GLENDALE, Ore. - A Grants Pass man found himself in jail after he led deputies on a pursuit in Glendale early Friday morning. 

37 year-old Jason Edmund Dangerfield failed to stop when a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop and tried to elude deputies in a 2010 Chevy Malibu on Glendale Valley Road. The pursuit ended in the 1000-block of Tunnel Road when Dangerfield attempted to flee on foot. He was apprehended a short time later by deputies. 

Dangerfield was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Attempt to Elude Police in Vehicle and Attempt to Elude Police on foot.

ROSEBURG, Ore. - Deputies were investigating a report of a stolen vehicle Wednesday night, when the vehicle was spotted on Amber Lane at about 11:50 pm. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Chevy pickup, but the driver led deputies on a pursuit out Happy Valley Road. An assisting deputy was able to successfully deploy spike strips, flattening the front tires. The driver lost control of the vehicle near Steinhauer. Both the driver and passenger fled on foot. 

The driver, 28 year-old James Edward Hougland of Roseburg, was located by deputies hiding in a dried creek bed. Roseburg Police Department K9 Nike responded to the scene. K9 Nike located the passenger, 27 year-old Brianna Lee Yow of Winston hiding in a shed.

Both Hougland and Yow were taken into custody and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges: 

HOUGLAND: Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving, Attempt to Elude a Police Officer in a Vehicle, Attempt to Elude a Police Officer on Foot, Interfering. 

YOW: Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, Attempt to Elude a Police Officer on Foot, Interfering, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. 

Winston Police Department also assisted. 

ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Monday, October 15, 2018, dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call reporting a vehicle that had been struck by a train in the 3200-block of Old Highway 99 South. 

Emergency services responded to the crash. Deputies learned that 81 year-old Roseburg resident Earl Jensen was exiting a driveway and stopped on the railroad tracks in his 2015 Ford Taurus. He did not observe the northbound Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad train that was approaching. Unable to stop, the train struck Jensen's vehicle, which caused the vehicle to be pushed forward several feet into a tree. 

Jensen was transported to Mercy Medical Center by ambulance with minor injuries.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Douglas County Fire District #2, Winston-Dillard Fire Department and Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad. 

RIDDLE, Ore. - A crash Sunday evening claimed the life of a Winston man. Dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call of a single vehicle crash in the 2000-block of Cow Creek Road near Riddle at about 8:16 PM.

The Sheriff's Office determined the vehicle had been operated by 32 year-old Thomas W. Rynearson of Winston. The preliminary investigation indicates Rynearson was driving a 2004 Ford F350 toward Riddle when his vehicle left the roadway and rolled several times. Rynearson was pronounced deceased at the scene. Speed appears to be a contributing factor.  The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office also responded to the scene. 

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to speak with deputies by calling 541-440-4471 and reference case #18-4592.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Riddle Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance and Bill's Towing. 

Eugene Springfield Fire Chief Joe Zaludek will adress the media at the scene of this morning's fire, 500 block Oakdale, at 1:00pm. Details of his statement will also be made available later this afternoon.

Note: While there is no indication that 13-year-old Jayme Closs is in Oregon, the FBI is pushing this information out across the country with the thought that she could be anywhere at this time. The FBI is requesting that local media publicize her missing poster and related information and that the public post this information on their own social media platforms.

On Monday, October 15, 2018, at 12:53 AM, a 911 call was received from Barron, Wisconsin. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials found two adults deceased, and their 13-year-old daughter, Jayme Closs, missing. Closs is now considered endangered. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Jayme Closs, or if you have had contact with Closs, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice Child Abduction Response Team tipline at 1-855-744-3879. You may also contact your local FBI office.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: Building a digital defense against payroll phishing scams.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center is out with a new warning about fraudsters who are targeting your paycheck via direct deposit. Any worker can be affected by this scam – but the industries getting hit the hardest include education, healthcare and commercial airway transportation.

Here’s what happens: the bad guy uses your work login info to get into your employer’s HR system to replace your direct deposit information with his own.

It starts when an employee receives an email that looks just familiar enough that he doesn’t question it too much. The email includes a link or web address that the user clicks on. Once he clicks, he will be directed to a fraudulent site or portal where the victim will be asked to enter his work credentials to confirm his identity. The bad guys use that login ID and password to change the employee’s direct deposit information in the company’s files. Often, the fraudsters even change other account settings in the system, preventing the victim from receiving an email warning that changes have been made to his account.  

Here’s how employees can avoid being scammed:

• Make sure you verify with your employer that a suspicious email is valid. Send it to your office’s HR or IT departments for confirmation.
• Keep an eye out for any misspelled words, odd phrasing and poor grammar. These could be indications that the email is coming from elsewhere in the world.
• If the email includes any links to web pages, hover your mouse over the link and confirm that the URL is exactly the same as that used by the payroll company. Don’t click if you are not 100% sure.

Here are some steps that businesses can take to protect their employees:

• Teach your employees what a phishing scam is and how to avoid it.
• Require that login credentials used for payroll purposes differ from those used for other purposes, such as employee surveys.
• Use two-factor authentication on sensitive systems and information.
• Create protocols that require additional scrutiny to banking changes that appear to be requested by employees.

Iin the end, a little extra hassle in the short term may prevent a big headache in the long run. 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.

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JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – A new partnership will give the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) a high-tech boost to its criminal investigations.  JCSO Detective Gabe Burchfiel will soon join the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF). 

On Tuesday, October 16, 2018, Detective Burchfiel was sworn in as an FBI agent.  The dual designation allows Detective Burchfiel to investigate local crimes that may include activity outside Oregon, such those that involve children lured by internet predators. 

Detective Burchfiel has completed extensive training to obtain certification to conduct forensic examinations of electronic devices – an increasingly common component of criminal cases.  By embedding a detective in the SOHTCTF, JCSO will have better access to high-tech evidence services, reducing the need to contract with outside labs.

The SOHTCTF is housed at the Medford Police Department and is made up of investigators from local and federal agencies.  The bulk of the cases investigated involve child sexual abuse and exploitation; however, the task force assists with other types of cases including homicides, sexual assaults, and drug trafficking.

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MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers are working to educate and empower children who may find themselves lost or separated from their families.  On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, volunteers will present the popular “Lost But Found” program to students at LOGOS Public Charter School, 400 Earhart Street. 

The "Lost But Found" program is designed to teach kids simple survival skills to use in the event they become lost.  The presentation will include a SAR K9 demonstration.

SAR volunteers are available to provide the free training to schools, community organizations, and other groups.  Call SAR at (541) 864-8830 to schedule a presentation.

For more information on the Lost But Found program, follow this link: http://jacksoncountyor.org/sheriff/Divisions/Search-and-Rescue/Lost-but-Found-Program .

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Update 10/16/18 at 9:00 p.m.: For clarification regarding the first paragraph, today's vote by the BOC was specifically for the purchase of land intended for use for a new jail. Today's action by the BOC does not create a tax service district - a matter that, if shown to be feasible after further research, will be referred to voters.  

Original release:

MEDFORD, Ore. – The Jackson County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has taken a further step toward the construction of a new jail.  In a meeting on the morning of October 16, 2018, the BOC voted to move forward with a plan to create a county-wide tax, through a service district, to support future jail operations.  They also confirmed their support of the purchase of land in North Medford upon which to build a new facility. 

Sheriff Nathan Sickler is optimistic about the new developments. “Building a jail is a long process,” he said, “But it is an important one for our community.  We will continue to move forward and do everything possible to provide much-needed relief to our local justice system as soon as possible.”

The proposed location for a new jail is in an undeveloped area south of East Vilas Road, between Highway 62 and the future Rogue Valley Expressway.  The county is using general fund reserves to make the $6.6 million purchase.   

In March 2018, the county conducted a citizen survey that showed taxpayers were not willing to support a property tax levy to build a facility to house 1,000 inmates at a cost of $1.09/$1000 of assessed value.  Following the survey, the BOC asked County Administrator Danny Jordan and Sheriff Sickler to come up with a plan to build a new jail at a reduced burden to taxpayers.  Since then, they have been working together on a creative solution with a lower overall cost.

Today, Jordan introduced a plan to propose a voter-supported service district with an estimated net cost to taxpayers of about half the previous amount. He said the county will be able to draw from general fund reserves in order to reduce the tax burden.  Jordan also proposed potentially using the site of the current jail as a location for additional courtrooms to supplement the local justice system.

The estimated cost is believed to be sufficient to build and staff a jail that can house an estimated 750 inmates with infrastructure to expand in the future. Jordan said the final cost could be higher or lower, and will be adjusted in the coming months as the county receives updates on the real costs and funding sources.

The next step in the process is for a team of architects to develop and analyze plans for a proposed facility by the first week of December 2018.  The county has contracted with DLR Group at a cost of $82,478 to help with the initial phases of the project, with consideration to design, capacity, programs, staffing model, and cost analysis.  Expanding mental health and addiction services will be included in the cost analysis.  

County officials will meet with DLR Group representatives at least twice over the next two months to acquire the initial plan and cost projections.  This work is crucial – it will provide a more precise and realistic estimate of the costs to build and operate a new jail.

Several additional steps must be completed to get the district funding on the November 2019 ballot.  County officials will meet with local city officials to request consent to participate in the taxing district.  Multiple public hearings will be held in the summer of 2019 to allow for public input.  The County must file multiple orders and notices publicly and with state and county authorities.  If voters agree, construction on a new jail could begin sooner than previously expected.  

Sheriff Sickler says there are still a lot of variables that could affect the timing of the process, “but things are moving in the right direction.”

Sheriff Sickler will continue to speak to community groups about the jail expansion project.  Groups interested in learning more about the current system and proposed changes can call (541) 770-8923 to schedule a presentation.

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JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Two people are in jail following a pursuit on rural roadways Sunday night.  In apparent attempts to hinder Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) deputies, the driver swerved toward oncoming vehicles, ramming one JCSO patrol car.  At one point, the passenger threw a bicycle into the roadway from the moving vehicle.

The suspect driver, Christopher Michael Rock, 35, is lodged in the Jackson County jail on the following charges:  attempting to elude police in a vehicle, attempting to elude police on foot, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, failure to perform the duties of a driver when property is damaged (hit and run), first degree criminal trespass, and two counts of first degree criminal mischief.  Rock’s bail was set at $47,000 at lodging, plus a no-bail hold for a parole violation.

The passenger, Susan Anne Medcalf, 49, was lodged in jail on charges of first degree criminal trespass and five counts of recklessly endangering another person.  Medcalf’s bail at lodging was $30,000 plus a no-bail hold for a parole violation.

On October 14, 2018, at 8:27 p.m., a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputy patrolling the area of Bellinger Lane and Minear Road attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle that had been parked at a church after hours.  The white Dodge Caravan immediately eluded the deputy.  The driver, later identified as Rock, swerved toward oncoming cars, including law enforcement vehicles arriving in the area.  Deputies lost sight of the van in a nearby neighborhood.

Another deputy spotted the van driving on Arnold Lane.  Rock again failed to stop, eluding deputies toward Central Point.  The van struck the front of a JCSO patrol vehicle at the intersection of Hanley Road and Rossanley Drive.  The patrol car received minor damage, but the deputy was not injured.

The vehicle continued toward Old Stage Road, then to Scenic Road.  The passenger, later identified as Medcalf, threw a bicycle into the roadway from the moving vehicle.  Deputies were able to avoid the hazard. 

The vehicle finally stopped when Rock drove off Gold Ray Road and unsuccessfully tried to cross nearby railroad tracks.  Both occupants fled on foot from the disabled vehicle. 

Deputies located Medcalf a short distance away and took her into custody.  JCSO K9 Titan tracked Rock to a hiding place in the bushes nearby.  Rock was taken into custody without further incident.  Nobody was injured.  The van caused minor damage to the railroad tracks and had to be towed from the scene.  

The total distance covered was approximately 19 miles, lasting approximately 24 minutes. At different points in the incident, JCSO was assisted by personnel from Medford Police, Phoenix Police, Jacksonville Police, Central Point Police, and the Oregon State Police. 

Case #18-21811

Update October 13 2018.

White City, Ore - Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office are asking the public to be on the look out for the suspect in connection with a robbery earlier this week. 

Ricardo Escobar, born in 1993, is suspected of commiting a burglary and robbery at the Thunderbird Estates on Falcon Street on October 11.  

The public should avoid contact with Escobar as he has a violent past.  

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Ricardo Escobar is asked to contact the White City Community Action Team of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 541-776-7208

White City, Ore – Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a robbery in White City.  On October 11, 2018, at about 2:15 p.m., a robbery was reported at Thunderbird Estates on Falcon Street.

An undisclosed amount of money was taken after a man was threatened with a cattle prod.  There were no injuries as a result of the incident. 

The suspect has been identified, and is outstanding in this active investigation.  There is no threat to the public at this time.

Further details will be released as soon as they are available.

Case #18-21542

The members of Lebanon Fire District’s C-Shift had a very special visit on Friday afternoon. Cidni O’Brien, 12, was playing in a soccer game at Lebanon’s Cheadle Lake Park on Saturday April 21st when she began to feel sick. After scoring a goal she told her step-father Tim Faulconer, who was officiating the game, that she wasn’t feeling well. Tim recommended she go see her coach, who took her out of the game to rest.

What followed was a traumatic experience for Cidni, her family, and the fans gathered at the game. Cidni sat down on the sideline and then rolled over onto the ground, unresponsive. Bystanders didn’t know if at the time, but Cidni was suffering a cardiac arrest which had stopped her heart. Cidni’s mother Nikki is a registered nurse at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, and as she sat across the field she watched her daughter slump to the ground. As the coach called out for help, Nikki Faulconer raced across the field to assess her daughter who was unconscious, not breathing, and had no pulse. Nikki immediately began CPR while bystanders called 911.

Firefighters and paramedics from the Lebanon Fire District were in house at Station 34, located less than a quarter mile from the soccer fields. They were dispatched at 2:36 pm and arrived on scene in just 37 seconds. Crews then had to navigate through dozens of soccer players and fans to find the actual scene of the emergency. Once with Cidni, medics quickly initiated Advanced Life Support care which included intravenous access, defibrillation, and cardiac monitoring. Medics also performed a Rapid Sequence Intubation, in which a patient is chemically paralyzed for the placement of an endotracheal tube which allowed responders to breathe for Cidni.

Cidni was transported to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital where she was further stabilized before being flown to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland two hours later. Following the incident, the grim reality of the situation began to set in on the fire and EMS crews. “Almost every responder on that call was a parent.” noted LFD Division Chief Jason Bolen. “Serious pediatric calls normally involve a heightened level of stress, and in this case Cidni was very close in age to a number of our own kids which really hits home once the call is over.” First responders went through a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing with LFD Chaplain Brian Gosser following the call, which is typical for incidents with serious emotional impact on responders.

In the days following her flight to Portland Cidni was diagnosed with a rare heart defect called anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery, or AAOCA. The defect restricts blood flow to the heart and ultimately led to her cardiac arrest. Cidni underwent open heart surgery on April 30 to correct the defect, but the risk for arrhythmia and another possible cardiac arrest will remain. That risk meant that Cidni would need to have an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) near her at all times, and AED’s come with a significant price tag. Cidni’s pediatrician, Dr. Dana Kosmala, reached out to the Lebanon Fire District to ask about a loaner AED while the family figured out how to navigate the purchase of their own unit. “When Dr. Kosmala called me to ask if LFD could loan out an AED for a few weeks I thought, we can do better than that!”, said Chief Bolen. Bolen contacted LFD Lieutenant Russell Duerr who serves on the board of LFCAIRS, the Lebanon Firefighters Community Assistance and Initial Relief Service.

LFCAIRS is a non-profit organization which raises funds through donations and fundraising activities to support victims of house fires, traumatic circumstances, or catastrophic loss. “When I received the request from Chief Bolen I knew this was something that LFCAIRS could provide for this Lebanon family that would really help them out during a really difficult time.” said Lieutenant Duerr. In the matter of a few days the new AED was ordered and delivered to Cidni by Dr. Kosmala’s office. 

In the months since her incident Cidni has been focusing on her recovery and trying to get back into the normal routine of family life. While her condition may now limit her competitive sports participation, she looks forward to exchanging that for a horse someday.

It’s not often that responders get to follow up with their patients after the call. In most cases, responders will never know what happened to their patients once leaving the emergency room. That’s why last Friday was so special for the LFD crews when Cidni and her family walked through the doors at Fire Station 31. There were lots of smiles, stories, and even a few tears of joy. Both Nikki and Tim and the Lebanon Fire District continue to advocate for CPR instruction and how to use an AED in the event of another incident like Cidni’s. The fire district offers CPR/AED classes on a regular basis, and the Faulconers hope to see an AED installed at the soccer fields at Cheadle Lake Park.

“The stars really aligned that day so that Cidni had the best care possible from the moment she collapsed until she had her surgery.” notes LFD Battalion Chief Nick Tyler, who was the shift officer working on that April day. “It was a very special moment for us as responders to see her today, smiling and healthy!”.

A family friend has set up a Go Fund Me account for Cidni’s medical expenses. To view or donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/cidni039s-life-flight-fund 

For more information about CPR or AED courses, contact the Lebanon Fire District Fire & Life Safety Division at 541-451-1901.

Photo Attached: Top – Cidni O’Brien Middle(L-R) – Tim Faulconer, Lincoln Faulconer, Nikki Faulconer Lower(L-R) – Battalion Chief Nick Tyler, Firefighter Nick Unruh, Engineer Corey Knipstein, Lieutenant Brett Kibble, Student Intern Brett Doshier.

For HD Video of this and other LFD incidents, please subscribe to the Lebanon Fire District YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTxDBuPbD3DPAybCkCgEvg

For HD photos of this and other LFD incidents, please follow the Lebanon Fire District Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LebanonFireDistrict/?ref=bookmarks

For updates on large scale incidents within the Lebanon Fire District, follow us on Twitter: @LebanonFD

On 10/13/2018 at 6:53 PM Lebanon Fire District responded to a house fire at 1960 South 9 th St. in Lebanon.  Upon arrival of the Battalion Chief the home was found to have fire in the structure with smoke and flames visible at the back of the house.  Engines and other apparatus from Lebanon responded to the scene but were hampered in their suppression efforts due to multiple propane tanks venting and ammunition that was involved in the fire. After it was safe to enter, crews  got a quick knock down on the exterior of the home, working to the inside of the home where the fire was extinguished completely.

It took seven fire apparatus and twenty firefighters to extinguish the blaze.  The cause of the fire was a generator used to supply electrical equipment located at the rear of the home. The occupants of the home were alerted to the fire by neighbors that saw the blaze and acted quickly to help the occupants get out.  There were no injuries reported.

Albany Fire assisted Lebanon by standing by while Lebanon’s crews were extinguishing the fire.

Attached Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlEgJlydXy0

You buckle up when you get in your vehicle. Make sure your pet is just as safe. Many dog owners let their dog run loose in an open truck bed, not thinking about the dangers. No matter how well-trained or coordinated you think your dog is, he or she can still fall or jump out of the back of a truck.

Oregon law requires a dog to be protected by a carrier or other restraint if transported on "the external part of a vehicle" on a highway.

A carrier or cage is most ideal, but if you use a leash or lead, make sure it is of a length that doesn’t allow the dog to go over the side. A two-point restraint works best to ensure the animal can’t jump or be thrown in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

If your pet travels inside the vehicle with you, remember that driving with any live animal on your lap presents a distraction and puts the pet, the driver, other passengers and other drivers at significant risk for a collision. A collision that would otherwise be preventable.

There are numerous pet-specific vehicle restraints that work with your existing seatbelts and can be purchased either online or in pet stores.

Our pets love to be on the go with us. Show them how much you care by always considering their safety whenever you take them on the road with you.

For more information and tips visit our website at: www.lincolncountysheriff.net

and like us on Facebook: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office - Oregon

Pretrial Justice in Lincoln County is a newly established program which added its first defendants on Monday October 15, 2018.

Research indicates that harm can be done to defendants who are unnecessarily detained prior to trial.  Detained defendants can suffer loss of employment and housing, become separated from loved ones, experience family disruption, have higher odds of recidivism and receive harsher sentences than similarly situated defendants who are released from jail prior to their trial.  The goals of the Lincoln County Pretrial Justice Program are:

1. Help courts make informed bail decisions, including nonfinancial options for release of appropriate defendants;
2. Ensure that release options are realistic, enforceable, measurable and,
3. Promote maximized pretrial release appearances, public safety and compliance outcomes.

The program operates on the presumption that individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Two pretrial specialist positions were approved through the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners to provide recommendations to the courts.  These recommendations will occur after the pretrial specialist has verified information pertinent to the defendant’s possible release.  If approved for release into this program, these defendants will be monitored by the pretrial specialist to ensure they are following the conditions as outlined by the Judge.  They will receive timely phone reminders prior to their court appearances.

The Lincoln County Jail currently has approximately 50% of the inmate population on pretrial status.  Through the process of building the pretrial justice program, the hope will be to reduce this percentage to then allow beds for those who need to remain in custody. 

“I am very excited Lincoln County is starting the Pretrial Justice Program” stated Sheriff Curtis Landers.  “The Pretrial Justice Program is an effective way to manage the inmate population in the jail to prevent overcrowding while making sure people show up for court and do not commit further crimes” said Sheriff Landers.

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Prepared by:

Jamie Russell

Jail Commander

541-265-0701

jrussell@co.lincoln.or.us

On October 13, 2018 The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office received numerous complaints from citizens after they received phone calls from subjects identifying themselves as law enforcement officers. The subjects or callers reported to the citizens that a member of their family is in custody and needs funds to get out of jail and to transfer money electronically or onto gift cards for a quick release of the famiily member. 

Another citizen reported the subjects advised the citizen they had a warrant for their arrest and to turn themselves into City Hall. The citizen reported their Caller ID displayed a name they affilated with law enforcment. 

Many of the citizens who reported the suspicious calls reported the subjects used the names of  Lt. Whitman, Sgt. Chip Baker or Deputy Baker.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office wants to remind citizens to not give out personal, financial or other protected information over the phone. If you doubt the credibilty of any suspicious phone calls we encourage you to call your local law enforcement agency or stop by in person to discuss sensetive information. 

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

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Submitted by, 

Karl Vertner, Patrol Sergeant

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon would like to advise our citizens of a scam technique that is currently on a rise in Linn County.

Citizens have been receiving telephone calls from a male who identifies himself as Captain Guilford.  The male tells you of an outstanding warrant and because you did not show up for court, you now have a federal subpoena.  The caller then asks you to get a pre-paid money card and pay your fine over the telephone.  The phone number is often a fake, as these phone numbers are forwarded through fake phone apps. 

Our office has received 2 calls today regarding this scam.  This is extremely alarming to our office, as we do have a Captain Guilford employed at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.   Often names are pulled from public websites and used in these types of scams.   In 2015, another captain from our office was used in these types of scams.

We would like to remind our citizens that law enforcement will never ask for money over the phone or electronically.  These are well known scams, please do not give out any personal information to someone you do not know.  This includes your account numbers, Social Security number, names, addresses and date of birth. 

If you fall victim to one of these scams and have been defrauded money or personal information, please call your local law enforcement agency and report it immediately.   If you suspect a scam and have not been defrauded, we recommend reporting this activity directly to the United States Department of Justice at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/contact/report-fraud.html

Governor Kate Brown has declared the Klondike Fire, burning near Agness, a conflagration. The declaration cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

The Office of State Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team led by Chief Ian Yocum, and five structural task forces from Lane, Rogue Valley, Linn, Benton, and Marion counties will arrive early this afternoon.  Three task forces will be assigned to day shift and two will be working the night shift.

 A level 3 "GO" evacuation is in effect for the Oak Flats and Spud Road areas of the Agness community.

More information on evacuations is available at Curry County Emergency Services Facebook.

Oregon State Police, Hood River County Sheriff's Office, ODOT and emergency personnel are on the scene of a multi vehicle motor vehicle crash on Hwy 35 at Central Vale rd.

One person has been transported to the hospital in Hood River.

Hwy 35 is closed in both directions.  Traffic is being diverted off of Central Vale road.

Investigation revealed that a 2012 Peterbilt semi truck, being operated by Shannon Dwinell (46) of Great Bend, KS, was westbound on I-84 when for unknown reasons left the roadway, struck the guardrail, and overturned.  

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

The stock trailer was loaded with 28 cattle, 5 died as a result of the crash.

Oregon State Police and emergency personnel are on scene of a single vehicle semi truck crash on I-84 near milepost 284 westbound.  

A commercial motor vehicle hauling cattle has struck a guardrail and flipped over on Interstate 84 - 2 miles west of North Powder.  

The operator sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Several cattle escaped and are loose on the freeway, unfortunately several cattle also died in the crash.

Investigation is continuing no more information to be released at this time.

On Monday, October 15, 2018 at approximately 6:35 PM. Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 99W near milepost 117 - approximately 2 miles north of Eugene.

Investigation revealed that a 2005 Toyota Prius, operated by Sandra Boynton (78) from Eugene, was attempting to turn left onto Hwy 99W from a private driveway.  Boynton turned in front of a northbound 2005 Ford Explorer, operated by Rebecca Weston (34) from Eugene.  

Boynton and her passenger Gail Purkerson (74) from Eugene both sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Weston and her juvenile male passenger received minor injuries.

Oregon State Police were assisted by the Lane County Sheriff's Office, Lane County Fire and ODOT

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help in locating the individual(s) responsible for shooting and wasting a mule deer buck near the Woodland snow park off of Hwy 204.  Woodland snow park is 16 miles west of the City of Elgin in the Umatilla National Forest.

On Sunday, October 7, 2018  an Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Trooper responded to a complaint of a buck deer that was shot and left to waste at the Woodland Snow Park. The dead buck was located approximately 70 yards from the parking lot on an old skid road.  The buck was visible from the parking area.  The Trooper confirmed the buck had been shot behind the front shoulder, with a rifle, and left to waste 

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Trooper Davis through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677).

In addition, to either a preference point reward or cash reward offered below, the local Union/Wallowa County OHA chapter is offering an additional $500.

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-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

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)

The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help in locating the individual(s) responsible for shooting and wasting a mule deer buck in the Mt. Emily Wildlife Management Unit near the City of Elgin in Union County. 

On Sunday, October 7, 2018 the Union County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a dead buck deer on South 11th Street near Birch Street in the City of Elgin.  The Deputy along with a Fish and Wildlife Trooper responded and located the buck dead and the meat spoiled. The buck was found to have been shot in the hindquarters with an arrow. The buck had been observed alive the day prior and a photo of him was taken by a resident.  

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Trooper Davis through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677).

In addition, to either a preference point reward or cash reward offered below, the local Union/Wallowa County OHA chapter is offering an additional $500.

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-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

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)

Redmond, OR – The Redmond Police Department is turning to the public for help in locating Michael Tallman, formerly known as Michael Bremont.  Tallman has also used the name “Jacob Straib.”  A trial was set to begin on Tuesday, October 23, on ten counts of Sex Abuse in the Second Degree.  Tallman was indicted on these crimes earlier this year and released from custody with the condition he wears a GPS ankle bracelet, pending the trial date.  The GPS ankle bracelet has been recovered and Tallman's whereabouts are unknown.  A warrant has been issed for his arrest.  It is believed Tallman has or is about to flee the state. 

Tallman is the former director of the Redmond Proficiency Academy in Redmond, Oregon, and used the name Michael Bremont at the time.  In 2012, Tallman was arrested and ultimately convicted of several sex crimes involving two underage students.  Tallman was sentenced to prison and was released at the end of the prison term.  These new charges stem from a new victim bravely coming forward to report what happened to her, several years ago.  The Redmond Police Department is passionate about seeking justice for juvenile sex crimes victims, and will not stop looking for Tallman until he is in custody. 

Redmond Police Detectives are actively seeking Tallman’s whereabouts using resources available to local law enforcement.  We are hopeful anyone with information about Tallman’s whereabouts will contact us by calling the Deschutes County 911 Dispatch non-emergency line at 541-693-6911, or their local law enforcement agency.

# # #

Your Redmond Police Department keeps you safe with 45 sworn officers and 11 support staff who field more than 23,000 calls for service annually. 

The City of Roseburg Fire Department will be moving Station 3 on Monday, October 15, 2018.  Station 3 will be moving from the temporary station location on Valley View back to the permanent location at 801 N.W. Garden Valley Boulevard.  Firefighters will continue to operate out of the permanent location while seismic rehabilitation construction continues over the next couple of months. 

Station 2 will remain at the temporary location of Stewart Park until seismic rehabilitation construction has been completed at the Harvard station.  Construction at the Harvard station should be completed near the end of the year.

Once the seismic rehabilitation construction is completed, the fire stations will then be able to serve as emergency operation centers in case of a community wide disaster. The seismic rehabilitation construction projects are a proactive measure to assist with community preparedness before a catastrophic event occurs.

The City of Roseburg Fire Department would like to thank Wellspring Bible Fellowship for being so gracious in allowing firefighters temporary housing at the Campbell Center on Valley View since the middle of June.  The City of Roseburg Fire Department is grateful for the kindness and generosity shown by everyone at Wellspring Bible Fellowship. 

The Douglas County District Attorney's Office will be conducting a press conference today at 4:00 PM at the Roseburg Police Department regarding the Nicole Engler Investigation.

The Douglas County Major Crimes team investigated the death of one year old Remington Engler on 06-21-18. The purpose of this conference is to update the public on the investigation.  

An early Saturday morning fire at 4302 Airport Rd at 0630. Gutted a residential home. Arriving units found a garage, part of the house, and three cars engulfed in flames. No residents or firefighters were injured. The home was a total loss estimated at $225,000 for the home and $100,000 in contents. Fifteen firefighers and four fire apparatus were used to contain the blaze with mutual aid used from Lebanon Fire District.

Media contact:                                                          
Tom Gauntt, Pacific Power, 503-813-7291

Grants available for EV charging innovation

Pacific Power opens grant applications Oct 15 to help provide wide range of charging options for customers

PORTLAND, Ore. —Oct. 15, 2018-- Have a great idea of how to provide charging options for the growing number of electric vehicles in Oregon? Pacific Power wants to hear from you.

Applications for electric vehicle charging station grants are now open. Up to $300,000 is available in this funding cycle for projects that help communities and businesses develop creative electric transportation infrastructure projects. A total of $1.5 million will be awarded to customer projects through the end of 2019.

“We see collaboration and partnership with community groups, employers and local governments as an important jumpstart in bringing charging technology forward,” said Cory Scott, director of customer solutions.

To apply, entities need to complete and submit an application along with supporting materials by 5 p.m. Nov. 15, 2018.

All non-residential Pacific Power customers in Oregon are eligible to apply with preference given to community-focused organizations, such as 501(c)(3) and city, county and regional governments.

Funding awards will cover up to 100 percent of eligible costs to purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations.

Some examples of projects eligible for grants include, but are not limited to:   

• Businesses of all sizes installing chargers as an amenity for customers and employees.
• Multi-unit housing owners installing chargers for tenants, either in support of tenant-owned electric cars or in conjunction with offering electric cars for tenant use.
• Chargers for community car sharing programs to improve access and charging to electric cars in underserved communities.

For detailed eligibility requirements, project qualifications and application forms, please go to pacificpower.net/ev-grants.

Materials may be submitted to plugin@pacificpower.net.

Grants will be awarded in quarterly cycles through 2019. The next grant cycle will open on Jan. 15, 2019.
 

To learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles, visit pacificpower.net/ev

About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with almost 1.8 million customers in six western states Information about Pacific Power is available on the company's website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

181014-Z-FS713-007: Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel (right), Adjutant General, Oregon, and 1186th Military Police commander, Capt. Richard Smith, pause for a photo during a demobilization ceremony, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 30 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers in the unit returned from Afghanistan where they provided Personal Security Detail (PSD), to protect individuals or groups of individuals. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181014-Z-FS713-003: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1186th Military Police Company stand in formation during a demobilization ceremony honoring their overseas deployment, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 30 Soldiers in the unit recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan where they provided Personal Security Detail (PSD), protecting individuals or groups of individuals. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Deparment Public Affairs)

181014-Z-FS713-002: Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1186th Military Police Company stand in formation during a demobilization ceremony honoring their overseas deployment, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 30 Soldiers in the unit recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan where they provided Personal Security Detail (PSD), protecting individuals or groups of individuals. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181014-Z-FS713-010: Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast IV, Land Component Commander, shakes hands with Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers of the 1186th Military Police Company to welcome them home from their overseas deployment during a demobilization ceremony, Oct. 14, 2018, at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem, Oregon. Approximately 30 Soldiers in the unit deployed to Afghanistan providing Personal Security Detail (PSD), to protect individuals or groups of individuals. (Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

SALEM, Oregon – The 1186th Military Police Company, Oregon Army National Guard, is scheduled to be recognized in a demobilization ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 2:00 p.m., at the Anderson Readiness Center, located at 3225 State Street, Salem, Oregon, 97301. 

Approximately 30 Citizen-Soldiers were mobilized in May 2017 for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS). The Soldiers provided Personal Security Details (PSD), protecting high-profile individuals.

Scheduled to attend the ceremony and welcome the Soldiers home will be Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon; Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast, Land Component Commander; as well as other community and military leaders.

The 1186th MP Company is based in Salem, Oregon. The unit has often partnered with local law enforcement agencies for training. The 1186th MPs partnered with district and federal agencies to provide security, crowd management and traffic control during the 58th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., in January 2017.

This unit has previously deployed overseas twice: to Afghanistan in 2011 and to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2004. The company also provided domestic operations support in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

The unit is comprised of Soldiers from Portland, Salem, Keizer, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Gresham, Monmouth, Eugene, Springfield, Veneta, Central Point, Oakland, Roseburg, Redmond, Milton-Freewater, Ontario, and Nyssa, Oregon. A few Soldiers are from Vancouver, Aberdeen, and Everett, Washington.

The event is open to the public and media is encouraged to attend.

Portland, Ore. – The Bonneville Power Administration has chosen Scott Armentrout to be its executive vice president of Environment, Fish and Wildlife. Armentrout begins his new position at BPA’s Portland headquarters Oct. 29.

“Scott has extensive experience in program management, fish and wildlife biology, restoration programs and teamwork with 30 years of experience working for the U.S. Forest Service,” said BPA Administrator Elliot Mainzer. “His skills and background make him ideal to lead BPA’s Environment, Fish and Wildlife organization. Scott grew up in the Pacific Northwest, so he’s also looking forward to returning home.”

In his new position, Armentrout will serve as top policy-maker and strategist, ensuring environmental compliance while addressing fish and wildlife issues integral to BPA’s business responsibilities and its commitment to stewardship of the region’s environmental resources.

Armentrout will also oversee BPA’s Fish and Wildlife program, one of the largest fish and wildlife mitigation efforts in the world. The program is implemented to mitigate for the inundation, construction and operation of dams in the Columbia and Snake river basins.

“I am excited to be part of BPA’s efforts to protect and enhance the environment and the region’s fish and wildlife,” says Armentrout. “I’m looking forward to tackling the many complex issues and working with BPA’s partners to find creative solutions for a better Pacific Northwest.”

Armentrout comes to BPA from the U.S. Forest Service in Montrose, Colorado, where he’s served as forest supervisor over the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests that comprise 2.9 million acres and together make up the largest national forest in the Rocky Mountain Region.

He replaces Lorri Bodi, who retired in July 2018.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale electricity from 31 federal dams and one nuclear plant to 142 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA delivers power via more than 15,000 circuit miles of lines and 261 substations to 475 transmission customers. In all, BPA markets about a third of the electricity consumed in the Northwest and operates three-quarters of the region’s high-voltage transmission grid. BPA also funds one of the largest fish and wildlife programs in the world, and, with its partners, pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain affordable, reliable and carbon-free electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

###

PORTLAND, Ore. – On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, a federal jury in Portland found Shane Britton, 43, of Pendleton, Oregon, guilty of abusive sexual contact.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in June 2016, Britton was staying at a residence shared by the victim and her mother on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The victim and her mother are both enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Britton is not a tribal member.

During his stay, Britton subjected the victim to a series of unwanted and progressively more invasive physical encounters. In a recorded interview, Britton initially denied the allegation of abusive sexual contact, but later admitted he inappropriately touched the victim. Britton eventually told law enforcement officers that “in no way shape or form did [the victim] do anything wrong or provoke” his abusive conduct.

Britton faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years’ supervised release. He will be sentenced on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon.

The FBI investigated this case in partnership with the Umatilla Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Jennifer Martin and Natalie Wight, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

EUGENE, Ore. – Shawn Sherman Wilson, Jr., 27, of Harrisburg, Oregon, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for dealing heroin and illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Wilson in July 2017 after receiving a tip from a confidential source that he was trafficking heroin in and around Eugene. An undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) contacted Wilson and arranged to purchase an ounce of heroin. They agreed to meet on July 24, 2017 in front of Taylor’s Bar & Grill, a popular night spot in Eugene near the University of Oregon.

At the meeting location, the ATF agent entered Wilson’s car, sitting in the front passenger seat. Wilson had a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol sitting between his legs with the pistol’s handle positioned for easy access. The agent said “I see you got the heat.” Wilson replied, “yeah, while I’m running around town.” Wilson grabbed the firearm and showed it to the agent, telling the agent the firearm belonged to his girlfriend and he was interested in purchasing another.

The ATF agent subsequently completed the heroin purchase, giving Wilson $1,200 in cash. Wilson was later arrested in Douglas County on August 6, 2017. When arrested, Wilson possessed a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol matching the description of the firearm observed by the undercover agent during the controlled buy.

Wilson previously pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 30, 2018.

This case was investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Pamela Paaso, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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

# # #

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2018 in the Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.  For further information, please contact Theresa Janda at (503) 373-1553 or esa.janda@state.or.us">theresa.janda@state.or.us.

Administrative Announcement

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

1.  Introductions

Welcome new Board member, Thomas Thomas.

2.  Minutes

Approve minutes from the July 26, 2018 Meeting.

3.  Fire Policy Committee

a.  Fire Policy Committee Update – James Oeder, Chair

b. Consent Agenda  (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

      A. OAR 259-009-0010 and OAR 259-009-0059 – Proposed rule change – Approve

      Application for Personnel Affiliation and Certification Eligibility (E-1 Form)

      Recommended to the Board by the FPC on September 24, 2018. 

B. OAR 259-009-0062 – Proposed rule change – Approve

Fire Ground Leader

Recommended to the Board by the FPC on September 24, 2018.

C. Cheyenne McEwen DPSST#36822 (Jefferson County RFPD#1) – Deny

Recommended to the Board by the FPC on September 24, 2018.

D. Samantha Morey DPSST#18786  - (West Valley Fire District ) – Deny Application to Instruct and Revoke Certifications

Recommended to the Board by the FPC on September 24, 2018.

E.  David R. Morey DPSST#13538 (West Valley Fire District) –  Revoke

Recommended to the Board by the FPC on September 24, 2018.

F. Committee Appointments

Fire Policy Committee Appointment

• Richard Cearns; Appointment to the FPC to replace Jim Whelan; 1st term effective 10/25/18
• John Rinier; Re-appointment to the FPC; 2nd term effective 7/26/18.

5.  Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Jeff Hering, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Kelly Dutra, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Jason Myers, Chair

d. Consent Agenda  (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. OAR 259-008-0075 – Proposed Rule Change – Approve

Sheriff Eligibility Determinations

Recommended to the Board by the PPC on August 16, 2018. 

B. Eric Petersen DPSST#33872 (Molalla Police Department) - Revoke

Recommended to the Board by the PPC on August 16, 2018.

C. Bradley Johnston DPSST#27723 (Astoria Police Department - retired) – No Action

Recommended to the Board by the PPC on August 16, 2018.

D. Daniel Thurman DPSST #43666 (Silverton Police Department) – Suspend

Recommended to the Board by the PPC on August 16, 2018.

E. Thomas Fleming DPSST#55747 (Marion County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action

Recommended to the Board by the PPC on August 16, 2018.

F. Brock Mittelbach DPSST#41816 (Dept. of Corrections CCCF) – Revoke

Recommended to the Board by the CPC on August 14, 2018.

G. Mario Lagao DPSST#53203 (Dept.of Corrections EOCI)  – Revoke

Recommended to the Board by the CPC on August 14, 2018.

H. Colin Duncan DPSST#44454 (Klamath County Sheriff’s Office)  - Revoke and Deny Application for Training

Recommended to the Board by the CPC on August 14, 2018.

I.  Talissa Baldovino DPSST#58666 (Union County Sheriff’s Office) – No Action against application for Training and Subsequent Certification

Recommended to the Board by the CPC on August 14, 2018.

J. Shawn King DPSST#49251 (Department of Corrections - SRCI) - Revoke

Recommended to the Board by the CPC on August 14, 2018.

K. Cory Thornton DPSST#53006 (DOC – currently not employed)  - Revoke

8/3 Vote Recommended to the Board by the TPC on August 1, 2018.

L. Jennifer Stolt DPSST#42217 (Junction City Police Department) – No Action

Unanimous vote minus one recusal to recommend to the Board by the TPC on August 1, 2018.

M. Committee Appointments

Telecommunications Policy Committee

• Matt Dale; Appointment to the TPC position previously held by Sherry Bensema; 1st term effective 10/25/18

e. Sergeant John Lawrence DPSST#31555 - City of Bend Police Department – Memorial Wall Nomination - Approve

Add Sergeant John Lawrence’s name to the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall during the 2019 Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.

Recommended to the Board by the PPC on August 16, 2018.

f. Changes to the Basic Parole & Probation Curriculum – Approve

Presented by Chris Enquist:  Revised curriculum and testing method (two pilots) for the DPSST Basic Parole & Probation curriculum.

Recommended to the Board by the CPC on August 14, 2018.

6.  Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a.  Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Bill Geiger, Chair

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. OAR 259-060-0450 and 259-061-0200 – Proposed Rule Change – Approve

Removal of cease and desist language.

Recommended to the Board by the PSIPC on September 11, 2018.

B. OAR 259-060-0010 et al – Proposed Rule Change  – Approve

Temporary work permits.

Recommended to the Board by the PSIPC on September 11, 2018.

C. OAR 259-060-0010 et al – Proposed Rule Change  – Approve

Emergency suspension for failure of annual firearms training or renewal training standards      and changes to the annual due date requirement – with staff-recommended amendments.

Recommended to the Board by the PSIPC on September 11, 2018.

D. Committee Appointment

Private Security Investigator Policy Committee

Richard Valencia, Appointment to the PSIPC position previously held by Edward Sharpe; 1st term effective 10/25/18.

7.  Administrative

a. OAR 259-012-0005, 259-013-0300 and 259-025-0000 – Proposed Rule Change – Approve

Presented by Jennifer Howald: Related to Public Records Requests and Fees.

Recommended to the Board by DPSST Staff on October 25, 2018.

b. Information Only:  2018 Customer Service Questionnaire 

9.  Director's Report - Director Gabliks

• Training Reminder – Required Training due by 12/31/18.  Preventing Sexual Harassment and Maintaining a Professional Workplace. 
• 2019 Board and Policy Committee schedule
• DPSST Update

10.  Next Meeting Date:  January 24, 2019

# Background Information about the Board and Department #

The Board consists of 24 members representing city, county and state public safety professionals representing each of the disciplines (police, fire, 9-1-1, corrections, private security), and a private citizen appointed by the Governor. The current Board Chair is Sheriff Jason Myers of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The Board includes administrators as well as non-management representatives from statewide organizations. The Board represents more than 40,000 public safety professionals and establishes minimum standards for the training and certification of city, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security/private investigator providers, and makes determinations on waiver requests. The Board is supported by six policy committees and a number of sub-committees representing the public safety disciplines, which provide technical expertise and serve as vital links to public safety organizations. The Board operates in close partnership with the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) implements minimum standards established by the Board for training and certification of city, county, tribal and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers. DPSST provides training to more than 20,000 students each year throughout Oregon and at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem; certifies qualified officers at various levels from basic through executive; certifies qualified instructors; and reviews and accredits training programs throughout the state based on standards established by the Board. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director of DPSST.

For Immediate Release                                        

October 15, 2018

Contact: Mona Riesterer
                 (503) 378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on November 7, 2018.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon.  The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.  A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Dial-in number: 888-273-3658 and Participant code: 4711910

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

Agenda Items:

1.   Introductions

2.  Minutes of August 1, 2018
Approve Minutes of August 1, 2018 Meeting

3.  Approval of Changes for the Basic Telecommunications Curriculum

4.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-008-0085; Updating the Course Description and Testing Standards for the Three-week Basic Telecommunicator Course and Course Challenge

Presented by Jennifer Howald

5.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-008-0025; Relating to the Three week Basic Telecommunicator Course and Course Challenge Eligibility Standards.

Presented by Jennifer Howald

6.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-008-0060; FA & CPR Requirements for Obtaining DPSST Certifications as a Telecommunicator/Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Presented by Jennifer Howald 

7.  Administrative Closures – Telecommunicator/Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

8.  Coy, Gibson DPSST #58809 – Application for Training and Subsequent Certification; Columbia 911 Communication District

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

9.  Pickard, Amy DPSST #54512 – Basic Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification; American Medical Response

Presented by Kristen Hibberds

10. Staff Update

11.  Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting February 6, 2019 @ 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

The Northwest Regional Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Conference Committee is pleased to announce the 2018 award recipients given at the 8th annual Northwest Regional CIT Conference on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at The Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA.

The conference and awards banquet are hosted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and the CIT Statewide and CIT-King County Programs; King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division; CIT-King County Coordinators Committee; Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training – Center for Policing Excellence; FBI – Seattle CAAA; Portland Police Bureau Behavioral Health Unit; Marion County Crisis Outreach Response Team; Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI); and the Oregon CIT Center of Excellence (CITCOE).

CIT International 2nd Vice President Ron Bruno was on hand to recognize the nominees and award recipients. Banquet attendees also participated in a silent auction fundraiser for National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Tri-Cities raising more than $2,000 to support behavioral health programs in the community.

The following are the award nominees and award recipients by category:

CIT Coordinator of the Year:

· Sergeant Dan Nelson, Seattle Police Department, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Trainer/Instructor of the Year:

· Allison Wedin, Supervisor, King County Crisis & Commitment Services, Washington (Award Recipient)

· Sergeant James Anthony Lockhart, King County Sheriff’s Office, CIT King CO Program, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Mental Health Professional of the Year:

· Monique “Nikki” Roger, Designated Crisis Responder, Comprehensive Behavioral Health, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Non-Commissioned Staff Member of the Year:

· Glenda Coms, Administrative Assistant, CIT Programs, WA State Criminal Justice Training Commission, Washington (Award Recipient)

· Lynn Morse, Security Officer, King County, Washington (Nominee)

CIT Community Resource of the Year:

· Megan Ridle, Crisis Manager, Coos Health & Wellness, Oregon (Award Recipient)

CIT Fire/EMS Agency of the Year:

· Eastside Fire & Rescue - Issaquah, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Outstanding Crisis Intervention Team:

· Malheur County Crisis Intervention Team, Oregon (Award Recipient)

· Seattle Police Department Crisis Response Unit, Washington (Nominee)

CIT Agency Executive of the Year:

· Chief Shawn Ledford, Shoreline Police Department, Washington (Award Recipient)

· Chief Joel Fish, Enterprise Police Department, Oregon (Nominee)

CIT Law Enforcement Officer of the year:

· Officer Daniel Erickson, Seattle Police Department, Washington (Award Recipient)

CIT Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Year:

· Captain Carolyn Mason, Eugene Police Department, Oregon (Award Recipient)

· Major Bryan Howard, King County Sheriff’s Office, Washington (Nominee)

CIT Corrections Officer of the Year:

· Corrections Deputy Mark Wolff, Deschutes County Adult Jail, Oregon (Award Recipient)

· Corrections Deputy Paul Bond, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Washington (Nominee)

· Lieutenant Jeff Gepner, SCORE Jail, Washington (Nominee)

Note: Photos from the event are available upon request.  If you have any further questions or need further information email rwright@cjtc.state.wa.us

(Salem, Ore.) – The Advisory Committee for the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, in Room 166 of the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., Salem, Oregon, 97301.

The meeting is open to the public.

Agenda items include will include public comment, advisory committee planning, old business, discussion and new business, subcommittee reports, roundtable and future agenda items.

Sign language interpreters and live captioning will be provided. Those who are unable to attend in person, may join by calling toll-free phone number, (503) 934-1400, and using Conference ID # 360372. 

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Request.ODHHSP@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.

For questions about this meeting, please contact: Max Brown at 503-945-6993 or ODHHS.Info@state.or.us

About the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committee

The committee assists the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Program (ODHHSP) by providing information and expertise on issues affecting individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and those with additional disability.

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(Salem, Ore.) – The Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) is seeking public comment on amendments to the 1915(b)(4) selective contracting waiver and the 1915(c) Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) waiver.

APD is amending the 1915(b)(4) selective contracting waiver and the 1915(c) Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports waiver to allow Waivered Case Management services to be provided by Oregon Tribes. These amendments are part of an ongoing effort to work more closely with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes and the Urban Indian Health Program to better serve their members.

APD intends to submit the waiver amendments on Dec. 1, 2018, with a proposed effective date of April 1, 2019. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval of these amendments will authorize Oregon tribes to provide case management services to tribal members receiving Medicaid LTSS and receive Medicaid reimbursement for providing these services to tribal members.

APD and Oregon Tribes continue to work collaboratively to develop and operationalize the provision of case management services, including identifying tribes that choose to participate, identifying tribal members that would be served, and developing qualifications, capacity and case management rates. APD is committed to ensuring that participating tribes have access to all technology, tools and training available to LTSS case managers currently being provided by the Area Agencies on Aging and Department of Human Services local offices. These amendments affect tribes that choose to participate and provide these services. APD staff and management and tribal members have been participating in workgroups since June 2018 to develop a plan to operationalize the provision of case management services and ensure a smooth transition of these services to participating tribes.

APD invites you to review the attached documents for further information:

• Draft of 1915(b)(4) selective contracting waiver
• Draft of 1915(c) LTSS waiver

Comments, suggestions and questions may be submitted directly to Chris Pascual, APD policy analyst, via email at chris.pascual@state.or.us;  by phone at 503-779-6408. Interested parties may also send written comments addressed to Chris Pascual, Aging and People with Disabilities Policy Analyst, Department of Human Services, 500 Summer Street NE E-10, Salem, OR 97301. Print versions of the 1915(b)(4) selective contracting waiver and the 1915(c) Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports waivers will be posted in APD district offices.  Print versions may also be obtained from Chris Pascual.

The deadline for comments is Nov. 15, 2018. Mail responses must be received by this date to be considered.

(Salem) – Annual open enrollment for Medicare starts today, and Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) Program is available to help.

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 years or older or younger than 65 with Social Security Disability Income. People living in Oregon who are 65 years or older may be eligible to sign up and find health insurance that best meets their needs. Medicare covers many medical costs, including visits to the doctor, prescription medications, and preventive care, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, diabetes treatment, and blood pressure screenings.

Medicare annual enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2018. Any Medicare Advantage (MA) or prescription drug plan (Part D) changes must be made between these dates so that coverage begins without interruption on Jan. 1, 2019. Those who are late to enroll may face a lifetime of premium penalties.

“It is important to compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans every year,” SHIBA Program Manager Lisa Emerson said. “Plans change year to year, as do people’s individual health care needs. People could potentially save money by shopping for a new plan.”

SHIBA provides free health insurance counseling to explain how the Medicare program works, additional insurance options that work with Medicare, and help with reducing out-of-pocket costs. SHIBA staff members, along with more than 200 certified counselors, serve many of Oregon’s more than 860,000 Medicare beneficiaries to help them understand their Medicare benefits and enrollment options. Free information and help is available by calling 1-800-722-4134 (toll-free) or visiting shiba.oregon.gov.

SHIBA counselors help beneficiaries compare plans and enroll by using the plan finder tool found online at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Beneficiaries and their families can also choose to use this tool to compare plans and enroll on their own.

SHIBA also publishes an annual Medicare guide, which will be available online in early October and in print in mid-November.

Tips from SHIBA to prepare for Medicare open enrollment:

Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially your Annual Notice of Change letter.

Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Do you need a new primary care doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Is your new medication covered by your current plan? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change.

Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare. SHIBA can help you learn about a state program that helps with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, co-insurance and co-payments, and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs.

Apply for help with drug costs. If you have limited income and assets, you may qualify for extra help with prescription drug costs. SHIBA counselors can help you apply for this benefit through Social Security.

Contact your doctor, hospital, and pharmacy before making changes. Not all health and drug plans contract or work with the same providers. If you switch plans, make sure you understand which providers you can see for the best price.

SHIBA is also advising people to protect their identity by guarding their Medicare card like they would their credit card or Social Security number. Identity theft from stolen Medicare numbers is becoming more common. To protect against identity theft, don’t share your Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who contacts you by telephone or email, or approaches you in person, unless you have given that person permission in advance. Medicare will never contact you (unless you ask them to) for your Medicare number or other personal information. Also, don’t let anyone borrow or pay to use your Medicare number. 

More information

SHIBA: To meet with a counselor, contact the toll-free SHIBA Helpline at 1-800-722-4134. You will be asked to enter your ZIP code to be connected to a program in your area. Visit https://healthcare.oregon.gov/shiba to find local help in your county, obtain a copy of the 2018 Oregon Guide to Medicare Health plans, and find Medicare education and enrollment events in your area.

Follow SHIBA on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OregonSHIBA.

SHIBA is part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. Follow DCBS on Twitter: http://twitter.com/OregonDCBS. Receive consumer help and information on topics such as insurance, mortgages, investments, and workplace safety.

Salem - Gov. Kate Brown has proclaimed Oct. 15-19, as Oregon Community Bank Week. The week honors local banks and their employees for their economic and civic contributions in communities across the state.

Oregon’s community banks, most of which are chartered by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, play an essential role in promoting the economic health and prosperity of the state. In some communities they are the sole provider of banking products and services and sometimes the largest employer.

Community banks provide $400 million in agriculture-related loans, $5.9 billion in small business loans, and 5,400 family wage jobs annually. 

“Our state banks take a relationship-based approach to doing business by providing banking services, creating jobs, and educating customers and students about a variety of financial matters,” said Cameron Smith, DCBS director. “They actively participate in every corner of the state and are a major financing source for our small businesses and farms.”

State chartered banks throughout Oregon are celebrating Community Bank Week in their local neighborhoods. Many of them will host consumers, students, small businesses, and local elected officials to showcase the positive effect banks have on the people they serve.

To learn more about the Oregon banks recognized during Community Bank Week, go to oregonbankers.com/community-bank-week.html.

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

About Oregon DFR:

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

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Sally Ann Bicandi, died on the evening of October 16, 2018. She was incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) and passed away in the hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Bicandi entered DOC custody on May 31, 2018, from Washington County.  Her earliest release date was November 7, 2019. She was 54 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,800 men and women who are incarcerated in the 14 institutions across the state.

CCCF is a multi-custody facility in Wilsonville that houses more than 1,200 women. It provides intake and evaluation of all female and male inmates committed to state custody. CCCF delivers a range of correctional services and programs including alcohol and drug treatment, education, work opportunities, cognitive programming, and pre-release services. The minimum facility opened in 2001 and the medium facility opened in 2002. CCCF is Oregon’s only women’s prison.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Douglas Miller, died the morning of October 12, 2018. He was incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) and passed away at the institution’s infirmary. He was 72 years old and was incarcerated out of Multnomah County. His earliest release date was January 11, 2021.

Raymond Madrigal, died the morning of October 14, 2018. He was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) and passed away in the hospital. Madrigal entered DOC custody on March 16, 2006 from Multnomah County.  His earliest release date was August 8, 2022. He was 81 years old. Next of kin have been notified for both men.

As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 men and women who are incarcerated in the 14 institutions across the state.

OSP is Oregon's only maximum-security prison, located in Salem, and houses over 2,000 male inmates. 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.
 

TRCI is a multi-custody facility in Umatilla that houses more than 1,800 men.  It delivers a range of correctional services and programs including education, work opportunities, and cognitive programming.  The minimum facility opened in 1998 and the medium facility opened in 2000.

SALEM, Ore – The Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee will meet Friday, October 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the Oregon Department of Forestry Salem headquarters, Tillamook Room, Building C, 2600 State St. Items on the committee’s agenda include comments from State Forester Peter Daugherty and Board Chair Tom Imeson, as well as the following topics.

• Forest Management Plan Update
• Habitat Conservation Plan Update
• Field updates

Committee members will also formulate the committee’s testimony for the upcoming Board of Forestry meeting on November 7-8, 2018. The meeting agenda and materials will be posted on the department’s web site at http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/FTLAC.aspx.

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

The Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee is comprised of seven county commissioners representing 15 Oregon counties where state forestlands are located. The FTLAC is a statutorily established committee that advises the Board of Forestry on matters related to forestland managed by ODF.

SALEM, Ore. – Public feedback is being sought on a report that captures tribal and stakeholder perspectives regarding the future of the Elliott State Forest. 

The State Land Board today heard a summary of the Oregon Consensus report, which explored issues and interests regarding decoupling the forest from the Common School Fund. Decoupling would compensate the school fund for the value of the forest and release the forest from its obligation to generate revenue for schools. The forest would remain publicly owned, potentially by a different public owner. 

Between March and August 2018, Oregon Consensus conducted interviews with individuals representing federal, tribal, state and local governments, as well as individuals representing timber, conservation, school funding beneficiaries, recreation, land trusts, labor and others. The resulting report summarizes what was heard in interviews and discusses key themes, issues, and considerations for successful decoupling. 

The report is available on the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) website. Paper copies are also available from DSL on request. DSL is inviting the public to read the final report and provide feedback. Feedback may be submitted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 15 via the DSL website or by U.S. mail to 775 Summer St. NE, Ste. 100, Salem OR 97301.  

Discussion regarding the future of the Elliott State Forest will continue in December. The Board asked that potential public owners, including Oregon State University, indicate their interest to DSL and come before the Board at the December 18 meeting. DSL will also present a summary of public feedback at the December meeting. 

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Kate Brown, Secretary of State Dennis Richardson and State Treasurer Tobias Read. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon’s Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit. 

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Remained at a Record Low of 3.8 Percent in September

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in September, the same as in August. These were Oregon’s lowest unemployment rates since comparable records began in 1976. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped from 3.9 percent in August to 3.7 percent in September.

Oregon’s labor market was unusually tight in September, as indicated not only by the low unemployment rate, but also by the low number of Oregonians who are considered “short-term unemployed.” In September, 80,000 Oregonians were unemployed. Of those, 16,000 had been unemployed for 27 weeks or more (“long-term unemployed”), and 64,000 had been unemployed for less than 27 weeks (“short-term unemployed”). The number of short-term unemployed was quite low historically and was well below levels seen at the end of the prior expansion in 2006 and 2007, when an average of 86,000 people were categorized as short-term unemployed.

In September, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment grew by a modest 300 jobs, following a revised gain of 2,400 jobs in August. Monthly gains in September were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+900 jobs) and professional and business services (+800 jobs). These gains were offset by losses in retail trade (-1,300 jobs) and wholesale trade (-800 jobs).

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 40,200 jobs, or 2.1 percent, since September 2017. This growth rate is very close to the 2.2 percent annual growth rate the state has experienced over the prior 21 months, cooling off from the 3.0 percent average annual growth rate seen during the prior three years dating back to 2013.

More than one-quarter of Oregon’s payroll employment growth over the past 12 months was in the construction industry, which added 11,100 jobs, expanding by 11.2 percent. Over the year, no other industry has grown nearly as fast as construction. Next in line are three major industries that each grew by close to 3 percent: leisure and hospitality (+6,600 jobs, or 3.2%); other services (+2,000 jobs, or 3.1%); and professional and business services (+7,400 jobs, or 3.0%). Several industries remained close to their year-ago job totals, including information (+100 jobs, or 0.3%); government (-200 jobs, or -0.1%); retail trade (-700 jobs, or -0.3%); and wholesale trade (-300 jobs, or -0.4%).

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the September county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, October 23rd, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for October on Wednesday, November 14th. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 17, 2018

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

CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee to meet October 19

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee

When: Friday, October 19, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Five Oak Building (formerly known as Lincoln Building), 7th Floor Suite 775 Transformation Center Training Room, 421 SW Oak St. Portland. Attendees also can join remotely through a webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7438627555801803523 and conference line at 888-204-5984, access code 1277166.

Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda, and updates; public testimony from 9:15-9:25; state of public health in Oregon and opportunities for incentive measures to aid in improvement; break; HPQMC recommendations and strategic planning for measure set; adjourn

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

# # #

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

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• 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.

http://bit.ly/2pWzquX

October 17, 2018

Contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@state.or.us (media inquiries)

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

All Payer All Claims Technical Advisory Group meets October 18 in Portland

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s All Payer All Claims Technical Advisory Group

When: Thursday, October 18, 2-4 p.m.

Where: 421 SW Oak St., Suite 850 Abraham Room, Portland. Attendees also can join remotely through a webinar at   and conference line at 877-810-9415, access code 1773452#.

Agenda: Introduction and meeting goals; general updates; 2020 Administrative Rule; public comments

For more information, please visit the committee's website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/Pages/All-Payer-All-Claims-TAG.aspx.

# # #

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

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters
• Written materials in other languages
• 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.

http://bit.ly/2QWctnd

October 16, 2018

Contact: Janet Zeyen-Hall, 503-945-6938, janet.l.zeyen-hall@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

OHA to hold technical forum on CCO 2.0 service areas

As the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) develops contracts for the next five years of coordinated care for Oregon Health Plan members, the agency is seeking public comment on how to best define service areas for current and potential new applicants.

Fifteen CCOs operate in service areas defined in 2012 through the state’s RFA process. A service area is the geographic footprint where a plan accepts members based on where they live.

Through the CCO 2.0 public engagement process, OHA proposed regional service areas for new applicants for the 2020-2025 CCO contracts. OHA is considering an alternative proposal that would require all participants to define service areas by county. CCOs could serve counties or portions of counties. If they propose serving less than a full county, they would need to demonstrate: how the proposed service area would better achieve the transformation priorities of CCO 2.0; its benefit to members and the community; and that the proposal is not designed to minimize financial risk and does not create adverse selection.

OHA’s main priorities and values guiding the service area approach include:

• Behavioral health: Align with local mental health services and systems.
• Social determinants of health: Avoid the possibility of redlining and carve-out of underserved and culturally diverse populations.
• Value-based payments and cost containment: Ensure that CCOs can maintain financial viability, implement value-based agreements with providers, and create administrative efficiencies to reduce costly duplication.
• Community engagement and governance: Decision-making should reflect local priorities and be accountable to members of the community.

What: Public meeting of OHA to seek public comment on service area approaches for the 2020-2025 CCO contracts

When: Monday, October 22, 3-5 p.m.

Where: University of Oregon Portland at the White Stag Block, 70 NW Couch St., Portland.

Attendees can also join remotely through a telephone conference line at 888-363-4735, participant code 1593726.

The meeting will also be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuYRYLHBTm8.

Public comment: The public can submit comments about the service area approaches before the meeting by email at CCO2.0@dhsoha.state.or.us.

Public comment will also be accepted over the phone during the meeting. Please submit your name and organization (if applicable) to the CCO 2.0 email address if you’d like to submit public comment at the meeting.

Agenda: Welcome; priorities and values for service area approach decision-making; presentation of service area approaches; public comment; adjourn

For more information about the approaches, go to the CCO 2.0 page on the OHA website.

# # #

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 Janet Zeyen-Hall at 503-945-6938, 711 TTY, janet.l.zeyen-hall@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

http://bit.ly/2ykyyVE

October 15, 2018

Health policy board adopts policy recommendations that shape Oregon Health Plan's future

On October 15 the Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) voted to approve a comprehensive set of policies that will improve the health of Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, address health disparities, control program costs, and continue to transform health care delivery in our state. This next phase of health care transformation is known as "CCO 2.0."

"We’ve taken this opportunity to really look at what’s working with CCOs and where we need to push the system to advance health transformation in Oregon," said Zeke Smith, OHPB chair. Together, these policies have the potential to significantly change how our members experience care and how the state pays for that care."

The end of the first five-year contracts with coordinated care organizations (CCOs) marks an opportunity for OHA and OHPB to improve the services that 1 million Oregonians receive through OHP. CCOs are community-governed organizations that bring together physical health, mental health, addiction medicine, and dental health providers to coordinate care for people on the Oregon Health Plan. Since 2012 Oregon’s coordinated care model has saved taxpayers an estimated $2.2 billion, while also reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and improving preventive care for children and adults.

OHA heard directly from more than 850 Oregonians who participated in public meetings and forums held across the state in more than a dozen locations, which were led by OHA Director Patrick Allen. Additionally, multiple surveys and online outreach tools were used to gather perspectives from a diverse cross-section of Oregonians. OHP members and other stakeholders issued support for the policy direction and expressed satisfaction with Oregon’s coordinated care system.

"Our members feel good about the coverage they’re receiving from OHP, but they also let us know that we have areas where we can improve," Allen said. "It was clear that our top focus needed to be improving access to mental health and addiction services. We also heard that CCOs can play a stronger role in working with community partners to help patients with the factors that influence health outside the doctor’s office, particularly access to safe and affordable housing."

The resulting CCO 2.0 policies build on Oregon’s strong foundation of health care innovation and tackle our biggest health problems. They cover four priority areas identified by Governor Kate Brown:

1. Improve the behavioral health system and address barriers to access to and integration of care

CCOs will be accountable for developing a person-centered mental health and substance use disorder (behavioral health) system that OHP members can count on, no matter who they are or where they live. CCOs will remove barriers between behavioral, physical and dental health. The policies include:

• Require CCOs to be fully accountable for the behavioral health benefit.
• Address prior authorization and network adequacy issues that limit member choice and timely access to providers.
• Use metrics to incentivize behavioral health and oral health integration.
• Expand programs that integrate primary care into behavioral health settings.
• Require CCOs to support electronic health record adoption and access to electronic health information exchange.
• Develop a diverse and culturally responsive workforce.
• Ensure children have behavioral health needs met with access to appropriate services.

2. Increase value and pay for performance

Over the next five years, CCOs will make a significant move away from fee-for-service payments toward paying providers based on value. OHA will incentivize providers and health systems for delivering patient-centered and high-quality care. CCOs will develop value-based payments (VBPs) to improve health outcomes specifically in the areas of hospital care, maternity care, behavioral health, oral health, and children’s health care. The policies include:

• Require annual, CCO-specific value-based payment growth targets.
• Each CCO will be achieve an annual VBP growth target and have 70 percent of their payments to providers be VBPs by the end of the five-year period.
• CCOs will be required to make "infrastructure and operations" payments to patient-centered primary care homes.
• OHA will work to align VBP efforts in OHP with Public Employees’ Benefit Board (PEBB), the Oregon Educators Benefit Board (OEBB), and commercial payers participating in the Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative.
   

3. Focus on social determinants of health and health equity

Over the next five years CCOs will increase their investments in strategies to address social determinants of health and health equity. CCOs will align goals at the state and local level to improve health outcomes and advance health equity. OHA will develop measurement and evaluation strategies to increase understanding of spending in this area and track outcomes. The policies include:

• Increase strategic spending by CCOs on social determinants of health, health equity and disparities in communities.
• Increase CCO financial support of non-clinical and public health providers.
• Align community health assessment and community health improvement plans to increase impact.
• Strengthen meaningful engagement of tribes, diverse OHP members and community advisory councils (CACs).
• Build CCOs’ organizational capacity to advance health equity.
• Increase the integration and use of traditional health workers (THWs).

4. Maintain sustainable cost growth

To support sustainability of OHP, CCO 2.0 policies address the major cost drivers currently in the system. OHA will also identify areas where CCOs can increase efficiency, improve value and decrease administrative costs. The policies include:

• Strengthen financial incentives and set up new tools to reward CCOs for improving health outcomes and containing costs.
• Ensure program-wide financial stability and program integrity through improved reporting and strategies to manage a CCO in financial distress.
• Use program purchasing power to align benefits and reduce costs, with a focus on pharmacy costs.

"In order to make these improvements a reality for our members, our team at OHA needs to hold ourselves accountable to monitor and enforce new and existing contracts with CCOs," said Jeremy Vandehey, director of OHA's Health Policy and Analytics Division. "We also need to set clear expectations and support providers and CCOs in making these changes so together we can improve health while containing costs."

The request for applications for the coordinated care contracts for 2020-2025 will be released in January, and the contracts are expected to be awarded in summer 2019.

For more information and to download the complete report, visit the CCO 2.0 webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/Pages/CCO-2-0.aspx.

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http://bit.ly/2NI1YSk

October 17, 2018 - Salem, Ore. – Friday’s estimated Mega Millions jackpot is at an all-time Mega Millions high of $900 million! This jackpot is also the second largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, trailing only the $1.586 billion Powerball jackpot from 2016. That jackpot was shared by three lucky players from California, Florida and Tennessee.

Across all Mega Millions lotteries, there were over 4.5 million winning tickets in the Oct. 16 drawing.

Oregon Mega Millions Winners

For the Oct. 16 drawing, in Oregon, there were over 37,000 winning Mega Millions tickets ranging from $10,000 to $2!

Oregon has also had several larger Mega Millions winners in the last few years. The largest winner recently was Joemel Panisa, who purchased a ticket in January 2016 then found it during a snow day, mere days before the $1 million ticket was to expire in Jan. 2017.

More recently, in Wayne Harder of Lebanon won $30,00 playing Mega Millions in August. Harder said he plays all three draw games, Powerball, Oregon’s Game Megabucks and Mega Millions. He used his prize to fund a family reunion trip to the Oregon Coast.

The Oregon Lottery began offering Mega Millions in March 2010. While Oregon is still waiting for its first Mega Millions jackpot winner, since 2010 there have been over $83 million in Mega Millions prizes in Oregon! And since 2010, Mega Millions has had over $164 million in sales.

Just like the Lottery's other big jackpot games, Powerball and Oregon’s Game Megabucks, the winner of the Mega Millions jackpot can choose to take the prize either in a 30-year annuity or a one-time lump sum.

After taxes, the 30-year graduated annuity will average $20.4 million each year. The one-time cash option, after taxes, is over $349 million.

The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, Oct. 19.

Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

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October 16, 2018 – Salem, Ore. – Holiday wishes came true for Yolanda Reyes of Lebanon, when she won $100,000 playing one of the new Holiday Wishes Scratch-it from the Oregon Lottery.
“I was at Bingo and scratching the ticket and thought I won $10,” she said. “When I asked a friend, we realized I won $100,000!”
Reyes won playing the $10 Holiday Wishes Scratch-it, which is part of the new featured holiday tickets offered by the Oregon Lottery this winter that also includes the $1 Stocking Stuffer, $2 Snow Globe Cash and the $5 Holiday Cheer. The tickets went on sale earlier this month and will run through the end of the year to celebrate the season. The Holiday Wishes Scratch-it still has one $100,000 jackpot prize left.
Reyes, who recently retired from the Oregon Department of Human Services after a 20-year career, said the money was going toward her retirement.
“It comes at a great time for me,” she said. “I just retired and this will be a nice cushion.”
In addition to her retirement nest egg, she said she will probably purchase a small pickup with the money.
Reyes purchased the ticket at B&G Bingo in Salem. 
During the 2015-17 biennium in Linn County, where Reyes lives, more than $42.1 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education, and watershed enhancement.
Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
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On October 22, the Board will hold a work session at 1 p.m. with invited testimony to discuss various aspects of statewide and local boat operations on waterways, including the Willamette River.  This is an information-gathering session and no decisions will be made. In the evening at 6:30 pm, agency staff will hold an open house to discuss 2019 legislative concepts.  The work session and open house are being held at Southwestern Oregon Community College, Empire Hall, Lakeview E & F, 1988 Newmark Ave., in Coos Bay. 

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold their quarterly Board meeting on October 23, beginning at 8 am.  This meeting will be held at the Coos History Museum, Sprague Gallery, 1210 N. Front Street in Coos Bay.

The following are agenda items for October 23:

• Director’s Report;
• OAR Temporary Rule adoption per Director Authorization; Legislative Policy Concepts;
• Option to repeal rules for Insurance and Duplication Fees (OAR 250-010-0315);
• Option to accept a petition to initiate rulemaking for Turner Lake, Boat Operations in Marion County (OAR 250-020-0259);
• Option to adopt Statewide Rules –Definitions (OAR 250-010-0010) for Wakeboarding and Wake Surfing, and Statewide Rule for Wake Sport Operations (OAR 250-010-0026);
• Option to adopt Local Waterbody Rules (Division 020) that would define “towed water sport” (Division 010), amend rules to include water sport regulations and consolidate local waterway rules;
• Option to repeal stand-alone local waterway rules (Division 020);
• Option to adopt rulemaking for Outfitter and Guides (OAR 250, Division 016);
• Option to initiate rulemaking (OAR 250-020-0032 and OAR 250-020-0385) Boat Operation on the Willamette River –Local Rules for Newberg Pool;
• Option to initiate Rulemaking for Marine Sanitation Devices (OAR 250-010-0750), and;
• Executive Session per ORS192.660(2)(h)
   

To view the agenda, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.

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The Marine Board is funded by registration, title fees and marine fuel taxes paid by motorized boaters.  No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees are used to support the agency or its programs.  Boater-paid fees go back to boaters in the form of boating safety services (on-the-water enforcement, training, and equipment), education/outreach materials and boating access facility grants (boat ramps, docks, parking, restrooms and construction and maintenance).  The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit program is dedicated funding to pay for border inspection stations, decontamination equipment, inspectors, and signage/outreach materials.  The Mandatory Education Program is self-supporting and revenue helps pay for education materials and boater education cards.  For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com. 

In partnership with the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management and Rigler Elementary School in Portland, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is inviting media to observe Rigler students drop, cover, and hold on during the nation’s largest earthquake drill, “The Great ShakeOut” scheduled Thursday, Oct. 18 at 10:18 a.m.

As of today, nearly 560,000 are registered in Oregon for the Great Oregon ShakeOut!

OEM would also like to encourage the public and media outside Portland to participate on ShakeOut day! If you have questions about how to observe or participate in your area please contact lic.info@state.or.us">public.info@state.or.us.

“Earthquakes are one of the natural hazards we face in Oregon and “The Great ShakeOut is a safe and fun way to practice what to do when seismic activity occurs,” says Althea Rizzo, geologic hazards awareness program coordinator at Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management.

If you would like to observe please arrive at 9:30 a.m. at Rigler elementary school, 5401 NE Prescott St, Portland, OR 97218.

This year’s Great ShakeOut is happening as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) along with a coalition of state and university partners are developing and testing the ShakeAlert, an earthquake early warning (EEW) system that detects significant earthquakes so quickly that alerts can reach many people before shaking occurs.

"ShakeAlert is a critical investment in reducing risk for our nation’s future," said USGS Director, Jim Reilly. "Our country’s first public earthquake early warning system will allow citizens, institutions, and managers of essential infrastructure to take timely actions that will save lives and property."   

Learn more about ShakeAlert by visiting the USGS website that offers ShakeAlert science, multimedia, news and more. 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council (ORTAC) presented the annual Doug Newman Memorial Award to Bruce Ronning at the 2018 Oregon Trails Summit Oct. 5.

Bruce Ronning is from Deschutes County and began his recreational career at the City of Eugene Parks Department. Bruce worked in their Outdoor Programs section, helping many Oregonians learn to ski, paddle, hike and bike.

During his career, Bruce served on several committees overseen by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: ORTAC, the Recreational Trails Program advisory committee, the Local Government Grant Program advisory committee, and review committees for development of Oregon’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and the Oregon Statewide Recreation Trails Plan.

Bruce retired from public service after 24 years with the Bend Park and Recreation District. During his tenure Bruce served as the Outdoor Programs Manager, Long Range Planner, and finally as the Director of Planning and Development. During that time 65 miles of the 95-mile Bend Urban Trails Plan were developed.

The Doug Newman Memorial Award recognizes an Oregonian whose efforts have inspired, benefitted and contributed to the trails and trail users of Oregon. The award pays tribute to Doug Newman, an avid outdoorsman, author and writer for the Eugene Register-Guard. He also worked extensively with the University of Oregon Outdoors Program. Diagnosed with polio as a child, Newman died in 1992.

ORTAC was established by the Legislature in 1971 to advise OPRD and its partners in the development and promotion of high quality non-motorized trail systems throughout Oregon. The Council is made up of seven volunteer members appointed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission to represent the five Oregon congressional districts. The Council meets four times annually in different locations across the state.

For more information about the Doug Newman award or ORTAC, contact Jodi Bellefeuille at ellefeuille@oregon.gov">jodi.bellefeuille@oregon.gov or 503-986-0716.

Today a Marion County Grand Jury unanimously found that Alex Hackney, 26, was justified in his use of deadly force on Bryan O’Connor, 27, on September 4, 2018. 

The grand jury convened today to hear testimony from 10 witnesses, including detectives from the Keizer Police department and civilians.  They also reviewed photographs, dispatch recordings, scene diagrams, medical records and autopsy reports.  The grand jury was given an opportunity to review all evidence gathered by and provided to the Keizer Police Department.

The following is a factual summary of evidence found by the Grand Jury:

Alex Hackney and Bryan O’Connor were close friends for many years.  They lived next to each other on Cummings Lane N in Keizer, Oregon.  Hackney lived at 401 Cummings Lane N and O’Connor lived at 411 Cummings Lane N.  On the evening of September 3, 2018, Hackney and O’Connor went to several local bars with friends.  The group returned to O’Connor’s home on September 4, 2018, around 12:50am where a verbal argument began between Hackney and O’Connor. 

The argument turned physical and O’Connor hit Hackney multiple times in the face and head, causing a large laceration above Hackney’s eye.  O’Connor put Hackney in a choke hold causing Hackney to become dizzy and fear that he may lose consciousness rendering him unable to defend himself.  Hackney was able to break free from O’Connor’s choke hold and run to Hackney’s home at 401 Cummings Lane N around 1:03am.  O’Connor continued to yell threats at Hackney as he retreated home.  Friends, including O’Connor’s live in girlfriend, were present during the physical altercation.

Upon returning to his home, Hackney locked all of his doors, armed himself with a .380 handgun, and began to clean his bleeding face.  Hackney has a valid concealed weapons permit.  Hackney’s live-in girlfriend was with him and received a text message from O’Connor’s girlfriend at 1:06am warning that O’Connor was on his way over and stated “hope your doors are locked”.  Simultaneously, O’Connor began to kick Hackney’s back door open, broke in, and came after Hackney.  Hackney fired one shot at the approaching O’Connor.  O’Connor turned and ran back to his house.  Hackney immediately called 911 at 1:07am to report that he just shot at his neighbor who had broke in to his home.

O’Connor was taken to the Salem Hospital Emergency Room by his friends, where he was later pronounced deceased after life saving measures were attempted.

Officers and detectives from the Keizer Police Department, Salem Police Department, and Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the properties on Cummings Lane and the Salem Hospital Emergency Room.  Hackney was compliant and cooperative throughout the investigation.  Hackney at no time exhibited signs of being under the influence of intoxicants or controlled substances.  Hackney voluntarily provided a blood alcohol breath sample which revealed a blood alcohol content of .00%. 

A search of Hackney’s home revealed that his back door was kicked in, damaging the frame and deadbolt lock.  Hackney’s .380 handgun was located on the dining room table, where Hackney placed it at the direction of the 911 operator before officers arrived.  A single bullet casing was found in the laundry room. 

An autopsy performed by Dr. Rebecca Millius at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office on September 4, 2018, found that O’Connor died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. O’Connor had injuries to and debris in the bottom of his foot, consistent with kicking a wood door.  O’Connor’s toxicology reports were positive for cocaine and THC.  O’Connor’s medical blood draw revealed his blood alcohol plasma was .23%.

Pursuant to Oregon law, in order to be justified in his use of deadly force, Alex Hackney had to reasonably believe that:

(1) Bryan O’Connor was committing or attempting to commit a burglary in a dwelling; or

(2) Bryan O’Connor was committing or attempting to commit a felony involving the use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person; or

(3) Bryan O’Connor was using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against Alex Hackney or another person.

The Grand Jury's decision required a review of all the facts and evidence available and applying it to the legal principles above. The Marion County Grand Jury concluded that the actions of Alex Hackney were lawful and justified.

                    Eight Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the Northwest will benefit.

 TACOMA, Wash.  — Hundreds of credit union leaders raised $628,226.49, for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals during a gala auction Oct. 17. The credit union community is gathered in Tacoma for the Northwest Credit Union Association’s (NWCUA) MAXX Convention in Tacoma this week. The grand total was announced during the closing session of MAXX today.

While exploring technology and other innovative services to offer to their 6.5 million consumer members in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, the credit union community at MAXX Convention also focused on its community impact “DNA.” As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions are founded on a “people helping people” philosophy, and giving back is an important principle for them as financial institutions. The gala auction in Tacoma is such an example.

The curtains parted and Cass Huff – the 2018 Miracle Child for the “New York, New York” auction -- came to the microphone and belted out an inspired version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. That set the stage for the event to build on the legacy Northwest credit unions started in 1986, when they founded the now-national “Credit Unions for Kids” charity.

Cass is one of just 150 people in the world with Conradi-Hunermann Syndrome, a severe form of scoliosis. Despite 42 surgeries, being blind in one eye, and being deaf in one ear, Cass aspires to star on Broadway. Her rendition of another song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, was set to touching photos of babies and children whose lives have been saved at CMN hospitals.

Attendees bid aggressively on silent auction items such as jewelry and wine flights. They engaged in friendly bidding wars over luxury golf outings and hot air balloon rides during the live auction, to set an NWCUA auction record.

“We are moved and humbled by the generosity of our colleagues in the Credit Union Movement,” said Troy Stang, Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) President and CEO. “The journey credit unions started here in the Northwest 32 years ago has made so many miracles possible for the kids and their families.”

All funds raised last night will stay in the Northwest, directly benefitting the CMN hospitals in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah.

“Thanks to the generosity of all of our sponsors, donors, and bidders, Credit Unions for Kids will again make miracles happen,” said Holly Miller, NWCUA Project Manager and Auction Coordinator. “The funds raised at auction will support research, treatments at the CMN hospitals, and will provide comfort to the families of hospitalized children. Does it really get any better than that?”

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The Northwest Credit Union Association is the not-for-profit trade association representing over 180 credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 6.5 million consumer members. Northwest Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives, owned by their members. Credit unions help members achieve their financial goals.  All earnings in excess of operating expenses and required reserves are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and higher interest paid on savings. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit http://www.asmarterchoice.org.  

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has awarded the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD) a grant to support new Driver Education Initiative in Lane County.   Lane ESD along with support from Lane County Public Transportation, schools and local community groups are working together to improve road safety through this program.  The overall goal of the initiative is to bring Driver Education courses to all high schools in Lane County through partnerships between private driving schools and school districts. 

The first objective of the program is to train more driver education instructors to teach courses in Lane County high schools.  Lane ESD in conjunction with Western Oregon University is hosting a 9-week driver education instructor course starting Saturday, October 20^th.  The course will be held at Lane ESD.  Participants will spend nine weekends in the classroom learning what to teach their future students both in class and behind the wheel.  After completion of the course, participants will be able to work for ODOT approved driver education providers.

Some space remains in this session and there are many other class locations in the state.  Individuals interested in becoming a driving instructor and helping to improve road safety in Lane County, please visit http://triwou.org/projects/tse to learn more.   For more information on the Lane County Driver Education Initiative contact program coordinator, Sherrie Bandy, Coordinator at 541-461-8342.