with photos and videos. Keep all receipts for repair and cleaning costs.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362)  711/VRS - Video Relay Service). Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish). TTY call 800-462-7585.

Community members whose properties were affected by the Holiday Farm Fire are urged to approach with caution when returning to their homes. 

Safety experts recommended that residents do not disturb ash or debris on their properties until after they have been assessed by hazardous materials response professionals. The ash and partially burned debris may contain asbestos, mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium and a variety of other dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to residents’ physical health when inhaled.

Property owners should first contact their insurance company before returning to their home to find out what documentation is needed to file a claim, and then develop a plan before returning to the burned area using the following safety precautions: 

• Be aware of all electrical hazards, including downed power lines, unstable surfaces and sharp objects buried in the ash. Use extreme caution when near debris.  
• Wear sturdy footwear, eye goggles and heavy duty work gloves. If possible, wear disposable coveralls and change into a clean set of clothes after working in debris and ash. 
• Cloth face coverings, paper masks and bandanas are not very effective at filtering out fine airborne ash, dust or asbestos fibers. Properly fitted N95 or KN95 respirators can offer some protection from airborne particles. For more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on protecting your lungs from wildfire smoke and ash, visit https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/smoke_fires/respiratory-protection-508.pdf. 
• Ash must be adequately wetted to control dust that can become airborne. Before cleaning up ash and other debris, get the material tested to determine if it contains asbestos. If it does, hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. To learn more and for a list of licensed contractors throughout Oregon, visit ordeq.org/asbestos.
• If possible, clean recyclable materials such as metals and concrete with water prior to transport to reduce the spread of asbestos or other contaminants in the ash. 
• Wash any recovered personal items with water or wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove potentially toxic dust. 
• Take care before handling paints, bleaches, oils or other household hazardous wastes that may be partially burned, as these chemicals may be dangerous to handle. 
• Call your local garbage hauler or transfer station with questions about waste disposal. 
• Work during daylight hours, as your property may contain new hazards that are difficult to see at night. Be sure to look for hidden hazards such as sharp objects or holes under the ash or debris. If your property has a septic system, be careful to avoid stepping on or near the tank until you are sure the tank lid is still there. 
• Be aware of ongoing hazards from falling trees and rocks, landslides and sinkholes, as well as the risk of fire continuing to smolder inside stumps and underground roots for months to come.

Children should NOT be involved in clean-up activities. Do not allow children near the debris or in an area where they might breathe airborne particles left from the fire. Smoke and debris can also be unsafe for pregnant women, older adults, people with heart or lung issues or who have had a stroke, as well as older pets and animals with heart or lung disease. It’s recommended that those belonging to one of these sensitive groups limit time in the fire-affected areas.

In addition to handling debris with caution after it’s been tested for asbestos, it’s imperative for community members to thoroughly inspect their property’s utilities before resuming use.

Community members with private wells should first visually inspect enclosures, power supply, controls, water treatment equipment, pressure and holding tanks, pipes and other infrastructure. If damage is obvious, have a licensed contractor assess the damage and make repairs. Next, check household fixtures and plumbing and test faucets for water flow. Sputtering or other presence of air in the line can indicate a loss of system pressure that could have allowed bacteria contamination. 

Water should be tested before consumption post-fire. While waiting for water quality test results, water can be used for bathing and flushing toilets, but clean water from another source should be used for drinking and cooking. 

For more information from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on the responsibilities of homeowners for maintaining private wells to ensure water is safe to drink, visit https://www.oregon.gov/deq/wq/programs/Pages/DWP-Private-Well-Owners.aspx.  

Property owners on a septic system should check the area around the system for damage, as well. Though typically several feet underground, septic systems can be damaged by firefighting activity and affected by smoldering fires that stay hot in the root systems of trees. If sewage is visibly exposed or at the surface, secure the area from access, especially by children or pets. For more information and to schedule an inspection with Lane County for assistance assessing septic systems, visit lanecounty.org/wastewater.

 

Ash, surface debris, fire suppression chemicals, sediment and other contaminants also often settle on and run into surface water sources like streams, ponds or drainages (including rain barrels), so residents should examine systems that utilize these sources for damage, clogs or other forms of contamination. Alternative water sources for livestock should be used until the quality of these water sources can be assured.

Protecting your mental and emotional wellbeing is just as important as caring for your physical health after being affected by a wildfire. Sadness, anger, guilt and numbness are all normal reactions to stress. Talk to a psychologist, social worker or professional counselor if you need help coping. An emotional support line is available at 1(800)923-HELP (4357). A disaster stress helpline can be reached at 1(800)985-5990 or by texting TalkWithUs to 66746.

For more safety tips and resources to help those affected by the Holiday Farm Fire, visit lanecounty.org/mckenziefire_resources. 

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The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of its 120th Basic Telecommunications Class.

The three-week course includes emergency call handling techniques, stress management, civil liability, ethics, criminal law, overview of fire-rescue and law enforcement operations, and a number of other topics. Upon completion of the course, students will return to their employing agency to continue their training for a number of months with a field training officer.

The 9-1-1 training program began in 1993 when the Oregon Legislative Assembly enacted legislation which requires that individuals who receive emergency calls for assistance from the public, meet professional standards for training and certification. There are approximately 950 men and women across the state who work in this profession in city, county, tribal, regional, and state public safety communications centers.

Basic Telecommunications #BT120 Graduation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2020, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, in Salem, Oregon. Telephone: 503-378-2100.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, the graduation will be closed to the public.  However, we would like to publicly congratulate Basic Telecommunications Class #BT 120 for a successful completion of their Basic Training.
 
Members of Basic Telecommunications Class #120:

Dispatcher Lorin Alexander

Klamath 9-1-1 Communications District

Dispatcher John Bustard

Umatilla Tribal Police Department

Dispatcher Alexis Bynon

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Alexander Doby

METCOM 9-1-1

Dispatcher Angela Drorbaugh

Yamhill Communications

Dispatcher Sarah Ferris

Tillamook County 911

Dispatcher Carsen Funkhouser

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Larissa Hackett

Klamath 9-1-1 Communications District

Dispatcher Kaylee Hamm

Willamette Valley Communications Center

Dispatcher Alexis Hayes

Corvallis Police Department

Dispatcher Roderick Hogan

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Melody Holmes

Frontier Regional 9-1-1

Dispatcher Iliya Kuzmenko

Willamette Valley Communications Center

Dispatcher Jessica Lundmark

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Jacob Olson

Yamhill Communications

Dispatcher Kylee Peck

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Erika Powell

Willamette Valley Communications Center

Dispatcher Annabelle Thompson

W.C.C.C.A.

Dispatcher Kimberly Whanger

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District

Dispatcher Jennifer Zeman

W.C.C.C.A.

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement.  Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director and Darren Bucich, Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

DPSST provides training to more than 25,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board.

Lane County Public Health notified of 48 additional positive COVID-19  cases. This makes a total of one thousand and seventy one (1071) cases.

1071 (+48) total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Currently Infectious: 143 (+27)

Hospitalized: 8 (no change)

COVID-19 Related Deaths: 16 (+1)

Total Lane County Residents Tested: 63,566

The sixteenth COVID-19 related death was a 75 year old male from Eugene/Springfield.  He was hospitalized prior to his death but not at the time of his death.

From everyone at Lane County Public Health and the COVID-19 Emergency Response, we send our most sincere condolences to the friends and family of this gentleman during this difficult time. 

Data regarding Lane County testing, patient status, case ZIP codes and more is available at
www.LaneCountyOR.gov/localdata

The State of Oregon has created a COVID-19 web page with resources at http://coronavirus.oregon.gov.

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry is closely monitoring 10 major fires in Oregon, down from 17 originally (see table below for details). Fires are removed from the list when they are 100% lined and fire managers are confident in their progress toward containment.

There have been more than 7,500 personnel assigned to these fires, not including many of the government employees, landowners, forestland operators, and members of the community who are contributing every day. There have been resources from 39 states and multiple Canadian provinces in this fight alongside Oregonians.

About 1 million acres have burned in Oregon since the start of this year, which is nearly double the 10-year average of approximately 557,811.

More information

• ODF wildfire blog and Significant Fire Potential Map
• Northwest Coordination Center – Regional Update and National Situation Report
• Inciweb (information on individual incidents)

Salem, Ore. – Coronavirus Relief Fund Cultural Support (CRFCS) grant awards totaling $25.7 million will be distributed to 621 cultural organizations across Oregon through a partnership between the Oregon Cultural Trust and its County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions. The funds, allocated to the Cultural Trust for Oregon cultural organizations facing losses due to the COVID-19 health crisis, were made available through a $50 million relief package for Oregon culture approved by the Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature in July.

“Many cultural organizations and institutions have closed their doors to help keep us all safe during this pandemic. These grants will mean that more than 600 Oregon arts and culture organizations across our state’s counties and Tribes will be able to keep up their vital creative work,” said Governor Kate Brown. “Everything from museums to fairgrounds to the summer events we all know and love can continue to enrich our lives—connecting us to one another and giving us the hope and inspiration we need.”

“These funds are life blood to Oregon’s cultural community,” added Chuck Sams, chair of the Cultural Trust Board of Directors. “While they won’t replace all the losses suffered during the pandemic, they will ensure Oregon culture survives this crisis. We are deeply grateful to the Oregon Legislature for making this possible.”

The largest award is $1.4 million to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; the average grant award is $41,458. Just under $90 million in requests were received from 751 organizations; 130 organizations were ineligible for awards based on program guidelines.

“Due to the incredible need, we were able to fund a percentage of organizations’ eligible expenses,” said Brian Rogers, Cultural Trust executive director. “Smaller organizations received a higher percentage of their eligible expenses. The final awards represent a statewide, equitable distribution plan that was approved by our Board of Directors, the Governor’s Office, Business Oregon and our legislative sponsors.”

The organizations to receive funding include cultural institutions, county fairgrounds, cultural entities within federally recognized Indian Tribes based in Oregon, festivals and community event organizations, in addition to some for-profit organizations that have significant cultural impact in their communities. Awards will be issued directly to the organizations by their local County or Tribal Coalition.

Funding was determined based on eligible request amounts, an award allocation formula that established a base amount of funds per county or Tribe and the organization’s fiscal size. COVID-19 expenses previously reimbursed by other federal CARES Act programs were not eligible.

The intended use of the CRF Cultural Support funds is to provide financial assistance to cultural nonprofit organizations and community venues that have canceled or postponed public programming because of public health executive orders associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for the funding are in accordance with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The legislation allows Coalitions to be reimbursed for up to 5 percent of their total grant awards for documented administrative expenses. Requests from Coalitions for administrative expenses totaled $209,515.

Below is a list of funds awarded per county; the full list of grant awards (listed alphabetically by county) is posted on the Cultural Trust website.

NOTE: No applications were submitted from Gilliam County and the Tribes chose not to apply due to previously received CARES Act funding. Washington County, which serves as the fiscal agent for the Cultural Coalition of Washington County, chose not to participate in the CRFCS program; the Cultural Trust is currently working to identify potential solutions.

Baker County Cultural Coalition                                   $126,485

Benton County Cultural Coalition                                   $97,691

Clackamas County Cultural Coalition                          $620,073

Clatsop County Cultural Coalition                                $402,881

Columbia County Cultural Coalition                               $22,668

Coos County Cultural Coalition                                     $304,916

Crook County Cultural Coalition                                      $22,220

Curry County Cultural Coalition                                      $57,264

Deschutes County Cultural Coalition                           $998,668

Douglas County Cultural Coalition                               $102,606

Grant County Cultural Coalition                                        $5,924

Harney County Cultural Coalition                                   $25,075

Hood River Cultural Trust                                              $171,602

Jackson County Cultural Coalition                            $1,057,193

Jefferson County Cultural Coalition                             $271,715

Josephine County Cultural Coalition                            $241,778

Klamath County Cultural Coalition                                 $72,001

Lake County Cultural Coalition                                       $94,291

Lane County Cultural Coalition                                  $2,575,914

Lincoln County Cultural Coalition                                 $160,625

Linn County Cultural Coalition                                      $179,277

Malheur Cultural Trust                                                    $183,608

Marion County Development Corporation                   $835,398

Morrow County Cultural Coalition                                   $41,740

Multnomah County Cultural Coalition                     $13,106,828

Polk County Cultural Coalition                                      $245,072

Sherman County Cultural Coalition                                  $3,830

Tillamook County Cultural Coalition                             $213,444

Umatilla County Cultural Coalition                               $579,444

Union County Cultural Coalition                                      $54,609

Wallowa County Cultural Trust Coalition                     $151,756

Wasco County Cultural Trust Coalition                       $209,256

Cultural Coalition of Washington County                 $1,638,592

Wheeler County Cultural Heritage Coalition                 $12,241

Yamhill County Cultural Coalition                                 $858,658

_________________

About the Oregon Cultural Trust

Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust is a testament to how much Oregonians value culture. No other state provides a 100 percent tax credit to inspire cultural giving. As uniquely Oregonian as public beaches and the bottle bill, the Oregon Cultural Trust was designed as an ongoing funding engine for arts and culture across the state. Oregonians fund the Cultural Trust. We, in turn, fund the artists, potters, poets, acrobats and dreamers who define our famous quality of life.

In 2019 Oregonians gave $4.5 million to the Cultural Trust. Sixty percent of that went straight back to the field. The remaining 40 percent helped grow our permanent fund. Our three grant programs fund our five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and 1,450+ qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development Grants.

More information at culturaltrust.org.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports no changes in evacuation levels as of this morning, September 23, 2020. A Virtual Community Meeting regarding the Lionshead Fire will be held this evening at 6 p.m. see links below.

Facebook link:facebook.com/LionsheadFire

Zoom Link: https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1606494587

Current evacuation levels as of 10 a.m. September 23rd, 2020:

Level 3 – “Go”

Detroit

Idanha

Breitenbush

North Fork Road east of Pioneer Road SE.

Hwy 22 east of Mile Post 32.5

Level 2 – “Be Set”

Hwy 22 from Mile Post 16.5 to Mile Post 32.5

Lyons

Mehama

Mill City

Gates

Fernridge Rd west of Shellburg Creek Rd to Basil Hill

Crooked Finger Rd S of Hazelnut Ridge Rd

North Fork Road to Pioneer Road, including Kubin Road SE

Pioneer Road SE to Hwy 22, including Hudel Road SE and Taylor Park Road

Level 1 – “Ready”

Scotts Mills

Areas east of Meridian Road, Davis Creek, and Victor Point south to the Marion County line

Refer to Marion County's website at http://www.co.marion.or.us/fire for additional information about returning to fire impacted areas.

To see detailed current Marion County Evacuation Zones please visit: http://bit.ly/MCEvacZones

If you happen to live in fire impacted areas of Linn County, updated evacuation maps can be found at: www.LinnSheriff.org

The prolonged stress of being evacuated for long periods is extremely difficult for those who are unable to gain access to their property and livelihood.  The wind and fire events caused significant tree damage, electrical and water infrastructure damage and road hazards over a regional area. 

Current road conditions include wind and fire damaged trees, power lines and poles crossing roads.

Fire weakened and hazard trees are frequently falling without notice. Fire managers are working closely with the Oregon Department of Transportation and engineers to ensure the road surfaces and structures are safe for use, making emergency repairs as they work to connect the road systems between fires.  Ensuring the public has a safe route back out of the burn area is imperative before allowing access back in.

In addition, the electric companies are removing trees from fallen and burned lines, replacing power poles and working to restore service systematically.  Open electrical lines pose a significant risk to the safety of public and must be addressed both on the grid structure and at individual properties to prevent electrocution and further delays in power restoration. 

Wednesday, in advance of a significant weather event winds are predicted to be strong and will have influence on existing tree and electrical hazards, possibly creating more.  As moisture precipitates over the burn areas, there is increased potential for mudslides, debris flows and flooding. 

After the weather event this week County and fire officials will be able to evaluate further evacuation level changes.

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry has developed a draft Habitat Conservation Plan for western Oregon’s state forests, proposing enhanced conservation for threatened and endangered fish and wildlife with increased certainty that counties and rural communities will receive revenues for decades to come.

Covering approximately 639,000 acres of state forestlands west of the Cascades, the draft Habitat Conservation Plan would offer enhanced protections for threatened and endangered fish and wildlife, while ensuring predictable timber revenues to help fund public services in rural communities. An independent analysis found that under the draft HCP, ODF can achieve more certainty in environmental protections as well as timber harvest volume compared to ODF’s current approach to complying with the Endangered Species Act. If an HCP were approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries, ODF would be assured ESA compliance over a 70-year permit term.

The draft plan can be viewed by visiting https://www.oregon.gov/odf/aboutodf/Pages/HCP-initiative.aspx. On October 6, the Board of Forestry is set to vote on whether to advance the project into the National Environmental Policy Act process. Written comment can be submitted to oardofforestry@oregon.gov">boardofforestry@oregon.gov, while information on providing verbal comment will be posted on the Board of Forestry page at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/Pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

Lands owned by the Board of Forestry must, by law, provide economic, environmental and social benefits to Oregonians under a concept called Greatest Permanent Value – and to achieve this ODF must comply with the federal Endangered Species Act. At the same time, ODF’s State Forests Division is funded almost entirely on timber sale revenue, and Forest Trust Land counties rely on timber revenue to help fund local services.

As more species become listed as threatened or endangered, this is projected to result in reduced harvest opportunities over time. Additionally, ESA compliance on ODF lands currently costs several million dollars each year, with expenses likely to grow with more listings. The draft HCP takes a holistic approach to protecting and increasing habitat for threatened and endangered species, while assuring a more predictable rate of timber harvest over a 70-year HCP permit term and reducing costs compared to the current site-by-site approach to ESA compliance.

As part of ODF’s commitment to public and stakeholder involvement, ODF hosted six meetings open to the public throughout development of the draft HCP as well as dozens of individual and focus group meetings. Recognizing the unique relationship between ODF and Forest Trust Land counties, ODF has provided updates and solicited input from county representatives at every opportunity provided.

The plan was developed under a Steering Committee and Scoping Team with input from their technical experts that included representatives from the following federal and state agencies U.S. Fish & Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of State Lands, Department of Environmental Quality, and Oregon State University.

A Multi-Agency Resource Center will again be open for those affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. The MARC will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Lane Events Center at 796 W. 13th Ave. in Eugene. The goal is to provide information to keep people safe as they return to their properties and to help them connect with services and agencies they will need.

“We’re trying to bring in services and assistance for a one-stop shop that folks will need,” MARC coordinator Mike Finch said. “They have a wide array of needs.”

The Resource Center brings together various agencies to provide information and support. This Friday the MARC includes representatives from Lane Electric, Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB), Lane County Elections, insurance companies, housing support agencies, Senior and Disabled Services, Environmental Health, Lane County Assessment and Taxation, waste and debris disposal coordinators, Medicare assistance, permit and land management staff, business assistance, Veteran Services, faith-based services and support, as well as mental health and medical support. Other agencies on hand to provide help are the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Red Cross, the McKenzie Community Development Corporation, McKenzie School District, the Hope Project, Department of Human Services (SNAP), Lane Community College, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation, the USDA and the Oregon Construction Contractors Board Field Services.

The MARC will also be available to those who have learned the status of their home or residence over the telephone and would like more information about those resources. 

Finch said another MARC is planned at the Lane Events Center for Oct. 2 but the intent is to move future resource centers back up Highway 126 into the communities affected.

“We recognize that the area will be opening up in coming days,” Finch said, “and as that occurs we will partner with those communities to confirm appropriate venues to host a MARC closer to them.”

There is support available for those who have been affected by the Holiday Farm Fire:

• Emotional Support Line: 1(800)923-HELP (4357)
• Disaster Stress Helpline: 1(800)985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. This line is available in 100 languages, 24 hours a day 7 days a week
• In-person crisis support with Lane County Behavioral Health: The Graduate Hotel (66 E. 6th Ave Eugene, OR 97401), Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.

The MARC is not a donation drop-off or pick-up location and is only open to those people whose homes and properties are in the fire area. 

###

The newly launched Eastern Oregon Community Resource Network (EOCRN) uses technology to connect resources to people and communities in need. Multiple organizations in Baker, Union and Wallowa counties act together through this resource network.

“During times of adversity such as these, we recognized the need and also the resources in our Eastern Oregon communities. This resource network includes private and public sector non-profits, tribes, social service groups, hospitals, school districts, churches and individuals to share resources to address the needs of people and to address social service gaps in our community,” said Maria Weer, Building Healthy  Families Executive Director.

Building Healthy Families is the administering organization overseeing this network. The Oregon Department of Human Services has been a coordinating agency helping with its organization and launch. This product has been developed by Galaxux Inc. Galaxux is responsible for hosting and providing ongoing maintenance and support.

Here’s how EOCRN works: When an EOCRN member becomes aware of a need, either through a phone call or through the EOCRN website, they first check with 211 and other local resources. If that member can’t meet the need, they post it on EOCRN (https://www.eocrn.org/) to mobilize the entire community. EOCRN uses custom matching to notify members with profiles that match the need. These EOCRN members contact the member who made the request to coordinate details to fulfill the need. EOCRN values privacy of the clients and does not identify the client.

Requests could be anything from food to clothing to essential household items. Eastern Oregon has higher poverty rates than the state in general; as well as high childhood poverty rates; lack of public transportation and in many areas, there are food deserts, meaning there is a lack of affordable, heathy food nearby.

“The network also works to address the long-term solutions to needs. We want to help support a thriving community. We live here. We believe in working together to make a better world for all of us,” Weer said.

So far, there are 55 members in the network. They will meet quarterly to connect, network and act on identified social priorities.

For more information about EOCRN, or to sign up, go to www.EOCRN.org/.  

Salem, OR—The Department of Revenue reminds business owners and their tax preparers that once their business has earned more than $750,000 in commercial activity for the year, they are required to register for Oregon’s Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) within 30 days.

The CAT applies to all business entity types, such as C and S corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other entities. More than 15,000 businesses have registered for the CAT since registration opened for the new program in December 2019.

To register go directly to the CAT page of the Revenue website and click on the “Register for the CAT” link in the center of the page.

For those who need help, a short CAT registration training document is available on the page.

To register, individuals doing business in Oregon will need their name and their Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. Businesses will need their entity’s legal name and federal employer identification number.
Businesses and individuals will need:
• Their mailing address;
• The date they exceeded or expect to exceed $750,000 in Oregon commercial activity;
• A valid email address or current Revenue Online login, and;
• Their Business Activity Code (Refer to the current list of North American Industry Classification System codes found with their federal income tax return instructions.)
The 2019 Legislature created the CAT to boost funding for public schools. The CAT is imposed on businesses for the privilege of doing business in Oregon, including those located inside and outside of Oregon. It’s measured on a business’s commercial activity—the total amount a business realizes from activity in Oregon.

Registration doesn’t mean a business will owe tax. Only businesses with taxable commercial activity in excess of $1 million must pay the Corporate Activity Tax. The tax is $250 plus 0.57% of taxable commercial activity greater than $1 million after subtractions.

The CAT page of the Revenue website includes links to the administrative rules that govern the tax, a list of basic frequently asked questions (FAQ), and a Beyond the FAQ section that includes high-level summaries of the rules and other topics to help answer taxpayer questions.

Taxpayers with general questions about the CAT can email cat.help.dor@oregon.gov or call 503-945-8005.

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.

Lane County Animal Services has several donated items they would like to make available to those impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire, including ample supply of grain for all livestock species, mixed quality orchard and valley grass hay, straw for bedding, buckets and many other miscellaneous supplies that have been donated to the animal sheltering effort at the Lane Events Center. 

Community members from within the Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation areas who are in need of supplies can come to the Livestock Building at the Lane Events Center today, September 23, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a first-come first-served basis.

The supplies that are being made available to those impacted by the fire are from donations that were brought to the Lane Events Center where Lane County Animal Services was joined by local 4H groups and community members to provide shelter, food, and veterinarian care to animals displaced by the fire. 

At one point over 500 animals ranging from chickens to horses were living at the Lane Events Center while their owners found temporary shelter outside of the fire perimeter. Today, less than 100 animals remain at the Events Center, and Lane County Animals Services is hoping the remaining supplies will help those who are fostering animals and those who have been able to come get their animals and take them home.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to provide this type of support to those impacted by the fires, and we are grateful for all of the community members who have donated food, bedding, and care for the animals.  Time and time again we see this community come together to help those in need, and it’s gratifying to be a part of that,” said Lane County Animal Welfare Officer Elyse Larkin.

Greenhill Humane Society (88530 Green Hill Road) also has supplies for companion animals available to those impacted by the fires.  Available supplies include food, crates, bedding, leashes, collars, grooming supplies and toys. Community members can visit Greenhill Humane Society from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 7 days a week to pick up supplies for their pets. 

###

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services’ Division of Financial Regulation has issued an insurance emergency order for people affected by the state’s wildfires. 

Insurance companies must immediately take steps to do the following until the order is no longer in effect: 

• Extend all deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other communications related to claims
• Take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims
• Establish a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas
• Suspend cancellations and nonrenewals

The order applies to several ZIP codes across the state. The division’s bulletin No. DFR 2020-16 provides a list of ZIP codes that are subject to the order. 

“We issued this order to make sure evacuees and other Oregonians affected by these wildfires are able to access the insurance resources they need, especially while they are displaced,” said DCBS Director and Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi. “We appreciate all the work our state’s insurance representatives are doing to help their customers right now, and we encourage everyone to be patient and work together throughout the recovery process.”

If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@oregon.gov">dfr.insurancehelp@oregon.gov.

Visit the division's wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information.

###

About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and http://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx.

September 23, 2020

Contact: Brian Toups, 503-385-6542, rian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us">brian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics Technical Advisory Group.

When: September 24,1-3 p.m.

Where: By call-in or webinar only. The public may join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5590554135910010380 and listen-only conference line conference line at 888-398-2342, participant code 5731389.

Agenda: Welcome and introductions; updates; 2021 Benchmarks; preventive dental; meaningful language access – technical aspects of reporting; EHR-based measures – changing national landscape; adjourn. The agenda is available on the group's webpage.

For more information, please visit the committee's website.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the 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 material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.
• Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Brian Toups at 503-385-6542, 711 TTY, rian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us">brian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at approximately 12:18 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 199 near milepost 16.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Chevrolet Malibu, operated by Rianna McGonagle (18) of Sisters, was southbound when it veered off the road and struck a tree. 

McGonagle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Rural Metro Fire and the Josephine County Sheriff's Office.