On Sunday, August 9, 2020 at approximately 2:25 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 197 near milepost 61.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Toyota Camry, operated by Eugene Hernandez (68) of Portland, was northbound at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway, rolled numerous times, and hit a power pole.

Hernandez was not wearing a safety belt, sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by South Wasco Fire Department, Wasco County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

On Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 6:20 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a crash on Hwy 213 and SE Luther Rd. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that an Easy Motion electric bicycle, operated by Nolan Heine (67) of Portland, was riding northbound and attempted to cross Hwy 213.   As Heine was attempting to cross the roadway, a witness believes he was struck by a white moped/motorcycle, who was also traveling northbound. The moped/motorcycle rider paused briefly before continuing northbound on Hwy 213.

The rider is described as a male wearing a black helmet and white t-shirt.

Heine was transported to Oregon Health Sciences University where he later succumbed to his injuries and died.

Oregon State Police is requesting any witnesses to the crash, have any information regarding the crash, or know the identity of the moped/motorcycle rider to contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP and refer to case # SP20-217251.

Oregon State Police was assisted by Clackamas County Fire Department, AMR Ambulance and Oregon Department of Transportation.

UPDATE 08/09/2020 5:15 PM

DAYS CREEK, Ore. - Search crews have located Charity Smith and she is uninjured and safe. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will reunite the child with her family. 

The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for their assistance and vigilance. Assisting agencies include: 

• Douglas County Search and Rescue
• Myrtle Creek Police Department
• REACH Air Medical Services

ORIGINAL RELEASE 08/09/2020 3:00 PM

DAYS CREEK, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is actively searching for missing 5 year-old Charity Smith. Charity is missing from a home in the 400-block of Stouts Creek Road in Days Creek. She has been missing for approximately 3 hours as of 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 9, 2020.

Charity is described as 3' tall, 40 lbs, having bright purple hair. She was last known to be wearing pink shorts with white flowers.

If you see Charity, call 9-1-1.

Search and Rescue Crews and Fire Personnel are assisting the Sheriff's Office at this time.

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

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 9, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON AND DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Sunday, August 9, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are TWO people with new positive test results since our noon case update yesterday.  One of the new positive results was previously a presumptive. The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 151.  Please note that we are listing two hospitalized COVID patients in our chart below.  One patient is from Douglas County.  The other hospitalized patient is not a resident of Douglas County, they are from out-of-state and are not reflected in our case numbers, but we wanted to note that they are being hospitalized locally at this time.

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

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 26 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic is Tuesday, August 11, 2020 in Roseburg.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1319 people tested in 59 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

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

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

Oregon School Reopening Metrics

For information about the State’s reopen schools initiative and metrics during the COVID-19 pandemic (Ready School, Safe Learners), click here or check out this .pdf.  OHA released a weekly case rate and test positivity report that lists the total state numbers, as well as a county by county breakdown.  Click here for the most recent OHA case rate and test positivity report released on July 5, 2020.  The report details case and test positivity rates for the weeks of July 5 – August 1.  As a reminder, OHA and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) officials will be working directly with local schools and school boards to adopt and implement their school reopening and/or student learning plans.  We will be sharing the updates on Thursdays.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Just like the old expression says, ‘prevention is the best medicine’, we continue to stress the importance of weighing your COVID-RISK and preventing the continued spread of the virus in Douglas County. Several of our recent positive test results have been directly linked to travel outside Douglas County, and especially those residents that have chosen to travel outside of Oregon. In addition to limiting travel, we are asking that you also limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  Reversing the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.  Data from CDC and OHA show that traveling and coming into contact with people from other areas, especially COVID-19 hot spots, DOES significantly increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.  The COVID-19 virus is still here, still infectious and will be around for quite some time. The bottom line is that each and every person needs to take personal responsibility for their actions and adopt the proper precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Whatever your reason for traveling, going to work while sick, inviting Aunt Sally to come visit or attending a wedding or a pool party, we encourage you to please reconsider and really access the COVID-RISK to you, your family and your community. And remember to please follow these simple daily precautions as well: wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.  COVID-RISK INDEX: Several businesses, agencies and individuals reached out to the DCCRT Team asking about the COVID-RISK Index chart we shared Tuesday, August 4, 2020 in our DCCRT Special Update.  The index was adapted from research done by Doctors from the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University and the University of Arizona, and is an excellent illustration to help residents, employers and our communities evaluate their COVID-RISK.   Click here to download the COVID-RISK Index chart.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Tuesday, August 11, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

###

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

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

August 9, 2020

Oregon reports 263 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 356, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 263 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 21,272.

The new cases are in the following counties: Clackamas (15), Columbia (2), Deschutes (8), Douglas (1), Hood River (7), Jackson (4), Jefferson (5), Josephine (1), Lane (6), Lincoln (2), Linn (4), Malheur (15), Marion (28), Morrow (3), Multnomah (66), Polk (1), Umatilla (40), Wasco (3), Washington (42), Yamhill (10).

Oregon’s 356th COVID-19 death is a 72-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 2 and died on August 6, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

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

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

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

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

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

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 8, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON AND DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Saturday, August 8, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are NO with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 150.  Please note that we continue to list a hospitalized COVID patient in our chart below, however they are not a resident of Douglas County, are from out-of-state and are not reflected in our case numbers, but we wanted to note that they are being hospitalized locally at this time.

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

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 26 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic is today, August 8, 2020 in Reedsport.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1309 people tested in 58 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

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

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

Oregon School Reopening Metrics

For information about the State’s reopen schools initiative and metrics during the COVID-19 pandemic (Ready School, Safe Learners), click here or check out this .pdf.  OHA released a weekly case rate and test positivity report that lists the total state numbers, as well as a county by county breakdown.  Click here for the most recent OHA case rate and test positivity report released on July 5, 2020.  The report details case and test positivity rates for the weeks of July 5 – August 1.  As a reminder, OHA and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) officials will be working directly with local schools and school boards to adopt and implement their school reopening and/or student learning plans.  We will be sharing the updates on Thursdays.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Just like the old expression says, ‘prevention is the best medicine’, we continue to stress the importance of weighing your COVID-RISK and preventing the continued spread of the virus in Douglas County. Several of our recent positive test results have been directly linked to travel outside Douglas County, and especially those residents that have chosen to travel outside of Oregon. In addition to limiting travel, we are asking that you also limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  Reversing the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.  Data from CDC and OHA show that traveling and coming into contact with people from other areas, especially COVID-19 hot spots, DOES significantly increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.  The COVID-19 virus is still here, still infectious and will be around for quite some time. The bottom line is that each and every person needs to take personal responsibility for their actions and adopt the proper precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Whatever your reason for traveling, going to work while sick, inviting Aunt Sally to come visit or attending a wedding or a pool party, we encourage you to please reconsider and really access the COVID-RISK to you, your family and your community. And remember to please follow these simple daily precautions as well: wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.  COVID-RISK INDEX: Several businesses, agencies and individuals reached out to the DCCRT Team asking about the COVID-RISK Index chart we shared Tuesday, August 4, 2020 in our DCCRT Special Update.  The index was adapted from research done by Doctors from the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University and the University of Arizona, and is an excellent illustration to help residents, employers and our communities evaluate their COVID-RISK.   Click here to download the COVID-RISK Index chart.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us Tuesday, August 11, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

###

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

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

August 8, 2020

Oregon reports 376 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed seven more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 355, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 376 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 21,010.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (5), Clackamas (23), Clatsop (1), Columbia (3), Coos (1), Crook (4), Curry (1), Deschutes (15), Douglas (2), Hood River (3), Jackson (12), Jefferson (9), Josephine (1), Lane (14), Lincoln (2), Linn (6), Malheur (14), Marion (47), Morrow (6), Multnomah (87), Polk (5), Sherman (2), Umatilla (27), Wasco (8), Washington (56), Yamhill (22).

Oregon’s 349th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on July 21 and died on August 5, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 350th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 17 and died on July 19, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 351st COVID-19 death is a 47-year-old man in Umatilla County who died on July 14 in his residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2, as a cause of death or as a significant condition that contributed to his death. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 352nd COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on June 8 and died on July 28, at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 353rd COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 23 and died on August 7. Additional details of his death are still being confirmed.

Oregon’s 354th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on August 6 and died on August 7. Additional details of his death are still being confirmed.

Oregon’s 355th COVID-19 death is a 41-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on August 4 and died on August 5. Additional details of his death are still being confirmed.

There is additional information on Oregon’s 342nd COVID-19 death. He is an 80-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on July 15 and died on August 6, at Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford. He had underlying conditions

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

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

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

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

On Friday, August 7, 2020, at approximately 2:19 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 291. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Nissan Rogue SUV, operated by Heydi Yajaira Sandoval (31) of Stanfield, was westbound when it left the roadway, impacted a metal snow fence, and rolled.

Sandoval who was not wearing a seatbelt sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Oregon Department of Transportation and Baker City Fire Department.

On August 5, 2020, at approximately 6:10pm, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 5900 block of Salmon River Highway, Otis, Oregon for a disturbance possibly involving a firearm. The complainant reported hearing a gunshot from across the creek followed by a female yelling, “No… No.. No.” Responding deputies determined the disturbance actually occurred at a residence on N. Holiday Lane in Otis.

Deputy McCave contacted the 83 year old victim who reported he had been in a physical altercation with his 27 year old grandson, Quentin Kayleb Zeller-Nelson, of Otis. The victim reported Mr. Zeller-Nelson had come to his residence and demanded money and keys to his car. The victim refused to give his keys to Mr. Zeller-Nelson which resulted in the physical altercation between the two men. At one point during the incident, Mr. Zeller-Nelson reportedly got on top of the victim and began strangling him by grabbing his neck. The victim’s wife was able to pull Mr. Zeller-Nelson off.

The victim reportedly got up but was taken to the ground again by Mr. Zeller-Nelson. The victim, with the assistance of his wife, was able to get Mr. Zeller-Nelson off him a second time. Mr. Zeller-Nelson began approaching the victim a third time. While still on the ground, the victim drew a small pistol and discharged it in the direction of Mr. Zeller-Nelson. After the victim fired his pistol, Mr. Zeller-Nelson retreated and went inside the residence. It was determined Mr. Zeller-Nelson was not struck by the gunshot. 

Following the investigation, Mr. Zeller-Nelson was taken into custody and transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged on the charges of Harassment, Menacing and Strangulation with a total bail set at $40,000.00.

Update 8/7/20 at 3:35 p.m.:

Douglas Ryker was located in the Jasper area today and was cooperative with law enforcement.  A huge thank you to all of the community members who provided tips that assisted in locating Ryker.  

Initial News Release send 8/7/20:

On August 6, 2020 shortly before 10:30 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff's Office received a report of an assault in the Jasper area.  Deputies responded and located a 76 year old female who suffered significant injuries. The suspect, who is known to the victim, fled the area after the incident.

Deputies are seeking the community's assistance locating 41 year old Douglas Duane Ryker in connection with the incident.  He is described as a white male standing 5'8" tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.  Ryker may be driving a white 1997 Dodge Neon with OR plate # 505 CWX.

The Lane County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who has seen Ryker or the Dodge Neon to call 541-682-4150 then press 1 and reference case # 20-5308.  

Please do not attempt to contact or apprehend Ryker.

This is an active investigation. No additional information is available at this time.  

August 7, 2020

[Correction] - Oregon reports 423 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths

Correction: First sentence revised to reflect nine deaths reported today. 

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed nine more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 348, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 423 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 20,636. The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (3), Clackamas (16), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Deschutes (18), Douglas (3), Grant (1), Hood River (3), Jackson (12), Jefferson (5), Josephine (3), Klamath (1), Lane (13), Lincoln (1), Linn (6), Malheur (21), Marion (47), Morrow (21), Multnomah (110), Polk (7), Umatilla (53), Union (2), Wasco (3), Washington (53), and Yamhill (17).

Oregon’s 340th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 30 and died on August 5. His place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 341st COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old woman in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 20 and died on July 31. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 342nd COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on July 15 and died on August 6. His place of death is unavailable at this time. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 343rd COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Jefferson County who tested positive on July 10 and died on August 5, at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 344th COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old man in Klamath County who tested positive on July 27 and died on August 6, at Sky Lakes Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 345th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on July 28 and died on August 2 in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 346th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on July 8 and died on August 5 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 347th COVID-19 death is 94-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 16 and died on August 4 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 348th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Yamhill County who tested positive on July 28 and died on August 6. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

New modeling report shows slowing spread of COVID 19 in Oregon

Today OHA released new modeling about the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon.

The model includes three future scenarios: one in which transmission continues at the current rate, one in which transmission decreases by 10 percent and one in which transmission increases by 10 percent.

The model projects that:

• If transmission continues at the current level during the next month, the estimated number of new daily infections will remain steady over the next four weeks at approximately 1,000 per day, and the number of daily new severe cases will increase slightly from 17 to 19.
• If transmission decreases by 10 percent and continues at that level during the next month, the model projects approximately 300 new infections per day and 9 new severe cases per day by Aug. 27.
• If transmission increases by 10 percent and continues at that level during the next month, the model projects approximately 2,300 new infections per day and 32 new severe cases per day by Aug. 27.

The results suggest that transmission increased substantially during May, then decreased somewhat in late June and early July. The model estimates the Re is currently about 1.0.

Despite the apparent leveling of transmission, the virus continues to spread in Oregon and continues to cause loss of life. OHA urges Oregonians to continue to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wash hands frequently.

August 7, 2020

What: The biannual meeting of the Dental Pilot Project Advisory Committee. The meeting will cover Dental Pilot Project #200, "Training Dental Hygienists to Place Interim Therapeutic Restorations."

Agenda: Presentation by Oregon Health & Science University, review modification request, program updates

When: Aug. 10, 1-2 p.m. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Remote meeting via Zoom. The public can join through a conference line at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 785 2125, access code 341692.

Background: Dental Pilot Projects are intended to evaluate the quality of care, access, cost, workforce, and efficacy by teaching new skills to existing categories of dental personnel; developing new categories of dental personnel; accelerating the training of existing categories of dental personnel; or teaching new oral health care roles to previously untrained persons.

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

# # #

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

• 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 Sarah Kowalski at 971-673-1563, 711 TTY or ah.e.kowalski@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.kowalski@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oregon reports 423 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 348, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 423 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 20,636. The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (3), Clackamas (16), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Deschutes (18), Douglas (3), Grant (1), Hood River (3), Jackson (12), Jefferson (5), Josephine (3), Klamath (1), Lane (13), Lincoln (1), Linn (6), Malheur (21), Marion (47), Morrow (21), Multnomah (110), Polk (7), Umatilla (53), Union (2), Wasco (3), Washington (53), and Yamhill (17).

Oregon’s 340th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old man in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 30 and died on August 5. His place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 341st COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old woman in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 20 and died on July 31. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 342nd COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on July 15 and died on August 6. His place of death is unavailable at this time. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 343rd COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Jefferson County who tested positive on July 10 and died on August 5, at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 344th COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old man in Klamath County who tested positive on July 27 and died on August 6, at Sky Lakes Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 345th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on July 28 and died on August 2 in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 346th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on July 8 and died on August 5 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 347th COVID-19 death is 94-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 16 and died on August 4 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 348th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old woman in Yamhill County who tested positive on July 28 and died on August 6. Place of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

New modeling report shows slowing spread of COVID 19 in Oregon

Today OHA released new modeling about the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon.

The model includes three future scenarios: one in which transmission continues at the current rate, one in which transmission decreases by 10 percent and one in which transmission increases by 10 percent.

The model projects that:

• If transmission continues at the current level during the next month, the estimated number of new daily infections will remain steady over the next four weeks at approximately 1,000 per day, and the number of daily new severe cases will increase slightly from 17 to 19.
• If transmission decreases by 10 percent and continues at that level during the next month, the model projects approximately 300 new infections per day and 9 new severe cases per day by Aug. 27.
• If transmission increases by 10 percent and continues at that level during the next month, the model projects approximately 2,300 new infections per day and 32 new severe cases per day by Aug. 27.

The results suggest that transmission increased substantially during May, then decreased somewhat in late June and early July. The model estimates the Re is currently about 1.0.

Despite the apparent leveling of transmission, the virus continues to spread in Oregon and continues to cause loss of life. OHA urges Oregonians to continue to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wash hands frequently.

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

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 7, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON AND DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Friday, August 7, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are FOUR people with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday. One of the new positive results was previously a presumptive. The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 149.  Please note that we are listing a hospitalized COVID patient in our chart below, however they are not a resident of Douglas County, are from out-of-state and are not reflected in our case numbers, but we wanted to note that they are being hospitalized locally at this time.

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

Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19:

DPHN has created a new series of illustrated graphics to continue to emphasize how important it is for our citizens to help in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Douglas County.  As we have discussed before, one of the ways you can help is to: stay home if you are sick, stay home if were exposed as a close contact to a positive COVID-19 patient, stay home if you are awaiting COVID-19 test results and especially stay home if you have tested positive for COVID-19.  Going to work when you feel you are, “only just a little sick” could potentially expose others to your illness and cause an unnecessary outbreak.  Our goal is to keep businesses and agencies open, maintain hospital and health care access and capacity, and have the best chance at reopening all of our schools to in-person instruction.  If you need help in order to stay home, talk to your employer about available programs or call our local COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550 for more information and a list of available resources.  The local COVID-19 Hotline is staffed by local volunteers from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 29 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be today, Friday, August 7, 2020, in Roseburg. There will also be a testing clinic tomorrow, August 8, 2020 in Reedsport.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1280 people tested in 57 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

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

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

Oregon School Reopening Metrics

For information about the State’s reopen schools initiative and metrics during the COVID-19 pandemic (Ready School, Safe Learners), click here or check out this .pdf.  OHA released a weekly case rate and test positivity report that lists the total state numbers, as well as a county by county breakdown.  Click here for the most recent OHA case rate and test positivity report released on July 5, 2020.  The report details case and test positivity rates for the weeks of July 5 – August 1.  As a reminder, OHA and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) officials will be working directly with local schools and school boards to adopt and implement their school reopening and/or student learning plans.  We will be sharing the updates on Thursdays.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Just like the old expression says, ‘prevention is the best medicine’, we continue to stress the importance of weighing your COVID-RISK and preventing the continued spread of the virus in Douglas County. Several of our recent positive test results have been directly linked to travel outside Douglas County, and especially those residents that have chosen to travel outside of Oregon. In addition to limiting travel, we are asking that you also limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  Reversing the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.  Data from CDC and OHA show that traveling and coming into contact with people from other areas, especially COVID-19 hot spots, DOES significantly increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.  The COVID-19 virus is still here, still infectious and will be around for quite some time. The bottom line is that each and every person needs to take personal responsibility for their actions and adopt the proper precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Whatever your reason for traveling, going to work while sick, inviting Aunt Sally to come visit or attending a wedding or a pool party, we encourage you to please reconsider and really access the COVID-RISK to you, your family and your community. And remember to please follow these simple daily precautions as well: wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.

COVID-RISK INDEX: Several businesses, agencies and individuals reached out to the DCCRT Team asking about the COVID-RISK Index chart we shared Tuesday, August 4, 2020 in our DCCRT Special Update.  The index was adapted from research done by Doctors from the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University and the University of Arizona, and is an excellent illustration to help residents, employers and our communities evaluate their COVID-RISK. 

Click here to download the COVID-RISK Index chart.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us tonight, Friday, August 7, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

Free Service for Job Seekers Interested in Long-Term Care

The Oregon Department of Human Services issued a press release recently talking about a free service for anyone looking at a career in long-term care.  So, if you are looking for a job and have thought about working in long-term care, then ConnectToCareJobs.com can help connect you with more than 680 nursing, assisted living and residential care facilities in Oregon and more than 1,400 adult foster homes.  Licensed long-term care facilities in Oregon are also invited to create accounts to post open positions. The website then matches these job seekers with appropriate openings.

“We want to do everything possible to ensure that Oregonians have options when they need long-term care,” said Mike McCormick, interim director of the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. “For Oregonians who want to receive care in a long-term care facility, it is essential that those facilities have enough staff to meet the needs of people who want to live there.”

To learn more, read the press release from the Oregon Department of Human Services

###

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

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

News release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // Release date: August 7, 2020
 

Media contacts:
Chris Havel, is.havel@oregon.gov">chris.havel@oregon.gov, 503-986-0722
Jo Niehaus, jo.niehaus@oregon.gov, 503-580-9210
 

Oregon state parks adds temporary nonresident camping surcharge

Salem, Ore – To encourage local recreation and provide funding to operate the Oregon State Park system, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will add a nonresident surcharge to new campsite reservations and first-come, first-served campers starting Monday, August 10. The change does not affect existing reservations or people currently camping in a state park.

The increase will add up to 30% to the nightly cost to camp in a state park for nonresidents. Including lodging tax, the average cost for a full-service RV site is currently $33 per night, and starting August 10, will increase to an average of $42 for nonresidents making new reservations, or arriving without a reservation. The average tent rate is currently $19 per night and will increase to $23 for nonresidents.

The surcharge will remain in effect the rest of 2020. A decision about rates for 2021 will be made this autumn.

“We love serving all people, no matter where they live,” says Lisa Sumption, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director. “Even so, this temporary change is needed to remind people to stay as close to home as possible while enjoying the outdoors, and to provide much-needed support for the Oregon state park system, which faces a projected $22 million shortfall between now and June 2021.”

In addition to encouraging recreation close to home, the surcharge could generate up to $500,000 through the end of the year to hire staff and pay for cleaning supplies and other park operations.

For more information, visit https://stateparks.oregon.gov.

# # #

If you are an avid boater, you may have found your favorite lake or river running low. In fact, some lakes and reservoirs are thirty feet lower than this time last year. Severe low water has attributed to several boat groundings during the first week of August. Rocks or large stumps are exposed or just below the surface where generally there has been adequate water to navigate just weeks ago. 

The Marine Board has been working with marine law enforcement partners to mark areas of increased safety risk. One example is Crescent Lake in Klamath County, where there’s been a significant water level drop due to drought conditions and irrigation. The Marine Board’s website has a resource page where you can find links to local reservoir levels and river gauge readings, as part of your trip planning.

The Oregon State Marine Board offers the following tips on how to have fun and stay safe:

• Never boat alone. Especially in paddlecraft. Have at least two boats and a plan if your party is separated. Always fill out a float plan or give detailed information to a friend or family member about where you’re going, when you expect to return, what clothing you’re wearing, and who’s with you.
• Motorboat operators should always navigate at a safe speed and with a sharp lookout and take time to discover what lies underneath the surface. If you are new to the waterbody, idle around and take depth readings to become more familiar with potential shallow areas. Polarized glasses help minimize sun glare and identify underwater rocks or stumps more easily.
• For rivers, stay well clear of log jams and strainers (root wads, trees, branches). Woody debris allows water through them but can entrap paddlers underwater or entangle lines on boats.  
• Know your limits. Know your ability at the moment, not from what you know you’re capable of doing. Stick to rivers that are classified as I or II if you have a medical condition or are new to river running.
• Always wear a life jacket, even when on the lake or river banks. Banks become unstable. 
• Check the Marine Board’s website for reported navigation obstructions. Waterways, especially rivers, are dynamic and constantly changing. The Marine Board cannot mitigate every obstruction, but through the help of our agency partners, strive to ensure safe passage for popular waterways.

If you’re involved in a grounding or other incident where there’s personal injury beyond first aid or damage over $2,000, you are required by law to complete an incident report.

Take care out there -plan, prepare and be patient. Spending some time getting your bearings will make for a safe and enjoyable experience.

 ###

Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified of 18 additional positive cases for COVID-19. This makes a total of five hundred and seventy (570) cases.

570 total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized: 4                                                                         

Deaths: 3

Infectious: 38

At least 44, 043 total tests 

At least  43,473 negative tests

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

We are now inquiring about attendance at large gatherings as part of our disease investigations and will make that information publicly available. To date, none of our confirmed cases have attended large gatherings such as protests, or rallies. We believe that the majority of our new points of transmission are from travel and small gatherings, along with household transmission. 

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

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

--

Please note: Lane County will no longer provide proactive case updates on Saturday and Sunday as long as new case numbers remain low. New numbers will be published once per day on the weekends in the data table available atwww.LaneCountyOR.gov/data. Daily updates will still occur s://5">Monday–Friday.

###

The Lane County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance locating 27 year old missing man Michael Bryson of Eugene.  Michael was last seen on August 5th at a roadside campground located off Brice Creek Road just west of Champion Creek Road in South Lane County.  At around 4:30 a.m. on 8/5/20, Michael reportedly wandered away from a group of friends at the campground in an unknown direction and has not been seen since. Family reported Michael missing when he didn't return home after leaving the campground.  

Lane County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue deployed search teams in the area on August 5th and 6th, and are continuing the search today, but so far have not located any clues as to which direction Michael may have gone.  Michael left his camping gear at the campground and his phone has been powered off for several days.

Michael is described as standing 6'2" tall and weighing approximately 180 pounds with short brown hair and hazel eyes.  He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, tan shorts, and white Crocs with rainbows on them.  Michael might also be wearing a brown, corduroy baseball cap.

Anyone who has seen Michael or knows his whereabouts is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff's Office at 541-682-4150 then press 1 and reference case # 20-5286.

State Medical Officer Dean Sidelinger will hold a weekly media availability at 11:30 Friday, Aug. 7.

Media is invited to call in and ask questions at 844-291-5491. Access Code is 1809065.

August 6, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board’s Health Equity Workgroup.

Agenda: Discuss racism as a public health crisis; review and update Public Health Advisory Board health equity review policy and procedure.

When: Aug. 13, 2-3 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: By conference call at 877-848-7030, access code 2030826#.

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@dhsoha.state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us.

August 6, 2020

OHA and the Advance Directive Adoption Committee are seeking public comments on the committee’s final draft version of the Advanced Directive Form.

Since 2019 the Advance Directive Adoption Committee has followed ORS 127.533 to draft an updated version of the form. The final draft form will be submitted to the Legislature by Sept. 1 for ratification during the 2021 legislative session.

Members of the public are invited to submit comments on the draft form, available at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/ABOUT/Pages/AdvanceDirectiveAdoptionCommittee.aspx. Comments should be submitted to lichealth.policy@dhsoha.state.or.us">publichealth.policy@dhsoha.state.or.us by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

# # #

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

•        Sign language and spoken language interpreters.

•        Written materials in other languages.

•        Braille.

•        Large print.

•        Audio and other formats.

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

August 6, 2020

Oregon reports 267 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 339, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 267 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 20,225. The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (1), Clackamas (22), Clatsop (1), Columbia (4), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (12), Douglas (5), Grant (1), Jackson (16), Jefferson (10), Josephine (2), Lane (12), Linn (3), Malheur (19), Marion (33), Morrow (1), Multnomah (45), Polk (4), Sherman (1), Umatilla (27), Wasco (6), Washington (30), and Yamhill (9).

Oregon’s 339th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 16 and died on August 1, at Good Shepherd Health Care Center. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

Linn County Undersheriff Paul Timm reports on August 3, at 3:53 p.m., deputies responded to the 41000 block of Marks Ridge Drive, north of Sweet Home for an armed disturbance.  The caller, a resident of the location, reported the suspect, Joel Soto, 25, (who also had been staying at the location) took out a gun during an argument with him and shot it into the ground.  Soto then ran off through a nearby wooded area.  When deputies arrived, they searched the area but were unable to find Soto.  Deputies continued to try to locate Soto over the following days.

Yesterday, August 5, at 6:50 p.m., deputies responded to another armed disturbance at the same residence.  The caller reported Soto had returned and pointed a firearm at the caller. 

When deputies arrived, Soto had again fled into the woods.  With the assistance of two Linn County K9 units and Sweet Home Police Department, they searched the area.  Soto was taken into custody after Deputy Matt Sheets and his K9, Thunder, located Soto hiding in a drainage culvert south of the residence. 

Soto was found to be in possession of a Glock handgun, which had previously been reported as stolen through the Sweet Home Police Department.  Soto was transported to Linn County Jail where he is facing charges of Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Theft I.  Additionally, Soto is being held on an outstanding warrant issued out of New York for Assault 2. 

Neither the victim or Soto were injured during either incident.

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

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 6, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON AND DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Thursday, August 6, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are THREE people with new positive test results and ONE new presumptive since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 145. 

Make sure you check out our new Thursday section below called, Weekly School Metrics Update.

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

Advisory: Travel, Visitors, Going to Work While Sick and Social Gatherings:

Just like the old expression says, ‘prevention is the best medicine’, we continue to stress the importance of weighing your COVID-RISK and preventing the continued spread of the virus in Douglas County.  We want to keep businesses open, maintain hospital space, have access to services and have a better chance at reopening our schools to in-person instruction this Fall. Several of our recent positive test results have been directly linked to travel outside Douglas County, and especially those residents that have chosen to travel outside of Oregon. In addition to limiting travel, we are asking that you also limit attending social gatherings, stay home if you are sick and reschedule visits from out-of-the-area friends and family to a later date.  Reversing the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.  Data from CDC and OHA show that traveling and coming into contact with people from other areas, especially COVID-19 hot spots, DOES significantly increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.  The COVID-19 virus is still here, still infectious and will be around for quite some time. The bottom line is that each and every person needs to take personal responsibility for their actions and adopt the proper precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Whatever your reason for traveling, going to work while sick, inviting Aunt Sally to come visit or attending a wedding or a pool party, we encourage you to please reconsider and really access the COVID-RISK to you, your family and your community. And remember to please follow these simple daily precautions as well: wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.

COVID-RISK INDEX: Several businesses, agencies and individuals reached out to the DCCRT Team asking about the COVID-RISK Index chart we shared Tuesday, August 4, 2020 in our DCCRT Special Update.  The index was adapted from research done by Doctors from the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University and the University of Arizona, and is an excellent illustration to help residents, employers and our communities evaluate their COVID-RISK. 

Click here to download the COVID-RISK Index chart.

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 26 cases in isolation.

Weekly School Metrics Update

Starting today, the DCCRT team will be featuring a new section in the Thursday edition of our COVID-19 Noon/Daily Updates about the state’s school reopening metrics.  OHA has released a weekly case rate and test positivity report that lists the total state numbers, as well as a county by county breakdown.  Click here for the most recent OHA case rate and test positivity report released on July 5, 2020.  The report details case and test positivity rates for the weeks of July 5 – August 1. 

Douglas County’s Case Rate and Test Positivity Numbers are as follows:

As part of the statewide reopen school’s initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, OHA and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) released their proposed, ‘Ready School, Safe Learners’ guidelines last week.  Below is an excerpt from the current guidelines that lists the proposed metric benchmarks that the State is requiring before they will allow local schools to reopen for in-person instruction.  Yesterday, the State mentioned that they are considering making a change to those guidelines for some counties.  In the meantime, OHA and ODE officials will be working directly with local schools and school boards to adopt and implement their school reopening and/or student learning plans.

For more information about OHA and ODE’s reopening schools plans, click here or check out this .pdf.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, August 7, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1280 people tested in 57 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

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

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

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us tonight, Friday, August 7, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

Red Cross: Reminder Urgent Need for Blood Donations

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, you are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible. Donate your blood and save a life.

Local Blood Drives: Appointments are required, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767 to schedule today.

Friday, August 7                     11:00 am – 4:00 pm      Reedsport Church of God, 2191 Birch Ave., Reedsport

Friday, August 7                     10:30 am – 4:30 pm      Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Monday, August 10                 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Wednesday, August 12             12:00 pm – 6:00 pm      Masonic Temple #59, 626 Winchester Ave., Reedsport

Wednesday, August 12            11:00 am – 4:00 pm      Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Thursday, August 13              1:00 pm – 6:00 pm        Elks Lodge #1943, 106 S. Main St., Myrtle Creek

Friday, August 14                   9:00 am – 3:00 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Monday, August 17                 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Monday, August 17                 12:00 pm – 5:30 pm      Winston Community Ctr., 440 SE Grape Ave., Winston

Tuesday, August 18                 11:00 am – 4:00 pm      Roseburg Public Safety Center, 700 SE Douglas Ave., Roseburg

Wednesday, August 19            10:00 am – 3:30 pm      Westside Christian Church, 2712 W Harvard Ave., Roseburg

Thursday, August 20              9:30 am – 2:30 pm        Sutherlin Community Center, 150 S Willamette St., Sutherlin

Friday, August 21                   9:00 am – 3:00 pm        Roseburg Blood Donation Ctr., 1176 NW Garden Valley Blvd

Friday, August 21                   1:00 pm – 6:30 pm        Sutherlin Family Church, 881 W Sixth Ave., Sutherlin

Rent and Utility Help Is Available Locally Through UCAN

If your household, or someone you know in Douglas County, has been financially impacted due to the COVID-19 crisis and household income is at or below 80% of the Average Median Income, you may qualify for rental credit support and/or utility assistance payments through United Community Action Network (UCAN). Up to 6 months of rent, including past due rent back to April 2020, may be available. If you qualify, rent payments will be made to your landlord. Utility payments will be made to your utility.

UCAN encourages community partners, landlords, property managers and friends to refer anyone who they believe may be eligible to this valuable resource as not all individuals have been impacted at the same time, and COVID-19 continues to affect households across our community in ways not previously experienced. Many people are eligible for this funding who previously might not have been and should not self-select out from this opportunity.  Funds are limited and UCAN staff will determine eligibility and process applications in the order calls are received, with staff working virtually at this time.  To see if you qualify for funds, please leave one detailed message with clear contact information by calling:

Douglas County residents:

Rental Support (541) 672-5392
Energy/Utility Support (541) 672-3421

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

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

On Tuesday morning, August 4, 2020, the Street Crimes Response Team (SCRT) along with Lincoln City Police and Newport Police executed a search warrant at a residence located approximately 476 feet from the Oceanlake Elementary School property.

Christopher Kalin, (48) Teri Cipres (47), Amber McColligan (33), and Amber Williams (37) all of Lincoln City, were arrested after lengthy investigations into the distribution of illegal narcotics in the Lincoln County area.

During the warrant execution, the SCRT seized quantities of suspected methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia such as digital scales and plastic baggies, drug transaction records, and a weapon.

Kalin (top left) was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Delivery / Possession / Manufacturing of Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a School, Commercial Sexual Solicitation, and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon. His bail was set at $580,000.00.

Due to Lincoln County Jail COVID-19 Jail Procedures, Cipres, McColligan and Williams were all issued criminal citations/summons to appear for Possession of Methamphetamine. See our previous media release on Facebook for more information on criminal citations/summons.

The Street Crimes Response Unit (SCRT) is a county-wide team designed to augment the Patrol Division.  This team specializes in the handling of community-impact crimes, such as narcotics investigations, burglaries, and repeat offenders, and does so by investigating these crimes thoroughly. The SCRT is made up of members of the Lincoln City Police and the Newport Police Department, and routinely obtains assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Toledo Police Department.

LCPD would like to express our thanks to Newport Police drug-detection K9 Zoe and her handler. These teams are essential to drug investigations all over Lincoln County.

The Lincoln City Police Department encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they witness, as it may assist law enforcement. The LCPD Drug Tip Line is available at 541-994-9800.

Submitted By: Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

Portland, Oregon – Elliot Mainzer, who has served as administrator and CEO of the Bonneville Power Administration for the past seven years, will leave the agency at the end of August.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to serve as BPA administrator and CEO, said Mainzer. “I would like to thank the U.S. Department of Energy, the BPA community, our customers, tribal, state and federal officials, members of the environmental community, and our other regional partners for collaborating with us to strengthen and modernize BPA and position the agency as an engine of economic prosperity and environmental sustainability for many years to come.”

“The department thanks Elliot for his dedicated service to BPA’s utility customers and the people of the Northwest,” said Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette. “The region has benefited from his expertise, leadership and commitment to collaboration during an incredibly transformational time.”

Mainzer was sworn in as the 15th administrator in BPA’s 83-year history on Feb. 20, 2014 after serving as acting administrator since July 2013. From day one, Mainzer prioritized taking care of the BPA workforce and building a healthier and stronger organizational culture, which he did by instituting safety as a core value and implementing a new executive structure, decision-making process and focusing on management excellence, diversity and inclusion. Under Mainzer’s leadership, BPA has achieved the strongest safety performance in the organization’s history.

Mainzer served as administrator during a period of significant industry change. In response, he led the development of BPA’s 2018-2023 strategic plan, which serves as a roadmap to sustain BPA’s financial strength, modernize BPA’s assets and system operations, provide competitive power products and services, and meet transmission customer needs efficiently and responsively. A central element of the strategic plan has been a focus on grid modernization and preparing BPA to adapt to evolving energy markets and new technologies. Mainzer also advanced new approaches to transmission planning and advocated for an enhanced regional resource adequacy program and a reinvigorated Northwest Power Pool.

Throughout his 18-year career at BPA, Mainzer focused on the opportunities and challenges of large-scale renewables integration and helped enable BPA to connect more than 5,000 MW of wind energy to its high-voltage transmission system.

In recent years, he has also worked to strengthen regional partnerships and understanding of shared interests within the Columbia River Basin on the complex issues associated with salmon recovery, hydroelectricity, tribal culture, navigation, irrigation, and rural economic development.

“Energy markets, technologies and public policies will continue to evolve at a rapid pace,” said Mainzer. “I am confident that with a continued focus on collaborative relationships, customer responsiveness, disciplined cost management and business agility, BPA will successfully address the market, technological and environmental challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Mainzer will continue to serve as administrator through Aug. 31. DOE will announce an acting administrator at a later date to ensure a smooth transition.

“I am profoundly grateful for the focus and dedication of the BPA workforce during my time as administrator and am proud of their many accomplishments,” added Mainzer. “As I move on to my next professional opportunity, I look forward to staying in touch with my colleagues in the Pacific Northwest as we work towards a prosperous clean energy future.”

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

                                                                                       # # #

Correction: An earlier version of this press release incorrectly identified the person arrested on July 24, 2020 as Ronald Bernard Hickey, 44, a Canadian National. This man has not been charged with any crime in the District of Oregon. The correct name of the defendant charged for harassing and stalking federal employees assigned to assist the Federal Protective Service with ongoing civil unrest in Portland is Tawasi (no last name), 44, of Corvallis, Oregon.

Charges include assaulting federal officers, failing to obey lawful orders, and operating a drone in restricted airspace

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that 22 people have been arrested and are facing federal charges for their roles in weekend protests at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in Portland.

According to court documents, since May 26, 2020, protests in downtown Portland have been followed by nightly criminal activity including assaults on law enforcement officers, destruction of property, looting, arson, and vandalism. The Hatfield Federal Courthouse has been a nightly target of vandalism during evening protests and riots, sustaining extensive damage.

U.S. Marshals Service deputies and officers from the Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection working to protect the courthouse have been subjected to nightly threats and assaults from demonstrators while performing their duties.

Six people have been charged for alleged criminal conduct during a protest beginning July 23, 2020 and continuing into the early morning hours of July 24, 2020. Carly Anne Ballard, 34, and David Michael Bouchard, 36, are charged with assaulting federal officers; and Josslynn Kreutz, 28, Dakota Eastman, 30, Ezra Meyers, 18, and Mark Rolycanov, 28, are charged with failing to obey lawful orders.

On July 24, 2020, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested Tawasi (no last name), 44, of Corvallis, Oregon, for harassing and stalking federal employees assigned to assist the Federal Protective Service (FPS) with ongoing civil unrest in Portland. Tawasi used his Twitter account, @TawasiSoce, to knowingly release personal information of these employees in an attempt to threaten, intimidate, or incite violence against them.

Eight people have been charged for alleged criminal conduct during a protest beginning July 25, 2020 and continuing into the early morning hours of July 26, 2020. Rebecca Gonzales-Mota, 37; Stephen O’Donnell, 65; Thomas Johnson, 33; Nathan Oderdonk-Snow, 21; Joshua Webb, 22; Pablo Avvacato, 26; and Doug Dean, 34, are charged with assaulting federal officers. Richard Lindstet, 33, is charged with operating a drone in restricted airspace.

Seven people have been charged for alleged criminal conduct during a protest beginning July 26, 2020 and continuing into the early morning hours of July 27, 2020. Michael Stephenson, 23; Caleb Willis, 29; Noelle Mandolfo, 30; Travis Williams, 27; Patrick Stanford, age unknown; Coree Jefree, age unknown; and Tyler Gabriel, 22, are charged with assaulting federal officers.

All defendants, unless noted, are presumed to be local residents.

These cases are being jointly investigated the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service. They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Criminal complaints and informations are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

Are you passionate about finding solutions for climate change at a local level? Lane County is seeking 10 community members to serve on the newly established Lane County Climate Advisory Committee.

The Committee will be responsible for helping to guide the creation of Lane County’s first Climate Action Plan.

The Climate Action Plan will encompass:

1. Conducting a greenhouse gas emissions inventory and develop an internal plan (Climate Action Plan - Phase 1) for County operations to establish greenhouse gas reduction targets and implementation plans to meet County targets.
2. Developing a comprehensive countywide plan (Climate Action Plan - Phase 2) with community engagement to outline aggressive goals and strategies, aligned in partnership with city climate actions, to establish countywide community targets and high priority areas of action.
3. Developing a resiliency plan (Climate Action Plan - Phase 3) to identify adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks and impacts of climate change anticipated for Lane County.
4. Developing Action Initiatives supporting green jobs, clean energy projects, and climate-friendly industries in Lane County.
5. Providing open and transparent public communications to monitor and evaluate progress toward climate action goals.

There are 10 vacancies and representation from across Lane County is important. Applicants’ primary residences must be within Lane County’s geographical boundaries.

In an effort to represent diverse identities and experiences on the Climate Advisory Committee, applications are especially encouraged from underrepresented community groups, tribal government representatives, youth representatives (under 25), representatives of major employers, representatives from small businesses, and representatives with a background in physical or climate science.

The deadline to apply is August 14, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

More information, including application details, is available at www.LaneCounty.org/ClimatePlan.

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 TIP OF THE WEEK

Date:          August 6, 2020                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:     Sheriff Curtis Landers

                   541-265-0654

                   clanders@co.lincoln.or.us

                                                                    OUTDOOR GRILLING SAFETY

There's nothing better on a summer day than cooking out on the grill! Since there are many different types of grills, we would like to share some safety tips for whatever you're planning to cook on whatever grill you will be using. These helpful tips come from the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org/education.

• Propane and charcoal grills should ONLY be used outdoors. They should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and overhanging tree branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below the grill.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using your gas grill each year. You can do this by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. If there is a leak, the gas will cause it to release bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak, turn off the grill. If the leak does not stop, get it serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If you smell gas while you're cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do NOT move the grill.
• If you use starter fluid with your charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid; always keep it out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the charcoals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
• Most importantly: NEVER leave your grill unattended.

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Portland woman has been charged with preparing more than 1,000 false and fraudulent federal income tax returns requesting over $3 million in fraudulent refunds.

A federal grand jury has returned a 25-count indictment charging Elizabeth Munoz, 36, a resident of southeast Portland, with filing false tax returns on behalf of herself and her clients.

“Falsifying tax returns to get fraudulent refunds harms every American because it takes revenue from federal programs that benefit the public,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Every taxpayer must file accurate returns with the IRS and pay all taxes required by law. Those who fail to do so will face significant consequences, including criminal prosecution, prison, and monetary penalties.”

“Unscrupulous return preparers create unforeseen hardships for their clients that include unexpected tax debt along with penalties and interest,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. “IRS-CI devotes considerable resources to ensuring all return preparers follow the law and act in good faith on behalf of their clients.”

According to court documents, from 2015 through 2018, Munoz operated a tax return preparation business that promised her clients the “biggest refund guaranteed.” Munoz allegedly prepared 1,196 false tax returns for 629 clients. She manipulated various entries on their returns to falsely claim tax credits for which her clients were not eligible.

Munoz will make her first appearance in federal court on August 27, 2020. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of three years in federal prison, three years supervised release, and $6.2 million in fines.

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

This case is being investigated by IRS-CI and prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

August 5, 2020 (SALEM, ORE.) – The Oregon Employment Department announced today that they met their  FOCUS PUA goal of processing 70,000 remaining initial Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims on August 4, several days ahead of the August 8 deadline the Department set for itself. The Department is now current with processing regular and PUA unemployment claims, and processing new ones that come in at a record rate, so Oregonians can start getting paid the benefits they are owed.

“We hope that more Oregonians are now starting to feel relief,” said David Gerstenfeld, acting director of the Oregon Employment Department. “The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program’s new online form has also helped in processing weekly claims, so more Oregonians will start getting their benefits much more quickly.”

In the past week, the Department processed more than 20,000 initial PUA claims, as with the week prior, signaling the increased speed at which the Department is now working. The Department has already redirected employees to other work needed to get people their benefits.

“It’s important to remember that while some claims may need more attention for benefits to be sent, that initial processing is a critical first step. I am happy to report that the Department has removed one more barrier to Oregonians getting their critically needed regular unemployment or PUA.”

Gerstenfeld noted that additional barriers still remain, but that the Department is moving in the right direction, and is continuing to build positive momentum.

“We have turned a corner in getting Oregonians their benefits more quickly. It has certainly taken more time than we’d like. But we’re getting there, and we are committed to doing everything we can to make this easier for everyone,” said Gerstenfeld in his weekly media briefing.

Last week the Department announced they had found a way to pay tens of thousands of Oregonians “Benefits While You Wait.” The Department is proactively reaching out to Oregonians who may be eligible for those benefits while their claims are being reviewed by an adjudicator.

Gerstenfeld also shared that the Department is committed to getting the modernization of the Department’s computer system back on track.

“We are well-positioned to modernize in a way that will help Oregonians get the benefits they deserve in a timely fashion. We now have a talented team of employees. I am now responsible for the success of this project and intend to do everything I can to make real progress—and quickly.” 

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Note to media: For the latest numbers on unemployment claims processing, an online version of the above press release, and today’s full media briefing recording, visit the Oregon Employment Department’s media page at unemployment.oregon.gov/media. The video and audio will be posted later today.

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

The Electronic Government Portal Advisory Board will meet at 9 a.m., Wednesday, August 12. The meeting is open to the public and will be held remotely. To join the meeting, please see the instructions. The agenda and meeting materials are posted on the advisory board’s website.

The legislature established the advisory board with enactment of ORS 276A.270-276. The board advises the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) on key decisions and strategic choices about managing and operating the state’s web portal services.

The Oregon.gov portal is the connection point for citizens to access state agency services and information on the internet. “Web portal services” means providing the hosting, content management, electronic commerce, public collaboration and application development needed to operate and maintain Oregon.gov, online services and make payments over the web. The board provides oversight of specific websites, services and online payments where agencies choose to utilize the state CIO’s E-Government Program as their service provider.

With the board’s advice, the state CIO wants to make Oregon web portal services and their operation as effective as they can be for citizens to interact with state government.

August 5, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed five more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 338, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 299 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 19,979. The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (2), Clackamas (20), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Coos (1), Deschutes (8), Douglas (1), Hood River (4), Jackson (12), Jefferson (9), Josephine (1), Klamath (2), Lane (5), Lincoln (19), Linn (8), Malheur (7), Marion (42), Morrow (10), Multnomah (59), Polk (2), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (26), Wasco (1), Washington (48), and Yamhill (6).

Oregon’s 334th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Clackamas County who tested positive on July 8 and died in her residence. Date of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 335th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 17 and died on July 28 at Trios Health Southridge Hospital in Kennewick, Wash. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 336th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 12 and died on August 1 at Saint Anthony Hospital. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 337th COVID-19 death is a 67-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on July 20 and died on August 3 at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 338th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Josephine County who tested positive on July 19 and died on August 3 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Note: More information is available about Oregon’s 233rd COVID-19 death. Oregon’s 233rd COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old woman who tested positive June 29 and died on July 9 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise. She had underlying conditions.

OHA Releases Weekly Report

Today OHA released its COVID-19 Weekly Report, which stated that during the week of July 27 through Aug. 2, OHA recorded 2,278 new cases of COVID-19 infection — up slightly from last week’s tally of 2,241. In addition, 39 Oregonians were reported to have died, up from last week’s toll of 27. The percentage of tests positive increased from 5.1 percent to 6.4 percent, and hospitalizations rose to 141, up from the previous week’s 127. The age group with the highest incidence of reported infection continues to be 20-29-year-olds, with rates decreasing in subsequent decades of life. Most cases continue to be “sporadic,” meaning that no source for the case was identified.

Outbreaks surpass 20 cases

An outbreak of 27 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at Walmart in Umatilla County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to a worker. The outbreak investigation started on July 9, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

An outbreak of 20 cases of COVID-19 has been reported at the OR1 Construction site in Multnomah County. The case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to a worker. The outbreak investigation started on July 8, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

An outbreak of COVID-19 has been reported at the Lamb Weston facilities in Boardman. The Lamb Weston West location has 21 cases, the Lamb Weston East location has 31 cases and the Lamb Weston Packing Center has 22 cases. These case count includes all persons linked to the outbreak, which may include household members and other close contacts to a worker. The outbreak investigation started on July 1, but the initial case count was below the threshold for public disclosure.

State and county public health officials are working with these organizations to address the outbreaks and protect the health of workers.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 5, 2020

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is reviewing updated application materials from Trillium Community Health Plan to expand its Oregon Health Plan (OHP) service area to include Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Trillium Community Health Plan currently serves  OHP members in Lane, Douglas and Linn counties.

On November 8, 2019, the Oregon Health Authority notified Trillium Community Health Plan that the coordinated care organization (CCO) would have until June 30, 2020, to contract with a hospital and meet other network requirements. If not, the CCO would lose its ability to serve the tri-county region over the next five years.

All CCOs are required to show they have a provider network that is adequate to serve their members. Trillium submitted updated provider network information to OHA in June. OHA will make a decision on the application by mid-August. If the application is approved, Trillium would be able to start enrolling OHP members September 1, 2020.

Members in the tri-counties would be able to choose Trillium as their coordinated care organization at the time of enrollment. Members are also allowed to change CCOs once per year and when they renew their OHP. Renewals are currently paused during this national emergency to ensure members maintain access to health coverage. 

About coordinated care organizations

Oregon first established CCOs in 2012 to transform health care delivery in the state. CCOs bring together physical, behavioral, and oral health providers to coordinate care for people on the Oregon Health Plan. They improve health and reduce costs by providing more coordinated, flexible and innovative services. CCOs are rewarded for achieving specific health outcomes and quality measures.

# # #

The Lincoln County Jail recently purchased and began testing tablet devices to be used by the adults in custody (AIC). The tablets sold by TurnKey Corrections in partnership with EDOVO learning provide the AIC's an opportunity to learn and expand their skills while in custody. The tablets contain many educational modules, examples include but are not limited to, GED studies, vocational training, stress, and anger management, as well as cognitive and behavioral therapy. Through the completion of these modules the AIC's are rewarded with points which can then be used to watch a movie, tv show or play a video game. Points cannot be purchased by the AIC's, they may only be earned by engagement in the different modules. These tablets are provided to the AIC's at no cost, the usage fee is paid for out of the jail commissary revenue fund ensuring that all AIC's have access to this tool to better themselves while not only in custody but once they are released back into our community.

###

Prepared by:

Grant Jones

Sergeant

541-265-0703

gjones@co.lincoln.or.us

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

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 5, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Wednesday, August 5, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there is ONE person with a new positive test result since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 141. 

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

COVID-RISK INDEX: Several businesses, agencies and individuals have reached out to the DCCRT Team asking about the COVID-RISK Index chart we shared yesterday in our DCCRT Special Update.  The index (pictured here to the right) was adapted from research done by Doctors from the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University and the University of Arizona, and is an excellent illustration to help residents, employers and our communities evaluate their COVID-RISK. 

Click here to download the COVID-RISK Index chart.

Advisory: Travel, Visitors, Going to Work While Sick and Social Gatherings: We continue to stress the importance of accessing your COVID-RISK. Several of our recent positive test results have been directly linked to travel outside Douglas County, and especially those residents that have chosen to travel outside of Oregon. Reversing the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.  Contracting and preventing the spread of the coronavirus is very preventable. Data from CDC and OHA show that traveling and coming into contact with people from other areas, especially COVID-19 hot spots, DOES significantly increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.  Whatever your reason for traveling, going to work while sick, inviting Aunt Sally to come visit or attending a wedding or a pool party, we encourage you to please reconsider and access the COVID-RISK to you, your family and your community.  The COVID-19 virus is still here, still infectious and will be around for quite some time. The bottom line is that each and every person needs to take personal responsibility for their actions and adopt the proper precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  In addition to limiting travel, not attending social gatherings and staying home if you are sick, we ask you to please follow these simple daily precautions as well: wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended.

Previously, we used the OHA definition for recovered that considered people recovered if they were 10 days from onset and symptoms were improving.  As more is learned about COVID, the clinical definition of recovery is evolving.  Due to the evolving nature of this definition, we have removed the column in our chart listing our recovered cases.  We added the number of those in isolation that roughly correlates with the number of active cases.  The DCCRT noon case and daily update will report the Total Number of COVID-19 Cases, the number of positive test results (as of 12:00 pm that day), the number of presumptive, total currently hospitalized, total currently in isolation, total COVID-19 deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 24 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be Friday, August 7, 2020, in Roseburg. As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1263 people tested in 56 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

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

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

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us tonight, Friday, August 7, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

Oregon DHS - Increased Food Benefits to Continue into August

Yesterday the Oregon Department of Human Services announced they had received approval by the Federal Food and Nutrition Service to continue to provide increased food benefits and waive the interview requirement for new applicants.  This will result in an additional $30 million to eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in August 2020.

“As the pandemic continues, access to food has worsened greatly,” said Self-Sufficiency Programs Deputy Director Claire Seguin. “Providing another month of emergency assistance will help ease the threat of chronic hunger in Oregon.”  

SNAP households will automatically receive the additional allotment in the same way they receive their current benefits. For most customers this is an EBT card. The additional benefit amount will be disbursed to all eligible SNAP households.  No additional action is needed from Oregonians already enrolled in SNAP. The increase brings all households to the maximum SNAP benefit. Households that already receive the maximum benefit will not receive any additional benefits.

Check out the links below for additional information about SNAP and other food assistance resources:

• Learn more about the allotment at https://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2020-07/973/136496/Oregonians_will_continue_to_receive_increased_food_benefits_in_August.pdf
• Learn how to apply for SNAP and other benefits online or by phone at https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/COVID-19/Pages/Home.aspx.
• SNAP customers can contact their local SSP or AAA office for more information. Find a local office at: gov/DHS/Offices/Pages/index.aspx
• Find other food resources at https://oregonhunger.org/covid-19/

Tips on How to Avoid Coronavirus Scams

It is no secret that in addition to the COVID-19 virus sweeping our nation, the pandemic has also provided scammers a variety of different opportunities to commit fraud and attempt to trick trusting individuals and businesses. To learn more about potential scams check out the Division of Financial Regulation’s COVID-19 fraud prevention webpage. Topics include fake mobile banking apps, government imposters, bogus unemployment claims, and more.  We encourage you to be cautious, be safe and always protect your personal information.

Stay Informed Accurate Local Information

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

Local COVID-19 Hotline

If you have questions about COVID-19 and available local resources, call the Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed by local volunteers from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

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

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?

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

Click here to read the Governor’s official press release on COVID-19 rules compliance.

Click here for the Governor’s latest statewide rules, effective Friday, July 24, 2020.  

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders contact:  OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website.

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

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

The State Interoperability Executive Council (SIEC) will meet Tuesday, August 11, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., via teleconference. The meeting is open to the public and comments will be taken from those attending the teleconference.

The SIEC was created under the State Chief Information Officer to be the statewide interoperability governing body and to serve as the primary steering group for the Oregon Statewide Interoperability Communications Plan (SCIP). The SIEC’s mission is to develop and maintain the SCIP, develop recommendations and guidelines for policy, identify technology and standards, and coordinate intergovernmental resources to facilitate statewide public safety communications interoperability.

The agenda and handouts are posted on the council’s website. Instructions for those who wish to attend over the phone are outlined in the meeting agenda.

The Aug. 5 meeting of the Governance and Frame Working Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission is canceled.

Lane County Public Health (LCPH) notified of 7 additional positive cases of COVID-19. This makes a total of five hundred and forty three (543) cases

543 total cases-  Note that this includes confirmed and presumptive.

Of our cases (confirmed and presumptive): 

Hospitalized: 4                                                                         

Deaths: 3

Infectious: 34

42,842 total tests administered 

At least  42,299 negative tests

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

We are now inquiring about attendance at large gatherings as part of our disease investigations and will make that information publicly available. To date, none of our confirmed cases have attended large gatherings such as protests, or rallies. We believe that the majority of our new points of transmission are from travel and small gatherings, along with household transmission. 

TESTING DATES AND LOCATION UPDATE:

Veneta Community Member Testing, Thursday, August 6th, Veneta Elementary School, 88131 Territorial Rd, 1:30-5 PM

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

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

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Please note: Lane County will no longer provide proactive case updates on Saturday and Sunday as long as new case numbers remain low. New numbers will be published once per day on the weekends in the data table available atwww.LaneCountyOR.gov/data. Daily updates will still occur s://5">Monday–Friday.

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JOHN DAY, Ore. — Thunderstorms are in the weather forecast for much of central and eastern Oregon on Wednesday.  If these storms materialize Oregon Department of Forestry plans to utilize night operation of Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT) to suppress fires if they are needed.  Night SEAT operations did not occur during last week’s thunderstorms because they were not needed to control any of the ignitions.

Firefighters in John Day have been working with Oregon Department of Forestry’s Aviation Unit for training and preparation should the opportunity and need arise where using a SEAT could safely support on the ground resources in controlling a fire.  Pilots utilize night vision goggles, hand signals and chem sticks to identify firefighters and locate the drop location.

Night operations will result in increased activity at the Grant County Airport where the SEAT tanker base is located.

UPDATE 08/04/2020 7:00 PM

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Deputies have located the body of 22 year-old Austin Allen Wilkison. 

Wilkison was reported missing to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office by concerned family members. Through the course of the investigation, deputies learned that Wilkison was possibly despondent and could possibly be in the mountains near Glide. Search and Rescue Teams along with Timber Deputies began searching for Wilkison.

At approximately 3:15 PM, deputies received information that Wilkison's vehicle had been previously observed by a bear hunter in the area of the Canton Creek Campground near Steamboat during the course of the weekend. The hunter saw the missing person flyer and contacted the Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to the area and located Wilkison's vehicle and him inside.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office notified Wilkison's family as well as the Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office who is conducting a death investigation. There is nothing suspicious about Wilkison's death at this time. 

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ORIGINAL RELEASE 08/04/2020 1:00 PM

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Deputies are looking for information as to the whereabouts of a missing 22-year-old Roseburg man. 

Austin Allen Wilkison was last seen on Friday, July 31, 2020, at approximately 7:30 pm at a residence on Little Valley Road. Wilkison had reportedly planned to meet friends and return home. He has not been heard or seen since and family is concerned about his welfare. 

Wilkison is known to frequent the Glide/Idleyld Park area and may possibly be in the mountains, particularly the Swift Water, Wright Creek and Steamboat Falls areas. He is described as 5'6'', 145 lbs, brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last known to be wearing a green hooded sweatshirt and khaki pants. He is associated with a silver 2001 Silver Acura CL with Oregon license plate YPS306.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 541-440-4471 or by email to dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us referencing case #20-3532.

Today, just before 4:30 p.m. Sweet Home Fire responded to the second water rescue at Mckercher Park within 3 days.  An 8-year-old female was stuck in the same location as the 10-year-old on Sunday. Bystanders were able to free the girl before rescuers arrived.  The cause of entrapment in both cases was a log that is wedged beneath the surface of the water.  Other than these two cases we are not aware of any other history of entrapments at this location.

The first photo attached shows three of the four bystanders that rescued the girl, assisting firefighters by placing caution tape on the water channel that leads to the hazard .  (Left to Right: Cameron Harris, Torell Ireton, Caleb Ritcher)  Not pictured was Dakota Hufled. Torell Ireton, of Salem, was also present on Sunday and assisted with that rescue.

The second Photo shows Ireton (left) and Harris (right) identifying the area that both victims were trapped.   A sunken Log can be seen directly behind Harris just beneath the surface.

Please be very careful of the forces of swift water like this and avoid this area until the hazard can be removed.  Linn County Sheriff Office has referred the information to Linn County Parks. Sweet Home Fire Dive team members have volunteered to assist in the removal of the hazard log. 

There are two critical components of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) mission that work together to promote excellence in Oregon's public safety professions -- delivering quality training and upholding professional standards. DPSST training helps public safety providers protect their communities. Upholding professional standards ensures the integrity of Oregon's criminal justice system by ensuring that officers meet and maintain all established training, physical, emotional, intellectual and moral fitness standards for all public safety disciplines.

In addition to statutes set by the Oregon State Legislature, DPSST's overall mission is guided by the 24-member Board on Public Safety Standards and Training, and six discipline-specific, public safety policy committees. The board and committees are integrally involved in setting the agency's Oregon Administrative Rules, which legally guide the implementation of our statutory obligations; the board and committees also provide input into, and make decisions regarding training standards and certification requirements; they review individual certification cases; and, they help set the agency's high-level goals for the future. The board and committees meet quarterly.  

DPSST certifies more than 5,500 full-time law enforcement professionals in Oregon who work for city, county, state, tribal, university, railroad police agencies. 

Since August 1, 2017 (the effective date of Board’s expanded authority to review discretionary misconduct), 180 police officers or police officer applicants have had their eligibility for certifications reviewed (23 of those from the Portland Police Bureau). 

Of those 180 reviews, the Board took final action against 67 police officers. (62 revoked or denied - 8 from the Portland Police Bureau; 5 suspensions).

Of those 67 actions:

• 4 involved female police officers;
• 30 were for off-duty conduct;
• 15 officers held Supervisory or above certifications
• 51 had over 10 years experience as a police officer;
• 19 over 25 years experience as a police officer
• 12 involved alcohol or drug use;
• 17 involved sexual conduct;
• 4 involved domestic violence; and
• 23 involved an element of dishonesty.

Oregon law enforcement officers who are decertified by DPSST are also entered into the the National Decertification Index (NDI) of the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) which is a national registry of certificate or license revocation actions related to officer misconduct as reported by participating state government agencies. The NDI currently contains 28,555 actions reported by 45 certifying agencies as not all states issue certification to law enforcement officers and not all states have the ability to revoke or suspend police officer certifications, Oregon does both.

In accordance with HB 4207 passed during the recent special session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, DPSST has created and published a statewide, online database of DPSST Professional Standards actions.  The database includes the names of all public safety officers who have been the subject of a DPSST certification action, their employing agency (when applicable), and a link to the DPSST investigation and Final Order once issued (which will include a description of the facts underlying the denial, suspension or revocation action) occurring on or after June 30, 2020 (The effective date of HB 4207). For broader transparency, a listing of all individuals who were the subject of a DPSST professional standards action prior to June, 2020 has also been published, along with a list of open, pending DPSST professional standards cases.  The database can be found on-line at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/cj/pages/professionalStandards.aspx

DPSST Director Eriks Gabliks said "There have been many questions and concerns raised about policing in our state and nation.  Many of the questions within our state have been regarding the training and accountability of Oregon law enforcement officers.  To address these questions, to share information, and to answer questions, DPSST held a number of virtual sessions specifically for local community leaders, elected officials, state legislators, and media.  One session addressed Oregon’s criminal justice professional standards system.  Another focused specifically on police use of force training in Oregon offered by DPSST.  And the last covered the basic police training program offered at DPSST to all newly hired city, county, state, tribal, and university law enforcement professionals.  Participants had the ability to ask questions of DPSST staff during each of these sessions."  Each of the sessions were recorded and have been posted for viewing on the DPSST webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/CJ/Pages/InformationalFiles.aspx  

## Background Information on the BPSST and DPSST ##

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

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

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is extending the date to accept public comments on proposed changes to rules governing how the state protects important historical places until 5 p.m. Aug. 31, 2020. The extension comes with a new opportunity on Aug. 18 for local and tribal governments to learn more about the proposed rules and comment on them.

The state is proposing updates to the Oregon Administrative Rules that govern how the state administers the federal National Register of Historic Places Program, which lists buildings, districts and other sites important to local, state or national history. The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) — an office of OPRD — administers the local program, which is run by the National Park Service.

In Oregon, 2,065 properties — including 133 historic districts located across the state’s 36 counties and representing many aspects of the state's rich history — are now listed in the National Register.

In the last several years, several high-profile, controversial nominations exposed problems with the National Register process, including determining owner consent and public involvement. Proposed changes seek to establish a fair and transparent process in alignment with federal requirements.

In addition to extending the comment period, OPRD will have an informational webinar at 10 a.m. Aug. 18 for government staff and leaders to learn more about the proposed rules and potential impact on communities, local governments and tribes. The webinar will be open to the public and end with an opportunity to provide public comment. Register to attend at oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx.

“Local governments and Native American tribes are a critical partner in the national register program,” said Ian Johnson, associate deputy state historic preservation officer.

The Oregon SHPO provides local governments participating in the federal Certified Local Government (CLG) Program grants to list properties in the federal National Register of Historic Places. Using SHPO grant funds, the City of Jacksonville listed the Britt Gardens and the City of Gresham listed the Roy E. and Hildur L. Amundesen House in the National Register. 

Local governments may comment on National Register nominations. Local governments participating in the CLG program may object to a nomination, ending the nomination process unless appealed. The revised rule includes updated procedures for hearing notifications, including specific provisions to notify CLGs, as well as a provision that allows the SHPO to coordinate outreach efforts with local governments. The revised rule also now includes provisions for comments from Oregon’s nine federally-recognized Native American tribes.

OPRD will accept public comments on the proposed changes through 5 p.m. Aug. 31, 2020. Comments can be made online, in writing or via email:

• Online: oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
• In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn. Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.publiccomment@oregon.gov">OPRD.publiccomment@oregon.gov
• Informational, online webinar to discuss potential impacts of proposed rules on local governments, communities and federally-recognized Native American tribes. The webinar is set for 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 18. Register at oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx.

After reviewing public comments, OPRD staff plan to present a final recommended rule for consideration to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

The full text of the proposed change is available online: oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;
• Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
• Eligible for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements.

National Register listing does not place any restrictions on a property at the federal level, unless property owners choose to participate in tax benefit or grant programs. State law requires local governments to review the demolition or relocation of all properties listed in the National Register at a public hearing, and allows local governments to add additional regulations following a formal public process. Learn more about the National Register of Historic Places program in Oregon at oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/national-register.aspx.

Please complete a separate survey for each student you will have enrolled in South Lane School District. This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. Survey will be open through August 4, 2020.

As we prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 school year, we need more information so that we can be prepared for our students. We will be operating in a hybrid model, and will be starting the school year in distance learning until it is deemed safe to return to school. The is the first of several surveys that you will see over the next few months.

http://bit.ly/slsd1

encuesta española

http://bit.ly/slsd2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          

CONTACT: Doug Thompson, Executive Director

Email: DougT@OLSHF.org

NEWS RELEASE

The 2020 Scramble for Sight Golf Classic is ON!

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Oregon school students and younger children still are faced with undiagnosed vision issues that can be best discovered through high quality school vision screenings. The Lions of Oregon are as focused as ever in their efforts to help young people read better and do better in school and they have a fun way to help support that mission this summer with The 2020 Scramble for Sight Golf Classic!

Golfers all over Oregon are invited to register the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, play at their community course during the week of August 30th to September 5th, 2020, donate at least $100 per player to OLSHF, post their 4-Man Scramble or individual 18-hole score and receive over $350 in “tee prizes” including a logo polo shirt, Bluetooth sports ear buds, Bridgestone golf balls and more!

Using the USGA Slope rating of each participating 18-hole golf course, team and individual winners in the following categories will win more great golf prizes like drivers, high-tech golf bags and more!

• Low Net Team and Individual
• Most money raised – Team and Individual
• High Net Score – Team and Individual
• Best Team and Individual Costumes

What golf formats are recognized?

Almost all! Real USGA courses, community courses, mini-golf and even Wii Golf! Have fun and help children all over Oregon see to their potential so they can learn to their potential!

Please watch our commercial to learn more - https://youtu.be/H9nPwE7To0Q

To register, simply email dougt@olshf.org and he’ll get you started.

About OLSHF & the Lions of Oregon

We are the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF), serving communities statewide. We are driven by a promise made to American author and deaf blind activist Helen Keller. In 1925, at an International Lions Convention, she challenged Lions to focus on preventable sight and hearing issues as their primary mission. Since our formation in 1959, we have endeavored to uphold this promise by creating programs in response to the need for sight and hearing assistance. We have built upon the promise made to Helen Keller by creating a continuum of care for people who lack access to vision and hearing services.

In partnership with the Lions Clubs of Oregon and community organizations, we serve people through critical sight saving surgeries and treatments; manufacturing new eyeglasses; helping people who can’t afford eyeglasses and hearing aids, and creating the largest vision screening program in the US. Our statewide programs serve children to the elderly, giving them much needed access to optical and hearing services. In 2015, we launched the LEAP Optical Finishing Lab that allows OLSHF to manufacture high quality, low cost eyeglasses. Annually, over 2,000 Oregonians receive new eyeglasses built by our lab. Learn more at www.olshf.org or www.facebook.com/olshf.

MD-36 Lions: Lions of Oregon & Northern California are a part of an international network of 1.4 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Lions are best known for working to end preventable blindness, the giving of eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy and local service projects. http://www.md36lionsclubs.org/

About Lions Clubs International:
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Our 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs provide humanitarian service in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened communities through hands on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

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MEDFORD, Ore.—The leader of a southern Oregon drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin in and around Klamath Falls, Oregon was sentenced to federal prison today, announced Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Rogelio Gomez-Arias, 24, of Klamath Falls, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in May 2018, southern Oregon law enforcement began investigating Gomez-Arias’ trafficking organization. Investigators learned than an individual in Mexico supplied the organization with methamphetamine in exchange for cash and firearms, and instructed it to transport narcotics to other west coast cities and beyond.

In August 2019, investigators conducted three controlled buys with Gomez-Arias, purchasing a total of three pounds of methamphetamine. During these purchases, Gomez-Arias directed other members of his organization and openly explained his history of drug dealing. He explained in detail how he started selling small quantities of drugs and then moved up to ounces and, later, pounds. He bragged of making $500,000 in a single week and transporting drugs to other cities, including Seattle and New York. This information was corroborated when a co-conspirator was stopped on his way to New York with more than 700 grams of fentanyl.

On October 9, 2019, a coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement operation was conducted to dismantle Gomez-Arias’ drug trafficking organization. Four federal search warrants were executed in Klamath Falls and Dorris, California. Investigators seized more than 37 pounds of methamphetamine, 440 grams of heroin, 14 firearms, and nearly $50,000 in cash and arrested five co-conspirators, including Gomez-Arias.

On October 2, 2019, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a six-count indictment charging Gomez-Arias and three co-conspirators with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and distribution of a controlled substance. A fourth co-conspirator was charged by criminal complaint.

On July 30, 2020, Gomez-Arias pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Three of Gomez-Arias’ co-conspirators—Alexis Chavez-Franco, 23; Domingo Matias-Hernandez, 36; and Juan Rodriguez-Ramirez, 62—remain in custody pending trial. A fourth co-conspirator, Irving Beas Ceballos, 35, is on pre-trial release.

During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane ordered Gomez-Arias to forfeit the U.S. currency seized and the firearms used to facilitate his crimes.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) and the Siskiyou Unified Major Investigation Team (SUMIT). It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. – The Emergency Fire Cost Committee will meet virtually Thursday, August 6 at 1:00 p.m. To join the call or provide public comment at this virtual meeting use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting Chrystal Bader at 503-945-7220.

Among agenda items are:

• Fiscal Year 2020 close summary
• Strategic Investment Proposals summary update
• ODF Financial update
• Committee Discussion
• Administrator Report

This meeting is open to the public. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting as noted on the agenda.

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as an insurance fund with the purpose of equalizing emergency fire suppression costs among the various Oregon Department of Forestry protection districts. The emergency funding system is designed to operate as an insurance policy whereby all districts contribute (pay premiums) into the fund so that money will be available to any individual district to pay fire suppression costs on emergency fires. More information can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Board/Pages/EFCC.aspx

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“There’s no such thing as a bad home movie. These mini-underground opuses are revealing, scary, joyous, always flawed, filled with accidental art and shout out from attics and closets all over the world to be seen again.” — John Waters

Portland, OR – August 4, 2020 – The Oregon Historical Society is excited to announce that fifteen reels of 16mm home movies, shot by the Tsuboi family, are now available for viewing on the Oregon Historical Society Digital Collections website.

Teruo Tsuboi ran, with his older brother, the Tsuboi Brothers store at 315 Burnside Street, Portland. The store sold Western style clothing, jewelry, and after World War II, added an optometrist exam room. The films document the day-to-day activities of a Japanese American family living in the Pacific Northwest over multiple generations and contain rare scenes of family life both before and after World War II.

Films include, in part: family visits to the Pendleton Round-Up, drives through the snow in downtown Portland, Rose Festival parades, a Japanese baseball team at Civic Stadium, family members posing near Mt. Hood, trips to and from Japan via ship, a brief glimpse of the ruins of the Minidoka incarceration camp, a trip to Los Angeles in 1931, and various Pacific Northwest vacations and scenes from family life.

The Japanese American Museum of Oregon has been instrumental in identifying and promoting these films. Director of Collections and Exhibits Lucy Capehart notes, “The Tsuboi films provide a magical window into Portland’s past. The films also show that Japanese Americans have been part of Portland’s social fabric for generations; participating in the Rose Festival parade, riding a bike down a neighborhood street, and playing baseball.” 

Teruo (1889–1965) and Suma Tsuboi (1889–1977) emigrated from Okayama, Japan, to Portland, Oregon, in the early twentieth century. They had four children (called Nisei, or the children of Japanese immigrants born in the United States): Teruhisa "Ted,” Akiko, Sachiko, and Kazuko.

When 16mm film first hit the consumer market in the late 1920s, it was available mainly to those who could afford the relatively high cost of film and camera. As 16mm became more affordable, with the added ability to shoot in color, it became the main method of documenting twentieth century family life, before being displaced by 8/S8mm, magnetic videotape, and digital video.

For more information on efforts being made to preserve the experiences of Asian Americans through home movies, please visit the Memories to Light project by the Center for Asian American Media.

The Center for Home Movies is another great resource that documents the importance of collecting and preserving home movies.

Short film segments and screen grabs for press purposes are available here: https://bit.ly/tsuboi.

For more information on this collection, please contact: Matthew Cowan, the Oregon Historical Society’s Archivist for Moving Images & Photography at matthew.cowan@ohs.org.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

About OHS Digital Collections

In 2015, the Oregon Historical Society embarked on an ambitious two-year project to build a digital infrastructure to create, collect, preserve, and facilitate online access to materials from our vast historic collections. Behind the scenes, these digital files are safeguarded using a series of digital preservation workflows, systems, and storage we call the OHS Digital Vault.

OHS Digital Collections provides online public access to a rich variety of materials from the OHS Research Library collections, including items from our manuscript, photograph, film, and oral history collections. Through OHS Digital Collections, we aim to enhance and promote the use of our materials for teaching, learning, and research. Materials can be accessed online at digitalcollections.ohs.org.

August 4, 2020

Contact: Brian Toups, 503-385-6542, rian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us">brian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee to hold an optional office hour for committee members.

When: August 7, 9-10 a.m.

Where: The office hour for Metrics and Scoring Committee members will be by call-in and Zoom only. The public may join remotely through Zoom at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1611744937?pwd=Z2pFUFRWZi96cm1BOEc1dXFBejZ5UT09 and listen-only conference line at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 174 4937, password 330080.

Agenda: OHA staff are holding an optional office hour for Metrics and Scoring Committee members as outlined in the timeline and process for selecting 2021 incentive measure benchmarks and targets memorandum. This is to answer questions committee members may have on the materials in the benchmarking packet available on the committee’s webpage. Committee members are welcome to join at any time during the hour. Members of the public are welcome to listen. The committee will not deliberate during this time.

For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/Metrics-Scoring-Committee.aspx.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Brian Toups at 503-385-6542, 711 TTY, rian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us">brian.m.toups@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Salem — Small businesses and individuals who buy their own health insurance can now see the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s final rate decisions for 2021 health insurance plans. The division reviews and approves rates through a detailed and transparent process before they can be charged to policyholders.

The final decisions are based on the result of a rigorous review, which included public hearings and public comment. The division published preliminary decisions last month before the hearings. These hearings provided an opportunity for the public, health insurance companies, and the division to further review and analyze the preliminary decisions.

“We continue to be encouraged by the results of the Oregon Reinsurance Program,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner and Department of Consumer and Business Services director. “It has led to lower rate increases each year, more carriers expanding their coverage statewide, and more health insurance options for Oregonians.”

Open enrollment for 2021 plans is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2020.

Individual market
The division has issued final decisions for six companies in the individual market with average rate changes ranging from a 3.5 percent decrease to an 11.1 percent increase, for a weighted average of 1.8 percent. Under the decisions, Silver Standard Plan premiums for a 40-year-old in Portland would range from $425 to $466 a month.

The rate changes are companywide averages based on premiums for plans before financial assistance through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is taken into account.

All Oregonians who purchase their own insurance are encouraged to apply for assistance through the Marketplace for 2021, even if they did not qualify last year. Approximately 72 percent of Oregonians who enrolled through the Marketplace for health coverage in 2020 qualified for help paying their premium. People who received help with the costs of their health insurance paid on average $138 a month.

Small group market
In the small group market, the division has issued final decisions for nine companies with average rates ranging from a 1.1 percent decrease to a 7.0 percent increase, for a weighted average of 3.7 percent. Under the decisions, Silver Standard Plan premiums for a 40-year-old in Portland would range from $335 to $405 a month.

See our chart for a full list of final decisions

Facts for 2021:

• All 36 Oregon counties will have at least two on-exchange options and at least three total options for its residents.
• The Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the market – lowering rates by 6 percent for the third straight year.
• COVID-19 was not considered as part of 2021 rates because it is too early to understand the effect of COVID-19 relief efforts.

Proposed final decisions for each carrier can be found at www.oregonhealthrates.org. Statewide premium comparison tables for ages 21, 40, and 60 will be posted online later this month.

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About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and www.dfr.oregon.gov.

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

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 4, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM - NOON CASE DAILY UPDATE

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County COVID-19 Test Results: It is Tuesday, August 4, 2020, and as of 12:00 pm today, there are TWO people with new positive test results and FOUR new presumptives since our noon case update yesterday. The total number of cases (people with positive test results and presumptive) in Douglas County is now at 140.  Please note that we are listing a new hospitalized COVID patient in our chart below, however they are not a resident of Douglas County, they are from out of state, but they are currently hospitalized locally.

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

Advisory: Travel, Visiting and Social Gatherings: We continue to stress the importance of accessing your COVID-RISK. (Click here to read our special COVID   Report on COVID-RISK issued earlier today).  Several of our newest positives test results have been directly linked to travel outside Douglas County, and especially those residents that have chosen to travel outside of Oregon. Reversing the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents.  Contracting the coronavirus is very preventable.  The virus is a hazard to your health and the health of those around you.  COVID-19 is dangerous in that you could unwittingly expose someone you love to the virus, potentially infect someone with a compromised immune system or cause someone to get seriously ill or die.  Data from CDC and OHA show that traveling and coming into contact with people from other areas, especially COVID-19 hot spots, DOES significantly increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.  Whatever your reason for traveling, going to work while sick, inviting Aunt Sally to come visit or attending a wedding or a party, we encourage you to please reconsider and access the COVID-RISK to you, your family and your community.  The COVID-19 virus is still here, still infectious and will be around for quite some time. The bottom line is that each and every person needs to take personal responsibility for their actions and adopt the proper precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  In addition to limiting travel, not attending social gatherings and staying home if you are sick, we ask you to please follow these simple daily precautions as well: wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended. 

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

deaths and total negative test results in Douglas County.  Currently, DPHN is supporting 24 cases in isolation.

Getting Tested & Testing Clinics

The next drive-through testing clinic will be today, Tuesday, August 4, 2020, in Roseburg.  As a reminder, if you are having symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, sore throat or decreased sense of smell and taste, talk to your health care provider about being tested for COVID-19.  Patients without a Primary Care Provider, that are looking for a COVID-19 test should contact the Sutherlin Aviva Health Clinic at (541) 459-3788. The first drive-through testing site was piloted in the county on March 17, 2020, there have been 1263 people tested in 56 drive-through clinics, while additional testing continues in hospitals, urgent cares and clinics.  The drive-through clinics are led by DPHN, in conjunction with partner agencies including; Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Public Works, local volunteers and local health professionals.

Oregon COVID-19 Case Update

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

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

Local Workplace Outbreak to be reported by OHA

The Oregon Health Authority will be reporting a workplace outbreak in Douglas County tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5, 2020.  An outbreak of COVID-19 cases has been linked to Mercy Medical Center.  OHA started reporting workplace outbreaks of five or more cases in early June, with most cases now reporting as recovered.  The OHA weekly report on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 noted that there have been over 110 reported workplace outbreaks in Oregon.  OHA’s policy related to workplace outbreaks is to report outbreaks with 5 or more cases and only for workplaces where there are at least 30 employees. Locally, Dr. Bob Dannenhofffer, our Douglas County Public Health Officer and the staff at Douglas Public Health Network have been working directly with Mercy and their employees since the first positive case result was returned.  Ongoing epidemiology work including communication with contacts of positive cases and additional testing is continuing to happen on site.  Both DPHN staff and Mercy officials are supporting their employees that are in isolation or quarantine.

"Douglas Public Health Network has been working closely with Mercy Medical Center providing vital epidemiology investigation and support for this workplace outbreak.  We believe it is still safe to seek care at Mercy because they were prepared and they are supporting additional testing while also supporting their staff in quarantine.  We are working together to mitigate the transmission to staff, patients as well as the larger community.” stated Dr. Bob Dannenhofffer.

Mercy Medical Center is a rural non-profit community hospital located in Roseburg and is the leading provider of comprehensive healthcare services and programs for the more than 107,000 residents of Douglas County, Oregon.  Their history of service in the region dates back more than 100 years to when the Sisters of Mercy raised $12,000 to build Roseburg’s first hospital. The 25-bed Mercy Hospital opened Feb. 22, 1909, on the bank of the South Umpqua River at the intersection of Harvard Avenue and Madrone Street. In 1977, the doors were opened the beautiful new facility on Stewart Parkway.  Today Mercy is a sophisticated, 174-bed medical center offering patients throughout the region local access to highly trained medical professionals, advanced technologies and a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services.

“Since the coronavirus was identified, our organization has been focused on ensuring the safety of our employees and our patients. The employee who tested positive was exposed on their time off, and no patients were exposed due to our PPE protocols.  Staff who have tested positive are now in quarantine for two weeks and we will continue to work closely with Douglas Public Health Network as we move forward.  I personally want to reassure our community that Mercy remains a safe place to receive health care and we will continue our commitment to safety. From screening everyone who comes facility, limiting visitors, masking both patients, visitors and staff and following the CDC guidelines we are dedicated to ensuring a safe and healing environment.”    Kelly C. Morgan, president and CEO.

Facebook Live with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer

Join us tonight, Tuesday, August 4, 2020 for the next virtual town hall Q&A with Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, your Douglas County Public Health Officer at 6:00 pm, hosted by DPHN and found on the DPHN Facebook page.

Stay Informed Accurate Local Information

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

Local COVID-19 Hotline

If you have questions about COVID-19 and available local resources, call the Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed by local volunteers from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

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

Who Do You Contact to Report Compliance Issues with the Governor’s Statewide Rules?

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

Click here to read the Governor’s official press release on COVID-19 rules compliance.

Click here for the Governor’s latest statewide rules, effective Friday, July 24, 2020.  

For more information or to report compliance issues concerning the Governor’s COVID-19 orders contact:  OSHA: (800) 922-2689 or OSHA website or OLCC (503) 872-5000 or OLCC website.

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

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

WHO:              David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department

WHEN:            Wed., Aug. 5, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT

WHAT:            Oregon Employment Department Acting Director David Gerstenfeld will hold a video conference media briefing to share updates on unemployment claims processing on Wed. Aug. 5 at 1:00 p.m. PT. Gerstenfeld will provide an update on PUA claims processing, FOCUS PUA, adjudication and overall unemployment claims progress.

WHERE:         Via Zoom video conference; Members of the media must RSVP for call information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12:00 p.m. PT on Wed., Aug. 5. Video conference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP.

OTHER:          The Oregon Employment Department is updating a claims processing progress data dashboard daily. Visit this link for week day updates. A recording of the video conference will be sent out shortly after the media briefing concludes.

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Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

SPECIAL REPORT

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 4, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE TEAM – SPECIAL REPORT!

(Douglas County, Ore.) There is a term we should all be familiar with, COVID-RISK.  While everyone should be familiar with COVID, the super infectious pandemic virus that is sweeping our world, some of you are not familiar with the term COVID-RISK…and you should be.  Merriam-Webster defines RISK as, ‘to expose to a hazard or danger.’  COVID-RISK refers to the levels of potential exposure of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus as related to your activities.  Low risk activities are those that expose you to a minimal risk of getting COVID, while high risk activities are those that most certainly could expose you, your family and your community to the virus.  With that said, we wanted to specifically address the relationship between, “why our cases are on the rise” and the fact that “people not heeding our advice about traveling, attending social gatherings and staying home when they are sick.”

FACTS ABOUT COVID-RISK IN DOUGLAS COUNTY!  

• We continue to see COVID-19 cases rise in Douglas County. 
• We continue to see people test positive for COVID-19 that have traveled out of the area, especially out-of-the state.
• We continue to see people that have contracted the virus infect others, well before they show any actual symptoms.
• We continue to see people welcome visitors from out of state into their homes that have brought the virus with them.
• We continue to see people that have been tested for COVID, awaiting results, not isolating themselves.
• We continue to see people making questionable judgement calls that have resulted in the increase of COVID cases.
• We continue to remind our residents to limit travel, not attend social gatherings and stay home if you are sick.

If you don’t think the coronavirus can spread like wildfire, here is a case in point.  A recent outbreak in our county spiraled out of control, in a matter of days.  This outbreak is riddled with choices that allowed the virus to spread.   A family member decided to travel from another state with a high level of COVID cases to Douglas County, simply to visit family…there was not an emergency or a life event.  The visitor did not self-quarantine for 14 days prior to the visit.  Either at home or during their journey the visitor unknowingly contracted the coronavirus.  While here, the out of state visitor unknowingly exposed and infected several in their host family with COVID.  One member of that family then attended a large social event with 60+ people, who were not wearing face coverings or practicing social distancing, and unknowingly exposed and infected several guests at the event.  A guest at the event then had a different family gathering that exposed and infected a few others. Several of those people then went to work and unknowingly exposed and infected their coworkers.  Now we have a COVID outbreak in our county that involves several sick families, many people in quarantine and several businesses affected…all related to one ‘innocent’ visit.  

We believe that we have reached a critical juncture with COVID-19 in Douglas County.  If we do not stop the spread now, the virus could potentially wreak havoc and we run the risk of seeing these consequences:

• Not meeting the matrix criteria for schools to re-open this Fall to in-classroom instruction.
• Hospitals getting over whelmed, restricting surgeries and limiting access to care.
• Clinics and medical practices reverting back to limited or no services.
• Jails releasing or not holding inmates due to overcrowding with COVID guidelines.
• Businesses and agencies closing their doors again, limiting services and goods.
• More layoffs and people out of work.

So, how do we stop the spread of COVID-19 in Douglas County?  The answer is actually quite simple; we need everyone to make good choices and really stop and think about their activities and the COVID-RISK associated with those activities.  If we want to turn the tables on spread of this virus in our communities, we need residents to:

1. Evaluate the risk before you travel  

• Is it necessary that I travel right now or that people travel to see me right now?
• Am I sure that I am not sick?  Or that I might make someone in my family sick? 
• Am I traveling to a known COVID hot spot? Am I visiting family that could be sick?
• How will I get there? Car, Plane, Train?  What safety measures do they have in place?
• How many people will I come in contact with?  Will I be in confined spaces with strangers?
• Am I able to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival to my destination?
• Am I able to quarantine for 14 days upon my return home?
• What restrictions are in place at my proposed destination? Do I have to take a test before I go?
• Is it safe to travel right now?

2. Limit who you see or visit

• Has the person I’m visiting been exposed to the coronavirus
• Did they recently travel out of the area?
• Did they self-quarantine going and upon their return?
• Are they sick?
• Could I unknowingly expose them to the virus?

Ask your family and friends to stay home

• We know it is tough right now, but please ask visitors to stay home.
• Find non-contact ways to visit with each other like Facetime, texting, sending or posting photos, writing letters and making phone calls.

Don’t attend that social gathering

• Again, we know it is hard, but resist the urge to attend that wedding, birthday party or pool party.

Stay home if you are sick

• Going to work when you feel you are, “only just a little sick” could potentially expose others to your illness and cause an unnecessary outbreak. 

Access your COVID-RISK and avoid activities that are high risk

• Evaluate your COVID-RISK by using risk index charts like the one ATTACHED we adapted from doctors from the University of Pennsylvania, George Washington University and the University of Arizona.

Reversing the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in our county is really up to YOU, our residents. 

Contracting the coronavirus is very preventable.  The virus is a hazard to your health and the health of those around you.  COVID-19 is dangerous in that you could unwittingly expose someone you love to the virus, potentially infect someone with a compromised immune system or cause someone to get seriously ill or die.  Data from CDC and OHA show that traveling and coming into contact with people from other areas, especially COVID-19 hot spots, DOES significantly increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.  Whatever your reason for traveling, going to work while sick, inviting Aunt Sally to come visit or attending a wedding, we encourage you to please reconsider and access the COVID-RISK to you, your family and your community.  The COVID-19 virus is still here, still infectious and will be around for quite some time. The bottom line is that each and every person needs to take personal responsibility for their actions and adopt the proper precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  In addition to limiting travel, not attending social gatherings and staying home if you are sick, we ask you to please follow these simple daily precautions as well: wash your hands, stay six feet apart and wear a mask where recommended. 

Stay Informed with Local Accurate Information

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

Local COVID-19 Hotline

If you have questions about COVID-19 and available local resources, call the Douglas County COVID-19 Hotline at (541) 464-6550.  It is staffed by local volunteers from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week.

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

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

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board will meet by teleconference on Tuesday, August 11 at 10 a.m.

The Board will consider adopting permanent restrictions on overnight use, camping, and campfires for several Columbia River locations in the North Portland Harbor and Sandy River Delta areas. The Board will also consider approving actions needed to clarify ownership of formerly submerged and submersible Willamette River lands in Benton County.

The full meeting agenda and materials are available here.

Teleconference audio will be livestreamed to the DSL YouTube channel and public testimony will be accepted by email to support the public’s ability to attend and comment virtually. Testimony is accepted regarding consent and action agenda items and may be submitted before or during the meeting to oard.testimony@state.or.us">landboard.testimony@state.or.us. Guidelines for providing testimony are available here.

If you need assistance to participate in the meeting due to a disability, please notify Arin Smith at 503-986-5224 or in.n.smith@state.or.us">arin.n.smith@state.or.us at least two working days prior to the meeting.

About the State Land Board and the Oregon Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Bev Clarno 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.

WASHINGTON – Today, President Donald J. Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law, which will significantly help address the historically underfunded, multi-billion-dollar deferred maintenance backlog at our national parks and public lands. In celebration of this historic achievement, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced that entrance fees paid by visitors coming to lands managed by the Department will be waived on August 5, 2020. Secretary Bernhardt also announced that August 4th will be designated “Great American Outdoors Day,” a fee-free day each year moving forward to commemorate the signing of the Act.

“President Trump has just enacted the most consequential dedicated funding for national parks, wildlife refuges, public recreation facilities and American Indian school infrastructure in U.S. history,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “I’ve designated August 4th as Great American Outdoors Day and waived entrance fees to celebrate the passage of this historic conservation law.”

Entrance fees will be waived at all fee collecting public lands at the National Park Service (NPS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). The Department holds fee-free days throughout the year to encourage visitation and appreciation for America’s public lands. On fee-free days, site-specific standard amenity and day-use fees at recreation sites and areas will be waived for the specified dates. Other fees, such as overnight camping, cabin rentals, group day use, and use of special areas, will remain in effect.

The remaining fee-free days in 2020 are:

NPS:

• August 5: Great American Outdoors Act Commemoration
• August 25: National Park Service Birthday
• September 26: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

BLM:

• August 5: Great American Outdoors Act Commemoration
• September 26: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

FWS:

• August 5: Great American Outdoors Act Commemoration
• September 26: National Public Lands Day
• October 11: First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week
• November 11: Veterans Day

Background

On March 3, President Trump called on Congress to send him a bill that fully and permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund and restored our National Parks.  The President noted that it would be historic for America’s beautiful public lands when he signed such a bill into law. 

The Trump Administration worked with Congress to secure the passage of this landmark conservation legislation, which will use revenues from energy development to provide up to $1.9 billion a year for five years in the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to provide needed maintenance for critical facilities and infrastructure in our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and American Indian schools. It will also use royalties from offshore oil and natural gas to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund to the tune of $900 million a year to invest in conservation and recreation opportunities across the country.

Last year, the NPS welcomed 327 million visitors who generated an economic impact of more than $41 billion and supported more than 340,000 jobs. Increasing popularity of our public lands has resulted in our national parks needing upgrades and improvements for more than 5,500 miles of paved roads, 17,000 miles of trails and 24,000 buildings. This legislation finally provides a long-term solution to this significant issue for the benefit of the American people and the betterment of our public lands.

Approximately 67 million visitors annually come to BLM-managed lands, supporting approximately 48,000 jobs nationwide and contributing almost $7 billion to the U.S. economy. BLM-managed public lands offer a wide array of recreational opportunities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating, rafting, off-highway vehicle driving, rock climbing and more.

The Service welcomes approximately 54 million people to refuges each year. Their spending generates $3.2 billion in sales to local economies, employing more than 41,000 people and providing $1.1 billion in employment income.

The Department continues to urge visitors to do their part when visiting their public lands and follow guidance provided by the CDC, state and local public health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The proclamation can be found online.

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The Lane County Public Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) press conference held on Tuesday, August 04, is now available to view online at www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus or at https://vimeo.com/444632507.

It is also available to view at http://www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment.

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For Immediate Release                                        

August 4, 2020

Contact:                Chris Enquist
                                503-378-2309

Notice of Meeting Canceled

The meeting for the Parole & Probation Academy Equity Review Workgroup scheduled for August 12th, 2020 from 10:00a-2:00p has been canceled.  The meeting will be rescheduled for a later time.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against COVID-19 contact tracing scams.

You have probably heard the term “contact tracing” quite a bit as of late. Contact tracing is the way in which health officials track who may be at risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus. If someone tests positive for the virus, health officials will work with the infected person to get names and phone numbers for those with whom they have had recent contact. The goal is to slow the spread of the virus by identifying those who may have been exposed. Once identified, health officials can provide these people with information on how to keep themselves and their communities safe. They can also give guidance about the possible need for quarantining and monitoring of symptoms.  

Of course, there are always bad actors out there who want to take advantage of an already difficult situation.  

In Oregon, contact tracers are usually hired by the state or a county health department — but they can also come from community-based organizations in some areas. The contact tracer will call you or send you a letter… not a text message or email. If you receive a text or email that claims to come from a contact tracer – be careful. Do not click on links as that can download malware onto your device, allowing the cybercriminal to steal your personal info. 

In some cases, the bad guys don’t even have to steal the information – they just ask for it. That’s why it is important for you to be able to recognize the difference between information requests you will get from legitimate tracers and the criminals.  

Legitimate contact tracers may ask you for your name, birth date, address, contact information, occupation, and whether you have symptoms. They may also ask demographic questions such as your race, ethnicity, language preference, and whether you have any disabilities. All of that is OK, and the information you provide will be protected as a private medical record and won’t be shared with other agencies. 

However, if you have someone asking for your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card number, or immigration status, hang up. That person is not a legitimate contact tracer. 

For more information on contact tracing in Oregon or if you have concerns about the legitimacy of someone who reaches out to you, visit www.healthoregon.org/contacttracing.  

If you have fallen victim to a COVID-19 scam or any other online fraud, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office.

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On August 3rd, 2020, at approximately 5:30 pm, deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance in the 8100 block of Highway 219 NE, just west of Woodburn.  When deputies arrived they spoke with a 20 year old female who said she had been assaulted by her boyfriend.  Medics were called to the scene and the female was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  The suspect had already left the area prior to the deputies arriving at the home.

Deputies returned to the home shortly before 11:30 pm after learning the male had returned.  As deputies prepared to make contact they were told the suspect was inside the residence with a gun, threatening to kill himself.  Deputies helped family members evacuate from the residence until the male could be taken into custody.  After attempts to get the male to come out of the house were unsuccessful, negotiators and SWAT were called to the scene.

While at the residence, deputies continued loud hailing for the male to come outside and SWAT team members delivered a throw phone into the residence in an attempt to get the male to talk with negotiators on scene.  After prolonged efforts to get the male to speak with negotiators and to surrender were unsuccessful, gas munitions were deployed into the residence shortly after 4:00 am.  The suspect came out of the residence a few minutes later and was safely taken into custody.

Raul Scotte Martinez, 19, of Woodburn was taken to Marion County Jail where he will be lodged for Strangulation, Assault IV, Coercion, Theft II, and Robbery III. 

During this incident, Highway 219 was closed to traffic between Willow Avenue NE and Butteville Road NE for approximately 4 hours.  The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Woodburn Police Department, Woodburn Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation for their assistance during this incident.