After a thorough initial investigation of the gym fire at South Albany High School by the Albany Police Department and the Albany Fire Investigation Group, the fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature.   We believe sharing a piece of the investigative conclusions in a timely manner is important for the healing and peace of mind for our South Albany High students, teachers, and the whole of our Albany community. 

The investigation is still ongoing.  The final cause determination will be shared in the full fire investigation report.  Report completion date is expected within the next 2-4 weeks.     

On Thursday night, December 12, 2019, the Philomath High School was the target of a potential attack communicated on social media. 

A student’s Facebook account was hacked and used to distribute a threat toward their school. 

At 2:00 am this morning our Computer Fonensics Detectives determined that the student’s Facebook account was indeed hacked. An IP address was traced to Colorado. Authorities in Colorado made contact with a 16-year-old male, who hacked the Facebook account and sent the threatening message. The individual admitted hacking the account and sending out the threatening message. The reason was to ‘troll’ the account on Friday, the 13th. 

Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Philomath Police have confirmed that the threat toward PHS is a hoax. 

School is open today and Philomath Police Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office are providing extra presence this morning.

The Philomath High School Principal has assured the parents and students that there is no threat toward the school. “It is unfortunate that such an event has touched our community,” Mike Bussard stated. “Rest assured our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community at large.”

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office takes these threats seriously and called in extra resources to resolve the issue quickly.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Thirty-seven law enforcement personnel from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Corvallis Police Department and Oregon State Police participated in the 25th Annual “Shop with a Cop” event on Saturday, December 7, 2019.

Forty-two children were invited to participate through agencies including Benton County Parole and Probation and Self Sufficiency and Child Welfare offices of the Department of Human Services.

The Corvallis Fred Meyer hosted this year’s event and provided refreshments for employees, volunteers and family.

A $40.00 gift card was presented to each child to purchase gifts; although many public safety professionals dug into their own pockets to ensure the kids got what they wanted.

Some of the children are initially frightened of law enforcement. For some, the only contact they have had with law enforcement is when a parent or other family member is arrested.

Shop with a Cop gives the children an opportunity to see law enforcement officers in a different light. Not only do these children go home with a warm coat or a special toy, but also with the memory of a new friend in law enforcement.

While one might expect the kids to buy gifts for themselves, “that is often not the case,” Captain Rogers mentioned. “Many children want to buy gifts for family members.”

This program is supported entirely by donations; financial contributions are collected year-round. If you are interested in supporting, please make a check out to “The Sheriff’s Foundation – Shop with a Cop” and send it to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, 180 NW 5th St, Corvallis, OR  97330.

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NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE MEDCOM BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the MedCom Ambulance Authority Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, December 19, 2019, at 12:00 p.m.  The meetings will be held in the Bay Cities Ambulance’s administrative conference room at 1290 NE Cedar.

Agenda items include monthly financials, FireMed Update, Provider reports, MedCom Administrator Update

Anyone desiring more information regarding the meeting should contact the MedCom Administrator at (541) 673-5503.

BOARD REGULAR MEETING NOTICE

The Board of Directors of Douglas County Fire District No. 2 will hold its Regular Board meeting at DCFD#2 Fire Station 655 at 6000 Garden Valley Rd., Roseburg, OR on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

The Board agenda to include but not limited to:              

1. Monthly Financials
2. FEMA Update
3. GEMT Update
4. Demo Ambulance Purchase                                                                                                                  

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 at least 48 hours before the meeting to DCFD #2 at 673-5503.

BOARD MEETING  NOTICE

The Board of Directors of Winston-Dillard Fire District No. 5 will hold its Regular Board meeting at their fire station, 250 SE Main St., Winston, OR on Monday, December 16, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

The agenda to include but not limited to:

1. Monthly Financial Report
2. New Hire Update

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 at least 48 hours before the meeting to Winston Dillard Fire District No. 5 at 541-679-8721.

CAMAS VALLEY, Ore. - A Camas Valley man is in jail following an child sexual abuse investigation by detectives. 

In late November, the Sheriff's Office Investigations Division was contacted regarding possible sexual crimes against a child. Detectives conducted a thorough investigation and learned 37 year-old Jeffrey Aaron Herberger of Camas Valley had sexually assaulted a minor child known to him. 

On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, Herberger was interviewed by detectives and subsequently arrested. He was transported to the Douglas County Jail where he was lodged on charges of 3rd Degree Sexual Abuse and Harassment. 

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Over the weekend, deputies took several reports of mail theft from residential mailboxes, including packages.

On Sunday, December 9, 2019, around 9:30 am, while investigating the thefts, a deputy received a report of a female who was looking through mailboxes in the area of Doerner Road near Buffalo Lane. The deputy contacted 21 year-old Kayla Lee Alamprese of Roseburg and found her to be in possession of stolen mail and items.

Alamprese was arrested and taken to the Douglas County Jail where she was lodged on 13 counts of Mail Theft.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public of some crime prevention tips so their holidays aren’t spoiled.

• Consider a residential locking mailbox or renting a post office box.
• Check your mail daily.
• If leaving the area, ask the postal service to hold your mail until you return. 
• Know when your packages will be arriving by monitoring tracking information available by the shipping company.
• Ask your trusted neighbor to watch for the delivery of packages and to hold them until you return home.
• If you are not home during the day, consider having your items delivered to your workplace or to a trusted neighbor. Some shipping companies also allow you to hold a package at their facility for pick-up.
• Elect for in-store pickup, if available.
• Require a signature to be obtained for the delivery to avoid the package being left on your doorstep.
• Be vigilant in your neighborhood. If you witness suspicious vehicles or people following delivery trucks, call police. A good description and license plates are very helpful to law enforcement.
• Install surveillance cameras around your home. The mere presence of cameras may deter a thief, but can also help law enforcement solve the crime.
• If sending a package to someone, let them know it’s coming so they can be on the lookout.

Following these simple tips can substantially reduce the risk that you will become a victim this holiday season.

RIDDLE, Ore. - A Riddle woman was arrested on Thursday, December 5, 2019, on multiple sex crimes against a juvenile male.

Deputies served a search warrant at the home of 36 year-old Rheta Leanne Melvin of Riddle last Thursday. Deputies had started an investigation after learning that Melvin had sexual contact with a teenage male. Melvin initially began messaging the juvenile and exchanging photographs of a sexual nature through a social media platform. Melvin and the juvenile made arrangements to meet and had sexual contact.

Melvin was arrested following the search warrant and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:

• Using a Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct
• Online Sexual Corruption of a Child – First Degree
• Sodomy 3
• Rape 3
• Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor

Deputies believe there could be additional witnesses or juveniles who have had contact with Melvin. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 541-440-4471, referencing case #19-5559.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense as you race to finish your holiday shopping.

Today, we have a red alert straight from the big guy at the North Pole – we are just two weeks away from Christmas! Are you ready?

Online shopping makes it easier and easier for procrastinators to push those deadlines into the danger zone – but we have 12 days of tips to keep you shopping safely, and get you done early!

Day 1 – Don’t go online until you make sure that your computer and your phone are fully up to date. Santa says you should make sure you aren’t susceptible to viruses and malware.

Day 2 – Put the cold freeze on using public WiFi. If you do logon to unsecured wireless networks, you can put your private info out there for any grinch to steal.

Day 3 – Find the perfect whatnot, but the seller requires that you pay using a gift card or wire transfer? Watch out – those are telltale signs of a possible fraud.

Day 4 – Mrs. Claus is a big believer in giving “experiences” over “things”… but if you are thinking of buying tickets to a concert or sporting event for that special someone, make sure you stick with a reputable seller. You might find websites or online marketplaces where people are offering good tickets cheaply, but know that plenty of counterfeiters are ready to cash in on Christmas at your expense.

Day 5 – Hot toy or blingy bauble sold out everywhere you look? You think you hit the jackpot when you find it on a never-heard-of-before website, and, bonus, it’s cheaper than expected! Sounds great, but be warned – if you stumbled upon a scammer trying to take advantage of your desperation, the only thing that is likely to show up in the mail is a bill.

Day 6 – Pay with a credit card when possible. You will likely have more protections than paying with your debit card or cash.

Day 7 – Time to put your jingle jangle on and buy some gift cards. They are popular options, but watch out for sellers who say they can get you cards below-market value. Also be wary of buying any card in a store if it looks like the security PIN on the back has been uncovered and recovered. Your best bet is to buy digital gift cards directly from the merchant online.

Day 8 – Stay off you-know-who’s naughty list by changing your passwords. Yes, they can be difficult to remember, but, no, they shouldn’t all be the same. Make sure you use long and unique passwords for the most important sites – like your email and bank account – and update the others to stronger options frequently.

Day 9 – Tis the season for giving, and it is prime time for charities to ask for money as we get close to the end of the year. Make sure that your donations are going to legitimate non-profits by doing some basic research. Also keep an eye on how much of your donation goes directly to services – and how much it is gobbled up by admin and overhead costs.

Day 10 – It’s candy cane crunch time, with only a few days left. Don’t let stress drive you to making poor choices. Fraudsters love using social engineering techniques to trick you into making quick decisions you wouldn’t otherwise make. As the saying goes, if the deal sounds too good to be real, it likely is.

Day 11 – Almost there, and scammers are going down to the wire to make their pitch sound perfect. Beware of unsolicited emails, texts, or social media posts that promise you the chance to purchase that final needed gift. Don’t click on links or attachments no matter how much you want to be done with shopping madness.

Day 12 – You made it with just a few days to spare. We have just one final tip for you before you try to wrap that pile of presents. Spend a few minutes checking your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. If there’s anything suspicious – make sure you report it right away.

As always, if you have been victimized by a 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.

Have a great holiday everyone and remember to shop safely.

Last week the Oregon State Sheriff's Association recognized several members of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for their service in 2019. The recipients of the awards were also recognized at the Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 11. The Awards received for their service in 2019 were:
Civil Supervisor of the Year: Sergeant Donny Adams.
Meritorious Service Award: Corporal Jesus Murillo.
S.A.R. Manager of the Year: Chris Duran.
Life Saving Award: Deputy Catherine Williamson. (She was serving with Josephine County SO at the time and we are proud to now have her at Jackson County SO)
Life Saving Award: Team 4 of JCSO: Sgt. Ben Weaver, Detective Lucas Tobias, Deputies Peter Bilden, Evan Westhelle, Cody Ponder, Tom Hohl, K9 Remco and Rogue River PD Officer Ty Darr.

Please see their photos on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonCountySheriff/

ASHLAND,Ore

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Case # 19-25370

On December 7, 2019 at 1944 hours, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash in the 1200 block of Eagle Mill Rd. near Ashland, Oregon.

Responding deputies found two vehicles had been involved in a collision on the two lane road. Vehicle # 1 is a 2010 Toyota Prius. Vehicle #2 is a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The pickup was on fire as emergency personnel arrived.

The driver of the Prius was found deceased at the scene. He is Anthony Tomas Panter, 27 years old, of Medford, Oregon.

The driver and passenger of the pickup were not injured. The driver of the pickup is Skyler Miller, 23 years of Ashland, Oregon.

The investigation into the crash is continuing by the inter-agency Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team (STAR).

Robert William Havery, 39, of Boise Idaho was arrested Thursday morning, December 12, 2019, and lodged in the Ada County Jail on felony charges stemming from his involvement with Mildred Sweaney, a 17-year old girl missing from Junction City, Oregon.

Mildred was originally reported missing from her Junction City home on Saturday, December 7, 2019 when she failed to return from a walk around the neighborhood.  The Junction City Police Department immediately launched an intensive media campaign concurrently with an aggressive investigation to locate any possible leads.  During a lengthy interview of many family and friends on Sunday night, Havery’s name was identified as a possible person of interest.  Upon making phone contact with Havery investigators found him to be uncooperative and later determined he had actually provided a false address.  With further investigation Havery’s complete identity was determined, as was his true address.

Investigators from the Boise Police Department Special Victim’s Unit responded to Havery’s residence early Tuesday morning, found Mildred, and took her into protective custody.  By this morning investigators developed sufficient probable cause to take Havery into custody.  During the ensuing investigation Havery admitted, in addition to other details, to driving to Junction City where he met Mildred and then the two drove back to his Boise house.  Havery was lodged at the Ada County Jail on two (2) counts of Sexual Battery on a minor [Idaho State Code 18-1508A], and one (1) count of 1st degree Kidnapping [Idaho State Code 18-4502].  However, the investigation is ongoing both in Oregon and Idaho and additional charges may be forthcoming.

McKenzie Jean Baumgardner, 22, of Junction City was arrested late Wednesday night, December 11, 2019 after Junction City Police were called to assist the Department of Human Services (DHS) – Child Protective Services (CPS) on a report of child abuse at Baumgarder’s West 7th Street address.  Upon arrival police and DHS/CPS personnel found Baumgarder’s 3-year old son’s face covered in blood caused from what Baumgardner described as her “popping him in the face” and accidently hitting his nose.

Subsequent investigation revealed witness accounts of Baumgardner once grabbing her son and throwing him against a wall.  In another incident witnesses stated she slapped her son on the back of his head hard enough to knock him down causing him to strike his head on a nearby table which caused a head injury.  Witnesses also reported that Baumgardner and her boyfriend, 31-year old Brian Domin Jr., engage in sexual intercourse and the use of marijuana products in the presence of her son as well.  Domin was cooperative and confirmed that on at least five (5) occasions the couple were engaged in intercourse when Baumgarder’s son was present.  Domin admitted he and Baumgardner did in-fact consume marijuana in the presence of Baumgarder’s son, but always made it known to the boy that those products were only medicine for adults.

Baumgardner was lodged at the Lane County Jail on multiple felony charges.  Domin was arrested and issued citations to appear in court on five (5) misdemeanor counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.

Mildred Grace Sweaney, the youth that was reported missing on December 7th has been located and is safe.  Junction City Police Department investigators located a number of leads pointing to an acquaintance in the state of Idaho.  The FBI and Boise Police detectives located Mildred when they responded to the residence of the acquaintance.  There is no evidence that Mildred was taken or being held against her will.  However, this is an active an ongoing investigation and further details will be released when possible.  Anyone having any information (new or old) on or about Mildred is still requested to immediately contact the Junction City Police Department, at 541-998-1245, for the purpose of completing this investigation.  The Junction City Police Department wants to thank the community for their concern and efforts in helping locate Mildred.

There has still been no sign of 17 year old Mildred Grace Sweaney who was reported missing from her Junction City, Oregon Home on Saturday, December 7th.  While information of her disappearance has begun to flood social media channels and news media outlets, relatively little new information has been developed other than Mildred may have some connections in the state of Idaho.

Information regarding Mildred, along with two new photos has been entered into the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Database.  NCMEC case workers have created, and widely distributed, a poster with Mildred’s information nationwide, including sending automated faxes to businesses in the Eugene, Springfield, and Junction areas.  This is an active investigation; anyone having any information (new or old) on or about Mildred is requested to immediately contact the Junction City Police Department at 541-998-1245.

Lebanon, Ore. Last night during the Lebanon Fire District Board meeting, Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi was sworn in by Board President Robert Taylor. Chief Rodondi joins the Lebanon Fire District after an impressive career with the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department in California.

Chief Rodondi attended the College of San Mateo, where he earned an Associate of Science Degree in Fire Science, the University of Phoenix where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management and holds several professional certifications from the California State Fire Marshal’s Office. He is also a member of the International Fire Chief’s Association.

Chief Rodondi was hired by the Board of Directors following the announcement of plans to retire by former Fire Chief Gordon Sletmoe. As part of the swearing in ceremony, Chief Rodondi was pinned by his wife, Debra, and three children. Chief Sletmoe also presented Debra Rodondi with flowers from the District as a token of appreciation and welcome to the Lebanon Fire District Family.

Following the swearing in of Chief Rodondi, Chief Sletmoe was awarded the flag flown on his final day as Chief and a bell ringing service.

The Lebanon Fire District wishes Chief Sletmoe the best in his retirement and extends a very warm welcome to Chief Rodondi and his family.

On Wednesday, 12-11-2019, at about 5:15 PM, Lincoln City Police were dispatched to the Safeway store parking lot on a report of an attempted robbery that had just occurred. The female victim reported that she and her mother had just finished shopping at the Safeway store, located at 4101 NW Logan Road, and were in the parking lot loading her groceries in the rear of her mini-van. While doing this an early 2000's model silver Chevrolet Suburban pulled up behind her. The female driver of the Suburban rolled down her passenger side window and demanded the victim’s purse. The victim reported the suspect was pointing a handgun at her as she was demanding the purse. The female victim responded by saying she was going to call the police and quickly ran into the store and called 911. The suspect then fled the parking lot in her vehicle and was last seen on Logan Road heading towards Highway 101. It's unknown which direction the suspect took on Highway 101.

Lincoln City Police officers searched the area for the silver Suburban and suspect, but they were unable to locate it. The suspect female was described to be a white female in her late 30's to early 40's with blonde "poofy" shoulder length hair. The suspect female was the only person seen inside the vehicle, however it is not confirmed if there was anyone else in the vehicle at the time.

The suspect did not get the victim’s purse or any other items from her. The investigation of the incident remains open and anyone with information regarding the incident or suspect is asked to call the Lincoln City Police Department at 541-994-3636 and ask for Officer James Hoydic or Detective James Burke.

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department want to remind everyone to stay safe by being alert and remaining aware when walking out to their vehicles after doing their shopping, especially when carrying and loading packages during this holiday season.  

Submitted By:   Sergeant Jeffrey G. Winn

The Lincoln City Police Department plans on using the first of their 2019-2020 DUII Enforcement Grant funds during the up-coming Christmas / New Year’s holiday season. This time period is part of the national “High Visibility Enforcement” event time period which runs from December 13, 2019 through January 2, 2020.  These national High Visibility Enforcement events are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking out drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them from the roadways.

DUIIs continue to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries throughout the nation. According to NHTSA statists, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities account for nearly one third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. In 2018 10,511 people died as a result of alcohol-impaired crashes. The Lincoln City Police Department is pleased to be joining forces with other law enforcement agencies to crack down on impaired drivers. Our goal is simple: to save lives. Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk; if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors, and these grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. These grant funds were made possible through Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Submitted By:  Sergeant Jeffrey G. Winn

Holiday Travel Tips

Wherever you're heading, if you're traveling during the holiday season, remember that everyone else in the world is also. Don't let terrible drivers, security scanners and long lines at the airport get you down. Here are some tips to help you survive the holiday travel.

Plan ahead.

Plan alternative trips if traffic makes your way home too overwhelming. Is there a scenic drive that might be longer but have less traffic? Pack snacks and drinks so you and your family will be fueled for the road trip. Break up a long drive by finding a few places to stop that will help keep the kids excited about the trip.  If you’re flying, definitely get some food before you board the plane.  Leave extra time before flights to get through security and plan your flights to allow extra time between connections.

Follow these flying tips.

When flying, make sure you check the airline’s restrictions ahead of time for carry-on luggage and fees for checked bags.  Avoid checking bags altogether if you can. You won’t have to wait for your luggage on the conveyor belt and you won’t have to worry about your things getting lost. If you do check luggage, make sure you have all your medications, important documents and maybe even a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage does lost.

Pack earplugs. 

One of the best ways to mentally escape your stressful surroundings is to turn down the volume. The easiest way to do that is with earplugs. If there is a crying baby near you on the plane, put in the earplugs. If the music in the car is driving you crazy, put in the earplugs.

Ship gifts or give gift cards.

TSA suggests shipping wrapped gifts or waiting until you reach your destination to wrap them because they might have to unwrap a present to inspect it. Ship gifts ahead of time or buy the gift that can’t go wrong: gift cards to a favorite store.

Travel on off-peak days.

 Travel early or late in the day. 

Flight statistics show that planes traveling earlier in the day have a better on-time performance. And if your flight is canceled, you will have the option of taking a flight later in the day. Also, there will be fewer lines at security. Best time to hit the road? When everyone else is asleep -- early morning or late night. You can always take a nap when you arrive at your destination or on the ride there if you aren’t the driver.

REMEMBER TO BREATHE!

The overly friendly person on the plane, canceled flights, the luggage that fell off in the middle of the highway, can be stressful.  But remember to relax and BREATHE.  These will make great  stories to share when you finally make it to your destination. After all, holiday travel stress is just as much a tradition as pumpkin pie and re-gifting.

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

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Animal Shelter resumed operations in a new temporary facility at 510 NE Harney Street, Newport, Oregon.  The new facility consists of a modular building with space for animals, public and offices; additionally, new kennels have been delivered onsite to house our dog population.

All essential programs and services including adoptions, reunification of lost and found pets, licensing, protective custody care, food bank distribution, and emergency boarding will continue at the new facility.

Now that a new temporary location is in operation, we are concentrating our efforts on identifying a new location and facility.  Our goal is to find a location to design an Animal Shelter that will provide our citizens with services for decades to come.  A workgroup consisting of Commissioner Kaety Jacobson, Sheriff Curtis Landers, Animal Services Director Laura Braxling, FOLCAS (Friends of Lincoln County Animals) member Erica Fruh and County Counsel Wayne Belmont meet frequently to work on details of a new facility.  We are excited to plan a facility that will take us into the future. 

We want to thank all our employees and volunteers who have contributed time and effort to help the Animal Shelter.  The commitment and dedication from our Facilities crew, Information Technology (IT) and others helped us transition into the new temporary facility as quickly as possible.  We also want to thank the Newport Farmers Market for working with us and postponing their date for their indoor winter market at the Fairgrounds.  This truly was a joint effort that came together and developed a working solution.

The Animal Shelter hours are noon to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and by appointment.  More information may be found at www.lincolncountyanimalshelter.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LincolnCountyAnimalShelter. 

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports on December 12, 2019, approximately 5:08 p.m., his deputies investigated a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a single vehicle on North Coburg Road, north of Coburg. 

The investigation revealed James Leroy Baker, 63, of Harrisburg was alone and traveling southbound on North Coburg Road.  For an unknown reason his 1993 Nissan minivan left the roadway and rolled.  It came to rest on the roof in a ditch approximately 10 feet from the roadway.    Baker was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.  Neither speed, nor alcohol appear to be a factor.  The crash vehicle was discovered by someone driving by after it had occurred but was not witnessed.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Coburg and Harrisburg Fire Departments and Fisher Funeral Home.

This crash remains under investigation.

On December 12th, 2019, shortly before 10:00 pm, deputies were dispatched to an armed robbery at a convenience store just north of Keizer.  When deputies arrived at the Center Market, located at 9005 River Road N, the clerk reported an unknown male had pointed a handgun at them and demanded money from the cash register.  Deputies were able to determine the armed robber fled the location in a white Honda 2-door, last seen going southbound toward Keizer.

A short time later, Keizer Police located a white Honda matching the description of the vehicle used in the robbery unoccupied in a parking lot at Keizer Station.  The Honda had been reported to the Salem Police as having been stolen earlier in the day.  As additional law enforcement were responding to the area, the suspect was spotted by a Keizer Police Officer and a short foot pursuit ensued through the shopping center parking lots.  The suspect was ultimately safely taken into custody.  A handgun believed to have been used during the robbery was recovered after being located in the area by a police K9. 

The suspect has been identified as Justin Lavalley, a 39 year-old Dallas man.  Lavalley has been lodged at the Marion County Jail for charges including; Robbery 1, Theft 1, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and a Parole Violation.

Sheriff Joe Kast stated, “The timely arrest of this armed robbery suspect was the direct result of great communication between our deputies, dispatchers, and officers from the Keizer Police Department.  The strong relationships we have with our public safety partners continue to benefit our community time and time again.”

Lavalley is scheduled for arraignment on Friday, December 13th at 3:00 pm at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.

The arrival of colder weather and holiday activities in December provides opportunities to keep your homes and family fire safe so everyone can have memorable times when decorating and entertaining. 

From 2014 through 2018, Oregon fire agencies reported there were 2,769 residential structure fires during the holiday period between November 22 and January 15. These fires were reported to have resulted in 24 deaths, 127 injuries, and more than $68 million in property and content loss. 

“The holiday season is a time when many Oregonians are enjoying families and friends in their homes and getting ready with decorating and other holiday traditions,” says State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “Taking basic fire safe precautions will keep you and your loved ones safer from the dangers of fire and allow everyone to have a wonderful holiday experience.”

Tree Care and Decorating Tips:  

• Choose a fresh, healthy holiday tree with a deep-green color and flexible needles. 
• Water your tree daily — a tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day.
• Make sure you have three feet between your holiday tree and any heating source. 
• Ensure the tree is not blocking an exit, and that the decorations you use are flame resistant and flame retardant.
• Use only non?combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.  

Electrical Safety:

• Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, and broken or cracked sockets.
• Do not overload electrical sockets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the manufacturer’s directions indicate it is safe. 
• Protect electrical cords from damage. To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be pinched by furniture, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples.
• Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used outdoors are marked for outdoor use.

Candle Safety: 

• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look and smell like real candles.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles when you go to bed, leave a room, or before leaving the house.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Keep candles at least one foot from combustibles including clothing, curtains, upholstered furniture, greenery, and decorations. 
• Always use a sturdy non-combustible (metal, glass, or ceramic) candleholder. If a sturdy non-combustible candleholder is not available, the candle can be placed on a non-combustible plate.
• Place candles out of reach of small children and pets.
• Avoid candles with items embedded in them such as twigs, flowers, or leaves. These items can ignite or even explode.
• Always use a flashlight — not a candle — for emergency lighting.

General Fire Safety:

• Have working smoke alarms on every level of your home (including the basement), in each bedroom, and in the hallway outside each bedroom.
• If using a woodstove or fireplace, keep it screened at all times. Keep ribbons, boughs, and other decorative materials at least three feet away.
• Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace or wood stove. Wrapping paper burns at higher temperatures than wood and can cause a chimney fire.
• Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources.
• Make a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family and any overnight guests.
• Keep escape routes clear of clutter so you can escape quickly in case of fire.

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On Tuesday, December 10, 2019  at approximately 2:35 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 62 near milepost 10.

Preliminary investigation reveals a PT Cruiser, operated by Jason Renfro (35) of Medford, was traveling westbound on Hwy 62 when for unknown reasons crossed the center line and struck a eastbound VW Beetle operated by Rickie Beer (70) of Eagle Point.

Beer sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  His passenger, Susan Beer (67) of Eagle Point, was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Renfro and his passenger, Lawrence Hunsley (59) of Prospect, were transported to the hospital with injuries. 

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

On December 6, 2019 Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Troopers received information from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife regarding a disturbing video shared via social media.  The video displayed what appeared to be a young adult male climbing onto, and eventually riding on the back of a live and exhausted mule deer buck while it was contained within a fenced enclosure.  Throughout the video, the mule deer buck can be heard grunting and/or bleating and after escaping the rider, the buck jumped into a linked fence, multiple times, attempting to escape the enclosure. 

After reviewing the video, OSP Fish & Wildlife Troopers conducted further investigation and identified two suspects from Riley, OR.  The primary suspect, identified as Jacob Belcher (18) from Riley, OR., was located on a rural ranch in Harney County where he was interviewed by Troopers.  The investigation and interviews revealed that the buck mule deer had entrapped itself within a fenced feeding enclosure, before being ridden by Belcher.  The buck was eventually freed and its status at this time is unknown.

Following interviews, Belcher was arrested and lodged at the Harney County Jail on charges of Wildlife Harassment and Animal Abuse II.  Another suspect, who was responsible for filming the incident, was identified and interviewed as well.  Charges of Aiding in a Wildlife Offense will be referred to the Harney County District Attorney’s Office.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

 Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

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

CASH REWARDS:

$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction

$200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tag(s)

$200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tags(s) 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

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

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

Around 0100 hours on the morning of December 12th, 2019 the Roseburg Police Department investigated a reported burglary at the 420 Club, 2576 NE Stephens in Roseburg.  During that investigation they learned several suspects gained entry into the business by damaging a window, gaining entry, and stealing merchandise from inside.  Officers were able to identify a description of a vehicle of interest in that incident, and they provided that information to local law enforcement agencies.

Just before 0500 hours an off duty Douglas County Sheriff's Office Deputy found the vehicle traveling on NE Stephens, and reported the information to on-duty Officers.  Officers located the vehicle traveling north in the 2600 block of NE Stephens.  The vehicle, a red Volkswagen beetle, then suddenly accelerated away from Officers, continuing northbound on Stephens.  Speeds reached between 65-80 MPH, and Officers backed off because they were approaching a construction area north of Costco on Stephens.  The suspect vehicle pulled further away at that time, but quickly tried turning east on Taft, losing control and striking a utility pole.  

Several occupants fled from the vehicle.  One suspect, a 16 year old male, was tackled by law enforcement as he was trying to flee the scene on foot.  The other people who fled were not located.  K9 Nike from Roseburg PD attempted to track the other suspects, but they were not located.

The 16 year old male was found in possession of merchandise stolen from the 420 Club, and he was later lodged at the Juvenile Detention Center for Burglary, Theft and Criminal Mischief charges.  

The vehicle sustained heavy damage during impact with the utility pole, and it was towed from the scene by Roseburg Towing.  There is no evidence at this time that anyone was injured during the collision.  The construction zone was also not active at the time of the incident. The investigation into the driver of the vehicle and other suspects involved in the burglary is still ongoing. 

During the period between December 13th, 2019 and January 2nd, 2020 the Roseburg Police Department will be conducting additional patrols focused on DUII enforcement.  These increased patrols are made available through a grant obtained from the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.  

Drive Merry, Bright, and Sober This Holiday Season.

Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

This holiday season, the Roseburg Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind all drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving. We’ll be working together to remind everyone of the importance of planning a sober ride home before heading out to enjoy the holiday festivities and en route to seasonal travel destinations. This holiday season, and every day, remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

The holidays are a special time for every community, and it’s more important than ever for us to stress the importance of safe driving habits. We know everyone is rushing around, finishing those last-minute errands and attending various holiday parties. But before you ever head out to the festivities, make sure you plan a sober ride home, because driving drunk should never be an option. Help us spread the message: Even one drink is one drink too many. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

According to NHTSA, 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2017, and 29% (10,874) of those fatalities occurred in crashes during which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of .08. In fact, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver during the month of December 2017 alone. The holidays prove to be extra dangerous to drivers, as more people — drivers and pedestrians alike — are out on the roads.

Drunk driving isn’t the only risk on the road: Drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem, for men and for women alike. If drivers are impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs — they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle. It is illegal in all states to drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Remember: Driving while impaired is illegal, period. The bottom line is this: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. It’s that simple.

Sport fishing reward program helps save millions of migrating juvenile salmon

Portland, Ore. – Anglers earned nearly $1,162,000 in 2019 through participation in the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program. In all, they removed more than 146,000 northern pikeminnow from the Columbia and Snake rivers, which means fewer big fish preying on juvenile endangered salmon.

Each year millions of juvenile salmon and steelhead in the Columbia and Snake rivers make their way downstream toward the Pacific Ocean. These young fish face numerous predators along the way, including the ravenous northern pikeminnow.  The native fish is responsible for depleting the numbers of out-migrating juveniles.

For nearly 30 years the Bonneville Power Administration has funded the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program, paying fishing enthusiasts to remove pikeminnow from the river, reducing the number of predators that prey on juvenile endangered salmon. Registered anglers who removed pikeminnow more than 9 inches long earned $5 to $8 per fish. Specially tagged northern pikeminnow were each worth $500.

The 2019 northern pikeminnow sport reward season wrapped up Sept. 30, and based on some of the numbers below BPA continues to meet its annual goal to remove 10-20% of the predators:

• Fish removed                                   146,225
• Registered anglers                          2,700
• Average angler catch                     7.2 fish/day
• Total paid to anglers                      $1,161,421
• Top angler
  • Total earnings                  $53,107
  • Fish removed                   6,482

The program’s goal is not to eliminate northern pikeminnow, but rather to reduce the average size and number of larger, predatory fish.

“Large northern pikeminnow are responsible for eating the most salmon and steelhead smolts,” said Eric McOmie, BPA program manager. “Reducing the number of large pikeminnow can help more young salmon make their way to the ocean, which means more of them will return to their home streams as adults.”

The program’s effectiveness may even go beyond saving juvenile salmon and steelhead.

“Lamprey are often found in the diets of the northern pikeminnow,” said Mac Barr, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Predation Studies project leader. “In 2019, we began exploring ways to better estimate how many juvenile lamprey in the Columbia and Snake rivers are eaten by the northern pikeminnow. Understanding the predation rates on lamprey is important because they are a state sensitive species as well as a federal species of concern and are culturally important to many Columbia Basin tribes.”

The Sport Reward Program has removed more than 5 million northern pikeminnow from the Columbia and Snake rivers since 1990, reducing predation on young salmon and steelhead by up to 40%. BPA funds the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program as part of its mitigation for the construction and operation of the dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The program operates each year from May 1 to Sept. 30 and is managed by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

The PSMFC works with the Oregon and Washington fish and wildlife departments to offer information and seminars at events throughout the year. Learn more about the program at http://www.pikeminnow.org.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 262 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 500 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

(Salem) – Oregonians who do not get health insurance through their employers and who do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan have only until Sunday, Dec. 15, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific) to sign up for coverage and get help paying for the coverage. Get started now by estimating your subsidy and reviewing the plans and prices at OregonHealthCare.gov/windowshop. 

“It’s a busy time of year, but don’t wait until the final hours. There are many health plans to choose from and you’re going to want time to shop for the right one,” said Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is a part of state government that helps connect Oregonians to coverage. It partners with HealthCare.gov, the website where people apply for federal subsidies.

Throughout Oregon, between seven and 41 plans are available, depending on your county. People who qualify for subsidies can use that financial help on any plan. Last year, 74 percent of Oregonians who enrolled through the Marketplace got subsidies. The average bottom-line premium for them was $140 per month.

Oregonians will see increased advertising in this final week of enrollment. Video and audio ads on Hulu, Spotify, broadcast TV, and other outlets highlight consumer testimonials and lay out how and why to enroll. Samples are online at http://bit.ly/subsidy-testimonials and http://bit.ly/coverage-and-subsidies.  

To get help filling out the subsidy application and reviewing health plan options, use the directory at OregonHealthCare.gov/gethelp, or call the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace at 1-855-268-3767 (toll-free).

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The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov, and a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, William E. Shelters, died the morning of December 12, 2019. Shelters was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary and passed away in the infirmary. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Shelters entered DOC custody on March 18, 2010, from Lane County with an earliest release date of July 23, 2038. Shelters was 70 years old.

Attempts to locate next of kin have not been successful. The department asks anyone familiar with the deceased to contact one of the numbers listed above.  

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is Oregon's only maximum-security prison, located in Salem, and houses over 2,000 individuals. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including death row, disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, inmate work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon's only prison.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Charles E. Gilbert, died December 8, 2019. Gilbert was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary and passed away in a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Gilbert entered DOC custody on March 29, 1989, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of August 21, 2039. Gilbert was 76 years old. Next of kin has been notified.                                                                             

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is Oregon's only maximum-security prison, located in Salem, and houses over 2,000 individuals. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including death row, disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, inmate work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon's only prison.

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The Oregon Department of Forestry will host a follow-up public input and Q&A session on the draft revised Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the Oregon Department of Forestry in Salem.

This will serve as another opportunity for interested Oregonians to ask questions and provide input to project staff prior to finalizing the draft revised plan. RSVP is requested by clicking here.

What: Public Input and Q&A Session on draft revised Western Oregon State Forest Management Plan
When: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020
Where: Oregon Department of Forestry (Tillamook Room), 2600 State St., Salem 97310

The agency will be accepting comment on the plan through Jan 31, 2020. To read and learn more about the draft revised plan, please visit the project page by heading here: https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/AboutODF/Pages/FMP-revision.aspx

In addition to attending the Jan. 14 meeting, there are several more ways Oregonians can comment on the plan:

• This convenient online survey asks how the current Forest Management Plan is delivering desired outcomes as well as your take on the revised plan: https://arcg.is/1rz8uS
• Comments may be emailed to odf.sfcomments@oregon.gov or submitted through the ODF website
• Comments can also be mailed to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem OR 97310

This meeting is open to the public. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at 503-945-7200.

SALEM, Ore. – Some 30,000 acres of privately owned forestland in Clackamas County could receive enhanced protections for water quality and wildlife habitat under a voluntary stewardship agreement being proposed by Seattle-based Port Blakely and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). The agreement would be the largest of its kind in Oregon.

The proposed agreement can be viewed online at https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Working/Pages/FPA.aspx

ODF is now accepting comments on the agreement and will do so until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. Comments can be emailed to IVATEFORESTS.PUBLICCOMMENT@oregon.gov">PRIVATEFORESTS.PUBLICCOMMENT@oregon.gov.

An informational session about the agreement is scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a public hearing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. where in-person comments will be accepted by ODF. Both meetings will be at the Molalla Fire Station 82, located at 320 N. Molalla Ave. in Molalla.

Stewardship agreements are voluntary land management agreements available to landowners under Oregon’s Forest Practices Act rules. They were established by the Oregon Legislature in their current form through House Bill 2114-B in 2007.

Under a stewardship agreement, a landowner agrees to exceed ODF regulatory requirements designed to protect natural resources, such as water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, in exchange for long-term regulatory certainty under Forest Practices Act rules. About 13 such agreements are in place in Oregon but Port Blakely’s would cover the largest amount of forestland.

The proposed stewardship agreement contains forest management and conservation measures that provide enhanced protection for fish-bearing streams and aquatic water bodies. The measures also aim to create and sustain a mosaic of diverse habitats to meet the needs of many land-based wildlife species. The habitat requirements of 20 total species, both listed and unlisted by the Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife, are addressed, including breeding, foraging and dispersing habitats.

“Port Blakely’s forest management plan is intended to ensure that there are better habitat conditions over the long term,” said Private Forests Division Chief Kyle Abraham. “In exchange for that commitment to enhanced stewardship, the company gets long-term certainty about state forestry rules governing water quality and wildlife habitat.”

A few examples cited by Port Blakely include leaving more wildlife trees standing in a unit after harvest, leaving wider stream buffers, retaining upland habitat patches, retaining legacy features that are relics of past forests, and placing large woody debris into small and medium fish-bearing streams to enhance aquatic habitat.

“This agreement is a great example of Port Blakely’s approach to stewardship forestry, our commitment to demonstrate that forestlands are best managed for shared economic, environmental and community benefits,” said Court Stanley, President of US Forestry for Port Blakely. “It will allow us to continue to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat while also ensuring long-term regulatory certainty, and therefore economic stability, for our customers, employees, and family owners.”

The Oregon Legislature authorized ODF to enter into such voluntary stewardship agreements with landowners more than a decade ago. Under such agreements, landowners agreeing to follow a written forest management plan reviewed and approved by ODF will be allowed to continue operating under that plan for a set number of years, regardless of future regulatory changes. The length of the proposed Port Blakely agreement is 50 years.

A family-owned company since the early 20th century, Port Blakely has been involved in forestry in the Pacific Northwest for five generations. The company, owns 149,000 acres of forestland in both Oregon and Washington State as well as 93,000 acres in New Zealand. In parallel to the stewardship agreement, the company reports that it is also working with federal agencies to finalize a complementary Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for this forestland. It would be the company’s third voluntary federal conservation agreement.  Since 2002 the company’s U.S. forestlands have been certified through the Sustainable Forest Initiative, earning recertification every year since.

                                                                                          # # #

The Oregon Emergency Communications (E911) tax rate will increase from $.75 cents to $1, beginning January 1, 2020. This is the first increase to the E911 tax since 1995.

Phone companies and retailers are required to collect the tax and pay it to the Oregon Department of Revenue. The E911 tax provides about 24 percent of the total operating costs for 9-1-1 centers in Oregon.

Examples of products or services subject to the E911 tax include:

• Landline telephone service.
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service.
• Wireless telephone prepaid or postpaid service.
• Additional prepaid minutes, regardless if the purchase is made at a retailer’s physical location, online, or over the phone.

Examples of products or services not subject to the E911 tax include:

• Phone accessories such as batteries, chargers, phone covers, etc.
• Ringtones.
• Long-distance phone cards.

For more information on the state 9-1-1 program and how Oregon E911 tax revenue is used, see “Emergency Communications Tax” on the Oregon Office of Emergency Management website:

https://www.oregon.gov/oem/911/Pages/911-Tax-Distribution.aspx

Salem, OR — Drafts of eight administrative rules for Oregon’s new Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) are now available to the public on the CAT page of the Department of Revenue’s website at www.oregon.gov/dor, agency officials said today.

“The taxpaying community has expressed significant interest in the CAT administrative rulemaking process,” said Nia Ray, director of the Oregon Department of Revenue.  “By prioritizing the creation of rules that the agency believes are most urgently needed, and sharing them as early as possible, we hope to minimize the risk of confusion and non-compliance.”

The Oregon Legislature created the Corporate Activity Tax in House Bills 3427 and 2164 during the 2019 session and gave the Department of Revenue the responsibility of writing administrative rules to implement the new law.

The agency has identified nearly three dozen issues which may need to be addressed with administrative rules. Those issues have been prioritized into three groups.

The first group of rules—those most business taxpayers and tax preparers have said they need to understand first—will be officially filed with the Secretary of State on Jan. 1, 2020. The other two groups will follow on Feb.1, 2020 and March 1, 2020.

The eight drafts posted on the agency’s website this week address:

• Estimated payments.
• Estimated payments for unitary groups.
• Underpayment of or delinquent estimated payments.
• What establishes nexus between a business and Oregon.
• What constitutes a unitary group for the CAT.
• Property brought into Oregon.
• The definition of agent.
• Filing extensions.

Sharing draft rules ahead of officially filing them allows business taxpayers and tax professionals time to review the rules and use them as guidance on how to proceed starting Jan. 1. It also offers them an additional opportunity to have input into the rules.

The agency previously engaged more than 800 stakeholders in the rulemaking process through a series of public meetings, video conferences and conference calls. Department officials said they will welcome additional feedback on the draft rules.  Those with comments can send feedback via email to ules.dOR@oregon.gov">catrules.dor@oregon.gov. (Please include “comments on draft rules” in the subject line.)

When officially filed with the Secretary of State all of the rules for the CAT will initially be adopted as temporary rules. Temporary rules are only good for 180 days. Starting April 1, 2020 the department will begin the process of adopting permanent rules for the CAT. That process involves public comment, giving stakeholders another chance to provide input.

The CAT is imposed on businesses for the privilege of doing business in Oregon. It applies to all business entities including those located inside and outside of Oregon. It is measured on a business’s commercial activity—the total amount a business realizes from commercial activity in Oregon.

Businesses with taxable commercial activity in excess of $1 million must pay the Corporate Activity Tax. The tax is $250 plus 0.57% of gross receipts greater than $1 million after subtractions.

More information about the Corporate Activity Tax is available on the Department of Revenue’s website. It includes a list of frequently asked questions and a form to sign-up for email updates on the CAT. Stakeholders can direct questions or comments about the CAT via email to cat.help.dor@oregon.gov or call 503-945-8005.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 800-886-7204.

SALEM, Ore. – The State Land Board yesterday approved the sale of 382 acres in Bend, and approved restrictions to overnight use and camping on the banks and islands of the Willamette River in Eugene and the Swan Island area of Portland.

Sale of the acres at Stevens Road and 27th Avenue is a significant opportunity for Oregon schools and the city of Bend, Department of State Lands (DSL) Director Vicki L. Walker told the Land Board. The property is school lands, managed to obtain the greatest benefit for public education. Sale proceeds will go to the Common School Fund, which sends twice-yearly distributions to Oregon’s K-12 public schools.

The 382 acres to be sold were brought into Bend’s urban growth boundary in 2016. Bend’s comprehensive plan calls for those acres to be developed into a complete community with a mix of housing and employment types. Bend Mayor Sally Russell said that plan, along with housing policy and funding tools, will ensure the land provides the full range of housing types needed by Bend’s rapidly growing community.   

“We ask the state to expeditiously solicit proposals for private purchase and development of this land, and to accept the proposal that best meets the state’s Common School Fund obligations and the many needs of the local community, none more important than housing,” Mayor Russell said.

DSL anticipates sale of the acres through a purchase agreement with an extended contract period to allow for completion of planning and annexation processes. This approach helps ensure progress on development of the property and allows the state to obtain the best value for schools.  

Marketing of the 382 acres will begin in January 2020. The remaining 261 acres of the Stevens Road property, which are outside the urban growth boundary, will remain in state ownership.  

The Land Board also adopted permanent rules to close the banks and islands of the Willamette River in Eugene, and the Swan Island area in Portland, to overnight use. The rules also prohibit camping and fires at all times. Temporary restrictions on overnight use, camping and fires have been in place since May 15 in Eugene and July 1 in Portland and remain in effect. The permanent restrictions go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Stakeholders and the public supported the use restrictions. Rules advisory committees met in summer 2019 to provide input on potential changes and develop draft rules. DSL also sought public comment during hearings and a public comment period in October 2019.

The Land Board yesterday also heard an update on exploration of the Elliott State Research Forest concept and significant progress made over the past year. Read the Elliott update news release.

The Oregon Department of State Lands and Oregon State University will continue to explore transforming the Elliott State Forest into a publicly owned state research forest

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) and Oregon State University (OSU) today updated the State Land Board on exploration of the Elliott State Research Forest concept and significant progress made over the past year.

This progress includes the development of a draft research charter and development of guiding principles related to forest benefits of recreation, education, local economy, conservation and governance. The potential research forest concept has also been incorporated into ongoing habitat conservation planning.

The Elliott State Forest Advisory Committee delivered a unanimous joint statement to the Land Board and recommended that work continue to transform the Elliott into a publicly owned state research forest.

“Our individual perspectives on the Elliott State Forest and our priorities for its future may differ. However, we agree that OSU should be provided the opportunity to address outstanding issues, and determine if terms required to address those issues are consistent with the Land Board vision for the Elliott,” the committee’s joint statement read.

In addition to the work of the advisory committee this past year, DSL and OSU have engaged tribes, local governments, state agencies, stakeholders, and the public in initial conversations regarding a potential Elliott State Research Forest.

Last December, the State Land Board directed DSL to work collaboratively with OSU to develop a plan for transforming the Elliott into a research forest.

The Land Board vision for the forest includes keeping the forest publicly owned with public access; decoupling the forest from the Common School Fund and compensating the fund for the forest; continuing habitat conservation planning to protect species and allow for harvest; and providing for multiple forest benefits, including recreation, education and working forest research. A successful research forest proposal is expected to be consistent with the Board vision.

The Advisory Committee noted that continued work was needed to resolve complex outstanding questions, such as how the forest will be decoupled from the Common School Fund and what a governance structure for the forest should look like.  

“While outstanding questions remain, there is enthusiasm around continued pursuit of an Elliott State Research forest,” says DSL Director Vicki L. Walker. “Diverse interests have expressed commitment to seeking a future for the Elliott in a research forest.”

As exploration continues, Oregonians can stay up-to-date via the Elliott State Forest website or by joining the Elliott State Forest updates email list. Increased opportunities for the public to provide input, both as part of the continuing exploratory process and during the formal habitat conservation planning process, are anticipated.

December 12, 2019

Media contact: Robb Cowie, 503-421-7684, obb.cowie@dhsoha.state.or.us">robb.cowie@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA approves Yamhill Community Care for full five-year coordinated care contract

The Oregon Health Authority has granted Yamhill Community Care a full five-year contract to serve Oregon Health Plan members through 2024. Earlier this year, Yamhill Community Care received a one-year contract pending the completion of additional steps to meet new "CCO 2.0" requirements. Services for the new contract begin January 1, 2020.

Yamhill Community Care serves OHP members in all of Yamhill county, as well as portions of Polk and Washington counties.

In July OHA announced its intent to award 15 organizations with contracts to serve as coordinated care organizations for OHP. Eleven CCOs received full five-year contracts. Four applicants – including Yamhill Community Care – received one-year contracts. OHA required the four CCOs to show evidence they had the policies, procedures, and plans in place necessary to meet the goals of CCO 2.0.

Under CCO 2.0, all 15 coordinated care organizations will be expected to meet new goals approved by the Oregon Health Policy Board and endorsed through an extensive and intensive public engagement process. These goals are to: improve behavioral health, address social factors that affect the health of OHP members and contribute to health inequities, pay providers for value and slow cost growth in Oregon’s Medicaid program.

Since the summer, OHA has worked with Yamhill Community Care to address gaps in their CCO 2.0 plans and document their ability to meet the higher CCO 2.0 bar.

"The goals of CCO 2.0 are to improve results for OHP members and accelerate the transformation of Oregon’s health care system so health care is more affordable for consumers and taxpayers," OHA director Patrick Allen said. "Yamhill Community Care has demonstrated their commitment to meeting the expectations of CCO 2.0. We look forward to partnering with Yamhill Community Care over the next five years to make people and families healthier across the communities they serve."

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

Editors: Health officials and lead specialists are available for interviews from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. today (Dec. 12) in Room 1B on the first floor of the Oregon Health Authority, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Samples of contaminated products will be displayed.

December 12, 2019

Media contacts: Jonathan Modie, OHA, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us Kate Willson, Multnomah County, 503-410-4524, kate.willson@multco.us Wendy Gordon, Washington County, 503-849-9117, don@co.washington.or.us">wendy_gordon@co.washington.or.us

Alarming lead levels found in certain traditional cosmetics, turmeric

Health officials warn families to avoid dangerous products, get kids tested

PORTLAND, Ore. — State and local health officials have discovered alarming levels of lead — in some cases tens of thousands of times higher than federal guidelines — in traditional cosmetics used in Hindu and Muslim religious practices and South and Southeast Asian cultures. In addition, high lead levels have been found in the spice turmeric, particularly in smaller batches brought in from overseas by individual travelers.

Washington and Multnomah counties, together with the Oregon Health Authority, are asking families and health care providers to learn about the risks and make sure children and pregnant women have their blood levels tested if they have been exposed to potentially lead-tainted products.

Working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in an ongoing investigation, officials are asking community organizations, faith groups and local businesses to help identify dangerous products and educate community members about the risks of lead poisoning.

“We fully respect the deep cultural and spiritual traditions of our diverse communities,” said Ali Hamade, Ph.D., toxicologist and deputy state epidemiologist, OHA Public Health Division. “Children and pregnant women are most vulnerable to lead poisoning, so we’re asking for help from families, community leaders, shop owners and public agencies to recognize the risk and prevent harm.”

Products of concern

The following products have been found to contain dangerous levels of lead:

Sindoor, Kumkum, Tikka, and Roli

These bright red-orange powders are commonly used for Hindu religious purposes and among communities from and around South Asia. Lead is sometimes used to brighten the color or to increase the weight of the product. People can be exposed to lead when powders that contain lead enter the body through the eyes or mouth.

Health officials have discovered high lead content in samples of sindoor purchased locally under the brands:

• Ancient Veda Sindoor, 37% lead, 37,000 times the FDA-recommended limit.
• Divine Supplies Sindoor, 43% lead, 43,000 times the FDA-recommended limit.

Kohl

Also known as kajal, surma or sormeh, this black ore is applied to the eyes for spiritual, medicinal or cosmetic purposes. It is traditionally used on babies and young children for religious purposes. The FDA has banned the import of kohl because one way of making the product is by grinding a mineral called galena — also known as lead ore — into a powder and then mixing it with other ingredients.

Multnomah County has found lead in products purchased locally and abroad, including in the brands:

• Hashmi Surma Special, 17% lead, 17,000 times the recommended limit.
• Al-Asmad Alharmain Zam Zam & Rose Water, 59% lead, 58,600 times the recommended limit.

Turmeric

This yellow-orange root and spice is used frequently in South Asian cuisine, medicine and traditional practices. It has become widely used around the world. Lead powder is sometimes added to turmeric root or powder to make the product more vibrant and to cover insect damage. People are then exposed to the lead when that spice is eaten. Health officials are primarily concerned about the spice hand-carried into the United States from India or Bangladesh, rather than products sold in major U.S. supermarkets.

One recent sample brought from India contained 1,240 parts per million of lead. There is no FDA regulatory limit or recommendation for lead in spice, but for reference, the FDA has set a limit of 0.1 parts per million for candy likely to be consumed frequently by children.

Recommendations to consumers

Public health officials and local health experts are urging families to stop using these products on children and pregnant women. They also recommend blood lead testing if pregnant women or children may have been exposed to lead by using these products.

Families and shop owners can call the Multnomah County Health Department Leadline at 503-988-4000 or visit www.leadline.org to learn more about lead testing for children and products. Additional information is available at healthoregon.org/lead.

Local health officials are working with culturally specific community groups, store owners and religious leaders to warn residents of risks associated with certain products. They’re asking shop owners, families and community leaders to contact their local public health department with any concerns, questions or requests for community outreach (interpretation is always free):

• Washington County Health Care Resource Line: 503-846-8851
• Multnomah County Leadline: 503-988-4000

OHA and county officials are working with the FDA to test more products and consider whether alerts should be in place to stop the import of any product known to have dangerous levels of lead. Until the source and scope of the lead contamination are better understood, local health officials are also asking shop owners to protect their customers by removing products known to contain lead and testing products that may contain lead.

Risk of lead

Oregon considers a blood lead level of at least 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood as the threshold for lead poisoning. Health care providers and laboratories in Oregon are required by law to report certain diseases and conditions — including lead poisoning — to local health departments.

On average, 270 Oregonians are diagnosed with lead poisoning each year, and about one-third of those are children younger than 6. The most common cases — about a third — come from ingesting paint and paint dust containing lead, but exposures from traditional cosmetics and informally imported spices have been identified in the past.

But between 2018 and 2019, state and local health departments in Oregon have identified 25 lead poisoning cases where the probable source was kohl or surma and an additional seven lead poisoning cases where the probable source was turmeric brought from overseas. A small number of lead poisoning cases have also been associated with exposure to powders such as sindoor or kumkum.

Resources for Media

Lead Poisoning Media Kit

December 11, 2019

OHA decreases recommended meal allowances for people who eat Columbia Slough resident fish

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority is changing its recommendation on the amount of resident fish from the Columbia Slough that people should eat. An OHA advisory for species in the slough was last updated in 2010.

Fish tissue data collected by the City of Portland shows the level of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, and mercury found in resident species in the slough warrants updating meal recommendations, according to public health officials. The slough extends northeast from the Willamette River near Sauvie Island south and east to the mouth of Fairview Lake.

{EDITORS: see Columbia Slough map, attached}

The advisory changes the meal recommendations from two fillet meals per month to one fillet meal per month for all resident fish and crayfish, except for largescale sucker, which remains at two fillet meals per month. The change in meal recommendations should be followed by everyone.

{EDITORS: see fish meal recommendations table, attached}

Advisories are issued when fish or shellfish tissue data verify that the level of a contaminant — in this case, PCBs and mercury — are above Oregon’s established health-based screening values. Meal recommendations are then calculated using these data to help people better understand the amount of resident fish and shellfish they can safely eat in one month.

Resident fish such as carp, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, largescale sucker and sunfish live in the same area their entire life. Some, like bass, are long-lived top predators, eating other PCB-contaminated fish within the slough. The longer they live, the more PCBs they accumulate. Other fish, such as carp, are bottom-feeders. PCBs can accumulate in these types of fish because they live and eat in areas where PCB concentrations tend to be elevated.

This advisory does not apply to migratory fish like salmon, steelhead and shad that spend most of their lives in other places beyond the slough that are not land-locked. These and other migratory fish are a healthy choice when considering what fish to eat.

People who eat too much resident fish and shellfish contaminated with PCBs and mercury can suffer negative health effects over time. These health effects include damage to organs, the nervous system and the brain, leading to potential learning and behavior problems. Mothers can pass PCBs to their babies during pregnancy or in breastmilk, so fetuses, babies and small children are most vulnerable to the health effects of PCBs and mercury.

While it is important for people to know about contaminants in fish and shellfish, it is equally important to continue to eat at least two meals of a variety of fish per week to gain important health benefits. Fish are high in protein, low in fat, and rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s provide protection from heart disease and are an important brain food for adults, children and fetuses.

Part of the Department of Environmental Quality’s Columbia Slough clean-up plan includes periodic fish tissue sampling to monitor the recovery of the Slough. The City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services implements the periodic sampling. As the monitoring data becomes available, OHA evaluates and updates the advisory meal allowances as warranted.

Long-term fish tissue and sediment monitoring data collected over the past 25 years by the city indicates most contaminant concentrations are decreasing and that PCB concentrations are slightly decreasing or stable. However, OHA is using an updated method for calculating meal recommendations and additional fish tissue data that improves the accuracy of the Columbia Slough advisory. OHA also recently updated a Lower Willamette River advisory and considered that information because the two water bodies are close to one another.

For a list of other areas and water bodies with existing fish advisories and recommended meal allowances, visit the OHA fish advisory webpage at HealthOregon.org/fishadv.

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http://bit.ly/35dIy1l

December 11, 2019

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

Agenda: Review and approve changes to billing standards for Program Element 43 (Immunization Services); review and approve committee appointments for all CLHO committees.

Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/ before the meeting.

When: Dec. 19, 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: Via webinar. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8498210436933482253.

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)

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

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 503-957-8869, 711 TTY or um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2EbfnjQ

December 10, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Rules Advisory Committee meets in Portland Dec. 17

What: A rules advisory committee will meet to consider proposed changes to Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-014-0590. The proposed changes are the result of the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 253 during the 2019 legislative session. SB 253 revised ORS 431.382 to include provisions for a local public health authority that has previously transferred its responsibilities to the Oregon Health Authority to request the responsibilities be transferred back to the local public health authority.

Agenda: Review of proposed draft rules. The agenda will include time for public comment. Agenda is subject to change and is posted with meeting materials at http://www.healthoregon.org/lhd.

When: 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland OR 97232.

A conference call option is available for rules advisory committee members and members of the public at 1-877-873-8017, access code 767068#. Members of the public are asked to mute their phone lines unless they are providing public comment during the designated agenda time.

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

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 503-957-8869, 711 TTY or um@dhsoha.state.or.us">danna.k.drum@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

December 10, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Dental Pilot Project Advisory Committee meets Dec. 16

What: The quarterly meeting of the Dental Pilot Project Advisory Committee. The meeting will cover Dental Pilot Project #100, “Oregon Tribes Dental Health Aide Therapist Pilot Project.”

Agenda: Review of modification request; presentation by Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board; presentation by Rose McPharlin, DDS, on classification of adverse events in dentistry; review of site visit report

When: 9–11:30 a.m. Dec. 16. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Room 900, Portland. Conference line: 1-888-636-3807, access code: 79-38-00

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

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

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

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

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

December 10, 2019

Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us

Program Contact: Zachary Goldman, 503-881-8698, zachary.k.goldman@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Implementation Committee meets December 12

What: A public meeting of the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Implementation Committee.

When: December 12, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1B, 800 NE Oregon Street Portland. The public can join remotely through a conference line at 888-808-6929, access code 915042. This meeting can also be viewed via live-stream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eraJMDgmaig.

Agenda: Welcome; follow-up from previous meeting; adoption of charter and operating procedures; defining total health care expenditures; defining the inclusion criteria for payers; stakeholder engagement process; meeting schedule and proposed topics; public comment; next steps.

For more information and meeting materials, please visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/Sustainable-Health-Care-Cost-Growth-Target.aspx

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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 Zachary Goldman at 503-881-8698, 711 TTY, y.k.goldman@dhsoha.state.or.us">zachary.k.goldman@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Spanish / Español

December 10, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan subcommittees meetings

What: Subcommittees of the 2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) are tasked with identifying strategies and measures, and developing work plans for implementing the SHIP. Each of the five subcommittees is focused on one of the following priority areas:

• Access to equitable preventive health care.
• Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
• Behavioral health.
• Economic drivers of health.
• Institutional bias.

Agenda: Develop and review strategies to support priority area goals.

Where: All meetings are held at the Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Meetings are also available remotely. For remote meeting attendance, visit the subcommittee page through the following links:

• Institutional bias.
• Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
• Economic drivers of health (including issues related to housing, living wage, food security and transportation).
• Access to equitable preventive health care.
• Behavioral health (including mental health and substance use).

When:

• Institutional Bias Subcommittee: Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to noon, Room 915.
• Behavioral Health Subcommittee: Dec. 18, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.
• Economic Drivers of Health Subcommittee: Dec. 20, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.
• Access to Equitable Preventive Health Care Subcommittee: Dec. 16, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.
• Adversity, Trauma and Toxic Stress Subcommittee: Jan. 7, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.

All meetings are open to the public. A five-minute public comment period will be held near the end of each meeting; comments are limited to one minute.

Background: Oregon’s SHIP identifies interventions and strategies to address health-related priorities in the state. The SHIP serves as a basis for taking collective action with cross-sector partners to improve heath of people in Oregon. The SHIP is based off findings of the State Health Assessment.

Program contact: Elizabeth Gharst, 971-666-2476, eth.a.gharst@dhsoha.state.or.us">elizabeth.a.gharst@dhsoha.state.or.us

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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 Catherine Moyer at 971-673-1132, ine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us">catherine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

December 9, 2019

Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us

Program Contact: Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Health Plan Quality Metrics Committee to meet December 12

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s Health Plan Quality Metrics Committee (HPQMC).

When: December 12, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center Room 210, 29353 SW Town Center, Loop E., Wilsonville. The public also may join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5441985918617611266 and listen-only conference line at 877-336-1828, access code 9657836.

Agenda: Welcome and roll call/introductions; review agenda and approve minutes; public comment 12:40-12:50; debrief November presentation on Oregon’s Health System Transformation; development of New and Innovative Measure Criteria; Discussion: OHA Health Equity definition; adjourn.

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

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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 Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Just in time for winter weather, a second round of equipment being distributed to communities throughout Oregon has arrived, thanks to the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) Grant Program.

The SPIRE grant is a result of HB 2867, which became effective in August 2017, establishing a grant program to distribute emergency preparedness equipment to local governments, and other recipients, to be used to decrease risk of life and property resulting from an emergency. This equipment may include vehicles or other property.

One of the awardees, the City of Stayton, Ore. received a 56kW mobile-power generator that can be used for emergency power at the Emergency Operations Center in Stayton. The generator may also be redistributed other locations during emergencies, said to Stayton Public Works Supervisor Thomas Etzel.

“This is an important piece of equipment for our community. Trying to purchase this out of our own funds would take away from something else, so it was beneficial to get this with the grant,” Etzel said.

Awardees for this round include:

• City of McMinnville, Portable Power Generator 30kW
• Dora-Sitkum Rural Fire Protection District, Portable Power Generator 30kW
• City of Reedsport, Portable Power Generator 56kW
• City of Stayton/Stayton Police, Portable Power Generator 56kW
• City of Gaston, Portable Power Generator 56kW
• City of Winston Public Works, Portable Power Generator 56kW
• Rainbow Water District, Portable Power Generator 108kW
• Eddyville Charter School, Portable Power Generator 108kW
• City of Clatskanie, Portable Power Generator, 108kW
• Yachats Rural Fire Protection District, Power Generator, 108kW

In all, 80 grant jurisdictions around the state will receive SPIRE-funded equipment. Eligible equipment covers the four priorities of saving/sustaining lives, obtaining/maintaining situational awareness, incident stabilization, and initiating recovery.

SPIRE Grant Coordinator Jim Jungling said he believes the program makes sense for Oregon bringing practical equipment to communities that can save lives and property during emergencies. A total of $5 million has been allotted to procure emergency preparedness equipment to help Oregon communities prepare, respond and recover from emergencies.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

DSC_3031

City of Stayton Public Works team members, and State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) Grant Program Program Coordinator Jim Jungling, stand in front of a 56kW portable power generator, Dec. 11, at the Stayton Public Works facility. (Oregon Office of Emergency Management photo by Cory Grogan)

DSC_3025

City of Stayton Public Works Supervisor Thomas Etzel checks a new, 56kW portable power generator that the city received thanks to the State Preparedness and Incident Response Equipment (SPIRE) Grant Program, with Program Coordinator Jim Jungling at the Stayton Public Works facility, Dec. 11. (Oregon Office of Emergency Management photo by Cory Grogan)

The volcanic eruption on New Zealand's White Island occurred with little warning. The 2010 U.S. census notes that more than 10 million people live in Washington and Oregon alone, and populations are increasing in areas at risk for volcanic hazards. 

Oregon Office of Emergeny Management Geologic Hazards Awareness Pprogram Coordinator Althea Rizzo is available today, December 9, between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to discuss the hazards produced by Cascade Range volcanoes and how to prepare for volcanic activity.

To arranged an interview, contact Paula Negele at 503-871-8689 or paula.negele@state.or.us.

Thousands of Gray whales are migrating south through Oregon’s waters later this month and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites visitors to the coast for the annual Winter Whale Watch Week Dec. 27 - 31.

Trained volunteers from the Whale Watching Spoken Here program will be stationed 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. each day at more than 20 of best whale watching sites on the coast, ready to help visitors spot whales and answer questions about the animals.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available on the official event webpage. 

An estimated 25,000 Gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores over the next several weeks, part of their annual migration south to the warm calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico. The end of December is the peak time for their migration; roughly 30 whales pass by per hour.

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

A live stream of whale activity in Depoe Bay returns this winter too; watch it on the Oregon State Parks YouTube channel during the event.

For more information about coast state parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.

Editors: view and download an online gallery of whale and whale watching photos here. Credit Oregon State Parks. 

BANDON, Ore. – The campground and overnight facilities at Bullards Beach State Park opened for reservations today for stays between Jan. 1, 2020 – March 9, 2020 after a construction project was postponed. All overnight facilities — including full-hookup campsites, electrical sites and yurts — are open through those months.

The campground, which is open year-round, had initially been slated for a winter closure due to a sewer line construction project. That project has been rescheduled for Nov. 16, 2020 -March 15, 2021. The campground will be closed during the project.

The sewer line project will modernize the system and allow for more consistent sewer operation in the campground, which translates to fewer disruptions in service for park visitors.

Campsites and other overnight facilities are able to be reserved in advance up to nine months before the first night of stay; for example, campsite reservations for November 2020 can be made as early as February 2020, and so on.

Find information about Bullards Beach and nearby state campgrounds at oregonstateparks.org or call the state parks info center at 800-551-6949.

PORTLAND, Ore.—Portland resident Isaiah Holt, 31, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine, money laundering, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Holt is a licensed electrician, motivational speaker, and fitness coach.

According to court documents, beginning in July 2016 and continuing until his arrest in April 2018, Holt used his association with a licensed marijuana producer in Portland to divert state-legal marijuana into the black market. Holt sold marijuana in-person to out-of-state customers traveling to Oregon and by mail to remote customers using the U.S. Postal Service.

Holt recruited two individuals to use their bank accounts to receive and launder proceeds of his marijuana sales. Out-of-state customers would send Holt mailing addresses and deposit payments into bank accounts in the names of various third-party associates. Holt would then direct these associates to withdraw the money from their accounts on his behalf. He used the cash to purchase multiple vehicles that he registered in his girlfriend and co-defendant’s name, Marjorie Livington. Holt also directed Livingston, 39, of Portland, to purchase and register firearms for him using her name.

On April 4, 2018, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) obtained and executed a search warrant on Holt and Livingston’s Northeast Portland residence. Agents found 11.5 grams of cocaine and nearly $2,000 in cash on Holt’s person and drug packaging materials, shipping labels, 14 pounds of marijuana, three firearms, and $46,100 in cash in the residence.

After his arrest and federal indictment, Holt continued to distribute cocaine. From April to August 2019, law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases of cocaine from Holt. While on his way to a fourth pre-arranged buy, Holt eluded a marked police car and later fled on foot, discarding approximately two ounces of cocaine along the way. In total, law enforcement purchased or recovered from Holt approximately 158 grams of cocaine during these purchases.

Conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and three years’ supervised release. Money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine or twice the value of property involved, and three years’ supervised release. Illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.  

Holt will be sentenced on March 9, 2020 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Michael W. Mosman.

As part of his plea agreement, Holt has agreed to forfeit one Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, one Ruger AR-556 5.56 caliber rifle, one Taurus 9mm pistol, all seized ammunition, and $46,100 in cash. He has also agreed to pay $32,600 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgement.

Livingston was indicted alongside Holt for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. She is scheduled to plead guilty to the firearms charge on December 16, 2019.

The case was investigated by ATF, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Portland Police Bureau. It is being prosecuted by Julia Jarrett and Leah Bolstad, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—David Carl Paulsen, 33, of Bend, Oregon, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in federal prison and two years’ supervised release for illegally manufacturing and possessing marijuana during a March 2018 butane honey oil (BHO) explosion in Bend.

According to court documents, on March 18, 2018, Bend police officers responded to an explosion at a residence where David Paulsen lived with his wife, Jennifer Paulsen, 34, and their three-year-old daughter. Witnesses reported that, following the explosion, the Paulsens were running around their house, putting items in their truck and car, and telling neighbors not to call the police. Witnesses also reported that David Paulsen gave his daughter to a neighbor and told the neighbor to tell police that she had been with the neighbor during the explosion. Both Paulsens suffered severe burns.

During a search of the residence, investigators discovered more than 34 pounds of marijuana, multiple butane cans, and a BHO extraction device. BHO is a concentrated form of marijuana extracted using highly flammable or combustible solvents. Investigators believe David Paulsen was operating an illegal and unlicensed open flame BHO lab in his house, which caused the explosion.

On July 18, 2018, the Paulsens were charged by a federal grand jury with manufacturing or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana and endangering a human life while illegally manufacturing a controlled substance.

On September 18, 2019, David Paulsen pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing or possessing with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana. Prior to David Paulsen’s sentencing in federal court, Jennifer Paulsen pleaded guilty and was sentenced for unlawful delivery of marijuana in Deschutes County Circuit Court. The government moved to dismiss Jennifer Paulsen’s federal charges during her husband’s sentencing.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bend Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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PORTLAND, Ore., December 12, 2019—The Portland Business Journal has recognized OnPoint Community Credit Union, the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, as number six on the state’s top 10 “Most Admired Companies” in this year’s financial services category. The list was based on survey results issued to more than 5,000 CEOs across Oregon and this is the 12th year that OnPoint has received this honor. Companies were evaluated on innovation, branding and marketing, quality of management, community involvement and caliber of products and services. 

OnPoint is the only credit union recognized among the top 10 in this year’s financial services category, which includes banks and wealth management firms throughout Oregon.

“OnPoint has had another strong year both in terms of asset and membership growth. Equally important, we have deepened our investment in the communities we serve,” said OnPoint Community Credit Union President and CEO Rob Stuart. “It’s an honor to have our hard work recognized by our friends and neighbors across Oregon.” 

In 2019, OnPoint increased its total membership to more than 388,000 members in Oregon and Southwest Washington and grew its assets to $6.1 billion. As OnPoint has grown, it has strengthened its community impact by donating more than $900,000 to local nonprofits this year alone. In addition, OnPoint allocated 10,848 paid volunteer hours to its employees to support causes that matter most to the communities it serves.

The credit union has also expanded its partnerships with local financial education nonprofits and trained over 50 volunteers to teach financial education in schools and community centers. OnPoint supports school communities and nonprofits through its employee giving campaigns, refer-a-friend campaigns, and annual events like the KGW School Supply Drive and OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education.  

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 388,000 members and with assets of $6.1 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Billy Henry, Founder, President/CEO
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
703 Broadway St, Ste 600
Vancouver, Washington 98660
Local Phone: 1-360-718-2826

Toll Free: 1-800-880-9837
http://www.nwaba.org
henry@nwaba.org">bhenry@nwaba.org

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes to Host Snowshoeing in Sisters, OR on December 14, 2019

Vancouver, Washington—December 11, 2019—Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) has announced that they will be hosting a 2-mile snowshoeing experience in Sisters, OR for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. This event will provide individuals with the opportunity to participate in a beginner snowshoe experience. NWABA’s programs are all designed to build confidence by stepping outside one’s comfort zone, to foster friendships with peers who understand what it is like to be visually impaired, and encourage independence through an active, healthy lifestyle.

NWABA’s snowshoeing experience will take place on Saturday, December 14, at Ray Benson Sno-Park in Sisters, OR from 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm. This event is open to individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. With a limited number of spaces remaining, NWABA is expecting eight athletes to attend. Athletes and volunteers interested in attending are encouraged to sign up on www.nwaba.org.

"We are very excited to announce our first snowshoeing event for children, youth, and adults who are blind and visually impaired. This event will support individuals with the tools and resources to participate in a unique snow sport and help them achieve their goals in all areas of life including at school and at home." said Founder, President/CEO, Billy Henry

As a nonprofit organization, NWABA relies on generous contributions to fuel life-changing opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Donations to support NWABA are accepted by mailing a check to PO BOX 65265, Vancouver, WA, 98665 or making an online gift at www.nwaba.org. For more information on Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, please contact Billy Henry at 1-360-718-2826, or visit www.nwaba.org.

About NWABA:
The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. A group of students who were visually impaired formed the organization in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides nearly 1,700 children, youth, and adults with visual impairments tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.

For information: http://www.nwaba.org  or
Contact: henry@nwaba.org">bhenry@nwaba.org
Phone:  1-360-718-2826

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