Press Log

The Oregon State Capitol will be the site of the highly anticipated dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday, November 22, at 2:00 p.m. This momentous event will be the formal dedication of Phase 1 of the memorial, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s Vietnam veterans. The public ceremony will occur at Salem’s Willson Park memorial site on the Capitol grounds, at the corner of State and Cottage Street, with a reception to follow at the nearby Withnell Family YMCA. 

The memorial pays tribute to 710 Oregonians who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, along with the more than 180,000 Oregonians who served in Vietnam and around the world from 1955-1975. The design features 46 black granite columns engraved with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It creates a reflective space for veterans, families, and the public to honor their memory. 

The event will include comments from local veterans, state officials, and Vietnam War Memorial Fund members, who have been instrumental in making this project a reality. 

The event is hosted by the Oregon Vietnam War Memorial Fund and is supported by a grant of Transient Occupancy Tax from the City of Salem.

The Importance of the Memorial 

The Vietnam War remains one of the most challenging and divisive periods in American history. Veterans returning from the conflict were often met with indifference or hostility, making this memorial an overdue recognition of their service. The memorial offers a space for healing and remembrance, honoring both the sacrifices of the fallen and the resilience of those who served. Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund (VWMF), emphasized the emotional impact of this project. “This is about giving our veterans a place of rest and, for all of us, a place to heal,” Bates said. The memorial will not only commemorate the service of Vietnam veterans but also serve as a reminder of the war’s lasting impact on the state and its people. 

Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the memorial will also serve as an educational resource when Phase 2 is completed. Phase 2, the Exhibit Phase, aims to help future generations understand the human cost of war and the bravery of those who fought.

For more information, see a virtual tour or donate, visit ocvvm.com. 

About the VWMF: Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at www.ocvvm.com. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent of applicable tax law. You can donate by sending a check to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or by credit card at www.ocvvm.com.

Vancouver, Wash. – Residents are invited to learn more about the County’s 2025 – 2030 Stormwater Capital Plan at an upcoming open house hosted by the Clean Water division of Clark County Public Works. The proposed plan includes projects to update, repair, and build new stormwater infrastructure to protect clean water by removing pollutants and slowing runoff. Additional projects include tree planting, streamside habitat preservation and stream channel rehabilitation. Projects in the plan primarily address requirements in the county’s Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Department of Ecology.

Projects in the Stormwater Capital Plan scheduled for construction in 2025 include: 

• 78th Street Heritage Farm Wetland Restoration Project
• Northwest 99th Street Water Quality Retrofit (Northwest 11th Avenue to Cougar Creek)
• Highway 99 Sidewalk (Northeast 102nd Street to Northeast 104th Street)
• Schriber Northwest Reforestation
• Northeast 99th Street Water Quality Retrofit (Interstate 5 to Hazel Dell Avenue)

Residents are invited to learn more about the Stormwater Capital Plan and associated projects at an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22. From 6:30 to 7 p.m., a presentation will provide an overview of the plan. Before and after the presentation, residents are invited to review and discuss the plan with staff. Light refreshments will be provided. 

Residents can attend in person or online. The in-person open house will be at Salmon Creek Elementary School (1601 NE 129th Street). The presentation portion of the open house will also be streamed online. A meeting link is available on the Clean Water project webpage. While registration is not required, those who register to attend online via the link on the webpage will receive an email reminder with the meeting link 15 minutes prior to the presentation.

Meeting interpretation, additional translation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting the Clean Water division at cleanwater@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.4345. 

To receive information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

Go to clark.wa.gov/public-works and click on “News” to read this information in another language. Click the button in the top right of the page that says “Change language” next to a globe icon and choose your preferred language. 

Vaya a clark.wa.gov/public-works y haga clic en “Noticias” para leer esta información en español. Haga clic en el botón en la parte superior a la derecha de la página que dice "Change language " junto al icono de globo terráqueo y elija su idioma preferido.

Чтобы прочитать эту информацию на русском языке, зайдите на сайт clark.wa.gov/public-works и нажмите на "Новости". Нажмите на кнопку Change language (“Изменить язык”) в правом верхнем углу страницы рядом с символом земного шара и выберите свой язык.

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October 14, 2024

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that Chantail Williams, 40, entered a guilty plea on one count of aggravated theft in the first degree in relation to her role in a fraud scheme resulting in a 1.5 million dollar loss for the City of Portland in 2022.

Case Facts

In May 2022, the Portland Police Bureau investigated an unauthorized intrusion into the City’s computer network. Officials had learned that an email account associated with the City had been hacked and that malware had corrupted the device. This intrusion was followed by fraudulent emails, and in June it was discovered that there had been fraudulent wire transfers meant for a housing project that were misdirected to an account based in Florida. This account belonged to a small business run by Williams. The theft is believed to have been orchestrated by malicious actors located overseas, and authorities continue to investigate those perpetrators. Williams was instrumental in this theft by knowingly facilitating the transfer of the stolen money, but is not believed to have been involved in the organization or planning of the fraud.

Plea & Sentencing

Deputy District Attorney Jesse Hoffman and Senior Deputy District Attorney Kevin Demer represented the state in this case. Today, October 14, 2024, Williams entered a guilty plea to one count of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, and was sentenced to 5 years of supervised probation in addition to being ordered to pay restitution. One of the conditions of probation is for Williams to cooperate with the City’s ongoing investigation. Williams served over thirty days of jail during her extradition to Oregon and additional jail time was not imposed. At the sentencing hearing, Beth Woodard, Senior Deputy City Attorney, appeared on behalf of the City and expressed the City’s support for this resolution.

The DA’s Office would like to acknowledge the impact of this crime on the City of Portland, and its mission to create affordable housing. The money stolen was taken from the Bureau’s important mission to serve low-income households and we extend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to the successful resolution of this case. A special thank you to Detective Hearst and Detective Sahli of the Portland Police Bureau for their dedicated work on this case. 

#MCDA#

Deschutes County, Ore 12 Oct 24- On Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 12:28 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 20, near milepost 5, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chrysler Pacifica, operated by Joann Patricia Frazee (76) of Bend, attempted a left turn onto Powell Butte Road. The Chrysler entered the path of a westbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Jeremy Cecil Regan (41) of Bend, causing the motorcycle to impact the passenger side of the Chrysler.

The operator of the Harley Davidson (Regan) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Chrysler (Frazee) was reportedly not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation with an unsafe turn considered a primary factor.

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

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

(Salem) — La inscripción abierta para el plan del año 2025 de Medicare inicia el 15 de octubre y permanecerá abierta hasta el 7 de diciembre de 2024. Los beneficiarios de Medicare que quieren comparar o cambiar su plan existente de Medicare pueden recibir ayuda gratuita del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS por sus siglas en inglés). 

Durante el período de inscripción abierta de Medicare, las personas con Medicare pueden hacer cambios en su plan de salud o en su plan de medicamentos recetados, elegir un plan de Medicare Advantage o elegir Medicare Original. El programa de Asistencia para Beneficios de Seguro de Salud para Personas Mayores (SHIBA por sus siglas en inglés) de la oficina de Adultos Mayores y Personas con Discapacidades Físicas de ODHS (APD por sus siglas en inglés) está disponible para ayudar a las personas de Oregon a entender sus opciones y beneficios de Medicare, brindar orientación sobre la inscripción y ayudar a las personas a detectar y evitar estafas de Medicare. Adicionalmente, habrá cambios clave a Medicare en 2025 que los consejeros del programa de SHIBA de APD pueden ayudar a las personas a entender incluyendo:

• El nuevo Programa de Descuentos de Fabricantes que ayuda con la brecha en cobertura, también conocida como el “hoyo de cobertura;” 
• La nueva cantidad máxima más baja para pagar por medicamentos cubiertos. La cantidad máxima para 2025 será $2,000; 
• Cobertura para medicamentos para perder peso cuando los doctores los recetan para las personas que cumplen con ciertas condiciones; 
• Cobertura ampliada para servicios de proveedores de cuidados que son familia a través del modelo de Guiando una Experiencia Mejorada de Demencia (GUIDE por sus siglas en inglés); y
• Acceso ampliado a servicios de salud mental a través de permitir que más proveedores facturen a Medicare por sus servicios.

“Nuestro equipo de SHIBA de APD está dedicado a ayudar a las personas a prepararse para la inscripción abierta y entender los cambios,” dijo Jane-ellen Weidanz, quien supervisa a SHIBA como la Subdirectora de Políticas de APD. 

Animamos a las personas de Oregon que necesitan ayuda para navegar la inscripción abierta de Medicare a que llamen a SHIBA al 800-722-4134 (línea gratuita) u obtengan más información visitando el sitio web de SHIBA en SHIBA.Oregon.gov. La Guía de Oregon para Planes de Seguro de Medicare de 2025 estará disponible en el sitio web de SHIBA en los próximos días y estará traducida a varios idiomas. 

Los consejeros certificados de SHIBA también pueden ayudar a las personas a reportar estafas a Medicare y educar a las personas sobre cómo evitar estafas o fraude de Medicare. Según la Patrulla de Medicare para Personas Mayores (Senior Medicare Patrol), las estafas comunes incluyen promesas de equipo médico duradero gratuito como rodilleras y catéteres u ofertas de pruebas genéticas gratuitas. El objetivo final del estafador es obtener el número de Medicare del beneficiario para cometer fraude de facturación de Medicare. “Los consejeros de SHIBA están comprometidos a asegurar que las personas de Oregon tengan la información que necesitan para evitar ser víctimas de fraude y que reporten las estafas o si sospechan fraude de Medicare, “dijo la Directora de APD Dra. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.

La ayuda de SHIBA está disponible por teléfono y a través de citas virtuales y en persona. Debido a que el alto volumen de llamadas durante la inscripción abierta puede resultar en tiempos de espera más largos de lo habitual, animamos a las personas de Oregon a acceder a los recursos gratuitos en el sitio web de SHIBA tales como las preguntas frecuentes de Medicare, una herramienta para localizar agentes, una lista de presentaciones de Medicare gratuitas virtuales y en persona, y videos para ayudar a las personas a entender sus opciones de Medicare. Las personas que necesitan ayuda con Medicare en otros idiomas, incluyendo el lenguaje de señas, pueden llamar al 833-685-0841 o enviar un correo electrónico a odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; después de enviar su solicitud, un traductor se pondrá en contacto en el idioma preferido del solicitante para brindar asistencia para comunicarse con SHIBA.

Acerca del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon

La misión del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon es ayudar a las personas de Oregon en sus propias comunidades a lograr bienestar e independencia a través de oportunidades que protegen, empoderan, respetan la elección y preservan la dignidad.

Acerca del programa de Asistencia para Beneficios de Seguros de Salud para Personas Mayores

El programa de Asistencia para Beneficios de Seguro de Salud para Personas Mayores es parte de la oficina de Adultos Mayores y Personas con Discapacidades Físicas de ODHS. Es una red estatal de consejeros certificados que voluntariamente ayudan en su comunidad a todas las personas de Oregon a tomar decisiones informadas sobre Medicare. SHIBA ofrece asesoría y asistencia en seguros de salud gratuita, objetiva, confidencial y local, de manera individual para las personas con Medicare y sus familias. 

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Clatsop County, Ore 13 Oct 24- On Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 2:06 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy 202, near milepost 15, in Clatsop County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an westbound Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by David Adam Williams (50) of Rainier, was negotiating a curve when it lost control and laid down. An eastbound Chevy Colorado, operated by Rachel Ann Jimenez (32) of Forest Grove, entered the eastbound shoulder to avoid colliding with the Harley Davidson. A westbound Indian Scout, operated by Nathaniel Roger McCord (68) of Scappoose, attempted to avoid other vehicles, lost control and laid down. The operator of the Indian was ejected from the motorcycle and collided with the Chevy.

The operator of the Indian (McCord) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Harley Davidson (D. Williams) and passenger, Janet Christine Williams (57) of St. Helens, suffered reportedly minor injuries.

The operator of the Chevy (Jimenez) was reportedly not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is on-going with speed being considered as a primary factor.

OSP was assisted by the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Olney Fire Department, and ODOT.

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

Lake County, Ore 11 Oct 24- On Friday, October 11, 2024, at 5:35 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 395E, near milepost 148, in Lake County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Honda motorcycle, operated by Tyler June Rich (39) of Lakeview, failed to negotiate a corner, left the roadway, and crashed.

The operator of the Honda (Rich) was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.

A passenger on the Honda, Deanna Lee Rosecrans (39) of Lakeview, was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 4.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation. 

OSP was assisted by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Modoc County Sheriff's Office, Thomas Creek Westside Fire Department, Lakeview EMS, and ODOT.

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

(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year begins Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2024. Medicare beneficiaries seeking to compare or change their existing Medicare plan can receive free help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). 

During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan or choose Original Medicare. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities’ (APD) Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is available to help Oregonians understand their Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance and help people detect and avoid Medicare scams. Additionally, there are some key changes coming to Medicare in 2025 that APD’s SHIBA program counselors can assist people in understanding including:

• The new Manufacturer Discount Program which addresses the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole;” 
• The lower maximum to pay for covered drugs. The maximum amount for 2025 will be $2,000; 
• Coverage for weight loss drugs when doctors prescribe them for people who meet certain conditions; 
• Expanded coverage for family caregiver services through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model; and
• Increased access to mental health services by allowing more providers to bill Medicare for services.

“Our APD SHIBA team is devoted to helping people prepare for open enrollment and understand changes,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as APD Deputy Director of Policy. 

Oregonians who need help navigating Medicare open enrollment are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or learn more by visiting the SHIBA website at SHIBA.Oregon.gov. The 2025 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans will be available on the SHIBA website in the coming days and will be translated to multiple languages. 

SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. According to the Senior Medicare Patrol, common scams include promising free durable medical equipment, such as knee braces and catheters, or offers of free genetic testing. The ultimate goal for the scammer is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. “SHIBA counselors are committed to ensuring Oregonians have the information they need to avoid becoming victims of fraud and report scams or suspected Medicare fraud,” said APD Director Dr. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.

Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website such as Medicare frequently asked questions, an agent locator tool, a list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and videos to help people understand their Medicare options. People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. 

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The East County Vehicular Crimes Team (ECVCT) is investigating a serious crash that resulted in the death of one person and injured multiple people on Sunday night in Fairview.

Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to the 800 block of NE Fairview Parkway at 9:00 p.m., on October 13, 2024, after receiving a report of a serious crash. Deputies determined that two cars were involved, a Honda Civic and a Volkswagen Golf. The VW Golf contained three people, a driver and two passengers, and the Honda Civic was only occupied by the driver.

A passenger in the VW Golf was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and other passenger of the VW Golf, and the driver of the Honda Civic were taken to the hospital with injuries. 

During the initial investigation, NE Fairview Parkway was closed between NE Halsey St. and NE Glisan St. for several hours. The ECVCT investigation is ongoing.

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The East County Vehicular Crimes Team (ECVCT) consists of specially trained law enforcement members from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Gresham Police Department and Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. ECVCT investigates serious and fatal vehicle crashes and vehicular crimes in Gresham, Fairview, Maywood Park, Troutdale, Wood Village and unincorporated Multnomah County.

Lincoln County, Ore 11 Oct 24- On Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:47 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 20, near milepost 7, in Lincoln County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Nissan Titan, operated by Jacob Joseph Barlett (18) of Florence, attempted to turn onto NE Arcadia Drive at a high rate of speed. The Nissan left the roadway, rolled several times, and came to rest on its roof.

The operator of the Nissan (Barlett) suffered critical injuries and was transported by life flight to a regional medical center.

A passenger in the Nissan, Benito Kirk Esquivel Whitney (18) of Florence, was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation with speed being considered a primary factor.

OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Toledo Police Department, and Toledo Fire and Rescue.

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

(Astoria, OR) - Clatsop County’s buildings will be illuminated green November 4 -11, 2024 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans.

This national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties supports military veterans and raises awareness about unique challenges faced by many veterans and resources available at the county, state, and federal level to assist them and their families.

“As generations before us have served this great nation in our armed forces, this service to our country also often results in significant stress to many of the veterans and their families who serve in times of war and conflict,” said John Toyooka, Clatsop County Commissioner and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran.

“We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure their county government and our community serve them,” Commissioner Toyooka said.

Along with lighting County buildings, residents, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to participate by changing one or more of their building’s light bulbs to a green bulb from November 4-11. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends.

By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Community members can share their participation on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.

Free Green Light Bulbs Available

To help the community participate, free green light bulbs are available at the following locations while supplies last:

• Veteran Services Office at Clatsop Community College, 1717 Lexington Ave, Astoria (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• County Manager’s Office, 800 Exchange Street, Astoria, 4th floor reception (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Visit the County’s Veteran Services Program webpage for more information and links to resources available to veterans.

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CROOK COUNTY, Ore. 14 Oct. 2024 – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife is investigating the unlawful take and waste of a yearling buck deer in the Grizzly Wildlife Management Unit.  

On October 11, 2024, Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife troopers from Prineville responded to a report of a deer which had been shot. The incident was reported to have occurred Thursday, October 10, at about 10:30 p.m. and occurred on McKay Creek Road/USFS 27 Road near the USFS 33 Road junction north of Prineville. The deer was shot multiple times with a 9mm. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a Chevy S10 or similar small pick-up truck.   

The Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person(s) responsible for killing the yearling buck deer. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sr. Trooper Tayler Jerome via the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888, email TIP@osp.oregon.gov, or contact OSP dispatch at OSP (677).

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

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

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

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

Cash Rewards

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

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

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

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

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

Correction: Members of the public wishing to join the social event are asked to RSVP by emailing oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov by today, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m.

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet in Pendleton for their fall retreat on Oct. 16 and 17. The retreat’s two-day itinerary will include an executive session, field tour, and public social on Wednesday, Oct. 16, and an executive session and public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17. Both executive sessions will be closed to the public, except for members of the press. The field tour and social event that will take place on Oct. 16 are open to the public for in-person participation, and recordings of highlights will be posted on the board’s meeting page afterward. The public meeting that will take place on Oct. 17 will be open for in-person observation and livestreamed on the department’s YouTube channel.

The board’s agenda for the retreat’s public meeting includes:

• State of the agency briefing
• 2024 Fire season findings and recommendations
• Climate and Carbon Plan implementation update
• Department strategic planning
• Board planning

On Wednesday, the executive session starts at 8 a.m. at the Hamley Steakhouse located at 8 SE Court Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801. This item is closed to the public, except for members of the press who are permitted to attend by law. This Executive Session is held pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection as well as pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

The tour starts at 10 a.m. across from Hamley Steakhouse, in the 10-hour parking lot on 1st Street. Members of the public wishing to join the tour are asked to RSVP by emailing oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov by end of day, Friday, Oct. 11. Those attending the tour should bring their own lunch and dress appropriately for the weather. The field tour will highlight the complete and coordinated system and the Eastern Oregon Area’s response to the 2024 fire season.

Wednesday evening, the public social starts at 6 p.m. at the Hamley Steakhouse, upstairs in the Slickfork room. Hamley Steakhouse is located at 8 SE Court Ave Pendleton, OR 97801, with the Slickfork entrance located on 1st Street. A 10-hour parking lot and streetside parking is available. Members of the public wishing to join the social event are asked to RSVP by emailing oardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov">boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov by end of day, Tuesday, Oct. 15  today, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. Presentations during to social will provide an overview of the Northeast Oregon Area’s response to the 2024 fire season. 

On Thursday, the executive session starts at 8 a.m. at the Hamley Steakhouse located at 8 SE Court Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801. This item is closed to the public, except for members of the press who are permitted to attend by law. This Executive Session is held pursuant to ORS 192.660 (2)(f) to consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection as well as pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with legal counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed.

The retreat meeting will be held at 9 a.m. in the Slickfork room, upstairs in the Hamley Steakhouse. Hamley Steakhouse is located at 8 SE Court Ave Pendleton, OR 97801, with the Slickfork entrance located on 1st Street. A 10-hour parking lot and streetside parking is available. There will be no formal decisions during the retreat, and no opportunities for public testimony. The focus of the retreat will be to receive information on the 2024 fire season and allow for board discussions on strategic planning. 

The full retreat agenda is available on the board’s webpage. 

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at estryinformation@odf.oregon.gov">forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Read more information about the board.

After 12 years of service, Member Val Early’s time with the Oregon State Marine Board has come to an end. Her willingness to continue past her original commitment of two consecutive appointments allowed the board to flow on behalf of Oregon boaters. During her tenure, her passion for boating, professionalism, skills, and leadership underscored her strong character attributes and helped the agency navigate significant change. 

Early’s “drive” was shaped by her father, Cal Wade, who also served as a member of the Marine Board in the 1970s. Through his service, she was exposed to boating issues in Oregon, while becoming proficient in operating drift boats and other watercraft on the Rogue River. Early went on to earn a U.S. Coast Guard Uninspected Passenger Vessel License. She is an owner/operator of Early Fishing, Inc., a Marine Board-registered fishing guide service also registered to operate in California and Alaska.

In addition to Early's boating experience, she has volunteered with many organizations on river conservation and habitat including the ODFW Fall Chinook Conservation Plan, USFS National Center for Wild and Scenic River Excellence Working Group, Chetco Watershed Council, Brookings Harbor Safe-N-Sober, and other outdoor events promoting fishing, conservation and boating safety.

“Serving on the Oregon State Marine Board has been an incredible honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to support Oregon’s recreational boaters and advance the agency’s mission,” said Early. “We dealt with many varied issues during my time on the board and I was fortunate to serve the board with two directors and an interim director - all great leaders of the agency. I am proud of my role in helping to select the current director, Larry Warren, and witnessing the agency’s growth under his leadership.”

The board, composed of passionate boaters, makes well-researched decisions to benefit recreational boaters, and also law enforcement, and partnering agencies. Together, board members focus on the shared goal of enhancing boating safety, improving facilities, and protecting Oregon’s natural resources.

Early continues, “From presenting lifesaving awards and dedicating facilities, to addressing challenging issues, my time on the board has been both rewarding and educational. 

I have enjoyed collaborating with law enforcement partners and participating in their training activities. The Boating Safety Advocate Program, introduced during my tenure, is crucial for helping educate boaters to recognize dangers and enjoy the water safely. It has been exciting to see milestones achieved such as the Waterway Access program, electronic boat examination reports, website upgrades, and other processes to better serve the boating public, to name a few.

All the agency staff, partners, and other board members are deeply grateful to all of Early’s contributions, insights, selflessness, and integrity. She has been an exemplary volunteer representing the Oregon State Marine Board. We wish her a “Bon Voyage” as she and her husband take some time to get back into recreating themselves. 

Join the Chemeketa Alumni Association for a festive night of car decorating, games, and treats!

Salem, Ore., Month Day, Year — The Chemeketa Alumni Association is thrilled to invite the community to a fun-filled Trunk-or-Treat event on October 23rd, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Red Lot on the Salem campus near the Ag Hub off 45th street and Fire Protection Way. This family-friendly celebration is the perfect way to kick off the fall season, and we need your creativity to make it a memorable success!

Employees, students, and community members alike are encouraged to participate by decorating their vehicles and handing out treats. Whether you want to show off your school spirit, promote an educational program, or simply enjoy the fall festivities, this event is open to everyone!

Event Details:
When: October 23, 2024, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Chemeketa Community College, Red Lot

How to Get Involved:

• Decorate Your Car: Bring your best fall-themed decor and transform your car into a festive display! Don’t worry if you don’t have a specific theme—just come ready to have fun and spread positivity.
• Represent Your Local Business: This is a great chance to showcase your business and connect with the community by decorating your car with themed designs and handing out treats to kids.
• Enter the Contest: A prize contest will be held for the best-decorated cars, with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!

We ask that participants RSVP by October 17 to help us coordinate the event. Please sign up by emailing alumniassociation@chemeketa.edu.

This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with our community, share in the holiday spirit, and enjoy a festive night of fun, games, and creativity. We can’t wait to see all the wonderful trunk designs!

Let’s make this Trunk-or-Treat event a spooktacular celebration for all ages!

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For more than 50 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports in the early morning of October 13^th, her deputies have arrested three people in connection with a theft from Hendrix Heating, located in the Tangent Business Park, 

The business had experienced several thefts, leading owners to install additional security devices which alerted them to a person entering their fenced property at around 2:20 a.m.  The owner called the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and deputies responded to the area catching one male, Zakkery Sprinkles, running from the scene as they arrived.  Zakkery Sprinkles was running towards a Honda Accord when he was caught. Deputies found the Honda occupied by a female, Teia Brady, who admitted to coming onto the property to pick up Zakkery Sprinkles. 

Corvallis Police Department Officers assisted Linn County Deputies and Albany Police Department Officers in searching the area with a drone and K9.  Ryan Baarstad was located inside the fenced property of Hendrix Heating, hiding inside one of the work trucks.  Small items from the truck were found in his pockets.  Burglary tools and other evidence was recovered, showing items were being stolen from the trucks. 

Linn County Sheriff’s Office Deputies executed a search warrant on the Honda Accord and located belongings of both Zakkery Sprinkles and Ryan Baarstad in the car, along with additional burglary tools, drugs, and drug paraphernalia.  

Zakkery Sprinkles (33) of Eugene was arrested for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree and Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Theft. 

Teia Brady (45) of Eugene was arrested for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree and Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Theft. 

Ryan Baarstad (44) of Eugene was arrested for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Theft, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, and Theft in the Third Degree. 

Anyone with any additional information is encouraged to call the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 967-3911. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland State University (PSU) and Portland Community College (PCC) announced a groundbreaking partnership to address the critical workforce needs of Oregon's burgeoning semiconductor industry. The Microchip Industry Collaborative for Research, Outreach, Training, and Education Coordination (MICRO-TEC) initiative marks a significant step toward elevating Oregon's position in the semiconductor sector and supporting the state's economic growth.

MICRO-TEC will create streamlined educational pathways for STEM students, offering a continuum of training from PCC's foundational programs to PSU's advanced degrees. This collaborative effort is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic semiconductor industry, which is experiencing rapid growth and technological advancements.

"MICRO-TEC represents a transformative approach to workforce development," said PSU President Ann Cudd. "By combining PSU's research expertise with PCC's technical training excellence, we're creating a comprehensive educational ecosystem that will nurture the next generation of semiconductor professionals. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to innovative education that directly addresses industry needs and prepares our students for high-demand careers. MICRO-TEC is more than an educational initiative; it's a catalyst for economic development and technological advancement in our state."

The initiative strongly emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion, aiming to broaden participation by students from all backgrounds in STEM fields. MICRO-TEC will implement targeted outreach and support programs to engage underrepresented groups, from K-12 through higher education. These efforts include specialized mentoring programs, scholarships and inclusive teaching practices designed to create a welcoming environment for all students.

“At PCC, we have a proud legacy of training Oregonians for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing careers,” said PCC President Adrien Bennings. “Our programs offer multiple pathways, from short-term certificates to full degrees, all leading to living wage jobs. This partnership with PSU through the MICRO-TEC initiative enhances these opportunities, opening new doors for students from all backgrounds to succeed in the dynamic semiconductor industry. 

"By focusing on inclusivity and providing the support systems students need, we're making sure that Oregon’s tech workforce reflects the rich diversity of our communities," she continued. "MICRO-TEC is about more than filling jobs; it’s about empowering individuals to shape the future of technology and positioning Oregon as a leader in innovation and workforce development.”

A key feature of MICRO-TEC is its close collaboration with industry partners. This alignment ensures that the curriculum remains cutting-edge and responsive to industry needs, enhancing students' job readiness upon graduation. The initiative will also expand work-integrated learning opportunities, including internships, cooperative education and apprenticeship programs. These hands-on experiences will provide students with practical skills and industry connections, significantly boosting their employability.

MICRO-TEC not only prepares students for immediate workforce entry but also provides valuable opportunities for undergraduate research, particularly benefiting transfer students. By engaging in hands-on research projects, students gain critical skills and experiences that enhance their employability and prepare them for high-demand roles in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, the initiative offers pathways for students to continue into graduate programs specifically designed to align with and support the evolving needs of the semiconductor sector, fostering a pipeline of advanced talent essential for industry growth.  

The initiative aligns with national goals for advancing American microchip development and manufacturing leadership, positioning Oregon as a key player in this critical industry.

As MICRO-TEC launches, both institutions express enthusiasm for the collaboration's potential to drive innovation, economic growth, and educational excellence in Oregon's semiconductor landscape. The partnership will yield significant benefits for students, industry, and the broader community, reinforcing Oregon's reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.

About Portland State University: PSU is Oregon’s most diverse and affordable public urban research university, located in the heart of downtown Portland and leading the way to success for all students. With more than 200 degree programs, Portland State meets its 24,000 students where they are and gives them flexibility, opportunities for applied learning and support to achieve their goals. Our students do more than study the issues: They put new ideas in action to create a just, equitable and sustainable future in Portland and beyond. www.pdx.edu

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 50,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

VANCOUVER — Council for the Homeless has released its 2023 Homeless Crisis Response System Report for Clark County, Wash. The report found that between 2022 and 2023, there was a 3% decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness, and a 17% decrease in people identifying as newly homeless. Despite these positive outcomes, homelessness in Clark County continues to be a persistent and ongoing crisis. Continued collaboration among the Clark County Homelessness System must continue.

According to the report, 8,752 people from 4,447 households experienced homelessness in 2023, with 58% identifying as “newly homeless.” Forty-two percent of households identified as “Black, Indigenous and people of color” (BIPOC). This illustrates the continued disproportionality of homelessness experienced by BIPOC communities in Clark County. 

While the number of people and households reporting homelessness in 2023 was lower than in 2022, one year of data does not represent a trend. It can take at least five years for collected data to become a trend. “The Homeless Crisis Response System practices and programs are continuously evaluated for effectiveness, as well as to identify gaps in services and resources,” notes Sunny Wonder, chief operations officer at Council for the Homeless. “We intend to build upon the efforts that lead to a decrease in homelessness.”

What is a continuing trend is the lack of housing affordable to people with low to very low income and rent and move-in expenses that are out of reach for too many people. Some of the positive outcomes and improvements seen in 2023:

• 3% decrease in total people experiencing homelessness
• 17% decrease in people identifying as ‘newly homeless’
• 25% increase in people exiting Rapid Re-Housing to permanent housing
• Increase in the number of youth and young adults being housed
• Increase in Veterans exiting to housing

With nearly 9,000 people in our community experiencing homelessness over the course of 2023, and 5,000+ reporting they were newly homeless in that period, it is clear that the demand for services continues to be high. The need for ongoing investment in data-driven housing solutions in our community continues. “There are many people and organizations trying to solve homelessness in our community. The greater our collaboration, the greater our results will be for the entire community,” shares Sesany Fennie-Jones, executive director at Council for the Homeless.

The report is available at https://www.councilforthehomeless.org/annual-system-data-2023/

A public dashboard displaying data from publicly-funded homeless services agencies, updated monthly, is available at www.councilforthehomeless.org/system-dashboard.

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Council for the Homeless is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide community leadership, compelling advocacy, and practical solutions to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County, Wash.

www.councilforthehomeless.org 

APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

Notice of Meeting Cancellation

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for October 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.
 

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Press Log

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Joel Lee Reynolds, died the morning of October 13, 2024. Reynolds was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Reynolds entered DOC custody on January 13, 2020, from Linn County with an earliest release date of April 22, 2027. Reynolds was 55 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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SEASIDE, Ore. – Oct. 13, 2024 – Seaside Fire & Rescue and Seaside Police responded to a reported trailer fire at 2:17 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Pine Cove Trailer Park, 2481 Highway 101 in Seaside.

Upon arrival, police found an enclosed trailer with smoke showing from the inside and a door that was extremely hot to the touch. Fire personnel were on scene and set up command by 2:25 a.m. while police began evacuating occupants from trailers in the vicinity. The trailer became fully involved in flames before firefighters were able to knock them down by 2:43 a.m. The scene was turned over to police at 4:06 a.m.

One person and one dog were found deceased in the trailer. The cause of the fire and the fatalities remain undetermined while an investigation continues.

The City of Seaside wishes to thank Seaside Fire, Seaside Police, and Seaside Dispatch for their efforts. Seaside received crucial mutual aid from Cannon Beach, Gearhart, Warrenton, Lewis & Clark, and Hamlet. The Clatsop County Medicolegal Death Investigator and Medix were also active on this incident.

end of release

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on October 15, 2024.  
This meeting will be held virtually through Zoom. 

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/84274081723?pwd=RHa6Mp8C3VcsNwwHW3Lo38xmgOo6l4.1
Passcode: 622627

Press Log

Families and caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia can create lasting memories through the Alzheimer's Network of Oregon (AlzNet) "Make a Memory" and Caregiver Grants. This year, AlzNet will award four grants of up to $500 each: two for individuals living with dementia and two for unpaid caregivers.

The Make a Memory Grants are available to Willamette Valley residents diagnosed with a dementia-related illness. These grants help families or caregivers cover the cost of a meaningful experience, such as a trip to the coast or a special place that holds significance for the individual.

In addition, AlzNet will award two $500 Caregiver Grants. These grants recognize unpaid caregivers who have shown exceptional dedication and care for a loved one. Anyone can nominate a deserving caregiver for this recognition.

"Family caregivers are the backbone of our society, providing vital care and sacrificing their personal time to enhance the lives of their loved ones," said Alznet President Kathy Belcher. "We want to honor these individuals and offer them support through our Caregiver Grants."

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and cognitive function. It's a heartbreaking condition for families and friends who often feel disconnected from their loved ones as the disease progresses. AlzNet has supported families and caregivers since 2003, offering resources, events, and programs such as the Memory Café, a monthly social gathering for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers.

In September 2024, AlzNet expanded its services by adding a second Memory Café location at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Keizer. These cafés provide a welcoming space where participants can enjoy themed activities and connect with others in a similar situation.

Applications for the Make a Memory and Caregiver Grants close on November 8, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Winners will be announced on November 22, 2024. Applications are available online at AlzNet.org/grant and can be submitted digitally or mailed to PO Box 13725, Salem, OR 97309. Mailed applications must be postmarked by November 22, 2024.

For more information about grants or Memory Cafés, visit AlzNet.org or contact 971-720-1650 or alznetnetwork@gmail.com.

About the Alzheimer's Network of Oregon

The Alzheimer's Network of Oregon is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to individuals with memory loss, their families, and caregivers. Through events like the Memory Cafés, AlzNet fosters community and connection for those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia.

Press Log

Simulating Response to a Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is preparing to host IronOR 24, a statewide emergency exercise taking place October 28-31, 2024. This four-day exercise is designed to test Oregon’s capabilities and readiness in responding to a catastrophic Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Earthquake.

Building upon the Cascadia Rising 2016 exercise, which simulated the immediate response to a Cascadia up to day 3. IronOR 24 will focus on continued operations Day 4 through Day 7 of the disaster response. The exercise will evaluate the state’s ability to maintain operational coordination, ensure critical communication systems remain functional, and develop a strategy for human impacts during these critical days of response.

IronOR 24 Exercise Schedule:

• Monday, October 28: Event Preparation and Scene Setting
• Tuesday, October 29: Exercise Play
• Wednesday, October 30: Exercise Play
• Thursday, October 31: Exercise Play and Review

The 12-month planning process for IronOR 24 involved a review of lessons learned from Cascadia Rising, and further development of critical statewide response. Key goals of the exercise include:

1. Operational coordination: ensuring the Oregon Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) can prioritize and coordinate response actions, sharing critical incident information throughout the simulated response.
2. Redundant communications: testing the establishment and maintenance of communications systems to mitigate the impacts of disrupted communications following the earthquake.
3. Human impacts strategy: addressing the human needs of those affected by the earthquake, including sheltering, healthcare, and mass care, through Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6.

“IO24 is a collaborative opportunity to practice a unified Cascadia Earthquake response that will include participation from 18 state agencies, 17 county governments, 9 Oregon recognized Tribal governments, and 10+ federal agencies participating at varying levels over three days." said Robert Quinn, Exercise Officer at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. " This exercise enables our statewide partners to assess their current capabilities and readiness for this significant hazard.” 

OEM has developed a dedicated online storyboard for IronOR 24, which serves as a central hub for exercise planning, updates and resources. This tool supports participating agencies and provides non-participating organizations with critical context about the exercise.

Media Tour Invitation:

OEM invites members of the media to a special tour of the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) on Wednesday, October 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.. This tour will provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the ECC in action during the IronOR 24 exercise and will offer insights into how Oregon is preparing to respond to a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to RSVP to ecc.jointinfo@oem.oregon.gov at your earliest convivence. We look forward to hearing from you.  

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About the Oregon Department of Emergency Management:

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management leads statewide efforts to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergencies. By fostering collaboration with partners and the community, OEM ensures that Oregon is ready to respond to any disaster.

Correction- The correct roadway is Hwy 47.

Yamhill County, Ore 10 Oct 24- On Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 12:19 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 47, near milepost 30, in Yamhill County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Chevy HHR, operated by Lois Eileen Osborne (53) of Gaston, failed to negotiate a curve, entered the westbound lane, and struck a westbound Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Taelor Marae Befus (32) of Yamhill, head-on.

The operator of the Chevy (Osborne) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Dodge (Befus) suffered reportedly serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Two passengers, a male (9) and male (7), suffered reported minor injuries and were transported for evaluation.

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

OSP was assisted by Yamhill Police Department and the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office.

# # #

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

Contact Info:
Public Information Officer 
Oregon State Police 
Media Email: OSPPIO@osp.oregon.gov 
www.oregon.gov/OSP

Malheur County, Ore 10 Oct 24- On Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 1:31 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 201N, near milepost 25, in Malheur County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Mini Cooper, operated by Richard Dean Masias (57) of Nampa (ID), was approaching the intersection with Washington Ave when it struck a traffic light pole at the northwest corner of the intersection.

The operator of the Mini (Masias) was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Ontario Police Department, Ontario Fire, and ODOT.

# # #

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

Contact Info:
Public Information Officer 
Oregon State Police 
Media Email: OSPPIO@osp.oregon.gov 
www.oregon.gov/OSP

DATE: Monday, October 14, 2024

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

LOCATION: via Zoom (link on HSD website calendar)

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is warning drivers who use Macleay Road SE that a half street closure for west-bound traffic is planned between Caplinger Road SE and Periwinkle Drive SE starting Monday, October 14, 2024, to Sunday, October 27, 2024. Local access will be available to all residences in the area. Signs pointing to traffic detours will be in place; drivers are advised to watch for traffic signs and follow all instructions from crews working in the area.

Location: Macleay Road SE is closed to traffic between Caplinger Road SE and Periwinkle Drive SE.

Date and Time: Monday, October 14, to Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Affected Areas: The Macleay Street SE closure will include travel lanes, sidewalks, and parking spaces in the construction zone.

Caution: Drivers are urged to be cautious while traveling, follow all signage, and watch for workers in the area.

Please continue to monitor the Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website to receive up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem.  For additional information, please contact the City of Salem at 503-588-6211 or vice@cityofsalem.net">service@cityofsalem.net.

Columbia County, Ore 8 Oct 24- On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 4:53 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy 30, near milepost 24, in Columbia County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Toyota Supra, operated by Gerald George Rood (82) of Warren, attempted to make a U-turn and enter the westbound lane. The Toyota blocked the westbound lane during the U-turn and was struck by a westbound Chevrolet 3500, operated by Clifford James Scott Jr (55) of Scappoose, in the passenger side door. The collision cause the Chevrolet to cross into the eastbound lanes where it struck an eastbound Subaru Forester, operated by Fernando Sajid Ortega Baca (25) of Deer Island, nearly head-on. 

The operator of the Subaru (Ortega Baca) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota (Rood) suffered reportedly minor injuries.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Scott Jr) and passenger, Trisha Marie Talent (55) of Forest Grove, suffered reportedly serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is considered to be an unsafe U-turn and the the investigation is on-going.

OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Scappoose Fire and EMS, and ODOT.

# # #

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

Contact Info:
Public Information Officer 
Oregon State Police 
Media Email: OSPPIO@osp.oregon.gov 
www.oregon.gov/OSP

Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports her Mountain Patrol deputies have made an arrest in connection with a wildfire that burned on United States Forest Service (USFS) land in July of 2024. Named the “Slate Fire,” this wildfire burned over 90 acres of forest land south of Detroit Reservoir. Luckily, no homes or structures were damaged by the fire. 

LCSO Mountain Patrol deputies and detectives investigated the cause of the fire in conjunction with the USFS. Deputies determined the fire was started by Jason Everett Patterson, 49, of Salem. Patterson was found near the fire when the fire had started and transported to the hospital to be treated for burns.  As the investigation continued, it revealed Mr. Patterson started the blaze when he lit multiple fires, which he stated were to signal for help.  The area was under U.S. Forest Service fire restriction orders, which were in place due to high fire danger at the time. Mr. Patterson quickly lost control of his signal fires, which set the surrounding forest ablaze. As of this press release, the United States Forest Service has incurred over two million dollars’ worth of expenses related to the suppression of the Slate Fire. 

On October 11, 2024, Mr. Patterson turned himself in to deputies at the Linn County Jail. Mr. Patterson was arrested for Reckless Burning, Reckless Endangering, and Criminal Mischief II.  

This morning, PF&R Fire Investigators, along with PPB Detectives and PPB Patrol Officers, executed a search warrant.  During this search warrant, the suspect Christopher Ellett was arrested on an outstanding warrant, along with additional charges for “Arson Incident to the Manufacturing of a Cannabinoid Extract”.  This stemmed from an incident on October 9^th, 2024, where PF&R Firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire at a home near NE 42^nd Avenue and NE Holman Street.  A PF&R Investigator responded to investigate the cause of the fire and determined the most probable cause was an “explosion” of flammable vapors from butane being used in the illegal manufacture of hash oil, more commonly known as BHO.  At the time of the fire, there were 2 other adults and two juveniles inside the residence.

Fire Investigators continued their investigation and were able to secure a search warrant for the home where the suspect resided.  Additional evidence was found and collected which will further aid in the investigation.  

Information about BHO or butane hash oil:  

Dabs or dabbing are the names for the use of concentrated butane hash oil (or BHO). It is method of administering/ingesting cannabis that involves the inhalation of highly concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active chemical in cannabis. This concentrated form is produced through a chemical process using butane oil. Butane is used to extract the oils from the cannabis.¹

The use of butane hash oil is not a new practice, but has been gaining popularity in the USA. 

Open-loop extraction, also known as open blasting, is popular among BHO hobbyists but can be a very dangerous process. During open-loop extractions, users place raw marijuana material and butane inside a metal or glass tube in order to separate cannabinoids from the plant material. In the open blasting method, the butane used for extraction is released into the atmosphere. Because butane is extremely flammable, a flame or spark can easily cause a deadly explosion.

The City of Portland has experienced numerous incidents in which a fire or explosion has occurred because of the open blasting process.  These fires and explosions have seriously injured and killed people.

The Portland Fire Investigations Unit comprises fire investigators with Portland Fire & Rescue, who are sworn law enforcement officers, and a detective with the Portland Police Bureau. The collaboration leverages the specialized training and skills needed to investigate fires, including analysis equipment and accelerant detecting dogs. PF&R and PPB remain committed to working together in order to ensure community safety.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Portland, Ore., October 11, 2024 – Today, volunteers celebrated the inaugural Pick It Up, Vancouver! cleanup event, proudly sponsored by Killian Pacific. With the crisp autumn air as a backdrop, Vancouver residents and neighbors from across the river came together to clean up the community. The event saw an incredible turnout, with over 84 volunteers, including various corporate groups and students from the Clark Community College Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Together, they collected 877 lbs of litter from the city's public spaces. 

After the event, volunteers celebrated their efforts with delicious pizza provided by Hungry Sasquatch and refreshing ice cream provided by Umpqua Bank. This camaraderie exemplified the spirit of community involvement, reinforcing the importance of keeping Vancouver's beautiful spaces clean and inviting.

Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE, stated, "The success of Pick It Up, Vancouver! demonstrates our community's commitment to keeping our neighborhoods clean and vibrant. SOLVE is excited to expand its efforts into SW Washington. By uniting for this event, we are taking a crucial step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all, showcasing our dedication to a sustainable future."

The event brought together residents from across the region, fostering connections and a shared sense of responsibility for maintaining the beauty of Vancouver. Thank you to all the volunteers who made a visible difference in our community!

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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Portland, Ore., October 11, 2024 – Today, volunteers celebrated the inaugural Pick It Up, Vancouver! cleanup event, proudly sponsored by Killian Pacific. With the crisp autumn air as a backdrop, Vancouver residents and neighbors from across the river came together to clean up the community. The event saw an incredible turnout, with over 84 volunteers, including various corporate groups and students from the Clark Community College Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Together, they collected 877 lbs of litter from the city's public spaces. 

After the event, volunteers celebrated their efforts with delicious pizza provided by Hungry Sasquatch and refreshing ice cream provided by Umpqua Bank. This camaraderie exemplified the spirit of community involvement, reinforcing the importance of keeping Vancouver's beautiful spaces clean and inviting.

Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE, stated, "The success of Pick It Up, Vancouver! demonstrates our community's commitment to keeping our neighborhoods clean and vibrant. SOLVE is excited to expand its efforts into SW Washington. By uniting for this event, we are taking a crucial step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all, showcasing our dedication to a sustainable future."

The event brought together residents from across the region, fostering connections and a shared sense of responsibility for maintaining the beauty of Vancouver. Thank you to all the volunteers who made a visible difference in our community!

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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Portland, Ore., October 11, 2024 – Today, volunteers celebrated the inaugural Pick It Up, Vancouver! cleanup event, proudly sponsored by Killian Pacific. With the crisp autumn air as a backdrop, Vancouver residents and neighbors from across the river came together to clean up the community. The event saw an incredible turnout, with over 84 volunteers, including various corporate groups and students from the Clark Community College Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Together, they collected 877 lbs of litter from the city's public spaces. 

After the event, volunteers celebrated their efforts with delicious pizza provided by Hungry Sasquatch and refreshing ice cream provided by Umpqua Bank. This camaraderie exemplified the spirit of community involvement, reinforcing the importance of keeping Vancouver's beautiful spaces clean and inviting.

Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE, stated, "The success of Pick It Up, Vancouver! demonstrates our community's commitment to keeping our neighborhoods clean and vibrant. SOLVE is excited to expand its efforts into SW Washington. By uniting for this event, we are taking a crucial step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all, showcasing our dedication to a sustainable future."

The event brought together residents from across the region, fostering connections and a shared sense of responsibility for maintaining the beauty of Vancouver. Thank you to all the volunteers who made a visible difference in our community!

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. 

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive & Board Working Session Meeting on Monday, October 14, 2024 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

Guests and members of the public may attend in-person or virtually.  

Virtual Link - Please click this URL to join: https://zoom.us/j/94961285856 or join by phone: 1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 949-6128-5856

We encourage and welcome all members of our community to engage with our board. Please email questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or call 503.408.2100 to arrange for translation services at least 72 hours before this meeting. Closed captioning provided on zoom. Other appropriate auxiliary aids and services may be provided upon request and appropriate advance notice.

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include, but are not limited to: Presentation by Elevate Oregon, and a Levy Informational presentation. Board budget, evaluations, web bios, goals, media visit and a travel request. Reminders for Vector training, OSBA events and the May special election. 

Electronic/Virtual Public Comment Protocol - If you wish to submit a public comment before, or during this Board Meeting please fill out this electronic public comment form before "Public Comments" on the agenda: https://forms.gle/5sUjRZjxJikqmqVg9. If you don’t submit your comment in time we will read it at the next board meeting.

In-Person Public Comment Protocol - Upon arrival at the meeting, please fill out an Intent-to-Speak card and hand it to the Board Assistant prior to "In-person Public Comment" on the agenda. You will have a 3 minute time limit.

Board Meeting Video Recordings - For those of you who cannot attend we will post a recording of the meeting on our website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXajhxrPxMclOQ6J00JUszQ.

Questions welcomed, please email: questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or leave a voice message at 503-408-2114.

NORTHEAST OREGON, 11 Oct. 2024—The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to identify a suspected poacher. The individual was hunting in Northeast Oregon over the Labor Day weekend and is believed to be associated with a white late-model GMC or Chevy full-size, four-door pickup truck with tinted windows. 

The suspect shot a mature bull elk with archery equipment and began recovering the meat. However, when an Oregon State Trooper arrived in the area, the individual left the area without taking any portion of the elk, leaving all the meat and the antlers behind. The subject did not return while troopers were on scene for several hours salvaging what they could of the meat.

Potential charges include failing to retrieve edible portions of wildlife and waste of wildlife. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sr. Trooper Kris Davis via the TIP line at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Tips may also be submitted to TIP@osp.oregon.gov.  Individuals with information may remain anonymous. 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

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

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

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

Cash Rewards

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 11 Oct. 2024 – An Oregon State Police K-9 team seized a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine earlier this week. 

On Oct. 8, 2024, at about 5:00 p.m., an Oregon State Trooper stopped a vehicle on Interstate 5 in Linn County for a traffic violation. During the stop, the trooper recognized signs of possible drug trafficking and deployed his drug detection K-9. 

A search of the vehicle revealed 40 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in the trunk. The driver, Sheyla Jesmely Serrano Lopez (27) of Shafter (CA), was arrested and lodged in jail. 

No additional information is available for release at this time. 

# # #

OSP Domestic Highway Enforcement Initiative
The Oregon State Police-Domestic Highway Enforcement (OSP-DHE) Initiative is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the OSP-DHE Initiative.

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. 11 Oct. 2024 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is investigating the unlawful take and waste of a cow elk in the Ochoco Wildlife Management Unit and is asking for the public’s assistance to identify the person(s) responsible. 

On October 9, 2024, Oregon State Troopers from Prineville responded to a report of a cow elk that had been shot and left to waste near the southwest corner of Big Summit Prairie and within 75 yards of the USFS 42 Road. Troopers investigated and confirmed a bullet wound and no meat was taken from the elk. Troopers had witnessed the elk in the area three days earlier. It is believed the elk was shot between Sunday, Oct. 6, and Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sr. Trooper Tayler Jerome via the TIP hotline at 1-800-452-7888, by email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov, or by contacting OSP dispatch at OSP (677). Please reference case number SP24-330774. 

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

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

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

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

Cash Rewards

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

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

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

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

# # #

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

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office. This investigation is related to the decedent found Oct. 8, 2024 in a home in Vancouver.

This individual was found on 10/08/2024 in Vancouver, WA.

The name of the decedent: Jimerfield, Patricia  Age: 78 years

The decedent was a resident of (city/state): Vancouver, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death:  Ligature strangulation

Manner of death:  Homicide

How the injury occurred: Strangled by other person 

Place of injury: Decedent’s home

Reports and records of autopsies or postmortems shall be confidential as per RCW 68.50.105. No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Refer all other inquiries to Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Media release issue date: 10/11/2024

(Astoria, OR) — Clatsop County will mail approximately 33,560 property tax statements to real and personal property owners by October 16, 2024.

Property owners who have signed up for e-Statements will not receive a mailed statement but will instead receive their tax statement via email. To sign up for an e-Statement for the 2025 tax year, visit Clatsop County e-Statements. 

This year’s property tax statements account for a total of $116.3 million which will pay for:

• County Government Services - public safety, road improvements, elections, public health
• City Services - police, fire protection, urban renewal projects 
• Education - K-12, Clatsop Community College, NW ESD 
• Port of Astoria 
• Rural Fire
• Special Districts 

This is an increase of $5.4 million (5%) compared to last year.  The increase in taxes is due to several factors including the 3% increase in assessed value on most properties, value due to new construction activity and new or increased taxing district levies and bonds. 

If you live in a taxing district that has new voter-approved bonds or local option levies, your property taxes may increase more than the anticipated 3%.  These new levies and bonds approved by the voters will be reflected in this year’s tax bills.

For more information visit clatsopcounty.gov.

2024/2025 Significant Tax Roll Increases

• City of Warrenton – Local Option Levy for Police Operations: 

2024/25 LO Rate $.34 (Renewed with .06 increase)

• Cannon Beach RFPD – Local Option Levy for Emergency Services Operations: 2024/25 LO Rate $1.50

Discounts

Residents are encouraged to pay their taxes early to take advantage of the discounts available to them. 

• 3% discount is given to those who pay in full by November 15, 2024 
• 2% discount is given to those who pay 2/3 by November 15, 2024
• Payment of at least 1/3 is due by December 15, 2024, with no discount being applied

Property tax payments must be paid in full and received or postmarked by November 15, 2024, to be eligible for the 3% discount on property taxes due. 

Payment Deadline

Clatsop County recognizes that many in our community experience economic challenges every year. Please note, Oregon state law sets the deadline when property tax payments are due and requires that interest be charged on delinquent taxes as of December 16. Clatsop County does not have the statutory authority to extend the payment deadline, nor waive interest charges on late property tax payments. 

Make Checks Payable to: Clatsop County Tax Collector

Online Payment Options

Credit Card and Debit Card payments can be made online by going to the Clatsop County Website’s Pay Tax Online. Processing fees will apply. See webpage for details.

Online Property Information
Clatsop County has a searchable property account database which is available to the public via Clatsop County’s website. This user-friendly feature gives the public direct access to up-to-date property tax and assessment information. 

You will need one of the following: 

• Street address
• Property tax account number or 
• TAXLOTKEY (ex. 80908CB07100)

Go to ClatsopCounty.gov  and click on the “Property Info” link to learn more

Installment Options
Please refer to the back of your tax statement for installment payment options and due dates.

• If you choose to waive your discount and pay your taxes in three installments, please know our office DOES NOT send out trimester reminder notices. 
• For those paying in full, please know that your cancelled check is your receipt. 

If you received a yellow statement, a mortgage company has requested your property tax information from us.  Please contact your mortgage company if you have questions regarding your taxes being paid out of your escrow account.

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(Astoria, OR) — Clatsop County residents, businesses, classrooms and communities are invited to participate in the Great Oregon ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Join your community and millions of people worldwide as we practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during an earthquake. This quick, self-led drill is your chance to be prepared and stay safe if a big earthquake strikes.

At 10:17 a.m. on October 17: 

DROP right where you are, onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down by shaking and reduces your chance of being hit by falling or flying objects.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand.

• If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter
• If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall
• Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

• Under shelter: hold on to it with one hand; be ready to move with your shelter if it shifts
• No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

Or Adapt to Your Situation:

Individuals with mobility issues should plan ahead to ensure they have easy access to emergency supplies, like medications, water, and food, in case they need to shelter in place.  If you have disabilities, difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

• If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
• If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
• If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

Keep these other tips in mind for a more comprehensive approach to earthquake response:

• Animals and Pets: Consider how to secure pets and livestock during an earthquake. Having a plan for their safety and transport is vital.
• At Work: Employees should know their organization’s emergency plan and where to take cover in case of an earthquake, especially in open office environments.
• In a Kitchen: Cooking during an earthquake can pose additional hazards. Know how to turn off gas supplies and secure heavy appliances and kitchenware.
• Mental Preparedness: Preparing psychologically for potential chaos and understanding the emotional toll of an earthquake can be critical, especially for vulnerable populations.

Anyone can participate, from people at home to businesses, schools, and local organizations. Sign up at www.ShakeOut.org to register and get tips on how to plan your drill.

Let's work together to be ready and stay safe.

###

Press Release  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
October 11, 2024 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2024 BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREES 

Celebrating Exceptional Businesses and Leaders at The Heathman Lodge 

Vancouver, WA – The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Business & Leadership Awards, presented by Riverview Bank. These esteemed awards recognize businesses and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the economic growth and vibrancy of southwest Washington. 

2024 Award Recipients 

• Start-Up to Watch: RichlandHUB Coffee 

RichlandHUB Coffee, located in Uptown Vancouver, was honored with the Start-Up to Watch Award. Beyond offering premium coffee, RichlandHUB’s owner James Mbuya and his team are committed to improving the lives of farmers and their communities in rural Tanzania. Each purchase helps fund essential services like healthcare clinics, embodying their mission to make a meaningful impact. 

• Small Business Award: Daddy D's Southern Style BBQ 

Daddy D’s Southern Style BBQ earned the Small Business Award for its impressive growth and commitment to community service. Owner Donnie Vercher's unwavering support for the local community—through charity events, local initiatives, and collaborations—has turned Daddy D’s into both a local favorite and a pillar of community spirit. 

• Large Business Award: Davidson & Associates Insurance 

Davidson & Associates Insurance received the Large Business Award for its longstanding dedication to both providing trustworthy services and uplifting the Clark County community. Through decades of service, their commitment to ethical business practices and public service has fostered a tight-knit community spirit, helping Vancouver flourish. 

• Statesperson of the Year: Rep. Monica Stonier (49th Legislative District) 

Rep. Monica Stonier was named Statesperson of the Year for her work supporting the hospitality sector, expanding financial education for students, and addressing generational poverty in Washington State. Her dedication to public service and community development made her a deserving recipient of this honor. 

• First Citizen Award: Eric Holmes 

Former Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes was recognized as the 2024 First Citizen for his transformative leadership in community growth, inclusivity, and advocacy. Reflecting on the award, Holmes said, “It has been a tremendous and unexpected honor to be selected as First Citizen. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve the community. I am even more grateful to be able to continue to live here with my family and enjoy what a remarkable place it is.” 

Holmes added, “Great cities don’t become great by accident,” and urged attendees to come together as a community, working collectively to ensure that Vancouver and all of Clark County continue to grow, thrive, and become the best they can be. 

Janet Kenefsky, GVC Vice President of Operations, praised the honorees, saying, "The 2024 Business & Leadership Awards highlight the innovation, dedication, and collaborative spirit that define our region. We are proud to celebrate these remarkable businesses and individuals who are making a lasting impact on our local economy and community.” 

The event, held on October 10th at The Heathman Lodge and live-streamed for a broader audience, was supported by generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Riverview Bank, and additional sponsors such as HAPO Community Credit Union, Maddox Industrial Transformer, PacificSource Health Plans, Perkins & Co, Washington Trust Bank, The Columbian, GRO, Touchmark, Bartlett Tree Experts, City of Vancouver, Gesa Credit Union, iQ Credit Union, MacKay Sposito, Mackenzie, Northwest Business Development Association (NWBDA), Port of Vancouver USA, and WaFd Bank.   

For more information on the awards and next year’s sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Chamber at Chamber@VancouverUSA.com">YourChamber@VancouverUSA.com or visit VancouverUSA.com/Business-Leadership-Awards/. 

About the Business & Leadership Awards

Introduced in 2012, the Business & Leadership Awards honor outstanding businesses and individuals who exemplify the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s motto of "Moving Business Forward." For over a decade, the southwest Washington business community has celebrated excellence and leadership through these prestigious awards. 

About the First Citizen Award

Since 1939, the annual First Citizen Award has been presented to a Clark County resident who models the attributes of good citizenship through leadership, action, civic pride, and cultivates inclusive civic engagement practices. These are individuals who, through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts, improve the lives of those in the community by serving first. For more information about the First Citizens through the years, visit: https://www.vancouverusa.com/business-leadership-wards-winners/  

About the Greater Vancouver Chamber

SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for over 130 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.

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Media Assets
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fy3ap7dbtqoigI_p75-h42iYVHRA25dD?usp=sharing

Official Program Link
Business & Leadership Awards

Other Link
Business & Leadership Awards Video

The $20B business of youth sports has a problem. 

It’s not just that overall participation numbers for kids 6-12 years have declined by approximately  5% over the past 5 years with only 36% of kids playing organized sports (the worst numbers in a decade), but right here in Oregon kids are spending less time on the field and more time online.

According to survey data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), between 2019 and 2022 participation by kids 6-17 years here in Oregon dropped 4.7% for those that only occasionally played an organized sport. Where the real impact happened is for those kids, ages 6-17, who previously played club sports. That number dropped 11.1%, or 63,584 kids right here in Oregon alone.

Nationwide all levels of participation are down, but they are most pronounced in girls (dropping to under 50% for the first time) and the hispanic population (dropping to just 42.1% in 2022).

So why are kids leaving organized sports?

The easy answer is COVID. The pandemic pulled all kids off the field for upwards of 18-24 months, requiring them to find other ways to entertain themselves in the virtual world and current data shows that they decided to stay there with children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours.

But the problem goes deeper than that. Even for kids that want to get back on the field, the social and rising financial barriers make it almost impossible for many of them to do so. Jon Solomon, Aspen Institute's Sports and Society Program, asserts that "increased privatization of youth sports" — marked by a shift from local community leagues to private travel leagues — has taken a toll on sports participation for families who can't afford the latter.

So how do we get the kids back on the field? 

“You start by making sports accessible for everyone,” said Rob Willey, founder of the Oregon-based non-profit Athletes in Residence. “The cost and time commitment of organized sports has always been a barrier to families but rising costs and lack of local field availability make it even more difficult since most families can’t afford, and don’t have the time, to participate.”

Athletes in Residence (AIR) was founded to remove these barriers. WIth the mission of “Team Sports for Social Good”, AIR is creating a place where kids can get on the field and play. Working to reduce the impact of the past four years through play, AIR wants to get young kids in the community back on the field, offering scholarship opportunities for families, providing better facilities,and allowing kids better access to year-round team sports. 

The non-profits will host its first major fundraising event - the AIR Charity Invitational is a youth baseball and softball tournament being held this Saturday, October 12 & Sunday, October 13 at Gordon Faber Fields in HIllsboro, OR.

The organization has support from the YMCA, Sport Oregon, Explore Tualatin Valley, Hillsboro Hops and many other community based organizations and is quickly working to raise more funds to support the kids in the community who want to get offline and back on the field. 

That’s team sports for social good.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Policy Committee will meet at 12:00 p.m. on October 14, 2025. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/84335648060?pwd=aeaWtybWeXH8jyUuLApc5aRJyxHQVS.1
Passcode: 980680

A “wet down” ceremony will be held to put into service a water tender that was received from a grant from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office. 

Changing Lives One Pair at a Time: Camas Lions Club Joins Eyeglass Sorting Effort

October 2024, Camas, WA — In a continued effort to improve vision care worldwide, several Lions Clubs from across Clark County participated in an eyeglass sorting event. This initiative is part of a global effort to collect and recycle eyeglasses for individuals in need, particularly in underserved regions of the world where access to affordable eye care is limited.

At the event, volunteers diligently sorted the donated glasses into several categories, including Single Vision, Multi-focal, Sunglasses, Readers, and glasses destined for recycling. Once organized, the eyeglasses will be sent to the Northwest Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (NWLERC), where they will be washed, inspected, and their prescriptions determined using lensometers. After this process, the glasses will be prepared for international missions aimed at delivering free eyewear to people in remote and developing countries.

Addressing a Global Need

The importance of this work cannot be overstated. In many parts of the world, millions of people suffer from vision impairment and lack access to even basic eye care services. For some, a pair of glasses is the difference between being able to work, attend school, or lead an independent life. Many walk long distances to reach mission sites, where volunteer eye care professionals provide much-needed eyeglasses, giving people the gift of clear sight—something they might never afford on their own.

The NWLERC is powered entirely by volunteers, ensuring that no usable eyeglasses go to waste. For glasses that are deemed unusable, they are responsibly recycled, while others are refurbished for use in humanitarian missions around the world. Volunteers with specialized training read the prescriptions on the glasses to ensure they are properly categorized and ready for shipment to areas in desperate need.

How to Get Involved

If you are passionate about community service and want to make a positive difference, now is the perfect time to join the mission of the Lions Clubs. Several Lions Clubs in Clark County are actively seeking new members who share their commitment to making a lasting impact.

For more information on how to get involved and contribute to initiatives like the eyeglass sorting project, go to https://www.lionsclubs.org/ and click on the “FIND A CLUB” link.

DALLAS (OR) - Today, Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton announced that upon the conclusion of testimony, the Grand Jury unanimously found that two Salem Police Officers were justified in their use of deadly force that resulted in injury to 34-year old Daniel Luis Garcia on September 13, 2024.

The Grand Jury’s decision means they have determined no criminal prosecution is warranted, and that the use of deadly force against Mr. Garcia by Salem Officers Nathan Bush and Colton Ruyle was a lawful act of self-defense or defense of a third person, pursuant to Oregon law.

This investigation began on Friday, September 13, 2024, at approximately 5:00 a.m., following the report of an officer-involved shooting involving members of the Salem Police Department. The Oregon State Police Major Crimes Team conducted the investigation pursuant to Oregon’s Senate Bill 111 protocols and the Polk County District Attorney’s Office presented the evidence to the Grand Jury.

In making their decision, the Grand Jury heard from officers from the Salem Police Department and detectives from the Oregon State Police. The Grand Jury also reviewed photos from the incident scene and body camera video form the involved officers. Applying that evidence to the legal principles regarding the use of deadly force, the Grand Jury found that Officers Bush and Ruyle’s use of deadly force was lawful and justified because,

• The use of physical force was necessary to defend the police officer or another person from the use or threatened imminent use of deadly physical force; and

• The officer’s life or personal safety was endangered in the particular circumstance involved

The Grand Jurors who heard this case are Polk County community members. Each Grand Juror was selected from the regularly scheduled empaneled jury pool. This is a process set by Oregon’s Constitution.

The October Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board Meeting will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. 

If you wish to attend this meeting remotely or in person, please email sam.kaufmann@tvwd.org or call 503-848-3094 by 4:30 p.m. on October 16, 2024.

The Board meeting agenda and packet and additional information regarding TVWD are available here.

About TVWD 

TVWD serves about 61,000 customers in parts of Washington County, Oregon. Our service area covers more than 41 square miles including portions of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard and unincorporated Washington County.

TVWD is the managing agency for the Willamette Water Supply System (WWSS), an additional water supply for the region which is being constructed in partnership with the City of Hillsboro and the City of Beaverton. The WWSS includes intake facilities, over 30 miles of pipes, a water treatment plant and two storage reservoirs. The system will deliver fresh, high-quality, treated water from the Willamette River to 400,000 Washington County residents and businesses, and is being built to the highest seismic safety standard to recover quickly after a major earthquake. The investments in the system will provide reliable, quality drinking water for generations to come.

The Ridgefield School District invites families, students, and community members to participate in a series of Community Cafés and a Town Hall event hosted by Superintendent Dr. Jenny Rodriquez and the Ridgefield School District Board of Directors. These gatherings, scheduled throughout October and November, offer a valuable opportunity to connect with district leadership, share feedback, and discuss important topics related to our schools, programs, and ongoing capital facilities projects.

“We believe in the power of community input,” said Dr. Rodriquez. “Your voice matters, and we want to hear your thoughts. Together, we can make our schools the best they can be.”

Event Details:

Community Café Dates

Wednesday, October 30th – 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Wisdom Ridge Academy – 5645 S 11th St, Suite A101, Ridgefield

Thursday, November 7th – 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Location: 3 Peaks – 24415 NE 10th Ave, Ridgefield

Thursday, November 14th – 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Location: Lava Java – 2 S 56th Pl, Suite 102, Ridgefield

Town Hall Meeting

• Tuesday, November 19th – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  Location: View Ridge Middle School Commons – 3215 S Hillhurst Rd, Ridgefield

These events are open to all members of the community, and we encourage everyone to attend and participate. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to listen and learn more about the district’s efforts, we welcome your involvement.

CURRY COUNTY, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking to understand how Curry County residents and visitors would like to enjoy and conserve the 20 state parks in Curry County through an online survey and three public meetings this month.

This feedback is the first of several opportunities to provide input during the two-year process to update the Curry County State Parks Master Plan adopted in 2003. The master planning process is an opportunity to assess natural, cultural and recreation resources as well as management goals and community needs. 

The draft master plan is slated to be finished in late 2025 and will provide a 20-year vision with a menu of options that can be implemented over time as funds become available. 

The public is invited to share feedback on how they use state parks in Curry County now as well as opportunities for the future. Options to provide feedback include:

Online

• Survey runs now through Nov. 15: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QMBPQC5
• Online meeting noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28. Advance registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpc-GorTIuHNZOIlBjaG8WZZOlgud19uFa#/registration

In-person meetings

• Noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 96082 Lone Ranch Pkwy, Brookings
• 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at Port Orford Public Library, 1421 Oregon St, Port Orford

During each meeting, OPRD will share information about the master planning process and offer opportunities for community feedback and questions. 

Oregon State Parks properties in Curry County include Cape Blanco, Humbug Mountain, Otter Point, Cape Sebastian, Pistol River, Samuel H. Boardman, Harris Beach, Crissey Field, Alfred A. Loeb and several others.

Once OPRD gathers this initial feedback, staff will incorporate it into the plan development. There will be additional opportunities to provide feedback during the planning phase and then again when the draft plan is available. 

The draft master plan will balance the feedback received from stakeholders throughout the planning process. The management goals, strategies and development concepts proposed will incorporate priorities and concerns heard throughout the process. 

Once the final draft master plan is complete, it will be be presented to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.

For more details and information, follow the draft master planning process on our website: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/28dcf2137d3a4edfbe647ed660de3091

On October 8, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the October 2024 Employee and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees! 

Mateo Alonzo, pre-K at the Early Learning Center
Mateo is a shining example of kindness and hard work. He consistently lends a helping hand to his classmates and approaches every task with enthusiasm and determination. His positive attitude and willingness to learn make him a cherished member of our classroom community. Keep up the amazing work, Mateo! We’re so proud of you!

Emmett Jackson, 2nd Grade at South Ridge Elementary School
Emmett Jackson is one amazing second grader! He is curious, hard working, and full of genuine kindness. Emmett consistently models the 3 R’s in our classroom, but also on the playground. He is known to include everyone and loves to help. He is always the first person to jump up and help someone if they drop their Crayons or need help cleaning up from a project. When Emmett doesn’t understand something, he asks for help and works diligently until he gets the concept. On the flip side, when someone is needing help in our classroom, Emmett is the first to encourage that person and tell them they can do it. He never, ever gives up. His curiosity and eagerness to learn new things or facts about something motivates all of us to learn more. He has lots of wonderings! He is an exceptional student, friend, and person!

Barend Temple, 2nd Grade at Union Ridge Elementary School
Recently, staff witnessed a truly heartwarming moment that highlights Barend’s remarkable character. When a new student joined his class and struggled with English, Barend went out of his way to ensure she felt welcome. He thoughtfully created a card for her, using Google Translate to explain that he, too, had started school late and spoke another language (a little Dutch). He even offered to help her throughout the day and invited her to play with him during recess. Barend starts his day with a smile and ends it the same way. His kindness isn’t limited to just one instance. Last year, he consistently showed concern for a classmate who was emotionally struggling. Throughout the day, he would approach his teacher, asking how that student was doing and if she was okay. His compassionate nature extends to all his peers, making him a dedicated student who is always on task, kind, and supportive. Union Ridge staff can attest to Barend's numerous acts of kindness and positive influence on the school and classroom environment. His empathy, generosity, and consistent care for others make him a deserving Student of the Month!

Justin Paul, 5th Grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy
Justin enrolled at WRA when the school opened in the fall of 2021 and has been enrolled here ever since. He says he likes the flexibility of doing online school from home and says his favorite part of Wisdom Ridge is being able to come in for Enrichment and other activities and meet with other students his age. Mrs. Cox, Justin’s teacher the past two years, shared that “Justin is extremely thoughtful with and kind to all of his peers. He strives to lift others up, and looks for ways to be helpful and encouraging. In his online school work, Justin is extremely diligent, detailed, and enthusiastic. He regularly comments on his own work, reflecting on his experiences with that particular lesson or activity. Justin is just an all-around cool kid, with a great big heart and remarkable growth mindset.” 

Speaking of Justin’s heart, that has been his biggest challenge in life. Justin was born with a congenital heart defect and has had two open-heart surgeries. Those struggles and Justin’s perseverance to overcome them have made Justin a compassionate person who looks after the needs of others. Justin’s favorite extracurricular activities are baseball and basketball. After high school (which is still a few years away), Justin hopes to go into construction, or maybe be a doctor or nurse after seeing all of the good work they’ve done for him, or maybe a police officer. We are honored to be a part of Justin’s academic journey and are proud that he represents Wisdom Ridge Academy as the October Student of the Month. 

Hunter Hinsa, 6th Grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School
Hunter exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding student and a remarkable young individual. He consistently demonstrates exceptional diligence and a willingness to lend a hand, showing empathy and friendship, especially when someone is having a challenging day. His dedication and effort toward success are evident in everything he does. Recently, Hunter went above and beyond to assist a classmate in need. His patience, kindness, and helpful nature at this moment truly reflect his character—always stepping in with a positive and considerate attitude. Having Hunter in our school is a genuine privilege. His respectful demeanor, dependability, resilience, strong work ethic, determination, leadership, and compassionate heart make him an ideal candidate for Student of the Month. We are fortunate to have such an outstanding student in our school community.

Emmett Caine, 8th Grade at View Ridge Middle School
Emmett has been selected for this recognition due to his exemplary attitude, dedication, and positive impact on our school community. Emmett consistently challenges himself, particularly in his Spanish acquisition, where he demonstrates a strong commitment to improving his skills. He is an outstanding partner in the classroom, embodying the 3 R’s: respectful, responsible, and resilient. His kindness and attentiveness are evident in every interaction, and he consistently brings a positive energy that uplifts his peers. In both his English Language Arts and History classes, Emmett excels. He approaches his work with creativity and curiosity, going beyond simply completing assignments to truly deepen his understanding. His participation in class discussions is thoughtful and insightful, contributing significantly to the learning environment. Emmett’s work ethic and ability to focus on in-class activities have been remarkable, making him a positive influence in every class he attends. We are proud to recognize Emmett as an exceptional student and person, and we are lucky to have him as part of our community. Keep up the great work, Emmett!

Kim Babien, paraeducator at View Ridge Middle School 
We are honored to nominate Kim Babien for Employee of the Month because of her outstanding contributions to the View Ridge Middle School STEM program and her unwavering dedication to both students and staff. Kim consistently goes above and beyond, offering patience and enthusiasm that makes even the most challenging topics feel accessible to students. Her commitment to student success is clear. She starts every day by checking in with STEM teachers to assess classroom needs and prioritizes where her support is most needed, adapting her approach as projects and student needs change. Kim's flexibility and focus on students are remarkable, and her tireless work ensures that every classroom receives the help it needs. Beyond the classroom, Kim’s impact extends to planning field trips and organizing materials, where her office experience has proven invaluable. Her logistical skills keep everything running smoothly, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction. Kim is also an exemplary team player, regularly collaborating with colleagues to share resources, ideas, and support, which enhances the overall learning experience for all students. She steps up whenever needed, whether it's mentoring new staff, volunteering for extracurricular activities, or assisting with school events. Her positivity and professionalism inspire everyone around her. Kim’s work ethic, creativity, and genuine care for others have left a lasting impact on our school community, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team. She truly embodies what it means to be an exceptional educator and colleague. Congratulations, Kim!

Jason Lipscomb, Custodian (ABM) at Sunset Ridge/View Ridge 
Jason is an invaluable member of the Sunset/View Ridge team, consistently bringing positive energy to our school. His dedication to fostering strong relationships with students is evident in every interaction. Whether he's greeting students in the lunchroom with a smile, a fist bump, or an encouraging word, Jason creates a welcoming environment for both our Coyotes and Herons. As our head custodian, Jason takes immense pride in keeping our building clean and well-maintained, and his attention to detail is second to none. His commitment to excellence not only ensures a safe and pleasant environment for students and staff but also serves as a model of hard work and pride in one’s job. We deeply appreciate all that Jason does to make Sunset/View Ridge a better place for everyone. His unwavering dedication and enthusiastic attitude are a true asset to our school community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: October 10, 2024

Two killed in vehicle crash on Cordon Rd SE

Driver of second involved vehicle arrested

Updated 10/10/2024 | 1:45 p.m.

Yesterday morning, October 9, Salem Police Traffic Team officers arrested Terrance Harley Quackenbush-Benson for his involvement in the fatal collision that resulted in the death of Blanca Franco-Ramos and Heriberto Rangel-Rangel and the injury of several others on September 16.

The Traffic Team investigation determined the truck Quackenbush-Benson was driving crossed the southbound travel lane striking the pick-up truck driven by Franco-Ramos head-on, leaving her and Rangel-Rangel deceased at the scene and a front seat passenger injured. A passenger in Quackenbush-Benson’s truck was also injured. He and the two passengers were transported to Salem Health with serious injuries. The passenger in the Franco-Ramos truck remains hospitalized.

After an extensive investigation, Quackenbush-Benson, age 29 of Springfield, was arrested at the Springfield Police Department without incident. He was lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Manslaughter, first-degree, two counts
• Assault, second-degree, two counts
• Driving under the influence
• Reckless driving
• Reckless endangering, four counts

With Quackenbush-Benson in jail custody, all further inquiries into the investigation should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
DATE: September 18, 2024 
                                             Two killed in vehicle crash on Cordon Rd SE 

UPDATE 09/18/2024 | 5:05 p.m.

UPDATE: Next of kin notifications have been made for this crash. The deceased are identified as Blanca Mariela Franco-Ramos, age 28, of Mt. Angel and Heriberto Rangel-Rangel, age 46, of Silverton. Both were traveling in the same vehicle. 

The incident remains an active investigation, and as such, no arrest or citation has occurred.  

The Salem Police Department has responded to 18 fatal vehicular related crashes during 2024 resulting in 19 fatalities.   

                                                                                 # # # 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: September 16, 2024 
 

                                                Two killed in vehicle crash on Cordon Rd SE 

Originally published 9/16/2024 | 3:23 p.m.

Salem, Ore. — The 1100 block of Cordon Rd SE was closed for approximately four hours today, Monday September 16, for a head on collision involving two pick-up trucks. 

At approximately 10:09 a.m., Salem Police officers and emergency personnel responded to the crash on Cordon Rd SE. This section of Cordon Rd SE is within city limits of Salem. The road was closed from the time of the crash until about 2:15 p.m. 

An adult male and adult female occupant of one of the vehicles were found deceased upon arrival of emergency personnel. Three other adult occupants were transported to Salem Health with serious injuries. 

The crash is still under investigation and release of occupant’s names are pending, due to notification of next of kin. 

                                                                                  # # # 

DATE: Friday, 10/18/24

TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Check HSD's website for more information

Vancouver, WA – Pink Lemonade Project is gearing up for the 18th Annual Girlfriends Walk/Run on Oct. 13 in partnership with WHY Racing Events on the beautiful Vancouver Waterfront. Nearly 2,000 people will come together to celebrate, honor, and pay tribute to those affected by breast cancer. The event raises important awareness about breast health and dollars to support Pink Lemonade Project’s programs and services.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of major illness and death of women, especially women of color. Today, 1 in 7 women in the Northwest will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and 1% of men will get breast cancer too. About 10-15% of cases are related to family history, and 20-30% will experience a recurrence. This year alone, 42,000-48,000 women will die in the U.S. 

“The need for breast health education, programs, and services has never been greater. Pink Lemonade Project is making a significant impact by evolving and growing to fill gaps by working alongside healthcare systems, BIPOC and community-facing organizations, and Community Health Workers to help improve access and increase survivorship and quality of life for those impacted by this devastating disease. Since cancer support programming has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and the cost of living is higher than ever, patients in cancer treatment today need more support through their diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and beyond.” said Susan Stearns, Pink Lemonade Project Chief Executive Officer.

Since 2020, the need for Pink Lemonade Project programs and services has increased by 196 percent. Girlfriends is an important community event to bring together those affected by breast cancer and raise funds for patients and their families.

“Our partnership with Pink Lemonade Project has personal meaning for me. The Girlfriends event was created to honor and support my mother, Joleen Skarberg who was diagnosed with breast cancer 18 years ago and continues to run in the event every year with her daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins, and girlfriends,” said Karissa Schoene, owner of Why Racing Events. 

The Girlfriends event offers a half marathon, 10K, and 6K. People are encouraged to sign up and make a donation. All registration details are available at whyracingevents.com/girlfriends-run/.

About Pink Lemonade Project

Pink Lemonade Project, founded in 2010 by Drs. Allen & Cassie Gabriel, educates, empowers, and supports all communities affected by breast cancer. The purpose is to provide the region, newly diagnosed patients, survivors, those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer, and their families with programs and services to enable them to navigate their breast cancer journey. Pink Lemonade Project supported 3,195 people last year with a budget of more than 1.95 million dollars. Learnmore at pinklemonadeproject.org

Portland, OR – In September, the YMCA Columbia-Willamette reopened their childcare
center in downtown Portland at the Moda Tower, located at 601 S.W. 2nd Avenue. This
new addition offers much-needed support to families navigating Oregon’s challenging
childcare market.

The childcare facility serves 27 families in the Portland-area, and many are grateful for
the availability of child care in the downtown core.

The YMCA Columbia-Willamette has a rich history of service in the Portland area,
dating back to its founding in 1868. With a focus on youth development, physical and
spiritual well-being, and social responsibility, the organization continues to make a
positive impact in the community. Currently, there are four YMCA Columbia-Willamette
facilities, as well as over 30 partnerships with schools and centers.

This new childcare program is part of a broader initiative by the YMCA Columbia-
Willamette to enhance its presence in Portland. Before 2013, the YMCA operated out of
the current Under Armour building near Duniway Park in Southwest Portland. Since
then, the organization has been working to increase its visibility and expand its services
in the city.

"The YMCA is deeply committed to Portland’s future, and we're thrilled to help shape a
new chapter for the city with this expanded childcare offering. Our administrative offices
will now also be in the Moda Tower. We’re excited to build on our longstanding tradition
of service as we continue to support this community," said Matt McGinnis, YMCA-CW
Board Chair.

The new childcare center is part of the pre-school for all initiative and serves three and
four-year-olds, and offers a curriculum focused on readiness for reading and writing as
well as focusing on social and emotional skills.

About YMCA Columbia-Willamette: The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette creates
opportunities for children and adults to achieve health and build community through play
and learning. In 2022, the YMCA provided 430,000 nutritious meals to kids and families,
delivered 1 million hours of childcare and educational support, gave 4,750 youth a camp
experience, and taught 5,500 youth swim lessons with a focus on water safety. Learn
more at ymcacw.org.

# # #

PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL FUND BOARD

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a regular meeting on October 24, 2024, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting that begins at 9:00 am. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem. For further information, please contact Juan Lopez at (503) 551-3167.

Agenda Items

1. Introductions

2. Approve July 25, Meeting Minutes

3. Budget Update

    Presented by Kathy McAlpine

4. Brian Gaunt (DPSST #37820); Beaverton Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits

    Presented by Kathy McAlpine

5. Next meeting – January 23, 2025, directly following the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. 

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting on November 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact 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 Corrections 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 13, 2024, Meeting Minutes

3. Administrative Closures Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

    a) Isaiah Alexander, DPSST No. 62888
        Basic Corrections Certifications

    b) Clayton Callahan, DPSST No. 50282
        Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Corrections Certifications

    c) Drew Cebular, DPSST No. 56408
        Basic and Intermediate Parole and Probation Certifications

    d) Brian Hulst, DPSST No. 53950
        Basic Corrections Certifications

    e) Todd Iverson, DPSST No. 23507
        Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Supervisory Corrections Certifications

    f) Tyler Johnson, DPSST No. 63124
        Basic Corrections Certifications

    g) Christopher Vosburg, DPSST No. 35431
        Basic, Intermediate, and Executive Parole and Probation Certifications

4. David Dalton, DPSST No. 48380; DOC/Deer Ridge Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

5. Brian Fonseca, DPSST No. 55887; DOC/Santiam Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

6. Jesus Gutierrez, DPSST No. 61908; DOC/Snake River Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

7. Matthew Klimek, DPSST No. 52875; DOC/Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution
    Presented by Melissa Lang-Bacho

8. Applicant Review Committee Nominations

9. Agency Update

12. Next Corrections Policy Committee Meeting: February 11, 2025, at 10:00am

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 Corrections 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.

Medford, Ore. —The Bureau of Land Management today announced a proposed plan for the management and protection of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southcentral Oregon and northern California. If approved, the plan will guide management of the monument’s approximately 113,500 acres by protecting its exceptional biodiversity, while ensuring continued stewardship of historical, archaeological, and natural resources, as well as opportunities for public access and recreation.

“The plan ensures that we’re managing for the unique resources the monument protects,” said BLM Oregon/ Washington State Director Barry Bushue. “This plan is a combined effort of communities, Tribes, local governments, and other partners. Together, we have developed a plan that reflects shared values and effective conservation of this remarkable area.”

Cascade Siskiyou National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation 7318 in 2000 and expanded through Presidential Proclamation 9564 in 2017. The area provides habitat for an array of rare plant and animal species across its three ecoregions (Cascade, Klamath, and Siskyou), including ancient sugar and ponderosa pine, rock buckwheat, tall bugbane, the threatened northern spotted owl, endangered gray wolves, Lost River sucker, and more. Native American occupancy of the area dates back thousands of years, as visible in dwellings and gathering sites, and the monument is home to exceptional natural features, including Pilot Rock.

The BLM is responsible for managing the monument’s natural resources and the integrity of its diverse ecosystems, as well as preserving its cultural and historical legacy for the benefit of all Americans. Currently operating under three separate plans, the BLM’s new, consolidated plan will ensure more consistent management of this important area.

The Notice of Availability will publish in tomorrow’s Federal Register and will begin a 30-day protest period for the Proposed Resource Management Plan and the associated Final Environmental Impact Statement. The protest period ends Nov. 12, 2024.

Those who participated in the planning process and have an interest that may be adversely affected by the proposed plan may file a plan protest electronically via the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred) or deliver it to: BLM Director, Attention: Protest Coordinator (HQ210), Denver Federal Center, Building 40 (Door W-4), Lakewood, CO 80215. Please visit the BLM Filing a Plan Protest page for instructions.

For more information or questions, contact the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Resource Management Plan team at (458) 246-8861 or lm_csnm_rmp@blm.gov">blm_csnm_rmp@blm.gov

-BLM-

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

Links:

• Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-monuments/oregon-washington/cascade-siskiyou
• Presidential Proclamation 9564: https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/12/presidential-proclamation-boundary-enlargement-cascade-siskiyou-national
• Pilot Rock: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/ncls-orwa-csnm-pilot-rock-hike.pdf
• Notice of Availability in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-23440/environmental-impact-statements-availability-etc-cascade-siskiyou-national-monument-in
• BLM NEPA Register: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2023675/510
• BLM Filing a Plan Protest page: https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/public-participation/filing-a-plan-protest
   

Update (10/10/24, 9:26 a.m.)

The Clark County Sheriff's Office is tentatively identifying the victim in this case as Patricia Jimerfield, age 78. Investigators have been in contact with her family. Official identification will come from the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office.

We can confirm that on the morning of October 8th, Jimerfield was notified by her bank that there were pending fraudulent charges on her account. Jimerfield then checked her purse and discovered her wallet was missing, then filed a fraud report with CCSO. Investigators are looking into the fraudulent charges.

There were no signs of forced entry or a burglary at the residence.

Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation, no additional details will be released at this time.

On 10/8/24 at 9:41 p.m., the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Clark County Fire District 6 were dispatched to a medical call for an unresponsive person at a residence near NW 26th Avenue and NW 99th Street in the Lakeshore area of Vancouver, WA.  

First responders located a deceased female inside the residence. The Clark County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) responded to the scene. Detectives were at the residence overnight and into the morning. Investigators are investigating the death as a homicide. 

This investigation is an active and ongoing investigation. When additional information can be shared, this release will be updated.

SALEM, Ore. – Oregonians have become all too familiar with the need for emergency preparedness due to various hazards, including wildfires, drought, floods, and ice storms. However, earthquakes – while less common – remain a top concern, especially given the Cascadia Subduction Zone off the Pacific Coast, which has the potential to generate a 9.0+ magnitude earthquake and a resulting tsunami. To help Oregonians better prepare, Governor Tina Kotek is encouraging residents to learn and practice safe actions to take during an earthquake.  

On October 17 at 10:17 a.m., Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) staff invite all Oregonians to join the statewide and national earthquake drill. This drill will simulate the response to an earthquake with the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method for 60 seconds:

Drop onto your hands and knees.

Cover your head and neck, and if nearby, crawl under a sturdy desk or table.

Hold On until the shaking stops.

“Understanding what to do in the first few moments of an earthquake can mean the difference between surviving or not,” said Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. “Building a culture of preparedness in Oregon requires each of us to take proactive steps, and participating in the Great Oregon ShakeOut is a simple yet impactful way to reduce risk.”

The Great Oregon ShakeOut is part of a global earthquake drill taking place at 10:21 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, which will involve more than 500,000 Oregonians, including individuals, families, schools, and businesses. Participants pledge to drop, cover, and hold on, wherever they are and whatever they’re doing.

“Knowing what to do before, during, and after an earthquake can save lives,” said Althea Rizzo, OEM Geologic Hazards Coordinator. “This event also serves as a timely reminder to review and update your emergency preparedness plans and supplies.”

OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program encourages all Oregonians to:

• Be informed about hazards in their area.
• Develop an emergency plan for themselves and their loved ones.
• Build an emergency kit with at least two weeks’ worth of food, water, and other essentials.

For resources on earthquake and tsunami preparedness, Living on Shaky Ground is available for download on OEM’s website. Hard copies can also be obtained at local county and Tribal emergency management offices.

Learn more about the Great Oregon ShakeOut and register to participate by visiting ShakeOut.org/Oregon.

Watch the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills PSAs, available in both English and Spanish, for additional information.  

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

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

Salem, Ore - The State Library of Oregon supports government transparency and civic education by ensuring consistent and coordinated permanent public access to information published by Oregon state government. 

Meaning members of the public can access the reports state agencies create. In addition to the stacks of paper reports and publications, the State Library has also been building an online collection of these materials. While some are digitized copies of historic materials, others are the born-digital version of our modern era. Recently, the State Library migrated its digital collections to a brand-new platform. More than 160,000 Oregon state government publications are now available, in support of our mission to cultivate, preserve, and deliver library and information services to the people of Oregon.  

We invite all to explore the site by visiting https://digitalcollections.library.oregon.gov/   

This new platform is fully text searchable, making it easier to find the people or places mentioned within state publications. Additional improvements include linked information across collections and items and improved search options. There are also new storytelling capabilities that will highlight Oregon’s people, places, and events, and the activities of Oregon state government.  

In the near future, more components of the State Library’s collection will be available on this new platform, including over 8,000 historic photographs and thousands of federal government publications related to Oregon and other publications concerning the state of Oregon and its culture. Even the contents of the State Library’s card catalogue, the Oregon Index, will be available soon. Consisting of nearly a million index cards, the Oregon Index cross-references decades of Oregon newspaper and magazine articles and information buried in books about Oregon. These citations are an invaluable research tool.  

To learn more about the digital collections at the State Library of Oregon, please visit https://digitalcollections.library.oregon.gov/  or contact Elke Bruton, Program Manager for Government Services, at ruton@slo.oregon.gov">elke.bruton@slo.oregon.gov or 971-375-3509. 

SALEM, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committee for southwest Oregon will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 at the ODF Grants Pass Office, 5375 Monument Drive, Grants Pass, OR 97526. 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 and stream flow permanence update
• 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.

Media Advisory – All Media Are Invited

What: Pick It Up, Vancouver, sponsored by Killian Pacific

When: Friday, October 11 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: 101 E 6th St Vancouver, WA 98660 | Map Link

Event Description: Join us for the inaugural Pick It Up, Vancouver! cleanup event, sponsored by Killian Pacific on October 11. From 10 am to 12 pm, volunteers will come together in Downtown Vancouver to make a meaningful impact on their community. To celebrate your hard work, Hungry Sasquatch will provide pizza, and Umpqua Dairy will treat volunteers to delicious ice cream. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your neighbors while helping to keep Vancouver clean and vibrant!

Why: As Vancouver and its surrounding communities continue to flourish, ensuring the cleanliness of our public spaces is more important than ever. Litter not only detracts from the city's natural beauty but also poses environmental hazards that can impact local wildlife and waterways. SOLVE is excited to expand its efforts into SW Washington, empowering individuals and organizations to actively engage in their communities and take pride in maintaining clean and inviting spaces. By uniting for Pick It Up, Vancouver!, we are taking a crucial step toward a cleaner, healthier environment for all, showcasing our commitment to a sustainable future.

Media Crews: Arrive by 9:45 am outside The Hudson building in Downtown Vancouver, just off the City Center I5 North exit to see approximately 100 volunteers of all ages checking in, collecting their cleanup supplies, receiving a safety speech and event debrief, and then heading out in groups to pick up litter in the surrounding area. The event will run from 10 am to 12 pm, with volunteers expected to spread throughout the area.

This event will have plenty of visuals of volunteers picking up litter, making for great community packages, VOs, and VOSOTS.

Available interviewees: 

• Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer, SOLVE
• Chelsea Rooklyn, Brand and Impact Manager, Killian Pacific

Visit the Pick It Up, Vancouver! event site or registration page for more information.

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. You can follow SOLVE on Instagram at @SOLVEinOregon, Facebook at @SOLVEOregon, or at www.solveoregon.org. 

Colon cancer can be prevented, but only with the right kind of testing 

Portland, OR – October 10, 2024 –  A new blood test for colon cancer detection has made headlines in recent weeks, leading some to cheer the idea of replacing their colonoscopy with this quick alternative. Doing so, however, could have deadly results. Colon cancer specialists at The Oregon Clinic caution that individuals should carefully understand the limitations of this test before making important screening decisions.  

The new FDA-approved blood test for colon cancer detection, known as Shield, uses a small blood sample to detect colon cancer. Ordered by a physician, this relatively easy test is effective at detecting late-stage colon cancer. Unfortunately, this late-stage disease may not be curable or could mean more invasive treatments like chemotherapy and surgery to remove part of the colon. A screening test that detects mostly late-stage disease is not effective at reducing the incidence of colon cancer. Furthermore, the blood test is only 13% accurate at detecting advanced pre-cancerous lesions, which are more likely to turn into colon cancer over time compared to small polyps.  

A colonoscopy is considered the gold-standard of colon cancer screening for good reason. A colonoscopy can not only detect cancer but pre-cancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure. A colonoscopy is 91 to 100% accurate in detecting advanced precancerous polyps.  A colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer before it has developed by removing pre-cancerous polyps. No other colon cancer screening method can prevent cancer. 

Colon cancer is the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 53,000 people die of colorectal cancer every year. Almost all those deaths are preventable. That’s why it is so important everyone gets screened for colon cancer beginning at age 45. Those with family history of the disease may need to start screening even sooner.  

Experts in this field are united in their recommendation: The American Cancer Society, the US Preventive Services Task Force, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy all recommend colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. This new blood test has serious limitations in detecting and preventing cancer and is not a replacement for colonoscopy or even a stool test. 

 Putting off colon cancer screening could mean the difference between preventing colon cancer and a late-stage diagnosis. Contact The Oregon Clinic to learn more about colonoscopies, what to expect, and to schedule your screening appointment. 

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About The Oregon Clinic:  

The Oregon Clinic is the largest private specialty physician practice in Oregon. Nearly 300 physicians and advanced practice providers provide respectful, compassionate care in more than 30 specialty areas, resulting in more than 550,000 patient visits each year. Founded in Portland in 1994, The Oregon Clinic is committed to delivering the highest quality patient care, practicing evidence-based medicine, and providing leadership for the healthcare community. We collaborate with primary care physicians and use a team approach to address health conditions at 50 specialty clinic locations across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. Call 503-935-8000 or visit www.oregonclinic.com for more information. 

A 4" main natural gas line was hit in the intersection of 112th @ 18th street and will be closed for an unknown amount of time. The public may also smell natural gas in the area of this incident due to the size of the leak and wind direction. Northwest Natural Gas has crews in the area and the public is encouraged to take alternate routes around this incident.     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Red Cross sends more than 60 volunteers to help Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton relief efforts; Holds training to recruit new volunteers to deploy

PORTLAND, Ore., October 10, 2024 – Hundreds of American Red Cross disaster responders are working around the clock to provide safe refuge, comfort and support to Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. The Red Cross also continues to support people across several other states impacted by Helene.

Over 60 Red Cross disaster responders from the Cascades Region, which spans Southwest Washington and Oregon, are already on the ground in the five states impacted by Hurricane Helene to assist with hurricane relief. In coordination with government and community partners, Red Crossers are supporting shelters and providing food, cots, blankets and other relief supplies to help people in harm's way. 

The need is great, and the Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help with relief efforts Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other disasters. At a volunteer training session this Friday, Red Cross staff will present an overview of fundamentals of sheltering and new volunteers will have the opportunity to speak with Red Cross workers, learn about volunteer opportunities and sign up to volunteer on site. Interested individuals can register at http://tiny.cc/vcmpzz.

Friday, October 11^th – PORTLAND

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Red Cross Portland Office

3131 N Vancouver

Portland, OR 97227

MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION People need urgent support now, and we can’t do this alone. Please help by making a financial donation, an appointment to give blood or platelets, or signing up to become a volunteer by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Financial donations to help people affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters. You can also text the word HURRICANES to 90999 to make a donation.

MAKE A BLOOD DONATION The cancellation of blood drives across the Southeast caused thousands of blood donations to go uncollected. Hurricane Milton has the potential to further deplete the blood supply. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment here.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Everyone should download the Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information available on their mobile device, including emergency weather alerts, preparedness information and shelter locations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. 

About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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Press Log

Press Log

WELDING STUDENTS FROM FOUR HIGH SCHOOLS WILL COMPETE                                                                                                                            

VANCOUVER, Wash.— The welding program at Clark College is hosting SteelDays, a welding competition for local high school students beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18 in the college welding labs, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Building AA2, Vancouver, Wash. The free event is open to the public. No registration required.

Welding students from Battle Ground High School, Prairie High School, Fort Vancouver High School and Kelso High School will compete in this event designed to showcase the welding and fabrication industry and to shine a light on the next generation of tradespeople. 

Industry information booths and food carts will be set up in the college’s Orange 2 parking lot accessed from East Reserve. See campus map here.

The free, public event at Clark College is one of 25 SteelDays events organized by the American Institute of Steel Construction around the country from Oct. 14-18. Pacific Northwest Steel Fabricators Association is an event partner. Students, educators, the public and industry professionals will have an opportunity to learn about the U.S. structural steel industry and its vital role in constructing our nation’s buildings and bridges.

If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources office. Phone: 360-992-2105 Email: hr@clark.edu

Clark College offers five welding certificates and a two-year degree, Associate of Applied Technology in Welding Technologies. Learn more here.

Learn more

• Clark College welding program: https://www.clark.edu/academics/programs/advanced-manufacturing-and-mechanical/welding/
• SteelDays 2024: https://www.aisc.org/steelday/
• Pacific Northwest Steel Fabricators Association: pnsfa.org

About Clark College 
Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are the first generation of their families to attend college.   

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On October 7, 2024, Retired Sheriff Jason Myers passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family members following an extensive battle with cancer. 

Sheriff Myers began his career in law enforcement at the age of 18 when he became a cadet with the Salem Police Department. Shortly after becoming a Salem Police cadet, he was hired by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office as a Summer Park Cadet. After serving during the summers as a Cadet, he joined the Marion County Reserve Deputy Program. In September of 1990, he was hired as a full time Deputy Sheriff. During his career with the Sheriff’s Office, he served as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Deputy, Judicial Security Deputy, School Resource Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Narcotics Detective Sergeant, Administrative Lieutenant, Operations Division Commander, Undersheriff, and became Sheriff in 2009. 

As the Sheriff, Jason was actively involved in the community and built relationships with leaders throughout the state. As an advocate for law enforcement, Jason represented Oregon Sheriffs testifying before the legislature and promoted responsible policy-making which strengthened professionalism in law enforcement and recognizing the need to reach underserved populations. Following a decade of service as Sheriff of Marion County, he retired in 2019.

In his retirement, Jason continued in public service as the Executive Director of the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association. As the Executive Director, he continued his work with the legislature and furthered a shared vision of professionalism in law enforcement. Through his authenticity and transparency, Jason developed lasting relationships with countless people, becoming a mentor to many law enforcement leaders throughout Oregon. Jason’s pride in public service was infectious.

A quote from Myers who was well known for his leadership. "I just try to do my best every day, I try to listen more than I talk. I try to hear what people want, and then I try to deliver on that. I think that's guided me well. I've done that throughout my career."

Sheriff Nick Hunter said, “Jason was a leader amongst leaders, not because of what he said, but what he did.  To many of us over the years, his work at the Sheriff’s Office and in the criminal justice community is still reflected in the work we do today.” 

Our condolences go out to the Myers family and friends. You will forever be in our hearts. The Myers family is requesting privacy as they mourn the loss of Jason.

Portland Fire responds the outbuilding fire in the Montavilla Neighborhood

Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a possible structure fire in the Montavilla Neighborhood at just before 4:30 PM today. The notes from the dispatch center were simply “someone seeing something on fire”. The closest arriving engine reported that there was a working fire evidenced by the smoke column or header in the air on approach. A garage or outbuilding on a lot was completely engulfed in fire that was impinging upon a 3-story apartment complex. This large amount of fire with a possibility of extending to the neighboring structure that was occupied with many individuals prompted the command officers to request a second alarm assignment to be certain there was going to be enough firefighters on the scene to evacuate and extinguish any fire that may jump the 20’ gap between the outbuilding and the apartment complex. 

Gaining access to the fire building was slowed by the cyclone fencing surrounding the boarded-up homes and garage on the lot. Rather than go through the lock or cut the chain, the crews addressed the hinges of the gate and were able to quickly gain access to the property. As this access occurred, the water supply was establishing by back stretching the hose across Glisan at NE 100^th to the nearest fire hydrant which blocked traffic at peak rush hour traffic forcing cars to turn around or reroute themselves a few blocks.

The hose lines were stretched to the fire and quickly reduced and extinguished after the gates were opened. Prior to this, the large flame lengths were creating significant heat that was emanating in all directions. The nearby apartment complex had the vinyl siding melt off two large areas, but the fire did not extend into the structure. Crews evaluated all floors of the apartment complex along with the attic space for any possible presence of fire. In addition to the apartment complex, the closest residential structure on the property was also evaluated for any fire extension. There was no internal damage to any occupancies and no one from the apartment complex will be displaced.

The fire investigator is on scene working on determining a cause. There were no injuries reported. 

Portland Fire would like to thank PPB and Portland Public Safety for their assistance in redirecting traffic to protect the fire hoses and allow members to safely work in the area.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating a single-vehicle crash that occurred yesterday morning at approximately 8:30 a.m., in the area of Burton Rd./NE 109^th Avenue. The driver of a Ford F-150 truck was heading westbound on Burton Rd., drove off the roadway, through chain link fencing and up an embankment toward I-205. The truck rolled back down the hill coming to a stop on the driver’s side. The driver was partially ejected from the truck and was not wearing a seatbelt. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

Speed and impairment are factors in the crash. 

The Vancouver Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing the investigation. 

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Vancouver, Wash. –On September 27, 2024, Vancouver Police, as part of the SW Washington Regional SWAT team, responded to assist the Clark County Sheriff’s Office with an incident in the 5400 block of NE 71st Street.  One Vancouver Police SWAT Officer discharged their firearm during the incident. That officer was placed on Critical Incident Leave, per standard protocol. All Vancouver Police Officers who responded were wearing body worn cameras (BWC) and the Vancouver Police Department had two Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) at the incident that captured video. 

Following an officer-involved shooting involving the Vancouver Police Department, the department will release a Critical Incident Video, which may include portions of video captured from department body worn cameras, department vehicle cameras, or department UAS. The release of these videos is at the discretion of the Chief of Police and is separate from the Independent Investigation Team (IIT) investigation.

The Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team, led by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting an independent investigation of this incident. The Vancouver Police Department is not involved in the officer-involved shooting investigation. VPD will conduct an administrative investigation/review after the independent investigation team has concluded their investigation. 

The Critical Incident Video can be viewed on the Vancouver Police Department website: Critical Incident Videos -The City of Vancouver, WA

The Vancouver Police Department will not be commenting on the investigation or the content in the Critical Incident Video. Release of the video is to provide some visual context of the incident as the Vancouver Police Department understands the events to have occurred, according to the video and incident information at the time.  

The Vancouver Police Department values the sanctity of human life and the dignity of all persons, and any loss of life is tragic. 

Please be aware the video contains graphic images and viewer discretion is strongly advised.

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October 9, 2024

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that today, Robert Joseph Bryant, 68, was arraigned in a Multnomah County Circuit Court on charges including kidnapping, sexual abuse, and coercion in relation to the September abduction of an intellectually disabled adult woman from a care home in the Centennial neighborhood.

At a hearing on October 9, 2024, Bryant was arraigned on the following charges:

• One count of Kidnapping in the First Degree,
• One count of Kidnapping in the Second Degree,
• One count of Coercion,
• One count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon,
• One count of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree,
• One count of Public Indecency, and 
• Three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree

A charging instrument is only an accusation of a crime. Bryant is innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

#MCDA#

Gresham, Ore.— Over the past two weeks, the Gresham Police Department has worked with the Gresham-Barlow School District to investigate, and respond to, several safety concerns at Gresham High School. 

On September 20, officers arrested a student at Gresham High School who was armed with a firearm.  In the days following that arrest, members of the community reported multiple potential threats of violence related to Gresham High School. The Police Department worked with the Gresham-Barlow School District and Gresham High School staff to investigate those threats and provide a safety response to the school.  Following that investigation, none of those threats were found to be credible. 

In the weeks since the arrest, rumors have continued to circulate online regarding weapons, planned violence, and other threats at Gresham High School.  This cycle of recirculated online threats and rumors is a phenomenon which has become increasingly common in the social media age.  Schools where a violent or threatening event takes place are commonly inundated with numerous additional or copycat threats.  Rumors and discussion of those threats circulate through the school community.  In many cases the same rumor will go through the community more than once as details are slightly changed, embellished, or lost with each sharing or retelling. 

Today, Gresham High School was placed on secure status for approximately two and a half hours in response to another unsubstantiated report.  Officers were already present at the high school as part of our work with the Gresham-Barlow School District to provide an environment where students, parents, and teachers, feel safe at Gresham High School.  We will continue collaborating with the school district and the community to develop and refine the safety plan for Gresham High School and our other local schools.   The community may continue to see additional police presence around Gresham High School.

We encourage the community to report, but not repost, online threats.  Threats involving immediate danger should be reported to 911.  Other safety concerns should be reported through the non-emergency number, 503-823-3333, and directly to the School District at 503-261-4550. 

Students, staff, and family members with safety concerns are encouraged to get information directly from the Gresham-Barlow School District.  The Police Department will also communicate with the community about threats that are found to be credible or when an active incident which threatens the safety of the community is taking place.

A24-21484
Officer Involved Shooting Investigation – Vancouver, Washington
Press Release 2
October 9, 2024

The Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team (LCMCT) independent investigation of the September
27, 2024, officer-involved shooting in Vancouver, Washington, is ongoing.
Investigators interviewed several residents in the area of this incident, who reported ongoing
problems with Michael Williams. Williams reportedly made numerous derogatory statements
towards neighbors regarding their ethnicities and slashed the tires of a neighbor’s vehicle.
Williams was also reported to have been armed and had fired off multiple shots prior to the arrival
of law enforcement officers.

Once law enforcement officers arrived on scene, Williams continued to fire shots and made
threatening statements. Neighbors reported that Williams appeared to be intoxicated, and a
deputy who spoke to Williams on the phone during the incident described Williams’ speech as
being slurred.

Attempts to de-escalate were unsuccessful, with Williams eventually firing multiple shots at law
enforcement officers and neighboring residences from an upstairs window and from the front door
area of his residence. An armored vehicle took multiple shots, including at least one direct hit to
the windshield from a high-caliber rifle, endangering the lives of six law enforcement officers inside
the vehicle.

The involved officer has been identified as Vancouver Police Officer Cameron McAnally, age 28.
McAnally has served with the Vancouver Police Department for 5 years and serves with the
Southwest Washington Regional SWAT Team (SW SWAT). Officer McAnally deployed to this
incident with SW SWAT as part of a sniper team.

In a statement provided to LCMCT investigators, Officer McAnally stated he observed Williams
near the rear door of his residence, armed with a rifle, as he appeared to be targeting other law
enforcement officers. Officer McAnally stated he feared Williams posed an immediate threat of
death or serious bodily injury to the officers at this time. Officer McAnally fired one shot, striking
Williams in the neck. Williams was pronounced deceased at the scene.

LCMCT investigators recovered several firearms from Williams’ residence, including a HM
Defense model HM50B.50 caliber rifle, which investigators believe was used to shoot the armored
vehicle. Investigators also confirmed that a neighboring residence had been hit by a bullet during
the incident.

No further details are available for release at this time.

Troy Brightbill
Chief Criminal Deputy / Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office
Commander / Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team 
 

SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is creating a rule advisory committee to meet and discuss possible changes to electric-assisted bicycle use on state park properties and the ocean shore. 

The current electric-assisted bike rules allow the devices to operate on state park trails that are over 8 feet in width and anywhere motor vehicles are allowed on the ocean shore. The proposed changes would update definitions for electric-assisted bicycles and determine new locations where they are allowed and restricted.

The committee will meet online 11 a.m. Thursday, October 17 and will hold three additional meetings through 2024 to review and discuss the proposed rule changes. The meeting dates will be announced after the first meeting. The meetings are open to the public and can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkqL6iVPBrfCTO27cNmCTwg. 

The meeting agenda will include discussions on the impacts the proposed rules would have on visitor safety, recreational uses and conflicts, operational best practices and accessibility. The committee will also discuss the potential economic and fiscal impact of proposed changes.

Committee members, appointed by OPRD, include individuals from around the state who enjoy electric assisted bicycles for recreation and others who enjoy other forms of recreation in state parks and the ocean shore. The committee also includes individuals from other agencies, natural resource specialists, law enforcement, transportation specialists, non-profit organizations, and business owners. 

After the committee reviews the proposed changes and staff make updates based on feedback and recommendations, the proposed rule will be open for public comment in early 2025. More information about this rulemaking is available on the OPRD website: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-Rule-2024-EBikes.aspx.

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Jo Niehaus, at least three days in advance of a meeting, at jo.niehaus@oprd.oregon.gov. 

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(Astoria, OR) — Week 6 of Clatsop County’s 6-Weeks Ready Emergency Preparedness campaign focuses on the earthquake safety.

“When the next earthquake strikes, you might be engaged in everyday activities like driving, sleeping, or grocery shopping. What should you do in each circumstance? With the Great Shakeout drill just days away, we’re focusing on scenario-based strategies to protect yourself before and during an earthquake,” said Emergency Management Coordinator, Jen Munson.

Secure Your Home or Office

• Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
• Consider making improvements to your home to fix structural issues that could cause your home to collapse during an earthquake.
• Consider getting an earthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.

Drop, Cover and Hold On

DROP - As soon as you notice the first signs of an earthquake, drop onto your hands and knees. Earthquakes are very powerful and might knock you down if you remain standing, which could cause injury.

When you drop to the floor and stay low, you will be in a more stable, safe position. From a dropped position on your knees, you can also crawl to cover more easily. If you are seated and cannot drop to the floor, follow steps 2 and 3: Cover and Hold On.

COVER: Even small items in your home, such as a vase on a bookshelf or a framed photo on the wall, could cause severe injury if they fall onto you during an earthquake.

During an earthquake, remain dropped on your knees and bend over to protect your head and vital organs. If there is a sturdy desk or table nearby, crawl underneath it for cover. Otherwise, crawl next to an inside wall and get as far away from windows as possible.

HOLD ON: Furniture might shift around during the earthquake, so if the table or desk you are under moves, you need to move with it to avoid being injured by it. That means holding on with one or both hands during the shaking. If you are not sheltered under furniture, use both arms and hands to hold on to your head and neck.

Stay in your covered, dropped position until shaking stops.

After the initial jolt, there is still a chance of aftershocks, building damage, and other dangers, so it is important to remain aware of additional dangers after the initial earthquake.

After the Earthquake

As soon as the ground stops shaking, assess your location, especially whether you are in a landslide or tsunami inundation zone. If needed, move to higher ground or a safer location. 

Check your immediate area for injured people and for any new hazards that may have formed, such as leaking gas lines, building damage or collapse, or broken water or electric lines. 

What to do in Other Situations

We don’t know when an earthquake will strike. It could happen when you are home, at work, away or in a car. Here’s what to do in different situations:

• IN BED: Stay in bed and lie down. Hold on to your head and neck with both hands. You can cover your head and neck with a pillow for additional protection.
• OUTDOORS: If you can safely do so, head to an open, clear area free of hazards like trees, street signs, buildings, and vehicles. Be mindful that objects might still fall from the side, so follow the drop, cover, and hold on rules to protect yourself outside too.
• DRIVING: Stay inside your vehicle. When it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road, come to a complete stop, and activate the parking brake. Try to avoid overpasses, bridges, power lines, and other potential dangers. When you resume driving, avoid damaged areas of the highway or road, and stay clear of emergency service vehicles.
• IN A STORE: Follow the same general drop, cover, and hold on principles as you would in your home. Use what is around you for cover, such as a shopping cart or clothing racks. 
• NEAR THE SHORE: If you are near a body of water or the coast, you’ll still want to follow the drop, cover, and hold on procedure. Then, when shaking slows down, quickly move inward or to higher ground in case of a tsunami. If possible, walk to avoid traffic slowdowns.

Our website has information that can help individuals and families get prepared. 

Week 1: Sept. 4          Building a Kit
Week 2: Sept. 11        Disaster Planning with Everyone in Mind
Week 3: Sept. 18        Protecting your Family & Property in a Disaster          
Week 4: Sept. 25        Food & Water in an Emergency 
Week 5: Oct. 2           Tsunami Evacuation
Week 6: Oct. 9           Earthquake Safety

The Clatsop County 6-Weeks Ready campaign ends with the Great Shakeout. We encourage anyone who has not yet joined us in the campaign to start now.

Personal preparedness information is on the Emergency Management Department’s website at ClatsopCounty.gov.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will kick off its annual homecoming week, a tradition that brings alumni, students, and the local community together for a fun-filled week of festivities and school spirit. This year’s homecoming week begins on October 21 and includes various events and activities. Attendees can look forward to:

Monday, October 21, 2024

• Paint the Town Red event hosted by the Associated Students of Western Oregon University on Main Street in Monmouth. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Brew and Brush at Luna’s Cafe in Monmouth. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

• Under the Sea Trivia hosted by the Residential Hall Association on campus in the Werner University Center Summit from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

• Homecoming Carnival: Happening in the Grove and paired with painting the wolf on Church Street Noon - 3 p.m.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

• Purple Out Volleyball Game in New PE Gym hosted by Abby’s House. 7 p.m.

Friday, October 25, 2024

• Wolves on the Green Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser that benefits WOU Athletics. Illahe Hills Country Club at 8:30 a.m.
• Earth & Environmental Sciences Community Lecture: Student Showcase & Alumni Gathering. Natural Sciences Building. 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Alumni Awards & Hall of Fame Induction Dinner. Pacific Room. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 
• Class v. Class Dodgeball Tournament. Intramural Field. 6 p.m.
• Homecoming Bonfire. Field by Public Safety. 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

• Homecoming Football Game. McArthur Field WOU v. Texas A&M Kingsville. Wolf Royalty Announcement during halftime. 1 p.m.
• Student Leadership Reunion. Pacific Room 10 a.m. to noon. For all current and past student leaders. 
• Alumni Saturday Market. Campus parking lot F. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music by Tuesday String Band, 20+ vendors, and yard games.
• Football Alumni Reunion. McArthur Field South Gate. 11 a.m. WOU v. Texas A&M Kingsville. Free entry to the game, special seating & 1 free drink. New WOU beer by Xicha Brewing.
• Softball Slow Pitch Alumni Game. Softball Field. 10 a.m.
• Rugby Game. Intramural Field. 1 p.m. WOU v. Washington State. One free drink token.
• Library Open House & Wolfie Costume Exhibit. Hamersly Library Lobby. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Alumni Volleyball Game. New PE Building. 6 p.m. WOU v. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Free entry to the game and reception for Volleyball alumni to connect.

See the homecoming schedule.

###

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.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Oct. 9, 2024) – Portland General Electric customers now have access to a new suite of tools and resources that provide greater clarity, transparency and control when it comes to managing energy use and costs. The enhancements, introduced throughout 2024, include customized energy dashboards, energy use tools and easier enrollment into energy shifting programs.

“Service is core to what we do, which is why we create and deliver products that improve customer experiences. Whether customers are calling us with questions about their service, needing information about an outage or using tools to better manage their energy using personalized tips and recommendations, we want the experience to be easy and informative,” said Stacy Maloney, PGE director of customer experience.

Customer feedback has been instrumental in PGE’s decision to accelerate investments in new technology that improves customer experiences and helps them make informed decisions about their service. Among the new offerings is PGE’s Home Energy Analysis tool, which helps residential customers understand their home energy use patterns and can help lower their bill. The analysis provides customers with their top three energy uses by percentage and dollar amount, along with tips on how to save based on personalized usage information. This feature allows them to make informed decisions about what service plan best fits their needs.

Additionally, the company is introducing a new Active Outage Card on the customer account dashboard, available on the PGE website, for quick access to ongoing outage information. The rollout of this new feature addresses customer requests for a more personalized experience during outages. The Active Outage Card is updated regularly to ensure customers remain well-informed and supported throughout any service disruptions.

“We continue to listen to our customers and respond to their needs with meaningful changes. By upgrading our systems and introducing these new features, we hope to create a seamless experience and maintain high-quality service across all touchpoints, “said Maloney. “Our goal is to evolve and improve the way we serve our customers and ensure that every interaction meets their expectations.”

The work of PGE’s Customer Experience team has helped the utility secure the top national spot for utilities in the 2024 Forrester Customer Experience Survey. PGE surpassed the average U.S. Customer Experience Index score and is one of only two utilities to see an increase in customer experience scores compared to others in the industry. 

About Portland General Electric Company: 

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to over 930,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. For more than 130 years, Portland General Electric (PGE) has powered social progress, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. PGE is recognized by the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the company’s commitment to creating a more equal, inclusive workplace and was ranked the No. 1 utility in the 2024 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index. In 2023, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated nearly $4.6 million and volunteered over 23,000 volunteer hours to more than 400 nonprofit organizations. For information: portlandgeneral.com/news.    

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has published a draft Action Plan Amendment for a $422 million disaster recovery grant and is seeking public input on the changes. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) is administered through a suite of programs, also known as “ReOregon,” that support individuals, households, and communities as they continue to recover from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds.  

OHCS is seeking public comment on the draft Action Plan Amendment, which reallocates program funds to create additional opportunities for renters and expands recovery options for Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program applicants. A short summary of the key elements of the plan and the entire draft Action Plan Amendment is available for review on OHCS’ website at https://re.oregon.gov.  

"We know those who are of low incomes were disproportionately impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Disasters,” said OHCS Deputy Director Caleb Yant. "These proposed program changes will create new programs to provide more resources for renters and homeowners such as rental and down payment assistance, and counseling services.”  

Members of the public are invited to provide their input on the draft Action Plan Amendment through a 30-day comment period, during which OHCS will seek input through public hearings, online form, email, mail, or telephone. The hearings will include a short presentation by OHCS officials, followed by public feedback. Printed copies of the plan will be available by request. 

The public hearing schedule is as follows: 

For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual hearing on Zoom will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. Please register to attend. 

“We strongly encourage members of the public, especially direct survivors of the wildfires, to provide their input on how these program changes may affect their recovery,” said Neil Barrett, external affairs officer for Disaster Recovery and Resilience at OHCS. “The most effective policies are the ones informed by those with lived experience.”  

All of the information presented at the public hearings will be available on the ReOregon website at re.oregon.gov. Spanish translation services will be available at all of the public hearings. Please email hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov if you need special accommodations.  

In addition to providing comment at the hearings, the public will be able to do so by: 

• E-mail: hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov
• Online form: 
  • English: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/595b3469a058469e9b296542f3b7251e 
  • Spanish: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/db5e76cc2e8947c1a73eeb3114eff277 
• Phone: 877-510-6800
• Mail: OHCS, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301-1266

All comments must be submitted to OHCS no later than 11:59 p.m. Nov. 8, 2024. 

After the 30-day public comment period, feedback will be incorporated into the plan before OHCS submits it to HUD for review and approval, which can take up to 45 days. As required by HUD, OHCS will address all comments received.  

To learn more about ReOregon programs, visit re.oregon.gov or sign up to receive e-mail notifications. 

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.  

9 de octubre de 2024 

Se solicita opinión pública para una propuesta de Enmienda Sustancial al Plan de Acción de los $422 millones para la recuperación de desastres

Se programan audiencias públicas para los días 22-24 y 29-30 de octubre

SALEM, Ore. – El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) ha publicado una propuesta de Enmienda al Plan de Acción para la subvención de recuperación de desastres de $422 millones y solicita opinión pública ante los cambios. 

El Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de Estados Unidos (HUD, por sus siglas en inglés) otorgo los fondos para la Subvención en Bloque para el Desarrollo de la Comunidad. El dinero se administra a través de un conjunto de programas, también conocidos como “ReOregon”, que apoyan a las personas, hogares y comunidades a medida que continúan recuperándose de los incendios forestales del Día del Trabajo de 2020 y los vientos en línea recta. 

OHCS solicita comentarios del público sobre la propuesta de Enmienda al Plan de Acción, que reasigna fondos del programa para crear oportunidades adicionales para los inquilinos y amplía las opciones de recuperación para los solicitantes del Programa de Asistencia y Reconstrucción para Propietarios de Vivienda. En el sitio web de OHCS, https://re.oregon.gov, se puede consultar un breve resumen de los elementos clave del plan y la propuesta completa de la Enmienda al Plan de Acción. 

“Sabemos que las personas con bajos ingresos se vieron desproporcionadamente afectadas por los desastres del Día del Trabajo de 2020”, dijo el subdirector de OHCS, Caleb Yant. “Estos cambios que estamos proponiendo crearán nuevos programas para proporcionar más recursos a los inquilinos y propietarios de vivienda, tales como asistencia para el alquiler y el pago inicial, y servicios de asesoramiento”. 

Se invita a los miembros de la comunidad a dar su opinión sobre la propuesta de Enmienda al Plan de Acción a través de un período de comentarios de 30 días. OHCS solicitará comentarios a través de audiencias públicas, formulario en línea, correo electrónico, correo postal o teléfono. Las audiencias incluirán una breve presentación de parte de funcionarios de OHCS, seguida de comentarios del público. Se podrán solicitar copias impresas del plan.

El calendario de audiencias públicas es el siguiente:

Para quienes no puedan asistir en persona, se llevará a cabo una audiencia por internet en Zoom de 6 a 8 p.m. el miércoles 30 de octubre. Por favor, regístrese para asistir.

“Animamos a los miembros de la comunidad, especialmente los supervivientes de los incendios forestales, a compartir su opinión sobre cómo estos cambios que estamos proponiendo para el programa pueden afectar su recuperación”, dijo Neil Barrett, oficial de asuntos externos para la División de Manejo y Recuperación de OHCS. “Las políticas más eficaces son las que se basan en las experiencias vividas”. 

Toda la información presentada en las audiencias públicas estará disponible en el sitio de internet de ReOregon, re.oregon.gov. En todas las audiencias públicas habrá servicios de traducción al español. Si necesita algún servicio especial, envíe un correo electrónico a hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov. 

Además de presentar comentarios en las audiencias, el público podrá hacerlo a través de:

• Correo electrónico: hcs_housinginfo@oregon.gov
• Formulario en internet:
  • Inglés: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/595b3469a058469e9b296542f3b7251e
  • Español: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/db5e76cc2e8947c1a73eeb3114eff277
• Teléfono: 877-510-6800
• Correo Postal: OHCS, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite B, Salem, OR 97301-1266

Todos los comentarios deben enviarse a OHCS antes de las 11:59 p.m., 8 de noviembre de 2024. 

Después que termine el período de 30 días, los comentarios públicos recibidos se incorporarán al plan antes de que OHCS lo presente a HUD para su revisión y aprobación, lo que puede tardar hasta 45 días. Tal y como exige HUD, OHCS dará seguimiento a los comentarios recibidos. 

Para obtener más información sobre los programas ReOregon, visite re.oregon.gov o inscríbase para recibir notificaciones por correo electrónico.

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.  

Portland, OR – IRL Social Skills, which provides support to autistic and neurodivergent teens and adults with science backed social and communication skills training, received national recognition in Washington D.C. on October 8. 

IRL Social Skills helps participants develop essential social and relational skills to foster connections and self-advocacy, addressing critical mental health concerns, as autistic and neurodivergent individuals are nine times more likely to die by suicide compared to neurotypical peers.

The organization, selected from over 14,000 applicants, was honored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its CO— platform, placing IRL Social Skills on the prestigious CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses list. The program was recognized for its innovation, growth, and employee culture. As the only Oregon honoree in the micro-business category, IRL Social Skills has received the honor for the second consecutive year.

"We’re thrilled to be recognized for the second year in a row and to spotlight the importance of this work," said founder Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP. During her visit to D.C., McLoughlin also met with delegates of Senators Merkley and Wyden to expand the program’s reach to more families in need of these vital services.

About IRL Social Skills: IRL Social Skills is a supportive community where autistic and other neurodivergent teens, young adults, and adults can learn, practice, and refine social skills. Each program has no more than 12 participants and their parents/caregivers. While teens/young adults are receiving instruction and practicing their new skills with peers and IRL coaches, parents join a breakout room to receive research-backed guidance to support their loved one across social settings.

# # #

On 10/8/24 at approximately 8:15 p.m., Clark County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a disturbance with a weapon in the area of NE Beaver Brook Road and NE Eagle View Road in Yacolt, WA. It was reported to 911 that a male had been shot in the head. A family member of the injured male reported to 911 that the male had been shot, unprovoked, by another resident of the house they all shared. The injured male was transported by car away from the residence by the family member to NE Fargher Lake Highway. Responding patrol units contacted them on NE Fargher Lake Highway and found a male with serious injuries. The male appeared to have been shot with a shotgun. The male was alert and able to communicate with deputies on the scene. The male was transported to a local trauma hospital by ambulance with life-threatening injuries. The victim remains in serious but stable condition at the hospital.

Deputies, using armored vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), made their way to the residence. Deputies called out the residents in the home and detained the suspected shooter, identified as Jeremie Singer, age 50, of Yacolt, WA, and several other residents. 

The Clark County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit (MCU) responded to the scene. Detectives learned that the victim and his family had been living at the residence and that they had a contentious relationship with their landlord and housemate, Jeremie Singer. 

Deputies had responded to the residence and authored an informational report about a landlord/tenant dispute involving the two families just a few days prior.

Detectives learned that both Jeremie and the victim had recently made claims of previous threats against one another. 

In this incident, it was determined that the victim had left the residence for the last several days. On 10/8, the victim returned to the residence to gather some belongings, where it is alleged that Jeremie shot him in the face and chest with a 12-gauge shotgun through the front window of the home. 

Jeremie Singer was arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail for Attempted Murder I- Domestic Violence (due to the household relationship as adult persons residing together) and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm II. 

This is an active and ongoing investigation. 

October 9, 2024

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

OHA distributed more than 10,000 air conditioners, air filters and devices to keep communities healthy in extreme weather

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon residents at risk from heat and wildfire smoke-related health issues had more ways to receive air conditioners, air filters and other devices this year. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) distributed more than 10,000 devices ahead of, and during, 2024’s extreme summer weather events through new Oregon Health Plan (OHP) climate benefits and the Air Conditioner and Air Filter program.

“Oregon is leading the way when it comes to mitigating climate change’s health harms, especially on our most vulnerable communities,” said Emma Sandoe, Medicaid Director at OHA. “Through collaboration and innovation, we’re finding new ways for Oregon residents to receive life-saving devices so they can stay healthy in their homes during heat and poor air quality events.”

Devices have been needed as the state experienced historic heat waves over the summer, and wildfires have been active in Oregon for five consecutive months and counting. Though all individuals are vulnerable to the health impacts of extreme weather events, OHA’s “Climate and Health in Oregon 2023 Report” shows that certain communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Given the lack of access to or high cost of cooling devices, people with lower incomes and chronic conditions are among those most likely to experience heat exhaustion, heat stroke or other health conditions.

Both the new OHP climate benefits and the Air Conditioner and Air Filter program align with OHA’s goals to eliminate health inequities by 2030. OHA’s goals are to reduce:

• Heat-related illnesses by 50%
• Heat-related hospitalizations by 60%
• Heat-related deaths by 70%
• Respiratory ER and urgent care visits by 20%

In March 2024, OHA launched the first-in-the-nation Medicaid climate benefits to reduce health inequities and provide a way for eligible OHP members to proactively request devices. Preliminary data highlights that in the first six months, with support from Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), OHA distributed almost 6,000 devices to eligible members experiencing specific health conditions and life transitions. OHA’s analysis of the first four months of data (see Image 1 below) shows that 65% of members who received a device were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. An updated report on the OHP climate benefits will be available in early 2025.

Image 1

With one-time funding from the state legislature, OHA’s Air Conditioner and Air Filter program purchased and distributed 4,400 air conditioners and 1,200 air filter devices from July through September 2024. Oregon Department of Human Services, including the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, partners with OHA to distribute devices directly to eligible individuals or to community-based organizations, county health clinics and the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon to deliver in anticipation of heat events or emergency declarations. Air filter devices were prioritized for counties that have historically had the highest number of days with poor air quality and counties actively experiencing wildfire smoke events.

OHP members interested in receiving devices under the new OHP climate benefits can contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) year-round to learn more. If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email HRSN@acentra.com">ORHRSN@acentra.com.

To learn more about either of these efforts, visit the Air Conditioner and Air Filter Program web page or the OHP climate benefits web page.

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(Oct 9, PORTLAND) -- Portland Parks and Recreation is offering two free Navigating Medicare courses around the Metro area Oct. 22, and Dec. 10. Register at www.portlandparks.gov/parks/register.

Portland Community College is offering an education only information session on Medicare Oct. 15. Register at www.pcc.edu/schedule/fall/hea/.

The workshops will explain old and new Medicare benefits and changes. Information on self-advocacy and individual’s rights in Medicare will also be covered. There will be ample time for specific questions. 

As a community-wide event, Jewish Family & Child Service will offer Navigating Medicare on Nov. 7. Co-sponsored by Congregation Neveh Shalom. Register at: https://www.jfcs-portland.org/medicare-answers/

Woloshin speaks year-round and acts as a health advocate when her beneficiaries need assistance during the year. She deals with rights during hospitalization, inaccurate bills, and ensuring that beneficiaries have the durable medical equipment they need for recovery. 

Enrollment is limited at all courses. Woloshin is available to speak to groups about Medicare, advocacy and health issues. 

For more information and interviews contact  Sue Lyon-Myrick, Marketing Manager, at either sue@woloshin.com or 971-482-6182 or Mara Woloshin at 503-310-4504 or a@woloshin.com">mara@woloshin.com.

All these sessions will be led by health educator Mara Woloshin, who has been a licensed Medicare broker since 2012.

Woloshin speaks year-round and acts as a health advocate when her beneficiaries need assistance during the year. She deals with rights during hospitalization, inaccurate bills, and ensuring that beneficiaries have the durable medical equipment they need for recovery. 

Enrollment is limited at all courses. Woloshin is available to speak to groups about Medicare, advocacy and health issues. 

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Dry weather and above average temperatures prompt the need to augment the Bull Run supply

Starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 10th, the Portland Water Bureau will begin blending groundwater from the Columbia South Shore Well Field into the distribution system.

Due to the predominantly dry weather, warm temperatures, and available long-term weather forecasts, the Portland Water Bureau will use groundwater to augment water from the Bull Run Watershed—Portland’s primary water source. 

“Portland’s two high-quality drinking water sources help create a resilient water system,” Interim Director Edward Campbell said. “Careful planning and maintenance ensure that groundwater is here to fully meet our regional water needs.”

Customers can expect to receive a blend of Bull Run water and Columbia South Shore Well Field water. It can take up to two weeks, depending on location, for the blended water to make its way through the distribution system to homes and businesses.

“We rely on our customers’ investments to pay for the infrastructure that makes it possible to deliver drinking water whenever we need it,” Director Campbell added. “When customers pay their bills, they’re making an investment that makes it possible to deliver safe, clean water every day.”

The Columbia South Shore Well Field is a high-quality water supply that meets or surpasses all federal and state drinking water regulations. The well field is supplied by deep aquifers that store rain that falls in the Portland Basin. Learn more about our groundwater here. 

The Portland Water Bureau informs the media and sensitive water users when we activate groundwater or make significant operational changes. We will issue a notification if we make significant changes to the groundwater operation and when we return to 100 percent Bull Run water. Sensitive water users can sign up online to be directly notified by the Portland Water Bureau.

Customers with questions should call the Water Quality Line at 503-823-7525.

About the Portland Water Bureau

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipe. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day. 

The Oregon State Marine Board will hold its next meeting on October 23, at the Hood River Library, Jeanne Marie Gaulke Community Meeting Room, located at 502 State Street in Hood River. The meeting will begin at 8:30 am and local boaters are invited to attend. 

The agenda includes:

• Director’s Agency Report
• Boating Facility Cycle Three Grants, Action: Board Approval
• Waterway Access Program Update, Informational
• Upper Rogue River Rulemaking, Action: Board Direction to Staff
• Executive Session ORS 192.660(2)(h)

Written public comments for this meeting will be accepted until 5 pm on October 16, 2023. Email written comments to .cooper@oregon.gov">jennifer.cooper@oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Oregon State Marine Board, Attn: Jennifer Cooper, 435 Commercial St NE Ste 400 Salem, OR 97301.

Representatives of the news media and designated staff shall be allowed to attend the executive session. All other members of the audience will not be allowed in the room. Representatives of the news media are specifically directed not to report on or otherwise disclose any of the deliberations or anything said about these subjects during the executive session, except to state the general subject of the session as previously announced. 

To view the agenda, Board materials, and for a link to the meeting live stream, visit the agency’s Public Meetings page. Meetings are conducted using Microsoft Teams and viewing may require the installation of a free Teams app for mobile devices.

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The Linn County Fire Defense Board, representing the fire agencies of Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Scio, Tangent, Brownsville, Halsey-Shedd, and Harrisburg, has announced an extension of the outdoor burning ban. Originally delayed to October 15, 2024, the start of the fall outdoor burning season has now been pushed to October 20, 2024. This decision is in alignment with the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), as fire safety concerns remain due to ongoing dry conditions.

While ODF forecasts significant wetting rains around October 20, current conditions—including a lack of rain and warmer-than-usual temperatures—continue to fuel fire risks across the state. The 2024 fire season has been one of the most severe in Oregon’s history, with more than 2,400 fires reported statewide. Of these, 89 were classified as "large fires," each burning over 1,000 acres, and human activity is believed to have caused around 50 of them. In total, over 1.9 million acres have burned this year, setting a new record for the state.

The extended delay in the outdoor burning season is necessary due to dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds, which together create an elevated risk of wildfires spreading quickly if burning is allowed too early. Residents must comply with these restrictions to protect public safety and prevent additional strain on firefighting resources.

⚠️ Alternatives to Open Burning ⚠️
• Recycle paper products
• Dispose of waste at a landfill
• Compost yard debris and kitchen scraps
• Reuse old lumber
• Use a chipper to create mulch or compost
• Organize a neighborhood cleanup day
• Take hazardous materials like oil-based paints, solvents, garden chemicals, and car fluids to a hazardous waste collection site. Burning these materials is illegal and dangerous.

The Linn County Fire Defense Board and ODF will continue to monitor conditions leading up to the new October 20 start date. For updates on the outdoor burning season, please call the Linn County Burn Line at 541-451-1904 or check the Willamette Valley Open Burning Announcement at https://smkmgt.com/burn.php.

October 9, 2024

Media Contact:

Anca Matica, Press Secretary to Governor Kotek Anca.Matica@Oregon.Gov

Timothy Heider, Behavioral Health Services Strategic Communications Officer

Timothy.Heider@oha.oregon.gov

Governor Kotek, Oregon Health Authority Announce 465 Added Treatment Beds by End of 2026

Announcement follows treatment capacity study revealing treatment types and regions with the greatest need, and new data dashboard

Salem, OR — Today, Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced a residential treatment capacity dashboard to track the state’s progress towards additional behavioral health residential treatment beds and recovery housing units across Oregon, with the projected goal of adding 465 beds by December 2026. The dashboard includes existing capacity, added capacity based on existing provider contracts, and projected capacity based on contracts in development across bed types.

In the Governor’s first 60 days in office, she directed OHA to commission a study to determine Oregon’s adult behavioral health facility-based treatment capacity and needs. The findings of a preliminary Behavioral Health Residential+ Study, published in late January 2024 and finalized in June 2024, will guide the allocation of awards in the future biennium to ensure investments go to areas with the most significant need. The allocations in the dashboard are not reflective of the results of the study.

“Added treatment capacity is critical to building the behavioral health system I know is possible in Oregon. Every Oregonian should have access to services regardless of where they live or what they can afford,” Governor Kotek said. “The state now has more information than ever before to meet the need with precision, and we are taking action. Though we will not close Oregon’s treatment capacity gap overnight, every added bed means more Oregonians will get help when they need it. As Governor, I will always take on the toughest challenges and show progress.”

A dashboard with providers, estimated number of beds/units, region, projected timelines for completion, funding amounts, and funding sources can be found here. The dashboard includes projected goals for adult residential and the state’s progress towards those goals. Below is a snapshot of data from the dashboard:

“Oregon’s investments in mental health and substance use treatment are reducing our acute shortage in beds,” OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke said. “We have more work to do to ensure that every person who’s experiencing a behavioral health disorder gets the treatment they need. The data we now have as a result of the study will be the foundation for the new pipeline of work in the next biennium.”

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Subhead: BIPOC Students Co-Guided Design of New Learning Hub for STEM Fields 

See link of selected photos here (Note to editor: credit photos with Skanska USA Building)

(Portland, OR- October 8, 2024) – Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, announced the successful completion of the Vernier Science Center at Portland State University (PSU) in downtown Portland. Formerly known as Science Building One, the renovated six story, 89,500-SF building will serve as an inclusive hub for STEM study and applied education, featuring labs, classrooms, and spaces that support collaboration. Black, Indigenous, and students of color informed the design and development of this state-of-the-art facility.

“This project marks a pivotal moment for Portland as the region continues to establish itself as a hub for technology and innovation,” said Joe Schneider, Senior Vice President-Account Manager at Skanska. “The Vernier Science Center is set to become a cornerstone of STEM education with labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces. We are proud to have worked on a project that will create future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math, who will create a brighter and more diverse future for all of Portland.”

In partnership with Bora Architects, the design process engaged Black, Indigenous, and students of color to ensure the design supported students’ needs while celebrating their cultural backgrounds. Student recommendations informed elements such as layout, colors, and materials, to create a sense of pride and belonging. Student recommendations included the use of circular expressions to represent family, interconnectedness, and inclusiveness. 

“Creating inclusive, collaborative spaces was a priority in our new building’s design,” said Todd Rosenstiel, Dean of Portland State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of biology. “In building this transformative and Indigenous-focused space, we brought to life a place of science and discovery created by and for Portland State University’s diverse population.”

Skanska’s scope of work included a $62.8 million, three-phase project consisting of demolition of Stratford Hall, an enabling phase to relocate existing research and lab services into neighboring buildings, and finally the extensive renovation of Science Building One, which includes a community gathering room, a decolonized library, and a food/plant teaching kitchen. Construction was phased to allow for ongoing research throughout the duration of the project. The new structure boasts heavy reinforcement of shear walls to update its seismic readiness, stronger fire suppression construction, wet lab and food labs, shared access and equipment, as well as nature images that improve way finding.  

Skanska’s Senior Superintendent on the project, Troy Boardman, noted, “Each of the four facing external facades has a unique theme including north toward the Columbia Gorge, east toward the Cascade Mountain Range, south toward the Willamette Valley and west toward the mountainous Coastal Range, which honors the Indigenous journeys to get here. Each design and construction considerations point to access in multi-disciplinary, collaborative spaces that promote engagement and co-creation.”

The new structure complements PSU’s growing campus while upholding the university’s sustainability goals. Key sustainability efforts include diverting more than 90 percent of construction waste; reusing the existing building to minimize embodied carbon; adding air quality monitoring systems; upgrading building energy systems;  incorporating smart energy practices with efficient lighting and window glazing; installing smart LEDs and light controllability; and implementing low-emitting flooring, adhesives, manufactured wood, paint, and sealants alongside strategies to manage forestry woods while ensuring overarching efforts of materials’ management and reuse. The project is pursuing LEED Gold® certification. Skanska achieved 25.5% diverse contracting participation, using a blend of certified subcontractors and suppliers.

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For further information, contact: Dianne Danowski Smith, Publix Northwest PR + PA, dianne@publixnw.com, (503) 201-7019…….Daniela Arellano, Skanska USA Building, ellano@skanska.com">daniela.arellano@skanska.com, (213) 317-4977

About Skanska 

Skanska uses knowledge and foresight to shape the way people live, work, and connect. More than 135 years in the making, we’re one of the world’s largest development and construction companies. We operate in select markets throughout the Nordics, Europe and the United States. Skanska in the U.S. is headquartered in New York City with 28 offices around the country. In 2023, construction in the U.S. generated $7.1 billion in revenue, and as a developer in the U.S., Skanska has invested a total value of $4.6 billion in commercial and multi-family projects. Together with our customers and the collective expertise of our 6,500 teammates in the U.S. and 27,000 globally, we create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime.