Albany Police Department has been honored with a Top Workplaces 2024 award by The Oregon Top Workplaces. This award is based on employee feedback gathered through a survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected and Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few. The Albany Police Department ranked in the top five percent for Supportive Managers, Trusted Leadership, Clued-in Employees, and Company Directions. 

“When it comes to building a great workplace, having a strong internal culture is essential. A healthy culture keeps employees engaged. Support them and they will support our community. I am proud of the work we have done to make APD an awesome workplace,” said Chief Marcia Harnden.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

#  #  #

ROSEBURG, Ore. - The pilot and sole occupant of a single-engine plane was killed Thursday morning while attempting to land on the turf runway of George Felt Airport in the 400 block of Felt St in Roseburg.

At about 11:30 am on October 3, 2024, 9-1-1 dispatchers received calls from witnesses working at the private airfield known as Felt's Field. The witnesses advised the pilot was attempting to land the small, yellow, fixed-wing plane when the crash occurred.

After running out of runway on the first attempt, the pilot circled around and attempted the landing again, according to witnesses. The plane bounced off the ground, was launched back into the air and hit the top of a tree with the propeller before taking a nosedive to the ground. 

Deputies responded with firefighters and emergency medical providers from Central Douglas Fire and Rescue and Umpqua Valley Ambulance. 

The pilot, Steven H. Kretsinger, 65, of Eugene, was pronounced deceased on scene.

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the crash. Kretsinger's next of kin has been notified. 

ELKTON, Ore. - On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 1:38 pm, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from the Elkton High School reporting they were in a self-initiated lockdown. The principal reported the lockdown was the result of a student on campus with a firearm. At the time of the call, the student's whereabouts were unknown. 

Multiple deputies, along with Sutherlin Police Department and Oregon State Police responded to the scene. While responding, the school called back to indicate they believed the student was no longer on campus. Other area schools were placed in lockdown until the student could be located. 

Deputies eventually contacted the student in the area of Azalea Drive in Elkton. A backpack was recovered, and a Glock replica BB pistol was located inside. 

The student, a 17-year-old male, was taken into custody and lodged at the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center on the following charges: 

• Disorderly Conduct I
• Menacing x2
• Probation Violation

The Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation working closely with school officials and agency partners. 

About an hour past midnight on October 3rd, an observant Lane County Sheriff’s deputy spotted a car in the Danebo area associated with Kristopher Robert Glenn, 38, of Veneta. Deputies have been searching for Glenn for some time, as he was wanted by the US Marshals.  

The deputy was able to see Glenn in the passenger seat, and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle attempted to elude, and deputies pursued. The vehicle finally stopped in the area of W. 18th Avenue and S. Bertelsen Road, Eugene. Glenn ran from the vehicle, however deputies and Eugene Police officers set a perimeter. The driver, Elise Catrina Lockwood, 33, was arrested without incident.

A Eugene Springfield Metro Drone operator from Eugene Police launched a drone. He observed an obvious heat signature of a person hurriedly moving to the north, and aired the information to deputies and police in the area. The suspect gave up running after spotting the drone and laid in the in the grass, waiting for officers. Glenn was taken into custody without further issue.

Both were found to be in possession of methamphetamine, and Glenn had been in possession of a realistic looking pellet gun.  

Lockwood was lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Attempt to Elude Police Officer by Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and Possession of Methamphetamine. Glenn was lodged at the Lane County Jail on new charges of Attempt to Elude Police Officer by Foot and Possession of Methamphetamine. Glenn was also lodged on failure to appear warrants for Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. He was also lodged for Failure to Appear in the 1st Degree and a parole violation.  

On October 3rd at about 10 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a crash with injury that occurred in the intersection of Bob Straub Parkway and S. 57th Street, Springfield. Lane County Sheriff’s major collision investigators also responded.  

The cause of the crash is still being investigated. Initial investigation indicates a Buick sedan with a single occupant was driving north on Bob Straub Parkway when a Prius with three occupants, including a baby, entered the intersection from S. 57th Street to turn south on Bob Straub Parkway. The Buick struck the side of the Prius. All occupants were transported to the hospital, however the driver of the Buick was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and later died. The identity of the deceased is being withheld until next of kin have been notified.  

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Springfield Police Department and Springfield Public Works for their initial response and traffic control during this investigation.  

In late January, Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the River Road area of Eugene for a report of suspicious conditions. After reviewing evidence at the scene and area security camera recordings, the responding Deputies had reason to believe a sexual assault had occurred in the early morning hours. 

The case was forwarded to Detectives at the Lane County Sheriff’s Office for follow up. Detectives learned the victim was transient in the area and did not know the suspect. Evidence left at the scene was sent to the Oregon State Forensic Labs for DNA analysis. 

On September 23rd, 2024, Detectives received information from the Oregon State Labs advising Curtis Lee Larmore, 38, was a DNA match. Detectives quickly worked to locate Curtis, and on September 26th, Detectives located Curtis in an apartment in the River Road area. He was taken into custody and lodged at the Lane County Jail on charges of Rape in the 1st Degree and Sex Abuse in the 1st Degree.

Lane County Sheriff’s deputies are currently investigating a crash in the area of Bob Straub Parkway and S. 57th Street, Springfield. Motorists are asked to avoid the area. More information will be provided as it becomes available.  

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Lebanon Fire District is using this time to shed light on the heightened cancer risks faced by firefighters. Cancer has become the leading cause of death in the fire service, with firefighters regularly exposed to dangerous substances that significantly increase their risk of developing various cancers, including breast cancer.

“Our firefighters face many dangers every day, and long-term health risks from cancer-causing substances are a serious concern,” said Chief Rodondi of Lebanon Fire District. “It’s important to raise awareness and advocate for better protections for our team, as cancer is the leading cause of death in our profession.”

Throughout October, Lebanon Fire District crews will wear pink t-shirts in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, helping to raise awareness of the dangers firefighters face and supporting the fight against cancer. This includes exposure to harmful substances like PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues.

For more information about our efforts and how you can support breast cancer awareness and firefighter safety, visit www.lebanonfire.org/.

This afternoon at approximately 1338 Lebanon Fire District was dispatched to a tree fire. A large plum of smoke was visible enroute and BC-31 immediately called for a first alarm. On arrival there was an approximately 1-acre area of grass that had been burnt with several trees on fire. The home owners had advised command that they were mowing grass when a spark from their lawn mower had ignited their field moving into the trees. 9 units from the Lebanon Fire District responded to the fire with 16 firefighters. Tangent assisted by bringing a water tender.

Just a reminder, use caution when mowing. Fuels are still dry and we aren’t out of the fire season yet. 

On September 29^th, 2024, an off-duty Lincoln City Police Department Officer was requested by employees of the Space Age Convenience Store to trespass an intoxicated male who was refusing to leave their property. The officer was en route to a training event and not wearing his uniform, but was standing at his marked patrol vehicle after picking up food for the drive. The officer greeted the intoxicated man from several car lengths away, and without warning the male, later identified as 36-year-old Sean McEnany of Corvallis, Oregon, quickly advanced on him and swung at the officer’s face. The officer identified himself as such and ordered McEnany to stop. When he refused to stop attacking him, the officer requested emergency assistance.

Additional officers responded to the scene and ordered McEnany to the ground, but he failed to comply which prompted an officer to inform McEnany he would deploy pepper spray if he continued to fight. McEnany again ran at the original officer and was subsequently pepper sprayed in response, but this did not deter his aggression. McEnany was then advised by another officer that he would utilize his Taser, but McEnany continued to fight, so the officer deployed his Taser device. Ultimately, it took 6 officers to subdue McEnany and force him into handcuffs. Police then utilized a WRAP safety restraint device to contain McEnany while medical personnel responded to evaluate him.

McEnany was medically cleared for transport to the Lincoln County Jail, and was lodged on charges of Assault on a Peace Officer, Criminal Trespass II, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct II, and Providing False Information to a Police Officer. Additionally, McEnany held an outstanding Felony Warrant from Linn County for Burglary.

The Lincoln City Police Department strives to provide continual training to our officers in Defensive Tactics and special equipment utilized by our patrol division, such as Tasers and WRAP restraints. This training and equipment allow us to mitigate the risk of injury to our officers and subjects we encounter when responding to incidents of this nature.

On Monday, September 30^th, 2024 at approximately 7:15pm, Lincoln City Police Officers responded to the report of a male pointing a handgun at people in a hotel room at the Coho Oceanfront Lodge. When officers arrived on scene, the male suspect, later identified as 44-year-old Kennewick, WA resident Bobby PEREZ, had already left the scene.

During the investigation, LCPD Officers discovered that PEREZ had pointed a handgun at two people, then lit a fire in the bathroom of their shared hotel room. LCPD Officers confirmed PEREZ had left the room and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue extinguished the fire. Damage from the fire was contained to the involved room.

LCPD Officers attempted to located PEREZ with the assistance of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, including LCSO K9 Ghost and the LCSO Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) team, but were unable to locate him immediately.  LCPD Officers contacted local businesses, including the Chinook Winds Casino, and provided PEREZ’s picture to the employees.

At approximately 11:17am on October 1^st, 2024 the Chinook Winds Casino Security and Surveillance department contacted LCPD and informed officers that PEREZ was on their property.  LCPD worked with the US Marshals Service to locate and arrest PEREZ.

PEREZ was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges including two counts of Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Arson in the First Degree, and Possession of Cocaine.

Thank you to our community partners North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chinook Winds Casino Security Team for their assistance with this incident. Additionally, we would like to thank the US Marshals Service for their assistance in apprehending this subject.

On September 28, 2024, at about 5:00 pm, Lincoln City Police Officers responded to the report of a theft from Zumiez at the Lincoln City Outlets.  At the scene, Officers learned that two males had entered the store, grabbed several items, then ran away without paying. Staff at the store were able to obtain the license plate of a red Honda HRV that the suspects used to flee the scene.

During the investigation, LCPD Officers were able to identify one of the suspect males as the owner of the vehicle, 36-year-old Erick CAMACHO of Portland.  The total value of the stolen items was over $1000, raising the level of the crime to Theft in the First Degree, a Class C Felony.

LCPD Officers provided this information to surrounding agencies, including Polk and Yamhill Counties.  At approximately 7:00 pm, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office notified the Lincoln City Police Department that YCSO personnel had located the vehicle and engaged in a pursuit eastbound on Highway 22.

During the pursuit, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office received additional support from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Dallas Police Department, and Oregon State Police. Spike strips were successfully deployed, but the pursuit continued through the Dallas area and out towards Rickreall. During the pursuit, the driver of the HRV swerved toward three Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies before eventually crashing into a curb and stopping in the Rickreall area. 

The male driver, identified as Erick CAMACHO, was arrested on multiple charges including: Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering Another Person (x3), Attempt to Elude, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine.  He also had an outstanding arrest warrant from Multnomah County on a charge of Failure to Appear on a driving offense.

The passenger in the vehicle, identified as 35-year-old Juan SANCHEZ, JR, also from Portland, was detained.  A significant amount of stolen merchandise was recovered, and YCSO transferred the recovered merchandise and SANCHEZ, JR to the custody of the Lincoln City Police.

CAMACHO was lodged in the Yamhill County Jail on their local crimes and the warrant.  SANCHEZ, JR was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Theft in the First Degree and Criminal Conspiracy.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Dallas Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the employees of Zumiez for their assistance in this incident. Without the assistance of our local businesses, it would be impossible to identify and prosecute this type of crime, and without the outstanding assistance of these other agencies, the apprehension of these suspects would have been much delayed. Teamwork and inter-agency cooperation are hallmarks of our local agencies, and the Lincoln City Police Department wants to recognize the effort everyone put into resolving this retail theft case.

On October 3rd, 2024, at approximately 12:32 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a dirt bike and a Federal Express delivery truck on N. Maple Dr. in Otis, OR. First Responders arrived on scene at approximately 12:49 PM and determined the operator of the dirt bike, a 15-year-old juvenile male, was deceased. The operator of the delivery truck, Noah Gibbs, 29, of Lincoln City, immediately called 911 and attempted first aid measures to the juvenile while remaining on scene and cooperating with the investigation.

N. Maple Dr, a one-lane county road, remained closed for several hours while members of the Lincoln County Multi-Agency Crash Team responded to investigate the crash. Preliminary investigation revealed the dirt bike was traveling East on N. Maple Dr. while the delivery truck was travelling West at the time of the head on collision between the vehicles. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, but at this time there is no indication drugs or alcohol played a factor.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to our agency partners, including North Lincoln Fire, and the Oregon State Police. The family members of the deceased were notified, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has extended our sincere condolences for their loss. Members of the public with any information related to this crash are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number NPS24017186.

Se adjunta comunicado de prensa en español.

Great Oregon Shakeout is October 17th

Lincoln County residents live on the Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Faultline. This means it is even more important for our communities to be informed and prepared. 

Lincoln County Emergency Management is encouraging community members, businesses, and community groups to participate in the 14^th annual Great Oregon ShakeOut. This event provides a chance for you to practice what you would do during an earthquake. While the official event takes place on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 10:17 am, you can practice your drop, cover, and hold during the days leading up to or directly after the drill. It is important to register if you participate.

By registering you will help Lincoln County Public Safety agencies document the high level of preparedness in our community. Participation in this event shows that we are working together to strengthen our community resiliency and emergency preparedness. This event also provides a good reminder to update your emergency plans and supplies. 

Attached is a graphic on the annual summary of participants here in Lincoln County.  So far, 6,279 have registered for this year.

Oregon ShakeOut Statistics - https://www.shakeout.org/oregon/whoisparticipating/ 

More information on earthquake and tsunami preparedness:

Great Oregon ShakeOut:

• Registration & General Information: www.shakeout.org/oregon/
• Recommended Earthquake Safety Actions: www.earthquakecountry.org/library/ShakeOut_Recommended_Earthquake_Safety_Actions.pdf
• Earthquake Country Alliance: Welcome to Earthquake Country! https://www.earthquakecountry.org/accessibility/
• Earthquake Guide for People with Disabilities: www.earthquakecountry.org/library/ShakeOut_Earthquake_Guide_Disabilities_AFN.pdf
• Media – PSA Resources: www.shakeout.org/oregon/resources/index.html#multimedia

Lincoln County Emergency Management 

• Cascadia Earthquake Factsheet: www.oregongeology.org/pubs/fs/cascadia-planning-for-em-and-public.pdf
• Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Guide: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/DocumentCenter/View/2062
• Hazards: Earthquakes: www.co.lincoln.or.us/emergencymanagement/page/hazards-earthquake
• Hazards: Tsunamis: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/772/Hazards-Tsunamis
• Main page: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/708/Emergency-Management

CDC

• Preparing for an earthquake: https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes 
• Tsunamis: www.cdc.gov/disasters/tsunamis/ 

Ready.gov

• Earthquakes: www.ready.gov/earthquakes
• Tsunamis: www.ready.gov/tsunamis 

Red Cross

• Earthquake Safety: www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html 

Emergency Management Programs (In Alphabetical Order)

• City of Lincoln City https://www.lincolncity.org/residents/emergency-preparedness
• City of Newport newportoregon.gov/emergency/default.asp
• Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians https://ctsi.nsn.us/east-lincoln-county-cert/ 
• Lincoln County https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/emergencymanagement 
   

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and brings attention to an important issue that affects millions of individuals and families. This month is a good reminder to encourage open conversations, express empathy, and work to create a safer environment. By increasing our understanding of domestic violence, we can better support survivors and work towards preventing domestic violence altogether.

Domestic violence includes many forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial. It can affect individuals of all ages, genders, races, and socio-economic backgrounds. Domestic violence leaves victims feeling trapped, isolated, and fearful. 

Common Signs of Abusive Behavior in a Partner (provided by the National Domestic Violence Hotline): 
 

1. Telling you that you never do anything right.
2. Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
3. Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with others, particularly friends, family members, or peers.
4. Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
5. Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
6. Controlling finances in the household without discussion, such as taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
7. Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
8. Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
9. Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
10. Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
11. Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
12. Destroying your belongings or your home.

If you are concerned about someone you know, you can help connect them to support. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233. Local non-emergency dispatch lines can also help connect you to proper authorities, the Non-Emergency Dispatch number for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is 541-265-0777. If there is an emergency, such as an immediate threat to life or risk of injury, call 911 to get help right away. 

Domestic violence is a complex issue, but there are numerous organizations and helplines dedicated to providing support. Whether you're a survivor seeking assistance or someone looking to help, there are resources available, and you don’t have to go through this alone. We all have a role to play in ending domestic violence and everyone deserves a healthy relationship and safe home.

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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SALEM, Ore. – As the leaves change and cooler weather sets in, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon fire service remind everyone of the importance of home fire safety. October is Fire Prevention Month, a time to focus on fire prevention and safety at home. This year’s theme, "Celebrate Fire Safety," calls on Oregonians to take action to reduce fire risks and protect their loved ones.

In 2023, 2,518 home fires in our state resulted in $119.5 million in losses to homeowners. Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, followed closely by home heating. Alarmingly, in 417 of those fires, no smoke alarm was present.

"Oregon’s first responders are unwavering in their commitment to protecting our communities by reducing home fires and preventing the devastating injuries they cause," said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. "This Fire Prevention Month, we’re calling on all Oregonians to take proactive, life-saving steps to protect their families, their homes, and their future."

There are several simple things Oregonians can do to lessen the chance of a home fire and increase safety:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms. Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Practice cooking safely. Never leave cooking unattended and always have a lid or cookie sheet nearby to smother small flames.
• Use heating equipment safely. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating devices and always plug space heaters directly into the wall—never use extension cords.
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan. Make sure every family member knows at least two ways out of every room.
• Consider candle alternatives. Battery-operated candles reduce fire risk, but if you use real candles, always blow them out before leaving the room.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month. For more information about Fire Prevention Month, a link to the proclamation, and more tips to prevent the top causes of home fires in Oregon, visit our website. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: October 3, 2024

Suspect in July shooting incident arrested

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police officers today arrested the suspects involved in a July shooting incident in northeast Salem.

On July 9, 2024, Salem Police patrol officers responded to a report of an injured man in the 2000 block of Lancaster DR NE. Officers located a man with multiple gunshot wounds and provided medical aid to him before paramedics arrived.

The victim, 32-year-old Allen Michael Harmon of Lincoln City, was transported to Salem Health with non‑life‑threatening injuries. 

Officers learned a verbal encounter occurred between the victim and two men in the parking lot of the shopping center when gunshots were fired by one of the male suspects. The two men then fled the area on foot.

Just before 1:00 a.m. today, the two suspects were located in River Road Park, 3045 River RD NE, by a patrol officer investigating the report of suspicious activity.

The suspects, FD Tari, age 33, and Teno Epone, age 25, were taken into custody without incident. A handgun was located and seized.

Tari, who had three outstanding warrants from other unrelated cases, was arrested on the following charges:

• Attempted murder, second-degree
• Assault, first-degree
• Unlawful use of a weapon, a firearm

Epone was lodged on two existing warrants in other cases, as well as the charges of carrying a concealed weapon and giving false information to a police officer.

With both suspects now in custody at the Marion County Jail, all further inquiries about the case must be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

An illegal burn got out of control today on the Upper Calapooia threatening a structure and triggering a first alarm response. Sweet Home Fire and ODF responded to a report of a large natural cover fire in the area. The first arriving unit reported a fire approximately half an acre in size moving into heavy brush at a moderate rate of spread, and threatening a home. An Incident Commander, one brush rig, one engine, and a pumper tender responded from Sweet Home Fire accompanied by 2 engines and 2 command staff from ODF. Brownsville Fire provided a water tender which was canceled en route once the fire was brought under control. Firefighters were able to stop the fire just feet from the home, and extinguished flames which had reached the top of a 75 foot tree standing near the home. The fire was extinguished and mopped up without incident.

East of Sweet Home a new fire started today up Sheep Creek in the Middle Santiam Wilderness, following the Bingham Fire which started yesterday and has reached 181 acres in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness to the North. With East winds in the forecast, these incidents are a clear indication that fire season is not over. We would like to use this opportunity to remind residents that backyard burning is still prohibited and current conditions will likely mean a delay in the start of burn season. To find out if it is lawful to burn, residents must call the burn information line each day for the daily burning advisory. That number is (541)451-1904.

At 10:20 AM this morning, Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District was dispatched to a “Hazmat Incident” at 1540 Main Street in Sweet Home with the information of a possible gas leak and people not feeling well. During the initial investigation, Sweet Home Fire personnel used a gas monitor in an area in the back of the building where there was a strong smell of something resembling sulfur. The monitor alerted to carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide which is a gas that can be considered highly toxic at certain levels. The detection was strongest in an area with various cleaning chemicals in storage, a floor sink, and natural gas powered water heaters, so the decision to evacuate the structure was made. Northwest Naturas Gas and the State Hazmat Team were then notified and the area was cleared and monitored until those organizations could arrive to determine the source of the detection. After it was determined that the smell was not from the natural gas system and gas levels were at a safe enough level, fire personnel were able to investigate further. It was determined that the source of the gas was from several batteries located in a floor cleaning machine and a pallet jack that had batteries that were possibly failing during the charging phase and were producing carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The machines were removed from the building and fans were used to clear the building of any remaining gases. The building was determined “all clear” by fire personnel at approximately 1:20 PM. One employee was evaluated for nausea and breathing problems by Sweet Home medics with no transport. We would like to thank  Northwest Natural Gas and the State Hazmat Team for their rapid response in bringing their expertise to this incident.      

On Monday afternoon at 2:33 pm Sweet Home Fire was dispatched to a report of a head-on traffic collision on Hwy 228 and Greenville Road. Dispatch reported multiple patients were involved with one patient trapped under a vehicle. Sweet Home Fire units had been returning from a truck fire East of town when the call came in and responded with an engine and a command vehicle near Foster when first dispatched. Two medic units and an additional command vehicle responded out of station 21 and were first to arrive on scene. The Pumper Tender that was returning from the truck fire drove to station 21 and staffed a rescue unit. Life flight was requested and launched upon arrival of the first medic unit after seeing the extent of damage and injury report from dispatch. First arriving units found a total of four patients. Three of which were located in one vehicle that had came to a stop in the ditch and another more critical patient was found trapped under a vehicle on the roadway. Fire and EMS crews worked quickly to utilize extrication tools to raise the vehicle off the entrapped patient and moved the patient to the ambulance where the patient was treated and transported to the LZ where he was then flown to Riverbend Hospital. The other three patients were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital with non life threatening injuries by Sweet Home Fire and a Medic unit from Lebanon Fire who was requested for mutual aid. A total of 10 Sweet Home Fire personnel responded to this incident. If the arrival of the returning units had not occurred at that time, the outcome of this incident could have been much different with minimal staffing being available at the station at the time of the call. We would like to thank our neighbors from Lebanon Fire for their help and remind everyone to travel safe.   

On 9/30 at 11:15 am Sweet Home Fire was dispatched to a report of a truck fire East of Sweet Home near MP 50 on Hwy 20 with initial reports stating that a semi-truck hauling hay was involved. The driver had extricated and there were no reported injuries. Sweet Home Fire responded with one engine, one pumper tender, and a battalion chiefs vehicle and immediately called for assistance from ODF who responded with two apparatus as well. The battalion chief was first to arrive and found the Eastbound truck and enclosed trailer with the back half of the trailer engulfed with fire. It was discovered that hay was not involved and that the truck was actually hauling grass seed. Knowing the demanding task ahead, the battalion chief called for additional units to assist including ODOT and State Police to assist with traffic control. A water tender from Brownsville and an additional engine from Lebanon Fire also responded. Incidents like these are incredibly physically demanding for fire personnel, having to remove the involved materials to ensure the fire has been extinguished. Fortunately, ODOT had a front end loader near by which was also utilized to help remove the grass seed from the trailer to assist with extinguishment. A total of 11 firefighters responded to this incident and we would like to take the time to thank Brownsville RFPD, Lebanon Fire, ODOT and ODF for their help.

October 1 ribbon cutting ceremony celebrates the new space, featuring expanded capacity

(Salem, Ore. – October 2, 2024) – Breast cancer care at Salem Health gets a new location and expanded space to serve the more than 400 patients each year, from diagnosis to survivorship, who we care for at the Salem Health Breast Care Center. 

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics marked the opening of the Breast Care Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m. The new location for the Breast Care Center adds a dedicated space including larger exam rooms and two procedure rooms to continue to provide high quality, multidisciplinary care from the team which includes a breast surgeon, physician assistant and breast nurse navigators.

“Patients need access to high-quality breast care within their own community in a dedicated space with everything staff and providers need to deliver excellent care,” said Patricia Luckeroth, MD, breast surgeon and medical director, Salem Health Breast Care Center. 

Salem Health’s breast cancer program has been accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) since 2010. The Salem Health Breast Care Center was first established in 2019 within the Gynecologic Oncology clinic space, and both programs continue to grow, outgrowing the shared space. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Salem Health’s cancer program sees more than 400 breast cancer patients each year, representing the largest cancer disease site Salem Health sees among the top five cancers – breast, lung, prostate, colon and bladder cancers. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured comments from Cheryl Nester Wolfe, president and CEO, Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics; Patricia Luckeroth, MD, surgeon and the center’s medical director; and a moving presentation from one of our breast cancer patients. Following, guests were invited to tour the new clinic located on the ground floor of Building C on the Salem Hospital campus. 

Katie’s story

An event highlight was a guest presentation from one of Salem Health’s breast cancer patients, Katie Schmidt, sharing her inspiring story of her experience walking through her cancer journey at Salem Health. A relatively young cancer patient, Katie was first diagnosed at age 44. “I was the youngest in the chemo room every round of chemo,” said Katie. 

From her diagnosis to breast cancer surgery in 2023, and through continuing treatments Katie says, “I truly had the most amazing experience out of the ugliest thing that could happen. I never once felt like I was rushed. It was amazing, it felt like I had my own entourage of advocates. I never even had to make an appointment; they did all of that for me.”  She adds, “If anyone has to go through cancer, I hope they’re getting care in Salem. They’re going to get the best care they can right there.”

The new Breast Care Center space was designed to support the goals of Salem Health’s breast care program, including:

• Keep care local
• Provide high quality, multidisciplinary care
• Follow evidence-based guidelines and best practices
• Ensure positive patient experience, providing services through the cancer care continuum from diagnosis to survivorship
• Breast Nurse Navigators provide support and identify financial, psychosocial, spiritual, educational and other practical needs
• Assess for genetic risk
• Connect patients with community resources for breast fittings and prosthetics

Staff are looking forward to providing care in the new clinic, noting even some small design details that make a big difference to patients’ comfort like an oversized restroom to accommodate a wheelchair, space for the scale in a location that provides privacy, and even a full-wall photo with a calming nature scene.

About Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics

Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter): @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth. 

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018  

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 4, 2024) — In response to a mutual assistance request from Georgia Power, Pacific Power is sending crews, support personnel and equipment from Medford, Bend, Roseburg, Astoria and Grants Pass in Oregon and Walla Walla and Yakima in Washington to aid in power restoration efforts following the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The Category 4 storm, with sustained winds reaching 140 miles per hour, impacted 10 states, with the National Hurricane Center reporting that its effects extended as far as 400 miles from its landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region. 

These teams, totaling 22 Pacific Power employees, will be equipped with 20 trucks and associated heavy equipment to help restore power to impacted communities. Rocky Mountain Power, Pacific Power’s sister company, is also deploying four additional crews to aid in the response.

"Our crews are fully prepared and ready to respond as they work tirelessly through the deployment to restore power to customers in Georgia and to support our fellow line-crews across the affected states," said Tom Eide, vice president of operations at Pacific Power. "Disasters can happen anywhere, and part of being a good neighbor is answering the call to help.” 

Pacific Power is part of a nationwide network of utilities that provide mutual assistance during emergencies and disasters. According to the Edison Electric Institute, approximately 50,000 electric utility workers from 40 states, the District of Columbia and Canada are currently responding to the devastation left in Hurricane Helene’s wake. While power has been restored to 4.69 million of the 6 million customers affected, some areas have experienced such extreme infrastructure damage that a complete rebuild is required. 

For more information on Pacific Power’s involvement in the recovery efforts, please follow us on social media.  

About Pacific Power

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

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SALEM, Ore. — Maj. Tommy Vu of the Oregon Army National Guard has reclaimed his world record for the most chest-to-ground burpees completed in one hour, performing an astounding 1,027 repetitions on October 5, 2024.

Vu, a medical officer with the Oregon National Guard's Medical Command, surpassed his previous record of 1,003 burpees set in March 2023. The feat, pending official validation from Guinness World Records, took place at Lancaster Physiq Fitness in Salem, Oregon.

"I've got a really strong will, and I just don't know how to quit," Vu said after his record-breaking performance.

The 36-year-old soldier lost his original record in December 2023 when another athlete completed 1,010 burpees. Determined to reclaim his title, Vu intensified his training regimen, which he attributes largely to endurance work he began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"When the gyms closed down, I had to be outside, lifting, running, doing all the bodyweight exercises," Vu explained. "Turns out, I've got a really strong will."

Vu's family and friends play a crucial role in his record-breaking attempts. His wife, Linda, and their son, Adonis, were present to support him, along with Emma, a friend's daughter who came to cheer him on. Linda described their collective effort to maintain Vu's rigorous schedule.

"He trains every day, seven days a week, for an hour after work," Linda said. "We make sure someone's watching Adonis at home so he can get his workout time in."

Mr. Pedro Velasquez, the Oregon National Guard State Equal Employment Manager and Vu's self-described "motivational hype man," was also present at the event. "This puts him at 1,027, so upon validation from Guinness, he's making them work for it next time," Velasquez said, highlighting the significance of Vu's achievement.

In preparation for his events, Vu adheres to a strict vegetarian diet in the week leading up to his attempts. His family ensures he has nutritious, plant-based meals to fuel his training.

Vu's record-breaking journey began in 2020 during the pandemic when he first attempted the burpee record. Since then, he has broken multiple fitness-related world records and shows no signs of slowing down.

"If you have a one-hour world record for burpees or a burpee variation," Vu said, "I'm coming for it!"

Beyond personal achievement, Vu uses his record to attempt to raise awareness and funds for charitable causes. For this latest record, he plans to donate $1,027 — one dollar for each burpee completed — to a fundraiser supporting a friend battling ALS.

As Vu awaits official verification from Guinness World Records, he's already planning his next challenge: attempting the eight-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour burpee records.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, The Adjutant General of Oregon, praised Vu's accomplishment, saying, "Maj. Vu exemplifies why the Oregon National Guard is the military service of choice for Oregonians. His dedication to both his military duties and personal goals showcases the work-life balance and drive for excellence we foster in our organization. It's this spirit of striving to achieve greatness that makes our Guard members exceptional both in and out of uniform."

Maj. Vu continues to serve as an inspiration both in uniform and in the fitness community, embodying the Army values of personal courage and dedication while demonstrating that with determination, one can balance military service with pursuing extraordinary personal achievements.

                                                                        -30-

Released B-Roll video: https://dvidshub.net/r/lpkg3p

Released Photos: 

241005-Z-ZJ128-1001
Maj. Tommy Vu, Oregon Army National Guard, powers through his world record attempt of 1,027 chest-to-ground burpees in one hour at Lancaster Physiq Fitness, Salem, Ore., Oct. 5, 2024. Supporters join in, performing burpees alongside Vu to boost morale during his grueling challenge. 
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

241005-Z-ZJ128-1002
Nicandro Sandoval, fitness manager at Physiq Fitness, intensely focuses on counting chest-to-ground burpees for Maj. Tommy Vu (background) during Vu's Guinness World Record attempt on Oct. 5, 2024, at the Lancaster Physiq Fitness, Salem, Ore. Sandoval's precise count was crucial in verifying Vu's remarkable feat of 1,027 burpees in one hour.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

241005-Z-ZJ128-1003
Maj. Tommy Vu, Oregon Army National Guard, demonstrates unwavering focus as he executes one of 1,027 chest-to-ground burpees during his Guinness World Record attempt at Lancaster Physiq Fitness in Salem, Ore., Oct. 5, 2024. Sweat glistens on Vu's face, a testament to the grueling nature of the one-hour challenge.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

241005-Z-ZJ128-1004
A moment of triumph during Maj. Tommy Vu's world record attempt at Lancaster Physiq Fitness in Salem, Ore., Oct. 5, 2024. From left: Pedro Velasquez, Oregon National Guard State Equal Employment Manager and Vu's 'motivational hype man'; Linda Vu, the major's wife holding son Adonis; and Maj. Tommy Vu, visibly energized as he nears his goal of 1,027 chest-to-ground burpees in one hour. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Oct 1, 2024

Contact:

Kate Gonsalves, (503) 428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care Celebrates Head Start Awareness Month 

SALEM, ORE. – Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating October as Head Start Awareness Month. The month is celebrated annually across the country as a way to honor the legacy and current work of Head Start in positively impacting the lives of communities, families, and young children. The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) joins in celebrating the transformative impact of Head Start and Early Head Start during Head Start Awareness Month.

“October is a special month for early childhood education advocates, families, and system partners. This is a time when we elevate the strong historical roots of Head Start along with the current impact,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, DELC Director. “Head Start Awareness Month allows us to draw awareness not only to the impactful work of Head Start but also to the high quality services, wrap around supports, and early childhood education helping families thrive.” 

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) administers the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten program. OPK is modeled after the successful federal Early Head Start and Head Start program and serves children from prenatal to five years old. Since OPK’s establishment in 1987, tens of thousands of children and their families have benefited from the program. 

Programming is available across all 36 Oregon counties. Director Chatterjee traveled to NeighborImpact’s Head Start site today in Redmond to tour the Walker Center. The visit included the new Early Head Start classroom. The visit comes during fall “Back to school,” an important time when a young child attends preschool or joins a new class and Director Chatterjee was pleased to tour the center and help launch the academic year off to a welcoming start.  

Later this week, agency representatives will join the quarterly Head Start Association Director’s Meeting. The Oregon Head Start Association (OHSA) seeks to empower and advocate for Head Start programs through professional development and training, peer support, scholarships, posting employment opportunities, and advocating at the state and national levels. 

“Every month, and especially this month, we are thrilled to elevate all the many ways that Head Start is a strong promoter of quality programs for children and families as they prepare for life-long success, said Nancy Perin, OHSA Executive Director. “The impact is clear --children enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs are more likely to have positive educational outcomes and improved social, emotional, and behavioral development 

Education is only one component of the impactful work of Head Start. In addition to early childhood education, Head Start programs support family well-being by connecting families to medical and dental care while helping parents achieve family goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Oregon also offers Early Head Start and Head Start supports for children from Migrant and Seasonal working families along with additional Tribal Head Start programs administered by the federal government.

These free, high-quality early care and education services and wrap around supports are available to families including pregnant people and expectant families. Eligible participants include children aged birth through five whose families meet the federal low-income guidelines whose incomes are at or below the federal poverty guidelines or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program public assistance services. Other eligible participants include children who are in the foster care system or experiencing homelessness. Some families with special circumstances are also eligible to receive support regardless of family income status. To watch a video by the Office of Head Start Director Khari M. Garvin elevating resources of services and Head Start Awareness click here. To find a head start center visit: Head Start Center Locator | ECLKC (hhs.gov)

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About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care

The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC. You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Telecommunications Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on November 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

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

Agenda Items

1. Introductions

2. Approve August 7, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

     Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

     a. Pauline Lynch; DPSST No. 25464

     Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Telecommunicator and Basic Emergency Medical Dispatcher Certifications

4. Scott Karr; DPSST NO. 38369; Bay Cities Ambulance

     Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Agency Updates

6. Next Telecommunications Policy Committee Meeting: February 5, 2025, at 9:00a.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.

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167 or juan.lopez-hernandez@dpsst.oregon.gov.

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

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

Approve minutes from the July 25, 2024, Meeting

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

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

A. Proposed Rule changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-009-0087

DPSST Accreditation of Fire Service Agency Training Programs

B. Committee Appointments

Fire Policy Committee

• Rose Douglass – Oregon Fire Instructor Association, Appointment to the FPC, 2nd term effective October 27, 2024.
• Andre Lindauer – Public Member, Appointment to the FPC, 2nd term effective January 26, 2025.

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Matthew English, Chair

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

A. Nicholas Alberts, DPSST No. 58569; Multnomah County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

B. Rachel Bonine, DPSST No. 56768; Lake County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

C. Milan Fietz, DPSST No. 46944; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

D. Traci Hubler, DPSST No. 45406; Clatsop County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

E. Mark Mahlum, DPSST No. 36794; Coos County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

F. Steven Mayberry, DPSST No. 22901; Salem Police Department Office – Revoke

Eleven (11) to one recusal (1) vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

G. Ryan McKone, DPSST No. 48453; Washington County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

H. Nathaniel Medeiros, DPSST No. 58231; Independence Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

I. Nicholas Mitchell, DPSST No. 58076; DOC/Santiam Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

J. Brian Needham, DPSST No. 33137; Harney County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

K. Diego Saldana, DPSST No. 62469; DOC/Two Rivers Correctional Institution – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

L. Quinn Sansom, DPSST No. 62175; Corvallis Police Department – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

M. Bonnie Smythe, DPSST No. 60693; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

N. Daniel Surmi, DPSST No. 55998; Oregon State Police – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

O. Lewis Topinka, DPSST No. 46866; Oregon State Police – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

P. Amanda Vincent, DPSST No. 60425; DOC/Deer Ridge Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

Q. Luis Vivanco, DPSST No. 63585; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 13, 2024.

R. Evan Wallace, DPSST No. 59773; Tillamook County Sheriff's Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

S. Tyler Whitely, DPSST No. 52170; Washington County Sheriff's Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 22, 2024.

T. Request to Reinstate Telecommunication Workgroup for Field Training Manual Update Recommendation

U. Committee Appointments

Police Policy Committee

• Teresa Livingston – OSP Command Staff Representative, Appointment to the PPC, 1st term effective October 24, 2024.

Corrections Policy Committee

• Margeux Bowden – Non-Management Corrections Officer, Re-appointment to the CPC, 2nd term effective January 26, 2025.
• Erin Reyes – Department of Corrections Superintendent, Re-appointment to the CPC, 2nd term effective November 7, 2024.

Telecommunications Policy Committee

• Ronda Griffin – EMS Section APCO/NENA, Re-appointment to the TPC, 2nd term effective October 27, 2024.

e. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-012-0010 and OAR 259-012-0035

Amending the Standards and Processes for Student Suspension or Dismissal from the Academy

Presented by Jennifer Howald

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Dan Lenzen, Chair

b. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-059-0070, 259-060-0500, and OAR 259-061-0010

Fee Increases for the Private Security Entity, Private Security Provider, and Private Investigator Certification and Licensure Programs

Presented by Jennifer Howald

A. Committee Appointments

Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

• Nate Nakasone – Unarmed Security Representative, Re-appointment to the PSIPC, 2nd term effective October 25, 2024.

6. Agency Updates – Agency Director, Phil Castle

7. Next Meeting Date: January 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
 

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by 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.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE MORAL FITNESS

WORKGROUP MEETING

SCHEDULED

Notice of Scheduled Meeting

The DPSST Criminal Justice Moral Fitness Workgroup will meet at 9:00 am on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Jennifer Howald at 503-551-3258 or .howald@dpsst.oregon.gov">jennifer.howald@dpsst.oregon.gov.

The meeting will be recorded and posted on the DPSST YouTube page after the meeting: https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST

Agenda Items 

1.   Introductions

2.   Applicant Review Committee and Pre-employment Standards

      Carried over from August 7, 2024

3.   Receipt and Administration of Complaints Submitted to DPSST

4.   Follow-up on Pending Action Items or Discussions from Past Meetings

     On-going agenda item

5.   Next Workgroup Meeting: TBD

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law. This meeting will be digitally recorded and posted on the DPSST YouTube page after the meeting. The meeting will also be recorded in the form of written minutes. Discussion of issues will only be conducted by workgroup members. Please be mindful of comments and side conversations.

PRIVATE SECURITY/INVESTIGATOR POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Special Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST or Department) located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training will be live streaming all public meetings via YouTube. Meetings will no longer be streamed on Facebook. To view the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee's live-stream and other recorded videos, please visit DPSST’s official YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@DPSST.

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Approve Meeting Minutes from February 20, 2024

    Approve Meeting Minutes

3. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-061-0010

    Fee Increases for the Private Investigator Licensure Program

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

4. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0500

    Fee Increases for the Private Security Provider Certification and Licensure Program

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

5. Informational Only – Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 259-059-            0070

    Fee Increases for the Private Security Entity Licensure Program

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

6. Agency Update

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.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 Private Security/Private Investigations 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.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Albert William Hussey, died the morning of October 5, 2024. Hussey was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away in the infirmary. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Hussey entered DOC custody on November 10, 2022, from Crook County with an earliest release date of February 9, 2027. Hussey was 61 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Audra Hughes, died September 28, 2024, at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Hughes entered DOC custody on March 8, 2024, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of November 26, 2025. Hughes was 40 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

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

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility is a multi-custody prison located in Wilsonville accommodating 1,260 adults in custody. The prison has cell and dormitory housing, work programs, skills training, treatment programs, health services, religious services, physical plant, a central records unit, and administrative areas. CCCF participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises, including a contact center, auto CAD, and document scanning. In addition, CCCF houses the state’s intake center (CCIC), which provides intake and evaluation of all individuals committed to state custody by the courts. The intake center houses approximately 400 adults in custody. CCCF’s minimum facility opened in 2001, and the medium facility opened in 2002.

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Astoria, Ore.—More than 400 students received hands-on experience and a broad firsthand look at possible career opportunities in natural resources as they rotated around nine outdoor stations at the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Astoria office and demonstration forest Sept. 25–26 at the annual Clatsop County Sixth-Grade Forestry Days.

“Our goal is to provide educational opportunities beyond the classroom,” said Will Lawrence, a reforestation forester with ODF’s Astoria District. “We want students to really connect with the outdoor experience and get them thinking about a possible career working in the outdoors.”

Sixth graders from Warrenton, Seaside, Anchor Christian Academy, Knappa, Astoria, and Encore Academy, as well as several home school groups, rotated for about 15 minutes each at stations that included: tree planting, wildland fire fighting, wood products, fisheries, recreation, tree identification, wildlife rescue, mushrooms and tree measurements.

“We love this once-a-year event because we get to share our passion and our joy discussing everything about nature,” said Dan Stark, Oregon State University Extension Service forester for Clatsop, Tillamook and Lincoln Counties. “Actually, being in the forest here has its perks—they can touch and feel a seedling, take a shovel and plant it in the ground, then talk about all the benefits of trees from producing oxygen to all the everyday products that come from the forest.”

Stark, Lawrence, and Jenny Johnson of Oregon Women In Timber helped lead this all-volunteer event with a planning and execution group that included not only ODF and OSU but Oregon Parks and Recreation, Clatsop County Fisheries, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Wildlife Center of the North Coast, Oregon Women in Timber – Talk About Trees, Hampton Lumber, North Coast Watershed Association as well other local volunteers.  

Forestry Days has been a tradition for more than 60 years and even though the organizations sponsoring and organizing the event hope to someday recruit motivated and eager employees spurred on by this event, the focus remains on the student’s educational experience.

“This gets our students in a whole different environment outside of the classroom,” said O’Brien Starr-Hollow, a sixth-grade teacher in the Warrenton school district. “It helps them put all the pieces together—whether it’s using a firefighting hose, planting a tree, or learning where their toilet paper comes from it gives them a better understanding and sense of the importance of the forest and this community’s relationship with natural resources.”

Although this event is just two days, the ODF Astoria Demonstration Forest is open year round and more information can be found in the Clatsop State Forest Guide.

Visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s main website for more information on many forestry related programs from recreation to timber harvesting to wildland firefighting. The partner organizations also have a vast wealth of information on their websites.

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for eastern Oregon will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10 at the ODF Northeast Oregon District office, 611 20th Street, La Grande. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To provide public comment, please email estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Division updates
• Operator of the Year discussion and voting
• Forest Practice Technical Guidance (FPTG) development
• E-Notification System (FERNS) changes
• Forest resources training strategy
• Compliance monitoring update

The public may attend in-person or online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 72 hours before the meeting by emailing estresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov">forestresources.committees@odf.oregon.gov.

Regional Forest Practices Committees are panels of citizens – mandated under Oregon law – that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. In 1971, the legislature enacted Oregon’s Forest Practices Act which includes three Regional Forest Practices Committees, serving the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwest regions of the state. Under Oregon law, a majority of the committees’ members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic, and social benefits. View more information on the RFPC webpage.

SALEM, Ore. — The Compliance Monitoring Program Committee will hold a virtual meeting Thursday, Oct. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Reforestation final report
• Roads & steep slopes rule selection

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing ta.L.FriasBedolla@odf.oregon.gov">marta.l.friasbedolla@odf.oregon.gov.

The CMP Committee assists efforts to monitor compliance with Forest Practices Rules. The committee advises ODF regarding monitoring projects and procedures. View more information on the CMPC webpage.

SALEM, Ore. — A rulemaking hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. to gather public input on administrative rules clarifying definitions related to emergency fire and emergency fire costs. Public comment can be made by joining the Zoom meeting link. See the notice of proposed rulemaking for draft rule language. 

The proposed revisions clarify existing language and include recommendations made to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) by Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP (MGO), an independent third-party contractor, that reviewed ODF’s financial practices. The proposed amended administrative rules ensure the true costs of wildland suppression costs are accurately accounted for, tracked, reported, and paid for at the statewide level.

Comments can also be sent to sch@odf.oregon.gov">nancy.hirsch@odf.oregon.gov until 5 p.m. on Oct. 31. Please clarify which rule your comments pertain to in your email.

For additional information, please visit ODF’s proposed laws & rules website.

(Salem) – Jose Armani Ayala Barboza, age 8, Jailyne Ayala Barboza, age 5, and Dolce Ayala Barboza, age 5, went missing with their mother Sara Barboza from Bend on Oct. 2. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division believes that the Barboza siblings may be at risk and is searching for them to assess their safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find the Barboza siblings. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of them, Sara Barboza or Francisco Guzman should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). 

They are believed to be traveling towards Southern California or Mexico. They may also be traveling with Francisco Guzman or Juan Carlos Ayala Ramirez. Sara Barboza is known to also go by Sara Ayala. 

Name: Jose Armani Ayala Barboza
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: April 9, 2016
Height: 39 pounds
Weight: 47 inches
Hair: Blackish brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: He is petite for his age and goes by Armani.

Name: Jailyne Ayala Barboza
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Nov. 1, 2018
Height: 43 inches
Weight: 36 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown

Name: Dolce Ayala Barboza 
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Sept. 19, 2019
Height: 41 inches
Weight: 37 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown 

Bend Police Department Case # 2024-00058272
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2033233

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

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

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Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities have made in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities. 

This year’s theme of “Access to Good Jobs for All” specifically speaks to Oregon’s commitment to expand the number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the quality of those opportunities.

As Governor Tina Kotek’s proclamation of NDEAM says, “The State of Oregon will continue to take steps throughout the year to recruit, hire, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities and work to pursue the goals of opportunity, full participation, economic self-sufficiency, and independent living for people with disabilities.”

In 2022, 46% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 80% of people without disabilities — about a 34% gap (source). State programs including Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) are working to help more people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.

“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included,” said VR director Keith Ozols. “For too long, people with disabilities have not had the same access to education and training programs that can lead to stable, high-demand careers. Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to career pathways and the well-being employment brings.” 

NDEAM webinar series

Partners in Oregon’s Employment First Initiative invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities and businesses looking to diversify their workplaces.

Webinars are scheduled noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays in October. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

• Oct 1 – Oregon’s Employment First Initiative
• Oct. 8 – Financial empowerment tools supporting good jobs for all
• Oct. 15 – Stop and learn for business: Good jobs for all, beyond the bias
• Oct. 22 – Beyond the classroom: Career paths for students with disabilities
• Oct. 29 – Good jobs for all with Vocational Rehabilitation

These events are hosted by the Oregon’s Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, the State Rehabilitation Council, the Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education. 

Employment resources for people with disabilities

ODHS offers resources to support Oregon residents with disabilities in achieving, maintaining and advancing in employment. 

• Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
• Ticket to Work is a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
• Employed Persons with Disabilities is a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage. 
• Free benefits counseling is available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

Salem, OR—Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own tax returns in 2025 will have the option to electronically file both their federal and state income tax returns using the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue announced today.

“The Direct File Program is a game-changer for taxpayers,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “This free filing option is an equitable opportunity to save Oregonians time and money, regardless of their income."

The IRS and US Treasury Department announced an expansion of the types of returns that can be filed using IRS Direct File beyond what was available in the pilot program during the 2024 tax filing season. 

During the pilot last year, IRS Direct File covered limited tax situations, including wage income reported on a W-2 form, Social Security income, unemployment compensation and certain credits and deductions. For the 2025 filing season, IRS Direct File will support Forms 1099 for interest income greater than $1,500, retirement income and the Form 1099 for Alaska residents reporting the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend. (See the attached graphic for more on who will be able to use IRS Direct File in 2025.)

In the 2024 tax season, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 states filed their federal tax returns using the limited pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.

The IRS estimates that 30 million US taxpayers will be able to use IRS Direct File in 2025, including 640,000 Oregon taxpayers who will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate to create a seamless free filing system for both federal and state taxes. Oregon was the first of 12 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June.

“Connecting Direct File Oregon with the IRS Direct File option beginning next year will give Oregon taxpayers a seamless way to electronically file both their federal and state income tax returns—and do both for free,” Oregon Department of Revenue Director Betsy Imholt said.

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is reopening the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) online application portal to accept final applications directly from homeowners. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2024. New applications will be put on a waitlist and prioritized for homeowners most at risk of foreclosure or loss. 

Homeowners can now review application criteria and apply directly online using a link on the HAF website: oregonhomeownerassistance.org. If homeowners need or would like assistance with an application, they can contact a HAF intake partner. A list of intake partners can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/Pages/Homeownership-Assistance-Fund.aspx.

“OHCS is reopening the online application portal through Oct. 31, 2024, to ensure we help as many Oregon families as possible,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “With our average award of $26,500, we can assist approximately 250 additional households. Any further applications will be placed on a waitlist pending the availability of funds.”  

HAF offers federal temporary COVID-19 pandemic relief to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic. HAF can help homeowners become current on their mortgages, county taxes, homeowners’ (HOA) or condo associations, land sale contracts, secured manufactured home or floating home loans, and lot rent or moorage fees associated with homeowners in manufactured home parks or marinas. Financial hardship includes a reduction in income or an increase in housing costs resulting from the pandemic.

Homeowners are eligible to apply if they meet the program’s general eligibility criteria and are facing foreclosure, involved in a court case that threatens their home, in property tax foreclosure, in collections with their HOA, or in other high-risk situations identified by a housing counselor. Homeowners in foreclosure may have already received outreach letters from OHCS or their county assessor. 

OHCS will make its final HAF payments in February 2025, limiting total assistance available to new applicants. OHCS encourages homeowners to explore all other options with their servicer or a housing counselor before applying for HAF. Applying for HAF does not guarantee approval or that a foreclosure will be postponed. HAF is administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

4 de octubre de 2024  

El Fondo de Asistencia para Propietarios de Vivienda del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon esta aceptando solicitudes finales por internet

SALEM, Oregon – El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS, por sus siglas en ingles) esta reabriendo el portal de solicitud en línea del Fondo de Asistencia para Propietarios de Vivienda (HAF, por sus siglas en ingles). Esto permitirá que la agencia acepte las solicitudes para el programa directamente de los propietarios de vivienda. Las solicitudes se deben presentar hasta el 31 de octubre del 2024. Las nuevas solicitudes se incluirán en una lista de espera y se dará prioridad a los propietarios de viviendas con mayor riesgo de una ejecución hipotecaria o pérdida de su hogar.

Los propietarios de viviendas pueden consultar los criterios de elegibilidad y presentar su solicitud directamente en línea a través de un enlace en el sitio web del programa: oregonhomeownerassistance.org. Si los propietarios necesitan o desean ayuda con una solicitud, pueden ponerse en contacto con un asesor de vivienda de HAF. Puede encontrar una lista de asesores de vivienda en https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/Pages/Homeownership-Assistance-Fund.aspx.

“OHCS está reabriendo el portal de solicitud en línea hasta el 31 de octubre de 2024, para asegurar que ayudamos a tantas familias de Oregón como sea posible”, dijo Ryan Vanden Brink, subdirector de Programas de Asistencia a Propietarios de Viviendas. “Con la asistencia promedio de $26,500, podemos ayudar a aproximadamente 250 hogares adicionales. Cualquier otra solicitud se colocará en una lista de espera en caso de que haya fondos disponibles”. 

El programa temporal ofrece ayuda hipotecaria federal para ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas que experimentaron dificultades financieras debido a la pandemia. HAF puede ayudar a los propietarios de vivienda a ponerse al día con sus hipotecas, impuestos del condado, asociaciones de propietarios (HOA, por sus siglas en ingles) o condominios, contratos de venta de terrenos, préstamos garantizados para casas prefabricadas o casas flotantes, y alquiler de lotes o cuotas asociadas con los propietarios de viviendas en parques de casas prefabricadas o puertos. Las dificultades financieras incluyen una reducción de los ingresos o un aumento de los costos de la vivienda como consecuencia de la pandemia. 

Los propietarios son elegibles para llenar una solicitud si cumplen con los criterios generales de elegibilidad del programa y enfrentan una ejecución hipotecaria, están involucrados en un caso judicial que amenaza su casa, en la ejecución de impuestos de propiedad, en colecciones con su HOA, o en otras situaciones de alto riesgo identificados por un asesor de vivienda. Es posible que los propietarios en proceso de ejecución hipotecaria ya hayan recibido cartas de OHCS o del asesor de su condado. 

OHCS hará sus últimos pagos de HAF en febrero de 2025, limitando la asistencia total disponible para nuevos solicitantes. OHCS anima a los propietarios a explorar todas las demás opciones con su administrador de hipoteca o un asesor de vivienda antes de solicitar HAF. Llenar una solicitud para HAF no garantiza que sea aprobada o que una ejecución hipotecaria se pospondrá. HAF es administrado por el Departamento del Tesoro de Estados Unidos.

Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS) 

OHCS es la agencia de financiación de viviendas de Oregón. La agencia estatal proporciona apoyo financiero y de programas para crear y preservar oportunidades de vivienda a precio asequible y de calidad para los habitantes de Oregón con ingresos bajos y moderados. OHCS administra programas que proporcionan estabilización de la vivienda. OHCS ofrece estos programas principalmente a través de subvenciones, contratos y acuerdos de préstamo con organizaciones locales y proveedores comunitarios. Para obtener más información, visite: oregon.gov/ohcs.

SALEM, Ore – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) response to the homelessness crisis and its innovative strategies to preserve affordable housing earn the state agency two coveted awards at the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) conference. OHCS received the Special Needs Housing: Combating Homelessness and the Rental Housing: Preservation and Rehabilitation awards.

OHCS ended the first year of the emergency homelessness response by surpassing the initial goals related to preventing homelessness, creating shelter capacity, and rehousing people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The state and housing partners created more than 1,000 shelter beds, rehoused over 1,400 households, and prevented more than 9,000 people from experiencing homelessness.  

“In so many ways, housing is connected to the meaning of life. Making everyday life better for people and communities across Oregon begins with securing the fundamentals, like housing,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Under Governor Kotek’s leadership, we are getting it done. We are grateful to our state and local partners that stepped up in a significant way to improve lives and strengthen Oregon.”

OHCS was also recognized for implementing innovative strategies to help keep rents at prices people can pay in housing developments where affordable rents are close to expiring. The agency created a first-of-its-kind Preservation Framework and Dashboard. The Preservation Framework wraps all preservation-related topics into one document. The Preservation Dashboard makes preservation data easily accessible to housing partners across the state and country.

“While affordable housing preservation does not tend to garner ribbon cutting ceremonies, having proactive and robust strategies to maintain affordability and addressing the physical needs of existing properties is directly connected to our shared housing goals,” said Bell.

OHCS created the Preservation Framework and Dashboard after meeting with many preservation partners and incorporating their thoughts and feedback.  

el comunicado de prensa en español 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. Visit OHCS’ website for more information. 

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SALEM, Ore. – The Black Historic Resources in Oregon, 1788-2002 Multiple Property Submission and an update to the Hannah and Eliza Gorman House designation in Corvallis are the newest of Oregon’s entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended the submission at their June 2024 meeting.

Black Historic Resources in Oregon, 1788-2002, Multiple Property Document (MPD), provides an expansive history of African Americans in Oregon beginning with the first known Black person to have set foot on Oregon’s land and ending with the removal of race-related language from Oregon’s constitution. By mapping the people and the places associated with Black history in Oregon across more than two centuries, this document demonstrates that Black Oregonians had, and continue to have, a unique and significant role in the history of the state.

This document provides an overview of the history of African Americans in Oregon through six different historical contexts and establishes a framework for identifying and listing Oregon’s African American resources in the National Register of Historic Places. This thematic document provides information and structure for individuals interested in listing properties significant in Black history in the National Register. For information about this document or if you would like to learn more about how to use this document, please contact Caitlyn Abrahms at RAHMS@oprd.oregon.gov">Caitlyn.ABRAHMS@oprd.oregon.gov

Thematic Contexts discussed in the document include:

Submitted with the MPD is an update to the nomination for the Hannah and Eliza Gorman House property in Corvallis. This amendment discusses the archaeological significance of the site and its potential to yield significant information about the lives of Oregon’s early Black pioneer residents, women in particular, during the non-Native settlement period and the era of exclusion laws. 

This project is the result of several years of outreach and documentation through a partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Oregon Black Pioneers. SHPO received funding through an Underrepresented Communities Grant from the National Park Service and Oregon Cultural Trust funds.

The University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History joined the project to coordinate and collaborate with Oregon Black Pioneers and Moreland Resource Consulting LLC to draft the complex document. Additional authors include Kimberly S. Moreland, Christopher Ruiz, Ann Craig, Ishalom Keren, Jessica Engeman, Milo Reed, and Erik Hovmiller.

The inclusion of this document in the National Register of Historic Places supports the goals of the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan. “Working hand-in-hand the community whose story is told in this document reinforced for us how was critical partnerships are to the success of historic preservation work in Oregon.” noted Chrissy Curran, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. “This is another step forward in acknowledging Oregon’s diverse history.”

This document pairs nicely with the African American Resources in Portland, Oregon, from 1851 to 1973 MPD at that was accepted in 2020. Several properties have been listed using this tool since its submission including: Dean’s Beauty Salon and Barbershop, Golden West Hotel, Mallory Avenue Christian Church, Mt Olivet Baptist Church, Williams Avenue YWCA (also known as the Billy Webb Elks Lodge). This new MPD expands similar possibilities throughout the state. 

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:

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

State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks.

More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (under the heading “Designate”).

Astoria, Ore. – The State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) will meet on October 17 and 18 at the Ten Fifteen Theater in Astoria’s Odd Fellows Building, 1001 Commercial St, Astoria, OR 97103, to consider nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. The SACHP meeting is hybrid and open to the public. 

The meeting agenda includes guided tours, presentations, and hearings of four proposed nominations. The guided tours are scheduled for Thursday, October 17, at 1:00 p.m., and the business meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18. Anyone may attend the meeting in person or virtually; instructions on how to attend virtually are posted on the commission web page. Registration is required to speak at the meeting. Instructions to register to speak can be found here.

On Friday, October 18, the committee will review four proposed nominations beginning at 1:00 p.m.: the Burkes-Belluschi House and the Juniper House in Portland, Multnomah County; the Lee-Janouch House in Medford, Jackson County; and the Edward and Anne McLean House in West Linn, Clackamas County. For estimated hearing times, please refer to the online agenda: www.oregonheritage.org (click on “Commissions & Committees” at top of page and look under “State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation”).

The SACHP is a nine-member governor-appointed citizen commission with credentials in many historic preservation-related fields. Nominations recommended by the SACHP go to the National Park Service, which maintains the Register under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

This effort aligns with the Oregon Historic Preservation Plan goal to increase the thematic diversity of Oregon properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It also supports the goals to include more voices and increase access to Oregon heritage that are part of the Oregon Heritage Plan. 

The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be made with at least three days of advance notice by calling (503) 986-0690. 

More information about the National Register of Historic Places process is online at www.oregonheritage.org.

SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change that would give the director greater flexibility to decide which parks charge a day-use parking permit fee. 

The proposed rule change would require day-use parking permit fees at all state parks but give the director the ability to waive the fee. If adopted, the director plans to waive the fee at most parks. 

Currently, 25 Oregon State Parks require a day-use parking permit fee, and those parks are identified in rule. Under the proposed rule change, the director would have the ability to implement parking permit fees as needed to help manage parking congestion, traffic and the impact on natural, cultural and recreation resources. 

The collected fees could also help pay for ongoing operations and maintenance at some of the busiest parks. OPRD already announced an increase in some of its fees for 2025 to help keep pace with rising costs.

In addition, the proposed rules would expand the 25% out-of-state camping surcharge (recently expanded from RVs to all site types) to also include buildings and other facility rentals. 

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. November 1, 2024 and can be submitted:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov">OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

A public hearing will be held for the public to provide comments.

• Virtual Hearing: Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 5:30 PM. Register to attend the hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_V32OTU_WRX6OKPmeo3kPIg

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in November for possible adoption. Any changes to parks that charge for parking permits could be effective as soon as Jan. 1, 2025.

The Oregon State Marine Board invites recreational boaters and others interested in the agency’s work to gather and engage with staff in a city near you. To better understand the needs of boaters around the state and gather input on the agency’s direction, staff are hosting five statewide meetings from mid-October through mid-November. 

These meetings are intended to build relationships with local recreational boaters, share information about the agency's work and where recreational boating dollars go in local communities, and assess future needs. Staff will also be available to answer questions about boating safety, agency policies, plans, regulatory considerations, grants, boating access, revenues and expenditures, safety education, titling and registration, outfitter guides, and environmental topics.

Open house schedule timeframes differ by location and are indicated below:

For information about the Marine Board, and the agency and its programs for recreational boaters, visit Boat.Oregon.gov. Visit the agency’s legislative concept page for more information and the open house schedule 

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Español a continuación

We’re all on the same team when it comes to getting home safely

College sports fans across Oregon are thrilled about the return of football season. With both Oregon State University and University of Oregon playing at home this weekend, the health departments for Benton and Lane counties are joining together to encourage people to stay safe when it comes to excessive alcohol use. 

Sporting events and binge drinking often go hand in hand. That can contribute to unsafe driving and dangerous behaviors on and off the road. As people in Oregon gear up to celebrate their favorite teams, Benton and Lane counties want to remind everyone about the importance of driving sober and drinking less. 

Excessive drinking impairs your judgment, slows your reaction times, and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions. This football season, make a commitment to yourself and your loved ones: Celebrate safely and don’t drive under the influence.

“Football games are a great opportunity to come together and to celebrate our favorite sports teams, but alcohol doesn’t always have to be the focus,” said Suzie Beaupre, Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education Program Coordinator for Benton County Public Health. “If you are going to drink, all football fans should make a plan before they start the celebration to keep our roads and community safe. We need a new way to think about alcohol, as many of us cross the line into drinking too much, partly because society makes it so easy.” 

Over 2,500 people in Oregon die from alcohol-related causes every year, including cancers, heart disease, liver disease, violence and vehicle crashes. The share of Oregon adults who drink excessively is bigger than most of us realize, more than 1 in 5. Most people in this group are not affected by alcoholism or an alcohol use disorder. 

“While rooting for the Ducks or Beavers, remember that after the game we’re all on the same team when it comes to getting home safely,” said Luis Pimentel, Alcohol and Drug Prevention Education Program Coordinator for Lane County Public Health. “Whether you are at the game or at home watching, out at a bar, or at a college party this weekend, these environments can lead to binge drinking, which can be dangerous.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition of excessive drinking includes both heavy drinking and binge drinking:

• Binge drinking is when a man has 5 or more standard drinks in one setting or occasion. For women, it’s 4 or more drinks.
• Heavy drinking, the kind that can harm your health long-term, is 15 drinks or more a week for a man. For a woman, it’s 8 or more drinks. 

It is also true that for some people, drinking any alcohol is too much. And no matter who you are, drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. 

Tips for this football season:

• If you are going to host an event to watch the game, it’s important to have non-alcoholic options available for those choosing not to drink or who want to drink less. 
• Avoid asking people why they aren’t drinking or pressuring them to drink more.
• Always arrange to have a designated driver to ensure you aren’t driving buzzed or drunk. That could include calling a rideshare or a taxi.
• Drink plenty of water and eat food while you’re drinking. 
• Consider swapping every other drink with water or a non-alcoholic beverage option, or watering down a drink with more ice or low-sugar mixer.
• If you’re going to drink, set a limit for that event. 
• Count your drinks when you’re at an event or out with friends. You can use an app to track your drinks.

Benton and Lane counties support Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Rethink the Drink initiative to address the health harms caused by excessive drinking. This initiative isn’t telling people to stop drinking, but asks people to pause for a moment and think about the way alcohol is prevalent in their own lives and communities.

Go Beavers! Go Ducks!

If you or someone you care about is suffering from alcohol dependence or an alcohol use disorder, free confidential resources and support are available online or by calling or 1-800-923-435.

Benton County Public Health

Benton County Public Health is committed to protecting the health and well-being of everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Benton County. Benton County Public Health focuses on preventing health problems before they occur. Their programs strive to create community conditions that help reduce health disparities, so all people have an equal chance for a long and healthy life.

Lane County Public Health

Lane County Public Health strives to promote and protect the long-term health and the well-being of individuals, families, and our community. Lane County Public Health plays a critical role in protecting and improving the health of people across Lane County by providing a range of services aimed at promoting healthy behaviors; preventing diseases and injuries; ensuring access to safe food, water, clean air, and life-saving immunizations; and preparing for and responding to health emergencies.

Rethink the Drink aims to build healthier communities by decreasing excessive drinking and the harm it causes to individuals, families, and communities. Rethink the Drink raises awareness of the effects of excessive alcohol use across Oregon. It aims to start conversations about alcohol’s role in our own lives and communities. This initiative emphasizes health equity, noting that Black and Indigenous communities, and those with lower incomes or education, face higher rates of alcohol-related diseases due to systemic inequities. Rethink the Drink is committed to OHA’s larger goal to end health inequities in our state by 2030. Watch the video.

Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Los condados de Benton y Lane les piden a los fanáticos de los equipos “Ducks” y “Beavers” a celebrar de manera segura la temporada de fútbol americano

Todos estamos en el mismo equipo cuando se trata de llegar a casa de manera segura

Los fanáticos de los deportes universitarios en todo Oregón están emocionados por el regreso de la temporada de fútbol americano. Con la Universidad Estatal de Oregón y la Universidad de Oregón jugando en casa este fin de semana, los departamentos de salud de los condados de Benton y Lane se unen para pedirle a las personas a cuidarse cuando se trata del consumo excesivo de alcohol.

Los eventos deportivos y el consumo excesivo de alcohol suelen ir de la mano, lo que puede contribuir a conducir de forma insegura y a conductas peligrosas dentro y fuera de la carretera. Mientras la gente de Oregón se prepara para celebrar a sus equipos favoritos, los condados de Benton y Lane quieren recordar a todos la importancia de conducir sobrio y beber menos.

El consumo excesivo de alcohol afecta el juicio, reduce el tiempo de reacción y aumenta la probabilidad de tomar decisiones fatales. Esta temporada de fútbol americano, ​​comprométase con usted mismo y con sus seres queridos: celebre de forma segura y no conduzca bajo los efectos del alcohol.

“Los partidos de fútbol americano son una gran oportunidad para reunirnos y celebrar a nuestros equipos deportivos favoritos, pero el alcohol no siempre tiene que ser el centro de atención”, dijo Suzie Beaupre, Coordinadora del Programa de Prevención y Educación sobre el Alcohol y las Drogas del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Benton. “Si van a beber, todos los fanáticos del fútbol americano deben hacer un plan antes de comenzar la celebración para mantener seguras nuestras carreteras y nuestra comunidad. Necesitamos una nueva forma de pensar sobre el alcohol, ya que muchos de nosotros cruzamos la línea y bebemos demasiado, en parte porque la sociedad lo hace muy fácil”.

Más de 2,500 personas en Oregón mueren por causas relacionadas con el alcohol cada año, incluyendo el cáncer, enfermedades cardíacas, enfermedades del hígado, violencia y accidentes automovilísticos. Más de 1 de cada 5 adultos de Oregón beben en exceso y esta cantidad es mayor de lo que pensamos. La mayoría de las personas en este grupo no se ven afectadas por el alcoholismo o una enfermedad por consumo de alcohol.

“Mientras apoya a los “Ducks/Patos” o a los “Beavers/Castores”, recuerde que después del juego todos estamos en el mismo equipo cuando se trata de llegar a casa sanos y salvos”, dijo Luis Pimentel, Coordinador del Programa de Educación para la Prevención del Alcohol y las Drogas de Salud Pública del Condado de Lane. “Ya sea que esté en el juego o en su casa viéndolo, en un bar o en una fiesta universitaria este fin de semana, esos ambientes pueden llevarle a beber en exceso, lo que puede ser peligroso”.

La definición de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC por sus siglas en inglés) del consumo excesivo de alcohol incluye tanto el beber excesivamente con regularidad y las borracheras como el consumo excesivo:

• Borrachera es cuando un hombre bebe 5 o más tragos regulares en un lugar u ocasión. Para las mujeres, son 4 tragos o más.
   
• Beber alcohol excesivamente, es el tipo cuando se bebe con regularidad y puede dañar su salud a largo plazo. Es de 15 tragos o más por semana para un hombre. Para una mujer, son 8 tragos o más.

También es cierto que, para algunas personas, beber cualquier cantidad de alcohol es demasiado. Y no importa quién sea, beber menos es mejor para su salud que beber más.

Consejos para esta temporada de fútbol americano:

• Si va a organizar un evento para ver el partido, es importante tener opciones sin alcohol disponibles para quienes elijan no beber o quieran beber menos.
• Evite preguntar a las personas por qué no beben o presionarlas para que beban más.
• Siempre organice un conductor designado para asegurarse de que no conduzca medio ebrio o borracho. Eso podría incluir llamar a un servicio de transporte compartido o un taxi.
• Beba mucha agua y coma alimentos mientras consume alcohol.
• Considere reemplazar una bebida de alcohol por otra con agua o una opción de bebida sin alcohol, o rebajar una bebida de alcohol con más hielo o una bebida baja en azúcar.
• Si va a beber, establezca un límite para ese evento.
• Cuente sus bebidas cuando esté en un evento o salga con amigos. Puede usar una aplicación para llevar un conteo de sus bebidas.

Los condados de Benton y Lane apoyan la iniciativa “Rethink the Drink” de la Autoridad de Salud de Oregón (OHA por sus siglas en inglés) para enfocarse en los daños a la salud causados ​​por el consumo excesivo de alcohol. Esta iniciativa no les dice a las personas que dejen de beber, sino que les pide que se detengan un momento y piensen sobre la forma en que el alcohol influye en sus propias vidas y comunidades.

Go Beavers!/¡Vamos Castores! Go Ducks!/¡Vamos Patos!

Si usted o alguien quien estima está sufriendo de dependencia del alcohol o una enfermedad por el consumo de alcohol, hay recursos y apoyo gratis y confidenciales disponibles en línea o llamando al 1-800-923-435.

Salud Pública del Condado de Benton

Salud Pública del Condado de Benton se compromete a proteger la salud y el bienestar de todas las personas que viven, trabajan o visitan el Condado de Benton. Salud Pública del Condado de Benton se centra en prevenir los problemas de salud antes de que ocurran. Sus programas se esfuerzan por crear condiciones comunitarias que ayuden a reducir las desigualdades de salud, para que todas las personas tengan las mismas posibilidades de tener una vida larga y saludable.

Salud Pública del Condado de Lane

Salud Pública del Condado de Lane se esfuerza por promover y proteger la salud y el bienestar a largo plazo de las personas, las familias y nuestra comunidad. Salud Pública del Condado de Lane desempeña un papel fundamental en la protección y mejora de la salud de las personas en todo el Condado de Lane al ofrecer una variedad de servicios destinados a promover comportamientos saludables; prevenir enfermedades y lesiones; garantizar el acceso a alimentos seguros, agua, aire limpio y vacunas que salvan vidas; y prepararse y responder ante emergencias de salud.

Rethink the Drink (Repensar la bebida) tiene como objetivo construir comunidades más saludables al reducir el consumo excesivo de alcohol y el daño que causa a las personas, las familias y las comunidades. “Rethink the Drink” crea conciencia sobre los efectos del consumo excesivo de alcohol en todo Oregón. Su objetivo es iniciar conversaciones sobre el papel del alcohol en nuestras propias vidas y comunidades. Esta iniciativa enfatiza la equidad en la salud, señalando que las comunidades de raza negra e indígena, y aquellas con menores ingresos o educación, enfrentan tasas más altas de enfermedades relacionadas con el alcohol debido a las desigualdades sistémicas. “Rethink the Drink” está comprometido con el objetivo más amplio de OHA de terminar con las desigualdades en la salud en nuestro estado para 2030. Watch the video. 

El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2024

Douglas County Set to Face Revenue Shortfall to Maintain Safe County Road Systems

(Douglas County, Ore.) —Last week, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) presented its 2024 County Road Needs Study to the Oregon Legislative Joint Committee on Transportation, forecasting a statewide annual revenue shortfall of 59 percent over the next five years, resulting in an additional $834 million per year needed to maintain and manage county road systems in a safe and adequate condition. The report included data from Douglas County, as part of the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Southwest Region 3, noting deficiencies in funding resources. 

In Oregon, Counties partner with the state to support a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system. However, Oregon counties, along with the ODOT and other transportation agencies across the state, are facing structural funding challenges that impact core services, such as the maintenance of roads and bridges. Counties are responsible for the largest share of Oregon’s public road system, with more than 32,000 miles and 4,000 bridges. Douglas County owns and maintains 1,144 road miles and 300 bridges. This includes 161 miles in poor or fair condition, 240 bridges in poor or fair condition, and 63 heavy-truck-weight restricted bridges.

Today, inflation, shrinking fuel consumption, and limited local tax bases, have required counties to defer needed safety improvements and routine maintenance work, resulting in a lower standard of quality and safety for the existing road and bridge systems. In addition, over the last 30 years, federal partners have significantly reduced funding and all but stopped direct access to road infrastructure grants for Oregon's rural Counties.  Douglas County depends on shared revenues from the long-standing 50-30-20 State Highway Fund Distribution Formula that supports Oregon's public road system. Funds are distributed 50 percent to the state, 30 percent to counties, and 20 percent to cities. This fund is crucial for safety improvements and maintaining critical infrastructure that all Oregonians depend on — roads, bridges, sidewalks, bike paths, traffic signals, culverts, and fish passages.

“Our roads and bridges are not getting any younger and each year the cost required to maintain these essential infrastructure channels continues to skyrocket. Aggregate rock and asphalt oil costs alone have increased over 35% in the last three years.  While we are grateful for the State Highway Fund distribution, it’s important to note that current funding already falls short of keeping pace with inflation and rising material costs, so any additional cuts to our funding would be detrimental.   Additionally, the proposed legislative effort to change the State’s long-standing highway revenue sharing model and reduce or eliminate the County portion of gas tax revenues, would further cripple our ability to maintain or repair our aging roads and bridges.” –Douglas County Public Works Director, Scott Adams.   

Douglas County representatives will continue to share concerns, priorities, and ideas for solutions to help state legislators build a transportation funding package in 2025 that will support the needs of all local communities. 

“Our citizens expect that their gas tax and DMV fees are going to be used to improve and maintain the state’s public road system.  When Oregon Counties are responsible for maintaining the lion share of the roads and bridges, it’s imperative that they continue to receive their fair share of the funding.  Douglas County is already looking at critical budget shortfalls over the next five years with the continued loss of federal timber revenues, so cuts to funding resources for road and bridge maintenance would severely impact our ability to maintain the vital infrastructure that keeps communities connected and our economy moving.  We encourage our citizens to contact their legislators and advocate for a fair funding package, while also asking them to prevent any changes to the existing highway revenue sharing model.” - Commissioner and Public Works Liaison, Tom Kress.   

To read the full 2024 study, and learn more about county road, bridge, and transportation priorities and funding, including the issues faced here in Douglas County, visit oregoncounties.org.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2024

Meeting Notice

Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

(Douglas County, Ore.) Douglas County Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman, and Tom Kress are pleased to inform the public that the next Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 3:00 pm in Room 216 of the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg, Oregon. 

In compliance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690, we will accommodate any member of the public who wishes to view the meeting.  To view the live stream or post meeting recording, please visit: https://video.ibm.com/channel/douglascountyoregon. 

For additional information please contact the Douglas County Veterans Service Office by calling (541) 440-4219 or email at ans@douglascountyor.gov">veterans@douglascountyor.gov.   The meeting agenda is attached and can be found on the Douglas County government website at https://douglascountyor.gov/.

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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Public Information Officer | Phone: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as US Fish & Wildlife Service and Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn at the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting. The ecological burn will help enhance prairie and savanna habitats within the park.

“We are fortunate to have one of the biggest blocks of remaining prairie and oak habitats left in the Willamette Valley here in Howard Buford Recreation Area,” said Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah Stewardship Director Jason Blazar. “Ecological burns are an important part of preserving that habitat for future generations. We work closely with Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority and our Rivers to Ridges partners throughout the area to make sure burns are safe and will not disrupt nearby neighbors.”

Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.

For the safety of park visitors, the following trail closures will be in place during day of the ecological burn: 

Meadowlark East Closures:

• East Trailhead parking lot
• Trail 2 east of Trail 24
• Trail 3 south of Trail 56
• Trail 4 east of Trail 24
• Trail 6 east of Trail 56
• Trail 46

Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.

Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.  

Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates. 

Other partners in this effort include EcoStudies Institute, TheNature Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Pleasant Hill-Goshen Fire. 

Why the County conducts ecological burning:

Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned. 

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MEDFORD, Ore.—A New York man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for traveling to Southern Oregon to sexually abuse a child and capturing the abuse on video.   

Brent Johnson, Jr., 26, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release. 

According to court documents, in August 2021, Johnson contacted a child through an online video game and, after exchanging phone numbers with the child, continued communicating with them via text messages and phone calls. Undeterred by the child’s age, in late 2021, Johnson traveled to Southern Oregon where he sexually abused the child and captured the abuse on video. In February 2022, the child’s mother contacted law enforcement after receiving text messages and images from Johnson.

On May 5, 2022, a federal grand jury in Medford returned a three-count indictment charging Johnson with sexually exploiting a child, distributing child pornography, and traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

On June 26, 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child and distributing child pornography.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Long Island, New York, and Medford, and the Rogue River Police Department. It was prosecuted by Judith R. Harper, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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 OnPoint’s eBook helps consumers protect themselves in an increasingly sophisticated threat environment where criminals are using AI to recreate loved ones' voices

PORTLAND, Ore., October 1, 2024 — U.S. consumers lost a staggering $10.3 billion to fraud in 2023, a 14% increase from the previous year’s total, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Oregonians lost more than $101 million to fraud in 2023, a 15.5% increase from 2022. Washingtonians lost more than $253 million, a 12.9% increase from 2022. Imposter scams were the top threats in both states last year, according to the FTC’s report. 

OnPoint Community Credit Union released its 2024 “The OnPoint Guide to Personal Cybersecurity” eBook to help consumers protect themselves in an ever-evolving cybercrime landscape. OnPoint updates the free eBook every October in observance of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to keep the community informed of the latest online threats. 

"As cybercriminals become more advanced, it's essential to remain engaged and proactive with your digital safety," said Damian Laviolette, Chief Information Security Officer for OnPoint Community Credit Union. "We’re dedicated to providing members and non-members alike with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and their loved ones from increasingly sophisticated threats. Being cyber smart is a crucial first step toward staying cyber safe in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

The latest trends in online fraud include:    

Cybercriminals continue to improve techniques with AI and automation. One technique used by cybercriminals is called deepfake phishing, where they recreate a loved one’s voice to add weight to these manipulative communications. Technology improvements have also made credential stuffing easier. This is when someone with stolen login credentials for one website will test the same combination on other websites. Cybercriminals use automation to test multiple sites and credentials at once with the hope of accessing at least one account with someone’s personal or bank information. 

Youth and seniors are the most at-risk populations. Anyone can become a target, but the most vulnerable are youth and young adults (ages 13-25) and seniors (ages 60+). Young people, especially children, have clean credit histories that are not always closely monitored, making them valuable to identity thieves. Chat features in online games also give cybercriminals a platform to convince young people to reveal personal information, transfer money or click on malicious links to a supposed update or mod to a popular game.

Cybercriminals target people aged 60 and older because they believe they have considerable assets and are less familiar with cybersecurity best practices and online scams. Tech support scams, personal data breaches, confidence and romance scams, non-payment or non-delivery scams and investment scams were the top five most common types of elder fraud reported in 2023.

Your smart devices have become targets. According to IoT Analytics, there will be approximately 18.8 billion connected devices by the end of 2024, a 13% increase from last year. The growing number of “smart” household appliances, cars and systems create potential access points for cyberattacks that might be easily overlooked. Cybercriminals can attempt to access your passwords or bank accounts through the information shared with a digital assistant or get into your Wi-Fi network to launch a ransomware attack. 

Top Four Tips for Cybersecurity:

Always verify the sender. Messages from cybercriminals come in the form of emails, texts or phone calls, claiming to be a legitimate company. They want you to hand over personal information or click on a link containing hidden malware. Double-check the sender’s address and domain name and never rely on the display name. You can hover over a link to see if the URL looks legitimate or has tricks like a zero in place of the letter “o” or an “s” added to the end of a word. Watch out for unsolicited offers or notifications, or messages full of grammatical errors and typos. Never trust a request for your password—a legitimate source will not need your password, a PIN or card number.

Watch out for quick money, unexpected windfalls and too-good-to-be-true offers. Cybercriminals often send messages promising unexpected money in exchange for a fee or tax. You should always be suspicious if an individual, bank or company contacts you offering any sum of money. Do not send money or attempt to deposit unverified funds—especially if you’ve never met the sender. A check might be fake, or a cash app transfer could be fraudulent. If the funds are removed from your account, you will lose any portion of the deposit you had withdrawn or spent. Search for the person or organization online and seek the advice of your financial institution if you’re suspicious.

Talk to your children and elderly family members about cybersecurity. Your children and elderly family members should be aware of the threats they are likely to encounter online. Play an active role in your children’s online interactions and set up child-safety controls on their devices to restrict their access, block offensive content and limit screen time. Help your elderly family members by educating them about common scams, monitoring their financial accounts for fraud and blocking spam calls on their devices.

Protect your devices. Change your router name and password from the default settings, use a guest network for smart devices and add multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirements to access administrative control of your primary network. Use strong passwords—or passphrases—that contain spaces between words, and symbols and numbers in place of some letters.

As online fraud continues to evolve, staying informed and alert is more important than ever. You can protect yourself and your family by downloading The OnPoint Guide to Cybersecurity eBook or consulting with a staff member at your nearest OnPoint branch. 

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

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

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Graduate Studies & Research interim Dean Breeann Flesch, Ph.D., presented on artificial intelligence to Congress in DC last month during a showcase for the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus. The event brought together experts from academia, government, and the private sector to inform policymakers on the technological, economic, and social impacts of AI. As one of only 14 National Science Foundation awardees invited to present at the event, Flesch and grant cohort partners were recognized as vital contributors to shaping AI policy, education, and workforce development in the country. 

"Generative AI is poised to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, from creative industries to education,” said Breeann Flesch, Ph.D., interim dean of Graduate Studies and Research. “As higher education institutions seek to prepare students for the future, faculty and staff must learn to effectively utilize, teach, and critically evaluate generative AI tools. By understanding the capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications of this technology, educators can ensure that students are equipped to harness its potential responsibly."

Flesch's invitation highlights Western Oregon University’s commitment to innovation in education through industry-relevant programs and partnerships. This includes participation in the NSF’s Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIC) program, which enhances the applied research capabilities of Primarily Undergraduate Institutions, ultimately preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Through these initiatives, Western engages students with emerging technologies, addressing the needs of a modern workforce while fostering local innovation. Flesch was part of a select group of awardees representing one of only three projects from the NSF’s TIP Directorate. Notably, Western’s cohort, which includes Champlain College and Christopher Newport University, were the sole representatives of the EPIIC program at this significant event.

About the AI Caucus:

The AI Caucus operates in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, with a bipartisan mission to engage lawmakers, experts, and industry leaders in discussions about the implications of rapid AI innovation. Founded by U.S. Representatives Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) in the House, and led by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) in the Senate, the Caucus focuses on developing policies that support AI’s growth while also considering its ethical implications. This dialogue is essential for ensuring that AI development benefits all Americans while maintaining the country’s competitive edge globally.

Pictured in attached photo: LTR: Dr. Breeann Flesch; Western Oregon University, Dr. Brian Hall; Champlain College, and Dr. Roberto Flores; Christopher Newport College
 

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About Western Oregon University

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

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is pleased to announce the second cohort of its Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program. Fifty-four participants have been selected to begin the program this fall. Cristian Mendez Garcia, assistant director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives from Western Oregon University was selected to participate in this leadership program.

The six-month leadership development program for mid-level college and university professionals is designed to increase the number, variety, and quality of Latino/a talent in leadership positions at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and in higher education overall.

Selectees will participate in programming covering academic and student affairs management, regional institutional accreditation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and higher education advocacy issues. Participants will also interact with a professional search firm.
 

"Participating in the HACU Leadership Program presents an incredible opportunity to learn from inspiring individuals committed to uplifting underrepresented communities,” said Mendez Garcia. “I eagerly anticipate furthering my growth alongside dedicated professionals who are passionately advancing equity in postsecondary education.
 

The sessions will be delivered through a series of online meetings and also in-person sessions that will take place in November 2024 at HACU’s Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado, and at the National Capitol Forum in Washington, D.C., in April 2025. The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony.

Special thanks to Capital One and the Mellon Foundation for their support in providing grant funding for select participants.

See additional participant information.
 

About HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, California, and Chicago, Illinois.

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About Western Oregon University

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

SALEM, Ore. – Dr. Latrissa Lee Neiworth, Dean of the College of Professional Studies at Bushnell University, has been appointed to the statewide OregonServes Commission by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and confirmed last week by the Oregon State Senate. The mission of OregonServes is to promote and enhance the culture of service, volunteerism, and civic engagement across communities throughout Oregon.

OregonServes promotes activities that instill a lifelong commitment to service, leading to personal, educational, and career achievements.  The organization partners to increase resources and programs that meet needs in education, environmental stewardship, emergency response, community capacity and resiliency, economic opportunity, workforce development, civic and community engagement, service learning, and senior and veteran services. 

“Service is an integral part of Bushnell University’s mission – fostering wisdom, faith, and service – so Dr. Neiworth’s appointment to the OregonServes Commission and her willingness to serve aligns well with this vision,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Reed Mueller. “By being a part of this commission, she will be able to bring a unique perspective regarding the importance of a commitment to service and its natural connections with education, personal growth, and community engagement.” 

Dr. Neiworth  holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology and a master's degree in education, emphasizing Teaching and Curriculum, from Fresno Pacific University’s School of Education.  

A long-time innovator in higher education, Dr. Neiworth was honored in 2021 as one of the top 100 Visionaries in Education in the U.S. at the Global Forum for Education & Learning. She leads the College of Professional Studies at Bushnell University, which houses the School of Education and the School of Business, Leadership, and Technology and is one of the largest colleges on campus. 

“Service has been a driving factor in my life; I have witnessed firsthand how service can be transformational,” said Dr. Neiworth. “As a first-generation college student, I found that volunteering at a young age was instrumental in building networks I would not have likely been exposed to. These pivotal volunteer experiences changed my life and inspired me to become an advocate for service for others. I am honored to be a part of OregonServes.”  

OregonServes is an entity of the State of Oregon, housed within the Office of Workforce Investments (OWI), within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC). The OregonServes Commission, comprised of 25 members from throughout the state, is appointed by the Governor and conducts the State Service Plan's goals and mission, among other duties.  Dr. Neiworth’s three-year term begins on October 1, 2024, and ends on September 30, 2027.

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University announces the acquisition of the 1000 Alder Street property, formerly the Sigma Phi Epsilon house. This milestone acquisition marks a significant step in the University's ongoing efforts to expand the campus and enhance its students’ educational experience. 

The property will serve as the location of the new John & Marilyn Duke Student Commons, a vibrant hub for student activities. This project is a key component of the University's ambitious Venture Forward capital campaign—a comprehensive campus and program development initiative that includes six specific projects, transitioning Bushnell University into a new era of growth and innovation.    

"We are excited for the opportunity to purchase this important parcel of land, located in the center of our campus”, said Dr. Joseph Womack, President of Bushnell University.   “The Duke Student Commons will be built on a foundation of the generosity of our donors and will become a cornerstone of student life at Bushnell fostering a sense of community and belonging for generations to come.”  

The concurrent completion of three other capital projects will enable Bushnell University to begin construction of Duke Commons. In 2020, the University repurposed the former Phoenix Inn on Franklin Boulevard into the Jim and Sharron Kay Womack Hall for student housing. In 2021, the University partnered with the Springfield Drifters and Springfield School District to construct Bushnell’s shared-use baseball stadium at the Hamlin Middle School Sports Complex. In 2023 the University opened its School of Nursing next door at PeaceHealth’s Center for Medical Education & Research.  Additionally, historic Goodrich Hall, built in 1908 on East 11th Avenue, is currently being renovated with a completion date set for late 2024. This renovation includes the addition to the building, featuring an elevator, restrooms on each floor, and a bell tower. 

The 36,000-square-foot Duke Commons will feature a state-of-the-art cafeteria, the Helseth-Wells Dining Hall on the first floor, providing students with a modern and welcoming space to dine, study, and connect. Additional first-floor amenities will include banquet and event spaces, an outdoor dining area, and a coffee shop. The second floor will host student life offices and a spacious, well-equipped student activity center. The plan also includes beautification of the nearby millrace and surrounding landscape to create a vibrant indoor/outdoor hub for student life. 

In 2017, Bushnell’s Board of Trustees adopted an aggressive growth plan that included a name change—from Northwest Christian University to Bushnell University, after co-founder James A. Bushnell—and a campus expansion strategy to increase capacity and enrollment. In 2021, Bushnell launched Venture Forward, a three-year capital campaign to raise $14,000,000 for six projects, including the Song Nai Rhee Honors Program and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. 

Due to early successes and rising construction costs, the goal was increased to $18,000,000. In October, Venture Forward will celebrate raising nearly $22,000,000 through donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships from over 200 families, businesses, and foundations. More than $4,000,000 has been raised for the nursing program, including a $2,500,000 grant from the Lane County Health Council.  

In addition to the Venture Forward goals, a new beach volleyball complex was recently completed in partnership with Grace Community Fellowship in Eugene. The new Bushnell Golf Player Development Center is under construction at Pine Ridge Golf Club, located at the former clubhouse of the old Springfield Country Club. Future construction goals include additional student housing, expansion of the College of Health Professions, a new chapel/performing arts center, and a new track and field complex. 

"We’ve been a quiet, strong presence in this city for 129 years," says Bushnell Vice-President for University Advancement, Keith Potter. "This new acquisition, and the success of our Venture Forward campaign allows us to better serve our students and expand our presence in the community and region." 

For more information about the Venture Forward capital campaign and the Duke Student Commons, please visit www.bushnell.edu/ventureforward.

The packet for the Umpqua Community College Board of Education meeting on October 9, 2024, has been updated. The updated agenda packet and other pertinent meeting information can be found at https://umpqua.edu/ucc/about/governance-operations/governance/board-of-education/board-meetings/

The Umpqua Community College Board of Education will meet on October 9, 2024. At 4:00pm, there will be a work session beginning in room 10 of the Community Workforce Training building (CWT) and proceeding to other areas of campus. The regular meeting will begin at 5:30pm in room 14 of Tapʰòytʰaʼ Hall (TAP). Instructions for virtual access to the regular meeting and other pertinent meeting information can be found at https://umpqua.edu/ucc/about/governance-operations/governance/board-of-education/board-meetings/

North Bend School District Public Meetings – October 2024

Below are North Bend School District public meetings currently scheduled for October:

October 3, 2024
Regular Board Meeting
North Bend City Hall Council Chambers at 6:00 p.m.
835 California Ave., North Bend, OR

October 17, 2024
Board Work Session 
North Bend School District at 6:00 p.m.
1913 Meade Ave., North Bend, OR

The schedule is subject to change.

Please email mbrix@nbend.k12.or.us or visit the NBSD Website: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1573 for agenda information

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Spring 2024 Grants Report. The report announces:

• 82 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $24,852,500.
• This includes more than $7.2 million through 25 grants to nonprofits serving the Oregon community.
• The report can be found here. A full list of grantees can be found here.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.4 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.

REPORT ALSO AVAILABLE HERE

Introduction

From April 29 to May 20, 2024, the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center (OVBC) conducted a statewide survey of Oregonians’ values, beliefs, and experiences relating to public education priorities and planning. The research was conducted to support Foundations for a Better Oregon and its mission to advance Oregon’s commitment to supporting every child to learn, grow, and thrive.

The question numbers in this document correspond with the accompanying annotated questionnaire and tabs. Due to rounding, percentages reported may not add up to 100% or exactly match the percentages for the same question in the annotated questionnaire and tabs.

Selected questions include noteworthy subgroup variations such as age, gender, area of the state, and racial/ethnic identity. The cross tabulations report subgroup variations for all questions.

OVBC surveys currently use aggregate data to analyze the opinions of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) compared to those who identify as white and no other race. Of course, BIPOC residents are not monolithic; this grouping encompasses myriad races and ethnicities. Thus, these findings should not be taken to imply that all people of color share the same opinions. Disaggregated race/ethnicity data are made available when sample sizes permit reliability.

For the full wording of survey questions, all statistically significant subgroup findings, and respondent quotes, please refer to the accompanying documents: 1) annotated questionnaire; 2) cross tabulations; and 3) verbatim written responses spreadsheet (on request).

Noteworthy Trends

Two data trends stand out as particularly significant in this survey. The first is Oregonians’ remarkable level of agreement regarding the questions and issues fielded in this survey. Historical data—including OVBC surveys dating back to 1992—consistently shows a strong consensus among Oregonians regarding the value of public education, transcending typical demographic and psychographic divisions. Even so, this survey finds agreement frequently rising above 80% and even 90%, revealing an especially high level of public alignment. Even statements with a comparatively lower level of agreement, such as Q4 at 73%, still exceed the 60% threshold normally considered pivotal by political strategists when evaluating the potential success of ballot measures.

The second noteworthy trend is respondents’ unusually low level of uncertainty. Opinion research—again including previous OVBC studies—traditionally shows a “don’t know” or “unsure” response rate of around 10%. In this survey, all but two questions elicited a “don’t know” response rate below 10%, with many questions registering rates as low as 3% or below. Given that this survey’s questions were not highly technical, the low level of uncertainty indicates the respondents’ strong convictions and personal investment in their answers.

Values and Priorities for K-12 Education

(GRAPH ATTACHED IN 2 PARTS: Q3-12 Graph pt1 & pt. 2)

When considering the values and priorities that guide K–12 education, Oregonians overwhelmingly share an overarching view that all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserve access to well-rounded and rigorous learning opportunities, as well as safe and inclusive learning environments.

• 92% of survey respondents agree that it is important to provide rich academic experiences to all students, fully including those experiencing a disability (Q11), and 90% agree that schools should support students’ health, safety, and belonging (Q3).
• 93% agree that it is important to provide students a well-rounded education, including world languages, arts, civics, physical education, and life skills (Q8), and 92% believe schools should give students from all backgrounds equal access to advanced courses (Q7). 94% also agree that students, communities, and businesses all benefit when education includes hands-on learning with STEM, the arts, and career and technical education (Q9).
• 90% agree that smaller class sizes are better for students and educators (Q5), and 92% agree on the value of giving students strong support during the transition from middle to high school (Q6).

Although agreement levels are slightly lower, a strong majority of respondents agree on the need to work toward ending academic disparities so that students of all backgrounds can succeed (83%, Q10). Further, 77% agree that all students are better served when schools implemented targeted strategies to support historically underserved students (Q12). Finally, a significant majority favor increasing instructional time for K–12 students (73%, Q4).

• Regardless of urban/rural divides, race/ethnicity, area of the state, the presence of children in the household, and connection to the education field, many Oregonians hold similar views on ending academic disparities (Q10).
• Democrats (60%), respondents earning less than $25,000 (53%), those who speak a first language other than English (53%), people with a high school diploma or less (52%), women (51%), people ages 18–29 (51%), BIPOC respondents (50%), and people connected to the education field (50%) are among those most likely to strongly favor targeted strategies supporting historically underserved students (Q12).

Public Perceptions of K-12 Improvement

(GRAPH ATTACHED: Q13 Graph)

Respondents are more divided—or uncertain—about whether Oregon schools and school districts are taking steps to become stronger and make better use of their  resources: 48% agree that they are, while 35% disagree and 17% don’t know (Q13).

• Respondents are divided by age range and education level. 29% of those who are 18–29 agree with the statement, compared to only 13% of those who are 55–64, 7% of those who are 65–74, and 11% of those 75 and over. Of those with a high school graduation or less, 28% strongly agree compared to only 11% of those with a four-year degree or higher.
• Respondents with children in their household are also more likely to generally agree that K-12 schools are taking steps to improve (54%), and less likely to say they don’t know (10%). Meanwhile, respondents without children in their household are somewhat less likely to generally agree with the statement (45%), and more likely to say they don’t know (20%).

K-12 Planning, Improvement, and Accountability Strategies

(GRAPH ATTACHED: Q14-17 Graph)

At the state level, respondents indicated high levels of support for education policies that recognize how rural communities differ from urban and suburban communities (81%, Q14); make it easier for districts to serve students and families even if that requires streamlining state or federal requirements or programs (71%, Q15); ensure schools rely on community knowledge and partnerships to give students from all backgrounds a quality education (84%, Q16); and make sure districts set clear plans and budgets for school improvement (88%, Q17).

• While overall support for Q14 is high and nearly equal across urban, suburban, and rural respondents, the highest level of strong support is seen among respondents in areas that are rural (53%) or rural changing to suburban (57%). There is also higher strong support among people ages 55–64 (52%), 65–74 (54%), and 75+ (56%).

(GRAPH ATTACHED: Q18-22 Graph)

When considering long-term planning for schools, Oregonians show strong enthusiasm for setting ambitious yet realistic goals for academic progress and outcomes (65% strongly support) as well as for reviewing whether school districts and charter schools are reaching their goals over the next five years (58% strongly support) (Q18–Q22).

• To a lesser degree, Oregonians strongly support school leaders using evidence-based best practices to inform their planning (55% strongly support), and school districts and charter schools being held accountable for meeting their goals over the next five years (55% strongly support). The overall support level remains high for every initiative presented in Q1–Q22.
• Amid high levels of support for every listed initiative, Oregonians are least enthusiastic about using detailed student data—academic data broken down by race or family income, for example—to inform long-term planning for schools (17% at least somewhat oppose).

(GRAPH ATTACHED: Q23-24 Graph)

Most Oregonians consider access to clear and transparent district and charter school plans and budgets important (92% consider it at least somewhat important). They similarly value evidence that school leaders are equitably allocating public funds to enhance education for all students (89% answering at least somewhat important). Only a small fraction (less than one-tenth) of Oregonians regard these concepts as unimportant (Q23–Q24).

(GRAPH ATTACHED: Q25-29 Graph)

When it comes to addressing challenges in schools and school districts, respondents clearly prioritize dynamic and supportive interventions by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The most favored approach is providing more support and assistance to struggling schools and districts, with 43% ranking this as their top choice (average score of 2.07). Close behind, 27% of Oregonians prefer balancing the right amount of challenges and support to improve struggling schools and districts, ranking this approach as their first choice (average score of 2.23) (Q25–Q29).

• In contrast, punitive measures such as withholding funding or revoking licenses are far less favored, with only 5% ranking this as their top choice (average score of 4.03). Similarly, a hands-off approach by ODE garners little support, with just 8% ranking it as their first choice (average score of 4.00).

(GRAPH ATTACHED: Q30-37 Graph)

When it comes to strategic planning and deciding investments for local schools, Oregonians emphasize the importance of gathering input from a range of stakeholders—especially educators, school staff, students, and families.

• Oregonians view educators and school staff as the most important people to engage (average score of 19 out of 100). Student engagement follows closely (average score of 18), and engaging students’ families is seen as only slightly less important (average score of 16) (Q30–Q37).

On average, Oregonians assign at least 10 points out of 100 to each stakeholder group, underscoring the value of input from all stakeholders. A majority of respondents gave every group a minimum of 10 points.

• Interestingly, while students receive a higher average score than families, they were also more likely than families to receive a score below 10.
• School board members and other community members are the groups most likely to receive fewer than 10 points, likely reflecting community engagement concerns expressed in the open-ended responses to Q1.

Notably, all groups received the maximum 100 points from at least one respondent with the exception of school board members, whose highest score was 70.

• Students were most likely to receive the full 100 points (2%), followed by families (1%). The relatively small percentage of respondents who allotted the full 100 points to a single group indicates strong support for broad community engagement with no specific group dominating the process. The somewhat even dispersal of points among all groups underscores the widespread support for involving all stakeholders in shaping strategic direction and investments for local schools.

Value of Community Engagement in K-12 Education

Most Oregonians agree that community engagement helps schools make better decisions (Q1). Proponents often emphasize the benefits of drawing on the community’s broad base of knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives to develop a comprehensive understanding of student needs. Many respondents discuss community engagement as a way of holding school districts accountable, while others highlight the duty of school districts to serve the broader community by asking for their input (Q1).

“Yes, I believe it helps, because we are able to hold the districts accountable, and make sure they do what is in the best interest of our children.”

Woman, age 30-44, Klamath County, White

“Yes I do. Not just parents and teachers, but education involves an entire community. The success of students impacts everyone. There is a wealth of knowledge within the community that should be heard and considered.”

Man, age 75+, Multnomah County, White

“Yes! Education doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Community engagement is needed, and the needs/wants of that community should be supported (as long as it is in the best interest of the students & equitable).”

Non-binary or gender non-conforming, age 18-29, Tillamook County, White

Yes. School districts should reflect the needs of the communities they serve.”

Man, age 30-44, Umatilla County, Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native, White

Still, some Oregonians express mixed or negative feelings about community involvement, citing concerns over logistical challenges and the credibility of community members in guiding educational decisions. Many Oregonians also worry about the possibility of community input being improperly politicized or selfishly motivated (Q1). 

“Not really. Too many of the people wanting to have input have not taken advantage of a decent education themselves and are only repeating what their current “leaders” spout.”

Woman, age 65-74, Clackamas County, White

“I believe that it can help schools make better decisions, however it requires a lot from both sides. Community members are not always well-informed and schools do not always listen or act.  Schools may be operating with other priorities in mind.”

Woman, age 55-64, Deschutes County, White

“No. Most do not want to do the hard work of learning about school finance, debt/debt service, collective bargaining or the myriad state & federal regulatory requirements to be fluent enough to participate, let alone contribute. School districts don’t have the staff time to effectively provide this either. Instead, for better or worse, relying on elected boards & volunteer budget committees remains the best source for outside input.”

Man, age 65-74, Multnomah County, White

“Not really, education should be decided by experts and those employed in education.”

Man, age 30-44, Multnomah County, Asian and Hispanic or Latino/a/x

• People connected to Oregon’s education system—whether through their own employment or that of someone else in their household—are enthusiastic about community engagement and its benefits. However, they also express a slightly higher level of concern about both the effectiveness and the practical challenges of community engagement compared to those not connected to the education system through employment.
• People whose households include students from historically underserved communities respond similarly to those who do not have these students at home. Both segments agree on the importance of community engagement to educational outcomes, recognize accountability as a key benefit, and value diverse perspectives. However, people with ties to historically underserved students are more likely to be skeptical about the effectiveness of community engagement efforts that lack a rigorous and equitable process. They place greater emphasis on ensuring school district decisions are constructively informed by the lived experience and expertise of community members, and that community engagement processes authentically include the voices of historically underserved students and families.

Hopes for Improving K-12 Education

When discussing their greatest hopes for improving K-12 education, many Oregonians emphasize how important it is for schools to offer practical experiences that align with students’ career interests. Others focus on equipping students with a versatile set of foundational skills (like reading and basic math; social and emotional learning; and critical thinking skills) in preparation for the future. Oregonians also mention concerns over teacher shortages, the declining mental health of students, school safety, the politicization of the school environment, and students being left behind academically (Q2).

“They can give them practical experiences in the fields they want to pursue.”

Man, age 45-54, Coos County, White

“To be well versed and ready to go to college, or to start a career with what knowledge they have.”

Woman, age 30-44, Crook County, Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native, White

“Simply hire more teachers because there is a lack of teachers there’s a lack of students being able to learn at a high rate of education. Unfortunately, a lot of kids are looked over. It needs to be a better monitoring system for kids from K12.”

Man, age 55-64, Marion County, Black or African American

“My greatest hope is that the adults in our local communities can come together and agree on common goals and standards for our children to work towards, removed from political strategizing and social engineering.”

Woman, age 45-54, Yamhill County, White

“Children’s mental health is at high risk according to long term statistical trends (I am a mental health provider and keep up with research.) My greatest hope is that students have ready access to counseling and are taught mental health care in health classes. Parents need to be offered training in how to manage in mental health for their families in their household.”

Woman, age 65-74, Multnomah County, White

“Above all, teach critical thinking skills. Young people need to be prepared to function in a complex and difficult society that is constantly changing.”

Man, age 55-64, Washington County, Prefer not to answer

“I hope that it can be a safe place for students of all kinds.”

Man, age 30-44, Clackamas County, Asian

• People with a household relationship to historically underserved students generally have similar hopes for education system improvements as people who have no students in their households or whose students are not considered historically underserved. However, they place are a stronger emphasis on hiring more diverse educators and on promoting equitable and inclusive learning environments.
• Oregonians employed in education—or with household members employed in education—stressed the value of addressing the inadequacies of the current funding model (especially in regard to administrative costs); strengthening teacher and student support; and shifting away from standardized, one-size-fits-all approaches. They also cited the importance of personalized learning, mental health support, community engagement, and reevaluating traditional educational models.
• Respondents who are connected to the education field and those who aren’t both call for equitable access to quality education along with a more supportive and responsive educational environment.

Research Methodology

The online survey, which took approximately 10 minutes, was completed by 1,626 Oregon residents ages 18+. This is a sufficient sample size to assess general opinions as well as to review findings by multiple subgroups.

Respondents were contacted through professionally maintained online panels. Quality control measures included questionnaire pre-testing, validation, and real-time response monitoring. A representative sample was achieved by setting demographic quotas and weighing data by area of the state, gender, age, race/ethnicity, and education.

Statement of Limitations

Any sampling of opinions or attitudes is subject to margin of error—a standard statistical calculation of differences between the sample and total population at a confidence interval (or probability) calculated as 95%. This means that there is a 95% probability that the sample taken for this study would fall within the stated margin of error if compared with the results of surveying the entire population. This survey’s margin of error for the full sample is ±2.43%.  

Portland, Ore., September 30, 2024 – From September 20 through September 28, families, community organizations, and individuals across Oregon and SW Washington participated in the 2024 SOLVE Beach & Riverside Cleanup, celebrating several significant environmental dates: International Coastal Cleanup Day, September 21, World Rivers Day, September 22, and National Public Lands Day, September 28. This year, around 1,300 volunteers in 12 counties came together to collect litter, restore habitats, and engage in educational activities at nearly 80 event sites with a focus on the urban Portland and Vancouver area, beaches along the Oregon Coast from Seaside to Brookings, as well as inland lakes and riversides.

The dates for the Beach & Riverside Cleanup were strategically chosen to include these important international environmental efforts, allowing participants to be part of a global movement. September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. World Rivers Day on September 22 highlighted the essential role rivers play in this journey from source to sea, reminding us that clean waterways are crucial for the health of our oceans. The cleanup culminated on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation's largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.

During this week-long initiative, volunteers collected an estimated 11,200 pounds of litter and marine debris (which is the weight of 4 cars), amplifying the ongoing effort to protect our waterways and ecosystems. 28 coastal cleanups were conducted this year. Since the event's inception in 1986, SOLVE has mobilized communities to collect more than 2.5 million pounds of trash from Oregon's natural spaces. SOLVE’s dedication to environmental restoration was evident as volunteers participated in more than a dozen habitat restoration projects, where 1,205 sq feet of invasive species like English ivy and Himalayan blackberry (equivalent to three car garages) were removed, 27 trees cleared, and 1,010 plants mulched. 

"This year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup not only highlights the importance of protecting our environment but also fosters a sense of community and engagement, especially as families return to their routines after summer," says Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "The participation of organizations such as Surfrider Foundation, Friends of Netarts Bay, and various watersheds councils, shows a collaborative commitment to conservation at the coast and beyond.” At Siltcoos Beach, volunteers celebrated International Coastal Cleanup by removing marine debris near protected western snowy plover sites, a critical nesting area for these vulnerable birds. The Rockaway Lions Club invited volunteers to welcome fall. “We are proud to engage them for the Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024, where the focus on family-friendly events made this year especially memorable," continues Carico.

The Beach & Riverside Cleanup also served as a perfect back-to-school activity for families looking to bond over meaningful environmental work. Engaging children in outdoor activities and educational programs promotes a lifelong commitment to protecting the planet.

SOLVE's annual cleanup not only addresses the immediate threat of litter but also emphasizes the connection between inland sources of pollution and the health of our coastlines. With approximately 80% of marine debris originating from these inland areas, the collective efforts of Oregonians are imperative as we approach the rainy season.

SOLVE expresses gratitude to all volunteers, organizations, and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup. Special thanks to our sponsors: Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.