UPDATE

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office has idenitied the missing individual in Sunday’s boat crash as Michael Hoang Trinh, 45, of Portland, Oregon. Trinh was ejected when the boat he was riding in made a sharp turn in the Columbia River near Broughton Beach Park. Despite exhaustive searches Sunday by air, boat, land and underwater dives, Trinh was not located. At this time, he remains missing. The investigation is open, and no further comment can be made.

AUGUST 2, 2020 NEWS RELEASE

On Sunday, August 2, 2020, at approximately 1:55 p.m., the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a boat crash in the Columbia River off Broughton Beach Park. MCSO River Patrol Unit marine deputies, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of Portland Fire Department, Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Police Bureau, Clark County Sheriff’s Office and AMR, responded to the location.

According to witness statements, the boat was driving along the north end of Broughton Beach Park when the operator made a sharp turn. The action caused the boat to suddenly rock, ejecting the passenger and the operator, both adult males, into the river. A number of witnesses went to help the two men. The operator was rescued by a private boat and taken to shore, but the passenger, who was not wearing a life jacket, submerged and did not resurface.

Emergency responders performed searches in the area where the man was last seen. MCSO’s Dive Team performed a series of dives Sunday afternoon. Despite hours of searching by air, boat and underwater, the man was not located.

The Sheriff’s Office gathered witness statements and contacted the boat operator, who is cooperating. Impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and no further comment can be made at this time.

The City of Oregon City’s Tourism Program has developed an interactive initiative called the Community Showcase, which allows residents to explore historic attractions virtually, and incentivizes them to participate in a quiz which enters them into a drawing for $40 gift certificates redeemable at local restaurants.

Residents can visit https://traveloregoncity.com/showcase/ where a video tour of a local historic site will be hosted along with a short quiz (approximately 3-4 questions) about the content of the video. Each month a new point of interest will be highlighted such as the Oregon City Municipal Elevator, Ermatinger House, McLoughlin House, and more. Upon answering all the quiz questions correctly, participants will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to ten, monthly rotating, Oregon City restaurants.

The goals of the initiative are twofold:

• To provide economic stimulus to Oregon City restaurants to help them in the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To ensure that residents have a greater understanding of the community’s history and points of interest allowing them to be future tour guides in the Oregon City Community.

“It is our hope that this program helps our residents become reacquainted with the historic sites of Oregon City, while also developing true champions for tourism, leading Oregon City to be known for its friendly and welcoming community,” says Oregon City Economic Development Manager, James Graham.

The 10-month program begins August 2020. All virtual tours, quizzes, and program details can be found on TravelOregonCity.com

Monday, August 3, 2020-Woodland, WA-The Woodland Public Schools Board of Directors will review recommendations from the Cowlitz County Department of Health and District Superintendent Michael Green that the upcoming 2020-2021 school year start with full-time distance learning during a board meeting on Wednesday, August 12.

With an increasing number of COVID-19 infections affecting the community, the Cowlitz County Department of Health recommended to area superintendents Friday evening that all Cowlitz County school districts open the school year utilizing distance learning. In addition, the Institute of Disease Modeling released a report on July 13, 2020 outlining how in-person instruction, even with safeguards in place, risks significantly worsening COVID-19 transmission rates in the community. “While we were hopeful we would be able to begin the school year with in-person instruction, the current spread of the coronavirus makes this no longer a safe option,” explained Superintendent Michael Green.

Work teams including Woodland Public Schools staff and administrators have spent the summer developing techniques and approaches for distance-learning in order to provide a higher level of fidelity to in-class instruction. “We are committed to supporting the educational needs of students and their families with high-quality distance education,” said Superintendent Green. “While we know it is impossible to fully replace the quality of education received in-person, we will strive to replicate the classroom experience as closely as possible using distance learning methods to provide the very best support possible for our students.”

The district’s leadership team, in collaboration with public health officials, continues to monitor the progression of the pandemic throughout the region using specific metrics including the rate of newly-diagnosed cases over a two-week timeline; the rate of COVID-19 testing in the region; and the percentage of positive results to tests on a one-week timeline. “We have hope for a gradual return to face-to-face instruction as the school year proceeds,” said Green. “As members of our community increase their use of face masks; consistently observe physical distancing guidelines; and avoid large social gatherings, the data are showing improvement in a reduction of the rate of newly-diagnosed infections in our region.”

For the most up-to-date information on the status of Woodland Public Schools during the global pandemic, visit the district’s COVID-19 webpage at: www.woodlandschools.org/covid-hq

###

August 3, 2020

Today, OHA released its Weekly Testing Summary, showing 35,424 test results were reported during the week of July 26 – Aug. 1.  Of those test results 2,174 were positive, indicating a test positivity of 6.1 percent, one of the highest rates observed since the early pandemic.

The most recent weekly in-state theoretical testing capacity estimate is 48,000 tests for the week of July 22 based on supply, reagent and staff availability. This does not include capacity at out-of-state commercial laboratories.

OHA continues to receive widespread reports of extended turnaround time from commercial laboratories; in some cases, results are being reported up to two weeks following specimen collection.  

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that Isaiah Jason Maza, Jr., 18, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and willfully damaging government property during protests at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse on July 22, 2020.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of July 22, 2020, a group of individuals gathered in an exterior entryway of the Hatfield Federal Courthouse. Several members of the group, including Maza, began removing plywood attached to the front of the building to protect its damaged glass façade. After the group successfully removed the plywood sheeting, Maza made multiple attempts to kick in the window, struck it with a metal object, and repeatedly pounded on it with what appeared to be a hammer.

Shortly thereafter, a number of people successfully removed the entire wooden structure protecting the courthouse entryway and an unknown individual broke one of the windows. After this breach, Maza walked toward the building carrying a cylindrical object. Maza then appeared to light a fuse connected to the object and place it inside the broken window. A short time later, the object exploded in close proximity to law enforcement officers exiting the building through the broken window. A deputy U.S. Marshal sustained injuries to both his legs as a result of the blast.

On July 31, 2020, deputy U.S. Marshals spotted Maza less than one block from the courthouse. Maza ran from the deputy marshals who pursued him several blocks by foot before catching and arresting him.

Maza made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

Assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Willfully damaging government property is punishable by 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case is being jointly investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Criminal complaints are only accusations of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

Around 10:45 AM on August 3, 2020 Sheridan, SW Polk and West Valley crews were dispatched to a vehicle crash on the Willamina Creek Bridge on Main St. (Highway 18B) in Willamina. Crews arrived to find an unloaded log truck was traveling eastbound on the bridge and went over the north side of the bridge. The truck fell about 20 feet and landed on its wheels. There was significant damage to the bridge and to the log truck. LifeFlight was requested for the driver, however crews on scene made the determination to transport by ground and canceled LifeFlight. Crews placed absorbent pads and booms across Willamina Creek to control the fuel and oil spill. ODOT states the bridge will remain closed until further notice. The cause of the crash is unknown.

Crews were assisted on scene by Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Police, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Mishler Towing Gales Towing and the City of Willamina. McMinnville Fire Department provided mutual aid medical coverage. 

SALEM, Ore – This Thursday, Aug. 6 marks the 75th anniversary of the atom bombing of Hiroshima, followed in a few weeks by the 75th anniversary of the close of World War II. Just in time for these commemorations, the Oregon Department of Forestry has launched a new online map where people can find the location of 45 Oregon peace trees grown from the seed of Hiroshima trees that survived the atom bomb and temporarily cared for in Corvallis by the Parks and Recreation Department. Corvallis is also one of 30 towns and cities across the state that planted peace trees and which are pinpointed on the new map. One of Corvallis' peace trees is at the Asian and Pacific Cultural Center at Oregon State University and the other is in Avery Park.

The new site tells the story of how the trees came to be in Oregon, which now has one of the largest plantings of Hiroshima-origin peace trees outside of Japan. View the new site at https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/ForestBenefits/Pages/Hiroshima-peace-trees.aspx

From Hiroshima to Oregon

Hiroshima survivor Hideko Tamura-Snider, co-founder of the Medford-based peace group One Sunny Day Initiatives, launched the effort to bring peace trees to her adopted state when she convinced Oregon Community Trees Board Member Michael Oxendine to obtain and grow seeds from her native city. Oxendine contacted Green Legacy Hiroshima, which collects the seeds from trees known to have survived the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima. After the seeds arrived in 2017, Oxendine germinated them and potted up the seedlings. With no facility to grow them on, Oxendine reached out to fellow OCT board members in late 2018 to find homes for the seedling ginkgo and Asian persimmon trees.

And OCT board member Jennifer Killian with Corvallis Parks and Recreation volunteered to care for the young trees for 18 months while OCT board member Jim Gersbach worked with Kristin Ramstad in the Oregon Department of Forestry to find permanent homes for the trees.

“We offered the trees first to Tree Cities USA and Tree Campus USA communities,” said Ramstad, who manages ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program. “We had a gratifying response from all parts of the state – the coast to eastern Oregon, and from the Columbia Gorge to near the California border. About three dozen entities, including schools and colleges, churches, cemeteries, parks and arboretums, were eager to obtain the trees and received them at no cost.”

Ramstad said the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting ban on public gatherings curtailed the many elaborate public ceremonies that were to be held by communities to mark the plantings. “Although planting ceremonies had to be canceled, dedicated staff or volunteers got the trees safely in the ground. Most communities are vowing to hold dedications after it’s safe to again hold public gatherings.”

OCT also provided funds to OSDI to make commemorative plaques for the trees, some of which may be unveiled at the future dedications.

Symbols of resilience, hope and peace

Gersbach said the project is a reminder that beyond the environmental benefits tree canopy provides in cities, trees also can bring a community together to reflect on life’s more meaningful aspects and values.

“We are again in a time of widespread loss of life and uncertainty due to the novel corona virus,” he said. “These seedlings’ parents leafed out from scorched trunks in the months following the atom bomb, giving hope to the bereaved survivors in Hiroshima. Their progeny serve as hopeful symbols in our current pandemic of the resilience of life.”

After learning how many communities embraced the Hiroshima seedlings, Tamura-Snider wrote that the numerous plantings “filled me with joy, remembering the long journey for both the tree[s] and myself. Thank you, people of Oregon, for your enduring faith in the future, in the resilience of life.”

                                                                                                # # #

The Centennial School District Governing Board will hold a meeting Wednesday, August 5,2020, virtually via the Zoom app at 6:30 p.m.

Access provided to the meeting by telephone. Please use one of the following phone numbers.
 +1 253 215 8782 OR +1 669 900-9128.  If prompted, provide the following:information:
Meeting ID: 819 4959 3741. Passcode: 701000.

Additional items will be added as they become available. To access Board meeting documents, cut and paste the following link into your browser. https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicAgenda.aspx?ak=1001533&mk=50383419

Items of interest include the Superintendent's Report which touch on ODE guidance regarding the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

For more information contact Pamela Jordan at, dan@csd28j.org">pamela_jordan@csd28j.org.

On Sunday, August 2, 2020 at approximately 9:50 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Hwy 395C near Lost Creek Timber Rd. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Jon Meek (63) of Riverside, CA, was northbound when he attempted to pass a farm tractor pulling a bailer, operated by a juvenile male, that had just started a left turn.  The motorcycle struck the left front of the farm tractor.

Meek was transported by air ambulance to Saint Lukes Hospital in Idaho where he was pronounced deceased.

The juvenile was not injured in the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Harney County Sheriff's Office, Harney District Ambulance, and ODOT.

Vancouver, Wash. – A western segment of the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail, between Northwest Lakeshore Avenue/Fruit Valley Road and Alki Road, will be temporarily closed from 7 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, while Vancouver Public Works Operations crews repave and restore the trail surface. 

During the one-day project, all public access to this western segment of the greenway trail, in an area west of Interstate 5, will be temporarily restricted. Signs alerting the public to the closure will be posted at access points leading into the segment where work is occurring. All other segments of the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail east of Alki Road will remain open.

The project addresses a stretch of trail where the pavement had worn away and had to be removed. Operations crews have been busy with street paving preparations and repairs throughout the city during the current dry summer weather. Completing the trail repaving on Saturday allows this project to continue forward under the current workload and be done quickly to address safety for walkers and bicyclists on the trail.

Click here to learn more about the 8-mile trail and view a map.

August 3, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 328, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 272 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 19,366.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (2), Clackamas (21), Clatsop (2), Coos (1), Deschutes (3), Douglas (2), Jackson (9), Jefferson (1), Josephine (2), Klamath (2), Lane (5), Lincoln (4), Linn (6), Malheur (3), Marion (27), Morrow (1), Multnomah (49), Polk (7), Sherman (1), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (64), Wasco (9), Washington (19), and Yamhill (27).

Oregon’s 327th COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on July 6 and died on August 1. His place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 328th COVID-19 death is a 50-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 20 and died on July 29, at Providence Portland Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

Salem Police Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for setting a fire and severely damaging a local business.

The arson occurred on 08-19-19 at 2:57 am, when Salem Fire responded to a four-alarm fire at the Oregon Pallet business located at 1650 Salem Industrial Way NE Salem, Oregon. Oregon Pallet is a locally-owned pallet manufacturer and supplier for businesses, industry and agriculture that serves customers in multiple states. The early morning fire destroyed a pre-harvest stockpiled inventory of over 100,000 pallets as well as numerous trucks and heavy equipment in the yard resulting in well over $1 million dollars in property loss. Thankfully, there were no injuries. The fire was determined to have been intentionally set and is being investigated as arson by both the Salem Police Department and Salem Fire Department (Salem Police case # 19-31390).  

In addition to a $2,500 reward offered by Crime Stoppers, the victim’s insurance company is offering an additional $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for setting the fire. While those reporting tips through Crime Stoppers of Oregon may choose to remain anonymous, to be eligible for the additional $10,000 reward, those with information would need to contact the police investigators directly. 

Tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Oregon at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com. For questions,  or to report information related to the investigation, please contact Salem Police Detective Curt Abel at (503) 540-2461 or Salem Police Detective Jeff Gordon at (503) 540-2355.

                                         ###

SALEM, Ore – This Thursday, Aug. 6 marks the 75th anniversary of the atom bombing of Hiroshima, followed in a few weeks by the 75th anniversary of the close of World War II. Just in time for these commemorations, the Oregon Department of Forestry has launched a new online map where people can find the location of 45 Oregon peace trees grown from the seed of Hiroshima trees that survived the atom bomb, including Salem, which has five of the peace trees, the most of any city in the state. Marion County has the most peace trees of any county in the state - with two more peace trees in Turner and one each in Silverton and Aumsville. Polk County also has one, planted in Independence.

The new site tells the story of how the trees came to be in Oregon, which now has one of the largest plantings of Hiroshima-origin peace trees outside of Japan. View the new site at https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/ForestBenefits/Pages/Hiroshima-peace-trees.aspx

From Hiroshima to Oregon

Hiroshima survivor Hideko Tamura-Snider, co-founder of the Medford-based peace group One Sunny Day Initiatives, launched the effort to bring peace trees to her adopted state when she convinced Oregon Community Trees Board Member Michael Oxendine to obtain and grow seeds from her native city. Oxendine contacted Green Legacy Hiroshima, which collects the seeds from trees known to have survived the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima. After the seeds arrived in 2017, Oxendine germinated them and potted up the seedlings. With no facility to grow them on, Oxendine reached out to fellow OCT board members in late 2018 to find homes for the seedling ginkgo and Asian persimmon trees.

And OCT board member Jennifer Killian with Corvallis Parks and Recreation volunteered to care for the young trees for 18 months while OCT board member Jim Gersbach worked with Kristin Ramstad in the Oregon Department of Forestry to find permanent homes for the trees.

“We offered the trees first to Tree Cities USA and Tree Campus USA communities,” said Ramstad, who manages ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program. “We had a gratifying response from all parts of the state – the coast to eastern Oregon, and from the Columbia Gorge to near the California border. About three dozen entities, including schools and colleges, churches, cemeteries, parks and arboretums, were eager to obtain the trees and received them at no cost.”

Ramstad said the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting ban on public gatherings curtailed the many elaborate public ceremonies that were to be held by communities to mark the plantings. “Although planting ceremonies had to be canceled, dedicated staff or volunteers got the trees safely in the ground. Most communities are vowing to hold dedications after it’s safe to again hold public gatherings.”

OCT also provided funds to OSDI to make commemorative plaques for the trees, some of which may be unveiled at the future dedications.

Symbols of resilience, hope and peace

Gersbach said the project is a reminder that beyond the environmental benefits tree canopy provides in cities, trees also can bring a community together to reflect on life’s more meaningful aspects and values.

“We are again in a time of widespread loss of life and uncertainty due to the novel corona virus,” he said. “These seedlings’ parents leafed out from scorched trunks in the months following the atom bomb, giving hope to the bereaved survivors in Hiroshima. Their progeny serve as hopeful symbols in our current pandemic of the resilience of life.”

After learning how many communities embraced the Hiroshima seedlings, Tamura-Snider wrote that the numerous plantings “filled me with joy, remembering the long journey for both the tree[s] and myself. Thank you, people of Oregon, for your enduring faith in the future, in the resilience of life.”

                                                                                                # # #

August 3, 2020

Contact: Sarah Bartelmann, 971-283-8107, ah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation).

What: A public meeting of the Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target Implementation Committee.

When: August 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Virtual meeting only. The public can join remotely via Zoom or conference line. To join by Zoom go to https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618334965?pwd=Y1FhVWsyM0NNUlJtYndxb2t3WDJQQT09, meeting ID 161 833 4965, password 178682. To call in to the meeting on a mobile device, use +16692545252,,1618334965#,,,,0#,,178682#.

Agenda: Welcome. Agenda review. Public comment (9:15 a.m.). Taking Action workstream. Transparency conversation. Next steps.

Please submit public comment in writing to e.CostTarget@dhsoha.state.or.us">HealthCare.CostTarget@dhsoha.state.or.us.

For more information, please visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/Sustainable-Health-Care-Cost-Growth-Target.aspx.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sarah Bartelmann at 971-283-8107, 711 TTY, ah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us">sarah.e.bartelmann@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SALEM, Ore – This Thursday, Aug. 6 marks the 75th anniversary of the atom bombing of Hiroshima, followed in a few weeks by the 75th anniversary of the close of World War II. Just in time for these commemorations, the Oregon Department of Forestry has launched a new online map where people can find the location of 45 Oregon peace trees grown from the seed of Hiroshima trees that survived the atom bomb. The trees were planted in 30 communities across the state, including Tillamook and Seaside.

The site tells the story of how the trees came to be in Oregon, which now has one of the largest plantings of Hiroshima-origin peace trees outside of Japan. View the new site at https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/ForestBenefits/Pages/Hiroshima-peace-trees.aspx

From Hiroshima to Oregon

Hiroshima survivor Hideko Tamura-Snider, co-founder of the Medford-based peace group One Sunny Day Initiatives, launched the effort to bring peace trees to her adopted state when she convinced Oregon Community Trees Board Member Michael Oxendine to obtain and grow seeds from her native city. Oxendine contacted Green Legacy Hiroshima, which collects the seeds from trees known to have survived the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima. After the seeds arrived in 2017, Oxendine germinated them and potted up the seedlings. With no facility to grow them on, Oxendine reached out to fellow OCT board members in late 2018 to find homes for the seedling ginkgo and Asian persimmon trees.

And OCT board member Jennifer Killian with Corvallis Parks and Recreation volunteered to care for the young trees for 18 months while OCT board member Jim Gersbach worked with Kristin Ramstad in the Oregon Department of Forestry to find permanent homes for the trees.

“We offered the trees first to Tree Cities USA and Tree Campus USA communities,” said Ramstad, who manages ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program. “We had a gratifying response from all parts of the state – the coast to eastern Oregon, and from the Columbia Gorge to near the California border. About three dozen entities, including schools and colleges, churches, cemeteries, parks and arboretums, were eager to obtain the trees and received them at no cost.”

Ramstad said the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting ban on public gatherings curtailed the many elaborate public ceremonies that were to be held by communities to mark the plantings. “Although planting ceremonies had to be canceled, dedicated staff or volunteers got the trees safely in the ground. Most communities are vowing to hold dedications after it’s safe to again hold public gatherings.”

OCT also provided funds to OSDI to make commemorative plaques for the trees, some of which may be unveiled at the future dedications.

Symbols of resilience, hope and peace

Gersbach said the project is a reminder that beyond the environmental benefits tree canopy provides in cities, trees also can bring a community together to reflect on life’s more meaningful aspects and values.

“We are again in a time of widespread loss of life and uncertainty due to the novel corona virus,” he said. “These seedlings’ parents leafed out from scorched trunks in the months following the atom bomb, giving hope to the bereaved survivors in Hiroshima. Their progeny serve as hopeful symbols in our current pandemic of the resilience of life.”

After learning how many communities embraced the Hiroshima seedlings, Tamura-Snider wrote that the numerous plantings “filled me with joy, remembering the long journey for both the tree[s] and myself. Thank you, people of Oregon, for your enduring faith in the future, in the resilience of life.”

                                                                                                # # #

SALEM, Ore – This Thursday, Aug. 6 marks the 75th anniversary of the atom bombing of Hiroshima, followed in a few weeks by the 75th anniversary of the close of World War II. Just in time for these commemorations, the Oregon Department of Forestry has launched a new online map where people can find the location of about 40 Oregon peace trees grown from the seed of Hiroshima trees that survived the atom bomb. The site tells the story of how the trees came to be in Oregon, which now has one of the largest plantings of Hiroshima-origin peace trees outside of Japan. View the new site at https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/ForestBenefits/Pages/Hiroshima-peace-trees.aspx

From Hiroshima to Oregon

Hiroshima survivor Hideko Tamura-Snider, co-founder of the Medford-based peace group One Sunny Day Initiatives, launched the effort to bring peace trees to her adopted state when she convinced Oregon Community Trees Board Member Michael Oxendine to obtain and grow seeds from her native city. Oxendine contacted Green Legacy Hiroshima, which collects the seeds from trees known to have survived the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima. After the seeds arrived in 2017, Oxendine germinated them and potted up the seedlings. With no facility to grow them on, Oxendine reached out to fellow OCT board members in late 2018 to find homes for the seedling ginkgo and Asian persimmon trees.

And OCT board member Jennifer Killian with Corvallis Parks and Recreation volunteered to care for the young trees for 18 months while OCT board member Jim Gersbach worked with Kristin Ramstad in the Oregon Department of Forestry to find permanent homes for the trees.

“We offered the trees first to Tree Cities USA and Tree Campus USA communities,” said Ramstad, who manages ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program. “We had a gratifying response from all parts of the state – the coast to eastern Oregon, and from the Columbia Gorge to near the California border. About three dozen entities, including schools and colleges, churches, cemeteries, parks and arboretums, were eager to obtain the trees and received them at no cost.”

Ramstad said the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting ban on public gatherings curtailed the many elaborate public ceremonies that were to be held by communities to mark the plantings. “Although planting ceremonies had to be canceled, dedicated staff or volunteers got the trees safely in the ground. Most communities are vowing to hold dedications after it’s safe to again hold public gatherings.”

OCT also provided funds to OSDI to make commemorative plaques for the trees, some of which may be unveiled at the future dedications.

Symbols of resilience, hope and peace

Gersbach said the project is a reminder that beyond the environmental benefits tree canopy provides in cities, trees also can bring a community together to reflect on life’s more meaningful aspects and values.

“We are again in a time of widespread loss of life and uncertainty due to the novel corona virus,” he said. “These seedlings’ parents leafed out from scorched trunks in the months following the atom bomb, giving hope to the bereaved survivors in Hiroshima. Their progeny serve as hopeful symbols in our current pandemic of the resilience of life.”

After learning how many communities embraced the Hiroshima seedlings, Tamura-Snider wrote that the numerous plantings “filled me with joy, remembering the long journey for both the tree[s] and myself. Thank you, people of Oregon, for your enduring faith in the future, in the resilience of life.”

                                                                                                # # #

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Patrick R. Johnson, died the evening of August 1, 2020. Johnson was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the medical examiner will determine cause of death.

Johnson entered DOC custody on October 31, 2017, from Marion County with an earliest release date of October 10, 2023. Johnson was 39 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 14,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

####

PORTLAND, Ore., August 3, 2020 – In support of local students as they await their new learning environment in the fall, OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today it will match an additional $5 for every $1 donated to the KGW School Supply Drive at OnPoint branches between August 3-8 (with an OnPoint donation max of $25,000). The KGW School Supply Drive, which runs through August 28, aims to send 12,000 students across Oregon and Southwest Washington back to school with the supplies they need to succeed in any learning environment.  

Due to COVID-19, the drive will not collect physical school supplies this year, but encourages the community to make monetary donations of any amount, which will stay in the community in which the donation was made. School supplies will be purchased and distributed with the help of Schoolhouse Supplies, going directly to help local teachers and students.

"In Oregon, nearly half of all children cannot afford even the most basic school supplies," said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "This year, families are struggling financially more than ever as they face uncertainty around the upcoming school year. A donation of $25 will provide one student with basic supplies for an entire year. No amount is too small, so we hope you will join us in supporting students by alleviating some of the pressure families are feeling through these challenging times."

As part of this year's drive, the KGW School Supply Drive Tech Drop, a contact-free electronic device collection event with Free Geek, will take place on Saturday, August 15, from 8:00–11:00 a.m. in the parking lot of OnPoint’s new Lloyd Center Branch (located at 1100 NE Weidler St., Portland, OR 97232). Free Geek accepts nearly everything that plugs in or uses electricity, so the community is encouraged to bring reusable laptops, smartphones, tablets, e-readers, video systems, and much more. To learn more or review other drop off locations please visit KGW.com/School.

In addition to its longstanding support of the KGW School Supply Drive, OnPoint also recently donated $25,000 to Schoolhouse Supplies in support of its at-home learning kits program. OnPoint's donation equipped families across the Portland-metro region with at-home resources to help finish the school year through distance learning. Nearly 23,000 kits have been distributed since March to families in need.  

"So many of our families are struggling right now, and it's important we support our students as they face new challenges through this crisis," said Alice Forbes, Executive Director, Schoolhouse Supplies. "We are grateful to OnPoint for its continued support of Schoolhouse Supplies and of the many local students we serve. We hope OnPoint's generosity inspires the rest of our community to support our students in this critical time by donating to the KGW School Supply Drive."

Click here to learn more about Schoolhouse Supplies and its mission to equip as many local families as possible with the school supplies they need to succeed.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 403,000 members and with assets of $7.3 billion. OnPoint membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 800-527-3932.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) is one of 10 institutions selected to participate in the American Council on Education’s (ACE) inaugural Learner Success Laboratory (LSL).

LSL is part of a suite of Transformation Labs offered by ACE to guide colleges and universities through a structured strategic planning process to advance critical institutional priorities. Participants will work over a period of 12-18 months to integrate evidence-based practices for persistence and completion, life design and career exploration, and workforce skills development, ultimately producing a comprehensive strategy for learner success. The pilot cohort will begin work in October 2020 and is supported by a grant from the Strada Education Network.

"As Western Oregon University evolves to serve a changing population of students, we seek to be intentional about supporting all of our students as whole persons," said Sue Monahan, associate provost for program development. "With the ACE Learner Success Lab, we are eager to explore how our students' experiences at WOU—in and outside the classroom—can be woven together so that all students graduate from WOU prepared for, and confident in, their futures."

WOU has numerous initiatives that support ACE’s goals for the LSL program, which include the Bilingual Scholars Program, Strong Start, Willamette Promise, and the university’s emerging status as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Institutions in the cohort serve approximately 67,000 undergraduate learners in total and comprise a diverse range of two- and four-year, public and private institutions, and several current or emerging Hispanic Serving Institutions. The other institutions in the inaugural cohort are Elon University, Iowa State University, Labouré College, Massasoit Community College, Richard Bland College of William & Mary, Southeast Missouri State University, Union Institute & University, University of Hawaii-West Oahu, and Windward Community College.

“This is an important time to take action to further learner success, especially for post-traditional and traditionally underserved learners who are our new majority,” said Lindsey Myers, director of the Learner Success Lab. “As higher education reshapes itself in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, institutions in the Learner Success Lab can leverage this opportunity to align their resources and build strategies that center and empower learners.”
 

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving about 5,000 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with about 70% of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

About American Council on Education

ACE is a membership organization that mobilizes the higher education community to shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality practice. As the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, our strength lies in our diverse membership of more than 1,700 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in America and abroad. ACE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions: two-year and four-year, public and private. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on Twitter @ACEducation.

Update:

Joseph Sharp has been located.  The Vancouver Police Department appreciates the quick response and assistance from the community.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Vancouver Police Department is requesting assistance in locating Missing Adult, Joseph Sharp (19).  Joseph Sharp has Downs Syndrome, is non-verbal, and functions at the level of a 7 yr old.  He was last seen in the 700 Blk of 19th Ave in Vancouver at about 7:15 p.m on today’s date.  Joseph is described to be a white male, 5’07,165 lbs, with blue eyes, brown hair, and a beard.  He was last seen wearing a green shirt, shorts, and gray velco style shoes.

If Joseph Sharp is located or seen, please notify the Vancouver Police Department by calling 911.

On Saturday, August 1, 2020 at approximately 10:37 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers were dispatched to a reckless driver and hit and run crash located on Hwy 101 milepost 233 just north of North Bend, OR.

The reporting person advised they were stopped at the traffic signal at East Bay Dr. and Hwy 101 when they were struck  from behind. The suspect vehicle, a green older Dodge 1500 pickup with a green canopy bearing CA license plate, then accelerated attempting to push the vehicle into the intersection.

None of the occupants were injured and the Dodge continued northbound on Hwy 101 driving recklessly.

OSP was notified by the Coos Bay Police Department they were investigating the same Dodge pickup for striking several vehicles while traveling north on Hwy 101 through the city of Coos Bay. 

OSP received a report the Dodge was observed at the trailhead to Siltcoos Lake, near the city of Florence, where the vehicle had intentionally struck several more vehicles and was again observed driving recklessly.

One occupant from a struck vehicle was injured and transported by West Lane Ambulance to Florence Hospital.

Oregon State Police Troopers responded to the area and located Kevin Simpson (47) of Eureka CA. on Hwy 101 near milepost 196. He was lodged a the Lane County Jail for failure to perform the duties of a driver (hit and run), reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and criminal mischief.     

The Dodge was located nearby and had crashed through a gate leading to private property and become stuck in the sand.  The Dodge was reported stolen out of Eureka, CA.

Oregon State Police is requesting information from witnesses to the reckless driving and crashes or victims of crashes to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-269-5000 or OSP and leave information for Trooper Douglas Laird. 

Simpson stated that he believed he had struck 26 different vehicles.

August 2, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 326, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 285 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 19,097.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (26), Clatsop (2), Deschutes (8), Douglas (4), Hood River (4), Jackson (15), Jefferson  (7), Josephine (2), Lane (7), Linn (4), Malheur (10), Marion (53), Morrow (8), Multnomah (48), Polk (2), Sherman (1), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (20), Wasco (3), Washington (47), and Yamhill (9).

Oregon’s 326th COVID-19 death is a 68-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on June 29 and died on July 30, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

1 - This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2 - For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3 - This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

On Saturday,  August 1, 2020, at approximately 1:22 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the intersection of Hwy 97 and O'Neil Hwy for a two-vehicle crash.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2004 Honda Odyssey, operated by Robert Gregg (53) of Madras, was entering Hwy 97 when it was struck by a southbound commercial motor vehicle operated by Alfonso Lopez (56) of Colton, CA.

Gregg and his passenger, Antonia Romero (46) of Madras, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Lopez was not injured.

Hwy 97 was partially closed for several hours during the investigation.

Oregon State Police was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Redmond Fire Department and ODOT.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on August 6, 2020. 
In response to the current health emergency, agency facilities are closed and the meeting will be held virtually via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/96961552764

August 1, 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 325, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 330 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 18,817.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (3), Clackamas (16), Clatsop (5), Columbia (5), Crook (1), Deschutes (12), Douglas (3), Jackson (18), Jefferson  (4), Josephine (5), Klamath (1), Lane (12), Linn (6), Malheur (17), Marion (40), Morrow (8), Multnomah (69), Polk (4), Sherman (4), Umatilla (33), Wasco (4), Washington (43), and Yamhill (15).

Oregon’s 323rd COVID-19 death is an 86-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on July 14 and died on July 31, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 324th COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Yamhill County who tested positive on July 26 and died on July 30, at Willamette Valley Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 325th COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old woman in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 28. Her place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

See table below for total cases, deaths, and negative tests by county.

1 - This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2 - For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3 - This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

# # #

Salem Police detectives have made an arrest in the attempted abductions of female employees at two local coffee stands.  On August 1st, 2020, at 6:30am, the suspect, identified as 39 year old Christopher Ryan Santibanez, was taken into custody without incident by the Salem Police SWAT team at his residence in Independence, Oregon. He was later transported to the Marion County Correctional Facility on multiple charges, including Robbery in the First Degree, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Felon in Possession.

On July 25th, 2020 between 5:30am and 6:30am, Santibanez approached two different coffee stands and displayed a handgun, demanding the female employees leave with him, while trying to gain entry into the stands. In both incidents, the females were able to get away from the suspect and call 911. A third coffee stand, The Human Bean, located on Commercial St SE, later reported a similar male attempting to gain entry into their business on the same day.  

Surveillance video was located near the crime scenes. A photograph of the male suspect was later released to the public with a request for assistance in identifying him. Salem investigators received numerous tips which identified Santibanez as the male in the photograph.

The Salem Police Department thanks the public for their assistance in identifying the suspect in this case.

Anyone with information related to this investigation can call the Salem Police TIPS line at 503-588-8477.

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Organizations Accepting Gently used Life Jackets 

(Portland, OR) — AMR (American Medical Response) Operations in Portland, Clackamas and Vancouver, Safe Kids Portland Metro, along with Multnomah County Public Health, is ramping up efforts on their summer Life Jacket Drive. We are asking for donations of new or used life jackets in good condition.  Community partners are also joining the effort. “Currently we have commitments from Gladstone Fire and Lake Oswego Fire to join the Life Jacket Drive as a donation location, says Jason Mahle, AMR Operations Manager, “There is considerable concern about water safety on the Clackamas river this year." There was also a committment of life jackets from Portland Parks & Rec just minutes before this release was sent.

Life Jacket Drives are tried and true ways to collect gently used (or new) life jackets in order to provide them to county programs and local community organizations who need them.  Distributing gently used life jackets at no cost will allow more families to use the most important water safety device – a life jacket. As the summer heats up, more families want to be in or around water.  Note: all life jackets will be sanitized prior to distribution.  

Remember: children should be under direct supervision and wear life jackets when in or near all bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and ponds, as well as backyard pools and spas. Hosting a life jacket drive is a way to provide life jackets for families who are unable to purchase new life jackets – which may be yearly as their child grows.

Goal of the Life Jacket Drive: To collect new or gently used life jackets in good condition to be distributed in coordination with county officials and community groups.

Donation sites and hours:               (All AMR Donation times are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm)

AMR Multnomah County                    Enter lobby and look for donation box

1 SE Second Avenue

Portland, OR 97214

AMR Clark County                              Enter front office to leave your donation

409 NE 76th Street

Hazel Dell, WA 98665                       

AMR Clackamas County                    Enter thru glass doors and look for donation box

12438 SE Capps Road

Clackamas, OR 97015

Gladstone Fire Department                Signs will indicate donation box                    

555 Portland Avenue

Gladstone, OR 97027

(503) 557-2776

Lake Oswego Fire Department          Signs will indicate donation box

300 B Ave

Lake Oswego, OR 97034

(503) 635-0275

Please contact Lucie Drum, Safe Kids Portland Metro Coalition Coordinator, if you can be a donation location for the life jacket drive. um@amr.net">Lucie.drum@amr.net.

Why host a Life Jacket Drive?

• It is a chance to collaborate with your local community.
• Buying new life jackets is expensive.
• It keeps perfectly good life jackets out of landfills.
• It helps restock life jacket distribution programs.

                                                                                                  ###

About American Medical Response

American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to transport more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. AMR is a subsidiary of Global Medical Response, www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net and follow American Medical Response on Facebook @AMR_Social on Twitter and Instagram.

About Safe Kids Portland Metro (SKPM) – serving Clackamas and Multnomah Counties

SKPM is a coalition of Safe Kids Worldwide, a network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Members include AMR, Clackamas County Drive to Zero, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Poison Center, Randall Children’s Hospital, Think First Oregon, Trauma Nurses Talk Tough at Legacy Emanuel and more.  SKPM was founded in 2006 and is led by American Medical Response NW. For more information, visit www.safekidsoregon.org and www.safekids.org 

Sewage overflowed from a manhole at Bridlemile Elementary School in SW Portland this afternoon and a portion of the 600 gallon flow reached nearby Bridlemile Creek.

Crews responded to the school at 4300 SW 47th Drive at 12:30 p.m. and stopped the release by around 3 p.m.

The public is advised to avoid contact with the creek for 48 hours due to the presence of bacteria in the water. Crews report the creek water is a cloudy gray  in the area.

The Bureau of Environmental Services provides city residents with programs to protect water quality and public health, including wastewater collection and treatment, sewer construction and maintenance, stormwater management, and stream and watershed restoration. www.portlandoregon.gov/bes and @BESPortland.

July 31, 2020

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phdcommunications@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA investigating 76 cases of Salmonella linked to red onions

PORTLAND, Ore. — State health officials are warning people not to eat onions from Thomson International, Inc., of Bakersfield, California, after 76 people in 13 Oregon counties fell ill with matching strains of Salmonella bacteria. Eighteen of the cases have been hospitalized, and none have died.

Epidemiologists at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division say the Oregon cases are part of an outbreak that has sickened more than 400 people in about 40 states as well as consumers in Canada. U.S. and Canadian public health officials implicated consumption of red onions; and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the onions to Thomson International, Inc. Although red onions are the likely source, Thomson will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have been cross-contaminated.

"People who believe they’ve gotten diarrhea from consuming red onions might want to contact a health care provider," said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., an epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. "However, most people with salmonellosis will recover without antibiotics."

People who have eaten red onions but not gotten sick do not need to seek or notify a health care provider.

"If you have any of these potentially contaminated onions, discard them and wash your hands afterwards," advised Dr. DeBess.

Each year, 400 to 500 cases of salmonellosis are reported in Oregon. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps one to seven days after exposure. The illness usually lasts four to seven days.

Although most people recover without treatment, some have severe infections. Infants, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness. Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and, in rare cases, can be deadly.

For information about the national Salmonella outbreak, visit https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport-07-20/index.html.

For information about the recall of onions, visit https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-newport-red-onions-july-2020.

For general information about Salmonella, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/.

Other resources:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2020/outbreak-salmonella-infections-under-investigation.html

https://www.inspection.gc.ca/food-recall-warnings-and-allergy-alerts/2020-07-31/eng/1596169910818/1596169916854

Vancouver, Wash. – Regular drivers along the intersection of Northeast 99th Street and Highway 99 can expect intermittent lane closures, beginning Monday, Aug. 3.

Due to high traffic volumes and the complexity of the contracted work, drivers and pedestrians can expect the following impacts during construction:

• Single-lane closures with delays on Highway 99 and Northeast 99th Street between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Complete and partial road closures on westbound Northeast 99th Street for up to a total of 16 days. These closures are anticipated to occur in mid-October.
• Single-lane closures on Highway 99 southbound.
• Complete closure of the Highway 99 southbound right-turn lane for the duration of construction.
• Other lanes may be closed as needed.

Clark County Public Works’ contractor, Nutter Corporation of Vancouver, Wash., will widen lanes on this heavily traveled corridor, allowing drivers to more easily navigate turning movements. This work also includes filling in gaps in the existing bicycle lanes on Highway 99 and building a bicycle lane on Northeast 99th Street, from Highway 99 west to Northeast 13th Avenue. The combination of heavy traffic, a skewed intersection, narrow lanes and tight turning radius has created congestion problems and safety concerns.

All contracted work is expected to be complete in Nov. 2020.

Stay up-to-date with the latest traffic impacts by visiting our website: https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/highway-99-corridor-improvements. You can also find real-time information on the Public Works Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts, and on NextDoor.

                                                                                               ###

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On July 31, 2020, a Washington County jury found Stephen Matthew Lister guilty of two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and two counts of failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons. Chief Deputy District Attorney Bracken McKey prosecuted the case against Mr. Lister before Judge Ted Sims.

On August 22, 2019, law enforcement received reports of a crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle near SW 175th Avenue and SW Blanton Street in Aloha, Oregon. Callers reported the vehicle struck the motorcycle and that the driver of that vehicle then drove off without checking on the two crash victims, a man and a woman.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Both victims were severely injured as a result of the crash. The female victim was rushed to the hospital and treated for a spinal injury. The male victim was alert at the scene and told officers that a man by the name of Matt Lister, who was later confirmed to be Stephen Matthew Lister, intentionally struck his motorcycle. The victim told deputies that he knew the defendant and was involved in a verbal argument with him shortly before the crash.

Responding officers quickly identified the defendant as a person of interest and began searching for him and the vehicle involved in the crash. The following day, Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies Thomas Bowler and Gene Mitchell spotted a man matching Mr. Lister’s description at a home in Aloha, Oregon as they were attempting to serve a search warrant on an unrelated case. They then spoke with the lead detective who secured the proper warrants needed to apprehend Mr. Lister. Officers approached the home and ordered Mr. Lister to come outside. After a brief standoff, the defendant was arrested.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office acknowledges the work of all law enforcement on this case including Detective Mark Povolny, Deputy Bowler and Deputy Mitchell.

A sentencing hearing will be held on August 6, 2020. The defendant will remain in custody until that time.

At 9:17 AM the Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 3615 Olive Street. When the first engine arrived four minutes later, they found two adjacent vinyl clad duplexes heavily involved in flame and reported two people on a second story balcony of one of the units. As water was applied from outside, the people on the balcony were able to jump down to a low shed roof, then to the ground. As more fire crews arrived they were assigned to stretch hose lines into the individual units to search them for occupants and extinguish the blaze. Fire burned up the vinyl siding and into the attic. Due to the large volume of fire and the fact that it was spread between two structures, it took fire crews approximately 50 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Eight occupants and their four pets were displaced from the four units. The American Red Cross was on scene to assist them.

Forty firefighters in two command vehicles,  two ladder trucks, a rescue,  and ten engines including three from Clark County Fire District 6, were on scene to fight the fires. No firefighter injuries were reported.

The fire is under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshall’s office.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Vancouver Fire Department a $439,676 under FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. The grant will support the purchase of thermal imaging cameras (TIC) to help firefighters see through smoke during fires and sending fire department staff to specialized training in hazardous materials response and incident management.   

“These grant funds are an essential part of improving the life-saving capabilities of the Vancouver Fire Department, allowing us to move forward with replacing vitally important equipment and provide specialized training to our first responders," said Joe Molina, fire chief.  

The grant funding will be used by the Vancouver Fire Department for two projects:

• $185,861 to purchase 21 thermal imaging cameras. In addition to identifying potential victims in a fire, these cameras help firefighters locate where the fire started and reduce firefighter exposure. Incident commanders at the scene of a fire can also make better informed decisions about where to direct resources when using these cameras
• $253,816 to support specialized training in hazardous materials (e.g. chemical spills, gas leaks) response and incident management. Training outcomes will also include the development of response plans for addressing hazardous materials incidents.

"The City of Vancouver is grateful for the support of our congressional delegation in securing this grant," said Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. "Thank you to Senator Murray, Senator Cantwell and Congresswoman Herrera Beutler for the important advocacy and outreach to FEMA in support of the grant application.”

The AFG program is administered by FEMA for the purpose of enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards, providing critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhancing operational efficiencies, fostering interoperability and supporting community resilience.

July 31, 2020 (Salem, Ore.) –The Oregon Employment Department today announced that it has found a way to pay benefits to thousands of Oregonians who are out of work due to COVID-19 while they wait for their claim, or “Benefits While You Wait.” This applies to Oregonians who are waiting for their claim to be reviewed by an adjudicator to determine whether they are eligible for regular unemployment or the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.

“We are confident this group of Oregonians are eligible for benefits because they lost their job due to COVID-19, we just don’t know which program they are eligible for yet,” said Employment Department Acting Director David Gerstenfeld. “We have found a workaround that will allow us to pay benefits while their claims are being reviewed by an adjudicator. We are grateful we have figured out a way to do this because Oregonians have been waiting too long.”

The Employment Department is proactively notifying claimants who have been identified to fall into this group via email and robo calls. 

Strict laws governing unemployment insurance to prevent fraud and provide people due process require that each claim be reviewed. The Employment Department estimates that tens of thousands of Oregonians whose claims are in adjudication may be eligible for PUA if they are not eligible for regular unemployment. This pool of Oregonians could begin receiving “Benefits While You Wait.” We are going to contact people who may be able to receive “Benefits While You Wait” over the next several weeks.

Oregonians who may be eligible for “Benefits While You Wait”:

1. Applied for regular unemployment benefits;
2. Had their claim flagged for adjudication because the Employment Department has to determine if they meet the legal requirements to get regular unemployment benefits;
3. They are out of work due to a COVID-19 qualifying reason (see full list below); AND
4. Are likely eligible for PUA if they cannot receive regular unemployment benefits.

For now, people should continue filing their weekly claims as they have been. We will notify people who may be able to benefit from this approach.

The administrative workaround will work as follows:

• As long as claimants qualify for PUA and file weekly regular unemployment claims, the Employment Department will pay these Oregonians their regular unemployment benefit amount until their claim is adjudicated. If, at the end of the adjudication process, it turns out that they qualified for regular unemployment benefits, nothing will change. They will keep getting regular unemployment benefits as long as they file their weekly claims and are eligible.
• If it turns out they didn’t qualify for regular unemployment, then the Employment Department will move their claims into the PUA program. If their PUA weekly benefit amount is higher, the Employment Department will also send them the increase for all the past weeks they got the regular UI amount.
• In the unlikely event this results in overpayment, the person would have to pay it back. 

“Benefits While You Wait” is not available to individuals having their claims reviewed because of past or current school work experience, people who need to prove they are legally authorized to work in the U.S., claimants who reported being out of their labor market at least 3.5 days during a week, and some other situations.

COVID-19 reasons you may be eligible for PUA:

• You have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Or, you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking a medical diagnosis.
• A member of your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
• You are caring for a family member or a member of your household who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
• Your child can’t go to school because their school is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and you need your child to be in school for you to work.
• A person in your household for whom you have primary caregiving responsibility can’t go to a facility for care because the facility is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and you need them to be in facility care for you to work.
• You can’t get to your workplace because of a quarantine imposed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• You can’t get to your workplace because a health care provider has advised you to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19.
• You were scheduled to start a job but you can’t start it or can’t get to it as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• You have become the main income earner for your household because the head of your household died as a direct result of COVID-19.
• You had to quit your job as a direct result of COVID-19.
• Your workplace is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that Gabriel Agard-Berryhill, 18, has been charged by criminal complaint with using fire to maliciously damage the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland on July 28, 2020.

“No legitimate protest message is advanced by throwing a large explosive device against a government building. Mr. Agard-Berryhill’s actions could have gravely injured law enforcement officers positioned near the courthouse, other protesters standing nearby, or himself,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “I applaud the ATF agents and U.S. Marshals Service deputies who worked quickly to identify Mr. Agard-Berryhill before he had an opportunity to hurt others.”

“The violent opportunists engaged in dangerous acts of violence, such as arson, need to realize there will be grave consequences,” said Russel Burger, U.S. Marshal for the District of Oregon. “Serious crimes of this nature go beyond mere property damage to the courthouse and endanger people’s lives.”

According to court documents, at approximately 11:50pm on July 28, 2020, security cameras at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse captured footage of a large incendiary object enter the building’s portico area and land near plywood sheeting affixed to the building’s façade. A few seconds later, the object exploded, igniting a fire near the building’s main entrance. Federal law enforcement personnel collected various items near the site of the explosion and sent them to a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) laboratory for further analysis.

ATF investigators reviewed social media posts from the night of the explosion and located videos of the incendiary object being thrown. The individual depicted throwing the object, later identified to be Agard-Berryhill, was a young, Caucasian male wearing a green colored vest, camouflage pants, and a mask. Investigators observed the person in other protest-related videos posted online wearing the same vest and attempting to hold a shield in front of a naked woman.

Investigators also found a post on Twitter depicting a product review for the vest. The review included a photo of a person wearing the vest who matched the description of the person seen throwing the explosive device. The review states “I got this [vest] for my grandson who’s a protestor [sic] downtown, he uses it every night and says its [sic] does the job.” Investigators later found the same photo on a Facebook page and, using law enforcement databases, were able to positively identify Agard-Berryhill.

Agard-Berryhill made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered released pending further court proceedings. Arson is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.

This case is being jointly investigated by ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Criminal complaints are only accusations of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

On July 31, 2020, Grants Department of Public Safety responded to Three Rivers Medical Center for a female that had been shot. The victim was identified as Julie Names (43) from Josephine County.  Hospital staff made every effort to revive the victim but were unsuccessful and she was pronounced deceased.

The Oregon State Police Major Crime Team was called and responded to the hospital.  The man, who drove the victim to the hospital, was detained and interviewed as a potential suspect.  The suspect, Travis Albins (41) of Josephine County, was arrested today and charged with Unlawful use of a Weapon and Manslaughter I.

July 31, 2020

Public charge rule blocked amid COVID-19 pandemic

A judge issued new injunctions this week blocking the public charge immigration rule during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow immigrant communities across Oregon and the rest of the country to access critical health care and public benefits during the current health crisis.

The injunction issued against the Department of Homeland Security prevents the agency from enforcing, applying, implementing, or treating as effective the "public charge" rule for any period during a declared national health emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The rule had expanded the list of benefits that the federal government could consider in deciding whether a person can enter the United States or obtain lawful permanent residency.

"The public charge rule has worsened health disparities, especially for the Latino/a/x community, at a time when they are most hard hit by the lethal coronavirus," said Patrick Allen, Oregon Health Authority Director. "Here in Oregon many immigrant families decided not to access public benefits, even leaving their children without health insurance."

In January the Supreme Court issued a ruling that lifted an October 2019 decision to block the public charge rule, allowing it to go into effect. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security began enforcing the rule on February 24, just before the coronavirus outbreak became a nationwide pandemic.

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. -- On July 30, Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes issued Emergency order No. 2020-16, extending the duration of Emergency Order No. 2020-09 through Oct. 15, 2020. This order is effectively immediately. It will be reviewed by Vancouver City Council at their regular meeting Monday, Aug. 3.

Emergency Order 2020-16 extends the provisions of Emergency Order 2020-09 through Oct. 15, 2020, requiring all landlords, or their agent(s), who enter the interior of a residential property or dwelling unit to:

• wear personal protective equipment, including a non-medical grade face mask that covers the nose and mouth; and
• adhere to social distancing requirements recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Clark County Department of Public Health.

The full text of all City emergency orders can be viewed online at www.cityofvancouver.us/coronavirus

Thanks to the public's assistance, the deceased female has been positively identified as Annette Fagan (58) of Portland, Oregon.

No further information will be released. 

On Thursday, July 30, 2020, at approximately 1:02 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a deceased adult white female found on the beach between Devil's Punchbowl and Otter Rock.  The deceased female is believed to have washed up after an undetermined amount of time in the Pacific Ocean.  The deceased female has yet to be identified and the investigation is ongoing. 

OSP is seeking the public’s assistance with help identifying this person.  The deceased white adult female has blonde mid-length hair, blue eyes and believed to be between 40 and 50 years of age.  She was wearing black yoga-style pants with the logo “Wilson Lacrosse” on the hip, a white t-shirt with “Skyhawks Sports Academy” logo, and gray with orange sole Nike shoes.

Anyone with information on who this might be, or this case is urged to contact the Oregon State Police.  Call OSP dispatch by dialing OSP or 677 from a mobile phone or 800-442-0776 reference case #SP20213257. 

July 31, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 373 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed six more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 322, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 373 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 18,492.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (3), Clackamas (22), Crook (2), Deschutes (9), Douglas (3), Gilliam (1), Hood River (3), Jackson (17), Jefferson (6), Josephine (1), Klamath (8), Lane (17), Lincoln (6), Linn (5), Malheur (12), Marion (44), Morrow (20), Multnomah (77), Polk (6), Sherman (1), Umatilla (40), Union (2), Wasco (2), Washington (45), and Yamhill (18).

Oregon’s 317th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 12 and died on July 28, in her residence. The presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 318th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old man in Deschutes County who tested positive on July 7 and died on July 29. Location of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 319th COVID-19 death is a 55-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 28 and died on July 29, at Adventist Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 320th COVID-19 death is a 58-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 7 and died on July 29, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 321st COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 3 and died on July 30, at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 322nd COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old man in Lincoln County who tested positive on June 23 and died on July 29. Location of death is being confirmed. He had underlying conditions.

OHA Issues Report on Pediatric COVID-19 Data

Today, OHA issued a special report analyzing pediatric COVID-19 cases in Oregon since the beginning of the pandemic.

Of confirmed and presumptive cases in Oregon, 1,755 – 10.3 percent – have been pediatric patients, defined as people under age 18. The report noted that while pediatric case counts have increased sharply, these patients are still far less likely than adults to develop severe COVID-19.

Only 1.5 percent pediatric patients have been hospitalized at some point during their COVID-19 illness. That is compared to 9.7 percent of adult COVID-19 patients.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced four artists and one organization as winners of the 2020 Governor's Arts Awards. The awardees are Darrell Grant, a jazz musician and educator from Portland; Roberta J. Kirk, a traditional artist and educator from Warm Springs; John Laursen, a writer, designer, editor and typographer from Portland; Toni Pimble, the founding artistic director of the Eugene Ballet; and Portland Gay Men’s Chorus in Portland.

"Not only do the arts enrich our quality of life and local economies, arts education is key in fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation in our youth," Governor Brown said. "The awards are a great way to celebrate Oregon's artistic treasures and honor the impact they have had on our state."

Oregon’s highest honor for exemplary service to the arts, the 2020 Governor’s Arts Awards will be celebrated during a virtual ceremony at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, on the Oregon Arts Commission Facebook page. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Award recipients were selected from a pool of 48 nominations received from across the state. The nominations were reviewed and scored by a diverse selection committee, which submitted its recommendations to Governor Brown for final award decisions.
 
“So many deserving artists and organizations were nominated,” said Arts Commission Executive Director Brian Rogers. “As a result, the review process was extremely competitive and we are extremely grateful to the members of the selection committee for their time and thoughtful consideration. Each of the award recipients has made outstanding contributions to the arts in Oregon and we are excited to honor them.”

Members of the 2020 review committee are: Chris Ayzoukian, general manager, Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, (Beaverton); Avantika Bawa, artist and educator, Arts Commissioner (Portland); Sue Dixon, general director, Portland Opera, 2017 Governor’s Arts Award recipient (Portland); David Harrelson, cultural resource department manager, Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center (Grand Ronde); Leah Horner, regional solutions director and jobs and economy policy adviser, Office of Governor Kate Brown; Anne Taylor, chair, Oregon Arts Commission, (La Grande); Shelly Toon Lindburg, artist, executive director, Columbia Gorge Arts in Education (Hood River); and Matt Stringer, executive director, Four Rivers Cultural Center, and Arts Commissioner (Ontario).

The 2020 Governor’s Arts Awards award object will be designed and produced by artist Jim Piper.
  
About the 2020 Governor’s Arts Award recipients:

Darrell Grant (Portland)

A tenured professor of Jazz Studies and Associate Director of the School of Music at PSU, as well as the founding Director of the Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Institute, Darrell Grant is a highly recognized leader in the musical life of the Pacific Northwest. Since coming to Portland in 1997, Grant has directed cultural exchange programs in Russia, composed commissioned works that fuse jazz and chamber music, and served as the vice president of the Board of Chamber Music America. Dedicated to civic engagement through artistry, he has driven pianos deep into state forests to support the environment, arranged protest anthems, shared the stage with Nobel Laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu, written an opera about gentrification, and now teaches an Artist as Citizen course at PSU.

Born in 1962, Grant grew up in Denver, Colorado, in a musical family. He began classical lessons at 7, discovered jazz in school, and played professional gigs as a teenager. At 17, he won a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music where he studied classical piano and deepened his love of jazz. He earned a masters in Jazz Studies at the University of Miami in 1986. In New York City, he broke into the jazz scene. In 1989, an album by his group Current Events, featuring funk, world beat and jazz, reached the Top 20 on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart. Grant became one of New York’s most in-demand players. In 1992, he joined drummer Tony Williams’ quintet and soon after recorded his solo debut “Black Art.” As a bandleader and solo artist, he has toured throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe as well as in Turkey and Japan, in venues from La Villa jazz club in Paris to the Havana Jazz Festival. He has performed and recorded with Branford Marsalis, David Sanborn, Esperanza Spalding, John Clayton, Nicholas Payton, Jack Dejohnette, Terence Blanchard and Art Farmer.

Roberta J. Kirk (Warm Springs)

H’Klumaiyat Roberta Joy Kirk is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs (CTWS). Tenino, Wasq'u on her mother’s side and Diné on her father’s side, Kirk is widely known for her traditional and award-wining beadwork.

Kirk learned to bead by observing her older sister’s intricate work. “Beadwork and regalia making is very important to our people,” Kirk explains. “We always show ourselves to Creator in our finest wear, and so we make beautiful clothing for our children and families.” She makes beaded buckskin dresses, moccasins, beaded bags, beaded eagle fans, barrettes and buckskin burial outfits for men, women and children. Over the years, Kirk has volunteered to take on several apprentices to teach not just beadwork but the beliefs and ceremonies that make the beadwork meaningful. She has taught countless women how to do beadwork and dentalium work for regalia and everyday clothing and also has conducted several workshops on Plateau dress-making.

Kirk also serves as a traditional food gatherer for the Simnasho Longhouse. She has a degree in museology and three-dimensional arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico (1985) and has worked in a variety of museum positions, including at the Museum at Warm Springs and the National Museum of the American Indian. She was a board member for the Museum at Warm Springs from 2000 to 2020 and at present is a consultant for The High Desert Museum in Bend. From 2002 to 2019, Kirk was the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act coordinator for the CTWS Cultural Resources Department and the review and compliance coordinator. She has been awarded funding three times to serve as a master artist for Oregon Folklife Network’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. In 2020 the national First People’s Fund awarded her a Community Spirit Award.

John Laursen (Portland)

John Laursen is a writer, designer, editor and typographer. For four decades he has owned and operated Press-22, a Portland studio specializing in the design and production of high-quality books and text-based public art projects. Among the institutions for which he has produced books and art catalogues are the Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society, Whitman College, Reed College, Marylhurst University, Oregon Health & Science University and the Regional Arts & Culture Council. His work in public art includes the creation of commemorative installations for the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission and serving on the design team for the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. The Special Collections archive at the University of Oregon’s Knight Library maintains a collection of works on paper from Press-22, which is updated periodically.

In 2002 Laursen, together with his close friend photographer and curator Terry Toedtemeier, formed the Northwest Photography Archive, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to publish books of artistically and historically important photographs from the region. Their first volume was “Wild Beauty: Photographs of the Columbia River Gorge, 1867–1957,” which they co-authored and Laursen designed. Their work on “Wild Beauty,” published in 2008, led to a major exhibition at the Portland Art Museum. The book was a finalist for the Oregon Book Awards in nonfiction, and was declared the best Northwest book of the year across all categories by The Oregonian. Laursen is currently working on the NWPA’s second volume, “Enduring Spirit: Photographs of Northwest Indians, 1855–1934.”

Laursen was born in Tacoma, Washington; as a child he lived in Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Arizona, and California. He came to Oregon in the 1960s to attend Reed College and since then has immersed himself in the history of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to his degree from Reed, Laursen holds a master’s degree in political science from UCLA.

Toni Pimble (Eugene)

Toni Pimble has been the Artistic Director of Eugene Ballet for more than 40 years. Born in England, Pimble studied at Elmhurst Ballet School. Her professional career began in Germany with notable choreographers Lothar Höfgen, Anthony Taylor, Nils Christie Michel Descombey and Miko Sparemblek. She co-founded the Eugene Ballet Company in 1978 with Riley Grannan. She has choreographed over 60 works for the Eugene Ballet Company, many of those productions involving collaborations with composers, literary and visual artists and local arts organizations including Eugene Concert Choir, Eugene Opera, Oregon Bach Festival, Oregon Mozart Players, The Shedd Institute for the Arts and the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance.

Her creative work has brought her a number of awards and fellowships, including two Oregon Arts Commission Artist Fellowship Awards and a National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer’s Fellowship Grant. Pimble’s work has been performed by Atlanta Ballet, New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Washington Ballet, Nevada Dance Theatre, Oregon Ballet Theater, Ballet NY, Kansas City Ballet and Oklahoma City Ballet.

Portland Gay Men’s Chorus (Portland)

The fourth-oldest gay men's chorus in the country, Portland Gay Men's Chorus (PGMC) was founded in 1980 by two local musicians seeking to fill a social and artistic void in the community. PGMC is currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary Season and remains an important contributor to Portland's cultural life, recognized nationally for helping to revive men's choral singing by commissioning new works and performing music of high quality. PGMC's mission seeks to expand, redefine and perfect the choral art through eclectic performances that honor and uplift our community and affirm the worth of all people.

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The Oregon Arts Commission’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians through the arts by stimulating creativity, leadership and economic vitality. The Arts Commission provides funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the Oregon Business Development Department in 1993 in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities.

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

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July 31, 2020

The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be on Friday, August 7, 2020.  The meeting will be held electronically due to the current COVID-19 health crisis.

Call-In: 1-253-215-8782 or Toll Free: 1-888-788-0099

Meeting ID: 955 2359 5676 Password: 402403

AGENDA:
9:00  Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 
9:05  Public Comment 
9:15  Meeting Minutes for Review –July 10, 2020
9:20  Report for the Director

10:00  Homeownership Division Updates

- Manufactured Home Replacement Program

10:30  Affordable Rental Housing Division Updates 

- Multifamily Housing Transactions

- NOFA Awards
- Permanent Supportive Housing, Year-Two Resouces

-  Affordable Rental Housing, COVID Response Funds

11:30  Housing Stabilization Division

- CSBG State Plan

- LIHEAP State Plan

- HIMIS Budget Note/ HB 5512 Update

12:15  Deputy Director’s Office Report

- HB2003: Methodology Review and Discussion

12:45  Report of the Chair
1:00    Meeting Adjourned

Last night around 10:40 pm, officers responded to a report of a disturbance between two males at the McDonald’s located at 2010 Clackamette Dr.  Initial reports were that one male had been assaulted and the other male had possibly been stabbed.  When officers arrived, we located one subject at the scene who had been assaulted and the other subject was located at the Oregon City Shopping Center.  The subject at the shopping center had been stabbed.  He was taken to OHSU and underwent surgery.  The other male that had been assaulted, was not transported to the hospital.  We were initially assisted by Gladstone PD and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.  Detectives are currently investigating the incident and no arrests have been made at this point.    

If anyone witnessed the event or has information about the disturbance, they are asked to call the Oregon City Police Department’s tip-line at 503-496-1616, reference case number 20-016022.

Hood River County - ORE.  The Hood River County Sheriff's Office responded to three search and rescue incidents on Thursday, July 30th 2020 near Mt. Hood. 

At about 8:30am a 53 year old man from Illinois hiking the Timberline Trail around Mt Hood called and asked for assistance.  Mark Dry reported he was exhausted from heat and not being acclimated to the elevation.  Mr. Dry was given instruction and a map of trails on how to get down to Laurence Lake, which is a downhill hike in shaded timber area.  Just before 3pm, Mr. Dry reached Laurence lake and was given a ride by Oregon State Police back to Timberline Lodge.

Just after 2pm on July 30th, a 23 year old man from Vancouver Washington was hiking the Timberline Trail and reported he was having complications from asthma and needed assistance.  Greg Stanphill said that he had forgotten an inhaler, was out of breath, vomited and could not hike further.  Stanphill was hiking the trail alone from Timberline Lodge and intended to complete the entire 40 mile trail, returning to Timberline.  He said a fellow hiker, an ER nurse, stopped to help him when he was in distress.  Four members from the Hood River Crag Rat team ascended the Elk Meadows Trail in Hood River County.  Just after 8pm, Mr Stanphill was returned safely to the trailhead with assistance from the search team.  He was in good condition and was able to return home.  The nurse stayed with Mr Stanphill the entire trip, ending his own trip around the mountain to provide assistance. 

At about 4:30pm The Sheriff's Office was notified of a missing 86 year old woman from Hood River who had been picking huckleberries with her husband.  Elva Lane and her husband Ray were picking berries in the Red Hill area north of Mt Hood and west of Parkdale, in the Mt Hood National Forest.  They became separated at about 1:30pm.  When Elva did not return to their vehicle, Ray called for assistance worried about the possible heat exposure.  Temperatures were near 100 degrees.  Elva was reported to be in good health, but had no water or food.  Searchers from the Hood River Crag Rats, who had been on the prior search incident, responded along with the Sheriff’s Office.  The Hood River County Search and Rescue aircraft began an immediate search of the area.

As the search continued Clackamas County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded to assist as well as a search team from Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue and Mountain Wave Search and Rescue.  PNW SAR brought in a search dog as well.  Just after 5am on July 31st, a search team member from PNW located Elva Lane on a dirt road about 3 miles from the initial search location.  Elva was healthy and in good condition after surviving the night lost in the forest.  Her spirits were good and carried with her a bucket of huckleberries she was proud to have.  Search Coordinator Bob Stewart from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office said “She is an amazingly tough lady.”  Elva reported that after getting separated from her husband she ended up down a steep ridge.  She hiked through the night, finding the dirt roadway early that morning.  Elva was reunited with Ray shortly after she was found.

We would like to thank the great cooperation with area search teams The Crag Rats, Pacific Northwest SAR, Mountain Wave SAR and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.  It is unusual for us to have 3 search and rescue operations in one day and is an example of how many people are recreating in the forest this year.  

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark/Vancouver Television (CVTV) will provide the only live television coverage of local primary election results in Clark County starting at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. 

Viewers can tune to Comcast channel 23 or HD 323 for up-to-the-minute Clark County election results, analysis and commentary. Live streaming CVTV election coverage will also be available to viewers online at www.facebook.com/cvtv and www.cvtv.org. 

CVTV’s election coverage will be hosted by Michael Wilson, senior associate for Westby Associates, a local, non-profit fundraising consultant and Kelly Love, chief communications officer for Clark College. They will also conduct candidate interviews remotely.   

CVTV is the local government, non-commercial cable access channel operated and funded by the City of Vancouver and Clark County, Washington.

###

Date: Saturday, August 8th, 2020

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Zoom ONLY

Tickets: $10, Buy Tickets here

Event Website: https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/events/online_aug_8_crows/

Crows are everywhere: they are found on nearly every continent and thrive in human dominated environments. They have influenced art and literature throughout history, and whether they inspire love or hate, they have certainly impacted the hearts and minds of the humans who share their space. Because crows are so common, it may be easy to overlook the fact that they are very intelligent and have complex behaviors and social structures, including play, tool use, communal roosting, and being able to recognize specific humans.

Kaeli Swift, PhD, studies crows and other corvids (ravens, jays, and magpies), and will introduce and explain to us the world of these fascinating birds, including, of course, crow funerals. You can find Dr. Swift on Twitter and Instagram @corvidresearch where she talks about crows, corvids, and other wildlife and plays a weekly game called #CrowOrNo to help people learn how to correctly ID and distinguish different kinds of corvids.

The recording of this particular show will only be available to our Patreon supporters.

Science on Tap is a science lecture series where you can sit back, drink a pint, and enjoy learning. Listen to experts talk about the science in your neighborhood and around the world. You don't have to be a science geek to have fun--all you need is a thirst for knowledge! For more information on this event or about Science on Tap, visit Science on Tap OR WA.

Results from the most recent district surveys of families and employees show a substantial shift in comfort level for in-person instruction over a survey ending five weeks ago. Seventy-seven percent of district employees and 60% of parents say they are uncomfortable or very uncomfortable with a full return of all students. The previous survey showed strong majority support from both staff and families for traditional, in-person school with safety precautions in place.

Preliminary data from the most recent survey were reviewed and factored into Superintendent Steve Webb’s decision to join seven other Clark County superintendents in recommending that all students begin the upcoming school year in full remote learning. The recommendation also was based on Governor Inslee’s indefinite-length pause of Washington state’s phased reopening plan, the latest health and science data and discussions with health department officials.

Seventy-two percent of teachers and other staff members feel comfortable or very comfortable stepping up to the challenges of 100% remote learning. This is important as the district provides teacher training and prepares to open with an improved version of its remote learning program on Sept. 1. Fifty-three percent of families feel comfortable or very comfortable with 100% remote learning.

Vancouver’s board of directors is scheduled to review the superintendent’s recommendation and the district’s plan for remote learning at a special board study session on Aug. 4. The board then must act on a final plan at its Aug. 11 regular meeting.

More than 9,000 parents/guardians reviewed all the questions in the family survey, and more than 8,500 chose to respond. The number of district staff members completing a similar survey exceeded 1,900. VPS enrolls 23,400 students and employs approximately 4,000 full- and part-time staff members.  

PORTLAND, Ore.–The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and Bonneville Power Administration today released the Columbia River System Operations Final Environmental Impact Statement. The issuance of the final EIS is a substantial step toward accomplishment of a priority item of the Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West issued in October 2018.

This final EIS documents the detailed analyses of environmental, social and economic benefits and consequences to affected resources of the alternatives considered for improved integrated operations.

The Preferred Alternative documented in the final EIS includes implementation of innovative dam operations that balance fish benefits and energy goals by spilling more water in the spring for juvenile fish passage.

If the Preferred Alternative is selected, measures it contains are anticipated to result in benefits to juvenile and adult Endangered Species Act–listed anadromous and resident fish and Pacific lamprey, while providing reliable flood risk management and flexibility for variability in climate conditions, water supply for irrigation, municipal and industry use, water, and flexibility in hydropower generation, minimizing adverse effects to the human and natural environment.

The final EIS includes the co-lead agencies’ analysis of effects of operation, maintenance and configuration of the Columbia River System, and responds to substantive comments on the draft EIS, which was released in February 2020. In all, the co-agencies hosted 6 virtual public meetings and received almost 59,000 comment letters on the draft EIS.

"The overwhelming response of Northwest tribes, the general public and other stakeholders helped us successfully complete the EIS," said Brig. Gen. D. Peter Helmlinger, Northwestern Division commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "The analysis in the final EIS will support the Record of Decision we will release in September."

The final EIS carries forward the Preferred Alternative identified in the draft EIS with an additional measure added as a result of ESA consultations. Public, agency and tribal comments helped identify areas that needed clarity or correction. New discussions in the document reflect these inputs and public comments and the results of independent external peer review.

The co-lead agencies plan to release a joint Record of Decision in September 2020 documenting which alternative evaluated in the final EIS will be selected for implementation.

"Throughout the development of the EIS, we have listened carefully to the diverse interests across the Pacific Northwest and worked to strengthen regional cooperation, partnerships and understanding of our shared interests," said BPA Administrator Elliot Mainzer. "We are committed to working with our many regional partners and customers to achieve the important goals of long-term salmon recovery and economic vitality for communities throughout the Columbia River Basin."

The final EIS is the result of more than three years of regional collaboration among the co-lead agencies and more than 30 Tribes, state, federal and county agencies in the National Environmental Policy Act process.

"Collaboration has been the cornerstone of this process. This document evaluates the necessary balance between responsible environmental stewardship and the multiple uses of the Columbia River System," said Reclamation Regional Director Lorri Gray.

This NEPA process responds to a U.S. District Court of Oregon Court Opinion and Order regarding the need to review and update management of the Columbia River System and evaluate impacts to resources in the context of new information and changed conditions in the Columbia River Basin since the last comprehensive update to the operating strategy for the Columbia River System was issued in 1995.

The document also includes, as appendices, recently completed biological opinions evaluating impacts from the Preferred Alternative on 13 species of salmon and steelhead along with other ESA–listed species under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The biological opinions document ESA consultation on the continued operation and maintenance of the Columbia River System, and conclude that the Preferred Alternative is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or destroy or adversely modify their designated critical habitat.

Background

Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation to construct, operate and maintain the 14 federal dams as one interconnected system to meet multiple specified purposes, including flood risk management, navigation, hydropower generation, irrigation, fish and wildlife conservation, recreation and municipal and industrial water supply. The Bonneville Power Administration is authorized to market and transmit the power generated by coordinated system operations.

Built and put into service between 1938 and 1976, the Columbia River System provides valuable social and economic benefits to the region.

Salem, Ore – The State Library Board will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020 online. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Cory Horton at y.horton@state.or.us">cory.horton@state.or.us. Ann Malkin of Bend will chair the meeting.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Cory Horton at y.horton@state.or.us">cory.horton@state.or.us.

Agenda

9:00 a.m.        Approval of the Minutes – June 2020 meeting                                                  Malkin

9:05                Reports of Board Chair & Members                                                                  Malkin                      

9:45                Report of the State Librarian                                                                         Patterson

10:00              Public Hearing on draft Oregon Administrative Rules                                       Malkin

10:15              Budget Report                                                                                               Patterson

10:20              Customer Satisfaction Survey Results                                                          Patterson

10:45              Open Forum

10:50              Break

11:00              Proposed Changes to OAR, Chapter 543                                                        Westin

11:10              CARES Act Funding Plans                                                                               Westin                   

11:25              State of Broadband and Oregon Libraries                                                    Patterson

11:40              State Librarian 360 Review Results                                                             Patterson

12:00              Adjournment                                                                                                      Malkin

Any person may address the State Library Board at this meeting on any topic.

NOTE:  The times of all agenda items are approximate and subject to change.

On Thursday, July 30, 2020, at approximately 11:13 P.M., Oregon State Police responded to a death investigation on Hwy 194 near milepost 1 (Smith Rd) in Polk County. Preliminary investigation revealed a white Chevrolet Silverado, operated by David Joshua Gomez (34) of Independence, OR, was traveling southbound when for unknown reasons his vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree down an embankment. The driver suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Mr. Gomez was reported missing when he did not show up for work on July 30.  His family searched for him and reported him missing around 8:00 P.M. After an extensive search Officers with Independence Police Department found the vehicle two-hours later with the driver inside. No foul play is suspected. The Investigation is ongoing.

The Polk County Sherriff’s Office, Independence Police Department, Polk County Fire, and ODOT responded to assist. The highway was closed for approximately 6 hours.

On Thursday, July 30, 2020, at approximately 9:30 P.M., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian on Hwy 101 milepost 17.  Preliminary investigation revealed a Chevrolet coupe, driven by Aaron Harris (29) Cannon Beach, OR, was traveling northbound when he saw a pedestrian but was unable to avoid them as they crossed into his path of travel.

The pedestrian, identified as Rachel Faith McCune (35) Seaside, Oregon, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Hwy 101 was closed to one lane of travel for 3 hours.  

Youth Charity League has launched “Book it Forward”, a program to collect books for children served by Meals 4 Kids, a program operated by Meals on Wheels People. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted children’s literacy, especially in underserved communities. Many of these communities are without access to e-books, internet and physical books. Youth Charity League is encouraging both its members and the community at large to donate new and gently-used books that can then be delivered to children who receive Meals 4 Kids, a program that serves qualified children and families within the City of Portland experiencing food insecurity.

Books will be accepted at the Youth Charity League headquarters at 10950 SW 5th Street, Suite 245 in Beaverton between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Aug. 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 and 14.

Books will be received, cleaned and remained untouched for 5 days. Upon packaging, all handlers will be masked and gloved. Books will be sorted by age group and packaged in cellophane.

Donors are asked to deliver donated books in a brown paper bag labeled by age (not accepting infant and toddler at this time) Please label ages 6 – 8; ages 9 – 12; 13+ Young Adult Readers; Any age – Spanish language books. Donors can drive and drop – just pop the trunk and YCL volunteers will remove the books from the vehicle.

About Meals on Wheels People: Meals on Wheels People has been changing lives, one meal at a time, since 1970. We provide more than a meal to thousands of older adults in the greater Portland metro area. Our service not only alleviates hunger and social isolation, but allows seniors to live independently with dignity in their own homes. Aging in place reduces depression, falls and hospitalization as well as the high cost of institutional care. For more information, visit: mowp.org.

About Meals 4 Kids: The Meals 4 Kids program serves qualified children and families within the City of Portland experiencing food insecurity who are also experiencing any of the following: Chronic condition or illness of caregiver or child; lack of facility to prepare meals; lack of ability and/or transportation to access food resources such as food pantries; other barriers impacting access to food resources and/or ability to prepare meals. Meals 4 Kids is funded by the Portland Children’s Levy.

About Youth Charity League: In 2017, some Portland moms got together with the idea of creating a family-friendly volunteer organization to connect parents, caregivers and kids to local charities. The goal was to instill a sense of community service and civic responsibility in young children in the most inclusive and easy way possible – by modeling that behavior and engaging in volunteer activities together. For more information, contact Arlene Unverzagt at zagt@youthcharityleague.org" target="_blank">aunverzagt@youthcharityleague.org or call 503-568-6104.

(Salem, Ore.) – Isaiah Moore, an infant born on July 25, 2020, went missing with his mother April Moore and her partner Aaron Elkin from Oregon City after his birth. The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) believes that Isaiah and his mother are at risk and is searching for them to assess their safety.

Oregon DHS asks the public to help in the effort to find them and to contact 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) if they believe they see them. They are believed to be in the Multnomah or Clackamas County areas, they may also be traveling in other areas of Oregon or out of state.

Name: Isaiah Moore
Date of birth: July 25, 2020
Height: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1397430

Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Isaiah Moore or his mother April Moore should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

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

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On Thursday, July 30, 2020, at about 10:30 AM, Lincoln City Police along with North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance responded to a report of a motor vehicle crashing into a house. Officers arriving in the 1700 block of NW Jetty found a white Chevrolet 2-door coupe had crashed into the south side of a house. The impact from the crash caused extensive damage to the house and vehicle. The driver and only occupant of the vehicle was identified as 52-year-old David W. Phelan of Lincoln City. He was still in the vehicle when emergency personnel arrived and he appeared disoriented, but was breathing. The air bags in the vehicle had deployed as a result of the impact.

North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance had arrived on scene and quickly began medical treatment of the driver. Once Mr. Phelan was removed from the vehicle he transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment of his injuries. He was subsequently transported by Pacific West Ambulance to Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland for further medical treatment.  

The scene investigation indicates that Mr. Phelan had turned northbound onto NW Jetty Ave from NW 17th Street. It is believed that he had a medical emergency which caused him to accelerate off the roadway and crash into the house. No one was in the house at the time of the crash and no other persons were injured.  

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance for their quick response and assistance with this motor vehicle crash.

Submitted by:               Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

UPDATE: FireResponse5.jpg and FireRespone6.jpg have been edited to mask a visible license-plate number; please use these replacement photos instead.

Please reference CCSO Case #20-015960

SURVEILLANCE VIDEO OF ARSON / B-ROLL OF FIRE RESPONSE (.mp4 format):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9q83o6u821jpp5h/20-015960-ArsonInvestigation.mp4?dl=0

At 5:10 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2020, Clackamas Fire District #1 firefighters and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a report of a residential fire on SE 121st Pl. in Clackamas.

The homeowner told 911 dispatchers he had seen someone starting a fire on his front porch. The homeowner identified himself as Alphonse Cardens, 38, of Vancouver. Cardens said he the suspect starting the fire via a Ring surveillance camera.

This Ring footage can be downloaded from this Dropbox address:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9q83o6u821jpp5h/20-015960-ArsonInvestigation.mp4?dl=0

Firefighters and deputies responded to the location to find the front porch and the front part of the structure on fire. Firefighters quickly put out the fire and ensured everyone was evacuated from the residence. No one was injured.

Deputies began to investigate. Cardens -- owner of the SE 121st property -- came to the house and provided deputies with a copy of the Ring surveillance video.

The suspect is only partially seen in the video for a few seconds. He is described as a young white male with brown hair wearing a red t-shirt. The suspect is seen pouring what appears to be an accelerant on a fire that had already been started.

The suspect is believed to have fled on foot East on SE Mel Brooks Way to SE 122nd Avenue before continuing east on SE Mather Road.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this as an arson. Deputies are asking for the public's help to identify the suspect.

TIPS SOUGHT: If you saw anything or have video surveillance of the suspect in the area of the crime around 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, you are urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line — by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip . Please reference CCSO Case # 20-015960.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: The owner of the residence, Alphonse Cardens, is willing to speak to media outlets. Please contact PIO Sgt. Mendoza if interested.

Photos from the fire scene are attached.

[END]

RELEASE DATE:               July 30, 2020

CONTACT PERSON:         On Duty PIO
CASE NUMBER:                 20-35434

Gresham, Ore. – Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 13-year-old boy. Alan Fajardo was last seen two days ago after leaving his residence near the 2500 block of NE 201st Ave.

He has brown eyes and black hair, is approximately 5-feet-6-inches tall, and 120 pounds. He was last seen wearing a green and brown plaid shirt, white hat, blue running pants and black shoes.  

Anyone who knows of Alan Fajardo's whereabouts is asked to call 911.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody who walked away from South Fork Forest Camp (SFFC) is back in custody. Brandon Sykes walked away from a work crew near the summit of Highway 6 in Tillamook Monday, June 22, 2020.

Sykes surrendered himself to the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at approximately 1:00 p.m.

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July 30, 2020

D River Beach health advisory lifted on July 30

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with marine water at D River Beach located in Lincoln County. The health authority issued the advisory July 28 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 971-673-0440, or call the OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

Pleasant Valley Middle School eighth grader Colton McCall came away from the 2020 National History Day Finals this summer with a silver medal. He placed second out of 100 national finalists competing in the Junior Individual Performance category, which also came with a $500 prize.

McCall incorporated the voices of indigenous people in his silver medal-winning performance, "Breaking Barriers to Restore 1855 Fishing Rights." McCall’s research project creatively showed how the 1855 Yakama Treaty guaranteed the Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes land and fishing rights. After a century of conflict, Native Americans' rights were restored thanks to two landmark court cases: the Belloni Decision in 1969, and the Boldt Decision in 1974.

McCall interviewed tribal members and staff at the main office of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC) that was created in 1977 as a direct result of these court decisions. CRITFC gave the four tribes co-management of the Columbia River fishery that included enforcement, hatcheries, and fish biologists. 

“Colton's project did well because he gathered primary sources to support his thesis and wove a clear narrative aligned to the theme,” said Rene Soohoo, history teacher at Pleasant Valley Middle School. “To have achieved so much success against such strong competition is truly something to be proud of.”

National History Day is a dynamic program that encourages students to become historians by developing research, analysis, presentation and social skills. Students select a topic related to an annual national theme and work individually or in groups to conduct extensive historical research using primary and secondary sources. This year’s theme was “Breaking Barriers in History.” Based on this theme, the students developed projects such as research papers, performances, documentaries, websites, and more.  

More than half a million students from across the United States and territories participate in History Day each year, but only a few thousand are invited to compete in the National Contest. This year in Washington State alone, more than 2,000 students entered a History Day regional contest, but only 65 were chosen to represent Washington state at the national competition. 

McCall was one of three Battle Ground Public Schools students to qualify for the National History Day Finals after a top finish in the state competition. Reagan Lund, a ninth grade student at Prairie High School competed in the senior division of the Individual Website category with his project “Japanese Americans Breaking Racial Barriers During World War II,” and Gabriel Vu, an eighth grader at Pleasant Valley Middle School competed in the junior division of the Individual Website category with his project “Agent Orange: Contaminating Americans and Vietnamese.” Only the top two finishers in each category advance to the national finals, which are typically held each June at the University of Maryland in College Park, just outside of Washington, D.C. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s national competition was held virtually. 

The National History Day organization and its state affiliate, Washington History Day, provide leading-edge training and curriculum materials to help educators meet and exceed education standards. 

The August Willamette Water Supply System Commission Board meeting will be held Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 12:00 noon.

A WWSS Board executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions will be held August 6, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.

Location: In compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, these meetings are dial-in only. If you wish to attend remotely, please contact Faye.Branton@tvwd.org or call 971-329-5523 for dial-in information.

The Board meeting agenda packet and additional information regarding the Willamette Water Supply System Commission are available on the WWSS Commission website: https://www.tvwd.org/administration/page/willamette-water-supply-system-commission.

July 30, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 416 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 5 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed 5 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 316, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 416 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 18,131.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (7), Clackamas (22), Clatsop (2), Columbia (3), Coos (4), Crook (2), Deschutes (15), Douglas (2), Hood River (5), Jackson (10), Jefferson (12), Klamath (1), Lake (1), Lane (10), Lincoln (2), Linn (4), Malheur (18), Marion (38), Morrow (9), Multnomah (61), Polk (7), Umatilla (101), Union (1), Wasco (2), Washington (63), and Yamhill (11).

Oregon’s 312th COVID-19 death is a 78-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 10 and died on July 28, at Good Samaritan Health Care Center in Yakima, WA. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 313th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 15 and died on July 27, at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 314th COVID-19 death is a 68-year-old woman in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 10 and died on July 28, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 315th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 18 and died on July 26, at Portland Adventist Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 316th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 4 and died on July 23, at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

NOTE: Umatilla’s case counts appear to be very high due to a delay in processing their electronic laboratory reports (ELRs).

Errata: The OHA weekly report initially and incorrectly reported an increase in cases for the week of Monday, July 20 through Sunday, July 26 over the previous week. Cases actually declined to 2,241 from 2,409, a drop of about 7 percent.

OHA media availability

OHA Director Patrick Allen and Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state’s medical director will hold their weekly media availability today at 2 p.m. Media are welcome to call in at 844-867-6163. Access code 593699.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

On Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at 7:19 A.M.,  Oregon State Police and Clackamas Fire responded to the report of a multiple vehicle crash on Hwy 224 near SE 197th Ave. in Clackamas County.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Kia Spectra operated by Kurtiss Orcutt (51) of Milwaukie, OR. was traveling westbound and veered into the oncoming lane of travel. The Kia struck a Ford F550 traveling eastbound. The F550 was operated by Megan Scott (34) Sweet Home, OR. The F550 lost control and struck a black Acura operated by Cynthia Martin (46).  Also in the Acura was her daughter (17) from Sandy, OR. A Chevrolet PGE vehicle and an unmarked OSP vehicle were also struck receiving minor damage.

The operator of the Acura was life flighted to OHSU with critical head injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. No other injuries were reported.

The driver of the Kia (Orcutt) was arrested on scene for DUII. Citizens who witnessed the event quickly provided aid at the scene.

Greetings from Pacific University, where we're preparing to welcome a new class of students as we send another class of graduates on its way.

Virtual commencement for more than 300 students takes place Saturday, Aug. 8

Pacific alumna Anuhea Wall serves native Hawaiian children through social work

Hoping that you and yours are finding ways to dial down the heat, and looking forward to seeing you in person again.

— pacificu.edu —

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

Salem – Oregon OSHA has launched a free Spanish-language online training course to help employers and workers understand and practice ladder safety.

The course, which features many video demonstrations, walks viewers through everything from the types and dangers of ladders to regulatory standards and safe practices.

“It takes solid planning and training to address the life-threatening hazards that come with using ladders while on the job,” said Roy Kroker, consultation and public education manager for Oregon OSHA. “But language barriers can pose challenges to tackling such hazards. That is why we’re offering this new tool to help break down those barriers.”

The course includes interviews with Oregon OSHA and industry experts who discuss a variety of ladder safety issues. Those issues include choosing the right type of ladder for the job; heeding the ladder manufacturer’s instructions; addressing the common hazards associated with using ladders; and following ladder safety rules.  

In fact, ladder use was the seventh-most cited Oregon OSHA standard in 2019, with 135 total violations and initial penalties totaling $105,615. The standard covers multiple requirements, including that side rails must extend at least three feet above an upper landing surface; ladders must be maintained free of slipping hazards; and they must be periodically inspected for visible defects.

The Spanish-language ladder safety training course includes the opportunity to receive a certificate of completion. Visit more Spanish-language courses. Learn about the PESO program. Learn about Oregon OSHA’s education and training services.

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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 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.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, at 10:49 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in the area of SW Wakem Street and SW 178th Avenue in the community of Aloha. A man reported that he was attacked by another man over some soda cans he was collecting to recycle. The victim reported that he had been punched repeatedly and was knocked to the ground. The suspect took the cans from the victim’s car and then drove off in another car. He was described as a man in his 40s with a stocky build and a green t-shirt.

Several deputies responded to the area and quickly located the suspect’s vehicle. A K-9 unit from the Beaverton Police Department led deputies directly to the stolen bags of cans. A short time later, the suspect was located nearby.

The suspect was identified as Robert Rollo Stowaser, 38, of the Beaverton area. Mr. Stowaser briefly hid in a gas station bathroom, where he cut off the sleeves to his t-shirt in an effort to disguise himself from deputies. He was transported to the Washington County Jail and booked on charges of robbery in the third degree and unlawful entry into a motor vehicle.

GRESHAM, Ore. –Local jurisdictions seek the public’s feedback on a project to improve north-south travel east of I-205.

The cities of Gresham and Happy Valley are working with Multnomah County and Clackamas County to improve the route between I-84 and Highway 212. This “Clackamas to Columbia Corridor (C2C)” links together neighborhoods, schools, jobs and businesses along 181st/182nd in Gresham to 172nd and Highway 212 in Clackamas County.  New investments are needed to complete this travel corridor.

Over the last year, a planning effort has been underway, and these jurisdictions seek your input on priorities through an online open house.

“Improving this route will yield immediate, noticeable benefits for people driving, biking, walking and taking transit through some of the fastest-growing and most underserved communities in the metro area,” said Jay Higgins, Associate Transportation Planner, City of Gresham.

The C2C project coordinates several planned and vetted projects identified in city and county transportation system plans and other relevant plans in the area:

• SE 182nd/NE 181st avenues (U.S. 26 to NE Sandy Boulevard): Increases pedestrian crossings, bicycle lane improvements and transit enhancements.

• SE 172nd–SE 190th avenues (SE Hemrich Road to SE Powell Boulevard): Fills the gap between SE Hemrich Road and SE Cheldelin Road. Improves SE 190th Avenue to five vehicle lanes and replaces the Highland Bridge.

• SE 172nd Avenue (Highway 212 to SE Hemrich Road): Makes five vehicle lanes continuous and improves the Rock Creek crossing.

• Sunrise Gateway (SE 122nd–SE 172nd avenues): Continues the region’s critical investment in serving freight and accessing the southern terminus of the C2C Corridor.

The public is encouraged to explore the C2C online open house and give feedback by Aug. 5 on what changes are the most important. Visit Openhouse.jla.us.com/c2c.

PORTLAND, Ore., July 30, 2020—On August 1, OnPoint Community Credit Union will launch its nonprofit Refer a Friend campaign, which donates $50 to local nonprofits for every friend, family or business associate who joins OnPoint within a specified period. The referring and new members will also both receive $50 from OnPoint and $50 will be donated to local Boys & Girls Clubs across the communities OnPoint serves. Refer a Friend benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs begins August 1, 2020, and concludes on Saturday, October 31, 2020.

“Boys & Girls Clubs do essential work across Oregon and Southwest Washington,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “As our fight against systemic racism and COVID-19 continues, their work is more important than ever. We are proud to support Boys & Girls Clubs in the communities we serve at this critical time by engaging our members and inviting new people to join our purpose of building strong communities for all.”

For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs have enabled young people most in need to achieve bright futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,700 Clubs serve over 4.7 million young people through club membership and community outreach. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs every day during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

OnPoint raises an average of $40,000 for various organizations through each Refer a Friend nonprofit campaign. Funds raised by the campaign launching today will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs listed below, based on which branch the new member joins. Clubs will determine how they will use funds after the campaign concludes.

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend
• Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley
• Boys & Girls Club of Salem
• Boys & Girls Club of SW Washington

“OnPoint’s Refer a Friend campaign will provide meaningful support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP),” said Erin Hubert, BGCP Chief Executive Officer. “Serving our youth during a pandemic became exponentially more expensive overnight, given spacing restrictions and the cost of more resources needed to ensure the safety of our staff and youth. OnPoint’s support during this time will ensure we can continue to meet the needs of the families we serve by allowing us to pick up where schools leave off with much needed academic and social/emotional support. Perhaps most importantly, these funds will help us continue to feed thousands of youth throughout the program year.” 

“OnPoint is an essential partner for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend,” said Juliana Williams, Director of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Bend. “As our clubs and staff step up to fill the gap created by school closures and reduction in classroom time, our need for support from our community grows. We are deeply grateful for the Refer a Friend campaign, which will allow us to expand our service hours and staff to ensure that youth continue to build resilience and make positive choices in the face of increased adversity.”

For members who are interested in giving back, click here to learn more about OnPoint’s Refer a Friend campaigns.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 403,000 members and with assets of $7.3 billion. OnPoint membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at http://www.onpointcu.com or 800-527-3932.

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For Immediate Release                                        

July 29, 2020

Contact:  Mona Riesterer  
               (503) 378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Fire Policy Committee will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on August 26, 2020.  The meeting will be held in the Boardroom at the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE 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 be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

 The Fire Policy meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon

Agenda Items:

1,  Introductions

2.  Approval of June 9, 2020 Minutes  

3.  Travis Ballard DPSST No. F28961; FPA Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator and NFPA Fire Fighter I

    Presented by Kayla Ballrot

4.  Kyle Bryant DPSST No. F12984; First Responder Operations, Wildland Interface Fire Fighter, and NFPA Fire Fighter I

    Presented by Kayla Ballrot

5.  Stephen Patione DPSST No. F39669; FPA Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator and NFPA Fire Fighter I

    Presented by Kayla Ballrot

6.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0065 – Time Extensions for Maintenance Recertification

     Presented by Jennifer Howald

7.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0087 – Review of Accreditation Agreements

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

8.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-009-0059, 259-009-0115, 259-009-0120, 259-009-0125 and 259-009-0130 – Fire Service Professional Certification Denial and Revocation Standards and Process

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

9.  Department Update

10. Next Scheduled FPC Meeting – November 25, 2020   

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Darren Bucich, Fire Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue, 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.

For Immediate Release                                        

July 29, 2020

Contact:   Mona Riesterer
                (503) 378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee will hold a regular meeting at 1:30 p.m. on August 18, 2020.  The meeting will be held in the Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE 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 be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

The Private Security/Investigator Policy meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon

Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2.  Approval of the February 18, 2020 Meeting Minutes

3.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-060-0130: Adding Reference for Event and Entertainment Private Security Professional

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

4.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-060-0500 and OAR 259-061-0010: Overpayment of Amount Due

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

5.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR Chapter 259 Division 60: Updates to the Private Security Provider Moral Fitness and Denial/Revocation Standards

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

6.  Department Update

7.  Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 17, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

The August Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board work session will be held Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. 

This meeting is dial-in only; it will not be held in a physical location. If you would like to attend via phone, please utilize the contact information found below by 4:30 p.m. on August 4. 

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

About TVWD

TVWD serves about 215,500 customers in parts of Washington County, Oregon. Our service area covers more than 44 square miles including portions of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard and unincorporated Washington County.

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

TIP OF THE WEEK

Date:            July 30, 2020                               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:      Sheriff Curtis L. Landers

                   (541) 265-0652

                   clanders@co.lincoln.or.us

                                                      A PET’S LICENSE IS THEIR TICKET HOME

Buying a license for your dog isn’t just about the law--it can save your dog’s life.  Anyone who has experienced the panic and sorrow of having a lost dog knows how important it is to license your pet.  Our dogs are our friends and companions, and they look to us for nearly everything: food, shelter, water and love.  They also need us to bring them home after they have wandered.

One of the best and most basic things we can do for our dogs is to license them.  Our goal is to be able to reunite all lost dogs with their families, and you can help us reach that goal with increased dog licensing.  When Good Samaritans or Animal Services Deputies find stray dogs that are licensed, they can call the Lincoln County Animal Shelter for your information, and your pet may never even have to come to the shelter.

While happy reunions are the most important consideration, failure to obtain a dog license can result in a $260 fine.  All dogs in the county are required to be licensed within thirty days of residence, whether or not you live in the city and whether or not your dog leaves your property.  While cat licenses are not required, they help the animal shelter reunite families with their feline friends, too.

You may easily purchase or renew a license by mail, at the Animal Shelter, or at many local veterinarians’ offices.  Applications and additional information are available online at www.LincolnCountyAnimalShelter.org.

Please keep your pets safe with a license, ID tag, and microchip, and remember to search for your lost pet at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter at 510 NE Harney St. in Newport and by calling 541-265-6610.

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

At approximately 5:50 this evening, Vancouver Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a fire at 11301 NE 7th Street at the Autumn Chase Apartments.  Responding units could see a large header of smoke and called for a second alarm enroute. The first arriving engine found two apartment units of a sixteenplex heavily involved in flame and quickly applied water to the fire from outside in an effort to keep it in check until other units could arrive. While water was being applied to the fire, reports of a female trapped on a second floor balcony on the back side of the building prompted the officer on the initial engine to carry and place a ladder for a ladder rescue. He assisted her from the balcony onto the ladder and helped her climb down. As subsequent fire units arrived, they were assigned to go inside the building to put out fire burning inside the units and in the attic. The fire was under control in approximately 35 minutes. Four of the buildings occupants were assessed by medics on scene. Three were transported by AMR to local area hospitals. Their conditions were unknown. All residents of the building were displaced by either  fire and smoke damage or by electrical service being turned off to the building.

A total 31 Vancouver firefighters on seven engines and two ladders trucks were on scene to fight the fire. Additional engines from Portland Fire Bureau and Camas-Washougal Fire Department were on scene to assist.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshall’s Office.

####

School leaders in Cowlitz County anticipate release of 2020-21 school year plans the week of August 10

COWLITZ COUNTY, Wash., July 29, 2020 – Cowlitz County school districts including Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso, Longview, Toutle Lake and Woodland School Districts consider multiple options in their return to school planning.

After seeking input from families and staff, and in close consultation with the Cowlitz County Health Department, Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso, Longview, Toutle Lake, and Woodland School Districts, plus Wahkiakum School District in Wahkiakum County, are coordinating with one another and considering one of the following back-to-school options:

• Full in-person return: Students will return to campus in the fall with physical distancing and masks.
• Some in-person and some remote/distance learning: Under this hybrid model students would spend half their time in school and the other half engaged in remote/distance learning.
• Remote/distance learning: Under this model, the school year will begin with students engaged in an all-remote/distance learning model. This remote learning option would be an enhanced and more accountable version than the approach used in the spring of 2020.
• A combination of these options.

Superintendents in Cowlitz County anticipate sharing back-to-school 2020 plans the week of August 10. According to state guidance, school boards must approve district reopening plans two weeks prior to the official start of the school year and before any plan can be implemented.

While school boards will ultimately decide on school reopening plans, public health officials stress that getting the virus under control to support a return to in-person education is a community responsibility.

“Our community holds the key to getting kids back in the classroom,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Cowlitz County’s health officer. “By wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distancing and washing our hands frequently, we can help get kids back in the classroom sooner.”

This afternoon, Portland City Council voted unanimously in support of a resolution introduced by Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty that refers a measure to add a new police oversight system into the city charter.

In response to the resolution passage, Commissioner Hardesty says, “I am beyond thrilled that council voted to move forward to give voters the chance to put this long-overdue system into effect. While we’re celebrating this moment with the community, the work only begins with the results of today’s vote.”

Hardesty continues, “As I mentioned before, accountability is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to making our communities safer – that includes safety from police violence. We have much more work ahead of us to meet the needs of this moment.”

Today’s council vote gives voters in November the opportunity to vote on a ballot measure that would authorize the creation of a new police oversight system. If the ballot measure passes in November, a commission would be established to work with the community to create the specific details of the new system. Additionally, legal changes would also need to take place before the new system could fully take off.

“I want to thank Commissioner Hardesty for her leadership on this issue,” said Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. “Her decades of work on racial justice issues and police accountability has brought invaluable experience to City Council, and I’m pleased to support this ballot referral. Portlanders have been demanding change, and this measure empowers our community to make their voices heard in November.”

Council heard almost two hours of public testimony ranging from electeds to community members and advocates showing up to voice their overwhelming support for this much needed accountability measure.

In his council testimony, Dr. Leroy Haynes of the AMA Coalition for Justice and Police Reform said, “One of the most valuable means of transforming the killing of unarmed citizens of Portland is their lack of accountability. There are no consequences when unarmed black and brown people or mentally ill people are killed by deadly force in the City of Portland. This is why the AMA Coalition for Justice and Police Reform have supported the need for an independent police review board with subpoena powers to compel testimony.”

“As we grapple with the issue of police brutality and our own community has been subject to an unlawful occupation by federal officers, it is clear that Portlanders are demanding a new direction in regards to public safety,” said Alex Davis, a PCC Student. His testimony continues, “Is it a bold request to give the community a substantial voice in a bureau that receives nearly $250 million in our tax dollars? Is it a bold request to involve people from historically overpoliced communities? For too long the power in the relationship between the police and the community has been vested in the police. Now, in order to move forward the power must be vested in those to whom it truly belongs: the citizens.”

Candace Avalos, Citizen Review Committee chair, includes in her testimony, “Good intentions in a broken system is no longer enough. What has the powers that be done with all the community feedback collected over the many years? How many more years do we need to spend repeating our demands before leaders actually take our requests seriously? It’s time for less talking, more action. We owe it to Portlanders to respond to their nightly demands for justice with bold legislation that addresses the heart of the protests: truly independent review of the police to hold them accountable for the harm they caused the community.”

This new oversight system would be different from the city’s current system in several critical ways:

• The new body would have final say within the city on discipline;
• It would be able to directly impact PPB policies and directives;
• It would be removed from all bureaus and elected offices;
• It would mandate adequate funding for this critical work; and

It would also have expanded investigatory powers including better access to evidence and ability to compel testimony.

More work remains to be done as Commissioner Hardesty continues working on the larger issue of community safety.

Vancouver, Wash. –On July 25, 2020, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to an assault with a weapon call in the 4900 block of East 18th Street, involving a suspect who fired multiple rounds from a firearm into a vehicle occupied by four individuals.  The suspect was identified as Keith Williams, 29, of Vancouver. One of the victims was physically assaulted by Williams prior to the shooting but none were injured as a result of gunfire.

On the afternoon of July 29, 2020, Vancouver Police located Williams in the 11700 block of Mill Plain and he was taken into custody without incident. 

Williams was booked into the Clark County Jail for:

• 4 counts of Assault I with a firearm
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm II
• A felony warrant issued by the Washington State Department of Corrections for Escape Community Custody.

Vancouver Police are looking for any additional witnesses or leads in this case.  Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department Tip Line at (360) 487-7399.

###

Five businesses in Happy Valley, Oregon are receiving their first profit distribution thanks to the Good Shirt program, a grassroots effort that aims to help local businesses that have been impacted by the economic repercussions of COVID-19.

Happy Valley residents rallied to support their beloved local merchants by purchasing 262 custom designed Happy Valley shirts and raising $675 in profits to be shared with participating businesses. 

Spearheaded by the Happy Valley Business Alliance and HYVÄ co-founder, Joe Barhoum, the Good Shirt program encourages the community to unite in solidarity amid the pandemic. A social purpose company, HYVÄ was founded to help communities thrive by promoting social, environmental, and financial good in partnership with amazing organizations.

The program hopes to sell 20,000 shirts in support of Happy Valley businesses. In addition to custom shirts, masks and stickers will soon be available, all of which can be purchased directly via www.hyva.co/happy-valley.

HYVÄ’s goal is to bring $1 trillion under the influence of Good by 2050 by modelling ways of producing good social, environmental, and economic outcomes at a meaningful scale.

To learn more about the Good Shirt program, visit hyva.co/shirts-for-good. 

Hillsboro Police officers responded to an altercation in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 10200 block of Northeast Evergreen Parkway on June 1 at 3:12 p.m. A 78-year-old Black woman was double-parked while waiting in her car for her son to come down from his apartment. A man got in a nearby car to leave, and he started yelling racial slurs and profanity at her.

The woman moved her car to let the man back out, but instead of leaving he drove his car at her continuing to yell. He passed by her, turned around, and drove back at her again. She got out of her car because she believed he might strike it. The man stopped his car, stepped out, and continued yelling racial slurs while walking aggressively toward her with his fists raised.

The woman’s son saw what was occurring and ran downstairs, and he stepped in between the man and his mother to protect her. The man then directed racial slurs and profanity at both of them. While trying to protect her, her son accidentally knocked her down. She was uninjured.

A neighbor heard the racial slurs and profanity from inside his apartment, told his fiancee to call 911, and ran to intervene. When the neighbor was outside, the man got back in his car and drove away.

Neither the woman, her son, nor the neighbor knew the man, who was not immediately located. Through the man’s description and a partial license plate number provided by witnesses, detectives identified him as 64-year-old John Blackmore of Hillsboro.

Hillsboro Police officers arrested Blackmore on July 28. He was lodged in the Washington County Jail on two counts of second-degree bias crime and two counts of harassment.

As a reminder, Hillsboro Police encourages anyone who experiences an act of bias or discrimination in the City of Hillsboro to report it immediately.

See Attached Bulletin

Please be advised that the Bulletin does not include all calls for service to which officers respond.  Many calls do not require that a report be written; such as:

•Traffic Stops

•Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

For Immediate Release                                        

July 29, 2020

Contact:     Mona Riesterer
                  (503) 378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Police Policy Committee will hold a regular meeting at 10:00 a.m. on August 20, 2020. The meeting will be held in the Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE 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 be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

The Police Policy Committee meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon

Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2.  Approve the June 18, 2020 Meeting Minutes

3.  Administrative Closures

    Presented by Linsay Hale

4.  Ryan Fauver DPSST No. 51694; Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Linsay Hale

5.  David Sytsma, DPSST No. 50389; Lakeview Police Department

    Presented by Linsay Hale

6.  John Falkenhagen DPSST No. 53278; Medford Police Department

    Presented by Linsay Hale

7.  Matthew Higgins DPSST No. 50256; Marion County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Linsay Hale

8.  Charles Huitt DPSST No. 45375; Marion County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Linsay Hale

9.  Andrew Moyer DPSST No. 31899

    Presented by Linsay Hale

10. Jason Maurry DPSST No. 43487; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Linsay Hale

11. Glenn Palmer DPSST No. 18276; Complaint – Grant County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Linsay Hale

12. Boyd Rasmussen DPSST No. 30542; Complaint – Union County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Linsay Hale

13. Terry Timeus DPSST No. 17134; Complaint

    Presented by Linsay Hale

14. Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-008-0100 – Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial Eligibility Criteria

    Presented by Jennifer Howald

15. Proposed Rule Changes – House Bill 4203

    Presented by Jennifer Howarld

16. Nomination of New Vice Chair

17.  Department Update

18.  Next Police Policy Committee Meeting – November 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Darren Bucich, Fire Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue, 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.

In back-to-school proposals to their respective boards, school leaders recommend starting school in the fall in an enhanced distance/remote learning model 2.0 to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.

CLARK COUNTY, Wash., July 29, 2020 – The superintendents of eight Clark County school districts are recommending to their school boards that a return to school this fall should happen through an improved version of remote/distance learning. The recommendation is based on reviews of the latest health and science data on the Covid-19 virus, discussions with health department leaders and input from staff and families.

These are the eight school districts recommending remote/distance learning: 

1. Battle Ground
2. Camas
3. Evergreen
4. Hockinson
5. La Center
6. Ridgefield
7. Vancouver
8. Washougal

According to state guidance, school boards must approve a district reopening plan two weeks prior to the official start of the school year and before any plan can be implemented.

“Clark County Public Health supports school superintendents who have made the very difficult decision to recommend starting the 2020-21 school year online,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County’s Public Health director and county health officer. “We all agree that in-person education is best; however, the data and science of COVID-19 suggest it’s just too dangerous to head back to the classroom right now.” 

“The virus growth trajectory in Clark County and our surrounding region makes it clear that resuming school in-person this fall could result in more widespread infections,” said Vancouver Public Schools Superintendent Steve Webb. “That’s a risk we simply cannot take. Protecting the health and safety of our students and staff is our number one priority.”

A peer-reviewed study recently released by Seattle-area researchers for the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) concluded that the relationships between reopening community, workplace and schools are intertwined—as community activity rises, so does the level of infection within a community. Further, the study estimated that if community activity were to rise above 70 percent of pre-COVID activity, no amount of intervention in schools (masks, physical distancing and hand washing) would prevent the virus from spreading rapidly in the community. Additionally, recent data collected since the report was drafted indicates that levels of disease activity following counties moving to Phase II are too high to support the reopening of schools at this time.

In preparation for the possibility of remote/distance learning, Clark County school districts have enhanced their remote/distance learning 2.0 plans. After receiving feedback from families and educators, districts have made the following improvements: 

• Streamlining education apps and tools for more seamless content delivery,
• Investments in remote learning infrastructure that support internet connections, updated devices and online-friendly curriculum for students,
• Providing additional training on best practices for remote instruction to educators.

“Distance Learning 2.0 is an improved and more accountable model than the version experienced by families and students this past spring,” said Washougal School District Superintendent Mary Templeton.  “Clark County educators are committed to ensuring students continue to make progress in their learning during the pandemic, and Distance Learning 2.0 reflects that commitment.”

Clark County school districts also will follow requirements from the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to: 

1. Work with community partners to identify child care options for school-aged students whose families don’t have the option to stay home with a child each day;
2. Address gaps in connectivity and technology access so each student has sufficient opportunity to continue their learning outside of the classroom;
3. Continue providing school meals to the students who rely on them; and
4. Utilize local data to determine which of their students need additional intensive learning supports, and provide those supports remotely if possible or in-person when that is the only effective delivery method.
5. Have weekly schedules for each student, daily engagement or assigned work for each student, and requirements for daily attendance.
6. Meet the number of instructional days and hours required in state law, consistent with the State Board of Education’s rules on the definition of an instructional hour.

“School districts will continue to work closely with public health departments to transition eventually to a hybrid learning model, which combines in-person learning with remote learning,” said Ridgefield School District Superintendent Nathan McCann. “The transition to in-person education will depend heavily on how much the virus is spreading in the community and the steps we take now to slow the spread of COVID-19.”  

School superintendents recommend using the Washington State Safe Start Phases as a framework for returning to in-person instruction. Phase III would enable districts to begin transitioning to limited, in-person instruction (a hybrid model of some in-person and some remote/distance learning). Phase IV would enable districts to adjust this hybrid model to include more students.

“We all play a role in stopping the spread of the virus and helping schools to return to in-person learning,” said Dr. Alan Melnick. “By wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distancing and washing our hands frequently, we can help get kids back in the classroom.”

After hearing recommendations from Clark County Public Health about the continued COVID-19 concerns in the community, and in consultation with school district staff, the Evergreen School Board of Directors said on August 11 they will officially adopt the Remote Learning 2.0 model for the beginning of the 2020-21 school year on September 1. With the continued rise in COVID-19 cases, the school district joins other districts in Clark County in preferring the remote learning model after considering three possible options: in-person learning, remote learning, or a hybrid model of the two.

“As we explored how we could offer the best learning opportunities for students, while ensuring a safe environment for students and staff under current conditions, the only option that satisfied this criteria was to remain in remote learning,” said Superintendent Mike Merlino. “However, we are making vast improvements in how we deliver remote instruction over how we initially began last spring.”

Last March, as schools across Washington state were closed, school districts, including Evergreen, had very little time to transition to a remote learning model. However, based on the experience and feedback of students, staff and families over the three-and-a-half month period, the district developed a template for making improvements. Over the summer, curriculum and instruction, IT and support staff have streamlined platforms, made online learning options more robust and fixed technical and access issues. Teaching staff will receive additional training and support during the month of August, and schools will provide students and families with much clearer guidance and expectations.

In addition to improving the online learning experience, Evergreen is committed to ensure students with specialized needs have specific options that best meet their instructional requirements. Staff at schools will also directly contact students who do not initially engage, or appear to struggle with, remote learning.  The district will also continue to provide meals to students, and work with community partners to provide childcare options for working families.

In choosing the Remote Learning 2.0 model, School Board President Julie Bocanegra said, ”We appreciate the cooperation and support of our public health officials, as well as our staff, and neighboring school districts, in ensuring a community-wide response. We are doing what is best for our students, staff and community, with the goal to open our schools for in-person learning as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Attachment: https://youtu.be/qFEr7keLFTc

Evergreen Public Schools Superintendent Mike Merlino - video statement -may be excerpted or used in entirety. Also posted on www.evergreenps.org

The heat of summer is here across the state, and with extreme temperatures and dry conditions comes increased risks. Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management offers a few simple tips to help Oregonians keep cool, stay safe and prevent wildfires as we all navigate the continued impacts of COVID-19.

• Staying home to prevent the spread of COVID?  Keep windows and blinds closed to stay cool indoors and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• When you need to be outdoors, stay close to home, bring a water bottle with you and limit activity to early in the day or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Heading out to cool off in the water? Plan ahead, know the risks and don’t forget those life jackets.
• Be sure to wear face coverings when you cannot maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. Switch to a cotton bandana or scarf if your normal face covering is too heavy or thick to wear in the heat.
• Check on family members and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone or who may need special assistance. Remember, you can visit in person as long as you stay at least six feet away, but a call, text or video-chat works as well and reduces the risk of COVID exposure.
• It’s everyone’s responsibility to help prevent human-caused wildfires. Know your local fire restrictions and always pack a water source and a shovel. If you make a campfire, be sure it’s dead out before leaving. To learn about restrictions and wildfire activities at home, at work and when you are out and about, visit www.KeepOregonGreen.org/prevent-wildfires.  

Above all, know your risks and be prepared for them. OEM’s 2 Weeks Ready initiative offers a real way each of us can help ourselves and our communities prepare for the next emergency.

2 Weeks Ready encourages Oregonians to prepare to be on their own for a minimum of two weeks. This empowers individuals and communities to count on themselves and each other, especially in the aftermath of a major disaster such as a wildfire or earthquake. It’s also a great way to mitigate the effects of events such as heat waves, power outages, and even COVID-19 as people may need to isolate at home for as long as 14 days. 

“It’s all about knowing the risk so you can plan ahead to reduce that risk,” says OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “Disasters don’t wait for us to be ready, and they can be due to any number of hazards. Preparing for disaster can be overwhelming but 2 Weeks Ready is an achievable goal. You don’t have to get there today, but you do need to start now.”

OEM has created a short video to show Oregonians the basics of a 2 Weeks Ready kit, including face coverings and hand sanitizer. Everyone’s kit will look different so be sure to customize for you and your family.

For more information on preparedness resources, visit www.oregon.gov/oem.

# # #

Partnership displays importance of increased access and recreational use of public lands

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS) today renewed their partnership for alleviating human-wildlife conflicts on BLM-administered public lands. An updated Memorandum of Understanding clarifies respective roles and responsibilities for wildlife damage management and reducing predation on livestock across more than 245 million acres of public lands, mostly in the West and Alaska. The MOU will remain in effect for five years and replaces the previous agreement, signed in 2012.

“Under the Trump Administration, the BLM has increased access to and recreational opportunities on public lands. Reaffirming our partnership with APHIS-Wildlife Services allows us to take steps to protect the safety and the recreational experience of public land visitors and their pets while helping to ensure abundant wildlife,” said BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs William Perry Pendley. “We also recognize the livestock community, as well as those with small children and pets in the urban-rural interface areas, must be protected from attacks by dangerous predators.”

“APHIS-WS and the BLM are Federal partners who have collaborated for decades to protect people, livestock and natural resources on public lands. This newly signed MOU continues and refines that important tradition,” said Janet Bucknall, Deputy Administrator for Wildlife Services.

“Catron County has a long-standing working relationship with Wildlife Services which provides essential wildlife damage management to our livestock producers as well as our constituents across the county. We applaud the renewed commitment,” said Catron County Commissioner Anita A. Hand. “Living in a rural county with vast wide open spaces negative predator interactions can be devastating especially for our families with small children. Livestock production is crucial to our economy and the clarification of the respective roles and responsibilities is vital. We hope to see this commitment across all public lands throughout our county.” 

The MOU recognizes the importance of recreational activities on public lands. Both agencies will carefully evaluate the safety and recreation experiences of public land visitors and their pets prior to undertaking wildlife damage management activities in support of other multiple use management objectives. 

Both agencies are committed to ensuring that any wildlife damage management activity on BLM National Conservation Lands will be consistent with the requirements of designating legislation or proclamations and other applicable laws. The BLM will share relevant information for meeting these requirements during its review of APHIS-WS annual plans and will complete a Minimum Requirements Analysis for any activities APHIS-WS proposes to conduct in Wilderness areas.

“With ever increasing predator populations, it is critical that federal land and wildlife management agencies coordinate along with impacted communities to protect people, private property and wildlife like deer and elk,” said New Mexico Federal Lands Council President Don L. (Bebo) Lee.

The BLM and APHIS will continue to coordinate regularly and closely to ensure that wildlife damage management activities are analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). APHIS-WS will serve as the lead agency in preparing NEPA analysis of damage-management activities and the BLM as a cooperating agency, except in situations where the BLM specifically requests APHIS-WS assistance in managing wildlife damage on public lands it administers. In these instances, the BLM will serve as lead and APHIS-WS as cooperating agency. The BLM managers will continue to review APHIS-WS wildlife damage management plans annually and provide information so these plans conform with the BLM resource management plans.

APHIS-WS’s mission is to provide federal leadership and expertise to resolve wildlife conflicts to allow people and wildlife to coexist. APHIS-WS is the federal agency with recognized expertise and authority under the Act of March 2, 1931, as amended, and the Act of December 22, 1987, for providing WDM services, which establish APHIS-WS as the lead agency for wildlife damage management activities.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

The Oregon City School District Board of Directors approved a resolution to start the 2020-21 school year in Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) and delayed any transition to a hybrid model of instruction no earlier than Nov. 11, 2020.

“This decision was difficult and heart wrenching,” said Superintendent Larry Didway. “We all agree: kids need to be in school. There is no adequate replacement for in-person learning that can better support student growth, development and overall wellness.”

Board members expressed strong support for the move, while at the same time acknowledging the heavy burden the decision places on the many families who rely upon school for childcare and academic support while working.

“We owe it to our families to give them as much time as we can to make the necessary arrangements to make this workable,” Board Chair Martha Spiers told the other school board members. “We have to turn our focus now to making the best of this terrible situation and providing the best on-line learning experience we can while doing what we can to mitigate the inevitable inequities. It will take a village.”

The school board cited a recent surge in community spread of the COVID-19 virus and information from local health authorities to determine that schools would not plan to physically open in the fall. Their decision was affirmed by the strict health and safety standards for in-person instruction released by the Governor on Tuesday, July 28, making it likely most schools in Oregon will begin the school year online.

“It is a devastating reality. However, the schools must ensure a safe environment for students, staff, families and the community,” said Didway.

Oregon City School District will remain in a Comprehensive Distance Learning model through Nov. 11, 2020 for the first grading period. If the state and region can meet the new health standards by then, the district will consider transitioning to allow some in-person instruction.

At 5:21 pm on July 28th, 2020, deputies were dispatched to a serious motor vehicle crash on River Road NE at the intersection of Clearlake Road NE, just north of Keizer.  When emergency responders arrived on scene, they discovered two vehicles were involved in the collision, a silver Ford Taurus and a green Ford F-150.  The driver of the Ford Taurus sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene, the two passengers from the car were taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  The driver of the Ford F-150 also sustained non-life threatening injuries and was also transported from the scene by ambulance.

Investigators from the Marion County Multi-Agency Crash Team were called to the scene.  During the investigation, deputies learned the Ford Taurus had been traveling eastbound on Clearlake Road NE prior to the crash.  The driver of the Ford Taurus is believed to have failed to stop at a stop sign prior to entering the intersection where it was struck by the Ford F-150 which was traveling southbound.

The driver of the Ford Taurus has been identified as, Jacqueline Cavero Chavarry, 39, of Sheridan.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office was assisted during this response by the Keizer Police Department, Marion County Fire District #1, Keizer Fire Department, Marion County Public Works, Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

Vancouver, Wash. –On July 28, 2020. At approximately 11:58 p.m., Vancouver Police responded to a multiple shots fired call in an occupied business in the 400 block of NE 112th Ave.  During the course of this investigation police located 48 shell casings of mixed calibers, to include a large amount of assault rifle casings.  The bullets entered the occupied business and surrounding vehicles.  No one was reported injured.

Vancouver Police are looking for any additional witnesses or leads in this case.  Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department Tip Line at (360) 487-7399.

Any victims who have not reported property damage should call 3-1-1.

###

For Immediate Release                                        

July 29, 2020

Contact:    Mona Riesterer
                 (503) 378-2431

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Correction Policy Committee will hold a regular meeting at 1:30 p.m. on August 11, 2020. The meeting will be held in the Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE 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 be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

The Corrections Policy Committee meeting will be live streamed on the DPSST Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon

Agenda Items:

1.  Introductions

2.  Approve June 16, 2020 Meeting Minutes

3.  Administrative Closures - Corrections

    Presented by Linsay Hale

4.  Benjamin West, DPSST No. 60954 – DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

    Presented by Linsay Hale

5.  Justen Roberts, DPSST No. 54117 – DOC/Oregon State Penitentiary

    Presented by Linsay Hale

6.  Angela Branford, DPSST No. 49984 – Washington County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Linsay Hale

7.  Robert Conklin, DPSST No. 53852 – Harney County Sheriff’s Office

    Presented by Linsay Hale

8.  Benjamin Daley, DPSST No. 56374 – DOC/Oregon State Correctional Institution

    Presented by Linsay Hale

9.  Sergio Verduzco, DPSST No. 42247 – DOC/Deer Ridge Correctional Institution

    Presented by Linsay Hale

10. Joseph Yeaney, DPSST No. 25561 – DOC/Columbia River Correctional Institution

     Presented by Linsay Hale

11.  Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-008-0100 – Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial Eligibility     Criteria

     Presented by Jennifer Howald

12.  Department Update

13.  Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – November 10, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

Administrative Announcement

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

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) operates the Oregon Public Safety Academy which spans more than 235 acres in Salem. The Academy is nationally recognized for its innovative training programs and active stakeholder involvement. Eriks Gabliks serves as the Director, and Darren Bucich, Fire Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue, 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.

This morning shortly after 9am, Cornelius Firefighters were dispatch to a reported residential fire located at 307 S 12th Avenue. The first arriving unit arrived a few minutes after being alerted and found smoke coming from the roof line of the structure. They started an attack on the flames on the second floor in one section of the house, but based on smoke conditions, the fire had spread to another section of the attic. Due to the way the house was constructed and divided into two, firefighters couldn't easily access a hidden attic space. Due to this difficulty and warm temperatures, incident command requested a 2nd Alarm be dispatched to bring additional crews to the scene to give 1st Alarm crews a rest. Part of the difficulty was having to access the attic by cutting down very large boards that made up the ceiling in a converted room.

After approximately an hour and a half, the fire was fully extinguished and firefighters put out additional hot spots. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is believed to have started in the attic area. No civilians or firefighters were injured on scene.

Cornelius Fire Department reminds everyone to have a working fire alarm in all living areas of your residence.

Cornelius Fire was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Gaston Fire District, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Yamhill Fire District, Washington County Sheriffs Office, Cornelius Public Works and Metro West Ambulance.

Scene information:
Engines - 7
Truck - 1
Chiefs - 1

Total Personnel - 32

# # #

July 29, 2020

Media contact: OHA External Relations 971-673-2097, covid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us">orcovid19.media@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon reports 304 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed eight more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 311, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 304 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 17,721.

The new confirmed cases are in the following counties: Benton (3), Clackamas (28), Clatsop (1), Crook (3), Deschutes (16), Douglas (2), Hood River (7), Jackson (13), Jefferson (5), Josephine (4), Klamath (2), Lane (13), Lincoln (2), Linn (1), Malheur (20), Marion (20), Morrow (5), Multnomah (82), Polk (4), Umatilla (4), Union (1), Wallowa (1), Wasco (3), Washington (51) and Yamhill (13).

Oregon’s 304th COVID-19 death is a 72-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 10 and died on July 23, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 305th COVID-19 death is a 90-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 23 and died on July 27, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 306th COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old woman in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 22 and died on July 28, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 307th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Umatilla County who tested positive on July 16 and died on July 27, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 308th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old woman in Morrow County who tested positive on July 10 and died on July 21. Location of death and presence of underlying conditions are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 309th COVID-19 death is a 65-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on June 29 and died on July 25, at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 310th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on July 27 and died on July 28, at Providence Portland Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 311th COVID-19 death is a 73-year-old woman in Umatilla County who tested positive on June 21 and died on July 19. Location of death is being confirmed. She had underlying conditions.

Expanded County-level Data Dashboard Released

OHA published a new, expanded version of Oregon’s “COVID-19 Testing and Outcomes by County” dashboard today.

The dashboard now includes additional information on weekly trends in the percent of COVID-19 tests that have been positive by county and weekly trends in the total number of persons tested for COVID-19 by county.

These trends help us understand changes in the burden of COVID-19 in communities across Oregon.

Weekly report shows daily increase and lower positivity for COVID-19

Today, OHA released its Weekly Report, which showed that during the week of July 20–26, 42,452 people were tested for COVID-19 in Oregon, and 5.1 percent of them had a positive result, down from 6.6 percent last week.

During that week, OHA recorded 2,241 new cases of COVID-19 infection, an increase from the previous week. In addition, 27 Oregonians were reported to have died, which is a slight increase from the previous week.

Large outbreaks have contributed a diminishing proportion of recent cases, and sporadic cases (those not linked to another case) have increased, consistent with community spread.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.

United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.

Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Proposed changes ensure fair return for taxpayers and clarify regulations for producers 

WASHINGTON – In support of President Donald J. Trump’s America-First Energy Strategy, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced proposed revisions to three key regulations governing oversight of oil and gas production and reporting. The proposed regulations are designed to reduce burdensome bureaucracy, redundant recordkeeping and measurement requirements, while ensuring that taxpayers receive accurate royalties from oil and gas produced on Federal and Tribal lands.

“These proposed enhancements streamline regulations to ensure that our oversight of energy production on America’s public lands is consistent and fair,” said Deputy Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor.

“We’re continuing our work to ensure safe, abundant, and affordable energy for all Americans,” said William Perry Pendley, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs. “The BLM promotes responsible and safe oil and gas development on public lands and is committed to making sure these valuable resources are reported properly and measured accurately.”

Federal royalties generated from onshore oil and gas production on Federal lands totaled nearly $4.23 billion in Fiscal Year 2019. In addition, production on Tribal lands generated nearly $1.14 billion. Revenue from production royalties are distributed entirely to Tribes and shared with the states in which those revenues are generated, making the oil and gas industry an indispensable source of revenue for schools, healthcare, infrastructure and other public services across the West. These updates support the Administration’s work to relieve burdens adversely impacting investments that generate these royalties. 

In total, oil and gas development on BLM-managed lands supported more than 300,000 jobs and contributed $71.5 billion in output to the U.S. economy in fiscal year 2018. These contributions make it critical for the agency to ensure accurate measurement and reporting of production, while reducing unnecessary and burdensome requirements to protect jobs and facilitate reliable energy production. Oil and gas measurement performance requirements have been updated to account for production volumes and risk to mismeasurement. More accurate measurement is required at higher producing leases. Such updates are necessary because vast royalties are generated from smaller, local operations that were disproportionately impacted by the previous regulations. 

The proposed rule would revise three regulations to ensure proper handling of oil and gas production, which is essential for accurate measurement, proper reporting and overall production accountability. Taken together, the proposed new rules would remove or modify unnecessarily complex and burdensome requirements, address logistical issues and eliminate inconsistencies. For example, the proposed rule reduces requirements for water-draining operations which are duplicative of existing seal requirements.

“Our goal is to ensure maximum accountability and efficiency, while making sure that operators are able to develop America’s energy resources on public lands for the benefit of the American people and local communities across the nation. We will use the feedback and information we receive from the public and stakeholders to further refine and improve this proposal before making any final decision,” Mr. Pendley said.

Through these proposed changes, the BLM will ensure accurate reporting while significantly reducing duplicative and extensive recordkeeping requirements. Further, the proposals increase grandfathering of measurement equipment and inspection frequency, where accuracy and performance has already been verified.

The rulemaking follows the BLM’s review of the 2016 final rules for conformance with Executive Order 13783 Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth, and Secretary’s Order 3349 American Energy Independence, which require agencies to ensure that regulations do not unnecessarily encumber energy production, constrain economic growth, or prevent job creation. Based upon that review, the BLM found that the revisions would streamline regulations for oil and gas operators working on Federal and Indian lands.

Publication of the proposed regulations in the Federal Register will open a 60-day public comment period. The BLM will notify the public and stakeholders when the regulations publish, as well as publicizing the opening and closing dates of the comment period and instructions on how to comment. Before finalizing any regulations, the BLM will  review and respond to substantive public comments and may use any new information gathered to help guide the development of the revisions.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

JOHN DAY, Ore. — Unsettled weather patterns this week may provide an opportunity for night time use of Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) flying from the Grant County Airport in John Day.  Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has been working with CO Fire Aviation for more than a year to develop safe protocols and guidelines for supporting ground fire resources in wildfire suppression with night time SEAT drops.  The initial training and coordination of firefighters and pilots occurred during the 2019 fire season, refresher training and flight evaluation on simulated fires were successfully completed last week.

Red Flag Warnings for critical fire weather, including thunderstorms, high temperatures, and windy conditions, were issued by the National Weather Service throughout much of eastern Oregon this week.  The increased possibility of lightning ignitions, combined with already dry wildland fuels, could result in rapidly spreading fires throughout the region.  Precipitation, which came with some of the storms, may cause fires to smolder and creep until fuels begin to dry again and fires grow quickly.  SEATs are used in coordination with ground resources to slow the spread of fire.  The aircraft is capable of dropping 750 gallons of retardant and is highly maneuverable in wildland fire situations. 

The SEAT Base, used for reloading the aircraft with fire retardant, is located at the Grant County Airport.  Use of SEATs at night will increase the air traffic at the airport during these operations.  In addition to the night time SEAT operations ODF’s multi-mission aircraft will be brought in to be used for detection of fires during both day and night shifts.  These fires may otherwise go undetected until they are much larger in size.  ODF’s Partenavia Observer aircraft is equipped with infrared and Electro-optical cameras, capable of still pictures and video, and has mapping capabilities used to locate fires and relay the information to dispatch and firefighting resources.

July 29, 2020

What: A conference call for the Patient Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: Roll call and opening statements; rule review – recommendations for changes to rules; break; patient care and health equity – recommendations for OLCC retail stores; legislative concepts.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2-4 p.m.

Where: By conference call at 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. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

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@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SALEM, Ore. – As of today, due to extreme heat and drier conditions, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts in western Oregon and the Douglas Forest Protective Association have raised the fire danger level to high (yellow) except for the coastal counties of Clatsop, Coos, Curry and Tillamook, which remain at moderate fire danger. Counties experiencing high fire danger in western Oregon include Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill. 

“Fighting fires in hot and dry conditions is extremely taxing on those who are trained to protect our lands from fire,” said Unit Forester Chet Behling with ODF’s Western Lane District.  “We are asking that our public remain mindful of this as they conduct activities throughout the coming days.”

Various potential fire-starting activities are more closely restricted during periods of declared high fire danger. Specific restrictions may vary, so check with your local ODF district office or the online state map at https://gisapps.odf.oregon.gov/firerestrictions/PFR.html

You can also check there for changes to fire danger levels.

                                                                                          # # #

Kelso, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue and Cascade Natural Gas employees responded to a Natural Gas leak just before 2:30 in the 300 block of Hawthorne St.  A resident in the area accidentally struck the top of an older capped gas line pipe, hidden under briar bushes, with a lawnmower.  The resident heard a hissing sound and smelled Natural Gas; he left the area and called 911.  Chief Officers from Cowlitz 2 ordered homes in the area downwind from the leak to be evacuated; Cowlitz County deputies and firefighters evacuated 17 people from nearby homes.  Cascade Natural Gas was also notified and responded with multiple crews.  The crews later clamped off an underground gas line on the other side of the street to stop the leak from a safe area.  No injuries were reported. 

Always leave the area and call 911 anytime the smell of rotten eggs is apparent when Natural Gas is being used.  Other signs of a Natural Gas leak include hissing sounds, dead or dying plants, and if you or others in the home experience dizziness or headaches.  More information on Natural Gas can be found at: https://www.cngc.com/in-the-community/about-us/