Albany Police and the family of 46 year old Justin Sitton of Albany are seeking the public's assistance in finding him.  Justin has been missing since August 6, 2018.  Justin, who is a military veteran, suffers from a Traumatic Brain Injury, and is usually found near his downtown Albany apartment.   He does not drive, but is physically mobile.  He stands about 6' 0" tall and 190 pounds, and his head was shaved bald when last seen. If you have information pertaining to Justin and his whereabouts, please contact the Albany Police Department at (541)917-7680.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On Tuesday, August 14, 2018, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Craig Adair Chapman, 56, of Corvallis, in connection with an investigation going back to May of this year. 

On May 18, 2018, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for Chapman’s home in the 5100 block of NW Highway 99W, north of Corvallis.  The search warrant was related to the illegal distribution of child sexual abuse material over the Internet.  Numerous computers and electronic devices were seized and analyzed.

Chapman was arrested and booked into the Benton County Jail on the following charges: Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (x15), Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (x15), and Encouraging Sexual Assault of an Animal (x6). 

We encourage the public to report any suspected child sexual abuse material online to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at http://CyberTipline.org.  NCMEC continuously reviews CyberTipline reports to ensure that reports of children who may be in imminent danger get first priority.  After NCMEC’s review is completed, all information in a CyberTipline report is made available to law enforcement.

Assisting in this investigation was the Corvallis Police Department, with help from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.  This investigation is ongoing and detectives are continuing to identify victims.  Any persons with information regarding Craig Adair Chapman and his potential involvement with minors are asked to contact Detective Christopher Dale at 541-766-6858.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is still accepting applications for its 2018 Citizens’ Academy. The Academy begins September 11th and meets for ten sessions ending October 30th. This free program is designed to give citizen participants an opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

The class will meet each Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on two Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Saturdays are scheduled for September 15th and October 13th Most classes meet at the Law Enforcement Building in Corvallis.

During the program, participants will gain insight into the challenges faced by Deputies. Most of the instructors are sworn Deputies who share their experiences with the class.

The Citizens’ Academy covers all aspects of the Sheriff’s responsibilities including law enforcement, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations and the support service and command responsibilities of the Office.

“We hope residents will take this opportunity to learn more about what their Sheriff’s Office does,” says Sheriff Scott Jackson. “The class fills up quickly so we encourage interested individuals to get their applications in early.” Deadline for applications is August 28, 2018.

Applications are available online at: https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/page/2018-citizens-academy or in person at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis. For further information, contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858.

GARDINER, Ore. – Douglas County Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call at about 1:15 pm on Thursday reporting an assault on Sparrow Park Road.

Deputies arrived and contacted an adult female who had been sleeping in her vehicle along the roadway. The female told deputies she awoke to find an unknown male adult sexually molesting her. The male left after the forcible incident. 

The female was transported to an undisclosed hospital and later released.

Detectives responded and began an investigation, which is still ongoing. The male suspect has not yet been identified or located.

Detectives are asking for anyone who was on Sparrow Park Road on Thursday to contact them at (541) 440-4471. Those individuals may have observed something that would help investigators solve this case. Tips and information may also be emailed to dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us. 

Case #18-3616

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - As the Labor Day holiday marks the official end of summer, people around the country will celebrate one more pool party, backyard barbecue, or community get-together. For the sake of your safety—and everyone else’s—it’s essential that motorcyclists (and all motorists) practice safe riding habits. Perhaps the most important safety habit is sober riding. This Labor Day, and every day, remember: Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over. Operating a motorcycle requires an enhanced level of focus, coordination, and balance. Compromising your skills by drinking alcohol and riding can be a deadly decision—one that puts not only yourself at risk, but the lives of other road users as well. If you plan on drinking at all, leave your motorcycle out of your plans. Designate a sober rider, or make arrangements for a safe ride home and a place to store your motorcycle before you have any alcohol. Keep these drunk-driving statistics in mind as you ride through the last of summer’s parties:

• This Labor Day weekend, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the national Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign to help keep impaired motorcyclists off the road. The campaign runs August 17 through September 3, 2018.
• According to NHTSA, in 2016, there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes—a 5.1-percent increase from the 5,029 motorcyclists killed in 2015.
• In 2016, two-wheeled motorcycles accounted for 93 percent of all motorcycles in fatal crashes.
• Even though motorcycles account for only about 3 percent of registered vehicles on the road, motorcycle riders are dramatically overrepresented in fatal crashes, especially those involving alcohol.
• In 2016, motorcycle riders involved (killed and survived) in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than any other type of motor vehicle driver (25% for motorcycle riders, 21% for passenger cars, 20% for light-truck drivers, and 2% for drivers of large trucks).
• In 2016, the highest percentage of fatally injured, alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders were in the 35-to-39 age group (38%), followed by the 45-to-49 age group (37%), and the 40-to-44 age group (32%).
• In 2016, there were 4,950 motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
• In 2016, the reported helmet use rate for alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes was 50 percent, as compared to 65 percent for those with no alcohol consumed (BAC=.00 g/dL).
• Always practice general motorcycle safety: Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective clothing, never ride while distracted, be properly licensed, and don’t speed.

Ride with a Plan

Don’t let plans get away from you—it’s imperative to your safety, and the safety of others, to plan a responsible ride home from the party. If you leave your house unprepared to get home safely, you may not be in the right frame of mind to make the best choices by the end of the night. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night of fun:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and ride. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.
• Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android devices: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhtsa.SaferRide&hl=en), and Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saferride/id950774008?mt=8). SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 9-1-1
• Have a friend who is about to drink and ride? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Drunk Driving Comes at a Cost

Drunk driving can cost you your life, but it can also cost you financially. Here’s how:

• If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time. Imagine trying to explain that to your friends and family or your place of employment if you’re unable to report to the office. The cost of a DUI can reach $10,000. Don’t risk it.

More information about motorcycle safety can be found at: www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles.

UPDATE 08/15/2018 10:00 AM

The search for 23 year-old Brian Lewinstein of Berkeley California is continuing today. Lewinstein is presumed dead after falling from a cliff above Toketee Falls on Sunday. 

Search and Rescue personnel have been searching the area ever since. It is believed that Lewinstein fell into the top pool of the falls. 

"There are several factors at play that make this search problematic, such as the steepness of the terrain, the length of the fall and the fact that Mr. Lewinstein possibly landed in the first pool beneath the falls. If he landed in the falls there is a possibility he was washed down to the second pool or even into the North Umpqua River, said Wayne Stinson Emergency Management Coordinator. 

Divers are unable to search the pools due to dangerous water conditions.

The search is expected to ramp down after today as searchers are comfortable they have searched all possible ground beneath the falls. 

"A deputy will continue to check the bodies of water where Mr. Lewinstein may be located. We are working closely with the Lewinstein family and will keep them aprised of our progress. Our hearts go out to them, said Sgt. Brad O'Dell. 

UPDATE 08/13/2018 10:00 AM

Searchers are back at Toketee Falls today looking for a California man who fell from above the falls Sunday afternoon. Some incorrect information is circulating that the man had been located. As of the time of this release, he has not been located and the search continues.

The man has been identified as 23 year-old Brian Lewinstein of Berkeley, California. Next of kin has been notified. 

Lewinstein had crossed a safety fence to take a photograph from above the falls when he slipped and fell down the steep embankment. 

###

IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. - On Sunday, August 12, 2018, at 2:48 PM, Douglas County Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call reporting an adult male who fell down a cliff at Toketee Falls. 

Emergency personnel responded to the scene along with members of Pacific Corp and have been trying to locate the man. A search and rescue mission is in progress. Deputies have identified the man, but will not be releasing his name at this time pending next of kin notification. 

"Given the terrain and factors involved this mission is very complex. Our search volunteers are searching with an utmost sense of urgency, while carefully balancing the needs for responder safety," said Sgt. Brad O'Dell. 

There is no time frame for an additional press release. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - We are well into summer as well as fire season. What if a deputy came to your home and told you that your home was under a fire evacuation notice - would you know what to do? The Sheriff's Office works closely with fire agencies throughout fire season and makes decisions about public safety based upon information and recommendations from those officials. Evacuation notices are not taken lightly and are carefully planned and executed. 

We want to take a moment to encourage everyone, not just those affected by wildfires, to be informed, aware and prepared. Here are the three levels of evacuation and some associated tips. 

o    READY – Be Prepared. Residents should be aware of the danger potential that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation! All residents should be at this level of readiness at all times.

• Make an evacuation plan and be sure everyone in your family understands it. 
• Assign tasks to each family member for what to do during an evacuation level. 
• Have a plan for pets and livestock. 
• Designate a meeting place. This could be the home of a friend or family member or an evacuation shelter. 
• Designate an out-of-the-area contact person to relay information about your welfare to family/friends. 
• Make sure your home address is visible from the street. 
• Make sure your driveways are wide enough for emergency vehicles to enter (10-12 feet wide).
• Create a defensible space around your home using Firewise concepts. 
• Create emergency kits which include supplies for you and everyone who lives in your home or visits regularly. Think about your pets too!
• Keep your vehicles filled with fuel. 

o    SET – You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area. If choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.  You may have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at your own risk. It is important to know that this may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.

• Keep pets and livestock ready to go in case you need to evacuate in a hurry. 
• Be sure to have your photo ID or something showing your current address in case you need access to evacuated areas.
• Monitor local television and radio stations for updates. 
• Move propane BBQ appliances and other flammables away from structures. 

o    GO – Leave immediately! Danger to the area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. If you chose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further. Do not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive. 

• Leave house lights on and windows closed. 
• Let your emergency contact and/or family members know where you are going. 

Residents who have landline telephones may receive emergency notifications via an automated emergency notification system utilized by the Sheriff’s Office. However, residents who do not have a landline and rely only on a cell phone will not receive notification unless they register their cell phone number. To register your cell phone, please visit: www.dcso.com/alerts 

It is our sincere hope that you never have to experience an evacuation, but that if you do you will know how to respond by preparing today for what could be your tomorrow.

UPDATE 08/14/2018 3:15 PM

DREW, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, working in conjunction with South Umpqua Complex Fire officials, have reduced the evacuation notice for residents living in and between the following addresses:

• 1642 through 3200 (Flats Ranch) Tison Road.

Residents in this area have been reduced to a Level 1 or "Be Ready" notice. They were previously under a Level 2 evacuation notice issued on July 19, 2018. 

###

ORIGINAL RELEASE

DREW, Ore. - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, working in conjunction with South Umpqua Complex Fire officials, have reduced the evacuation level evacuation notice to residents living in and between the following addresses:

1642 through 3200 (Flats Ranch) Tison Road.

A Level 2, or "SET" evacuation indicates there is a significant danger to the area and residents should either voluntarily relocate outside of the affected area with family or friends. If choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

It is strongly encouraged that residents in proximity of the fire, even if not in the listed evacuation notice, stay informed via media outlets and information from fire officials.

Fire Information:

541-825-3295

e@gmail.com" target="_blank">SouthUmpquaComplexFire@gmail.com

Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5940

Facebook: Umpqua National Forest

GLIDE, Ore. - Detectives are asking the public for information in locating two men responsible for burglarizing the home of a deceased war hero.

On July 22, 2018, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a burglary of a residence in the Glide area. 

The responding Deputies learned the residence had been the home of Retired Major General Marion Carl of the United States Marine Corps.  Major General Carl was a highly decorated veteran who saw action in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.  He was the recipient of numerous medals including the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Air Medal amongst others, and had 18.5 enemy kills to his credit while flying combat missions.   He was later a test pilot, who flew with other notable veterans such as General Chuck Yeagar.  In 1998, Major General Carl was murdered inside of his residence during a home invasion robbery.  The airport in Roseburg is named after him.

The home remained in possession of the Carl family, and still housed personal items belonging to the Major General, as well a war memorabilia and medals awarded to Major General Carl.

Deputies learned that taken in the burglary were knives, ammunition, fishing gear, and Major General Carl’s campaign ribbons.  One of the stolen knives was described as having Major General Carl’s name inscribed on it.

The Sheriff’s Office developed information on persons who were connected to the burglary and on Augst 02, 2018, Deputies went to two separate residences in the Glide area to contact persons of interest.  At the residences Deputies were able to recover evidence related to the burglary, as well as being led to the location of the stolen fishing gear.   Three persons who were determined to be connected to the burglary were arrested.

Arrested were:

#1.          Gilkey-Sorensen, Kalianna / 19 Years Old Female / Glide / Theft by Receiving

#2.          Anderson-Vierra, Brady / 20 Years Old Male / Glide / Theft by Receiving

#3.          Crawford, Kelly / 56 Years Old / Glide / Theft by Receiving

The Major General’s campaign ribbons and knives were not recovered.

As the investigation progressed, Sheriff’s Deputies learned that the persons responsible for the burglary were 41 year old Soren Sorensen, of Glide and a male named “Matt”.

Soren Sorensen and “Matt” have not yet been located, and the Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information on the location of the campaign ribbons, knives, Soren Sorensen or “Matt” to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 541-440-4471 or by email dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us.  Anonymous information can also be left on the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 541-957-2099.

Case #18-3141

The FBI's Portland Division is releasing the following information on behalf of the FBI's national fugitive publicity program:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 40, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap

The video depicting the unidentified male, John Doe 40, shown with a child, was first noted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in October of 2017. 

John Doe 40 is described as a white male, likely between the ages of 30 and 40 years old. He appears to be heavyset with dark colored hair. John Doe 40 could be heard speaking English in the video. Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

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

###

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week, building a digital defense against travel scams.

It is that travel-filled time of year again folks. Whether you are behind the curveball and trying to squeeze in some last minute summer vacations or completely on top of it and already planning for fall and winter trips, everyone is always on the lookout for a good deal at a great price. However, scam artists know this and will try to take advantage of it as much as they can.

If you are like me, you are constantly getting calls and emails from people telling you that you are the “lucky winner” of an all-expense paid for vacation. Although the offer is tempting, don’t fall for it! How often do you hear of people actually getting their entire trip paid for by a random stranger? Not that often, because it is yet another scam with expensive strings attached. So before you book that discounted hotel room or flight reservation, be sure to keep these travel tips from our friends at the Federal Trade Commission in mind:

• Just say no to the robocalls. If you answer your phone to another automated message, just hang up and ignore it. Most robocalls are illegal. If you get one of these unwanted calls, report it to FTC.
• Be vigilant to unexpected emails and text messages. Similar to the automated calls, many scam artists will send you fake deals through both email and text. Remember, if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is. Ignore and delete the messages.
• Research a company before booking with them. If you do decide to use an agency that offers cheaper deals, be sure to do your research. Look up reviews and ratings to see if other customers were satisfied with the services that they received.
• Know the cancellation policy. Before booking, take time to ask about the company’s refund policies for flight reservations, car rentals, and hotel bookings. Get these policies in writing.
• Pay with credit card. If you have gone through all of these steps and feel good about booking with the company, use your credit card to pay. This will give you more protection than paying with cash, check, or a debit card. If you end up not getting what you paid for, this will enable you to dispute the charges with your credit card company.   

If you have been victimized by an online scam or any other cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office.

Update - August 17, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.:

TRAIL, Ore. – Due to progress made by crews fighting the Miles Fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is further reducing evacuation levels in the Trail and Prospect area on August 17, 2018.  All areas of the Miles fire currently under level 3 evacuation will be reduced to level 2 as of 6 p.m. today.  

The following is a complete and updated list of evacuation zones associated with the Miles Fire:

Level 3 "Go":

There are no level 3 evacuations associated with the Miles fire.

Level 2 "Be Set":

Trail: Elk Creek Road, 5700-block through 18,000 -block; West Branch Elk Creek Road, upper section (uninhabited); Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses.

Level 1 “Be Ready”:

Trail: Highway 62, 26300 through the 31600-block (odd numbers only); Elk Creek Road, from Highway 62 through the 1600-block; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block; the uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road, including Morine Creek Road, Buck Rock, and the upper Lewis Creek drainage; Takelma Drive, all addresses; Cole M. Rivers Road, all addresses; north side of Lost Creek Lake (uninhabited, accessed by Takelma Drive).

Prospect: Lewis Road, all addresses; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road, all addresses; Shelly Lane, all addresses; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.

Refer to the interactive fire map to check a specific address for evacuation status: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C .  For preparedness information and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .

Information regarding the fire is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .  Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

###

Update - August 15, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.:

TRAIL, Ore. – Due to progress made by crews fighting the Miles Fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is further reducing evacuation levels in the Trail and Prospect area on August 15, 2018.  The affected area includes only a few homes, plus uninhabited areas.    

The latest reduction means all homes in the Prospect area previously notified of evacuations are now reduced to a Level 1 “Be Ready” notification.  A Citizen Alert notification will be sent today to advise residents affected by the reduced evacuation status.

The following is a complete and updated list of evacuation zones associated with the Miles Fire:

Level 3 "Go":

Trail: Elk Creek Road, 8800-block and above; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses.

Level 2 "Be Set":

Trail: Elk Creek Road, 5700-block; West Branch Elk Creek Road, upper section (uninhabited).

Level 1 “Be Ready”:

Trail: Highway 62, 26300 through the 31600-block (odd numbers only); Elk Creek Road, from Highway 62 through the 1600-block; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block; the uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road, including Morine Creek Road, Buck Rock, and the upper Lewis Creek drainage; Takelma Drive, all addresses; Cole M. Rivers Road, all addresses; north side of Lost Creek Lake (uninhabited, accessed by Takelma Drive).

Prospect: Lewis Road, all addresses; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road, all addresses; Shelly Lane, all addresses; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.

Refer to the interactive fire map to check a specific address for evacuation status: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C .  For preparedness information and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .

Information regarding the fire is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .  Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

###

Update - August 14, 2018 at 10:00 am:

TRAIL, Ore. – Based on recommendations from fire officials managing the Miles Fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is reducing some evacuation levels on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.  The affected addresses are in the area of Elk Creek Road, Highway 62, and the dam at Lost Creek Lake.  A Citizen Alert notification will be sent today to advise residents affected by the reduced evacuation status.

The following is a complete and updated list of evacuation zones associated with the Miles Fire:

Level 3 "Go":

Trail: Elk Creek Road, 5700-block and above; West Branch Elk Creek Road, upper section (uninhabited); Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses.

Level 2 "Be Set":

Trail: Elk Creek Road, 1600-block; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block; the uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road, including Morine Creek Road, Buck Rock, and the upper Lewis Creek drainage; north side of Lost Creek Lake (uninhabited, accessed by Takelma Drive).

Prospect: 4000-block Lewis Road; Ulrich Road, 2500-block.

Level 1 “Be Ready”:

Trail:  Highway 62, 26300 through the 31600-block (odd numbers only); Elk Creek Road, from Highway 62 through the 1200-block; Takelma Drive, all addresses; Cole M. Rivers Road, all addresses.

Prospect: Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Shelly Lane, all addresses; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.

Refer to the interactive fire map to check a specific address for evacuation status: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C .  For preparedness information and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org . 

Information regarding the fire is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .  Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

###

Update - August 13, 2018 at 9:45 am:

PROSPECT, Ore. – Due to progress made by fire crews on the Miles Fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is reducing evacuation levels in the Prospect area.  Zones previously designated as Level 3 “Go” are now Level 2 “Be Set.”  Zones previously designated as Level 2 “Be Set” are now Level 1 “Be Ready.” 

Affected residents will receive a Citizen Alert notification today to advise them of the reduced evacuation status.  At this time, there are no changes to evacuation zones in the Trail/Elk Creek area. 

The updated evacuation zones for the Miles Fire now include the following:

Level 3 "Go":

    Trail:  Elk Creek Road, all addresses above West Branch Elk Creek Road; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block and the upper section; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; north side of Lost Creek Lake (uninhabited, accessed by Takelma Drive).

Level 2 "Be Set":

    Trail:  Elk Creek Road from Highway 62 to the 1600-block; Highway 62, 26300 through the 31600-block (odd numbers only); Takelma Drive, all addresses; Cole M. Rivers Road, all addresses; the uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road, including Morine Creek Road, Buck Rock, and the upper Lewis Creek drainage.

    Prospect:  4000-block Lewis Road; Ulrich Road, 2500-block.

Level 1 “Be Ready”: 

    Prospect:  Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Shelly Lane, all addresses; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.

Refer to the interactive fire map to check a specific address for evacuation status: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C .  For preparedness information and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org . 

Information regarding the fire is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .  Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

###

Update August 10, 2018:

PROSPECT, Ore. – Due to efforts of fire personnel, and favorable conditions, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is reducing the evacuation level for Ulrich road in the Prospect area.

Level 2 "Be Set": Ulrich Road, 829 and above.  This road was previously at Level 3.

For more information on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .

To check the status of a specific address, refer to the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .

The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School.  

Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

###

Update August 7, 2018: 

TRAIL, Ore. – At the recommendation of fire officials managing the Miles (Sugar Pine) fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is upgrading and expanding evacuation zones in the area of Elk Creek and Lost Creek Lake. 

The upgraded Level 3 “Go” zone includes two addresses in the area near the intersection of Elk Creek Road and West Branch Elk Creek Road that were previously advised of a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation.  Another upgraded Level 3 zone is located on the north side of Lost Creek Road and contains no structures.

Expansion of the Level 2 “Be Set” extends the Elk Creek drainage zone south to Highway 62, and along the west side of Lost Creek Lake, including the dam.  Search and rescue personnel will be in the area contacting residents today.  Citizen Alert notifications will also be sent to the affected addresses.

The following is an updated list of all current evacuations related to the Miles (Sugar Pine) fire:

Level 3 "Go":

Trail:  Elk Creek Road, all addresses above West Branch Elk Creek Road; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block and the upper section; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; north side of Lost Creek Lake (uninhabited, accessed by Takelma Drive).

Prospect:  Ulrich Road, 829 and above; Shelly Lane, all addresses; 4000-block Lewis Road.

Level 2 "Be Set":

Trail:  Elk Creek Road from Highway 62 to the 1600-block; Highway 62, 26300 through the 31600-block (odd numbers only); Takelma Drive, all addresses; Cole M. Rivers Road, all addresses; the uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road, including Morine Creek Road, Buck Rock, and the upper Lewis Creek drainage.

Prospect:  Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.

Refer to the interactive map to check a specific address: https://bit.ly/2uUku2C .  For preparedness information and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .  Information regarding the fire is available on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .

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Update August 6, 2018:

TRAIL – Due to increased fire activity on the west side of the Miles/Sugar Pine fire, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is expanding the Level 3 “Go” and Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation zones.  These zones do not contain any residences. 

The new Level 3 area now includes the upper portion of West Branch Elk Creek Road.  The road is already closed to public traffic at the intersection with Elk Creek Road.  A Level 2 area is now located to the west and south of the new Level 3 area.  Because no residences are affected by the new evacuation zones, no evacuation notices or Citizen Alert notifications will be issued. 

The evacuation zones for the Miles/Sugar Pine fire now include the following areas:

Level 3 "Go": Elk Creek Road, 8800 and above; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road, 829 and above; Shelly Lane, all addresses; 4000-block Lewis Road; upper section of West Branch Elk Creek Road.

Level 2 "Be Set": Elk Creek Road between West Branch Elk Creek Road and Alco Creek Road; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block; Takelma Drive, along the north side of Lost Creek Lake; Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses; uninhabited area west of West Branch Elk Creek Road.

For more information on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .

To check the status of a specific address, refer to the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .  This map is complete and includes all updates to evacuations.

For more information from fire officials, follow the Sugar Pine Fire Information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarPineFireInfo/ .  You can also find information on the InciWeb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .

The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School. 

Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.  The joint information center also operates a website with fire information from around the region at http://swojic.blogspot.com/ .

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Update - August 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.:

Following the recommendations of fire officials on the Miles/Sugar Pine fires, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office has added a new Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation zone to the south of the existing Level 3 "Go" zone on Elk Creek Road.  Two addresses are included in the new zone. Search and rescue personnel have already notified the affected residents in person. 

The western boundary of the Level 3 area on Elk Creek Road was also extended.  This change is visible on the map, however it does not affect any residences. 

Additionally, a Level 2 area was added along the north side of Lost Creek Lake, accessed by Takelma Drive.  This zone connects the Level 2 evacuation zone along Elk Creek Road with the existing Level 2 and 3 areas on the east side of the lake. This new evacuation zone does not include any residences.  

The evacuation zones for the Miles/Sugar Pine fire area now include the following areas:

Level 3 "Go": Elk Creek Road, 8800 and above; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road, 829 and above; Shelly Lane, all addresses; 4000-block Lewis Road. 

Level 2 "Be Set": Elk Creek Road between West Branch Elk Creek Road and Alco Creek Road; West Branch Elk Creek Road, 200-block; Takelma Drive, along the north side of Lost Creek Lake; Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.

For more information on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .

To check the status of a specific address, refer to the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .  This map is complete and includes all updates to evacuations.

For more information from fire officials, follow the Sugar Pine Fire Information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SugarPineFireInfo/ .  You can also find information on the InciWeb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .

The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School.  

Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m

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Update 8/2/18 at 7:00 p.m.:

PROSPECT, Ore. - Due to increased fire behavior on the Miles fire, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office is expanding the Sugar Pine/Miles evacuation area toward Prospect.  The current evacuation zone now includes the following areas in Trail and Prospect: 

Level 3 "Go": Elk Creek Road, 8800 and above; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road, 829 and above; Shelly Lane, all addresses; 4000-block Lewis Road. 

Level 2 "Be Set": Lewis Road from Highway 62 to the 3000-block; Evergreen Drive and all intersecting roads; Highway 62 between Lewis Road and Prospect Access Road; Cascade Gorge Road, all addresses; Ulrich Road from Highway 62 to the 820-block; Mill Creek Drive between Highway 62 and Prospect Access Road; Snodgrass Lane, all addresses; Mather Road, all addresses; Skookum Lane, all addresses.

A Level 3 "Go" evacuation means you should not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make further efforts to protect your home. This may be the last notice you receive.

A Level 2 "Be Set" evacuation means you should prepare to leave at a moment's notice; however, this may be the last notice you receive.

Deputies will deliver evacuation notices in person.  Those in the affected area will also receive Citizen Alert notifications.  For more information on preparedness and to sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.rvem.org .

To check the status of a specific address, refer to the interactive fire map at http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .

The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School.  

Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

###

Update July 31, 2018, at 9:25 p.m.:

TRAIL, Ore. - Based on the recommendation of fire officials managing the Sugar Pine fire, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office has increased the evacuation advisory for residences in the Elk Creek Road area from Level 2 "Be Set" to Level 3 "Go."  

A Level 3 "Go" advisory is now in effect for the following addresses: 8800 to 17600 Elk Creek Road; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek road, all addresses.

A Level 3 "Go" evacuation means you should not delay leaving to gather any belongings or make further efforts to protect your home. This may be the last notice you receive.

Deputies and search and rescue volunteers will deliver notices to these residences in person; however, residents do not need to wait for a notice to vacate their homes.  Citizen Alert notifications will be sent to those in the affected area.  

To register for future Citizen Alert notifications, go to jacksoncounty.org/alert . Information about evacuation levels and preparedness is available at www.rvem.org .

The nearest Red Cross shelter currently in operation is at Grants Pass High School.  An animal shelter is set up at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.  

Public fire information is available by phone at (541) 474-5305.  The Sugar Pine fire is one of several fires managed by an incident management team under the collective name Sugar Pine.  For more information, visit the InciWeb fire page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ .  Information on the Miles Fire, part of the South Umpqua Complex can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5940/ .

###

Original release, July 27, 2018:

TRAIL, Ore. –  Fire officials are recommending “Level 2” residential evacuations in the Elk Creek area.  Both the Sugar Pine fire and Miles fire are creating a potential threat to homes in the area.  

As of Friday, July 27, 2018, a Level 2 (BE SET) advisory is in effect for the following addresses:  8800 to 17600 Elk Creek Road; Sugar Pine Road, all addresses; Dodes Creek road, all addresses.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and search and rescue personnel are making in-person notifications.  Citizen Alert notifications will also be made by phone to those in the affected area. 

While homes on Dodes Creek Road and the upper section of Elk Creek Road are still some distance from the fires, officials are concerned that the evacuation route down Elk Creek Road could become compromised if the Sugar Pine fire encroaches toward the intersection of Sugar Pine Road and Elk Creek Road.  Residents should consider these concerns when creating their evacuation plans.

To sign up for Citizen Alert, go to www.jacksoncounty.org/alert .  Information about evacuation levels and preparedness is available at www.rvem.org.

A downloadable map of the evacuation area is included with this release.  Evacuation zones have also be added to the interactive fire map: http://joco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37b8a655d90f4f82ba35ba107a827840 .  Users are able to search for specific addresses on the interactive map. 

The Sugar Pine Fire is one of several fires managed by an incident management team under the collective name Sugar Pine.  For more information, visit the InciWeb fire page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5966/ . 

The Miles fire is one of several fires that make up the South Umpqua Complex.  For more information, visit the InciWeb fire page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5940/ .

The Southwest Oregon Joint Information Center is continually updating information about all fires in the region at http://swojic.blogspot.com/ . Those with questions can call the public fire information number at (541) 474-5305.  Questions can also be asked via email at einfo@gmail.com">swofireinfo@gmail.com .

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Fire Operations Threatened by Drone

08/16/2018

Trail, Ore. – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information relating to an incident which took place at a location known as Burnt Peak which falls within the Miles Fire. 

An unknown suspect flew a drone over a helicopter which was dumping water on the fire.  This incident posed a significant safety risk to the helicopter and ground crews, and effectively caused a stoppage to air operations in the area. 

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over all wild fires, including the Miles Fire, due to the complex and hazardous work being done there. 

Potential crimes include Reckless Endangering, Interfering with a Firefighter, as well as possible penalties from the FAA. 

Any information about this incident can be reported to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, attention Deputy Lance. 541-774-6800

Update 8/14/18 at 3:40 p.m.:

Deputies are no longer searching for Eddie Joseph Correia, Jr.  According to the Oregon State Police, Correia is currently receiving medical attention in Medford after a shooting reported in Cave Junction (Josephine County) on August 14, 2018.  

The investigation into the August 10 assault in Wimer continues (details in original release).  No further updates to that case are available for release at this time. 

###  

WIMER, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies are looking for a wanted man suspected of assaulting a man over the weekend.  Deputies say Eddie Joseph Correia, Jr., 34, a transient from the Grants Pass area, pointed a handgun at a 19-year-old man at the Wimer Family Market and assaulted him with the help of an accomplice. 

On Friday, August 10, 2018, at 8:04 p.m., deputies were dispatched to an assault at the Wimer Family Market, located at 8816 East Evans Creek Road.  The caller reported a man armed with a handgun “pistol whipped” the victim in the parking lot.  A woman with Correia, later identified as Lindsey Anne Jordan, 29, also struck the victim.  The victim was reportedly acquainted with Jordan, but did not know Correia prior to the incident.

Deputies say after the assault, Correia and Jordan fled in a white Dodge pickup with a broken rear window to a residence associated with Jordan in the 6900-block of East Evans Creek Road.  A deputy located Jordan as she tried to leave the residence as a passenger in another vehicle.  She was taken into custody and later lodged in jail on a charge of third degree assault. 

The victim went to the hospital by private vehicle for treatment for facial injuries, described as contusions and lacerations.  He was treated and released. 

Deputies served a search warrant on the residence in an effort to locate Correia and evidence related to the case.  The JCSO SWAT team assisted with the warrant service because Correia was reportedly armed and has a criminal history involving firearms. 

Correia was not located at the residence; he is believed to have fled into a wooded area nearby prior to deputies’ arrival.  During the search, deputies located a handgun in the residence. It is confirmed whether it is the same firearm used in the assault, or whether Correia has access to additional firearms. 

Deputies encountered several people during the warrant service.  Kyle Flury Palomino, 26, who was not involved in the assault, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and transported to jail.  Palomino was also charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

Deputies believe Correia returned to the residence after the warrant service and fled again in the white Dodge truck.  Just after 3:00 a.m., deputies located the truck abandoned about a mile away on Pinegrove Road.  Attempts to locate Correia in the area were unsuccessful.

Deputies have probable cause to arrest Correia on charges related to this incident.  In addition, Correia has a state-wide (Oregon) felony arrest warrant for violating the terms of his post-prison supervision.   

Correia is six feet tall and weighs about 245 pounds.  He has numerous tattoos, including the words "GAME" and "OVER" on his eyelids and the number “13 ½” on his throat.

Deputies urge citizens to not approach Correia and to call their local law enforcement agency if they know his whereabouts.  Those with other information about the case can call Deputy Adam Osborne at (541) 774-6800.  Refer to case #18-16778.

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Lebanon Police have received many calls today regarding the IRS calling and asking for payment and threatening to have you arrested.  This is a scam.  Do not give out any information and hang up.

Please refer  to the Oregon Attorney General online to report the scams as well.  

Thank y ou.

Our hearts go out to the thousands of people who are in crisis due to fires and other disasters. Everyone wants to help in some way, so when charities begin asking for donations to benefit those suffering from such a loss, how do you know if they are legitimate?  The following information was distributed by the Oregon Attorney General's Office.

"Disasters that attract national attention are often used by scammers to create fake charities and crowdfunding campaigns to rip off people who want to support a worthy cause," said Attorney General Rosenblum. If you're looking for a way to give, do your research to ensure your donation will go to a reputable organization that will use the money as promised - and as you intend." 

There are certain red-flags that should alert you to the likelihood you are being duped by a bogus charity. Review the following checklist when dealing with a possible charity to ensure you are not being scammed:

• Do not give out personal information such as credit card or bank account numbers over the phone.
• Checks should always be made payable to the organization, not the person collecting the donation.
• Beware of callers who want your money fast. When solicited by phone, always ask the caller to send you written materials about the charity. No legitimate organization will insist that you donate immediately.
• Do not donate cash. Legitimate charities will be pleased to receive a contribution by check. Do not send contributions with a "runner," by wire or overnight parcel pick-up service.
• Be cautious before giving to individuals raising money through crowdfunding websites. You cannot be sure that your gift will be used as intended, plus donations to individuals are not tax deductible. Instead, look for online giving campaigns that benefit charitable organizations assisting a larger number of people.
• Be sure you are contributing to a legitimate organization registered with the Oregon Department of Justice by searching the Department's online database at https://www.doj.state.or.us/charitable-activities/ or by calling 971-673-1880. You can also visit http://www.guidestar.org, a national clearinghouse of information about charities and their performance.

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

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports that on August 15, 2018, at approximately 1:49 a.m., the Linn County 9-1-1 dispatch center received a call of a fire in a ditch on Linn West Drive northwest of Brownsville. 

At 2:04 a.m., within fifteen minutes of the original call, a deputy was responding to the area and located an additional ditch fire on Ogle Road.   The second fire appeared to have been set within minutes of the deputy’s arrival to the area.  Deputies later learned a third ditch fire was located by Halsey / Shedd Fire Department on Ogle Road, approximately a half mile south west of first fire. 

The investigations revealed all three fires were set within a fifteen minute time frame.   Each of the fires was started in the dry grass and brush alongside the roadway, near harvested and plowed grass fields.   

At this time there are no suspects and the investigation is continuing. 

If anyone has any information on these fires, please contact Deputy Thurman at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950.

[Condon, Oregon] Evacuation levels changed today on the Lonerock Fire for the community of Lonerock. The sheriff issued a Level 1 Be Ready! notification for the west side of Lonerock Road from Lost Valley Road south to the Gilliam/Wheeler County Line. A Level 1 Be Ready! notification was also issued for Buckhorn Lane due to increased fire activity south of Thirty Mile Canyon. The sheriff urges everyone to avoid these areas. Please allow fire traffic only for the safety of the fire crews and public.

Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team ordered 3 more task forces from Linn, Polk, and Clatsop counties, which arrived Sunday evening. These task forces will bolster the number of boots on the ground protecting homes in South Gilliam County.

The Bureau of Land Management has ordered a Type 2 Incident Management Team to assume command of the Stubblefield, Seale, Buckhorn, and Jennie’s Peak Fires burning in Gilliam and Wheeler Counties. This team is staffed to handle the complexity of managing multiple wildfires. The teams will work together under a Unified Command structure, with the OSFM team focusing on structure protection, and the BLM Type 2 Team coordinating the wildfire suppression.

There will be a community meeting at the Lonerock Community Hall Monday evening at 7:00PM.

[Condon, Oregon] Steady progress is being made on the fires burning near Condon in South Gilliam County. The fires are currently mapped at 16,700 total acres with 29% containment. The resources on the fire today include 21 fire engines, five large water tenders, and 91 fire personnel from agencies all over the State of Oregon and the BLM.

These resources are given prioritized assignments on the fires, and are having good success meeting the goals of home protection and minimizing the effects of the fires on the community. Because of the amount of fire on the Oregon landscape this summer, it is especially important for fire managers to use the available resources strategically, providing for life safety and property protection first and foremost.

No evacuation levels have changed so far today, and the sheriff’s office continues to emphasize avoiding the areas impacted, and allowing fire traffic only in order to provide for safety of the firefighters and public.

The firefighters will be conducting burn-out operations in several locations to reduce the fuel in front of the fire to slow or stop fire growth, which will cause increased smoke in the area.

Wildland suppression resources on these incidents will continue to work on stopping the progression of the fire outside of the communities; focusing on establishing a line on the north side of the Stubblefield Fire, and on the south side of the Seale Fire.

In addition, crews will continue to work toward stopping any fire movement toward the community of Condon. A Type 1 helicopter will be supporting resources on the ground with bucket drops, in addition, a smaller Type 3 helicopter will be flying a reconnaissance flight to provide more accurate information about where the fire is located in the drainages and uneven terrain, as well as provide updated acreage.

There is a possibility of thunderstorms over the area later this afternoon, and also a chance of wetting rain. Firefighters are prepared to adjust their tactics to meet the challenges and mitigate the effects of the weather on the fires in order to protect homes and property and provide for the safety of everyone.

[Condon, Oregon] The Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation notices for the North end of Ferry Canyon Road and the West end of Richmond Lane. Please avoid both of these roads and areas. The Gilliam County Sheriff requests, “Fire traffic only!”

As of noon today, August 18, 2018, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team is in Unified Command with the Bureau of Land Management as crews from all agencies continue to actively work to contain the fires in Gilliam County. Two OSFM strike teams and three OSFM task forces have joined efforts with South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District and BLM resources, and are making good progress in building containment lines, patrolling the areas of fire impact to identify all structures at risk, and assessing the progress of the fire.  

Fire behavior today was very active due to the increased wind and temperature, as well as the decreased humidity. Some of the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s crews moved to the Lonerock Fire southeast of Condon to begin structural assessment and preparation due to the Lonerock Fire growth today.

Plumes of smoke were visible from all of the fires and smoke caused the air to be hazy throughout the area. People with respiratory problems, elderly people, and young infants should take care to avoid the smoke by staying indoors if possible. The Stubblefield Fire was estimated to be 9,000 acres this morning, and the Seale Fire was estimated to be approximately 1,500 acres. No new estimate is available at this time.

Follow Fire Information on local Facebook Pages:

Gilliam County Sheriff https://www.facebook.com/GilliamCountySheriff/

South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District https://www.facebook.com/South-Gilliam-County-Rural-Fire-Protection-District-783137915065669/?ref=br_rs

[Condon, Oregon] Friday afternoon, August 17, 2018, Governor Kate Brown declared a Conflagration for the Stubblefield Fire (formerly known as the Lamberson Fire) in Gilliam County.

This brings fire resources from around the state to assist the local jurisdiction. The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal’s Blue Team, as well as structural protection resources from several Oregon counties responded to the activation. By 11:00 pm, resources had begun to arrive. A command post was set up at the Gilliam County Fairgrounds in Condon to support South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District and Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office, who have been working hard in this community causing severe resource drawdown.

There are currently 47 homes threatened. Overnight, strike teams from Multnomah County and Clackamas County began assessing homes, structures, access roads, water sources and local terrain. Weather cooperated with the firefighters last night with cooler temperatures and increased humidity, which decreased fire activity and intensity. Three more task forces from Yamhill, Marion, and Washington counties have arrived this morning, and have gone right to work on the fires.

Weather today will have temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s as a result of a high pressure system over the area, which will bring light winds and lower humidity. The Stubblefield Fire has burned approximately 9,000 acres in mostly prairie fuels – or what firefighters call “light, flashy fuels”. This fuel type includes dried grasses and small shrubs such as sagebrush and other low-growing plants.

This has been an historic hot dry spell, which has left this fuel tinder dry, contributing to fast, hot fire burning behavior. The Seale Fire has also burned approximately 1,500  acres in similar terrain and fuel types. Oregon State Fire Marshal’s resources are actively fighting fire and protecting structures side-by-side with the local community. We are working west of Condon, primarily on the Stubblefield and Seale Fires.

Follow Fire Information on local Facebook Pages:

Gilliam County Sheriff https://www.facebook.com/GilliamCountySheriff/

South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District https://www.facebook.com/South-Gilliam-County-Rural-Fire-Protection-District-783137915065669/?ref=br_rs

Governor Kate Brown has declared the Stubblefield Fire, burning west of Condon, a conflagration. The declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

The Office of State Marshal’s Blue Incident Management Team, two structural task forces from Multnomah and Clackamas counties arrived late this evening. We are working to assist with the severe depletion of the local resources given the amount of fires and conditions.

Gilliam County is now issuing a Level 2 evacuation notice, which means "BE SET". This condition is now for all of the Air Base residents at Mt. View Drive.

Additional resources may be accessed at:

https://www.facebook.com/GilliamCountySheriff/

https://www.facebook.com/Stubblefield-Fire-1684519291674600/

On Tuesday August 14, 2018 at approximately 3:25 pm, a semi-truck with two trailers loaded with hay, operated by Randolph Pointere (67) of Hines, OR. was traveling north on Highway 205 near milepost 2. Pointere was turning left onto Hotchkiss Ln. when a motorcycle, operated by David McNeill (74) of Bellingham, WA. attempted to pass the semi-truck.

The motorcycle slid under the first semi-trailer before coming to a stop.. The semi-truck and trailers were able to stop without running over McNeill.

McNeill was transported to Harney District Hospital and then transported by air to Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Idaho.  On August 15, 2018 at approximately 9:30 PM McNeill died from his injuries sustained in the crash.

Pointere was not injured and the semi-truck was driven from the scene.

OSP was assisted by EMS, Burns Fire, Burns PD, Hines PD, ODOT and the Harney County Sheriffs office 

On August 15, 2018 at approximately 7:30 AM Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 47 at Timber Rd intersection.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a white Mercury Mountaineer, operated by Katarra M. Sigurdson (33) from Vernonia was turning north onto Hwy 47 from Timber Rd.   A tan Subaru, operated by Nathan W. Gribner (56) from Vernonia was south on Hwy 47, behind a blue vehicle with its turn signal on believed to be turning right onto Timber Rd. The Mountaineer and the Subaru collided near the center of Hwy 47.  The blue vehicle was not involved in the actual collision.

Gribner was transported to the hospital with injuries, his passenger,  Crystal H. Ritchie (61) from Vernonia, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Sigurdson and a juvenile female passenger were transported to the hospital with injuries. 

OSP was assisted by Vernonia Police Department, Vernonia Fire Department, Metro West ambulance, and ODOT.

OSP is requesting anyone that may have witnessed the crash or with any information regarding the crash to contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 503-375-3555 or OSP from your cellular device and reference case # SP18-303759 - Senior Trooper Will Brindza.

Investigation is continuing.

On Friday, August 17, 2018 at approximately 2:00 A.M., Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two vehicle head on collision on Hwy 97 near milepost 80. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a black 2000 Mazda Protege, operated by Sarah Marie Steffler (33) from Moses Lake, Washington was northbound on Hwy 97 when for unknown reasons crossed into the southbound lanes of travel and impacted the guardrail and then collided with a southbound 2006 Kia Sportage operated by Miguel Galvan Sanchez (40) of Manson, Washington.  

Steffler and a juvenile female passenger sustained fatal injuries in the crash and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

There were four occupants in the Kia Sportage operated by Sanchez. Sanchez and one passenger were transported by ground to St. Charles in Madras. One passenger was transported by air ambulance to St. Charles in Bend.

A juvenile female sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

OSP was assisted on scene by Jefferson County Sheriffs Office, Jefferson County EMS and ODOT. 

On Tuesday August 14, 2018 at about 8:40 PM a fatal crash occurred on SR 11, milepost 16, near Athena Oregon.  The crash occurred in an active construction zone where a repaving project was occurring. 

Preliminary information shows a construction zone flagger, Tyresa Monaghan (49 ) of Kennewick, WA.  had a vehicle stopped when a silver 2005 Chrysler minivan, operated by Leman Bledsoe (76) of Milton-Freewater, side swiped the stopped vehicle and struck Monaghan.  Monaghan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Bledsoe continued for approximately 1 mile in the construction zone, endangering numerous other workers, before stopping. 

Bledsoe was transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton by ambulance.  He was treated and released from the hospital and taken into custody.  Bledsoe was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail for DUII, Reckless Endanger Another Person x 2, Reckless Driving, Fail to perform the duties of a driver (injured person), Reckless Endanger a Highway Worker and additional charges are pending. 

Highway 11 was closed for approximately 4.5 hours.

Oregon State Police were assisted by ODOT, Umatilla County SO, Medic 400,  and East Umatilla County Fire

On August 14, 2018 at approximately 4:50 PM Oregon State Police Troopers were dispatched to the report of a “road rage” event that occurred in the area of Hwy 30 milepost 45 near Rainer, OR.   During this event the parties were involved in a verbal altercation.  Troopers responded to an address on Wasser Rd. in Rainer to contact the owner of one of the vehicles involved.  Upon arrival they were confronted by a subject with several firearms.  That subject later identified as Richard J. Flores Jr (37) of Rainer.  Troopers took a positon of cover and secured the area.  The Oregon State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) responded to assist.  Several members of the SWAT team are trained as Crisis Negotiators (CNT).  At approximately 10:00 PM, after several hours of negotiating, Flores surrendered without incident. 

Flores was lodged at the Columbia County Jail on charges of Menacing, Recklessly Endangering, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Reckless Driving and Disorderly Conduct.

Dillon James Gomez (photos attached) age 25 is a person of interest in the shooting of Eddie Joseph Correia Jr. If you see Gomez do not attempt to contact or detain.  Call 911 or the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-776-6111 

On Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at approximately 1:00 AM Oregon State Police Troopers responded to the Cave Junction area on the report of a person that had been shot.

The victim identified as Eddie Joseph Correia Jr. (34) was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass and later transferred to Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541- 776-6111 and reference case # SP 18-302404.

Investigation is continuing no further information will be released at this time.

Plasari is 53 years of age and Lako is 36 years of age.

On Sunday, August 12, 2018 at approximately 8:00 PM Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on I-84 one mile from Baker City near mile post 307.

Investigation revealed that a 2016 Ford Van, operated by Stavr Plasari (36) from Glen Ellyn, IL. was westbound on I-84 and either stopped or traveling slowly in the right hand lane. It was struck from behind by a commercial motor vehicle (semi-truck) being operated by Samuel Goedhart (30) from Twin Falls, ID.

The passenger in the Ford Van, Mitildit Lako (53) from Elmwood Park, IL, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the van. Lako sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Plasari was transported to St. Alphonsus in Baker City for injuries.

Goedhart and a juvenile male passenger in the semi truck were both transported to St. Alphonsus in Baker City with minor injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Baker County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

On Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at approximately 3:29 p.m. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a reported serious injury crash at Hwy 38 milepost 19. 

Initial investigation indicated a 1996 Ford Explorer, operated by Sharon McCloskey (63) from Coos Bay,  was traveling west on Hwy 38 when it swerved onto the westbound shoulder for an unknown reason.  She lost control as the vehicle traveled through a ditch and back up onto the roadway, rolling over multiple times and coming to rest on all four tires in the center of the west bound lane. 

Witnesses and first responders attempted life saving measures but McCloskey died of injuries sustained in the crash, prior to Life Flight arrival.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Two dogs were located at the scene with minor injuries and they were returned to family. A third dog is unaccounted for and most likely loose in the area, a tan chihuahua named Ladybug. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by Lower Umpqua Ambulance, ODOT, Douglas County Medical Examiner, Scottsburg Rural Fire Department and Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains.

Update- Names released:

The operator of the 1999 Toyota 4 Runner was Mark Robert Rundell, 48-years-old, of Prairie City, Oregon.

The operator of the 2016 Toyota 4 Runner was Erika Carter Boquet, 29-years-old, of Tacoma, Washington.  Passengers of this vehicle were:

Kyla Marie Brown, 28-years-old, of Olympia, Washington;

Isabella Earlene Boquet, 11-years-old, of Tacoma, Washington;

Elisabeth Ann Boquet, 8-years-old, of Tacoma, Washington;

Tytis Michael Boquet, 6-years-old, of Tacoma Washington;

Arianna Marie Brown, 10-years-old, of Olympia, Washington;

Xavier King Johnson, 2-years-old, of Olympia, Washington.

On Monday, August 13, 2018 at approximately 10:00 AM Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 78 near milepost 30.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 1999 Toyota 4 Runner was traveling westbound on Hwy 78 when it veered into the eastbound lane and collided with a silver 2016 Toyota 4 Runner. 

The operator of the 2016 Toyota 4 Runner and the 6 passengers all sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the 1999 Toyota 4 Runner sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. No passengers.

OSP was assisted by the Harney County Sheriff's Office, Hines Police Department, Harney District Ambulance, Burns Fire Department, Range Land Fire Protection Association, and ODOT.

This is an ongoing investigation.  Names and more information will be released when it is appropriate.

On Monday, August 13, 2018, at approximately 4:35 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on SR-200 near milepost 13.5, North of Elmira in Lane County.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 2004 Cadillac sedan, operated by Gina Laracy, age 85, of Salem was traveling south on SR-200 with a passenger, Jeffrey Jones, age 36 of Salem, when for an unknown reason left her lane of travel and crashed head on into a tree.  The vehicles airbags failed to deploy.

Jones was transported to the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.

Laracy suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased while in transport to the hospital.

OSP Troopers were assisted by Lane County Fire and ODOT Incident Response.

On Monday August 13, 2018 at about 2:30pm, the U.S. Forest Service investigated an illegal burn at a primitive campsite located in the Deschutes National Forest off of Forest Service Road 9702, (Benham Falls Road), near the Lava Lands Visitor Center.  The burn site was estimated at ¼ acre and evidence of drug use was located at the scene.  A suspect was contacted by a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) and the suspect initially gave a false name and fled the scene shortly after in a teal 1993 Ford Escort Wagon.  The U.S. Forest Service LEO was able to capture the vehicle plate and disseminate that information to local area partner agencies.

Oregon State Police Troopers and Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office began an area search for the outstanding suspects involved in this incident.  At about 4:00pm, the Deschutes County 911 Center received a report of a rolling domestic disturbance near 3rd Street and NE Franklin Avenue in Bend.  The vehicle reported matched the teal Ford Escort from the previous reckless burning incident.  Officers from Bend Police Department and OSP located and stopped the Ford Escort. 

The male driver, later identified as 43 year old Bend resident Benjamin Noah Osborn, was positively identified as the suspect.  Osborn and his female passenger, identified as 28 year old Redding California resident, Kaleigh Thompson were both transported to a Bend area hospital for evaluation for concerns of drug use. 

Osborn was later lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on charges of DUII – Controlled Substance; Possession of a Controlled Substance – Heroin; Giving False Information to Police; Fail to Register as a Sex Offender; and Fugitive from Justice on an Outstanding Arrest Warrant issued from California.  Citations were also issued by the U.S. Forest Service for Illegal Burning and Giving False Information to Police. 

The Oregon State Police, U.S. Forest Service and all First Responders urge the public to use extreme caution during the fire restriction season to prevent risk to life and public and private property damage.

New Kaiser Permanente study will examine the role of opioid use in suicide risk

Researchers aim to improve powerful prediction tools that help clinicians identify patients at high risk for suicide

PORTLAND, Ore.— August 16, 2018 — Kaiser Permanente researchers have received a major grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to examine the role of opioid use in suicide risk and develop better tools to help clinicians identify patients who are at highest risk. The three-year, $1.4 million study will be led by Bobbi Jo Yarborough, Psy.D., an investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Oregon.

Both suicide deaths and opioid-related overdose deaths in the U.S. are on the rise. In 2015, the age-adjusted suicide rate was 13.3 per 100,000 — a 27 percent jump from 1999, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Over the same period, the rate of suicides with opioid poisoning as a contributing cause doubled, and the rate of opioid-related overdose deaths tripled.

“We’ve done preliminary work suggesting that 22 to 37 percent of opioid-related overdoses are, in fact, suicides or suicide attempts,” said Dr. Yarborough. “While health care settings are ideal places to intervene to prevent suicides, clinicians aren’t able to easily determine which of their patients are at elevated risk. Our ultimate goal is to develop the most accurate suicide risk prediction tools and put them into the hands of clinicians. If our study is successful, clinicians will have a powerful new resource in the fight against suicide.”

The new study will use the power of machine learning and predictive analytics, which allow researchers to find meaningful patterns in large datasets. The study will leverage Kaiser Permanente’s industry-leading electronic health record system to create the best available tools for clinicians to help prevent future suicides.  

The existing suicide prediction models were developed under the auspices of the Mental Health Research Network, a group of 13 research sites embedded within U.S. health systems that serve a combined 12.5 million patients. The models include a large number of variables that can predict the likelihood of a suicide attempt within 90 days of a mental health or primary care outpatient visit. These variables include medical, mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses; current and past prescriptions; and health care use patterns.

Under the new study, researchers will evaluate the following variables for their ability to improve prediction of suicide attempts or death: illicit or prescribed opioid use, opioid use disorder, discontinuation or substantial dose reduction of prescription opioids, and prior nonfatal opioid-related overdoses. Dr. Yarborough and her colleagues will also assess whether the strength of these risk predictors varies between men and women.

“We know that opioid use, opioid overdose and suicide are related, but we need much more specific information to guide our efforts at prevention,” said Gregory Simon, M.D., M.S. in public health, principal investigator of the Mental Health Research Network and a co-investigator on the new study. “The findings from this study will be a great asset to the public health community.”

The new study will include all seven of the Mental Health Research Network sites that collaborated in the development of the existing suicide risk prediction model: Health Partners in Minnesota; Henry Ford Health System in Michigan; and the Kaiser Permanente regional groups in Colorado, Hawaii, Southern California, Washington and the Northwest (Oregon and Southwest Washington). The researchers from these sites will be working with a dataset that includes approximately 24 million medical visits, 35,000 suicide attempts and 2,600 suicide deaths.

About the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research

The Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, founded in 1964, is a nonprofit research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge to improve health. It has research sites in Portland, Oregon, and Honolulu. Visit kpchr.org for more information.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 12.2 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/share.

PeaceHealth has been ranked No. 3 in the Portland Business Journal’s list of Healthiest Employers of Oregon for organizations with 5,000 or more employees. This is the second year in a row PeaceHealth has been honored for encouraging the health and wellness of its employees, and its highest ranking yet.

The award, which is given annually to organizations that are committed to creating a healthy workplace, acknowledges the success of PeaceHealth’s employee wellness program spanning all PeaceHealth’s facilities in Alaska, Oregon and Washington. The designation uses an online assessment to measure employee participation, health outcomes and leadership commitment, among other measures.

PeaceHealth’s wellness program takes a holistic approach by focusing on short-term and long-term financial health, nutrition, stress management and physical fitness of its employees. The program fosters a culture of wellness by offering an interactive, personalized wellness platform with fun, health-related resources and rewards. For example, all employees receive a free Fitbit device for enrolling and completing a voluntary biometric screening.  Employees can also earn monetary incentives throughout the year by tracking individually chosen healthy habits and engaging in friendly competition with fellow coworkers, family and friends.

“At PeaceHealth, we believe wellness is contagious,” said Susan Bruechner, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for PeaceHealth.  “We’re extremely proud of our program’s unique, holistic approach, and its ability to extend our culture of wellness to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

Employees can also take advantage of a variety of health-focused discounts from local, regional and national vendors, such as health clubs and fitness centers, massage treatment, travel and more. A variety of offerings are available at PeaceHealth facilities, including gyms and shower facilities, walking trails, flu shot clinics, healthy vending machines and discounted healthy food options.

“We’re extremely grateful for our caregivers’ outstanding dedication to personal and community wellness,” said Bruechner. “Our caregivers lay it on the line every day for our patients. To provide great care, we believe they must also receive great care.”

PeaceHealth’s health and wellness goals also extend beyond its employees to include patients, families and our communities. This can be seen through PeaceHealth’s Healthy You platform, which is available to anyone and everyone and offers helpful classes, webinars, recipes and much more to support people on their wellness journey.

PeaceHealth continues to explore community partnerships to enhance the health of our communities and employees. A great recent example is PeaceHealth Rides, Eugene’s first bike share system. The PeaceHealth-sponsored program with the city of Eugene and other partners has already logged more than 73,000 miles and has quickly become one of the most successful bike share systems in the U.S. 

Read more about PeaceHealth’s wellness program in The Portland Business Journal’s spotlight article.

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 900 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Nine local organizations dedicated to improving community health and wellbeing are the recipients of grants from NW Natural (NYSE: NWN) this year. The grants, made possible by NW Natural shareholders, total more than $58,000.

“Helping those within our community be healthier, happier and stronger is what we’re focused on delivering with these grants,” says Von Summers, NW Natural’s community relations manager. “The wellbeing of our community relies on access to a wide variety of critical services, and we’re proud to support the work of this year’s recipients who take such excellent care of our community.”

Each year, NW Natural gives nearly $1 million to local nonprofits from the company’s Corporate Philanthropy Fund, made possible by NW Natural shareholders. The grants are intended to support community arts, education, the environment, as well as a special focus on caring for children and families at risk.

The 2018 recipients for health and human service grants from NW Natural include:

• P:ear: $10,000 | P:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.

• Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation: $10,000 | The foundation provides high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill Counties with a special emphasis on migrant and seasonal farmworkers and others with barriers to receiving health care.

• Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.: $7,000 | Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind has been creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities.

• Central City Concern: $6,000 | Central City Concern serves single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions.

• Impact NW: $5,000 | Impact NW is a leader in providing individuals of all ages with the skills and resources necessary to achieve success and to advocate for themselves and their communities. Annually, more than 36,000 low-income children, youth, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities participate in Impact NW’s comprehensive anti-poverty programs.

• Medical Teams International: $5,000 | In Oregon and Washington, Medical Teams International has a dedicated team of volunteer dentists and hygienists treating patients aboard a fleet of fully-equipped mobile dental vans every week.

• Oregon Food Bank: $5,000 | The mission of the Oregon Food Bank is to eliminate hunger and its root causes… because no one should be hungry.

• Pacific Communities Health District Foundation: $5,000 | The Pacific Communities Health District Foundation is committed to encouraging and supporting Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital and its patients, as well as the health and well-being of those who live and work in the community.

• Transition Projects: $5,000 | Transition Projects helps people transition from homelessness to housing in the Portland metro area. It assists more than 10,000 people each year through a broad array of services, resources, and tools.

Find more information about NW Natural’s Corporate Philanthropy Fund, as well as the company’s signature philanthropic effort, Programs of Focus, at: https://www.nwnatural.com/AboutNWNatural/Community/CorporateContributions 

About NW Natural
NW Natural (NYSE:NWN) is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and provides natural gas service to about 740,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is the largest independent natural gas utility in the Pacific Northwest. Additional information is available at www.nwnatural.com.

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ODOT is making efforts to light up some Oregon bridges in orange lights—the color of safety warnings—to remind people about the dangers of construction work zones, after three construction workers were hit in active work zones just this week. One worker in Oregon was killed earlier this week, another severely injured the next day; a third flagger was hit just today in Washington State.

The Union Street Pedestrian Bridge in Salem has turned orange for a few days to remind travelers: See Orange: Zone In!

We'll let you know when we arrange some other bridges to turn orange.

We have a simple message: When you see orange signs, barrels, cones, and barricades, slow down and watch for road construction workers.

PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD (PANG) BASE, Ore. – The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing will host F-35’s from the 61st Fighter Squadron and F-16’s from the 8th Fighter Squadron out of Luke Air Force Base, Arizona,  August 17-24, 2018, to conduct dissimilar air combat training (DACT). 

DACT provides realistic combat scenarios for pilots to hone advanced aerial tactics that may be used against potential adversaries. The training is an essential and required component to ensure military readiness in support of the base’s national and state missions.

Flights will depart from and land at the Portland International Airport starting August 20th, and training will occur in approved airspace several miles off the Oregon coast. In an effort to foster coordination with the community and the Port of Portland, flights will launch daily after 8 a.m. and will conclude before 4 p­­.m.

For more information, contact Steven Conklin, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs, at steven.l.conklin2.mil@mail.mil

Caption info:

180803-F-SX095-003

An F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing, takes off from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. 3, 2018. Currently 72 F-35’s are assigned to Luke AFB flying more than 20,000 hours since first arriving in 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham)

Portland, Ore.  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Public Lands Foundation are proud to announce that the Fourth Biennial Public Lands Foundation Student Congress will be held in Baker City, Oregon from August 22 to 25, 2018. 

Every two years, the Public Lands Foundation sponsors a National Student Congress focused on public land management and natural resource issues. This year’s theme will reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the National Trails Act. The Student Congress will also include former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts and former BLM Director Jim Caswell as featured speakers. 

Student Congress participants are recruited from colleges and universities across the country where they discuss current issues and potential solutions for future policy making.  Students from throughout the U.S. and Canada will be participating in this year’s Student Congress from a wide-ranging number of universities, including: University of Oregon, University of Wisconsin, Arizona State University, Penn State University, University of Ottawa, and the Colorado School of Mines.  All full list of this year’s student participants, along with their biographical summaries is available here:

https://publicland.org/about/biennial-student-congress/2018-2/ 

At the end of each Student Congress a report is prepared that summarizes the Student Congress and makes recommendations for future land management policy making and are presented by members of the Student Congress to the Public Lands Foundation and to BLM officials in Washington D.C.

The Public Lands Foundation is a national advocacy organization that works to keep public lands in public hands.  The Public Lands Foundation was founded in 1987 and is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Additional information about the BLM’s partnership with the Public Lands Foundation is available online at: 

https://publicland.org/
 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Jesse Lee Brockner, 32, of Portland, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Brockner will be on supervised release for three years.

According to court records, on August 30, 2017, three men burglarized a barn in Yamhill County, Oregon, stealing the victim’s vehicle. Two of the suspects fled in the moving truck and a third in the victim’s vehicle. After Yamhill County Sheriff deputies located, arrested and interviewed the two suspects who fled in the moving truck, they identified Brockner as the third suspect. During a search of the moving truck, deputies found a backpack containing approximately $4,000, drug paraphernalia, and Brockner’s driver’s license.

Later the same morning, Brockner robbed a U.S. Bank branch in Beaverton, Oregon wearing a welding mask and holding a firearm. While executing the robbery, Brockner made numerous threats of physical violence and pointed a handgun at the victim teller. A witness observed Brockner walk through a parking lot adjacent to the bank and enter a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle stolen earlier that morning from the barn in Yamhill County.

Approximately two hours later, an FBI Task Force Officer with the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) observed a vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle on the 3900 block of SE Powell Boulevard in Portland. After confirming Brockner’s identity, multiple marked PPB patrol units responded to assist the Task Force Officer. A high risk traffic stop was attempted and led to a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended in a crash and an officer involved shooting at NE 55th Avenue between East Burnside Street and NE Couch Street in Portland. Brockner was arrested and transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital to receive medical attention.           

Brockner previously pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2113(a) and (d) and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) on May 2, 2018.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Craig Gabriel, Benjamin Tolkoff and John Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore. – Wilfredo Reyes, 60, of Portland, was sentenced today to three years’ probation including eight months of home detention for falsely reporting a suspicious package on a TriMet MAX train.

According to court records, on June 9, 2017, Reyes called 9-1-1 to report a suspicious package with protruding wires on a MAX train in Portland. During the call, he intentionally conveyed false and misleading information that led the Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications and local law enforcement to believe an explosive had been planted on the MAX train. TriMet police and more than 40 officers from multiple agencies responded to the scene. The Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit rendered the device safe and concluded that it did not contain a bomb.

Surveillance cameras revealed that Reyes boarded the train with a backpack, placed it in a seat, walked to another part of the train, and then proceeded to call 9-1-1. He was interviewed by officers at the scene and initially denied being the caller. After the backpack was determined not to contain a bomb, officers found items in it with Reyes's name on them. He was arrested and admitted to owning the backpack and arranging the contents to look like a bomb.

Reyes’ conduct caused a substantial disruption to multiple law enforcement agencies and local businesses. Two business near the Hollywood/NE 42nd Avenue MAX station were evacuated. The station, several streets, and the westbound lanes of Interstate 84 were closed during the investigation.      

Reyes previously pleaded guilty to one count of conveying a hoax bomb threat in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1038(a) on April 26, 2018.

The Portland FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated this case in coordination with its first response partners Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire and Rescue and TriMet. The case was prosecuted by Hannah Horsley, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST) held its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. 

To increase the public's trust, the Oregon legislature mandates the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training establish minimum standards that are required to be met and maintained by Oregon's providers of public safety, including police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, telecommunicators (9-1-1), emergency medical dispatchers, public safety instructors, and OLCC regulatory specialists. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is responsible for certifying public safety professionals who meet all of the Board-established intellectual, physical and moral fitness standards, and for denying, suspending or revoking the certification of those who do not meet or fall below these standards. The Corrections Policy Committee provides input and guidance to the Board on certification and training standards for more than 3,000 men and women who serve as corrections officer and parole and probation officers around the state.

Professional Standards Cases Note: The below actions are recommendations that are being made to the BPSST. The BPSST has final authority to affirm or overturn any recommendation. All individuals have the will be afforded due process before any BPSST/DPSST action is final, which includes the ability to request a contested case hearing.

Actions Taken by Corrections Policy Committee Included

• Approved May 8, 2018 Meeting Minutes of the Corrections Policy Committee
• Reviewed of Pilot Curriculum – Basic Parole and Probation Class #76
• Quarterly Review of Department of Corrections Basic Training
• Reviewed and Approved Administrative Closures – Corrections & Parole & Probation

Professional Standards Cases

King, Shawn DPSST #49251 – Basic Corrections Certification; Department of Corrections-SRCI - Corrections Policy Committee will recommend Board on Public Safety Standards and Training decertify for gross misconduct and dishonesty.

Baldovino, Talissa DPSST #58666 – Application for Training & Subsequent Certification - Corrections Policy Committee will recommend Board take no action.

Duncan, Colin DPSST #44454 – Basic & Intermediate Corrections Certifications; Klamath County Sheriff’s Office - Corrections Policy Committee will recommend Board on Public Safety Standards and Training decertify for dishonesty.

Lagao, Mario DPSST #53203 – Basic Corrections Certifications; Department of Corrections –EOCI - Corrections Policy Committee will recommend Board on Public Safety Standards and Training decertify for gross misconduct.

Mittelbach, Brock DPSST #41816 – Basic, Intermediate, & Advanced Corrections Certifications; Department of Corrections – CCCF - Corrections Policy Committee will recommend Board on Public Safety Standards and Training decertify certifications for gross misconduct and dishonesty.

Copple, Matthew DPSST #48237 – Basic & Intermediate Corrections Certifications; Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office - Matter tabled till next meeting.

Poe, Chance DPSST #58554 – Application for Training & Subsequent Certification; Department of Corrections-SRCI - Matter tabled till next meeting.

Background Information on BPSST & DPSST 

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

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

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training held its regularly scheduled meeting this morning, August 16, 2018.  The meeting was held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon.  

To increase the public's trust, the Oregon legislature mandates the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training establish minimum standards that are required to be met and maintained by Oregon's providers of public safety, including police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, telecommunicators (9-1-1), emergency medical dispatchers, public safety instructors, and OLCC regulatory specialists. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is responsible for certifying public safety professionals who meet all of the Board-established intellectual, physical and moral fitness standards, and for denying, suspending or revoking the certification of those who do not meet or fall below these standards. The Police Policy Committee provides input and guidance to the Board on certification and training standards for more than 5,000 men and women who serve as police officers at city, county, state, tribal and university law enforcement agencies. 

Professional Standards Cases Note: The below actions are recommendations that are being made to the BPSST. The BPSST has final authority to affirm or overturn any recommendation. All individuals have the will be afforded due process before any BPSST/DPSST action is final, which includes the ability to request a contested case hearing.

Summary of Actions Taken

• Approved May 17, 2018 Meeting Minutes
• Recommended Board on Public Safety Standards and Training Approve Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-008-0075 Sheriff Eligibility Determination
• Reviewed and Approved Administrative Closures – Police & Regulatory Specialists

Revocation/Denial Cases

White, Larissa DPSST #52624 – Basic Police Certification; Turner Police Department - No action taken as matter was held over until next meeting.

Fleming, Thomas DPSST #55747 – Basic Police Certification; Marion County Sheriff’s Office - Committee will recommend Board not revoke certification.

Thurman, Daniel DPSST #43666 – Basic and Intermediate Police Certifications; Silverton Police Department - Committee will recommend Board on Public Safety Standards and Training suspend certifications for three years for gross misconduct.

Johnston, Bradley DPSST #27723 – Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory, Management and Executive Police Certifications and Instructor Certification; Astoria Police Department - Committee will recommend Board not revoke certification.

Peterson, Eric DPSST #33872 – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certification; Molalla Police Department - Committee will recommend Board on Public Safety Standards and Training revoke certifications for lifetime for dishonesty.

Craig, Steve DPSST #37427 – Complaint 2018-65CJ; Currently not employed - Policy Committee authorized DPSST to look into matter.

Humphreys, Christopher DPSST #32784 – Complaint; Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office - Policy Committee approved administrative closure of complaint and advised staff to notify complainant that if proof of allegations does exist they should be route to appropriate law enforcement agency for review.

Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination

Sgt. John Lawrence – DPSST #31555; City of Bend Police Department - Policy Committee will recommend Board on Public Safety Standards and Training approve addition of Sgt. John Lawrence's name to Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Officers during 2019 ceremony as determined by United States Department of Justice - Public Safety Officer Benefit Program.

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

This meeting is being postponed due to a lack of a quorum.  Many of the members of the Fire Policy Committee are helping to support wildfire suppression efforts around the state and unable to attend.  The meeting will be rescheduled.

For Immediate Release                                                        

July 26, 2018

Contact:           Mona Riesterer
                        (503) 378-2431

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING

The Fire Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on August 22, 2018.  The meeting will be held in the Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon.  The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.  A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Dial-in number: 888-398-2342 and Participant code: 4256088

If you dial-in for the meeting, please mute your phone unless you are addressing the group.  Doing so will enable you to hear the meeting more effectively.

Agenda items:

1.  Introductions

2.  Approval of May 23, 2018 Fire Policy Meeting Minutes

3.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0010 and OAR 259-009-0059; Application for Personnel Affiliation and Certification Eligibility (E-1 Form)

Presented by Kayla Ballrot

4.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0062; Fire Ground Leader

Presented by Kayla Ballrot

5.  McEwen, Cheyenne DPSST #36822 – NFPA Operations Level Responder & Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2); Jefferson County Rural Fire Protection District 1

Presented by Kayla Ballrot

6.  Morey, Samantha E. DPSST #18786 – Application to Instruct and Approved DPSST Course, NFPA Fire Fighter 1, NFPA Fire Fighter II, NFPA Driver, NDPA Wildland Fire Operator, NFPA Mobile Water Supply Operator, NFPA Apparatus Equipped with Fire Pump, NFPA Apparatus Equipped with and Aerial Device, First Responder Operations, NFPA Fire Instructor I, NFPA Fire Officer I, NFPA Fire Officer II certifications for failure to meet the minimum standards for a Fire Service Professional

Presented by Kayla Ballrot

7.  Morey, David R. DPSST # 13538 – NFPA Fire Fighter I, NFPA Fire Fighter II, NFPA Driver, NFPA Wildland Fire Operator, NFPA Mobile Water Supply Operator, NFPA Pumper Operator, Fires Responder Operations, On Scene Incident Commander, Wildland Interface Fire Fighter, Wildland Interface Engine Boss, Wildland Interface Strike Team Leader, Hazardous Materials Technician, NFPA Confined Space Rescue, Basic Fire Fighter, and NFPA Fire Instructor I

Presented by Kayla Ballrot

8.  Department Update

9.  Next scheduled FPC meeting – November 28, 2018 @ 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 Fire 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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

MEDIA ALERT: First ever City Ruck Tour marks partnership between veterans and law enforcement through physical activity

Members of Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW) Task Force Sentinel, combat-wounded adaptive athletes, wounded and non-wounded law enforcement personnel, and community members will participate in the first ever, 12-mile City Ruck Tour in Oregon, marking a nationwide partnership between veterans and law enforcement, Saturday, August 25, 2018, starting at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST); 4190 Aumsville Hwy. S.E., Salem, Ore. 97317, and ending at the State Capitol Building, 900 Court St. N.E., Salem, Ore. 97301. A brief kick off ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m.; anticipated finish time is 5:30 p.m.  The Salem City Ruck Tour is one of over 50 City Ruck Tours happening across the country this year.  Participants must register.

Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW) Task Force Sentinel, is a veteran-founded non¿profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to honor, empower, and motivate our nation's wounded veterans and law enforcement personnel through a physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation.

OEW is a completely volunteer run organization. Donations go directly towards operational support of the organization and its different programs.

Notable Guest Speakers/ Participants

Trooper Nic Cederberg- Trooper Cederberg was shot 12 times on Christmas 2016. He was named 2017 North America's Trooper of the Year.  Trooper Cederberg will speak during the kick off ceremony.

Oregon City PD Chief Jim Band- Chief Band represents the agency that lost Reserve Officer Robert Libke, when he was shot in the line of duty in 2013.  Chief Band will speak during the kick off ceremony.

Sgt. Damon Coates- Sgt. Coates was shot in the face in 2003 and was left partially paralyzed.  He will be completing the 12-mile route in his wheelchair, with the aid of his wife, Tammy, and other friends and family members.

Deputy Sheriff Robby Nashif- Deputy Sheriff Nashif almost lost his leg in 2015 when he was struck by a vehicle while on duty on his motorcycle.  Deputy Sheriff Nashif will be completing the 12-mile route.

Jourdan Smith- Joined the Army in 1999. Jourdan was injured in 2007 when he sustained a gunshot wound to the knee in Iraq.  He suffered amputation of his leg.  Jourdan will be completing the 12-mile route.

Online: http://www.enduringwarrior.org

Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/city-ruck-tour-2018-salem-or-tickets-44786299026?aff=efbneb

Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/2090873344502839/

Additional Questions:
Crystal Mai Purdy
Pacific Northwest Coordinator, OEW
Cell #503-317-8908
dy@enduringwarrior.org">c.purdy@enduringwarrior.org

Vocabulary: Ruck = Military jargon for "labored walk," often with weighted backpacks.  No weight requirements have been set for this event.

For Immediate Release      
August 13, 2018
Contact: Staci Yutzie
  503-378-2426
 
Notice of Regular Meeting
 
The Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel for Phase 2 will hold a regular meeting on August 24, 2018 from
11:00a-2:00p.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety
Academy in Salem, Oregon. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an
interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should bemade before the meeting by calling the contact listed above.   
 
Agenda Items:
 
I. Welcome
 
II. Content Draft Review
a. Legal Series- Criminal Law
b. Defensive Tactics

III. Lesson Plan Discussion  
a. Legal Series
b. Behavioral Health Series
c. Use of Force Series
d. Defensive Tactics   
e. Firearms
f. Building Searches
 
IV. Learning Outcomes
 
V. Development Tasks for September
 
VI. Conclusion
 

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

(Salem) – Cannabis growers and extractors are invited to an unprecedented opportunity to learn from government and business leaders about safety and health in the cannabis industry as part of a two-day event in Bend next month.

Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, is one of several partners presenting the Sept. 18-19 cannabis forum – “Safety and Health in the Cannabis Industry: From Seed to Shatter” – at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes.

The cannabis forum is part of the larger Central Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference, which will tackle a range of other workplace health and safety issues.

The forum arrives as the industry surrounding cannabis – a legal agricultural commodity in Oregon – continues to evolve. It will address multiple health and safety topics, and afford participants a question-and-answer session. It will feature speakers from Oregon OSHA; the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC); Oregon Department of Agriculture; the Portland and Bend fire departments; and Oregon-based grow and extraction operations.

Topics include:

• OLCC requirements
• Cannabis grow operations
• Hydrocarbon extraction
• Carbon dioxide extraction
• CO2 and alcohol extraction
• Fire marshal regulations
• Pesticide regulations
• Ergonomic risk factors
• Oregon OSHA consultation services

   Registration for the Central Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference, which includes the cannabis forum, is now open. The cost to attend ranges from $55 to $210. For more details about the cannabis forum – including specific presentation times and topic areas – or to register, go to https://safetyseries.cvent.com/central18.

###

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit www.osha.oregon.gov.

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

SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Revenue is urging Oregon employees to check their wage withholding to ensure enough is held back from each paycheck to cover their 2018 Oregon income tax liability. This is particularly important for anyone who filled out the 2018 federal Form W-4 and provided it to their employer.

Recent federal changes from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act directly impact Oregon’s personal income tax, including changes to calculating withholding allowances for tax year 2018. These changes have caused a larger difference between how federal and Oregon income tax withholding is calculated. Combined with Oregon’s dependence upon the federal form to determine state withholding, these changes have created a situation where taxpayers may not be withholding enough income taxes from their wages to cover their Oregon income tax liability. This may mean that more taxpayers have a tax to pay at the end of the year, or have more tax to pay than usual, leaving them with unexpected and difficult financial burdens.

The department has a withholding calculation worksheet available that has been updated to accommodate recent federal changes. It provides taxpayers with a way to check their withholding so they can make any necessary changes—including adjusting allowance numbers and opting to withhold additional funds from upcoming paychecks—before the end of the year to hopefully reduce the amount owed when they file their 2018 returns early next year. The worksheet (OR-WW, Oregon Withholding Worksheet) is available at www.oregon.gov/dor.

Oregon wage earners who use separate Form W-4s for federal and Oregon income tax withholding will have a new option for withholding documentation in 2019 with the release of the Oregon-specific Form W-4. With this form, employees will no longer need to complete a separate federal form W-4 and write “For Oregon only” at the top to designate their amount of state withholding. It will also give Oregon more flexibility in adapting to future federal tax law changes without unnecessarily burdening employees or employers.

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in July, which was Oregon’s lowest unemployment rate since comparable records began in 1976. Oregon’s June unemployment rate was 4.0 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate exactly matched Oregon’s rate in both months: 3.9 percent in July and 4.0 percent in June.

During the past two years, Oregon’s unemployment rate has been remarkably low and steady. The rate was either 4.1 percent or 4.2 percent each month stretching from January 2017 to May 2018. The most recent two months are still close to that level, but have edged down to 4.0 percent in June and 3.9 percent in July.

Oregon’s economy is growing faster than previously thought. Payroll employment figures covering the spring and early summer show bigger job gains than the numbers released four weeks ago indicated. In July, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment rose by 5,400 jobs, following a revised over-the-month gain of 6,600 jobs in June.

Monthly job gains in July were concentrated in retail trade (+1,900 jobs), construction (+1,700), and health care and social assistance (+1,400). The only major industry performing below seasonal expectations was government, which cut 2,200 jobs.

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 45,300 jobs, or 2.4 percent, since July 2017. This growth was substantially more rapid than was previously indicated in the jobs estimates released last month. Oregon’s gains over the past 12 months were largest, by far, in construction, which added 11,000 jobs, expanding by 11.2 percent. Over the year, several other major industries each added more than 6,000 jobs, while growing faster than 3 percent: leisure and hospitality (+8,100 jobs, or 3.9%); manufacturing (+6,300 jobs, or 3.3%); professional and business services (+7,900 jobs, or 3.2%); and health care and social assistance (+7,600 jobs, or 3.2%). Some industries remained close to their year-ago job totals, including information (+200 jobs, or 0.6%); retail trade (+600 jobs, or 0.3%); government (-800 jobs, or -0.3%); and wholesale trade (-600 jobs, or  0.8%).

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the July county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, August 21st, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for August on Tuesday, September 18th. 

 
Notes: 
All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted.

The Oregon Employment Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) work cooperatively to develop and publish monthly Oregon payroll employment and labor force data. The estimates of monthly job gains and losses are based on a survey of businesses. The estimates of unemployment are based on a survey of households and other sources.

The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this Official Oregon Series data unless noted otherwise. This month’s release incorporates the January, February and March 2018 tax records data. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS.

Effective with the January 2018 data, employment of Oregon’s approximately 17,000 home care workers are counted in private health care and social assistance instead of state government. The change was due to legislative action clarifying that for purposes of workforce and labor market information, home care workers are not employees of state government. The reclassification affects private sector and government monthly change figures for January 2018 and will affect over-the-year change figures through December 2018. It does not affect total payroll employment levels.

The pdf version of the news release, including tables and graphs, can be found at www.QualityInfo.org/press-release. To obtain the data in other formats such as in Excel, visit www.QualityInfo.org, then within the top banner, select Economic Data, then choose LAUS or CES. To request the press release as a Word document, contact the person shown at the top of this press release.

For help finding jobs and training resources, visit one of the state's WorkSource Oregon centers or go to: www.WorkSourceOregon.org.

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

August 17, 2018

Dental Pilot Project Rules Advisory Committee meets August 20

What: A public meeting of the rules advisory committee on dental pilot projects

When: August 20, 9 a.m. to noon. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1A, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Conference line: 888-273-3658, participant code: 76-64-09

Agenda: Review draft amended rules; next steps

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

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

Materials: Copies of materials are available on the Dental Pilot Projects webpage at healthoregon.org/dpp.

# # #

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

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

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

http://bit.ly/2Mwo5Ps

August 16, 2018

Recreational use health advisory lifted for Detroit Lake and Big Cliff Reservoir

Testing confirms reduced cyanotoxins in Linn-Marion county lakes

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued July 27 for the log boom area of Detroit Lake and Big Cliff Reservoir below the dam. Both water bodies are located 46 miles southeast of Salem. The area spans both Linn and Marion counties.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins (harmful algae toxins) in these areas are below recreational guideline values for human exposure.

Although the advisory has been lifted, conditions can change rapidly due to changes in weather and nutrients in the lake. People should always be aware that blooms can develop on any water body under the right environmental conditions, and can grow and disappear throughout the season.

People should always be aware of their surroundings before entering a water body, especially around shorelines, shallow water areas, coves and physical structures such as docks, as these are areas where blooms tend to develop, officials say. You are your own best advocate when it comes to keeping you and your family safe while recreating.

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

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

For recreational health information, to report human or pet illnesses due to blooms or cyanotoxins in recreational waters, contact the Oregon Health Authority at 971-673-0440.

For information about recreational advisories issued or lifted for the season, contact the Oregon Public Health toll-free information line at 877-290-6767 or visit the Harmful Algae Blooms website at http://healthoregon.org/hab and select "Algae Bloom Advisories."

# # #

http://bit.ly/2nIXxfP

August 15, 2018

Oregon Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup meets August 17

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup to develop detailed recommendations to amend Oregon’s statewide Opioid Prescribing Guidelines.

Agenda:

• Welcome, scope and introductions.
• Discussion of draft.
• Meeting summary and next steps.
• Public comment period.

When: Friday, August 17, 8-10 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. No conference call option is available for the public.

Where: Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Room 1B, Portland

Background: The purpose of this workgroup is to set a standard of care in Oregon for safe opioid prescribing for acute pain. The workgroup will develop detailed recommendations for acute opioid prescribing that will be included as an amendment to Oregon’s existing statewide Opioid Prescribing Guidelines. They will address acute opioid prescribing in primary care, emergency departments, dentistry, and after surgical procedures. The Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup [https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/SUBSTANCEUSE/OPIOIDS/Pages/task-force.aspx] will build on recommendations developed by the Oregon Health Leadership Council’s Evidenced Based Best Practice Committee, as well as acute prescribing guidelines developed in other states.

These guidelines support ongoing efforts in Oregon to address the epidemic of opioid misuse, abuse, dependency, associated hospitalizations and overdose deaths.

Specific areas that the Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup will address:

1. Acute pain patients presenting in settings including (but not limited to) dental offices, emergency departments, primary care, urgent care, and post-surgical.
2. Recommended treatments by medical condition (e.g., dental pain, post-surgical, acute injury).
3. Alternative treatment options, weighing benefits and risks of opioid therapy.
4. Starting patients on the lowest effective dose; establishing maximum number of pills and number of days prescribed.
5. Use of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to monitor prescribing and dispensing.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Drew Simpson at 971-673-1033, 711 TTY or ew.r.simpson@state.or.us">drew.r.simpson@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

August 14, 2018

UPDATE: Conference of Local Health Officials meets remotely August 16

What: The monthly public meeting of the Conference of Local Health Officials (CLHO)

Agenda: Includes committee appointments; draft funding principles checklist; Public Health Modernization matching funds criteria.

Agenda is subject to change. The agenda and related materials will be posted on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/about/clho-meetings/ before the meeting.

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

Where: The August CLHO meeting is a remote meeting. There is no in-person option available to members of the public, who can attend by webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8494885502979062019. Use webinar ID 627-139-779.

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

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 971-673-1223, 711 TTY or um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

August 14, 2018

Cannabis Commission's Patient Access Subcommittee meets August 20 in Portland

What: The monthly meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission's Patient Access Subcommittee

Agenda:

• Introductions.
• Updates: survey questions and data requests; legislative landscape.
• Finalizing subcommittee report.
• Public comment.

When: Monday, Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Conference Room 1D, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Conference call line: 877-848-7030, access code 753428.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight-member panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. Along with this, they advise the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission with respect to the statutes governing medical and retail cannabis.  For more information, please visit the commission's website at http://www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Salem, OR – August 14, 2018 – To prevent further forest fires while supporting areas affected by summer blazes, Oregon Office of Emergency Management is teaming up with other state agencies to raise awareness of fire prevention.  

Human caused wildfires burned 228,000 acres in 2017. The Oregon Department of Forestry has responded to 30 human-caused fires in the past week alone; one burned over 20,000 acres. Causes include vehicles (faulty exhaust systems, overheating), illegal abandoned campfires, target shooting, and illegal debris burning.  

“Eliminating human-caused wildfires helps all Oregonians,” said Peter Daugherty, State Forester, Oregon Department of Forestry.  “Preventing even one wildfire allows firefighting resources to concentrate on the lightning-caused wildfires we can’t prevent, and minimizes public and firefighter risk.”

The bottom line, says Daugherty, is to use utmost care on a daily basis to prevent adding new fires to the landscape, especially during extreme conditions with a long way to go before the end of fire season. 

OEM has compiled these tips, gleaned from fire-response agencies, to mitigate human-caused wildfires:

• Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.
• Lawn mowers are designed to cut lawns, not weeks or dry grass. Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires
• Check Keep Oregon Green for current conditions and restrictions in your area, and always keep fire-fighting tools on hand.
• Wildfires sparked along roadways may be caused by traveling motorists
  • Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, with nothing dragging on the ground.
  • Maintain proper tire pressure; riving on exposed wheel rims will throw sparks.
  • Properly maintain brakes; brakes worn too think may cause metal-to-metal contact which can cause a spark.
  • Practice safe towing. Check for dragging chains, use appropriate safety pins and hitch ball to secure chains.
  • Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush; hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires you won’t even see until it’s too late.
  • Carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and learn how to use it.
• Maintain a defensible space around your home
• Remove dead trees to reduce wildfire risk

“Preventing wildfires is every Oregonian’s responsibility, and there has rarely been a more critical time to do your best to keep wildfire from occurring,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “Common everyday activities such as mowing the lawn or pulling your vehicle off to the side of the road may start a wildfire in these dry conditions.”

This year, wildland fires have had significant impact on many rural communities, as well as local businesses who rely on welcoming and serving vacationing Oregonians and guests from around the world during Oregon's summer season.

As the fires and smoke subside, all Oregonians can support local businesses by visiting fire-impacted areas for vacations this year,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson. “Not only will we have the world-class experiences we cherish, we'll have the added pleasure of knowing we're supporting the recovery of our fellow Oregonians.” 

###

The City of Albany has received a grant through the federal Historic Preservation Fund, administered by Oregon State Historic Preservation Office to fund the following local preservation project.

321 9th Avenue

$3,500 grant funds

Historic wood window repair.

This notice serves to make the public aware of the projects and solicit comments pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The comment period is open for 30 days from the date of this announcement. To provide comments or learn more information about this project visit www.oregonheritage.org and follow the federal grant public comment page link or contact Jessica Gabriel at riel@oregon.gov">Jessica.Gabriel@oregon.gov or 503-986-0677.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes a program of federal matching grants, known as the Historic Preservation Fund, to assist the various states in carrying out historic preservation activities. The Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and in Oregon, is administered through the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office. For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov.

FTC Files Temporary Restraining Order Against Company

Eugene, Oregon — Aug. 16, 2018 After receiving a pattern of complaints, Better Business Bureau has issued an alert against Sellers Playbook, a Minneapolis-based consulting business. Sellers Playbook advertises services to people looking to start their own online Amazon stores. According to complaints in BBB’s files, the company offers a no-cost informational meeting wherein attendees are encouraged to attend and pay $997 for a three-day training. In recent months, Sellers Playbook has held seminars in various cities across the United States, including Oregon. At these sessions, consumers are encouraged to sign up for consulting services at a much higher cost. Some complainants have alleged high-pressure sales tactics at these three-day sessions while others state the company did not provide the resources or support promised.

On August 6, 2018, BBB became aware of action taken against Sellers Playbook by the FTC and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. The U.S. District Court entered a temporary restraining order against the company and its owners, who have been charged with violating the FTC Act, the Business Opportunity Rule, the Minnesota Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act and the Minnesota Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act and violations of the Consumer Review Fairness Act. 

Based on customer complaints, the first seminar is informational and free. From there, the company offers more intensive courses at a cost. At these three-day courses, complainants state that people are encouraged to sign up for different tiers of support/services – Diamond, Platinum or Gold and Silver. These different packages range in price up to more than $35,000. BBB has noted a pattern of customer complaints alleging Sellers Playbook failed to provide services as outlined in agreements or alleging the company provided incomplete or insufficient training.

Sellers Playbook has responded to some complaints brought to their attention by BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB). In some cases, the company has provided refunds as requested. In other cases, the company has stated they honored the terms of their agreement and were willing to pursue dispute resolution as outlined in their contract. 

In January 2018, BBB offered to provide arbitration services to resolve a dispute with one of the company’s dissatisfied customers. Sellers Playbook Inc. declined that offer, as well as an offer to come in for an in-person meeting with BBB representatives about the pattern of complaints which has been noted. However, Sellers Playbook has been responsive via email to BBB concerns, making changes to their website so that customers will have a clearer understanding of the services they offer. BBB has processed 29 customer complaints filed against the company. 

BBB encourages consumers to always read contracts in their entirety, including any clauses that could affect their legal rights. BBB also urges consumers to verify with the American Arbitration Association that dispute resolution services may be available as described in the company’s dispute resolution clause.  

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ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2017, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including BBB Northwest & Pacific, which serves more than 15 million consumers in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Hawaii and Western Wyoming.  

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Local Gold Award Girl Scout Alumni has been selected as a T-Mobile Changemakers Challenge Project winner for her community service project; The Party Project

Eugene, OR, USA—Leah Haidar, a 2017 graduate of South Eugene High School and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient from Eugene, OR has been selected for her project; The Party Project as one of the 25 winning projects in the T-Mobile Changemakers Challenge. Leah along with her teammate, Ailsa Rea will attend the T-Mobile Challenge Lab in Seattle at T-Mobile Headquarters on Aug. 19-21st. In addition, she will receive a $1000 grant to continue to support The Party Project, a community service project that addresses the issue of equity by providing birthday party kits to low-income and homeless youth in the Lane County area.

Service activities for the Party Project will continue through 2018 & 2019 in partnership with the youth group at First United Methodist Church in Eugene, OR. The Party Project addresses the issue of the lack of non-essential services for low-income and homeless youth to be able to celebrate their birthdays. By providing birthday kits that included all of the items needed to host a birthday party, the Party Project hopes to make birthdays a fun and memorable event for the youth who receive a birthday box.  Youth who are receiving services from six of the local social service agencies in Eugene (Womenspace, ShelterCare, Catholic Community Services, Hosea Youth, St. Vincent de Paul's and the Eugene Mission) are eligible to attain a birthday box. The goal of the Party Project is that all children have an opportunity to celebrate their birthday no matter what their family’s financial circumstances are.

About The Party Project

You can learn more about the Party Project including how you can help by liking and following the Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/GirlScoutGoldPartyProject/

About Gold Award Girl Scout Leah Haidar

"After completing my Gold Award project, I learned that I am able to actually make a difference in my community. I have been able to apply the skills that I gained throughout this experience to other projects that I have become involved in. I believe I have better management skills and that I am better able to identify my team’s strengths earlier in the project process, thereby taking advantage of what talents my teammates have and best utilizing those. I have also learned that utilizing a team, rather than taking on a project on my own is more efficient and more fun. I have definitely learned to be a stronger leader." -Gold Award Girl Scout Leah Haidar

Ms. Haidar received her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2017 for her community service project: The Party Project.  The Party Project is one of 25 from across the country selected from over 330 submissions in the T-Mobile Changemakers Challenge. Ms. Haidar is currently entering her sophomore year at Bryn Mawr College; her teammate Ailsa Rea will be a sophomore at the University of Oregon.  Both are lifetime members of Girl Scouts. In addition to the T-Mobile Chagemaker Challenge, Ms. Haidar is a recipient of the $500 YSA/Disney Summer of Service Grant, the $250 YSA Kindness Rising Grant, the $250 Peace First Challenge Mini-grant and the $250 Peace First Youth Innovation Mini-Grant all of which have helped to continue the Party Project.

About the T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge

The Winning projects were selected based on the following criteria: Changemaker Quality – already taking steps to make a difference.  Creativity – fresh, innovative ideas that challenge the norm.  Commitment – devoted to seeing their project through and making a lasting impact.  Connection – ability and openness to work with others in their communities

https://markets.on.nytimes.com/research/stocks/news/press_release.asp?docTag=201807231200BIZWIRE_USPRX____BW5474&feedID=600&press_symbol=7186257

About Youth Service America

Founded in 1986, YSA (Youth Service America) supports a global culture of engaged children and youth committed to a lifetime of meaningful service, learning, and leadership. With half the world’s population under age 25, YSA’s mission is to help young people find their voice, take action, and make an impact on vital community issues.  For more information, visit www.YSA.org.

About Peace First

Founded 25 years ago, Peace First is a global youth movement, unleashing young people’s compassionate creativity to counter the rising culture of exclusion, violence, and disconnection that affects us all. Across the globe there is a frightening rise in extremism, isolation, and despair. We have lost our basic capacity to come together to solve problems; to view other people’s needs as our own, and to cross lines of difference to build community. Meanwhile, there are 1.6 billion young people across the globe, many with ideas on how to solve the world’s most entrenched problems, but only a very few have access to tools, mentors, and capital to turn their insights into reality. Peace First is changing this.   For more information visit https://www.peacefirst.org/

About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington

GSOSW serves 13,955 girls in 37 counties with the help of nearly 10,000 volunteers. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. For information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilsonville — August 15, 2018 — The Oregon nursery industry climbed to its second-best sales year on record in 2017, according to newly released figures from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

The state’s wholesale and retail nurseries tallied an estimated $947.7 million in sales during the calendar year, which was more than enough to make nursery and greenhouse crops Oregon’s top agricultural commodity, ahead of cattle and calves, which were in second place at $695 million. 

“The wholesale nursery industry is a traded sector that serves markets in every time zone of the United States, as well as Canada and overseas, and brings significant dollars back to the Oregon economy,” said Jeff Stone, executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. “More than three-fourths of what we grow in Oregon is shipped over state lines, to destinations as far away as the East Coast.”

It was the Oregon nursery industry’s best sales year since 2007, when $1.039 billion worth of Oregon nursery and greenhouse products were sold, just prior to the Great Recession, which caused sales to decline. 

The news comes as nursery industry professionals prepare to gather at the 2018 Farwest Show, which is the nursery industry’s largest business-to-business trade show on the West Coast. The Farwest Show will take place next Wednesday–Friday, August 22–24, at the Oregon Convention Center in downtown Portland, with some 6,000 people expected to attend.

“The Oregon nursery industry is feeling momentum with eight consecutive years of sales growth, and we’re excited about sharing what Oregon has to offer with visitors from all over the country,” Farwest Show Director Allan Niemi said.

For 2017, Oregon’s other top-ranked agricultural commodities included hay ($585 million), milk ($501 million), grass seed ($455 million), wheat ($239 million), potatoes ($177 million), pears ($177 million), wine grapes ($172 million) and blueberries ($148 million). 

Oregon remains the nation’s third-leading nursery state, behind the larger states of California and Florida, according to the most recent USDA Census of Horticultural Specialties (2014). 

Oregon leads the United States with more than 61,000 acres of land in nursery production. What’s more, Oregon is the nation’s top grower of coniferous evergreens, deciduous shade trees, bareroot nursery products and deciduous flowering trees (USDA Census of Horticultural Specialties, 2014). 

Oregon has consistently been the nation’s top grower of Christmas trees as well, growing $92 million worth of them in 2017 according to the state’s new figures. (Christmas trees are considered part of the nursery industry, but the Oregon Department of Agriculture counts the sales as a separate figure).

In 2017, the Oregon nursery and greenhouse industry (including the Christmas tree sector) employed an average of 9,288 people and had a total payroll of $317.3 million, for an average wage of $34,159, according to the State of Oregon Employment Department.

But as Stone pointed out, the nursery industry isn’t beneficial only to Oregon’s economy. “Our products make life better by providing research-proven environmental, social, economic and even health benefits once they’re planted at their final destinations,” he said.

These benefits are enumerated at the OAN’s Plant Something Oregon site, www.plantsomethingoregon.com/pmlb.

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SOURCE: Oregon Department of Agriculture Facts and Figures:
https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/Administration/ORAgFactsFigures.pdf

CONTACT: Curt Kipp, Oregon Association of Nurseries, 503-682-5089
The Oregon Association of Nurseries, based in Wilsonville, represents more than 750 wholesale growers, retailers, landscapers and nursery industry suppliers and service providers. For information, visit www.oan.org or call 503-682-5089.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2018

Forum in Bend to focus on cannabis safety

(Deschutes County, Oregon) – Cannabis growers and extractors are invited to an unprecedented opportunity to learn from government and business leaders about safety and health in the cannabis industry as part of a two-day event in Bend next month.

Deschutes County Farm Bureau and the Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) Health & Safety Committee, in partnership with Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), present the “Safety and Health in the Cannabis Industry: From Seed to Shatter” forum, taking place Sept. 18-19 at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes.  

“This forum is really about helping growers and extractors build their knowledge and skills so they can fortify the safety and health of their job sites and continue to send workers home safe and sound at the end of every work day,” said Cory Stengel, chair of the OFB Health & Safety Committee.

The cannabis forum is part of the larger Central Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference, which will tackle a range of other workplace health and safety issues.

The forum arrives as Oregon’s cannabis industry continues to evolve. The event will address multiple health and safety topics, as well as give participants a question-and-answer session.

Speakers will include representatives from Oregon OSHA, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), Oregon Dept. of Agriculture, the Portland and Bend fire departments, and Oregon-based grow and extraction operations.

Topics will include:

·   OLCC requirements

·   Cannabis grow operations

·   Hydrocarbon extraction

·   Carbon dioxide extraction

·   CO2 and alcohol extraction

·   Fire marshal regulations

·   Pesticide regulations

·   Ergonomic risk factors

·   Oregon OSHA consultation services

Registration for the Central Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference, which includes the cannabis forum, is now open. The cost to attend ranges from $55 to $210.

For more details about the cannabis forum – including specific presentation times and topic areas – or to register, go to https://safetyseries.cvent.com/central18.

See an event flyer: https://osha.oregon.gov/conferences/central-oregon/Documents/central-cannabis-flyer-18.pdf

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   > Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit www.osha.oregon.gov.

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

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

SALEM, OREGON, August 16, 2018 – The following statement may be attributed to Oregon Farm Bureau Public Policy Counsel Mary Anne Cooper.

“Despite outcry from thousands of farm and ranch families from across the nation, today’s ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina means that the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule is now in effect in Oregon. 

“Under the 2015 WOTUS rule, EPA could force farmers and ranchers to apply for a costly permit to do even the most basic work on their land, or potentially be hit with enormous fines and frivolous lawsuits. These permits could be required for plowing, planting, applying pesticides and fertilizers, and other normal farming activities on dry farm fields. 

“The 2015 WOTUS rule goes far beyond congressional intent and the lawful bounds of the Clean Water Act as articulated by previous Supreme Court decisions. At best, it is a solution in search of a problem. At worst, it is a federal land grab designed to give DEQ and EPA control over Oregon’s farmland far beyond what the law calls for. 

“We support the Trump Administration’s commitment to repeal and replace WOTUS with an alternative that achieves water conservation and quality goals without decimating the livelihood of hard-working rural Americans. Farm and ranch families are already struggling against low commodity prices, continuously rising supply costs, and constantly expanding expensive rules, regulations, and red tape.

“We urge the Trump Administration to permanently repeal the 2015 WOTUS rule as quickly as possible.

“Every day Oregon's farmers and ranchers work very hard to maximize water efficiency and protect water quality because their livelihood and future depend on it, it's the law, and it's simply the right thing to do. The 2015 WOTUS rule will hurt family agriculture in Oregon and is a case of extreme government overreach with no regard to the impact on rural communities.”

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

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

Oregon Farm Bureau President Barry Bushue is a third-generation farmer raising a variety of vegetables and berries at a nearly century-old farm near Boring, Oregon. He is OFB’s 15th president.