DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – A 43-year-old Sutherlin woman has been rescued from the wilderness area outside of Reedsport.

Mandy Greer was picking mushrooms in the vicinity of Camp Creek Road east of Loon Lake on Tuesday afternoon. She and her significant other had only planned to be out for a few hours.

Just before 5 pm Tuesday, October 29th, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from her companion advising they had split up while picking mushrooms, and Greer hadn’t returned to their shared vehicle as planned.

Deputies and Search and Rescue responded and spent several hours searching for Greer in response to this report. Search efforts included ground, fixed wing aircraft and drone work. A drone operator identified potential heat signatures, but searchers did not locate Greer. Efforts were paused in the early morning hours but resumed Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday, Douglas County Search and Rescue received resources from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue unit to assist in search efforts which resumed at 7:00 am.

At approximately 9:15 am, a deputy was able to make voice contact with Greer who responded to the deputy's siren sound sweep. Searchers learned Greer was injured and would need assistance in extracting from the forest. When rescuers located Greer, it was determined she had suffered a non-life-threatening injury, was cold and wet.

Rescuers provided first aid, food and hot tea before assisting Greer to the roadway where she was transferred to the care of EMS providers.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Douglas County Search and Rescue, Jackson County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue, Oregon State Police Aircraft Unit, Sutherlin Police, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance. 
 

On Thursday afternoon, October 31st, 2024, around 11:00 a.m., law enforcement personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Kotka Street in Woodburn after learning the suspect had stolen some items from a nearby store. 

When deputies arrived, the suspect retreated inside his residence and refused to come out. He was identified as Franciso Guevara-Ascencio with multiple felony warrants for his arrest. Marion County Sheriff’s Office SWAT was activated.  Once on scene, Francisco surrendered peacefully.  No force was used and there were no injuries during this incident. 

Franciso was lodged at the Marion County Jail for Failure to appear for Possession of methamphetamine, Failure to appear for forged instrument, Failure to appear abscond, Unlawful Use of Weapon warrant, Felon in Possession of a Weapon warrant, Parole Violation for a Weapon Offense, Harassment warrant, and Probable Cause for Theft 3. 

Special thank you to the Woodburn Police Department for their assistance.

On October 30, 2024, Republic Services submitted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill. This application is a revision of the one filed on July 19, 2024, that was deemed “Incomplete” by the Planning Division of Benton County Community Development. The County anticipates that this revision includes more detailed technical reports and a broader spatial analysis to assess the existing conditions and potential impacts of landfill operations.

Benton County has a statutory 30-day period to complete a Completeness Check—a quality measure to ensure all required and requested information is included, along with any necessary supporting documents. The County will once again utilize the expertise of an outside consultant for technical support to ensure all aspects of the application are thoroughly reviewed. Because of the timing of this filing—just before a general election and a possible labor strike—the County expects to use the full 30 days allowed to provide a response to Republic Services.

If the application is deemed Complete, the review process will begin and must be completed within 150 days. If the application is Incomplete, Republic Services may use the rest of the six-month period to provide the County more information from the August 16, 2024 Incompleteness Letter sent to Republic Services. 

The full application can be viewed online. For detailed information on the Conditional Use Permit process, please refer to the Land Use Application Process flow chart. 

Citizens who would like to receive updates on the process can contact pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov and request to be added to the County’s solid waste management email list.

Josephine County, Ore 29 Oct 24- On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 12:23 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 199, at the intersection with Helms Road, in Josephine County.

The preliminary investigation indicated northbound Nissan Sentra, operated by Joshua Chaska Patrick (22) of Abbotsford (BC), failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the highway where it was struck by a northbound Kenworth dump truck, operated by Uwe Jens Stehnike (85) of Grants Pass, causing the Kenworth to roll onto it's side.

The operator of the Kenworth (Stehnike) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Nissan (Patrick) fled the scene on foot and was later arrested nearby the scene. The operator suffered injuries and was provided medical treatment at an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. 

OSP was assisted by the Rural Metro Fire Department, Josephine County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Polk County, Ore 28 Oct 24- On Monday, October 28, 2024, at 11:47 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy 22, at the intersection with Perrydale Road, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Taurus, operated by Gay E. Hall Pentecost (74) of Sheridan, was stopped on Perrydale Road facing northbound. The Ford entered the roadway and struck a westbound GMC Sierra 3500, operated by David Carl Stauber (69) of Keizer, on the rear driver side bumper area. The impact caused the GMC to skid into the eastbound lane where it was struck by an eastbound International commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Robert Farley Snyder (60) of Independence, on the passenger side of the pickup.

The operator of the GMC (Stauber) and passenger, Alejandro Zukowski (63) of Salem, were both declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Hall Pentecost) was reportedly uninjured. 

The operator of the International (Snyder) was reportedly uninjured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 4.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands today signed a first-of-its-kind agreement to develop a carbon project on the 83,000-acre Elliott State Research Forest. 

Forests play an essential role in fighting climate change. Each year, forests worldwide remove about two billion metric tons of carbon dioxide – the yearly emissions of 476 million gas-powered cars – from the atmosphere.  Forest carbon projects aim to increase the amount of carbon dioxide sequestered by forest ecosystems, creating credits that can be sold in a carbon market to offset emissions elsewhere. 

The carbon project development agreement signed today with Anew Climate, LLC positions the Elliott State Research Forest to generate credits through multiple strategies for increasing carbon sequestration. It’s the first such agreement on state-owned lands in the western United States.

“We need bolder action to fight climate change,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. “Enrolling the Elliott State Research Forest in the carbon market will help meet our state’s climate goals and respond to a future of increasing uncertainty."

“This is an exciting, transformative new chapter for the Elliott. I’m particularly pleased to have been a part of something where Oregonians from different perspectives and experiences came together to chart this course,” said State Treasurer Tobias Read.

Today’s agreement sets development of a carbon project in motion. Next steps include on-the-ground work to inventory carbon, establish a project baseline relevant to measuring carbon sequestration credits, as well as independent verification of the project prior to any actual sale of credits. 

A carbon project is one of multiple carbon sequestration commitments in the initial Elliott State Research Forest Management Plan approved by the State Land Board on Oct. 15. The plan guides DSL in managing the research forest to contribute multiple benefits, such as protecting and restoring habitat, enhancing opportunities for recreation and education, supporting local economies by resuming timber harvest, and promoting opportunities for Indigenous forest stewardship and research, as well as advancing climate change solutions and science.  

“Designating the Elliott as Oregon’s first state research forest is a huge success. This has been a long and challenging road, but I believe the final forest management plan will be widely beneficial, from researchers to scientists to everyday Oregonians. Oregon has a proud legacy of preserving and enjoying our beautiful outdoors, and the Elliott will stand as a living example of that for years to come,” said Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade. 

Learn more about the Elliott State Research Forest on DSL’s Elliott website.

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Photos and video of the Elliott State Research are available here. 

October 31, 2024

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA: 3 Washington HPAI cases were monitored in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. – Three human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) the Washington Department of Health is reporting this week traveled to Oregon during their infection and were monitored by public health while in the state.

All three cases were infected with HPAI in Washington at a location where they were exposed to poultry that tested positive for the virus, according to Oregon Health Authority epidemiologists. The cases have returned to Washington and continue to be monitored by Washington public health staff until 10 days following their last exposure.

Washington DOH updated its online case count from six to nine to acknowledge the three new cases identified by the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory. CDC also updated its case count today to acknowledge the three new cases from Washington.

“At this time, the risk for the general public remains low,” explained Melissa Sutton, M.D., medical director for respiratory viral pathogens at Oregon Public Health. “People who have had close or prolonged, unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals, or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at increased risk of infection.”

There have been no human HPAI infections associated with outbreaks in Oregon to date, no infections among people living in Oregon, and no evidence of human-to-human transmission, Sutton added. 

OHA collaborates with local public health authorities and Oregon Department of Agriculture when humans are exposed to avian influenza outbreaks in animals. When an outbreak occurs, ODA provides personal protective equipment and training in its use to affected farmworkers, and public health provides symptom education and monitoring.

To reduce the risk of HPAI, people should avoid contact with sick or dead birds or animals, or their droppings or litter, and should not drink unpasteurized or raw dairy products such as milk or cheese.

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When:      October 31

Where:     Virtual via Zoom, or

In person at the BLM Ashland Field Office, Oregon 

Who:         Emma Busk, Wildlife Technician

Contact:   Jeanne Panfely, jpanfely@blm.gov

[UPDATE] Hoary Potter, the hoary bat from Oregon, has won his final duel!

On Halloween—the last day of International Bat Week—he defeated Lestat, the western small-footed bat from Idaho, in the final round of the 2024 Bat Beauty Contest.

This victory marks the third year in a row a bat from Oregon has taken first place in the Bureau of Land Management contest.

Emma Busk, BLM wildlife technician, says she hopes the event has inspired more love for these winged creatures of the night.

“I took the photo of Hoary Potter, but all bats are the real winners,” she told the Washington Post.

Ashland, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s annual Bat Beauty Contest returns! Your local Oregon bats are here to defend their crown and try to take home the top prize for the third year in a row.

Each October, the BLM hosts a beauty contest to find the most stunning bat photographed on BLM public lands across the county. The event begins on October 24 and ends on Halloween. It also coincides with International Bat Week, which raises awareness about bat conservation and the essential role bats play in the natural world.

This year, there are two Oregon bats participating in the contest! Hoary Potter, a male hoary bat with a feisty personality, will compete in the first round of the contest October 24. Honey Bunches of Myotis, a long-eared myotis bat, will compete in the second round of the contest October 25.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, located primarily in 11 western states and Alaska. Those other states are working hard to end the batty three-peat. You can help Oregon bring home the crown by voting on the BLM National Facebook page or the BLM National Instagram page.

Last year, William ShakespEAR, a female Townsend’s big-eared bat from Butte Falls, took home the crown on the afternoon of October 31. During the final round, she beat out Gizmo, an Allen's Big-Eared Bat. William was photographed by Emma Busk, BLM wildlife technician.

The year before, the BLM crowned Barbara, a canyon bat from Lake County, the 2022 Bat Beauty Contest Winner. Barbara was photographed by Kate Yates, BLM wildlife biologist.

Both of this year’s bats were photographed by Busk.

“It’s important that we fact check what we think we know about bats,” said Busk. “There are a lot of myths around bats, but they’re amazing wildlife and they contribute so much to our ecosystem.”

Bats play an essential role in Oregon. All bats in the Pacific Northwest are insectivorous, meaning they rid our world of pests like mosquitos, beetles, and moths. Just one bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour!

Want to do your part? As we head into winter, avoid exploring mines and caves where bats may be hibernating. 

“In your own backyard, you can have a bat house!” said Emma. “It’s a shelter that helps protect bats during the winter. You can also make your garden more bat friendly by planting native flowers to attract insects and turning off any unnecessary lights. Light pollution is not great for bats."

Want to get involved? Follow the Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington on Facebook (@BLMOregonAndWashington) or Instagram (@BLMOregonWashington). We’ll be sharing how you can vote for Hoary Potter and Honey Bunches of Myotis and support your native Oregon species!

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 31, 2024

Douglas County to Participate in Operation Green Light

Shine a Light of Hope and Support for Our Veterans

(Douglas County, Ore.) The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress issued a proclamation on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to celebrate November as Veterans and Military Families Month. The proclamation recognized and invited residents to honor our veterans and military families for the sacrifices they have made for our Country. 

In addition to the proclamation, the Commissioners are proud to announce that Douglas County will be participating once again in Operation Green Light.  During the month of November - Veterans and Military Families Month the front of the Douglas County Courthouse will be illuminated with green lights to show our appreciation and support for veterans and their families.  We encourage everyone to shine a light of hope and support for veterans by placing a green light on their porch or outside light fixture.   The green lights on the courthouse will remain on display through the end of November.  Along with the proclamation this gesture provides credence of our commitment to our county motto, “In Douglas County, We Honor Veterans!”

Americans have a long and proud history of serving our nation’s veterans, a legacy that continues to this day as our Commissioners and Departments work with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the former service members have access to the resources they need to thrive.  This Veterans and Military Families Month, we join with the National Association of Counties (NACo), the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO) and other counites, parishes, and boroughs in the U.S.A. with Operation Green Light to show our support for veterans and let them know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. 

As a reminder, please join the Commissioners in honoring our veterans today and every day, but especially during the month of November, on Veterans Day and at the 69th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade in downtown Roseburg, on Monday, November 11, 2024.  For more information about the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade visit: https://or-douglascounty.civicplus.com/507/Veterans-Day-Parade-Committee.  The proclamation presented on October 30, 2024, is a reminder for our citizens to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice these patriots and their families have made and honor their sacrifices.  It also a time to rededicate ourselves to the preservation of our liberties under the Constitution of the United States. 

Light it Green for America’s Veterans!  For more information about Operation Green Light visit: https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans. 

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountupr.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountupr.gov

October 31, 2024

Media Contact: Kristen Lambert, isten.lambert@oha.oregon.gov">kristen.lambert@oha.oregon.gov, 971-271-1347

Community organizations awarded grants to help prepare to deliver first-in-the-nation Medicaid benefits

Funds will support statewide efforts by community and social service organizations to connect climate devices, housing assistance and nutrition services to eligible Oregon Health Plan members.

Portland, Ore. – OHA and coordinated care organizations (CCOs) this month awarded a combined $37 million to community organizations across the state to help support the delivery of health-related social needs (HRSN) benefits to eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) members. The grants - called Community Capacity Building Funds (CCBFs) - will support health providers and organizations to develop what they need to be able to participate in the Medicaid delivery system.

Health-related social needs benefits address basic needs, such as housing and nutrition, that affect Oregonians’ health. The state launched climate benefits in March including air conditioners, air filters and other equipment to keep eligible members healthy during extreme weather events. New housing benefits will begin rolling out November 1, 2024, and nutrition benefits will be available starting in January 2025. The CCBF grants will help prepare community-based organizations to deliver these new benefits and improve health outcomes by preventing homelessness, heat-related illnesses and costly urgent care visits.

In honoring the government-to-government relationship with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon, an additional $11.9 million of CCBF funding has been set aside for the Nine Tribes. Tribes have the opportunity to build their own HRSN programs to best serve their community members who will qualify.

HRSN services and CCBF grants are part of Oregon’s 1115 Medicaid waiver, which expands coverage and delivers over a billion dollars in new federal funding to the state. Medicaid waivers allow states the flexibility to test new ways to deliver and pay for Medicaid benefits, with approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Oregon’s 1115 Medicaid waiver includes several first-in-the-nation benefits for OHP members; community-based organizations (CBOs) and partners will be integral to delivering these new services.

“One of our primary goals in delivering health-related social needs benefits, is to partner and align with existing community groups to reduce siloes in services for OHP members,” said Emma Sandoe, Oregon’s Medicaid Director. “These funds will help lend support to existing systems and weave Medicaid benefits into the community-based fabric of service providers.”

​To receive CCBFs, organizations needed to apply and plan to provide HRSN services in a way that is culturally and linguistically appropriate, responsive and trauma-informed. Funds can be used for technology, workforce development, development of business practices or outreach and education related to the provision of HRSN services. Organizations eligible for CCBF can be in the following categories: CBOs, social-services agencies, traditional health care workers, child welfare providers, HRSN network managers, government agencies or providers that focus on housing, nutrition, climate, case management, outreach and engagement.

2024 Community Capacity Building Funds overview:

• More than $37 million was awarded to 161 organizations across Oregon.
• 40% of the funds ($14.7 million) went to organizations that will provide housing benefits.
• Nearly 70% of the funding (almost $26 million) went to support workforce development.
• More than 25% of funds went to community-based organizations with no prior relationships with CCOs – helping to expand provider networks in local communities.

Additional information about CCBF is located on the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) CCBF web page, including details about each grantee. Information on the new climate and housing benefits, including eligibility requirements, can be found on the Health-Related Social Needs benefits web page.

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The Oregon State Marine Board will email motorboat registration renewal notices to boaters with email addresses on file whose registration expires on December 31, 2024. Each renewal notice is unique to the owner and their boat. Owners are encouraged to take advantage of the online renewal option, and the email has detailed instructions for using the Boat Oregon Store. For boaters who do not have an email address on file, renewal notices will be sent via US Mail and will arrive by mid-November.

Renewing online using the Marine Board’s Boat Oregon Store is the fastest method, offering a printable temporary permit to be in compliance to go boating right away. Owners can renew multiple boats or purchase Waterway Access Permits in one transaction for a $1.50 portal provider fee. The registration decals are mailed within 2-5 days from online sales and within 7-10 business days from the date of receipt by US mail with payment and the remittance coupon. Owners can then expect an additional 2-4 weeks for their decals to arrive by US Mail. The timelines may vary since printing and mailing are handled outside the agency. 

Any watercraft with a motor or sailboats 12 feet or longer are required to title and register with the Marine Board. Motorboat registration fees are $5 plus $5.95 per foot and are issued on a 2-year calendar basis.

Renewing in the fall and winter is recommended to avoid long delays during the peak summer season. The renewal cycle begins on November 1st of the expiration year.

Nonmotorized boaters with paddlecraft 10 feet and longer can also purchase waterway access permits through the Boat Oregon Store. A 7-day permit costs $5, an annual permit is $17, and a two-year permit is $30. Annual and two-year permits are also valid for the calendar year(s). Paddlers are encouraged to purchase permits early in the year to get the most out of permits. And because these permits can be saved or printed immediately, these make great stocking stuffers for the holidays! Especially when gifting paddlecraft. 

Visit the Boat Oregon Store help page with videos and written instructions on how to navigate the system to renew your motorboat registrations or purchase Waterway Access Permits. 

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UNLAWFUL LIGHTS ON MOTOR VEHICLES
 

With the sun setting earlier in the fall and winter, it is easy to notice the variety of headlights on the road. There can be confusion about the color of lights vehicles can lawfully displayed while travelling on Oregon’s public highways. Although there may be after-market headlights, bulbs, and light bars available at local shops, including those with a blueish or greenish color, many are not legal to use in Oregon. Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 816.050 states that headlights shall show a white light described in Standard Number 108 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

ORS 816.360 also addresses the use of prohibited lighting equipment for motor vehicles in Oregon. The penalty for not complying with this law, should a motorist be cited, is a Class C infraction. The fine imposed by a court can range from $80 to $500.

The law states the following:

• All headlamps must be white in color as defined by Society of Automotive Engineers and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 108. White lamps have been tested to meet all headlamp requirements.
• Maximum wattage allowed in a headlight or accessory light is 70 watts.
• FMVSS 108 disallows any color coating on headlights and/or headlight bulbs.
• Blue and green lamps are designated for use on emergency vehicles only.
• Red lamps to front are reserved for emergency vehicles and school bus warning lamps.
• Colored bulbs give a distorted headlamp pattern, which may prevent the driver from seeing a person or object at the road edge or starting to cross the road.
• Blue or other colored lights in the taillights of a motor vehicle are also prohibited, unless the vehicle was manufactured before 1959.

Markings on headlights and their packaging typically indicate if the product is Department of Transportation (DOT) approved. If the bulb or headlight packaging doesn’t include this information, more research should be conducted before making your purchase.

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

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The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has released Oregon Women’s Labor History: A Historic Context Statement 1903-1990. The document, which can be found at www.oregonheritage.org , is the initial product of a larger effort to prepare and submit a Multiple Property Documentation Form (MPDF) for listing in the National Register of Historic Places to encourage future National Register nominations for properties related to women’s history.

People and organizations have been researching and documenting women’s histories in Oregon for decades; there is a lot of history to cover. Many historians and organizations like the Oregon Women’s History Consortium have moved this topic forward and efforts to commemorate the women’s suffrage anniversaries highlighted meaningful stories across the state. But it is “way past time,” notes deputy state historic preservation officer Chrissy Curran, “to specifically recognize the special places associated with the other fifty percent of the state’s population.” 

One document cannot sufficiently capture the complexities and diversity of Oregon women’s experiences, or the places associated with those experiences. The SHPO contracted with Northwest Vernacular, Inc. and SJM Cultural Resource Services to study how this topic has been approached in other states, conduct a literature review, and identify already documented historic places in Oregon, with the goal of finding a way to narrow the broad topic of women’s history into a useful final tool. The resulting plan uses themes to phase the project, and the theme of women’s labor history was selected to launch the effort.

Oregon Women’s Labor History: A Historic Context Statement 1903-1990 includes a draft context of the theme, a methodology summary, and recommendations for next steps required to complete an MPDF. This document is a fascinating compilation of history that reaches all areas of the state and represents the diverse experience of, and the properties associated with, Oregon women through labor law and practice between 1903-1990.

The SHPO has been developing and supporting efforts to diversify the types of properties listed in Oregon’s National Register. Recent work includes the funding of documentation and nomination of properties to the National Register associated with the history of Black and LGBTQIA+ communities in Portland, the funding and promotion of the Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project’s efforts to document and designate related properties, and the coordination with partners to list a statewide MPDF about African American history to support future nominations. These efforts align with the new 2024-2033 Oregon Historic Preservation Plan and the 2020-2025 Oregon Heritage Plan. 

Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), includes the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The Oregon SHPO locally administers National Park Service (NPS) programs created by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, including the identification and designation of historic properties and archaeological sites; tax and grant programs; and the Certified Local Government Program (CLG), a partnership program between local jurisdictions and the state and federal government. The SHPO office is funded in part through a grant from NPS. The SHPO also coordinates closely with other Oregon Heritage programs, including the Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Main Street, Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries, and various grant and technical assistance programs. SHPO is also guided by the Oregon Heritage Plan and the mission and goals of OPRD.

To learn more about the Oregon SHPO and Oregon Heritage programs, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2024

Commissioners Issue Proclamation in Honor of

Veterans and Military Families Month

(Douglas County, Oregon) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation today, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to celebrate and honor Veterans and Military Families Month.  The proclamation also recognized and invited residents to honor all veterans on Veterans Day and attend the 69^th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade. Board Chair Commissioner Boice welcomed everyone to the meeting and said, “It is always a pleasure to have our Veterans here!”  He then presented the proclamation, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “since the establishment of the original 13 states, Americans have been willing to fight and die to preserve their individual rights as guaranteed in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights and we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to those heroic men and women who served, were wounded, or died in battle.”  A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government website: https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134059616.

“As Commissioner Boice mentioned, it is always one of our favorite days when we get to recognize our veteran community.  We are honored to continue to set aside a day to honor Veterans, our annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade and celebrate Military Families Month.” - Commissioner Tom Kress. 

Commissioner Tim Freeman presented proclamation certificates to U.S. Military Veterans, Veteran Service and Support Groups, and Military Family Members in attendance: Representative Virgil Osborne, Dan Loomis (US Army),  Eric Bagwell (USAF & VDay Parade Chair), John Pierson (USAF, Military Honors by the Pipes & Wreaths Across America), Jim Little (US Navy), Carmen Little, Rick Sciapiti (US Army), Bill Mixon (US Army), Jim Barnett (USMC), Roger Boucock (US Army), Bill Duncan (US Army & VVA President), Bob (US Army) and Cherrie Miller, Nikol Hansen (Roseburg VA), Michael Kurtz (US Army), Neil Hummel (USMC), Larry Hill (US Army & American Legion), Ed Goodman (US Navy & VVA 805), Frank Escalante (US Army & VVA Honor Guard), Lonnie Shields (USAF & VVA Honor Guard), Jason Ainslie (US Army), Mary Newman-Keyes (DC Veterans Service Office), Ron Dukes (USAF, NCO & VVA Honor Guard), Ruth Feliciano (AVVA #805), Cecilia McMillian (National Guard & AWVA President), Heidi Wood (Military Honors by the Pipes), Terry Rudolf (US Navy & VVA Honor Guard), James Horton (US Navy & VFW Oregon - State Surgeon), Jerry Anderson (US Navy, VAC & DCVF), Fran Polmateer (AVFW Aux 4039), Ron Roof (US Navy), Peter Riza (US Army), Jim Gilly (Veteran), Robert Howerton (Veteran), Ron (US Army) & Margaret Silverman, and Doug Page (USMC). Veteran service groups and supporters represented were Douglas County Veterans Forum; Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee; Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee; Douglas County Veterans Service Office; Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 805, Auxiliary & Honor Guard; American Legion Post 16 & 123 & Auxiliaries; Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 2468 & 4039 & Auxiliaries; Roseburg Veterans Administration; American Women Veterans Association; Non Commissioned Officers Association; Military Order of the Purple Heart; Wreaths Across America – Douglas County; and Military Honors by the Pipes. 

“There have been some high points in my life and recognized as a Vietnam War Veteran for the Veterans Day Parade is a very high point in my life.  I very much appreciate this proclamation from the Douglas County Commissioners.  We didn’t get much of a welcome home from Vietnam, so this is fantastic.  I hear many veterans say this is not the Country I fought for – but for me Douglas County is exactly the home I fought for. I think Douglas County should be a model & inspiration for the rest of the nation on how to honor veterans. Just as each of us veterans had each other’s backs in the service, we know that Douglas County has our back!” - Jim Little, US Navy Retired, Douglas County Veterans Forum and Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee member. 

The 69^th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade is scheduled to take place in downtown Roseburg on Monday, November 11, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade has a long-standing tradition of honoring our veterans on the Veterans Day Holiday and has been held in Roseburg every single year since 1955. The worthy and steadfast tradition has a well-earned title as “Oregon’s Greatest Veterans Day Parade.”  This year the Grand Marshals for the Douglas County Veterans Day parade will be Vietnam Veterans with the theme “Vietnam Beyond 50 Years - Welcome Home.”

            “During the Veterans Day Parade about 15 years ago, was the first time I was ever thanked for my service.  I was riding on the Vietnam Veterans of America float, and it made me emotional.  It was truly the first time I had ever heard the words thank you.  So, it is really important to support our veterans.  I was born and raised here in Roseburg.  It is the greatest place in the world to live. I want to thank the Commissioners, all my brothers and everyone here today.” – Roger Boucock, U.S. Army Veteran and Vice President, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 805. 

The 69^th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade will follow the traditional route through downtown Roseburg starting on the corner of NE Fowler Street and NE Diamond Lake Blvd, turning left onto NE Jackson Street, which becomes SE Jackson Street, turning left onto SE Lane Street, left onto SE Main Street, right onto SE Douglas Avenue and concluding in front of the Douglas County Courthouse.  We encourage citizens to make sure they fill ALL spaces along the entire parade route (both sides of the street and sidewalks) to make sure that our participating veterans receive ample accolades for their dedicated service to our county as they move along the parade route. Douglas County Veterans Day Parade applications can be downloaded from the county website here or picked up in the Douglas County Veterans Service Office (VSO) at the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg.  Applications can be returned to the VSO or the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.  The parade application deadline is Thursday, October 31, 2024, for those that want their entry to be judged. 

Additionally, Eric Bagwell, Chair of the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee announced that the 69^th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade will be nationally recognized once again this year, as one of only 56 regional Veterans Day sites selected as the Top 2024 Veterans Day Observances Across the United States, by the National Veterans Day Committee.  This is the 69^th year that the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade has been awarded this honor.

“My fellow Commissioners and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all veterans and their families for their unwavering service and sacrifice to our nation. For those of you that have taken time out of your day to join us here, thank you!  We absolutely appreciate having you come to the courthouse and give us a chance to honor you in our small way.  I want to make sure you hear this from us again, “Thank you for your service”. We truly mean that.  We also mean it when we say, “Welcome Home”.  Douglas County is home for you!” - Commissioner & Douglas County Veteran Service Office liaison, Tim Freeman.

Please join us in honoring our veterans today and every day, but especially during the month of November, on Veterans Day and at the 69^th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade in downtown Roseburg, on Monday, November 11, 2024.  For more information about the parade click on the link here.  The proclamation presented today is a reminder for our citizens to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice these patriots and their families have made.  It also a time to rededicate ourselves to the preservation of our liberties under the Constitution of the United States. 

On a final note, the Commissioners reminded everyone about the upcoming Wreaths Across America event at the Roseburg National Cemetery on December 14, 2024.  This year, our local Wreaths Across America committee will make history by placing a wreath on every grave, and we invite citizens to join us by signing up to volunteer. For more information visit tinyurl.com/douglascountywreaths.

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Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: a.howell@douglascountyor.gov">tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Trenkle/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

Jackson County, Ore 28 Oct 24- On Monday, October 28, 2024, at 7:53 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 62, near milepost 13, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a pedestrian, Yesica Valenzuela-Quezada (29) of Eagle Point, chased a puppy from a nearby residence into the highway and was struck by an eastbound Chevrolet Tahoe, operated by Melissa Ann Marie Love (45) of Eagle Point. 

The pedestrian (Valenzuela-Quezada) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Love) was not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The operator of the Chevrolet remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.

OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Fire District 3 and 4, Eagle Point Police Department, and ODOT.

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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

EUGENE, Ore. — Bushnell University is excited to announce the launch of its new Master of Arts in Theology and Culture, a 36-credit program starting in Summer 2025. Designed for Christian leaders, pastors, and laity, this program combines online coursework with immersive on-campus residencies, offering flexibility to balance studies with professional and personal commitments. The program will be led by Dr. A.J. Swoboda (pictured), Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and World Christianity at Bushnell University, who is known for his expertise in integrating theological depth with cultural engagement both in the classroom and in his published works. 

The Master of Arts in Theology and Culture is a two-year program culminating in a capstone, during which students can choose to complete an academic research paper or a practical ministry project.  With the guidance of experienced faculty mentors, students are encouraged to think outside the box and to ground their theological insights in practical, real-world applications. One of the program's standout features is its cohort model, which helps foster a close-knit community of learners who progress through the program together while offering mutual support and collaboration. 

“This program is going to serve leaders who love Jesus serve their churches, cities, and communities better. Most importantly, it will equip them with the skills to think biblically and theologically in a culture that is ever changing,” says Dr. Swoboda. “There is no better time to have an anchor than now. For without something deep upon which to build our lives, we can expect, to borrow Jesus, to see everything we’ve built washed away.” 

The program kicks off in Summer 2025 with a one-week in-person residency from May 19-23, followed by online courses structured into eight-week sessions. The residency provides an opportunity for face-to-face interaction and deep engagement with faculty and peers, while the online courses offer the flexibility to study from anywhere. The second residency takes place in Summer 2026, offering another opportunity for immersive learning, covering critical topics such as how to read culture (cultural exegesis), the way in which culture works, what emerging culture looks like in the Western world, and the ways in which the church learns to navigate cultural changes. Housing options are available for students during these on-campus residencies. 

This program is designed for a wide range of individuals, including pastors, leaders, and ministers of all types with a deep theological foundation and practical insights, and those involved in non-denominational or parachurch organizations. Enrollment is now open for the first cohort. To learn more or to apply, visit the Master of Arts in Theology and Culture page on Bushnell University's website. For a quick introduction, watch this short message from the program director, Dr. A.J. Swoboda.

On October 25, 2024, at approximately 2:10 PM the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office received a call from Cary Kerst, 79, of Eugene OR. Kerst reported he was hunting mushrooms off the Harris Ranch Trail, near Waldport, OR, and had become lost. Senior Deputy Bruce McGuire responded to the Harris Ranch Trail while activating the Lincoln County Search and Rescue team. Kerst’s vehicle was located at the trailhead to Harris Ranch and a search commenced.

Willamette Valley Communication Center was able to provide GPS coordinates of Kerst’s location, based on his 911 phone call. Kerst was located approximately one-half mile down the trail and 600 feet down a steep embankment. Kerst was located in good health, but exhausted. Search and Rescue members loaded Kerst into a stokes basket and carried him out to the trailhead and waiting family members.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone when hiking in the woods to look up occasionally and be familiar with the surroundings of where you are walking. Also, take plenty of water and some snacks, as well as a fully charged cell phone. It is recommended that you take a GPS unit with you and be familiar with its operation.

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October 30, 2024

Contact: Amy Bacher, acher2@oha.oregon.gov">amy.bacher2@oha.oregon.gov    

OHA announces Clare Pierce-Wrobel as Health Policy & Analytics director

Portland, OR – OHA today announced that Clare Pierce-Wrobel will become the agency’s Health Policy and Analytics (HPA) director, effective Nov. 12. She most recently served as the director for Delivery System Reform at the White House Domestic Policy Council, where she oversaw the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and policies related to Medicare Advantage and Part D, payment reform, health care competition, health information technology and lower drug pricing.

OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, said, “Clare’s leadership and proven success in landmark health reform efforts will be an asset to all Oregonians. She joins OHA with both the experience and strategic insight necessary to lead HPA in strengthening access to equitable, affordable care across the state. I look forward to welcoming Clare to OHA.”

Pierce-Wrobel also served as a counselor to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, leading various health policy priorities. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris administration, Pierce-Wrobel served as senior director of a nonprofit health association promoting multi-payer value-based payment, and as adjunct professor at George Washington University’s School of Public Health.

“My career in public service has been dedicated to developing policies and systems that improve the way health care is delivered – driving more equitable health care outcomes and access to affordable, patient-centered care,” Clare Pierce-Wrobel said. “The chance to lead HPA in Oregon – a state whose health care efforts are consistently recognized at the national level – is an incredible opportunity and I look forward to getting to work.”

Starting her career in government as a Presidential Management Fellow at HHS, Pierce-Wrobel helped implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. She also led the State Innovation Model at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, which supported Oregon’s health system transformation and coordinated care model.

Pierce-Wrobel earned a Master in Health Services Administration (MHSA) from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan’s Honors College.

HPA develops programs and policies regarding the oversight of health care affordability, improved access to care and health system performance. Through data and policy analysis, HPA programs provide insight into critical health system issues like health care workforce, health care providers and systems, insurance coverage and the affordability of health care.

Oversight efforts within HPA include the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target program, which helps ensure that health care costs in Oregon grow at a more sustainable rate, and the Health Care Market Oversight (HCMO) program, which reviews proposed business deals to make sure they will advance Oregon's shared goals of health equity, lower consumer costs, increased access, and better care. Health policy programs under HPA include the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, the Public Employees' Benefit Board and Oregon Educators Benefit Board.

Download Pierce-Wrobel’s headshot here.

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FIRE POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Fire Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on November 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Madison Hockett at (971) 443-7899.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, DPSST will be live streaming all public meetings via YouTube. Meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook. To view the FPC live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

1. Introductions

2. Approval of Minutes of August 28th, 2024 Meeting

3. Travis Zimmerman; DPSST No. 43450
     Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe

4. Clayton Dieu; DPSST No. 39895
     Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe

5. Michael Gibson; DPSST No. 30939
     Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe

6. Division Chief Nicholas Berg; DPSST No. 16489 – Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD, Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Wall Nomination
     Presented by Brooke Bell-Uribe

7. Agency Update

8. Next Fire Policy Committee Meeting – February 26th, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

SALEM, Oregon—The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet Nov. 14 to review online and hands-on training data, incident reporting, legislative updates and general ATV Program updates. 

The ATV Advisory Committee meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Best Western Mill Creek Inn in Salem, 3125 Ryan Drive SE. It will be a hybrid meeting with options to attend in person or via Zoom Webinar, which is open to the public to join as attendees.

The full agenda and schedule is available online.

To attend the meeting as a Zoom Attendee, join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82065037198?pwd=wXHgXBvMHP1tCkTYdhZaoZ1Gz6FExL.1

Or use https://zoom.us
Webinar ID: 820 6503 7198
Passcode: 289392

Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance to improve accessibility by emailing ian.caldwell@oprd.oregon.gov. 

The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax revenue. More information about the state ATV program is available atwww.OregonATV.gov

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PUC APPROVES AGREEMENT TO INCREASE RATES FOR NW NATURAL CUSTOMERS STARTING NOVEMBER 1

Impact of rate increase reduced by lower natural gas costs

 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved all-party stipulations between PUC Staff, consumer groups, and NW Natural agreeing to a general rate increase at a lower level than NW Natural originally requested. 

The amount general rates will increase on November 1, 2024, differs based on customer type and energy usage. As an overall average across all customer types, general rates will increase under the approved stipulation combined with the commission decisions by approximately 9.98 percent, lower than the 16.7 percent NW Natural had originally requested. Mitigating the impact of the general rate increase, however, is the decrease the PUC approved in the annual cost of purchasing natural gas, also effective November 1. The combined impact of the general rate increase and the natural gas cost decrease means a residential customer’s average bill is expected to be about 4.5 percent higher than the previous years’ bill.

Drivers for the increase include capital investments, such as the construction of seismically resilient regional infrastructure, addressing capacity constraints to meet areas of demand growth, actions necessary to comply with federal pipeline and safety requirements, and investments to modernize metering and improve system communications. Reducing the overall impact is the PUC’s approval of an annual adjustment to reflect the changes in the actual cost of wholesale priced natural gas, which is a pass-through cost of purchasing gas to customers without a markup on the price. This adjustment represents a credit due to lower than anticipated costs to purchase fuel leading to an over-collection from customers last year, combined with a slight decrease in the forecasted cost of natural gas for next year.

“We appreciate the hard work of PUC staff and stakeholders as well as the flexibility of NW Natural to reach a compromise that significantly reduced the general rate case revenue requirement by nearly 40 percent from the original request,” said Megan Decker, Commission Chair. “We are fortunate that general rate increases are moderated this year by supply and demand conditions that lowered gas price projections.”

As part of this general rate case, Commissioners addressed other disputed issues, including:

1. Line Extension Allowances – These are the costs existing customers pay to connect new customers to the natural gas system. Commissioners upheld their decision from NW Natural’s 2023 rate case filing to phase down line extension allowances until completely eliminated as of November 1, 2027, citing high levels of uncertainty about whether subsidies paid to new customers would end up benefitting existing customers over the long term. 
2. Community and Government Affairs Costs – Commissioners reduced but did not eliminate NW Natural’s rate request for government affairs-related costs, recognizing that community and government affairs activities often serve the core interests of customers, but citing a need for better record-keeping to demonstrate that the core interests of customers are being served. The PUC recommended that NW Natural establish a system to track appropriate expenses for future consideration.
3. Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board (CUB) Rate Shock Proposal – The Commission did not adopt CUB’s proposed rate shock mechanism, which would cap all rate increases scheduled to go into effect on November 1 to less than 10 percent and delay any additional increase until April 1. The order reasons that parties had largely agreed on a specific revenue requirement that the Commission found just and reasonable, and combined with gas price reductions, would not have triggered the 10 percent threshold. The Commission found that this proposal would be better considered in a future case to develop these complex concepts. 

Resources for Customers

To increase energy efficiency and save more on future bills, review Energy Trust of Oregon’s current incentives and opportunities, including income-qualified offers and learn more about  low-cost and no-cost tips to reduce energy consumption. For information about bill payment assistance options, help with past due bills, available utility discount programs, weatherization, and the Budget Pay Program that equalizes bill payments across winter and summer months, NW Natural at 800-422-4012 or view information online.  Customers may also contact their local Community Action agency to request information on what assistance programs they may be eligible for and how to enroll. 

NW Natural serves nearly 700,000 customers in northwest Oregon. 

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Video: Trail cam footage of suspect

YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. 30 Oct. 2024 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for help to identify a suspected poacher. 

The suspected poacher was hunting in the Trask Wildlife Management Unit (Yamhill County) from Oct. 18-20 and again from Oct. 25-27. The male suspect is believed to be associated with an older maroon sedan, possibly a Honda, with a black damaged front fender. 

The suspect shot numerous doe deer with a high-powered rifle from the roadway on private property. On one occasion, the suspect shot a doe from a residential front yard before fleeing the area. He returned after dark and recovered the deer carcass, ignoring posted “No Trespass” signs. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact OSP dispatch at 800-452-7888, OSP (677) on a mobile device, or by email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Please reference case number # SP24349341. 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration among the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board. 

The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.  

Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.

Cash Rewards

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose 
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope 
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction 
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag

Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Fall is the perfect time to do some upkeep around your yard and home

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 30, 2024) — As the leaves change color, fall weather arrives in the Pacific Northwest. The chill in the air and the falling foliage are reminders to take a moment to check the condition of your yard and tend to maintenance issues around your home.

“Fall is a great time to check the condition of your trees and a good opportunity to prune them before they become an issue once storms start,” said Jeremy Gee, Pacific Power’s vice president of health and safety. “Winter storms that bring down branches are a common source of power outages. Check around your property to see if any trees or branches could harm power lines if they fell. Some preventative work now could save you additional trouble and inconvenience related to power outages later.”

Use caution when pruning trees. Don't use pruning tools or ladders near power lines. Always keep yourself and anything you're handling at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Never try to remove a branch that is tangled or lying across a power line. Instead, call Pacific Power at 

1-888-221-7070. We'll be happy to remove it for you.

Some additional tips for fall safety:

• Treat all electric lines with caution.
• Use only wooden and fiberglass ladders. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Be aware and steer clear of overhead electrical wires when installing, removing, cleaning or repairing gutters.
• Never use electrical equipment or tools near a pool or other wet areas such as puddles. Additionally, make sure outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, designed to automatically disconnect if the tool comes into contact with water.
• Plant trees and shrubs away from meters, switching cabinets and boxed transformers. Vegetation that blocks electrical equipment makes repairs and maintenance challenging and sometimes dangerous for utility workers.
• Have help when installing or adjusting a satellite dish or antenna. Make sure you’re working at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Underground power lines are just as dangerous as overhead ones. If your project involves digging, make sure the locations of underground power lines are marked. Call 811 to have underground utilities located and marked for free.

For more safety tips or to order free Pacific Power safety materials, call toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit PacificPower.net/Safety.

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

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The award will allow the nonprofit to continue providing free resources to survivors on their path to financial freedom

Portland, Ore., October 30, 2024— OnPoint Community Credit Union announced a $100,000 award to FinAbility, a Portland nonprofit providing financial education to survivors of domestic abuse. FinAbility received the donation from OnPoint as part of the second annual OnPoint Award for Financial Education Innovation. OnPoint began the annual award program in 2023 to recognize organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington that have substantial and long-term impacts on building financial wellness in our communities.

“Imagine trying to leave an abusive relationship with less than $250 to your name,” says Stacy Sawin, Founder and Executive Director of FinAbility. “For hundreds of thousands of Oregonians, this is a devastating reality. Financial insecurity is a primary reason why survivors of domestic violence remain in or return to abusive relationships. This award will enable us to accelerate survivors’ journey to self-sufficiency and autonomy, enabling them to build a life free from violence.”

Twenty-five percent of women and 14% of men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, according to the Allstate Foundation. Financial freedom is key to helping them break free. This funding will help FinAbility hire a Program Officer to expand the nonprofit’s free, one-on-one financial mentoring program to continue helping survivors live free from domestic abuse. 

Expanding access to financial education for survivors of domestic violence

OnPoint has supported FinAbility since its inception, when Hollywood branch manager Hannah Lewis connected with Sawin in 2021 and became an advisor. Since then, OnPoint has been a presenting sponsor for FinAbility’s Speak Out event, helped produce training videos for financial mentors, and provided more than $20,000 in donations. These efforts have helped FinAbility expand its one-on-one financial mentorship program for survivors, increase its discoverability online and hire a full-time chief executive officer. 

“FinAbility’s innovative, trauma-informed approach is helping survivors transform their lives and build a secure future,” said Vincent Pollard, Financial Wellness Manager, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “We couldn’t be happier to support their mission and help expand these vital resources in our community.” 

FinAbility provides trauma-informed financial support and one-on-one financial mentoring for survivors of domestic abuse. Its staff has expertise in tech and finance and builds digital tools that make financial education and resources accessible to survivors. To learn more about FinAbility and financial abuse, visit www.finabilityus.org. Please note these examples may be triggering and upsetting to read.

About the OnPoint Award for Financial Education Innovation 

OnPoint's Financial Wellness team works with organizations like FinAbility to deliver financial education in community-based settings. OnPoint invites select organizations to apply for the award. A committee of OnPoint employees evaluates the organizations' applications for rigor and selects a winner based on community impact and innovation. 

Portland Workforce Alliance (PWA) was the award’s inaugural recipient for its innovative approach to integrating financial education into career readiness programs. For more information about the OnPoint Financial Education award, visit https://www.onpointcu.com/financial-education/financial-education-innovation-award/.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 576,000 members and with assets of $9.4 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

ABOUT FINABILITY

FinAbility is an Oregon-based nonprofit that financially empowers survivors of domestic violence, so they can break free from the cycle of abuse and thrive. In the four years since its founding, over 45,000 survivors of domestic abuse and community members have accessed FinAbility’s programming to build financial acumen, wealth, and a community of support. Survivor voices inform everything they do. Together, they're working towards a future in which everyone has the financial security to live free from violence.

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

Jose Armani Ayala Barboza, age 8, Jailyne Ayala Barboza, age 5, and Dolce Ayala Barboza, age 5, are children who went missing from Bend on Oct. 2. They were found Oct. 27. 

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

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

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(Salem, OR)—The Internal Revenue Service is once again recruiting people to assist in the free preparation of taxes as part of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, and the Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Advocate is encouraging Oregonians to volunteer.

“We’ve made some progress. Oregon had more VITA sites and volunteers in 2024. Volunteers helped 4,700 more Oregonians file their tax returns this year than in 2023, but the need is still substantially higher. VITA and TCE sites turn people away every day during tax season due to a lack of volunteers,” said Oregon Taxpayer Advocate Codi Trudell.

Including free tax help offered by AARP, free tax assistance has been made available in 2024 to more than 32,700 Oregonians at 104 sites across the state. Those numbers are up from 28,037 taxpayers at 88 sites last year.

The IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

“There are significant federal and Oregon-specific tax credit benefits available to low-income individuals and families, but they need to file a tax return to claim the benefits,” Trudell said. “By volunteering to help file those returns, Oregonians can make a big difference in their communities.”

In addition to the need for volunteers, the IRS is also seeking organizations to sponsor VITA and TCE clinics.

The VITA and TCE programs include training to provide free tax help for low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns. Across the country, thousands of people volunteer each year and prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.

Volunteers are assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in the community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are generally open nights and weekends, and the hours are flexible.

Additional information is available on the IRS website. Interested persons can submit an inquiry now using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up moving them one step closer to becoming a VITA or TCE tax volunteer and giving back to their community. The IRS will share information about those interested in volunteering with sponsoring organizations for follow-up contact.

Organizations with an interest in partnering with the IRS to sponsor or host a free tax preparation site in Oregon can also complete and submit the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form.

SALEM, Ore. — The Emergency Fire Cost Committee will meet virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. for a special meeting. Please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund proposed rules
• Eligibility of firefighting costs policy
• Guidelines for eligibility of firefighting costs for the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund Directive

The meeting is open to the public to attend virtually via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the end of the meeting. Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Emergency Fire Cost Committee (EFCC) oversees the Oregon Forest Land Protection Fund (OFLPF), established by the Oregon Legislature as a fund with the purpose of equalizing emergency fire suppression costs among the various Oregon Department of Forestry protection districts and forest protective associations. All districts/associations contribute to the fund so that money will be available to any individual district/association to pay fire suppression costs on eligible emergency fires. View more information on the EFCC webpage.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal incident management team sent to North Carolina in mid-October will return home at the end of the week after a two-week deployment. The team was in Yancey County helping with Hurricane Helene recovery.

Oregon Incident Commander Lance Lighty and Plans Section Chief Bill Boos will replace departing personnel to ensure a seamless transition in leadership and maintain strong support for North Carolina’s ongoing recovery operations. Lighty will take command from Incident Commander Ian Yocum, leading the OSFM’s continued assistance efforts.

The incoming OSFM team members traveled Tuesday. After arrival, they will shadow the current team and take over command the following day, marking the next phase of the OSFM's support in North Carolina.

"Our team is honored to contribute to the community’s continued recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene," Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. "The commitment and expertise of our incident management teams reflect Oregon’s dedication to supporting others in times of need."

The OSFM has three all-hazard incident management teams. They typically respond to help communities when they are impacted by wildfire. The team was ordered through the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The compact provides help during governor-declared emergencies or disasters by allowing states to send personnel, equipment, and supplies to support response and recovery efforts in other states.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Travis Charles Winn, died October 29, 2024. Winn was incarcerated at South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) in Tillamook. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Winn entered DOC custody on November 1, 2012, from Marion County with an earliest release date of February 26, 2026. Winn was 50 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SFFC is minimum-security work camp that houses approximately 160 adults in custody who are within four years of release. Part of SFFC's mission is to supply a ready work force to combat forest or wildfires throughout the state. Crews provide critical support for statewide fire operations, recreation, and reforestation; as well as provide support for special projects such as sign making, metal fabrication, and tool or equipment repair. SFFC was established in 1951 and is a satellite facility to CRCI and managed jointly with the Oregon Department of Forestry. It is located approximately 28 miles east of Tillamook, just off Highway 6 along the Wilson River in the Tillamook Forest.

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Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—is coordinating with Connected Lane County to organize a Springfield Fix-It Fair on Saturday, November 9.

The free public event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Connected Lane County's Spark at Booth Kelly facility (303 S 5th St. STE 150, Springfield). 

Fix-It Fairs promote reuse and repair by offering attendees opportunities to have household items repaired by fixer coaches. Attendees can watch and learn repair skills, discover local repair resources, and extend the life of household items—keeping more stuff out of the trash and saving money.

The Springfield event will focus on repairing household items, electronics, power tools, textiles, bikes, and skateboards. Repairs take an average of 30 minutes, and attendees can only bring items that can be reasonably carried in. 

Connected Lane County Associate Director Justin Thibedeau said the Spark facility will be an ideal location for the fair. 

“Since opening the first Spark facility in 2021, Connected Lane County has been a place for youth ages 14-24 to explore creation and innovation using technology,” said Thibedeau. “We are happy to utilize Spark's tools and equipment by opening the space to a community Fix-It-Fair, bringing people together to explore the space, have a good time, and repair household items to keep them out of landfills.”

Thibedeau said several young people enrolled in Connected Lane County programming will also be involved in the event.

“As a youth innovation center, Connected Lane County provides youth with opportunities to gain new technical and professional skills,” Thibedeau said. “Learning to fix, tinker, and troubleshoot are crucial skills for innovation, and Fix-It Fairs allow youth to learn from professional fixers in the community. This apprenticeship model provides insight not only into technical skills but also the entrepreneurship of running a business in a safe-to-fail environment. Youth apprentices are paid for their time, and some have landed jobs with the fixers.”

Springfield will host a Fix-It-Fair for the second time in two years. Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator Daniel Hiestand said this fair will have more of a “party” atmosphere.

“Attendees will be treated to music by Corwin Bolt & The Wingnuts, and food will be available for sale from Red Five Hot Dog Company,” said Hiestand. “With these additions, we hope to add more fun into an already entertaining event.”

About Waste Wise Lane County

WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com

About Connected Lane County

Connected Lane County was established in 2014 as Lane County’s regional achievement collaborative by early childhood partners, local school districts, institutions of higher education, the local workforce board, and industry innovators. Today, it’s an independent nonprofit serving over 3,000 youth each year. Its Spark program aims to provide youth with a safe place to learn, innovate, collaborate, and create through out-of-school training opportunities. Spark helps youth grow skills, become confident problem-solvers, and gain hands-on experiences. 

Multimedia Resources

• 2023-24 Fix-It Fair photos

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Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a house fire in North Eugene.  At 6:24 PM on October 29th, Ladder 6 from the Sheldon station was called for an appliance fire in the 900 block of St Andrews Dr with the caller reporting the dishwasher was on fire.  Arriving 5 minutes after dispatch, Ladder 6 reported a working fire and requested a full first alarm.  The fire heavily damaged the kitchen and main living area of the home. There were no injuries reported and the cause is under investigation. 

PRINEVILLE, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management and the USDA Forest Service are proposing an emergency wild horse gather in the Murderer’s Creek Joint Management Area following extensive damage caused by the Rail Ridge Fire. The BLM is seeking public comment on the proposed gather, which will address critical forage shortages for the wild horse population and protect recovering habitat in this shared management area.

The Rail Ridge Fire, which began on Sept. 2, burned more than 58,000 acres in the JMA and reduced essential forage areas relied upon by wild horses and other wildlife. With limited forage remaining, particularly in lower elevations critical for winter grazing, the agencies propose to temporarily gather and hold about 400 wild horses to aid recovery efforts.

Need for the Emergency Gather

The Malheur National Forest and BLM officials have determined that, without intervention, both the horses and fragile habitats will face significant risk over the winter. An aerial survey estimated the current population of horses at around 650. The Gather operations would use bait and water trapping methods. Agencies will monitor range and horse conditions during the winter and determine if additional horses need to be gathered. Gathered horses will be held in BLM and Forest Service facilities until the range recovers sufficiently. Additionally, the agencies will continue the administrative process for setting an Appropriate Management Level and approving a Herd Management Area Plan and population management actions for the JMA.  No decision is being made at this time regarding the long-term disposition of horses gathered as part of this emergency gather.

Public Comment Period

The BLM is accepting public comments on this proposed emergency gather. The input gathered will inform BLM’s decision on whether to proceed with the gather. Given the urgent nature of the proposal, the BLM is offering a one-week public comment period, closing on November 4, 2024.

How to Submit Comments

The BLM encourages focused comments on the emergency gather.

Comment Submission Options

• Email: LM_OR_PR_Wild_Horse@blm.gov">BLM_OR_PR_Wild_Horse@blm.gov (Subject: “Emergency Gather”)
• Mail/Hand Delivery: BLM Prineville District Office, 3050 NE Third Street, Prineville, OR  97754
• Online: Submit directly via https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2034934/510

The Determination of NEPA Adequacy and Finding of No Significant Impact documents are available online at BLM ePlanning.

Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a structure fire near downtown Eugene.  Firefighters were called to 633 W 8^th St at 3:27 PM on October 29^th to a reported structure fire located in an abandoned house.  Firefighters arrived 3 minutes after the dispatch to find fire from the rear of the structure.  The building has been previously damaged by fire and has an “unsafe” building designation from the ESF Fire Marshal.  This rating system informs responding firefighter that the building is dangerous and to enter only if to save a life.  Firefighters were able to confine the fire to the rear of the structure.  There were no injuries reported and the fire is suspicious in nature.  Firefighters has avoid human waste and used syringes on the premises when trying to conduct their duties and pick their contaminated equipment up.

DOWNLOAD PRESS KIT: https://bit.ly/fountainofcreativity 

Portland, OR — October 29, 2024 — Discover the history behind Oregon’s vibrant art scene through the original exhibition A Fountain of Creativity: Oregon’s 20th Century Artists and the Legacy of Arlene Schnitzer. Currently on view at the Oregon Historical Society in downtown Portland, the exhibition expands on November 1 with new works by artists who worked closely with Schnitzer during the Fountain Gallery’s 25 years in business. Additional works will also be on display at The Schnitzer Collection exhibition space from November 1, 2024, through April 15, 2025, featuring contemporary artists with ties to the Fountain Gallery.

As a gallery owner, art collector, and philanthropist, Arlene Schnitzer shared her love of Pacific Northwest art with the world. Through the Fountain Gallery, Schnitzer provided crucial commercial gallery space at a time when there was little available in the Portland area. Schnitzer, along with her mother Helen Director and friend Edna Brigham, opened the gallery in 1961 and continued to run the gallery until it closed in 1986. Her commitment to Pacific Northwest artists continued throughout the run of the gallery, with a roster of notable names including Louis Bunce, Michele Russo, Carl Morris, Hilda Morris, and Robert Colescott.

Schnitzer’s work as director of the gallery was more than commercial — she deeply supported the artists represented by the gallery. As stated by Schnitzer, “I want the young, serious, good artist coming up to know that there is a place here he can show. He doesn’t have to run away. I want him to stay in this community. I want it to be a vital community, and a community can’t be vital without the arts.”

Arlene’s dedication to the arts went far beyond the Fountain Gallery; she continued to support regional artists for the rest of her life. As an art collector, along with her husband Harold Schnitzer, the pair amassed a collection of over 2,000 artworks. 

Honoring Arlene’s influence on the history of Portland, A Fountain of Creativity includes a range of bold, evocative, and influential works created by Pacific Northwest artists from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation — many of which are on public display for the first time. 

This love and dedication to the arts and artists was passed on to Arlene’s son, Jordan Schnitzer, a prolific collector in his own right. Jordan Schnitzer purchased his first work of art when he was 14 years old. It was through Arlene Schnitzer and the Fountain Gallery that his initial acquisition turned into a lifelong pursuit to collect, share, and promote the visual arts. Jordan Schnitzer is now recognized as one of the Top 200 Collectors globally (ARTnews). His collection, consisting of more than 22,000 works, functions as a living archive to preserve art for future generations and share it with the public through groundbreaking exhibitions, publications, and programs.

“I’m happy that the Oregon Historical Society wanted to share my mother’s legacy with old friends and many new citizens,” said collector, philanthropist, and son of Arlene Schnitzer, Jordan D. Schnitzer. “Focusing on my late mother Arlene Schnitzer’s Fountain Gallery — the first contemporary art gallery in Portland — these artists’ voices, embodied in their art, inspire us, challenge us, and tell the story of contemporary art in our community.”

A Fountain of Creativity Parts 1 and 2 are on view at the Oregon Historical Society from June 28, 2024, through January 2, 2025 (Part 1) and November 1, 2024, through May 4, 2025 (Part 2). The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open daily in downtown Portland, from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free every day for youth 17 and under, OHS members, and residents of Multnomah County. Learn more and plan your visit at ohs.org/visit.

Part 3 is on view November 1, 2024, through April 15, 2025, at The Schnitzer Collection exhibition space located at 3033 NW Yeon Avenue in Portland. Admission to The Schnitzer Collection exhibition space is free, and public viewing hours are Tuesday through Friday from 3pm to 5pm. Educational tours are available upon request; please use this online form to schedule your tour.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, 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 the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation

The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, established in 1997, is renowned for preserving art and engaging the public through exhibitions, publications, and programs. Founded by ARTnews Top 200 Collector Jordan D. Schnitzer, whose passion for art began in his mother’s Portland gallery, the Foundation has curated over 180 exhibitions and loaned thousands of artworks to 120+ museums. It introduces major artists like Jeffrey Gibson and Andy Warhol to regional museums and supports their exhibitions. Schnitzer’s collection, with over 22,000 works, includes prints, sculptures, and paintings, offering comprehensive insights into artists’ careers. Recognized globally, Schnitzer is known for making his collection widely accessible, earning him the title “The People’s Collector.” Through these efforts, the Foundation preserves art for future generations and enriches communities.

Hines, Ore. – Did you know the Bureau of Land Management has Resource Advisory Councils – made up of people just like you – that give citizen-based advice and recommendations on the management of public lands? These groups provide an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds and interests to have a stronger impact on decisions made for public lands. 

The 13-member Steens Mountain Advisory Council has seven positions open for public application through November 15, 2024: 

• a private landowner in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area,
• a person interested in fish and recreational fishing in the CMPA,
• two persons who are recognized environmental representatives, one to represent the State as a whole, and one who is from the local area,
• a member of the Burns Paiute Tribe,
• a person who is a recreational permit holder or a representative of a commercial recreation operation in the CMPA, and
• a person who participates in what is commonly called mechanized or consumptive recreation, such as hunting or off-road driving. 

If you are interested in public land management on Steens Mountain, this is a great opportunity to share your expertise and work with a collaborative group. 

“Resource Advisory Councils provide the BLM with vital feedback on current issues, concerns and proposals, and enable us to engage local communities and stakeholders to improve our management of public lands,” said Tara Thissell, BLM Public Affairs Officer. 

To nominate yourself or someone you know, submit a membership application and supporting letters of recommendation to the BLM Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, Oregon. 

Nomination forms can be picked up at this same location, by mail or phone request at (541) 573-4400, or online at: https://bit.ly/42kLM1z. The nomination form is generalized for all BLM Resource Advisory Councils and may not have titles specific to the SMAC. Please ensure the position you are applying for is identified on the nomination form (you can write-in as needed) and in letters of reference. 

For the current open positions, the BLM, Harney County Court, Governor of Oregon, and Burns Paiute Tribe will review the applications and submit recommended nominees to the Secretary of the Interior, who has the responsibility for making the appointments. Nominees are evaluated on their training, education, experience with, and knowledge of the Steens Mountain area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. 

Appointed members must reside in the State of Oregon. The SMAC generally holds quarterly meetings virtually, and/or in Hines, Bend and Frenchglen. Although members serve without monetary compensation, travel and per diem expenses are reimbursed at current rates for government employees. SMAC members are normally appointed to three-year terms. 

For more information on the SMAC, call Tara Thissell at (541) 573-4519. 

– BLM –

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County Sheriff's Office would like to announce a test of the Linn-Benton ALERT system on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at around 1:00 p.m.

The test will cover all of Benton County. All traditional land phone lines in the 9-1-1 database will receive the message. Those who have registered other devices with Linn-Benton ALERT will also receive the test message. 

The Linn-Benton ALERT Emergency Notification System is a mass notification system that allows public safety officials to provide rapid notifications to Linn and Benton County residents of emergencies, evacuations, and other urgent events. 

There will be no reason to call the Sheriff’s Office once you receive the message; please do not dial 9-1-1.

Residents can sign up for the Linn-Benton ALERT system as well as learn about emergency preparedness at https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/linn-benton-alert/.  As a reminder, each person in the household hoping to receive alerts will need their own profile/account. After signing up for the alerts you will receive all emergency-related notifications related to your location. 

For questions on the mass notification system, email gencymanagement@bentoncountyor.gov">emergencymanagement@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-766-6864.

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Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry is excited to welcome home 13 firefighters after a two-week deployment in North Carolina to assist in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The crew supported the North Carolina Forest Service in state forest clean up, wildfire initial attack and other assignments. To date, they accomplished over 55 miles of clearing roads and trails, averaging about three to five miles a day.  

“It was an honor and a privilege to work with such an outstanding group of individuals,” said Dave Larson, ODF’s Agency Representative for the assignment and Southern Oregon Area Director.  

The crew was mobilized on October 9 to North Carolina with a simple instruction: to help wherever needed. Upon landing, they almost immediately saw the level of devastation and were aware that they would be just a small piece in the larger picture when it comes to recovery in the state. The inspiring outpouring of support for North Carolina helped to fuel ODF firefighters on their mission. They worked so hard clearing roads and trails that, within the first week, they ahead of schedule and able to be reassigned to other efforts like wildfire initial attack.  

“The crew was incredibly hard working and true professionals that reflect ODF and our protection association partners’ culture and values of dedication to public service, which is ‘Whatever it takes’,” Larson said.  

Sending our firefighters on these out-of-state deployments helps them build relationships outside of our organization and allows the Oregon Department of Forestry to return the favor to our interstate partners. At the peak of Oregon’s fire season, North Carolina was one of 20 states that sent much needed wildland fire personnel to help.  

This is all done through mutual assistance agreements with other states, including Alaska and NW Canadian territories, creating a cache of reciprocal resources and a larger, comprehensive fire management system. 

So far this year, the Oregon Department of Forestry has sent firefighters to New Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, Idaho, Minnesota and North Carolina.  

Update: Updated to add the Spencer Creek area of rural Josephine County. 

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. 28 Oct. 2024 – Oregon State Police detectives are asking for witnesses to a non-lethal shooting to come forward with any video of the incident.  

On Oct. 26, 2024, at about 2:00 a.m., police responded to a report of shots fired at a large party in rural Josephine County in the Spencer Creek area. An adult male was taken to a local hospital by private vehicle from the party and was treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the abdomen. 

Many of the party attendees were juvenile and intoxicated. However, all the individuals involved in the altercation that led to the shooting have been identified and are over 18 years of age. Multiple party attendees fled from the scene, resulting in two rollover traffic crashes with minor injuries. 

Investigators do not believe there are any public safety threats stemming from this incident. 

Investigators believe multiple cell phone videos of the incident exist and are asking witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center at 800-442-2068 or call OSP (677) from a mobile device. Please reference case number # SP24-350006.

The investigation is ongoing and OSP is not releasing the names of the parties involved at this time. 
 

# # #

 
About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that protects Oregon's people, wildlife, and natural resources. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon. 

SALEM, Ore. – The unprecedented severity of this wildfire season led Governor Tina Kotek to declare a State of Emergency on July 12 and prompted a request for a federal major disaster declaration from President Biden.  

Governor Kotek’s request, made under the Robert T. Stafford Act, seeks federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program. If approved, federal aid will help reimburse state, tribal, and local governments, for some of the costs associated with response efforts, and the recovery of public infrastructure damaged during the 2024 wildfires—one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in Oregon’s history. 

The FEMA–State Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment determined that public infrastructure in six counties—Gilliam, Grant, Jefferson, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler— had damage that met the federal cost threshold, prompting those six counties to be included in the state’s request for a federal major disaster declaration.  

The destruction of utility poles and power lines led to prolonged power outages, communication failures, compromised emergency response capabilities, and limited access to critical services. Temporary shelters were required to support medically fragile individuals, elderly residents, and isolated communities affected by extended power outages. 

Other areas of the state—such as Baker, Douglas, Harney, and Malheur counties—also sustained damage. However, the public infrastructure damages in these counties did not meet the federal cost threshold necessary to be included in the request for a major disaster declaration via FEMA’s Public Assistance program. 

Governor Kotek also requested a waiver for Oregon’s required cost-share for emergency response activities. This additional federal support is requested due to the state’s significant resource commitment to wildfire response and the financial strain on these rural areas.  This season’s extraordinary wildfire activity saw the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM) mobilize a record number of resources under the Emergency Conflagration Act, deploying 17 times, and thousands of wildland firefighters mobilized through the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). 

This wildfire season, Oregon endured 1.9 million acres of wildfire damage, far surpassing the state’s 10-year average of 640,000 acres. Fires destroyed more than 40 homes, damaged an additional 132 structures, and disrupted critical transportation, utilities, and essential services. Ranchers in eastern Oregon face long-term recovery challenges due to the devastation of livestock resources, which have severe financial implications for these communities. 

While the federal government’s response to the disaster declaration request may take up to six weeks, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management continues coordination with community partners to ensure support reaches residents and ranchers in these areas. OEM continues to provide resources, guidance and support to communities as they navigate the aftermath. 

In addition, OEM is assessing the substantial economic losses faced by small businesses in the impacted areas. Small business owners within fire-affected communities are encouraged to complete the economic injury loss form by October 31 to help OEM evaluate the extent of the damage and shape future support efforts. 

For further information on Oregon’s wildfire response and recovery initiatives, please visit the Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery Homepage or consult the online Community FAQs.  The 2024 Wildfire Spotlight also offers an overview of the challenges faced, the coordinated response efforts, and estimated recovery costs from damage assessments conducted with FEMA. 

Those interested in supporting recovery efforts can help in several ways. Donations of hay are being coordinated by OSU Extension and the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, and volunteers are needed to transport hay from the Willamette Valley to ranchers in need. Additionally, the OSU Foundation, Oregon Farm Bureau, and Oregon Cattlemen's Association are accepting cash donations that will be distributed directly to ranchers and farmers to help offset recovery costs. 

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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. 

 
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licinfo@oem.oregon.gov">OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711. 

ROSEBURG, Ore., Oct. 29, 2024 – Idaho State University (ISU) and Umpqua Community College (UCC) in Roseburg, Oregon, are partnering to support rural communities by providing an opportunity for students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work without leaving their local area. The expansion of ISU’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program to Oregon will provide a pathway to meet the growing demand for trained social workers in rural areas where mental health services are critically needed.

“As the lead institution in Idaho for health care education, ISU is committed to expanding our reach to neighboring states to meet critical health care needs through strategic and collaborative partnerships,” ISU President Robert W. Wagner said. “We are proud to add Umpqua Community College, a leader in health education in Oregon, as a partner in meeting the workforce needs of our area.” 

“As the largest provider of behavioral health service in southwest Oregon, Adapt is acutely aware of the urgent need to address the behavioral health workforce shortage in our area," said Dr. Greg Brigham, CEO of Adapt Integrated Health Care. "This new education and health care collaboration is an important step forward in providing a professional career path that addresses the vital shortage of licensed behavioral health professionals in our community.” 

Through this collaboration, ISU will designate seats in its fully accredited online BASW program for qualified UCC students, allowing them to transition seamlessly from their associate degree to a bachelor’s degree. Upon completing the BASW, students will also have the option to apply for ISU’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, further equipping them for advanced practice in clinical social work and mental health services. As part of this agreement, students will receive specialized advice to ensure a smooth transition from UCC to ISU, and may apply for scholarships that cover tuition, books, and learning materials made possible through a grant from the City of Roseburg and the State of Oregon.

“Partnering with Umpqua Community College enables us to directly address the shortage of social workers in rural communities,” said Dr. Kandi Turley-Ames, Dean of ISU’s College of Arts and Letters. “By offering this pathway, we are empowering students in Douglas County to gain the education they need to serve their communities and make a meaningful impact on local mental health care. This is an important part of our mission at ISU.”

This partnership reflects ISU’s ongoing commitment to serving rural areas by addressing critical shortages in the mental health workforce, and UCC’s development of a strong educational infrastructure that addresses critical gaps in local health care positions while providing valuable career opportunities for students. Rural communities across Idaho and Oregon face similar and significant challenges in accessing mental health care, and ISU’s social work graduates will play a pivotal role in providing these essential services.

“This collaboration is a significant step forward in ensuring that rural communities have access to qualified social workers who can deliver high-quality care,” said Dr. Kandi Turley-Ames.

"UCC is not only creating a pipeline of skilled workers who can meet growing health care needs, but this program also opens doors for individuals to step into high-wage, high-demand careers," said Randy Hubbard, UCC Dean of Advanced Medical Program Partnerships.

About Idaho State University
Idaho State University, a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, is the state’s lead institution for health care education. With more than 250 programs across its campuses in Pocatello, Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls, ISU delivers the educational backbone to Idaho’s growing workforce and is committed to serving the needs of students and communities across the region. For more information about ISU’s Social Work programs, visit www.isu.edu/socialwork.

About Umpqua Community College
Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities. For more information, please visit us online at www.umpqua.edu.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at about 8 a.m., detectives with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at a residence in the 43000 block of McKenzie Hwy. The search warrant was the result of a months-long investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, focusing on child exploitation.

The suspect, William Harold Berry III, was a registered sex offender on post-prison supervision for a prior felony conviction of Unlawful Penetration in the First Degree. Berry was arrested during the service of the warrant. During the search, detectives seized several electronic storage devices, multiple firearms, and body armor.

Berry was transported to the Lane County Jail without incident and lodged on the following charges:

- 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree

- 10 counts of Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the 2nd Degree

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office received critical assistance during this investigation from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents, Eugene Police Department ICAC Detectives, the Oregon Department of Justice, and Lane County Parole & Probation.

This arrest is part of an ongoing effort by local and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable members of our community. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.

Salem, Ore.— The Oregon Department of Forestry is happy to announce the launch of the Prescribed Fire Liability Program. This pilot program is intended to increase use of prescribed fire and cultural burning and support fire practitioners by providing liability coverage for enrolled burns.

Introducing periodic fire to fire-adapted landscapes and reducing forest fuels has been shown to lessen the potential for high-intensity wildfires and the large volume of smoke they produce. 

While the rates of escape and loss are very low due to the careful planning and preparation required for prescribed fire and cultural burning, there is always some residual risk when working with fire. This risk, and the resulting liability for damages due to escape if uninsured, can deter some practitioners from using beneficial fire.

Governor Kotek signed House Bill 4016 in 2024 establishing the pilot Prescribed Fire Liability Program. It authorizes claims covering certain losses arising from escaped prescribed fires and cultural burns. Participation in the program is voluntary.

For your burn to have liability coverage under the program, all the following conditions must be met: 

• The burn is enrolled in the program prior to burning.
• The burn is conducted or supervised by an appropriate party for the burn.
• Ensure the burn follows all applicable laws related to the burn (obtain and follow any required permits/burn plan, make required notifications for Certified Burn Manager-led burns, additional paperwork/ submissions for Power Driven Machinery, etc.).
• If the burn escapes, the fire must not be a result of willful, malicious, or negligent actions in the origin or subsequent spread.

Learn more about the program and apply at ODF’s Prescribed Fire Liability Program web page. 

For more information on prescribed fire and correlating programs, visit ODF’s Prescribed Fire web page. 

Lane County Elections was notified today, October 28, that a key used to open two United States Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes in Marcola was stolen during a break-in at the Marcola post office overnight. 

The two USPS mailboxes are located:

• in front of the Marcola post office
• at the end of Mohawk River Road (a centralized neighborhood mailbox)

“Although this does not appear to be related to the election, we are being cautious and asking voters in Marcola not to return their ballots using these mailboxes,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “Instead they can use the official ballot drop box at Mohawk Marketplace on the way into town.”

Voters who placed their ballots in the affected mailboxes over the weekend are encouraged to track their ballot on oregonvotes.gov/myvote. If they do not see their ballot marked as received by Lane County Elections within a day or two, those Marcola-area voters should call or visit Lane County Elections to request a new ballot. 

A list of official ballot drop boxes is available online. 

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation related to the break-in in coordination with the US Postal Inspection Service. 

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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Update - 2:19 p.m., 10/28/24 - Corrected time of incident listed below

At 3:52 p.m. on October 27, 2024, Roseburg Fire Department personnel responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 1739 W. Harvard Avenue.  The reporting party stated the fire was spreading up the exterior wall of the building and into the roof area. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a single story, commercial structure with light smoke showing from the roof and flames visible from the backside of the structure. Firefighters extinguished the exterior portion of the fire and checked for possible fire extension inside the structure.  Several doors were forced and access holes made to gain entry and extinguish the small portion that had spread to the interior portion of the structure.

The commercial structure sustained structural, smoke, and water damage. Firefighters remained on scene to complete overhaul.  There were no reported injuries.  A fire investigator was on scene and the cause of the fire is under investigation.  Thirteen firefighters assisted with firefighting operations.  Other agencies assisting with the fire included Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Avista Utilities, and Pacific Power. 

The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work, to gather and engage with staff at an Open House on October 30, from 5 pm to 7 pm. The agency is hosting an Open House to better understand the needs of boaters in Lincoln County and surrounding areas. The Open House is being held at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Glady’s Valley Marine Studies Building, Room 164, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport.

The Open House is intended to build relationships with local recreational boaters and hear perspectives on how the agency can improve operations to meet future needs. Staff will be available to answer questions about boating safety, agency policies, plans, regulatory considerations, grants, boating access, revenues and expenditures, safety education, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and the agency’s environmental programs.

Learn more about other Open House locations and the proposed Outfitter Guide legislative concept.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Natalie Wight announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Ethan Knight will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. 

AUSA Ethan Knight, Cyber and National Security Unit Chief, has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Oregon, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“The Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney’s Office will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process,” said Natalie Wight, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The Justice Department has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation on Election Day, threats of violence directed at election officials and workers, and election fraud. The department will address these violations wherever they occur. The department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

The FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. To report allegations, contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or www.tips.fbi.gov.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

If you have questions about the Justice Department’s Election Day Program in Oregon or need assistance directing election-related complaints to the proper authorities, District Election Officer Knight can be reached by calling (503) 727-1000.

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

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(Salem, Oregon) The Travel Information Council is pleased to announce that McGregor “Mac” Lynde will serve as the agency’s next Executive Director, beginning on Monday, November 18, 2024. The council agreed by unanimous vote to offer Lynde the appointment at its public meeting on Wednesday, October 23. Currently serving as Special Advisor to the Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, Lynde brings to the Travel Information Council twenty-two years of experience with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). 

“The council is thrilled to bring Mac’s significant experience in agency leadership and expertise in management of Oregon’s transportation system to the Travel Information Council, where he will join a staff dedicated to enhancing travelers’ experience with good information and safe places to rest,” said chair Eliza Canty-Jones.

The Travel Information Council, a semi-independent state agency, was created by the State of Oregon in the 1970s to operate the highway blue logo sign program following the Highway Beautification Act. The agency now also operates the Oregon Historical Marker and Heritage Tree Programs as well as 39 rest areas at 25 locations in Oregon, providing clean, safe, and inviting locations that are open and free to use 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Executive Director and I look forward to working with the council, the staff, and our public and private partners to deliver our services across the state”, said Mac Lynde.

Mike Auman has served as the agency’s interim executive director since April, when the Travel Information Council began an open-recruitment process for the position of Executive Director. “The council is grateful for Mike’s leadership and for the steady work of all agency staff during this transition,” said Canty-Jones. 

The FBI is coordinating with federal, state and local partners to actively investigate the two incidents in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, in the early morning hours of Monday, October 28^th to determine who is responsible. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the nearest FBI office, provide information through tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).

Salem, Ore.—After a record-breaking year, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, marking the end of the 2024 Oregon fire season declaration. With over 1.9 million acres burned across the state, firefighters and resources experienced extreme strain.  

“This season proved that wildfire in Oregon is not just one agency’s issue but effects ALL Oregonians from government agencies to private landowners to Oregon residents.” Kyle Williams, ODF Deputy Director of Fire Protection, said, “This is our reality, and we need to adjust in response to it.” 

Throughout May and June, the state experienced an average, even below average, season. However, early July brought the beginning of peak season with a heat wave followed by several lightning and wind events that primarily affected Central and Eastern Oregon.  

Meteorological events combined with lightning-and human-caused fire brought immense strain on Oregon’s in-state resources. In response, the department leaned heavily into its interstate relationships. Firefighters and resources from about 20 states and Canada were brought to Oregon through state-to-state mutual aid agreements and the Northwest Compact.   

“The outpouring of support from out of state has been amazing to say the least,” Chris Cline, ODF Protection Division Chief, said. “It truly goes to show that fire is a family, no matter where you are.” 

Year to date, there have been 1,003 fires on ODF-protected lands resulting in 314,181 acres burned. ODF Type 1 Incident Management Teams (IMT) have been mobilized 11 times to wildfires this year. The assignments were to the following incidents: 

• Salt Creek Fire
• Larch Creek Fire
• Dixon Fire
• Boneyard & Court Rock Fires
• Battle Mountain Complex
• Lane 1 Fire
• Copperfield Fire 
• Shoe Fly Fire
• Fossil Complex (two deployments)
• Winding Water Complex

An ODF team was also deployed earlier in the year to assist Lane County and Springfield in their ice storm response. The department also mobilized a Complex IMT comprised of North Carolina and Florida firefighters through state-to-state mutual aid agreements. Statewide, regardless of jurisdiction, there have been 1,956 fires that have burned 1,937,512 acres. 

Due to the agency’s aggressive approach to initial attack to preserve natural resources, protect communities, and increase firefighter safety, many fire starts that happened this year were never heard about. Overall, the department put out 93 percent of fires on ODF-protected land at 10 acres or fewer this year.  

Fighting alongside ODF and other wildland firefighters this season were members of Rangeland Fire Protection Associations. Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) are independent, non-profit, volunteer fire organizations that provide local fire protection in rural Oregon, usually in areas outside of local fire district protection.  

There are 28 RFPAs that protect rangeland and are an integral part of Oregon’s complete and coordinated system. This season, RFPAs were some of the first resources to respond and begin work on a fire while more resources were on their way. They also provided incident management teams and fire managers with information on the area and the land that gave in-depth situational awareness and influenced operations. ODF supports the associations through administrative guidance, insurance reimbursement, fire suppression training and facilitating access to federal grants and surplus firefighting equipment.  

The start and end of fire season restrictions and regulations are set by each forest protection district based on the conditions in their area including drought, climatic forecasts, and seasonal trends. These restrictions and regulations are on activities prone to start wildfires, such as debris burning and certain equipment use, and are intended as preventative measures during times with elevated wildfire risks. The arrival of steady soaking rain, coupled with cooler temperatures and shorter days, usually triggers the closure of fire season. The end of fire season removes ODF imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. However, many structural fire departments in Oregon still require a permit for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round, so check with your local fire department or ODF office before starting a burn.   

As Oregon transitions out of fire season, ODF districts across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning efforts.  

For more tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe from wildfire at any time of year, visit ODF’s Fire Prevention website or Keep Oregon Green’s website. 

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal forest and grazing lands in Oregon. 

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University and Clackamas Community College have collaborated on a joint early childhood bilingual pathway partnership that actively supports and recruits Clackamas Community College graduates ready to complete their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Western.

Clackamas offers an applied associate degree in early childhood education in Spanish, allowing graduates to seamlessly transfer to Western and earn their bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Thanks to this partnership, Western will provide flexible courses to ensure students receive a comprehensive education in early childhood entirely in bilingual settings. The demand for early educators with Spanish expertise has grown in Oregon, making this collaboration essential in meeting those needs.

A Ford Family Foundation grant has been awarded to Western to support efforts in onboarding bilingual early childhood faculty. The grant will facilitate collaborative work and help revise and plan future bilingual coursework. The first courses in this partnership launched at Western this fall.

“We are humbled by the passion and commitment demonstrated at Clackamas Community College and Western to get this program up and running. We salute the ongoing efforts of Clackamas to offer an associate degree in early childhood completely online and in Spanish,” said Cindy Ryan, Ed.D., associate professor in early childhood and chair of the Division of Education and Leadership. “We are honored to support these students as they come to us to complete their bilingual bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies.”

“Access to education changes the lives not only of our students but of their children, their families, and their communities. Providing an opportunity to pursue coursework in their home language of Spanish and obtain a degree can change the trajectory of the lives of our students.  At Clackamas, we are so incredibly grateful to be in partnership with Western Oregon University to collaboratively build this bilingual pathway,” said Dawn Hendricks, Ph.D., department chair of Early Childhood Education, Education, and Human Services at Clackamas Community College.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU Belong.

Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—urges residents with curbside yard waste collection services in Eugene, Springfield and Veneta to compost their jack-o-lanterns in their yard waste bins after Halloween.

“We want to remind folks they can put their pumpkins—and other types of food waste, including fruit, veggies, meats, and bones—into their yard waste bins,” said Lane County Waste Reduction Outreach Coordinator Daniel Hiestand. “Keeping food out of the landfill by composting helps reduce methane production, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting is a huge help.”

One caveat for residents who compost in their yard waste bins is that pumpkins covered in non-organic materials must be thrown away.

“If organic matter such as pumpkins, twigs, or pinecones is covered in something non-organic like glitter, paint, glue, or twine, it can’t be mixed with yard debris,” said Hiestand. “Even with Christmas, people make beautiful wreaths with greenery and pinecones and then spray them with a glittery substance. The glittery stuff now means it has to go in the trash.”

Other post-Halloween pumpkin disposal alternatives

• Feed it to the birds, chickens, and/or worms.
• Bury it in a hole in your garden to enrich the soil.

Oregon pumpkin facts

According to the Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation:

• Oregon grows approximately 2,600 acres of pumpkins on just over 400 farms. 
• Most acres are in Benton, Lane, Marion, and Multnomah counties. 
• Oregon is in the top 15 states in the country for pumpkin production. 

About Waste Wise Lane County

WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com

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SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will meet at noon on Monday, Nov. 4 in the Clatsop Room, Building C, at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters, located at 2600 State St. in Salem. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Discuss amphibians research questions
• Discuss effectiveness monitoring strategy (Substantial decision item)
• Wrap up & discuss AMPC member renewals for 2025 and upcoming AMPC Co-chair election

The meeting is open to the public to attend in person and online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, November 5. 

In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:

• Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 5, 2024 and received no later than November 12, 2024 to be counted.
• A 24/7 ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.
• Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours until 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.

“We have wonderful, secure elections that allow all eligible voters the opportunity to return their ballots in the way most convenient for them,” said Lane County Clerk Dena Dawson. “Every voter should make a plan for how they plan to return their ballot and ensure their ballot is received on time.”

Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.

The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. The Lane County Elections Office compares it to signatures in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.

If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21^st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.

What can you do to ensure your signature matches?

1. Sign your natural signature. If you don’t usually sign with a middle initial don’t sign your ballot envelope with it. Election workers are trained to look for specific characteristics within each signature. If you think your signature has changed significantly, contact Lane County Elections.

1. Don’t sign another person’s name. Even if someone gives you permission to sign, or you have power of attorney, it is against the law in Oregon to sign another person’s name on a return envelope. It’s forgery.

1. Request help if you have difficulty signing.  If it is difficult for you to sign, on either a temporary or permanent basis, you can complete a signature attestation form and return it to Lane County Elections along with a new voter registration form.  Completing these forms will allow you to use a signature stamp or other indicator that represents your signature.

1. Correct a mistake if you accidentally sign your name on someone in your household’s envelope. If you and another person in your household sign each other’s return ballot envelopes, simply place a line through the incorrect signatures and sign the correct envelopes.

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10^th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

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Cooler, wetter weather and hard work by fire personnel are allowing the Lane County Sheriff’s Office to cancel the evacuation notice near Cottage Grove, including all areas previously under a Level 2 evacuation.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the fire personnel from several different agencies who quickly responded to keep the fire away from homes and critical infrastructure.

Lane County Sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police also assisted firefighters yesterday with thermal drone imagery to view fire activity through the smoke.

Residents are still encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

The following area near Cottage Grove is at a Level 2 (Be Set) evacuation notification:

• Areas west of Highway 99 between River Road and W. Saginaw Road, including Abbot Lane
• Grimes Road area

Level 2 means: You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, and this may be the only notice that you receive.

Public safety personnel cannot guarantee they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Continue to closely monitor your phone, local media and www.LaneCountyOR.gov for information. 

An evacuation map may be made available if fire spreads. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org.

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Eugene, OR.  Eugene Springfield Fire is on scene of a vehicle fire on Interstate 5 in the south bound lanes over Franklin Blvd in Eugene.  Firefighters from ESF were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire at 11:08 AM on October 26^th.  Engine 4 from 5^th and Centennial in Springfield was the first to arrive finding a garbage truck well involved in fire.  During the fire fight, crews noticed the diesel tank had become detached and was leaking.  Due to the fire’s proximity to the Willamette River, diesel leak, potential hydraulic fluid leak and potentially hazardous materials in the garbage, ESF’s Haz-Mat team from the Valley River station was called to the scene assessing and preventing further environmental impacts from the incident.  ESF is being assisted by OSP, ODOT and Northwest Haz-Mat.  Expect delays in the area.

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho - A fugitive with ties to the southern Oregon region is on-the-run after eluding capture Tuesday, October 22 in Idaho. Christian Bert Fischer, 42, is wanted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child.

Fischer is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. He is also known to dress like a woman. Before heading to Idaho, Fischer was in the Portland area. This June and July, he was in Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek.

U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task forces throughout the country have joined the search, including the local Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). If you have any information on Fischer’s whereabouts, contact the local USMS office at (541) 776-4277, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.

For more information here is the USMS Release:

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – The Hernando County Crime Stoppers in Florida is offering up a $5,000 reward for information directly leading to the arrest of Christian Bert FISCHER, a fugitive convicted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first in order to be eligible for the cash rewards of up to $5,000.00. For additional information and instructions for the reward, please visit the following Crime Stoppers link:

http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?P=wanteds&ID=449&Sort=Name&F=&W=.

FISCHER is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. FISCHER is also known to dress like a woman.

On the second day of FISCHER’s trial in Hernando County, Florida, he failed to appear in court and immediately fled the state the same day. Investigators learned he fled to California, Oregon and as of recently to North Idaho. FISCHER has been utilizing fictious name(s), likely utilizing cash and has had associates pay for certain expenses while he’s been on the run.

In North Idaho, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Greater Idaho Fugitive task force learned FISCHER has attempted to befriend multiple families in the area, to include those with children. Earlier this week, prior to the task force’s attempt to arrest FISCHER, he was seen carving pumpkins at his last known location off Kelso Rd in Athol with an unknown family. Investigators have not been able to identify the family yet and urge the family or anyone else who has had interactions with FISCHER to contact the local USMS office. All tips or information regarding this fugitive investigation case will remain anonymous.

The local task force is continuing to work closely with the USMS office in the Middle District of Florida, the Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in Brooksville, Florida, as well as other investigators from multiple other states.

The following is a link to a short announcement on Facebook from Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis regarding fugitive Christian FISCHER:

https://www.facebook.com/HernandoSheriff/videos/manhunt-monday-02-12-2024/356273974034934/.

The USMS Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force is a state-wide cooperative to locate and arrest violent offenders wanted for local, state and federal crimes. Member agencies throughout the State of Idaho include: the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Idaho Department of Corrections, Idaho State Police, Nampa Police Department, Pocatello Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Anyone with information on FISCHER’s whereabouts is urged to contact the local USMS office at (208) 518-4024, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.