“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
- Albert Einstein

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Portland, Oregon - March 24, 2019

The Mt. Tahoma Sanctuary describes itself as “an interdependent healing home for affordable mental health recovery.” This innovative, person-centered and replicable model is in Tacoma, WA, and is an alternative to standard mental health housing and treatment. Rethinking Psychiatry invites the community to a presentation by its co-founders, Christine and Po Karczweski.

The speakers, Christine and Po, are both psychiatric nurse practitioners, and have had long careers working in medical and psychiatric settings. They believe that a different paradigm from the traditional medical model is needed. This lead them to create the Mt. Tahoma Sancturary, where people are provided the spaciousness to redirect their lives, while experiencing meaning, purpose and support. “We believe that all of us need compassion and support, affordability and stability, meaningful and creative activities, healthy nutrition and attention to spirituality, hope and an uplifting place to call home.”

This Rethinking Psychiatry event will take place on Wednesday, April 3, from 7-9 p.m., at 232 SE 80th Avenue in Portland. Rethinking Psychiatry is not affiliated with the Montavilla United Methodist Church, but appreciates their community focus and sharing of space. The venue is ADA accessible. The event is free (donations are always welcome). Refreshments will be provided, including plenty of vegan and gluten-free options!

On March 24th, 2019 at about 0420 hours, the cleaning crew at Stanfords restaurant reported being robbed at gun point.  One of the cleaning crew employee was getting something from her car when an armed man came out of the bushes wearing a mask and gloves. He was joined by two other masked men. They ordered the employee back inside at gunpoint and gathered the other two workers. They forced the three employees into a room and secured them inside. After the armed men removed the safe from the office, along with other items, the suspects left the building.  The employees were able to free themselves and call 911. There were no reported injuries during the robbery.  The suspects were all males being in their 30's and at least one is believed to be caucasian.  The three suspects are still outstanding.  The Lake Oswego Police is asking anyone with any information to please call 503-635-0238.

Salem, Ore (March 24, 2019) - The men of Willamette University’s (WU) Kappa Sigma Fraternity invite the community to join them April 14 at the Tracy Hoffman Memorial Run to raise money for the Oregon Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Hoffman was a member of Willamette’s Kappa Sigma Fraternity when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. He was cured of that disease in 1982, but three years later he was diagnosed with leukemia; the disease that quickly took his life. Hoffman was an honors student, active in intramural sports, an officer of Kappa Sigma and worked with troubled youth as a volunteer for Marion County.

The race will be held at Bush Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The one-mile fun walk/run starts at 11 a.m. and the 5k walk/run starts at noon.  Award ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. with entertainment to follow. Medals will be given to the top 3 adults (18+), teen (11-17), and child (10-) runners. The school/team/organization/group with the most attendance at the race will receive a large trophy. All attendees will receive a surprise gift for participating.

Tom Farley from Willamette’s Kappa Sigma Fraternity said, “In Tracy’s memory, our fraternity founded this community run to benefit the Oregon Leukemia Society. This disease kills almost 23,000 Americans every year. We do this in the memory of Tracy Hoffman, for the legacy of Kappa Sigma Theta-Delta, and for the many others who fight against blood cancer every day.”

Registration is free, but organizers are hoping to raise a minimum of $20 per participant with an event goal of raising $15,000 through donations, silent auction and T-shirt sales. Sponsorships are also available. You can register, sponsor and see a full schedule of events at www.tracyhoffmanrun.com or email Farley at ley@willamette.edu">twfarley@willamette.edu or call 650-804-6246.

On 03/19/19, at approximately 2255 hours, NPD Units were dispatched to a stolen vehicle report at the Newport Shell Station.  Units arrived on scene and learned that the victim had been giving a ride to two subjects that she had just met.  The victim had stopped at the Shell Station and went inside the store while the two suspects stayed in her car.  After being inside the Shell Station, the victim returned to the parking lot and saw her vehicle being driven away from the area, northbound on Hwy 101.

NPD Units responded North and caught up to the victims vehicle on the north side of Cape Foulweather.  The two suspects were identified as Benjamin Ringe, age 44 and Brandie Kindred age 37 both of the Lincoln County area.

Ringe was arrested for Theft I and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.  Ringe was also found to have several warrants for his arrest out of surrounding counties for which he was also arrested on.  Kindred was found to have several warrants for her arrest as well and she was taken into custody on those warrants.

On Saturday, March 23rd 2019 at approximately 4:15 AM, Salem Police Department and Salem Fire responded to a 911 call of a vehicle that struck a tree in the 6600 block of Fairway Avenue SE.  When officers arrived they found the vehicle had in fact struck a tree and that the vehicle was occupied by five juveniles all ranging between the ages of 14 years old to 17 years old.  Four of the juveniles were transported to the Salem Hospital and to Portland area hospitals.  Unfortunately, one passenger, a 17 year old, was found dead at the scene.  Next of kin has been notified.  The Salem Police Traffic Team is investigating.  Fairway Avenue SE between Rees Hill Road SE and Lexington Circle SE remains closed at this time, and is expected to reopen within the next hour.  It does appear speed was at least one of the contributing factors.  This is an going investigation, thus no further information will be provided until a later date.  ###

Just after 02:20 this morning, Fire crews responded t reports of a fire in a vacant structure. Upon arrival, crews found light smoke showing from the building located at 2410 SE 82nd. The property appeared to be vacant to include chain link fencing surrounding the property. Once access was made, fire was found venting through the roof. 

Initial fire attack operations began with an offensive strategy, sending crews to the interior of the structure to perform firefighting operations. Because of the abandoned nature of the structure, no evidence of imminent rescue needs, fire crews withdrew from the structure and transitioned into a defensive fire-attack strategy for crew safety. Once the fire was brought under control, crews reinterred the structure to ensure extinguishment of hot spots. Structural damage and potential collapse hazards were noted on the inside of the building, causing crews to again withdrawal for firefighter safety. 

The fire was recalled just after 03:00 with crews working to monitor any hot spots from the exterior of the building. A fire investigator has arrived on scene to assist cause determination. No injuries were reported with this fire.

UPDATE March 22, 2019:  Please note updated park locations: Central Park (414 East Main Street) and the Battle Ground Community Center at Fairgrounds Park

Caring, connecting and community – it starts in parks!  Battle Ground Parks and Recreation is celebrating National Volunteer Month by hosting a Park Appreciation Day work party at two local parks on Saturday, April 20.

Park Appreciation Day began in Battle Ground in 2013 and each year up to sixty people have pitched in to keep the parks looking beautiful. 

“When we come together and give our parks a little extra care, it makes our community a better place,” says Mattie Buckmiller, Battle Ground Recreation & Facilities Supervisor, “It’s about showing that, as a community, we care and are building connections.”

Volunteers - individuals, families and groups - are invited to participate at Central Park (414 East Main Street) or at the Battle Ground Community Center at Fairgrounds Park (912 Main Street).  The work party starts at 9 a.m. and will continue through noon.

Tasks may include picking up litter, raking and weeding flower beds, cleaning playground equipment or spreading bark or playground chips. City staff maintain the parks throughout the year but Park Appreciation Day is a way for the community to gather to help keep Battle Ground beautiful.

Participants should dress for the weather, rain or shine and are asked to bring work gloves and, if available, hand tools such as shovels, rakes and hoes.  A limited supply of tools will be provided for use at the sites.

Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register online at www.cityofbg.org/764/Park-Appreciation-Day , by visiting the Community Center or by calling 360-342-5380. Registration is also available on the day of the event.

The operator of the vehicle that sustained fatal injuries is being identified as Amber Mosey (30) of St. Helens, OR

Passengers are identified as Carmen Lewis (31) of Eugene and Christopher Arrington (35) of Portland.

No further information is available for release at this time.

On Thursday, March 21, 2019 at approximately 6:21 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers located a vehicle reported stolen from Eugene on Interstate 5 in the Albany area.  The vehicle and the occupants were also of interest in multiple armed robberies in the Eugene area. 

Troopers attempted a traffic stop and the vehicle attempted to elude.  The vehicle lost control on Hochspeier Road near the intersection of Hwy 164 (Jefferson Highway) milepost 1 just north of the City of Jefferson and rolled several times. 

One occupant of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  Two other occupants were transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. 

A criminal investigation continues into the occupants of the vehicle for multiple armed robberies by the Eugene Police Department. 

The single vehicle crash is being investigated by Marion County Sheriff's Office with a crash reconstruction team made up of OSP, Marion County S.O. and Keizer Police Department. 

Media inquiries regarding the Eugene Police criminal investigation contact the Eugene PD PIO at 541-682-5124 or 541-682-5197. 

Media inquires regarding the crash investigation in Marion County contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office PIO at 503-584-6276.

UPDATE

At about 2:17 pm, we received information Oregon State Police stopped a vehicle which was involved in the Chemeketa incident and has a subject in custody that is believed to be responsible. 

OSP Troopers from the Roseburg Area Command stopped the vehicle on I5 southbound near the city of Sutherlin and were able to take the subject into custody without incident.  This subject has been identified as 21 year old Taeton Harrington of The Dalles.

Taeton will be brought to the Marion County Jail where he will be lodged on criminal charges of Burglary 1, Criminal Mischief 2, Unlawful use of a firearm, carrying concealed firearm.  This investigation is still ongoing and the Sheriff’s Office is not prepared to release any further information at this time.  A photo of Taeton will be available once he is booked into jail. 

On March 22, 2019 at about 1024 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a loud explosion within the Chemeketa Community College, Brooks’s campus 4910 Brooklake Rd NE. Upon arrival, deputies determined the sound to have come from a single gunshot round fired into the floor of a bathroom on campus.

There are no classes underway on campus due to Spring break and no one was injured during the incident. This is an active criminal investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office is not prepared at this time to release any further information. Investigators believe there is no immediate danger to the public.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

MARCH 22, 2019

Dontai Howe charged with sexually abusing a boy, 6, inside downtown Portland mall

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 30-year-old Dontai Howe was charged with one count of sodomy in the first degree and one count of sexual abuse in the first degree.

This is a case charged under Jessica’s Law, which went into effect in 2006 and requires a 25 year mandatory minimum sentence for adults convicted of raping, sodomizing or sexually penetrating a child younger than 12 years old.

This investigation started on March 17, 2019 when the Portland Police Bureau received information about a stranger who had touched the genitals of a child inside a mall restroom, according to a probable cause affidavit. It is also alleged that Howe put his mouth to the genitals of the child.

The victim in this case is six years old. Members of the media are asked to respect the privacy of the child and his family.

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that the victim was at the mall with his family. The affidavit states that while the child was using the restroom, a family member entered the facility and observed a man, later identified as Howe, “with a look of guilt on his face” and also saw the child who appeared to be scared. Once outside the restroom, the child disclosed the incident. The family member chased after Howe, but he was able to get away, according to court documents.

On March 21, 2019, the Portland Police Bureau released a photograph of the suspect. Within approximately 1-2 hours after the media release, law enforcement started receiving tips from the public. One of the tips came from an anonymous source who gave Howe’s name, date of birth, address and other information to confirm his identity, according to court documents.  

Law enforcement located Howe and took him into custody on March 21, 2019 at approximately 5 p.m. in the 3300 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard.

Howe appeared in court on March 22, 2019. His next court date is scheduled for April 1, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at the Multnomah County Justice Center.

A copy of the court documents filed in this case can be obtained using the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system under case number 19CR19323.

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

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held Thursday, April 4,  at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway, in Brookings. The previous meeting, which had been scheduled for earlier this month, was canceled due to extreme weather and road conditions. 

The committee is made up of veterans appointed by the governor to provide counsel on veteran issues and represent veteran concerns across Oregon. Its nine members serve in a vital advisory role to the director and staff of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

More information can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Pages/advisory.aspx or to contact the Advisory Committee, please email vaac@odva.state.or.us.

March 22, 2019

Media contacts

Delia Hernandez, Oregon Health Authority, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Julie Sullivan-Springhetti, Multnomah County, 503-709-9858, inghetti@multco.us">julie.sullivan-springhetti@multco.us

Tim Heider, Clackamas County, 503-742-5911, theider@clackamas.us

Katrina Rothenberger, Marion County, 503-588-5621, othenberger@co.marion.or.us">krothenberger@co.marion.or.us

Health officials report two new cases of measles from Marion County exposure

A Multnomah County and a Clackamas County resident have been diagnosed with the measles.

The two cases stem from an outbreak that began in Marion County, where two people have tested positive for measles. This outbreak is unrelated to a large outbreak that began in Clark County, Wash., in January.

The Clackamas County resident had previously visited a Salem missionary training school, Youth With a Mission, during the same time as an Illinois resident who was contagious with measles.

“The spread of this disease in Oregon is a sobering reminder of how this virus can travel,” said Ann Thomas, MD, public health physician at OHA. “So, if you haven’t already, make sure all adults and children in your household are up-to-date on vaccines.”

Exposures

The Oregon residents visited the following locations while contagious with measles:

• Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, Clackamas, March 12, 11:45 p.m. through March 13, 5 a.m.
• Revolution Foursquare Church, Portland, March 16, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and March 17, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Von Ebert Brewing – Glendoveer location, Portland, March 17, 1:45-4:30 p.m.
• Kaiser Rockwood Medical Center, Portland, March 19, 12:30-3 p.m.

Find a complete list of all Oregon public exposures on the OHA website at healthoregon.org/measles.

Who to call

Public health officials urge people not to arrive unannounced at a medical office, if:

1. They are not immune AND
2. They have been exposed within the previous 21 days AND
3. They have symptoms of measles (such as fever, cough, red eyes or rash).

First, call a health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

People with questions about measles infection or the measles vaccine should call their primary care provider or their county health department.

• Multnomah County Public Health: 503-988-3406
• Clackamas County Public Health: 503-655-8411
• Marion County Public Health: 503-588-5621
• Clark County Public Health: 564-397-8182

About measles

Measles poses the highest risk to unvaccinated pregnant women, infants under 12 months of age, and people with weakened immune systems.

The symptoms of measles start with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection, and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.

After someone contracts measles, illness develops in about two weeks, but people can be contagious up to four days before they get a rash.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles as soon as they feel sick until up to four days after the rash starts. The virus can also linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left the area.

You are considered immune to measles if ANY of the following apply:

• You were born before 1957.
• Your physician has diagnosed you with measles.
• A blood test proves that you are immune.
• You have had two doses of measles vaccine.

The measles vaccine, known as MMR, is safe and very effective. Almost everyone with two MMR vaccines has long-term protection against measles.

For more information on measles for the public, please visit the OHA measles webpage or see answers to common questions about measles in English and other languages here: Winter 2019 Measles Outbreak: Frequently Asked Questions.

# # #

Captain Nick Hurley, Corvallis Police Department, recently completed one of the toughest challenges available to local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy. In mid-March, Captain Hurley and three other Oregon law enforcement officers completed a ten-week training session at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

There is a highly competitive process local law enforcement officers must go through to be selected for this honor. That process includes a nomination by a supervisor; interviews with the candidate and co-workers to determine leadership skills and abilities; a background check; a determination of physical fitness; and the support of former National Academy graduates within the candidate's organization.

"The National Academy is internationally known for its academic excellence and provides the unique opportunity to share best practices and forge partnerships with law enforcement officers from around the globe. The exceptional leaders chosen to attend form an exclusive group and only a few from Oregon are selected each year," said Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon. "We are proud to sponsor Captain Hurley and our other local partners in the National Academy."

Captain Hurley began his law enforcement career 19 years ago with two years at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) overseeing academy training. Captain Hurley is currently the captain of Professional Standards and Support Services for Corvallis Police Department which encompasses the department’s Records and Evidence, Regional 911 Dispatch center, Training, Risk Management and Public Information.

Captain Hurley earned a bachelor’s degree in ASL/English Interpreting and a Masters of Education from Oregon State University. He also earned his Executive Certificate from DPSST and is a graduate of the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI) program.

“The FBI National Academy is an incredible learning opportunity and experience for those selected to attend,” said Chief Jon Sassaman, Corvallis Police Department. “We know Captain Nick Hurley has been immersed in critical thinking and exposed to expert instruction of the highest level. We are extremely proud of Captain Hurley’s accomplishments and his successes while at the Academy. We are excited for his return to Corvallis and continued service.”

During the ten weeks of training, local executive-level law enforcement officers spend most of their time in the classroom. Captain Hurley’s National Academy classes included: a graduate seminar in Media and Managing Law Enforcement Image; Behavioral Analysis as Decision Support in Investigations; Leadership, Wellness and Vitality; and Leading through a Crisis. The program allows participants the opportunity to earn college credits through the University of Virginia for some of those studies.

Each year, the FBI sponsors four sessions of the National Academy. Each session includes about 220 local law enforcement officers from throughout the United States and around the world. While in the academy, the officers and deputies live in a dorm-like setting. The FBI does not charge U.S. students for tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging or travel to and from their home.

Hood River, Ore. –

The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office recently teamed up with the Hood River Elks to start the Sheriff’s Office Assistance Program. Using funds generously donated by the Elks, the Assistance Program will allow the Sheriff’s Office to provide basic necessities to those who we come into contact with. Clothing, blankets, toiletries and even non-perishable food items have been stocked for easy access by any deputy who sees a need that we can fill.

Ongoing contributions to the Assistance Program are needed. If you would like to help, call the Sheriff’s Business Office at 541-387-7035. Thank you to the Hood River Elks for their generous donation to get this valuable program started.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

MARCH 22, 2019

Statement regarding verdict in State of Oregon v. Aubré Dickson and Charles McGee

Today, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge David F. Rees returned a not guilty verdict on all counts in regard to Aubré Dickson and Charles McGee following a seven-day trial.

Both Dickson and McGee waived their Constitutional right to a jury trial and proceeded to have this case presented directly to Judge Rees. The trial was presented to the court under a seven count indictment that accused Dickson and McGee, both independently and together, with various sex crimes.

“We disagree and are very disappointed with today’s verdict, but we respect and trust the criminal justice process afforded to everyone. We continue to believe the victim in this case who courageously came forward to report what happened to her in May 2012. Our unwavering commitment of supporting and advocating for survivors of sexual assault remains rooted in our core values. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all survivors of sexual assault. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office ensures sexual assault victims are informed and supported at every step in the criminal justice process, even after a verdict. We remain committed to that duty.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will have no additional comment on this case.

Resources:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Call to Safety: 503-235-5333
• Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program: 503-988-3222

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

Ideas Booth returns to the Oregon Historical Society March 22 – April 2, 2019

Portland, OR – March 22, 2019 – The Oregon Historical Society is excited to partner once again with TEDxPortland on the Ideas Booth to crowd-source an Idea Worth Spreading for TEDxPortland Year 9!

Created in 2018 and unique to TEDxPortland, community members can visit the Ideas Booth at the Oregon Historical Society for a chance to join the TEDxPortland stage – a platform that has hosted names including Ann Curry, Macklemore, and Colin O’Brady. The Ideas Booth will be accepting ideas from March 22 through April 2 and is open during regular Oregon Historical Society museum hours. All visitors to the Ideas Booth will also receive free admission to visit the Oregon Historical Society!

After overwhelming success last year — with over 250 submissions — not one, but two speakers were selected to take the TEDxPortland stage at the Keller Auditorium. Steve Eberlein and Kristine Napper were the two speakers selected from the Ideas Booth to share their Idea with over 3,000 people.

For Eberlein, whose Talk motivated him to launch a preparedness communications consultancy that specializes in earthquakes, the Ideas Booth truly changed his life:

“From the moment that I entered the TEDxPortland office, the team was there to support me, to challenge me, to cheer for me, and to guide me toward making the most of my nine minutes on stage,” said Eberlein. “I expected TEDxPortland to only be an event. As it turns out, I was indoctrinated into a family of like-minded individuals who share a high tolerance for risk, a low tolerance for egos, a generosity of spirit and, above all, a healthy dose of courage. In December, I doubled down on myself by resigning from my job of ten years to launch my own enterprise. The Ideas Booth was the first door of opportunity. Now I’m in the business of creating my own doors.”

This year, the TEDxPortland stage has room for one more person — and it could be you!

About the Ideas Booth:

Location:                               

Oregon Historical Society

1200 SW Park Avenue

Portland, OR 97205

Days / Hours of Operation: 

Friday, March 22 through Tuesday, April 2

Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm

Sunday, 12pm – 5pm

Details:

Share your Idea through the StoryTap platform in 90 seconds or less. If your Idea is chosen, you will be selected to present on stage at the Keller Auditorium on April 27 in front of 3,000+ attendees. The selected speaker will receive a speaker coach and a professional graphic designer to assist with visuals.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

Hockinson School District Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Date:               Monday, March 25, 2019

Time:               6:00 p.m.

Location:         Hockinson School District Board Room

Address:          17912 NE 159th St.; Brush Prairie, WA 98606

Cowlitz County, WA - Crews were dispatched to the North Maple fire Wednesday afternoon at 4:50, the 4th brush fire of the day in the area.  Initial reports were that the fire was 60 feet by 30 feet in size, was near homes, and growing. The Chief officer responding struck a second alarm for the fire including resources from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and reported a fast moving fire, with homes threatened, approximated 2 plus acres upon their initial size up.  Cowlitz County Sheriff deputies began evacuation of homes in the Walker Rd area, with the help of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) reverse 911 system. Resources arrived on scene and attacked the fire and set up for structure protection on Wildlife Drive. Helicopter bucket drops, from the DNR, arrived and attacked the head of the fire near the homes threatened. An additional brush fire ignited nearby on Bodine Rd. and was assigned resources from the North Maple fire to manage. It was approximately 100 feet by 400 feet in size and included slash piles of brush and tree limbs.  Longview Fire and Fire District 5 (Kalama) resources were also part of the initial attack and structure protection efforts. Clark County Fire & Rescue also responded to Cowlitz County to help cover the District.

A Type Three Incident Management Team was established Wednesday night and began setting up for a multiple day operation including a State Mobilization request for more resources.  Crews continued to improve the fire line and thin out fuel loads with chainsaws, hand crews, and dozer operations until the late evening and remained on the fire overnight monitoring hot spots.  The approved requested resources arrived Thursday morning and implemented the Incident Action Plan set by the incident management team throughout the day containing the fire at 35% by 3pm. Fire officials estimated the size of the fire at 30-40 acres. Evacuation levels were also lowered to level 2, allowing people to return home but be in a ready state to leave again.  

More resources arrived from a Larch Mountain inmate hand crew Friday morning to assist with current resources returning.  Fire officials received GPS information gathered from a drone, provided by the DEM, and released the official size of the fire at 23.8 acres.  Fire crews had the fire line held at 70% containment at 11am on Friday morning, and is now fully contained. Fire officials state that all evacuation levels have been lifted.  All state resources demobilized Friday night around 5pm and returned home.  The DNR will have resources stay on scene patrolling the footprint of the fire for a few days to monitor.  

Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Dave LaFave comments on the Rose Valley Complex fire and the week of activity,  “This week’s state mobilization request is the earliest in the history of the state. There was a lot of hard work done by a number of agencies.  Along with that I want to mention that the best tool we have are the citizens. We need to consider the weather, whether there is a burn ban or not. This week is an example that it can happen any time; you would expect this activity in August not March.  All we need are higher temperatures, an East wind, low relative humidity and an ignition source and we have another week like this one.”

Update #2

Photos have been added for Buswell and Maughan. The photos are courtesy of the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and were taken March 21,2019 when they were lodged.

###

Update #1

The male suspect has been identified as Matthew G. Buswell, age 36, from the Keizer/Salem area. Buswell was lodged at the Tillamook County Jail on the following charges:

—Robbery 1(A-Felony)

—Felon In Possession of a Firearm (C-Felony)

—Unlawful Use of Firearm (C-Felony) 2 counts

—Theft I (C-Felony)

—Menacing (A-Misdemeanor) 3 counts 

—Tampering with Evidence (A-Misdemeanor)

The female suspect was identified as Cassandra Maughan, age 34, from Keizer. Maughan was lodged at the Tillamook County Jail on one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (B-Felony).

Keizer Police Department also assisted the investigation.

###

On March 21, 2019 at approximately 11:30 AM, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police (Tillamook) responded to an armed robbery at the US Bank in Cloverdale.

When units arrived the suspects had fled the scene. The suspects were located after a short pursuit on a forest service road off Sandlake Road where they struck an Oregon State Police vehicle. Two suspects were taken into custody after a gun fire exchange. The suspects were transported to a local hospital for evaluation from the crash but there were no other injuries reported. Both male and female suspects were from the Salem/Keizer area.

We will not be releasing the names of the officers or the suspects at this time. Tillamook County Sheriff’s is the lead investigating agency and Oregon State Police will be releasing any additional news updates. Tillamook Police Department and FBI-Salem are also assisting in the case. No photos are available.

###

Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) is preparing its budget for the upcoming 2019-21 biennium, which begins July 1, 2019. The public is invited to participate in TVWD’s budget process and learn more about the organization’s priorities.  Five appointed Budget Committee members work on behalf of all District customers with the TVWD Board of Commissioners to guide this process. 

The Budget Committee schedule includes the following public meetings. All meetings will be held at the TVWD main office at 1850 SW 170th Ave in Beaverton. Formal public testimony will be received at the May 30 and June 19 hearings.

Budget Committee Workshop #1

Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Tualatin Valley Water District

1850 SW 170th Avenue 

Beaverton, Oregon, 97003

Meeting Plan: 

• Process Overview
• Financial Forecast Update
• Capital Improvement Plans for In-District and Water Supply Program

Budget Committee Workshop #2

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Tualatin Valley Water District

1850 SW 170th Avenue 

Beaverton, Oregon, 97003

Meeting Plan: 

• Department and Water Supply Program Operating Plans
• Requested Budget Summary

Budget Committee Meeting

Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Tualatin Valley Water District

1850 SW 170th Avenue 

Beaverton, Oregon, 97003

Meeting Plan: 

• Presentation of Proposed Budget
• Public Hearing
• Committee Deliberations & Action on Proposed Budget

Board of Commissioners Meeting

Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Tualatin Valley Water District

1850 SW 170th Avenue 

Beaverton, Oregon, 97003

Meeting Plan: 

• Public Hearing,
• Action on Budget
• Make Appropriations 

TVWD’s volunteer Budget Committee includes five elected Board of Commissioners and five citizens, who are appointed by the Board. The group meets to discuss and deliberate TVWD’s budget priorities, which includes funding TVWD’s participation in the Willamette Water Supply Program. More information about the upcoming budget process can be found on the District’s website at www.tvwd.org/budget.

TVWD provides high quality drinking water and excellent customer service to 224,000 people, within 42 square miles in unincorporated Washington County, and portions of the cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard. More information about TVWD and the Willamette Water Supply Program can be found at www.tvwd.org and www.ourreliablewater.org. 

Friday, March 22, 2019 -  Woodburn, OR - On 03/22/2019 at approximately 1:00 a.m. the Woodburn Police Department (WPD) received a call of a motor vehicle crash into an apartment complex at the 100 block of Gatch St (photos included).

The vehicle involved in the crash was a white 1999 Ford F350 Crew Cab pickup truck driven by Bartolo Hernandez Godinez, age 21, of Woodburn (see photo). A witness told WPD officers they saw the vehicle travelling at high speeds on Gatch St., where it struck a parked vehicle, a garbage can, signs and mailboxes before crashing into the apartment complex.

There was one resident of the damaged apartment that was sleeping on the floor at the time of the crash. The resident was uninjured, but covered by debris from the crash. They missed being struck by the vehicle by less than a foot. The driver of the truck, Mr. Godinez, was uninjured. His passenger, an 18-year-old male, was transported to the hospital with injuries and was last known to be in stable condition. There are no further updates on his condition at this time.

Mr. Godinez was subsequently arrested for Assault III, Recklessly Endangering Another x 2, Criminal Mischief I x 2, Reckless Driving, and DUII. His Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was a 0.14, well over the legal limit.

###

Michael Cucura IV (36) from Redmond

On Thursday, March 21, 2019 at approximately 6:46 A.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 125, just south of Redmond in Deschutes County.

Preliminary investigation determined that a silver Honda Pilot, operated by Sara Edwards (19) of Redmond, was traveling southbound on Hwy 97 when she attempted to avoid a vehicle that was entering Hwy 97 from the Desert Terrace Mobile Estates.  Edwards lost control of her vehicle and slid into the northbound lanes and collided with a Mack Concrete Pumping Truck, operated by Michael Cucura IV (36) from Redmond.

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

Cucura sustained minor injuries.

Oregon State Police is requesting anyone that witnessed the crash or has any information to please contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 1-800-442-0776 or OSP.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Bend Police Department, Redmond Fire Department, Bend Fire Department, and ODOT.

Oregon State Police is looking for anyone with any information with regards to the March 2, 2017 disappearance of Kimberly Ann Mericle.

Oregon State Police has been investigating this disappearance and is again reaching out to the public for assistance.

Kimberly Mericle was last seen in the Williams, OR area on or about March 2, 2017.  Her vehicle a red Isuzu Rodeo has been located.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Ms. Mericle please contact Detective Cory Sweet at 541-618-7982 or the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 541-776-6111 and refer case number SP17-153979

Picture and Oregon State Police Missing Person Bulletin attached.

Second of two planned outages needed to bring new underground cables online as part of an essential project to modernize the energy grid

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland General Electric has scheduled a brief system-improvement power outage to downtown buildings, streetlights and traffic lights for Sunday, March 24, starting at 4 a.m. This is the second planned outage in downtown this month, and marks the final step needed to complete PGE’s multi-year Marquam substation project. The newly energized lines will add reliability and redundancy to the downtown grid, and create a platform to help support Oregon’s clean energy future.

On Sunday, March 10, PGE completed the first planned system-improvement outage, which lasted 56 minutes. For the March 24 outage, PGE again plans to restore power in less than one hour, as crews complete the careful sequence of steps needed to do the work safely.

VIDEO: Watch as the downtown skyline darkens and then lights back up in this time-lapse video taken during the outage on Sunday, March 10.

Since November, PGE has been planning these outages to minimize disruption for downtown customers and the public. In recent weeks, crews practiced and rehearsed the physical steps needed to de-energize the grid before energizing the new underground cables, which run along Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest First Avenue to serve hundreds of downtown businesses and buildings.

The work was split between two dates to avoid overloading the system, ensure crew and public safety, and avoid unplanned disruptions to residents and businesses outside of the work area.

PGE has coordinated closely with the City of Portland, Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue and other first responders on traffic plans, alarms and other public safety issues. Additional PGE security, contract security and Portland Police will be monitoring the downtown area prior to and during the outage.

VIDEO: See footage of the new Marquam substation and PGE crews rehearsing for the March 24 outage.

About the Marquam Substation Project

Construction for the project began in 2017 and included building a new substation and upgrading underground equipment — some of it up to 60 years old — with the latest smart grid technologies. These infrastructure improvements will provide a more reliable and resilient grid to serve the downtown area and help reduce unintended power outages. It is one of many efforts currently in planning or construction to improve electric service reliability and resiliency for PGE’s 885,000 customers.

Affected dates and locations

Buildings will be out of power briefly on one of these dates, depending on their location as shown on the map.

• Phase 1: Sunday, March 10 (outage lasted 56 minutes).
• Phase 2: Sunday, March 24, starting at 4 a.m.
• Backup date if needed: Saturday, April 13, starting at 4 a.m. This date is set as a precaution in case of severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

For more information about this project, visit www.portlandgeneral.com/marquamoutage.

About Portland General Electric Company: Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, serving approximately 885,000 customers in 51 cities. For more than 125 years, PGE has been delivering safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. With approximately 2,900 employees across the state, PGE is committed to helping its customers and the communities it serves build a clean energy future. For more information, visit portlandgeneral.com/cleanvision.

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DPSST Private Investigator Subcommittee

 MEETING CANCELED

For Immediate Release                                        

March 22, 2019

Contact:                Mona Riesterer  
                                503-378-2431

Notice of Meeting Cancelation

The Private Investigator Subcommittee has canceled their meeting scheduled on April 3, 2019 @ 10:00 a.m.

The next meeting TBA.

Administrative Announcement

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

Date: Monday, April 1, 2019

Time: Event at 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.)

Location:  Broadway Rose Theatre, 12850 SW Grant Ave, Tigard, OR

Tickets: $15 for GA or $8 students with ID

Food & Drink: chocolates, cookies, nuts, candy, soda, red & white wines, beer, coffee, tea, and bottled water available.

Event Website: https://viaproductions.org/events/broadway_apr_1_music/

Partnering with Broadway Rose Theater to bring this special Science on Tap back by popular demand!

Our brains undergo numerous changes that affect memory, motor, and sensory functions as we age. Many of these changes are amplified in diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Could music limit the effects of aging and neurodegenerative diseases?

At this event, learn from Dr. Larry Sherman, a musician and Professor of Neuroscience at the Oregon Health & Science University, singer/songwriter Naomi LaViolette, and cellist Erin Ratzlaf as they explore how listening, practicing, and performing music influence the brain, and how these activities could impact brain aging and disease. They will also discuss Naomi’s work as a pianist, vocalist, arranger, and composer with Steven Goodwin, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, and the Saving His Musicproject, which has received prominent coverage in national and local news.

Join us and enjoy a multi-media presentation that combines live music and visuals with discussions about cutting edge science. All three presenters will be performing live music ranging from Debussy, Leonard Cohen, and the Beatles to original pieces by Ms. LaViolette and Steven Goodwin.

On 3/15/2019 at about 2 p.m. a McMinnville Officer saw Seth Jones, who had a valid felony warrant for probation violation, driving a vehicle into Tice Rotary Park located at 2761 NE Baker Street in McMinnville, OR.  The officer contacted Jones as he exited the car and arrested him on the warrant.  During the contact one of McMinnville PD’s narcotics canine, Jack, alerted to his handler that there were illegal narcotics in the car.

After Jack alerted on the car Seth Jones gave officers permission to search.  That search subsequently yielded a loaded .22 caliber handgun, 41 grams of crystal methamphetamine, digital scales, .9 grams of tar heroin, drug transaction records and $865 in cash. 

Jones was charged with:

Felony warrant arrest for probation violation – No Bail

Unlawful distribution of methamphetamine – $500,000 bail

Unlawful possession of heroin - $5,000 bail

Unlawful possession of methamphetamine - $7,500 bail

Possession of weapon by a felon - $7,500 bail

A substantial quantity of narcotic, in this case over 10 grams of methamphetamine, enhances the bail of the A Felony to $500,000.  Jones was lodged in the Yamhill County jail.

SALEM, Ore. - The Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) will meet to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. April 5 in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Classroom Conference Room, ODFW HQ Office, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

The meeting will open with a 90 minute work session for the continued development of a long-range strategic plan.

The business meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. Items to be discussed: an update about the potential development of a new non-profit dedicated to the development of the Salmonberry Trail, and updates about potential partners interested in trail development along the section of Salmonberry corridor in their communities.

The proposed Salmonberry Trail is an 84-mile corridor that follows the Port of Tillamook Bay Railway and terminates in Banks. The proposed route connects eight cities and two counties, passing by the Oregon coastline, fisheries, farmland and the Oregon Coast Range.

STIA was established to promote and facilitate coordinated direction and guidance in the planning, development and maintenance of the multi-use trail.

For more information contact Dennis Wiley, Salmonberry Trail project manager, at 503-986-0723 or dennis.wiley@oregon.gov. Individuals that need special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Dennis Wiley at least three days in advance.

Community members are invited to the Moving Forward Together event Thursday, March 28, 2019, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Excelsior Building, 1401 39th St., Washougal.

The event is sponsored by the Unite! Washougal Community Coalition and will bring together key leaders, influencers, and community members to introduce who Unite! is and to share its accomplishments and future goals. 

“This event is a great way for Washougal citizens and parents to get involved and make a difference in our community,” said organizer Deborah Connors. “We are so excited to share the great things we have been doing and partner with the community on future goals.”

The goal of the event is to invite partnership, participation, connection and conversations. 

ABOUT UNITE!

Unite! is a coalition of involved citizens from all sectors working together to support youth, encourage families, enrich community and guide healthy choices. Unite! represents Washougal business, youth, public library, schools, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, city government, parents and community members. Unite! uses data driven strategies that have been shown to be effective. Unite is funded in part by a grant from the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative from the Washington State Department of Behavioral Health and the Drug Free Communities Support Program. The Drug-Free Communities Support Program is a collaborative effort between the Office of National Drug Control Policy and its two partners – the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).

Unite! benefits the Washougal community through the following programs:

• Mental Health Promotion Grant

Youth Mental Health First Aid-training to help a youth in crisis

Second Step-Social and emotional learning in the classroom for Pre-K to 5thgrade

• Parenting Resources-Evidenced Based

Guiding Good Choices- Parenting class for parents of 4th to 8th graders

Incredible years- Parenting class for parents of 2 to 8 year olds

• Prescription Medication Abuse Reduction

Drug Take Back- gathering over 2000 lbs of unused medicine

Personal Lock Boxes to keep your homes safe for youth

• Youth Leadership Development

Youth led projects

Youth Impact Award -Spring Youth Forum

Washington State Prevention Summit

Washington, D.C. Leadership Forum

Youth2Youth Leadership Program

For more information, contact: Deborah Connors, 360-713-1232 orwashougalunite@gmail.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: March 21, 2019

Released by: Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp

Bend, OR – Otis man menaces family with pistol during dispute over noise while vacationing at Bend resort.

On March 21, 2019 at 8:13PM, Deschutes County 911 received a call from a juvenile who reported his father, Michael Spencer of Portland, was fighting with an unknown man holding a gun. Using GPS data from the 911 caller’s cell phone, operators were able to determine the call was coming from the Seventh Mountain Resort on Century Drive.  

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived to find Dustin Eugene Shippee of Otis, Oregon retreating to his vacation apartment. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by Bend Police Officers, called Shippee out of the apartment where his was detained without further incident.

An investigation determined that both families were vacationing in apartments on separate floors. Shippee became upset about the noise being made in Spencer’s apartment above throughout the day. He went upstairs to confront Spencer about the noise. After a brief verbal exchange, Shippee left Spencer’s doorway to retrieve a pistol and returned to confront Spender a second time.

After Shippee returned with the pistol, he and Spencer struggled on the balcony causing the pistol to fall to the ground. No shots were fired during the incident. Spencer sustained minor injuries during the fight.

DCSO Deputies later recovered the pistol from Shippee’s apartment. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this incident.

Shippee was arrested and lodged into the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Jail on the following charges; Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing x2, Recklessly Endangering Another x2, Assault IV and Disorderly Conduct II

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:   Sgt. William Bailey, Public Information Officer, 541-388-6655 or SheriffPIO@deschutes.org  

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service organization providing patrol, criminal investigations, corrections, civil and search and rescue. Special operations include Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 units. Founded in 1916 and today directed by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the more than 185,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 180 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

###

On Thursday, 03-21-2019 Lincoln City Police arrested two subjects in connection with an investigation involving the passing of counterfeit currency at businesses in Lincoln City. 28 year-old Cody Olin Yankee of Mesa, Arizona was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Forgery 1, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and Identity Theft. 37 year-old Sylvia Sharee Schelske of Mesa, Arizona was taken into custody and charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Forgery 1, Criminal Possession of Forgery Devise and Fugitive with an out of state felony warrant.       

On 03-20-2019 at about 2:50 PM, the Lincoln City Police responded to the North Shell Station on a report that a male subject had attempted to pass a counterfeit $100.00 bill. When confronted about the bill, the male subject quickly left the area in what was described as a blue Ford sedan. The investigating officer obtained a description of the suspect and a good photo of him from the store’s video surveillance system. This photo was provided to other officers.

On 03-21-2019 at about 6:46 PM, Lincoln City Police received a report of subjects passing counterfeit bills at Schucker’s bar. While officers were responding, it was reported that the suspects fled north bound from the bar in a blue Ford sedan with witnesses giving a partial license plate for the vehicle. Responding officers spotted the described vehicle traveling north bound near the SE 2100 block of Hwy 101 and conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle. During the subsequent investigation officer’s learned that Sylvia Sharee Schelske had an extraditable felony warrant issued for her arrest for failing to appear on a smuggling contraband charge out of Navajo County Arizona. In addition Cody Olin Yankee initially identified himself using his brother’s name, who coincidently had a warrant issued for his arrest. Cody Yankee was detained while officers continued their investigation and once Cody learned his brother had a warrant out for his arrest, he then gave his real name to officers. During the course of the investigation officers found evidence implicating the suspects with the listed charges. A third subject in the vehicle, the driver was questioned and eventually released. Cody Yankee and Sylvia Schelske where initially transported to the Lincoln City Police Department before later being transported and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on their listed charges.        

The Lincoln City Police Department encourages citizens and business to be sure to take the time to examine the currency they receive, especially larger denomination bills to be sure they are real US currency and to contact the local law enforcement agency immediately if they receive any suspected counterfeit currency. Information regarding counterfeit currency and how to spot it is available at the police department free of charge.    

Submitted By:

Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

Thursday, March 21, 2019 - Woodburn, OR - On 3/21/19, the Woodburn Police Department investigated a sex offense involving 29-year-old Gustavo Calderon-Villegas (Photo included). Mr. Calderon-Villegas approached a teenage girl under the age of 16, and offered her drugs. Mr. Calderon-Villegas led the victim to where he was living behind 1575 Mt. Hood Ave, where he gave her beer and marijuana and attempted to persuade her to have sex with him. According to the victim, Mr. Calderon-Villegas was a stranger to her. The victim was able to contact a friend, who then contacted the police. Officers quickly reported to the scene, arrested Mr. Calderon-Villegas and took him into custody. 

Mr. Calderon-Villegas was taken to Marion County Jail on charges of:

• Attempted Rape III
• Sex Abuse III
• Private Indecency
• Coercion
• Trespass II 
• Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
• Intentionally Administering a Marijuana Item to a Person Under 18 Years of Age.

###

Lyons, Ore. – The Santiam Park Fire, reported Tuesday afternoon near the North Santiam State Recreational Area off Highway 22, is 100 percent lined and remains at 189 acres.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No structures have been lost and no injuries reported.

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Command transitioned Incident Commanders today, with Allison Blair stepping in for Blake Ellis.  

“Taking over the fire as Incident Commander at this stage is very humbling,” Blair said, “seeing the dedication of our firefighters and staff reminds us why we’re here; to ensure we leave the land in the best, safest condition for the landowners. This isn’t the glamorous part of the job, but it is vital to the community we serve.”

Favorable weather conditions are aiding over 100 personnel in fire suppression efforts. Today, crews from Coffee Creek Female Correctional Facility and the Willamette National Forest joined ODF and private contract crews on the fire line. Focused on finding and extinguishing hot spots and strengthening containment lines, crews are steadily progressing toward the interior of the fire.

Given much of the fire is in a high public use area, rehabilitating the land for future public use is a priority and a practice in good stewardship.

Resources engaged on the fire include 4 engines, 2 tenders, a dozer and multiple hand crews. The Type 2 helicopter used during initial and extended attack was released late Wednesday afternoon to Washington Department of Natural Resources.  

###

WASHINGTON – Today, Acting Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt signed a secretarial order directing that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) adequately weigh public access for outdoor recreation – including hunting and fishing – when determining the appropriateness of the disposal or exchange of public lands. Identifying lands as available for disposal or exchange is required under federal law.

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) directs the BLM to identify lands for potential disposal or exchange, using a public process and with state and county involvement. BLM has carried out these provisions revising land use plans and disposal since 1976. However, the BLM’s criteria do not require the agency to weigh public access considerations for outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, hiking, etc.).

Secretarial Order 3373, Evaluating Public Access in BLM Land Disposals and Exchanges directs the BLM to – for the first time ever – formally consider what impact the disposal or exchange of any BLM land will have on the public’s ability to access federal lands for recreation.

“This order will help ensure that the Bureau of Land Management considers public access to public lands,” said Acting Secretary David Bernhardt. “It requires that before the BLM exchanges or disposes of any land, they must first consider what impact the disposal or exchange of land will have on public access. The Trump Administration will continue to prioritize access so that people can hunt, fish, camp, and recreate on our public lands.” 

“Sportsmen and women across the West will benefit from this Interior Department action to sustain and enhance recreational access to BLM public lands,” said Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “In some places, there are small parcels of BLM land that serve as the only means of nearby access to hunting and fishing or as the only access points to adjoining public lands managed by other agencies. The Secretarial Order will ensure that key parcels are valued for this recreational access and help keep these lands in the public’s hands.”

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation commends Acting Secretary Bernhardt for prioritizing hunting and fishing access in BLM land tenure decisions,” said Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “As Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, I look forward to working closely with the Interior Department to implement this important Secretarial Order on behalf of America’s sportsmen and women.”

“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies supports the latest Secretarial Order (SO) for recreation on BLM public lands,” said Ed Carter, President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Getting the American public outside to recreate, on federal public lands, is important to fostering a healthy public and one that supports conservation. This SO ensures due diligence unto that end."

“Access to our Nation’s vast public lands is of utmost importance, because where hunting and fishing happen, conservation happens,” said Timothy C. Brady, President of the Boone and Crockett Club. “While the founders of the Boone and Crockett Club pioneered the development of the public land system Americans enjoy today, we must constantly work to improve access to public lands for a multitude of shared uses. This order that Acting Secretary Bernhardt has signed will help do just that. We commend him on his efforts in making access a priority. Thanks to his leadership, this necessity is finally becoming a reality.”

“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was happy to provide input and enthusiastically supports the decision of Acting Secretary Bernhardt for the BLM to consider recreational public access for hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational shooting in its decision-making process for disposal or exchange of lands,” said Kyle Weaver, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. 

"We applaud this secretarial order by Acting Secretary Bernhardt that ensures access to our public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management,” said Becky Humphries, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation. “Recreational access to our public lands is of the utmost importance to sportsmen and women and the future of hunting."

“Access to quality hunting and fishing lands is always a challenge, particularly in the West where access to some of the best mule deer hunting is blocked due to checkerboard public/private lands,” said Miles Moretti, President and CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation. “By requiring the Bureau of Land Management to consider recreational access before making decisions about disposal or exchange, Secretarial Order 3373 will benefit hunters that depend on the agency’s lands for their recreational pursuits. The Mule Deer Foundation appreciates Acting Secretary Bernhardt and his team for their ongoing efforts on behalf of sportsmen and women conservationists.”

About Secretarial Order 3373

Secretarial Order 3373 directs the BLM to ensure that when identifying BLM-managed public lands as available for disposal the increase or decrease of public access for outdoor recreation – including hunting and fishing – will be one of the factors considered in determining the appropriateness of the disposal or exchange.

Secretarial Order 3373 directs the consideration of public access opportunities in all ongoing Resource Management Plan (RMP) revisions to ensure recreation access is evaluated using the following criteria:

• If a tract of BLM land is contiguous to public lands managed by another Federal agency or state, BLM will consult with the respective management agency to coordinate how best to ensure continued or improved public access to the adjoining tracts;
• The BLM will evaluate the benefits of public access when considering future disposal actions, making it a requirement to identify alternatives to the public access that would be lost as a result of the BLM’s final action;
• When a tract of BLM-managed land being is considered for disposal and has been identified as providing public access, the public access will be characterized for evaluation purposes as one of the value criteria supporting retention; and
• The BLM will ensure recreational public access to existing public lands is a factor when considering parcels resulting from an exchange.

Secretarial Order 3373 directs the BLM, when preparing documentation supporting the disposal or exchange of a tract of land, to include a discussion of the following in any decision document:

• Existing recreational access that is utilized by the public or provided by road, trail, water, easement, or right-of-way, on the tract of BLM-managed public land being considered for disposal or exchange;
• The impacts from the BLM-managed public land disposal or exchange decisions on recreational access to adjacent tracts of publicly accessible lands, including lands managed by other federal, state, and county agencies; and
• Potential increased public recreational access to existing public lands resulting from an exchange.

The driver is identified as Kevin Majoros (24) of Central Point.

On Monday, March 18, 2019 at approximately 12:18 A.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 99 near milepost 10.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 1987 Toyota pickup truck failed to negotiate a curve, went off the road, and came to rest in Birdseye Creek. 

The male driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Rogue River Fire District, Rogue River PD, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On March 15, 2019, Washington County Judge Theodore Sims sentenced Samuel de Jesus Santos-Vasquez to 225 months in prison. In January of 2019, Santos-Vasquez was convicted of two counts of First-Degree Sex Abuse, First-Degree Sodomy and Second-Degree Unlawful Sexual Penetration. Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman prosecuted the case against Santos-Vasquez.

On Thanksgiving weekend of 2018, Santos-Vasquez attended a party at a family member’s home. He snuck away from the party and entered the room of a 11-year-old girl who was sleeping at the time. He then began to molest her. He left the room when family members called for him but returned back two times throughout the night. A family member spotted Santos-Vasquez leaving the victim’s room. The victim made a disclosure of abuse to a school counselor the next week, prompting the initial investigation.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation and determined the abuse had been ongoing for the past two years. The victim was interviewed by experts at CARES Northwest and underwent an examination at Randall Children’s Hospital. Evidence and testimony collected during those visits were vital in Santos-Vasquez’s conviction. We’d also like to acknowledge the work of Washington County Sheriff’s Office Detective Charles Anderson on this case.

In addition to his sentence, Santos-Vasquez will also undergo 10 years of post-prison supervision. He has been transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

A digest of recent news from Pacific University:

Pacific University to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Growing Field of Data Science

English Department Announces 2019 Winners of Student Writing Contests

College of Business Presents Inaugural Award for Exceptional Leadership

Pacific University Receives Additional Recognition for Commitment to Research

Pacific University faculty members are experts in their respective disciplines, and many are available for journalists in need of sources for stories. This week’s featured expert is Dr. Jeff Seward, professor of Politics & Government. Dr. Seward is an expert on U.S. relations with South American nations. He has followed the Venezuela crisis closely and can provide insight and context on current developments.

Upcoming Events at Pacific

Boxer Athletics - Baseball and Track & Field Teams in Action at Home – March 22-26

Spring Break (undergraduate students) – March 25-29 [Mon-Fri]

MFA in Writing Program to Honor Late Author Katherine Dunn – Friday, March 29

Old College Hall Open House - Wednesday, April 3

Original Practice Shakespeare Festival presents Henry V – Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, April 7

Boxer Innovation Games – Saturday, April 6

Workshop for Educators, Health Professionals to Better Serve Gender-Diverse Individuals Set for April 6

Performing Arts Series: R. Carlos Nakai – Saturday, April 6

59th Annual Pacific University Lu’au – Saturday, April 13

                                                                                                                                                                            -pacificu.edu-

Pacific University is a diverse learning community, where students thrive in a personal academic environment. Students study in a unique combination of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, health professions and optometry. Located in Oregon, Pacific serves a diverse population of more than 3,900 students, with campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene and Woodburn, as well as healthcare clinics throughout the Portland area. Pacific is currently ranked the No. 1 private research university in the Pacific Northwest and is also committed to civic engagement, sustainability and interprofessional education as part of its core teaching philosophy.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On March 19, 2019, Washington County Judge Janelle Wipper sentenced Leo Gabonia to 375 months in prison. On March 14, 2019, Gabonia was convicted of eight sex abuse-related charges including First-Degree Sodomy, First-Degree Sexual Penetration and First-Degree Sex Abuse. The case against Gabonia was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman.

Forest Grove Police first began investigating Gabonia in September of 2017 after the then nine-year-old victim made disclosures of abuse to a family member. That family member then contacted police who began the investigation.

Gabonia was known to the family and used that connection to gain access to the victim. Police learned the abuse began two years prior to the disclosure with inappropriate touching and kissing and quickly escalated from there. Based on victim accounts and the expertise from staff at Randall Children’s Hospital and CARES Northwest, police gathered enough evidence to move forward with charges against Gabonia.

Gabonia became very upset after the verdict was issued. He jumped on a table in the courtroom and declared he had nothing to live for. He then attempted to jump from a 4th story window but was taken into custody by Washington County sheriff’s deputies.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of Forest Grove Police Detective Charles McCutcheon for his work on this case.

Gabonia will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

On Thursday, March 21st, at about 9AM the Kelso Police School Resource Officer arrested a 17 year old male student at Kelso High School for bringing a firearm to school.  

During an unrelated administrative investigation, school administrators found the loaded handgun in a backpack belonging to the student.  School staff immediately contacted the on duty Kelso Police School Resource Officer and the arrest was made. 

It is not believed that there is any further threat to students or staff.  

The investigation is ongoing so there are not further details at this time.  The student is a juvenile and his name will not be released.  The Kelso Police Department values the relationship with school district personnel and praise them for the diligence that brought this to a safe conclusion.  

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On March 21, 2019, Marcus Dale Jolley pleaded guilty to three counts of Second-Degree Sexual Abuse and was sentenced to two years in prison by Washington County Judge Charles Bailey. District Attorney Kevin Barton prosecuted the case against Jolley.

Tigard Police began investigating Jolley in May of 2017 after a female student at Tigard High School reported to school staff that Jolley had inappropriately touched her. Jolley served as a teacher at the high school but left to take a position at Sherwood Middle School. That student decided to come forward after she heard Jolley was planning a possible return to Tigard High School. She indicated she was afraid for the safety of other female students and came forward to protect others.

Over the course of their investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant to gain access to Tigard High School internal records and uncovered evidence of prior concerning incidents involving Jolley and students. In those cases, previous students accused Jolley of inappropriate touching and kissing dating back to 2006. None of those prior incidents were reported to law enforcement or the Oregon Department of Human Services.

A second victim was also identified during the investigation. It was discovered she had an ongoing sexual relationship with Jolley while he was a teacher and she was a student. This abuse occurred in 2005 but was never reported to authorities.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the hard work of the Tigard Police on this challenging case. These crimes would not have been discovered had it not been for the perseverance and dedication of a Tigard school resource officer.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Bailey ordered Jolley to register as a sex offender and to have no contact with his victims. He is also ordered to have no contact with schools or minors and will undergo five years of post-prison supervision once he is released.

Mr. Jolley will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

Clackamas High School has named Terry Drake as their new head football coach. With over twenty years’ experience as a head football coach and athletic director, Drake has a career record of 182-31, including four state championships. Drake has been named Coach of the Year in both Texas and Florida with 14 playoff appearances. 

Drake will be taking over a Cavalier squad that finished 12-1 last season, and is dedicated to building leadership and life skills designed to serve student athletes both on and off the field. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Drake is also a member of the National Football League Players Association of Retired Players. 

Clackamas High School invites the community to meet Coach Drake at an open house on April 3 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Clackamas High School gym.

See Attached Bulletin

Devore walked away on 03/20/19 at 10:00 p.m.

On 03/20/2019 at 10:00 p.m., Tristen Leigh Devore, age 31 walked away from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Transition Center.  Ms. Devore is a white, female, adult, with dark hair and blue eyes, she is 5’06” tall and weighs 160 pounds. Ms. Devor is transient and may be in or around the Salem area.     

Ms. Devor was serving a sentence for Theft, Burglary and the Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, she was scheduled to be released on 03/22/2019. 

The Sheriff’s Office Transition Center provides an intermediate sanction between Jail and Probation. Unlike the Jail, the Transition Center provides minimum-security supervision. Residents are expected to work, either at their own jobs, or by performing community services.

If you see or know the location of Ms. Devore please call the Sheriff’s Office at 503 588 5032. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County celebrated community leaders in environmental sustainability at the third annual Green Awards on Wednesday evening at Kiggins Theatre. The awards highlighted the accomplishments of residents, teachers and businesses and celebrated their commitment to reducing harmful environmental impacts, educating others, and giving back to the community.

Here are the 2019 Green Awards winners:

Barre3 Felida – Green Business Award, small business category

Barre3 Felida reduces waste by offering towel service rather than paper towels, and encourages clients to use water bottle refilling stations and reusable bottles. Barre3 Felida uses only earth-friendly cleaning products for their studio and mats.

Rebecca Morris, La Center High School – Green Apple Award for a school employee

Rebecca led the La Center High School Environmental Action Team to platinum status with Washington Green Schools, obtaining certification in all six environmental categories. Last year, they recertified in all six categories – the only public high school in the state to achieve that status. Rebecca has inspired her students to build a school garden, perform regular water monitoring in the watershed, and lead waste-reduction projects at the school. Rebecca has also mentored students and the Green Team leaders at La Center Elementary.

Kris Potter – Green Neighbor Award for a resident who exemplifies a sustainable lifestyle

Kris has been involved in environmental work in the county for years. She’s involved with the St. Joseph Parish Garden, which grows organic produce for low-income residents, and helps teach nature studies and gardening classes to local youth.

Bill Thomas – Master Composter Recycler Superstar for a volunteer

Before completing the Master Composter Recycler training program in 2016, Bill didn’t know how to compost. Now, as an MCR volunteer, he teaches others in the community how to become more sustainable and a make a difference for the planet.

Columbia Springs – Green Business Award, nonprofit and government category

Columbia Springs offers nature-based educational programs and teaches more than 6,000 students each year. The historic park has sustainable design elements throughout the site, including permeable brick pavers and the Cordwood Classroom with walls consisting of clay, cordwood and recycled bottles.

WaferTech – Green Business Award, large business category

The semi-conductor manufacturer has steadily reduced hazardous waste since arriving in Clark County in 1996. WaferTech recycles water, purchased green power for all of 2018, and established recycling stations for block foam, food waste and electronics.

Clark County artist Denise Bergman of Ironbender created the awards for winners using repurposed metal.

Visit the Clark County Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach website to learn more about the county’s Green Programs.

Longer days and warmer temperatures herald the return of spring to the Oregon coast, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds visitors to be safe while exploring the shoreline.

"People are so excited for the spring sunshine that sometimes safety takes a back seat," says Lisa Stevenson, OPRD beach ranger. "But preparation and common sense go a long way to keeping you safe on the coast."

Stevenson lists several tips for ensuring your trip to coast is a safe one:

• Always keep one eye on the ocean so you won't be caught off guard if a bigger wave surges up the beach. These "sneaker waves" are unpredictable, powerful and especially dangerous for children.
• Stay away from logs on the wet sand or in the surf. These logs can weigh several tons and can be moved by only a few inches of water. The ocean is strong enough to pick up even the biggest log and roll it over you.
• Be careful on cliffs and rocks. They can be unstable due to erosion. Stay on marked trails and do not climb over fences. Both are there to keep you safe.
• Know when the tide is coming in, especially when exploring tidepools. It's easy to become stranded by the incoming tide when your attention is elsewhere. You can keep track of tides with a tide table; pick one up for free at an Oregon State Park or at many coastal businesses.
• Be wary of rip currents; the fast-moving water channels can quickly carry even the strongest swimmers away from shore. If you’re caught in a rip current, stay calm! Rip currents are narrow channels of water; swim parallel to the shore to escape them, then swim back to land at an angle.
• Ocean water temperatures can still be chilly, despite the higher temps on land. Don’t overextend your ocean swim, especially during evening hours. Periodically return to the beach to dry off and warm up.

For more Oregon coast safety information, watch the new Cape Kiwanda State Park safety video.

Vancouver, Wash. – High Contrast: Light and Line, Shape and Form, a study in contrasts an art exhibit featuring the work of KC Madsen and Noah Matteuci will be on display at the Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery Monday, April 1 through Friday, June 29, 2019.

An opening reception honoring the artists is scheduled for 5-7 pm Friday, April 5 at the Anstine Gallery, sixth floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

This event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Clark County Arts Commission.

You can learn more about the artists on their websites www.kcmadsen.net/index.html and https://noahmatteucci.com/home.html.

The Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery was named in honor of Rebecca Anstine, a local artist and founding curator of the public exhibit space who served as a Clark County Arts Commission board member.

The Anstine Gallery is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

(Salem, Ore.) – The Oregon Department of Human Services uncovered a phishing incident that affected e-mail records at the department. Unfortunately, Protected Health Information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was compromised and potentially exposed.

The agency has hired an outside entity, IDExperts, to perform a forensic review to clarify the number and identities of Oregonians whose information was exposed, and the specific kinds of information involved.

The Department of Human Services takes privacy and the confidentiality of client information seriously and has strong information technology security processes in place, which enabled the department to detect and contain the incident. The department cannot confirm that any clients’ personal information was acquired from its email system or used inappropriately. However, it is notifying the public because information was accessible to an unauthorized person or persons.

Although DHS has not confirmed that clients’ personal information was acquired during the incident, DHS considers the incident a breach under Oregon’s Identity Theft Protection Act (ORS 646A.600 to 646A.628). Therefore, this notification is provided in part as a substitute notice of a breach under Oregon’s Identity Theft Protection Act, because the class of affected consumers exceeds 350,000.

The facts are summarized below, along with protective measures the department has taken since discovering the incident and general guidance on protecting personal information.

What happened?

On January 28, 2019 DHS and Enterprise Security Office Cyber Security team confirmed that a breach of regulated information had occurred. Nine individual employees opened a phishing email and clicked on a link that compromised their email mailboxes and allowed access to these employees’ email information. Current information indicates on January 8th, a spear phishing email was sent to DHS employees. Through our process of discovery, we learned that there were nearly 2 million emails in those email mailboxes.

The unauthorized access to the affected email mailboxes was successfully stopped. DHS is in the process of thoroughly reviewing the incident and the information involved. This investigation includes clarifying the number of impacted records that might contain personal information of clients receiving services from DHS. 

What information was involved?

Clients’ Protected Health Information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was accessible to an unauthorized person. Client information may include first and last names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, case number and other information used to administer DHS programs.

What is the Department of Human Services doing?

The security and confidentiality of personal information is critical to the Department of Human Services. While there is no indication that any personal information was copied from its email system or used inappropriately, the department will be offering identity theft recovery services for impacted individuals.  DHS is in the process of determining whose information was affected by this breach. Once confirmed, IDExperts will send individual notices to identified individuals, including notices to clients whose HIPAA-protected information was involved, with instructions on how to register for the service, which includes free credit monitoring.

Need more information?

DHS will provide updates as more information is known.

IDExperts has established a toll-free information line which will be available Friday (March 22, 2019) at (800) 792-1750 to assist DHS clients with more information. There is also an established website with information. http://ide.myidcare.com/oregonDHS

Concerned DHS clients may contact all three national consumer reporting agencies, including for a copy of a current credit report, at:

Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian

Website: AnnualCreditReport.com

Phone 877-322-8228 (Option 1)

Mailing Address:

Annual Credit Report Request Service

P.O. Box 105281

Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

Credit freeze: Consumers, including potentially affected DHS clients, have the option to freeze their credit reports for free. Parents may request a freeze of the credit report of a DHS client who is a child under the age of 16. The guardian, conservator, or person holding a valid power of attorney for a DHS client may also request a credit report freeze for that DHS client. Below is each company’s freeze contact information:

Equifax, (800) 349-9960 (Automated, Option 1) or (888) 298-0045 (Live)

TransUnion, (888) 909-8872 (Option 3)

Experian, (888) 397-3742 (Option 1 followed by Option 2)

As always, DHS clients are encouraged to report suspected identity theft to law enforcement, including the Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Federal Trade Commission.

For information on how to report suspected identity theft and for information about protecting your identity, visit:

The Oregon Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, which can be found online at: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/id-theft-data-breaches/data-breaches/

Federal Trade Commission consumer information on Privacy, Identity & Online Security, which can be found online at: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity-online-security

# # #

VANCOUVER, WA (March 21, 2019) — The Historic Trust held their annual General George C. Marshall Leadership Awards ceremony Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the Brickstone Ballroom in Vancouver, Washington. The Marshall Leadership Award recognizes a person’s leadership potential, commitment to public service, and strength of character. The keynote speaker was Lieutenant Governor, Cyrus Habib with special guest speaker, Dr. Dan Miller, and hosted by presenting sponsor, Riverview Community Bank.  The evening included a reception, dinner, and award ceremony. 

The 2019 Marshall Award adult recipient is Elizabeth Fitzgearld – Clark County Volunteer Lawyers. The adult award recognizes an up and coming leader in Clark County, 35 years old or younger, and has a commitment to public service.  The adult nominees were: Melissa Boles, Columbia River Mental Health Foundation, Magan Reed – Port of Vancouver, and Nicole Vigil – City of Vancouver Police Department.  The 2019 Marshall Award youth recipient is Nicole Nugent – Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School.  The youth award recognizes a Clark County high school senior who has demonstrated leadership, stood for social justice and motivates others to become involved.  The 2019 youth nominees were: Loren Brown – La Center High School, Joshua Freitag – Seton Catholic College Prep High School, Gabriela Heras – Hudson’s Bay High School, Grace Korthius – Vancouver School of Arts & Academics, Kay'l Peck - iTech Prepartory, and Victoria Thornton – Heritage High School.

Greg Goode, CEO/President of The Historic Trust said, “The Historic Trust is honored to partner with the Vancouver community as part of our Celebration of Freedom.  The Marshall Awards program is a signature event where we honor the great legacy of George Marshall, and we think that he would be very proud of this year’s candidates.  Each of them displays her/his leadership skills in a variety of sectors and each will be an influencer for a better world.  Special congratulations to the award recipients, Elizabeth and Nicole!” 

The Historic Trust has commemorated Gen. George Marshall’s legacy as a world statesman with this award since 1989.  General Marshall lived on the Fort Vancouver grounds in a Victorian home on Officer’s Row from 1936-1938.  He was a Brigadier General and as a Commander of the 5th Infantry Brigade at Vancouver Barracks.  Marshall also served as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army during World War II, Secretary of State and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the development of The Marshall Plan, which assisted in rebuilding the economies of Europe and Pacific nations after the war. 

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About The Historic Trust: The Historic Trust is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1998, dedicated to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community's history. Learn more at www.thehistorictrust.org or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/HistoricTrustWA.

About Riverview Community Bank: Riverview Bancorp, Inc. (www.riverviewbank.com) is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington – just north of Portland, Oregon on the I-5 corridor. With assets of $1.15 billion, it is the parent company of the 95 year-old Riverview Community Bank, as well as Riverview Trust Company. There are 18 branches, including 14 in the Portland Vancouver area. The Bank offers true community banking services, focusing on providing the highest quality service and financial products to commercial and retail customers. For the past five years, Riverview has been named Best Bank by the readers of The Vancouver Business Journal, The Columbian and The Gresham Outlook.

The Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), in partnership with Disability Rights Oregon (DRO), has made significant progress to provide the highest level of care for the people housed in the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) located at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP).

In January 2016, the DOC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with DRO regarding the operation of the BHU. DOC committed to substantive changes to the operations and physical structure of the unit, which currently houses 40 adults in custody (AIC) with sometimes severe mental health issues. Over the last several years, DOC has significantly increased available treatment and outdoor recreational space, increased security and treatment staffing, and collaborated with experts on mental health treatment. These efforts have been made to create a more humanized environment because 95 percent of the AICs will release from DOC custody and return to Oregon’s communities. 

DOC Director Colette S. Peters states, “Disability Rights Oregon and DOC agreed to solve this challenge together in the conference room and not the courtroom, and that is exactly what we have accomplished. Through our partnership and the incredible work of the employees at the Oregon State Penitentiary, we significantly improved the lives of the adults in custody and the wellness of the team who works in BHU; I couldn’t be more proud of them. Our agency has, and will continue, to strive to remain a national leader in these efforts.” 

Employees at OSP have made considerable strides toward increasing structured out-of-cell time, including education classes, mental health treatment programs, and meetings with correctional counselors. In January of 2017, the average number of weekly structured out-of-cell time for the AICs was around two hours. At the beginning of March 2019, the average number increased to over 10 hours per week. 

"The most recent data from the Department of Corrections paints a dramatically different picture of conditions at the OSP unit that houses people with severe mental illness than what we saw last year. DOC is now on track to meet the specific goals of the agreement that we reached with them three years ago. Additional work remains, but we are optimistic that the BHU can truly become a place where prisoners can receive treatment for their mental health while their intrinsic human worth is protected," said Joel Greenberg, staff attorney for DRO. "When people with mental illness can leave prison and return to their communities healthy and ready to lead productive lives, we all live in a better world."

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

March 21, 2019

Media contact: Saerom England, 971-239-6483, om.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us">saerom.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us

Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Medical Community meets March 22

What: A public meeting of the Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative Medical Community.

Agenda: Learning session presented by OHSU’s IMPACT team to understand key elements necessary for successful integration of recovery peers within a medical setting.

When: March 22, 10 a.m. to noon.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1A, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland.

Details: The Tri-County Regional Behavioral Health Collaborative brings together multiple sectors across the Portland metro area to collectively address and prevent behavioral health challenges. Its focus is on peer-delivered services and substance use disorder activities that can make an impact in 12 to 24 months.

For more information, see the RBHC website at https://www.oregon.gov/OHA/HSD/BHP/Pages/Regional-Collaboratives.aspx

# # #

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

•         Sign language and spoken language interpreters

•         Written materials in other languages

•         Braille

•         Large print

•         Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Summer Boslaugh at 503-753-9688, 711 TTY or email .h.boslaugh@dhsoha.state.or.us">summer.h.boslaugh@dhsoha.state.or.us.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

MARCH 21, 2019

Man, 36, accused of raping, sexually abusing female minor

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a grand jury returned an 81-count indictment against 36-year-old Cruz Palacios-Romero for allegedly raping and sexually abusing a minor, which resulted in a pregnancy.

The indictment accuses Palacios-Romero of 40 counts of rape in the first degree, 39 counts of incest and two counts of sexual abuse in the third degree.

It is alleged in court documents that the abuse occurred on an approximate weekly basis between July 2017 and March 2019.

This investigation started on March 10, 2019 when law enforcement responded to a residence in the Hazelwood neighborhood after receiving information about a minor being sexually abused by an individual that she knows. The victim is younger than 15 years old.

The victim underwent a physical examination and forensic interview, which is a standard response protocol in cases of suspected child physical or sexual abuse, at CARES Northwest.

Palacios-Romero was arraigned in Multnomah County Circuit Court on March 21, 2019.

This case is being litigated by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team (MDT), which includes representatives from local law enforcement, public schools, hospitals, courts, health departments, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Oregon Department of Employment Child Care Division.

The Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team is responsible for reviewing and coordinating all child abuse and neglect cases in Multnomah County. The team also handles all child homicides, felony child physical abuse cases, felony child abandonment cases, custodial interference cases, and felony sex crimes where the victim is currently under the age of 18 and where the perpetrator is determined not to be a stranger to the child.

CARES Northwest is a collaborative, community-based medical program for the assessment, treatment and prevention of child abuse.

This remains an on-going criminal investigation and as such, no additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime. Palacios-Romero is innocent unless and until proven guilty.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

It’s never safe to let down your guard, warns the Oregon Department of Revenue. Scam tactics are always evolving and becoming more effective. Scammers try many different methods to trick people into giving them personal information or money.

The best way for taxpayers to make payments directly to the Department of Revenue is through Revenue Online. It’s secure and includes all the information necessary to ensure the payment is properly applied to the correct account. Go directly to oregon.gov/dor to find Revenue Online. Payment providers may provide links that appear to take you to the government site, but just end up taking you to another area of the provider’s site.

Scams mainly come in the form of a phone call, email, or standard mail. Here are some tips to help you identify scam attempts.

• Scammers make unsolicited calls. Thieves call taxpayers claiming to be representatives of the Oregon Department of Revenue or other tax officials. They demand that the victim pay a bogus tax bill and may use threats or a sense of urgency to con the victim into sending cash, usually through a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. The Department of Revenue never uses methods like these when making calls. Hang up on suspicious phone calls. No matter how urgent a message makes a situation sound, you can always hang up, call the Department of Revenue at their published phone numbers [(503) 378-4988 or (800) 356-4222 (toll-free)], and know that you’re dealing with an actual government employee.

• Scammers send letters. Letters often contain legitimate logos, addresses, and phone numbers to fool you. Sometimes, these letters expose themselves as scams through blurry logos, misspellings, and poor grammar. Letters are usually in the form of a fake tax bill or claiming an error with your account. Letters from the Department of Revenue will have information that is verifiable through our website and every letter is printed with an identification number in the upper right corner.
• Scammers set up fake websites. Some scams that start as unsolicited calls or letters may also try to send you to fake websites. These websites are designed to look like and official federal or state agency site. Remember that the Oregon Department of Revenue’s web address will always begin with an “https://” designation and be from the “.gov” extension. Look for these in the web address when entering financial information to make sure you’re dealing with us directly.

For more information on protecting yourself or what to do if you’re a victim of identity theft, visit:

• www.irs.gov
• www.consumer.ftc.gov
• www.identitytheft.gov

You can visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments. You can call (503) 378-4988 or (800) 356-4222 (toll-free) or email questions.dor@oregon.gov for additional assistance. For TTY for hearing- or speech-impaired, call (800) 886-7204.

At Mt. Hood Community College, supporting learner success and partner innovation are woven into the fabric of the institution. The college partners closely with local business, government and nonprofits to help learners during all walks of life achieve their individual goals and get connected with career opportunities.

The Career Planning & Counseling Center (CPCC) at MHCC serves as a one-stop shop for students seeking to connect with local and regional employers and to prepare for job seeking and interviews. Additionally, the CPCC helps employers that want to connect with current students and alumni.

“If a student’s goal is to find a job or internship while in college or upon graduating from MHCC, we offer the tools and knowledge to help them achieve that goal,” said Jennifer McNeil, MHCC’s career development coordinator.
Resources available from the CPCC encompass both in-person and online tools ranging from interviewing workshops and career counseling sessions to online job boards and career fairs. Some resources are available to more than just students – for example, local employers and MHCC alumni can access the college’s Online Career Development and Job Board to find and/or share local employment opportunities.

“Career counseling should ultimately begin within the first few terms of a student’s time in college,” said McNeil. “It can involve something as simple as an initial meeting to help the student map out his or her career goals and identify milestones. The sooner a student accesses our resources, the sooner we can connect him or her to potential employers and help plan for the future.”

One way that MHCC connects students, alumni, and community members to local and regional employers is through its regular career fairs. At the Fall Career Fair held last October, more than 250 students and community members attended, along with representatives from 70 employers.

For employers, it’s a chance to promote their organizations and provides them access to a local workforce, according to Cathi Forsythe, Human Resources Analyst with the City of Gresham.

“We’ve gone to every single career fair at the college for the last four years,” said Forsythe, who is a 2012 alumni of MHCC. “One of our focuses is providing job opportunities to people living in the area, so the MHCC career fairs help connect us to that local population.”

The City of Gresham maintains an open and competitive hiring process. However, Forsyth said that when she and other City representatives attend MHCC job fairs, they offer guidance on preparing application materials and submitting a quality application, which is an additional benefit for jobseekers in attendance.

David Proterra, a direct care supervisor with supported living provider Westside Community Focus, said that attending local career fairs offers him important perspective on recruitment and hiring approaches.

“It’s been helpful to see and understand what potential employees are looking for and what they want in a job,” he described. “Plus, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to meet the variety of people looking for employment.”

Mark your calendars for the Spring Career Fair on Thursday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Vista Dining Hall. More than 65 employers will be in attendance.

Need help creating a resume or practicing for an upcoming interview? Visit mhcc.edu/CareerCenter or email eer@mhcc.edu">mhcareer@mhcc.edu.

[sidebar]
Don’t miss the Spring Career at MHCC
Thursday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Vista Dining Hall, Room AC2002
MHCC Gresham Campus
26000 SE Stark St.

• 65+ Local and Regional Employers
• Job Opportunities in a Variety of Industries: Criminal Justice, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Government, Nonprofit
• Chance to Put Your Best Foot Forward and Discover What Leading Employers Can Offer You!

OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College is hosting its Spring Career Fair on Tuesday, April 16 in partnership with WorkSource Oregon. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gregory Forum, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City. There will be a veterans networking pre-event 9-10 a.m. for veterans to have first opportunity to meet with employers.

This event is an all-industry career fair where local employers with full-time and part-time employment and internship opportunities connect with CCC students, alumni and local job seekers. This free event is open to students, alumni and the public. 

Nearly 60 employers are participating in the Spring Career Fair representing the following industries:

• Business/business management
• Banking/financial
• Human services
• Parks, recreation and leisure
• Construction/trades
• Food services transportation
• Electronics engineering technology
• Law enforcement/corrections
• Health care (CNA, nursing, dental assistants, medical assistants and more)
• Manufacturing and production
• Auto body
• Education
• Retail

View a full list of employers and useful job seeker tips at www.clackamas.edu/careerfair. For more information, contact the CCC Career Center at 503-594-6001 or eercenter@clackamas.edu">careercenter@clackamas.edu.

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OREGON CITY – Portland artist Melanie Stevens will display a recent body of work in the Clackamas Community College Alexander Gallery April 1 through 26.

“On Our Watch” showcases digital printed compositions and a large-scale installation that uses copper etching techniques and fabric. Stevens often incorporates images sourced from mass media and juxtaposes them with new imagined compositions.

Stevens is the co-founder and director of Miss Anthology, an organization that supports and publishes racially and economically diverse young comic artists who identify as female or LGBTQIA+. She is the co-curator of the Nat Turner Project, a gallery space giving artists of color the freedom to create without the parameters of racial designation.

An artist’s reception will be held Wednesday, April 10, noon-1:30 p.m., in the Alexander Gallery. The artist will speak about her work at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

This exhibition is free and open to the public. The Alexander Gallery is located in the Niemeyer Center on the Oregon City campus, 19600 Molalla Ave., and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., except for campus closures.

For more information, contact Kate Simmons at kates@clackamas.edu or 503-594-3032.

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The Kelso School District Board of Directors meeting will be held in the Kelso High School Media Center on Monday, March 25 at 6 p.m.  The agenda includes a public hearing on the proposed budget savings for the 2019-2020 operating budget.

Ensuring Law Enforcement Access for Everyone

If you watch or read the news, it seems there is another controversial story each day on the activities of the U.S.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While there are those in Washington D.C. and the media who are determined to keep these issues in the news every day, it’s important to make a distinction between any hype or distortion, and the way things actually exist in your own community.   

Unfortunately, some individuals fear interaction with law enforcement just because they lack proper documentation with regards to their residency.  This tip provides assurance that local law enforcement is looking out for everyone’s best interest, regardless of immigration status.

Your Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has made no changes in local practices as a result of the President’s Executive Order of January 25, 2017 concerning enhancements to border security and immigration enforcement. We have always followed the law as set forth by the State of Oregon and the United States Constitution. Oregon law (ORS 181A.820) and our policy prohibits us from using personnel, money, equipment or resources to locate or arrest a person whose only offense is being in the country in violation of federal immigration laws. Lincoln County will continue to prosecute people who commit criminal acts, but absent a federal warrant signed by a magistrate, we do not hold anyone at the request of ICE.

It is important for everyone in our community to know that if they have been the victim of a crime, or a witness to a crime, they may make a report to law enforcement without fear of being targeted by ICE, or being detained based on their immigration status.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring that Lincoln County remains a welcoming community to all who work in, reside in or visit our County.  Our actions will continue to reflect our commitment to an open, respectful and collaborative environment.  The County has, and will continue to support a diverse set of individuals and groups that welcomes all viewpoints and allows for disagreement and discourse.

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

The West Linn Police Department has received additional grant funds through Oregon

Impact in order to increase DUII enforcement through September 2019. The West Linn

PD will have additional patrol cars searching for intoxicated drivers throughout the

spring and summer holiday periods as well as on Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, July

4th, the West Linn Fair, and Labor Day.

Drunk driving, impaired driving or buzzed driving all have the potential to claim lives

and often will result in jail time. The men and women of the West Linn Police

Department ask you to please think about this before you operate a motor vehicle after

drinking alcohol or using any other substance that impairs your ability to safely operate

a motor vehicle. The West Linn Police Department takes impaired driving seriously and

these grant funds allow us to have dedicated officers out looking for those impaired

drivers.

Who is most at Risk? Young people. Among drivers with BAC levels of 0.08% or higher

involved in fatal crashes in 2015, nearly 3 in 10 were between 21 and 24 years of age.

The next two largest groups were ages 25 to 34 (27%) and 35 to 44 (23%).

GRESHAM, Ore.— The Gresham Police Department will be conducting a pedestrian safety operation on March 23 at the intersection of NW Division St. and NW Sleret Ave. The department is hoping to raise pedestrian safety awareness for drivers and pedestrians through a two-pronged approach: education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws.

The operation will be conducted from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with warning signs posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone. Pedestrian safety education is vital to keeping our roads safe.

Motorists must stop and yield to pedestrians who are waiting to cross, or who are already crossing the roadway. Motorists are also required to stop at all crosswalks when there is a vehicle already stopped in a lane next to the lane they are traveling in. Refer to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 811.028, failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian, for specifics on the law regarding drivers. Refer to ORS Chapter 814 for laws pertaining to pedestrians.

Funding for this pedestrian safety operation is made possible through a grant from Oregon Impact and Oregon Department of Transportation. Additional operations will be scheduled during the summer.

April is STEM Month with Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington, Sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union

Signature STEM Event Spotlight: OMSI Family Science Night, April 15, 2019

Portland, Ore. – March 21, 2019 – Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington (GSOSW) kicks off science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Month in April. STEM Month is sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union.

Throughout the month of April, GSOSW will offer more than 25 STEM workshops, creating a capacity for over 600 Girl Scouts to participate in specialized STEM activities in the areas of:

• Astronomy
• Building Robotics
• Computer Programming
• Digital Storytelling
• Ecosystems
• Chemistry
• Habitat
• Math
• Mechanical Engineering
• Science
• Sustainability
• Technology
• Wildlife
• Citizen Science
• Women Engineers

“First Tech is an enthusiastic supporter of Girl Scouts’ efforts to empower and elevate young women everywhere,” says Nicole Frisch, Senior Director for Community Engagement at First Tech Federal Credit Union. “We’re delighted to support STEM Month and the development of our community’s next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators.”

STEM Month Challenge and STEM Month Patch

By participating in STEM Month activities, including OMSI Family Science Night and STEM Day, Girl Scouts will have completed part of the STEM Month Challenge and can earn a STEM Month fun patch. Girls can complete the STEM Month challenge by filling out a survey on the GSOSW website to tell us more about how they participated in Girl Scout STEM Month and how they will use what they’ve learned to make a difference in their community.

Featured Event: OMSI Family Science Night for Girl Scouts

On April 15, 2019, Girl Scouts—as well as their family members and friends—have the opportunity to enjoy a signature STEM event: OMSI Family Science Night. Attendees can explore popular exhibit halls, visit the physics and life science labs and see OMSI's featured exhibit, the Science Behind Pixar.

“OMSI Family Science Night is our largest Girl Scout STEM event of the year! It’s an opportunity for girls to immerse themselves in STEM with hundreds of other Girl Scouts and learn new skills,” says Shannon Joseph, STEM Specialist for Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Girl Scouts can complete steps toward earning badges based on the exhibits, ranging in topics from resource conservation, like saving water and energy, to bug diversity to digital movie making. While girls are having fun exploring new STEM interests in OMSI’s exhibits, this event also helps them develop confidence in their STEM skills and abilities which in turn helps them understand the importance and relevance of STEM to people and society.”

OMSI Family Science Night is generously sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and the Epping Family Foundation.

NEW This Year

New STEM opportunities this year include a way for Girl Scouts to participate in National Citizen Science Day with our new partners at NASA GLOBE Observer. Girl Scouts can explore STEM in the outdoors on one of GSOSW’s properties at the foothills of Mt. Hood, by learning how to collect and submit data about clouds, land cover and mosquito habitat mapping.

About OMSI Family Science Night for Girl Scouts

WHO: Up to 1,000 girls in kindergarten through grade 12 and their family members and friends; Troop Leaders | Volunteers | STEM Professionals

WHAT: Fourth Annual Oregon Museum of Science and Industry-OMSI Family Science Night with Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington; Sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and the Epping Family Foundation

WHEN: Monday, April 15, 2019, 6 - 8 p.m.

WHERE: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry–OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, Ore. 97214

REGISTRATION: Community event open to registered Girl Scouts, their family members and friends. All attendees must register for this event. Please visit http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/sf-events-repository/2019/oregon-museum-of-science-and-industry--omsi--family-science-nigh.html to register.

PARKING: There is limited parking at the facility and street parking nearby. Parking cost is included in admission. Carpooling is encouraged.

Interested Media—Please R.S.V.P.

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s STEM Program Specialist, Shannon Joseph and Director of Communications, Sarah Shipe, as well as Girl Scouts, will be available on-site for media interviews at OMSI Family Science Night.

Interested media should R.S.V.P. to communications@girlscoutsosw.org.

Featured Event: Girl Scout STEM Day (Medford, Ore.)

On April 27, 2019, Girl Scout STEM Day will take place at GSOSW’s Medford Service Center. This expo-style event will highlight STEM opportunities and careers for local Girl Scouts throughout Southern Oregon by inviting community partners, including Wildlife Images and the Southern Oregon Skywatchers, to host a table with an interactive STEM activity. The event includes a show put on by Wildlife Safari, to showcase careers in wildlife and highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.

Full List of STEM Month Activities

LEGO EV3 Robotics: Mission to Mars, April 6
Race Car Challenge with Rebel Bricks, April 6
Super Sticky Stuff with Mad Science, April 6
Girls Engage Technology with Saturday Academy, April 6
Tech Expert with Microsoft, April 6
Zoo Evening Safari at the Oregon Zoo, April 6
Entertainment Technology with Saturday Academy, April 7
Super Sticky Stuff with Mad Science, April 10
Zoo Snooze at the Oregon Zoo, April 12-13
STREAM Girls Cadette Spring Day Trip, April 13
Digital Media Studio: Movie Maker, April 13
Raptors of the Gorge at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, April 13
Scent-sational Animals at Wildlife Safari, April 13
Minecraft Build Challenge with Microsoft, April 13
Girl Scout Citizen Science Day with NASA GLOBE Observer, April 13
Zoo Evening Safari at the Oregon Zoo, April 13
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Family Science Night, April 15
SPICE-ing It Up: External Combustion Engines with Spice Science, April 20
Harry Potter Kano Coding with Microsoft, April 20
Entertainment Technology with Saturday Academy, April 20
Zoo Snooze at the Oregon Zoo, April 26-27
STREAM Girls Junior Covered Wagon Campout, April 26-28
Girl Scout STEM Day, April 27
Science Saturday: STEM Family Fun at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, April 27
Make your own Movies with 3D and Mixed Reality, April 27
iFLY STEM Experience, April 28
iFLY STEM Experience, April 28

Registration
Girl Scouts can register for STEM Month activities online at http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/activities/activities-list.html. QUESTIONS? Please email activities@girlscoutsosw.org.

Prospective community STEM partners can learn more at: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/en/activities/program-partners.html.

About Girl Scouts’ Committment to STEM Programming

To learn more about GSOSW’s STEM programming, please see: http://www.girlscoutsosw.org/STEM.

Girl Scouts of the USA’s STEM Pledge is a multiyear initiative to put 2.5 million girls through progressive hands-on STEM programs by 2025. Donate at: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/adults/donate/STEM-pledge.html.

About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
In partnership with more than 8,000 adult members, Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington prepares 14,500 girls in grades K-12 for a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. GSOSW’s programs in civic engagement, financial literacy, the outdoors and STEM serve girls in 37 counties in Oregon, and Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties in Southwest Washington. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

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The individual shot in this incident is identified as Logan Linderman (23 ) of the Eugene / Springfield area.  The individual that was detained is identified as Kayln Simpson (29) of the Creswell area. 

Simpson is cooperating with the investigation. 

The investigation is continuing and additional details are not being disclosed at this time.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at 7:32 AM, Lane County Sheriff’s Office received report of a gun shot victim at 82270 N. Pacific Highway, south of Creswell.  Arriving LCSO Deputies located two male subjects at the property. 

One subject was transported to River Bend Hospital with a non-life threatening injuries and the other male was detained. 

OSP and LCSO are investigating the incident and OSP is assuming the lead role of the investigation. 

There is no threat to community.

Investigation is ongoing and no further information is available for release at this time.

New Zealand Delegation Stands in Solidarity with the Muslim Community, Visits MET to Offer Condolences and Support

Join us for this Interfaith Community Event
This Thursday, March 21, 2019
6:00 pm
Muslim Educational Trust Community Center
10330 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Tigard, OR

In a unique display of solidarity and support, a delegation from Portland's New Zealand community (Kiwi's) will be visiting us here at MET to offer their condolences and prayers. This interfaith community event takes place at the Muslim Educational Trust this Thursday, March 21, starting at 6:00 pm, and is open to all.

We are very much grateful to our faith leaders, civic leaders, law enforcement officials, people of good will, and allies who joined us last Friday for our afternoon interfaith service of mourning, prayer, and remembrance. 

We hope you can join us this Thursday, and are ever grateful for the out-pour of support during this trying time for our community and our humanity at large.

Fire District 3 has responded to four wildland fires in the past two days. All associated with high winds and dry fuel conditions.

On March 19 at 18:39 crews responded to 20316 NE 242 Ave. Crews arrived at 18:47 to find a one-acre fire burning in brush fanned by gusting east winds. Two brush units, one engine, one tender, two chief officers, and one DNR overhead responded with a total of eleven personnel. Crews contained and extinguished the fire returning in service at 20:04. The cause was determined to be a reignited controlled burn.

On March 20 at 01:20 Fire District 3 crews responded to assist Fire District 13. Crews arrived to find a six-acre fire burning in light and medium fuels fanned by gusting east winds. Fire District 3 provided one brush unit, one engine, and one chief officer, with a total of six personnel. Fire District 13, Clark County Fire Rescue, and Fire District 3 crews contained and extinguished the fire returning in service at 05:39. The cause is under investigation.

On March 20 at 12:298 crews responded to 17403 NE Horne Rd. Crews arrived at 12:42 to find a two-acre fire burning in grass, stumps and light brush fanned by gusting east winds. One brush unit, one engine, one tender, two chief officers, and one DNR overhead responded with a total of nine personnel. Crews contained and extinguished the fire returning in service at 14:45. The cause was determined to be controlled burning.

On March 20 Fire District 3 sent one brush unit as part of a Clark County Strike Team to assist with a wildland fire near Cathlamet, Washington.

Landowners are urged to not burn in windy conditions. It is too windy if trees are swaying, flags are extended, or waves appear on open water.

In the late evening of March 19, 2019, officers from the Newberg-Dundee Police Department responded to a suspicious activity call in the 200 Block of Bina St. in Newberg.  A male, unknown to the caller, said someone was trying to kill him and wanted to be let into the residence.  The unknown male said someone was trying to shoot him.

As officers responded, a single unoccupied vehicle was found crashed on Hwy 219 and East 2nd Street. A witness reported that a male had crashed the vehicle and fled on foot.  Moments later officers received another call that an unknown male barged into an apartment located at 2501 E Second St. and told the resident that someone was shooting at him.

The suspect then entered a second apartment in the complex, causing that resident to lock themselves in a room and call police.  The unknown male, later identified as German Alberto Florian-Garcia, of Salem, then locked himself in the downstairs bathroom and refused to come out when police arrived.  Residents from the involved and neighboring apartments were evacuated for safety after Florian-Garcia barricaded himself inside.

Officers negotiated with the suspect for over an hour and deployed 40 mm OC (pepper spray) rounds to eventually extract Florian-Garcia.  The suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without any injuries from the arrest.  Mr. Florian-Garcia was transported to Providence Newberg Medical Center for treatment of OC exposure and the injuries he sustained from the earlier vehicle crash.  After being medically cleared he was lodged at the Yamhill County Correctional Facility.  Any prior information about persons chasing or shooting at Florian-Garcia is thus far unfounded.

• German Alberto Florian-Garcia, 48 of Salem, was arrested on the following charges:
  • DUII
  • Criminal Trespass in the 1st Degree
  • Interfering with a Police Officer
  • Disorderly Conduct

There are no photos of the suspect available. 

Cowlitz County, WA – Multiple brush fires have ignited across the county and a burn ban has been instated by Cowlitz County officials; this includes residential fires and burn pile burning.  Brush fires in the area of Carlon Loop Rd (2-3 acres), Ragland Rd (3-4 acres), Tower Rd (unknown size at this time), and North Maple Hill Rd (200-400 feet wide) have ignited, some caused by unattended campfires and burn piles that the wind caught.  Most of the fires in the last few days have required evacuations of homes that were threatened by fire. 

Recent warm temperatures, low Relative Humidity (RH) levels, and strong warm East winds have contributed to the cause.  Cowlitz County has had over seven brush fires in the past three days.  Local resources including Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Cowlitz County Fire District 5, Cowlitz County District 6, The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Longview Fire, Cowlitz County Sheriff’s office have all contributed to the fire suppression efforts and evacuations. 

More information on all incidents will be updated as it is available. 

The fire that was sparked on Tuesday near the North Santiam State Recreational Area is a reminder of threats posed by wildfires to homes and property.

The Oregon Department of Forestry reports that 42 homes and 30 outbuildings initially were threatened by the fire. The fire impacted 189 acres of brush and timber. As of 5 p.m. today, evacuation levels in Linn and Marion counties have been lifted.

The Office of State Fire Marshal wants to remind residents to make sure their homes are protected from wildfire. The start of spring is a good time to take these steps:

• Keep roofs, gutters, and eaves clear of all leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris.
• Remove dead vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around your house.
• Prune trees and have grass kept short and green to keep fire on the ground and more manageable by firecrews.

Remember, call before you burn yard debris. Residents should check with their local fire agency or air protection authority to learn if there are any burning restrictions and if a permit is required.

Homeowners have a responsibility to protect their homes by building defensible space.  For more information, visit the websites for the Office of State Fire Marshal, Keep Oregon Green, and the Oregon Department of Forestry, or call your nearest ODF or forest protective association office.

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Update: Suspect Turned Himself In

March 20, 2019

On March 20, 2019, at approximately 3:30 p.m. the suspect in the video turned himself in at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, East Precinct. Detectives are currently interviewing the subject.  The investigation is still ongoing, but there is no believed threat to the community related to this investigation.

On Monday, March 18, 2019, at 3:13 p.m., a 13-year-old male was walking home from school near the area of SW 170th Avenue and SW Sarala Street in Beaverton, Oregon. Another adult male approached the 13-year-old and coaxed the minor to let him inside his home to use the restroom.

The 13-year-old did allow the adult male into his home to use the restroom. Once finished, the unidentified male walked out of the bathroom and touched the minor in an inappropriate, unwanted sexual manner. He also requested a sexual act from the minor. The minor immediately told the adult male to leave, which he did.

The male suspect is approximately 20 years old, 190 pounds, 6 feet tall, and is darker skinned.

Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s help in identifying the male in the video. If you have any information on the pictured male, please contact Washington County Detectives at (503) 846-2700.

The male suspect is approximately 20 years old, 190 pounds, 6 feet tall, and is darker skinned.

Detectives with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s help in identifying the male in the video. If you have any information on the pictured male, please contact Washington County Detectives at (503) 846-2700.

Corrected to clarify ALL evacuations have been lifted.

Lyons, Ore. – The Santiam Park Fire, reported Tuesday afternoon near the North Santiam State Recreational Area off Highway 22, is currently 80 percent lined, with all evacuation levels lifted.

Unified command, consisting of the Oregon Department of Forestry, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and Lyons Fire Department, made today’s objective clear for crews; fight fire aggressively and safely. With improved weather conditions, crews were able to meet that objective, building upon and strengthening containment lines. Crews continue to work on mop-up, locating and extinguishing hot spots, and falling snags. At the time of this release, no structures have been lost and no injuries reported.

“Some folks seem surprised to see this fire on the landscape in March,” said Incident Commander Blake Ellis, “but as firefighters, we are trained to consider the conditions, not the calendar. The dedication of the local fire departments and crews combined with the involvement and support of the local community continues to impress me.”  

After successful initial attack and reduced fire activity, ground crews were able to walk the line with GPS, obtaining a more accurate perimeter line, mapping the fire at 189 acres. With no significant fire growth since yesterday, the increased acres reported are a direct result of improved mapping in steep and rugged terrain.

As of 5:00 pm today, evacuation levels in both counties have been lifted.

Approximately 85 personnel are currently engaged on the fire, including crews from ODF, Lyons Fire Department, Mill City Fire Department, Sublimity Fire Department, and other local agencies. Resources involved include a Type 2 helicopter as well as multiple dozers and engines.

###

At 1004 hours of March 20th, 2019 deputies with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office responded to 242 #A Huntington Ave S, Castle Rock, Washington to serve an eviction.  The resident, identified as 44-year-old Roger A. Yowell, had been previously served with an eviction notice.  When deputies attempted contact with Yowell at the front door, he refused to vacate the residence and told deputies he had guns pointed at the door.  Neighbors were evacuated and local schools and business were notified of the situation.  Safety plans were put in place while the situation was active.

Deputies, assisted by the Castle Rock Police Department, secured the area and continued to give commands to Yowell instructing him to exit the residence.  Lower Columbia SWAT responded to the scene to assist.  While the SWAT team was moving into place, a Castle Rock police officer reported Yowell had just pointed a laser at the officer's chest.

Crisis negotiators were eventually able to communicate with Yowell by phone.  Yowell made suicidal statements, threatened to burn the residence down and stated he would force police to shoot him.  The SWAT team breached the door to the residence and deployed an Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV) inside the residence.  When the UAV operator located Yowell inside the residence, Yowell knocked the UAV to the ground and damaged it.

Yowell told negotiators he was ready to surrender after the SWAT team deployed gas into the residence.  Yowell exited the residence and was taken into custody without further incident.  There were no injuries reported to Yowell or any of the responding law enforcement officers.

Roger Yowell was booked into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of Felony Harassment, Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree, Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest.

Chief Ernie Roberts, Sandy Police Department, recently completed one of the toughest challenges available to local law enforcement officers: the FBI National Academy. In mid-March, Chief Roberts and three other Oregon law enforcement officers completed a ten-week training session at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

There is a highly competitive process local law enforcement officers must go through to be selected for this honor. That process includes a nomination by a supervisor; interviews with the candidate and co-workers to determine leadership skills and abilities; a background check; a determination of physical fitness; and the support of former National Academy graduates within the candidate's organization.

"The National Academy is internationally known for its academic excellence and provides the unique opportunity to share best practices and forge partnerships with law enforcement officers from around the globe. The exceptional leaders chosen to attend form an exclusive group and only a few from Oregon are selected each year," said Renn Cannon, special agent in charge of the FBI in Oregon. "We are proud to sponsor Chief Roberts and our other local partners in the National Academy."

Chief Roberts is a Portland native who began his law enforcement career at the West Linn Police Department as a reserve office in 1997. He joined the Baker City Police Department in 2000, and he transferred to the Sandy Police Department in 2004. During his career at the Sandy Police Department, Chief Roberts has worked in the patrol division, and, in 2012, he became a patrol Sergeant. In early 2017, he accepted the job as Interim Police Chief, and then the city named him the permanent police chief in June of 2017.

“Chief Roberts’ attendance to the FBI National Academy is a wonderful opportunity, not just for him but for the community he serves,” said former city manager and chief of police Kim Yamashita. “The ability to go, participate and be part of a program that is so diverse, intense and life changing will only enhance his already wonderful servant heart and leadership style. Chief Roberts has made the department his own and will continue, through lessons learned at this academy, to provide a level of professional service that makes the City of Sandy and its residents proud.”

During the ten weeks of training, local executive-level law enforcement officers spend most of their time in the classroom. Chief Roberts’ National Academy classes included: Essentials for Law Enforcement Leaders; Leading At-Risk Employees; Behavioral Science for Law Enforcement Leaders; Forensic Science for Police Administration and Managers; Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement; and Fitness in Law Enforcement. The program allows participants the opportunity to earn college credits through the University of Virginia for some of those studies.

Each year, the FBI sponsors four sessions of the National Academy. Each session includes about 220 local law enforcement officers from throughout the United States and around the world. While in the academy, the officers and deputies live in a dorm-like setting. The FBI does not charge U.S. students for tuition, books, equipment, meals, lodging or travel to and from their home.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate our newest graduating class of Reserve Deputies.

Last night (Tuesday, March 19, 2019), the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office held a ceremony to recognize the following volunteers.

• Reserve Deputy Depaepe
• Reserve Deputy Frederiksen
• Reserve Deputy Dalton
• Reserve Deputy Armour
• Reserve Deputy Woodward
• Reserve Deputy Toombs

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Reserve Academy includes over 300 hours of training in areas of law, police tactics, firearms and emergency vehicle operations, among many others.

Recent graduates will now hit the streets to embark on their field training phase. During field training, they will be partnered with a full-time Patrol deputy.

Reserve deputies are volunteers committed to serving their communities in a law enforcement capacity. Reserve deputies have the ability upon successful completion of training to serve in corrections or patrol functions.

If you are interested in being a reserve deputy with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, you can find more information by visiting https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/reserves.html

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office offers other volunteer options -- including Cadets and the Sheriff's Posse -- listed here: https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/getinvolved.html

We're also currently in the middle of a hiring campaign that includes a search for new Recruit Patrol Deputies -- visit http://SheriffsOfficeJobs.com for details on all our job openings.

[END]

Portland, OR – Are you planning a stay-cation this spring break? A trip to the Oregon Historical Society is the perfect adventure to get the kids out of the house — and, the Oregon Historical Society will be offering free admission for youth 18 and under during Oregon’s spring break week beginning Saturday, March 23 through Sunday, March 31.

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is full of new and exciting exhibitions, including:

Experience Oregon

Last month on Oregon’s 160th birthday, the Oregon Historical Society transformed its museum with the opening of a brand new 7,000 square foot permanent exhibition. Taking over the third floor of the museum, Experience Oregon spotlights the countless people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon. Families can discover stories from the past in animated “Stories from the Archives” tablet games, learn how to build a canoe, walk through a covered-wagon replica, and take sides in historical debates.

History Hub

The Oregon Historical Society’s first permanent exhibit designed specifically for youth, History Hub, invites families to explore the topic of diversity through fun, hands-on elements. With puzzles, touch screen activities, and board games, History Hub asks youth to consider questions like “Who is an Oregonian?,” “How has discrimination and segregation affected people who live in Oregon?,” and “How can you make Oregon a great place for everyone?”

Barley, Barrels, Bottles, & Brews: 200 Years of Oregon Beer

Now through June 9

Don’t be fooled by the name – this exhibit has something for everyone, even those under 21! This original exhibit tells the stories of the many people and businesses that have influenced the laws, agriculture, and prolific expansion of the brewing industry. Highlights include a glass carboy that traveled across the Oregon Trail and an interactive hop smelling station. Before you visit, learn about the making of the exhibit on the OHS blog with Curator Lori Erickson.

Museum hours are Monday – Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm. General admission is $10, and discounts are available for seniors and teachers. Admission is free every day for OHS members and Multnomah County residents!

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

BROOKINGS – U.S. Highway 101 will remain limited to a single lane with flaggers near Hooskanaden Creek, about 12 miles north of Brookings, until early April.

A slide on February 25 destroyed a quarter mile of the highway and closed the road for nearly two weeks. ODOT and Tidewater Contractors opened the highway to a single lane on a gravel road surface March 9, and have been working to widen the road to two lanes since.

Ground movement at the slide location has slowed to a few inches a day, thanks in part to good weather the first two weeks of March. However, rain is forecast over the next week, which will give geologists a chance to observe whether additional water affects ground movement.

“We want to get through the next week or two and see how the hillside responds,” ODOT District Manager Darrin Neavoll said. “If all goes well, we plan to pave this section of highway in early April and open it to two lanes of traffic.”

The speed limit on the temporary alignment through the slide area will be reduced to 45 mph throughout the spring and summer.

Meanwhile, ODOT has started design work on a project that will rebuild the roadway to its original alignment, including three lanes and shoulders. Construction is planned for late summer.

For more information, contact Dan Latham, ODOT Public Information Officer, at 541-957-3601 or Dan.Latham@odot.state.or.us.

##ODOT##

[NOTE: Drone photos provided by Tidewater Contractors. Photos were taken Tuesday evening, March 19, 2019.]

Vancouver, WA – Share has promoted Molly Evjen to director of volunteers and community resources.

“Molly Evjen has proven herself an invaluable member of the Share staff over the past three years. She began as a part-time program assistant and was promoted to full-time as our volunteer coordinator. Through her positive attitude, intelligence, compassion and belief in the mission of Share, Molly truly earned her most recent promotion as director of volunteers and community resources,” said Diane McWithey, executive director.

Share’s director of volunteers and community resources is responsible for the development, management and implementation of volunteer efforts and in-kind community resources for Share’s programs and facilities, as well as an integral member of Share’s Development Team. In 2018, a total of 2,884 volunteers contributed 28,302 hours of their time and talent to benefit Share’s programs and services.

About Share

Share was founded in 1979 with the goal of caring for the homeless and hungry in the greater Vancouver area. Share operates three shelters for the homeless, a transitional housing program, Lincoln Place (a 30-unit Housing First model apartment complex), a street outreach program, including a Day Center, a Housing & Essential Needs (HEN) program, provides case management to clients and provides daily meals for the homeless and low-income members of our community. Share also operates a summer meals program for low-income children and a backpack program benefitting 1,680 children at 91 schools to provide food for weekends to children receiving free or reduced-fee lunches. Additionally, Share offers financial programs that incorporate financial education and matched dollars for savings; these programs are designed to assist in the improvement of credit scores and financial management. For more information on Share, visit our Web site at www.sharevancouver.org.

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The City of Salem and Launch Mid-Valley have partnered with Oregon Technology Business Center (a startup incubator in Beaverton, Ore.), to offer a Virtual Incubation Program (VIP) to startups in Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties for a reduced total price of $79. VIP is a popular six-week entrepreneurship course for startups that are building a growth company, meaning they are developing a product or service that will be sold regionally, nationally, or internationally, not just locally.

“We heard from last year’s participants in the VIP program that it helped them refine their business plan and strategic thinking. We are excited to offer this unique program again and hope that Salem businesses will take advantage,” said Salem’s Economic Development Manager, Annie Gorski.

The course materials for VIP consist of online videos that participants can view at their convenience as well as six interactive online sessions Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. where entrepreneurs can ask questions to explore how the VIP materials can be applied to their specific businesses. Topics covered include: validating your business model, protecting your company and your intellectual property, and developing a go-to-market plan. 

Entrepreneurs can learn more about VIP and register at www.virtualincubationprogram.com. For more information regarding LAUNCH Mid-Valley, please contact Chris Drobnicki, Project Coordinator, at 503-540-2435 or obnicki@cityofsalem.net">cdrobnicki@cityofsalem.net. Si necesita ayuda para comprender esta información, por favor llame 503-588-6178.

Launch Mid-Valley is a partnership of regional communities and economic development organizations working together to provide a portfolio of programs, projects, operations, and decentralized activities aimed at supporting startup businesses/entrepreneurs in the Mid-Willamette Valley in order to achieve greater impact and efficiency through collaboration.

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The FBI is renewing its efforts to find Jean Leonard Faure, age 52, who is wanted in connection with a rape, sodomy and burglary charges out of Douglas County. Originally arrested by local authorities in Roseburg, Oregon, in January 1998 after an attack on his ex-wife, Faure fled prior to trial. The FBI obtained an Unlawful Flight Against Prosecution (federal fugitive) warrant against Faure in April 1998.

Faure was born in the Seychelles Islands, off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. While in the United States, he lived in Oregon and Hawaii. He has family throughout the United States, Canada, and the Seychelles. He may also travel to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. 

Faure's description:

• White man
• Height: 5'10"
• Weight" 150 pounds
• Hair: Black
• Eyes: Brown
• Scars and Marks: Scar near his left eye.

Faure is known to enjoy soccer and gambling. In the past, he has worked as a waiter and in the food service industry.

The FBI has re-issued Faure's wanted poster, which can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/additional/jean-leonard-faure. It is available in both English and French, both of which are common languages in the Seychelles islands.

If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy. You may also submit information online at https://tips.fbi.gov.

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Chief integration officer and chief operating officer appointments are effective April 1, 2019

Portland, Ore. (March 20, 2019) Legacy Health announced today it will expand its executive team with the internal promotion of two senior leaders. Bryce Helgerson, who most recently served as president of Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, has been named as chief integration officer (CIO) and Trent Green, who most recently served as president of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Unity Center for Behavioral Health, has been named as chief operating officer (COO). The appointments, which are effective April 1, 2019, serve as a launchpad for Legacy Health’s continued focus on performance excellence, financial sustainability and strategic growth. Helgerson and Green will report to Kathryn Correia, who became president and chief executive officer of Legacy Health in June 2018.

“Bryce and Trent both possess diverse internal and external experience and have demonstrated consistency and results regardless of the challenges they have confronted,” said Correia. “Bryce brings a deep knowledge of Legacy as a system and a proven ability to think in a very informed way about what’s possible and how we will approach care transformation. Trent brings national and local health care experience and a strategy background to an important operations role as we transform how we think about health care.”

As CIO, a new position for Legacy Health, Helgerson will focus on aligning internal and external relationships with many of the organization’s ambulatory, non-hospital operations including Legacy Medical Group, Care Transformation, Legacy Health Partners, PacificSource, Care Support Resources and Legacy GoHealth Urgent Care.  He brings more than 20 years of experience in multi-hospital and academic health systems at both the hospital and system level. Previously, Helgerson served as vice president of hospital operations at Legacy Emanuel and Randall Children’s Hospital and chief administrative officer of Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center. A few of Helgerson’s most notable achievements at Legacy Health include:

• Leading Legacy Salmon Creek’s clinical team to earn the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Five Star Rating, a distinction only awarded to six percent of the hospitals in the nation.
• Co-founding and co-chairing Legacy Health’s Diversity Advisory Council and collaborating on a multi-point plan to address workforce diversity, leadership diversity, community engagement and culturally responsive care.
• Providing executive oversight for the $250 million Randall Children’s Hospital Construction – a 350,000 square foot, free-standing building dedicated to the care of children, which successfully opened for operation in 2012 on time and under budget.

"Having served at three distinct Legacy locations and in different capacities, I have been fortunate to be exposed to many aspects of Legacy’s business and to have built deep relationships across the organization and the communities we serve,” said Helgerson. “Building on these relationships and forging new ones will be critically important as we continue the transition from fee-for-service to value based care.  I look forward to working with our physician community, payors, health systems, employers and other key partners in the health care community to ensure regional stewardship of precious resources and cross-continuum collaboration.”

As COO, Green will focus on innovation in Legacy Health’s hospital operations and service lines and will have responsibility for Legacy Laboratory Services and Legacy Imaging Services. Unity Center will continue to be a part of his portfolio of responsibilities as well. Green will oversee the OHSU Knight-Legacy Health Cancer Collaborative, the LifeFlight partnership as well as other ventures that directly impact hospital operations. Prior to his most recent role, Trent served as Legacy Health’s senior vice president, chief strategy officer and president of Legacy Medical Group. He brings more than 20 years of experience in leading health care organizations, with specific strengths and accomplishments in clinic and hospital operations, strategic planning, business development, marketing, mergers and acquisitions and finance. Green succeeds Mike Newcomb, D.O. who retired in December 2018. A selection of Green’s most notable achievements at Legacy Health include:

• Advancing a re-imagined Master Facility Plan for the Legacy Emanuel and Randall Children’s Hospital campus.
• Navigating a complex regulatory situation at Unity Center by providing decisive leadership and a unified approach to problem-solving resulting in the successful restoration of status, cultural alignment, best in system performance on medication administration practices and accelerated incident review and mitigation implementation practices.
• Leading and developing several of Legacy’s most transformational initiatives including the PacificSource joint venture, Silverton Health affiliation, Legacy-GoHealth urgent care joint venture and the OHSU Knight–Legacy Health Cancer Collaborative, among others.
• Doubling the size of Legacy Medical Group, including the addition of new specialties and geographies.

“My prior roles at Legacy have been focused on ‘idea management.’  Moving to operations has been about ‘people management.’  I now have a much deeper appreciation for what is and isn’t possible to effectively implement,” said Green. “Additionally, I have learned the value of leader standard work and the importance of visible leadership.  I look forward to applying the experiences at Emanuel and Unity Center to the entire portfolio of Legacy Health hospital and service line operations.”

About Legacy Health

Legacy Health is a local, nonprofit health system with six hospitals and dedicated children’s care offered at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. Legacy also includes more than 70 primary care, specialty and urgent care clinics, as well as almost 3,000 providers who are either employed, on the medical staff or part of Legacy Health Partners. We have lab, research and hospice services. Among our major partnerships are PacificSource Health Plans and the Unity Center for Behavioral Health.  Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/legacyhealth and on Twitter at @OurLegacyHealth.

Over the past few days the Aurora Fire & our neighboring Fire Districts have been busy responding to multiple escaped open burns causing brush fires.  With predicated east winds, the following burn ban is now in effect for the Aurora Fire District.

The Marion & Clackamas County Fire Defense Boards has issued County wide burn bans for Marion, Clackamas and Linn Counties EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY until further notice.  The burn ban includes agricultural and back yard burning. Camp fires, fire pits, and yard debris burning is also banned.

To report violations of persons burning please contact Aurora Fire District at (503) 678-5966.  If there is no answer you can report persons burning to our Dispatch Center (METCOM) at (503) 982-2340.  

We will update the public when the burn ban has been lifted.

Hillsboro Police arrested Matthew Figel, 48, for second-degree manslaughter and reckless driving after his indictment by a Washington County grand jury. Figel was involved in a traffic crash on January 2 on Northeast Century Boulevard at Northeast Walbridge Street. The other driver, Rajkumar Govindarajan, was killed. Investigation revealed Figel’s car traveled at excessive speed at the time of the collision. He was lodged in the Washington County Jail.

The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services advises the public that a sewer repair project will close the Columbia Slough pedestrian/bicycle bridge north of the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant for three months beginning Monday, March 25.The closure will be in effect all hours and all days until June 23. Crews are repairing a 20-inch diameter pressurized pipe that runs underneath the bridge and carries sewage from Northeast Portland to the treatment plant. Repair of the aging pipe will protect public health and the environment.

An alternate route for pedestrians and people traveling by bicycle over the Columbia Slough is Interstate Avenue. The closure and construction are part of the Inverness 20-inch Force Main repair project.

 The Inverness Force Main is an 11-mile pressure sewer that splits into two sections about two miles east of the wastewater treatment plant. Both sections are suspended underneath the Columbia Slough Pedestrian Trail Bridge, which Environmental Services constructed.

A similar 90-day bridge closure two years ago allowed Environmental Services to repair the first section, a 30-inch diameter pipe. This closure will allow repair of the second section, a 20-inch diameter pipe. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/inverness20.

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The Bureau of Environmental Services works with Portland residents and businesses to protect water quality, public health, and the environment through wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Roderick Carroll, died the morning of March 19, 2019. Carroll was incarcerated at Warner Creek Correctional Facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Carroll entered DOC custody on August 15, 2013, out of Lane County, with an earliest release date of April 4, 2019. Carroll was 57 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state.

Next of kin has been notified. No other details are available at this time.

WCCF is a minimum-security prison in Lakeview that houses approximately 496 adults in custody who are within four years of release. WCCF provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, transitional programs, religious services, and work crews. WCCF has a contact center on site through Oregon Corrections Enterprises. WCCF opened in September 2005 and is Oregon’s newest operating prison. It received the State Energy Efficiency Design (SEED) award in May 2008 for its progress in design efficiency. The most energy-efficient element at WCCF is the use of geothermal energy, providing 100 percent of the hot water to the facility.

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NOTE: Mayor Steve Callaway and other City of Hillsboro experts are available for media between 11 am and 1 pm today.
 

The City of Hillsboro is excited to take another step forward to provide internet service for the Hillsboro community by announcing the selected name and logo for the new service: HiLight.

High-speed internet access is essential to everyone. In spring 2018, the City of Hillsboro made a long-term commitment to connect everyone in Hillsboro by providing affordable internet service at gigabit speed. HiLight service will:

• Cultivate business
• Foster student success
• Reduce barriers to internet access
• Strengthen City infrastructure
• Protect net neutrality
• Provide a local, affordable option to our community

“HiLight will ensure that schools, neighbors, and businesses have access to fast, reliable internet and the highest-quality customer service,” said Mayor Steve Callaway.

HiLight’s Name & Logo

The “Hi” in HiLight represents Hillsboro and the communication opportunities the internet provides to connect community members. “Light” is a nod to the fiber-optic technology that will connect HiLight customers to gigabit speeds.

HiLight’s logo color and style complement the City of Hillsboro logo with a clean and straightforward font. “Hi” is in a speech-bubble shape — sending a friendly "hello" to the City. The shape also represents a location pin. The logo’s tight letter spacing symbolizes the closeness of the Hillsboro community.

HiLight’s Core Values

In addition to creating the HiLight name and logo, the City identified the core values that will define the HiLight customer experience.

            Build community. The City's affordable high-speed internet will create a stronger, better Hillsboro by giving more residents an opportunity to connect.

            Create opportunity. Access to essential resources such as education, jobs, and housing, will create opportunities that improve lives and brighten Hillsboro’s future.

            Keep it simple. HiLight will provide straightforward and honest service for our residents and businesses.

            Live equity. The City will respond to internet access barriers by offering fast and reliable service at affordable rates.

            Serve the City we love. HiLight will listen to our customers’ needs and offer quality high-speed access with the excellent customer service that the community expects from the City of Hillsboro. 
 

Service Availability

The first customer connections will be made in two areas that present the greatest opportunity for cost savings or have the most significant need: South Hillsboro and the Shute Park/Southwest Hillsboro neighborhood.

• First, HiLight will connect customers in South Hillsboro, where we are installing our underground network as roads and houses are built. The first customers will be able to connect next winter.
• Next, HiLight’s network will reach Shute Park/Southwest Hillsboro, where many families are living without high-speed internet service.
• Over time, HiLight will expand to reach every resident, business, and nonprofit in Hillsboro.
   

Making Connections

Partnering with the Hillsboro School District, we are working together to connect schools to a super-fast shared fiber “backbone” that will serve as HiLight’s information superhighway and expand the City’s existing fiber network. The shared backbone will extend throughout the City and enable us to connect neighborhood networks as they are constructed.

We’ll connect the first schools this summer, complete the backbone next winter, and hook up all 47 schools and District facilities by next spring. By working together, the Hillsboro School District will save as much as $5 million and the City of Hillsboro will save up to $10 million.

Fiber huts

"Fiber huts" will link neighborhood networks to the backbone. In South Hillsboro, a fiber hut will double as a play feature at the soon-to-open Century Oaks Park. For Shute Park/Southwest Hillsboro, we will build a hut into Shute Park’s backstage area as part of a planned expansion of the stage facilities.

Setting Up for Success

Providing excellent internet service requires qualified staff, top-notch software, and reliable equipment. Over the past several months, we’ve hired four dedicated staff members to form the HiLight team. In addition, we are building out operations with support software, equipment, and a local call center. 

More Information
Visit Hillsboro-Oregon.gov/HiLight for details on the City of Hillsboro’s HiLight internet service, or visit Hillsboro-Oregon/Fiber for more information on the City’s Fiber Network Expansion Project.

About Hillsboro, Oregon
illsboro is one of Oregon’s most diverse and dynamic cities, with a steadily growing population of 101,940 residents. During the workday, more than 50,000 employees commute to Hillsboro to work at companies such as Intel, Nike, and Genentech. Known as the “high-tech hub of Oregon” and the “tallest tree in the Silicon Forest,” Hillsboro has some of the best land, power, and water resources in the country. Learn more at www.Hillsboro-Oregon.gov.

The Red Cross will honor the heroic, lifesaving and outstanding actions of local community members at the Hero Awards Breakfast on March 22, 2019.

PORTLAND, Ore. March 20, 2019– The American Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) will honor ordinary people and their extraordinary and lifesaving actions at its 22nd Annual Heroes Breakfast event on March 22, 2019.

The stories of the Hero Award winners who will be honored at the event include:

• A man committed to making his workplace and community safer by sponsoring and facilitating free CPR classes,
• Three sheriff’s deputies who responded to a call for an unresponsive infant and performed CPR on the baby, keeping her alive until emergency medical services could arrive,
• A high school student who forewent her own Christmas celebration last year in favor of delivering toys to families in need in Butte County, California, the location of the devastating Camp Fire,
• A five-person tugboat crew who spotted two people stranded near their capsized boat in the middle of the Columbia River and rescued them from the freezing water just before night fell, saving their lives.

Heroes Breakfast details:

• 7:30 – 9 a.m. (doors open at 7 a.m.)
• Hilton Vancouver, Washington 301 W. 6th St. in Vancouver, WA
• For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.redcross.org/Heroes2019.

For 22 years, the local Red Cross has honored local people for risking their own lives to save another or for going beyond the call of duty to positively impact the community. To view the stories of last year’s Hero Award recipients, click here: https://rdcrss.org/2CsDgD3

Full List of 2019 Hero Award Winners and Incident Recaps

Community Hero: Jay Burcham of Albany, OR

For more than a decade, Jay has made workplace safety a top priority by requiring and providing for his employees to stay up to date on their CPR/First Aid certifications. His efforts have resulted in at least one life saved, in January 2018.

Military Hero: Tim Wilson of Bend, OR

Tim is a military veteran and is incredibly active with the Oregon Veterans Motorcycle Association in Bend. He has made it his personal mission to give back to veterans in his community through this organization, helping them raise funds to help veterans for the last two years, totaling more than $14,000 in 2017 and more than $16,000 in 2018.

Good Samaritan Heroes: Captain Joshua Burrows, Riley Wyatt, Billy Pike, Harry Pike & Ken Marvel of Tidewater Barge Lines in Vancouver, WA

The crew of Tidewater’s Ryan Point Tugboat sprang into action when they spotted two people stranded in the middle of the Columbia River. The couple were exhausted and hypothermic after treading water for three hours, and the Tidewater crew pulled them to safety and warmth aboard their tugboat, saving their lives.

Give Life Hero: Merrill Gonterman, Roseburg, OR

In February 2018, Merrill found out his daughter had leukemia and needed critical medical treatment to save her life, including 40 blood transfusions. Inspired by the lifesaving power of blood products, Merrill joined the Red Cross Southwest Oregon Chapter Board of Directors in June 2018 and made it his top priority to organize regular blood drives in his community. To date, Merrill has organized 6 blood drives, collecting 153 units of blood, and he plans to continue his efforts to save even more lives.

Voluntary Service Hero: Janah Moorer, Klamath Falls, OR

Through her passion for helping and bringing joy to others, Janah has become a coordinator for her local Toys for Tots program, helping to collect and distribute more than 10,000 toys for more than 3,000 families in her community. When the organization found themselves with extra toys this past holiday season, Janah and her mom traveled to Butte County, California, to personally deliver them to families who had been affected by the Camp Fire.

First Responder Heroes: Deputies Jonathan Zacharkiw, Dan Olson & Jonah Russell, Clackamas, OR

Baby Audrey and her parents, Jessie and Kaylob, were in a mall portrait studio when Audrey suddenly became unresponsive. She had gone pale and wasn’t breathing when her mother called 911, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputies Zacharkiw, Olson and Russell were nearby and responded to the call for help. They performed CPR on the infant, keeping her alive until emergency responders arrived on the scene.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCasc.

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DENVER – Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and Agriculture’s Forest Service recognized the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and the Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto (NRMG) last week for their leadership and contributions to wildlife conservation and public lands stewardship. The awards were presented at the 84th North American Wildlife & Natural Resources Conference in Denver.

The RMEF, a 35-year veteran partner to both agencies and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, received the Forest Service-BLM 2019 Conservation Partner of the Year Award for sustained outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation and public access across the West. The NRMG was awarded the Forest Service-BLM 2019 Conservation Project Award for its dedication, leadership, and innovations to building collaborative partnerships that promote sound land management practices and conservation of public lands, wildlife, and cave resources in Montana, Idaho and North Dakota.

“The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto embody what it means to be a true partner. The dedicated work, vital leadership, and significant financial contributions provided by these organizations and their volunteers each year make a real difference in our ability to manage our nation’s wildlife and public lands sustainably for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations of Americans,” said Kristin Bail, BLM Assistant Director for Resources and Planning. 

“Committed partners like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto are critical to sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands. We value their dedicated commitment, technical expertise, and leadership in working with federal and state agencies, communities, and other partners to leverage resources in the management and conservation of lands and wildlife,” said Rob Harper, Director of Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air and Rare Plants in the Forest Service.

RMEF has helped the BLM and Forest Service implement more than 4,300 wildlife habitat enhancement, land protection, and public access improvement projects. Such projects include aspen restoration, forest restoration thinning, prescribed fire, burned area restoration, planting, seeding, fence removal, and weed control to enhance more than firve million acres of wildlife habitat on federal public lands. 

RMEF also facilitated BLM and Forest Service land and easement acquisitions through the nation’s Land and Water Conservation Fund to conserve wildlife habitat and improve public recreational access on federal lands. RMEF has directly contributed more than $36.6 million to both agencies to help fund wildlife and conservation projects. The combined total conservation value of the two agencies’ partnership with RMEF is estimated at more than $411 million.

The NRMG assists the Forest Service, BLM, and the State of Montana in cave inventory, monitoring, and management, with a focus on cave restoration, bat habitat monitoring, and preventing the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a deadly and highly infectious disease affecting bat populations across the U.S.  NRMG is actively engaged in helping the agencies educate the public on bat conservation, including installing cave visitor register boxes, which provide information for cave visitors about clean caving practices, decontamination protocols, and reporting bat observations through the NRMG website. The organization also collaborates with Forest Service and BLM personnel and Bigfork High School Cave Club to establish cave climate monitoring, photo monitoring, and Visitor Impact Point monitoring across Montana.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our conservation work that benefits elk and so many other wildlife species,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “We appreciate our federal agency partners with whom we’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder for years now and look forward to many more joint projects that permanently protect and enhance wildlife habitat, open or improve public access and benefit hunters, anglers and so many others who cherish our wild landscapes.”

“We've really enjoyed working with the FS and BLM since 2011. As many agencies are stretched thin with resources, it is imperative that we learn to work more effectively to help manage the outdoor resources we all care so much about,” said Ian Chechet, NRMG Chairman.

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Media inquiries: 800-570-5838

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2019

To maintain top quality recreation experience, PacifiCorp’s Lewis River campgrounds and day use areas modestly increase fees

ARIEL, Wash. —  In order to maintain high standards at more than 500 camping and picnic sites enjoyed by more than 400,000 visitors annually on the Lewis River, PacifiCorp is increasing fees, in most cases by less than $2 per day, charged for camping and parking effective April 1.

Reservations made before April 1 will be charged at the former rates. Effective April 1, the new fees will apply for reservations or any permits issued on site. To reserve a campsite, go to: http://www.pacificorp.com/about/or/washington/lrc.html. For more information, call 503-813-6666 or email ecreation@pacificorp.com">recreation@pacificorp.com.

Specific fee increases are listed at the bottom of this document.

A tradition of recreational excellence

The Lewis River is home to PacifiCorp’s largest hydroelectric facilities, providing customers with emission-free, renewable energy. PacifiCorp, through Pacific Power, serves electric customers in Oregon, Washington and California.

As part of its federal license to operate these hydroelectric projects, PacifiCorp also maintains 14 public parks and day-use facilities along the three Lewis River reservoirs as well as sites downstream of Merwin Dam.

Facilities include 304 campsites and 268 picnic sites, fresh drinking water, hot showers, swimming beaches, boat ramps, restrooms and RV sanitation stations. These parks can be found on State Highway 503 starting approximately 10 miles east of Woodland, Wash., continuing 40 miles upstream to Swift Forest Camp. Nearly a half million visitors a year make use of these facilities.

Keeping these facilities ready for visitors means constant investment and fees are dedicated to maintaining and operating the parks. PacifiCorp charges recreation fees to offset the costs of providing the following visitor services:

• Safety. PacifiCorp contracts with the Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania county sheriffs’ offices and a private security company for security patrols.
• On-site Park Host staff available seven days a week during the summer season to ensure a well-maintained safe and enjoyable experience for all customers.
• Year-round availability of the online reservation system
• Year-round reservation and customer support staff to assist guests with their recreation planning and customer service needs
• Off-season park maintenance staff to ensure the parks are well maintained and available for the public’s enjoyment.

Fee increases are as follows:

• Cresap Bay, Cougar and Beaver Bay. Camping fee per night will increase from $21 to $23. Group camping fees will also increase from $315 to $345 a night.
• Swift Forest Camp. Camping fee per night from $18 to $20
• A $1 increase for day use parking will be implemented at all Lewis River Parks, with the exception of Cougar Park due to fluctuating water levels and the resulting intermittent inaccessibility of the boat launch. New per day, per vehicle fees are:
  • Merwin Park: $2
  • Speelyai Bay Park: $4
  • Cresap Bay Park: $4
  • Saddle Dam Park: $4
  • Yale Park: $4
  • Beaver Bay Park: $4
  • Swift Forest Camp: $4
  • Cougar Park: day use fees to remain at $3 per vehicle

• A $2 per vehicle per night increase for the PacifiCorp-managed dispersed camping sites on Yale and Swift Reservoirs, bringing the overnight parking fee up to $7 per vehicle, per night.

• The Annual Peak Season Day Use Parking Pass will be raised from $20 to $30.

“We wanted to let our guests know about these necessary fee increases as soon as possible so they can make their recreation plans with all the information available,” said Jessica Kimmick, recreation manager at PacifiCorp. “We understand that any fee change can be difficult. These adjustments allow us to cover the costs for maintaining these facilities and uphold the quality standards our visitors expect and deserve.”

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March 20, 2019 - Salem, Ore. – Steve Seaquist got pinched a lot on St. Patrick’s Day, but it wasn’t because he wasn’t wearing green.

“I checked my Raffle ticket Saturday night and realized I’d won,” Seaquist said. “I kept asking my wife to pinch me, because I thought I was dreaming.”

Seaquist and his wife Shirley were the top prize winners of the 2019 Oregon Lottery Raffle, winning the $1 million prize after purchasing four tickets. After taxes the couple took home $680,000.

“We spread the tickets out, so we buy them at the beginning, the middle and the end,” he said.

Seaquist purchased the winning ticket at the Newberg Safeway. Seaquist and his wife had talked with a financial planner and attorney before claiming the prize, following the advice the Lottery gives to all jackpot winners.

“We are going to put it into savings and see what happens,” Seaquist said. “We want to wait 12 months before doing anything. We are going to keep it for our retirement, we are going to help our kids and donate some to our church and the Portland Mission.”

The winning number was 098200. There are a total of 1801 winning tickets, with $1 million prize, 300 prizes of $500 and 1,500 prizes of $100.

During the 2015-17 biennium in Yamhill County, where Seaquist lives and purchased the ticket, more than $14.2 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement. The Newberg School District received more than $3.8 million during that same time from Oregon Lottery funding.

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

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, Veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

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Wednesday, March 20, 2019 – Ridgefield, Washington – Steven Radosevich, School Board Director representing District 3 in the Ridgefield School District, has announced his resignation from the board.  Radosevich has served on the school board for nearly ten years.  The district plans to honor Radosevich at a school board meeting next month.

Ridgefield School District now begins a search for highly qualified candidates to fill the vacant School Board Director position representing District 3.

Applications are available online at the district’s website by clicking here:  Application for Appointment - District 3.  Applications are also available at the Superintendent’s Office, Ridgefield Administrative & Civic Center, 510 Pioneer Street in Ridgefield, Washington.  Applications must be received in the Superintendent’s Office by 4:00 pm on March 27, 2019.

A special meeting of the Ridgefield School Board will be scheduled for the purpose of interviewing candidates in an open public session.  Appointment of the new board member is anticipated to be April 9, 2019.

The Ridgefield School District Board of Directors consists of five members.  Each Director represents one of five geographic districts in which he or she resides.

District 3 boundaries are as follows:

Director District 3 Starting at the intersection of 71st Ave and 304th St.

East on 304th St to 51st Ave.

South on 51th Ave to 289th St.

East on 289th St to 31st Ave.

South on 31st Ave to 10th St.

East on 10th St to I-5

South on I-5 to northbound freeway off-ramp for 219th St.

North and East on 219th St to school district boundary

Counterclockwise following school district boundary to northern crossing of Union Pacific RR. South on Union Pacific RR to Lancaster Rd.

Southeast on Lancaster Rd to 71st Ave.

South on 71st Ave to the point of the beginning

The district reserves the right to extend the application deadline if necessary to obtain a sufficient number of applications.

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Ridgefield School District.  Directors must be a U.S. citizen and resident of the state of Washington; be a resident and qualified voter in the school district; and reside in the director district which he or she represents.

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On March 18, 2019 at about 6:33 AM, Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a report of a vehicle parked in front of the gas pumps at the Chevron Gas station in Waldport, Oregon.  The caller reported the male subject was sleeping in the vehicle and refused to leave when asked. A license plate for the subjects vehicle was provided and deputies learned the vehicle was entered as a stolen vehicle out of Florence, Oregon.  

Deputies arrived on scene, contacted the occupant of the vehicle and took him into custody without incident.  The occupant of the vehicle was identified as Jason Levi Wright, 45, of Florence, Oregon.  Wright was transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, bail was at $50,000. (Photo attached)

The Red Cross has opened a shelter for evacuees in Lyons, Oregon, due to a wildfire.

The shelter is located at:

Mari-Linn School

641 5th St.

Lyons, OR 97358

Individuals and families affected by the wildfire and in need of shelter assistance are encouraged to simply show up at the shelter for help.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RedCrossCascades, Twitter at @RedCrossCasc and find us on Instagram at @RedCrossCascades.

Lyons, Ore. -- A fire reported Tuesday afternoon near the North Santiam State Recreational Area off Highway 22 has grown to an estimated 60 acres as of Tuesday evening, with evacuations ordered for nearby homes.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is in unified command with the Lyons Fire Department and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office on the Santiam Park Fire. Pushed by strong east winds, the fire jumped the Santiam River and is approximately 20 percent lined.

Level 3 “GO” evacuations are in place for residents west of Neighbor’s Lane, including 25th Avenue, River Loop, and Oak Lane. Approximately 35 homes and 30 outbuildings are currently threatened, but no structures have been lost. The Red Cross has identified Mari-Linn Elementary School as an evacuation center.

"Our partners at the local level along with our ODF resources have done an outstanding job during initial attack today" said ODF Incident Commander, Blake Ellis, "we appreciate the teamwork of all agencies involved."

Crews from ODF, Lyons Fire Department, Mill City Fire Department, Sublimity Fire Department, and other local agencies were engaged in extended attack and expect to return in the morning. Resources involved include a Type 2 helicopter as well as multiple dozers and engines.

For more information on evacuations, contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950.

Mari-Linn Elementary School is following normal procedures for notification regarding potential school closure for tomorrow, Wednesday, March 20.

North Santiam State Recreateion Area is closed.

###

Salem, OR – The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has confirmed a second case of measles in a resident of Marion County. The case is linked to a traveler who recently visited Marion County. The case is unrelated to the measles outbreak in Clark County, Washington, and is unrelated to a measles case in Multnomah County.

There are no new locations where people may have been exposed to measles. The person was unvaccinated, and there are no additional suspect cases at this time.

Some exposure sites have been removed from the list below because the period during which someone could have gotten measles (incubation period) has passed. Most Oregonians have been vaccinated against measles and their risk is low. Unvaccinated people who visited the following location, during the listed dates and times, may have been exposed to measles:

• Youth With a Mission, 7085 Battle Creek Road SE, Salem, Feb. 18, 7 a.m. through March 14, 5 p.m.

Find a complete list of Oregon exposure sites at the OHA measles webpage.  

WHOM TO CALL

Oregon public health officials urge people to avoid immediately going to a medical office, if:

1. They are not immune AND
2. They have been exposed AND
3. They have symptoms

Instead, call a health care provider or urgent care center by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

Anyone who has questions about public exposures should call (503) 588-5621 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Anyone with questions about measles infection or the measles vaccine should call their primary care provider or their county health department. For more information on measles for the public, please visit the OHA measles webpage or call Marion County Health & Human Services at (503) 588-5621.

ABOUT MEASLES

Measles poses the highest risk to unvaccinated pregnant women, infants under 12 months of age, and people with weakened immune systems.

The symptoms of measles start with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection, and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication.

After someone contracts measles, illness develops in about two weeks, but people can be contagious days before they know they’re sick.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People are contagious with measles for four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. The virus can also linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left.

A person is considered immune to measles if ANY of the following apply:

1. You were born before 1957.
2. Your physician has diagnosed you with measles.
3. A blood test proves that you are immune.
4. You have been fully vaccinated against measles (one dose for children 12 months through 3 years old, two doses in anyone 4 years and older).

On March 19th 2019 at approximately 3:00 PM, the Salem Police Department responded to the Salem Hospital after the hospital received a threatening phone call.  The hospital followed their standard procedures and the hospital campus was placed into lockdown.  Salem Police Officers responded to the scene and worked with hospital staff and their security department during the course of their investigation.  A public address announcement was issued by the Salem Hospital notifying people on campus of the threat and advised them to use caution if they left the building.  At approximately 4:00 PM Salem Police Officers, through the course of their area search and investigation, deemed the threat did not appear to be credible.  Salem Hospital lifted the lockdown and returned to normal operations.  No further information is available at this time, as the investigation is ongoing and officers are following up on leads.  ###

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 – Ridgefield, Washington – On March 14, 2019, the Office of the Washington State Auditor released its Financial Statements Audit Report and Federal Single Audit Report (for Special Education) for the Ridgefield School District for the period September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018.

The 2017-18 school year marked significant changes for the district.  It experienced record-breaking student enrollment and continues to deal with rapid growth.  Additionally, the district took over management of the Special Education Program from Educational Service District 112 who managed the program in prior years.   

The audit reports that the district continues to produce accurate and reliable financial information for the public and notes no concerns with compliance or internal controls over Special Education program management.

“We work diligently to ensure the information we disseminate to our public is accurate. We are also grateful for the continued support from our citizens and public in providing the District with the resources it needs to continue to offer unlimited possibilities for our students and families,” said Paula McCoy, the district’s Executive Director of Business Services. 

To view the complete 2017-18 Financial Audit Report, visit the Finance Page of the district’s website at https://www.ridgefieldsd.org/o/district/page/finance--5.

###

Clackamas County Fair & Event Center May 28 Open House

Canby, Oregon – The Clackamas County Fair Board invites community members to discuss the Clackamas County Fair & Event Center (CCFEC) Master Plan at an open house on Thursday, March 28 from 5 to 7pm at CCFEC Horning Hall.  Open house participants can drop in anytime to learn about proposed new facilities and review and comment on site design alternatives.

“We are excited to talk with community members about the future of the Fairgrounds” said CCFEC Executive Director, Laurie Bothwell. “As home to the Clackamas County Fair and many other community events, the Fairgrounds has a special role in bringing together families throughout Clackamas County.”

The Master Plan will help identify new facilities and improvements to existing facilities that will maintain the Fairgrounds as an attractive and viable place for community recreation, festivals and events. New facilities may include a multi-purpose building, livestock barn and RV Park.

The CCFEC is a multi-building, multi-purpose, year-round use campus that hosts a variety of conventions, shows, festivals, and celebrations. It encompasses the needs of the County including public and private community events, the County Fair, agriculture and education clubs, and recreational opportunities. It also serves as the County’s premier regional event space that draws state-wide attendees. Operation of the Fairgrounds in these capacities provides economic stimulation and expanded tourism development.

VANCOUVER, Wash.—Fisher Construction Group Inc., a Washington-grown construction services firm, is poised to join a growing group of businesses at the Port of Vancouver USA’s Centennial Industrial Park (CIP).

The port’s Board of Commissioners today unanimously approved the sale of 2.28 acres of light-industrial land to Fisher for $873,000; the firm will build its Vancouver offices at the site.

Headquartered in Burlington, Washington, with offices in Spokane and Vancouver, Fisher currently leases a facility in Hazel Dell for its local operations. The company initially plans to build a two-story, 12,000-square-foot office building; detached, 2,500-square-foot shop and; an outdoor storage area on its acreage at CIP. Once construction is complete, Fisher will relocate its 30 Vancouver-based employees to its new facility.

Over the next five years, Fisher plans to increase its staff to 75 site and field employees and could expand into as much as 24,000 square feet of office space and 7,500 square feet of warehousing.

Sale vs. lease
It’s rare for the Port of Vancouver to sell property. The decision to sell is made only after careful consideration and preservation of public interest in the property. Through contract conditions, the port can repurchase the property from Fisher should any of the following occur:

• The property title is transferred within one year from the close of escrow;
• The property is not devoted to its intended use within one year from the close of escrow;
• Construction and operations do not begin within 24 months;
• Minimum employment level of 30 employees is not maintained;
• The property is offered for sale.

The last time the port sold property was in 2015, when Sunlight Supply Inc. purchased 15 acres in CIP. Sunlight built its 306,000-square-foot world headquarters on the property, investing more than $30 million and consolidating 250 jobs at the site. Sunlight was purchased by Hawthorne Hydroponics LLC in 2018 and Hawthorne has continued to grow this business at CIP, providing jobs and economic benefits for Clark County.

Similarly, Fisher Construction Group plans to invest in a sustainable facility, grow its business and more than double its employee base in Clark County. The company further diversifies the mix of businesses in Vancouver and at the port, which helps support the long-term vitality of our community and region.

Fisher was represented by local broker Garret Harper with Fuller Group Commercial Real Estate Services.

About Centennial Industrial Park
Completed in 2012 – the port’s centennial year – Centennial Industrial Park (CIP) features 15 ready-to-build acres, ideal for light industry and advanced manufacturing. CIP offers proximity to ocean bound and river shipping lanes, national rail lines and major interstate highways, including I-5 – the West Coast’s primary north/south arterial – and I-84, a principal route to the Midwest.

About Fisher Construction Group
Fisher Construction Group Inc. was established in the late 1970s and is an integrated design | build general contractor with projects currently throughout the U.S. and Canada. Offering in-house design services across the disciplines for both industrial and commercial development, Fisher’s team of builders, architects, structural engineers, food processing experts and thermal envelope specialists are known for building highly efficient facilities that deliver on investment. Fisher was listed in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Book of Lists as one of the Fastest Growing Companies, with annual revenues that exceed $390 million.

                                                                                                                                                                           – POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the Pacific Coast, and its competitive strengths include available land, versatile cargo handling capabilities, vast transportation networks, a skilled labor force and an exceptional level of service to its customers and community. For more information, please visit us at www.portvanusa.com.

The Battle Ground Public Schools Board of Directors has selected retired educator Mark Watrin to fill the District 4 director position left vacant when long-time board member Mavis Nickels resigned earlier this month. Watrin was one of four candidates the board interviewed and considered at a special meeting Monday night. Watrin will be sworn in at the Battle Ground school board meeting on Monday, March 25.

Watrin is a retired teacher whose career spanned 40 years in a variety of roles as a science educator. Early in his career, Watrin helped develop the Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education, a half-day high school program focused on science in Battle Ground Public Schools. Watrin retired last year from the Battle Ground district, where he worked as both a science teacher and a Teacher on Special Assignment providing professional development to other science teachers. During his career, Watrin also worked in the Vancouver and Camas school districts and at ESD 112 and Washington State University. He continues to participate in science education by volunteering in Battle Ground schools and with activities at the DIG field school through the University of Washington's Burke Museum. Watrin also serves as a Washington Science Teachers Association representative and previously was a Kiwanis member and leader for 30 years. Watrin and his wife, Donna, have two grown children who attended Battle Ground schools. Donna is also a retired teacher from the Battle Ground district.

"I've been passionate about education ever since I got into it," Watrin said during the application process. "I want to continue to serve and work for kids as a board member. We have a chemistry teacher saying, 'If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.' I want to be part of the solution."

Watrin's appointment to the board will be through November 2019. The position will be up for election for a four-year term at that time.

Watrin's appointment will bring the board to full capacity. Earlier this month, the school board appointed Rob Henrikson to replace Ken Root as Director of District 2. Root also resigned his position last month. Both Root and Nickels had served eight years on the board. 

Battle Ground Public Schools is one of the largest geographic districts in the state. The district supports more than 13,000 students in 18 schools, including six primary schools, six middle schools, one K-8 school, one 3-12 academy, two comprehensive high schools, one alternative high school, and one home school support program.

Go to any of the first grade classrooms at Tukes Valley Primary, and you’ll find a “calming corner” set up to help students get in control of their emotions. Each calming corner has a basket with a coloring book, a stuffed animal, a visual timer, and a copy of “Sometimes I’m Bombaloo,” a book about a young student who learns to get in control of her negative emotions.

The first graders at Tukes have been tackling some pretty big life lessons this school year, discussing ways to help students who struggle with managing their emotions and become disruptive to the learning environment. Perhaps most impressively, the kids took ownership of the calming corner project and put in the effort to make it work, and now their grade has seen a drop in defiant behaviors among first graders.

It all started when health and physical education teacher Ann Croze discovered a trend as she pored over Tukes Valley's student behavior data. The majority of classroom referrals among the school’s first graders were due to defiant behavior when attempting to avoid doing a given task.

Croze set out to help address this trend and recruited the help of Battle Ground Public Schools’ Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports coach, Kristen McIntyre. McIntyre visited all six of Tukes Valley's first grade classes and presented to students some ideas about why they might sometimes “flip their lids,” or get upset and act out.

One of the Battle Ground Public School district's strategic goals is to support the social and emotional well-being of students. By teaching students to identify their emotions and understand their feelings, they can learn how to manage those emotions and express themselves in healthy ways. Battle Ground Public Schools has counselors at all of its schools and uses teaching tools and a system of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to teach social emotional skills and behavioral expectations to students.

“Our Social/Emotional Learning programs have provided our schools with resources to teach students how to self-regulate, have empathy for others, emotion management, and problem solving,” McIntryre said. “Tukes Valley Primary has used these resources to teach students these skills, and the first grade students then took it a bit farther by creating quiet spaces in their classrooms to practice these skills. We know before students can learn, they must be ready to do so. Practicing strategies for calming down helps prepare students to learn more effectively.”

At Tukes Valley Primary, McIntyre delivered several key messages to the first graders. She shared that emotional outbursts don’t just affect the student experiencing them, but also the teacher, other students in the classroom, and the ability for learning to happen as well. McIntyre explained that there are often underlying reasons for behavior issues, and that just because someone may be acting out and being disruptive, that doesn’t make someone a bad person.

McIntyre and Croze stressed to the students that they can be helpful as peers and remind each other about strategies to calm their emotions. Together, the first graders, teachers and McIntyre looked over the student handbook and discussed how and why rules are created to provide the students with a basis of understanding for how to navigate the world. Now that the first graders had a better understanding of the issues and how they could help, the next step was to begin exploring possible solutions.

That’s when the idea for stocking the calming corners with baskets of helpful items was hatched. The students selected four things for the baskets that would be the most helpful in calming down, and also discussed how they could acquire those items for each classroom. The first graders decided they would perform a chore or job at home to earn a dollar to contribute toward the project. The Tukes Valley PTO helped distribute a letter and envelope to first grade families, and the first graders were given a week to complete their chore and collect their dollar. First grader Landon Pulse said he helped do cleaning chores around the house, and Aubrey Culver spent time babysitting her baby cousin to earn their contributions.

At the end of the week, the students had raised about 75 percent of the funds needed to purchase the calming items. At first, Croze and the students talked about cutting back on some of the items to stay within their budget, but ultimately, they submitted an application for funding assistance to the PTO, which covered the remaining $37.

In a comparison of the behavior data six weeks before and six weeks after first grade classes created the Calming Corners, the number of first grade referrals for defiance decreased 30 percent. While there are many factors for this drop, Tukes Valley credits the lessons learned from this project as a key part.

“Our goals were to try something different and help the students gain a better understanding about behavior, emotion management, and strategies to help each other function in the classroom,” Croze said. “The students learned skills to be a part of a more effective learning environment, and they demonstrated personal responsibility in making this project happen.”

CORRECTION: Day of incident was Sunday, not Monday -- corrected below.

Please reference CCSO Case # 19-006112

DASH CAM VIDEO OF DEPUTY ARRIVAL (.mp4 format):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kultcgfk8mp2nua/19-006112-DashVideo.mp4?dl=0

At approximately 7:16 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2019, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies contracted to the City of Estacada responded to the report of a disturbance in the parking lot of the Harvest Market in Estacada, OR.

Deputies were advised while responding to the location that a man -- later identified as Rick Douglas Simmons, 19, of Estacada -- was stating he was suicidal and asking people to call the police. Simmons was bleeding from cuts on his arms. (He later told deputies he had taken hallucinogenic mushrooms that afternoon.)

Witnesses in the area reported that Simmons approached and shoved one woman and then asked her to call the police. Simmons then walked across the parking lot toward a 71-year-old woman and punched her in the face. The woman fell down and was briefly unconscious. Simmons then entered her vehicle in what appeared to be an attempt to steal it.

Bystanders in the parking lot came to the injured woman's aid and stopped Simmons from leaving the location. They moved the victim out of harm’s way and tried to remove the keys from the vehicle.

During the struggle with the bystanders, Simmons drove the truck forward where he struck a bottle return machine. A photo of the damaged vehicle is attached to this release.

Several bystanders were then able to remove Simmons from the truck and held him down on the ground until the first deputy arrived. Simmons was placed in handcuffs without further incident.

Estacada Fire and American Medical Response personnel arrived at the location to render First Aid to the injured woman. Simmons also received First Aid for his cuts. The victim suffered bumps and bruises, but was able to leave the scene with family members.

After completing an investigation, Simmons was transported to and booked at the Clackamas County Jail on charges of Assault III, Unlawful use of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief II and Reckless Endangering. His booking photo is attached. His complete booking info can be found here: https://web3.clackamas.us/roster/#inmates Bail was set at $75,000.

Dash-cam video of the deputy arriving at the scene can be downloaded from this Dropbox address:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kultcgfk8mp2nua/19-006112-DashVideo.mp4?dl=0

Three Clackamas County cities -- Estacada, Happy Valley and Wilsonville -- contract with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office to provide municipal police services.

[END]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

MARCH 19, 2019

Jury finds Russell Courtier guilty of murdering Larnell Bruce Jr.

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a jury returned a guilty verdict, on all counts, in regards to 40-year-old Russell Courtier.

The jury found Courtier guilty of murder, felony and hit and run, and intimidation in the second degree.

Intimidation in the second degree is Oregon’s hate crime statute, along with intimidation in the first degree.

Opening statements in this case were presented on March 7, 2019. The jury began deliberating March 18, 2019 and returned its verdict on March 19, 2019.

On August 10, 2016, Gresham Police officers and detectives assigned to the East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team responded to the intersection of Southeast 188th Avenue and Southeast Burnside Street in Gresham, Oregon to investigate a vehicular hit and run crash involving a pedestrian.

Law enforcement arrived and located 19-year-old Larnell Bruce Jr. suffering from critical injuries. He was transported to the hospital where he later died.

During the trial, the state presented evidence that showed Courtier, a European Kindred gang member, and Mr. Bruce got into a physical altercation outside a convenience store.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney David Hannon, who prosecuted this case, told the jury that Mr. Bruce attempted to leave the area when Courtier got into a jeep belonging to Colleen Hunt.

According to the state’s theory of the case, the surveillance video entered into evidence showed Courtier driving the Jeep towards Mr. Bruce. The video showed Mr. Bruce taking evasive maneuvers on foot in an attempt to escape Courtier and the red Jeep, Hannon told the jury.

Witnesses who testified told the jury that Courtier’s actions to run down Mr. Bruce seemed “intentional.”

On March 13, 2019, four business days after opening statements, Hunt, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree and admitted that she aided and abetted Courtier in causing the death of Mr. Bruce.

In her guilty plea she admitted that the day Mr. Bruce died, she was in a relationship with Courtier. During that time, she knew Courtier was an active member of the prison gang European Kindred. Furthermore, by pleading guilty, she admitted that on August 10, 2016, she saw Courtier get into a fight with Mr. Bruce. She also admitted that she allowed Courtier to use her Jeep to chase down Mr. Bruce in Courtier's attempt to kill Mr. Bruce.

At this time, no sentencing date has been scheduled for either Courtier or Hunt.

No additional statements will be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office until both Courtier and Ms. Hunt have been sentenced.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

UPDATE (Tuesday, March 19, 2019) -- SUBJECT FOUND

UPDATE: Detectives received information that Axl Kolbe was in the Fairbanks, Alaska area. Info was sent to the Fairbanks Police Department and a detective there contacted Mr. Kolbe. The Sheriff's Office is no longer seeking tips, and thanks the public for its help.

EARLIER (March 14, 2019)

Please reference CCSO Case # 19-005273

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help as it searches for missing Milwaukie man Axl Stephen Kolbe, 27, who was last seen nine days ago on a TriMet bus.

Mr. Kolbe was reportedly last seen around 8 a.m. March 5 on the Tri-Met 72 bus on 82nd Ave., near Winco.

Photos of Axl Kolbe are attached to this release. He is described as follows:

• White male
• 27 years old
• 6'1" tall
• 220 lbs.
• Brown eyes
• Brown hair and beard
• Distinctive facial tattoos (pictured)

Anyone with information on Axl Kolbe's whereabouts is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line — by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference CCSO Case # 19-005273.

[END]

Aurora Fire would like to caution everyone that the threat of wildfire is here.  Winds are expected today at 10 to 15 mph with gusts of 30+ mph. Fire from burn piles can spread very quickly. Please remember to attend the fire & have tools/water available to extinguish your fire.  Be sure to have a phone available in the event you need to call 911.  We recommend holding off on burning until conditions are more favorable.  Visit www.aurorafire.org for open burning information.

Investigators with the Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) are seeking information on a material witness who was seen driving through the incident scene. Investigators are releasing images and two short videos of the vehicle in question.

The vehicle appears to be a white Kia Soul.

Anyone with information on the driver of the vehicle or information related to the crash is asked to contact Officer Dalton with Beaverton Police Department at (503) 526-2260.

Investigators were initially looking for another white vehicle associated with the crash. Investigators were able to identify the vehicle, and it’s driver shortly after the initial crash.

The original media release is below.

On Saturday, March 9, 2019, at 6:59 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a person who had been hit by a car while crossing SW Tualatin Valley Highway, just outside the City of Cornelius.

Deputies arrived to find the body of a 59-year-old man from Hillsboro, who appeared to have been hit by a white 2006 Honda Accord with front-end damage. The driver of the car, a 20-year-old man from Cornelius, remained on the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The initial investigation indicates the driver of the Honda Accord was driving westbound on SW Tualatin Valley Highway at NW 334th Avenue when the crash happened.

A witness reports a possible second vehicle may have also hit the victim, but that vehicle or driver have yet to be identified.

The possibility of driver impairment is also under investigation.

The victim of the crash has been identified as Dionicio Olvera of Hillsboro.

The highway was closed for several hours following the crash while the Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) began its investigation.

CART is a multi-agency team of specially trained law enforcement officers from the sheriff’s office and the Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, King City, Tigard, and Tualatin police departments. The Washington County District Attorney’s Office also has an assigned deputy district attorney on the team, who responded to this crash.

The sheriff’s office would like to thank the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for setting up a detour while the investigation was underway.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: building a digital defense against tax fraud. 

With April 15th just around the corner, it is a good time to check in with our friends at the IRS for tips on safe filing.  

With the tax bill passed last year by Congress, there are plenty of changes to tax law, and, not surprisingly, change can bring confusion. This uncertainty can open the door to fraudsters who want to convince you that they can help you find new deductions, fictitious rebates and bigger refunds.  

While most tax preparers are honest, hard-working professionals – there are certainly others who want to take advantage of you as time ticks down to filing day. They may approach you via text, email, social media post, phone call or even in person at community events or church gatherings.  

Here are some warning signs to watch for with regards to these less-than-legit preparers: 

• The preparer says he can get you a much bigger refund than you received last year or is bigger than what other preparers say you are eligible to receive. 

• The preparer pushes you to provide personal information, including W-2 forms, before you actually hire the person. 

• Your tax refund gets deposited in the scammer’s bank account, and he deducts a large fee before paying you the remainder of your refund. 

• The preparer only wants to use paper forms instead of e-filing your return. 

• The preparer doesn’t give you a copy of your own return. 

If you need help finding a tax professional, check out the IRS webpage www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro 

Next week we will talk about some other tax season scams, including criminals who target vulnerable populations and phishing scams that target you and your employer. 

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

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate 4.4% in February

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in February and 4.3 percent in January. Oregon’s unemployment rate has ranged between 4.0 percent and 4.4 percent since November 2016, with the low of 4.0 percent occurring in May, June, and July 2018. The U.S. unemployment rate declined to 3.8 percent in February from 4.0 percent in January.

Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in February (-500 jobs), following a revised, large gain of 12,800 jobs in January. Employment in financial activities, government, and construction continued to trend up, while transportation, warehousing and utilities decreased.

Since February 2018, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 29,500 jobs, or 1.5 percent. This growth rate was in line with the most recent nine months in which annual gains averaged 29,100 jobs. Over the past 12 months, the U.S. expanded at a slightly faster rate of 1.7 percent.

In February, employment in financial activities gained 900 jobs. Over the year, financial activities has added 1,200 jobs, or 1.2 percent. Government expanded by 700 jobs in February and since February 2018, it rose by 4,700 jobs, or 1.6 percent. Construction added 600 jobs in February. Construction led all industries with over??'the-year growth of 4,600 jobs, or 4.4 percent.

Transportation, warehousing, and utilities was the only major industry experiencing a large employment decline in February. It cut 1,800 jobs for the month, following a gain of 700 in January. Despite the drop in February, the industry grew rapidly in the second half of 2018, and has been the second fastest growing industry in the past 12 months, adding 2,400 jobs, or 3.8 percent in that time.

One component of the transportation industry, couriers and messengers, has expanded rapidly since 2013. Employment jumped 56 percent over that period, and stood at 9,800 jobs in February 2019. UPS and FedEx are included in this industry, which has become more highly seasonal with employment ramping up by 4,100 jobs during October through December 2018, then declining 3,800 jobs by February.

Warehousing and storage – an industry dominated by warehouses of major national retailers – grew rapidly over the past three years. It employed 9,900 in February, a gain of 2,500 since February 2016.

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the February county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, March 26th, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for March on Tuesday, April 16th.

Notes:

All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted, except the transportation and warehousing component industries.

The Oregon Employment Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) work cooperatively to develop and publish monthly Oregon payroll employment and labor force data. The estimates of monthly job gains and losses are based on a survey of businesses. The estimates of unemployment are based on a survey of households and other sources. This press release incorporates, for the first time, the annual revisions to the data for 2018 and prior years.

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

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

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

- The Legacy of Exposure to Agent Orange and Other Toxic Substances on Veterans and Their Offspring -

Please help promote this important Portland area Veteran event.

Media are invited - subject matter experts are available for interviews before/during/after this event.

Agent Orange / Toxic Exposure Town Hall for Veterans & Family Members

Saturday, March 23, 2019
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Portland VA Medical Center
Auditorium, Building 101, 2nd Floor 
3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospitol Road

Come learn about the health problems associated with exposure to Agent Orange and other toxic chemicals and how they affect your health and the health of your children and grandchildren for up to six generations.

Hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America Portland Metro Chapter 392.

For more information, contact
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 392
(503) 558-2970 ?,Y
vva392@outlook.com

Please share this event on the web or via Facebook.

(This is NON-VA event by Vietnam Veterans of America done with support of VA Portland Health Care System)

PORTLAND, Oregon – The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing will conduct routine F-15 Eagle night training missions on March 19-21, 2019.

Night training allows the Citizen-Airmen pilots based at the Portland Air National Guard Base to stay current with mandatory Air Force requirements. Night flying is conducted as essential training for nighttime maneuvers. Training flights will be completed each evening before 10:00 p.m.

About the 142nd Fighter Wing:

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,500 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Fighter Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border, on 24/7 Aerospace Control Alert as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

REDMOND, Ore. - Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (OPRD) All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Grant Subcommittee will meet to review several ATV Grant applications 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 2 at the Sleep Inn Event Center, located above Geno’s Italian Grill, 1857 NW 6th St., Redmond. The meeting is open to the public.

On the agenda: the subcommittee will review grant applications for ATV-related planning, development, acquisition and emergency medical projects. The subcommittee will then provide recommendations on grant funding to the OPRD director for referral to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

April 3 the committee will tour ATV riding areas in Central Oregon.

View a more detailed agenda online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/ATV/Pages/grant_apply.aspx

The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for ATV recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax money. More information about the state ATV program is available online: www.OregonOHV.org

The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Individuals that need special accommodations to attend the meeting should call 541-504-1500 at least three days in advance.

Cowlitz County, WA – Multiple agencies responded to a large brush fire and barn fire in the area of Melton Rd and Horsley place drive at 4pm on Monday afternoon.  Initial reports to dispatch reported a large grass fire 60-70 feet wide and was near a barn.  The fire later spread to nearby trees and the barn.  The reporting parties were evacuating neighbors living nearby.  Cowlitz county fire district 6 (Castle Rock), Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Toutle Fire, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) all responded to the fire that is estimated to be 15 acres.  Three fire engines, five water tenders, two brush engines, two chief officers, and other support apparatus, including a DNR Helicopter for water drops and a dozer, responded to the incident.  The fire was turned over to the DNR at 8pm, who remains on scene, once the fire was contained.  The cause of the fire is under investigation; at least one structure was lost in the fire.  No injuries were reported. 

Cowlitz County, WA- Multiple agencies respond to another brush fire at 5:06pm on Monday afternoon near milepost 47 on SR4.  Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Wahkiakum County, Cowlitz County Public Utility District, The Department of Transportation, Washington State Patrol, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) all responded to the incident.  Fire crews on scene reported the ½ acre fire with 4-6 flame lengths and initiated fire suppression efforts.  The fire was knocked down at 7:10pm and later turned over to the DNR for further mop up and investigation.  One engine, three brush engines, two water tenders, a chief officer and a DNR supervisor responded to the fire.  No structures were involved and no injuries were reported.  The cause of the fire is listed as an escaped campfire. 

Cowlitz County, WA- Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Cowlitz County Fire District 5 (Kalama) responded to a house fire in the 300 block of Nevada Dr Monday at 6:22pm.  Residents of a manufactured home reported that their porch was on fire, fled their home and called 911 for help.  A Cowlitz County Sheriff Deputy arrived on scene and reported the front of the house fully involved in fire and directed fire units best access.  Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire in under seven minutes after arrival.  Three fire engines, a water tender, and a chief officer responded to the incident.  Fire officials state the home is a total loss.  The American Red Cross will be providing shelter and other resources to the displaced family.  The cause of the fire is believed to from a discarded cigarette in to a cardboard box.  No injuries were reported. 

Clackamas County Master Gardeners™ presents:

35th Annual Spring Garden Fair

Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, 2019. 

Clackamas County Master Gardeners present the annual Spring Garden Fair, now in our 35th year. 

We have over 100 of your favorite garden vendors with annuals and perennials, vegetable and herbs, trees and shrubs and everything in between.  There are also specialty vendors with garden art, tools, compost and so much more.  This two day event has plenty of free attractions for gardeners of all ages - making it worth the drive to Canby. 

Master Gardener sponsored activities include : Award winning 10-Minute University with short classes on gardening - Ask a Master Gardener booths in two locations to answer your garden questions - Free pH soil testing in 4-H Hall with displays from local organizations and Free Children’s Activities. And don’t forget Garden Fair Raffle giving away dozens of prizes each hour, and Silent Auction featuring New Plant Introductions and favorites from local growers.

Returning Fair favorites: The Potting Station has great deals on containers - Plant Taxi’s with student volunteers towing for tips - free Plant Check will hold your purchases, and you can even drive by to pick them up on the way out of town! When you are ready for a break we have a Food Court and Coffee Thyme - with covered or indoor seating.  Returning once again is the Greater Portland Iris Society with their annual Early Show on Sunday, May 5 - find them on the back porch of the Main Pavilion. 

It’s all happening on the weekend before Mother's Day at the Clackamas County Event Center: 694 NE 4th Ave, Canby, Oregon 97013. Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is just $5.00 with under 16 free, always FREE parking and ATM's on site.  Please remember the fairgrounds is a non-smoking facility, and no pets - service dogs only please.   

Clackamas County Master Gardeners are volunteers trained by Oregon State University in the science of gardening.  Proceeds fund horticulture scholarships for students at Clackamas Community College as well as community grants and free educational programs.  Find out more about our event at www.SpringGardenFair.org or https://www.facebook.com/SpringGardenFair.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by April 19, 2019 to Janet Hohman, 503-655-8631. Janet.hohman@oregonstate.edu.  Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

With the recent promotion of Sgt. Brian Jensen to Lieutenant, the sheriff’s office has selected Sgt. Marcus Mendoza as its new Public Information Officer effective immediately.  Sgt. Mendoza will work with Lt. Jensen as he transitions into his new role.  Sgt. Mendoza has approximately 10 years of service with the sheriff’s office and was recently assigned to patrol.  Please direct all media inquiries to Sgt. Mendoza.

At about 8pm on Monday March 18th, West Linn Police were dispatched to a robbery that had taken place at the Verizon Store at 22000 Willamette Drive, West Linn.  The suspects left the store in a vehicle, allowing Verizon staff to call 911.

Once on scene, officers were able to track the suspects with the assistance of Verizon.  West Linn Police, along with Lake Oswego Police, conducted a traffic stop in Lake Oswego.

Three subjects were taken into custody with no other suspects at large.  The clerk was unharmed and there are no concerns for the safety of the public at this time.

If you were in the Central West Linn Village area between 7:30 pm and 8:00pm on Monday and believe you have information about this case, please contact Detective Bunch on 971-235-2075 on unch@westlinnoregon.gov">abunch@westlinnoregon.gov and reference WLPD Case # 19-2029.

The suspects are currently being interviewed and will be lodged at Clackamas County Jail.  More details will be made available on Tuesday morning.

UPDATED INFORMATION:

On March 18, 2019 Forest Grove Police investigators arrested Brian Couture, age 40, for the crimes of Initiating a False Report, a Class A misdemeanor, and Theft in the 2nd Degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Couture was lodged at the Washington County Jail.  

On March 6th, 2019 at about 9:53am, Couture called 911 and reported that an unknown subject had entered through a sliding glass door at his residence and that a struggle had occurred.The alleged suspect fled before officers arrived. An extensive dog track was conducted in the area and no suspect was located.

Couture admitted to Forest Grove Police investigators that the alleged incident was staged. Investigators believe that Couture staged the incident in order to conceal the theft of money belonging to a non-profit organization, that was spent inappropriately.

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