Photo captions:

211207-Z-ZJ128-1001
Salem Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ralph Yates addresses an audience of Oregon National Guard members and hospital staff at an awards ceremony at Salem Health Hospital in Salem on Dec. 7. The ceremony honored high-performing guard members for their work during the guard's Hospital Relief Mission that started in August 2021 and is ending this month.  The mission ordered by Oregon Governor Kate Brown assisted over 50 hospitals due to non-clinical staff shortages; the guard's numbers assigned to the hospitals reached approximately 1,500 workers on initial deployment. Towards the end, the mission has tapered down to more than 500 as hospitals find solutions to staffing shortages. Hospitals across the state have done similar ceremonies in appreciation of guard member hospital support.

(U.S. National Guard Photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

211207-Z-ZJ128-1002
Salem Health CEO and President Cheryl Wolfe addresses an audience of Oregon National Guard members and hospital staff at an awards ceremony at Salem Health Hospital in Salem on Dec. 7. The ceremony honored high-performing guard members for their work during the guard's Hospital Relief Mission that started in August 2021 and is ending this month. Hospitals across the state have done similar ceremonies in appreciation of guard member hospital support.
(U.S. National Guard Photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

211207-Z-ZJ128-1003
Oregon Army National Guard member Spc. Trenton Morris holds a challenge coin he received for his exemplary work as part of the hospital relief mission during an awards ceremony at Salem Health Hospital in Salem on Dec. 7. The ceremony honored high-performing guard members for their work during the guard's Hospital Relief Mission that started in August 2021 and is ending this month. Hospitals across the state have done similar ceremonies in appreciation of guard member hospital support.

(U.S. National Guard Photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

211207-Z-ZJ128-1004
Oregon Air Guard hospital workers present Salem Health Hospital CEO, President Cheryl Wolfe, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ralph Yates with a token of appreciation, during an awards ceremony at Salem Health Hospital in Salem on Dec. 7. The ceremony honored high-performing guard members for their work during the guard's Hospital Relief Mission that started in August 2021 and is ending this month. Hospitals across the state have done similar ceremonies in appreciation of guard member hospital support.

(U.S. National Guard Photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

JCSO Case #21-6429

SHADY COVE, Ore. – Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO) dispatch received a call at 8:25 this morning for a victim menaced with a firearm during a domestic disturbance. Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) patrol deputies responded to the 100 block of Birch St. in Shady Cove and the suspect barricaded himself alone in the residence. JCSO SWAT Team, K9 units, and the Crisis Negotiators Team responded. The suspect was uncooperative, telling deputies he wouldn’t be taken alive, and refusing to exit the residence. At 10:55 a.m. the SWAT Team deployed a noise flash diversionary device (flashbang) and the suspect surrendered without incident.

The suspect, Bart Anthony Tardif, 62, of Shady Cove, is booked in the Jackson County Jail and charged with Menacing DV, Assault 4 DV, Harassment, and Felon in possession of a firearm. Bail is set at $22,500.

--- end ---

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually Thursday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. To join the virtual meeting, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment at this virtual meeting, please contact Susan Muniz at 503-945-7502.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Seedling programs coordination
• Roundtable updates
• Private Forests Accord discussion
• Workplan discussion

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by contacting Susan Muniz at 503-945-7502.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.

December 7, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 945 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 31 new deaths

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet virtually on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

Agenda items the Board will consider include:

• Adoption of the Department of State Lands 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. The plan establishes the Department’s mission, vision, and values and provides a practical framework for continually improving service, setting measurable goals that all programs contribute to achieving. Read the draft plan.
   
• Appointment of Dr. Christine Moffitt to the Oregon Ocean Science Trust. Dr. Moffitt, a retired marine and fisheries biologist from Coos Bay, has extensive experience in research, education, and outreach on aquatic and marine science. Dr. Moffitt has been nominated to fill a mid-term vacancy. The appointment would be effective immediately and expire on Dec. 31, 2022.

The full meeting agenda and materials are available on the DSL website. The meeting will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel.

The public may submit written testimony or sign up to provide spoken testimony during the meeting. The deadline to sign up to testify is 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 13. Testimony information is available here.

If you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or arin.n.smith@dsl.oregon.gov at least two working days prior to the meeting.

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Shemia Fagan and State Treasurer Tobias Read. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

December 7, 2021

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139

PHD.Communications@state.or.us

Conference of Local Health Officials meets Dec. 16 via Zoom

What: The Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO) is holding its monthly public meeting.

Agenda: HIV and sexually transmitted infections funding; OHA and local public health authorities common equity work. Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ prior to meeting.

There is no public comment period during this meeting.

When: Thursday, Dec. 16, 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Via Zoom meeting.  Members of the public seeking to attend must register for the meeting at  

https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIscO2orjosHBpyhZBk_uqQhBEu4yIU5j0

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.147. (ORS 431.340)

Program contact: Danna Drum, 503-957-8869,  um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sara Beaudrault at 971-645-5766 711 TTY or um@dhsoha.state.or.us">danna.k.drum@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

December 7, 2021

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Public Health Advisory Board meets Dec. 16

What: The Public Health Advisory Board will hold a meeting.

Agenda: Approve October meeting minutes; Oregon Health Policy Board and committee membership workgroup discussion; identify process for public health modernization evaluation development and 2023-25 planning; public health survey modernization discussion.

When: Thursday, Dec. 16, 2-5 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Zoom conference call:

(669) 254-5252, participant code 1609889971#.

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

# # #

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

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

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

This news release is an updated version to include case and death information.

December 6, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 2,041 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 25 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 25 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,268, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 2,041 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 396,501.

The 25 new deaths and 2,041 new cases reported today include data recorded by counties for the three-day period between Dec. 3 and Dec. 5.

The Dec. 2 case counts for Lane County were erroneously high due to a reporting error. This error has been corrected, and the case count for Lane County for Dec. 2 has been revised to 95 cases.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 418, which is 23 more than yesterday. There are 115 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 12 more than yesterday.

There are 59 available adult ICU beds out of 667 total (9% availability) and 349 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,113 (8% availability).

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms.

Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain. You can find a test here. If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 13,247 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry on Dec. 5. Of that total, 851 were initial doses, 2,170 were second doses and 3,898 were third doses and booster doses. The remaining 6,294 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Dec. 5.

The seven-day running average is now 17,275 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 3,666,268 doses of Pfizer Comirnaty, 99,557 doses of Pfizer pediatric, 2,308,889 doses of Moderna and 246,119 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,968,560 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,691,521 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (7), Benton (69), Clackamas (214), Clatsop (18), Columbia (32), Coos (41), Crook (9), Curry (3), Deschutes (190), Douglas (84), Harney (4), Hood River (8), Jackson (111), Jefferson (17), Josephine (77), Klamath (11), Lake (7), Lane (132), Lincoln (20), Linn (115), Malheur (3), Marion (127), Morrow (6), Multnomah (351), Polk (22), Tillamook (18), Umatilla (11), Union (7), Wasco (11), Washington (276), Wheeler (2) and Yamhill (38).

Oregon reports 1,041 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Dec. 3, 596 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Dec. 4 and 404 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Dec. 5.

Due to delayed reporting, a large volume of approximately 7,000 backlogged electronic laboratory reports (ELRs) were received on Dec. 3. Results were from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. As a result, test counts and case counts are higher than anticipated for Dec. 3.

Oregon’s 5,244th COVID-19 related death is an 80-year-old man from Lane County who died Oct. 14 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,245th COVID-19 related death is an 88-year-old man from Lane County who tested positive Oct. 23 and died Oct. 28 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,246th COVID-19 related death is a 94-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive Aug. 23 and died Oct. 9 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,247th COVID-19 related death is an 82-year-old man from Clackamas County who tested positive Oct. 19 and died Oct. 28 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,248th COVID-19 related death is a 66-year-old man from Benton County who tested positive July 19 and died Oct. 25 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,249th COVID-19 related death is a 69-year-old man from Yamhill County who tested positive Oct. 14 and died Oct. 22 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,250th COVID-19 related death is a 65-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive Oct. 16 and died Nov. 4 at Providence Portland Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,251st COVID-19 related death is an 89-year-old man from Deschutes County who tested positive Oct. 18 and died Nov. 4 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,252nd COVID-19 related death is a 71-year-old woman from Deschutes County who tested positive Oct. 15 and died Nov. 3 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,253rd COVID-19 related death is a 93-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive Sept. 28 and died Oct. 29 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,254th COVID-19 related death is a 90-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive Sept. 30 and died Nov. 1 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,255th COVID-19 related death is a 62-year-old man from Klamath County who tested positive Oct. 7 and died Oct. 30 at Sky Lakes Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,256th COVID-19 related death is a 94-year-old woman from Lake County who tested positive Oct. 29 and died Nov. 5 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,257th COVID-19 related death is a 76-year-old man from Linn County who tested positive Sept. 7 and died Nov. 7 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,258th COVID-19 related death is a 67-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive Oct. 9 and died Oct. 25 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,259th COVID-19 related death is an 87-year-old woman from Deschutes County who tested positive Oct. 18 and died Nov. 1 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,260th COVID-19 related death is an 84-year-old man from Klamath County who tested positive Nov. 22 and died Dec. 3 at Sky Lakes Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,261st COVID-19 related death is an 80-year-old woman from Josephine County who tested positive Nov. 29 and died Dec. 2 at Providence Medford Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,262nd COVID-19 related death is an 81-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive Dec. 1 and died Dec. 2 at Mercy Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,263rd COVID-19 related death is a 54-year-old man from Crook County who tested positive Nov. 14 and died Dec. 3 at St. Charles Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,264th COVID-19 related death is a 58-year-old man from Benton County who tested positive Nov. 22 and died Nov. 22 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,265th COVID-19 related death is a 53-year-old woman from Yamhill County who tested positive Nov. 23 and died Nov. 24 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,266th COVID-19 related death is a 69-year-old man from Washington County who tested positive Oct. 31 and died Nov. 27. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,267th COVID-19 related death is a 71-year-old man from Polk County who tested positive Nov. 8 and died Dec. 2 at Salem Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,268th COVID-19 related death is a 93-year-old woman from Josephine County who tested positive Nov. 24 and died Nov. 26 at Sky Lakes Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Updated information is known about Oregon’s 5,232nd COVID-19 related death, a 72-year-old woman from Josephine County who tested positive Sept. 4 and died Oct. 25. She was originally reported as tested positive Sept. 2.

Note: Oregon’s 5,243rd COVID-19 related death is an 85-year-old woman from Linn County who tested positive Oct. 8 and died Oct. 21 at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our web page (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

Donation supports United Way programs focused on education, health and financial stability for kids and vulnerable families in the region.              

PORTLAND, Ore., December 7, 2021—OnPoint Community Credit Union today announced a donation of more than $71,000 to four United Way organizations serving communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington, including United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, United Way of Central Oregon, United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties and United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. This donation marks the 15^th year of OnPoint’s employee-led fundraising campaign, which benefits United Way in communities the credit union also serves. The contribution was made as OnPoint reports a record $2.2 million in donations to area non-profits in 2021.

“Too many children and families across our region lack access to basic resources that support their health, education and financial wellness,” said Rob Stuart, OnPoint’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “I’m inspired by our employees’ ongoing commitment to help our friends and neighbors who need it most, and grateful to United Way for its partnership as we work together to address the most critical needs of our communities.”

Each year, OnPoint’s United Way campaign invites its more than 1,000 employees to make voluntary individual contributions to United Way through fundraisers like virtual bingo, candy grams and a Ducks versus Beavers competition. On top of the $61,141 in employee donations, an additional corporate contribution of $10,000 was made, bringing the total to $71,141. OnPoint’s donation will help fund United Way’s education, health, and financial stability programs that provide kids and families with the basic building blocks for a good quality of life. They include: 

• United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s Early Learning Multnomah (ELM) and Early Learning Washington County (ELWC) initiatives, which work to ensure that children ages 0-6 get the support they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
• United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties’ Thinker Tinker Trailer, which increases student proficiencies in digital literacy, interpersonal skills and business acumen, offering mobile, hands-on learning to youth from families or districts that lack the resources to offer such opportunities.
• United Way of Central Oregon’s KIDS Center, which provides no-cost evaluations, family support and therapy to victims of child abuse.
• United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s Safe Sleep United, an overnight women’s shelter that provides a safe, warm, secure place for women to sleep, eat and have access to wrap around support that increases their chances of rebuilding their lives.

“Our ability to make a sustainable impact relies upon the generosity of our donors,” said Cindy Adams, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are immensely appreciative of OnPoint’s continued employee support which provides essential funding for the outcome-based programs and collaborative projects that create a lasting change in our community.”

In addition to the $71,141 gift to the four United Ways, OnPoint announced in November 2021 donations of more than $2.2 million to over 277 non-profits in Oregon and Southwest Washington, with more than $500,000 pledged to organizations focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. Learn more about OnPoint’s work to address the most critical needs of the communities it serves.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving 458,000 members and with assets of $9 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

ABOUT UNITED WAY

United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited.

###

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense by helping Santa out this shopping season.

First – let’s start with the dream job for all wanna-be-Santa’s. Earning a little extra cash as a secret shopper. There are legitimate companies that hire legitimate secret shoppers to go around, buy things, and report back on their experience. 

Here are the basics: you should search out the mystery shopper opportunity. Do not respond to an unsolicited email, text message, or social media post offering to set you up with such a gig. Also, the company should be paying you – you should never pay for help finding such a job, nor should there be an “application fee.” You can find out more about how to do this safely through industry’s Mystery Shopping Professionals Association.

Next up – a popular gift option that comes in every shape and size: the gift card. They are easy, and they help lighten the load in Santa’s sleigh. 

Of course, those on the naughty list know that, too, and they are ready to cash that card out before you even get it. 

Let’s say you are either trying to sell a gift card you don’t want or buy one at a discount. You exchange numbers and payment. If you are buying the gift card, you may find out that the fraudster drained it as the transaction processed, leaving you with a zero balance. On the flip side, if he is buying a card from you – he gets the number and PIN and then stops payment on the cash coming your way. Here are some other tips to stay safe:

• If buying from a secondary gift card market website, check reviews and only buy from or sell to reputable dealers.
• When purchasing gift cards online, be leery of auction sites selling gift cards at a discount or in bulk.
• When buying in-store, don’t pick cards right off the rack. Look for ones that are sealed in packaging or stored securely behind the counter. Also check the scratch-off area on the back to look for any evidence of tampering.
• If possible, only buy cards online directly from the store or restaurant.
• Check the gift card balance before and after purchasing the card to verify it has the correct balance.

And, a final jingle jangle to make sure you are talking with St. Nick in the safest way possible. Many organizations help Santa communicate with wee ones as a fundraiser or goodwill operation. But, of course, there are those with coal in their hearts who are just in it for the cash. Parents can always work directly with Santa to make sure the little tykes get a letter from the jolly guy. Our friends at the U.S. Postal Service have all of the info on how to do that on their website here.

If you are the victim of an online scam, you should report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.  

###

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Media Contacts:

Asley Hamilton, Program Director, The ARCHES Project, MWVCAA

ashley.hamilton@mwvcaa.org | (503) 399-9080

Jimmy Jones, Executive Director, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) jimmy.jones@mwvcaa.org | (503) 399-9080

Oregon Community Foundation Media Contact: 

Maureen Kenney, Public Relations Manager, Oregon Community Foundation (OCF)

mkenney@oregoncf.org

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency Welcomes Fire Survivors

The ARCHES Inn Hosts Grand Opening TODAY, Tuesday, December 7, 2021

MEDIA ADVISORY

Salem, Ore. – December 7, 2021 – Mid-Willamette Community Action Agency is poised to welcome fire survivors back to the community following the official opening of The Arches Inn (Project Turnkey-Mid-Willamette Valley) today, Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

“Project Turnkey is a deeply collaborative initiative that leveraged the strengths of government, nonprofit and philanthropy partners to take bold action and quickly increase Oregon’s shelter capacity by 20%,” said Max Williams, CEO, Oregon Community Foundation. “We are grateful to nonprofit partners like Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency who work so hard to support the most vulnerable members of our communities. This is a great day for Willamette Valley.”

[Max Williams and Megan Loeb from Oregon Community Foundation will be on site for this event and are available for interviews.]

WHO: MWVCAA and OCF representatives, invited guests, public officials ¾ including Oregon State Governor Kate Brown, Oregon State Senator Deb Patterson and Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett, and local media

WHAT: Grand Opening Ceremony for The Arches Inn (Project Turnkey-Mid-Willamette Valley)

WHEN: Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 12:00-Noon

WHERE: 1288 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97301

“We are really excited about expanding our ability to serve our broader community with much needed transitional housing, including services for medically fragile unsheltered individuals,” said Jimmy Jones, Executive Director, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA). 

About The ARCHES INN operated by MWVCAA (Project Turnkey-Mid-Willamette Valley)

The ARCHES Inn supports fire survivors from the Santiam Canyon. The shelter – operated by The ARCHES Project, a division of MWVCAA – provides connections to many supportive services throughout the broader community. 

“Our world changed after the wildfires struck Santiam Canyon. We experienced the loss of housing and community as well as a sense of belonging and security,” said Ashley Hamilton, Program Director, the ARCHES, a project of MWVCAA. “We can now offer a safe place for people, access services for daily living and achieve long term housing and stability.” 

The ARCHES Inn operated by MWVCAA (Project Turnkey-Mid-Willamette Valley) offers:

• Safe accommodation and support for fire survivors from the Santiam Canyon
• The ability for the facility into transform to an emergency shelter for medically fragile unsheltered individuals, post-wildfire recovery.
• Provision of essentials such as food boxes, clothing, showers, hygiene items, etc.
• Help to move fire survivors from crisis to stability.
• Inclusive, supportive services including:
  • On-site case management
  • Health care, including mental health services
  • Resource navigation
  • Linkages to permanent housing solutions.

“Our world changed after the wildfires struck Santiam Canyon. We experienced the loss of housing and community as well as a sense of belonging and security,” said Ashley Hamilton, Program Director, the ARCHES, a project of MWVCAA. “The ARCHES Inn now offers a safe place for people, access services for daily living and achieve long term housing and stability.” 

Oregon Community Foundation’s administration of Project Turnkey is one example of an innovative, collaborative approach to help more Oregonians find stable, affordable housing.

About Project Turnkey 

The Oregon Legislature allocated a total of $65 million for Project Turnkey for the purpose of acquiring motels/hotels for use as non-congregate shelter for people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Two discrete funds were provided by the state: one totaling $30 million to be awarded in counties and tribal communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires; and one totaling $35 million for the remaining 28 counties in the state. Oregon Community Foundation administered both funds through an application and selection process, with guidance from an Advisory Committee of state, local, and community stakeholders. 

Number Graphic: https://oregoncf.org/assets/Press-Resources/Project-Turnkey-graphic-7-21.png

Map Graphic: https://oregoncf.org/assets/Press-Resources/Project-Turnkey-Map-7-7-21.png

Project Turnkey References

• Oregon’s Project Turnkey: Bold Action and Collaboration » Oregon Community Foundation (oregoncf.org)
• Oregon’s Project Turnkey Report to the Oregon State Legislature » Oregon Community Foundation (oregoncf.org)
• Report to the Oregon Legislature: https://oregoncf.org/assets/PDFs-and-Docs/PDFs/project-turnkey-report.pdf
• Final News Release: https://oregoncf.org/assets/PDFs-and-Docs/PDFs/News-Releases/Project-Turnkey_Final-Wrap-Up-News-Release_07-08-2021.pdf

About Oregon Community Foundation

Oregon Community Foundation puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving–time, talent, and resources from many generous Oregonians–creates measurable change. Throughout 2020, OCF responded quickly and urgently - distributing a record-setting $220 million in charitable dollars to more than 3,000 nonprofits throughout Oregon working to address urgent needs, stabilize communities and prepare for long-term recovery in Oregon. OCF donors responded to the magnitude of need, as reflected in a 44% increase in donor advised fund grantmaking from the previous year. For more information, please visit: oregoncf.org.

###

On Monday, December 6th, 2021, at approximately 12:00 PM, Oregon State Police received information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a wanted subject, Murray Maurice Edwards, who was traveling south on Interstate 5 near Wolf Creek. Information provided indicated the subject had an active warrant from Pierce County, Washington for homicide and was traveling in a 1999 GMC Suburban with California plates. 

Oregon State Police located a vehicle matching the description at the southbound Manzanita Rest Area. With the assistance of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Troopers and Deputies attempted contact with the vehicle at the rest area but when approached the suspect fled south on Interstate 5 at a high rate of speed. A Trooper attempted to deploy spike strips to disable the vehicle, but the suspect saw the spike strips thrown and swerved aggressively to avoid them. The speed and evasive maneuver caused him to lose control of the vehicle and crash into the concrete center divider. Edwards was taken into custody without further incident.

Edwards was evaluated at the scene by AMR and then transported to Three Rivers Community Hospital. Following evaluation, he was interviewed by FBI agents and later lodged at the Josephine County Jail on the outstanding warrant. Local charges will be forwarded to the Josephine County District Attorney for consideration.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national residing in Portland was sentenced to federal prison today for his leadership role in a conspiracy to illegally obtain hundreds of high-powered, semi-automatic rifles and high-grade firearms in and around Portland and smuggle them into Mexico for use by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

David Acosta-Rosales, 51, was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“This case represents two important public safety issues. First, no state, regardless of its location and proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, is beyond the reach of violent drug cartels. International drug trafficking may feel to most Americans like a distant, geopolitical issue with little connection to our own communities, but this could not be further from the truth. Second, every day across the U.S., drug traffickers and other criminals manipulate the legal process for obtaining firearms from licensed dealers in the U.S., of which there are hundreds of thousands. Our office will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute anyone who attempts to illegally purchase or traffic firearms,” said Scott Erik Asphaug, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“ATF will tirelessly investigate anyone who traffics in firearms,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “Whether they are organizing an international trafficking cell, as Acosta-Rosales was doing, or they are straw purchasing firearms for trafficking purposes, we will work to ensure that they are caught and, through the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

According to court documents, since at least September 2019, Acosta-Rosales served as the leader of a hierarchical gun trafficking cell operating in the Portland area. In this role, Acosta-Rosales managed several co-conspirators who served as high-volume straw purchasers and recruiters of new straw purchasers. These associates would also oversee and liaise with lower-volume straw purchasers, who would, in turn, pass the guns they acquired back up to Acosta-Rosales’ direct reports.

Acosta-Rosales received orders and requests for semi-automatic rifles, high-grade firearms, and explosive devices from his “boss” in Mexico and other co-conspirators affiliated with CJNG. These co-conspirators were particularly interested and focused on obtaining high-powered, especially deadly firearms such as AR-15 and AK-47 platform rifles, semi-automatic .50 caliber rifles, and premium, military-style combat assault rifles.

Acosta-Rosales received hundreds of thousands of dollars to operate his scheme and recruited numerous straw purchasers to make the illegal gun purchases. One of Acosta-Rosales’ first recruits was his own young son who later withdrew himself from his father’s criminal enterprise. Before the illegally obtained firearms were transferred out of Oregon via courier, Acosta-Rosales himself participated in obliterating serial numbers on the guns and also recruited a co-conspirator to help obliterate serial numbers. Acosta-Rosales continued operating the conspiracy even after ATF agents arrested one of his co-conspirators and seized many of the group’s guns. In total, Acosta-Rosales facilitated the illegal purchase and transfer of approximately 150 guns to Mexico. He also acquired a grenade launcher and a .50 caliber tripod-mounted semi-automatic firearm that he intended to transfer to Mexico, but was arrested by federal agents before he could do so. 

On October 6, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 52-count indictment charging Acosta-Rosales and 10 associates with conspiracy, making false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms, possessing and receiving firearms with obliterated serial numbers, and smuggling goods from the U.S.

Seven of Acosta-Rosales’ co-conspirators have pleaded guilty. Five have been sentenced and two are pending sentencing. The remaining three co-conspirators are pending trial.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by ATF and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

# # #

December 6, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 2,041 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 25 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 25 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,268, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 2,041 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 396,501.

The 25 new deaths and 2,041 new cases reported today include data recorded by counties for the three-day period between Dec. 3 and Dec. 5.

The Dec. 2 case counts for Lane county were erroneously high due to a reporting error. This error has been corrected, and the case count for Lane County for Dec. 2 has been revised to 95 cases.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 418, which is 23 more than yesterday. There are 115 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is 12 more than yesterday.

There are 59 available adult ICU beds out of 667 total (9% availability) and 349 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,113 (8% availability).

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms.

Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain. You can find a test here. If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 13,247 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry on Dec. 5. Of that total, 851 were initial doses, 2,170 were second doses and 3,898 were third doses and booster doses. The remaining 6,294 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Dec. 5.

The seven-day running average is now 17,275 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 3,666,268 doses of Pfizer Comirnaty, 99,557 doses of Pfizer pediatric, 2,308,889 doses of Moderna and 246,119 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,968,560 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,691,521 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

Cases and deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (7), Benton (69), Clackamas (214), Clatsop (18), Columbia (32), Coos (41), Crook (9), Curry (3), Deschutes (190), Douglas (84), Harney (4), Hood River (8), Jackson (111), Jefferson (17), Josephine (77), Klamath (11), Lake (7), Lane (132), Lincoln (20), Linn (115), Malheur (3), Marion (127), Morrow (6), Multnomah (351), Polk (22), Tillamook (18), Umatilla (11), Union (7), Wasco (11), Washington (276), Wheeler (2) and Yamhill (38).

Oregon reports 1,041 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Dec. 3, 596 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Dec. 4 and 404 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on Dec. 5.

Due to delayed reporting, a large volume of approximately 7,000 backlogged electronic laboratory reports (ELRs) were received on Dec. 3. Results were from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. As a result, test counts and case counts are higher than anticipated for Dec. 3.

Note: Oregon’s 5,243rd death is an 85-year-old woman from Linn County who tested positive on Oct. 8 and died on Oct. 21 at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our web page (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

LCSO Case #21-6798

This morning Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and officers from the Eugene Police Department located and arrested the suspect of a robbery that occurred on Saturday, 12/04/21. 

The suspect, 32 year old Nicholas John Sammut, attempted to steal items from Jerry’s Home Improvement on Hwy. 99 right around the store’s closing time.  When confronted, Sammut drew what was thought to be a handgun and pointed it at the employee. He said, “No, I am taking this.”  Deputies were able to review security footage and identify Sammut as the suspect.   

This morning Deputies were able to locate Sammut at the Safe Spot Community shelter located on Hwy. 99 about one mile from the Jerry’s store.  He has been a resident there for about three weeks.  Sammut was taken into custody and transported to the Lane County Jail on charges including Robbery in the 2^nd Degree, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Theft in the 2^nd Degree.  Deputies recovered a black BB-gun that that closely resembled the appearance of a real firearm.     

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Eugene Police Department for their assistance in this case. 

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

 

December 9, 2021 

Regular School Board Meeting

North Bend High School Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
2323 Pacific Ave., North Bend, OR

Live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAu4c8eHJ1h1sIT6XKkOY5A

The schedule is subject to change. 
Please email cschreiber@nbend.k12.or.us or visit https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1573 for agenda information.

At 9:19 a.m. on December 6, 2021, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1717 NW Eden Street.   Multiple callers notified Douglas County Dispatch of smoke and flames visible next to the Eden Street address.  A reporting party notified dispatch they were working to get all of the residents out of the residential structure.

Upon arrival on scene, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from two unattached structures that were spreading to a nearby manufactured home located at 1727 NW Eden Street.  Firefighters conducted a primary and secondary search to confirm no occupants were inside the structure.  Firefighters made an initial exterior attack, completed an interior attack for extension, and completed overhaul.  The unattached structures sustained significant structural and water damage.  The nearby manufactured home received exposure damage to the exterior of the structure. One adult was displaced; however, no one was injured in the fire.  The American Red Cross was notified and is assisting the resident.

A fire investigator was on scene and the fire remains was under investigation. Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Avista Utilities, Pacific Power, and the American Red Cross. 

December 6, 2021

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

OHA announces funding opportunity for community-based organizations

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division is announcing a new funding opportunity for community-based organizations.

OHA has released a request for grant applications from community-based organizations that will create partnerships with communities of color, Tribal communities, disability communities, immigrant and refugee communities, undocumented communities, migrant and seasonal farmworkers, LGBTQ2SIA+ communities, faith communities, older adults, houseless communities and others.

The funding will support community-based organizations as an important part of Oregon’s public health system working toward equity. OHA’s strategic goal is to eliminate health inequities by 2030.

OHA has available more than $31 million in funding provided by eight Public Health Division programs, including:

• Adolescent and School Health, $2 million.
• Commercial Tobacco Prevention, $20 million.
• Public Health Modernization (Environmental Public Health and Climate Change, Climate Change Health Impacts, Communicable Disease Prevention and Emergency Preparedness), $8.6 million.
• HIV, STD, TB Prevention and Treatment, $225,000.
• Overdose Prevention, $140,000.
• ScreenWise (breast and cervical cancer detection and services), Patient Navigation and Barrier Reduction, $100,000.

Visit the request-for-grant-applications website, https://ohapublichealthfunding.org/en/, to view program activities eligible for funding. Community-based organizations can apply online using this website. Paper applications are also available and can be downloaded from the website.

Grant applications can be submitted now through Jan. 31, 2022. OHA welcomes applications from organizations of all sizes and perspectives, especially those that are new and have not received funding from OHA before.

Informational webinar sessions and budget webinars in English and Spanish languages will be available. Session dates are as follows:

English language information sessions:

• Wednesday, Dec. 8, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yeSFhAjdRditbMmH3DIJvg
• Monday, Dec. 13, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o_RmVhEZSQia2xhn2giF2Q
• Thursday, Dec. 16, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_U6gKDO_KQCq44LyXM9X7VQ
• Tuesday, Dec. 21, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7E7icga3TTu9EPi8v_faTQ
• Wednesday, Jan. 5, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_c49KrEfhRfeZaCcIFrj74A
• Tuesday, Jan. 11, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_srayzIkwTlWru1-nnsj8nQ
• Thursday, Jan. 13, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QxK9W2bmT5C8l2hXb5S6x
• Wednesday, Jan. 19, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dVfQQsBhSfucI7OqLpmdjA
• Monday, Jan. 24, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GiwijnH_SvG4Y5SFtGGT8w

Sesiones informativas en español (Spanish language information sessions)

• Miércoles (Wednesday), Dec. 15, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eH1Kj8EYTBicMOJuslJDYw
• Lunes (Monday), Dec. 20, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yl4IePuCRRuRZi3pyOjQlg
• Martes (Tuesday), Jan. 4, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mG81iHH4QXqlWOQvZN4OeA
• Miércoles (Wednesday), Jan. 12, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GEsQOKGvQ2evqZuv0uGszw
• Jueves (Thursday), Jan. 20, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FCrmFD4UTP2FVvj_dEuGlg

Because the Spanish webinars will be presented in Spanish, a request for a Spanish translator has been made for the Q&A portion to allow program staff to respond to program-specific questions.

Budget webinars:

• Friday, Jan. 7 – English, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Si--OGkSTPCs78xSJ-wSYQ
• Viernes (Friday) Jan. 14 – Spanish, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QQS3S7BKQ6W1aGtGhlE8CA
• Friday, Jan. 21 – English, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rKz8dpnqS6WXUxct84ACVw
• Viernes (Friday) Jan. 28 – Spanish, https://metgroup.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BLz_Wac3TdKBF0viLbzD_g

More information is available at https://ohapublichealthfunding.flywheelsites.com/en/help-and-faqs/. Sign up for the listserv https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/3c746f1a865b4b6c934188365dea385e to receive regular communications about this funding opportunity.

If you have questions, email licHealth@dhsoha.state.or.us">Community.PublicHealth@dhsoha.state.or.us

On Saturday, December 4th, at approximately 2:00 AM, detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) intercepted a large shipment of methamphetamine coming into our community.  A traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle at milepost 98 on Interstate 5 northbound, returning from California.  DINT detectives had reason to believe the vehicle contained large amount of narcotics, and a roadside search was conducted, revealing approximately 3.5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, 21.4 grams of suspected heroin, and small amounts of suspected LSD and fentanyl.  

The driver of the vehicle, 37 year old Rodger Akins of Roseburg, was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Heroin.  

On Tuesday November 30, 2021, at approximately 1:30 PM, Oregon State Troopers and Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a medical assistance call on Interstate 5 near milepost 153. Officers learned a male had been struck by a bullet while driving on Hwy 38, west of Drain. 

The male victim, Larry Eugene Mell (72) of Cottage Grove, was transported to Mercy Hospital in Roseburg, then transported by air ambulance to Riverbend Hospital in Springfield. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 1, 2021, investigators learned Mell, did not survive his injury. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team was activated to assist in the investigation. The Douglas County Major Crimes Team is comprised of members from the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office, the Oregon State Police, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Roseburg Police Department.

The area between Putnam Valley Road and Roaring Camp Lane on Hwy 38 is where investigators believe the victims red, 2003 Ram 2500 4-door pickup with a black ladder rack was struck by gunfire. Detectives don’t believe there is an ongoing threat to the community at this time and are looking for any additional witnesses or information that can help with the investigation. 

Investigators are asking anyone who was recreating in the area on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 or has specific information that might be helpful to call the Oregon State Police at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP (677). Please reference OSP Case #SP21-335049. 

Pacific Power Blue Sky renewable customers turn holiday lights green throughout Northwest

Community lighting festivals glowing with commitment from Blue Sky renewable energy participants, providing more hope and less carbon. In addition, Pacific Power is supporting a wide range of local community events this season

 

PORTLAND, Ore. —Dec. 6, 2021--Local holiday celebrations -- from Prineville’s Christmas in the Pines to Medford’s Winter Lights Festival, to the 100,000 lights adorning downtown Lebanon -- will help illuminate the importance of renewable energy this season, thanks to Pacific Power’s Blue Sky renewable energy program participants.

            Pacific Power also supports seasonal community events throughout the areas it serves such as the Small Business Shopping Saturday in Yakima, the Toppenish Holiday Light Parade and the Rogue Winterfest in Grants Pass. Learn more at Making Spirits Bright (pacificpower.net)      

            Throughout the Northwest, 14 Pacific Power communities will have the power used by their local lighting celebrations matched with renewable energy. Overall, community lighting programs are being supported with almost 225 megawatt hours of Blue Sky renewable energy. That amount of renewable energy reduces the carbon footprint of these community lighting displays by 313,993 pounds of carbon dioxide  (CO2e), which is the environmental equivalent of not driving the average car more than 353,412  miles, which is a bit more than a trip to the moon.

            “Bringing light to the holidays has been part of Pacific Power’s involvement in the communities we’ve served now for more than a century,” said Cory Scott, vice president of customer and community solutions for Pacific Power. “With the growing commitment to renewable energy throughout the region, we’re proud again this year to ‘green’ these traditional festivals, helping light the season with more hope and less carbon.”

            Customers can find out more about Blue Sky renewable energy by calling Pacific Power at 1-800-769-3717 or by visiting www.pacificpower.net/bluesky .

            Communities greening their holiday lighting displays this year include:

• Albany
• Astoria
• Cannon Beach 
• Corvallis
• Cottage Grove
• Dayton, Wash.
• Grants Pass
• Josephine County
• Lebanon
• Medford
• Portland
• Prineville
• Redmond
• Seaside
• Umatilla
• Yakima, Wash. 
  
  (Reporters and editors: Please call for specifics about your community.)

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power strives to promote innovation and works with customers and communities to increase the visibility of renewable energy generation technologies through education and community outreach. Pacific Power is headquartered in Portland and provides electric service to 770,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. As part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power provide 2 million customers in six western states with reliable, efficient energy. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment.

-30-

DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2021

Notice of Meeting

Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

(Roseburg, OR) The next Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 3:00 pm via a virtual conference format.   We are continuing to take extra precautions during COVID-19; thus, the meeting will be conducted virtually. We will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to join the meeting via video or by phone. Information regarding access to the virtual conference is posted on the Douglas County Veterans Service Office webpage at https://douglascounty-oregon.us/408/Veterans-Services under the link in the left column for the Advisory Committee. 

For additional information please email the Douglas County Veterans Service Office at ans@co.douglas.or.us">veterans@co.douglas.or.us or call (541) 440-4219.  The meeting agenda can be found at www.co.douglas.or.us.

###

Contact Mary Newman-Keyes, Veterans Service Officer, Douglas County Veterans Service Office

(541) 440-4219 - veterans@co.douglas.or.us

About Douglas County

Douglas County Government employs approximately 800 full- and part-time employees in a wide variety of jobs. The Board of Commissioners, consisting of three full-time members, is the county’s governing body. They provide a direct link between the citizens of Douglas County and their county government. The Board of Commissioners is responsible for: approving ordinances (county laws); adopting the county budget; setting standards for the use of county property; appointing non-elected officials to boards, commissions, and committees; and oversees all operations of the county.

(SPRINGFIELD, Ore.) December 6, 2021— PacificSource Health Plans is pleased to announce the 15 healthcare organizations that will receive a combined total of more than $1.6 million in funding as part of its annual Community Health Excellence (CHE) program for the 2021-2022 cycle. Now in its 12^th year, the CHE program has awarded more than $8 million in community grant awards to providers advancing healthcare delivery innovations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and, Washington.

2021-2022 CHE program awards include a number of projects centered on improving access to services through recruitment, retention, clinic expansion, and healthcare service integration. Additionally, one-third of funded projects focus on reducing health disparities and improving equitable access to care. 

CHE one-year grant awards include: AWARE (MT), Bingham Memorial Hospital (ID), Cancer Support Community Montana (MT), Columbia Gorge Family Medicine (OR), Corvallis Family Medicine PC (OR), Mosaic Medical (OR), One Community Health (OR), Orchid Health (OR), Partnership Health Center (MT), Sandpoint Family Health Center (ID), and Valor Health (ID). Two-year grants to improve behavioral health access were awarded to: Center for Family Development (OR), Kootenai Health Foundation (ID), Mid-Columbia Medical Center (OR), and Weiser Memorial Hospital (ID). 

“With the continued community impact of COVID-19 in 2021, I’m pleased that we were able to expand the CHE program to be more responsive to provider needs, including adding a two-year grant to improve behavioral health service access,” said Ken Provencher, president and CEO of PacificSource. “I am confident this year’s grantees and the important work they facilitate will improve the long-term health of the communities these providers serve.”

Through the CHE program, PacificSource funds provider projects that advance healthcare integration, address health disparities and promote equity, and that develop the provider workforce. Applications are independently evaluated, and awards go to organizations that prioritize advancing the Quadruple Aim and demonstrate significant positive impact for their patients, regardless of their insurance or PacificSource member status. 

To be considered for the CHE program contracted PacificSource providers must complete an online application including a detailed budget. The next CHE grant cycle will open in January 2022. For more information, please visit https://www.pacificsource.com/che-program/

About PacificSource Health Plans:

PacificSource Health Plans is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices throughout Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1,500 people and serves over 523,700 individuals throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.

LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2021

Notice of Meeting

Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

(Roseburg, OR) The next meeting of the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) will take place on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 11:30 am via a virtual conference format.

We are still taking extra precautions with COVID-19, therefor the meeting will be conducted virtually.  We will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to join the meeting via video or by phone. For information on how you can listen in on this meeting, please email the LPSCC Coordinator, Melissa McRobbie-Toll at melissa@co.douglas.or.us or call (541) 450-9768.

The meeting agenda is attached and can also be found at www.co.douglas.or.us.

###

Contact: Melissa McRobbie-Toll

Programs & Partnerships (LPSCC) Coordinator, Douglas County

(541) 450-9768 cell - melissa@co.douglas.or.us

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Marley Kay Wnorowski. 

Marley, age 16, is a child in foster care who went missing from Pendleton, Oregon on Oct. 30. She was found on Dec. 5. 

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

###

On Sunday, December 5, 2021 at approximately 4:51 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 3 near milepost 13. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a northbound Ford F250 pickup, operated by Christopher Thacker (36) of Enterprise, drifted across the highway and continued until it struck a tree approximately 200 feet off the roadway. 

Thacker sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. 

OSP was assisted by Enterprise Fire Department, Wallowa County EMS and ODOT. 

Lane County, OR —Lane County announced today the application for rent assistance is closing to all but very low income renters facing active evictions for nonpayment of rent. Applications will close for all renters on Dec 13th. 2021.

The number of pending applications for rent assistance in Lane County is anticipated to expend all available funding so the difficult choice was made to close the application to all new applicants except those in the most need.

The Board of County Commissioners recently extended Lane County residents’ protections from eviction.  Now, applicants for rent assistance will have a 90 day ‘safe harbor’ from eviction while their applications are being processed.  

Lane County and its non-profit partners continue to make progress in processing pending applications for rent assistance. Since July 1, they have distributed $20,527,423 to landlords and tenants to assist 3,281 local households.  

Those who have received an eviction notice should contact Lane County Legal Aid to learn about these protections and their other rights and responsibilities:  541-485-1017

Applications already received will continue to be processed as expediently as possible.  

Following Department of Treasury guidance, Lane County Rent Assistance Programs will prioritize applicants with the lowest income, highest amount of rent owed, and who have been unemployed 90 days or longer. Those who have suffered the negative effects from the 2020 Wildfires will also receive prioritization.

This funding is from the Department of Treasury and was approved in the American Rescue Plan. Lane County has access to funds directly and through the State of Oregon. If a tenant received Rent Relief from a different program before, they may be eligible to receive these Treasury funds.

• To apply, visit www.lanecountyor.gov/rent or to be assisted by phone, call (541) 682-3776 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

                                                                  ###

Name Correction-The deceased pedestrian's name is James Ross Barclay. The previous release referred to him by his middle name. 

On Saturday, December 4, 2021 at about 10:23PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Hwy 213 near SE Otty Road. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a southbound Dodge Caravan, operated by Kendal Elizabeth Conley (50) of Milwaukie, struck a pedestrian, James Ross Barclay (67) of North Bend.

Barclay sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  Conley was uninjured. 

Conley was arrested on charges of DUII and Criminally Negligent Homicide. 

Hwy 213 was closed for 3 hours. 

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, CRAFT Team, AMR, Clackamas Fire and Clackamas County ME's Office.

Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $380,000 in grants to 31 organizations throughout the state. The grants will help fund a variety of projects including collection preservation and access, research, oral history, exhibits, and performance projects. Award amounts ranged $350 - $20,000.

Funded projects:

• Albany Regional Museum, in Albany, update exhibit content to improve preservation, address accessibility, and tell diverse stories in equitable ways.
• Architectural Heritage Center, in Portland, for an exhibit that reexamines the activist history of Portland’s architectural preservation movement.
• Baker Heritage Museum, in Baker City, to purchase and install collections care equipment.
• Big Butte Historical Society, in Butte Falls, to upgrade heating and provide programming.
• Burns Paiute Tribe, in Harney County, to present the history of the homeland through virtual reality. 
• The City of Independence, in Polk County, to deploy an interactive tourism application downtown. 
• The City of Pendleton, in Umatilla County, to purchase archival materials to re-house the special collections materials of the library.
• Constructing Hope Pre-Apprenticeship Program, in Portland, produce a history of BIPOC pioneers in Oregon’s construction history, website materials and a Day of Hope celebration.
• Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, in McMinnville, redesign signage to address gaps in inclusive content and Oregon STEAM history.
• Harney County Historical Society to complete a 10-year strategic plan. 
• The High Desert Museum, in Deschutes County, to complete phase two of Creating Together a collaborative exhibit process to update the permanent exhibit of the Indigenous Plateau.
• Jefferson Historical Society and Museum, in Jefferson, to install exhibits, collect oral histories, and develop hands-on experiences in the new museum space.
• Keizer Heritage Foundation, in Keizer, to purchase equipment to collect oral histories. 
• Klamath County Museums, in Klamath Falls, to digitize the Klamath Republican newspaper.
• Lincoln County Historical Society, in Newport, to produce three videos.
• Miracle Theatre Group, in Portland, to collect oral histories of Latino individuals through out the state and house them at the Oregon State University Archives.
• Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, in Portland, offer exhibits and programming focused on Native American Artists from rural Oregon.
• Oregon Arts Watch, in Portland, to create a series of written and photo essays to document the history of gender nonconforming and transgender communities in Oregon. 
• Oregon Black Pioneers, in Salem, to create a website the collects and makes available to the public all know research on Letitia Carson. 
• Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, in Portland, to provide online access to the organizations archival and artifact collections.
• Phoenix Historical Society Museum to catalog and re-house collections. 
• Portland Art Museum to design and install the Black Artists of Oregon exhibition. 
• Portland Chinatown History Foundation to add 12-15 new oral histories and photos to the Chinatown Live! Online content. 
• Portland Japanese Garden to restore the historic Natural Garden machiai.
• Salem Art Association to develop a strategic plan for Bush House Museum and Salem Art Association.
• Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, in Florence, to install sprinklers systems in the museum and library buildings. 
• The Immigrant Story, in Hillsboro, to present The Immigrant Story Live, a public arts program.
• Tillamook County Pioneer Museum to create and promote a cultural heritage tourism passport program. 
• Vanport Placemaking Project, in Portland, to develop audio accessible content for interpretation at the Vanport site.
• Willamette Falls Trust, in Oregon City, to create a design recommendations document that will outline tribal recommendations to guide the design, interpretive plans, programming, and habitat restoration for development around the Willamette Falls. 
• World Stage Theatre, in Portland, to develop, promote, present and record Vanport the Musical. 

This competitive grant program is for qualifying organizations, and is offered once per biennium for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage. It is a program of the Oregon Heritage Commission. The Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds. 

The Commission is part of Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about the Oregon Heritage Grant or the Oregon Heritage Commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-986-0685. 

On December 4, 2021 at approximately 6:02 PM, Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Hwy 99E near MP 29.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a pedestrian, Salomon Orobio (68) of Hubbard, was crossing the highway when he was initially struck by a southbound Ford Explorer, operated by Jose Escobara (42) of Beaverton. Orobio as subsequently struck by two additional southbound vehicles; a Chevrolet van, operated by Felimon Zuniga (46) of Gervais, and a Subaru wagon, operated by Jack Tucker (71) of Woodburn. All three involved drivers remained on scene and cooperated with law enforcement. 

Orobio sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Hwy 99E was closed for approximately 4 hours. 

OSP was assisted by Hubbard Fire Department, Hubbard Police Department, Woodburn Police Department and ODOT. 

The public is invited to comment on proposed amendments to the Oregon Administrative Rules guiding hunting within Oregon state parks. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking to clarify where hunting is allowed while ensuring safety for all visitors. 

The department is accepting public comment through 5 p.m. Jan. 27, 2022. Comments can be submitted via:

• Virtual Public Meeting: 6 p.m. January 18, 2022. Registration is required at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x8RMpYrpRXKbQ6XTbGwNHQ
• Online: oregon.gov/OPRD/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
• By email: D.publiccomment@oregon.gov">OPRD.publiccomment@oregon.gov
• By mail: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Helena Kesch, 725 Summer St. NE., Suite C, Salem, OR 97301

Hunting is permitted in several state parks where public safety risk is low, and the activity is subject to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife rules and regulations. The proposed rule change will clarify hunting boundaries and create clearly signed “safety zones” where hunting is not allowed.  It will also require an OPRD hunting map to be located on the agency website that clearly shows hunting boundaries. A full copy of the proposed amendments is posted on the Proposed OPRD Rules web page.

OPRD appointed members to the advisory committee. Members include representatives of the hunting community, conservationists and officials from ODFW and Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division.

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at helena.kesch@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.

Thanks to public assistance, Troopers were able to identify this person of interest and issue citations for Hunting in Violation of Criminal Trespass, Hunting Prohibited Hours, and No Resident Hunting License.

The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division and Metro Park Rangers are working together to investigate unlawful hunting activity that occurred on public property along SW Grahams Ferry Rd outside Wilsonville in Clackamas County between October 25, 2021, and November 14, 2021. Several deer carcasses were found on the property and Troopers currently have probable cause for multiple hunting-related crimes. 

One suspect has been identified but the second suspect is still outstanding. OSP Troopers are trying to identify the person in these photos, who is believed to be connected with this case.

The Oregon State Police is requesting public assistance with information about the identity of this person or this case. Any person with information related to this incident is encouraged to call the OSP TIP (Turn-In-Poachers) Reward line at 1-800-452-7888 or by cell at OSP (677) or send an email tip to TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case # SP21320391.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us

The Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward offers preference points or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, Furbearers, Game Fish and Shellfish. Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags, and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags.

PREFERENCE POINT REWARDS:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

 CASH REWARDS:

$1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose

$500 Elk, Deer, and Antelope

$300 Bear, Cougar, and Wolf

$300 Habitat Destruction

$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl

$100 Furbearers

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:     Sunday, December 5, 2021

Salem, Ore. — Patrol officers responded to a single vehicle crash at approximately 6:00 a.m. today, Sunday, December 5, 2021, in the 5700 block of Gaffin RD SE.

The preliminary investigation suggests the driver of a mid-size SUV was traveling eastbound on Gaffin RD and could not negotiate a slight bend in that portion of the road. Ultimately, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.

The driver, Salomon Leyva-Ramirez, age 23, and sole occupant, was pronounced deceased at the scene by fire personnel.

The Salem Police Traffic Team is completing the investigation. 

# # #

On Sunday, December 5, 2021, at approximately 1:15 am, Benton County deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 20 near Highway 223.  A 2008 Ford F150 was traveling east bound and left the roadway crashing into an Oregon Department of Transportation road sign.  The Ford was able to get back onto the roadway and come to a stop.  One male passenger was found deceased at the scene.  One female passenger was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital with life threatening injuries.  The driver and one additional passenger were uninjured.  All names are being withheld at this time pending family notification.  The Benton County Crash Team is conducting an investigation and ask anyone with information regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash to call Sergeant David Iverson at 541-766-6858.  The Philomath Police Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted with the scene. 

UPDATE: This release has been updated with the correct spelling of Jana McLellan.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The site of the former Multnomah Greyhound Park in Wood Village will open this morning – Sunday, Dec. 5 – as a high-volume Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 vaccination site.

OHA representatives will join members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde at 9 a.m. for a brief opening ceremony to officially open the site, located at 944 NE 223^rd Ave., Wood Village. The ceremony will kick off with a blessing and remarks by CTGR Tribal Councilman Jon George, followed by a performance from tribal drummers. Jana McLellan, director of OHA's COVID Response and Recovery Unit, will give closing remarks. 

The site is one of nearly a dozen high-volume COVID-19 vaccinations sites OHA has opened, or will be opening, around the state this month – in partnership with local public health authorities and community-based organizations – as part of its effort to increase immunizations against the virus. 

All three approved COVID-19 vaccines – Pfizer, Modern and Johnson & Johnson – will be available, as well as booster and pediatric doses (younger children are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine). The clinics are walk-in/drive-in only, and no appointment is required.

All vaccines are offered at no cost, and no medical insurance coverage required. 

Other OHA sites opening this month include:

Baker County Fairgrounds

• Dec. 12 through 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more on the Baker County Public Health website.

Clackamas County, Abundant Life Church

• Dec. 12 through Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Late start on Dec. 12, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more on the Clackamas County Public Health website.

Columbia County Fairgrounds

• Dec. 6 through Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more on the Columbia County Public Health website.

Deschutes County Fairgrounds

Drive-through clinic

• Every day, noon to 7 p.m., beginning Nov. 30

Learn more on the Deschutes County Public Health website.

Jackson County Expo Center

• Every Monday through Thursday, noon to 7 p.m.
• Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sundays in December, family fun clinic, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more on the Jackson County Public Health website.

Marion County, Oregon Health Authority Warehouse, 3455 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem

Beginning Dec. 6:

• Every Monday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m.
• Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more on the Marion County Public Health website.

Multnomah County, Wood Village – Multnomah Greyhound Park

• Dec. 5 through Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more on the Multnomah County Public Health website.

Multnomah County, Gresham – Winter Wonderland (former Kmart site)

• Mondays through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m.
• Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Union County, Union County Fairgrounds (4-H/Mt. Emily Building)

• Dec. 5 through Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more on the Union County Public Health website.

Washington County, Pacific University

• Dec. 11 through Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Washington County, Tektronix, Beaverton

• Monday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m.
• Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn more on the Washington County Public Health website.

Media, here are private Vimeo links to b-roll and raw interview footage that you are free to use without attribution.

EPD Chief Chris Skinner interview:

https://vimeo.com/653236931/3546fab67c

EPD Foundation's Lee Lashway Interview 

https://vimeo.com/653239267/6e3a32faae

B-roll of children and officers shopping

https://vimeo.com/653245514

Children’s give their families the gift of holidays during Shop with a Cop

On Saturday, December 4, Eugene Police officers, LCSO deputies, and UOPD officers, buddied up with 25 children to shop for holiday gifts for the childrens' families (siblings and parents) as well as non-perishable food that will help provide a holiday dinner. All costs were covered through generous donations from the Eugene Police Foundation and Northwest Community Credit Union, with thanks to Fred Meyer’s who has partnered with EPD on the venue for several years, and provided considerable discounts on purchases, donation of a portion of breakfast for the children, and a holiday tree. Gifts were wrapped by EPD Volunteers in Policing members and EPD employees. 

Media, here are private Vimeo links to b-roll and raw interview footage that you are free to use without attribution.

EPD Chief Chris Skinner interview:

https://vimeo.com/653236931/3546fab67c

EPD Foundation's Lee Lashway Interview 

https://vimeo.com/653239267/6e3a32faae

B-roll of children and officers shopping

https://vimeo.com/653245514

Children’s give their families the gift of holidays during Shop with a Cop

On Saturday, December 4, Eugene Police officers, LCSO deputies, and UOPD officers, buddied up with 25 children to shop for holiday gifts for the childrens' families (siblings and parents) as well as non-perishable food that will help provide a holiday dinner. All costs were covered through generous donations from the Eugene Police Foundation and Northwest Community Credit Union, with thanks to Fred Meyer’s who has partnered with EPD on the venue for several years, and provided considerable discounts on purchases, donation of a portion of breakfast for the children, and a holiday tree. Gifts were wrapped by EPD Volunteers in Policing members and EPD employees. 

At 12:44 p.m. on December 3, 2021, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1230 SE Fullerton Street.  The reporting party stated a bed was on fire inside the residence and smoke was showing from the back bedroom windows.  Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the single family residential structure. 

Firefighters made immediate entry for a possible rescue and completed a primary search of the structure.  An interior attack was then made by firefighters, resulting in location of the fire and extinguishment.   The primary and secondary search found no victims and overhaul was completed.  Firefighters were able to protect several surrounding homes and structures from damage. The primary home sustained extensive structural and water damage.  One adult was displaced due to the fire; however, no one was injured in the fire.  The American Red Cross responded to assist the displaced resident.

A fire investigator was on scene and the fire remains under investigation but appears to be accidental in nature.  Twenty-one firefighters assisted with firefighting operations.  Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Avista Utilities, Pacific Power, Roseburg Police Department, and Roseburg Public Works. 

For the latest information regarding the City of Roseburg Fire Department, please visit our website at www.cityofroseburg.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roseburgfire.

December 3, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,352 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 16 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 16 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,243, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 1,352 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 394,569.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 397, which is 13 more than yesterday. There are 94 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is four more than yesterday.

There are 55 available adult ICU beds out of 692 total (8% availability) and 327 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,094 (8% availability). 

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms.

Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain. You can find a test here. If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 29,675 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry on Dec. 2. Of that total, 1,956 were initial doses, 3,545 were second doses and 9,898 were third doses and booster doses. The remaining 14,182 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Dec. 2.

The seven-day running average is now 11,710 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 3,541,522 doses of Pfizer Comirnaty, 81,874 doses of Pfizer pediatric, 2,285,262 doses of Moderna and 244,984 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,958,346 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,673,871 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

Cases and COVID-19 deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (21), Clackamas (95), Clatsop (7), Columbia (21), Coos (40), Crook (45), Curry (8), Deschutes (74), Douglas (45), Grant (6), Harney (8), Hood River (14), Jackson (63), Jefferson (19), Josephine (35), Klamath (22), Lane (181), Lincoln (16), Linn (92), Malheur (2), Marion (105), Multnomah (150), Polk (55), Sherman (2), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (3), Union (12), Wallowa (1), Wasco (9), Washington (159) and Yamhill (35).

Oregon’s 5,228th COVID-19 related death is an 82-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive Oct. 1 and died Oct. 10 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,229th COVID-19 related death is a 69-year-old man from Lane County who tested positive Oct. 12 and died Oct. 24 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,230th COVID-19 related death is a 45-year-old woman from Washington County who tested positive Oct. 2 and died Oct. 4 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,231st COVID-19 related death is an 88-year-old woman from Washington County who tested positive Oct. 3 and died Oct. 19 at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,232nd COVID-19 related death is a 72-year-old woman from Josephine County who tested positive Sept. 2 and died Oct. 25 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,233rd COVID-19 related death is a 75-year-old man from Washington County who tested positive Sept. 5 and died Oct. 26 at Portland VA Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,234th COVID-19 related death is a 61-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive Sept. 21 and died Oct. 15 at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,235th COVID-19 related death is an 85-year-old man from Crook County who tested positive Nov. 2 and died Oct. 27 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,236th COVID-19 related death is a 66-year-old man from Union County who tested positive Nov. 30 and died Nov. 30 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,237th COVID-19 related death is a 96-year-old woman from Umatilla County who tested positive Nov. 3 and died Nov. 21 at her residence. She had no underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,238th COVID-19 related death is a 79-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive Nov. 22 and died Nov. 22 at Adventist Health Portland. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,239th COVID-19 related death is a 75-year-old woman from Linn County who tested positive Nov. 23 and died Dec. 1 at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,240th COVID-19 related death is a 77-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive Nov. 22 and died Dec. 1 at Providence Medford Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,241st COVID-19 related death is a 71-year-old man from Grant County who tested positive Nov. 25 and died Nov. 28 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,242nd COVID-19 related death is a 58-year-old woman from Coos County who died Dec. 2 at her residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Note: Lane County has informed us they are reviewing their data. We will provide any updates from Lane County if necessary.

Note: Updated information is known about Oregon’s 5,171st death, a 90-year-old man from Clackamas County. It was determined that he does not meet Oregon’s COVID-19 death definition and will not be counted as a COVID-19 death. Because of this update, we are renumbering our reports to start with 5,228 today.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our web page (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

The Lane Education Service District Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 6:00 p.m.  The meeting will be conducted in remotely.  Lane Education Service District is located at 1200 Highway 99 North, Eugene.  The agenda will be available online at www.lesd.k12.or.us.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Marley Kay Wnorowski, age 16, a child in foster care who went missing from Pendleton, Oregon on Oct. 30. Marley is believed to possibly be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Marley, and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.

Marley is suspected to frequent Roy Raley Park in Pendleton. She may be in the company of Kyle Teeter, a 25-year-old male. 

Name: Marley Kay Wnorowski
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: May 4, 2005
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 130 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Hazel
Pendleton Police Department Case # 21-2751
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1435305

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:      Friday, December 3, 2021

Salem, Ore. — On Thursday, December 2, 2021, at approximately 10:05 a.m., Salem Police officers responded to a suspicious activity report at a northeast Salem apartment complex. A resident of the Claxter Court Apartments reported seeing an unknown individual remove a large suitcase from another apartment. The individual placed the suitcase into the trunk of a vehicle parked in the complex parking lot. The witness further stated the resident of that apartment, identified as Richard Eugene Flennory, age 59, had not been seen for the last several days. 

When officers arrived, they located the vehicle belonging to Flennory inside the complex.  Upon opening the trunk, a suitcase containing a body was found. Members of the Salem Police Department Violent Crimes Unit responded to investigate the death. Detectives were later able to positively identify the body as Flennory. 

During the investigation, two individuals were found living inside Flennory’s apartment. One occupant, Linson Lavell Johnson, 51, was taken into custody on an outstanding parole violation warrant. Through the investigation, detectives learned that Flennory had multiple health issues which may have contributed to his death. When Johnson discovered Flennory deceased, he placed Flennory inside the suitcase and into the trunk of the vehicle to avoid a police response.

An autopsy performed by the state medical examiner’s office determined there was no indication of foul play. 

Johnson is being charged with abuse of a corpse in the second degree and parole violation. He is currently in custody at the Linn County Jail on the parole violation warrant.

All further inquiries can be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office and the Oregon State Medical Examiner Division. 

# # #

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry’s chairperson will welcome its final new member at the Jan. 5, 2022, board meeting.

Liz Agpaoa is the final member to join the board. “I am thrilled to have a person with such deep experience in forestry join the board. Also thrilled to have a full board "on board," said chairperson Jim Kelly.

The public is invited to watch the meeting online starting at 9 a.m. Board materials and a link to the livestream are available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

Biography

All board members bios are available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/aboutbof.aspx.

Liz Agpaoa, of Medford, is a retired US Forest Service employee with 36 years of public service in forestry and natural resources. She retired as the Regional Forester for the national forests across the 13 southern states and commonwealth of Puerto Rico in 2014. In previous roles, she served as Chief-of-Staff for the Forest Service in Washington, D.C., oversaw forests in New Mexico, and grasslands in Texas and Oklahoma. Her first two decades of public service were in Oregon, where she serving as a Wildlife Biologist in the southern Cascades, an environmental planner in Portland, and District Ranger in the Siskiyou Mountains. She graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Science in wildlife management. She currently serves on the board for the National Museum of Forest Service History located in Missoula, Montana.

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. Read more information about the board.

UPDATE 12/03/21 11:27am

Bowers has been lodged at the Lane County Jail on the charges of Assault in the 1st Degree and Assault in the 2nd Degree.

UPDATE 12/03/21

This morning the Florence Police Department received a tip from a citizen that Bowers was at a storage facility in the 3300blk of Hwy. 101.  Officers quickly responded and located him.  Bowers was detained and transferred to the custody of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office without incident.

Bowers has been identified as the suspect in a stabbing assault that occurred on Thanksgiving Day.  He became involved in a verbal altercation with two people on an ATV and attacked them with a knife.  He slashed the male victim in the abdomen and face, then stabbed the female victim in the face.  Both victims were unknown to Bowers.  They are recovering from their injuries. 

Detectives are still working to determine remaining facts such as a motive.  Bowers will be lodged at the Lane County Jail.  The Lane County Sheriff’s Office will provide an update when charges are determined.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Florence Police Department, Oregon State Police, and all of the citizens that provided tips in this case.  This cooperative effort was essential in locating and safely taking the suspect into custody.    

Detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team have been conducting an investigation into the reported illegal drug activity taking place at a residence in the 100 block of Northpark Lane in Roseburg.  The investigation lasted for several weeks, and eventually detectives were able to establish probable cause for the arrest of 65 year old Norbert Huntley for 2 counts of Unlawful Delivery of Heroin, based on activities that were taking place at the residence.

On Thursday, December 2nd, at approximately 5:30 PM, detectives culminated the investigation with a traffic stop of Huntley on Interstate 5 near Yoncalla.  Drug detection K-9 “Trapper” was allowed to check the exterior of the vehicle and he alerted to the presence of narcotics inside.  A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 3.1 grams of suspected heroin, and 26.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine hidden inside the vehicle.  

Huntley was arrested for the crimes that had already been established by detectives, as well as several new crimes, to include an outstanding warrant for his arrest for Driving While Suspended.  In total, Huntley was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine
• Attempted Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine
• Unlawful Possession of Heroin
• 2 counts of Unlawful Delivery of Heroin
• Warrant arrest for Driving While Suspended (Misdemeanor)
• New charge of Driving While Suspended (Misdemeanor)

This news release is an updated version to include case and death information.

December 2, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,046 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 42 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 42 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,228 the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 1,046 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 393,232.

OHA releases new COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report

OHA’s most recent update on COVID-19 breakthrough cases, released today, found that 71.3% of the 4,134 reported COVID-19 cases between Nov. 21 and Nov. 27 occurred in unvaccinated people.

There were 1,186 breakthrough cases, accounting for 28.7% of all cases.

The average age of the breakthrough cases during that period was 45. Twenty-eight breakthrough cases involved residents of care facilities, senior living communities or other congregate care settings. There were 45 cases in people aged 12 to 17.

To date, there have been 45,545 COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases in Oregon. The average age of all cases is 47. Breakthrough cases have been reported in all 36 counties.

Cases of COVID-19 are far more common in unvaccinated people. The report shows that the rate of COVID-19 in unvaccinated people is four times higher than in vaccinated people.

To date, 4.4% of all vaccine breakthrough cases have been hospitalized and 1.2% have died. The average age of vaccinated people who died was 81.

Vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The latest breakthrough report can be found here.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 384, which is 20 fewer than yesterday. There are 90 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two fewer than yesterday.

There are 49 available adult ICU beds out of 691 total (7% availability) and 312 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,078 (8% availability). 

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms.

Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain. You can find a test here.

If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 26,172 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry on Dec. 1. Of that total, 2,278 were initial doses, 4,024 were second doses and 10,485 were third doses and booster doses. The remaining 9,295 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Dec. 1.

The seven-day running average is now 11,810 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 3,530,606 doses of Pfizer Comirnaty, 75,802 doses of Pfizer pediatric, 2,275,997 doses of Moderna and 244,417 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

Note: Today’s cumulative total doses of Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine is lower than yesterday’s total. This is due to the removal of duplicate doses found during data reconciliation.

As of today, 2,955,159 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,667,597 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

Cases and COVID-19 deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (7), Benton (19), Clackamas (84), Clatsop (2), Columbia (26), Coos (36), Crook (22), Curry (7), Deschutes (83), Douglas (41), Harney (6), Hood River (6), Jackson (86), Jefferson (17), Josephine (43), Klamath (18), Lane (70), Lincoln (6), Linn (64), Malheur (3), Marion (62), Multnomah (157), Polk (22), Tillamook (5), Umatilla (7), Union (3), Wallowa (2), Wasco (8), Washington (117), and Yamhill (17).

Oregon’s 5,187th COVID-19 related death is a 66-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive Aug. 7 and died Aug. 15 at Portland VA Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,188th COVID-19 related death is an 82-year-old woman from Tillamook County who tested positive Sept. 30 and died Sept. 29 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,189th COVID-19 related death is a 57-year-old woman from Clackamas County who tested positive Oct. 28 and died Nov. 1 at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,190th COVID-19 related death is an 83-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive Sept. 25 and died Oct. 4 at Adventist Health Portland. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,191st COVID-19 related death is a 59-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive Sept. 22 and died Oct. 4 at Santiam Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,192nd COVID-19 related death is an 80-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive Sept. 22 and died Oct. 5 at Adventist Health Portland. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,193rd COVID-19 related death is an 82-year-old man from Deschutes County who tested positive Sept. 29 and died Oct. 5 at St. Charles Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,194th COVID-19 related death is an 86-year-old man from Deschutes County who tested positive Sept. 24 and died Oct. 6 at St. Charles Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,195th COVID-19 related death is a 67-year-old woman from Deschutes County who tested positive Sept. 30 and died Oct. 6 at St. Charles Bend. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,196th COVID-19 related death is a 78-year-old man from Malheur County who tested positive Sept. 23 and died Oct. 7 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,197th COVID-19 related death is an 82-year-old man from Deschutes County who tested positive Oct. 7 and died Oct. 7 at St. Charles Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,198th COVID-19 related death is a 77-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive Sept. 26 and died Oct. 7 at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,199th COVID-19 related death is an 85-year-old woman from Lane County who tested positive Sept. 29 and died Oct. 7 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,200th COVID-19 related death is an 85-year-old woman from Lane County who tested positive Sept. 29 and died Oct. 7 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,201st COVID-19 related death is an 82-year-old man from Malheur County who tested positive Sept. 17 and died Oct. 8 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,202nd COVID-19 related death is a 74-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive Oct. 4 and died Oct. 8 at Bay Area Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,203rd COVID-19 related death is an 84-year-old man from Clackamas County who tested positive Sept. 21 and died Oct. 9 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,204th COVID-19 related death is a 69-year-old woman from Lane County who tested positive Oct. 6 and died Oct. 9 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,205th COVID-19 related death is a 74-year-old man from Lake County who tested positive Sept. 20 and died Oct. 8 at Providence Medford Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,206th COVID-19 related death is a 64-year-old woman from Clackamas County who tested positive Sept. 27 and died Oct. 8 at Providence Portland Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,207th COVID-19 related death is a 42-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive Sept. 5 and died Oct. 7 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,208th COVID-19 related death is a 64-year-old man from Washington County who tested positive Sept. 17 and died Oct. 5 at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,209th COVID-19 related death is an 86-year-old woman from Coos County who tested positive Oct. 1 and died Oct. 5 at Coquille Valley Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,210th COVID-19 related death is an 82-year-old woman from Linn County who tested positive Aug. 30 and died Oct. 4 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,211th COVID-19 related death is an 84-year-old woman from Klamath County who tested positive Sept. 22 and died Sept. 26 at Sky Lakes Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,212th COVID-19 related death is a 79-year-old man from Multnomah County who tested positive Nov. 2 and died Nov. 17 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,213th COVID-19 related death is an 80-year-old man from Clackamas County who tested positive Oct. 20 and died Nov. 18 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,214th COVID-19 related death is a 73-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive Sept. 18 and died Oct. 1 at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,215th COVID-19 related death is a 64-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive Oct. 27 and died Nov. 27 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,216th COVID-19 related death is a 58-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive Oct. 13 and died Nov. 10 at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,217th COVID-19 related death is an 88-year-old man from Linn County who tested positive Nov. 22 and died Nov. 27 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,218th COVID-19 related death is a 56-year-old man from Klamath County who died Oct. 23 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,219th COVID-19 related death is an 86-year-old woman from Clackamas County who died Nov. 21 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,220th COVID-19 related death is a 37-year-old man from Clackamas County who tested positive Oct. 25 and died Nov. 20 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,221st COVID-19 related death is a 51-year-old woman from Multnomah County who tested positive Sept. 14 and died Oct. 17 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,222nd COVID-19 related death is a 76-year-old man from Marion County who died Aug. 30 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,223rd COVID-19 related death is a 79-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive Nov. 18 and died Nov. 30 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,224th COVID-19 related death is a 54-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive Nov. 17 and died Nov. 28 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,225th COVID-19 related death is a 76-year-old woman from Marion County who tested positive Oct. 30 and died Nov. 23 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,226th COVID-19 related death is a 95-year-old man from Washington County who died Sept. 19 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,227th COVID-19 related death is a 76-year-old woman from Umatilla County who tested positive Nov. 23 and died Nov. 30 at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,228th COVID-19 related COVID-19 related death is a 90-year-old man from Washington County who tested positive Nov. 22 and died Nov. 25 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Note: Updated information is known about Oregon’s 5,167th COVID-19 related death, a 68-year-old man from Josephine County who tested positive Nov. 30 and died Nov. 30. He had underlying conditions. He was originally reported as a 38-year-old man with unknown underlying conditions.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our web page (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

Hines, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management Burns District is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Bridge Creek Area Allotment Management Plans (AMPs) and seeking public input on issues, actions, and alternatives that the EIS should address. The 30-day public scoping period will begin on December 3, 2021.

“There is a high level of public interest in this project and the BLM welcomes public participation to reach a sound decision,” said Andrews/Steens Field Manager Don Rotell. 

The Bridge Creek AMPs EIS will analyze several alternatives for livestock management and related actions in the 26,378-acre project area on Steens Mountain in southeast Oregon near the town of Frenchglen. The project includes four allotments: Hammond, Mud Creek, Hardie Summer, and Hammond Fenced Federal Range allotments. There is currently no grazing preference or grazing authorizations associated with the four allotments in the project area, all of which have been largely un-grazed since 2014. 

The alternatives in the EIS will consider issuance of 10-year grazing permits to up to three applicants and approval of four AMPs that outline seasonal grazing systems, grazing utilization thresholds, monitoring, and range developments. 

Additional project information is available through BLM’s ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2013546/510 

Public comments should be submitted no later than January 3, 2022 on the ePlanning project page, by email to LM_OR_BU_BCA_AMP@blm.gov">BLM_OR_BU_BCA_AMP@blm.gov, or mail to 28910 Hwy 20 W., Hines, Oregon 97738. Please reference “BCA AMP” when submitting comments.

-BLM–

This year, we invite everyone to reimagine your public lands as we celebrate 75 years of the BLM’s stewardship and service to the American people. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

Board on Public Safety Standards & Training

 and Policy Committee

Open Vacancy – Recruitment

The Board on Public Safety Standards & Training (BPSST) and Policy Committees have open vacancies looking to be filled. The current vacancies are as follows:

BPSST: Please note that all Board position applications are due by December 10, 2021

• Non-Management Law Enforcement
• Non-Management Parole & Probation
• Public Member – Member of a marginalized or historically underrepresented community
• Public Member – Recommended to the Governor by the President of the Senate
• Public Member – Recommended to the Governor by the Speaker of the House of Representatives

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• Recommended by and representing the Oregon Fire Chiefs Association

Corrections Policy Committee:

• Oregon Sheriff’s Jail Command Council

Police Policy Committee:

• Public Member – Member of a marginalized or historically underrepresented community
• Non-Management Law Enforcement
• Non-Management Law Enforcement
• Oregon State Sheriff’s Association

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee:

• Hospitality Representative
• Manufacturing Representative

Private Investigator Sub-Committee:

• Representative of the Private Investigator Community

The BPSST Policy Committees are soon going to be recruiting for the upcoming 2022 vacancies. 

Upcoming Vacancies for 2022:

Telecommunications Policy Committee:

• Public Member who has never been employed or utilized as a telecommunicator

Corrections Policy Committee:

• Non-Management Corrections employed by Department of Corrections

To inquire about a vacancy, please visit Department of Public Safety Standards & Training : Board on Public Safety Standards & Training and Policy Committees : Boards and Committees : State of Oregon. 

If interested in applying for a Committee position, please complete and submit the Policy Committee Interest Form found under the ‘Board and Committee Resources’ section of the website listed above.

If interested in applying for a BPSST position, please complete the online application at View Job Posting Details - Workday (myworkday.com). (Please note that an account may need to be created if not already in Workday)

Thank you,

DPSST Board & Committees Staff

On Thursday, December 2, 2021, at approximately 5:56 PM Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash on Hwy 22W near milepost 17. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Avalon, operated by James Marvin Dougherty (83) of Salem, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes and collided head-on with an eastbound Honda Element, operated by Samuel James Clark (50) of Salem. 

Clark and Dougherty were both transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Dougherty was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

Eastbound lanes of Hwy 22W were closed for approximately 3 hours. 

OSP was assisted by Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas Fire and Medics and ODOT. 

December 2, 2021

Media contact: Aria Seligmann, 503-910-9239 i.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">ari.l.seligmann@dhsoha.state.or.us

Contact: Oregon State Police PIO, osppio@state.or.us

Oregon State Hospital patient missing from Junction City campus

A 31-year-old Oregon State Hospital psychiatric patient, Jordan James Savariego, was reported missing on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. Anyone seeing Savariego should call 911 or the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.

Savariego is accused of unauthorized departure. The OSP is conducting an investigation to help locate him. Savariego should not be approached.

Savariego was admitted from Lincoln County to the Junction City campus of Oregon State Hospital on Jan. 13, 2021. He was found Guilty Except for Insanity on the charges of Arson 1 and Aggravated Harassment.

He was last seen at the 5th St. Market in Eugene at approximately 2:07 p.m., Thursday, where he was on an approved outing. Oregon State Hospital staff members assigned to escort Savariego lost visual contact when he ran away from staff.

Hospital officials, who reported the missing patient to state and local law enforcement agencies, described Savariego as a Caucasian male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 203 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. When last seen, he was wearing blue sweatpants, a blue denim Carhart-style jacket, white t-shirt, brown hiking boots, and headphones.  He also wears eyeglasses.

Any future news releases will be issued by the OSP.

###

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment today charging six individuals for their roles in a multiyear scheme to evade the payment of payroll and income taxes on the wages of construction workers.

David A. Katz, 45, of Tualatin, Oregon, the operator of Check Cash Pacific, Inc., a check cashing business with locations in the Portland area and Vancouver, Washington, is charged with conspiring with five individuals affiliated with Oregon-based construction companies to defraud the U.S. by facilitating under-the-table cash wage payments to construction workers to impede and obstruct the IRS’s ability to compute, assess, and collect payroll and income taxes due on the cash wages. 

Additionally, Katz is charged with four counts of filing false currency transaction reports with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

Others charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. include Martin S. Elizondo, 46, also of Tualatin; Melesio Gomez-Rivera, 47, of Aloha, Oregon; Jorge Peraza, 49, and Natallie N. Graham, 46, both of Beaverton, Oregon; and Jose L. Altamirano, Sr., 60, of Bend, Oregon.

According to the indictment, from at least January 2014 and continuing through December 2017, Elizondo, Gomez-Rivera, and Peraza are alleged to have successfully evaded the employment tax obligations of their respective construction companies and assisted other construction companies do the same. To carry out the scheme, they cashed or had other individuals cash millions of dollars in payroll checks at various locations of Katz’s check cashing business, used the cash to pay construction workers under-the-table, and filed false business and payroll tax returns.

Altamirano is alleged to have used co-conspirators to cash payroll checks at Katz’s business to pay employees of his construction company under-the-table. Graham is alleged to have worked in the office of a subcontracting company used to facilitate and organize the unreported cash payments to workers.

In total, Katz and his co-conspirators cashed approximately $192 million in payroll checks, causing a combined employment and individual income tax loss of $68 million.

Katz, Elizondo, Gomez-Rivera, Peraza, and Graham will be arraigned on these charges in federal court in Portland on December 15, 2021.

Conspiracy to defraud the U.S. is punishable by up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. Filing false currency transaction reports is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Uram and Gavin W. Bruce are prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment today charging a former resident of Newberg, Oregon with calling in hoax bomb threats to three schools and one hospital in Oregon.

Sean Case McGinley, 40, has been charged with four counts of making interstate threats involving explosives and four counts of conveying false information and hoaxes about destructive devices.

According to court documents, on October 26, 2021, McGinley began making multiple calls to the Newberg-Dundee Police Department dispatch center in which he referenced putting a pipe bomb under a vehicle in Newberg. Officers checked the area McGinley referenced, but did not locate a bomb. Meanwhile, McGinley’s calls and phone number were recorded and determined to originate from the St. Louis, Missouri area. Investigators later learned that McGinley formerly resided in Newberg and had family in and around St. Louis.

On November 9, 2021, McGinley placed another call to the Newberg-Dundee dispatch center claiming that a pipe bomb had been placed in the vehicle tailpipe of a Newberg Municipal Court judge. A Newberg-Dundee police officer returned McGinley’s call and spoke with him about the alleged tip. During this discussion, McGinley told the officer that he hoped someone would place a pipe bomb in the judge’s vehicle tailpipe and that he believed the judge was worthless.

On the morning of November 12, 2021, the principal of Newberg High School contacted Newberg-Dundee police to report a potential bomb threat. The principal gave officers a voicemail from an unknown person claiming there was a pipe bomb in the school. Officers determined that the hoax threat was placed by McGinley and that it also originated in St. Louis. Later the same morning, McGinley called a similar threat into Sherwood High School. McGinley then called a school resource officer at Sherwood High School, identified himself, and provided information about a purported pedophilia ring in Sherwood.

Between November 18 and 23, 2021, McGinley called in at least eight additional bomb threats to various public and private institutions. On November 18 and 22, 2021, McGinley called in threats to St. Paul High School and an elementary school in Tigard, Oregon. On November 23, 2021 alone, he called in four separate threats to Fowler Middle School and Twality Middle School in Tigard, the Providence Newberg Medical Center, and Providence Sherwood Medical Plaza. The threat made to the Providence Sherwood Medical Plaza prompted the facility to evacuate ambulatory patients and staff.

Amidst McGinley’s late November threat spree, authorities sought and obtained a federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant against McGinley and, on November 24, 2021, FBI agents arrested him in St. Louis. McGinley made his first appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri on November 29, 2021 and was ordered detained pending transfer to the District of Oregon. The investigation into McGinley’s threats is ongoing.

Making interstate threats involving explosives is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, three years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Conveying false information and hoaxes about destructive devices is punishable by up to five years in federal prison, three years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Newberg-Dundee, Tigard, and Sherwood Police Departments and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott M. Kerin is prosecuting the case.

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

# # #

December 2, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,046 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 42 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 42 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,228 the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 1,046 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 393,232.

OHA releases new COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report

OHA’s most recent update on COVID-19 breakthrough cases, released today, found that 71.3% of the 4,134 reported COVID-19 cases between Nov. 21 and Nov. 27 occurred in unvaccinated people.

There were 1,186 breakthrough cases, accounting for 28.7% of all cases.

The average age of the breakthrough cases during that period was 45. Twenty-eight breakthrough cases involved residents of care facilities, senior living communities or other congregate care settings. There were 45 cases in people aged 12 to 17.

To date, there have been 45,545 COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases in Oregon. The average age of all cases is 47. Breakthrough cases have been reported in all 36 counties.

Cases of COVID-19 are far more common in unvaccinated people. The report shows that the rate of COVID-19 in unvaccinated people is four times higher than in vaccinated people.

To date, 4.4% of all vaccine breakthrough cases have been hospitalized and 1.2% have died. The average age of vaccinated people who died was 81.

Vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The latest breakthrough report can be found here.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 384, which is 20 fewer than yesterday. There are 90 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two fewer than yesterday.

There are 49 available adult ICU beds out of 691 total (7% availability) and 312 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,078 (8% availability). 

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms.

Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain. You can find a test here.

If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 26,172 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry on Dec. 1. Of that total, 2,278 were initial doses, 4,024 were second doses and 10,485 were third doses and booster doses. The remaining 9,295 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Dec. 1.

The seven-day running average is now 11,810 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 3,530,606 doses of Pfizer Comirnaty, 75,802 doses of Pfizer pediatric, 2,275,997 doses of Moderna and 244,417 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

Note: Today’s cumulative total doses of Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine is lower than yesterday’s total. This is due to the removal of duplicate doses found during data reconciliation.

As of today, 2,955,159 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,667,597 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

Cases and COVID-19 deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (7), Benton (19), Clackamas (84), Clatsop (2), Columbia (26), Coos (36), Crook (22), Curry (7), Deschutes (83), Douglas (41), Harney (6), Hood River (6), Jackson (86), Jefferson (17), Josephine (43), Klamath (18), Lane (70), Lincoln (6), Linn (64), Malheur (3), Marion (62), Multnomah (157), Polk (22), Tillamook (5), Umatilla (7), Union (3), Wallowa (2), Wasco (8), Washington (117), and Yamhill (17).

Note: More information about the cases and deaths will be provided in an updated news release.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations  

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine situation in Oregon, visit our web page (English or Spanish), which has a breakdown of distribution and other information.

# # #

Investigators with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are attempting to identify three suspects involved in a Saturday evening robbery of a Salem area coffee stand. The robbery was reported at shortly after 8:00 p.m. on November 27^th, 2021, by workers at Dutch Bros. Coffee located on Lancaster Drive SE at Macleay Road SE in the unincorporated area of East Salem. 

Deputies learned the workers were confronted by three suspects armed with guns during the robbery. Afterward, the suspects ran from the location. Fortunately, none of the workers were injured during the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Jason Remmy at 503-566-6931 or email emmy@co.marion.or.us">JRemmy@co.marion.or.us.  Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411.

Due to this being an open investigation, no additional details are available for release at this time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:      Thursday, December 2, 2021

Salem, Ore. — On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at approximately 3:56 p.m., Salem Police responded to a serious injury collision near the intersection of Kuebler BV and 36^th AV SE involving six vehicles. Due to the serious nature of the incident, the Salem Police Department Traffic Team responded to conduct a crash reconstruction and investigation.

Witnesses reported the driver of a one-ton truck pulling a loaded dump-trailer was traveling east on Kuebler BV near 36^th AV, when it struck a Kia Soul also moving eastbound on Kuebler which was stopped in heavy traffic. The force of the collision caused the Kia to be pushed forward into a Dodge Ram truck. Two additional vehicles ahead of the truck were struck in the chain reaction crash.

Several involved drivers reported minor injuries but did not require a transport to the hospital. A six-year-old child riding in the rear passenger seat of the Kia Soul was transported by ambulance to Salem Health with life-threatening injuries. The child was later transported by Life Flight helicopter to a Portland-area hospital for further treatment.

All drivers remained on-scene and are cooperating with the investigation and no arrests or citations have been issued at this time. As this is an active investigation, no further information on the crash is available at this time.

# # #

Hello,

The Commission on Statewide Law Enforcement Standards of Conduct and Discipline has vacancies for two representatives from historically marginalized groups or community-based organizations that represent communities impacted by policing.

Link for application interest form -  Commission Application Form

Please forward this email and application to members of your organization or other individuals you would recommend.

The applications are due by December 10, 2021.

Applications and questions may be sent to Michael Slauson at michael.slauson@state.or.us.

Here is some additional information about this Commission.

This Commission was created by House Bill 2930, during the 2021 Regular Legislative Session.

The Commission was formed to establish uniform standards of conduct for law enforcement officers and disciplinary standards and procedures to follow to make determinations and impose disciplinary action in response to misconduct by a law enforcement officer.

The uniform standards must address standards of conduct and discipline regarding:

• Unjustified or excessive use of physical or deadly force;
• Sexual harassment;
• Sexual assault;
• Assault;
• Conduct that is motivated by or based on a real or perceived factor of an individual’s race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or homelessness;
• Moral character; and
• The use of drugs or alcohol while on duty. 

There are 15 members on the Commission.

• The Director of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), Co-Chair
• The Attorney General’s Designee from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Co-Chair
• A State Senator appointed by the President of the Senate – nonvoting member, acting in an advisory capacity only
• A State Representative appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives – nonvoting member, acting in an advisory capacity only
• Two members who are chief law enforcement officers
• Two members who represent labor organizations who represent law enforcement officers 
• Two members who represent historically marginalized groups or community-based organizations that represent communities impacted by policing
• One member who represents a federally recognized Indian tribe or association of tribes within this state 
• Two members who are representatives of local government to represent the interests of cities and counties 
• One member who represents public defender organizations established under ORS chapter 151 or the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• One member who represents the interests of prosecutors in this state

Members serve a two year term and meetings will begin in January 2022. A member of the commission is entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495.

House Bill 2930 has a deadline for adopting the standards as Oregon Administrative Rules. The commission will schedule frequent meetings to comply with the October 1, 2022, deadline.

Commission business meetings will be hosted in Salem and commission members will be able to participate remotely by phone or computer. Commission public hearings may be held throughout the state.

Note: All meetings are public meetings.

This announcement was prepared by the Department of Justice and the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training on behalf of the Commission on Statewide Law Enforcement Standards of Conduct and Discipline.

We sincerely thank you for your time and assistance.

December 2, 2021

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

Applications being accepted for Public Health Advisory Board

PORTLAND, Ore.—The Office of Governor Kate Brown and Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division are seeking applicants for three positions on the state Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB).

OHA invites applications from people who meet the following criteria:

• A person who represents health care organizations that are not coordinated care organizations.
• A person who represents individuals who provide public health services to the public.
• A person with expertise in population health metrics.

Each position serves a term that begins on Jan. 1, 2022. The end dates for the positions listed above vary. Board members are appointed by the Governor. Individuals with lived and/or professional experience related to health and racial equity and community engagement are encouraged to apply.

Under Oregon Revised Statutes 292.495, board members may qualify to receive compensation for their service.

To apply, complete the electronic application process at https://www.oregon.gov/gov/admin/Pages/How_To_Apply.aspx by Dec. 23. These recruitments will remain open until filled. Those applying will be asked to provide the following:

1. A resume.
2. A short personal biography.
3. A brief statement of interest, which should include the positions the applicant is applying for.
4. A brief statement on opportunities the applicant sees for the board to address equity.
5. A brief statement on the applicant’s understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Those unable to complete the form electronically should contact the Executive Appointments Office at executive.appointments@oregon.gov for assistance.

Information about the Public Health Advisory Board is available on the board’s website at http://www.healthoregon.org/phab.

For more information, contact Cara Biddlecom, OHA Public Health Division, at 971-673-2284 or a.m.biddlecom@state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@state.or.us.

###

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

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

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

SALEM, Oregon –

Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department that includes the Oregon Heritage Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office, recently released the Value of Heritage Resources in Disaster Recovery Report and Messaging Guide, commissioned by the Oregon Heritage Commission. 

The Value of Heritage Resources in Disaster Resilience Report and Messaging Guide is the most recent effort in the Oregon Heritage Commission’s long-term initiative to help heritage organizations and communities prepare their heritage resources for natural and man-made disasters. The specific goal of this report and accompanying messaging guide is to help heritage groups articulate why historic places and cultural resources should be included in local emergency plans so that emergency managers and decision makers in the community include those assets in both disaster planning and community recovery. 

Kuri Gill grants and outreach coordinator for Oregon Heritage said, “Heritage resources help create a unique sense of identity for communities, support our local economies and strengthen social bonds. The loss of such resources can be devastating to a community. And if preserved, in the aftermath of a disaster, they can be an anchor for community recovery. Articulating the importance of these resources is important in gaining local support for their inclusion in local disaster planning. The report and messaging tool arm heritage groups with the language and knowledge to share this message with decision makers and their community in order to ensure the long-term preservation of Oregon’s heritage.”

The elements of the report and messaging guide are as follows:

Value of Heritage in Disaster Resilience Report:  Includes case studies in heritage and disaster, risk communication techniques, and outlines the methodology that gathered input from a team of stakeholders to survey heritage leaders statewide for the creation of the messaging guide. 

The Messaging Guide: Shares guidance on creating an opening, impact, and approach message along with samples statements to modify.

          Sample Talking Points: Provides cut and paste messages to tailor to various audiences.

  Sample Opinion: Shares a sample editorial on disaster planning.

          Tips for Communicating: Summarizes FEMA’s top 4 tips in disaster risk communication.

These tools are intended to aid groups or communities in defining why heritage resources matter to their local identity and then sharing that message with the public and decision makers to enhance disaster planning for the community’s historic buildings, landmarks, museum collections, and cemeteries. These tools can also be used in conjunction with the Community Disaster Resilience Planning for Heritage Resources Guidebook to kick-start a community-wide disaster planning effort focused on heritage resources.

This report and accompanying tools also support the Oregon Heritage Commission’s strategic priority of promoting the value of heritage. Find this and additional tools in the Sharing the Value of Heritage Toolkit on Oregon Heritage’s website, www.oregonheritage.org. 

WHAT: Jobs and innovation in the Willamette Valley - Meet the Makers and Shakers: News event to unveil new partnership expanding the bioscience and tech sectors and grow skilled and well-paying innovation jobs in Eugene, Lane County and Willamette Valley.  Attend for interviews/brief tours. News release, data points and backgrounder available at event.

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m PST; comments begin at 10:15 a.m.; tours and visuals at 10:30.

WHERE:  Innovation Hub at 942 Olive Street, in downtown Eugene 

WHO: 

Matt Sayre, managing director, Onward Eugene

Liisa Bozinovic, executive director, Oregon Bioscience Association 

+ Local entrepreneurs and biotech execs from Ksana Health

# # # 

About Oregon Bio

The Oregon Bioscience Association seeks to create opportunity through advocacy, cultivation, education and group purchasing discounts for its members and the sector. Oregon Bio promotes the growth and quality of the bioscience industry in the region and continually seeks ways to support sustainability, acceleration and growth in the life science, bioscience, biotechnology and device manufacturing industries.

The region’s most current bioscience economic impact study showed Oregon’s growing bio footprint reached $10.7 billion, creating 47,238 jobs for $1.5 billion in wages across 820 business establishments. Between 2002-2017, total bioscience employment in Oregon jumped 72 percent among the five industry subsectors. Health-related R&D at Oregon hospitals and universities generated $669 million in economic activity in 2017. In 2015, federal research funding to Oregon institutions totaled more than $363 million. Venture capital investments in Oregon’s bioscience-related companies have increased in recent years and between 2014 to 2017, totaled $76.5 million. Visit www.oregonbio.org. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Onward Eugene

Onward Eugene unites regional partners — mobilizing rebuilding efforts to fully realize our region's shared potential for expansive and inclusive prosperity. Bringing together support for startup companies, business expansion, regional marketing and business recruiting initiatives. Onward Eugene is a force multiplier in the creation of economic resilience. A 501(c)3 nonprofit. For more information about Onward Eugene, please visit www.onwardeugene.org. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

December 2, 2021

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

Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Committee meets virtually Dec. 8

What: The Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Committee (HAIAC) is holding its quarterly public meeting.

Agenda: Committee Business (Logistics update; approve September 2021 minutes), OHA updates, Influenza vaccination and surveillance updates, NHSN data review, Project Firstline updates, Topics for future meetings and reports, and Public comment.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Zoom. https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItc--spjIoH3Zf4kk2g1vKdMMHb3lfYTQ. All attendees must use the webinar for audio functions. Please register for the webinar by following the link above. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Background: OHA provides oversight and support for the mandatory reporting of healthcare-associated infections in Oregon via the HAI Program. The HAI Program convenes its advisory board on a quarterly basis; the purpose of the board is to make recommendations to OHA regarding infection measures reportable by health care facilities: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/DiseasesConditions/CommunicableDisease/HAI/Pages/index.aspx

Program contact: Roza Tammer, 971-673-1074, oza.p.tammer@state.or.us">roza.p.tammer@state.or.us

###

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Laura LaLonde at 971-673-1120, 711 TTY or a.Lalonde2@dhsoha.state.or.us">Laura.Lalonde2@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On Tuesday, November 30th, 2021, detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) made several local drug related arrests.

DINT detectives initiated a traffic stop on Hwy 138E at milepost 7.  Drug detection K-9 Trapper alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 49 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 22 grams of suspected heroin, and 20 counterfeit oxycontin pills that actually contain suspected fentanyl.  The driver of the vehicle, 25 year old Kimberly Briggs of Roseburg, was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on multiple charges to include Possession and attempted delivery of methamphetamine, possession and attempted delivery of heroin, possession and attempted delivery of schedule II controlled substances.

The same day, DINT detectives initiated another traffic stop in the 2400 block of Diamond Lake Blvd in Roseburg.  Two of the occupants were found to have warrants for their arrest.  33 year old Dillan Prudhomme, of Glide, was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on a Parole warrant.  33 year old Michael Stratton was cited and released on a Failure to Appear warrant out of Douglas County Circuit Court.  The driver of the vehicle, 39 year old Ramon Torres, of Willamina, Oregon, was cited and released for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.  

This news release is an updated version to include case and death information.

December 1, 2021

Contact: OHA External Relations, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 1,111 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 25 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 25 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,186, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 1,111 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 392,197.

COVID-19 weekly cases and hospitalizations decline, deaths decline

OHA’s COVID-19 Weekly Report released today shows a decrease in daily cases and hospitalizations and deaths.

OHA reported 4,276 new cases of COVID-19 during the week of Monday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 28. That is 25% decrease from the previous week.

There were 95,882 tests for COVID-19 for the week of Nov. 21 through Nov. 27. The percentage of positive tests declined slightly to 5.6%, from 6% the previous week.

There were 226 new COVID-19 hospitalizations, down from 268 last week — a 16% drop.

There were 125 reported COVID-19-related deaths, down from 214 reported the previous week, as epidemiologists reviewed a backlog of suspected COVID-19 related deaths by matching death certificates to previously reported cases. Note: A previous summary of this report erroneously characterized the trend for Weekly COVID-19 related deaths. It is corrected in this version.

Today’s COVID-19 Weekly Outbreak Report shows 54 active COVID-19 outbreaks in senior living communities and congregate living settings, with three or more confirmed cases and one or more COVID-19 related deaths.

COVID-19 hospitalizations

The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 404, which represents no change from yesterday. There are 92 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two fewer than yesterday.

There are 49 available adult ICU beds out of 691 total (7% availability) and 270 available adult non-ICU beds out of 4,108 (7% availability). 

The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity.

Note: Please do not visit an emergency department for COVID-19 testing, unless you require emergency care for your symptoms.

Emergency departments in Oregon are under significant strain. You can find a test here.

If you have a medical condition that doesn’t require emergency care, contact your provider. An urgent care center may also help you get the care you need and will save emergency departments from added strain.

More information about hospital capacity can be found here.

Vaccinations in Oregon

Today, OHA reported that 25,659 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry on Nov. 30. Of that total, 14,324 were initial doses, 1,947 were second doses and 10,174 were third doses and booster doses. The remaining 11,335 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Nov. 30.

The seven-day running average is now 12,208 doses per day.

Oregon has now administered 3,534,286 doses of Pfizer Comirnaty, 70,261 doses of Pfizer pediatric, 2,267,258 doses of Moderna and 244,207 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

As of today, 2,950,723 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,662,164 people have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.

These data are preliminary and subject to change.

Updated vaccination data are provided on Oregon’s COVID-19 data dashboards and have been updated today.

Cases and COVID-19 deaths

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (10), Benton (9), Clackamas (90), Clatsop (9), Columbia (29), Coos (29), Crook (23), Curry (5), Deschutes (82), Douglas (64), Hood River (8), Jackson (75), Jefferson (6), Josephine (55), Klamath (19), Lake (2), Lane (67), Lincoln (17), Linn (72), Malheur (3), Marion (100), Morrow (3), Multnomah (141), Polk (36), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (9), Union (5), Wallowa (3), Wasco (9), Washington (102), and Yamhill (25).

Oregon’s 5,162nd COVID-19 related death is a 72-year-old man from Coos County who died Nov. 1 at Coquille Valley Hospital. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,163rd COVID-19 related death is an 86-year-old woman from Washington County who died Oct. 19 at OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,164th COVID-19 related death is an 83-year-old man from Josephine County who died Sept. 25 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,165th COVID-19 related death is a 56-year-old man from Clackamas County who died Sept. 14 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,166th COVID-19 related death is a 50-year-old woman from Clackamas County who died Sept. 30 at Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,167th COVID-19 related death is a 38-year-old man from Josephine County who tested positive Nov. 30 and died Nov. 30 at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,168th COVID-19 related death is an 80-year-old woman from Jackson County who tested positive Nov. 23 and died Nov. 30 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,169th COVID-19 related death is a 93-year-old man from Douglas County who tested positive Nov. 24 and died Nov. 25 at his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,170th COVID-19 related death is a 58-year-old man from Columbia County who died Sept. 14 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,171st COVID-19 related death is a 90-year-old man from Clackamas County who died Nov. 24 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,172nd COVID-19 related death is a 98-year-old man from Clackamas County who tested positive Nov. 27 and died Nov. 29 at his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,173rd COVID-19 related death is a 72-year-old man from Marion County who tested positive Nov. 14 and died Nov. 27 at Salem Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,174th COVID-19 related death is a 79-year-old woman from Malheur County who tested positive Oct. 30 and died Nov. 24 at St Alphonsus Medical Center Ontario. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,175th COVID-19 related death is a 62-year-old man from Malheur County who tested positive Oct. 30 and died Nov. 26. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,176th COVID-19 related death is an 82-year-old man from Malheur County who tested positive Oct. 30 and died Nov. 23 at St Luke’s Nampa Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,177th COVID-19 related death is a 53-year-old woman from Lane County who died Nov. 13 at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,178th COVID-19 related death is an 88-year-old man from Lane County who died Oct. 14 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,179th COVID-19 related death is a 90-year-old woman from Lane County who died Sept. 8 at her residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,180th COVID-19 related death is a 60-year-old man from Klamath County who tested positive Nov. 2 and died Nov. 30 at Sky Lakes Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,181st COVID-19 related death is an 83-year-old woman from Washington County who tested positive Nov. 18 and died Nov. 27 at OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,182nd COVID-19 related death is a 71-year-old man from Washington County who tested positive Nov. 3 and died Nov. 17 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,183rd COVID-19 related death is a 76-year-old man from Umatilla County who died Nov. 7 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,184th COVID-19 related death is a 35-year-old woman from Umatilla County who tested positive Sept. 19 and died Nov. 19 at her residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 5,185th COVID-19 related death is a 41-year-old man from Polk County who died Oct. 16 at his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 5,186th COVID-19 related death is a 51-year-old woman from Polk County who died Sept. 23 at Sacred Heart Medical Center. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

# # #

The Oregon State Police is seeking public assistance in locating the person or persons responsible for the poisoning of the Catherine Wolf Pack in eastern Oregon. 

On February 9, 2021, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division Troopers received information from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) regarding a possibly deceased, collared wolf. Troopers responded to the area and located five deceased wolves, three males, and two females. It was later determined the wolves were from the Catherine Pack, with all known members present and deceased. The wolves were located southeast of Mount Harris, within Union County. Fish and Wildlife Troopers and ODFW personnel with the assistance of a helicopter searched the area for anything of evidentiary value. An additional deceased magpie was also found in the vicinity of the deceased wolves. 

The five wolves and magpie were collected and transported to the US Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Lab located in Ashland, Oregon to determine the cause of death. 

On March 11, 2021, Fish and Wildlife Troopers again received information from ODFW personnel of an additional wolf collar emitting a mortality signal in the same general location. A search of the area located a deceased female wolf, a skunk, and a magpie all very close to the scene. All animals were collected and immediately submitted to the USFWS lab for testing. The female wolf was dispersing from the Keating Pack. 

Fish and Wildlife Troopers were initially hampered in investigating the scene due to snow levels and inclement weather. Troopers continued searching over the next few weeks as snow continued to melt and located evidence of suspected poisoning. The evidence was submitted for testing and analysis. 

In April 2021, the USFWS submitted their examination reports with findings consistent with poisoning as the cause of death for all six wolves, the skunk, and two magpies. Lab results also indicated the suspected evidence confirmed a poisonous substance. 

In addition, two more collared wolves were found deceased in Union County after the initial incidents. In April 2021, a deceased adult male wolf from the Five Points Pack was located west of Elgin and in July 2021, a young female wolf from the Clark Creek Pack was located northeast of La Grande. In both cases the cause of death was not readily apparent, a necropsy and testing were conducted. Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of differing types of poison in both wolves. Based upon the type of poison and locations, it was determined the death of the young female wolf may be related to the earlier six poisonings.

Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers have continued in their investigation in the intervening months but have exhausted leads in the case. OSP is asking any person with information related to this investigation to contact the Oregon State Police through the OSP TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) or TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us. Please reference Case #SP21-033033.

To learn about the Wolves in Oregon specifically wolf-livestock conflicts please visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/Wolves/index.asp#livestock   

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

The Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward offers preference points or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, Furbearers, Game Fish and Shellfish. Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags, and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags.

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

CASH REWARDS:

$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose 

  $500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 

  $300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 

  $300 Habitat Destruction

$200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tag(s)

$200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tags(s) 

  $100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 

  $100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

The Board of County Commissioners selected “Map J” – one of three options presented by the County’s Independent Redistricting Committee (IRC) – to serve as the updated boundaries for the five county commissioner districts. The vote was 3-2. 

The selected map can be viewed at https://bit.ly/LaneMapJ. 

The Board held virtual public hearing sessions on November 30 and December 1, as well as accepted written testimony over a period of several weeks, before voting on the evening of December 1. 

A primary objective for the IRC’s work was creating districts with populations as equal as practicable. Evenly dividing the county population among five districts would result in districts of 76,594 residents. The IRC decided that a 1 percent variance was acceptable. See the attached population table for details.

Further, the Lane County Charter describes commissioner districts that are “generally comprised” of Lane County within and outside of the metropolitan areas of Eugene and Springfield. As the population growth in our county is concentrated within the Urban Growth Boundary, the IRC also had to work to present options that met – as closely as possible – the Charter description. 

As outlined in a summary by the IRC, the selected map strives to unify the River Road/Santa Clara neighborhoods. It places unincorporated portions of the River Road/Santa Clara neighborhoods in a commissioner district that represents other unincorporated areas. It also utilizes the natural geographic boundary of the Willamette River to the East of the River Road/Santa Clara area and the railroad tracks to the west that cut off transportation links from the River Road/Santa Clara area to the Coburg Road and Bethel areas. The selected map strives to unify the Bethel School District within one commissioner district and to maintain Districts 1 and 5 as primarily outside of Eugene and Springfield city limits; excepting the River Road/Santa Clara neighborhoods which are placed in District 1 and the Churchill region which was placed in District 5 in the 2011 maps and remains in District 5 in this map.

The new district boundaries – along with any other political boundary changes from governments – will be provided to the Lane County Elections Office so that ballot information can be updated by the January 31, 2022 deadline. 

About the Independent Redistricting Committee

Lane County’s Home Rule Charter requires that boundaries for Lane County commissioner districts be evaluated and updated at least once every ten years. The previous redistricting effort was completed in 2011. 

The Independent Redistricting Committee (IRC) was composed of fifteen (15) members. The IRC met several times this fall to create 19 different district maps that were refined through committee discussion and public feedback. Ultimately provided three redistricting options to the Board of County Commissioners in November. 

In addition to the later public hearings held by the Board of County Commissioners, the IRC provided opportunities for public comment at each of its meetings.

The IRC was only responsible for redistricting the five county commissioner districts. The Sheriff, District Attorney and Tax Assessor are elected by all Lane County voters and do not have sub-districts. 

Information about the IRC can be found at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/IRC.

###

 TIP OF THE WEEK

Date:           12/2/21                 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:       Sheriff Curtis Landers

                   541-265-0654

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

HOLIDAY SHOPPING SCAMS!

Doing your shopping online? Always be extra cautious before entering any information, but especially around this time of year. We are re-posting this very educational information published by the FBI-Oregon:

During the 2020 holiday shopping season, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) received more than 17,000 complaints regarding the non-delivery of goods, resulting in losses of more than $53 million. The FBI anticipates this number could increase during the 2021 holiday season due to rumors of merchandise shortages and the ongoing pandemic.

Here’s a look at some of the more common scams:

Online Shopping Scams:

Scammers often offer too-good-to-be-true deals via phishing e-mails, through social media posts, or through ads. Perhaps you were trying to buy tickets to the next big concert or sporting event and found just what you were looking for – at a good deal – in an online marketplace? Those tickets could end up being bogus.

Or, perhaps, you think you just scored a hard-to-find item like a new gaming system? Or a designer bag at an extremely low price? If you actually get a delivery, which is unlikely, the box may not contain the item you ordered in the condition you thought it would arrive. 

In the meantime, if you clicked on a link to access the deal, you likely gave the fraudster access to download malware onto your device, and you gave them personal financial information and debit/credit card details.

Social Media Shopping Scams:

Consumers should beware of posts on social media sites that appear to offer special deals, vouchers, or gift cards. Some may appear as holiday promotions or contests. Others may appear to be from known friends who have shared the link. Often, these scams lead consumers to participate in an online survey that is designed to steal personal information.

If you click an ad through a social media platform, do your due diligence to check the legitimacy of the website before providing credit card or personal information.

Gift Card Scams:

Gift cards are popular and a great time saver, but you need to watch for sellers who say they can get you cards below-market value. Also, be wary of buying any card in a store if it looks like the security PIN on the back has been uncovered and recovered. Your best bet is to buy digital gift cards directly from the merchant online.

Tips to Avoid Being Victimized:

• Pay for items using a credit card dedicated for online purchases, checking the card statement frequently, and never saving payment information in online accounts.
• Never make purchases using public Wi-Fi.
• Beware of vendors that require payment with a gift card, wire transfer, cash, or cryptocurrency.
• Research the seller to ensure legitimacy. Check reviews and do online searches for the name of the vendor and the words “scam” or “fraud.”
• Check the contact details listed on the website to ensure the vendor is real and reachable by phone or email. 
• Confirm return and refund policies.
• Be wary of online retailers who use a free email service instead of a company email address.
• Don’t judge a company by its website. Flashy websites can be set up and taken down quickly.
• Do not click on links or provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited email or social media post.
• Secure credit card accounts, even rewards accounts, with strong passwords or passphrases. Change passwords or passphrases regularly.
• Make charitable contributions directly, rather than through an intermediary, and pay via credit card or check. Avoid cash donations, if possible.
• Only purchase gift cards directly from a trusted merchant.
• Make sure anti-virus/malware software is up to date and block pop-up windows.

What to Do if You Are a Victim:

If you are a victim of an online scam, the FBI recommends taking the following actions:

• Report the activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov, regardless of dollar loss. Provide all relevant information in the complaint.
• Contact your financial institution immediately upon discovering any fraudulent or suspicious activity and direct them to stop or reverse the transactions.
• Ask your financial institution to contact the corresponding financial institution where the fraudulent or suspicious transfer was sent.

For additional information and consumer alerts, and to report scams to the FBI, visit IC3.gov.

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