June 26, 2019

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

Health advisory issued June 26 for water contact at Seal Rock State Park Beach

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Seal Rock State Park Beach in Lincoln County.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Seal Rock State Park Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

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

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Redmond, OR – In October 2018, the Redmond Police Department (RPD) was contacted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to inquire about the wanted status of Ezekiel Sandoval, a 45-year-old male and former Redmond resident.  Sandoval had an arrest warrant issued in October 2017 after he cut off his GPS ankle monitor.  At the time, the RPD believed Sandoval had fled the country to avoid an upcoming criminal trial involving alleged sex abuse of a minor.  After his arrest by RPD Detectives in March 2015, Sandoval had been indicted on Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (2 counts) and Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree.  Since October 2017, RPD has been working with the United States Marshal’s Office to locate Sandoval in Mexico.

Information from CBSA indicated Sandoval flew from Mexico to Vancouver, BC, Canada, and entered the country using a fake name and passport.  Follow-up investigation by CBSA officials unveiled Sandoval’s true name and wanted status in Oregon.  Sandoval was arrested by CBSA officials and had been held in custody pending his contested extradition hearing, which was most recently scheduled to occur in May 2019.

For unknown reasons, Sandoval abandoned his contested extradition hearing in Canada and agreed to be extradited to Oregon.  On June 7, 2019, Sandoval was lodged in the Deschutes County Adult Jail. 

“We are pleased Mr. Sandoval is back in jail awaiting his day in court.  The charges against him are serious and have significantly impacted the minor involved," remarked Redmond Chief of Police Dave Tarbet.  "I wish to thank the US Marshal’s Office, the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, the US Attorney’s Office, and the Canadian Border Services Agency for their hard work making sure Sandoval was returned to Oregon."  

The RPD puts great effort into investigations and is proud of our ability to help bring criminals to justice.

Questions regarding Sandoval’s next court date and details of the extradition process should be directed to the Deschutes County District Attorney.

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem Fire Department wants Salem residents to have a fun and enjoyable Independence Day celebration by ensuring safe practices and legal use of consumer fireworks. They remind everyone to protect their family and property from fires and injuries by practicing the “Four BEs” of fireworks safety:

1. Be Prepared Before Lighting Fireworks
   • Use only legal fireworks available at licensed fireworks sales locations.
   • Store fireworks out of children’s reach.
   • Always read and follow the directions on the firework’s label.
   • Place pets indoors; they are easily frightened by fireworks.
   • Always have water handy (a garden hose or a bucket of water).
2. Be Safe When Lighting Fireworks
   • Only adults should light fireworks.
   • Keep matches and lighters away from children.
   • Only use fireworks outdoors and away from combustibles.
   • Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
   • Keep children and pets away from fireworks.
   • Do not throw fireworks or hold them in your hand.
3. Be Responsible After Lighting Fireworks
   • Soak used fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water.
   • Dispose of used fireworks and debris properly.
   • Never re-light a “dud” firework. (Wait at least 15–20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.)
4. Be Aware of Laws Governing Fireworks
   • Use only legal fireworks.
   • Use fireworks only where it is legal to do so.
   • Fireworks are prohibited in City and State Parks.

Each year, the Salem Fire Department responds to many fireworks-related incidents. Some incidents cause significant damaged to vehicles and buildings. Of special concern are fireworks-related injuries. Young ones are most at risk. National statistics indicate children and teenagers are two-and-a-half times more likely than others to suffer a fireworks-related injury.

Fireworks are approved for sale in Oregon each year from June 23 through July 6. State-legal fireworks can be purchased from licensed retailers in Salem during this time period. Residents can also enjoy watching the large professional fireworks display at Riverfront Park on July 4.

PORTLAND, Ore., June 26, 2019— OnPoint Community Credit Union and the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) today announced the 2019 scholarship winners of the OnPoint Community Credit Union Scholar Program. This program recognizes both scholar athletes and activity scholars who are graduating seniors of an OSAA member school.

OnPoint and the OSAA have awarded $7,500 in scholarships, including one $2,500 prize and five $1,000 prizes. The Scholar Program honors graduating seniors who have achieved a 3.50 or higher unweighted cumulative GPA, and have earned either a varsity letter in an OSAA-sanctioned sport or competed in an OSAA-sanctioned activity. Winners were selected based on academic achievement, community leadership, two letters of recommendation, and an essay on how participating in OSAA activities has enhanced their learning or helped them achieve their goals.

“We are so proud to support these incredible students as they continue their education journeys from high school to college,” said OnPoint President and CEO Rob Stuart. “OnPoint was founded by teachers and we honor those roots through our commitment to students, educators and school communities. Our partnership with the OSAA is one piece of that commitment.”  

The 2019 winners of the OnPoint Community Credit Union Scholar Program:

• The top prize of a $2,500 scholarship goes to Maren Gingerich from Canby High School. Maren successfully advocated for bringing girls wrestling to her school and helped the team grow from four to 20 girls. Maren was recognized for her student leadership, bringing about change and creating new opportunities.

The five $1,000 scholarship winners are highlighted below.

• Ben Ineson from Liberty High School in Hillsboro demonstrates a deep passion for baseball, as well as a strong commitment to giving back to his community. Ben will continue his passion for athletics by pursuing a Sports Management degree.
• Annika Marshall from Clackamas High School overcame shyness to excel at speech and debate, using the platform to advocate for accommodation for introverts in education. Annika plans to study Political Science.
• Angelique Perrone from Elkton High School shows exemplary community involvement and volunteerism, including serving on the Board of Directors at the Elkton Community Education Center in addition to her academic success. Angelique has well-rounded interests, participating in both band and volleyball.
• Marley Salveter from Sandy High School excels in both athletics and academics. She participated in varsity soccer and track and field teams all four years of high school. She also lettered in basketball and cross country. Marley has been invited to play soccer at the collegiate level.
• Astoria High School’s Henry Samuelson exhibits a strong commitment to leadership. Henry served as co-president for both ASB and the math honor society, as well as volunteering as an Oregon 4-H State Ambassador and a camp counselor.

More than 150 students applied from 57 OSAA member schools. All graduating seniors in the Scholar Program were eligible to apply for a scholarship. The Scholar Program is part of OnPoint’s partnership with OSAA as the title sponsor of the Oregon high school state championships.

“I commend these excellent students for their academic achievement, leadership in their community, and dedication to their chosen activities,” said OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber. “Thank you to OnPoint for partnering with us to encourage and support the academic achievement of students, including our 2019 Scholar Program scholarship winners.”

To learn more about the OnPoint Community Credit Union Scholar Program, please visit http://www.osaa.org/awards/scholar.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 370,000 members and with assets of $5.5 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

ABOUT THE OREGON SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) is a private non-profit, board-governed association comprised of 292 member high schools. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the OSAA annually sponsors 113 team and 426 individual event state championships for students competing in 19 interscholastic activities. For more information, visit http://www.osaa.org or follow @OSAASports on social media.

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The deceased victims from yesterday's incident at Sandy Swimming Hole are identified as Rudolf Hohstadt age 61 & Regina Hohstadt age 62. The Hohstadt's were from Germany and arrived in the U.S. a few days ago to visit family who live in the metro area.  

The suspect is David E Croswell age 71. Croswell resident of Washougal WA.  

Allen Cook

Commander

Washougal Police Dept.

The man and woman killed this afternoon were both German nationals visiting the local area. Thier names will be released tomorrow morning pending notification of next of kin. 

A suspect was arrested on two counts of vehicle Homicide, he is in his early 70’s and a resident of Washougal. Additional charges is likely. It is not believed the suspect knew the victims or had contact with them prior to the incident. 

Additional information to include the names of the victims and suspect will be released tomorrow mid morning. 

No additional information is expected tonight. 

Our hearts go out for the victims and their family

Allen Cook

Commander 

A person of interest for the hit and run at  Sandy Swimming Hole Park was located by police and is currently being question. His identity is not being released at this time.  We do not believe there are any additional individuals involved with the tragic incident at the park.

Allen Cook 

Commander 

The suspect vehicle has been located by police. Further updates will be sent out as they become available. 

The Washougal Police Department was just informed that both victims are now deceased. One victim died on arrival to the hospital and the second victim died approximately 20 minutes later. Suspect and suspect vehicle have not been located. 

Allen Cook

Commander

Washougal Police Department. 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has created an option for food establishments interested in creating dog-friendly outdoor patios.

Since 2005, Washington state food code has prohibited all animals, except service animals, on the premises of food establishments, which include outdoor dining areas. In recent years, local business owners and the public have shown growing interest in more pet-friendly dining establishments. In response, Clark County Public Health has developed a variance to the state code that will allow dogs on outdoor patios while still maintaining food safety.

Food establishments applying for a variance must demonstrate they have implemented practices outlined by Public Health that maintain safe food-handling standards and reduce the risks associated with having dogs in dining areas. Those practices include:

• only allowing dogs to enter the patio area from an outside entrance
• posting signs prohibiting dogs from sitting on chairs, tables, countertops and patrons’ laps
• not allowing dogs to have any contact with reusable dishes or utensils used for food service
• keeping the outdoor patio free of visible dog hair, dog dander and other dog-related waste
• not allowing employees to touch, pet or otherwise handle any dog while serving food or beverages or handling tableware
• requiring dogs to be kept on a short leash in the control of the owner and have a current pet license

These practices are necessary to reduce the risk of food workers coming into contact with potential sources of disease and passing those germs onto patrons. Dog feces can contain a variety of worms, bacteria and parasites, including salmonella, giardia, cryptosporidiosis and campylobacter. People who come into contact with those germs – whether directly or indirectly, on other surfaces or food – can become ill.

The local variance only applies to dogs; other pets remain prohibited on outdoor patios and inside food establishments. An approved variance only allows dogs in an outdoor seating area, not inside the restaurant. Only service animals are allowed inside food establishments.

The variance review process requires a one-time fee of $300. Food establishment permit and fee amounts are set based on the cost of providing the service, in accordance with policy direction set by the Clark County Board of Health in 2018.

Washington County residents itching for outdoor recreation now have a new option for visiting Oregon’s state parks: one-day parking permits.

The permits, available until Dec. 31, are available to county library members for free and will cover the $5 day-use parking fee charged at 25 state parks. Members can reserve a permit online for their day trip, then print out the permit for display in the park.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) partnered with the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) to add the permits to the WCCLS Cultural Pass to Adventure program. The one-day permits are still in the pilot program stage; OPRD will evaluate their usage among library members before potentially expanding their availability.

Traci Nguyen, OPRD marketing coordinator, says the partnership with the county is the perfect testing ground for the new one-day permits.

“Making outdoor recreation more accessible to all Oregonians is one of our core goals,” said Nguyen. “We were thrilled to learn that WCCLS shared those goals and we’re excited to offer the permits for a limited run this year.”

The permit provides entry of one car per pass, honored at all 25 Oregon State Parks that charge a day-use parking fee. The permit is valid for one day only, and cannot be used for camping or extra vehicle fees. Visit bit.ly/OneDayPermit for a list of parks that charge a day-use parking fee.

The Cultural Pass to Adventure program is limited to Washington County residents that hold a valid library card from one of the county’s 17 library locations. In total, the program provides 10 different passes for members.

OPRD also offers 12-month and 24-month day-use parking permits. Visit the Oregon State Parks website to learn more or to purchase your permit online. Permits are also sold throughout the state by several vendors: oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=30.

GRESHAM, Ore.— 41-year-old Gresham resident Seth Ames was arrested after setting two separate residential fires in the 18600 block of SE Brooklyn Ct.

911 callers reported the incident to Gresham Police and Fire at about 12:09 a.m. Witnesses saw Ames throwing a Molotov cocktail at his neighbor’s garage door. Ames also set his own house on fire from the basement.

Ames crashed his vehicle into a trailer after nearly hitting a police car responding to the call in the 18300 block of SE Brooklyn Ct.

Fires at both locations were extinguished without any injury.

Gresham Detectives and Gresham Fire Investigators are still investigating the scene and motives behind the arson.

Ames is being lodged at Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Arson I, Unlawful Manufacture of Destructive Device, Reckless Endangerment and Reckless Driving.

At around 4:52 pm a red or maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee drove through a chain link fence located on the west side of Sandy Swimming Hole Park and continued  down onto the beach striking and driving over an adult male and an adult female who were laying on the beach. The Jeep continued through the park and exited the park on the east side by driving up a berm and through a park sign. According to witnesses the driver of the Jeep never slowed down as it tore through the park.  The Jeep was last seen driving east on Shepherd Road from from Sandy Swimming Hole Park located at 1676 Shepherd Road, Washougal.

Both victims were critically injured and were transported to the hospital. One victim has since died. The identity of the victims will not be released until next of kin have been notified. It is not known if the driver of the Jeep knew the victims or not. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a 2005 to 2010  and has extensive front end damage to include missing the front grill. The driver was described as a white male, brownish thinning hair, and approximately 40 to 50 years old.

This investigation is in it’s initial stages by the Washougal Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit. 

Anybody with information concerning the jeep or suspect is requested to call 911.

There is not a PIO assigned, updates will be released. 

It’s official: Vancouver Public Schools’ forthcoming elementary school now has a name. Vancouver Innovation, Technology and Arts Elementary School was selected after students, staff members, families and community members made more than 800 suggestions over two weeks in May.

The final name was suggested by Vancouver eighth-grader Seneca Christie, who noted that the acronym, VITA, is the Latin word for “life.” Wrote Christie, “Isn't the main point of school to bring your ideas to life? Personally, I think that the idea of having an elementary school with such a powerful name is wonderful, because elementary school students are so full of life, that it would be wonderful to be able to display that to the community.”

Vancouver Public Schools’ board of directors selected the name at its June 25 meeting.

The new school will focus on opportunities for students to innovate through project-based learning and the arts. VITA will enroll approximately 500 students in kindergarten through fifth grades.

The four-story school will be located behind the current Fort Vancouver Regional Library Operations Center. VPS plans to begin construction in January 2020 and anticipates that VITA will open in fall 2021. 

Construction is paid for through a bond measure that voters approved in February 2017. Although VPS will construct only the school, the vision and master plan for the campus also include a preschool, center for the performing arts and other spaces for business and community use.

To learn more and sign up for e-newsletter updates, please visit https://vansd.org/reschools. 

SCAPPOOSE, Ore. – As Portland Community College gets closer to finalizing a property purchase in Columbia County, it has selected Andrew Lattanner as the director of the college’s Workforce Training Center, part of the regional Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) in Scappoose. He will begin his work with PCC on July 15.

The OMIC effort is a collaboration of industry, higher education and government focused on creating a world-class innovation center. It seeks to combine applied research and development and workforce training to serve the region’s advanced manufacturers, specifically the metals manufacturing industry. R&D projects are led by industry and university partners, while the Training Center will be led by PCC and shaped around a novel apprenticeship model.

“Andrew’s vast public policy and community engagement expertise will add great value to this key leadership position for PCC,” said Marc Goldberg, associate vice president for Workforce Development and Continuing Education at the college, whose division includes the OMIC Training Center.

“Our goal is to build a pipeline of talent for regional manufacturers through OMIC, to meet their future workforce needs,” he said. “At the same time, we’re striving to create economic mobility for area residents to access living wage careers in a key industry sector that is growing in Oregon.”

In late October 2018, PCC began the process of negotiating a purchase and sale agreement on a parcel of land – just over 17 acres – earmarked for the OMIC Training Center. Located just north of Wagner Court and east of West Lane Road, in Scappoose, the property offers easy access for students and the local community, and is close to the OMIC R&D operations center.

As the director, Lattanner will oversee a center whose stable of programs includes Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Operations, Machine Manufacturing, Industrial Fabrication, and Mechatronics. The center will offer training that combines work-based experience with classroom and lab instruction, in an apprenticeship format that enables students to “earn while they learn.” Additionally, he will be responsible for connecting regional manufacturers with OMIC training, to ensure the apprenticeship model meets their priority workforce needs.

Lattanner is a transplant to Oregon from Washington, DC, where for the past 12 years he has been charged with bringing diverse stakeholders together to address pressing challenges faced by communities, states and regions. Workforce development has been at the top of Lattanner’s priority list, in part because of his role to support a U.S. Senator and Representative from Indiana, the most manufacturing-intensive state in the country.

Most recently, from 2013 until this year, he has served as the legislative director, then as deputy chief of staff, for Sen. Joe Donnelly. In this capacity, Lattanner was Donnelly’s top legislative advisor with responsibility for legislative planning, strategic communications, and constituent and stakeholder outreach. Prior to this role, he was the chief of staff for then-Congresswoman Kathy Hochul.

Lattanner is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, where he earned his Master of Public Administration degree. He completed his undergraduate work at Mount Union College in Alliance, OH, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

PCC’s OMIC Training Center is slated to open in fall 2020, with construction beginning this summer after the property sale closes.

About Portland Community College: Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 71,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, eight education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

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

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet on Tuesday, July 9 at 8:30 a.m. at DOGAMI's Portland office, 800 NE Oregon St., Suite 965.

The meeting agenda is available at https://www.oregongeology.org.

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy and oversees general operations, and adopts a strategic plan every six years. The Board meets at least quarterly. As active members of their communities, Board members provide an important connection between Oregonians and DOGAMI's mission of providing earth science information and regulation to make Oregon safe and prosperous.

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The Evergreen School Board of Directors has recently approved the hiring and assignments of administrators for the 2019-20 school year. District-level changes reflect the consolidation and reassignment of duties after the reduction of 32 central office positions to help close a budget gap.

As previously announced, Mike Merlino was named the Superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools in April. He will also retain the majority of his previous position duties as Chief Operating Officer. He has been with the district for 20 years.

Bill Oman moves to Chief Academic Officer, overseeing the district’s curriculum, instruction practices and assessment. He will retain oversight of the district’s high schools from his previous role as Executive Director of Secondary Education.

Brian Grimsted moves to the district office as Executive Director of School Support Services to supervise middle schools, athletics, activities, safety and security and information technology programs. He has been the principal at Union High School since it opened in 2007.

Erin Lucich will be the district’s Director of Instructional Development. She will oversee all subject/content specialists as well as the launch and implementation of the district’s new literacy curriculum. She has been the principal at Illahee Elementary for six years and with the district since 1997.

Griffin Peyton will be the new principal at Union High School. He moves from Frontier Middle School where he had been principal and associate principal. He also taught at Pacific Middle School.

Filling the role of principal at Frontier Middle School will be Lynnette Sundstrom. She has served as an associate principal at Evergreen and Union High Schools, as well as the interim principal at Mill Plain Elementary. She has been in the district since 1988.

Allison Harding will become the principal at Cascade Middle School succeeding Kristin White as she retires. Harding has been the associate principal at Heritage High School since 2013 and previously taught at Union High School.

Burnt Bridge Creek Elementary principal Darcy Mitchelson will take on additional duties as the planning principal for the district’s new 22nd elementary to be located at SE 162nd Avenue and SE 39th Street. The school has just broken ground and will open in the fall of 2020.

Kiya Masunaga will fill the role of principal at Illahee Elementary. She has been the associate principal at Columbia Valley, and previously was an administrator in Portland Public Schools.

Two elementary principals will change schools-Elizabeth Brawley will move to Riverview from Orchards, and Riverview principal Stuart Anderson will take over at Orchards.

Joan Huston becomes the Director of Cascadia Technical Academy, replacing Dr. Mark Mansell who has retired. Huston is a graduate and former instructor of the school when it was known as the Clark County Skills Center. She has also taught and been an administrator in the Longview and Woodland School Districts before returning last year as Cascadia’s associate director.

There are also a number of associate principal hires and changes.  At the high school level, Ebony Kee-McKenzie moves to Heritage as the associate principal, replacing Allison Harding, from the same position at Frontier Middle School. Andrea Wooster will be the associate principal at Evergreen High School, replacing Lynnette Sundstrom, moving from interim associate principal at Mountain View. Gary Price moves from Mountain View associate principal to Evergreen, and Evergreen associate principal Charles Anthony moves to Mountain View. Charles Tumelty will fill the interim associate role at Mountain View from Dean of Students at Heritage. Tami Opplinger moves to Dean of Students at Cascadia Tech from associate principal at Endeavour Elementary.

Amy Haynes, from Vancouver Public Schools (and previously with Evergreen) will become the new associate principal at Frontier Middle School.

At the elementary level, Angelina Yelverton will be the new associate principal at Endeavour and Jeannette Crone will move into the same position at Columbia Valley. Both move from being instructional coaches at their respective schools.

Two current elementary associate principals, who split time between schools, will trade part of their school assignments: Kristi Wall will retain half-time duties at Riverview Elementary and move to York from Ellsworth; while Rose Treacy will retain the part-time associate role at Hearthwood, and move to Ellsworth from York for the other half of her position.

Evergreen Public Schools, with 25,500 students is the largest school district in southwest Washington and the sixth largest school district in the state. The district is also the third largest employer in Clark County with over 3,300 employees.

OREGON CITY – A total of 1,653 students made the Clackamas Community College honor roll and president’s list for winter term 2019.

To be named to the honor roll, students must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or better. To be named to the president’s list, students must earn a 3.75 grade-point average or better.

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Editor’s note: Please see attached files for the list of honor roll names and city of residency.

OREGON CITY – The Clackamas Community College Environmental Learning Center in Oregon City is hosting a star party on July 19.

This stargazing event will allow participants to see the cloud bands and largest moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and the rising of the waning gibbous moon – weather permitting. 

Volunteers from Rose City Astronomers will be on site to share views through their telescopes. In addition to viewing the planets and moon, there will be double stars, star clusters, nebulae and maybe even a few galaxies to look at!

The Star Party will run 9-11:30 p.m. on July 19. Participants should meet at the CCC athletic fields near the intersection of John Inskeep Drive and Douglas Loop, near the Environmental Learning Center. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and binoculars. The college is located at 19600 Molalla Ave.

For more information about the Environmental Learning Center, visit www.clackamas.edu/ELC. For more information about the Star Party, call 503-594-3015.

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Vancouver, Washington – The Vancouver City Council is seeking volunteers to write pro and con statements about seven proposed amendments to the City’s charter. The statements will be included in this year’s Voters’ Pamphlet, published by the Clark County Auditor’s Office in advance of the Nov. 5 general election. 

Clark County’s election regulations require the Vancouver City Council appoint committees of up to three people to write pro and con statements. Statements are limited to 250 words each and must be completed by Aug.12, 2019. To volunteer to serve on a pro or con committee, please contact Jan Bader at 360-487-8606 or ader@cityofvancouver.us">jan.bader@cityofvancouver.us.

The proposed charter amendments make changes to the Salary Review Commission membership and process; clarify councilmember qualifications for office; elaborate on the procedures for filling city council vacancies; make a revision to the City’s claims process; clarify the City’s contracting authority; and make several other administrative changes.

The charter serves as the City’s constitution. Every five years, the City appoints a committee of 15 residents to review the charter and make recommendations to the City Council on potential changes. The 2019 Charter Review Committee recommended seven changes for the charter that Vancouver City Council voted to place on the ballot for the Nov. 5, 2019, general election.  

Complete text of the proposed charter review amendments maybe found at www.cityofvancouver.us/charterreview.

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Pacific Power media hotline:                                   June 25, 2019

1-800-570-5838                                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pacific Power helps customers ready for 2019 wildfire season

New information resources available as part of statewide wildfire safety and mitigation efforts

PORTLAND, Ore. — With wildfires becoming more frequent and intense in the West, Pacific Power is adding new safety measures and system enhancements throughout the state to help protect the communities it serves, and to provide safe, reliable power. Starting this week, Pacific Power is launching a wildfire safety and preparedness education effort with new resources to help customers stay safe this wildfire season.

“Our wildfire planning is multifaceted and covers many aspects from vegetation management to increasing our weather forecasting capabilities” said David Lucas, vice president of transmission and distribution operations. “But we’re not alone in this. The entire West is grappling with how to prepare for a time when we’re seeing the threat of catastrophic wildfires on the rise. Thankfully there are preventative measures we all can take to help reduce risks and stay safe this summer.

The following resources are available to help customers prepare and know what to do, should a wildfire become a threat in their area.

Awareness campaign

Beginning today, radio, print and social media ads will appear across Pacific Power service areas to help customers know what they can do to prepare for wildfire season and what Pacific Power is doing to be ready.

Wildfire information web page

Pacific Power’s updated, educational website (www.pacificpower.net/wildfiresafety) provides specific tips on how to prepare and stay safe this wildfire season, along with information about Public Safety Power Shutoffs that could take place in certain regions.

Community events

Pacific Power will be hosting a series of community open houses for customers to learn more about the energy provider’s comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans and Public Safety Power Shutoff measure. Experts will be on hand to answer questions.

• July 9, Grants Pass, Taprock Event Center, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• July 10, Roseburg, Douglas County Fairgrounds Cascade Hall, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• July 11, Medford, Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• July 17, Hood River, Best Western Plus Hood River Inn, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Special notice for customers in Public Safety Power Shutoff Regions

This season a Public Safety Power Shutoff may be used in areas of high wildfire risk that Pacific Power will deploy only when extreme weather and catastrophic wildfire conditions warrant. Public Safety Power Shutoffs are expected to be a rare occurrence, and conducted in a way that impacts as few customers as possible.
 
Pacific Power has more information about Public Safety Power Shutoffs on its website at www.pacificpower.net/wildfiresafety. Here, customers can find details on what would prompt a Public Safety Power Shutoff, maps identifying regions at higher risk of wildfire, and information for customers with medical equipment or life support systems to self-identify with Pacific Power for additional emergency notifications and outreach prior to a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
 
Wildfire preparation tips
      Additionally, Pacific Power offers these tips to prepare this season.

• Create a defensible space around your home by removing burnable debris such as dried leaves, dead tree branches and stacks of firewood. Pay special attention to clearing debris beneath decks and gutters.
• Help ensure your family's safety by installing and maintaining smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your home. Identify adequate sources of water within 1,000 feet of your home, such as a well, hydrant or swimming pool.

• Be sure firefighters can easily access your home should they need to. Keep your driveway clear.
• Create an emergency kit that contains medicines, food, water, battery-powered flashlights and radio and other essentials.
   
  NOTE TO REPORTERS: A Media FAQ is available upon request with additional details. Please contact Pacific Power’s media hotline at 1-800-570-5838 to request a copy.
   
  ####
   
  About Pacific Power
  Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with almost 1.9 million customers in six western states. Information about Pacific Power is available on the company's website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages.

Oregon House Votes to Curb Diesel Pollution

Old dirty diesel engines may soon be on their way out

SALEM -- Diesel exhaust from heavy-duty engines is one of Oregon’s biggest air toxic problems and can be solved by replacing old polluting engines with newer diesel engines or with trucks and equipment that run on cleaner fuels like electricity. In a 44 to 15 vote in favor of HB 2007, the Oregon House has chosen to accelerate this critical transition.

“We have known about diesel’s pernicious impacts on human health for decades,” said Morgan Gratz-Weiser, Legislative Director of Oregon Environmental Council. “Today’s landmark vote signals that the Oregon House cares about Oregonians’ hearts, lungs and brains, all of which are harmed when diesel engines are allowed to pollute our communities.”

The vast majority of Oregonians are breathing diesel exhaust at unsafe levels, with 19 counties across Oregon exceeding the state’s health benchmark. Diesel pollution contributes to cancer risk, as well as heart disease and heart attacks, asthma attacks, reduced lung growth in children, birth anomalies and autism, male infertility and more. Children are most vulnerable and so are people who work with diesel and who live by highly trafficked roads. 

HB 2007 will start diesel clean-up in the tri-county area (Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties) by requiring:

• Engine standards for diesel-powered trucks: By 2023 all medium-duty (e.g., delivery vans, garbage trucks) and heavy-duty trucks (e.g., big rigs) will be required to run on a 1997 or newer engine; and by 2029 medium-duty trucks will need to run on a 2010 or newer diesel engines, as well as publicly owned heavy-duty trucks. Trucks can also comply by switching to cleaner fuels or trapping pollution with special filters. 

• Phase-out of resale of old diesel engines: After 2025, medium-duty truck owners will not be able to purchase diesel engines older than 2010, and heavy-duty truck owners will not be able to purchase diesel engines older than 2007.

• Clean construction: State-funded construction projects costing $20 million or more in the tri-county area will require 80% clean equipment, and construction equipment owners will be encouraged to display a sticker that shows the emissions profile of the engine.

• VW settlement funds: Approximately $53 million will assist the trucks and equipment subject to clean-up, prioritizing applications that support cleaner fuels, and grant applicants running minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran owned businesses, disadvantaged business enterprises, or emerging small businesses.

• Future success: A task force will develop new funding strategies to support businesses across the entire state in upgrading their fleets.

“HB 2007 and previous diesel clean-up bills have gained broad support from doctors and nurses, public health and environment advocates, faith leaders, and groups representing vulnerable communities across the state,” said Chris Hagerbaumer, Deputy Director of Oregon Environmental Council. “When this legislation passes the Senate and is signed by the Governor it will launch protections for 44% of the state’s residents.”

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About Oregon Environmental Council: We bring Oregonians together to protect our water, air and land with healthy solutions that work for today and for future generations. Founded in 1968 by concerned Oregonians from across the state, we are a membership-based, nonpartisan nonprofit. Follow us! @oeconline | OEConline.org

For Immediate Release                                        

June 25, 2019

Contact:                Mona Riesterer  
                             503-378-2431

Notice of Meeting Cancelation

The Unarmed Subcommittee has canceled their meeting scheduled for July 10, 2019. The next meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2019 @ 1.00 pm.   

On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at 5:02 a.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant related to a shooting that damaged a vehicle in the Rock Creek community in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 16th.

Detectives arrested Brian Toru Matsuo, 39, at his residence in the Aloha area on charges of first degree attempted assault, unlawful use of a weapon, first degree criminal mischief, and menacing.

(Original Media Release Below)

Vehicle Damaged, No One Injured in Rock Creek Shooting

June 16, 2019

On Sunday, June 16, 2019, at 3:22 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the report of a shooting at NW Rock Creek Drive and NW Landing Drive in the community of Rock Creek.

When deputies arrived, they learned that a 2007 BMW 3-series sedan had been struck by at least two gunshots. The shots penetrated the BMW’s rear window and trunk. Fortunately, no one inside the vehicle was injured.

The investigation revealed that immediately preceding the shooting, the suspect and victims spoke briefly at a nearby business. The suspect complained about how the BMW had been parked.

Officers from the Hillsboro Police Department assisted deputies at the scene.

No arrests have been made. Detectives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit will continue to investigate.

Investigators would like to speak to anyone with information about this shooting. Please call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2700.

School nurses are unsung heroes in Washington state’s effort to ensure that all students receive equal access to education.

Serving as a bridge between healthcare and education, school nurses support students’ physical, mental, emotional and social health needs through in-school assessments, and by providing resources and help where needed.

Research shows that when nurses spend more time in schools, attendance goes up, along with student learning.

“Many of the students we serve have serious health needs and challenges,” said Julia Kintz, health services manager for Educational Service District 112 in Vancouver. “When their healthcare needs are being met, they not only feel better but also learn better.”

Now celebrating its 20th year, the Washington State School Nurse Corps is focused on reducing healthcare inequities, especially in small rural school districts.

The Nurse Corps was established in 1999 after a legislative report found that small rural districts had unequal access to professional school nurses. The report also noted the increasing complexity of health care needs found in public schools.

The program’s annual survey results indicate that when districts have a consistent nursing presence, there are improved health and safety benefits for students and staff, increased communication about health concerns and increased confidence in providing health care to students. Families report that collaboration with a school nurse helps keep their students safe and healthy, and improves attendance.

Outside research backs up these findings:

• A 2016 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report showed a direct relationship between chronic school absences and physical, mental and social health.
• A 2014 cost-benefit study of school nursing services, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, shows that consistent nursing services have economic benefits: For every dollar invested in school nursing, education systems and society experience $2.20 in benefits. School nursing prevents unnecessary visits to the emergency room, improves attendance and engagement, enables parents to stay at work and helps teachers stay focused on teaching.

Each of Washington’s nine ESDs has a nurse administrator who identifies and addresses short- and long-term needs unique to their school districts and populations. Because these administrators are familiar with the health issues of students statewide, they are called on to:

• provide leadership during health crises (such as the 2019 measles outbreak)
• testify at the Legislature on behalf of student health and safety
• participate in regional- and state-level health committees
• partner with state health and education agencies

The School Nurse Corps is a partnership of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the state’s nine Educational Service Districts. It is funded with grants that correspond to each ESD’s population and area, and by some school districts.

The program has received national attention for improving quality of care and efficient use of resources and in 2013 won the prestigious Washington State Warren Featherstone Reid Award recognizing exceptional quality and value in the delivery of health services.

The National Park Service welcomes you to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to celebrate Independence Day! Due to the Independence Day at Fort Vancouver event, only visitors who have a disabled parking pass for their cars will be permitted to park on site on July 4, 2019. However, all park facilities, including the Visitor Center, the reconstructed Fort Vancouver, and Pearson Air Museum, will be open to pedestrian access after visitors enter through one of the three security checked gates.

As the fireworks show will not start until 10:05 pm, the park facilities will be open later than usual. Fort Vancouver and Pearson Air Museum will be open 12 pm to 8 pm. The park’s Visitor Center will be open from 12 pm to 5 pm. There is no fee to enter the Visitor Center or Pearson Air Museum. Entrance to the reconstructed Fort Vancouver stockade costs $10 for adults; youth ages 15 and under are free. America the Beautiful passes are honored.

The Bookstore at the Visitor Center, operated by the non-profit Friends of Fort Vancouver, will be open from 12 pm to 5 pm, with an extended shop located directly adjacent to the Visitor Center open until 8 pm. The Bookstore offers a wide variety of items related to the site, including books, artwork, jewelry, tea, and snacks.

National Park Service staff and volunteers will be dressed in period costumes throughout the reconstructed fort to help bring the site to life and present the lifeways of the 19th century fur trade. Civil War era and 1930s era US Army reenactors will be located just north of the reconstructed fort. The Visitor Center and Pearson Air Museum will have exhibits and films available for viewing as well.


What: Independence Day at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Learn more about this event, produced by the National Trust, at https://www.thehistorictrust.org/celebrate-freedom-events/independence-day/
 
Where: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, including the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company Fort Vancouver, the Visitor Center, and Pearson Air Museum
 
When: Thursday, July 4, 2019, 12 pm to 8 pm
 
Cost: Entrance to the reconstructed Fort Vancouver is $10.00 for adults and free for children 15 and under. All interagency (America the Beautiful) passes are honored. Pearson Air Museum and the Visitor Center are free of charge.
 

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department would like to take the opportunity to send out a sincere Thank You to all the citizens, businesses and organizations who have already donated to the fund raising efforts for the department to obtain and implement a K-9 program. The response and support thus far from the public for the implementation of the K-9 program has been phenomenal and approximately $50,000 of donations has been received.

Donations toward the K-9 program are still being accepted as we continue to strive for our donation goal of $75,000 and additional fund raising efforts and events will be continuing in the future. Donations can be made to the program in the following ways: through a Go Fund Me account at https://www.gofundme.com/lincoln-city-k9-program-fund, or at www.lincolncityk9.com. Donations can also be mailed to the Lincoln City Police Department, Attention K-9 Fund, 1503 SE East Devils Lake Road, Lincoln City, OR, 97367.   

The Lincoln City Police Department would again like to express our gratitude and appreciation to all of those who have already supported and donated to the Lincoln City Police Department K-9 program. If you have any questions about K-9 Fund donations or the K-9 program in general please contact the Lincoln City Police Department at 541-994-3636 and we would be glad to talk with you.   

Submitted By:     Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

Portland Ore. – On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy set the national goal of performing a crewed lunar landing and subsequent return to Earth by the end of the decade. On July 20, 1969, that goal became a reality when the Apollo 11 mission successfully took humans to the moon and back. 

During the month of July, The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to commemorate one of the greatest engineering feats in history. Museum guests can learn about the science that took humans to the moon, share where they were when Neil Armstrong first set foot on the lunar surface and attend events celebrating the mission. 

There’s something for everyone at OMSI in July: movies, events, science demos, laser shows, stomp rockets and much more. 

Daily: Apollo 11: First Steps Edition 
Crafted from a newly-discovered trove of never-before-seen 70mm archive footage and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings and made exclusively for science centers and museum theaters, Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, puts audiences at the center of NASA’s historic lunar landing. 

Daily: Planetarium shows 
Learn about the interesting stories of the constellations and others the Kendall Planetarium. It is not just stars everyone can see in the night sky—planets, constellations, zodiac, shooting stars and satellites are all there if you know when and where to look. Navigate by the stars and discover how you can become a backyard astronomer. 

July 10: Reel Science: The Right Stuff
Watch and learn at The Empirical Theater as OMSI brings the science of your favorite movies to life on the big screen. This month’s lecture is by Karel Schrijver, solar and stellar physicist, and former astrophysicist at Lockheed Martin, and Principal Investigator for NASA's TRACE and SDO/AIA Sun-viewing Missions. She’ll unravel the interesting story about sun-earth connections and how important the sun is for astronomy because of its proximity to our little blue planet.

July 13: Meet a Scientist – Space edition!
Meet a Scientist features local scientists who share their research and knowledge through hands-on activities and conversation. This month we’re meeting with scientists, who are working on projects and research related to space:
•    Compare light from a telescope to a transient database to see from which cosmic object it originated.
•    Explore what satellites can tell us about the ocean and its tides.
•    Viruses can live in extreme places –can they live in outer space?
•    Learn how scientist use satellites in space to learn about our oceans.
•    Explore the oceans from space, and learn about the microscopic creatures that help regulate our climate.
•    Using clues from incomplete data from satellites, become a sea ice scientist and map the Arctic Ocean.

July 16: Rocket Day - The Apollo 11 mission launched its way into history on this day at 6:32 PDT. Come join us for a day full of fun space-themed activities. You can also watch the Apollo 11 mission live as it is re-broadcast via NASA TV. See below for a list of fun events:
•    Rocket Launches: With generous support from Boeing, guests can celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11's launch with a historic launch of their own. Make sure to wear stompin' shoes! 
•    Hide and Seek Moon: How far away is the moon? What tools do scientists use to study dark and far away objects? Take a look yourself with this early childhood activity!
•    Observe the Sun: What is the sun? How do scientists safely look at our star? See the tools NASA scientists use to study the center of our solar system.
•    Pocket Solar System: How big is solar system? What types of objects can we find there? Create your own pocket solar system and discover the scale of the solar system!
•    Space Guess Quest: Humans explore a wide variety of objects in space. Use visual clues to identify the different types of objects (including human-made spacecraft)!

July 18: Reel Eats: Spaceballs
Reel Eats taps into the senses using both cinema and cuisine. Each curated bite is tucked away in different numbered boxes matching key moments in the film, enhancing the narrative in electrifying ways. Come join us for this quarterly film series and experience the silver screen like never before.

July 20: Space Day - This is the day Apollo 11 made history when humans first set foot on the Moon. Join OMSI for a day packed full of space science including: constellation alignment, NASA space technology, moon maps, planetarium shows and more.

July 20: Star Party - Lunar Viewing: Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 Moon Landing with a Lunar Viewing Party! On Saturday, July 20, join OMSI, Rose City Astronomers and Vancouver Sidewalk Astronomers at Rooster Rock State Park and Stub Stewart State Park for a special edition Star Party starting at 9 p.m.

July 24: Space Trivia Night
Take a giant leap and compete for out-of-this-world prizes in a cosmic competition of history, pop culture, and space science knowledge.

July 31: OMSI After Dark: Astronomy
A night at the museum for the 21-and-over crowd filled with food, drink, and science fun!
Shoot off water rockets, concoct chemical creations, discover the mind-boggling hugeness of the cosmos and our place in it at the intergalactic OMSI After Dark.

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in nearly every county in Oregon. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. 

June 25, 2019

Nyshawn Edwards charged with attempted murder in connection to September 14, 2018 shooting 

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the unsealing of a three-count charging document that accuses 19-year-old Nyshawn Edwards of one count of attempted murder with a firearm, one count of attempted assault in the first degree with a firearm and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. 

On June 24, 2019, at approximately 12:30 p.m., law enforcement located and arrested Edwards in the area of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Causey Avenue in Portland, Oregon. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center pursuant to an arrest warrant. 

According to the charging document, on September 14, 2018, Edwards unlawfully and intentionally attempted to cause the death of another person and that he attempted to intentionally cause serious physical injury to another person while using a firearm. 

The probable cause affidavit filed in this particular case remains under seal. 

This investigation started when Gresham Police, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and members of the East Metro Gang Enforcement Team responded to reports of a shooting near the area of Northeast 188th Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street. Upon arrival, officers located multiple shell casings, according to information previously released to the public by Gresham Police. 

During the investigation, law enforcement located three occupied homes and a business with gunfire damage, according to information previously released to the public by Gresham Police.

This investigation, which is being conducted by the East Metro Gang Enforcement Team, is continuing. As such, no additional information can be released at this time. 

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

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director 
Phone: 503.988.6567 
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

June 25, 2019

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee meets July 11 in Portland

What: The quarterly public meeting of the Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee.

Agenda: State EMS and Trauma Program; AmeriCorps VISTA member project; Sleep Safety Project; Safe and Secure; Pediatric Summit; EMSC Program; Pediatric Readiness Quality Collaborative; injury prevention outreach.

When: July 11, 9 a.m. to noon. A public comment period is offered at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 1B, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Attend by telephone conference call at 877-336-1831, access code 640551.

Background: This committee provides recommendations to the Oregon Emergency Medical Services for Children Program under ORS 431A.105(2)(d). For more information, see the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program website at http://www.oregonemsc.org/.

# # #

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 Rachel Ford, 971-673-0564, 711 TTY, or achel.l.ford@dhsoha.state.or.us">rachel.l.ford@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Battle Ground, WA -    The Battle Ground City Council has adopted a set of Guiding Principles that will serve as a foundation for policy decisions as the city begins the 2020 budget-planning process. 

The Guiding Principles were developed by City Council at their March 2019 Workshop following the completion of last year’s Roadmap community visioning process and the resulting Community Vision and Strategic Action Plan. City Council relied on the plan and its five community-identified focus areas of Community, Well-Being, Growth, Identity, and Prosperity to develop and adopt their Guiding Principles.  

“We were very purposeful in our deliberations,” said Mayor Mike Dalesandro, “we listened to what is important to the community and we are applying those core community values to our policy-making decisions.”

The Guiding Principles, formally adopted on June 3rd, are:

• Public Safety - Continue to invest in public safety efforts maintaining or increasing level of services and community outreach programs to ensure community well-being.
• Livability -  Preserve city infrastructure and services, and promote livability through multimodal transportation and interconnected parks and trail networks. 
• Beautification -  Protect and promote the City of Battle Ground by improving the presentation of city facilities and land to create a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
• Efficiencies - Adopt financial initiatives that streamline government to ensure government services are delivered in a cost effective manner that is affordable and efficient.
• Economic Development and Tourism - Put efforts towards expanding the city’s economic base.  Work on implementing the Community Vision by focusing on redevelopment of the downtown core, branding of the city, and targeting commercial and industrial sectors that will be successful in Battle Ground.
• Managed Growth - Be strategic about future growth and annexation.  Ensure a balance of housing types and services are provided.  Continue to expand infrastructure needs to accommodate growth.Future growth should be balanced, and diverse, including future housing development.
• Strategic Planning/Partnerships - Implement Community Vision initiatives and continue planning and budgeting for the future need.  Boost community partnerships to create cohesive programs and plans that are fiscally responsible and beneficial to the community as a whole.
• Community Vision/Strategic Action Plan - Implement the Community Vision and Strategic Action plan that was adopted in January 2019.  Ensure that council and staff revisit and update the Community Vision as needed and focus on initiatives identified for both the city and the community. 

Over the next several months, the City Manager will lead staff in developing a recommended budget for 2020 that reflects City Council’s Guiding Principles and ensures financial sustainability for the city.  The recommended, balanced budget will be presented to City Council who will provide opportunity for public input before final adoption.

The budget cycle continues throughout the year with regular monitoring to ensure efficient and effective use of resources, to verify City Council objectives are being met, and to identify and address any changing economic indicators.   

The City of Battle Ground is committed to accessible, accountable and transparent government practices.  The current budget plan, financial reports (including financial and accountability audits), taxpayer information and the Community Vision & Strategic Plan are readily available on the city’s Open Government page at www.cityofbg.org/35/Open-Government

Portland, OR - BBB Northwest + Pacific warns of a growing scam targeting would-be homebuyers.

Here’s how the scam works: First, scammers gain access to a real estate agents’ email and monitor communications. Next, they use a phishing scheme confirming or suggesting last minute wiring changes to divert closing costs and down payments to a fraudulent account.

Mortgage phishing scams such as this are on the rise. In fact, they rose a staggering 1,100% between 2015 and 2017, according to Consumer Protection Bureau (CPB).

So far this year, BBB NWP has received more than 100 real estate transaction complaints. A quarter of these in Oregon alone. And, last year, northwest consumers reported losing over $30,000 to phishing scams.

“When closing on a home, it’s always a good idea to confirm final financial transactions by calling advisors directly and not just trusting an email, especially, if there’s last minute changes,” advises Danielle Kane, BBB Northwest + Pacific marketplace manager.

“If the money has already been sent, act quickly by calling your bank or the wire transfer company and asking that the payment be recalled,” adds Charles Harwood, Federal Trade Commission Dir., Northwest Region.

Here are a few additional steps homebuyers can take to help avoid mortgage phishing scams:

• Do NOT email financial information
• Do NOT use free WiFi networks while conducting financial business
• Never click on links or use unfamiliar phone numbers in emails
• If you are the victim of wire fraud, contact the authorities immediately and report it to BBB.org/Scamtracker

About BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has helped people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2017, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at www.bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Northwest + Pacific, which serves more than 15 million consumers across Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Hawaii and Western Wyoming.  

Today, the Marion and Polk County Board of Commissioners selected Rep. Denyc Boles to fill the current vacancy for State Senator in Senate District 10. Rep. Boles was among three candidates nominated by the Marion and Polk County Republicans to fill the position.

Three nominees were interviewed in a special joint board session this morning that included Becky Mitts, Kevin Chambers, and Rep. Boles.

Marion County Commissioner Sam Brentano, meeting chair, said, “We were fortunate to have three well-qualified candidates to choose from. Denyc Boles’ experience in the legislature and knowledge of the district set her apart. I have appreciated Denyc’s perspective as a member of the Marion County budget committee. I am confident she will continue the work of Jackie Winters in representing Senate District 10.”

Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope, board chair, said, “I thank each of the candidates for participating in this challenging process. Each of the candidates has different qualities and skills they would bring to the position. But I had to ask, who would Jackie choose? And Denyc Boles is that candidate. We need someone with Denyc’s leadership and experience to hit the ground running to represent this important district.”  

For more information, contact the Board of Commissioners Office at (503) 588-5212 or email s@co.marion.or.us">commissioners@co.marion.or.us.

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

The following information is in response to a media request for information regarding recent death investigations by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Date of death: 06/22/2019

Location: Amboy, WA.

Decedent Name: Snider, Vernon W.      

Decedent Age:  84 Yrs               

Resident of:  Amboy, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death: Multiple Gunshot Wounds of the Head

Manner of death: Homicide

How injury occurred: Shot by other person(s)

Decedent Name: Rowland, Robert E.     

Decedent Age:  56 Yrs               

Resident of:  Amboy, WA

The opinions listed on the death certificate are as follows:

Cause of death: Gunshot Wound of the Head

Manner of death: Suicide

How injury occurred: Decedent shot self with handgun

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

Nikki J. Costa

Operations Manager

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

The weather is heating up, and your utility bills will likely rise with the temperatures this summer. This is a good time for us to give you a reminder about what to expect – and not expect – from your regional power provider when it comes to those big bills. 

One very common scam is for a person or small business to receive a message from a fraudster claiming to be from a utility. He claims you are way behind on your bill, and you have a very short period of time – maybe an hour or less – to pay up. If you do not, he will shut off your power. 

He will often tell you that you can rectify the situation with a quick payment, preferably by gift card. He will demand that you get the card, call him back and read the card number and PIN to him quickly. Once done, he can empty that card out in minutes. The card is like cash – once it is gone, it is almost always gone for good. 

Here’s how to protect yourself: 

• If someone claims to be from a utility threatening to disconnect you, tell the person you are going to hang up and call customer service back. Look for the real number on a recent bill or on the company’s webpage. Do not use whatever number the person gives. 

• Know that no legitimate utility will give you a single notice before shut-off, particularly by phone or text. 

• No legitimate utility will demand gift cards as payment.  

• Most utilities will work with you for payments if you give them a call. 

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

###

Vancouver, Washington – Discover the art, culture and natural beauty of Vancouver without breaking the bank. Vancouver Parks and Recreation has a full line up of events planned this summer, including festivals, concerts, movie nights, and charity runs and walks. Check out local craft vendors and breweries one day and enjoy a movie under the stars the next!

Make the most of your summer and explore these exciting community events in Vancouver.

Party on the waterfront

Be sure to check out the only event happening at the new Vancouver Waterfront Park this year! The Summer Celebration on the Waterfront presented by iQ Credit Union is on Friday, July 5. Listen to local band, Top Shelf, perform under the bandstand from 6 to 8 p.m. Stick around and watch "Mary Poppins Returns" on the big screen at dusk.

Bring a picnic dinner, grab a bite at one of the top-notch waterfront restaurants, or enjoy on-site food trucks. It all happens at Waterfront Park, 695 Waterfront Way, at the east end of the park near the basalt seating.

Free concerts

Dance your summer afternoons or evenings away at one of Vancouver’s three summer concert series. Each concert is free, family friendly and a perfect opportunity to hear some of the Pacific Northwest’s most talented artists. Enjoy food from local vendors, or bring your own food (no alcohol permitted).

The Columbia Tech Center Sunday Sounds Concerts presented by Gaynor Automotive, hits the stage on Sundays at 6 p.m. There are performances each week from July 7 to Aug. 11, with exciting bands like Hit Machine and Precious Byrd, featuring Grammy winning bassist, Lonnie Chapin. New this year, visit the beer and wine garden, benefitting the Vancouver Farmers Market. The concerts take place at the Columbia Tech Center Park, Southeast Sequoia Circle at Southeast Tech Center Drive in east Vancouver.

Enjoy some tunes on your lunch break at the Noon Rhythms Concerts presented by Hilton Vancouver. Running from July 10 to Aug. 14, you can add a little musical inspiration to your work week each Wednesday at noon with these concerts at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St. in downtown Vancouver. Noon Rhythms offers an eclectic performance lineup that includes the Vancouver Pops Orchestra and the Caribbean flavor of Dina y los Rumberos. New this year, grab a bite to eat or pick up some local produce during the show at the Esther Short Farmers Market!

Summer is official with the start of Vancouver’s signature music event, the Riverview Community Bank Six to Sunset Concerts, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Esther Short Park is the place to be every Thursday at 6 p.m. with performances running from July 11 to Aug. 15. This year’s stellar schedule includes Stone in Love, Hit Factory featuring Patrick Lamb and Super Diamond, a nationally touring Neil Diamond tribute band endorsed by Neil himself. Raise a glass to summer fun at Pub in the Park, supporting Leadership Clark County.

Free movies

Start your weekend off right with the Vancouver Parks and Recreation free Summer Movie Series presented by HAPO Community Credit Union. Held at parks throughout Vancouver each Friday between July 12 and Aug. 16, all movies are family friendly and will be closed captioned. Show up at 7 p.m. to enjoy fun activities before the movie begins. The big screen comes to life at dusk with blockbusters like “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Bumblebee” and “Captain Marvel.”

Festivals

Summer is the season for festivals, fun runs, and cultural events in Vancouver! While some offer free admission, they all provide fantastic opportunities to connect with neighbors and celebrate the wide variety of interests that make our city such a fantastic place to live. The Recycled Arts Festival, held June 29 to 30, is popular for visitors of all ages. Experience something new when you attend cultural events like 4 Days of Aloha July 25 to 28, or the Fourth Plain Multicultural Festival Sept. 7.

Dog parks

Give your pup the best summer ever with Barks in the Parks from Vancouver Parks and Recreation! Barks in the Parks is a series of three pop-up, off-leash dog parks hosted in neighborhoods throughout Vancouver. Let your pooch enjoy time with new fur-ends as you connect with other dog lovers in your community.

• July 1-19 | Endeavour Park | 2701 N.E. Four Seasons Lane
• July 22-August 10 | Bagley Park | 4607 Plomondon St.
• August 12-27 | David Douglas Park | 1016 N. Garrison Road

Plan your summer

Seize the summer and save with Vancouver Parks and Recreation events! Just remember, while admission to all of the events highlighted here are free, consider setting aside some funds to purchase food, gifts and other locally made treats from the hundreds of local artists and vendors you'll encounter this summer. 

Connect with Vancouver Parks and Recreation on Facebook or visit www.cityofvancouver.us/events to plan your perfect summer in the Couve!

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About Vancouver Parks and Recreation

Vancouver Parks and Recreation builds upon the City’s strong legacy of parks, natural areas and recreation dating back to the dedication of Esther Short Park in 1853. Each month, the Parks and Recreation Department provides hundreds of recreation opportunities for youth, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities at its two community centers. Parks and Recreation operates 1,600 acres of parkland at 113 sites, including 90 parks, 20 miles of trails and many natural areas for the City of Vancouver. The Parks and Recreation Department cultivates community in the City and beyond through on-going special events and volunteer programs that celebrate the City’s natural spaces.

(Salem) – Oregon OSHA has launched a free online course to help employers and workers across the state meet the agency’s requirements to eliminate fall hazards, prevent falls, and ensure that workers who do fall do not die.

The two-hour course, “Fundamentals of Fall Protection,” which includes six parts with 28 videos, is designed to supplement employers’ fall protection training programs. It provides an overview of the rules, features interviews with experts, and provides links to additional information. Moreover, the course defines what fall protection means; walks viewers through fall protection options; delves into equipment inspection and maintenance; and shows viewers how to begin using fall protection.

It also brings into sharp focus the broken lives that result from failing to address fall hazards. One of the videos features a husband and wife, Russ and Laurel Youngstrom, who share their story of Russ Youngstrom’s fall in 1995 from a scaffold. The accident severed his spinal cord, left him a paraplegic, and changed his family’s life forever.

The Youngstroms have dedicated their lives to speaking out and advocating for safety. “Think of your kids,” Russ Youngstrom said. “Put a picture of them on your hard hat, on your excavator, something to remind you why you’re at work.”

Fall hazards are present at nearly every workplace. The human and economic costs of ignoring them cannot be overstated:

• One in five workplace deaths are due to slips, trips, and falls, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• From 2013 to 2018, there were 7,195 accepted disabling claims in Oregon due to falls to a lower level.
• In 2018, fall protection was the most commonly cited violation for Oregon’s construction industry, with 443 total violations and initial penalties of $902,990.
• In one year, fall injuries cost the U.S. economy more than $13 billion, according to the National Safety Council.  

“We encourage employers and workers in Oregon to add this flexible, user-friendly online tool to their fall protection toolbox,” said Roy Kroker, consultation and public education manager for Oregon OSHA. “There’s more to come, too, as we roll out our entire online suite of fall protection courses.”

Indeed, “Fundamentals of Fall Protection” is the first of five online courses about fall protection that will be released during the summer and fall of 2019. The additional courses will address specific industries. When published, all five courses will offer more than 100 videos.

For now, the “Fundamentals” course – which includes the opportunity to receive a certificate of completion – is available online: https://osha.oregon.gov/edu/courses/Pages/fall-protection-online-course.aspx

Oregon OSHA encourages the use of online training. Learn more: https://osha.oregon.gov/edu/courses/Pages/default.aspx

Oregon OSHA’s technical staff can answer questions to help employers understand how to apply rules to their workplace:

Phone: 503-378-3272

Toll-free in Oregon: 800-922-2689

Email: tech.web@oregon.gov

Online contact form: https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/Contact-Technical.aspx

Employers may also contact Oregon OSHA’s no-cost consultation services for help with safety and health programs:

Phone: 503-378-3272

Toll-free in Oregon: 800-922-2689

Field office locations and phone numbers: https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/maps.aspx

Email: consult.web@oregon.gov

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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 www.osha.oregon.gov.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Michael Epperson, died June 22, 2019. Epperson was incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away at Salem Hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Epperson entered DOC custody on April 09, 2019, from Lincoln County with an earliest release date of May 22, 2149. Epperson was 60 years old. Next of kin has been notified. No other details are available at this time.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

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

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Tuesday, June 25, 2019 – Ridgefield, WA – Artistry Night at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School and View Ridge Middle School showcased some of the amazing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects Ridgefield students have been working on throughout the year.  It is the inaugural year for the school campus, so it was the first time that some attendees had the chance to see the airy art studios and state-of-the-art STEM labs. 

The walls of Alan Adams’ art classroom exploded in color; they were covered in original drawings and paintings all the way to the ceiling.  Students utilized a variety of mediums to create the artwork, and students from 5th to 8th grade were represented in an array of projects.  There was so much art, it spilled out into the hallways, with tables full of ceramics and display boards with progressions that started with pencil sketches and ended with finished products. 

In the STEM Fabrication Lab, parents and students discussed the many projects on display.  Students proudly pointed out some of the tools they used to create the projects, including 3D printers and trays of robotics parts.  Some of the projects were creating solutions to real-life challenges, like designing mechanical toys for children with cerebral palsy or developing sample orthoses (braces or splints to stabilize an injured extremity). 

The Black Box Theater hosted musical performances throughout the evening.  From the hallway, you could hear the music of the vocal and instrumental solos.  Attendees enjoyed the intimate theater setting, where they could be close to the performers. 

And in the Commons, a wide range of seventh grade science projects were on display.  The seventh-grade life science classes focused on problem solving for specific ecosystems.  Ideas ranged from a trash collector for the Wildlife Refuge to prevent the spread of toxic chemicals to a water collector and purifier for the Amazon Rainforest.

Students at Sunset Ridge and View Ridge are using STEAM to design creative solutions to all types of challenges.  These practical applications of science, technology, engineering, art, and math help them understand how they will use STEAM not just for class projects, but for a lifetime.   

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Vancouver, Wash. –On June 24, 2019 at approximately 9:32 p.m. Vancouver Police responded to the 1700 block of W Fourth Plain Blvd. for a pedestrian vs. vehicle collision. Emergency responders pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene. The driver reported that he was driving eastbound on W Fourth Plain Blvd. and the vehicle in front of him changed lanes and he felt a ‘bump” and looked back and saw a person lying in the roadway.

The driver, Nicholas D. Moline, 25, of Vancouver, was transported to an area hospital for evaluation of minor injuries and once released was booked into the Clark County Jail for Vehicular Homicide.

The Vancouver Police Department is investigating and no further information, including the identity of the victim, is being released at this time.

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The Vancouver Police Department is seeking applicants for Entry and Lateral Police Officers. If you are interested in a career with us, visit https://www.cityofvancouver.us/police/page/how-do-i-become-vancouver-police-officer.

This week the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Team will again be focusing their efforts in the French Prairie area of Marion County.  On June 26th and 28th, deputies will be conducting a traffic enforcement operation during the morning and evening commutes.  This area of Marion County experiences a heavy amount of commuter traffic along multiple roadways including; Highway 219, River Road, French Prairie Road, McKay Road, Yergen Road and Ehlen Road.

Driving habits such as speeding, cell phone use, unsafe passing, and following too close have all been identified as contributing factors to serious injury and fatal traffic crashes throughout Marion County.  Year to date in 2019, there have been 12 fatalities as a result of crashes on Marion County roadways.  The most recent fatal crash was on June 16th in the French Prairie area.

This enforcement operation is part of an ongoing effort by the Sheriff’s Office to work collaboratively with our community stakeholders to improve traffic safety in the French Prairie area.  In May of this year, the Sheriff’s Office did a similar enforcement operation which resulted in 106 traffic stops being made in an 8 hour period and the issuance of 146 citations.  Over 90 of those citations were for speeding.

The Sheriff’s Office wants to encourage drivers to slow down and drive responsibly.  This traffic enforcement operation is being funded by a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

PORTLAND, Ore.—On June 24, 2019, Bob Ibenne Ugwa, 50, of Portland, pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and anonymous telecommunications harassment after making repeated threatening and harassing telephone calls to seven individuals over an eight-year period.

According to court documents, between 2011 and 2018, Ugwa made thousands of anonymous, interstate telephone calls from Oregon to seven victims in Pennsylvania. In these calls, Ugwa threatened or harassed each victim by breathing heavily, moaning, and saying sexually explicit things. Telephone records were used to confirm Ugwa’s threatening calls. Each of the victims made multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop Ugwa from calling, citing substantial emotional distress.

Ugwa faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on September 10, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Hannah Horsley, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – New rules for fireworks go into effect this year for the unincorporated areas of Clark County. For the Independence Day holiday, fireworks can be used only from 9 am to midnight Thursday, July 4.

This is a change from last year when discharge of fireworks was permitted as early as June 28 in areas north of Northeast/Northwest 219th Street.

“This update makes the allowable time for fireworks discharge consistent for all county residents in the unincorporated area,” said Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway. “Even though fireworks are offered for sale starting on June 28, remember that they are not allowed to be used until July 4.”  The county will have patrols out enforcing the fireworks laws. Illegal use of fireworks such as curfew or device type violation is subject to a $500 civil fine for first time offenders. 

Fireworks also can be used from 6 pm Dec. 31 to 1 am Jan. 1 in unincorporated areas.

Vancouver has banned fireworks within its city limits. Clark County provides a handy online chart, indicating when fireworks can be used in different areas of the county. There is also an interactive map that allows anyone with an on-line device to quickly determine the rules for fireworks use based on an address anywhere in the county. Additionally, each sales location in the county is required to post signage outlining when fireworks can be used legally.

Safety first
Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate the Fourth of July with extra caution because of the dry conditions throughout Clark County.

If you plan to buy fireworks, the best option is to purchase them locally from a stand inspected by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office. Fireworks purchased outside the county may not be legal locally.

A few important safety reminders:

• Always have a bucket of water and water hose ready to douse any fire.
• Assign a responsible adult to supervise fireworks use.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and dry vegetation.
• Never aim fireworks at people or structures.
• Never attempt to alter fireworks or relight “duds” that fail to ignite.
• Place used fireworks in a bucket of water to soak overnight before disposing of them. These devices can still be smoldering and could start a fire if placed in a trash receptacle.

The Rotary Club of Canby, Oregon announces a new grant program to pay for short term vocational training.

The Club is offering grants to post high school, local residents who are unemployed or employed in low paying service/retail jobs.  

The intent of this program is to provide a first step to acquire or improve vocational skills that will lead to employment or improved employment at a higher rate of pay.

Individual grants of up to $3,000 may be awarded to candidates who apply and pass the screening process.  Grant funds may be used for a qualified short-term vocational or technical training program leading to a diploma or certificate. Grant funds must be used for tuition, books, equipment, or supplies required by the program.

For more information and to apply for a grant please visit www.firststepgrants.com

This new program is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Canby, Oregon and the First Step Grant foundation.

The Rotary Club of Canby Oregon meets every Friday at 11:45AM at Cutsforth's (Thriftway) Old Town Hall
225 NE 2nd Ave. Canby, OR 97013

www.canbyrotary.com

PORTLAND, Ore. — The nonprofit Maurice Lucas Foundation has hired Sheila Zachry as its Academy Manager. She previously worked at KIPP Memphis Collegiate High School, a high performing charter school in Tennessee, since 2013. She started there as chair of the Humanities department and rose to become interim principal last year.

In her new role, the Portland resident will oversee the organization’s teachers, mentors, tutors and coaches who provide education, sports programs, outings, sports camps and post-secondary education scholarships to underserved Portland-area middle school students though its Maurice Lucas Foundation Academies. The programs help children develop skills to help them succeed in school and life.

Previously in her career, Zachry also worked at Oregon City High School for 29 years. She started there as an English teacher, eventually taught virtually every English course, created a course to help students and families navigate the college process and later served as its English department coordinator.

A native of Oregon, Zachry graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Oregon University in Monmouth. She earned a master’s degree in teaching at Lewis & Clark College in Portland.

About the Maurice Lucas Foundation

The foundation is named in honor of the late Maurice Lucas (1952-2010), the starting forward and leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers team. Besides his outstanding achievements on the court, Lucas also gave selflessly of his time and energy to Portland youth. Since its formation, more than 400 students have successfully completed the foundation’s academies and hundreds of others have participated in its sports programs. www.ml20.org

                                                                   # # #

Maurice Lucas Foundation ^ P.O. Box 1661 ^ Lake Oswego, OR 97035 ^ www.ml20.org

Monday, June 24, 2019-Woodland, WA-Woodland Public Schools’ Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) receives support from local organizations and community members to offer programs addressing students in need in Woodland and its surrounding area including the upcoming annual Back to School Bash where hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies are distributed to students and families at no cost as well as the district’s free summer meals program offering free breakfasts and lunches to students under 18 years old all summer long.

In order to achieve its goals, the FCRC relies on the support of local businesses and community organizations. Catherine Pulliam, Woodland Public Schools’ Community, Family and Student Resource Coordinator, applied for and received grants from the Southwest Washington Community Foundation, iQ Credit Union and Fibre Federal Credit Union. “We couldn’t offer the programs we do without the generous support from these organizations as well as our community,” explained Pulliam. “Seeing the community acknowledge the importance of helping those among us in need is extremely gratifying.”

The grant funds will be used to help put on the district’s annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Woodland High School located 1500 Dike Access Road, Woodland, WA 98674. In addition to receiving a free backpack filled with school supplies, students and families from Woodland, La Center and Kalama School Districts can take enjoy games, activities, prizes and eat a free dinner for the whole family.

“While we had several applicants for the grant, we had previously given to the FCRC for its Back to School Bash,” said Erica Schradella, Digital Operations Supervisor for iQ Credit Union. “We think the program’s great – it’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

Around 2,000 students, parents, guardians and community members attended 2018’s Back to School Bash with more than 700 backpacks handed out at the event and another 66 given out the week following the bash from the FCRC located at Woodland Public Schools. Nearly 175 community members volunteered to help manage the wide variety of activities and events.

In addition to the Back to School Bash, Woodland Public Schools provides free breakfast and lunches to students 18 years old and younger Mondays-Fridays from June 17-August 16 (except for July 4 and 5 when the program is closed)  at Woodland Middle School located at 755 Park St, Woodland, WA 98674.  Breakfast is served from 8:30-9:00 a.m. and lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Adults can eat, too, with breakfast prices at $2.50 per person and lunch at $3.50 per person.

This year, volunteers from five local churches are working with Woodland Public Schools to deliver free lunches directly to more than 30 students in need. “Our Summer Meals staff is preparing the food and the church volunteers are picking up coolers to ensure safe delivery of the food every day the program is available,” explained Stacy Brown, Business Manager for Woodland Public Schools.  “We’re extremely grateful for our community’s ongoing support to ensure our students don’t go hungry even over the summer.”

The FCRC also offers a variety of other programs and services to students and families including the free Food Pantries program, assistance finding employment and much more. “Our goal is to connect the under-resourced families we serve with the organizations offering help in Clark and Cowlitz counties," explained Pulliam. "We want to help families line up jobs and get work so they may improve their lives."

The FCRC establishes partnerships with local nonprofit organizations to provide resources and assistance to homeless students and families as simply locating affordable housing opportunities can present huge barriers to low-income families. Under-resourced families and students who qualify for the McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act, a federal law created to ensure the enrollment and educational stability of homeless children and youth, are the top priority. “Our goal is to connect the under-resourced families we serve with the organizations offering help in Clark and Cowlitz counties,” said Pulliam. “We want to help families find stable housing and get work so they may improve their lives.”

About Woodland Public Schools Free Summer Meals and FCRC progarms:

For more information the Summer Meals Program, contact Stacy Brown, Woodland Public Schools’ Business Manager, at rownst@woodlandpublicschools.org">brownst@woodlandpublicschools.org or call (360) 841-2715.

The Woodland Public Schools Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) provides resources and services to students and their families in need who live in either Cowlitz or Clark counties. To find more information about services offered by the FCRC or to find ways you can support the FCRC, you can visit the Woodland Public Schools website at www.woodlandschools.org or use the short-link http://bit.ly/WoodlandFCRC, email Catherine Pulliam at pulliamc@woodlandschools.org, or call the FCRC at (360) 841-2718.

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Press release attached

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Who says summer school is a drag? For some Washington State University Vancouver students, their summer English literature course is an adventure.

Students in English 341 Native American Literature are taking a significant part of their lessons in a 15-person tribal canoe on the Columbia River. Chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation Tony Johnson will be at the helm for the course themed “Mni Wiconi, Water is Life.”

The centerpiece of the literature course is the novel “Solar Storms” by Linda Hogan. The story is set in the boundary waters between Minnesota and Ontario, and focuses the impact of the fur trade and massive hydropower projects, and the healing power of an all-woman canoe journey.

While they paddle, Johnson will teach the students about parallel impacts of the fur trade and dams on the Chinook and other Columbia River tribal nations. They will get an intimate introduction to the Columbia River ecosystems, and related cultural traditions and oral narratives of the Chinook and other Columbia River tribes. Students will leave with some understanding of the annual Pacific Northwest canoe journeys in the cultural revitalization work among the Chinook and other lower Columbia tribal nations.

The land-based part of English 341 is taught by Desiree Hellegers, associate professor of English. She is the recipient of a 2019 fellowship endowed by Lewis E. and Stella G. Buchanan, which provided seed money for the course. Hellegers developed the course in consultation with Lakota/Cheyenne activist/researcher Roben White, who is a member of WSU Vancouver’s Native American Community Advisory Board.

About WSU Vancouver

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

# # #

NOTE TO INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: English 341 will launch at 2:30 p.m. June 25, June 27 and July 2 (weather permitting) from Marine Park, SE Marine Park Way and Columbia Way. Class is over and the boat returns about 5:50 p.m.

Monday, June 24, 2019 – Ridgefield, WA – This year, a total of $7,536,067 in scholarships was awarded to college-bound graduates in Ridgefield High School’s Class of 2019 according to the school’s High School & Beyond Program, which keeps records of scholarship awards reported by RHS seniors.

While the majority of the scholarships came from the colleges and universities that the graduates plan to attend, $50,200 of the total came from local Ridgefield organizations whose generous support continues to provide scholarship opportunities each year to Ridgefield High School’s graduating seniors.

Said Amy McKenna, coordinator for the school’s High School & Beyond Program, “We are fortunate to have such an amazing community that supports our students in pursuing their future endeavors.”

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Clark County Public Health has issued advisories for Lacamas Lake and Round Lake in Camas due to blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

A blue-green algae bloom in Lacamas Lake was reported to Public Health on Friday afternoon. Public Health staff visited Lacamas Lake, Round Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake this morning and identified blue-green algae blooms in Lacamas Lake and Round Lake. Staff did not see a bloom at Fallen Leaf Lake. 

Water samples were collected from Lacamas and Round lakes. Results from those samples should be available later this week and will determine if toxins are in the water.

Public Health staff spotted blooms in Lacamas Lake near the Lacamas Lake Lodge and along the Heritage Trail shoreline. At Round Lake, staff saw blooms near the dam and in the slough adjacent to the lake. 

Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with lake water in areas of floating blue-green-colored scum. Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water.

Health officials are recommending:

• No swimming or water skiing in areas of scum.

• No drinking lake water.

• No water contact for animals in areas of scum.

• Avoid areas of scum when boating.

• Clean fish well and discard organs.

Caution signs have been posted at Lacamas Lake and Round Lake. Public Health will continue to monitor the lakes as long as blooms are present, and signs will be updated as conditions change. 

Advisory remains at Vancouver Lake

Caution signs remain posted at Vancouver Lake due to blue-green algae blooms. 

Caution signs were posted at Vancouver Lake on June 12, after Public Health staff identified blooms at the Vancouver Lake swim beach, the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet and the flushing channel near the swim beach. Test results from water samples taken from the lake showed low levels of toxins in the water. The levels were below thresholds for taking additional action.

Currently, the only visible bloom is at the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet. However, the entire lake remains under advisory, as blue-green algae blooms can dissipate and grow as conditions change.

Public Health will continue to monitor the bloom and collect weekly water samples to test toxin levels at Vancouver Lake. Signs will remain in place until the blooms are no longer present.

Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.

June 24, 2019

Community service, apology letter ordered after string pulled across path causes injury to cyclist

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that the two people arrested for tying a piece of string across a multi-use path in southeast Portland have reached a pretrial resolution consistent with what the victim wanted. 

“No matter their intention, there is no excuse for this type of behavior,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Todd Jackson, who prosecuted this case. “We believe this sentence holds both Raven Jones and Antonio Tolman-Duran accountable while giving the victim what she wanted most: an apology and alcohol treatment for Ms. Jones.”

Raven Jones pleaded guilty to one count of assault in the third degree, a Class C felony. 

Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge put Jones on 36 months of formal probation, ordered that she conduct 40 hours of community service, undergo an alcohol evaluation and perform any recommended treatment, write the victim an apology letter within two weeks, and continue to work with a homeless outreach program. 

On June 18, 2019, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Leslie M. Roberts put Antonio Tolman-Duran, 27, on 12 months of bench probation and ordered that he perform 20 hours of community service after he pleaded no contest to one count of recklessly endangering another person. 

“From the onset of this case, the victim expressed her desire that the defendants not be sent to jail and that she receive an apology letter. We are fortunate that the injuries in this case were not more serious. These defendants purposefully took string, tied it tightly on both ends across a multi-use path near I-205 and Southeast Division Street,” said DDA Jackson.

Police arrived and contacted the victim who was suffering from facial abrasions. 
 
Law enforcement contacted Jones who was wearing a kangaroo onesie and located a roll of white woven string in the open top pocket of the costume’s belly area.

Based on the investigation, it was determined that Jones was the primary actor of this incident.

There is no photograph of the kangaroo onesie. 

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director 
Phone: 503.988.6567 
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us
 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has issued advisories for Lacamas Lake and Round Lake in Camas due to blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

A blue-green algae bloom in Lacamas Lake was reported to Public Health on Friday afternoon. Public Health staff visited Lacamas Lake, Round Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake this morning and identified blue-green algae blooms in Lacamas Lake and Round Lake. Staff did not see a bloom at Fallen Leaf Lake.

Water samples were collected from Lacamas and Round lakes. Results from those samples should be available later this week and will determine if toxins are in the water.

Public Health staff spotted blooms in Lacamas Lake near the Lacamas Lake Lodge and along the Heritage Trail shoreline. At Round Lake, staff saw blooms near the dam and in the slough adjacent to the lake.

Public Health is advising people to avoid direct contact with lake water in areas of floating blue-green-colored scum. Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water.

Health officials are recommending:

• No swimming or water skiing in areas of scum.
• No drinking lake water.
• No water contact for animals in areas of scum.
• Avoid areas of scum when boating.
• Clean fish well and discard organs.

Caution signs have been posted at Lacamas Lake and Round Lake. Public Health will continue to monitor the lakes as long as blooms are present, and signs will be updated as conditions change.

Advisory remains at Vancouver Lake

Caution signs remain posted at Vancouver Lake due to blue-green algae blooms.

Caution signs were posted at Vancouver Lake on June 12, after Public Health staff identified blooms at the Vancouver Lake swim beach, the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet and the flushing channel near the swim beach. Test results from water samples taken from the lake showed low levels of toxins in the water. The levels were below thresholds for taking additional action.

Currently, the only visible bloom is at the Burnt Bridge Creek inlet. However, the entire lake remains under advisory, as blue-green algae blooms can dissipate and grow as conditions change.

Public Health will continue to monitor the bloom and collect weekly water samples to test toxin levels at Vancouver Lake. Signs will remain in place until the blooms are no longer present.

Additional information about blue-green algae and current advisories are posted on the Public Health public beach website.

On June 23, 2019 at 12:48 a.m. Beaverton Police officers arrested 26-year-old Dylan Graham Hogge, a Deer Island resident, after he was caught burglarizing a restaurant in the BG Food Cartel.

On June 23rd officers were called to the BG Food Cartel after the owner of a food cart called 911 to report someone in his food cart.  The owner could see the suspect via a video surveillance system.

Officers located Mr. Hogge as he was walking away from the food cart area.  Officer Coulson and K9 Atlas were able to find Mr. Hogge’s discarded gloves and bandana that he wore to conceal his identity.  Stolen money from the burglary was located on Mr. Hogge.

Mr. Hogge was taken to Washington County Jail and charged with Burglary in the Second Degree, Theft in the Second Degree and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.

##BPD##

June 24, 2019

Melvin Tillman receives a 75 month prison sentence for committing 10 commercial burglaries

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 64-year-old Melvin Tillman received a 75 month prison sentence for committing 10 separate commercial burglaries in Portland, Oregon during an eight month period in 2018.

Tillman previously appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Silver and pleaded guilty to 10 counts of burglary in the second degree. The state agreed not to seek a sentence of more than 80 months.

By changing his plea, Tillman admitted that he unlawfully entered, and remained in, the following properties to commit theft:

• January 10, 2018 – A business at 3556 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard;
• January 22, 2018 – A business at 3325 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard;
• February 14, 2018 – A business at 3562 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard;
• April 19, 2018 – A business at 225 Northwest 11th Avenue;
• April 23, 2018 – A business at 333 Northwest 16th Avenue;
• April 23, 2018 – A business at 517 Northwest 23rd Avenue;
• June 15, 2018 – A business at 601 Southeast Morrison Street
• June 18, 2018 – A business at 628 Northeast Broadway Street;
• August 11, 2018 – A business at 622 Northeast Grand Avenue;
• August 12, 2018 – A business at 301 Northeast Knott Street.

“There is an immense psychological impact to these business owners,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Christopher Shull, who prosecuted this case. “Many of these small business owners spend more time at work than they do at home, so the sense of being violated is absolutely real.”

During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Tillman would either kick in doors or smash out windows to make entry into the businesses in the late evening or early morning hours. In many of the burglaries, Tillman would steal, or attempt to steal, money from cash registers.

Tillman had 43 felony convictions prior to the sentencing hearing held on Friday June 21, 2019. Of those, 33 were for burglary in the second degree.

As part of his sentencing, Tillman will have to pay $4,745 in restitution. The restitution will go to a total of five businesses.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of the patrol officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct, the PPB’s Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team, the PPB’s Detective Division and the PPB’s Forensic Evidence Division for their dedicated efforts investigating these cases.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Saturday evening’s multi-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 22E near Gates. 

On Saturday, June 22, 2019 at about 7:10 p.m., OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 22E near milepost 39.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota 4Runner, operated by Cody Schalk, age 33, from Salem, was traveling westbound, attempting to pass when it encountered eastbound traffic.  The Toyota 4Runner had minor contact with an eastbound Kia Optima, operated by Brian Douglas Smith, age 30, from Bend.  The Toyota 4Runner left the roadway before coming back on and having a major collision with an eastbound 2013 Ford Fiesta, operated by Raul Bello, age 34, from Bend.  There were three passengers in the Ford Fiesta, which ended up in the north ditch on its side.  The first passenger of the Ford Fiesta, a male juvenile, received life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene after significant life-saving efforts.  The second passenger of the Ford Fiesta, a female juvenile, received serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance from the scene to OHSU.  The third passenger of the Ford Fiesta, Vanessa Bello, age 29, from Bend, was injured and transported by ground ambulance to the Salem Hospital, where she was admitted.  Raul Bello was also transported by ground to the Salem Hospital, where he was treated and released.  A Trooper assisted in giving him a ride to OHSU to be with his daughter.

Schalk and his passengers Elizabeth Thiel, age 32, Mitchell Waterworth, age 33, and two female juveniles, all from the Salem area, received minor injuries and were treated at the scene. 

Highway 22E was closed initially for about 2 hours due to first aid efforts and scene preservation.  OSP and ODOT then set up a detour to allow both directions of travel to continue while an OSP Reconstruction Team investigated the scene of the collision.  OSP was assisted at the scene by Gates Rural Fire, Mill City Fire, Lyons Fire and ODOT. 

This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when available. 

No photographs for release. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Battle Ground, WA - The office of the Washington State Auditor (SAO) recently completed its financial and accountability audits of the City of Battle Ground.   The city earned clean reports on both audits with no findings and no management letters.  This marks the 19th consecutive year of clean audit reports for the City.

The independent audits covered the City’s 2018 fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.   The accountability audit examines and reports on how the City manages, uses, and safeguards public resources.  The financial audit examines and reports on whether the City’s financial statements are accurate and complete and comply with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts and grant agreements.

“The City of Battle Ground is committed to responsible stewardship of public resources,” said Mayor Mike Dalesandro, “the results of the independent audit confirm that commitment and reflect the work of our dedicated and professional staff.”

The SAO’s audit reports for the City of Battle Ground as well as the City’s 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, are available at www.cityofbg.org/165/Financial-Reports.

MEDIA ADVISORY

At Wednesday’s public event in Wilsonville, 4-6 pm, SMART Transit is unveiling two new battery-electric buses and celebrating 30 years of independent transit service in Wilsonville.

Event Details:

Who:                South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) is an independent operator in Wilsonville that provides free service within city limits as well as service to neighboring communities, including Salem, Portland and Canby.

What:               The unveiling of the City’s two new battery-electric buses, among the first to be placed into service in Oregon. Also, a celebration of 30 years of service to Wilsonville.

When:              Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 4-6 pm

Where:             Wilsonville Transit Center
                         9699 SW Barber St, Wilsonville, OR 97070

Opportunities:

• Climb aboard for a tour of these 35-foot buses from Proterra, which seat 29 passengers; they enter service on June 27 on crosstown Route 4.
• Talk to Transit officials and invited legislators about SMART’s successful procurement of a $1.4m federal grant from the FTA to fund the purchase of the buses and charging infrastructure.
• Why electric? A look at lower operations/maintenance costs and the importance of seeking sustainable alternatives to buses powered by fossil fuel.
• See the reaction of high school art students commissioned to design the vinyl wraps as the buses are unveiled and they see their creation for the first time.

Today, June 24th, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an annual test of our local emergency notification systems. This message is specifically to test our Flash Alert program utilized to forward daily media releases and urgent information about a response to an event that may require directions specifically to the general public for their safety.

No action is required for this Flash Alert Media message test. However, if local Media Partners would like to participate, we encourage you to broadcast and/or display this attached image on your digital sites.

We have also asked the general public to participate in our annual test survey to provide feedback to our processes and how they may have received the test messages.

Thank you for your assistance.

Lincoln Alerts: www.co.lincoln.or.us/alerts  

Annual Test Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GPX3CTG

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

Attachments:

• Participation file
• Annual Test Announcement

June 24, 2019

Richard Speckman receives 30 year prison sentence for sex crimes committed against child 

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 53-year-old Richard Speckman received a 30 year prison sentence for committing numerous sex crimes against a child. 

On June 20, 2019, Speckman pleaded guilty to 10 sex-related offenses, including five counts of sodomy in the first degree.

By pleading guilty, Specklman admits that he unlawfully and knowingly engaged in sexual conduct, on multiple occasions, between June 2008 and June 2011 when the child was under the age of 12 and that he engaged in other sexual activity with that same child.

“This is a horrific case of prolonged – almost daily – child sexual abuse that was committed by Richard Speckman over a nine year period when the victim was between the ages of five and 14,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Todd Jackson, who prosecuted this case. 

This investigation started when the victim reported to law enforcement in California that Speckman had sexually assaulted her and another child. During the investigation, it was determined that the assaults occurred in Multnomah County, Washington County and Fresno, California.

At the time of the abuse, Speckman was already a registered sex offender for a crime that he previously committed in California.

“This sentence is going to put Mr. Speckman in prison into his 80s and then will require that he be on lifetime post-prison supervision for any remaining years of his life,” DDA Jackson said. 

The victim in this case and her family were kept updated throughout the pendency of this case, and they fully support the pretrial resolution.  

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the work of Portland Police Bureau Detective Michael Bledsoe for his dedicated efforts investigating this case.  

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director 
Phone: 503.988.6567 
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Dave Northfield

Director of Communications

(503) 479-6032 (o), (503) 329-1989 (c)

thfield@oahhs.org">dnorthfield@oahhs.org

HOSPITALS APPLAUD OREGON HOUSE FOR PASSING TOBACCO TAX REFERRAL

Lake Oswego, Ore. – June 24, 2019 – Oregon moved closer to reducing the harm done by smoking and e-cigarettes after the House of Representatives passed HB 2270, the tobacco tax referral.

The bill seeks to raise the cost of cigarettes by $2 per pack, bringing Oregon in line with taxes in California and Washington. House members passed the amended version in a bipartisan vote. HB 2270 also subjects e-cigarettes and other vaping products to the 65% non-wholesale tax now levied on non-cigarette tobacco products.

“We are grateful to House members for their support of HB 2270. We feel strongly that passing this bill is the right thing to do,” said Andy Van Pelt, OAHHS Executive Vice President. “Voters should have the chance to decide. We think they’ll choose to raise funds for existing programs to help adults quit and keep kids from starting to use these products, which we know are linked to the leading cause of preventable death in Oregon.” 

A large body of research shows that raising the price of tobacco products leads to reduced use.

The bill will also provide dedicated funding for Oregon’s Medicaid budget, raising about $350 million every two years. Supporters say the money will help ensure that nearly one million Oregonians will continue to have access to health care.

HB 2270 has moved to the Senate.

##

About OAHHS: Founded in 1934, OAHHS is a statewide, nonprofit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon’s innovative health care delivery system.

PORTLAND, Oregon – The community and media are invited to join Multnomah County and VA Portland Health Care System on June 25, 2019 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. for a free gallery reception honoring Veterans and their loved ones featured in From War to Home: The Impact of Invisible Injuries. The exhibit is located at the Multnomah County Building Board Room 100, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, 97214. Welcome remarks, introductions, and a Q&A session will begin at 3:30 p.m.

About the exhibit:

From War to Home: The Impact of Invisible Injuries explores the lasting effects of invisible injuries of war and military service on post 9/11 service era Veterans and those closest to them. As part of research by the Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care (CIVIC), using photovoice methods, Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their family caregivers were given cameras and asked to take photos to illustrate their experiences of living with TBI and other invisible injuries related to military service. A selection of these powerful images and stories from Veterans and their families, living in Portland, Oregon and Southeast Louisiana, is on display in the Multnomah Building, Board Room through Thursday, June 27, 2019. The exhibit is funded by CIVIC, a Veterans Health Administration Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation located at VA Portland Health Care System.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to remind everyone that they will be conducting Active Shooter Response training on June 24 & 25, 2019 in and around Taft Elementary School, located at 4040 SE High School Drive in Lincoln City. There will be law enforcement and emergency vehicles present during the exercise.

We want the public to know that this is only training and not an actual emergency. Taft Elementary will be closed to students and the general public for the duration of the training. No students will participate in the training. Access to the building for select school employees is restricted to pre-identified parts of the school during the training.

The Lincoln City Police Department would again like to thank the Lincoln County School District for allowing us to use their facility and property for this very important training. The school district’s assistance and cooperation allows the Lincoln City Police Department to better train and prepare their officers for response to a critical incident such as this.

Submitted By:    Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

Monday, June 24, 2019 – Ridgefield, WA – Until now, Ridgefield High School only had six National Merit Finalists in its entire history.  And this year, Ian Abrams became the seventh. 

The last time Ridgefield had a National Merit Scholar, George W. Bush was president and the Oscar for Best Picture went to A Beautiful Mind.  It has been so long because the achievement is so challenging. 

This year, about 1.6 million students took the Preliminary SAT (PSAT).  Semifinalists are the highest-scoring students in each state and represent the top 0.5% of the state’s senior students.  And of that number, only the highest achieving students are selected as National Merit Scholars.  Finalists have to submit applications that list academic record, extracurricular achievements, awards, and leadership positions to be admitted to the elite group. 

When Abrams became a semifinalist, the notification was lost in the mail.  He found out he was a semifinalist by reading it in the newspaper.  But when he became a finalist, he actually received the letter.  “I came home and my mom had the letter.  She said, ‘Well, I might have read it through the envelope,’” Abrams laughed.  “She was pretty excited.”

Abrams had a busy senior year.  He was president of the Associated Student Body (ASB), captain of the cross country team, a team member in Knowledge Bowl, and leader of the Peer Tutoring Program through the National Honor Society.  This fall, he is leaving high school behind and heading to Brigham Young University.  He plans to study biochemistry and hopes one day to help contribute toward finding a cure for Alzheimer’s.

Abrams credits his parents for helping him strive for success.  “My parents have taught me to work hard.  And as I’m doing everything, I’m looking toward the future, how this education will help me to serve people better.” 

###

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA has hired Heather Stebbings as its Director of Communications. Stebbings joins the port July 8.

Stebbings has been supporting the port and maritime industries in the Pacific Northwest for more than a decade. Prior to joining the port, she served as the Government Relations Director for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA), and previously served as the association’s Communications and Government Relations Manager.

“Heather’s extensive knowledge of not only the Port of Vancouver, but of all ports and marine-related industries in the Pacific Northwest, will be an incredible asset to our organization,” said port CEO Julianna Marler. “We’re excited to have her join the port team.”  

Stebbings joins the Port of Vancouver External Affairs Department where her responsibilities will include supporting the marketing and community outreach programs, and managing the port’s communications program, including public information, media relations and social media.

                                                                                          – POV –

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

Monday, June 24, 2019 – Ridgefield, WA – The city of Ridgefield is well known for its old-fashioned Fourth of July parade.  But a smaller annual parade is making its mark on Ridgefield too:  the Union Ridge Elementary School Culture Parade. 

The sixth annual Culture Parade went through downtown Ridgefield, showing the community what the classes studied during the school year.  Each grade highlighted a different facet of world culture. 

The parade was led by the school’s assistant principal, Brian Heim, and Ridgefield Mayor Don Stose.  The first students in the parade were kindergarteners, who reflected their personal family history and culture with timelines of their lives. 

First graders studied the cultures of individual countries.  They wore paper vests decorated with country flags and interesting facts.  Many of the students’ families had personal connections to the countries they chose. 

Next were the second graders, who studied the cultural influence of historical figures.  Each student carried a posterboard with a drawing and biographical facts about the person they studied.  The posterboard made a costume of the historic figure, with the student’s face showing thorough a cutout. 

The third-grade classes studied the culture of different regions of the United States.  Each regional group marched together, some of them shouting slogans—like ”West is best!”—and handing out postcards to promote their region.  Students carried posters and dressed to reflect the culture of the region they studied. 

To close the parade, the fourth graders brought their study of the culture of the state of Washington.  On each block, the students waited for the music to start before performing Washington’s state dance, the square dance.  Dressed in western wear, they brought a lively close to the parade. 

Many people lined the streets to cheer for the students.  But one set of parade watchers got a lot of attention:  the firefighters standing by the fire truck parked near City Hall.  As the students passed the fire truck, their eyes widened.  One kindergartener got brave and asked a firefighter, “Why are you here?” 

The firefighter answered, “We’re here because you’re here, buddy!  We’re here to support you!”  The firefighters applauded and high-fived the students as they walked past.  And the students beamed, enjoying the support of the community for their culture parade. 

###

On Saturday June 22, 2019 at 10:55 pm, McMinnville Police and McMinnville Fire personnel responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on NE Hwy 99W at the intersection of NE McDonald Lane.   

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Dodge Challenger, operated by Hector Morales, age 19 of McMinnville, was travelling southbound on Hwy 99W.   As Morales passed through the intersection of NE McDonald Lane, his vehicle struck Jesus Garcia-Garcia, age 26 of McMinnville, who was walking in the southbound lanes of Highway 99W.   Numerous witnesses report that Morales was driving lawfully through the intersection with a green traffic signal and that Garcia-Garcia was unlawfully crossing or walking within the roadway against a red light/Don’t Walk signal.   Garcia-Garcia suffered life threatening injuries and was transported by McMinnville Fire Department ambulance to an awaiting Life Flight helicopter at the Cascade Steel heliport on NE Riverside Drive.    Garcia-Garcia’s condition is listed as serious but stable at a Portland area hospital. .

The investigation is ongoing and no citations have been issued at this time.  Alcohol impairment with Garcia-Garcia is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.   Any witnesses who were not contacted by police at the scene are asked to contact Sgt. Josh Sheets at (503)434-7307.

Since the formation of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue in 1989, there have only been three fire chiefs.

On July 1, 2019, Chief Deric Weiss will become the fourth.

After 30 years in the fire service, Chief Mike Duyck will retire. In a traditional “Transfer of Command Ceremony,” the responsibilities of providing service to 11 cities and four counties — as well as providing guidance to 650 career and volunteer personnel — will be passed from Chief Duyck to Chief Weiss. 

A PUBLIC SEND-OFF

An open house will be held for Chief Duyck at Station 51 (8935 SW Burnham Street, Tigard) on Thursday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a formal presentation at 11 a.m.

ABOUT CHIEF DUYCK

Chief Duyck joined TVF&R in 1995 and became fire chief in September 2010, after serving in all ranks of emergency services as well as fleet services, human resources, logistics, and emergency management.

Chief Duyck has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Business Administration and an Associate degree in Fire Science. He holds numerous certifications in emergency operations and is an Oregon-certified paramedic. Chief Duyck will continue working to make the fire service better by serving as the president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (a section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs) through 2020. He looks forward to spending a lot more time with his wife Ann and two daughters.

ABOUT CHIEF WEISS

Following a rigorous internal selection process, the Board of Directors tapped Assistant Chief Deric Weiss to take the helm of the District. Chief Weiss spent the beginning of 2019 working closely with Chief Duyck to ensure a smooth leadership transition. “This is an exciting time,” states Chief Weiss. “Having a change in command is a rare occurrence for our department. We’ve benefitted from having leaders who dedicated many years to this organization and the fire service. I have some big shoes to fill, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve.” It’s a role he never imagined would be an option in his career. Weiss volunteered and served as an intern before being hired by TVF&R as a firefighter in 1994. Since then, he served on the Hazardous Materials Team for several years and promoted through the ranks of apparatus operator, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, division chief, and assistant chief.

WHAT’S AHEAD

Strengthening relationships with community partners and exploring opportunities to work with other organizations to create safer communities are priorities for the new chief. In preparation for his new role, Chief Weiss has evaluated what the District can do differently to enhance the services TVF&R provides, starting with a reorganization of work groups and operations. “I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and getting to work,” notes Chief Weiss. “I plan to have a renewed focus on our people, and I will carry on Chief Duyck’s commitment to innovation.”

On 06/22/2019 at approx. 1900 hours, deputies with the Clark County Sheriff's Office responded to 24707 NE 419th street, Amboy, Washington on a report of a possible Homicide.  Deputies arrived and discovered the bodies of two deceased males.  Both males appeared to have been shot.  One of the males appeared to have died by means of a self inflicted injury.  The investigation is on going and the names of the two males will not be released until the appropriate family members have been notified.

Clark County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit is conducting the investigation.

Updated Release

Date: June 23, 2019

Released by: Sgt. Nathan Garibay, Emergency Services Manager

Pilot: Kevin Padrick, 63 year old male, Sunriver resident (Deceased)

Passenger: Johannes Noordwijk, 69 year old male, Sunriver resident

Aircraft: 1996 Maule M-7 Single Engine with floats

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office identified the occupants of the aircraft as Kevin Padrick and Johannes Noordwijk, both of Sunriver, Oregon.  Noordwijk, the passenger was able to escape the aircraft after the crash.  He was later assisted to shore by Sunriver Fire and Rescue.  Padrick was later located deceased by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Divers.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has video is asked to contact the Deschutes  County Sheriff's Office at non-emergency dispatch 541-693-6911.

This incident (including circumstances around the crash and cause of death) is still under investigation by multiple agencies.  No more information is available at this time.

Original Release

Date: June 22, 2019

Released By: Sgt. Nathan Garibay, Emergency Services Manager

On 06-22-19 at approximately 10:40 am, Deschutes County 911 recieved a call of a plane crash in the Deschutes River near Sunriver. The plane flipped onto its top and submerged.  Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (Patrol, Search and Rescue, and Marine Patrol), Sunriver Police Department, Oregon State Police and Sunriver Fire and Rescue responded.  

Sunriver Fire and Rescue arrived and was able to rescue 5 subjects from the aircraft as it floated upside down.  One of the subjects was rescued was a male occupant of the aircraft who was able to escape the aircraft.  The other subjects had swam to the plane to assist the occupants.  It was determined a male subject was still underwater and initial rescue efforts were unsuccessful. The remaining occupant in the airplane was believed to be deceased.

The surviving occupant was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening. 

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue with swift water rescue technicians and rescue divers arrived.  While being supported by Marine Patrol Deputies, divers were able to locate the second occupant of the aircraft deceased underwater.  

Initial information indicates the plane had just taken off from Sunriver Airport.  The aircraft, an amphibious float plane, flipped upside down upon contact with the water.  The crash is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.  Any further information relating to the details of the crash investigation will be released by NTSB.  The release of names of the occupants is pending notification of next of kin.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Sunriver Police and Fire, Oregon State Police and the Deschutes County Medical Examiner's Office.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On June 22, 2019, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office held an active threat response training exercise at the Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, Oregon.

The Sheriff’s Office goals of the training were to successfully simulate saving the lives of students and faculty members, protecting their own lives, and stopping the threat.

With approximately 200 participants, the training drill was a successful collaboration among law enforcement, fire and the Corvallis School District.

Positive outcomes from the exercise include familiarity with the layout of the school, and coordination with multiple agency response.

A significant lesson learned was radio coverage was not sufficient for the rural area of the school. The exercise began with four channels available for use, and ended the drill with two, due to transmission problems.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Philomath Police Department, Philomath Fire Department, Corvallis Police Department, Corvallis Fire Department, Albany Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office volunteer groups, and Public Information Officers in the county, for their assistance to make this training exercise a success.

XXX

Cascade Locks, Ore. - On June 21st, 2019, at approximately 9:45 PM a deputy with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office shot and killed a cougar at a residence on John Quincy Ave. in Cascade Locks. The cougar was adjacent to a vehicle that was occupied by an infant, preventing the mother from safely removing the infant from the vehicle. Upon the arrival of the deputy, the cougar remained in close proximity. At that point, due to continuous close proximity and the danger presented to the family by the animal's refusal to leave the area, the deputy shot and killed the cougar. 

This incident follows two sightings of cougars in the same neighborhood the previous weekend, as well as another sighting approximately a week before that. Residents had reported seeing the cougar pass within 10 feet of their front door, as well as unconfirmed reports of a domestic animal that was missing. When deputies responded to one of those sightings, the cougar in question demonstrated itself to be highly acclimated to the area, with the deputy going to great lengths to scare the animal off. The nature and small geographic area of those reports indicate that this was likely all the same animal, and that it was growing increasingly comfortable in the more urban environment. It had also demonstrated a decrease in its own fear of humans.

The animal has been turned over to Oregon State Police Fish & Game. Due to the numerous recent sightings in Cascade Locks and Hood River, the Hood River County Sheriff's Office has been working closely with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Case #19-4710

Date 6/21/2019

Car vs. Bicyclist Crash

On 6/21/2019 at approximately 4:22 pm, Milwaukie Police responded to a vehicle vs. bicyclist crash near SE Oak Street and SE Washington Street in Milwaukie, Clackamas County, Oregon. It was initially reported that the bicyclist may have a broken leg. The driver and bicyclist remained on scene for police contact.

 When police arrived, a red 1999 Toyota Corolla was stopped in the roadway at the north-west corner of SE Oak Street and SE Washington Street and facing west. The driver, 23-year-old James Maloney, was standing outside of the vehicle waiting for police. Approximately 20 feet in front of Mr. Maloney’s vehicle was the bicyclist, 24-year-old Randal Arias, who was sitting on the curb next to his mountain bike. Mr. Arias had minor scrapes from the crash, but did not have a broken leg.

 Mr. Maloney reported he did not see Mr. Arias until it was too late and he was unable to avoid the crash. Mr. Maloney estimated his speed at the time of the crash to be 10 to 15 miles per hour. Mr. Maloney was unharmed. Further police investigation revealed Mr. Maloney and Mr. Arias had been sharing the roadway from SE Monroe Street at SE 37th Avenue, up and to the crash location. Mr. Maloney admitted to telling Mr. Arias at one point to, stay in the road, or on the sidewalk, explaining to officers that Mr. Arias was going from one to the other sporadically.

Mr. Arias was checked by Clackamas County Paramedics. Mr. Arias explained that a prior injury to his right shin had been mistaken for a broken leg by a passerby. Mr. Arias refused any further medical treatment beyond what was provided on scene. Mr. Arias only complaints were of soreness and minor aches. Mr. Arias reported minor damage to his bicycle prior to walking it home from the scene.

 The police investigation revealed Mr. Maloney to be the at fault party in the crash. Mr. Maloney was cited for Following Too Closely/ORS - 811.485.  

Salem, Ore. — On Thursday, July 4, at approximately 10 p.m., a volley of crackling lights will streak upwards, illuminating the night sky above Riverfront Park and mark the start of Salem’s annual fireworks show. Held in Riverfront Park, the City’s dazzling pyrotechnic display has delighted fireworks watchers of all ages since 2014.

“Fireworks have been an important part of celebrating Independence Day in America since 1777,” says Becky George, Recreation Supervisor at the City of Salem. “The 4th of July just isn’t the same without them. We’re happy to provide a safe and fun way for the community to enjoy this festive American tradition.”

The firework show is expected to last 20 to 25 minutes and will feature fireworks of all kinds, from those that glitter and twinkle like pixie dust, to bursts of sparkling, vibrant chrysanthemums.

To accommodate set-up for the show, the Riverfront Park boat dock will close by noon on July 4. Parking is provided in the north end of Riverfront Park (enter off Union Street NE), Wallace Marine Park, and downtown streets. Additional free parking is available within walking distance of Riverfront Park at downtown parking garages.

Attendees are welcome to bring blankets or low back chairs. Please arrive early to grab a good spot. The Riverfront Park amphitheater has been reserved to accommodate groups with their own canopies, barbecues, food and beverages. This space is first come, first serve. Outside alcohol and fireworks are prohibited in City parks.

CherryFestNW, which runs from July 4-7 in Riverfront Park, will have free admission on July 4, and features live music, adult beverages, a variety of food vendors, a carnival, and a Kid Zone. 

For more information, call the City of Salem Parks and Recreation Services at 503-588-6261.

Oregon State Police and emergency personnel are on scene of a three vehicle crash which occurred at 3:10 P.M. on Hwy 22E near milepost 21.

There is one confirmed fatality and five people were transported to area hospitals.

Both eastbound and westbound lanes will be closed for several hours while Troopers are investigating.  Please avoid the area, consider using an alternate route, or expect long delays.

More information will be released when it is available and appropriate.

June 21, 2019

Deandrea Sanders receives 20 year prison sentence for southeast Portland homicide

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 29-year-old Deandrea Sanders received a 20 year prison sentence for killing Mr. Anthony Jackson Jr.

“You didn’t just take my son’s life that day, you took the life we knew,” Shannon Taloff, the victim’s mother said in court. “You took the mother my kids knew because I will never be the same. You took their big brother and their innocence. He was our protector. … I never knew what real pain felt like until I had to lay next to my son in a hospital bed and feel his heart stop beating. … There is no such thing as justice when someone’s life is taken.”

On May 24, 2019, Sanders pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree with a firearm and one count of attempted aggravated murder.

"Anthony Jackson Jr. was deeply loved in our community and by his family," said Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, who prosecuted this case. "The State has gone to great lengths to investigate this matter. We believe this is an appropriate resolution because Mr. Sanders has now taken responsibility for causing Mr. Jackson’s death. With that admission comes accountability in the form of a significant prison sentence.”

This investigation started on July 12, 2015 when Portland Police officers patrolling the area of Southeast 137th Avenue and Powell Boulevard heard multiple gunshots in the area.

Officers responded to the Shalamar Apartments, located at 13746 Southeast Powell Boulevard, and located Jackson, 19, suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers secured the area and provided medical aid to Mr. Jackson. He was transported to the hospital, but died on July 14, 2015 as a result of his injuries.

Based on the investigation, law enforcement believes Sanders was likely armed with two handguns at the time of the shooting. Law enforcement located more than a dozen .45 caliber shell casings at the scene.

Detectives assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail spoke with witnesses who told them that Mr. Jackson was shot while standing in a parking lot.

Furthermore, law enforcement learned that Sanders and Mr. Jackson had been involved a lengthy and ongoing argument.

On July 16, 2015, law enforcement contacted Sanders and found him to be in possession of a firearm. The weapon was later tested for physical evidence and subsequently connected forensically to the death of Mr. Jackson.

Andre Grandy, who drove Sanders to the Shalamar Apartments, previously pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree. According to court documents, he will receive a 10 year prison sentence.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Portland Police Bureau patrol officers who responded to the scene, the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail and the officers who arrested Sanders for their dedicated efforts working this case.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

On Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at approximately 3:43 P.M. A Trooper from the Oregon State Police Central Point office contacted a vehicle for multiple traffic violations on Interstate 5 near milepost 20.  

An Oregon State Police narcotics K9 was deployed.  The K9 alerted on the vehicle and a search located 50.8lbs of methamphetamine and 4.8lbs of a heroin hidden inside the vehicle. 

Juan Enrique Lemus Del Cid (28) and Reynalda Larios-Cortes (57), both from Tacoma, WA. were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance for both methamphetamine and heroin and lodged at the Jackson County Jail.  

OSP was assisted by the Medford Homeland Security Investigations office.

June 21, 2019

Criminal charges filed in April 20, 2019 crash that killed rideshare passenger in northeast Portland

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a seven-count charging document was filed against 38-year-old Herbert Lee Scruggs Jr. in connection with the April 20, 2019 vehicular homicide that happened in the Parkrose Heights neighborhood of northeast Portland.

Scruggs Jr. is charged with one count of manslaughter in the second degree, one count of assault in the third degree, one count of assault in the fourth degree, two counts of driving under the influence of intoxicants, one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and one count of reckless driving.

This investigation started when Portland Police responded to reports of a multi-vehicle crash on the Northeast 102nd Avenue overpass above Interstate 84. Upon arrival, law enforcement located three involved vehicles.

Ray Warren Ilar, 47, a passenger of one of the vehicles, died as a result of the crash.

According to court documents, a stolen Dodge pickup, later determined to be driven by Scruggs Jr., was seen weaving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed. Scruggs Jr. swerved the pickup into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Lexus SUV that was traveling northbound on Northeast 102nd Avenue, according to court documents. 

Scruggs Jr. was ejected from the vehicle. He spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from facial lacerations and skull fractures, according to a probable cause affidavit prepared by Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Glen Banfield. During the investigation, officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division’s Major Crash Team learned that the vehicle Scruggs Jr. was driving had been reported stolen on April 16, 2019.

According to court documents, Scruggs had a .12% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) when he arrived at the hospital. Additionally, a toxicology report confirmed the presence of marijuana and methamphetamine in his blood.

The driver of the Lexus, which was in service as a ridesharing vehicle, suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to the hospital. Her passenger, later identified as Mr. Ilar, was ejected through the front windshield and died.

The Portland Police Bureau found, based on their investigation, Mr. Ilar was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

The ridesharing driver was providing Mr. Ilar with transportation to his residence, according to the probable cause affidavit.

As a result of the initial collision between the pickup allegedly driven by Scruggs Jr. and the Lexus, the Lexus was then knocked into the path of, and collided with, a Toyota Sienna minivan that was headed northbound. The driver of the minivan, a juvenile, did not suffer life-threating injuries, but was transported to the hospital.

This remains an ongoing investigation and no additional details can be released by law enforcement or the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

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

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

Sweet Home, Ore - Nearly 300 wildland firefighters and instructors will convene in Sweet Home next week to take part in the annual five day Mid-Willamette Valley Interagency Wildland Fire School. Officials from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) host this training to prepare new firefighters for the demands of firefighting in Oregon's forests and rural-urban interface areas.

“We are expecting an above average fire season in western Oregon so it’s important to get our crews trained up and ready for the challenges that lie ahead,” said Co-Incident Commander Nick White from the U.S. Forest Service. “New firefighters will be trained in both tactical skills and safety,” White said. “We are all students of fire with a focus on continual improvement. Career firefighters will refresh their skills and explore leadership opportunities.”

Trainees will spend the first part of the week in a classroom setting. Classes include basic fire behavior, weather, map and compass use, teamwork, safety, tools and hose lays, fighting fire in the rural-urban interface and fire investigation. Students will camp in tents at Sweet Home High School and eat their meals communally, giving them a taste of life in a real fire camp. The course will culminate with a live fire exercise at the end of the week. Cascade Timber Consulting, Inc., a local landowner, provides a new field site each year.

“Teamwork and safety are paramount in firefighting,” said Co-Incident Commander Craig Pettinger from Oregon Department of Forestry. “Spending the week learning together as a team, and gaining hands on experience during Friday’s live fire exercise gives the students an opportunity to practice communication, safety and teamwork in a realistic setting.”

Fire officials are urging the public to use caution as there will be increased fire traffic in the area and the potential for visible smoke on Friday, June 28.

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – PeaceHealth is partnering with non-profit developer, Mercy Housing Northwest to bring affordable family housing to Vancouver.

PeaceHealth will donate the land parcel for the project, which is located near PeaceHealth Southwest at NE 5th and NE 93rd Avenue. It will also work collaboratively with Mercy in determining on-site resident services and programming. Mercy will own and manage the housing development which will consist of 72 units for family housing.

“We recognize that our role of caring for our community goes well beyond the walls of our clinics and hospitals,” says Sean Gregory, Chief Executive of PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. “By collaborating with Mercy, it enables us to directly address housing needs. And, we know that in Vancouver one in three low- or moderate-income households are experiencing a severe cost burden, spending more than half their income on housing.”

Mercy Housing brings a history of successfully developing and managing affordable rental units that give lower-income households a secure place to call home. Since its founding 27 years ago, Mercy has successfully developed more than 2,000 affordable rental homes across 16 counties in Washington.

“Mercy Housing Northwest is delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with PeaceHealth,” said Bill Rumpf, President of Mercy Housing Northwest, “We look forward to creating 72 new rental homes, with resident services designed to support health and wellness, children’s success in school and financial stability.  We also acknowledge the Vancouver community for approving a housing levy to make it possible to create well-designed, affordable housing.”

The location for the project was chosen based on the adjacency of the site to health care services, as well as being close to jobs, schools, bus service, and major thoroughfares. Resident services and programs will be offered on site.

Over the next few months, PeaceHealth and Mercy will collaborate on collecting input from the community and key stakeholders that will lead to final designs and decisions on resident services. Groundbreaking is projected sometime in 2020, with opening for residents in 2021.

###

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 900 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

About Mercy Housing Northwest: A non-profit organization, Mercy Housing Northwest is a leading developer and manager of affordable family housing. Since its founding 27 years ago, Mercy has successfully developed more than 2,000 affordable rental homes across 16 counties in Washington. The Founding Communities for Mercy Housing Northwest include the Sisters of Providence, Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, Sisters of the Holy Names and the Adrian and Tacoma Dominicans.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has awarded the Portland Community College Foundation with two of its biggest honors.

As the college’s philanthropic organization, the PCC Foundation is the recipient of the CASE Circle of Excellence Award and the Educational Fundraising Award for 2019. The volunteer-led CASE is a global nonprofit membership association of educational institutions, and helps develop the communities of professional practice in alumni relations, fundraising, marketing, student recruitment, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications and government relations.

CASE honored the Foundation with the Circle of Excellence Award for its “Save A Seat” Campaign. The Foundation launched its annual faculty, staff and retiree campaign in 2018, highlighting various ways the community can support PCC’s hardworking student population. By making a gift to fund scholarships, campus food pantries or emergency grants, PCC employees and retirees improved student access to resources to help them in their college journey. The series of hand-illustrated images were conceived and designed by PCC alumni Alla Nikiforov, Warren Gunn and Ryan Bunao.

“Employees and retirees know the immense challenges PCC students face, and this campaign allowed the community to come together and provide wraparound services to ensure equitable student success,” said Ann Prater, executive director of the PCC Foundation. “The campaign encouraged donors to ‘save a seat’ so students could afford to learn, and not let hunger or setbacks slow them down.”

The CASE Educational Fundraising Award is an annual honor given to exceptional fundraising programs at educational institutions in the United States. The PCC Foundation was one of only ten community colleges receiving the award in 2019. CASE annually recognizes exemplary fundraising programs and activities, and noted that the PCC Foundation showed, “the highest levels of professionalism and best practice in fundraising efforts.”

Here’s a complete list of CASE Educational Fundraising Award winners.

And, the complete list of Circle of Excellence Awards winners.

About Portland Community College: Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 71,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, eight education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

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

Salem, Ore - The Oregon Department of Forestry shared its web-based Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer tool to the Public Utilities Commission this week in an effort to reduce the number of wildfires started by power lines. ODF was joined at the PUC workshop by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Pacific Power to introduce measures utility companies are taking to prevent ignitions or provide quick response when fires occur.

With last year’s Camp Fire caused by a power line – taking 86 lives and devastating the town of Paradise, Calif. – this workshop served as a starting point for addressing this issue in Oregon. ODF reports an average of 47 fires are caused by power lines each year on lands protected by the agency. While most of these fires are caught at 10 acres or less, the remote location of power lines can sometimes lead to large fire growth due to lack of access. The 2018 Ramsey Canyon Fire, which started August 9 from a downed power line in Jackson County, burned nearly 2,000 acres and cost $6.6 million to put out.

ODF is encouraged that the PUC and utility companies are taking an active role in protecting lives, communities and natural resources from the dangers of wildfire.

“Preventing fires started by power lines is a tough nut to crack,” says ODF Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. “Correcting human behavior such as putting out a campfire is much different than preventing fires started by equipment or infrastructure. Monitoring thousands of miles of energized power lines is a monumental task, especially because many of these lines are in remote locations. We applaud these utilities for their efforts in mitigation and preventative procedures during times of elevated fire danger.”

Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer is an online tool for homeowners, community leaders and professional planners to create natural hazard mitigation plans based on fire risk for a given area. The program takes into consideration fire history, vegetation, topography, weather, and even infrastructure. Utility companies will be able to match power line corridors with areas of fire risk to develop mitigation and response plans.

Both PG&E and Pacific Power are taking steps to reduce vegetation in and around power lines and poles, increase the number of facility inspections, and invest in improving equipment resiliency and fire proofing. The utilities are also establishing a new fire prevention measure called a Public Safety Power Shutoff.  Proactively shutting off power during extreme and dangerous weather conditions is a step toward keeping people and communities in high-risk areas safe. This measure is intnded as a last resort to help ensure customer and community safety.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—Mary Holden Ayala, 59, of Portland, was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for stealing over $1 million from an Oregon foster care agency, money laundering and filing false personal income tax returns.

On February 7, 2019, after eight days of trial, Ayala was convicted by a federal jury in Portland on five counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property and seven counts of filing a false federal tax return.

From at least 2008 to 2015, Ayala, a longtime Portland resident, served as the President, Executive Director and primary agent of Give Us This Day (GUTD), a private foster care agency and residential program for youth.

“Mary Holden Ayala was responsible for protecting and caring for children in Oregon’s foster care system. Instead she callously stole from them,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Stealing from vulnerable children she was entrusted to serve with taxpayer money is a despicable act and warrants severe consequences.”

“Foster children have already lost almost everything—their parents, their homes, their sense of security. Mary Holden Ayala took from them the last thing they had—faith in a foster care system that is supposed to give them a chance at a better life. To steal from society’s most vulnerable children to enrich yourself is simply unconscionable,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

“Mary Ayala’s crimes include stealing funds intended to provide support for juvenile foster kids entrusted in her care, spending the funds selfishly on a luxurious lifestyle, and then hiding her personal use of the funds by filing false tax returns,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. “Today’s sentence holds Ayala accountable. IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to work with our partners and investigate those who steal from the most vulnerable in our society.”

“Stealing money meant to pay for foster care expenses is reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven Ryan of the HHS Office of Inspector General. “Such greed-fueled fraud can impact those in need and cheats taxpayers; however, today’s sentence shows that our hardworking investigators and law enforcement partners are committed to making sure criminals are held accountable for their actions.”

According to court documents, since its inception in 1979, GUTD was primarily funded by the Oregon state and federal government for foster care services including hiring and screening foster parents for community placements, compensating foster parents for services and placing foster children in residential or group homes. GUTD federal funding originated from the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and was administrated by ODHS.

From 2009 through 2015, Ayala exercised sole and complete control over GUTD finances. No other GUTD employee or board member had access to the organization’s bank accounts or statements during this time. With no internal controls in place, Ayala wrote checks, used the GUTD debit card and withdrew cash at will, using the organization’s bank accounts as her own.

Ayala used the money stolen from GUTD to pay her mortgage, remodel her home and fund other retail, travel and transportation expenses. Additionally, she used the money to fund other, non-GUTD business ventures including a media company, Big Mary’s fish and ribs restaurant in Portland, and to purchase and flip a commercial property.

In total, Ayala stole over $1 million from GUTD. As a result, her employees, foster parents and foster children in GUTD’s care suffered. GUTD residential house managers complained about a lack of basic necessities, including but not limited to food, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

In 2015, the day after Ayala resigned her position at GUTD, she filed five false federal income tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2013. Shortly thereafter, she filed a sixth false return for tax year 2014. Ayala failed to file a tax return in 2015.

During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez ordered Ayala to pay $239,192 in restitution to the IRS and $1,025,235 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgement. The court also forfeited to the U.S. more than $451,000 in net proceeds from the sale of a commercial property on NE Martin Luther King Boulevard in Portland that Ayala purchased with stolen GUTD funds.

In a superseding indictment returned on May 3, 2017, a federal grand jury in Portland charged Ayala with five counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, one count of concealment of money laundering, one count of failure to file a personal federal tax return and two counts each of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property and filing a false personal federal tax return. The government dropped the concealment of money laundering charge prior to trial.    

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and IRS-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Donna Maddux, Clemon Ashley and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

June 21, 2019

Port contact:               hart@portvanusa.com">Ryan Hart, Chief External Affairs Officer, 360-518-2553 cell

Vestas contact:           Chante Condit-Pottol, Communications Specialist, 503-708-6668 cell

PacifiCorp contact:     PacifiCorp media hotline, 1-800-570-5838

Port of Vancouver USA to receive world’s largest shipment of wind turbine blades ever shipped on a single vessel

The blades from Vestas will boost capacity on existing turbines at Pacificorp’s Marengo Wind Project by more than 35 percent

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Port of Vancouver USA is scheduled to receive the largest shipment of wind turnbine blades ever shipped on a single vessel. The ship, which is sailing from Taranto, Italy, is carrying 198 wind turbine blades that each measure 49 meters in length. The blades, manufactured by Vestas, are destined for PacifiCorp’s Marengo Wind Project near Dayton, Washington as part of a “repowering” project that adds larger blades and newer technology to substantially increase renewable energy output.

Crews will unload the blades using the port’s two Liebherr mobile harbor cranes. Once unloaded, waiting trucks will move the blades to a laydown area at the port’s Terminal 5. They will be trucked over the next three months to Dayton and staged for construction which will occur from July through October.

What:  Offloading the largest shipment of wind turbine blades ever shipped on a single vessel – stacked five-high above deck, and three-high below deck

When:  10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday,  June 26, 2019
 

Where:  Meet at the port’s security gate, (2605 West 26th Avenue, Vancouver) to be escorted to the viewing site

Who:              Commissioner Jerry Oliver, Port of Vancouver USA

                        Julianna Marler, CEO, Port of Vancouver USA

                        Chante Condit-Pottol, Communications Specialist, Vestas

                        Tim Hemstreet, Managing Director, Renewable Energy, PacifiCorp

Why:   As part of its Energy Vision 2020 plan, PacifiCorp is increasing the wind energy it generates for its 1.9 million customers by more than 50 percent by repowering its existing wind fleet with new technology and bringing 1,100 MW of new clean wind energy projects online by end of year 2020. The Marengo Wind Project is part of a series of “repowering” projects that will update the company’s existing wind fleet to boost energy output while keeping costs low. The projects also support local economies and bring jobs and investment to rural communities.

Details:  All media personnel will meet and check in at the port’s main security gate. Government issued photo ID is required. Port escorts will guide media through the terminal, to a parking and viewing location near the ship. Special parking will be set aside for news vans. 

Please dress for the weather, and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (full coverage). The port will provide hard hats and safety vests, which are required to be worn at all times.

About Port of Vancouver USA

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

About Vestas
Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We design, manufacture, install, and service wind turbines across the globe, and with more than 102 GW of wind turbines in 80 countries, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. Through our industry-leading smart data capabilities and unparalleled more than 87 GW of wind turbines under service, we use data to interpret, forecast, and exploit wind resources and deliver best-in-class wind power solutions. Together with our customers, Vestas’ more than 24,500 employees are bringing the world sustainable energy solutions to power a bright future. We invite you to learn more about Vestas by visiting our website at www.vestas.com.

About PacifiCorp
PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving more than 1.9 million customers in the West. PacifiCorp operates as Pacific Power in Oregon, Washington and California, and as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. Visit www.pacificorp.com.

Date:               Monday, June 24, 2019

Time:               6:00–8:00 p.m. Regular Meeting

Location:         District Office

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

Beaverton Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 59-year-old John Scribner.

Mr. Scribner was last seen Thursday June 20th at 10 p.m. in his home within the 5000 block of SW Lombard Ave.  Mr. Scribner doesn’t walk well due to past medical events and takes medication daily.  Mr. Scribner didn’t take any of his personal belongings or medication with him.

If anyone has seen Mr. Scribner or know his whereabouts, please call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and speak to a Beaverton Police officer. 

##BPD##

Boise, Idaho – Today, the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management released the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Fuel Breaks in the Great Basin for a 45-day public comment period. This Draft Programmatic EIS analyzes a system of up to 11,000 miles of strategically placed fuel breaks to control wildfires within a 223 million-acre area that includes portions of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Utah.

“The Department of the Interior is dedicated to leveraging all of its assets to reduce wildfire risk and safeguard western communities,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. “We look forward to receiving feedback from the public on this effort which promises to make a real difference in reducing the wildfire threat.”

“Wildfires devastate forests, rangeland and communities across Idaho and throughout the West, and without strategic planning they’re likely to continue in the years ahead,” said Casey Hammond, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management. “With this initiative and others like it, we’re working proactively to curb wildfires’ destruction and make it safer and more effective for firefighters to protect people and property.”

Large, unbroken swaths of grasses, brush and other vegetation have provided a continuous supply of fuel for the recent catastrophic rangeland wildfires that have burned across the Great Basin states. The concept behind fuel breaks is to break up or fragment continuous fuels by reducing vegetation in key locations. When a wildfire burns into a fuel break, the flame lengths decrease and its progress slows, making it safer and easier for firefighters to control. The fuel breaks would be strategically placed along roads and rights-of-way on BLM-administered lands.

Tools used to create fuel breaks could include brown strips - areas where all vegetation has been removed; green strips - areas where vegetation that is more flammable has been replaced with less flammable vegetation; and mowing or targeted grazing depending on the locations and vegetation.  BLM developed four alternatives, including the No Action Alternative, based on comments received during the initial scoping period.

The proposed treatments are part of a larger national wildfire reduction strategy guided by President Trump’s Executive Order 13855 – Promoting Active Management of America’s Forests, Rangelands, and Other Federal Lands to Improve Conditions and Reduce Wildfire Risk, as well as Secretary’s Order 3372 – Reducing Wildfire Risks on Department of the Interior Land through Active Management. The two orders direct DOI and Department of Agriculture agencies to implement policies to improve forest and rangeland management practices by reducing hazardous fuel loads, mitigating fire risk and ensuring the safety and stability of local communities through active management on forests and rangelands.

The preferred alternative identified in the Draft Programmatic EIS would create up to 11,000 miles of new fuel breaks within a 223 million-acre area that includes portions of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada and Utah. Fuel breaks would be reseeded, using both native and non-native plant species throughout the project area.

“Fuel breaks have proven to be very effective in slowing rangeland wildfires, making them easier and safer for wildland firefighters to control,” said John Ruhs, State Director for BLM Idaho, which is hosting the Great Basin Fuel Breaks EIS Team. “We believe that creating a system of fuel breaks will help us enhance and improve our working landscapes.”

The BLM is seeking public input to ensure that all aspects of developing a system of fuel breaks are analyzed. The BLM will accept written comments on the Draft Programmatic EIS and will hold a series of public meetings to gather public comment.

Public meetings will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the following locations:

California

• July 10: BLM Eagle Lake Field Office, 2550 Riverside Dr., Susanville, CA 96130
• Idaho
• July 9: Red Lion Boise Hotel, 1800 W Fairview Ave., Boise, ID 83702
• July 16: BLM Twin Falls District Office, 2878 Addison Ave., Twin Falls, ID 83301
• July 17: Idaho Falls (location TBD; contact Idaho Falls District Office at 208-524-7500)

Nevada

• July 9: Reno (location TBD, contact BLM Nevada State Office at 775-861-6400)
• July 16: Red Lion Inn (High Desert Inn), 3015 Idaho St., Elko, NV 89801
• July 17: Bristlecone Convention Center, 150 Sixth Street Ely, NV 89301

Oregon

• July 8: Harney County Community Center, 478 N Broadway Ave., Burns, OR 97720
• July 11: BLM Lakeview District Office, 1301 South G Street, Lakeview, OR 97630

Utah

• July 18: Hampton Inn & Suites, 307 North Admiral Byrd Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
• July 18: Heritage Center Festival Hall, 105 N. 100 E. Cedar City, UT 84720

Washington

• July 10: Spokane (location TBD, contact Spokane District Office at 509-536-1200)

An electronic copy of the Draft Programmatic EIS and associated documents is available on the BLM Land Use Planning and NEPA register. For comments to be considered, they must be received by the BLM no later than midnight MST on August 5, 2019.

Prior to including your phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your written comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can request we withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Background on DOI’s Wildland Fire Prevention Efforts

In 2018, the Department of the Interior worked closely with partners on 2,500 treatment projects to remove excess burnable vegetation on more than 1.2 million acres of DOI- and tribally-managed lands.  Another 170,000 acres were managed for resource purposes. These efforts helped to reduce wildfire risk in some of the most fire-prone areas of the country.

The DOI continues to be the leader in the research, development, and practical deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or drones, on wildland fire management operations. With the largest drone program outside of the Department of Defense, the DOI uses drones to detect hotspots around fires, improve mapping, and monitor fire operations for improved safety.  In 2018, the DOI conducted 1,552 drone missions on 200 individual wildfires, doubling last year’s total.

In 2019, the DOI plans to deploy nearly 4,500 firefighting personnel, 500 tribal firefighters, 151 smokejumpers, 18 interagency hotshot crews and 4 Tribal hotshot crews. Firefighters will have over 600 pieces of specialized equipment available for use, including engines, water tenders, bulldozers, and other equipment. Aviation assets play a critical role in efforts to manage wildfires, and the DOI will have access to 23 single engine air tankers, 6 water scoopers, 41 Type 1, 2 and 3 helicopters, and a number of other aviation resources. 

Vancouver, Wash. ??' Clark County is seeking applicants for an open position on the volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board.

The position is for a dog owner who lives in Clark County.

The term begins immediately and terminates Oct. 31, 2021.

Advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Clark County Public Safety Complex, 505 NW 179th Street.

Functions of the 10-member board include:

• Reporting to the Board of County Councilors and Vancouver City Council at least once a year on general operations of the Animal Protection and Control Program
• Recommending potential modifications to code
• Acting as an appeals hearing board
• Volunteering at outreach and fundraising events
• Promoting the program and its licensing of all dogs and cats.

For more about the board or to download an application, please go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-development/animal-control-advisory-board.

Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, July 5, 2019.

Applications and a resume can be mailed to Animal Protection and Control, P.O. Box 9810, Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 or dropped off at the department office on the third floor of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St.

June 21, 2019

Grand jury transcripts released in Jeb Brock officer involved death investigation

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a transcript of the grand jury proceedings in the death investigation of Jeb Brock was posted to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s website. 

Upon return of a “not true bill” (see press release) in this matter by the grand jury, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion with the presiding court to create and release a transcript of the grand jury proceedings recorded pursuant to ORS 132.260(1).

The Portland Police Bureau previously posted its investigative files to its website, which can be accessed by clicking here.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has no additional comment on this matter.

• Grand Jury Transcript Volume I
• Grand Jury Transcript Volume II
• Motion for a court order to release a grand jury transcript and judicial order that the State shall release a transcript of the grand jury proceedings

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released a series of interactive online maps designed to promote climbing and other recreational opportunities on BLM-managed public lands. Developed in cooperation with Access Fund and Mountain Project, the maps allow individuals to easily plan exciting climbing experiences at sites around the western United States.

“The Trump Administration is committed to expanding and promoting the untold number of recreational opportunities for Americans to enjoy on public lands," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. "We have some of the best rock climbing sites in the world, and I hope that this new map can help to further highlight these locations and encourage more outdoor enthusiasts to explore our great outdoors.”

“The BLM is proud to share these maps and promote access to some of the world’s best climbing areas,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior Casey Hammond, exercising the authority of the BLM Director. “We are committed to expanding recreational opportunities on public lands for all Americans, and these interactive maps provide a great tool for folks to further explore the great outdoors.”

Now climbers can pull information about specific BLM-managed climbing areas through a centralized online tool while on the go. The maps, available at https://arcg.is/1SP18f, include useful site information such as photos, season of use, area characteristics, and difficulty levels. Visitors can also find a number of nearby attractions for each climbing site.

“The BLM manages some of the most iconic climbing destinations in the United States,” said Katie Goodwin, Policy Analyst at Access Fund. “This project has been part of an exciting collaborative effort between Access Fund, Mountain Project, and the BLM, and we look forward to our continued work to manage and promote America's cherished climbing destinations.”

“BLM-managed climbing areas hold some of the country’s best opportunities for people to learn about climbing and expand their skills,” said Matt Wade, Advocacy and Policy Director at the American Mountain Guides Association. “The new interactive online maps just released by the BLM will help more Americans access these areas and visit responsibly.” 

BLM-managed public lands represent the largest acreage available for recreation in America. About 67 million visits are made annually to these public lands and waters, supporting more than 47,000 jobs nationwide and contributing almost $7 billion to the country’s economy.

The BLM invites the public to visit one or more of the featured climbing destinations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. The climbing area maps can be found at https://arcg.is/1SP18f.

Background on Great Outdoors Month
President George W. Bush initially proclaimed Great Outdoors Week in 2001 and 2002. In 2004, he issued June as Great Outdoors Month, and it has been proclaimed every year since. In 2017 and 2018, President Trump proclaimed the need to improve upon the management of public lands through public-private partnerships and the importance of expanding hunting and fishing rights at national wildlife refuges across the country. In accordance with this directive, the Department of the Interior has expanded hunting and fishing access, most recently proposing a 1.4 million acre expansion nationwide. To view this year’s Great Outdoors Month proclamation from President Trump, click here.

On the morning of Friday June 21st, Vancouver Firefighters were dispatched to QFC at 3505 SE 192nd ave for a carbon monoxide alarm. The Vancouver fire departments hazardous materials team is on scene and has declared the building unsafe until repairs can be conducted at the store. Until the carbon monoxide can be mitigated the QFC grocery store will be CLOSED until further notice. There is no timeline for it to reopen but efforts are currently underway to open the store back up as soon as possible. 

UPDATE

QFC reopened at about 0820 this morning. 

The Office of State Fire Marshal, the Oregon Fire Service, natural resource agencies, Oregon licensed fireworks wholesalers, and safety experts all encourage Oregonians to “keep it legal and keep it safe” when using fireworks.

The 2019 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opens June 23 and runs through July 6. The OSFM and their partners want everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use in Oregon without a permit, where they are permitted to be used, and the important safety steps to take when using legal fireworks.  

“I want to remind all Oregonians that consumer legal fireworks can only be purchased from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands,” says State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “And, regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. Fire risk in Oregon is already high, and as the weeks go by that risk will only increase, so there is no room for error in fireworks safety.”

July 4 holiday public land visitors are advised to leave all fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is prohibited on all national forestland, Oregon state parks, and beaches. Residents statewide can still enjoy fireworks at officially sponsored community events.

For residents who purchase legal fireworks, the OSFM encourages everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use:

• Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
• Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
• Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
• Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places

Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground, without a permit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon, without a permit.

For the last reported five years through 2018, there were 1,264 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon recorded by the state’s structural fire agencies, resulting in more than $3.5 million in property damage. During that same period, fires resulting from fireworks resulted in one death and 26 injuries. The data from structural fire agencies do not include incidents that occurred on federal and other state lands.

Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children. 

“All Oregonians share the responsibility to use only consumer legal fireworks and use them carefully,” adds Walker. “We encourage you to be aware and considerate of neighbors and their pets before deciding on when and where you choose to light legal fireworks.”

The OSFM has published FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities. OSFM’s fireworks education materials for sharing on social media also can be found on its website.

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June 20th, 2019

Update: Police Locate Endangered Missing Person

Hillsboro, OR -     Hillsboro Police Department officers have located the missing endangered man, Van Van Phan, near Southwest 185th Avenue and West Baseline Road, and he has been re-united with his family.  We wish to thank the alert community member who helped us find him.

On June 19, 2019, a Washington County Grand Jury indicted Adam Michael Wallace, age 39, on 19 felony charges related to the sexual abuse of underage males and luring minors online. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office began its investigation into Wallace after receiving information from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office about possible victims in the Washington County area. Wallace is currently in custody at the Marion County Jail on similar Marion County charges and is currently facing similar cases in Linn County, Oregon (Albany Police Dept.) and Cowlitz County, Washington. Wallace is a registered sex offender who was last living in the City of Aurora in Marion County.

Wallace is known for using social media apps, such as Instagram, SnapChat, Grindr, Hornet, and text messaging to contact his victims. Wallace would often use “phishing” techniques, such as posing as a person younger than himself to make contact with juvenile males. He would then meet them in person and promise to buy the boys gifts, such as clothing, before sexually abusing them.

Due to the number of victims, the widespread locations of his victims, and the amount of photos retrieved from the suspect’s phone, detectives believe there may be many more underage males who have yet to come forward.

Adam Wallace’s charges from Washington County are listed below:

• Using Child in Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct (x4)
• Sodomy in the Third Degree (x2)
• Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (x4)
• Online Sexual Corruption of a Child (x2)
• Luring a Minor (x7)

The abuse is believed to have happened between 2015 and March of this year when Wallace was most recently arrested.

Anyone with information about Adam Wallace, who sometimes goes by his middle name of Michael, is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-846-2700 or Detective Emanie Bravo with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 503-566-6910.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to remind parents to keep a close eye on their children’s social media accounts and cell phones as sexual predators use these as ways to contact their victims.

Prevention coalitions from across Southwest Washington gathered with community members and elected officials to honor volunteers and partners earlier this month at Vancouver’s Marshall Center Community Park.

Each of the nine partnering coalitions from Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties recognized volunteers with certificates of appreciation for their contributions to community prevention projects over the previous school year.

Recipients included:

• Prevent Coalition: Kathy McNicholas and Madison Langer.
• Connect Evergreen: Randy Dewater and Connect Evergreen youth volunteers including Ryan Dewater, Riley Dewater, Oliver Neves, Abigayle DeJesus-Wood, Wyatt, Lindsey.
• Central Vancouver: Fort Vancouver High School MEChA and Fort Vancouver High School LULAC.
• KLASAC: Kirsten Poole and Joshua Bautista.
• La Center United: Kate Soske and Wyatt Manwell.
• One Prevention Alliance: Riley Hershberger and Colleen Wahto.
• Our Klickitat: Marisa Cieloha and Rita Pinchot.
• Prevent Together Battle Ground Prevention Alliance: Battle Ground High School Administrative Team including Principal Charb Gourde, Erick Suksdorf, Scott Yingling and Heather Ichimura as well as Jonathan Haukaas, editor of the Battle Ground Reflector.
• UNITE! Washougal: Shayla Rae Tyner and Lisa Bennet.
• West Van for Youth: Latte Da Coffee House & Wine Bar and Clark College ACEs Club.

Additionally, Connect Evergreen Coalition honored coordinator Wendy Silverthorne as she retires from Evergreen School District and coalition work. 

The groups celebrated the impact area volunteers have had on prevention efforts and that local data indicates youth substance use is generally trending downward. Since 2008:

• Alcohol use has decreased by 44 percent
• Binge drinking has decreased by 50 percent
• Prescription painkiller misuse has decreased by 57 percent
• Youth cigarette smoking has decreased by 62 percent

Also, marijuana use has remained stable despite retail legalization.

“We really appreciate the hard work and countless hours key coalition partners dedicate to building healthier communities,” said Christopher Belisle, Community Prevention Project Coordinator for Educational Service District 112. “We’re excited to gather as one prevention community and collectively honor volunteer and partner contributions.”

June 20, 2019

Tyler Pierce charged with manslaughter following June 19, 2019 homicide in southeast Portland

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 30-year-old Tyler Pierce was charged with recklessly causing the death of another individual using a firearm. 

Pierce is charged with one count of manslaughter in the first degree, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of being in possession of a loaded firearm in a public place.

The charging document alleges that on June 19, 2019, Pierce unlawfully and recklessly, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, caused the death of another person. 

At this point in the investigation, the name of the individual who died is not being released. 

Furthermore, it is alleged in court documents that Pierce unlawfully and knowingly carried a firearm concealed on his person contrary to Oregon law, and that he unlawfully and knowingly possessed a firearm in a public place and recklessly failed to remove all of the ammunition from the firearm.

This investigation started June 19, 2019 at approximately 2:30 a.m. when Portland Police officers were dispatched to the area of Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Northeast Prescott Street on reports of a shooting. Law enforcement arrived and located an adult male suffering from critical injuries. 

According to information previously released by the Portland Police Bureau, the adult male was transported to the hospital where he died. 

Pierce has waived his right to a probable cause hearing. As such, no probable cause affidavit has been filed in this case.

At his first appearance today, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Leslie M. Roberts ordered that Pierce be held on $255,000 bail. 

This remains an ongoing investigation and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is unable to release any additional details. 

Pierce’s next court date is scheduled for July 1, 2019 at the Multnomah County Justice Center. 

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

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director 
Phone: 503.988.6567 
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

June 20th, 2019

Police Arrest Suspect in Downtown Stabbing

Hillsboro, OR -    Hillsboro Police Department officers responded to Tuality Hospital for a reported stabbing at about 9:25 p.m. Sunday evening.  The victim, 37-year-old Peter Ramirez, arrived at the hospital with serious injuries to his face and neck. 

Ramirez told police that he had been cut with a box knife by a man he did not know while walking on Southeast 2nd Avenue between Southeast Baseline Street and Southeast Washington Street.  Ramirez said he walked to the hospital after the incident to seek immediate medical attention and provided a detailed description of the suspect. 

Officers immediately responded to the area of the assault to search for the suspect.  At about 9:49 p.m. officers saw a subject matching the description, 26-year-old Enrique Zacarias Diaz, near the location where the assault occurred and attempted to stop him.  After a short foot chase, officers detained Diaz near Southeast 3rd Avenue and Southeast Washington Street. 

Diaz was later arrested and lodged at the Washington County Jail for First Degree Assault and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 

Investigation is on-going and no further details will be released at this time. 

###

PORTLAND, Ore.—Eric L. Scully, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for endangering human life and illegally possessing and manufacturing marijuana during a November 2017 butane honey oil (BHO) explosion in Cottage Grove.

Scully was also sentenced to six months in prison for violating the supervised release conditions of a previous federal money laundering conviction. The two prison sentences will run consecutively, for a total of 84 months in prison.

According to court documents, on November 16, 2017, the Cottage Grove Police and Fire Departments responded to an explosion at a storage facility in Cottage Grove. Officers found Scully at a local hospital where he was being treated for serious burn injuries. Investigators later learned that, at the time of the explosion, at least three other individuals were inside the facility.

Two days later, Cottage Grove Police and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents executed a search warrant at the storage facility. Inside, they found a large, sophisticated, and unlicensed BHO extraction lab. BHO is a concentrated form of marijuana extracted using highly flammable or combustible solvents. During the search, agents found 1,200 pounds of processed marijuana, 728 marijuana plants and over 80 pounds of marijuana extract.

The investigation determined that while manufacturing BHO, one of Scully’s machines, located in a room containing highly combustible materials and equipment, caught fire. The machine and combustibles exploded, injuring Scully and placing the other individuals present at substantial risk of harm.     

At the time of the explosion, Scully was on federal supervision stemming from a money laundering conviction from 2016. In that case, Scully owned and operated a large, illegal marijuana grow in Eugene from 2012 through 2014. That investigation found that Scully collected over $1,000,000 in proceeds from his illegal business, which fed a luxury lifestyle of high-end cars, watches, jewelry, clothing, real estate and firearms. At the time of the search Scully’s properties in 2015, investigators uncovered over 230 pounds of marijuana, 219 marijuana plants, $179,860 in cash and numerous high-value items and vehicles.

Scully pleaded guilty to money laundering and served a 90-day prison sentence at the beginning of 2017. While in prison, Scully continued to actively develop his illegal BHO business in Cottage Grove, and expanded the operation while on federal supervision up to the date of the explosion.  

During sentencing, Scully was ordered to forfeit the personal property used to facilitate his crimes, which includes a truck, trailer, and over $25,000 in cash

On November 15, 2018, Scully pleaded guilty to one count each of endangering human life and illegally possessing and manufacturing marijuana.

This case was investigated by DEA and the Cottage Grove Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Paving of 39th Street, I-5 to Washington Street, June 24-28, follows Water Utility Project

Southbound Interstate 5 on- and off-ramps at East 39th Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, to allow for paving work following a City of Vancouver water main construction project. Drivers who typically use those southbound ramps to and from 39th Street, on the west side of I-5, are urged to plan ahead and take an alternate route.

Tuesday’s work is part of the overall paving planned for portions of East/West 39th Street, from Washington Street to I-5, from Monday, June 24, through Friday, June 28. In general, construction hours are 7 a. m. to 5 p.m., though at least one night of work should be expected. Weather permitting, here’s what is currently planned:

- From Washington Street to Creston Avenue, crews will be grinding the existing surface, then paving in the parking and bike lane areas where the water main was installed, along the south side of West/East 39th Street.

- From Creston Avenue to the I-5 overpass, crews will be grinding the existing surface and paving in the eastbound (south side) travel lane. Please note: Paving of the intersection of Main and East 39th street is expected to occur at night.

Traffic will be maintained through the project area using flaggers, cones and signs. However, expect possible delays and allow more time if traveling through the construction zone. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians should be alert to construction workers and equipment in the roadway, lane shifts, and rough roads. Street parking on portions of 39th Street will be unavailable where paving is occurring. Please check “No Parking” signs, which will be posted in advance. 

The new water main line installed along the south side of 39th Street, from Washington Street to Interstate 5, replaced an old water line that dated back to 1911. The project is funded by the City of Vancouver’s Water Utility in keeping with ongoing efforts to improve, maintain and protect the community water supply and systems.

State Senators left the Salem area before various bills made it through our legislative process to a final vote. A bill cannot move forward to a vote without a quorum. The departure of the Senators leaves the Senate without the minimum number of members required to constitute a quorum, so the legislative process has stalled.   

Consistent with the provisions in the Oregon Constitution, the Senate President requested the assistance of the Oregon State Police to bring Senators back to the capital to resume the legislative process. Consistent with her authority under Oregon law (ORS 181.050), the Governor has directed OSP to provide that assistance. 

OSP has assisted in resolving a similar situation in the past, and, with the help of diplomats from both sides of the aisle, the Department has done so in a peaceful, gentle, and process-supporting way which allowed members of our Legislature to return to work without forfeiting the good relationships essential to moving forward collaboratively and productively.

Oregon State Police serves the Governor in her elected role as leader of Oregon’s Executive Branch of government, and she has now given a lawful directive which OSP is fully committed to executing. OSP is utilizing established relationships to have polite communication with these Senators. While we obviously have many tools at our disposal, patience and communication is and always will be our first, and preferred, option.

OSP will work with the Governor’s office and members of the Legislature to find the most expeditious way to bring this matter to a peaceful and constructive conclusion.

No further information will be provided at this time.

Below is a news release from the Office of Governor Kate Brown

Governor Brown Authorizes State Police to Bring Back Senate Republicans

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today released the following statement on the Oregon Senate's request for assistance of the Oregon State Police to bring back the Senate Republicans:

“After many hours of well-intentioned, respectful negotiations on Wednesday, the Senate has come to an impasse. The Senate Republicans have decided to abandon their duty to serve their constituents and walk out. The Senate Democrats have requested the assistance of the Oregon State Police to bring back their colleagues to finish the work they committed to push forward for Oregonians. As the executive of the agency, I am authorizing the State Police to fulfill the Senate Democrats’ request. It is absolutely unacceptable that the Senate Republicans would turn their back on their constituents who they are honor-bound to represent here in this building. They need to return and do the jobs they were elected to do.”

Fire investigators have determined that an unattended propane barbecue was the cause of an accidental fire that took place on June 18 around 8p.m. in the 8000 block of SW 190th Avenue in Beaverton. A family had been barbecuing in their garage. They briefly stepped away. When they returned, they were met with a fire that was spreading quickly.

Callers to 911 reported significant dark smoke, flames, loud popping sounds and possible injuries. Within six minutes of being dispatched, the first fire crew arrived to find the garage fully involved, two vehicles burning and fire spreading to the nearby yard. Firefighters aggressively fought the fire, searched the home and treated the homeowner who sustained burns on his hands and arms. The fire was knocked down in 15 minutes and contained to the garage. The rest of the home sustained some smoke and water damage. Damages to the home and vehicles are estimated at $75,000. The family of four and their cat will be displaced until the home is repaired.

There was not a residential fire sprinkler system in the home.

A ruling today by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit allows the Trump administration’s dangerous and unethical Title X gag rule to take effect in every state but Maryland. The gag rule makes it illegal for healthcare providers in the Title X program to refer patients for abortion, and it blocks access to care at Planned Parenthood by imposing cost-prohibitive and unnecessary “physical separation” requirements.

The news comes after Planned Parenthood and the American Medical Association filed a case in U.S. District Court in Eugene to block the gag rule. Judge Michael McShane issued a preliminary injunction April 29th against the gag rule.

Planned Parenthood has limited emergency funds that will allow affiliates to continue care for patients in the short term, while also seeking further emergency relief from the Ninth Circuit.

“Just yesterday, the House of Representatives passed a spending package that would block the gag rule from being implemented because it’s dangerous, unethical and illegal –– and now the Senate must act,” says Emily McLain, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon. “The administration is putting health care at risk for patients across the country.”

Title X is the nation’s only program for affordable birth control and reproductive health care, and serves more than 4 million people each year. Planned Parenthood health centers serve 41 percent of the people who rely on Title X for care in Oregon, meaning the new restrictions would have a devastating impact on thousands of people struggling to make ends meet –– the majority of whom are people of color, Hispanic or Latino.

More background and information on the gag rule and the litigation can be found here.

“Planned Parenthood will not stand for this attack on millions of people across the country,” says Dr. Leana Wen, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Planned Parenthood will not let the government censor our doctors and nurses from informing patients where and how they can access health care. We will continue to fight the Trump administration in the courts and alongside champions in Congress to protect everyone’s fundamental right to health care.”

The medical community, public health experts and the general public are against this rule. In addition to the American Medical Association, the gag rule has been opposed by major medical associations, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, 110 public health organizations, public health experts such as former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy and many others. A group of 19 different medical organizations, mayors, state lawmakers more than 200 members of Congress, newly elected Democratic governors and several other governors have opposed this legislation as well.

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday afternoon’s serious injury crash on Highway 99E near Oregon City. 

On Wednesday June 19, 2019 at about 3:53 PM, OSP received a driving complaint that was transferred from 911.  Immediately after receiving the complaint the vehicle reported was involved in a head-on crash on Highway 99E near milepost 16.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Tacoma, operated by Hosein RESLMN, age 36, from Milwaukie, was travelling northbound on Highway 99E near milepost 16 when his vehicle crossed the centerline hitting a southbound Jeep Commander operated by Lucia SMITH, age 28, from Hermiston.    Both RESLMN and SMITH suffered serious injuries.  RESLMN was transported by Lifeflight to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and SMITH was transported to OHSU by ambulance. 

Highway 99E was closed for approximately 3.5 hours following the crash. 

OSP was assisted by Oregon City PD, Canby PD, Clackamas County S.O., Canby Fire and ODOT.

This is an on-going investigation and more information will be released when available.

Photograph provided by OSP. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

June 20, 2019

Timothy Mackley pleads guilty to aggravated murder, other charges; sentenced to life in prison

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 59-year-old Timothy Mackley pleaded guilty to the aggravated murder of 89-year-old Marcine Herinck.

Mackley also pleaded guilty to one count of murder, one count of kidnapping in the first degree, one count of burglary in the first degree and one count of abusing a corpse in the second degree.

Mackley appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Eric J. Bergstrom and received a life sentence with a minimum of 35 years confinement before parole eligibility. After that time, should he apply for parole, the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision shall determine whether or not to grant release.

A copy of the victim impact statement, which was read by Ms. Herinck’s son, Jeff, can be obtained by clicking here. The family of Ms. Herinck has approved its release.

By pleading guilty, Mackley admitted that between September 18 and September 24, 2018, he unlawfully and intentionally caused the death of Ms. Herinck by intentional torture; that he unlawfully and knowingly entered and remained inside her residence with intent to commit the crime of kidnapping; that he unlawfully and intentionally, and without consent or legal authority, took Ms. Herinck from one place to another with the purpose of terrorizing her and that he unlawfully and intentionally removed and carried her corpse.

This investigation started on September 19, 2018 when Ms. Herinck’s family reported her missing. Her son went to her residence in the 1500 block of Northeast 150th Avenue in Portland, Oregon to check on her. Her garage was found open and the garage door unlocked. Inside Ms. Herinck’s home, nothing appeared to be disturbed. This was unusual behavior for Ms. Herinck.

Ms. Herinck’s family told law enforcement the last time anyone had talked with her was at approximately 7 p.m. on September 18, 2018. Inside the residence, law enforcement located Ms. Herinck’s purse, keys, cellphone and identification.

The Portland Police Bureau’s Missing Persons Unit was notified of the situation.

During the investigation into Ms. Herinck’s disappearance, law enforcement spoke with two individuals who volunteered with Ms. Herinck at the Portland Adventist Community Services thrift store. After those conversations, law enforcement learned that Ms. Herinck was seen speaking with a customer at the thrift store on September 18, 2018. That person was later identified as Mackley.

Law enforcement made immediate efforts to locate Mackley. Those efforts resulted in a possible location of Mackley in southeast Portland.

On September 24, 2018, at approximately 8 p.m., law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that Mackley was driving at the intersection of Southeast 92nd Avenue and Southeast Holgate Boulevard. Inside the vehicle’s trunk, law enforcement located a decomposing body wrapped in a tarp. The remains were later confirmed to be that of Ms. Herinck.

At the scene of the traffic stop, while in custody, Mackley made unsolicited statements that included things like he met a real nice woman several days ago, that he invited her over to his place and that “I did something I shouldn’t have, and I’m guessing that’s why you guys are here now.”

Several chunks of broken concrete pieces, a shovel and a claw hammer were also located inside Mackley’s trunk.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office reported Ms. Herinck died of multiple blunt force trauma.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanks the members of the Portland Police Bureau and Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office for their dedicated efforts investigating this case.

The District Attorney’s Office has no additional comment on this matter.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

PR 08-19                                                                                                      BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
                                                                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 20, 2019
                                                                                             CONTACT: Kevin Wingert, 503-230-4140 or 503-230-5131

Letter to region makes BPA’s case for Western Energy Imbalance Market

Joining an EIM is one facet of BPA’s broader strategic plan to maintain competitiveness and continue its role as a driver of economic prosperity for the Northwest

Portland, Ore. – The Bonneville Power Administration is one step closer in its consideration of joining the Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM).

BPA issued a letter to the region today that describes BPA’s business case and legal authority for joining the EIM, as well as important related policy proposals. The letter to the region also proposes BPA sign an EIM Implementation Agreement with the California Independent System Operator, the market operator for the Western EIM.

An energy imbalance market is a voluntary market in which participating entities can choose whether or not to bid in resources for the purpose of dispatching power to balance supply and demand across a broad geographic region every five minutes. In the case of the Western EIM, that region would likely include much of the West Coast and portions of Canada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico by the time that BPA would potentially participate.

Selling surplus energy in western markets is essential to keeping BPA’s rates low and the exploration of joining the EIM is part of the BPA 2018-2023 Strategic Plan as a means to further strengthen financial health and maintain a competitive edge in the electric utility landscape.

“The new tools and capabilities that come with participation in an energy imbalance market will help BPA and the region to more fully realize the value of the flexible, carbon-free power of the Federal Columbia River Power System across an expanding footprint,” said Steve Kerns, the grid modernization director for BPA’s Business Transformation Office. “The technology and business processes behind the EIM are also foundational to participate in new energy and capacity markets like the Day-Ahead Market Enhancements currently being explored by CAISO and its stakeholders, including BPA.”

The signing of an Implementation Agreement would obligate BPA to spend funds specific to EIM participation and includes the development of a detailed project plan to ensure the necessary systems, processes and training are in place prior to market participation. This work by BPA will give regional customers greater access to emerging markets and may reduce long-term transmission costs by decreasing or delaying the need for transmission system expansion.

Other benefits to EIM participation are enhanced awareness tools that capture the state of the electric grid as well as improved modeling and coordination across BPA’s Power and Transmission services.

An independent, third-party analysis of BPA’s potential participation in the Western EIM forecasts a $29-$34 million annual net dispatch benefit for FCRPS participating resources.

The release of the letter to the region kicks off a public comment period that will help to inform a record of decision, anticipated in September 2019, on whether to sign the EIM Implementation Agreement. The public comment period closes on July 22.

While the Implementation Agreement is a significant step toward becoming a member of the Western EIM, there are several subsequent decisions that will need to be made before BPA potentially participates in the EIM. The full decision process is outlined in the letter to the region.

For more information on BPA’s consideration of joining the EIM, including the letter to the region, visit www.bpa.gov/goto/EIM. To comment on the Letter to the Region, visit our public comments site at www.bpa.gov/comments.

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale electricity from 31 federal dams and one nuclear plant to 143 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA delivers power via more than 15,000 circuit miles of lines and 261 substations to 546 transmission customers. In all, BPA markets about a third of the electricity generated in the Northwest and operates three-quarters of the region’s high-voltage transmission grid. BPA also funds one of the largest fish and wildlife programs in the nation, and, with its partners, pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain affordable, reliable and clean electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

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The Renew Oregon campaign will hold a press conference in the basement of the Capitol Building at 1 p.m. to respond to today's news that has delayed a vote on House Bill 2020. Speakers will be two to three youth, a farmer and Tera Hurst, Executive Director of the Renew Oregon campaign.

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday evening’s two vehicle fatal crash on Highway 99W near Junction City. 

On Wednesday June 19, 2019 at about 6:30 PM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two vehicle fatal crash on Highway 99W and Lingo Lane. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Corolla operated by Carol SEDANO, age 65, from Waldport, was southbound on Highway 99W.  For unknown reasons the Corolla left its lane and crashed nearly head-on with a northbound Buick Rea, operated by Jeffrey TAYLOR, age 68, from Corvallis.  The Buick Rea subsequently crashed into a telephone pole after the initial crash. 

SEDANO was transported by Life Flight to a local hospital with critical injuries.  Jeffrey TAYLOR suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  A passenger in the Buck Rea, Madeline TAYLOR, age 66, from Corvallis, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. 

Highway 99W was closed for about three (3) hours during the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Junction City Police Department, Junction City Fire Department, Lane Fire Authority and Life Flight.   

Photograph provided by OSP. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

At the quarterly Oregon State Marine Board meeting held on June 19, in Salem, the Marine Board approved opening rulemaking for the implementation of several bills passed during the 2019 legislative session; as well as a boating restriction near the Sportcraft Marina dock on the Willamette River in Clackamas County. The Marine Board also considered a petition to repeal the recently adopted rules for boat operations in the Newberg Pool on the Willamette River.

Rulemaking opened related to the 2019 legislative session includes whitewater helmet availability on guided trips (HB2652), registration of boat rental companies (HB2077), improving non-motorized boating access (SB47), boating safety improvements (HB2078 and HB2079) and helping reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species (HB2076). The Marine Board will consider the rules at the October 2019 and January 2020 meetings.

In March, the agency received a petition to repeal the recently-adopted boat operation rules for the Newberg Pool on the Willamette River.  After deliberation, the Marine Board unanimously denied the petition, citing the need to first evaluate the effectiveness of the current rules.  “The Marine Board agreed that they wanted to see if signage, buoys, and increased enforcement would help,” said Marine Board Member, Vince Castronovo.  “We need to give these rules a chance and boaters time to learn them.”  The Marine Board asked OSMB staff to consider the petitioners’ concerns and to work closely with a recently established Mid-Willamette Waterway Safety Committee to evaluate the effectiveness of the new rules on the stretch of the Willamette in question.  OSMB staff was instructed to monitor the boating season in the Newberg Pool and give a presentation to the Marine Board on the effectiveness of the current rules October meeting.  At that time, the Marine Board may consider opening rulemaking.  

In May, the agency was contacted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) regarding wildlife management objectives to trap and remove problematic sea lions predating on salmon near Sportcraft Marina dock.  Because boaters in close proximity to the traps can hinder capture efforts, the Director approved a temporary rule creating a 150-foot buffer around the sea lion traps at the Sportcraft Marina dock from May 8 to May 31, 2019, and from September 1 through October 31, 2019.  Following adoption of the temporary rule, ODFW indicated that trapping efforts at this location will continue for the foreseeable future and requested a permanent rule to restrict watercraft from the area adjacent to the traps during the season when sea lions are present (September through May).  The Marine Board approved opening rulemaking. OSMB staff will return to the Marine Board in October with a rule recommendation.

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Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday afternoon’s single vehicle fatal crash on Highway 6 near Tillamook. 

On Wednesday June 19, 2019 at about 4:45 PM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Highway 6 near milepost 5. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Mazda 3, operated by Randy DARNELL, age 61, from Bay City, was traveling westbound on Highway 6 and for unknown reasons went off the road.  The Mazda 3 went down an embankment and struck a tree.  DARNELL suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Traffic was impacted for about two (2) hours during the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Tillamook Police Department and Tillamook Fire and Rescue. 

Photo courtesy of OSP.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning’s single vehicle double fatal crash on Highway 78 near Crane. 

On Wednesday June 19, 2019 at about 11:15 AM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a single vehicle double fatal crash on Highway 78 near milepost 22.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a GMC Yukon, operated by Joyce ARENDS, age 66, from Wickenburg, Arizona, was eastbound when for unknown reasons went off the roadway onto the shoulder.  The GMC Yukon came back onto the roadway where it rolled multiple times.  The GMC Yukon came to rest on its top on the south side of the highway. 

ARENDS and her passenger, Arnold ARENDS, age 72, from Wickenburg, Arizona, both suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Traffic was only affected for a limited time during the investigation. 

OSP was assisted by ODOT, Harney County Sheriff’s Office and Burns Fire Department. 

Photograph courtesy of OSP. 

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
Twitter: @ORStatePolice
Facebook: @ospsocial

Parents looking for affordable, all-day summer camps for their children have a convenient option in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP). Over the summer, youth can come to the Club for skill-building activities that curb the summer learning slide, as well as for healthy, nutritious meals and snacks open to all youth aged 0 - 18. Each week has themed activities built around exciting and engaging topics like outer space, ocean exploration, around the world, community and civic engagement, nature, wacky science, and much more!

Summer learning loss can put students, especially underserved youth, an average of two months behind their peers when they return to school in the fall; this slide becomes cumulative every year. That’s why BGCP summer programs are built around our ‘Summer Brain Gain’ lens with fun and enriching experiences in the arts, STEM, sports and wellness, and leadership. Dedicated Brain Gain activities help build and maintain the needed learning skills acquired during the school year. 

In addition, youth have opportunities to take field trips around Portland and beyond, such as OMSI, the Zoo, and getting out in nature. Teens also will visit colleges and participate in summer internship programs.

BGCP offers eight weeks of affordable all-day programs for youth 1st - 6th grade, with an extra 7:30 am – 9:00am Sunrise Club option at a small fee, helpful for parents who go to work early. Teen programming for 7th - 12th graders runs from 12:00pm – 6:00 pm.  Visitor drop-in rates are also available.  

This summer, BGCP is open for registration for 1st - 6th graders in Oak Grove, SE Portland, East County, Hillsboro, and inner NE Portland. Three Club sites are open for teen (7th-12th grade) registration in Hillsboro, Gresham, and North Portland.  

Oak Grove, Blazers, Wattles, Regence and Rockwood Clubs all open for their eight-week summer programs on Monday, June 24. For more details and to register, visit bgcportland.org/summer. 

June 20, 2019

Influenza vaccination rates among health care workers still short of goals
Dialysis facility workers continue to have highest flu immunization rates, report says

PORTLAND, Ore. — A new state report shows that although health care worker influenza vaccination rates have increased over seven flu seasons, facilities overall continue to fall short of national goals.

Health care worker flu vaccination rates increased by 46 percent since the 2011-2012 flu season — from 52 percent for all health care facility types to 76 percent during the 2017-2018 season. That means the state beat the national Healthy People 2015 goal of a 75 percent health care worker flu vaccination rate, but remains well below the Healthy People 2020 goal of 90 percent, according to the Oregon Health Care Worker Influenza Vaccination Annual Report.

The report was published this week by the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division.

"When you need to be in the hospital for a medical or surgical problem, the last thing you want is to catch the flu from your doctor or nurse," said Dat Tran, M.D., public health physician in the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. "When health care workers are vaccinated against the flu, the people they’re caring for are protected."

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services developed the Healthy People program with 10-year objectives for improving the health of all Americans.

Dialysis facility workers in Oregon have the highest flu vaccination rates of health care facility types covered by the report, topping both the 2015 and 2020 Healthy People goals. Their rate of 90 percent during the 2017-2018 flu season represents a 5.8 percent increase from the 2016-2017 rate of 85 percent.

Hospitals overall also beat the national 2015 goal for health care worker immunizations against the flu, coming in at a rate of 82 percent during the 2017-2018 season, but still short of the 2020 goal. Since the 2011-2012 season, rates of flu immunizations among health care workers at hospitals have risen by 37 percent.

Ambulatory surgery centers and skilled nursing facilities had the lowest rates of flu vaccinations among health care workers, coming in below both the 2015 and 2020 national goals. Ambulatory surgery centers saw only a slight rise between the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons, from 72 percent to 73 percent. The rate of increase at skilled nursing facilities was similarly sluggish: 57 percent to 59 percent.

Dr. Tran said publication of the report each year tracks progress toward the Healthy People 2020 goal and directs public health action, showing the need for additional support and education.

There are important steps health care facilities can take to achieve 90 percent vaccination coverage. Among the recommendations included in the Oregon Health Care Worker Influenza Vaccination Annual Report are encouraging health care workers, including those not employed by the facility — such as contractors and volunteers — to get vaccinated at the beginning of every influenza season. Facilities can host promotional activities, such as holding mass vaccination fairs, providing vaccines at no cost to employees, starting incentive programs, and documenting all employees’ vaccination status and requiring a declination form for staff members who forgo vaccination.

The report is available on the OHA Public Health Division website at: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DiseasesConditions/CommunicableDisease/HAI/Pages/Reports-and-Data.aspx.

# # #

The Armed workgroup, a workgroup of individuals from the Armed Subcommittee of the Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee for the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a Webex meeting, June 25, 2019 from 11:45 a.m.to 1:45 p.m. For more information, contact Mona Riesterer at (503) 378-2431.

Committee Members:

William McKnight, Chair and Armed Representative PSIPC

Les Youngbar, Public Member PSIPC

Greg Glassock, Olympic Tactical & Investigators LLC

Kelly Sparlin, Rogue Protection

Marlin Otto, Advanced Security, Inc.

Shawn Jewell, R.E.A.C.T. Training Systems & Security

Webex Meeting Information:

Please visit the DPSST Private Security Committee page using the link below and follow instructions for participation in the Webex.

The link for the meeting is:

https://dpsstmeet.webex.com/dpsstmeet/j.php?MTID=m015831b14ddcb462de66c39d3e6736de

The password is ‘Armed’.

1.  Introductions         

    Introductions of voting members

2.  Power Point Presentation – Sharing Ideas on a Screening Process for Armed Applicants for Hire

    Presented by Marlin Otto

3.  Discussion to follow presentation – The What and the Why, Pros vs. Cons and Employer Responsibility

    Open discussion for workgroup

4.  Next Meeting

See attached press release

VANCOUVER, Wash. – PeaceHealth recently announced that Joline Treanor will serve as its new executive vice president of people and culture.

An accomplished executive, Treanor will ensure PeaceHealth has the key strategies in place to accelerate a culture of performance excellence, high engagement and continuous improvement. She will also establish the overall people and talent strategies and organizational development plans to attract and develop top talent.

“I often reflect on this quote from author James Michener, ‘And then along comes these differential experiences that you don’t look for, you don’t plan for but boy, you’d better not miss them,’” said Treanor.

“From my very first conversation regarding the opportunity with PeaceHealth, I could feel this spirit of infectious excitement, passion and optimism,” said Treanor. “You can see it in the work that that is being done in the communities PeaceHealth is privileged to serve, in the innovative decision to acquire ZOOM+Care, being named as a top-tier workplace by Becker’s Healthcare, and most importantly, hearing it directly from the caregivers and leaders.”

Treanor brings a depth of knowledge and experience in human resources and change management. Most recently she served as the executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In that role she successfully led an enterprise-wide transformation initiative to support system and hospital integration from a traditional holding company to an operating company model.

Prior to that she served as the senior vice president and chief human resources officer for St. Joseph Health System in Irvine, California and as a director at Deloitte Consulting in Los Angeles, California, where she provided advisory services related to strategy, organizational transformation, human resources operations and technology.

Treanor earned a master’s degree in educational technology and adult learning theory, as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Diego State University in California.

Treanor will be based at PeaceHealth’s system office in Vancouver, Washington. She will officially join the organization on Aug. 26, 2019.

About PeaceHealth: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, a group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at peacehealth.org.

On June 19, 2019, a deputy with the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office responded to Hwy 26 and Nordmark Dr. in Seaside for a report of a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, it was determined the pedestrian was backed over by a 56 year-old male driving a Ford Ranger truck, during an argument. The 51-year-old female victim, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital prior to the deputy arriving and later flown to Oregon Health Sciences University hospital.

Ronald Keith Hobbs, born September 9, 1962, was taken into custody at the scene and lodged in the Clatsop County Jail on June 19, 2019 on one count each of Reckless Endangering and Assault IV. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Cannon Beach Police Department assisted on this call.

Criminal Justice Background Investigation Workgroup
Agenda
June 26, 2019

The Criminal Justice Background Investigation Workgroup will hold a meeting on June 26, 2019 at
11:00 a.m. in Conference Room A234 at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Linsay
Hale at (503) 378-2427.

Teleconference Information:
Dial-In: 888-273-3658
Participant Code: 4711910

Workgroup Members:
Dave Rash, OACP
Matt English, OSSA (CPC)
Chris Davis, PPB (PPC)
Gary Ninman, DOC (CPC)
Kelly Dutra, 9-1-1 Directors (Board/TPC)
Jamie Heppner, OACCD (CPC)
Keith Kimberlin, OPOA
Matt Kingsbury, Non-Management Police
Rebecca Carney, OSP (TPC)
Nadine Purington, FOPPO (Board/CPC)
Les Youngbar, Public
Matt Frohnert, OSJCC (CPC)

1. Introductions
2. Overview of Board/DPSST Background Investigation Requirements/Authorities
    Presented by Linsay Hale
3. Identification of Issues/Discussion Points
    Presented by Linsay Hale
    • DPSST’s Role in Pre-Employment Background Investigations:
          o Centralized Repository
          o Standardized Personal History Statement
          o Pre-Screening Public Safety Applicants
    • Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Checks
    • OAR 259-008-0015: Notarization of the Personal History Statement
    • Other?

4. Next Workgroup Meeting: TBD

(Salem) – James Frackowiak was sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution by Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Todd L. Van Rysselberghe for defrauding at least four elderly investors out of approximately $284,000.

Frackowiak targeted former insurance clients and sold them interests in the Frack Income Fund, LLC, promising returns of up to 9 percent. He mislead victims by failing to disclose that the fund consisted of his personal debts and had no potential for generating the promised returns.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation discovered the scheme after receiving a complaint from one of the victims about Frackowiak’s insurance practices. The investigation revealed Frackowiak was withholding and combining client insurance premium payments. The division revoked Frackowiak’s insurance producer license in 2017 and fined him $14,000.

The investigation into securities fraud began that same year. The division’s enforcement team worked with the Clackamas County Sherriff’s office and Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office on the case.

“Collaboration at all levels of government service is essential for cases like this,” said Andrew Stolfi, division administrator. “Before making any investment, we encourage Oregonians to do their homework, ask plenty of questions, and be suspicious of offers that appear too good to be true.”

Oregonians are encouraged to make sure financial service agents and investment products are legally registered with the state before signing any agreement. For more information and a list of steps to take before investing, visit our investments page.

For more resources to protect yourself from financial fraud visit dfr.oregon.gov/financial or contact our advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll free).

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About DCBS: The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov. 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov and http://dfr.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx.

OUTDOOR GRILLING SAFETY

There's nothing better on a summer day than cooking out on the grill! Since there are many different types of grills, we would like to share some safety tips for whatever you're planning to cook on whatever grill you will be using. These helpful tips come from the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org/education.

• Propane and charcoal grills should ONLY be used outdoors. They should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and overhanging tree branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below the grill.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using your gas grill each year. You can do this by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. If there is a leak, the gas will cause it to release bubbles.
• If your grill has a gas leak, turn off the grill. If the leak does not stop, get it serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If you smell gas while you're cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do NOT move the grill.
• If you use starter fluid with your charcoal grill, use only charcoal starter fluid; always keep it out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the charcoals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.
• Most importantly: NEVER leave your grill unattended.

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

MEDIA ALERT: Oregon Dept. of Ag, Farm Bureau, Marion Co. Sheriff’s, ODOT to host press conference about sharing rural roads safely with farm equipment on 6/20 at 12:30 p.m. in Gervais

What: The Oregon Department of Agriculture, Marion County Farm Bureau, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon Department of Transportation will host a press conference to highlight the importance of drivers sharing the road safely with large, slow-moving farm equipment.

When: Thursday, June 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Where: Pearmine Farms, 12223 River Rd NE, Gervais, OR 97026 (directly across from Salem Missionary Baptist Church on River Rd.)

Why: As summer harvest ramps up in the Willamette Valley, large, slow-moving farm equipment must sometimes drive on public roads to move between fields. Meanwhile, there are more cars than ever before on rural roads because of smartphone driving apps and more people taking advantage of farm stands, u-picks, and agritourism events. Summer is also the time when major construction takes place on interstate highways, causing drivers to look for alternative routes. Both motorists and farmers are encouraged to exercise caution, courtesy, and patience to keep everyone safe as farm equipment moves down the road.

The Oregon Legislature is also poised to pass HB 3213, which will establish safety corridors on certain county roads. Marion County Farm Bureau members Molly McCargar and Brenda Frketich were driving forces behind the legislation, which was sponsored by Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, a farmer and member of Linn County Farm Bureau.

There have been 12 fatalities on a 5-mile stretch of McKay Road within the past year, according to St. Paul Fire Department Chief Brian Lee.   

Press conference schedule: Press conference will begin at 12:30 p.m. with statements by:

• Alexis Taylor, director, Oregon Department of Agriculture
• Molly McCargar, farmer and member of Marion County Farm Bureau
• Brenda Frketich, farmer and member of Marion County Farm Bureau
• Ethan Griffith, senior deputy sheriff, Marion County Sheriff's Office 
• Louis Torres, public information officer, Oregon Department of Transportation 

B roll footage opportunity: There will be an opportunity to take video footage of a large tractor driving down a road immediately following the speakers. 

Event contact: Anne Marie Moss, cell: 503-551-4799, ie@oregonfb.org">annemarie@oregonfb.org

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GRESHAM, Ore.— The use of illegal fireworks is a concern of Gresham residents and the Gresham Police Department. This year, police officers will be focusing on reducing the use of illegal fireworks leading up to and including the Fourth of July. 

Oregon law bans the sale, possession and use of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches in the air.

There will be extra patrols to enforce the laws pertaining to the possession and use of illegal fireworks. Individuals found in possession of illegal fireworks will be cited for ORS 480.120 sale, possession and use of fireworks. This is a class B misdemeanor which can result in a $1500 fine. In addition, illegal fireworks will be seized by officers.

Gresham Police want to ensure that all citizens get to enjoy a safe Fourth of July celebration. Illegal fireworks can be reported to the non-emergency police dispatch line at 503.823.3333. Please recognize that emergency police calls will get priority response.

Lori Godfrey, president of the Pink Phoenix™ Dragon Boat Team will sing the national anthem at Saturday's Portland Pickles game against the Victoria HarbourCats. 

The game is a Pink Out, a breast cancer awareness event, sponsored by Compass Oncology. A portion of the ticket sales will support Pink Phoenix, a regionally recognized team made up entirely of breast cancer survivors. 

Members of the Pink Phoenix team will wear their pink uniforms to the game, and their captain, Anita Stacey, will throw out the first pitch.

Compass Oncology donated pink uniforms to be worn by the Pickles players during the game. After the game, the uniforms will be auctioned off via a silent auction and 100% of the proceeds will go to Pink Phoenix. 

The Portland Pickles will be playing the Victoria HarbourCats and will donate half of all ticket sales to the paddlers.

“We are huge fans of the Pickles,’ said Lori Godfrey, President of Pink Phoenix. “We love the team’s generosity, and of course, their mascot, Dillon ‘Dill’ Pickle.”

This is the third year the Pickles have partnered with Compass Oncology to raise awareness for breast cancer and to support the local paddlers’ team in their efforts to empower and inspire survivors of the disease.

The game is scheduled for 7:05 on Saturday and Walker Stadium in Lents Park, 4808 SE 92nd Ave in Portland.

Tickets are $12.00 and available in advance at http://bit.ly/PicklesPINKOUT3

THE PORTLAND PICKLES

The Portland Pickles are a collegiate wood bat baseball team founded in 2015. The team is a member of the West Coast League. Pickles baseball prides itself on presenting an affordable family atmosphere as well as its community involvement. Check out the rest of their schedule at portlandpicklesbaseball.com.

PINK PHOENIX

Founded in 1997, Pink Phoenix™ is the first U.S. dragon boat team made up entirely of breast cancer survivors.  The Portland-based group is now more than 100 paddlers strong and competes in races throughout the region and across the globe.  

Pink Phoenix™ Dragon Boat Team is a 501(c) (3) non-profit with a volunteer board and no paid employees. Pink Phoenix™ is a member of DragonSports USA, the Pacific Dragon Boat Association, and the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission.  

http://www.pinkphoenix.org
https://facebook.com/PDXpinkphoenix
Insta: @pdxpinkphoenix

Vancouver, WA – From June 24 to August 9, Share’s Summer Meals program will provide free meals for hundreds of kids at 20 locations throughout Clark County.

“Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child’s need for good nutrition. Share’s Summer Meals program provides free meals to all children ages 18 and under so that they can get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school,” said Becci Read-Ryan, Share’s Hunger Response Assistant Director.

Share’s Summer Meals program focuses on providing fresh, healthy meals, including fruits and vegetables, so that children in our community do not face hunger during the summer months when school doors are closed. The program’s success is due to the many partners and sponsors who help keep this program running each year, especially Evergreen Public Schools for donating the use of kitchen space at Covington Middle School, as well as the dozens of volunteer who help to prepare and deliver meals to site locations.

“Our Summer Meals program would not be able to operate without the generosity of dozens of volunteers who prepare meals, host meal sites and deliver the meals to each location,” said Molly Evjen, Director of Volunteers & Community Resources. “Of particular challenge for us this year is recruiting enough volunteers to deliver meals. We are truly hoping that our call for help will inspire community members to volunteer just a few hours of their time each week to help provide children with free, nutritious meals.”

Share is specifically in need of volunteers to deliver meals to each site location and return the coolers back to Covington (Monday to Friday only; lunch at all locations, breakfast also provided at some locations). A complete list of volunteer opportunities is available at sharevancouver.org. To sign-up, please e-mail mevjen@sharevancouver.org or call (360) 952-8228. All volunteers are required to complete Share’s Volunteer Application, which includes a background check. The Volunteer Application can be completed online at sharevancouver.org.

This year’s program will serve meals at 20 locations, including apartment complexes, local schools, Police Activities League (PAL) camps, Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation camps, as well as local churches and community partners.

A complete schedule of dates and times during which meals will be served at all locations is available at sharevancouver.org. All the locations are open sites and all children age 18 and under are welcome to come and enjoy a free meal even if they are not enrolled in the program.

June through August, families can call the Family Food Hotline 1-866-348-6479 or text ‘Food’ or ‘Comida’ to 877-877 to receive up-to-date information about locations for free lunches for kids across the state.

Summer Meals is sponsored by the Simplified Summer Food Service Program; additional funding comes through donations from individuals and private foundation grants. Meals will be made available at no charge to attending children age 1- 18 years.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.  Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)        mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2)        fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)        email: ogram.intake@usda.gov" target="_blank">program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

About Share

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

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June 19, 2019

Police Investigate Injury Crash Involving Bicyclist

Hillsboro, OR -           Hillsboro Police Department officers responded at 6:43 p.m. tonight to a crash involving a truck and a bicyclist at the intersection of Northeast Cornell Road and Northeast 28th Avenue.

The bicyclist, a 53-year-old male, was riding on the south side of Northeast Cornell Road when he was struck by a truck heading northbound on Northeast 28th Avenue as the truck turned right onto Northeast Cornell Road.

The driver of the truck returned to the scene shortly after the crash, and has cooperated with the police investigation. The bicyclist sustained serious injuries and was transported to OHSU by helicopter.  He is in stable condition. 

The Hillsboro Police Department’s investigation is ongoing. Further information will not be released at this time. 

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Budget Hearing, Executive & Regular Board Business Meeting on Monday, June 24, 2019 in the Boardroom at the Parkrose District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott St., Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30 pm. The Board will open the meeting with the annual Budget Hearing with time set aside for citizen comment. Following the Hearing the Board will recognize Dave Carter for his years of service on the Board. Hear reports from the Superintendent’s office, Technology, Human Resources, Student Services and the Business office. Take action on consent agenda items, an amendment to the 18-19 budget, adopt the 19-20 budget and take action on a 19-21 collective bargaining agreement with ECBC/PFA. They will report/discuss items of Board Business including: regional equity, color caucus, ed foundation, legislative update, prepare for the July Organizational meeting and report on their Superintendent evaluation. Twice during each Regular Board Business meeting time is set aside to hear Citizen Comments, see policy attached to the agenda for further details. The agenda is posted on the Parkrose School District Website at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicAgenda.aspx?ak=1000205&mk=50332965.