Oregon law requires all occupants to use safety restraints or a child safety system appropriate for their size.  Law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will be working overtime to focus on proper safety belt use including child seat use, during a nationwide traffic enforcement “blitz” occurring day and night from Wednesday, August 15th through Sunday, September 2nd. 

This enhanced enforcement is made possible through grant funding of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by Oregon Department of Transportation.  With onset of warmer weather, deputies will also be checking compliance with laws prohibiting transportation of a minor in an open pickup truck bed.

Roadside observations of belt use among Oregon travelers in 2016 revealed 96% of travelers use safety belts.  But despite this high use rate among the general population, Oregon crash data for 2015 shows lack of belt use in 27% of daytime and 50% of night time crashes. ODOT estimates that at least half of those who died unbelted or 67 persons could have been saved if everyone used safety belts on every trip.  Safety belts, used correctly, can reduce the risk of major crash injury or death by up to sixty-five percent.  Belts are even more effective when used in combination with airbag systems and other not-so-obvious occupant protection features designed into today’s vehicles.  

Currently, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause nationwide of death for children ages one through twelve years old. Child seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under one year old and by up to 59% for toddlers aged one to four.  Booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among four to eight year olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone. 

Oregon law requires children under two years of age to be properly secured in a rear-facing child safety seat.  A child weighing under forty pounds is required to be properly secured in a child seat with harness.  A child over forty pounds and under 4’ 9” must be properly secured using a booster seat until they reach age eight.  If you are unsure whether your child is ready to transition to an adult belt system, use the easy five-step test here: http://www.carseat.org

The new law, which extends the rear-facing requirement from the previous age one to age two,

will better protect the child’s head, neck, and spine from potential crash injuries. Research has

shown that children in the second year of life are five times less likely to die or be seriously

injured in a crash if they ride rear-facing. This is because a rear-facing seat spreads crash

forces evenly across the seat and child’s body while also limiting forward or sideways motion of

the head.

• For help installing child car seats, consult the seat manufacturer’s instructions, your vehicle owner’s manual, or visit a local child seat fitting station listed at:  http://www.nhtsa.gov/apps/cps/index.htm or at http://oregonimpact.org                                                                                 
• Product recalls related to your vehicle’s safety belt or your child’s safety seat is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at http://www.nhtsa.gov/ or check with the product manufacturer.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals who live in and travel through Polk County.  One of the most important safety measures individuals can take is to simply buckle up.         

This Labor Day weekend, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the national Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign to help keep impaired motorcyclists off the road. The campaign runs August 17 through September 3, 2018.

This enhanced enforcement is made possible through grant funding by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by Oregon Department of Transportation. 

According to NHTSA, in 2016, there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes—a 5.1-percent increase from the 5,029 motorcyclists killed in 2015.

In 2016, two-wheeled motorcycles accounted for 93 percent of all motorcycles in fatal crashes.

Even though motorcycles account for only about 3 percent of registered vehicles on the road, motorcycle riders are dramatically overrepresented in fatal crashes, especially those involving alcohol.

In 2016, motorcycle riders involved (killed and survived) in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than any other type of motor vehicle driver (25% for motorcycle riders, 21% for passenger cars, 20% for light-truck drivers, and 2% for drivers of large trucks).

In 2016, the highest percentage of fatally injured, alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders were in the 35-to-39 age group (38%), followed by the 45-to-49 age group (37%), and the 40-to-44 age group (32%).

In 2016, there were 4,950 motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes.

In 2016, the reported helmet use rate for alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes was 50 percent, as compared to 65 percent for those with no alcohol consumed (BAC=.00 g/dL).

Always practice general motorcycle safety: Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective clothing, never ride while distracted, be properly licensed, and don’t speed.

Remember that it is never okay to drink and ride. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.

Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android devices: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhtsa.SaferRide&hl=en), and Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saferride/id950774008?mt=8). SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.

If you see a drunk driver on the road call 911 to report the driver.

Have a friend who is about to drink and ride? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

Drunk driving can cost you your life, but it can also cost you financially. Here’s how:

If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time. Imagine trying to explain that to your friends and family or your place of employment if you’re unable to report to the office. The cost of a DUI can reach $10,000. Don’t risk it.

More information about motorcycle safety can be found at: www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals who live in and travel through Polk County.  One of the most important safety measures individuals can take is to simply buckle up.         

On Tuesday August 14, 2018 at about 8:40 PM a fatal crash occurred on SR 11, milepost 16, near Athena Oregon.  The crash occurred in an active construction zone where a repaving project was occurring. 

Preliminary information shows a construction zone flagger, Tyresa Monaghan (49 ) of Kennewick, WA.  had a vehicle stopped when a silver 2005 Chrysler minivan, operated by Leman Bledsoe (76) of Milton-Freewater, side swiped the stopped vehicle and struck Monaghan.  Monaghan sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Bledsoe continued for approximately 1 mile in the construction zone, endangering numerous other workers, before stopping. 

Bledsoe was transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton by ambulance.  He was treated and released from the hospital and taken into custody.  Bledsoe was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail for DUII, Reckless Endanger Another Person x 2, Reckless Driving, Fail to perform the duties of a driver (injured person), Reckless Endanger a Highway Worker and additional charges are pending. 

Highway 11 was closed for approximately 4.5 hours.

Oregon State Police were assisted by ODOT, Umatilla County SO, Medic 400,  and East Umatilla County Fire

On August 14, 2018 at approximately 4:50 PM Oregon State Police Troopers were dispatched to the report of a “road rage” event that occurred in the area of Hwy 30 milepost 45 near Rainer, OR.   During this event the parties were involved in a verbal altercation.  Troopers responded to an address on Wasser Rd. in Rainer to contact the owner of one of the vehicles involved.  Upon arrival they were confronted by a subject with several firearms.  That subject later identified as Richard J. Flores Jr (37) of Rainer.  Troopers took a positon of cover and secured the area.  The Oregon State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) responded to assist.  Several members of the SWAT team are trained as Crisis Negotiators (CNT).  At approximately 10:00 PM, after several hours of negotiating, Flores surrendered without incident. 

Flores was lodged at the Columbia County Jail on charges of Menacing, Recklessly Endangering, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon, Reckless Driving and Disorderly Conduct.

Clackamas Fire District #1 in collaboration with the City of Happy Valley will be working to achieve their goal of 50,000 community members trained in Hands-Only CPR since 2014 by training 500 people in one night. This milestone is slated to be reached at Happy Valley’s Concerts in the Valley on August 23, 2018. Want to learn Hands-Only CPR? Join Clackamas Fire for training demonstrations at the third annual First Responder Night in recognition of fire and law enforcement at Happy Valley Park, 13770 SE Ridgecrest Road, Happy Valley, at 6:30 p.m.

To support Clackamas Fire to hit their goal of 50,000 people trained, first responders and volunteers will host free Hands-Only CPR demonstrations and training during the concert’s intermission at 7:30 p.m. The Hands-Only CPR program is designed to provide anyone with basic skills needed to save a family member, friend, or person nearby experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. Using only compressions, Hands-Only CPR can more than double a victim’s chance of survival.

To increase the chances of survival, what better way than to educate middle and high school students in area school districts, which began nearly four years ago. The huge success of this life-saving initiative, transformed Clackamas Fire’s vision to expand beyond students in our community to all community members.

Join the movement at Happy Valley’s Concerts in the Valley by learning Hands-Only CPR to help save lives, and support Clackamas Fire in reaching their goal of 50,000 trained in Hands-Only CPR.

                                                                                            ###

Dillon James Gomez (photos attached) age 25 is a person of interest in the shooting of Eddie Joseph Correia Jr. If you see Gomez do not attempt to contact or detain.  Call 911 or the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-776-6111 

On Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at approximately 1:00 AM Oregon State Police Troopers responded to the Cave Junction area on the report of a person that had been shot.

The victim identified as Eddie Joseph Correia Jr. (34) was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass and later transferred to Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541- 776-6111 and reference case # SP 18-302404.

Investigation is continuing no further information will be released at this time.

SALEM, Ore.—The Oregon Department of Revenue is urging Oregon employees to check their wage withholding to ensure enough is held back from each paycheck to cover their 2018 Oregon income tax liability. This is particularly important for anyone who filled out the 2018 federal Form W-4 and provided it to their employer.

Recent federal changes from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act directly impact Oregon’s personal income tax, including changes to calculating withholding allowances for tax year 2018. These changes have caused a larger difference between how federal and Oregon income tax withholding is calculated. Combined with Oregon’s dependence upon the federal form to determine state withholding, these changes have created a situation where taxpayers may not be withholding enough income taxes from their wages to cover their Oregon income tax liability. This may mean that more taxpayers have a tax to pay at the end of the year, or have more tax to pay than usual, leaving them with unexpected and difficult financial burdens.

The department has a withholding calculation worksheet available that has been updated to accommodate recent federal changes. It provides taxpayers with a way to check their withholding so they can make any necessary changes—including adjusting allowance numbers and opting to withhold additional funds from upcoming paychecks—before the end of the year to hopefully reduce the amount owed when they file their 2018 returns early next year. The worksheet (OR-WW, Oregon Withholding Worksheet) is available at www.oregon.gov/dor.

Oregon wage earners who use separate Form W-4s for federal and Oregon income tax withholding will have a new option for withholding documentation in 2019 with the release of the Oregon-specific Form W-4. With this form, employees will no longer need to complete a separate federal form W-4 and write “For Oregon only” at the top to designate their amount of state withholding. It will also give Oregon more flexibility in adapting to future federal tax law changes without unnecessarily burdening employees or employers.

August 15, 2018

Oregon Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup meets August 17

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup to develop detailed recommendations to amend Oregon’s statewide Opioid Prescribing Guidelines.

Agenda:

• Welcome, scope and introductions.
• Discussion of draft.
• Meeting summary and next steps.
• Public comment period.

When: Friday, August 17, 8-10 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. No conference call option is available for the public.

Where: Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Room 1B, Portland

Background: The purpose of this workgroup is to set a standard of care in Oregon for safe opioid prescribing for acute pain. The workgroup will develop detailed recommendations for acute opioid prescribing that will be included as an amendment to Oregon’s existing statewide Opioid Prescribing Guidelines. They will address acute opioid prescribing in primary care, emergency departments, dentistry, and after surgical procedures. The Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup [https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/SUBSTANCEUSE/OPIOIDS/Pages/task-force.aspx] will build on recommendations developed by the Oregon Health Leadership Council’s Evidenced Based Best Practice Committee, as well as acute prescribing guidelines developed in other states.

These guidelines support ongoing efforts in Oregon to address the epidemic of opioid misuse, abuse, dependency, associated hospitalizations and overdose deaths.

Specific areas that the Acute Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Workgroup will address:

1. Acute pain patients presenting in settings including (but not limited to) dental offices, emergency departments, primary care, urgent care, and post-surgical.
2. Recommended treatments by medical condition (e.g., dental pain, post-surgical, acute injury).
3. Alternative treatment options, weighing benefits and risks of opioid therapy.
4. Starting patients on the lowest effective dose; establishing maximum number of pills and number of days prescribed.
5. Use of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to monitor prescribing and dispensing.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the 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 material in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Drew Simpson at 971-673-1033, 711 TTY or ew.r.simpson@state.or.us">drew.r.simpson@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Update 8-15-18 2:00 p.m. - Sheriff Nelson advises that Matthew Matheny was consious and talking when rescue teams found him.  He has been transported by Life Flight helicopter to South West Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.  His parents were at the base camp when he was found and they are on their way to the hospital.    While it does not  appear Matthew experienced any life threatening injuries he will be evaluated at the hospital to ensure he is OK.    We are unable to describe Matthew's medical condition with any greater detail at this time.   

Matthew was found the general area that was discussed in previous media releases by the Volcano Rescue Team out of Skamania County.  We know there is a lot of interest to talk with the rescuers and we are reaching out to them to see if they are willing to talk with the media and if so, how best to make that happen.   We will release that follow up informatoin on Flash News Net.  

Sheriff Nelson will be at the base camp until about 2:45 p.m.  He will arrive back in the local area about 5:00 p.m.    Media may reach him on his cell at 360-751-8101.  He will be putting out more details about the rescue efforts later today/tonight. 

CCD Rosenzweig 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE: 8-15-18 Noon:   Searchers have found Matthew Matheny alive up on the flanks of Mt. St. Helens.  He is being transported by helicopter to an area hospital.

IN our efforts to get this message out rapidly, we do unfortunately do not have any more details.  Sheriff Nelson will be making a more detailed public statement as soon as he gets in to an area that allows for cell and internet connections.   

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update #4; 8-14-18 10:45 a.m.   Searchers on Mt. St Helen's have new information that gives them hope as they continue on Day 4 for the search Matthew Matheny. 

Search Coordinators have results from cell phone records that suggest that Mr. Matheney cell phone was in the general area of the blue lake trail seveal miles up towards Mt. St.  Helens.   They also were contacted by some people who drove up to the base came from Vancouver yesterday to tell them that they saw a man wearing grey colored clothing in the area that is is consistent with the cell phone data.   Search leaders are also utilizing special  "virtual" search software that is a probability based program that is intended to give searchers places to look.   This modeling tool suggest that searchers look an area, which is similar to where the cell phone data, and that one witness saw someone. 

This information is giving serachers more hope as they continue to expand their efforts to locate Mr. Matheny.  

It is critically important people continue to call us if they saw someone that might be Mr. Matheny even if it is different that other reports.   We always keep an open mind about all tips.  

Detective Zo Gladson has been assinged the missing persons case and all tips are being routed to him. 

Sheriff Nelson has been in contact with Sheriff Brown in Skamania County as part of the area being searched is in Skamania County.    Sheriff Nelson is on site today and will be there until early afternoon. 

CCD Charlie Rosenzweig

C: 360-751-8103

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update #3: 8-13-18 12:00 p.m.   Sheriff Mark Nelson will be at the Search Base Camp and availble for interviews at 2:30 p.m.   This is at at the Forrest Service Road 8100 (N81) and FS Road 8123.   Directions are availble on google, or in links in previous releases below.  Media who are unable to make it to the site can call and speak with CCD Charlie Rosenzweig by phone (360) 577-3092.   

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update #2: 8-13-18 10:00 a.m.  Searchers continue to search for Mr. Matheny in the Blue Lake area near Mt. St Helens.    The area has been thoroughly search since Saturday but unfortunately they have not located any signs of Mr. Matheny. 

The Cowlitz Sheriff;s Office is very interested in talking with anyone who was in the area on Thursday or Friday, even if they did not see Mr. Matheny or the silver/grey subaru SW.   Our number is 360-577-3092. 

Search Teams , inlcuding K9 serach teams, drone operators, and other types of search resources are all coordinated through the Washington State Department of Emergency Management.  

We have a detective assigned to the case and he has talked with many folks who were up in the area.   There is nothing that suggests that any foul play is involved in this case.   

We will continue to profice updates as new information is obtained.  

CCD Rosenzweig,

C: 360-751-8103 

Update: 8-12-18 12:45pm:  Sheriff Nelson will be available at the scene for media interviews.  Media will need to be on site at 2:00 p.m.  Sheriff Nelson  will leave at 2:45 p.m.    The location will be at the intersection of Forrest Road 81 and 8123.  

Here is a link for directions.  https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/blue-horse-trail.   Google maps also does take the blue lake / NF8123 as a location for directions but there is no cell coverage anywhere close to the site  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cougar, Wash - The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office is about 24 hours in to the search for a man missing on the Blue Lake Trail off of Forrest Road 81 near Mt. St. Helens.  They are asking anyone who hiked the Blue Lake trail since last Thursday to call the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office at 360-577-3092.    

They would also like to have people look at the attached photos of the car and Mr. Matheny in case they may have seen him in the last few days. 

Missing person is Matthew B. Matheny 40 years of age of Warren, Ohio.  He was last seen at about 0700 hours of 8-9-2018 when he left to go to Mt St Helens, driving a local friend’s gray Subaru Outback.  Matheny’s friends filed a missing person report with Clark County Sheriff’s Office when he failed to return.

On 8-11-2018 Skamania County Dep. Barker located the Subaru Outback at the Blue Lake Trailhead in Cowlitz County.  The vehicle was unoccupied. 

Matheny is a white male, 6-4, 230 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.  He may be wearing a gray Cleveland Browns sweatshirt, shorts and sandals.

Cowlitz County Search and Rescue responded with ground search teams and Unmanned Aerial Surveillance operators.  The mission is ongoing.

Attached are pictures of Matheny and the Subaru Outback he was driving.  The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office would like to hear from anyone who may have seen Matheny or the vehicle since Thursday, 8-9-2018.

CCD C. Rosenzweig 

Local Gold Award Girl Scout Alumni has been selected as a T-Mobile Changemakers Challenge Project winner for her community service project; The Party Project

Eugene, OR, USA—Leah Haidar, a 2017 graduate of South Eugene High School and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient from Eugene, OR has been selected for her project; The Party Project as one of the 25 winning projects in the T-Mobile Changemakers Challenge. Leah along with her teammate, Ailsa Rea will attend the T-Mobile Challenge Lab in Seattle at T-Mobile Headquarters on Aug. 19-21st. In addition, she will receive a $1000 grant to continue to support The Party Project, a community service project that addresses the issue of equity by providing birthday party kits to low-income and homeless youth in the Lane County area.

Service activities for the Party Project will continue through 2018 & 2019 in partnership with the youth group at First United Methodist Church in Eugene, OR. The Party Project addresses the issue of the lack of non-essential services for low-income and homeless youth to be able to celebrate their birthdays. By providing birthday kits that included all of the items needed to host a birthday party, the Party Project hopes to make birthdays a fun and memorable event for the youth who receive a birthday box.  Youth who are receiving services from six of the local social service agencies in Eugene (Womenspace, ShelterCare, Catholic Community Services, Hosea Youth, St. Vincent de Paul's and the Eugene Mission) are eligible to attain a birthday box. The goal of the Party Project is that all children have an opportunity to celebrate their birthday no matter what their family’s financial circumstances are.

About The Party Project

You can learn more about the Party Project including how you can help by liking and following the Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/GirlScoutGoldPartyProject/

About Gold Award Girl Scout Leah Haidar

"After completing my Gold Award project, I learned that I am able to actually make a difference in my community. I have been able to apply the skills that I gained throughout this experience to other projects that I have become involved in. I believe I have better management skills and that I am better able to identify my team’s strengths earlier in the project process, thereby taking advantage of what talents my teammates have and best utilizing those. I have also learned that utilizing a team, rather than taking on a project on my own is more efficient and more fun. I have definitely learned to be a stronger leader." -Gold Award Girl Scout Leah Haidar

Ms. Haidar received her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2017 for her community service project: The Party Project.  The Party Project is one of 25 from across the country selected from over 330 submissions in the T-Mobile Changemakers Challenge. Ms. Haidar is currently entering her sophomore year at Bryn Mawr College; her teammate Ailsa Rea will be a sophomore at the University of Oregon.  Both are lifetime members of Girl Scouts. In addition to the T-Mobile Chagemaker Challenge, Ms. Haidar is a recipient of the $500 YSA/Disney Summer of Service Grant, the $250 YSA Kindness Rising Grant, the $250 Peace First Challenge Mini-grant and the $250 Peace First Youth Innovation Mini-Grant all of which have helped to continue the Party Project.

About the T-Mobile Changemaker Challenge

The Winning projects were selected based on the following criteria: Changemaker Quality – already taking steps to make a difference.  Creativity – fresh, innovative ideas that challenge the norm.  Commitment – devoted to seeing their project through and making a lasting impact.  Connection – ability and openness to work with others in their communities

https://markets.on.nytimes.com/research/stocks/news/press_release.asp?docTag=201807231200BIZWIRE_USPRX____BW5474&feedID=600&press_symbol=7186257

About Youth Service America

Founded in 1986, YSA (Youth Service America) supports a global culture of engaged children and youth committed to a lifetime of meaningful service, learning, and leadership. With half the world’s population under age 25, YSA’s mission is to help young people find their voice, take action, and make an impact on vital community issues.  For more information, visit www.YSA.org.

About Peace First

Founded 25 years ago, Peace First is a global youth movement, unleashing young people’s compassionate creativity to counter the rising culture of exclusion, violence, and disconnection that affects us all. Across the globe there is a frightening rise in extremism, isolation, and despair. We have lost our basic capacity to come together to solve problems; to view other people’s needs as our own, and to cross lines of difference to build community. Meanwhile, there are 1.6 billion young people across the globe, many with ideas on how to solve the world’s most entrenched problems, but only a very few have access to tools, mentors, and capital to turn their insights into reality. Peace First is changing this.   For more information visit https://www.peacefirst.org/

About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington

GSOSW serves 13,955 girls in 37 counties with the help of nearly 10,000 volunteers. The Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Every opportunity in Girl Scouting develops these essential skills in an all-girl, inclusive, safe environment. For information, please visit girlscoutsosw.org.

###

The Gresham-Barlow School District will take the District’s School Board and Bond Oversight Committee on a tour of some of the 2016 school bond’s largest projects currently under construction.

Groundbreakings for these projects took place last spring and constructions work began when the school year ended.

The news media is invited to come along; however, the District must know in advance if you would like to attend so that we can plan accordingly.

Contact: GBSD Communications Director Athena Vadnais (vadnais@gresham.k12.or.us) (503-261-4557)                 

School Bond Projects Tour Monday, August 20

4:00 to 4:20 p.m.          East Gresham Elementary School @ 900 SE 5th Street Gresham, OR  97080

4:30 to 4:50 pm            Gresham High School @ 1200 North Main Street Gresham, OR  97030

5:00 to 5:20 pm            North Gresham Elementary School @ 1001 SE 217th Avenue Gresham, OR 97030

For more information about the 2016 school bond and the various school bond projects, visit www.gresham-barlowbond.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wilsonville — August 15, 2018 — The Oregon nursery industry climbed to its second-best sales year on record in 2017, according to newly released figures from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

The state’s wholesale and retail nurseries tallied an estimated $947.7 million in sales during the calendar year, which was more than enough to make nursery and greenhouse crops Oregon’s top agricultural commodity, ahead of cattle and calves, which were in second place at $695 million. 

“The wholesale nursery industry is a traded sector that serves markets in every time zone of the United States, as well as Canada and overseas, and brings significant dollars back to the Oregon economy,” said Jeff Stone, executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. “More than three-fourths of what we grow in Oregon is shipped over state lines, to destinations as far away as the East Coast.”

It was the Oregon nursery industry’s best sales year since 2007, when $1.039 billion worth of Oregon nursery and greenhouse products were sold, just prior to the Great Recession, which caused sales to decline. 

The news comes as nursery industry professionals prepare to gather at the 2018 Farwest Show, which is the nursery industry’s largest business-to-business trade show on the West Coast. The Farwest Show will take place next Wednesday–Friday, August 22–24, at the Oregon Convention Center in downtown Portland, with some 6,000 people expected to attend.

“The Oregon nursery industry is feeling momentum with eight consecutive years of sales growth, and we’re excited about sharing what Oregon has to offer with visitors from all over the country,” Farwest Show Director Allan Niemi said.

For 2017, Oregon’s other top-ranked agricultural commodities included hay ($585 million), milk ($501 million), grass seed ($455 million), wheat ($239 million), potatoes ($177 million), pears ($177 million), wine grapes ($172 million) and blueberries ($148 million). 

Oregon remains the nation’s third-leading nursery state, behind the larger states of California and Florida, according to the most recent USDA Census of Horticultural Specialties (2014). 

Oregon leads the United States with more than 61,000 acres of land in nursery production. What’s more, Oregon is the nation’s top grower of coniferous evergreens, deciduous shade trees, bareroot nursery products and deciduous flowering trees (USDA Census of Horticultural Specialties, 2014). 

Oregon has consistently been the nation’s top grower of Christmas trees as well, growing $92 million worth of them in 2017 according to the state’s new figures. (Christmas trees are considered part of the nursery industry, but the Oregon Department of Agriculture counts the sales as a separate figure).

In 2017, the Oregon nursery and greenhouse industry (including the Christmas tree sector) employed an average of 9,288 people and had a total payroll of $317.3 million, for an average wage of $34,159, according to the State of Oregon Employment Department.

But as Stone pointed out, the nursery industry isn’t beneficial only to Oregon’s economy. “Our products make life better by providing research-proven environmental, social, economic and even health benefits once they’re planted at their final destinations,” he said.

These benefits are enumerated at the OAN’s Plant Something Oregon site, www.plantsomethingoregon.com/pmlb.

###

SOURCE: Oregon Department of Agriculture Facts and Figures:
https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/Administration/ORAgFactsFigures.pdf

CONTACT: Curt Kipp, Oregon Association of Nurseries, 503-682-5089
The Oregon Association of Nurseries, based in Wilsonville, represents more than 750 wholesale growers, retailers, landscapers and nursery industry suppliers and service providers. For information, visit www.oan.org or call 503-682-5089.
 

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on August 15, 2018, at approximately 3:00 a.m. in the 3000 block of Edgeview Lane in Forest Grove, Oregon. The fire affected one family, including two adults, three children, and two pets.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services. Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day. The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports that on August 15, 2018, at approximately 1:49 a.m., the Linn County 9-1-1 dispatch center received a call of a fire in a ditch on Linn West Drive northwest of Brownsville. 

At 2:04 a.m., within fifteen minutes of the original call, a deputy was responding to the area and located an additional ditch fire on Ogle Road.   The second fire appeared to have been set within minutes of the deputy’s arrival to the area.  Deputies later learned a third ditch fire was located by Halsey / Shedd Fire Department on Ogle Road, approximately a half mile south west of first fire. 

The investigations revealed all three fires were set within a fifteen minute time frame.   Each of the fires was started in the dry grass and brush alongside the roadway, near harvested and plowed grass fields.   

At this time there are no suspects and the investigation is continuing. 

If anyone has any information on these fires, please contact Deputy Thurman at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at 541-967-3950.

AIR QUALITY UPDATE FOR PP&R

UPDATED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018

10:45AM

(Portland, OR -)

Portland Parks & Recreation is modifying activities to focus on indoor activities as feasible, low-exertion arts and crafts, board games, etc. Unfortunately the Trail Blazers clinic intended for Woodlawn Park at lunchtime today is CANCELED, as well as an event with the Rose City Rollers at Creston Park. However, free lunches WILL be served citywide. For all #SFFA info, please visit portlandoregon.gov/parks/sffa.

Portland Parks & Recreation is closely keeping an eye on air quality in the Portland metro area, and working with health authorities to ensure our participants - particularly our most vulnerable populations, children, the elderly, and those with identified respiratory issues - are in a safe and healthy environment.

We also note that all parents can and should make their decisions based upon their own evaluations of the area’s air quality, benefits, and potential risks of taking part in outdoor activities. Our goal as a Bureau is to try to maintain service levels for the families which do find their needs can best be met by participation. We recognize that some participation levels may be low.  

If air quality moves into the “Very Unhealthy” range, as determined by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Portland Parks & Recreation may potentially cancel or postpone some activities. Changes will be posted on the Inclement Weather page and other portlandparks.org sites, on Facebook.com/PortlandParks, on Twitter @PDXParksandRec, and sent to local media outlets. For information from the Environmental Protection Agency on air quality, visit the EPA’s Airnow.gov page for Portland at this link.

This morning at at 1:23am, Forest Grove Firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire on Edgeview Lane. When firefighters arrived, they found a house, vehicle and outbuilding on fire. Due to the amount of fire, a 2nd Alarm was called, bringing in additional resources from neighboring communities. It took firefighters about 40 minutes to extinguish the flames. One firefighter from a mutual aid department showed signs of heat exhaustion, they were checked out on scene by Metro West Ambulance, but were not taken to a hospital.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and more details will be released when they come available.

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue was assisted on scene by Cornelius Fire Department, Gaston Fire District, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Banks Fire District, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Forest Grove Police Department and Metro West Ambulance.

Scene Information:
Engines: 8
Truck: 1
Rescue: 1
Chiefs: 2

Total Firefighters: 32

# # #

Plasari is 53 years of age and Lako is 36 years of age.

On Sunday, August 12, 2018 at approximately 8:00 PM Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on I-84 one mile from Baker City near mile post 307.

Investigation revealed that a 2016 Ford Van, operated by Stavr Plasari (36) from Glen Ellyn, IL. was westbound on I-84 and either stopped or traveling slowly in the right hand lane. It was struck from behind by a commercial motor vehicle (semi-truck) being operated by Samuel Goedhart (30) from Twin Falls, ID.

The passenger in the Ford Van, Mitildit Lako (53) from Elmwood Park, IL, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the van. Lako sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Plasari was transported to St. Alphonsus in Baker City for injuries.

Goedhart and a juvenile male passenger in the semi truck were both transported to St. Alphonsus in Baker City with minor injuries.

OSP was assisted by the Baker County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

On Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at approximately 3:29 p.m. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a reported serious injury crash at Hwy 38 milepost 19. 

Initial investigation indicated a 1996 Ford Explorer, operated by Sharon McCloskey (63) from Coos Bay,  was traveling west on Hwy 38 when it swerved onto the westbound shoulder for an unknown reason.  She lost control as the vehicle traveled through a ditch and back up onto the roadway, rolling over multiple times and coming to rest on all four tires in the center of the west bound lane. 

Witnesses and first responders attempted life saving measures but McCloskey died of injuries sustained in the crash, prior to Life Flight arrival.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Two dogs were located at the scene with minor injuries and they were returned to family. A third dog is unaccounted for and most likely loose in the area, a tan chihuahua named Ladybug. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by Lower Umpqua Ambulance, ODOT, Douglas County Medical Examiner, Scottsburg Rural Fire Department and Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains.

For Immediate Release      
August 13, 2018
Contact: Staci Yutzie
  503-378-2426
 
Notice of Regular Meeting
 
The Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel for Phase 2 will hold a regular meeting on August 24, 2018 from
11:00a-2:00p.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety
Academy in Salem, Oregon. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an
interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should bemade before the meeting by calling the contact listed above.   
 
Agenda Items:
 
I. Welcome
 
II. Content Draft Review
a. Legal Series- Criminal Law
b. Defensive Tactics

III. Lesson Plan Discussion  
a. Legal Series
b. Behavioral Health Series
c. Use of Force Series
d. Defensive Tactics   
e. Firearms
f. Building Searches
 
IV. Learning Outcomes
 
V. Development Tasks for September
 
VI. Conclusion
 

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 Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

On August 25, 2018, the Friends of Fort Vancouver and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site invite visitors to celebrate the 102nd birthday of the National Park Service with a special presentation given by nature photographer and former national park ranger Marv Binegar.

“Nature photography has been a passion and an avocation of mine for over forty years,” states Marv Binegar. He has photographed North America from the shores of the Arctic Ocean to the deserts of the Southwest, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Missouri River. His images appear in magazines, books, and on the pages of calendars.  This is an opportunity to meet the photographer and hear his stories about photographing bear cubs, bison on the run, and a moose staring down the camera lens. 

Marv began working for the National Park Service in the summer of 1966 just as the Park Service was celebrating fifty years.

His primary career was as a middle school teacher and, later, he was a middle school principal.  But he worked as an National Park Service summer seasonal ranger several times during his teaching career.  After he retired from education services, he became a full-time employee at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site from 2005 until 2012.  

Between travels and photo shoots, Marv lives in Oregon City, Oregon, and serves as an active volunteer for Meals On Wheels. He is a frequent visitor to the McLoughlin House Unit of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, located in Oregon City.

What: "The National Park Service at 102: Views from the West," presented by photographer Marv Binegar.

When: Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 2 pm

Where: The Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 East Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661

Cost: Free

Update- Names released:

The operator of the 1999 Toyota 4 Runner was Mark Robert Rundell, 48-years-old, of Prairie City, Oregon.

The operator of the 2016 Toyota 4 Runner was Erika Carter Boquet, 29-years-old, of Tacoma, Washington.  Passengers of this vehicle were:

Kyla Marie Brown, 28-years-old, of Olympia, Washington;

Isabella Earlene Boquet, 11-years-old, of Tacoma, Washington;

Elisabeth Ann Boquet, 8-years-old, of Tacoma, Washington;

Tytis Michael Boquet, 6-years-old, of Tacoma Washington;

Arianna Marie Brown, 10-years-old, of Olympia, Washington;

Xavier King Johnson, 2-years-old, of Olympia, Washington.

On Monday, August 13, 2018 at approximately 10:00 AM Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 78 near milepost 30.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 1999 Toyota 4 Runner was traveling westbound on Hwy 78 when it veered into the eastbound lane and collided with a silver 2016 Toyota 4 Runner. 

The operator of the 2016 Toyota 4 Runner and the 6 passengers all sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The operator of the 1999 Toyota 4 Runner sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. No passengers.

OSP was assisted by the Harney County Sheriff's Office, Hines Police Department, Harney District Ambulance, Burns Fire Department, Range Land Fire Protection Association, and ODOT.

This is an ongoing investigation.  Names and more information will be released when it is appropriate.

(Salem) – Cannabis growers and extractors are invited to an unprecedented opportunity to learn from government and business leaders about safety and health in the cannabis industry as part of a two-day event in Bend next month.

Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, is one of several partners presenting the Sept. 18-19 cannabis forum – “Safety and Health in the Cannabis Industry: From Seed to Shatter” – at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes.

The cannabis forum is part of the larger Central Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference, which will tackle a range of other workplace health and safety issues.

The forum arrives as the industry surrounding cannabis – a legal agricultural commodity in Oregon – continues to evolve. It will address multiple health and safety topics, and afford participants a question-and-answer session. It will feature speakers from Oregon OSHA; the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC); Oregon Department of Agriculture; the Portland and Bend fire departments; and Oregon-based grow and extraction operations.

Topics include:

• OLCC requirements
• Cannabis grow operations
• Hydrocarbon extraction
• Carbon dioxide extraction
• CO2 and alcohol extraction
• Fire marshal regulations
• Pesticide regulations
• Ergonomic risk factors
• Oregon OSHA consultation services

   Registration for the Central Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference, which includes the cannabis forum, is now open. The cost to attend ranges from $55 to $210. For more details about the cannabis forum – including specific presentation times and topic areas – or to register, go to https://safetyseries.cvent.com/central18.

###

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit www.osha.oregon.gov.

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

The FBI's Portland Division is releasing the following information on behalf of the FBI's national fugitive publicity program:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking the public’s assistance with obtaining identifying information regarding an unknown male who may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in an ongoing sexual exploitation investigation. Photographs and an informational poster depicting the unknown individual, known only as John Doe 40, are being disseminated to the public and can be found online at the FBI website at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/ecap

The video depicting the unidentified male, John Doe 40, shown with a child, was first noted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in October of 2017. 

John Doe 40 is described as a white male, likely between the ages of 30 and 40 years old. He appears to be heavyset with dark colored hair. John Doe 40 could be heard speaking English in the video. Anyone with information to provide should submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or call the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The public is reminded no charges have been filed in this case and the pictured individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

This individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) initiatives, both of which represent strategic partnerships between the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Operation Rescue Me focuses on utilizing clues obtained through in-depth image analysis to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation material, while ECAP seeks national and international media exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics in association with child pornography images.

###

On August 18, 2018, Beaverton Police Department, along with Safe Kids Coalition of Washington County and Kuni Auto Center, will be offering a free child safety seat clinic.

The clinic will run from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the Kuni Auto Center located at 3725 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. Beaverton, OR 97005.

Motor-vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death nationwide for children ages 1-12. In 2015, 1,353 children under age 9 were injured in Oregon traffic crashes; six children died. It's estimated that car seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under 1 year old, and by up to 59% for toddlers ages 1-4. Booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among 4- to 8-year-olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone.

For more information about the proper fit of a child safety seat please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats.

No appointment is necessary so please just drop in. Arriving early is recommended as we sometimes have more vehicles than we can accommodate during the event timeframe. Each car seat check will take approximately 30 minutes.

##BPD##

On 8/8/2018, the Clark-Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force, assisted by the Clackamas County Interagency Task Force seized 36.7 pounds of Methamphetamine, 2 firearms and $35,500 cash in a vehicle driven by Adan Mendez-Pulido of Vancouver.  Pulido was booked into the Clark County Jail on charges of Attempting to Elude Police, Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Deliver, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two unrelated arrest warrants.  Year to date, the Clark-Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force has seized 117 pounds of Methamphetamine, 32 pounds of Heroin and 12 firearms.

This Labor Day Weekend, August 31st thru September 2nd, 2018, the Molalla Police Department will be conducting additional patrols focused on detecting and arresting drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or any other intoxicating substance.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Every day, almost 29 people in the United States die in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes—that's one person every 50 minutes in 2016. Drunk-driving fatalities have fallen by a third in the last three decades; however, drunk-driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives per year. In 2010, the most recent year for which cost data is available, these deaths and damages contributed to a cost of $44B per year.”

The Molalla Police Department wants to remind drivers the danger of impaired driving. If someone decides to drink and drive or consume marijuana or any other impairing substance, they should plan ahead and have a designated driver or alternate transportation.

The goal of the Molalla Police Department is to ensure the roads in and around the City of Molalla are safe for everyone and to prevent avoidable tragedies.

See Attached Bulletin

VANCOUVER, Wash. — After 11 months of development, stakeholder and community feedback and public meetings, the Port of Vancouver USA is seeking public comment on the final draft of its strategic plan.

Consultant Maul Foster & Alongi presented the draft strategic plan to the port’s Board of Commissioners during a public workshop today. During the workshop, commissioners also read through vision statement examples and crafted a new, draft statement that reflects the port’s vision for its community as the port pursues its mission.

The vision statement is included in the draft strategic plan, which is open for public comment Aug. 14 through Sept. 6.

The draft strategic plan and materials from all open houses and workshops can be found at www.portvanusa.com/key-projects/strategic-plan. Public comments on the draft strategic plan can be submitted at Board of Commissioners meetings, via email at ack@portvanusa.com">communityfeedback@portvanusa.com and via mail at 3103 Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA 98660.

Citizens can also contact their commissioner directly; contact information is available at www.portvanusa.com/commission/communicating-with-the-commission.

The port expects to present the final strategic plan for commission consideration and potential adoption at the Sept. 11 Board of Commissioners meeting.

                                                                                                                                                                     – 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.

In a badging ceremony tomorrow night Fire Chief David Downey will swear in eight new Firefighters and one Training Captain. Chief Downey will also present two department veterans with the Chief’s Award for acts of merit in a non-emergency function.

After successfully completing one year of training as probationary firefighters, Joshua Wilson, Sean Grey, Trevor Sievers, Ethan Campeau, Jason Sawyer, Nicholas Rilatt, Steven Weaver, and Sam Keeran will be sworn in and each receive their badge as a Firefighter. Having completed his one year probation, Captain Mark Johnson will be sworn in and receive his badge. Captain Anne Raven and Firefighter Eric Keim will receive the Chief’s Award.

“We congratulate and recognize these members for their hard work and dedication to the fire service”, said Fire Chief David Downey. “Through their achievements, we progress as a department in public safety”.

Hillsboro Fire Department serves over 100,000 people from five fire stations. All firefighters are certified emergency medical technicians (EMT) or EMT/paramedics. Last year, Hillsboro firefighters responded to nearly ten-thousand emergency calls for service.

The badging and awards event is August 15, from 7:00 – 8:30pm at the Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR

For fire and life safety information, visit: www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/departments/fire or call 503-681-6166. For information on what is happening at Hillsboro Fire Department, follow us on Twitter @HillsboroFire

                                                                                           -000-

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 August 21, 2018 @ 6:30 p.m.

1-888-824-5783 Ext.90095991# and via Blackboard Collaborate at

 http://tinyurl.com/BoardORVA

The closing time for Peninsula Pool tonight is 5:30pm (now reflected correctly below), and not 7pm. We regret the error.

 The Dive-In Movie showing of Toy Story at Pier Pool is going on as planned; the pool opens at 7:30pm; the movie starts at about 8:15. Great way to cool off and enjoy a great flick on our outdoor big screen.

-Mark

AIR QUALITY UPDATE FOR PP&R

UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

3:30PM

• Peninsula Pool will close at 5:30pm tonight (after swim lessons) due to a temporary lack of staffing.

While the closure of Peninsula Pool is NOT related to air quality PP&R will continue to monitor conditions, and will communicate any further actions around the other scheduled showings this week - and any other postponements or cancellations impacting our programs, activities, and offerings. 

At this time, all other PP&R recreation programs are currently being held as planned. However, due to the adverse air quality in the Portland metro area, activities scheduled for outdoors are being moved indoors where feasible. For all organized PP&R camps, classes and other activities, Portland Parks & Recreation staff are taking care to ensure that exertion is minimized, particularly for children and the elderly, and anyone with identified respiratory issues.

If air quality moves into the “Very Unhealthy” range, as determined by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Portland Parks & Recreation may potentially cancel or postpone some activities. Changes will be posted on the Inclement Weather page and other portlandparks.org sites, on Facebook.com/PortlandParks, on Twitter @PDXParksandRec, and sent to local media outlets. For information from the Environmental Protection Agency on air quality, visit the EPA’s Airnow.gov page for Portland at this link.

# # #

AIR QUALITY UPDATE FOR PP&R

UPDATED MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018

3:15PM

Portland Parks & Recreation outdoor (and indoor) pools remain open at this time, and all PP&R recreation programs are currently being held as planned. However, due to the adverse air quality in the Portland metro area, activities scheduled for outdoors are being moved indoors where feasible. For all organized PP&R camps, classes and other activities, Portland Parks & Recreation staff are taking care to ensure that exertion is minimized, particularly for children and the elderly, and anyone with identified respiratory issues.

If air quality moves into the “Very Unhealthy” range, as determined by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Portland Parks & Recreation may potentially cancel or postpone some activities. Changes will be posted on the Inclement Weather page and other portlandparks.org sites, on Facebook.com/PortlandParks, on Twitter @PDXParksandRec, and sent to local media outlets. For information from the Environmental Protection Agency on air quality, visit the EPA’s Airnow.gov page for Portland at this link.

August 14, 2018

UPDATE: Conference of Local Health Officials meets remotely August 16

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

Agenda: Includes committee appointments; draft funding principles checklist; Public Health Modernization matching funds criteria.

Agenda is subject to change. The agenda and related materials will be posted on the CLHO website at http://www.oregonclho.org/about/clho-meetings/ before the meeting.

When: Thursday, August 16, 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: The August CLHO meeting is a remote meeting. There is no in-person option available to members of the public, who can attend by webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8494885502979062019. Use webinar ID 627-139-779.

Background: The Conference of Local Health Officials provides recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the foundational capabilities and programs and any other public health program or activity under ORS 431.147. (ORS 431.340)

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Danna Drum at 971-673-1223, 711 TTY or um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

On Monday, August 13, 2018, at approximately 4:35 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on SR-200 near milepost 13.5, North of Elmira in Lane County.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 2004 Cadillac sedan, operated by Gina Laracy, age 85, of Salem was traveling south on SR-200 with a passenger, Jeffrey Jones, age 36 of Salem, when for an unknown reason left her lane of travel and crashed head on into a tree.  The vehicles airbags failed to deploy.

Jones was transported to the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.

Laracy suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased while in transport to the hospital.

OSP Troopers were assisted by Lane County Fire and ODOT Incident Response.

The University of Portland has been named the best college in Oregon for value in an annual ranking released today by MONEY Magazine, a Time Inc. publication. MONEY’s 2018-2019 Best Colleges rankings and search tools are designed to help families find a great college at a great price.

The University of Portland is ranked #115 overall nationally by MONEY for value, up from #173 just two years ago. Other Oregon schools featured in the rankings include Oregon State University ranked at #312; Linfield College, #373; University of Oregon, #434, Lewis & Clark College, #441; Willamette University, #479, Reed College, #565; and George Fox, #570. You can read the full rankings here.

The University of Portland received high marks for its health sciences and engineering programs, as well as the nationally recognized Entrepreneur Scholars program, which gives students the opportunity to meet with experts, check out apprenticeships, and test real-world ventures. The school is in the process of completing a set of 2020 goals that include infusing the community with internationalization and diversity.

You can read more about MONEY’s rankings methodology here.

High 4-year graduation rate
The University of Portland was also featured for its four-year completion rates. While many students enter higher education expecting to graduate in four years, in reality most students find themselves taking an extra semester or year. Nationally, it takes students 4.8 years enrolled at a private college to graduate, and 5.2 years at a public college, with each additional semester bringing more expense for families.

As part of its efforts in this area, the University of Portland “has hired additional academic advisors and introduced software that enables students to better track their progress toward a degree — a move that frees up advisors to tackle bigger questions about academic interests or career goals. The University also started requiring professors to issue midterm grades in entry-level courses, so first-year students transitioning to college-level work can gauge how they’re doing early on, with enough time remaining in the semester to make changes. Portland’s four-year graduation rate is now 75% — up 16 percentage points over the past decade.”

Read the full article here.

MONEY is a magazine published by Time Inc. The magazine’s coverage includes personal finance, including investing, saving, retirement and taxes, and family finance, including credit, careers and the costs of college.

# # #

The University of Portland is an independently governed Catholic university guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross. U.S. News & World Report ranks the institution as one of the top ten regional universities in the American West. It is the only school in Oregon to offer a College of Arts & Sciences, a graduate school, and nationally accredited programs in the schools of business, education, engineering, and nursing.

Portland, OR – There is no better way to enjoy the dog days of summer than by listening to some cool Americana tunes! The Oregon Historical Society is excited to collaborate with bluegrass quartet, True North, to host a free summer concert right in the middle of Portland’s South Park Blocks. This free, family-friendly concert will begin at 5pm on the Oregon Historical Society’s outdoor plaza (1200 SW Park Avenue).

Americana quartet True North is emerging as a Pacific Northwest powerhouse of intelligent, memorable songs, and lush instrumental and vocal performances, with the crazy-good picking and harmonies of a band deeply rooted in traditional folk and bluegrass genres.

Fronted by award-winning singer-songwriters Kristen Grainger and Dan Wetzel, True North is rounded out with two Pacific Northwest bluegrass superstars Martin Stevens and Josh Adkins. Grainger is making a name for herself in songcraft, collecting accolades and awards at Wilflower! Arts and Music Festival, IMEA, Telluride, Merlefest, and Kerrville songwriting competitions.

The band’s newest project, Open Road, Broken Heart, after receiving great reviews, debuted at number 1 on the Folk DJ Charts for national radio airplay and has continued to stay in the top fifteen for the past six months on the Roots Music Report. Their 2014 release, Elsebound, received very favorable reviews from music critics here and abroad, spent 25 weeks on the Roots Music Report’s top ten (national folk charts) and was the number 7 folk album of the year.

On stage, True North exemplifies the most compelling aspects of live acoustic roots music: storied songwriting, mad instrumental skills, and vocals that alternately bring you to tears or raise ecstatic hairs on the back of your neck.

To learn more about True North or to view performance videos, visit their website at https://www.truenorthband.com.

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.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Nine local organizations dedicated to improving community health and wellbeing are the recipients of grants from NW Natural (NYSE: NWN) this year. The grants, made possible by NW Natural shareholders, total more than $58,000.

“Helping those within our community be healthier, happier and stronger is what we’re focused on delivering with these grants,” says Von Summers, NW Natural’s community relations manager. “The wellbeing of our community relies on access to a wide variety of critical services, and we’re proud to support the work of this year’s recipients who take such excellent care of our community.”

Each year, NW Natural gives nearly $1 million to local nonprofits from the company’s Corporate Philanthropy Fund, made possible by NW Natural shareholders. The grants are intended to support community arts, education, the environment, as well as a special focus on caring for children and families at risk.

The 2018 recipients for health and human service grants from NW Natural include:

• P:ear: $10,000 | P:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.

• Virginia Garcia Memorial Foundation: $10,000 | The foundation provides high-quality, comprehensive, and culturally appropriate primary health care to the communities of Washington and Yamhill Counties with a special emphasis on migrant and seasonal farmworkers and others with barriers to receiving health care.

• Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.: $7,000 | Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind has been creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities.

• Central City Concern: $6,000 | Central City Concern serves single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions.

• Impact NW: $5,000 | Impact NW is a leader in providing individuals of all ages with the skills and resources necessary to achieve success and to advocate for themselves and their communities. Annually, more than 36,000 low-income children, youth, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities participate in Impact NW’s comprehensive anti-poverty programs.

• Medical Teams International: $5,000 | In Oregon and Washington, Medical Teams International has a dedicated team of volunteer dentists and hygienists treating patients aboard a fleet of fully-equipped mobile dental vans every week.

• Oregon Food Bank: $5,000 | The mission of the Oregon Food Bank is to eliminate hunger and its root causes… because no one should be hungry.

• Pacific Communities Health District Foundation: $5,000 | The Pacific Communities Health District Foundation is committed to encouraging and supporting Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital and its patients, as well as the health and well-being of those who live and work in the community.

• Transition Projects: $5,000 | Transition Projects helps people transition from homelessness to housing in the Portland metro area. It assists more than 10,000 people each year through a broad array of services, resources, and tools.

Find more information about NW Natural’s Corporate Philanthropy Fund, as well as the company’s signature philanthropic effort, Programs of Focus, at: https://www.nwnatural.com/AboutNWNatural/Community/CorporateContributions 

About NW Natural
NW Natural (NYSE:NWN) is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and provides natural gas service to about 740,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is the largest independent natural gas utility in the Pacific Northwest. Additional information is available at www.nwnatural.com.

# # #

Law enforcement agencies across Washington will increase DUI (Driving Under the Influence) patrols August 17 through September 3 to keep drivers safe during what is typically the deadliest time of the year on the state’s roadways. 

The Clark County Target Zero Task Force, police departments from Battle Ground, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office with dispatch assistance from Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, and the Washington State Patrol will participate in the emphasis patrols in search of drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  

 Drunk, Drugged, or High it's all a DUI!

August 14, 2018

City of McMinnville Traffic Enforcement Event:

     The Yamhill County Multi Agency Traffic Team (M.A.T.T.) will be conducting enhanced traffic safety enforcement patrols the afternoon and evening hours of August 24th and 25th , 2018.  These dates coincide with the “Cruising McMinnville” event scheduled for Saturday the 25th , and the increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic associated with an event of this nature.

     M.A.T.T. members will be focusing on the dangerous driving activities that lead to serious injury and fatal crashes, as well as those that increase the severity of occupant injury during a crash, e.g. failing to use seatbelts/child safety restraints.  Enforcement of dangerous traffic violations committed by pedestrians will also be a focus of this event.

The 2016 national data from NHTSA(most recent available) shows that:

• Distraction-related deaths (3,450 fatalities) decreased by 2.2 percent;
• Drunk-driving deaths (10,497 fatalities) increased by 1.7 per­cent;
• Speeding-related deaths (10,111 fatalities) increased by 4.0 percent;
• Unbelted deaths (10,428 fatalities) increased by 4.6 percent;
• Motorcyclist deaths (5,286 fatalities – the largest number of motorcyclist fatalities since 2008) increased by 5.1 percent;
• Pedestrian deaths (5,987 fatalities – the highest number since 1990) increased by 9.0 percent
   
  Release created by:  Sgt Josh Sheets, McMinnville Police Department, (503) 434-7307 sheetsj@ci.mcminnville.or.us

PORTLAND, Ore. – Jesse Lee Brockner, 32, of Portland, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Brockner will be on supervised release for three years.

According to court records, on August 30, 2017, three men burglarized a barn in Yamhill County, Oregon, stealing the victim’s vehicle. Two of the suspects fled in the moving truck and a third in the victim’s vehicle. After Yamhill County Sheriff deputies located, arrested and interviewed the two suspects who fled in the moving truck, they identified Brockner as the third suspect. During a search of the moving truck, deputies found a backpack containing approximately $4,000, drug paraphernalia, and Brockner’s driver’s license.

Later the same morning, Brockner robbed a U.S. Bank branch in Beaverton, Oregon wearing a welding mask and holding a firearm. While executing the robbery, Brockner made numerous threats of physical violence and pointed a handgun at the victim teller. A witness observed Brockner walk through a parking lot adjacent to the bank and enter a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle stolen earlier that morning from the barn in Yamhill County.

Approximately two hours later, an FBI Task Force Officer with the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) observed a vehicle matching the description of the stolen vehicle on the 3900 block of SE Powell Boulevard in Portland. After confirming Brockner’s identity, multiple marked PPB patrol units responded to assist the Task Force Officer. A high risk traffic stop was attempted and led to a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended in a crash and an officer involved shooting at NE 55th Avenue between East Burnside Street and NE Couch Street in Portland. Brockner was arrested and transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital to receive medical attention.           

Brockner previously pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2113(a) and (d) and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) on May 2, 2018.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Craig Gabriel, Benjamin Tolkoff and John Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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

# # #

Gather your friends and family and come down to the Tualatin Lake of the Commons for the 15th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta! The event is Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. This is a rain or shine event and there is no fee for admission. The world famous Pumpkin Regatta is unlike any other event and has become one of the most anticipated fall events in the Northwest. Watch costumed characters paddle 1,000 pound pumpkin boats in a series of wacky races.

The Pumpkin Regatta also features pie eating contests, kids pumpkin carving, face painting, pumpkin golf,  pumpkin bowling, a kids costume contest, strolling entertainment, clown shows, hot food and drinks, and much more!

The Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers will hold the 19th Annual Terminator Weigh-Off and New Seasons Giant Tomato Weigh Off in conjunction with the Regatta and the largest of the large vegetables will be awarded prizes. Come early to watch the parade of giant pumpkins arriving at the Commons.

For more information about the Regatta please go to www.tualatinoregon.gov/pumpkinregatta or call 503.691.3076

The Lake of the Tualatin Commons is located at 8325 SW Nyberg St. Tualatin OR 97062

Clark County Major Crimes unit has completed the investigation into the pushing of Jordan Holgerson off of the Moulton Falls Bridge.  The suspect, 18 year old Taylor Smith, has been cooperating with investigators.  The case will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecutors Office for appropriate charging. 

No more information at this time.

SALEM, Ore. -  A project that aims to bring tech businesses, a fairground expansion, and a new military readiness center to Deschutes County moved forward today as the State Land Board approved next steps for a 945-acre property near Redmond. 

The project, a collaboration between the Department of State Lands (DSL), the City of Redmond, Deschutes County and the Oregon Military Department, would bring the parcel inside the Redmond urban growth boundary and annex the property into the city. 

DSL would exchange 140 acres with Deschutes County for an expansion of the county fair and expo center, and sell 20 acres to the Oregon Military Department for a new readiness center. 

"This will continue the investment made with state and local partners to meet the needs of Deschutes County, the Oregon Military Department, the City of Redmond, and open the door to bring all kinds of new family-wage jobs to Central Oregon," said DSL Director Vicki Walker.

The remaining acres would become large lot industrial land - a designation Central Oregon needs to diversify its employment opportunities, according to a 2011 study commissioned by area cities and counties. The designation is aimed to appeal to tech businesses and other light industrial, low-impact uses that require large parcels of land. 

"The authorization positions Redmond to work with Redmond Economic Development, the state, and other partners to focus on transforming that bare land into a hub of family-wage industrial jobs and to keep up with the growth in Central Oregon," said Redmond Mayor George Endicott.

The Land Board's decision allows DSL to submit land use applications to the city and county for the project, to fund infrastructure improvements required for the large lot industrial zoning designation, and to partition the parcels for the fairgrounds and readiness center.  

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

###

Photo caption

Pictured from left to right: Vicki Walker, Director, Department of State Lands; Jon Stark, Senior Director, Redmond Economic Development Inc.; Stanley Hutchison, Deputy Director, Oregon Military Department; Governor Kate Brown; Mayor George Endicott, City of Redmond; State Treasurer Tobias Read; Clara Taylor, Real Property Analyst, Department of State Lands; and John Swanson, Real Property Planner, Department of State Lands.

On August 8, 2018 a Beaverton Police officer investigated a theft from vehicle case in the 14000 block of SW Teal Blvd.  Among the stolen items was a hand carved cane which was given to the victim by her grandfather.  The cane was carved from a 1500-year-old tree located in northern Iran.  The cane has intricate hand carving and has been passed down through the victim’s family. 

If anyone has seen the cane or has information regarding this theft, please call 503-629-0111 and speak to a Beaverton Police officer.   

##BPD##

PORTLAND, Ore. – Wilfredo Reyes, 60, of Portland, was sentenced today to three years’ probation including eight months of home detention for falsely reporting a suspicious package on a TriMet MAX train.

According to court records, on June 9, 2017, Reyes called 9-1-1 to report a suspicious package with protruding wires on a MAX train in Portland. During the call, he intentionally conveyed false and misleading information that led the Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications and local law enforcement to believe an explosive had been planted on the MAX train. TriMet police and more than 40 officers from multiple agencies responded to the scene. The Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit rendered the device safe and concluded that it did not contain a bomb.

Surveillance cameras revealed that Reyes boarded the train with a backpack, placed it in a seat, walked to another part of the train, and then proceeded to call 9-1-1. He was interviewed by officers at the scene and initially denied being the caller. After the backpack was determined not to contain a bomb, officers found items in it with Reyes's name on them. He was arrested and admitted to owning the backpack and arranging the contents to look like a bomb.

Reyes’ conduct caused a substantial disruption to multiple law enforcement agencies and local businesses. Two business near the Hollywood/NE 42nd Avenue MAX station were evacuated. The station, several streets, and the westbound lanes of Interstate 84 were closed during the investigation.      

Reyes previously pleaded guilty to one count of conveying a hoax bomb threat in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1038(a) on April 26, 2018.

The Portland FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated this case in coordination with its first response partners Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire and Rescue and TriMet. The case was prosecuted by Hannah Horsley, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE                 

AUGUST 14, 2018

Portland man receives 10 year prison sentence for sex trafficking 13 year old female 

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced Tracy Scott Walls, 55, pleaded no contest to one count of compelling prostitution and one count of promoting prostitution.  

According to previously filed court documents, in July 2016, Walls was the sex trafficker of a 13 year old female. Furthermore, he gave the minor methamphetamine to control her, and on multiple occasions engaged in sexual intercourse and oral sex with her. The defendant met the vulnerable victim on the streets, took her to meet his parents, rented a motel room for her to stay with him and negotiated with sex buyers so they could engage in illegal sexual contact with the minor. One such instance occurred in a car, and there was an exchange of money. The victim was not allowed to leave while being trafficked. She reported seeing Walls with a gun, which increased her fear of being seriously injured if she fled.

Tuesday’s plea and sentencing was heavily negotiated and included multiple judicial settlement conferences with the Court.

Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Kenneth R. Walker, who presided over the hearing, called the settlement a “reasonable resolution” and told Walls, “I hope that this is the final wake-up call for you.”

The victim in the case was made aware of the plea negotiations. She is supportive of Tuesday’s judgement.

Walls will have to register as a sex offender. Upon his release from prison, he will serve three years of post-prison supervision.

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit in close collaboration with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office’s Human Trafficking Team. Senior Deputy District Attorney J.R. Ujifusa prosecuted the case.

The Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office want to remind the community that human trafficking is not a victimless crime. Victims of sex trafficking are forced, coerced, and manipulated into this lifestyle against their will. They are forced to suffer through physical, sexual, and mental abuse.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office’s Human Trafficking Team works to protect victims utilizing a three-prong approach: (1) aggressively prosecuting those who traffic victims to sex buyers; (2) reducing demand for exploitation in all forms to include a dedicated focus on a reduction of sex buyers; and (3) ensuring adequate protection and support for victims of human trafficking.

To learn more about the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office’s Human Trafficking Team, please click here.

If you are, or know of, a child or adult victim of human sex trafficking and need immediate assistance, call 9-1-1.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

August 14, 2018

Cannabis Commission's Patient Access Subcommittee meets August 20 in Portland

What: The monthly meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission's Patient Access Subcommittee

Agenda:

• Introductions.
• Updates: survey questions and data requests; legislative landscape.
• Finalizing subcommittee report.
• Public comment.

When: Monday, Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Conference Room 1D, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Conference call line: 877-848-7030, access code 753428.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight-member panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. Along with this, they advise the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission with respect to the statutes governing medical and retail cannabis.  For more information, please visit the commission's website at http://www.healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the 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 material in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Portland, Ore.  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Public Lands Foundation are proud to announce that the Fourth Biennial Public Lands Foundation Student Congress will be held in Baker City, Oregon from August 22 to 25, 2018. 

Every two years, the Public Lands Foundation sponsors a National Student Congress focused on public land management and natural resource issues. This year’s theme will reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the National Trails Act. The Student Congress will also include former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts and former BLM Director Jim Caswell as featured speakers. 

Student Congress participants are recruited from colleges and universities across the country where they discuss current issues and potential solutions for future policy making.  Students from throughout the U.S. and Canada will be participating in this year’s Student Congress from a wide-ranging number of universities, including: University of Oregon, University of Wisconsin, Arizona State University, Penn State University, University of Ottawa, and the Colorado School of Mines.  All full list of this year’s student participants, along with their biographical summaries is available here:

https://publicland.org/about/biennial-student-congress/2018-2/ 

At the end of each Student Congress a report is prepared that summarizes the Student Congress and makes recommendations for future land management policy making and are presented by members of the Student Congress to the Public Lands Foundation and to BLM officials in Washington D.C.

The Public Lands Foundation is a national advocacy organization that works to keep public lands in public hands.  The Public Lands Foundation was founded in 1987 and is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Additional information about the BLM’s partnership with the Public Lands Foundation is available online at: 

https://publicland.org/
 

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week, building a digital defense against travel scams.

It is that travel-filled time of year again folks. Whether you are behind the curveball and trying to squeeze in some last minute summer vacations or completely on top of it and already planning for fall and winter trips, everyone is always on the lookout for a good deal at a great price. However, scam artists know this and will try to take advantage of it as much as they can.

If you are like me, you are constantly getting calls and emails from people telling you that you are the “lucky winner” of an all-expense paid for vacation. Although the offer is tempting, don’t fall for it! How often do you hear of people actually getting their entire trip paid for by a random stranger? Not that often, because it is yet another scam with expensive strings attached. So before you book that discounted hotel room or flight reservation, be sure to keep these travel tips from our friends at the Federal Trade Commission in mind:

• Just say no to the robocalls. If you answer your phone to another automated message, just hang up and ignore it. Most robocalls are illegal. If you get one of these unwanted calls, report it to FTC.
• Be vigilant to unexpected emails and text messages. Similar to the automated calls, many scam artists will send you fake deals through both email and text. Remember, if the offer is too good to be true, it probably is. Ignore and delete the messages.
• Research a company before booking with them. If you do decide to use an agency that offers cheaper deals, be sure to do your research. Look up reviews and ratings to see if other customers were satisfied with the services that they received.
• Know the cancellation policy. Before booking, take time to ask about the company’s refund policies for flight reservations, car rentals, and hotel bookings. Get these policies in writing.
• Pay with credit card. If you have gone through all of these steps and feel good about booking with the company, use your credit card to pay. This will give you more protection than paying with cash, check, or a debit card. If you end up not getting what you paid for, this will enable you to dispute the charges with your credit card company.   

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

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center has selected Sheila Lynam, MD as the organization’s new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Lynam will step into the role formerly held by Eleen Kirman, MD, who has retired. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lynam will provide medical oversight, expertise and leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, effective healthcare services. Her responsibilities will also include the development and implementation of innovative clinical programs. Her first day in her new role will be Sept. 2, 2018.

“It is an honor to be given this opportunity to serve the patients, providers, caregivers, and leaders of PeaceHealth St. John,” said Lynam. “I believe that to lead is to serve, and that the most honorable form of leadership is demonstrated by example. I look forward to building on established relationships and collaborating with those whom I have not yet had the pleasure of working. Together we can continue to enhance the safety and quality of care delivered in our community.”

Dr. Lynam, a pathologist with PeaceHealth Medical Group Pathology, has provided exemplary pathology care in Cowlitz County for nearly 20 years. She earned her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, with post-graduate studies of surgical pathology at Vanderbilt University, and anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Oklahoma. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center is a community-owned, not-for-profit, 193-bed acute care hospital and Level III trauma center located in Longview, Washington. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Hospital, PeaceHealth St. John provides a full range of outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical, and surgical services. The region’s health care leader for more than 75 years, PeaceHealth St. John is one of ten medical centers in the PeaceHealth System.

PeaceHealth Medical Group is a multi-specialty medical group comprised of general and specialty medical providers.

PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a multi-specialty medical group practice with more than 800 physicians and providers, a comprehensive laboratory system, and nine medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of its founding Sisters and continues to serve communities when invited to do so with a spirit of collaboration and stewardship. This is The Spirit of Healing—The Spirit of PeaceHealth.

Visit us at www.peacehealth.org.

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in July, which was Oregon’s lowest unemployment rate since comparable records began in 1976. Oregon’s June unemployment rate was 4.0 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate exactly matched Oregon’s rate in both months: 3.9 percent in July and 4.0 percent in June.

During the past two years, Oregon’s unemployment rate has been remarkably low and steady. The rate was either 4.1 percent or 4.2 percent each month stretching from January 2017 to May 2018. The most recent two months are still close to that level, but have edged down to 4.0 percent in June and 3.9 percent in July.

Oregon’s economy is growing faster than previously thought. Payroll employment figures covering the spring and early summer show bigger job gains than the numbers released four weeks ago indicated. In July, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment rose by 5,400 jobs, following a revised over-the-month gain of 6,600 jobs in June.

Monthly job gains in July were concentrated in retail trade (+1,900 jobs), construction (+1,700), and health care and social assistance (+1,400). The only major industry performing below seasonal expectations was government, which cut 2,200 jobs.

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 45,300 jobs, or 2.4 percent, since July 2017. This growth was substantially more rapid than was previously indicated in the jobs estimates released last month. Oregon’s gains over the past 12 months were largest, by far, in construction, which added 11,000 jobs, expanding by 11.2 percent. Over the year, several other major industries each added more than 6,000 jobs, while growing faster than 3 percent: leisure and hospitality (+8,100 jobs, or 3.9%); manufacturing (+6,300 jobs, or 3.3%); professional and business services (+7,900 jobs, or 3.2%); and health care and social assistance (+7,600 jobs, or 3.2%). Some industries remained close to their year-ago job totals, including information (+200 jobs, or 0.6%); retail trade (+600 jobs, or 0.3%); government (-800 jobs, or -0.3%); and wholesale trade (-600 jobs, or  0.8%).

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the July county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, August 21st, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for August on Tuesday, September 18th. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact: (503) 947-1794. For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.

Salem, OR – August 14, 2018 – To prevent further forest fires while supporting areas affected by summer blazes, Oregon Office of Emergency Management is teaming up with other state agencies to raise awareness of fire prevention.  

Human caused wildfires burned 228,000 acres in 2017. The Oregon Department of Forestry has responded to 30 human-caused fires in the past week alone; one burned over 20,000 acres. Causes include vehicles (faulty exhaust systems, overheating), illegal abandoned campfires, target shooting, and illegal debris burning.  

“Eliminating human-caused wildfires helps all Oregonians,” said Peter Daugherty, State Forester, Oregon Department of Forestry.  “Preventing even one wildfire allows firefighting resources to concentrate on the lightning-caused wildfires we can’t prevent, and minimizes public and firefighter risk.”

The bottom line, says Daugherty, is to use utmost care on a daily basis to prevent adding new fires to the landscape, especially during extreme conditions with a long way to go before the end of fire season. 

OEM has compiled these tips, gleaned from fire-response agencies, to mitigate human-caused wildfires:

• Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.
• Lawn mowers are designed to cut lawns, not weeks or dry grass. Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires
• Check Keep Oregon Green for current conditions and restrictions in your area, and always keep fire-fighting tools on hand.
• Wildfires sparked along roadways may be caused by traveling motorists
  • Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, with nothing dragging on the ground.
  • Maintain proper tire pressure; riving on exposed wheel rims will throw sparks.
  • Properly maintain brakes; brakes worn too think may cause metal-to-metal contact which can cause a spark.
  • Practice safe towing. Check for dragging chains, use appropriate safety pins and hitch ball to secure chains.
  • Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush; hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires you won’t even see until it’s too late.
  • Carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and learn how to use it.
• Maintain a defensible space around your home
• Remove dead trees to reduce wildfire risk

“Preventing wildfires is every Oregonian’s responsibility, and there has rarely been a more critical time to do your best to keep wildfire from occurring,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “Common everyday activities such as mowing the lawn or pulling your vehicle off to the side of the road may start a wildfire in these dry conditions.”

This year, wildland fires have had significant impact on many rural communities, as well as local businesses who rely on welcoming and serving vacationing Oregonians and guests from around the world during Oregon's summer season.

As the fires and smoke subside, all Oregonians can support local businesses by visiting fire-impacted areas for vacations this year,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson. “Not only will we have the world-class experiences we cherish, we'll have the added pleasure of knowing we're supporting the recovery of our fellow Oregonians.” 

###

Vancouver, Wash. – Each September, volunteers compile trail data for planning future trail projects and supporting grant applications and other funding requests.

Clark County is working with other agencies to marshal volunteers who will count runners, walkers and cyclists on trails and pathways in the Portland-Vancouver area. This year a new mobile app for counting will be tested at select locations.

Volunteers are needed to help with weekday trail counts from 5-7 pm Sept. 11-13 and weekend counts from 9-11 am Sept. 15-16. Volunteers will be trained.

Trail count locations in Clark County include:

• Frenchman’s Bar and Vancouver Lake Trail at the Blurock Landing trailhead
• Salmon Creek Greenway Trail at the Vancouver Girls Softball Association trailhead
• Columbia River Renaissance Trail
• Burnt Bridge Creek Trail at the Northeast Devine Road trailhead and near Northwest 78th Street-Lakeshore Avenue
• Padden Parkway Trail at Northeast 94th Avenue
• Lacamas Trail at the Northeast Goodwin Road trailhead.

Interested in volunteering? Please RSVP to see the full list of counting locations, sign up for one of two training sessions and register when and where you will help. The training sessions are:

• 5-6:30 pm Tuesday, Aug. 28, Clark County Public Works Operations Center, 4700 N.E. 78th St., Conference Room B-1.
• 5-6:30 pm Thursday, Aug.30, Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. Sixth St.

More information on trail counts and other volunteer opportunities is available at www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/annual-trail-user-counts.

The four-year bond program has made improvements to nearly every school in the District. With this large-scale program nearly complete, the District says “thank you” to everyone who helped keep the projects on time and within budget.

Come Celebrate with Us!

The District is hosting four public events to celebrate the new and renovated schools and to thank the Reynolds community for supporting the 2015 Bond program. Community members are invited to hear from local officials, have some refreshments, and see the progress as we prepare to open for school. All community members welcome!

Fairview Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Monday, August 20, 2018
6:00 -- 7:00 p.m. | 225 Main Street, Fairview

See Facebook event

Wilkes Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
6:00 -- 7:00 p.m. | 17020 NE Wilkes Road, Portland

See Facebook event
 

Troutdale Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
6:00 -- 7:00 p.m. | 648 SE Harlow Avenue, Troutdale

See Facebook event

Reynolds High School Renovation Celebration
Thursday, August 23, 2018
6:00 -- 7:00 p.m. | 1698 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale
See Facebook event

About the Reynolds School District Bond Projects

The District is finishing major improvements to our schools. In 2015, the District began work to replace Troutdale, Fairview and Wilkes Elementary Schools; significantly update and renovate Reynolds High School; and provide safety and security upgrades to all schools. Funding for these projects is provided by a bond measure passed in 2015. All schools will be move-in ready by Fall 2018.

In September of 2014, the McMinnville Police Department began investigating the disappearance of a subject named Louis “Paul” Geary.  On September 4th, 2014, a family member requested a welfare check at Mr. Geary’s residence in McMinnville after not hearing from him for about a week.

During the initial investigation, receipts from various local purchases were collected and Mr. Geary was last seen on video surveillance footage at a local store in McMinnville on the night of August 26th, 2014.  Mr. Geary appeared to be alone at that time and not under any kind of duress.

Mr. Geary’s vehicle was later found parked on west 2nd Street on September 5th, 2014, near the entrance to the Hillside Retirement Community.  Information and observations indicated the vehicle had likely been parked there for a while.  A review of Mr. Geary’s cell phone usage and his various financial accounts did not produce any viable leads.

At the time of his disappearance, Mr. Geary (a white male) was 59 years old, about 5’-10” tall, and he weighed about 110 to 120 pounds with a very thin build.  He had light colored hair (gray / blond) and he typically wore wireframe eye glasses.

This missing person investigation has been on-going for the past four years and Mr. Geary’s whereabouts are still unknown.  If you know anything about the disappearance of Mr. Geary, or his current whereabouts, you are asked to call the McMinnville Police Department Tipline at 503-434-2337.  You can remain anonymous, but it is preferred that you leave your name and phone number in case we have any follow-up questions.  Please reference case #14-4156 in your message.  The attached photo was taken in 2008. Thank you.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is still accepting applications for its 2018 Citizens’ Academy. The Academy begins September 11th and meets for ten sessions ending October 30th. This free program is designed to give citizen participants an opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

The class will meet each Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on two Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The Saturdays are scheduled for September 15th and October 13th Most classes meet at the Law Enforcement Building in Corvallis.

During the program, participants will gain insight into the challenges faced by Deputies. Most of the instructors are sworn Deputies who share their experiences with the class.

The Citizens’ Academy covers all aspects of the Sheriff’s responsibilities including law enforcement, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations and the support service and command responsibilities of the Office.

“We hope residents will take this opportunity to learn more about what their Sheriff’s Office does,” says Sheriff Scott Jackson. “The class fills up quickly so we encourage interested individuals to get their applications in early.” Deadline for applications is August 28, 2018.

Applications are available online at: https://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/page/2018-citizens-academy or in person at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis. For further information, contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858.

Update 08/14/18:  During our investigation into the arson yesterday we identified a 14-year-old male juvenile as the suspect.  He was taken into custody last night and lodged on one count of arson II and one count of criminal mischief I.  We do not believe any other suspects are involved and the juvenile acted alone. 

Arson II, ORS 164.315, is a class C felony

Criminal Mischief I, ORS 164.365, is a class C felony

###

Early this morning, just before 2:00 am, Clackamas Fire and the Oregon City Police Department responded to a fire at Park Place Elementary School, located at 16075 Front Ave.  When the first fire engine arrived, they found the play structure on fire.  The fire was quickly contained and extinguished, however, an investigation has revealed the fire was intentionally set and is being considered an arson.  It is estimated the fire caused over $15,000 worth of damage.  No suspect(s) have been identified. 

Anyone who has information about the fire or has information about who is responsible for setting the fire are asked to call the Oregon City Police Department tip line at 503-496-1616 or the Clackamas Fire District #1 Fire Prevention Office at 503-742-2660.  Reference OCPD case #18-022504.

On Monday August 13, 2018 at about 2:30pm, the U.S. Forest Service investigated an illegal burn at a primitive campsite located in the Deschutes National Forest off of Forest Service Road 9702, (Benham Falls Road), near the Lava Lands Visitor Center.  The burn site was estimated at ¼ acre and evidence of drug use was located at the scene.  A suspect was contacted by a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) and the suspect initially gave a false name and fled the scene shortly after in a teal 1993 Ford Escort Wagon.  The U.S. Forest Service LEO was able to capture the vehicle plate and disseminate that information to local area partner agencies.

Oregon State Police Troopers and Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office began an area search for the outstanding suspects involved in this incident.  At about 4:00pm, the Deschutes County 911 Center received a report of a rolling domestic disturbance near 3rd Street and NE Franklin Avenue in Bend.  The vehicle reported matched the teal Ford Escort from the previous reckless burning incident.  Officers from Bend Police Department and OSP located and stopped the Ford Escort. 

The male driver, later identified as 43 year old Bend resident Benjamin Noah Osborn, was positively identified as the suspect.  Osborn and his female passenger, identified as 28 year old Redding California resident, Kaleigh Thompson were both transported to a Bend area hospital for evaluation for concerns of drug use. 

Osborn was later lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on charges of DUII – Controlled Substance; Possession of a Controlled Substance – Heroin; Giving False Information to Police; Fail to Register as a Sex Offender; and Fugitive from Justice on an Outstanding Arrest Warrant issued from California.  Citations were also issued by the U.S. Forest Service for Illegal Burning and Giving False Information to Police. 

The Oregon State Police, U.S. Forest Service and all First Responders urge the public to use extreme caution during the fire restriction season to prevent risk to life and public and private property damage.

On August 13, 2018 at 6:45 p.m disaster responders  responded to a home fire disaster that occurred in the 10700 block of Waypark Drive in Salem, Oregon. This single-family fire affected 2 adults, 3 children and several pets.

Red Cross provided assistance for temporary lodging; assistance to address immediate basic needs; and information about recovery services. The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department. The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

(Salem, Ore.) — The executive committee of the Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC) will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. N.E., Room 160, Salem, Oregon, 97301.

The meeting is open to the public.

The agenda includes regular ODC business, review and approval of meeting agenda and prior meeting minutes, public comment, announcements, ODC business topics, next meeting agenda ideas and other topics.

Those who can’t attend in person may call into the meeting using this conference line and access code: 503-934-1400, 4891017.

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Lori Watt at Lori.C.Watt@state.or.us. Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

For questions about the meeting, please contact: Jeff Puterbaugh, policy analyst at Jeffrey.L.Puterbaugh@state.or.us.

About the Oregon Disabilities Commission

The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations services individuals with disabilities.

                                                                                            # # #

For Immediate Release                                           

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center re-verified as a level 1 trauma center

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center was recently re-verified as a Level 1 trauma center by the Verification Review Committee, a component of the Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement recognizes the trauma center’s dedication to providing optimal care of injured patients.

Led by the Legacy Emanuel’s Trauma Medical Director Ameen Ramzy, M.D., MBA, FACS, and Trauma Program Manager Carolann VinZant, R.N. the trauma team worked closely with colleagues across the medical center to successfully meet the re-verification requirements.

“The ACS called Legacy Emanuel ‘a pillar of the state and regional trauma system’,” says Dr. Ramzy. “The re-verification of our Level 1 trauma center was the result of an exceptional team effort between staff who provide patient care and administrative support staff from facilities management, environmental services, nutrition services and security.”

Trent Green, FACHE, president of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center says Legacy was verified as a Level 1 trauma center 30 years ago. “We consider ourselves a leader in providing the highest level of trauma care to people in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,” says Green. “Our ability to build an exceptional trauma center over the years is a testament to the many dedicated and committed staff who made it a priority.”  

Level 1 is the highest designation for trauma care. Legacy Emanuel provides the highest level of care with life-saving capabilities for serious injuries and illnesses. The medical center provides a complete system for receiving patients, including a heliport for the emergency helicopters to deliver patients from across the state.

Earlier this year, Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel was verified as a Level 1 pediatric trauma center, making it the first in Oregon and the first children’s hospital in the Pacific Northwest to receive this premier status. There are approximately 50 ACS-verified Level 1 pediatric trauma centers across the country.

The verification is an extension of the long-standing expertise in trauma care offered at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, which has been an ACS-verified Level 1 trauma center since 1988 and is home to the Legacy Oregon Burn Center – the only facility of its kind between Seattle and Sacramento.

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.

FAQs from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma

How many categories of verification does the program have?

There are five separate categories of verification in the Committee on Trauma's (COT) program (Level I Trauma Center, Level II Trauma Center, Level III Trauma Center, Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center), each with specific criteria that must be met by a facility seeking that level of verification.

What is the Committee on Trauma?

The Committee on Trauma (COT), a standing committee of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), works to improve all phases of care of the injured patient and to prevent injuries before they occur. The COT promotes leadership and cooperation of all participants in a trauma center so that the best possible care will be provided to injured patients. The COT also requires the commitment of each facility's surgeons to the improvement of trauma care. Recognizing that trauma is a surgical disease that demands surgical leadership, the ACS established the Committee on Trauma, its oldest standing committee, in 1922.

What is the Consultation/Verification Program?

Established by the ACS Committee on Trauma in 1987, the Consultation/Verification Program is designed to promote the development of trauma centers in which participants provide the hospital resources necessary to address the trauma needs of all injured patients. The Consultation Program is designed to help hospitals and their personnel prepare for this endeavor. The Verification Program confirms that all the criteria have been met.

What are Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient?

This document is the resource manual of the COT. First published in 1976 as

Optimal Hospital Resources for Care of the Injured Patient, the manual established guidelines for the care of injured patients. Subsequent revisions have continued the COT's commitment to ensuring that resources and personnel for providing optimal care for injured patients are in place in trauma programs. In 1990, the name of this manual was changed to Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient to reflect a change in trauma care and to complement an important and abiding principle of the Committee on Trauma: To ensure that the needs of all injured patients are addressed wherever they are injured and wherever they receive care.

How did the verification program begin?

An obvious outgrowth of the establishment of the COT's guidelines for optimal care was the development of a verification process through which a hospital could be evaluated by ACS trauma surgeons to determine whether the criteria for optimal care of injured patients were being met. Thus, the Verification/Consultation Program for Hospitals was established in 1987.

How does a hospital or clinic receive verification?

The level of verification is requested by the hospital. An on-site review of the hospital is conducted by a team of reviewers experienced in the field of trauma. Using the current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual as a guideline, this team will determine if the criteria for the requested level have been met.

###

The Kelso School District has reached contract agreements with all five collective employee groups. Four of the groups—Kelso Education Association (KEA), Kelso Principal’s Association, Public School Employees II (PSE II), and Extra-Curricular—have ratified their agreements. The PSE I group will vote to ratify in the coming weeks. 

“The Kelso Education Association is happy to announce a 100% ratification of our new contract for the upcoming school year,” said Bob Gustin, KEA President. “We could not be happier with the district’s leadership—our school board members, our superintendent, and our budget and human resources directors—who continuously strive to work with us to provide competitive wages and supportive working conditions that attract and retain excellent staff and show that they genuinely value the work we do to make a difference in the lives of Kelso students.”

“We have an amazing group of people working to provide the kids in Kelso with the best and most supportive learning experience,” said Superintendent Mary Beth Tack. “We’re honored to work with them and excited to put all our collective focus on preparing every student for living, learning and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.”

August 13, 2018

Recreational use health advisory for Lower Willamette River updated to include only Ross Island Lagoon

Advisory updated based on toxin testing results

The Oregon Health Authority updated a recreational use health advisory today for the Lower Willamette River to only include Ross Island Lagoon.

Ross Island Lagoon is located about a mile south of downtown Portland in Multnomah County. The area of concern includes the downtown reach of the Willamette River.

Toxin test results from samples collected by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Thursday, Aug. 9, show elevated toxins in Ross Island Lagoon but not in areas outside the lagoon where the bloom is more dispersed. No toxins were detected outside the lagoon.

OHA first issued a health advisory for the Ross Island Lagoon Aug. 3 and lifted it Aug. 7 after tests showed toxin levels were below recreational advisory levels. The advisory was re-issued and expanded downstream to Cathedral Park on August 11. Today’s update restricts the area under advisory to Ross Island Lagoon.

While the bloom is visible in other areas of the river, it does not appear to be producing toxins at levels that threaten human health outside Ross Island Lagoon.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in Ross Island Lagoon. Although toxins are not absorbed through the skin, people who have skin sensitivities may experience a puffy red rash at the affected area.

Because of dogs’ special sensitivity to cyanotoxins, OHA advises dog owners to keep their pets out of the water in any area with visible bloom regardless of whether an advisory is in effect.

Drinking water directly from Ross Island Lagoon at this time is especially dangerous. OHA public health officials advise recreational visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters.

This portion of the Willamette River is not a source of drinking water for a public water system, but if people connected to public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

OHA public health officials recommend that those who choose to eat fish from waters where cyanobacteria blooms are present remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, as cyanotoxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water. Public health officials also advise people to not eat freshwater clams or mussels from Ross Island Lagoon and that Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations do not allow the harvest of these shellfish from freshwater sources. Crayfish muscle can be eaten, but internal organs and liquid fat should be discarded.

Exposure to toxins can produce a variety of symptoms including numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems, and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. People who bring their pets to the Lower Willamette River for recreation activities should take special precautions to keep them from drinking from or swimming in the river.

With proper precautions to avoid activities during which water can be ingested or inhaled, people are encouraged to visit Ross Island Lagoon and enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Although inhalation risk is much lower than ingestion, it can present a risk.

For health information or to report an illness, contact the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) at 971-673-0440.

OHA maintains an updated list of all health advisories on its website. To learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body, visit the Harmful Algae Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab and select “algae bloom advisories” or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

# # #

Monday, August 13, 2018-Woodland, WA-

With the first day of school rapidly approaching on Tuesday, August 28, Woodland Public Schools offers the following resources and tips for parents and students to get a jump start on preparing for the new school year.

Stay up-to-date with Woodland Public Schools’ new smartphone app and website

Over the summer, Woodland Public Schools launched a new website and accompanying smartphone app to help parents, students and community members stay up-to-date with information delivered directly to their smartphones from a single app.

The app provides dining menus, event calendars, real-time updates on sports scores, school documents and a live feed similar to social networks populated entirely by information from school staff, teachers and even students. Teachers are working on projects involving the app such as student newspapers posted directly to the feed along with student work posted in galleries.

The free app, which is available for both Google Android and Apple iOS smartphones, also sends emergency notifications directly to app users.

The Google Android version can be downloaded for free from the Google Play store here: https://goo.gl/eAfB3o. The Apple iOS version can be downloaded for free from the Apple iTunes store here: https://goo.gl/3w7sQX. Links are also available on each school’s website homepage.

The Importance of Good Attendance

Parents and guardians should remember that good attendance leads to good student performance. Poor attendance affects students at every age, from kindergarten through high school, potentially causing them to remain behind academically for their entire school career.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student who misses 18 days of school in a single school year, including both excused and unexcused absences. "Missing only 10% of school days, just two days every couple of weeks for a total of 18 throughout the year, makes it harder for younger students, in particular, to learn basic skills like mathematics and reading," said Stacy Mouat, Truancy Specialist for Woodland Public Schools. "By sixth grade, absenteeism is a leading sign that a student may drop out of high school."

Below is a list of tips on creating a consistent schedule for your student and other helpful advice for keeping kids interested in school:

• Talk about school in a positive way. Share fun stories about your own past experiences with school, teachers, and staff with your kids.
   
• Start early. Begin a more routine and structured schedule the week before the first school day. Children thrive when they know what to expect with fewer adjustments at one time.
   
• Visit the school during Drop In/Open House. Open Houses really ease anxiety for both children and adults by making the school environment familiar and introducing students to their teachers.
   
• Demonstrate your confidence in your student. Assure your child that you are confident they will become an amazing student, and that they are ready to handle the independence that comes with attending school. If you believe in them and they know it, they will be confident and secure in no time!
   
• Make sure your students get plenty of sleep. Sleepy kids have much less ability to handle new or stressful situations. The importance of getting enough sleep cannot be overstated.
   
• Eat breakfast and lunch. Balanced nutrition really sets children up with the stamina needed for a full school day. A healthy breakfast and a nutritious lunch make a significant difference for young learners.
   
• Remember to relax. Make the first morning of school low-key and positive. Setting the tone right from the morning will help students remain calm and collected for the entire day.
   
• Model confident and positive behaviors. As the adult, you can model confidence and a positive attitude about the first school day. Although, it may be difficult and emotional for parents to separate from their child, children need to know you will be okay. Try not to cry in front of your child as they board the bus or when you drop them at school. Most tears from children on the first day of school are a result of the parents showing strong emotion. This is completely understandable, but do the best acting job you can! Separating quickly helps both parents and students stay calm and positive.
   
• School staff are looking out for you and your students. The school will call you if there are any issues or if your child is really struggling. Woodland Public Schools have a fantastic team of teachers and staff who are ready and skilled at assisting children with their transition to school. Your young learner is truly loved and will be cared for during their time at school!

School Supply Lists

School supply lists for primary, intermediate and middle school students can be located in the Documents section of each school’s respective website accessible from the Menu dropdown. These supply lists are also available in the Documents section of the smartphone app.

Tips for Woodland High School Students

• School Supplies. Supply lists are specific for each class. Students simply need a notebook and pencils on the first day of school. They will learn what other supplies they will need for their classes at that time.
   
• Visit the Woodland High School website. The answers to many questions along with additional information including bell schedules are available from the high school’s website: https://www.woodlandschools.org/whs

Back-to-School Event Calendar

Saturday, August 18, 2018

The Back to School Bash is this Saturday, August 18 from 3-6 p.m. at Woodland High School located at 1500 Dike Access Road with free backpacks and school supplies for all students as well as games, bounce houses, prizes and food. This event is possible thanks to the generous donations made by Woodland Public Schools with sponsorship from local churches and communities.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

The Woodland Intermediate School’s Lunch Buddy program holds two sessions of new mentor training on Tuesday, August 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in portable #7 at Woodland Primary School. Volunteers can register by contacting John Christopherson, the volunteer Lunch Buddy coordinator at (360) 431-6455 or via email at istopherson52@gmail.com">johnchristopherson52@gmail.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Woodland Primary School’s Open House will be held on Wednesday, August 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Woodland High School’s Freshman and New Student Orientation is Thursday, August 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Woodland Middle School’s Lunch and Lockers event is Friday, August 24 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The annual event invites students and their families to enjoy a free lunch, tour the school, meet homeroom teachers and practice locker combinations as well as decorate their lockers any time during this two-hour event.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Woodland Intermediate School’s Open House / Drop-In Drop-Off will be held on Monday, August 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

August 28 is the first day of school for all students grades 1-12. Kindergarten students do not start school until Tuesday, September 4, however parents will bring their students to meet with teachers at scheduled appointments during the week of August 27-31.

Community Resources for Families and Students

• School supply assistance. With the cost of school supplies increasing, Woodland Public Schools’ Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) wants to ensure every incoming student has a backpack and school supplies. “Having the correct school supplies has a profound impact on our students’ and their learning experience,” said Leslie Mohlman, Community, Family, Student Resource Coordinator. “We encourage parents to contact us with any needs they may have for their students.” Families who need assistance providing school supplies for their students can contact the FCRC at (360) 841-2718.
   
• Low-cost Internet service. Local Internet Service Providers provide low-cost packages for families who qualify for the free or reduced-cost meal program:
  • Comcast offers Internet Essentials for families at $9.95 per month plus tax along with laptop or desktop computers available for $149.99. More information is available by calling (855) 832-9548 or from www.internetessentials.com.
  • CenturyLink offers Internet Basics for households who qualify beginning at $9.95 a month plus taxes and fees with iPad Mini 2s available for $150. More information is available by calling (866) 541-3330 or from www.centurylink.com/home/internetbasics
     
• Use the Parent Toolkit. The Parent Tookit is a one-stop website and mobile app providing tips and advice on how to support a child’s development through every stage of life, both in and out of the classroom. Offered in both English and Spanish, parents can get more information and support specifically for Back to School by visiting https://goo.gl/kaGNoN
   
• Where to find more information and assistance. Lists of providers and information of how to obtain free and low-cost resources of all kinds can also be found from the Community Resources webpage on the Woodland Public Schools website: https://www.woodlandschools.org/fcrc  

Stay up-to-date with your Woodland schools!

Parents and students needing additional information can visit the district’s website at www.woodlandschools.org or download the Woodland Public Schools’ smartphone app using the links listed earlier in the article or by searching for Woodland Public Schools on the Google Play and Apple iTunes app stores.

In order to stay up-to-date on the latest news events at Woodland Public Schools, follow the district’s Facebook page at www.fb.com/WoodlandPS, follow the district’s Twitter account at www.twitter.com/WoodlandPS, sign up for weekly feature stories from Woodland Schools Weekly at https://goo.gl/4pVZ91, and receive district news alerts from Flash Alert at https://goo.gl/GAUtDx.

The entire staff of Woodland Public Schools looks forward to an exciting year and can’t wait to welcome the return of our students for the 2018-19 school year on Tuesday, August 28!

###

Photo Op: Catch teachers learning in fun, visual ways. Contact Vickei for specific classes and times.

WHAT:

The STEM-tastic Summer Science Symposium has 50 class offerings for K-8 science teachers to enhance their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum for students in Southwest Washington. The free training has roughly 750 teachers registered for hot-topics in STEM education like:

• Waves and Energy: How can we use renewable energy to improve the quality of life?
• Is the Pacific Northwest a Safe Place to Live?
• Teaching STEM through ELA
• Environments: How can we protect the Pika population in the Gorge?
• Field STEM Excursions: Engaging students in outdoor learning
• Making Environmental Science Smarter, Not Harder
• Visit https://www.esd112.org/stemtastic/ for a full class list

WHEN:

Tuesday, August 14 through Thursday, August 16

8:30 am – 3:30 pm each day

WHERE:

La Center High School
725 NE Highland Ave
La Center, WA

WHO:

ESD 112 is hosting the symposium in partnership with Clark County Green Schools and Pacific Education Institute.

WHY:

Washington state ranks first in the nation in concentration of STEM jobs. However, almost half of Washington’s 4th grade teachers report teaching science less than two hours per week. Only four states reported less science instruction.

STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. We live in an increasingly changing world. For example, according to the Smithsonian, four billion people on the planet use a mobile phone, while 3.5 billion people use a toothbrush. And in just the past two years, 90% of all of the world’s data has been generated.  

On August 13th, 2018 at approximately 8:18 AM, the Hillsboro Police Department responded to a fatal traffic crash on Brookwood at the Highway 26 east on-ramp.  This interchange is controlled by a traffic signal.

The crash involved a 2009 Suzuki motorcycle and a 2017 Honda CRV.

The driver of the motorcycle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and did not sustain any injuries.

Names will be released at a later time.

The preliminary investigation reveals that the motorcyclist was traveling north bound on Brookwood approaching the Highway 26 interchange.  The driver of the Honda was traveling south bound on Brookwood and turned left on a flashing yellow in front of the northbound motorcycle.

The Washington County Inter-agency crash analysis reconstruction team are continuing the investigation.

Anyone with any information or may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Hillsboro Police Department: 503-681-6175. 

The Oregon City Police Department conducted its second pedestrian safety enforcement operation for 2018. The safety enforcement operation was funded by a grant from Oregon Impact.

The primary focus of this operation was to educate drivers and help raise awareness of the pedestrian right away laws. The Oregon City Police Department used a pedestrian decoy, while another police officer observed traffic violations occurring and radioed awaiting uniform officers to make the stop. The officers issued citations or warnings to help educate the violators.  Seven drivers did not stop for the pedestrian decoy.

The safety operation occurred on August 10, 2018, at the intersection of Linn Ave. and Williams St. between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. The operation resulted in 22 drivers being stopped. The violations included 7 citations issued for failing to stop or remained stopped for a pedestrian, 7 citations issued for driving while using a mobile communication device, 1 for failure to wear a seatbelt, 2 citations for driving while suspended – violation, and 1 citation for an equipment violation.  10 warnings were given during the operation.

This intersection was specifically selected for the pedestrian safety operation due to heavy foot traffic along Linn Ave.  The Oregon City Police Department wants to remind everyone to be aware of your surroundings when operating a motor vehicle and avoid distracted driving by not using your mobile communication device.

The following information is in reference to a death investigated by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

This individual died on 08/08/2018 in Ridgefield, WA.

The name of the decedent: Cutler-Ffitch, Stefany R.    Age: 23 Yrs           

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

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death: Accident

Manner of death: Smoke Inhalation

No additional information is available for release from the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Media release issue date: Prepared 08/13/2018

Nikki Costa

Operations Manager

Sheriff Tim Svenson of the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office announced today that his office will join with other law enforcement agencies state wide August 20th through September 2nd, 2018 to encourage the use of safety belts and child restraints as the simplest and most effective way to prevent crash related injuries and fatalities.  These dates coincide with the Labor Day weekend. As this is the last long weekend of the summer, traffic is expected to increase greatly and the chances of being involved in a traffic crash also increase. 

•        Oregon law requires all occupants to use safety restraints or a child safety system appropriate for their size. Law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will be working overtime to focus on proper safety belt use including child seat use, during a nationwide traffic enforcement “blitz” occurring day and night.

•        This enhanced enforcement is made possible through grant funding of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by Oregon State Sheriff’s Association

•        Safety belts, used correctly, can reduce the risk of major crash injury or death by up to 65%.  Belts are even more effective when used in combination with airbag systems and other not-so-obvious occupant protection features designed into today’s vehicles.

•        Child seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under one year old and by up to 59% for toddlers aged one to four.  Booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among four to eight year olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone.

•        Children under one year or weighing less than twenty pounds must ride in a rear-facing child seat.  A child over forty pounds must use either a child seat or booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” tall and the adult belt fits them correctly. 

The deceased has been identified as James Allen Guse, age 82 of Eugene.

On August 11, 2018 at approximately 9:52 AM Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 36 near mp 51 (near the Hwy 36 / Hwy 99 Intersection)

Preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle slowly drifted off the road and crashed into a concrete bridge pillar.  After crashing in the bridge the vehicle caught on fire.

The driver of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  No other occupants in the vehicle.  Name will be released at a later time.

OSP was assisted by the Junction City Police Department, Lane County Fire and the ODOT.

Vancouver, WA - Columbia Springs, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit located on the Old Evergreen Highway, hosted its annual fundraiser “Hooked on Nature” at Gaiser Hall at Clark College on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018. Guests supported the Columbia Springs mission to provide excellent environmental education to local schools and healthy outdoor activities to the wider community.

Five local celebrity chefs from the Tod and Maxine Culinary Institute at Clark College, Beaches Restaurant and Bar, Tommy O’s Pacific Rim Bistro, and Simply Thyme competed with their best salmon dishes. Guests voted Earl Frederick from Clark College as the winner of the Second Annual Local Celebrity Chef Salmon Bake-Off.

“We are so thankful to the chefs for making this a very special event. We are also appreciative of our community for supporting the mission at Columbia Springs. Last year, Columbia Springs’ programs reached over 16,000 people. Our field trips served over 6,000 local grade school students. We can only continue this essential work with the support of our community,” said Executive Director Maureen Montague.

The event brought in over $60,000 in donations.

For more information about Columbia Springs and upcoming events, go to www.columbiasprings.org.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) conducted a speed enforcement mission on Interstate 84 on Saturday, August 11 resulting in 27 citations.

MCSO was joined by members from the Oregon State Police and Portland Police Bureau to provide an enhanced presence between the Interstate 205 interchange and Mile Post 42.  The primary goal of the enforcement mission was to provide a visible deterrent to unsafe driving practices.

Over the course of the four-hour mission, deputies, troopers, and officers stopped 37 vehicles, issued 27 citations and 14 warnings.

Citations:

• Speeding: 24
• Seatbelt Violation: 1
• Uninsured Motorist: 1
• Expired Registration: 1

Warnings were issued for speeding and other violations

Speed remains one of the leading causes of fatalities on our roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding killed 10,111 people, accounting for more than a quarter (27%) of all traffic fatalities in 2016.

This mission was grant-funded by ODOT’s Transportation Safety Division.

###

August 13, 2018 - Salem, Ore. – Some people find a few bucks in change when they do laundry, but Enola Dick of Pendleton, found $66,576.

Dick said she purchased the ticket at Cadillac Jack’s Saloon and Grill in Pendleton and then went home to do her laundry.

“I couldn’t watch the Keno game because I needed to get my laundry done,” she said. “After I was done I looked up my numbers and I thought I had won maybe $30,000 or $40,000, I had no idea it was $66,000. It definitely paid off doing the laundry!”

Dick originally drove to the Wilsonville Payment Center to claim her prize, but since it was more than the $50,000 limit the center can payout, she had to go to Salem. She didn’t mind though, because she got the shock of it being a large jackpot prize.

Dick purchased a Special Keno 8-Spot ticket. She not only won the higher Special Keno prize of $25,000 by matching all eight numbers, but also won the Keno rolling jackpot of $41,576. When players play the Keno 8-Spot, if no one has selected all eight numbers drawn, the rolling jackpot continues to grow.

Dick said she had plans to go to Hawaii, but hadn’t finalized anything, waiting for the right moment.

“I guess the right moment came up sooner than I thought,” she said. “I may wait for the hurricane to pass. I want to go over and see some friends I have over there.”

In the short term, Dick said she was going to have a glass of Champagne.

During the 2015-17 biennium in Umatilla County, where Dick lives and played at Cadillac Jacks, more than $16 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement. In 2017, more than $697 million in Oregon Lottery funds were transferred to the Oregon Legislature. That is the state’s second largest source of discretionary funding after personal income tax.

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

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

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver and the Student Activities Board will host a free Outdoor Movie Night, Aug. 24 showing “Black Panther” (2 hours, 15 minutes, rated PG-13). Guests are invited to gather and activities begin at 7:30 p.m. on the lawn between the Multimedia Classroom and Undergraduate Buildings. The movie will begin at dusk—about 8:45 p.m.

WSU Vancouver’s Outdoor Movie Night is open to the public. Guests are invited to bring blankets or low-profile lawn chairs. Pre-movie activities include, concessions, games and prizes. ADA-accessible parking is available in Orange 1 lot. The movie will be closed captioned.

For more information, contact Student Activities Board Chair Travis Toth at 360-546-9522.

About the Student Activities Board

The SAB is comprised of five appointed students who plan and execute events and activities on and off campus for the students of WSU Vancouver and their families.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. Parking is free after 7 p.m.

As one of six campuses of the Washington State University system, WSU Vancouver offers big-school resources in a small-school environment. The university provides affordable, high-quality baccalaureate- and graduate-level education to benefit the people and communities it serves. As the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington, WSU Vancouver helps drive economic growth through relationships with local businesses and industries, schools and nonprofit organizations. 

# # #

NOAA Fisheries West Coast/Northwest Fisheries Science Center/Southwest Fisheries Science Center

August 13, 2018

MEDIA ADVISORY

NOAA Fisheries will hold a media teleconference today (Monday, Aug. 13) at 10 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss the latest developments in the emergency response to support J50, an endangered Southern Resident killer whale.

When: 10 a.m. Pacific Time

Call-in number: 888-790-1925

Participant Passcode: 5434452

We ask that the call please be limited to working media.

Please visit NOAA Fisheries West Coast for the latest updates, photos, and information.

Any new photos will be posted in our dedicated Flickr album, with video on our NOAA Fisheries video page.

On August 12th, 2018, at approximately 7:15 PM, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Cody Tadlock was working traffic enforcement in the city of Waldport. As he observed traffic he saw a black motorcycle make an illegal pass near the intersection of NW Hemlock Street and N. Bay Street. The motorcycle was travelling at an extremely high rate of speed. Deputy Tadlock attempted to stop the motorcycle, but the driver refused to yield. A high speed pursuit ensued up to milepost 6 on Alsea Highway. The pursuit was terminated due to the reckless nature of the driver, who was making illegal passes and driving into oncoming traffic.

While reviewing in-car video to identify clues of who was operating the motorcycle, it again passed Deputy Tadlock, this time going westbound. A short pursuit was initiated, but was again terminated due to the reckless driving of the motorcycle operator.

While reviewing video from local businesses, Deputies were able to get video and photograph stills of the driver involved in the pursuit. Additionally, it was found that the motorcycle operator had a riding partner, associated with a second motorcycle described as blue in color. During the investigation, multiple motorists on Highway 34 called in to report the two motorcycles were continuing to drive recklessly up the highway, putting lives at risk.

The two motorcycles were eventually located by a Benton County Deputy in Alsea, parked behind a house. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Philomath Police, and Oregon State Police responded to the location of the recovered motorcycles. The operators of the motorcycles were located in a nearby house. Stephen Schoonover, age 29 of Sweet Home, was taken into custody and charged with reckless driving with a bail of $15,000. Matthew Short, age 30 of Albany, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of felony elude, reckless driving, reckless endangering, driving while suspended, and additional crimes with a total bail amount of $345,000. 

####

Submitted by, 

Karl Vertner, Patrol Sergeant 

On Sunday August 12, 2018 at approximately 11:34 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single motorcycle crash on Hwy 20 near milepost 34.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a red 2002 Kawasaki ZX6, operated by Victoria Hotson, age 56, of Dallas, was traveling eastbound on Hwy 20 when for unknown reasons the Kawasaki veered off the road and struck the westbound guardrail.

Hotson sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Hwy 20 westbound lane at milepost 34 was closed for three hours following the crash. OSP was assisted by Sweet Home Fire and ODOT.

On Saturday, August 11, 2018 at approximately 2:45 PM Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle head on collision on Hwy 95 near milepost 97.

Investigation reveals that a white 2005 Ford Focus, operated by Jaila Aguilera-Pinder (19) from Las Vegas, NV. was northbound on Hwy 95. Aguilera-Pinder was attempting to pass a commercial motor vehicle in a no passing zone when it struck a southbound 2014 Ford Escape, operated by Victor Dunkelberger (33) from Rocklin, CA. The two vehicles collided head on at highway speeds.

Dunkelberger sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

There were two passengers in the Ford Escape, Ayna Anderson (27) from Rocklin, CA - transported by air to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center (Boise), a juvenile passenger was transported by ground to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.

Aguilera-Pinder and her passenger, Keilin Alfonso-Vaquero (25) from Las Vegas, NV, were both transported by air to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.

OSP was assisted by Malheur County Sheriff's Office, Life light, Jordan Valley Ambulance, ODOT, and Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (NV).

OSP collision reconstructionist are continuing the investigation.

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, 2018 in the 2200 block of SW Highway 101 in Lincoln City, Lincoln County, Ore.

The single-family fire affected one adult.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

The Lebanon Fire District was dispatched to the report of a house fire at 33669 Santiam Hwy at 2:15pm August 12th 2018.  Upon arrival heavy smoke and flames were seen from the rear side of the structure. Occupants were reported to not be in the home. Firefighters made a defensive attack from the exterior of the structure to prevent spread of the fire to surrounding exposures and nearby fields.  The residents of the home returned and alerted firefighters to animals inside the building, firefighters were able to enter the home and retrieved 2 dogs and 1 cat from inside, the animals were treated with oxygen at the scene and appeared to be healthy.  Firefighters were on scene for over 3 hours for extinguishment and to insure there was no rekindle of the fire.  Lebanon responded with 10 apparatus and 24 personnel. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018 in the 33000 block of Santiam Highway in Lebanon, Linn County, Ore.

The single-family fire affected three adults, one child and several pets.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

On Monday August 13th, 2018, our Traffic Safety Team will conduct a crosswalk/pedestrian safety mission at SW Watson Ave/ SW 2nd Ave. The Team will focus on drivers who do not stop for a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

Crosswalk rules can be confusing depending on the type of intersection. Beaverton Police Department teaches a one-hour crosswalk diversion class, which, once completed, allows the dismissal of any crosswalk citations that may be issued. Please always watch for pedestrians in crosswalks.

##BPD##

On Saturday, August 11th, 2018 at around 11:30 p.m.. Salem Police officers responded to the area of 13th Street and State Street on the report of a shooting. A crowd had been gathered on the sidewalk near local businesses waiting for a concert after-party to start. While waiting, a fight broke out and multiple shots were fired into the crowd. One female bystander, Rickiesha Hinchen, age 24 of Vancouver, Washington was struck in the leg by a bullet. Hinchen was transported to Salem Health by family members, where she was interviewed by officers, treated and released.

No suspects have been identified at this time. Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Salem Police Tipline at 503-588-8477 and mention State Street Shooting in your message.

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018 in the 5000 block of SE Flavel Street in Portland, Multnomah County, Ore.

The single-family fire affected two adults and four children.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

On Saturday, August 11, 2018 at about  9:10 am, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a motor vehicle versus motorcycle crash on OR-22E near milepost 71. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white 2015 Triumph motorcycle, operated by Gregory D. Gummere (64), of Boise, ID, was traveling westbound on OR-22E when for unknown reasons the motorcycle crossed the centerline and clipped an eastbound 1996 Plymouth minivan operated by David Privratsky (62), of McMinnville, OR.  The motorcycle then hit head-on with a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, operated by Caleb J. Pilling (33) of Beaverton, OR.   

Gummere suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  There were no injuries to any other persons involved. 

OR-22E was closed for approximately five hours following the crash.  OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Idanha & Gates Fire, and ODOT.

On 08/10/18 at about 1:50 p.m. the Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of  an  injured person near Grand Ronde in Polk County.  Subsequent to the investigation Deputies determined that 57 year old Gregory Jenkins from Eugene, Oregon was working on a billboard when he lost balance and fell approximately 75 feet to the ground below.  Mr. Jenkins died at the scene.  Through the investigation and witness statements it was determined that Mr. Jenkins was not tethered to the platform with his safety harness.  Investigators from the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) responded to the scene as well to complete their investigation of an on the job death.  The Polk County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the West Valley Fire Department and the Grand Ronde Tribal Police Department.  

August 11, 2018

Contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@state.or.us

Confirmed case of measles in traveler to Portland metro area

Laboratory testing confirmed a case of measles in an individual who traveled for a week throughout the Portland metro area. Oregon Health Authority is working with local public health agencies to notify individuals of their potential exposure and to inform them of steps to take to should they become ill, so as to prevent more cases. At this point, no additional cases of measles have been identified.

Measles is a highly contagious virus and spreads easily to people who are not vaccinated. It is spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. People with measles can spread the virus to others before they show symptoms. The virus can also linger in the air for minutes to hours after someone who is infectious has left.

“The bad news is that measles is a serious disease, the good news is that if you've been vaccinated you're well protected,’’ said Paul Cieslak, MD, Medical Director for Communicable Diseases for the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division. “This is the second time this summer that someone arrived in the Portland area sick with measles.”

Officials confirmed the case late yesterday, Aug. 10, 2018, in a person who was infectious and spent time in the Portland metro area during July 30–August 6. Public health officials are working directly with area businesses where the sick individual spent time. Most people in our area have been vaccinated against measles, so their risk is low. Risk may be higher for unvaccinated persons who were in these locations:

• July 30, PDX Airport, 2:15—3:45 p.m.
• July 31, Leno Medoyeff Bridal, 710 NW 23rd Ave., Portland, 3:30—5:30 p.m.
• Aug. 1, Tom’s Pancake House, 12925 SW Canyon Rd., Beaverton, 7—9:30 a.m.
• Aug. 2, Max Red Line, Beaverton Transit Center to Pioneer Square, 12:30—1 p.m.
• Aug. 2, Max Red Line, Pioneer Place to Beaverton Transit Center, 5:30—6 p.m.
• Aug. 5, Verde Cocina, 5515 SW Canyon Ct., Portland, 2—4:30 p.m.

For this exposure, public health officials expect symptoms in anyone newly infected to appear any time over the next two weeks. There is no connection between this case and the measles cases that occurred in Multnomah County in June and July.

Measles poses the highest risk to people who have not been vaccinated, to pregnant women, infants under 12 months and people with weakened immune systems. A person is considered immune to measles if ANY of the following apply:

1.       You were born before 1957; or

2.       You are certain you have had the measles; or

3.       You have been fully vaccinated against measles (two doses).

About measles

The symptoms of measles start with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People are contagious with measles for four days before the rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears.

Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection, or diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. For every 1000 children with measles, 1 or 2 will die from the disease.

After someone is exposed, illness usually develops in about 2 weeks, sometimes longer. Oregon public health officials are advising anyone who believes they have symptoms of measles to first call their health care provider or urgent care by telephone to create an entry plan to avoid exposing others in waiting rooms.

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:

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx

Clackamas County Public Health 503-655-8411

Clark County Public Health 360-397-8182

Multnomah County Public Health 503-988-3406

Washington County Public Health 503-846-3594

Yamhill County Public Health 503-434-7525

###

FINAL UPDATE

On 8-10-18, the suspect identified as 47-year old Salem resident JAMES CRAVER JR, turned himself in at the Marion County Courthouse Annex. CRAVER JR was taken into custody and transported to the Marion County Jail. CRAVER JR was charged with Animal Neglect 1 and Animal Abandonment.

No other information is available for release

UPDATE

The Marion County Sheriff's Office has identified a suspect in this case thanks to tips received from citizens.

The investigation is continuing and no other information is available for release at this time.

On 08-04-18, Deputies were called to the Marion County Animal Shelter on a report of suspected animal neglect. Shelter employee’s said that two white adult males dropped off a Pomeranian dog in a wire crate on 08-02-18 around 8:00pm. The men left the dog in front of the entrance to the animal shelter. Employees found the dog the next morning at 8:00 am when they arrived for work.

Unfortunately the small dog did not survive and died while at the shelter the following day. During an examination the shelter doctor concluded the animal died due to maltreatment and its emaciated condition.

If you have any information about this incident or can identify the male(s) in the photo, please call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency line at 503-588-5032.

The photo shows the two men and a later model White Ford Explorer utility vehicle

Forty-one different fire agencies are providing structure protection under the coordination of the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal. These firefighters have checked 1018 structures, and prepared 398 homes to better withstand wildfire conditions. Those preparations were tested overnight with increased fire activity, and no homes were lost.

Although fire weather will be slightly moderated today, relative humidity levels remain well below the critical threshold. The fire area has seen minimal moisture since May, and is officially in a moderate drought condition. Fuel conditions remain conducive to active fire behavior. When the smoke inversion breaks mid-day, there will be a noticeable increase in fire behavior.

The southern flank of the Miles Fire will be the top priority for firefighters today. Late yesterday afternoon, two spot fires occurred outside of the perimeter. One spot is to the east side of Elk Creek Road, just south of the Homestead Trailhead, and is currently estimated to be at least 200 acres. Another spot fire is just north of the Alco Creek area. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft will provide support to crews on the ground today. Smoke columns are anticipated to be visible today as interior islands burn on both northern flanks of the fire.

Acres - 29,397    Containment - 4%     Engines - 89 

Governor Kate Brown has declared the Memaloose 2 Fire, burning near the Memaloose State Park in Mosier, a conflagration. The declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

The Office of State Marshal’s Blue Incident Management Team, and six structural task forces from Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Clatsop, Columbia, and Marion counties will arrive early afternoon and begin working to protect structures.

The following Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations for Wasco County are as follows:

LEVEL 1 (GET READY) evacuation notice for the following:

Starting at the bottom of the Rowena Loops to the west end of Tooley Lake, both sides of Interstate 84 and both sides of Hwy 30 as well as Mayor State Park.

LEVEL 2 (GET SET TO GO) evacuation notice for the following:

The intersection of State Road and Marsh Cutoff to Dell Road. This includes both sides of the road.

LEVEL 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice for the following:

The intersection of Highway 30 and Marsh cutoff all the way east to the bottom of the Rowena loops, this includes both sides of the Highway 30, Rowena Dell, Rowena Overlook, Canyon Way all the way down to Rowena Ferry Road.

Starting at the bottom of the Rowena Loops to the west end of Tooley Lake, both sides of Interstate 84 and both sides of Hwy 30 as well as Mayor State Park.

LEVEL 2 (GET SET TO GO) evacuation notice for the following:

The intersection of State Road and Marsh Cutoff to Dell Road. This includes both sides of the road.

LEVEL 3 (GO NOW) evacuation notice for the following:

The intersection of Highway 30 and Marsh cutoff all the way east to the bottom of the Rowena loops, this includes both sides of the Highway 30, Rowena Dell, Rowena Overlook, Canyon Way all the way down to Rowena Ferry Road

Oregon’s conflagration may be invoked only by the Governor and allows the State Fire Marshal to dispatch structural firefighters and equipment. More information on Conflagration and Emergency

More information on evacuations is available at Wasco County Sheriffs Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/WascoCountySheriff/?hc_ref=ARTVrl7XZjg4B1Ea1eVPFIU_hja5N-OGHnbggMctf6KJNRQmvcGcvxVoCJjnXrY5ZWk&fref=nf

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Special Working Session/Board Retreat Meeting on Saturday, August 18, 2018 in the downstairs Technology conference room at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 NE Shaver Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 9:00am. The Board will continue their discussions from the Thursday prior, establish district goals, review mission and vision, discuss professional learning opportunities and other organizational items for the school year. The agenda is posted on the Parkrose School District Website at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000205. 

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Special Working Session/Board Retreat Meeting on Thursday, August 16, 2018 in the Boardroom at the Parkrose District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott St., Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:00pm. If needed their alternate meeting location will be at Parkrose Middle School, 11800 NE Shaver Street, Portland, Oregon in the downstairs Technology conference room. The Board will review policy and working agreements, discuss meeting protocols and discuss a PERS obligation bond and local option. The agenda is posted on the Parkrose School District Website at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=1000205. 

August 10, 2018

Recreational use health advisory for water contact at Seal Rock State Park Beach lifted August 10

Testing shows fecal bacteria levels have subsided

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a recreational use health advisory for contact with marine water at Seal Rock State Park Beach, located in Lincoln County. The health authority issued the advisory August 7 after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from later samples taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. However, officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

State officials continue to encourage other recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.

Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or call the OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

# # #

http://bit.ly/2McCWis

August 10, 2018

Prescribing Practice Review Subcommittee of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Advisory Commission meets August 14

What: A public meeting of the Prescribing Practice Review Subcommittee of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Advisory Commission

Agenda:

Welcome and introductions.

Review actions since last meeting.

Data presentation.

Review and discuss PDMP data, select criteria.

Discuss potential outreach and education options, vote.

Adjournment.

When: Tuesday, August 14, 2-4 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 918, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland

Background: Oregon HB 3440, passed in 2017, requires that the Oregon Health Authority, in conjunction with the PDMP Advisory Commission, establish a clinical review subcommittee to identify practitioners who are prescribing high amounts of opioids based on agreed-upon practice standards, such as the Oregon Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for chronic pain. These providers are to receive education or training related to pain management and appropriate opioid prescribing.

# # #

Everyone has a right to know about and use the 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 material in other languages
• Braille
• Large print
• Audio and other formats

If you need help or have questions, please contact Drew Simpson at 971-673-1033, 711 TTY or ew.r.simpson@state.or.us">drew.r.simpson@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

PORTLAND, Ore. – A federal jury today acquitted W. Joseph Astarita, a member of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) based in Quantico, Virginia, on charges of making false statements and obstruction of justice.

“We thank the jury for their dedicated service and for giving full consideration to an important case. We strongly believe this case needed to be brought before the court and decided by a jury,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our system of justice relies on the absolute integrity of law enforcement officials at all levels of government.”

“The OIG respects the jury’s verdict. We will continue to investigate allegations of misconduct by Department of Justice employees to ensure the integrity of our law enforcement components,” said Michael E. Horowitz, U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General. “We also would like to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Major Incident Team for their assistance with this investigation.”

Astarita was one of a number of FBI agents assigned to the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and was present during the shooting of Robert LaVoy Finicum on January 26, 2016, in Harney County, Oregon.

Astarita was accused of knowingly and willfully making false statements to FBI Supervisory Special Agents. Specifically, Astarita told his supervisors he had not fired his weapon during the attempted arrest of Finnicum.

A federal grand jury charged Astarita with three counts of making false statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and two counts of obstruction of justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1521(b)(3) on June 20, 2017. One count each of making false statements and obstruction of justice were dismissed pre-trial.

The verdicts concludes a three-week trial during which jurors heard testimony from FBI agents, state and local law enforcement officers, forensic scientists and ballistics experts.

The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General investigated this case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. The case was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Paul T. Maloney, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Investigators with the Clark County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit continue to investigate the incident that occured on August 8, 2018 at Moulton Falls Bridge.  This incident involved a minor female being pushed off of the bridge and falling over 50 feet into the East Fork of the Lewis River.  Investigators have made contact with the suspect and she is cooperating fully with the investigation. 

The names of the involved parties are not being released by the Sheriff's Office at this time.

There is no additional information regarding this incident at this time.

When information becomes available it will be distributed through a news release.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, David Lokken, died in the early morning on August 10, 2018 at a local hospital. He was incarcerated at the Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI). As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Lokken entered DOC custody on December 16, 2015 from Washington County. His earliest release date was August 24, 2024. He was 55 years old.

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

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

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

On August 8th, 2018 a saturation patrol was conducted in the area of the city of Siletz involving several deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Newport Police Department.  During the operation several traffic stops were conducted.  One of the traffic stops led to evidence of drug possession.  The Newport Police Department K-9, Nero, was utilized and provided a positive hit near the left headlight of the car leading to the discovery of an ounce of Methamphetamine hidden under the hood of the vehicle.  Phillip Mark Shoemaker, age 43 of Newport, was arrested without incident and transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged on charges of Unlawful Possession, Delivery within 1000 feet of a School, and Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Heroin, and Felon in Possession of a Weapon with a total bail of $500,000.00.

Also during this saturation Lincoln Tylar Lewelling age 34, of Siletz, was contacted on Judd Rd. near Old River Rd. and found to have two valid warrants out of Benton County. He was arrested and transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he lodged on a no bail warrant.

Submitted by, 

Karl Vertner, Patrol Sergeant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

AUGUST 10, 2018

Gary Wayne Streeter-Hillerich receives 20 year prison sentence for ‘horrific’ attack in SE Portland

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced Gary Wayne Streeter-Hillerich, 21, received a 20 year prison sentence for randomly kidnapping and raping a woman in Southeast Portland in October 2017.

"The state's view on this 20 year [prison] sentence reflects the horrific nature of this case,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Todd Jackson, who prosecuted the case.

On October 15, 2017, Portland Police responded to the area of Southeast 7th Avenue and Southeast Grand Street and located a woman who reported she had been kidnapped, violently assaulted, raped and robbed by a man she did not know.

The investigation revealed the woman boarded a TriMet bus in downtown Portland in the evening hours. The bus travelled into inner Southeast Portland. A man, later identified as Streeter-Hillerich, exited the bus simultaneously with the woman. The defendant followed her as she walked down Southeast Grand Street.

Streeter-Hillerich brutally grabbed the woman by her mouth and throat and pushed her against a concrete wall. He pushed her into a bushy area and hit her head against the wall multiple times after she said she didn’t have any money. Streeter-Hillerich threatened to stab the woman if she yelled for help.  

"Following the rape, he went through her purse, took her phone and said ‘Wait here for five minutes. Don’t call the police because if you do, I'll hurt you,’” Jackson said in court at the time of sentencing. “Shortly thereafter, she emerged from the bushes, disheveled, debris in her hair, and completely traumatized."

Detectives with the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit were assigned and launched an immediate investigation. Surveillance video from the TriMet bus was obtained. An image of the suspect was distributed to law enforcement. Multnomah County Parole and Probation Officers immediately recognized the suspect as being Streeter-Hillerich and contacted PPB detectives.

Forensic testing conducted by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab confirmed Streeter-Hillerich’s DNA was present on the victim in multiple locations.

Streeter-Hillerich was apprehended, without incident, on November 2, 2017.

"This case presents what can be described as a worst nightmare situation,” Jackson said at sentencing.

Streeter-Hillerich will have to register as a sex offender and upon his release from prison, be on 11.5 years of post-prison supervision.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

On Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at 2:36 a.m., Albany Police responded to an armed robbery report at the Yellow Flamingo, a video lottery establishment located at 1119 Santiam Road SE, Albany, Oregon.  Police were notified that an unidentified male suspect, wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves, entered the business around 1:55 a.m., and was armed with a handgun.    

The suspect forced a male employee into a back office and handcuffed the employee to a door before leaving the business with an undisclosed amount of money.  A person who cleans the establishment arrived approximately 40 minutes after the robbery occurred, found the employee handcuffed to an office door and reported the incident to police.   

Albany Police Detectives are continuing the investigation.  If you have any information regarding the investigation, please contact Detective Ryan Knoll at 541-917-7686.

#  #  #

August 10, 2018

Recreational use health advisory reissued for Ross Island Lagoon, extended to Cathedral Park

Advisory reissued based on visible scum found in Multnomah County water body

The Oregon Health Authority reissued a recreational use health advisory today for Ross Island Lagoon and urges caution in areas of the Willamette River downstream from the lagoon, including downtown north to Cathedral Park.

Ross Island Lagoon is located about a mile south of downtown Portland in Multnomah County. The area of concern includes the downtown reach of the Willamette River.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) staff collected samples for toxin analysis and results are expected next week. Because the bloom has changed and spread so much since last week, OHA is issuing this advisory as a precautionary measure until sample results are available next week.

OHA first issued a health advisory for the Ross Island Lagoon on Aug. 3 and lifted it Aug. 7 after tests showed toxin levels were below recreational advisory levels.

DEQ also carried out a visual assessment of the river and reported cyanobacteria starting at 100 meters south of Ross Island lagoon. Inside the lagoon, the bloom is thick with scums, blobs and streaking throughout. Dense cyanobacteria continued down the East channel into the mainstem of the Lower Willamette and was present at River Place marina, the swimming dock south of the Hawthorne Bridge and Tom McCall waterfront park. The bloom was visible throughout the Portland reach and on the surface at the Riverscape dock. The bloom intensified to the railroad bridge downstream of Portland Harbor. At Cathedral Park, the bloom was present but less intense.

If present, toxins are usually highest in areas where the bloom is visible, and people can avoid most of the health risks associated with blooms by avoiding those areas. However, it’s possible cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. Sometimes, cyanobacteria can move into another area, making water that once looked foamy, scummy or discolored now look clear. Dying blooms can also release toxins that may reach into the clear water around them.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas where blooms are identified. Although toxins are not absorbed through the skin, people who have skin sensitivities may experience a puffy red rash at the affected area.

Drinking water directly from affected areas of the river is especially dangerous. OHA public health officials advise recreational visitors that toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters.

People who draw in-home water directly from the affected area are advised to use an alternate water source because private treatment systems are not proven effective for removing algae toxins. However, public drinking water systems can reduce algae toxins through proper filtration and disinfection. This portion of the Willamette River is not a source of drinking water for a public water system, but if people connected to public water systems have questions about treatment and testing, they should contact their water supplier.

OHA public health officials recommend that those who choose to eat fish from waters where cyanobacteria blooms are present remove all fat, skin and organs before cooking, as cyanotoxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water. Public health officials also advise people to not eat freshwater clams or mussels from the Lower Willamette River and that Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations do not allow the harvest of these shellfish from freshwater sources. Crayfish muscle can be eaten, but internal organs and liquid fat should be discarded.

Exposure to toxins can produce a variety of symptoms including numbness, tingling and dizziness that can lead to difficulty breathing or heart problems and require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of skin irritation, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, cramps and fainting should also receive medical attention if they persist or worsen. Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. People who bring their pets to the Lower Willamette River for recreation activities should take special precautions to keep them from drinking from or swimming in the river.

With proper precautions to avoid activities during which water can be ingested or inhaled, people are encouraged to visit the Lower Willamette River and enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Although inhalation risk is much lower than ingestion, it can present a risk.

For health information or to report an illness, contact the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) at 971-673-0440.

OHA maintains an updated list of all health advisories on its website. To learn if an advisory has been issued or lifted for a specific water body, visit the Harmful Algae Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab and select “algae bloom advisories,” or call the Oregon Public Health Division toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

# # #

Date:               Monday, August 13, 2018

Time:               6:00 p.m. Work Session

Location:         Hockinson High School Library

Address:          16819 NE 159th St.; Brush Prairie, WA 98606

WASHINGTON – Joseph Mahmoud Dibee, 50, of Seattle, Washington, an accused domestic terrorist and 12-year fugitive, has been apprehended and returned to the United States to face federal criminal charges in Oregon, California and Washington State.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, Assistant Director Michael McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams for the District of Oregon, and Special Agent in Charge Renn Cannon of the FBI in Oregon made the announcement.

“Whatever the motivation, terrorism is simply unacceptable,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Domestic terrorism is no exception. Because of the close cooperation between our international and intergovernmental partners, Dibee will now face the consequences for his crimes. This should send a clear message to all other criminals on the run: no matter how long it takes, we will find you and we will bring you to justice.”

“We will always continue in our mission to locate and bring to justice those who threaten our national security or seek to harm the American people,” said FBI Assistant Director McGarrity. “We thank all of the agents, analysts, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who have worked tirelessly on this case over the years.”

“More than two decades ago, a loosely affiliated group of environmental extremists set out to express their views using force, violence, sabotage, mass destruction, intimidation, and coercion,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Thankfully no innocent lives were taken by these senseless acts. Today we recognize the FBI’s unwavering pursuit of justice in returning longstanding fugitive Joseph Dibee. Dibee will now, as many of his co-conspirators have before, face the consequences of his actions. Using violent means to express one’s views will never be tolerated nor forgotten. We will bring every last person responsible for these crimes to justice.”

“Every act of violence comes with a choice—a choice to do harm,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Cannon. “A choice to do what may be irreparable damage to a family, a business, or a researcher’s life work. A choice to risk the lives of the firefighters who will respond to an incident. Most of the defendants in the FBI's long-running Operation BACKFIRE investigation have answered for those decisions they made with significant prison sentences and millions of dollars in fines. Mr. Dibee, who traveled the world to avoid capture, will now, finally, have to answer to the allegations of violence he faces.”

Dibee, an American citizen, is charged in the District of Oregon with one count of conspiracy to commit arson, one count of conspiracy to commit arson and destruction of an energy facility, and one count of arson. He also faces one count each of conspiracy to commit arson, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence in the Western District of Washington and one count each of conspiracy to commit arson, arson of a government building, and possession of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence in the Eastern District of California.

Dibee will make an initial appearance in federal court today at 1:30 p.m. before a federal magistrate judge in the District of Oregon. The government will seek his continued detention.

According to court documents, federal authorities learned Dibee was traveling through Central America on his way to Russia with a planned stop in Cuba. With the assistance of the Cuban authorities, particularly the Ministries of the Interior and Exterior, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security including the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations and the U.S. Embassy in Havana, the FBI arranged for Cuban authorities to detain Dibee before he boarded a plane bound for Russia, and return him to the United States. Dibee fled the United States in December 2005.

In 2006, a federal grand jury in Oregon indicted Dibee and 11 coconspirators as part of Operation BACKFIRE, a long-running FBI domestic terrorism investigation. The conspirators, known as “The Family,” have been linked to more than 40 criminal acts ranging from vandalism to arson between 1995 and 2001, causing more than $45 million in damages.

Many of the Dibee’s crimes were linked to the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) or the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). Dibee’s “captured” poster can be seen at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/dt/joseph-mahmoud-dibee.

One fugitive remains at large from Operation BACKFIRE. Josephine Sunshine Overaker, an American citizen believed to be either 43 or 46 years old, fled to Europe in late 2001. Overaker faces 19 felony charges including conspiracy to commit arson, conspiracy to commit arson and destruction of an energy facility, attempted arson, and arson in the District of Oregon, the Western District of Washington, and the District of Colorado. Overaker speaks fluent Spanish and may seek employment as a firefighter, midwife, sheep tender, or masseuse. The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to her arrest.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey Barrow of the District of Oregon, Andrew Friedman and Thomas Woods of the Western District of Washington and Heiko Coppola of the Eastern District of California, along with Trial Attorney David Cora of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

# # #

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

Vancouver, Wash. –  Clark County Public Health lifted the swim beach warning at Klineline Pond today, after the latest water samples did not show elevated levels of bacterial contamination.

Public Health closed Klineline Pond to swimming and wading on Tuesday, after routine testing revealed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Test results from water samples taken on Wednesday showed improved water quality, prompting Public Health to lift the closure on Thursday.

Public Health posted warning signs at the swim beach, however, until a second round of samples could confirm improved water quality. Those results came back today and did not show elevated levels of bacterial contamination.

Park staff removed the warning signs this afternoon.

Public Health will continue to monitor the swim beach at Klineline Pond, as well as the swim beaches at Battle Ground Lake and Vancouver Lake, throughout the summer. Test results and information about current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beaches website.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon, will hold a press conference following the conclusion of Magistrate Court on Friday, August 10, 2018.

# # #

SALEM, Ore - The Oregon Department of Forestry will host an informational meeting concerning the ongoing Northwest State Forest Management Plan revision at 1:30 p.m. Friday, August 24, in Salem.

The meeting will be held in the Tillamook Room at ODF's Salem headquarters, Building C, 2600 State St. It is intended to inform members of the public about the status of the Forest Management Plan revision project.

State Forest Management Plans establish the goals and direction to manage state forests, which are sustainably managed to provide environmental, social and economic benefits to all Oregonians. By law, the majority of revenue generated from state forests must be distributed to counties and schools and used to provide public services. Information regarding the Forest Management Plan revision will be posted at https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/AboutODF/Pages/Initiatives.aspx

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

SALEM, Ore – The Forest Trust Lands Advisory Committee will meet Friday, August 24 at 9:30 a.m. at the Oregon Department of Forestry Salem headquarters, Tillamook Room, Building C, 2600 State St. Items on the committee’s agenda include comments from State Forester Peter Daugherty and Board Chair Tom Imeson, as well as the following topics.

• State Forests Resource Assessment
• Habitat Conservation Plan Update

Committee members will also formulate the committee’s testimony for the upcoming Board of Forestry meeting on September 5, 2018. The meeting agenda will be posted on the department’s web site at http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/FTLAC.aspx.

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

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

Yesterday Knute Buehler posted a campaign video that misrepresents his anti-abortion voting record and that contains an outrageous allegation against Governor Kate Brown, with one supporter claiming, “Knute cares more about women than Kate Brown does — and she’s a woman.” The video, titled “Women’s Health,” fails to disclose that the “Independent” voter is a former employee for Buehler.

Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon strongly condemns the video as misleading and irresponsible for covering up Buehler’s record of voting against expanding access to reproductive health care; protecting a woman’s right to safe, legal abortion; and expanding healthcare access for low-income families.

Emily McLain, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon, said: “There is only one gubernatorial candidate who has a long history of fighting for women and kids, and it’s not Knute Buehler. Governor Brown started her career serving women and families and hasn’t stopped since. Meanwhile, Buehler has voted against protecting Roe vs. Wade. He has promised to restrict access to safe, legal abortion, calling it ‘the wrong option.’ He has sided with anti-abortion extremists, while attacking Planned Parenthood for ‘not doing the right thing for women’s health.’

“Buehler’s outrageous attack on Governor Brown is an insult to all Oregon women. Based on his words and actions, we can’t trust Buehler to stand up for women’s health and rights. We urge voters to go to TheTruthAboutKnute.com to learn the facts.”

Oregonians deserve to know the truth. Here are 10 questions that Knute Buehler still hasn’t answered:

1. Why did he vote against codifying Roe v. Wade into Oregon law?
2. Why has he been silent about Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee who is committed to overturning Roe v. Wade?
3. Why did he say abortion is “the wrong option” if he’s indeed “pro-choice”?
4. Why did he promise to restrict abortion, while claiming he “doesn't see access to abortion under threat”?
5. Why did he seek the recommendation of Oregon Right to Life, a radical organization that wants to ban all abortion and the most popular forms of birth control?
6. Why does he oppose state funding for low-income women to access to safe, legal abortion through their insurance plan?
7. Why has he refused to defend the Planned Parenthood health center that serves his own constituents, in the face of relentless attacks at the federal level from his own political party?
8. Why did he brag on right-wing radio about his “record in the Legislature of voting against Governor Brown’s efforts to expand access to abortion”?
9. Why does he continue to misrepresent the existence of “over the counter” birth control in Oregon?
10. Why did he vote against the Oregon Health Plan, which covers reproductive health services for thousands of women throughout the state?

Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon has endorsed Governor Kate Brown for re-election because she has provided clear answers to these questions in her endorsement interviews and in her longtime voting record and leadership. Voters should visit TheTruthAboutKnute.com for more information about why Buehler cannot be trusted to protect women’s health and rights.

Vancouver, Wash. – Today, Clark County Manager Shawn Henessee named Emily Zwetzig to direct the county’s budget office. Zwetzig currently serves as the interim budget director.

Zwetzig joined the county in 2014 and has worked in the Budget Office as a senior budget, policy analyst since February 2017. Prior to that, she served as the department finance manager at District Court, Corrections and as a business manager at Clackamas County. She has worked in public service at the county level for more than 16 years.

Zwetzig has worked on many countywide initiatives including program budgeting and fund balance policy development. She, along with the rest of the budget office team, is working to implement new budget software and transition the county budget to an annual cycle.

“I’m confident that Emily’s comprehensive background and leadership skills will be instrumental in managing the county budget office and helping department directors and elected officials navigate the upcoming budget process,” said Henessee.

The budget office includes a team of analysts working with all county departments to develop budget policies and procedures, and to produce recommendations for executive staff and the county council, based on data, goals and legal requirements.

The correct name is Holden Martin from Northport Washington.

On August 8, 2018 at approximately 11:43am, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a multi-vehicle fatality crash involving a farm implement on SR-201N near milepost 20. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 John Deere Tractor pulling a large oversized farm implement, operated by Hector Garduno Dominguez (54) of Weiser, Idaho was traveling southbound on SR-201N near milepost 20.  Allan Garrison (83) of Weiser, Idaho was traveling northbound on SR-201N near milepost 20 in a 2013 white Ford F150 pickup when he struck the farm implement that was partially in the northbound lanes of travel.  The implement peeled open the driver's side of the Ford pickup causing serious injuries to Garrison's left arm.  Garrison was later transported by ambulance to St. Alphonsus in Ontario for treatment of his injuries.

Martin Holden (19) of Northport, WA was traveling northbound behind the white Ford pickup in a white 1999 Honda Accord when the first crash occurred.  The Honda and the implement collided.  Holden suffered fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

ODOT had SR-201N closed with detours in place for nearly 4.5 hours.

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Treasure Valley Paramedics and Payette Rural Fire Department.

Through Sept. 15, Oregon Farm Bureau invites the public to submit their best photos of Oregon agriculture for a chance to be featured in the 2019 Oregon’s Bounty Calendar.

The award-winning calendar celebrates all aspects of Oregon agriculture: the products, the people, the crops, the cultivation, the landscape, anything that depicts the beauty, culture, enjoyment, technology, or tradition of family farming and ranching.

“What makes the Oregon’s Bounty Calendar so special is that the images are sourced from the public,” said OFB Communications Director Anne Marie Moss. “Oregon agriculture is an inspiring, visually interesting subject for photographers.

“We’re looking for what I call ‘gaze-worthy’ images, photos that you can enjoy for a month as the calendar hangs on the wall,” said Moss.

The Oregon’s Bounty Calendar is mailed to nearly 70,000 Farm Bureau members around the state and thousands more are distributed throughout the year. It’s an exceptional opportunity for both amateur and professional photographers to get their work shown broadly.

Horizontal-layout, high-resolution images — both close-ups and panoramic shots — are needed of all types of agriculture in all seasons. Subject ideas include rural scenery; scenes from farmers markets, roadside stands, u-picks, on-farm events, county fairs, and rodeos; portraits of farmers, ranchers, kids, and farm families; planting or harvest shots; and close-ups of fruits, vegetables, flowers, crops in the field, and farm animals.

The deadline for entries is Sept. 15, and there’s no limit to the number of photos that can be submitted.

As thanks for participating, everyone who submits photos with their mailing address will receive a complimentary copy of the Oregon’s Bounty Calendar. Photographers with images selected for month pages in Oregon’s Bounty, along with six runners up, will receive a photo credit in the calendar and numerous copies.

Images can be submitted in three ways:

1. Email photos to:ie@oregonfb.org"> annemarie@oregonfb.org, (Note that our email server has a file size limit of 10mb. You may need to send photos individually).

2. Upload photos to OFB’s dropbox at https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/OregonFarmBureau

3. Mail a thumb drive, disc, or printed photos to OFB, attn: Anne Marie Moss, 1320 Capitol St. NE, Suite 200, Salem, OR 97301.

See past calendars and get more information at www.oregonfb.org/calendar.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

For more information, contact Anne Marie Moss, OFB Communications Director, at ie@oregonfb.org">annemarie@oregonfb.org, 503.399.1701.

###
 

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit, general farm organization representing the interests of farming and ranching families in the public and policymaking arenas. First established in Oregon at the county level in 1919 and the state level in 1932, Farm Bureau is organized in all 36 counties.

Oregon Farm Bureau President Barry Bushue is a third-generation farmer raising a variety of vegetables and berries at a nearly century-old farm near Boring, Oregon. He is OFB’s 15th president.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Team will be adding additional patrols during the months of August and September. Deputies will be putting on their uniforms and taking to the roadways to detect dangerous driving behaviors like DUII, Distracted Driving and Seat Belt usage. The Sheriff's Office will begin its first patrols over Labor Day weekend and will continue into the first week of September. Similar patrols resulted in taking two DUII drivers off Marion County roadways on the 4th of July.Deputies are asking our residents and visitors to always buckle up, put your phones down and please drive safely.

Our extra patrols are made possible through grants administered by our partners at the Oregon State Sheriff's Association and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Port of Vancouver USA will hold a public workshop immediately after the regularly scheduled Aug. 14 Board of Commissioners meeting to present a comprehensive draft plan and share vision statement language with the commission.

The port’s current vision statement is “A premier port that is globally recognized and well capitalized with state-of-the-industry facilities, infrastructure and service providing accountable economic benefit.” At the Aug. 2 workshop, the commission expressed interest in adjusting the port’s vision statement to reflect how the community could look if the port is successful in its mission. Port consultant Maul Foster & Alongi recorded commissioner feedback and developed vision statement language for consideration at the Aug. 14 workshop.

Materials presented Aug. 14 will be posted at www.portvanusa.com/key-projects/strategic-plan following the workshop.

The draft plan will be open for public comment from Aug. 14 through Sept. 4. Public comments can be submitted at Board of Commissioners meetings, via email at ack@portvanusa.com">communityfeedback@portvanusa.com and via mail at 3103 Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA 98660.

Citizens can also contact their commissioner directly; contact information is available at www.portvanusa.com/commission/communicating-with-the-commission.

The port expects to present the final strategic plan for commission consideration and potential adoption at the Sept. 11 Board of Commissioners meeting.

                                                                                                                                           – 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.

Lincoln County Health and Human Services (HHS) and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) have selected Samantha Buckley as their new County Assistant Emergency Manager. The assistant position is a grant funded position through the Oregon Health Authority for Public Health Emergency Preparedness program and the Office of Oregon Emergency Management for Emergency Management Performance Grants.

In January of 2014 Lincoln County Public Health and the Sheriff’s Office aligned both the public health and the County emergency management programs under the direction of Jenny Demaris, County Emergency Manager.  This collaboration allowed a streamlining of program functions and the full time hiring of the assistant position to assist with support of both programs.

Ms. Buckley moved from Coos County where she had served in the Public Health Department as their Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Oregon and is currently pursuing a master of public health with the University of Washington.

A strong focus of Samantha’s position will be to liaison with the public health community partners, develop advocacy relationships with those that serve the vulnerable populations and encourage the promotion of preparedness efforts and development of response plans.

Nicole Fields, Interim Public Health Director stated “It is very exciting to have Samantha join our Team Lincoln County; she brings with her the necessary tool box of public health preparedness skills, resources and a passion for helping communities with preparedness and resiliency planning.”

Lt. Adam Shanks, Administrative Lieutenant commented “We were very pleased with the interview panel’s recommendation to select Samantha as the Assistant Emergency Manager and feel her prior coastal community connection in Coos County will provide for a smooth transition to Lincoln County”.

Specific goals for EM Buckley’s position in the first year will be to organize a quarterly public health partner collaborator meeting, assist the local care facilities with the new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) requirement’s and coordinate with Oregon Health Authority on their first state-wide medical counter measures point of dispensing exercise. Over the next few months Ms. Buckley will orient to the Lincoln County landscape, policies, and emergency response functions in support of the county’s Emergency Operations Plan. Public Health Partners will be contacted directly by EM Buckley this week to initiate an introduction and a point of contact for preparedness assistance.

Jenny Demaris, County Emergency Manager stated “having EM Buckley join our Emergency Management Team will be another asset to help our communities prepare, respond and recover from disasters; her enthusiastic outlook and eagerness to build relationships among the health partners will serve Lincoln County well as we move forward in strengthening our community resilience.”

Samantha Buckley

Assistant Emergency Manager
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Emergency Management
225 W. Olive St.
Newport, Oregon 97365
uckley@co.lincoln.or.us">sbuckley@co.lincoln.or.us

(541) 265-4199 Office

###

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia "Jenny" Demaris
Emergency Manager
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Emergency Management
225 W. Olive St.
Newport, Oregon 97365
is@co.lincoln.or.us" target="_blank">vdemaris@co.lincoln.or.us
(541) 265-4199 Office

NOAA Fisheries West Coast/Fisheries and Oceans Canada

August 10, 2018

MEDIA ADVISORY

NOAA Fisheries and DFO will hold a media teleconference today (Friday, Aug. 10) at 10 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss the emergency response to support J50, an endangered Southern Resident killer whale.

When: 10 a.m. Pacific Time

Call-in number: 888-566-6311

Participant Passcode: 4722284

We ask that the call please be limited to working media.

Please visit NOAA Fisheries West Coast for the latest updates, photos, and information.

Any new photos will be posted in our dedicated Flickr album.

SALEM, Oregon--This year's Spirit Of '45 Day hosts World War II Oregonians—Battlefield to Homefront – at the Oregon State Capitol, Willson Park, in Salem, Ore., on Sunday, Aug 12, 11 a.m. to noon.

The public is invited to join us to keep the Spirit of '45 Alive and to salute the 16.1 million Americans who served and saved our country from 1941-1945, and nearly 500,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice. Oregon’s own 234th Army Band, with the Oregon National Guard, and guests will honor, be grateful for and remember the incredible contributions of the WWII generation on this congressionally-endorsed and state-legislated Spirit of '45 Day, held on the 2nd Sunday of every August.

Life-size WWII hero posters and 30ft banners will surround the memorial site to remind and be inspired by the brave and courageous WWII generation. This event marks the 75th Anniversary of Eisenhower’s Command. 

In partnership with the Association of the US Army, the Oregon Spirit of ’45 will recognize the 4,000 names inscribed on the black granite wall; those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  This ceremony will also feature our newly planted living memorial, Rosie the Riveter rose garden, which frames the 33ft obelisk site. 

The battlefield address will be delivered by Brigadier General William Prendergast who serves as the Land Component Commander for the Oregon Army National Guard.  Brig. Gen. Prendergast commanded the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team and has received numerous awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

The homefront address will be presented by ‘Rosie the Riveter’ Rita Harris Hathaway, a lifetime Oregonian and honors graduate from Oregon State University.  As the daughter of a WWI veteran and wife of a WWII Army Air Corps crew member, Rita represents the 19 million women who served at home to help win the war and dynamically change the workforce of America.   

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley will be represented to honor this WWII congressionally-endorsed day.  The ceremony will include presentation of the colors, patriotic music, traditional military honors with TAPS to recognize the contributions made by the “Greatest Generation”. The ceremony will be held in the NW corner of the Oregon State Capitol at the Oregon WWII Memorial; all military branches will be honored.

HELP US BUILD THE WWII WALL OF HONOR. We enlist all families, friends and communities to submit their WWII Veteran's military photo to our website and add to the wall of men and women 'heroes' of the WWII generation; all service branches from any state welcome. Your hero's service branch, hometown and other optional data can be uploaded to www.orspiritof45.org.

In 2020, during the WWII 75th Anniversary Spirit of '45 Commemorative Week of Aug 9-15, the nation plans to honor the achievements and virtues of men and women of this incredible generation with a Wall of Honor at the Washington D.C. World War II Memorial.  
__________________________________
The Oregon Spirit of '45, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to commemorating the achievements and virtues of the World War II generation, on the 2nd Sunday of every August, so as to inspire future generations.

KEEP THE SPIRIT OF '45 ALIVE! is a non-profit, non-partisan initiative to preserve the legacy of the men and women of the Greatest Generation so that their example of courage, self-sacrifice, "can-do" attitude and commitment to community can help inspire a renewal of national unity in America at a time when our country once again must come together to meet historic challenges. Its goal is to establish an annual day of remembrance and national renewal to remind America of the values and accomplishments of the generation who endured the hard times of the Great Depression, fought to defeat the greatest tyranny in history, and then went on to rebuild their shattered world in an unprecedented effort to help assure a better future for both friend and former foe alike.

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018 in the 600 block of N. 4th Street in Aumsville, Marion County, Ore.

The single-family fire affected two adults and several pets.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

AUGUST 9, 2018

Paris McConville receives 18 year prison sentence for killing Ryan Thompson

Late today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 35-year-old Paris McConville pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree and one count of assault in the second degree and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Ryan Thompson’s family remembered him as a kind person who had an enormous interest in jewelry, old cars and classic films.

"Ryan was a kind, sensitive, and exceedingly intelligent, private person with a huge and caring heart,” Mr. Thompson’s sister, Cecily Thompson-Thiel said in court. “He was a good big brother. He and I will never have the chance to grow old together. I will never get to meet the man he would have become. … In the end, he lost his life because he trusted the wrong person.”

Mr. Thompson’s father provided the Court with art and writing samples that Thompson had previously created.

Sarah Tinch, Mr. Thompson’s cousin, remembered him for his humor and ability to make others laugh.

“Laughing with Ryan always brought me back to the best places of my childhood,” Tinch said at sentencing.

This investigation began on August 22, 2017 when McConville entered the lobby of the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct, located at 1111 Southwest 2nd Avenue, to report she had killed someone. Central Precinct patrol officers and detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail responded to Mr. Thompson’s apartment complex in the 700 block of Southwest St. Claire Avenue to conduct a welfare check. Upon entering the apartment, the body of Mr. Thompson was found.

Detectives have since learned that on August 21, 2017, McConville and Mr. Thompson got into an argument, which turned physical. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death to be strangulation and the manner of death homicide. Thompson, as noted in the autopsy report, had a blunt force injury to the back of his head and a stab wound on his arm.

During this investigation, detectives learned McConville and Mr. Thompson had known each other for approximately 10 years.

At no point during the investigation was a clear motive for the killing developed. However, there is evidence to suggest McConville suffers from mental health illness.

At the time of sentencing, McConville address the court and briefly apologized.

Judge Gregory Silver, upon sentencing McConville said, “No words can explain what happened. The depth of this tragedy and the effect that it has left on the people behind cannot be overstated.”

Domestic violence can include physical violence, verbal attacks, psychological manipulation, sexual abuse, financial abuse, or other forms of control by a partner or family member. If you need assistance, contact “Call to Safety” at 503-235-5333 or toll-free at 1-888-235-5333 if you are not experiencing an emergency, but need to talk to someone immediately.

Domestic and sexual violence can take many forms and affect all kinds of people. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office wants you to know that you are not at fault for any of the abuse you may have experienced, and that there are people who can help.

The Gateway Center is an in person resource location that operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. No appointments are necessary. At the Gateway Center, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is located on-site to provide consultation and help so that participants understand the court processes. They also help provide options if a participant chooses to prosecute their abuser.

The Victims' Assistance Program for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office provides support during the reporting of sexual assaults, domestic violence and other crimes and referrals to victim services and resources: 503-988-3222.

For emergency response, contact 9-1-1.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted the closure at Klineline Pond but has issued a warning for the swim beach. Health officials advise against swimming or wading in the water at Klineline Pond.

Public Health closed Klineline Pond to swimming and wading on Tuesday, after routine testing revealed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. Public Health has continued to monitor the swim beach. Test results from water samples taken on Wednesday showed improved water quality.

Additional water samples were collected this afternoon. Public Health will lift the warning at the pond if results from those samples confirm the water quality has improved.

Test results and information about current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beaches website.

Salmon Creek Regional Park and the splash pad, which uses municipal water, were not affected by the closure and remain open to the public. Water within the restrooms and shelters is not affected by the pond water and is safe to drink.

While recreating at swim beaches and pools, consider these recommendations to help protect yourself and others from illness:

• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
• Stay out of the water if you have an open wound that is not covered by a waterproof bandage.
• Do not swallow water.
• Take children for bathroom breaks every hour.
• Keep children who are not toilet trained out of the water.
• Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom.

See aerial footage: https://vimeo.com/tvfr/review/284252475/b803cc3fde

Just before noon today, 911 callers reported a column of smoke coming from a field along SW Shaeffer Road near the W Road intersection in West Linn. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue firefighters arrived to find active fire covering more than three acres with potential to spread into nearby trees.

Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the blaze before it reached the trees and burned nearly four acres. In addition to hot temperatures, firefighters had to contend with an active yellow jacket nest in the area.

The homeowner explained that he had ignited a mixture of gasoline and oil to eradicate a yellow jacket nest and, shortly after ignition, winds quickly spread the fire and he was unable to contain it.

TVF&R Fire Marshal Steve Forster said, “Because of the nature of our work, we uniquely, understand the incredible speed at which fire can spread, but I believe most people are unaware of the potential destruction fire can cause. When dry vegetation, low humidity, and hot temperatures are added to the mix, we have conditions for extreme fire behavior. This can cause a small spark to become a big problem.”

Wildfire can happen here. This is a week in which extreme caution should be exercised to ensure fires don’t start in the first place.

Clackamas Fire District #1 also responded and assisted in fire suppression operations.

###

Located slightly to the south of downtown Carlton, the John B. Wennerberg Barn is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as locally significant under Criterion A in the area of Agriculture, for its associations with late 19th and early 20th century commercial agricultural practices in Yamhill County, Oregon. Built by John Wennerberg c. 1895, the Wennerberg Barn was first used a part of his commercial farm. This period of use ends with the sale of the Wennerberg Barn and the surrounding property to Adelbert Brooks’ Carlton Nursery Company in 1919. Though alterations to the barn over time have obscured evidence of Wennerberg’s use of the barn as part of his commercial farming operation, the barn’s architecture and Wennerberg’s letters to his brother Daniel suggest a traditional agricultural use. The three-aisled, end-opening barn’s design, as well as the remnant notches in the crossbeams and posts of the ground-level aisles convey the Barn’s use for housing livestock and storing grain. The voluminous second-level hayloft was clearly designed for storing hay, and the existence of a high central beam suggests the use of a mechanical hayfork during Wennerberg’s period of ownership. In addition to this remaining physical evidence, letters sent from Wennerberg to his younger brother Daniel detail the older Wennerberg brother’s farming operations in Carlton. The letters suggest that John Wennerberg farmed hay for sale in addition to growing grains such as wheat, barley and oats, and raising hogs and sheep. The second farming operation to use the Wennerberg Barn was the Carlton Nursery Company (1919-1936). The Company used the building as a warehouse and distribution center for its horticultural products while they operated in northern Yamhill County. This second period of use begins with Brooks’ purchase of the property and ends when the Company moved its growing and shipping operations to Forest Grove, Washington County, OR in 1936. Following Wennerberg’s death in 1918, the property was purchased by Adelbert D. Brooks, who along with his brother Frank, owned and operated the Carlton Nursery Company. In 1919, the Carlton Nursery moved its packing and shipping operations from a nearby warehouse on Pine Street to the Wennerberg Barn. The barn was used until 1936 as the Carlton Nursery’s packing and distribution center for the stock grown on the Company’s primary nursery to the east of Carlton near Lafayette. These years were significant to the Carlton Nursery Company as it grew from a state and regional distributor of a variety of agricultural and horticultural products to a company that sold its products to markets nationwide.

During February 2018, the City of Beaverton sent out a request for proposal (RFP) regarding the photo red light enforcement system which were installed at four major intersections within the city.  Three companies responded to the RFP, and after careful consideration, Conduent was chosen as Beaverton’s new vendor.

Conduent works in 31 countries around the world and in 18 different industry sectors.  Conduent headquarters are in Florham Park, New Jersey.  Conduent was chosen because they showed their ability to best meet our needs with high quality hardware, easy to manage software and ease of use to those who receive citations.  Here is a link to Conduent’s website: https://www.conduent.com/

The contract with Redflex, the old vendor, expired on June 30, 2018.  During the first few weeks of July, Redflex removed their camera equipment.  Since the removal of Redflex’s equipment, Conduent has been working to install their equipment using the existing infrastructure. 

On approximately August 14th, the photo red light enforcement equipment at SW Walker Rd/SW Cedar Hills Blvd will resume monitoring the intersection and issuing citations for those drivers who don’t stop at the red light.  The next intersections, Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy/SW Griffith Dr., SW Allen Blvd/SW Lombard Ave. and SW Scholls Ferry Rd/SW Hall Blvd will resume normal operation at intervals of approximately five days.  These four intersections were all previously photo red light enforcement intersections.        

Information about the Photo Red Light Enforcement program can be found here: https://beavertonpolice.org/204/Photo-Enforcement.

##BPD##

Update, 8/9/18 at 2:15 p.m.

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – The search for a missing woman and her two children has ended.  Tanda Christiansen, 28, and her daughters, ages 6 and 7, were found Thursday afternoon approximately two miles from their home. 

On Thursday, August 9, 2018, at 1:06 p.m., a resident in the 8400-block of Ramsey Road called dispatch to report finding the three missing subjects on his property.  They were hiding in a brushy area along Sams Creek.  

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and search and rescue (SAR) personnel, who were searching nearby, responded to the location.  They found the three were thirsty and hungry, but otherwise safe.  Christiansen and her children were checked by medics at the scene, and then transported by Mercy Flights ambulance to Rogue Regional Medical Center for evaluation.  

No further information is available at this time.  SAR officials and detectives wish to thank everyone who looked for the missing family. 

###

Resending 8/8/18 at 3:47 p.m. with daughters' names included in copy. 

Update 8/8/18 at 3:45 p.m. (expanding to Oregon/Washington media outlets) –

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office detectives have joined the search for a missing woman and her two daughters. 

While search and rescue crews continue to search the area where Tanda Christiansen, 28, and her daughters, Lily Bloom, 6, and Alexandria Bloom, 7, were last seen, detectives are considering the possibility they could have left the area. 

Family members have indicated that Christiansen made statements recently about wanting to travel to the state of Washington.  They have concerns that Christiansen may be suffering a mental health crisis. 

Detectives say if Christiansen and the girls left the area, they would have needed help.  According to family, Christiansen has no phone, no money, and no means of transportation.  All three were barefoot when they were last seen.

Anyone with information is asked to call dispatch at (541) 776-7206.  Refer to case #18-16535.

Refer to prior release (below) for additional details regarding the case. 

###

Original release, 8/8/18 at 9:08 a.m. -

SAMS VALLEY, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and search and rescue (SAR) personnel are searching for a mother and her two young daughters, last seen Tuesday afternoon.  Deputies say the three are considered to be missing and endangered.

On August 7, 2018, at 9:08 p.m., a family member reported Tanda Christiansen, 28, and her two daughters, ages 6 and 7, were missing.  The three walked away from the family’s residence in the 2500-block of Holcomb Springs Road at about 10:00 a.m.  The family became concerned when they didn’t return home after dark.  Additionally, Christiansen has recently exhibited signs of mental illness.

Deputies believe the case is related to a call they received Tuesday afternoon, several hours prior to Christiansen and her daughters being reported missing.  A resident on Pelton Lane called dispatch to request a welfare check on a woman and two girls.  The resident located the three wandering on her property and gave them a ride to the end of the driveway.  They were last seen at about 1:00 p.m. walking on Pelton Lane toward Ramsey Road.  Deputies arrived a short time later and checked the area, but did not locate the three subjects. 

About a half-mile of trees and fields separate the missing subjects’ home and the location where they are believed to have been spotted Tuesday afternoon.   The three were barefoot and reportedly carried some water with them. 

Tanda Christiansen is described as a white female adult, five feet, seven inches tall, weighing approximately 180 pounds.  Her brown hair is dyed blue or purple, and she has brown eyes.  She was last seen wearing a blue shirt and blue pants.  

The oldest girl, 7, has light brown hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen wearing a turquoise shirt.  The younger girl, 6, has dark brown hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and shorts. 

Deputies and SAR personnel are in the area searching and distributing flyers.  They ask residents to check their property and outbuildings for any sign of the missing subjects.  Anyone with information is asked to call dispatch at (541) 776-7206.  Refer to case #18-16535. 

###

A Lewis & Clark Expedition Living History Presentation

Vancouver, WA – On Thursday, September 6, the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) will be hosting their next First Thursday Speaker Series event, which is sponsored by Clark County’s Historic Preservation Commission. Our speaker, Tom Wilson, a retired teacher and national park ranger, will present, "Lewis & Clark: A Convenient Situation to Make Salt." The program will discuss the importance of salt for the expedition, which Corps members made salt, and how it was made. The evening will also highlight how the current Salt Works site in Seaside, OR, became a memorial to the expedition's salt making endeavors. General admission is $5.00, seniors and students are $4.00, children under 18 are $3.00, and the evening is FREE with a CCHM membership. Doors open at 5:00pm, the event begins at 7:00 pm. The museum encourages attendees to get there early, as it is first-come, first-served seating.

During his time with the park service, Wilson did a great deal of research on the expedition, and has given talks, demonstrations, and presented programs to students and visitors across the Northwest. He has even portrayed several different Corps members over the years, including William Clark in OPB’s documentary "Searching For York,” on Oregon Field Guide and Grant’s Getaways, plus in the film "A Clatsop Winter Story" produced by the National Park Service. He will bring this depth of knowledge and his flair for storytelling to bear for our event.

Brad Richardson, CCHM’s Executive Director, says, “Well over two hundred years have passed since their journey to the Pacific Northwest, Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery continues to hold an important place in our local conversations about our own history. As a result, we’re excited to have Tom bring this amazing living history experience to Clark County and our Museum, as a part of our First Thursday Speaker Series.”

Tom Wilson – He is a retired elementary school teacher (30 years), he also worked twenty (20) seasons at and recently retired from the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Some of his other portrayals include expedition members Private Thomas Howard, and salt maker, Private William Bratton. (As William Bratton, Wilson has spent many weekends in character, boiling water to make salt, and living on Seaside’s beach.)

CCHM is honored to be able to share this thoroughly unique window into the larger story of our region’s past with our community.

For more information, please contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or by email at events@cchmuseum.org.

Picture courtesy of CCHM's Digital Archive Collection: A group of women stand around the remains of 'Cairn' where Lewis and Clark made salt from the Ocean in January and Febuary 1906.

###

The Clark County Historical Museum is operated by the Clark County Historical Society (CCHS), which is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Trustees. CCHS works in partnership with Clark County and the City of Vancouver to operate the museum in a 1909 Carnegie Library building. Our vision is to facilitate a more educated and connected community through meaningful engagement with history. CCHM is located at 1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660 – just off the I-5 and Mill Plain Blvd. Daily hours of operation: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. For further information, call 360-993-5679, email info@cchmuseum.org, or visit cchmuseum.org. CCHM’s First Thursday Speaker Series is sponsored by Clark County’s Historic Preservation Commission.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Visibility and Communications Committee will meet on Monday, August 13 at 1:00 p..m. at the main headquarters, 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, Oregon  97220. 

Robert Littles has been located and is safe. Thanks to all that assisted in getting the word out.

August 9, 2018 – Two people were arrested after a weeks-long drug dealing investigation at a mobile home park in Cornelius. Over 80 grams of methamphetamine and eight firearms were seized.

In mid-July, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies serving the City of Cornelius received information regarding possible narcotics dealing from a residence at the Forest Hills Mobile Estates, located at 570 North 10th Avenue.

Deputies contacted the Westside Inter-Agency Narcotics (WIN) Team, who began investigating further. During a three-week period, WIN investigators conducted three controlled drug buys from the home for methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.

On Tuesday, August 7 at 12:00 p.m., WIN investigators and Cornelius deputies served a search warrant on the mobile home. During the search, over 80 grams of methamphetamine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and prescription pills were located. Six rifles and two handguns were also seized from the residence. Two occupants were located inside and arrested.

Clyde Edwards III, 67 of Cornelius, was charged with delivery of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and eight counts of felon in possession of a weapon.

Brittany Ridgeway, 24 of Cornelius, was charged with delivery of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and second-degree failure to appear.

WIN is an inter-agency task force comprised of personnel from the police departments of Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Oregon National Guard Counter-Drug Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Agency. [Learn more about WIN]

Gresham, Ore.— Last night around 9:45 p.m., police responded to the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on SE 182 Ave. near NW 3 St. Police arrived on scene and found that the pedestrian was deceased. The pedestrian is identified as 71-year-old Nghi Vu of Gresham. The driver of the car being 50-year-old Kunavuth Thor of Happy Valley. Thor remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor and no citations have been issued.

Anyone who witnessed or has information about the collision is asked to call the Gresham Police at 503.618.2719.

There's nothing better on a summer day than cooking out on the grill! Since there are many different types of grills, we would like to share some safety tips for whatever you're planning to cook on whatever grill you will be using. These helpful tips come from the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org/education.

• Propane and charcoal grills should ONLY be used outdoors. They should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and overhanging tree branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below the grill.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using your gas grill each year. You can do this by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. If there is a leak, the gas will cause it to release bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak, turn off the grill. If the leak does not stop, get it serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If you smell gas while you're cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do NOT move the grill.
• If you use starter fluid with your charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid; always keep it out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the charcoals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
• Most importantly: NEVER leave your grill unattended.

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

August 9, 2018
 
CONTACT:
Ariel Nelson    
Government Relations and Communications Liaison
Oregon Housing and Community Services
503-949-0201, iel.Nelson@oregon.gov">Ariel.Nelson@oregon.gov   

State announces new funding awards for affordable housing

SALEM, OR – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) yesterday announced funding for the development and preservation of 796 affordable homes through the 2018 federal 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and HOME awards, which leverage local, state, and private investments.

This latest round of 13 awards brings OHCS to a record number of units in the development pipeline – a total of 7,800 affordable homes are in progress across the state. At an event announcing the funding, OHCS Director Margaret Salazar shared the state’s housing goals and progress through ongoing and future initiatives under the leadership of Governor Kate Brown.

“Oregon is facing unprecedented need across the housing spectrum, from homelessness to homeownership, and a severe shortage of affordable and available rental homes,” said OHCS Director Margaret Salazar. “These awards are bringing much needed housing and services to communities large and small. We are excited to celebrate the collaboration behind the Cedar Grove award, creating stable homes for families, close to jobs and schools.”

Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle, Washington County Commissioner Greg Malinowksi, and Metro Council President Tom Hughes joined Salazar to celebrate one of the latest awards, to the Cedar Grove development. The $2 million award to Beaverton will provide 44 new affordable homes serving families in the Cedar Mill neighborhood.

Cedar Grove leverages federal, state, local, and private investment to serve families at a range of income levels. Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) is partnering with Washington County, the City of Beaverton, Metro, the Washington County Housing Authority, Community Action, and Community Housing Fund to provide new homes affordable to working families. In addition, 8 homes will be dedicated to serving formerly homeless families. The full list of awards is below with details available online at: https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/HD/HRS/Recipients/Recipients-2018-LIHTC9-HOME.pdf

- The Rose, Portland, 58 units
- Pioneer Enterprises, Veneta & Molalla, 52 units
- Cedar Grove, Beaverton, 44 units
- Low-Income Single Adult Hsg. (LISAH), Portland, 72 units
- Market District Commons, Eugene, 50 units
- Salem HA MF RAD Bundle, Salem, 84 units
- Silvertowne & Silvertowne II, Silverton, 86 units
- Canal Commons, Bend, 48 units
- Creekside Apts, Central Point, 50 units
- Garden View Apts, Lebanon, 48 units
- Deer Creek Village, Roseburg, 68 units
- Liberty Lodge, Redmond, 8 units
- Orchard Homes, Milton-Freewater, 128 units

###

VANCOUVER, Wash.—The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the M/V Orca Ace, commanded by Capt. Yury Golovatyuk of Russia, on her maiden voyage Aug. 8.

Capt. Golovatyuk and his 22-member crew were welcomed to Vancouver by representatives from Ports America, Norton Lilly International, Subaru of America, Auto Warehouse Corporation and the Port of Vancouver USA.

The Orca Ace, a “Next-Generation Car Carrier” cargo ship for autos and roll on/roll off cargoes, was built in Japan. She is 656 feet long with a deadweight capacity of 15,495 metric tons. Her specially designed hull shape and improved two-stroke engine help reduce carbon emissions as she transits the globe. She is owned by Lunar River Line S.A. of Panama and operated by Mitsui OSK Line Ltd.

The Orca Ace began her journey to the United States in July 2018, departing from Hitachinaka, Japan. Once berthed at the Port of Vancouver USA, International Longshore and Warehouse Union crews discharged 2,300 Subaru vehicles to be processed at the port and shipped to buyers across the Northern U.S.

After discharging Subarus at the Port of Vancouver USA, the Orca Ace will sail to other ports on the U.S. West Coast. San Diego, California, is the final destination on her maiden voyage.

Photo credit: Port of Vancouver USA

From left to right: Greg Unterbrink, Ports America; Nora Pasca, Norton Lilly International; Paul DeBolt, Ports America; Martin McGreevey III, Mitsui OSK Bulk Shipping (USA) LLC; Ken Mishler, Port of Vancouver USA; Nathan Minich, Port of Vancouver USA; Mike Repman, Auto Warehouse Company; Mike Champlain, Norton Lilly International; Captain Yury Golovatyuk, Orca Ace Master; Chris Bredlie, Port of Vancouver USA; Ann Tetreault, Subaru of America; Joseph Fanning, Subaru of America; Jon Waldum, Ports America; Steve Soden, Port of Vancouver USA; John Maul, Port of Vancouver USA; Jerry Burris, Port of Vancouver USA; Shunsuke Fujimara, Mitsui OSK Bulk Shipping (USA) LLC

                                                                                                                                                                             – POV –

The Port of Vancouver USA is one of the major ports on the PacificCoast, 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.

Portland, OR– The Technical Review Team for a proposed gold mine in Malheur County will meet in person and by phone from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. MT (9 a.m. to Noon PT) on Wednesday, August 22.

The meeting agenda is available at bit.ly/calicomeetings

The public and media may listen to the meeting in person at the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Vale District Office, 100 Oregon Street, Vale, Oregon, or listen by phone. For call-in instructions, see the agenda.

The Technical Review Team is an inter-disciplinary team of state agencies that reviews information related to a proposed mine during all phases of the application process, and ultimately develops consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations.

Portland, OR– The Project Coordinating Committee for a proposed gold mine in Malheur County will meet in person and by phone from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT (Noon to 3:30 p.m. PT) on Tuesday, August 21.

The meeting agenda is available at bit.ly/calicomeetings

The public and media may listen to the meeting in person at the Four Rivers Cultural Center, 676 SW 5th Ave, Ontario, Oregon, or listen by phone. For call-in instructions, see the agenda.

The Project Coordinating Committee is an interdisciplinary team of agencies sharing information and coordinating county, state and federal permitting requirements, to facilitate exchange of ideas, optimize communication, and avoid contradictions or duplications.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will be joining other police agencies throughout Oregon to enforce traffic occupant protection and other traffic related laws during the safety belt enforcement blitz scheduled August 20th through September 2nd.  The enforcement blitz is funded through the Oregon Department of Transportation.   Overtime patrols are scheduled through the blitz period with enforcement focused on Child Safety Seats use, Texting and Driving, and Speeding.

Additional related information including child safety seat check-up clinics, can be located at the ODOT web page at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/Belts-Seats.aspx

Your sheriff’s office reminds you to buckle up- it’s the way to go!

###

Respectfully submitted by:

Mark Meister, Administrative Patrol Sergeant

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office

225 W. Olive St.

Newport, Oregon 97365

Phone: 541-265-0684

Fax: 541-265-4917

mmeister@co.lincoln.or.us

FOR IMMEIDATE RELEASE                 

AUGUST 9, 2018

Grand jury hands down 31-count indictment against Portland man following PPB child sex crimes investigation

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a secret indictment filed against 52-year-old Randy Shefstad was unsealed.

The 31-count indictment, which was filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court on August 7, 2018, alleges three counts of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, six counts of luring a minor, 17 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree, four counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the second degree and one count of encouraging sexual abuse of an animal.

On August 8, 2018, detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Child Abuse Team apprehended the defendant, without incident, pursuant to an arrest warrant approved by Multnomah County Chief Criminal Judge Cheryl Albrecht following the grand jury’s true bill decision.

Following the arrest, the defendant was lodged into the Multnomah County Detention Center and later appeared by video in Multnomah County Circuit Court for his arraignment before Judge Thomas M. Ryan.

The indictment alleges the defendant used graphic and sexually charged language to electronically communicate with four separate minor victims – in four different states – in 2017 and 2018 for the purposes of sexual gratification. It is further alleged in the indictment that Shefstad sent several videos and photos of himself engaging in sex acts to the underage victims. The indictment also alleges that Shefstad made multiple requests, and received, images of the minor victims in various stages of undress, to include images of nudity.

According to a search warrant filed in this case, which has been unsealed by the Court, this criminal investigation began on October 10, 2017 when the parents of one of the victims discovered sexually explicit content on their child’s phone. The parents reported that information to law enforcement in Texas. Once it was discovered this case had an Oregon nexus, law enforcement in Texas used the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program to alert the Portland Police Bureau’s Child Abuse Team.

All of the victims associated with this case were between the ages of 10-12 years old and lived in separate states outside of Oregon at the time of the alleged offenses. Furthermore, the search warrant affidavit filed in this case states the defendant used various digital devices to communicate online with at least one victim who is autistic.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is part of a multi-disciplinary team comprised of representatives from law enforcement, public schools, hospitals, courts, health departments, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Oregon Department of Employment Child Care Division who work collaboratively to identify and aggressively investigate and prosecute cases of child abuse and neglect.

The Victims' Assistance Program for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office provides support during the reporting of sexual assaults, domestic violence and other crimes and referrals to victim services and resources. They can be contacted by calling 503-988-3222.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Juan Rivas-Valles, died in the early morning on August 8, 2018. He was incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP). As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Rivas-Valles entered DOC custody on April 5, 1990 from Multnomah County; he was sentenced to life in DOC custody. He was 68 years old.

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

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

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

Project would change previously planned location for new downtown elementary school

Vancouver, Wash. ?"? Earlier this year, Vancouver Public Schools announced it was exploring the feasibility of building a new elementary school in downtown Vancouver at C Street and East Eighth Street (known as Library Square). The school district now is considering a new location for the school at 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd., the site of the old main library. 

The City of Vancouver owns the property and leases part of it to Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries for use as an administrative headquarters. The city also owns the adjacent property, 1601 E. Mill Plain Blvd., which is being used for recreational soccer, baseball and track and field. The proposed new school campus project would optimize the use of both properties.

“This new preferred location for the downtown elementary school offers many benefits for our students and staff members,” said Dr. Steve Webb, Vancouver Public Schools’ superintendent. “I am grateful to our city and library partners who have worked with us to identify a creative and thoughtful solution to meet the needs of this community. I’d also like to thank Killian Pacific for its generosity and commitment to the community in offering the initial location at Library Square for the project.”

The Mill Plain Boulevard site offers several advantages for the new school while still fulfilling the school district’s need to serve the growing number of families who live and work in the downtown area. Advantages include access to nearby play fields; ample parking; and proximity to other schools, the Historic Reserve and Marshall Community Center.

The school district, city and library have been collaborating in a joint planning process to determine if it would be possible to create a multi-use campus for education, arts and innovation. The project could include a grades K-5 school as well as other complementary uses such as facilities for performing and visual arts and a community center for knowledge, arts and innovation.

“The school and library districts are tremendous partners,” said Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes. “The concept of a downtown arts and innovation campus is a unique opportunity that offers a lot of potential for our community. This partnership holds the promise of creating an inspiring place where people and organizations can come together in support of children and education, innovation and the arts.”

“The library district is pleased to collaborate with the city and school district on a tremendous opportunity to create a lasting legacy for the old library building,” added Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Executive Director Amelia Shelley.

The new elementary school is one of the projects included in the Vancouver Public Schools bond measure approved by voters in February 2017 and is planned to open in the fall of 2021. Work on developing a master plan for the property is anticipated to be complete by the end of this year.

Jordan Holgerson is in satisfactory condition at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, recovering from injuries sustained after being pushed from a bridge near Moulton Falls. Holgerson has agreed to speak with news media members at 12 p.m. PDT today to discuss this week's incident, which was captured on video and has spread rapidly through social media.

Interested news media are asked to meet in PeaceHealth Southwest's Firstenburg Tower lobby at 11:45 a.m. PeaceHealth Southwest is located at 400 NE Mother Joseph Place in Vancouver, WA. The interview is expected to be conducted in the patient's hospital room.

The West Linn Police Department will be deploying extra police officers in August to specifically look for impaired drivers. These extra officers will be funded with a grant through Oregon Impact.

Tips: How to Prevent Someone from Driving Drunk

The best way to prevent someone from driving drunk is to make a plan for a sober designated driver, and make sure everyone agrees to it ahead of time. If you are faced with a situation where someone who's impaired is trying to drive, here are some tips on how to stop them:

Be as non-confrontational as possible.
Suggest alternate ways of getting to their destination-a cab, a sober driver, public
   transportation, Uber/Lyft.
Remember that the person you are talking to is impaired-talk a bit more slowly and explain
   things more fully than if you were talking to a sober person.
Explain that you don't want them to drive because you care about them and you don't want them to hurt themselves or    others.
Suggest that they sleep over.
Enlist a friend to help you or to act as moral support-it's more difficult to say "no" to
   two (or three or four) people than one.
If possible, get the person's keys. It is far easier to persuade the potential driver when
  you hold this leverage.
If all else fails, call law enforcement. It's better to have a friend arrested than injured
   or killed.

August 9, 2018

Health advisory issued August 9 for water contact at Harris Beach State Park

The Oregon Health Authority issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Harris Beach State Park, located in Curry County.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Harris Beach State Park, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state organizations participating in this program are the Oregon Health Authority, Department of Environmental Quality, and Parks and Recreation Department.

# # #

http://bit.ly/2KETZnQ

Aug. 9, 2018                                               
Media hotline:  1-800-570-5838                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Completing upgrade requires outage overnight Aug. 10-11 for Pacific Power customers in Warrenton and Hammond

WARRENTON, Ore. – Approximately 3,100 Pacific Power customers in the Warrenton and Hammond areas area will be without electricity during the early morning hours of Aug. 11 as crews complete an upgrade of essential equipment to increase capacity and improve reliability in the area.

            The outage is scheduled to begin just before midnight Friday, Aug. 10 and could last until 4:30 a.m. Aug. 11, although power will be restored at the first opportunity. This work will complete the upgrade project that began with a planned outage affecting the same area in mid-July

The outage will affect the entire cities of Warrenton and Hammond.

Customers in the affected area have been notified individually about the outage.

“The temporary power interruption is necessary in order for us to safely complete the upgrade of the equipment in the substation that serves the area. With work done, we will reduce the likelihood of unexpected outages in the future and improve reliability in the area,” said Rachelle Hannon, acting regional business manager for Pacific Power.

            If customers have questions about the planned outage, they can call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070. Any outages during that time in other parts of the community should continue to be reported to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.

###

Beaverton Police Department would like the public’s help locating two missing adults. 26-Year-old Eric Timmerman and 22-year-old Jessica Edwards were last heard from on June 30, 2018. Eric and Jessica made no mention to family or friends they were planning on leaving or taking a trip.

Eric and Jessica were seen on surveillance video buying camping equipment prior to their disappearance. It is unlike Eric and Jessica to not contact their parents. Eric and Jessica left all their communication devices behind. Eric’s family was alerted to their disappearance after he didn’t show up at his engineering job for a few days.

Eric and Jessica are believed to be driving a 2017 dark colored Toyota Rav4 with Oregon license plate 552KDG. If anyone has information about Eric and Jessica’s whereabouts please call 503-629-0111 and speak to a Beaverton Police Officer.

##BPD##

NOAA Fisheries West Coast/Fisheries and Oceans Canada

August 9, 2018

MEDIA ADVISORY

NOAA Fisheries and DFO will hold a media teleconference today (Thursday, Aug. 9) at 10 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss the emergency response to support J50, an endangered Southern Resident killer whale.

When: 10 a.m. Pacific Time

Call-in number: 888-566-6311

Participant Passcode: 4722284

We ask that the call please be limited to working media.

Please visit NOAA Fisheries West Coast for the latest updates, photos, and information.

Any new photos will be posted in our dedicated Flickr album.

2017-18 Consolidated Action Plan is Available for Review Beginning Aug. 9

The City of Salem annually receives HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Consolidated Action Plan describes how the City of Salem and the Salem/Keizer Consor­tium spent the federal funds over a one-year period for activities serving low- and moderate-income persons, the homeless, and persons with special needs in our community. The community is invited to review and comment on the draft Action Plan.

The draft Consolidated Action Plan is available to review from Aug. 9 - 24, 2018 at: the reference desk of the City of Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE; the City of Salem Urban Development Department, 350 Commercial St. NE, Salem; and the City of Keizer Department of Community Development, 930 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer. It is also available online at www.cityofsalem.net/FederalPrograms.

All written comments should be submitted to the Salem Federal Programs Manager at 350 Commercial St. NE, Salem or email sehenger@cityofsalem.net by 5 p.m. Aug. 24, 2018.

The Salem City Council will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m., Mon., Sept. 10, 2018, in the City Council Chambers at 555 Liberty St. SE, Room 240. To request a translator or accommodations for people with disabilities at the hearing, call 503-588-6178 (voice) or 503-588-6370 (TDD) by 5 p.m. Wed., Sept. 5, 2018.

Additional information can be obtained by calling 503-588-6178. Si necesita ayuda para comprender esta información, por favor llame 503-588-6178.

Portland, Ore., August 9, 2018—OnPoint Community Credit Union will open a full-service branch on NE Fremont Street at N Williams Avenue on August 30. Located in the walkable and bike-friendly North Williams Corridor, the branch features a bike-thru teller window. This is OnPoint’s second new location in Portland’s vibrant eastside in 2018, having opened its Hawthorne branch in May.

“We are proud to be a part of the Northeast Portland community and look forward to welcoming neighbors—on foot or by bicycle,” said OnPoint President/CEO Rob Stuart. “The new branch is the latest example of how we continue to deepen our commitment to the region as we serve our growing membership.”

The Fremont & Williams Branch, located at 16 NE Fremont Street, is housed in the Carbon12 building, heralded as one of the most environmentally sustainable residential projects in the world. Carbon12 is currently the tallest mass timber and cross-laminated timber (CLT) building in the United States.

The Fremont & Williams team will be led by Branch Manager Elaine Pratt and Assistant Branch Manager Richard Masotto. Pratt will also continue to manage OnPoint’s Lloyd Center Branch. Masotto previously served as assistant branch manager at OnPoint’s Stadium Branch and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Fremont & Williams Branch.

To connect with its neighbors and welcome members, OnPoint will host a Grand Opening Celebration at the branch on Saturday, September 15, from 9 am to 1 pm. Neighborhood residents and businesses are invited to stop by for refreshments and giveaways, and to meet the staff.

In conjunction with the grand opening, Pratt and Masotto will present a $1,000 donation from OnPoint to the ReBuilding Center. The ReBuilding Center is a non-profit organization that works to build equitable and sustainable communities by promoting the reuse of salvaged building materials, donating materials to community-led projects, and offering educational classes and team-building events.

“Giving back and being involved in our community is who we are at OnPoint,” said Pratt. “We look forward to engaging with neighbors and area businesses to support the community and our shared growth.”

To explore career opportunities at OnPoint, visit us online at www.onpointcu.com/onpoint-careers.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 353,000 members and with assets of $5.3 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union's membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 4:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018 in the 100 block of NW Date Avenue, Warrenton, Clatsop County, Ore.

The single-family fire affected two adults.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018 in the 1900 block of Madras Street SE in Salem, Marion County, Ore.

The multi-family fire affected three adults and several pets.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Disaster responders with the American Red Cross Cascades Region responded at approximately 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018 in the 100 block of NE 148th Avenue in Portland, Multnomah County, Ore.

The single-family fire affected three adults and nine children.

The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.

Additional information about this incident, if available, may be obtained from the local first responding agency/fire department.

The Red Cross in Oregon and Southwest Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by disasters, like home fires, every day.

The Red Cross advocates emergency preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www.redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.