Linn County Sheriff’s Office was called at approximately 10:30am for a disturbance at Loves Truck Stop at 6457 Old Salem Road in Albany. The suspect assaulted an employee and reported they may have had a firearm. A few minutes later a black 2006 Jeep Liberty was stolen from a residence a short distance away in the 3000 block of Lauren Ave, Albany. 

Albany Police officers were able to locate the Jeep and attempted to stop the vehicle on Hwy 20/North Albany Rd. The suspect failed to comply and continued on Hwy 20 at normal speeds. The suspect eventually pulled over and then rammed a patrol vehicle and then continued west on Hwy 20.  A Benton County Sheriff Deputy was able to successfully deploy a tire deflation device at Hwy 20/Conifer but the vehicle continued on 4 flat tires. The suspect proceeded down a dirt driveway in the 2500 block of Hwy 20 and through fields until ultimately stopping as Albany Officers and a Benton County Sheriff’s Deputy pinned the vehicle to a stop. 

The driver exited the vehicle and then appeared to be overdosing and Narcan was administered. The suspect was taken to the Linn County Jail where they were eventually identified as Lucy Saure Diethylamide, age 23 of Portland, Oregon. They are being held on the following charges: 

• Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle
• Attempt to Elude Police Officer X2
• Possession of Stolen Vehicle
• Reckless Driving
• Reckless Endangering
• Fail to Perform Duties of a Driver X3
• Criminal Mischief I
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

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On September 10, 2024 at around 1:40pm, Albany Police Officer Jim Estes was dispatched to a call of a male in the area of Fred Meyers stepping into traffic. Upon arrival the male was located near BJ’s Ice Cream Parlor at 2705 SE Pacific Blvd, Albany. During the initial interaction the subject attempted to punch the officer which he was able to deflect and an altercation ensued. Dispatch then lost radio contact with Officer Estes. We received a 911 call reporting an officer was being assaulted and back up units were enroute. Officer Estes was ultimately able to control the suspect and Timothy I. Ayoutt, age 32, was taken into custody. Ayoutt was treated and released at Albany General Hospital for a facial abrasion and was transported to the Linn County Jail. 

Ayoutt was charged with Assault on a Police Officer, Harassment and Disorderly Conduct II. Officer Estes was not treated for any injuries. 

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On September 4, 2024, at approximately 10:18 AM, the Beaverton Police Department received a welfare check request for 32-year-old Melissa Jubane of Beaverton. Melissa, a nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in SW Portland, had not reported for her morning shift, raising concerns among her coworkers, friends, and family. 

Beaverton Police officers responded to Melissa’s residence at 1050 SW 160th Avenue, in Beaverton. Upon arrival, officers were met by staff from the apartment complex and conducted a search of Melissa’s apartment. Melissa was not present, and her absence without communication was deemed unusual and alarming. 

Efforts by officers and family members to contact Melissa throughout the day were unsuccessful, as her phone appeared to be turned off. Additionally, searches of Melissa’s bank and credit card records yielded no new information regarding her location. 

At 3:12 PM on September 4th, Melissa was entered into national law enforcement databases as a missing person. 

As a result of an extensive investigation, it was determined that one of Melissa’s neighbors, 27-year-old Bryce Johnathan Schubert of Beaverton was involved in her disappearance. Subsequently, Schubert was arrested this evening and charged with Melissa’s murder. Melissa Jubane’s remains have been recovered. 

This is an active investigation. While we acknowledge the significant community interest and concern, we must withhold further details to preserve the integrity of the investigation. Tips related to this case are still welcome. Please call 503.526.2280 to provide information. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community members who have assisted with the search for Melissa. Our deepest condolences go out to Melissa’s family, friends and coworkers. #BPD

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce an upcoming Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training course, designed to enhance local emergency preparedness and empower community members with critical skills.   

The CERT Training program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing local hazards while providing participants with essential education and hands-on skills training. The course includes 12 hours of online coursework, followed by 16 hours of in-person training. 

Participants will benefit from the expertise of local professional responders, State-certified trainers, and knowledgeable volunteers who are subject matter experts. This robust training ensures that individuals of all abilities can gain valuable preparedness skills in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment. 

The CERT Training course emphasizes hands-on practice, enabling participants to gain practical experience while fostering a collaborative spirit. By joining this program, individuals not only contribute to their own preparedness but also to the overall safety and well-being of their communities. 

The course includes:

1. Disaster Preparedness 
2. CERT Organization 
3. Disaster Medical Operations – Part 1 
4. Disaster Medical Operations – Part 2 
5. Disaster Psychology 
6. Fire Safety and Utility Controls 
7. Light Search and Rescue Operations 
8. Terrorism and CERT 
9. Course Review and Disaster Simulation 

Benton County CERT Fall 2024 Schedule:

• October 10 (Thursday evening)
• October 25 (Friday evening)
• October 26 (Saturday, all day)
• October 27 (Sunday morning)

Interested individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. If younger, participants may attend if accompanied by a parent/guardian. 

The 12-hr online training must be completed to attend classroom training beginning October 10. To register, go online to Benton County Oregon CERT training. 

For more details, please contact t@bentoncountyor.gov">cert@bentoncountyor.gov or leave a message at 541-766-6050.

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Camas, Wash.—During the evening hours of September 8^th, 2024, an on-duty patrol officer, driving a fully marked patrol car, was involved in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of NW Lake Rd and NW Parker St.  

The patrol car was driven by Officer Casey Handley, who was traveling east along NW Lake Rd.  As Officer Handley was entering the intersection another vehicle that was traveling west made a left turn to proceed south on NW Parker St. The collision occurred inside the intersection. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were deemed totaled.  Officer Handley and the occupants of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene by Camas/Washougal Fire and Rescue. Only Officer Handley was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment and observation, before being released. 

The Washington State Patrol was called to assist in the collision investigation and is the lead agency in this investigation.

Chief Jones met with Officer Handley shared the following: “It was frightening to learn of the collision last night involving one of our Camas PD officers and seeing the extent of the vehicular damage. I am grateful to the CRESA dispatchers, Camas-Washougal Fire & Medical, Vancouver PD, Washougal PD, Washington State Patrol, and our other Camas PD officers for responding quickly to assist. Special thanks to WSP for handling the crash investigation. Our team is wishing our officer a speedy recovery.”

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Canby Fire District will be holding their annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 8:00AM on September 11, 2024. This event is to honor those that risked their lives during the tragic events that occurred in 2001. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to join. This event is located at 221 South Pine Street, Canby, OR 97013 in front of the station. 

Firefighters from Clark County Fire District 6 assisted Vancouver Firefighters in battling a stubborn house fire in the Lincoln neighborhood. 

The fire was called in shortly after 7 a.m. in the 5000 block of NW 8^th avenue. Reports indicate that a Vancouver Police Officer assisted the residents and their two dogs to escape to the back yard of the house, where they were temporarily stranded due to the heat of the blaze.  Neighbors say there were explosions from what they thought sounded like fireworks coming from the blaze. A Vancouver Squad got their first, followed by our Engine 61 and 64.  Ultimately firefighters from as far away as Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue were called in to help quench the flames. In all the fire was battled by:

• 2 Battalion Chiefs
• 5 Engines
• 2 Fire Trucks
• 1 Squad
• 1 Training Captain
• Fire Marshal’s Office

Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, although four people and two dogs were displaced by the fire. Red Cross was called to assist in finding them temporary lodging.  As of 10:30 this morning a number of firefighters are still mopping up, and the Vancouver Fire Marshal has begun assessing the cause of the fire.

Media has permission to use all images with providing a photo credit to Clark County Fire District 6

The Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT), led by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, is continuing the investigation of the Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred on June 17th, 2024, on NE Andresen Rd. in Vancouver, WA.

There are no changes or updates from last week. 

Per WAC 139-12-030, which governs independent investigations, additional updates will be provided weekly.

On 9/9/24 at approximately 9:09 AM, Dispatch received a 911 call from a company hired by the bank to clean up the property at 7108 NE 133^rd Ave in Vancouver, WA.  A broken window and writing on the walls made the employee’s think that there may be occupants in the abandoned house.  The 911 caller requested a deputy check the house for occupants.  While checking the abandoned house for occupants, deputies located suspicious devices outside the residence. 

Based on the possibility of the items being possibly explosive, the regional explosive detonation unit was called to assist in making the house safe. Some items that may have been dangerous were detonated in a controlled manner by the EDU Unit.   The streets around the residence were closed off for the safety of people passing by.   The investigation is currently active. 

On 9/9/2024, at around 9:43 a.m., CCSO received a 911 call about an attempted kidnapping that had recently occurred near the intersection of NE 76th Street and NE 122nd Avenue in Vancouver, WA.

A 14-year-old female student at Heritage High School reported that while walking to school this morning on NE 76th Street, an unknown male came out from behind some bushes and grabbed the female from behind. She reported that the male attempted to place some type of fabric over her face while he held onto her. 

The 14-year-old female was able to break away from the male and ran the remaining several blocks to the high school. She appeared to be uninjured during the incident.

The suspect was described as a male with light brown skin, approximately 5'9" tall, with a slender build, black hair, and brown eyes. He was wearing oval-shaped glasses, a black hooded sweatshirt, black cargo pants, a black T-shirt, and a black COVID-style disposable mask.

This incident is believed to have occurred between 8:10 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.

This is an active investigation. If you were in the area at the time and believe you saw anyone matching the listed description, please contact Detective Lawrence Zapata at lawrence.zapata@clark.wa.gov.

Kelso, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, Longview Fire Dept., and Cowlitz County Fire District 5 (Kalama) responded to a structure fire Friday evening at 8:42 in the 300 block of Fish Pond Rd.  The homeowner reported that his shop was on fire, which had spread to the trees and a nearby shed full of firewood. 

Fire crews arrived and were concerned the home, 30 feet away, was about to ignite.  Firefighters cooled the exposed side of the house down with hose streams and then attacked the active fire in the trees, the garage, and the surrounding brush.  The fire was under control at 9:14. Six fire engines, four water tenders, three Chief Officers, and a medic unit responded to the two-alarm fire.  Cowlitz County Sheriff Deputies and Cowlitz County Public Utility District also responded.

All occupants of the home were able to evacuate; one elderly male suffered burns to his lower extremities but refused transport to the hospital by ambulance.  Two high-value classic cars parked in the garage were lost along with the building itself.  No other injuries were available.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

On Wednesday, September 4^th, 2024, at approximately 1130 hours Lincoln City Police Officers contacted two vehicles, including a retired yellow school bus that had been retrofitted as a motor home, regarding illegal parking blocking a fire hydrant in the area of NW Oar Place near NW 22^nd Street in Lincoln City.

During the investigation, a subject in the bus fired at least three gunshots from inside the bus at Lincoln City Police Officers. Officers did not return fire into the bus. The male then fled the scene in the bus, eventually stopping in the parking lot of the Sea Gypsy Motel.

Officers secured the area around the bus and learned from witnesses that a male subject fled from the bus on foot and ran to the beach prior to officers’ arrival. LCPD requested assistance from area law enforcement agencies and multiple agencies responded, including Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police, and Grand Ronde Tribal Police. LCPD K9 Nix and the Oregon State Police K9 team conducted a search of the area. Attempts to communicate with anyone who may still have been in the bus were unsuccessful, and Lincoln County SERT had to port several of the bus’s windows in order to ensure the bus was unoccupied.  

An OSP SWAT-K9 tracked the suspect to a residence at 1905 NW Jetty Avenue. Further information was developed that led investigators to believe the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Walter O. Anderson of Nevada, was inside the residence. Because of the possible dangers involved, the OSP SWAT team was requested and responded to the scene. Over the course of several hours, OSP SWAT negotiators made numerous attempts to communicate with the suspect, as well as issuing verbal commands through the public address system, in an attempt to resolve the situation peacefully and without injury. Unfortunately, the attempts to negotiate with the suspect to surrender peacefully were unsuccessful, and he began firing out through the windows of the residence. A fire was started inside the residence, and the suspect exited the residence with a firearm. SWAT issued commands for the suspect to drop his weapon, but he refused and was ultimately shot. SWAT personnel attempted to render medical aid, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.  

The investigation into this incident at the residence is being conducted by members of the Lincoln County Major Crime Team with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office assuming the lead investigator role. Assisting in the investigations are Detectives from the Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Team, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. 

The Lincoln City Police Department acknowledges that these events caused a significant disruption to area businesses, community members, and visiting citizens, and we would like to express our gratitude to everyone for their patience and understanding while these events unfolded. In addition, we would like to thank the citizens who provided the responding Officers with tips and information that helped us attempt to locate the suspect. Lastly, we express our appreciation to the Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, Grand Ronde Tribal Police, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue for their quick response and all of their assistance with this incident. 

Submitted By: Lieutenant Jeffrey Winn

QUARTERLY COFFEE WITH A DEPUTY - YACHATS

9/10/24 – Lincoln County, OR

The next Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is just around the corner. Join us on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 8am – 10am for a cup of coffee and a conversation Dream Machine Coffee (located at 131 Highway 101 North, Yachats, Oregon 97498). 

More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office will partner with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for communities to connect with the deputies that serve them. 

These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you're a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with deputies on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.

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Those who enjoy traveling the back roads of our private timber lands may have found locked gates or restricted access. This leaves some people to believe private timber companies deny access to their lands simply because they don’t want private citizens on their property. This is not the case. 

With the exception of active commercial use such as logging or harvest of other forest products, the closures are in reaction to the ever-increasing incidents of offensive littering, abandonment of vehicles, theft of forest products, and acts of criminal mischief. Some common acts of criminal mischief include destruction of property caused by 4X4s and ATVs riding in unapproved areas, destruction of road access gates, and more.

Damage and theft detract from the natural beauty of our forests and incurs costs for cleaning, repairing, and removal of vehicles and garbage. These costs are passed onto private timber companies as well as taxpayers in the county.

What can each of us do to stop the defacing of our forests and waterways? During your visit and when you leave forest lands and waterways:

• Read signs posted at entry points into private & public lands – signs include important information including log truck activity.
• Report criminal acts to law enforcement.
• Report located dump sites or abandoned vehicles.
• Stay informed of possible land use restrictions. This information is usually posted at each access.
• When in doubt about access, contact the landowner or your Lincoln County Sheriff’s office Forest Patrol at (541)-265-4277.
• Do not discard glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter other than in receptacles provided for these items.
• Report anyone observed hauling trash or debris into our forests.
• Consider bringing a trash bag or two to pick up trash you observe.
• Do not discard any glass, cans, rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or litter in any waters of the state.
• Do not drain, cause, or permit to be drained, sewage or the drainage from a cesspool, septic tank, recreational or camping vehicle waste holding tank or other contaminated source, upon the land of another without permission of the owner, or upon any public way.
• When target shooting, be sure to pick up brass, targets, and anything else used during your visit.
• Do not permit any rubbish, trash, garbage, debris or other refuse to be thrown from a vehicle you are operating.

Our forestlands, public and private, should be treasured and protected by everyone. Through our efforts, we can strive to regain the trust of the private timber owners. The challenge for each of us is to take pride in where we live and work and clean up our county.

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

 

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On September 9, 2023, at approximately 5:40 PM, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of McKay Road NE and Case Road NE near St. Paul.  The crash involved a Buick sedan and a refrigerated commercial box truck.  The initial investigation showed the Buick was traveling eastbound on McKay Road NE and the box truck was traveling westbound when the box truck left its lane and the two vehicles collided. The driver of the Buick, Lisa Rohrer-Boylan of Portland, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The passenger of the Buick, Joan Rohrer of Portland, was transported to a Portland area hospital via LifeFlight where she was later pronounced deceased from her injuries.  The driver of the box truck, Porfirio Perez Martinez of Clackamas, was transported to Newberg Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

After nearly a year of investigation, the case was presented to the Marion County Grand Jury, and they indicted Porfirio Perez Martinez Criminal Negligent Homicide X2. He was arrested and lodged at the Marion County Jail on September 6^th, 2024. 

Thank you to the following agencies that assisted in this case: The Aurora Fire Department, St Paul Fire Department, LifeFlight, Hazmat, Marion County District’s Attorney’s Office, Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, Marion County Public Works, METCOM 911, and Willamette Valley Communications Center. 

Marion County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following information pursuant to ORS163A.215, which authorizes Community Corrections to inform the public when the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the Oregon State Police.  Additionally, this person’s criminal history places them in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend.  This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather, it is our belief that an informed public is a safer public.

NAME: Maldonado, Javier 

SID#: 10689342

DOB: 05/05/1974

CURRENT AGE: 050

RACE:  H                                SEX: M

HEIGHT: 5' 11''                     WEIGHT: 242lbs

HAIR: BLK                            EYES: BRO

RESIDENCE: 2145 STATE ST #2, SALEM, OR  97301

Javier  Maldonado is on Post Prison Supervision for the crimes of: WEAPON USE and ASSAULT IV. In 1994, Maldonado was convicted of RAPE III, and sentenced to 12 month jail and 24 months post prison supervision, which he completed in 1997. 

This person was granted supervision on: 05/07/2024

Supervision expiration date is: 05/06/2026 

Special restrictions include:       [X] No contact with minors   [X] No frequenting places minors congregate

On June 25^th 2024, the Milwaukie Police was made aware that one of our employees, Sgt. Jon Foreman, was the subject of a criminal investigation by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. We take such matters seriously and are fully committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The employee in question was immediately suspended from their duties pending the outcome of the investigation and placed on paid administrative leave. 

The Milwaukie Police Department has opened our own Internal Affairs inquiry into this matter and will provide updates when we are able to do so. This internal affairs investigation is ongoing and no further is available to share at this time.

Inquiries for details about the criminal matter should be directed to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is asking for help in our continuing efforts to find a missing Fairview teen. Bailey 'Jade' Loucks was last seen on June 14, 2024, in the area of SE 122^nd Ave. and SE Powell Blvd, Portland. 

Bailey goes by the name Jade. She is a 15-year-old white female, approximately five feet tall and 110 pounds. She has brown eyes and a scar on her nose. She also has significant scarring on her leg. At the time she went missing, Jade had purple hair. Her family believes she may have died her hair blue. She is a frequent TriMet rider. 

If you see Jade call 911. If you have any information about her whereabouts, or think you may have seen her before, please contact MCSO detectives by calling 503-988-0560, emailing tips@mcso.us or reaching out to us on our website www.mcso.us. 

For media: Detective Tamari Johnson and Detective Sergeant Brad Robertson will be available for interviews about the highlighted cases at 10 a.m. at the Troutdale Sheriff's Operation Center (234 SW Kendall Court Troutdale, OR 97060). Please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing pio@mcso.us 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is launching a webpage dedicated to unsolved, cold case homicide investigations that occurred in Multnomah County.

The webpage features these cases:

Charly Richards 
- Last seen alive on August 21, 1992.
- A hiker found Richards’ body on Aug. 31, 1992, in a wooded area in Troutdale.
- Richards was a Clark College student and U.S. Army reservist.
Read more

Bonifacio Rodriguez-Rodriguez 
- Last seen alive on the evening of September 25, 1994.
- His body was found on Sauvie Island with a gunshot wound a week later.
- Rodriguez came to Oregon from Mexico to find work.
Read more

John Warner Nolen
- Body of an unidentified male found in the Columbia River on April 29, 1992.
- Reported missing by family in Washington State in April 1993.
- In 2013, dental records were used to identify Nolen. 
Read more

Anyone with information about the cases listed, or any Multnomah County cold case, is strongly encouraged to contact detectives at 503-988-0560, by email at tips@mcso.us or via the tip submission form. If you wish to report anonymously, please report tips to Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

“The individuals involved in these cases and their loved ones deserve justice,” said Detective Sergeant Brad Robertson. “We are dedicated to pursuing a resolution to these crimes and hope anyone with information will come forward.”

MCSO will continue to add cases to the site in the coming months.

Detective Tamari Johnson and Detective Sergeant Brad Robertson will be available for interviews about the highlighted cases at 10 a.m. at the Troutdale Sheriff's Operation Center (234 SW Kendall Court Troutdale, OR 97060). We are also including an interview with Charly Richards' family members who both live out of state. Additional photos from Charly’s siblings are included in the Dropbox.

Dropbox folder contents:

• Photos of Charly Richards, John Nolen and Bonifacio Rodriguez-Rodriguez
• Interview with Richards' siblings: Tammie Jamison Hitt and Donny Jamison
  • :09 – Tell us about Charly
  • 3:14 – What would you like other to know about Charly?
  • 3:56 – What would a resolution mean to your family?

With positive identifications and official next of kin notifications completed by the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the identities of the three people who died as a result of the plane crash in Fairview, Oregon on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

The deceased are identified as:

• 75-year-old Barbara J. MacDonald, of Fairview, Oregon (Resident)
• 73-year-old Michael C. Busher, of Beavercreek, Oregon (Pilot)
• 79-year-old Jacqueline K. Whitford, of Glendale, Arizona (Flight Instructor)

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) invites those interested in a career in public safety to attend one of our hiring events this fall.

We are currently seeking self-disciplined, dedicated and compassionate people to join our team. MCSO offers highly competitive wages, comprehensive benefits including medical and dental, and a generous county-provided retirement package.

Triple the opportunity

📅 Facility Security Officer Event
Date: Saturday, September 21
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Multnomah County Central Courthouse
Register

📅 Corrections Deputy Event
Date: Thursday, October 3
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Inverness Jail
Register

📅 Deputy Sheriff Event
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: MCSO Training Facility
Register 

At each of these events, job seekers will hear about a day-in-the-life in these positions, meet with staff, and learn about our hiring process.

Apply for the job at the event! Our Human Resources staff will be available to assist with our application and answer any questions you may have about our background checks.

Registration is required. Please register by filling out the corresponding form for the event you’d like to attend (linked above).

The Newberg-Dundee Police Department participated in enhanced traffic patrols in August through Labor Day weekend. The enforcement was focused to detect drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of intoxicants.  The effort resulted in eleven arrests for DUII during the targeted dates.

Funding for these extra patrols is made possible through grants and in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation.

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized resources to the Service Fire in Wheeler County overnight as the fire, pushed by gusty winds and critical fire conditions, rapidly grew Monday. The lightning-sparked fire is estimated to be 15,000 acres as of Monday night. The Wheeler County Sheriff has issued levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices. You can find the latest on evacuations here.  
 
Over the weekend, two task forces assigned to the Shoe Fly Fire were reassigned to the Service Fire through Immediate Response. Two additional task forces from Marion and Clatsop counties arrived Monday night, bringing the total to four task forces. 

The OSFM will coordinate structural protection resources with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 2, which is managing the Service Fire. 

“We are anticipating cooler weather over the next week and that should decrease fire behavior. The OSFM continues to use every tool at our disposal to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure from wildfire,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “This has been a challenging summer for our hardworking firefighters, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant.” 

A community meeting for the Service Fire is planned for Wednesday, September 11 at the Fossil Elementary School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. Please use the west entrance. 

This is the 17^th time the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked this year. 

About the Emergency Conflagration Act  

The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property.  
  
The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.   

SALEM, Ore. -  The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing its Blue Incident Management Team and several task forces to the Rail Ridge Fire in Grant and Crook counties and the Shoe Fly Fire in Wheeler County. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the conflagration act for both fires Friday.  

The Rail Ridge Fire is estimated at 107,371 acres and three percent contained as of Friday morning. The lightning-sparked fire was detected on September 4 and grew rapidly, pushed by extremely hot, dry, and windy conditions over the last few days. 

The OSFM Blue Team will be in unified command with California Team 10, a complex incident management team, which took command of the Rail Ridge Fire Friday morning. Earlier this week, the OSFM mobilized two task forces from Central Oregon and Marion County through Immediate Response. These task forces will be joined by three others later this evening.  

“The conditions we are seeing on the ground are very dynamic with several fires burning in the region and a cold front is expected to pass through. There’s no real relief in the forecast over the weekend and into early next week,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “The Oregon fire service has been extremely busy over the last few months, and I cannot thank them enough for being ready to respond to help their fellow Oregonians when they need it.”  

The Shoe Fly Fire is estimated to be 24,188 acres and six percent contained. It was reported on September 2. The OSFM mobilized two task forces from Clackamas and Multnomah counties through Immediate Response earlier this week. The OSFM Blue Team will work with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 1, which is assigned to the Shoe Fly Fire to provide structural protection support.  

These conflagrations mark the 15^th and 16^th invoked this summer. With extreme heat expected across the state into the weekend, the Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds all Oregonians and visitors to pay close attention to the conditions and take the necessary steps to avoid sparking a wildfire.  

About the Emergency Conflagration Act 
The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property. 
 
The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. 10 Sept. 2024 – On Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at 6:07 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 138E near milepost 18, approximately one mile east of Glide, in Douglas County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Yamaha motorcycle, operated by Thomas Lee Bailey (38) of Idleyld Park, was traveling westbound on Hwy. 138E when an eastbound white Jeep Cherokee, operated by Randolph Lee Belloir (66) of Roseburg, turned left in front of the motorcycle. The two vehicles collided head-on in the westbound lane. 

The operator of the motorcycle (Bailey) was declared deceased at the scene. 

The Jeep Cherokee operator (Belloir) was not injured and cooperated with the law enforcement investigation. 

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

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Glide Fire Department, the National Park Service, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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

UPDATE: Renk is believed to be traveling in a converted Ford Ambulance, which is now painted two-tone white over gray and has an Oregon license plate of 353JWK. 

--Suspect wanted for sex crimes in Oregon and Alabama

WASCO COUNTY, Ore. 9 Sept. 2024 – Oregon State Police and the Mobile (Alabama) Police Department are seeking the public’s help to locate Adam Renk (39) who is wanted in both states for sex crimes against child victims. 

On June 21, 2024, OSP detectives responded to a sexual abuse disclosure made by a minor. The minor disclosed Renk as the perpetrator. Renk has since been indicted on multiple crimes against a child victim under the age of 12. He is charged with Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

As part of their investigation, OSP detectives learned Renk had been charged in another case involving a minor victim in Mobile, Alabama. The Alabama charges include Child Sexual Abuse and Torture involving an 11-year-old victim. The victims in the two states are not related. Alabama law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Marshals Service are attempting to locate Renk who posted bond in Alabama and was released from pre-trial custody. 

Renk was last seen leaving Alabama on August 7, 2024. He has ties to Oregon and Wasco County. He is believed to be traveling in a converted Ford Ambulance that is now painted two-toned white over gray. Renk is a white male, 6 ft. 1 in. tall, 175 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. 

Anyone with information about Renk’s whereabouts or information about possible additional victims is asked to contact the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at 541-506-2580 or OSP Detective Cassie Bantz through dispatch at 800-442-0776 or by dialing OSP (677) on a mobile phone. 
  

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

Washington County, Ore. 7 Sept 24- On Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1:08 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 6, near milepost 49, in Washington County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound GMC Sonoma, operated by Leonardo Franco-Velazquez (22) of Gold Bar (WA), crossed into the on-coming lane for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Honda Accord, operated by Patrick James Jamieson (65) of North Plains, head-on.

The operator of the GMC (Franco-Velazquez) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the GMC, Fernanda Yamileth Gonzalez-Madera (20) of Tukwila (WA), was critically injured and transported to an area hospital.

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

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

OSP was assisted by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Banks Fire.

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

Polk County, Ore. 3 Sept 24- On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 12:54 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on HWY 22, at the intersection with HWY 51, in Polk County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Lincoln MKZ, operated by Michael Robert Hine Jr. (76) of Otis, was stopped on HWY 51 and made a left turn onto westbound HWY 22. The Lincoln entered the path of an eastbound Honda motorcycle, operated by David Lee Sterrett (69) of Dallas, causing the Honda to impact the driver's side door of the Lincoln.

The operator of the Honda (Sterrett) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Lincoln (Hine Jr.) and passenger, Diana J. Marlin (76) of Otis, suffered reported minor injuries and were transported to treatment.

The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Fire, and ODOT.

# # # 

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

Photo: Bull elk left to waste (graphic image) 

LINN COUNTY, Ore. 5 Sept. 2024 – The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is asking for public assistance to identify the person(s) responsible for the unlawful killing and waste of a 5x5 bull elk in Linn County.  

Fish and Wildlife troopers from the Albany Area Command responded to a report of a bull elk shot with a centerfire rifle sometime between August 30-31, 2024. The bull elk was shot near the Lulay and Roaring River mainlines of the Snow Peak permit area east of Lebanon. The animal was gutted, partially skinned, and left to waste.  

Anyone with information is asked to contact an Albany Fish and Wildlife trooper through OSP dispatch at 800-442-2068 or by dialing OSP (677) from a mobile phone. Please refer to case number SP24285185. Those with information may remain anonymous and a TIP reward for cash or preference points will be offered for information leading to a citation or arrest in the case.

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

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

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

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

Cash Rewards 

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

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

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

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

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

Send confidential or anonymous tips through SafeOregon.
 

Safe Oregon Back to School video


SALEM, Ore. 5 Sept. 2024 – SafeOregon and the Oregon State Police remind students, parents, school staff, and community members that everyone plays a role in school safety. SafeOregon is a school safety tip line to report potential threats against students and schools confidentially or anonymously. 

SafeOregon asks that if you see or hear something concerning to let someone know. Tips may be submitted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week: 

• Call or text: 844-472-3367
• Email: tip@safeoregon.com
• Website: www.safeoregon.com
• Download the mobile app 

All tips are immediately received by a tip line technician and are forwarded to designated school personnel or law enforcement to respond to reported incidents. 

SafeOregon receives tips focused on school safety, including:

• Safety threats
• Violence or threats of violence 
• Fights
• Drugs, alcohol, or weapons on campus
• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation 
• Cyberbullying 
• Friends or peers discussing self-harm or suicide

Call 911 for situations requiring an immediate emergency response. It is a violation of Oregon law to make false reports to SafeOregon. For more information about SafeOregon, visit our website at safeoregon.com. 

# # #

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

Lincoln County, Ore. 5 Sept. 24 – On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, just after midnight, Oregon State Police SWAT responded to a Lincoln City residence to assist the Lincoln City Police Department with a barricaded suspect. Responding officers made multiple attempts to negotiate with the suspect who fired at police and refused to comply with commands.  The suspect was ultimately shot by responding police and died at the scene.  

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., the Lincoln City Police Department requested assistance from local law enforcement agencies regarding an incident involving a suspect shooting at police officers while investigating a parking violation. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle and later on foot. 

Oregon State Police (OSP) responded and deployed a SWAT K-9 unit. The K-9 tracked the suspect to a residence at 1905 NW Jetty Ave. in Lincoln City. Occupants exited the residence and knew the suspect but denied seeing him that day. It was later confirmed the male suspect was within the residence and a search warrant was granted. 

OSP SWAT personnel were activated and responded to the scene. Negotiators made numerous attempts at communicating with the suspect as well as issuing verbal commands through a public address system. The suspect made numerous threatening statements and at 2:45 a.m. the suspect began to shoot through windows from within the residence. For unknown reasons, a fire started within the residence. As the fire spread the suspect exited an upstairs window to the roof carrying a rifle. He refused commands to drop the rifle. Shots were fired and the suspect fell from the roof to the ground below. 

OSP SWAT personnel secured the suspect’s firearm and pulled him away from the burning residence to render medical aid. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene. 

Four OSP SWAT members were determined to have fired rounds during the incident. 

The Lincoln County Major Crimes Team was activated in accordance with the Lincoln County Deadly Force Plan. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is assuming the lead investigator role and is being assisted by detectives from the Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, and Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division. 

# # #

  
About the Oregon State Police

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

PF&R vs PPB Charity Soccer Match

 

• Charity Soccer Match
• Saturday 09-14-24
• Providence Park
• Gates at 6 PM
• Match at 7 PM

The charity soccer match pitting Portland Fire & Rescue vs Portland Police Bureau returns this year after a 5-year hiatus, and all are excited to get back out onto the pitch and battle for the crown. The match will benefit the charities of each organization with fire supporting the Toy n’ Joy Makers (Toy & Joy Makers (toynjoymakers.org)) and police supporting the Sunshine Division (Home - Sunshine Division). There will be historic and contemporary emergency response rigs along with recruitment information for both agencies. This is a great opportunity to connect with the firefighters and police officers that serve the City of Portland.

PF&R is currently 6-0 in this event with PPB putting in good work to make this the year they take the crown.

Entry into the facility is free with a small toy or a non-perishable food item. Come early, meet some firefighters and police officers, and watch them battle for the crown.

Media Day (ATTENTION SPORTS DESK) will be on Wednesday, September 11 at Providence Park at 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Access to the field will be from the SW Morrison and SW 20^th gate. Each team of 22 members and team coaches will be present at this practice to be available to connect with any media regarding the event. The teams are a blend of some of the old guard with a few new, and youthful, faces. Any help you can give us at broadcasting the event through the remainder of the week will aid in the abilities to increase the charitable donations to each group.

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Media Invite and Information

Portland Fire & Rescue to Honor Memory of Those Lost on the 23^rd anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks.

• Wednesday September 11, 2024
• 0659 and 0728 at all Portland Fire & Rescue Stations – a moment of silence
• 1000 Ceremony - Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1 – 55 SW Ash St.
• Red Cross Blood Drive - Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1 – 55 SW Ash St. 
  • 8 AM - 2 PM
  • Registration available at www.RedCrossBlood.org - Use code PortlandFire 

Portland Fire & Rescue will honor the memory of those lost on the 23^rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with moments of silence at PF&R stations city-wide, along with a ceremony to share in the remembrance of this significant event that affected the lives of many across our nation and the world. 

To mark the falling of each tower of the World Trade Center, where 343 members of the FDNY lost their lives along with countless civilians, each Portland Fire Station will bring their fire apparatus out onto the aprons of the stations and stand at attention to honor those lost twenty-three years ago with a moment of silence. At 6:58 AM PST and 7:28 AM PST, the times, respectively, when the South and North Towers collapsed, the Bureau of Emergency Communications will transmit information regarding the tragedy of 23 years ago to be followed by a moment of silence. We share this information as this is the time many are commuting along our roadways and will see these moments of silence occurring as they take place.

At 10 AM, we would like to invite the media and all other interested community members to attend a solemn remembrance ceremony at Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1 – located at 55 SW Ash St. The ceremony will include speakers from Portland City Council, Portland Fire & Rescue along with the Portland Firefighters Association IAFF – Local 43. The ceremony will conclude with a bagpiper and fire boat water display in the Willamette River, directly across the street from Portland Fire Station 1 in Waterfront Park.

In addition to the ceremonial events above, Portland Fire & Rescue will be hosting a blood drive at Station 1 for the eleventh year in a row. The blood drive begins at 8 AM and runs until 2 PM. Walk in blood donors are welcome but to ensure your time is well spent, online registration is available at www.RedCrossBlood.org – be certain to use the sponsor code PortlandFire when registering. Please help us alert the community of this event as the blood goes to many local individuals in need.

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Today just after 5:00pm Portland Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a commercial fire in the Mill Park neighborhood right on 122^nd Avenue.  The first arriving unit was a Battalion Chief who noted heavy fire from the second floor and a second alarm was quickly called due to both the extremely hot weather and the heavy fire.  Upon arrival, the first truck informed command that this structure was a permanently closed and vacant restaurant.  With this information along with the heavy fire showing a defensive fire attack was initiated. 

2 trucks put large, elevated master streams into place on 2 corners of the building and several hand lines were put in place at other exterior openings to knock down the heavy flames, preventing the fire from spreading to any other nearby structures.  Crews then spent the next couple hours putting out hot spots using handlines, and tools to help dig into an area of the structure where the roof had partially collapsed, as can be seen in some of the pictures.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and there were no reports of injuries.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

DATE: September 9, 2024

Man struck and killed by passing train

Salem, Ore. — A man who was struck by a passing freight train last week has died from his injuries.

Emergency responders were called to the Union-Pacific Railroad tracks at Center and 12^th STS NE at 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday, September 4.

Witnesses reported a man was on a bicycle with the tires near the tracks. As the train approached, the bells and horns were sounded, and the rider backed the bike toward the tracks. The passing train struck the bicycle which spun the rider into the train. 

The bicyclist is identified as 32-year-old Taylor Anthony Ochoa of Nevada. He was transported to Salem Health in critical condition. He died the next afternoon, September 5.

Traffic was closed to east and westbound traffic from Mill ST SE north to approximately Lamberson ST NE. The scene was cleared, and the train was released within three hours.

# # #

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

Suspect Indicted on State Charges Stemming from Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation

September 5th, 2024

On August 19^th, 2024, Sherwood Detectives and Officers were assisted by Agents and Task Force Officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration – Portland District Office (which Sherwood PD participates in) and the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) Team with a search warrant on a residence allegedly manufacturing marijuana products illegally in Sherwood. The investigation occurred after receiving a report from a concerned community member about a potential illegal marijuana grow operation. During the search warrant execution, detectives located large amounts of marijuana concentrates, a Dab Press, bulk quantities of marijuana, distributable quantities of LSD and Psilocybin Mushrooms, quantities of Ketamine, Xanax, other evidence of manufacturing marijuana products, a bulk amount of U.S. Currency, and several firearms. 

On August  28^th, 2024, the case was presented to a Washington County Grand Jury and they indicted 31-year-old Trey Marquez on the following charges:

• Unlawful Manufacture/Delivery of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance (Commercial Drug Offense) – 2 counts; A Felony
• Unlawful Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance (Commercial Drug Offense) – 2 counts; A Felony
• Unlawful Possession of Machine Gun, Short Barreled Firearm, or Silencer – 2 counts; B Felony
• Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item (Commercial Marijuana Offense) – 2 counts; C Felony
• Unlawful Delivery of a Marijuana Item (Commercial Marijuana Offense) – 1 count; C Felony
• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana – 2 counts; C Felony and A Misdemeanor 

Following the indictment, a Washington County Circuit Court Judge issued a Secret Indictment Arrest Warrant. On August 30^th, 2024, Mr. Marquez was arrested by the Sherwood Police Department and lodged in the Washington County Jail. 

We would like to thank the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team, the Tigard Police Department, the Tualatin Police Department, the Beaverton Police Department, and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case. No additional information will be released at this time. 

A retail theft mission held in Tigard led to nearly two dozen arrests, as well as the recovery of stolen merchandise, a replica gun and methamphetamine.

This marks the first mission held in Washington County since the Washington County District Attorney’s office was awarded a $1.5 million dollar federal grant to combat retail theft, allowing for law enforcement and prosecutors to engage in more joint retail theft missions. During these missions, detectives and patrol officers work directly with loss prevention employees inside stores to identify and interrupt criminal activity as its happening.

Held Friday, September 6, 2024, Tigard Police officers and detectives with TPD’s Commercial Crimes Unit (CCU) worked with loss prevention employees at stores in Tigard. During the event:

• 21 people were arrested on a range of charges, including theft, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and several outstanding felony/misdemeanor arrest warrants
• Stolen merchandise worth roughly $1,700 was recovered
• A realistic looking replica handgun that officers learned was an air soft gun was recovered from a juvenile who was arrested
• One person led officers on a foot pursuit before being arrested

Officers also assisted with a suspicious package that turned out to be safe, and a reported strong-arm robbery that turned out to be a theft call during the mission.

We’d like to thank our partners at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsboro Police, Beaverton Police and the Washington County DA’s Office for their support during the mission.

###

An investigation into the death of a man after he was stopped by a loss prevention employee has been referred to the Washington County District Attorney’s office.

On August 9, 2024 at 9:54 am, a disturbance was reported at the Safeway store on Tigard’s south end (15570 SW Pacific Highway). Officers from the Tigard and King City Police Departments responded to the scene. They learned a loss prevention worker had stopped a man who was suspected of shoplifting and was holding him on the ground. Witnesses told officers the man was being held by the neck at some point.

When officers arrived, the man was unconscious. Witnesses told officers the loss prevention worker began CPR, then another store employee took over. When officers arrived, they continued CPR and applied an AED until paramedics arrived to take the man to the hospital.

The man who was hospitalized has been identified as Michael Letendre, age 46. Sadly, he passed away at the hospital on August 16^th.

The loss prevention worker is not an employee of Safeway; he works for a private security company that contracts with the store. Because he has not been criminally charged at this time, his name is not being released.

Tigard Police Detectives responded to the scene and are leading the investigation, in consultation with the Washington County Major Crimes Team. Detectives are continuing to gather information, which is being reviewed by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. The DA’s office will make a determination as to whether a grand jury should be convened to review potential criminal charges in this case.

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Just after one o’clock this afternoon, Vancouver Fire was dispatched to the report of a structure fire at 9901 SE Mill Plain Blvd.  Upon arrival crews found a commercial building on fire.  Crews from eight units with approximately twenty firefighters began to extinguish the fire.  

Soon after Vancouver Fire crews arrived at the Mill Plain Fire there was a second structure fire dispatched at 16718 SE 1^st St.  Vancouver Fire responded with additional units including a few from neighboring Fire Departments.  Upon arrival, Vancouver Fire department found a one-story home and additional property on fire in the Great Western neighborhood in Eastern Vancouver.    

Both fires were extinguished quickly, and all structures were searched.  No civilians, pets or firefighters were hurt in either fire.  Vancouver Fire dispatched a Rehabilitation unit to the fires to help firefighters on scene remain as cooled and hydrated as possible.  High heat and humidity like we experienced today make a hard job even more difficult to perform.  Firefighters often loose large amounts of water and increase their core body temperatures to extreme levels while working on the fire ground.  Two families were displaced in the fires.  One person at the SE 1st St fire was evaluated but not transported.  The Vancouver Fire Marshals office is investigating the fire on Mill Plain Blvd while the Clark County Fire Marshals office will investigate the fire on SE 1^st St.  

Vancouver, Wash. – Today, the Vancouver Police Department arrested two males who were armed with a firearm outside Mountain View High School. At approximately 12:00 p.m., police received information regarding a social media message a student reported regarding a threat to shoot outside Mountain View High School in an attempt to possibly confront a specific student. There was no date specified in the threat. While police were investigating the origin of the threat, two Vancouver Police patrol officers responded to the school and observed two males approaching the school. The officers were able to safely detain both males. Each had a loaded firearm in their possession. 

Police arrested Mekhi J. Parker, 18 years of age, and Azaviar D. Johnson, 18 years of age. Both will be booked into the Clark County Jail for Assault I (attempt), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm on School Property and Felony Threat. 

Neither suspect is a student in the Evergreen School District. 

There are no outstanding suspects related to this incident and there were no injuries.

The investigation is continuing and nothing further is releasable at this time. 

###

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) served a search warrant near the 32000 block of SW Tongue Lane on a large property believed to be an illegal marijuana processing location.  

 A community member notified the Sheriff’s Office that the pungent odors of marijuana were coming from the location. Initial information was circulated to community members that the area was a storage facility for hemp, which turned out not to be true.  

The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at this same location in 2022 under similar circumstances. The property changed ownership after the 2022 incident.  

While serving the search warrant, investigators with the Washington County Westside Interagency Narcotics Team (WIN) located approximately 6,600 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value near $6,000,000. The marijuana was seized for destruction.  

The WIN team would like to thank the community for keeping a vigilant eye and the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office for assisting with the warrant service.  

On Saturday, September 8, 2024, at midnight., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an assault with a weapon at Dr. Feelgood’s Pub at 20419 SW Tualatin Valley Highway. 

A 911 caller reported a person had been stabbed during an altercation at the location, and the suspect was leaving in a car. 

A community member applied pressure to the stab wound on the victim’s arm to slow the bleeding before deputies arrived and applied a tourniquet. The victim was transported to an area hospital by ambulance. 

While the investigation was taking place, the suspect returned to the scene and was arrested.

34-year-old Kelli Duchesne of North Carolina was lodged in the Washington County Jail for assault in the first degree and unlawful use of a weapon. 

The investigation is ongoing, and additional details may be released later. 

If you witnessed this incident and have not yet reported to police, the Sheriff’s Office urges you to call Detective McLaughlin at 503-846-2624.

WPD UPDATE ON SCHOOL TRAFFFIC SAFETY ENFORCEMENT FROM AUGUST 26 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

Woodburn OR- The Woodburn Police Department (WPD) has completed its two-week traffic enforcement effort throughout the Woodburn School District.  The traffic enforcement effort resulted in 80 traffic stops in school zones during restricted speed zone hours of which:

• 59 traffic stops involved speeding
• 14 traffic stops involved failing to obey a traffic control device
• 15 traffic stops involved operating a vehicle while using a mobile electronic device (cellphone)

A total of 68 traffic citations were issued along with 38 warnings. 

While the safety enforcement period has concluded, WPD wants to remind everyone to continue driving safely in and around school zones to keep students, staff and community members safe this school year.

Woodburn Police Announcing School Traffic Safety Enforcement from August 26 through September 6, 2024

Woodburn OR- The Woodburn Police Department (WPD) will conduct traffic safety enforcement during the beginning of the school year, starting Monday, August 26 through Friday, September 6, 2024. This will take place throughout all Woodburn School Zones. 

Officers will be focusing on enforcing speed, seatbelt usage, unlawful use of mobile devices while driving and any other unsafe driving violations.  The goal of traffic safety enforcement is to keep students, school staff and community members safe during this school season.  WPD wants to remind everyone that most school zones in Woodburn have reduced school speed zone laws of 20 miles per hour between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on all school days, and that traffic violations in these zones face enhanced fine amounts.  The Woodburn Police Department encourages all motorists to drive safely and to plan on extra time if their commutes will involve traveling to or through school safety zones. 

PORTLAND, Ore. (Sept. 9, 2024): Four and a half years after the pandemic, many people are experiencing “vaccine fatigue” and not getting the vaccinations they need to protect themselves, their loved ones, and those most vulnerable to severe illness from COVID, flu and other respiratory viruses.

“People have heard of ‘COVID fatigue,’ but there is vaccine fatigue in general - not just with the COVID vaccines,” said Dr. Kathryn Glassberg with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Coming out of the pandemic, many folks want to get ‘back to normal’ and may be less apt to consider the ongoing health risks of circulating viruses. COVID is now one of those normal viruses, and we have great protection available with the vaccine."

As fall virus season approaches, the FDA has approved updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, both of which are now available. Flu clinics begin at Kaiser Permanente on September 21, and members can schedule both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment at kp.org.

“With multiple viruses circulating this fall and winter, you can protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated and practicing healthy behaviors,” said Dr. Glassberg. “For individuals with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease, it is essential they have an action plan as we head into viral respiratory season to help keep them healthy and out of the hospital."

Interviews available:
Dr. Kathryn Glassberg is available for Zoom/phone interviews on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 9-11:30 a.m. time. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Glassberg is prepared to discuss: 

• Why are people experiencing vaccine fatigue?
• Why are vaccinations still important?
• Fall vaccine confusion - who should receive the RSV, flu and COVID vaccines, and when?
• Can people get multiple vaccines at the same time?
• If someone has had a recent COVID infection, should they wait to be vaccinated?
• What is the current situation with COVID?
• Is this flu season expected to be a bad one?

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

CLACKAMAS, Ore. (Sept. 5, 2024): Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center will celebrate its annual NICU Reunion event, "Little Campers, Big Adventures" on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, outside the Labor & Delivery department. This heartwarming event is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the incredible journey of hundreds of families and children who received life-saving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

This fall also marks the 10^th anniversary of the Sunnyside NICU, making it an extra special occasion for the entire community. Families, friends, and healthcare workers will be able to reconnect and celebrate the progress and growth of these remarkable NICU graduates.

NICU mom Cynthia Hernandez, whose son, Saint, was born at 25 weeks and 6 days gestational age and weighing just 2 pounds 1/2 oz, said “Our journey with Saint in the NICU was one of the most challenging times in our lives, yet one of the most beautiful moments.” Saint was delivered at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside on Sept. 6, 2023, and spent 107 days in the NICU. “The care that Saint received during his stay in the NICU was absolutely incredible. Saint was on a C-pap from birth until he was 36 weeks gestational age. Throughout his stay he also received two blood transfusions. He was on a feeding tube while in the NICU and was able to come home without it."

Hernandez continues, “Saint just celebrated his first birthday! He is full of life and love. You will always catch him smiling and on the go. He is an extraordinarily strong, smart, active and a very alert boy. It was great having the support of the NICU team because they were there every step of the way, making it easier on our family. Especially while juggling two of Saint’s siblings at home and in school."

Interviews Available from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8:

Media are invited to attend the NICU reunion celebration from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8 in the courtyard at Sunnyside Medical Center (10180 S.E. Sunnyside Rd., Clackamas). Interviews will be available near the entrance of the courtyard. Contact en.a.vitt@kp.org">Karen Vitt to RSVP or for additional info.

• Jennifer Marsh, RN, NICU Charge Nurse
• Cynthia Hernandez, NICU mom whose son, Saint, was born at 25 weeks and 6 days gestational age and weighing just 2 pounds 1/2 oz. Saint was delivered at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside on Sept. 6, 2023 and spent 107 days in the NICU.

Visuals/Activities at the "Little Campers, Big Adventures" NICU Reunion include:

• A visit from a therapy llama, where attendees can feed carrots.
• Farm animals, such as bunnies, for kids to interact with.
• Clackamas County sheriff vehicles and deputies providing educational materials.
• A firetruck and fire department personnel offering safety information.
• A PANDA transport ambulance (The Pediatric and Neonatal Doernbecher Transport team provides ICU level care for critically ill and injured children during transports).
• Community Library Services will be giving away books.
• A variety of fun, games, treats and prizes for children and parents, including sidewalk chalk, story time, a scavenger hunt, a photo booth and other pediatric wellbeing information.
• Reconnect with many of our NICU staff.

ABOUT KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit: about.kaiserpermanente.org

PORTLAND, Ore.–The VA Portland Health Care System is scheduled to host a number of local community town hall meetings throughout its area of responsibility starting Sept. 11, 2024.

The first community town hall is scheduled to be held in Fairview/Gresham from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The address is Gresham Post 30, 39 NW 3rd St, Gresham, OR. Veterans throughout the Portland-Metro area are invited to attend.

The purpose of these events is to showcase any updates to Veteran care within the VA Portland Health Care System, and to provide resources and information beneficial to Veterans and their families. VA Portland Health Care System Director, David L. Holt is scheduled to attend each of the events. Included in the presentation will be updates for VA Portland Health Care System, Toxic Exposure Screening, Enrollment Resources, Women Veterans’ Program information, and an audience question and answer session.

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to report of smoke off of Bear Creek Rd and Bennett. The first arriving crews could see smoke coming from a brush and tree’d area about 300 yards south of Bear Creek. After making access on foot, they were able to identify a 1/4 acre fire along the canal.

Alfalfa fire department responded as well to assist. A total of three brush engines, one structural engine, two water tenders and assorted command rigs are on scene. The fire appears to been caused by a lightning strike to a tree in the area. It appears to been smoldering and hidden by the layer of smoke in the area.

At the same time at this fire was being dispatched, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatch to reported illegal open burn at Butler Market Rd and Silvis. Crews found the occupants burning yard debris in a large pile. The occupants were ordered to extinguish the fire and resources were diverted to the brushfire. Both of these incidents are a good reminder that we are not out of fire season yet. Despite the cooler weather heading our way it is still very dry out and susceptible to fire. All debris burning is banned currently. We do not anticipate debris burning for sometime. Check with your local fire agency before igniting any sort of fire to be sure it is allowed.

September 9, 2024-REDMOND, OR- Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to remind everyone that we are deep into the wildfire season and all burning is still closed. During this closure, all outdoor debris burning is prohibited in all areas served by Redmond Fire & Rescue in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.

As a reminder, the closure of outdoor debris burning prohibits all of the following:

1. Backyard or open burning, this includes burn barrels (branches, yard debris, etc.).

2. Agricultural burning (agricultural wastes, crops, field burning, ditches etc.).

3. Any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning.

The burn ban does not prohibit:

1. Small outdoor cooking, warming or recreational fires at residential properties. These include portable or permanent fire pits, fire tables, and campfires, with a maximum fuel area of three feet in diameter and two feet in height in a safe location away from combustibles or vegetation and are fully extinguished after use.

2. Barbeque grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances with clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels.

There may be more restrictive fire safety rules on Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF)-protected land. ODF restrictions may include prohibitions on campfires, smoking, target shooting, powered equipment, motorized vehicles, and other public/private landowner and industrial fire restrictions. More details about ODF fire restrictions are available at Oregon Department of Forestry Public Fire Restrictions.

Outdoor fires in violation of this closure may be immediately extinguished. If a fire agency responds to a fire that has been started in willful violation of this closure, the person responsible may be liable for all costs incurred, as well as legal fees per ORS 478.965. Burning restrictions are authorized under Oregon Revised Statute 478.960, Oregon Fire Code 307 and Redmond Fire & Rescue Ordinance 5.

Fire Officials in Deschutes County encourage the public to use extreme caution with activities that could start a fire. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent and be prepared for wildfires. Residents are encouraged to continue exercising caution and taking steps to prevent and prepare for the threat of wildfires. That includes:

Creating defensible space:

• Mowing and watering lawns.

• Removing brush, dry grass, and leaves from underneath decks and crawlspaces.

• De-limbing tree branches 10 feet off the ground and well away from your roof.

• Planting low-growing, fire-resistant plants near your home.

• Eliminating fuel sources near and around your home – firewood, fuel tanks, etc.

Maintaining access:

• The road or driveway to your home should be clear of all debris, dense vegetation, and low-hanging branches. Turn-out areas are needed if the road or driveway to your home is not large enough for two-way traffic or your home is located at the end of a long driveway or dead-end road.

• The driveway to your home should be designed without sharp curves or steep grades.

• If crossing a bridge is necessary to access your home, it should support 75,000 pounds.

Signing up for Alerts:

To make sure you are receiving the most current alerts regarding Emergency Evacuations (Fire, Flooding, Public Welfare, etc.), Natural Disasters (Fire, Flooding, etc.), Severe Weather or Neighborhood Emergencies, you can sign up for Deschutes Alerts.

September 6, 2024-TERREBONNE, OR- At approximately 6:20pm on September 5, 2024, Redmond Fire & Rescue was alerted to a residential structure fire at 345 F Avenue in Terrebonne. 

As crews were responding to the scene, a large column of smoke was visible. Once crews arrived on scene a manufactured home an outbuilding and a vehicle were on fire. Crews had to contend with stopping the spread of the fire while a powerline was actively arcing on the ground. Fire crews deployed multiple hose lines to keep the fire contained to the property and protecting other nearby homes.  

Two residents were medically checked and refused treatment and transport. One firefighter received a minor knee injury which did not require medical assistance. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

Redmond Fire & Rescue was assisted by Bend Fire & Rescue, Crooked River Fire & Rescue and Deschutes County Sheriffs.

SALEM, Ore. — Governor Tina Kotek and Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon hosted a formal demobilization ceremony in Salem, Oregon for the unit members of the Oregon National Guard’s A (-) 641st Aviation on Sept. 9, 2024.

During their mobilization they provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations.

“Just over a year ago we gathered to see off an exceptional group of aviators as they embarked on a critical mission to the Horn of Africa,” said Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold to the returning Soldiers during the demobilization ceremony. “Today we come together once again –  not to say goodbye but to celebrate your safe return and extraordinary service.”

Gov. Kotek welcomed the member’s home and praised their dedication to the yearlong deployment with family and co-workers in attendance. “It was last July that you first mobilized here, and I reminded you to come home safe from your mobilization, and as this was my first mobilization ceremony as Governor and your guidon was in my office while you were gone.”

"With your dedication to duty, I am truly humbled by your commitment to serve. I want to welcome you back, and hopefully, you can now catch up on some of the activities you missed while you were away," said Gov. Kotek.

Prior to their overseas mission, the unit spent nearly two-weeks of specialized training at Ft. Bliss, Texas. The unit has a long history of deploying overseas supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 and later deploying to support Operation New Dawn in Iraq in 2010 while some members of the unit deployed to Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Their most recent mobilization was in 2017 when they deployed to Kuwait to support Operation Enduring Freedom followed by Operation Spartan Shield.
 

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Released Photos:

240909-Z-CH590-1025: Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, delivers his remarks during the demobilization ceremony held at the Oregon State Capital, Salem, Oregon for the A (-) 641st Aviation, Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240909-Z-CH590-1029: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek delivers her remarks during the demobilization ceremony held in Salem, Oregon for the A (-) 641st Aviation, Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240909-Z-CH590-1053: Members of the Official Party, which includes Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, along with Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, and Capt. Christopher Hall, stand at attention at the beginning of the demobilization ceremony held for A (-) 641st Aviation, while unit members are formally recognized on Sept. 9, 2024 in Salem, Oregon. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240909-Z-CH590-1054: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek presents the framed unit guidon to Capt. Christopher Hall assigned to the Oregon National Guard’s A (-) 641st Aviation during the demobilization ceremony held at the Oregon State Capital, Salem, Oregon on Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240909-Z-CH590-1056: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek receives a folded Oregon State Flag from Capt. Christopher Hall that was used by the Oregon National Guard’s A (-) 641st Aviation during their deployment. The unit had held their demobilization ceremony at the Oregon State Capital, Salem, Oregon on Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

240909-Z-CH590-1065: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (center) and Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon (far left), pause for a group photo with members of the Oregon National Guard’s A (-) 641st Aviation at the conclusion of their demobilization ceremony held at the Oregon State Capital, Salem, Oregon on Sept. 9, 2024. The unit provided fixed-wing air capabilities in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and AFRICOM from Djibouti and throughout the AFRICOM Theater of operations during their yearlong mobilization. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Released Video:

https://dvidshub.net/r/di3cgb

Released B-Roll: https://dvidshub.net/r/es7lpp

Portland, Ore. - The remains of World War II U.S. Army Pvt. William E. Calkins were brought home to his Oregon relatives with planeside honors Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at Portland International Airport. He will be laid to rest Sept. 13 at noon at Fir Lawn Memorial Park in Hillsboro.

 

The meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs that was scheduled for September 11 at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles has been canceled due to lack of quorum. 

The next meeting of the Veterans Advisory Committee is expected to be held virtually in December 2024. More information about this meeting, including date, location and online registration information will be posted at a later date. 

Information about the Veteran Advisory Committee and meeting materials can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx. 

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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APPLICANT REVIEW COMMITTEE

MEETING CANCELLED

Notice of Meeting Cancellation

The Applicant Review Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training meeting scheduled for September 25th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items.
 

The next Applicant Review Committee meeting is scheduled for October 23rd, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
 

SALEM, Ore. — On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) invites the public to visit the 9/11 Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. 

The academy hosts a permanent display of artifacts from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, including more than 400 firefighters and law enforcement officers. In addition to the lives lost in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, hundreds of first responders have died due to illnesses contracted while engaged in rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

Guests are welcome to view the memorial to honor the victims and all whose lives were impacted by the attacks, including the firefighters, police officers and rescue workers whose heroism prevented further loss of life. The gates of the academy, located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy. SE in Salem, will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for drop-in viewing. The memorial is located in the lobby of the Academy; guests should follow the signs for the main entrance.

Artifacts displayed at the 9/11 Memorial include:

• A floor beam from either 5 or 6 World Trade Center, both of which sustained heavy damage in the September 11 attacks as the towers fell.
• A section from the base of 1 World Trade Center, also known as the North Tower.
• A strap used to support mechanical systems in the towers
• A smaller floor beam from above the 50th floor of one of the Twin Towers
• A piece of aluminum used in the outer “skin” of one of the towers
• A piece of limestone fascia from the outer wall of the Pentagon, taken from near where the aircraft impacted the building

The artifacts are accompanied by a video tribute to the first responders and victims, and a painting by artist Ricardo Salazar, “Memoriam,” which depicts the attacks on the World Trade Center.

“As we approach the anniversary of September 11, we invite the public to join us in honoring the sacrifices of the first responders who selflessly served that day and those who have since lost their lives due to related health complications. This memorial is a chance for Oregonians to come together, remember their bravery, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten,” said DPSST Director Phil Castle.

In addition to the 9/11 Memorial, the Oregon Public Safety Academy campus is home to memorials honoring the state’s fallen first responders. The Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial honors 196 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860’s, and the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial honors 179 fire service personnel who have died in the line of duty since 1881. Memorial ceremonies are held annually to honor the officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.

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About DPSST

The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals. DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

Salem, Ore. – An increase in fiscal year 2024 donations and an Oregon Cultural Trust administrative budget allocation revision has resulted in an increase of close to $1 million in fiscal year 2025 grant awards, with an all-time high of $3.85 million awarded to 148 Oregon cultural organizations. 

Generous Oregonians increased their donations to the Cultural Trust by more than $300,000 in fiscal year 2024. In addition, through HB3532, the Legislature revised the Trust’s administrative budget to be assessed as a small percentage of the permanent fund allocation rather than from the grantmaking budget allocation.

The $3.85 million includes awards to 148 arts, heritage and humanities organizations across the state. Among them is a total of $962,880 for the Cultural Trust’s five statewide partners (Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Humanities, Oregon Historical Society and the State Historic Preservation Office) and $962,880 for 45 County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions – who award an average of 450 additional awards annually in their communities.

In addition, $1,925,760 in competitive Cultural Development Program grants were awarded to 98 cultural nonprofits serving most geographic regions of the state. 

“To increase the value of our awards to the many amazing cultural nonprofits who enrich the lives of Oregonians every day is incredibly exciting,” said Sean Andries, chair of the Cultural Trust board. “This funding stretches broadly across our state and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to culture makers in communities large, small and everywhere in between." 

“Each year it’s inspiring to see the number of high-quality cultural projects submitted to the Trust. We wish we could fund every eligible application,” said Brian Rogers, Cultural Trust executive director. “Oregonians are fortunate to have so many cultural offerings across the state that celebrate our arts, heritage and humanities.”

The Cultural Development Program award recipients feature 16 organizations receiving their first-ever Cultural Trust award, of which 10 are located outside of Portland. First time recipients include: 

• 21ten Theatre, Portland: $14,119

To support the BareBones Theatre project, 21ten's repertory of touring shows performed in community spaces throughout the Metro area, serving priority communities including elders, the houseless and the incarcerated.

• Advance Gender Equity in the Arts, Portland: $9,645

To support the residency of award-winning Black female playwright Reneé Flemings at Portland State University to workshop her new play “empty spaces.”

• Ashland Parks Foundation, Ashland: $21,143

To support the restoration, repair and upgrade of the historic Butler-Perozzi Fountain and site (terrace, stairs, light posts) in Lithia Park, Ashland. The fountain was given to the city in 1915 by two local businessman and has been the jewel of Lithia Park since that time. 

• Linn County Lamb and Wool Association, Scio: $24,662

To support the preservation of the culturally historic 100-year-old ZCBJ Hall by replacing a failing roof while the building is still in good condition. The price of roofing goes up by about $8,000 a year according to quotes, which also adds expediency to the project. 

• North Bend Public Library Foundation, North Bend: $34,421

To support capital improvements to the North Bend Public Library Children’s Room that will enhance its ability to provide a safe and welcoming library space in which to provide essential community services.

• Tananawit, Warm Springs: $16,858

To support the development and self-sufficiency of Tananawit and its Warm Springs artists by providing culturally specific art-focused business classes. Artists will complete a bootcamp program, as well as professional practices and artist statement sessions. 

• Ten Fifteen Productions, Astoria: $10,186

To support efforts to convert an antiquated stage lighting system to a new, energy efficient LED system

Other Cultural Development grant award highlights include: 

• Boom Arts, Portland: $11,237

To support a festival of contemporary SWANA Art (Southwest Asian and North African) to uplift culturally specific creative expression and increase awareness and empathy of SWANA culture to build stronger cross-cultural bridges. 

• Bosco-Milligan Foundation, Portland: $22,836

To support the design and creation of an exhibit, walking tour and public lecture that spotlights important sites associated with LGBTQ+ history in the Portland Metro area and promotes their preservation. 

• Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center, Corvallis: $30,409

To support access to cultural exchange for immigrant, refugee and international communities in the Willamette Valley. 

• Elkton Community Education Center, Elkton: $5,110

To increase access to high-quality arts education for rural youth and adults by creating a series of after-school and weekend classes with experienced arts educators.

• enTaiko, Portland: $22,551

To support the creation of a three-part initiative, “Adaptive Dance Project,” for enTaiko to work with dancers and musicians with disabilities. 

• Friends of Tryon Creek Park, Portland: $28,512

To support convening Indigenous leaders and stewards to share and document cultural land tending practices so that they can inform public engagement and forest management at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. 

• Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Joseph: $34,713

To support Phase II of the Building Our Future capital campaign to expand the building and increase ADA access to the second-floor library and programs. The $1.6 million project will support the Center’s mission to advance access to the arts, heritage and the humanities by enabling JCAC to serve a greater number of residents and visitors, provide a wider variety of programs and further promote awareness and understanding of the legacy and culture of the Nez Perce. 

• Nordic Northwest, Portland: $5,666

To support the historic preservation of a Swedish-American treasure: a log cabin called Fogelbo House listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

• North Pole Studio, Portland: $19,358

To support a six-month printmaking residency for five North Pole Studio (NPS) artists with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities culminating in an exhibition, limited edition publication and run of fine art prints. 

• The Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs: $25,899

To support “Tł’aawxmamiyai - For Everyone - The Knowledge from Long Ago” featuring Warm Springs’ and other Indigenous master artists as traditional arts workshop teachers and exhibitors, emerging Warm Springs artists as workshop participants and exhibitors, and young Warm Springs Tribal members as exhibitors in the 2024 Youth Art Show, as well as the non-Tribal public as Museum visitors. “Tł’aawxmamiyai - For Everyone - The Knowledge from Long Ago” is grounded in the examples of "Ticham," the Long Memory of the Land. Along with project partners, we will teach and learn the integration of Indigenous knowledge and cultures in our daily lives. 

• The National Neon Sign Museum, The Dalles: $19,644

To support the restoration and preservation of the historic 1921 C. W. Parker Jantzen Beach Carousel horses. In October of 2023, the Museum was unanimously selected by Restore Oregon to receive and restore the historic carousel. The team will work with classically trained woodworking artists to train and inspire a new generation of artisans to restore the 82 horses to their original glory. 

The 98 Cultural Development grant awards range from $5,000 to $40,000 with an average grant award of $19,615. Fifty-one percent of the 193 eligible applications were funded. 

Cultural Development Program awards fund nonprofit projects that increase access to culture, invest in organizational capacity, support community creativity and provide historic preservation. Applications were reviewed and scored by peer review panels; final award amounts were determined and approved by the Cultural Trust Board of Directors at its Aug. 22 meeting. More than 60 percent of Cultural Trust funding (including awards to County and Tribal Coalitions) is awarded outside of the Portland Metro area. 

See a full list of County and Tribal Cultural Coalition award allocations.

See a list of the 98 Cultural Development awards, alphabetical by region. 

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Created in 2001 by the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Cultural Trust was established as an ongoing funding engine for arts, heritage and humanities across the state. Funding comes through the Cultural Tax Credit, which empowers Oregonians to direct more of the taxes they pay to supporting cultural opportunities for all. Oregon is the only state in the country that gives its citizens this choice. Fifty-eight percent of the money goes directly to cultural organizations and agencies in the form of grants. The remaining 42 percent helps grow a permanent fund for culture. It’s described by the Oregonian as “A way to make paying state taxes satisfying.” Oregonians directed $5.4M of their state taxes to fund arts, heritage and humanities in fiscal year 2024. The Trust’s three grant programs fund five Statewide Partners, 45 County and Tribal Coalitions and qualified cultural nonprofits through competitive Cultural Development grants. Learn more at CulturalTrust.org.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) and Oregon AARP are hosting back-to-back Scam Jam seminars in Bend on Sept. 12 at the Larkspur Community Center and in Sisters on Sept. 13 at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station. 

Joining DFR and AARP will be representatives from the Federal Trade Commission, local police officers, and others. Attendees will hear from experts and learn how to spot scams and gain prevention tips and tools to protect against fraud. Last year, Oregonians lost nearly $10 million to frauds and scams. 

“We are excited to have back-to-back session in central Oregon to bring fraud awareness to more people,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “It’s through these conversations that we can educate and empower Oregonians to recognize the signs of fraud and take steps to protect themselves.”

The Bend event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend, OR 97702. The Sisters event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the fire station at 301 S. Elm Street, Sisters, OR 97759.

The event is free and registration is not required but is encouraged:

• Register for the Bend Scam Jam 
• Register for the Sisters Scam Jam

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem – Much of the work to build and maintain safe and healthy workplaces happens behind the scenes, with unsung heroes dedicating themselves to eliminating hazards and helping send workers home safe to their families and friends at the end of each work day.

Now is the time to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes as part of the largest workplace safety conference in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest in the U.S. Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH) Conference Awards, which will honor organizations and individuals who make exceptional contributions to workplace safety and health.

The conference will be held March 3-6, 2025, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The awards will be presented March 5, 2025, as part of the four-day GOSH event. Nominees will compete with like-sized organizations in the following categories:

• Workplace safety program
• Association
• Safety committee or safety/health/wellness team
• Innovation
• Safety/health/wellness advocate
• Labor representative (union or nonunion)
• Safety and health professional
• Rising safety star
• Business leader

To nominate an unsung hero of workplace safety or health, visit the GOSH Awards nominations webpage. Nominations are due Friday, Oct. 24, 2024.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, is partnering with the Columbia-Willamette Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals to sponsor the conference.

We encourage you to save the date for Oregon GOSH 2025, see and be seen by registering to exhibit, and to learn more by contacting the Oregon OSHA conference section at 503-947-7411 or egon.GOSH@dcbs.oregon.gov">Oregon.GOSH@dcbs.oregon.gov. 

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About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has finalized the rate decisions for 2025 health insurance for the individual and small group markets. The division reviews and approves rates for these markets through a detailed and transparent public process before they can be charged to policyholders.

This transparent process includes actuarial analysis provided to the public, public hearings, and a public comment period. Annually, insurance companies submit rate filings for the upcoming plan year. These filings are rigorously reviewed by division actuaries during a monthslong public review process. That process is now final and Oregonians will see an average rate increase of 8.3 percent in the individual market and a 12.2 percent increase in the small group markets.

The final rates in the individual market came in 1 percent lower than the original rate requests from companies and the small group market came in one-tenth of 1 percent lower than originally requested. The lowered rate averages were driven by an actuarial review by the division that found several components of the company rate filings to be above division actuarial parameters. DFR has the authority to review and revise rates to ensure they are “reasonable and not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory,” under ORS 743.018 (4).

“We work hard to find any way we can to save Oregonians money throughout this process,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “The health insurance market is competitive with five carriers offering plans in every Oregon county 2025, which gives Oregonians more options to shop for plans to fit their budget.”

Moda became the fifth company to offer health insurance in every county in Oregon after expanding into Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties. Moda joins BridgeSpan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence as health insurance companies who provide coverage in all parts of Oregon. It will be the first time that five insurers have offered plans in every county.

In the small group market, which serves small businesses with one to 50 employees, eight insurance companies submitted health insurance rates with a weighted final average increase of 12.2 percent. The average increase range is now 5.7 percent to 16.3 percent, for a weighted average increase of 12.2 percent. The increase was due in large part to medical costs and inflation.

DFR’s review also showed that the Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the health insurance market and keep rates lower. This program works to offset risk experienced by insurers, ultimately lowering premiums. Reinsurance lowered rates by at least 6 percent for the seventh straight year. In fact, this year it saved consumers 8.4 percent.

See the attached chart for the full list of rate change requests.

The division has created a Consumer Guide to 2025 Health Insurance Rate Filings to explain how rates were arrived at and the adjustments made. This guide provides comprehensive detail as to the key components of the 2025 rates and an explanation to adjustments made by the division.

The division has also created a general Consumer Guide to Health Insurance Rate Review to help explain how rates are determined each year.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Edward Randolph Johnston, died the evening of September 7, 2024. Johnston was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Johnston entered DOC custody on February 2, 2012, from Lincoln and Marion Counties with an earliest release date of August 2, 2041. Johnston was 77 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 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 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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SALEM, Ore. — State and federal agencies are working together to bring air monitors and temporary air cleaners to schools in Harney County, which has experienced the most days of unhealthy air of any Oregon county due to wildfire smoke this year. 

The air cleaners are helping clear smoke from classrooms and other indoor school spaces when students are inside the buildings.

“Our county is large, and we have these tiny rural schools in every corner,” Kelly Singhose, Harney County’s interim public health co-director, explained. “To make decisions about their students’ exposure to smoke, they need air quality data from right where they are.”

To do that, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) provided six air monitors in the county, quickly increasing the total number of USFS monitors deployed in the county to seven — “resources we couldn’t have gotten on our own,” Singhose said. The USFS air monitors are placed throughout the county.

The air cleaner and air monitor distribution effort developed during interagency wildfire smoke coordination calls the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Air Program and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Health Security, Preparedness and Response Section (HSPR) host. Other agencies represented on the calls include Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (ODHS-OREM), Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and local and tribal health. 
 

“After Harney County made the ask July 31, everyone chipped in to make this happen,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, OHA’s Environmental Public Health Section manager. In addition to the USFS air monitors, ODHS provided four large air cleaners, and DEQ is providing $5,000 in grant funding, she said.
 

Such collaborations have become increasingly routine summertime activities, with multiple counties benefiting from air quality advisories DEQ issues. Still, other communities, such as Lane and Josephine counties, received resource support in previous years during severe smoke events. While home air filters have become more accessible to communities suffering from poor air quality, funding, staffing and the need to balance responses to multiple climate-related events, such as extreme heat and wildfire smoke, continue to be challenges, making coordination critical.
 

Harney County placed two of the four air scrubbers at the local hospital and a senior center that became a cleaner air center. As the first day of school approached, the health department arranged for schools to receive the remaining two scrubbers, which can clean large spaces, like school gymnasiums. The county has procured additional filters through a public-private partnership. 
 

The interagency wildfire smoke calls are intended to foster coordination on development of air quality advisories using knowledge from federal, state and local agencies. Information about air quality and advisories can be found on the Oregon Smoke Blog.
 

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Discuss vacant industry representative position
• Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) one-pager
• Protection Division update
• Protection messaging and prevention
• Board of Forestry update
• Discuss upcoming meeting schedule and agenda topics

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 24 hours before the meeting by emailing estlands@odf.oregon.gov">committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.

Veneta, Ore.-- Purple martins, bats, bees and other common and uncommon wildlife are seeing benefits of a high-elevation meadow in the Oregon Coast Range established by a joint effort between the Oregon Department of Foresty (ODF) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

The four-acre Walker Meadows site is located about 13 miles west of Veneta and is at an elevation of 2,300 feet. 

“It’s at the top of Walker Point where there are three communication towers and an ODF smoke detection camera,” said Randy Smith, ODF Wildlife Biologist.  “The 2020 wildfires prompted discussion for options to remove timber to reduce fire risk and also limit damage to infrastructure from falling trees from the 84-yar old timber stand on the point.”

The local district office and area biologists came up with a plan for a timber sale to remove six acres of trees.  But after safety concerns were addressed for the critical communication towers, they also wanted to improve habitat for wildlife in the area. 

“Of special interest to us were retaining three patches of larger diameter conifer trees,” said Smith. “These trees were topped during harvest operations to create replacement snags for a nearby small colony of western purple martins whose existing snag habitat was quickly degrading.  They nest in those snags after woodpeckers create cavities, so they are critical.”

While the timber harvest was underway, ODFW asked if there were any suitable sites for an upland meadow at a regular end of season meeting between the two departments.

 “It was great timing,” said Jason Kirchner. ODFW district biologist. “Many different species, including numerous Oregon Conservation Strategy species, are supported by montane grassland habitats. Pollinators, such as the Western Bumblebee and other invertebrates, rely on Kincaid’s Lupine, Nelson’s Checkermallow, and other rare endemic wildflower species found in montane grassland.”

However, to turn a timber harvest area into a montane grassland-type meadow required a lot of work.

“The district coordinated the timber sale,” said Chet Behling, ODF Assistant District Forester based in Veneta. “We burned the slash piles and other unwanted woody debris then chemically treated the noxious and invasive plants. Typically, after a timber harvest all the stumps are left to naturally decay.  But in this case, they had to be removed—something we seldom do.”

ODFW applied for and received grant funding to remove the stumps.  A contractor removed 4.3 acres of stumps and leveled the ground to make the area ready for replanting.

“ODF applied to the Xerces Society for some free Oregon Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Kits—and we were successful in obtaining 120 potted plants for the new meadow habitat,” said Smith.  “Staff from both agencies got together and did the planting.  ODFW staff then seeded the rest of the meadow with a native pollinator/grass seed mix.”

All the planting and seeding was done last October, and the meadow is looking good this year.

“Multiple species, including Western Bluebirds, Pileated Woodpeckers, Olive-sided Flycatcher, California Myotis, Fringed Myotis, Hoary Bats, and Silvered-hair Bat, have all been documented exploiting the forest openings for feeding,” said Kirchner.  “Also, meadows like this have optimal forage for small and large mammals such as moles, voles, rabbits, bobcats, Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, mountain lions, and black Bears.”

Although the meadow supports a wide range of species Smith has a special interest in the purple martins that nest nearby.

“They are the largest member of the swallow family in North America,” said Smith.  “They rely on cavities in snags to nest so that is a big limiting factor on their population.”

To aid in the birds nesting, boxes were placed on the snags in the meadow area. The boxes are easily removable for maintenance and to aid in the potential banding of the birds.

“Little is known about their winter migration until recently,” said Smith.  “In 2020 a martin was banded and fitted with a GPS tag in Florence and recaptured in 2021. The data was amazing—the bird made an 8,000-mile trip from the Oregon coast to southeast Brazil and back.” 

Smith hopes to establish a colony at Walker Meadow and continue the research.

“A future goal is to band and track birds that nest here,” said Smith.  In 2023 we had birds in the area, but none nested.  This year many more martins have been observed in the area, but none have been documented nesting.  We do, however, have western bluebirds and tree swallows nesting this year.”

Both ODFW and ODF see this meadow as a model project that can be used as a guide to create more critical habitat.

“Our hope is that other local ODF districts can create more places like this for all our wildlife,” said Smith.  “Often, people do not realize how hard ODF works to monitor, protect and enhance habitat for, not just threatened and endangered species, but for all the wildlife in our state forests.

For more information on ODF’s efforts see the State Forests webpage under the heading of “Conservation and Restoration” 

For more information on ODFW see their Wildlife Division website.

For more on the mission of the Xerces Society see their website.

Salem, OR— The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind Oregonians that with weather fluctuating across the state, fire is still on the landscape and fire season is still in effect. Oregon is still experiencing one of the worst seasons we’ve seen in the past decade, and the department warns the public against complacency. 

“East winds are very common around this time of year, making now the time to prevent the next large wildfire. There is still potential for more fire starts and the season isn’t over yet.” Chris Cline, Fire Protection Division Chief, said. “The fewer human caused fires we have, the less strained our resources will be.”

East winds come to the Pacific Northwest every year around the end of August and last through the fall months. They occur from the crest of the Cascades to the Oregon/ Washington coast. Though the winds come annually, significant east wind “events” do not occur every year. If an event does occur, it usually lasts about 48 hours. 

Current low humidity combined with sustained winds can increase fire behavior and risk west of the Cascades. 

Conditions this week are a mix of warm temperatures, wind, and dry fuels, increasing the risk of wildfire. So far this year, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, there have been 1,697 fires in Oregon that have burned 1,535,304 acres. Within 24 hours this past weekend, the department deployed two incident management teams to assist with fast growing fires in Klamath (Copperfield Fire) and Wheeler (Shoe Fly Fire) Counties. 

If the Oregon Department of Forestry knows that an east wind event is going to happen, which can be determined at least 5 days in advance, the agency will preposition resources, adjust schedules, and take necessary precautions to respond to new starts or increased fire behavior quickly.

“With the approaching fall like conditions, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state of Oregon.” Cline said. 

Wildfire prevention means:

• Debris burning is prohibited during fire season without a permit. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is over. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn later, during wet fall and winter conditions.
• Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced.
• Dispose of your cigarette using designated receptacles, and NEVER discard butts on the ground or in vegetation outdoors.
• Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire.

Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips. 

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Governing Board of the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) will meet on Thursday, September 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (PT). This public meeting will be conducted via teleconference.

The meeting agenda, including call-in information, is available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/about/govboard/boardagenda_9_19_2024.pdf

The DOGAMI Governing Board sets policy, 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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Oregon boosts emergency preparedness with new evacuation software

Oregon Emergency Mangers already seeing significant reduction in time to communicate evacuation information. 

Salem, Ore. - In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is excited to announce a new contract that will provide advanced evacuation software to all of Oregon’s 36 counties and nine Tribes. The software, from Genasys Inc., will help manage emergency evacuations more effectively across the state.

As Oregon deals with more frequent and severe disasters, it’s essential to have a clear plan for evacuations and support services. While law enforcement handles the immediate evacuation of people, the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) works with local communities to help identify people who need evacuation assistance and ensure people are evacuated to a location that meets their needs.  

“Even well-prepared communities face challenges with evacuations, especially when multiple areas are affected. We’re thrilled to offer this new software to all our counties and Tribes,” said Ed Flick, Director of OREM. “This tool will help emergency managers make quick and informed decisions to keep everyone safe. Over the last week the tool was used to coordinate evacuations for the Rail Ridge Fire in Grant, Crook and Wheeler Counties, which is Oregon’s top priority wildfire. National Preparedness Month is a great time for everyone to review their own emergency plans and supplies. For tips, check out Ready.gov.” 

The Genasys EVAC software helps with planning and managing evacuations. It allows emergency services to quickly create and update evacuation plans, run realistic simulations, and respond faster during an emergency.

Nick Vora, Emergency Manager for Union County, shared his enthusiasm: “Changing, exporting, and adding evacuation zones for alerts used to be slow and complicated. While there are many great mapping tools out there, they often made it time-consuming to update evacuation zones and get them ready for emergency alerts. It could take 15 to 30 minutes to make these changes and load them into the alert system. With Genasys, however, the process is much faster. You can select and adjust an area and get it ready for alerts in just a few minutes. This quick turnaround makes managing emergency alerts much easier and more efficient.”

“Genasys Protect was instrumental in notifying community members of evacuations during the Falls and Telephone Fires in Harney County. When time is of the essence, being able to instantly notify community members of updated evacuation levels is crucial. We loved the ease of use and the ability to train new staff members on how to use it under one minute. This is an essential tool during wildfires,” said Melinda Todd, Harney County Emergency Manager.

Ken Kehmna, a retired fire chief and advisor at Genasys, added, “After Oregon’s severe fires in 2020, we tested this software in Deschutes and Jackson counties. Both counties saw great results and adopted the software, leading to its statewide use.”

Michael Smith, Senior Vice President at Genasys Protect, emphasized the benefits: “EVAC’s planning and real-time communication features are vital for managing emergencies in any community, from small towns to large cities.”

This new software represents a significant step forward in making sure Oregon is ready for emergencies and can respond quickly and effectively.

About the ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management

ODHS holds four distinct roles through its Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, all of which reduce the impact of disasters on people.

• Mass care:  Planning for and supporting people in the early stage and immediate aftermath of emergencies. Our work includes things like coordinating evacuation assistance, the distribution of life-sustaining goods and services, including hydration, feeding, sheltering, reunification, and distribution of emergency supplies. 
• Social services recovery:  Helping people and social services agencies recover. Our Social Services Recovery Coordinators work with survivors and their families to identify barriers to recovery, make a plan to address those barriers, and support the survivors on their journey. Our role also includes helping local social services agencies that may be impacted by the disasters to return to full functioning as soon as possible. 
• Continuity of operations:  Ensuring communities’ ongoing access to ODHS services. This includes making sure our offices are open and essential services continue, as well as supporting the agency programs and the case managers who ensure the safety of the tens of thousands of Oregonians who may need extra and early help in an emergency. 
• Legislatively directed resilience work:  Warming, cooling and cleaner air shelters; water distribution and resilience hubs. These situations don’t fit what’s traditionally been considered emergencies, but they can have significant impacts on people. The Legislature made OREM the lead for this type of work to help people. 

Across all these roles, ODHS develops and relies on partnerships and coordination with public and private organizations at the local and regional levels and with our state and Tribal Nation partners. 

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) seeks proposals through OregonBuys for a grant of up to $566,848 to provide culturally responsive domestic violence and sexual assault services to survivors. The grant comes from the Survivor Investment Partnership (SIP) within ODHS’ Self-Sufficiency Programs.

The funds provided through this grant must be spent by June 30, 2025, for the 2023-2025 biennium. Funding for the 2025-2027 biennium, if approved by the Oregon Legislature, could be added through an amendment with the option to renew up to a cumulative maximum of 6 years. 

To be considered for evaluation, an application must demonstrate how the applicant meets all requirements: 

• Must not already be a grantee of SIP funds.
• Must be a 501c3 Oregon nonprofit providing domestic violence and sexual assault services to survivors in Oregon, relocating to Oregon, or relocating out of Oregon. 
• Must be a culturally responsive / culturally specific organization not currently contracted with the agency to provide domestic violence and sexual assault services, or
  • Must be a current domestic violence sexual assault organization contracted with the agency looking to use these funds to expand services for an identified culturally specific population, or
  • Must be a qualified victims services program, with certified advocates per ORS 40.264.

To learn more about this opportunity refer to Bid Solicitation: S-10000-00009881 in OregonBuys. 

A webinar will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pacific Time to provide information to potential applicants about SIP, provide a description of the partnership, explain the grant process and answer any questions applicants may have. Applicants should go to OregonBuys for details about the webinar and how to join. A copy of the information posted as of Sept. 9, 2024, is provided below as a courtesy.

• Webinar Link
• Meeting ID: 161 195 4636
• Passcode: 209672

The deadline to apply for the grant is Sept. 24, 2024, 3 p.m. Pacific Time. 

All communications related to any provision of the Request for Grant Application must be directed to Sharon Landis who is the single point of contact. Applicants with questions should submit them to Sharon via email at on.M.Landis@odhsoha.oregon.gov">Sharon.M.Landis@odhsoha.oregon.gov. 

About the Survivor Investment Partnership

SIP joins together the Nine Tribes of Oregon, culturally responsive domestic violence and sexual assault organizations, and co-located advocacy agencies to provide services to survivors of domestic violence. The intent of the partnership is to increase the accessibility of services and meaningful financial support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other communities that have been marginalized.

SIP funds are General Funds which allow for flexibility and autonomy on how the grant recipient provide services and assistance that best meet the needs of each domestic violence and sexual assault survivor they assist. The funds will be used to support staffing for survivor services and to offer financial assistance to vulnerable populations for resources including but not limited to housing, legal fees, immigration fees, penalties, lock changes, cameras, rental assistance, moving costs, plane tickets, license fees, housing application, emergency hotel and other supports that can be directly related to desired outcomes. 

About the Oregon Department of Human Services

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

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(Salem) - The application deadline for the new Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight Sept. 30, 2024. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should act now.

Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) urge families to check their eligibility and apply before the extended deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, they must be used within 122 days. 

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:

1. Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
2. Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
3. Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level 

Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT. 

However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children enrolled in a school during the 2023-2024 school year who were eligible for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “We are grateful to our federal partners for making this extension. The extra time is so important for us to reach families who may be eligible because we know access to nutritious food is critical.” 

“Staying engaged in school and active in life requires proper nutrition,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “We know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit and this important extension boosts our opportunity to reach them.”

Since June 28, 2024, more than 336,198 eligible school-aged children have been issued $40.3 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.

Act now and don't let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before midnight Sept. 30, 2024.

To learn more:

1. Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
2. Visit sebt.oregon.gov.

September 6, 2024

Media contact: Erica Heartquist, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory lifted for Devil’s Lake

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has lifted the recreational use health advisory issued for Devil’s Lake in Lincoln County. OHA issued the advisory Aug. 28.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in Devil’s Lake are below recreational guideline values for people. However, levels detected are still above OHA’s educational guideline values for dogs, and owners should keep their pets away from these areas.

OHA advises recreational visitors to continually be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable. Be aware that only a fraction of waterbodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab.

When recreating, people and especially small children and pets should avoid areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green, or if thick brownish-red mats are visible or bright green clumps are suspended in the water. If you see these signs, avoid activities that cause you to swallow water or inhale droplets, such as swimming or high-speed water activities, and keep pets out of the area.

Cyanotoxins can still exist in clear water. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving behind the toxins released. There also are species of cyanobacteria that anchor themselves at the bottom of a water body, live in the sediment, or can grow on aquatic plants and release toxins into clear water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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September 5, 2024

Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough)

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use health advisory today for Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough) due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure. The waterbody is in Baker County.

People should avoid swimming and high-speed water activities, such as water skiing or power boating, in areas of the reservoir where blooms are present, as the major route of exposure is ingestion of water. Toxins are not absorbed through the skin. However, those with skin sensitivities may get a puffy red rash.

OHA encourages people to visit Powder Arm of Brownlee Reservoir (Cundiff Slough) and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

Drinking water directly from areas of the reservoir affected by a bloom is especially dangerous. Toxins cannot be removed by boiling, filtering or treating water with camping-style filters. Contact campground management or the local health department with questions about water available at nearby campgrounds or day use areas.

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. People who do not use a well or public water system and draw in-home water directly from an affected area are advised to use an alternative water source.

Children and pets

Children and pets are at increased risk for exposure because of their size and level of activity. Dogs can get extremely ill and even die within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins by drinking the water, licking their fur, or eating the toxins from floating mats or dried crust along the shore. This is regardless of a recreational use health advisory in place.

Dogs can become ill and die from water intoxication after drinking excessive amounts of water while swimming or fetching objects for long periods of time. Intoxication is a potentially fatal disturbance in brain function resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Water intoxication and heat stroke can cause similar symptoms as exposure to cyanotoxins.

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention.

Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. If a dog exhibits symptoms, veterinary treatment should be sought as quickly as possible.

Fishing

Fish caught from areas where cyanobacteria blooms are present may pose unknown health risks, so OHA recommends not eating fish from those areas. Those who decide to eat the fish should remove fat, skin and organs before cooking or freezing. Toxins are more likely to collect in these tissues. Fillets should also be rinsed with clean water.

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482, or visit OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website.

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Institute celebrates its fifth year, and more than 700 new supportive housing units developed or planned.

SALEM, OR - Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) today announced seven innovative affordable housing projects that emerged from the fifth Oregon Supportive Housing Institute (SHI). The new projects contribute to the more than 700 new permanent supportive housing units that have been developed or planned as a result of five years of the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute.

“Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is a proven strategy to increase housing stability and improve the health of people who have experienced chronic homelessness,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Housing and health are the foundations of everyday life that we all depend on, and OHCS has a responsibility to help make that possible for all people, regardless of what they have been through. The Supportive Housing Institute is five years into supporting the readiness of community leaders to deliver results that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. We are prioritizing people in our efforts to strengthen Oregon.”

OHCS and CSH collaborate to operate the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute designed to accelerate affordable and supportive housing development locally. Teams in Oregon consisting of developers, property managers, service providers, people with lived experience, and other critical project partners, apply to participate and receive intensive training over five months on navigating the process of developing permanent supportive housing. CSH provides individualized technical assistance and support to plan each project.

“CSH joins OHCS in congratulating our newest cohort of Institute graduates. We are inspired by their commitment to advancing supportive housing as an evidence-based approach to helping people who face complex barriers to housing in Oregon find stability and thrive. This is not easy work, and we are proud of all our Institute alums over the past five years for leading with creativity and innovation that has lasting impacts across our communities," said Rae Trotta, Senior Program Manager at CSH.

The planned projects are:

• Bridges to Change, Portland – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness and who are impacted by substance use disorders or mental health disorders, with a focus on individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.
• Home First, Manzanita – permanent supportive housing for families experiencing long-term homelessness.
• Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon, Portland – permanent supportive housing and supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse disorders.
• New Narrative, Beaverton – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness, disabilities, and mental illness.
• Our Just Future, Portland – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness, who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and/or LGBTQ+, unsheltered veterans, families, and immigrants.
• Path Home, Portland – permanent supportive housing for families with children experiencing homelessness with a special focus on families identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
• Housing Authority of Washington County, Forest Grove – permanent supportive housing for people experiencing long-term homelessness.

“CSH gratefully thanks and acknowledges Oregon Housing and Community Services for their ongoing partnership and support of the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute. Their partnership has been integral to the Institute’s success and for making quality housing and services possible for hundreds of families and individuals in Oregon,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO at CSH.

To date, the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute has successfully graduated 43 teams who have opened 339 new PSH units with an additional 360 units currently in development. Watch this video to learn more about the impact of the Oregon Supportive Housing Institute. 

About Oregon Supportive Housing Institute 
The Oregon Supportive Housing Institute (SHI) is a signature initiative of Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) in collaboration with and support from Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). Since its start in the state, 43 teams have participated in the Oregon SHI that has resulted in 339 new PSH units, with more than 360 PSH units in development. The Oregon SHI has had diverse statewide representation from every region in Oregon, including projects from Central Oregon (Bend and Warm Springs), Coastal Regions (Astoria, Coos Bay/North Bend, Manzanita, Toledo), Corvallis, Eastern Oregon (Ontario and Lakeview), Eugene, Portland and greater Portland Metro (Gladstone, Happy Valley, Newberg, Tualatin/Tigard), Salem, and Southern Oregon (Medford/Grants Pass, Roseburg). 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 
OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

About Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is the national champion for supportive housing, demonstrating its potential to improve the lives of very vulnerable individuals and families by helping communities create more than 385,000 real homes for people who desperately need them. CSH engages broader systems to fully invest in solutions that drive equity, help people thrive, and harness data to generate concrete and sustainable results. Visit us at www.csh.org.

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is accepting final applications for the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program, which has limited funds remaining. 

HAF offers federal temporary COVID-19 emergency mortgage relief, designed to help homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardship due to the pandemic. Homeowners are eligible if they are facing foreclosure, involved in a court case that threatens their home, in property tax foreclosure, or in other high-risk situations identified by a housing counselor.

Homeowners should explore all other options with their servicer or a housing counselor before applying for HAF. 

“We strongly encourage eligible homeowners to contact a housing counselor immediately,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “Scheduling and completing foreclosure avoidance counseling takes time and documentation. While we are accepting new applications, we cannot guarantee assistance to everyone who applies due to limited funding.”  

Homeowners wanting to apply for assistance must work with a HAF intake partner to submit an application on their behalf. A list of intake partners can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/Pages/Homeownership-Assistance-Fund.aspx.

OHCS plans to make its final HAF payments in February 2025, but funds may run out much sooner. When funds are allocated, pending applications will be denied or paused subject to any funds becoming available. Applying for HAF does not guarantee approval or that a foreclosure will be postponed.

Some homeowners may have received letters from their county asking them if they want to apply for HAF. Please note that these are legitimate requests that the HAF team has approved and are not scam attempts.

Homeowners can learn more about eligibility criteria and application requirements at oregonhomeownerassistance.org.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

9 de septiember de 2024  

Programa de asistencia para propietarios de vivienda está aceptando solicitudes para fondos limitados

El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS, por sus siglas en inglés) está aceptando solicitudes para el Fondo de Asistencia para Propietarios de Viviendas (HAF, por sus siglas en inglés), que tiene fondos limitados restantes. 

El programa temporal ofrece ayuda hipotecaria federal para los propietarios de viviendas que han experimentado graves dificultades financieras debido a la pandemia. Los propietarios son elegibles si se encuentran en una ejecución hipotecaria judicial o que amenace su hogar, en ejecución de impuestos sobre la propiedad, o en otras situaciones de alto riesgo identificadas por un asesor de vivienda.

Los propietarios de viviendas deben explorar todas las demás opciones con su administrador de préstamo o un asesor de vivienda antes de llenar una solicitud de HAF. 

“Animamos a los propietarios de viviendas elegibles a ponerse en contacto con un asesor de vivienda de inmediato”, dice Ryan Vanden Brink, director adjunto de Programas de Asistencia a Propietarios. “Programar y completar el asesoramiento para evitar la ejecución hipotecaria lleva tiempo y documentación. Si bien estamos aceptando nuevas solicitudes, no podemos garantizar la asistencia a todos los que soliciten ayuda debido a que hay fondos limitados”. 

Los propietarios de viviendas que deseen solicitar asistencia deben trabajar con un socio de admisión de HAF para presentar una solicitud en su nombre. Una lista de socios de admisión se puede encontrar en https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/Pages/Homeownership-Assistance-Fund.aspx.

OHCS planea hacer los últimos pagos de HAF en febrero de 2025, pero los fondos pueden agotarse mucho antes. Cuando se asignen los fondos, los

La OHCS tiene previsto hacer los últimos pagos de HAF en febrero de 2025, pero los fondos podrían agotarse mucho antes. Cuando se asignen todos los fondos, las solicitudes pendientes se negarán o se pondrán en pausa por la posibilidad de que haya fondos disponibles. Solicitar ayuda de HAF no garantiza la aprobación ni el aplazamiento de la ejecución hipotecaria.

Es posible que algunos propietarios hayan recibido cartas de su condado preguntando si desean solicitar HAF. Tenga en cuenta que se trata de solicitudes legítimas que el equipo de HAF ha aprobado y que no son intentos de estafa. 

Los propietarios de viviendas pueden obtener más información sobre los criterios de elegibilidad y los requisitos de solicitud en oregonhomeownerassistance.org. 

Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS) 

OHCS es la agencia de financiación de viviendas de Oregón. La agencia estatal proporciona apoyo financiero y de programas para crear y preservar oportunidades de vivienda a precio asequible y de calidad para los habitantes de Oregón con ingresos bajos y moderados. OHCS administra programas que proporcionan estabilización de la vivienda. OHCS ofrece estos programas principalmente a través de subvenciones, contratos y acuerdos de préstamo con organizaciones locales y proveedores comunitarios. Para obtener más información, visite: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Embargoed until Friday, September 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. 

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce David Clauson as one of Oregon’s 18 2024-25 Regional Teachers of the Year! Clauson teaches at McMinnville High School’s Engineering and Aerospace Sciences Academy.  

Media are invited to the surprise announcement at McMinnville High School’s gymnasium on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 10 a.m., when Clauson will be honored at a brief school assembly. 

Every day in Oregon classrooms, teachers offer their innovation, energy and content mastery in support of students across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across Oregon. Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled licensed public school educators in grades pre-K-12. 

“Our student population is racially and socio-economically diverse and my students are uniquely focused on preparing for lives that will require consideration collaboration with others. I invest in building relationships with each of them, gleaning a better understanding of what brought them to my classroom,” Clauson wrote in his application. 

Regional Teachers of the Year are nominated by students, colleagues, administrators, friends or family members. Regional winners were identified through a local nomination, application and selection process facilitated by the 19 Education Service Districts around the state. Applicants submitted testimonials and letters of support and were assessed by a diverse panel of regional representatives on the attributes of leadership, instructional expertise, commitment to equity, community involvement, understanding of educational issues, vision and professional development. 

“Now more than ever, we need powerful educators like these,” said Director of the Oregon Department of Education Dr. Charlene Williams. “Each Regional Teacher of the Year has earned this recognition because they champion every student, uplifting and empowering them to achieve, to create, and to feel a sense of belonging not only in the classroom, but in the wider world, as well. Students and families in Oregon are fortunate to have teachers like these whose inspiring contributions create lasting impacts that ripple out into their communities and beyond.” 

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October. 

Since 1995, when the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $10 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $3.5 million of Oregon Lottery funding went to the McMinnville School District, and more than $10 million went to Yamhill County. 

“These exceptional teachers inspire and encourage students every day in classrooms across Oregon,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “We are proud to honor their contributions and vital role in making our communities stronger.”  

On Friday, September 20, 2024, once all 18 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website. 

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2025-26 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org. 

Shortly following the event, photos from the regional surprise announcement for Clauson will be available HERE.  

Thanks to the ODE's partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers. 

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is asking visitors to help slow the spread of the destructive emerald ash borer by choosing certified heat-treated firewood or firewood harvested within 10 miles of their destination to avoid bringing the invasive insect into state parks. 

OPRD also asks visitors to leave any ash, olive and white fringe tree firewood and materials at home.

The invasive emerald ash borer is considered the most destructive forest pest in North America, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees across the country. It has been detected in four Oregon counties: Washington, Yamhill, Marion and Clackamas, prompting a permanent quarantine in those counties. 

“So far, emerald ash borer has not been detected in Oregon State Parks, and we would like to keep it that way for as long as possible,” said OPRD’s Natural Resource Coordinator and Ecologist Noel Bacheller. 

The invasive insect can only travel about 10 miles on its own during its brief adult life, but humans can spread it hundreds of miles through infested firewood and other tree materials. Once an ash tree is infested, it has little chance of survival even if it’s otherwise healthy. The insect’s larvae consume the inner bark, causing ash trees to decline and eventually die.

The emerald ash borer threatens to wipe out Oregon's ash tree population as it has in other states around the country. But visitors can help slow the spread to protect Oregon’s ash trees and forests for as long as possible. 

Slowing the spread will give parks and landowners the chance to respond including underplanting with resistant tree species that can quickly fill in when ash trees decline. It will also soften the impact of the insect on forest health overall.

Help protect Oregon's trees and forests by following these firewood tips:

• Buy firewood local to your campsite: Choose firewood harvested within 10 miles of your destination or buy certified heat-treated firewood. This helps reduce the spread of invasive insects, including emerald ash borer, and diseases.
• Avoid transporting restricted wood: Do not bring ash, olive, or white fringe tree materials into any Oregon State Park even if it’s within the same quarantine area. When in doubt about the tree species, leave it out.
• Stay informed about quarantines and regulations: Learn more at Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website, including proper disposal of ash tree material, and insect and tree identification at the Oregon Invasive Species Council website. 

Ash trees grow in riparian areas along rivers, streams and other low-elevation bodies of water in Western Oregon. The loss of ash trees could have a significant impact on riparian ecology including loss of shade, increased water temperatures and decline in fish health. 

Learn more about ash trees and the emerald ash borer on our website, including emerald ash borer activity pages with lessons for all ages that show how to recognize and prevent the spread of this invasive insect.

MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. – The J.L. Elam Bank is among Oregon’s latest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation (SACHP) recommended the nomination at their June 2024 meeting for its significance as one of the few examples of Classical Revival architecture in Milton-Freewater. The National Park Service, which maintains the National Register of Historic Places, accepted this nomination in August 2024.

Constructed in 1906, expanded in 1908, and remodeled with a new façade in 1920, the J.L. Elam Bank is located amongst other commercial buildings on Main Street in downtown Milton-Freewater. The one-story, rectangular building has painted, smooth concrete block walls and displays many character-defining features of the Classical Revival style, including a flat roof with decorative balustrade on the parapet, flat arch lintels above windows and doors, symmetrical entrance with columns, smooth exterior walls, and an entablature. The building is one of the few and most notable examples of the Classical Revival commercial style in Milton-Freewater, and it reflects the evolution of the Classical Revival style in rural communities.

The J.L. Elam Bank was originally constructed to house the Freewater Branch of the Walla Walla-based Elam Bank. At the time of its opening, it was the first and only bank in the town of Freewater, and it had been much anticipated by Freewater residents; however, it closed after only two years in operation. The property has had many other commercial occupants over its 118 years, including law offices, doctor offices, post office, a second bank, an insurance agency, a restaurant, and presently a winery tasting room. 

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally-assisted projects;
• Eligible for federal and state tax benefits;
• Qualify for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources.

State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; the decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks.

More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings are online at oregonheritage.org (under the heading “Designate”).

Salem, Ore - Oregon’s Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Council will meet virtually, Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The online meeting will begin at 11:00 a.m. This is a public meeting; those who would like to attend should contact Tamara Ottum (a.ottum@slo.oregon.gov">tamara.ottum@slo.oregon.gov, 971-375-3543).

The Council will use this time to conduct business and review grant reports. Questions or concerns can be addressed to Buzzy Nielsen (uzzy.nielsen@slo.oregon.gov">buzzy.nielsen@slo.oregon.gov, 971-375-3486).

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested 48 hours before the meeting; notice 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to Tamara Ottum (a.ottum@slo.oregon.gov">tamara.ottum@slo.oregon.gov, 971-375-3543).

LSTA Advisory Council

Online

September 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m.

AGENDA 

11:00am          Welcome and Review Agenda

11:05am          Public Comment (Any person may address the Council on any topic for up to 3 minutes. The Council                              does not generally engage in dialog with those making comments but may refer any question or issue                            raised to the State Librarian.)

11:15am          General Business 

• Approve minutes from previous meeting
• Review previous action items
• Elect new members, chair, and chair-elect

11:30am          Reports

• Members - what's going on in your representative area
• LSTA budget & spending
• Teen Internship Grants

12:30pm          Grants

• FY23 cycle: Final reports
• FY24 cycle: Awards
• FY25 cycle: Proposed changes to application

1:30pm            LSTA Five-Year Plan Assessment 

1:55pm            Wrap Up and Action Item Review 

2:00pm            Adjourn

Vancouver, Wash. – Superior Court Adult Drug court will hold a 25-year anniversary celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Clark College Gaiser Hall located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.

The event, free and open to the public, consists of a buffet dinner beginning at 5 pm followed by a 6 pm presentation. Seating is limited. You must RSVP by Friday, Sept. 20. Submit your RSVP here or you can contact: shauna.mccloskey@clark.wa.gov / text or call: 360.605.3373.

The Clark County Adult Drug Court anniversary tribute coincides with National Recovery Month. Started in 1989, National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.

Adult Drug Court is a specialized sentencing alternative specifically designed to treat individuals suffering from substance use or co-occurring mental health disorders who are facing eligible felony criminal charges. This alternative to incarceration provides an opportunity for those enrolled in the program to live in the community and receive support and treatments services in a structured way. The program consists of a prescribed set of required treatment sessions, recovery support services and meetings, skill-building classes, random drug testing, office or home visits and frequent court hearings. Treatment courts are typically a minimum of a year or longer and studies have shown that these programs refer more people to treatment than any other interventions in the United States—people stay in treatment long enough to making lasting internal changes.

Clark County Superior Court Adult Drug Court has had 781 graduates successfully complete the program since its inception in 1999.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Commission on Aging will hold its annual retreat on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 from 3:15 to 6 pm. The meeting will be held in-person. The retreat will not include provisions for virtual attendance but is open to the public. Topics at the retreat to include the 2025 work plan and selection of the 2024 Silver Citizen. 

The meeting will be held in Room 678 at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the of the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

Media Advisory

NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST

WHEN:  2 pm Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024

WHERE:  Clark County Public Service Center Plaza, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA

WHAT:  Gov. Jay Inslee will present the Governor’s Smart Communities Awards from the Washington State Department of Commerce to three local recipients − Clark County Community Planning, the Port of Camas-Washougal and Clark Public Utilities. 

The Governor’s Smart Communities Awards recognize the outstanding work of local governments whose exceptional planning efforts create vibrant and livable communities by achieving the goals of the Growth Management Act. 

Learn more at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/growth-management/smart-communities/.

WHY:  Three local jurisdictions are being recognized for exceptional land use planning and development after being nominated by a panel of judges from across the state and approved by the Governor’s Office.

• The Port of Camas-Washougal in collaboration with Clark Public Utilities were awarded the Smart Climate Strategies Award for their Climate Solar East Project. This award recognizes local programs or actions addressing community climate impacts. The agencies partnered to install $1.4 million in solar panels on five industrial sites allowing customers to participate in renewable energy solutions and receive financial energy credits towards their electric bill. Part of the energy produced also goes to the Operation Warm Heart fund supporting customers with limited incomes.
   
• Clark County Community Planning was awarded a Smart Housing Strategies Award for its Housing Operations Study and Action Plan (HOSAP). This award recognizes creative plans, policies or actions. The HOSAP provides expanded access for ADU’s, multi-plexes, townhouses and cottages with the goal of increasing diversity in housing and affordability within the greater Vancouver Urban Growth Area.
   
• Clark County Community Planning will also receive the Judges Merit Awards for the Clark County Aging Readiness Plan 10-year Update (ARP). This award recognizes success in more than one judged category. The plan is a long-range planning document that supports the county’s growing number of older residents. County staff along with the volunteer Clark County Commission on Aging engaged a huge list of community partners and did extensive public outreach to update the plan with standards supporting an age-friendly community where older adults can thrive.

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Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its algae advisory at Vancouver Lake. Water samples collected from the lake show water quality has improved over the last two weeks and toxin levels are no longer elevated. 

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. However as long as blooms of harmful algae are present, toxin levels could increase as conditions at the lake change. Public Health encourages people swimming and recreating in the lake to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas. Pets should not drink or have contact with water in areas of floating scum.

The warning advisory at Lacamas Lake remains in place. Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Tuesday, Sept. 3 indicate toxin levels remain elevated. 

Public Health will continue to monitor the lakes and take weekly water samples to test toxin levels. Additional information about harmful algal blooms and current advisories are available on the Public Health website.

Vancouver, Wash. – All comments are welcomed and encouraged regarding the draft Clark County 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER details the accomplishments that were completed between July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, through funding received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

The full draft report can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/community-services/cdbg-and-home-documents.

In accordance with Consolidated Plan performance report requirements at 24 CFR Part 91.520, Citizen Participation requirements at 24 CFR Part 91 Subpart B, and the county’s Citizen Participation Plan, draft performance reports are advertised to provide opportunity for public comment.

A public hearing will be held Sept. 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. before the Clark County Council. Information about how to access this meeting is available at https://clark.wa.gov/councilors/council-meeting-information.

Comments about the proposed changes may be submitted by email to ebecca.Royce@clark.wa.gov">Rebecca.Royce@clark.wa.gov or by calling 564.397.7863.

Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Works has reopened the intersection at Northeast 119th Street and Northeast 152nd Avenue as the construction of the single-lane roundabout nears completion. The intersection is still an active construction zone as landscaping, permanent stripping and illumination work continues. Drivers are reminded to slow down for construction workers. 

The intersection has been the site of several severe crashes in the last 10 years, resulting in multiple serious injuries and two fatalities. Due to the number and severity of crashes, the intersection was identified as a high priority for reconstruction to minimize crash risk and severity. Changing the intersection to a roundabout requires all vehicles to slow down and also reduces the risk of head-on and T-bone (side-impact) collisions. 

The project was supported by County Road Funds and partners, including the Federal Highway Administration. The total project cost is approximately $4.5 million. 

More information about the project can be found at clark.wa.gov/public-works/ne-119th-st-and-ne-152nd-ave.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. 

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

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

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

Перейдіть на сторінку clark.wa.gov/public-works/news, щоб прочитати цю інформацію українською. Натисніть кнопку Change language (Змінити мову) зі значком глобуса у верхньому правому куті сторінки та виберіть потрібну мову.

(Astoria, OR) — For the first time in more than 40 years, Clatsop County Development will update plans regarding estuarine resources, coastal shorelands, and beaches and dunes. The public is invited to attend a presentation and provide comment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 14, at the Knappa High School Library. Light refreshments will be served. This is the second in-person public meeting, with one final public meeting scheduled in the coming months.

The Clatsop County Comprehensive Plan describes the long-term vision for unincorporated Clatsop County, looking ahead to set direction for the County’s growth over the next 20 years. It contains common goals that guide development within the County, including in the areas of land use, environment, transportation, economic development, housing and resource use.

Clatsop County is updating three portions of the Comprehensive Plan: Estuarine Resources (Goal 16), Coastal Shorelands (Goal 17), and Beaches and Dunes (Goal 18). 

• Estuarine Resources Goal 16 is focused primarily on the health and usability of the Columbia River Estuary. It contains policies and standards related to recreation, fish and wildlife, and the Federal Navigation Channel.
• Coastal Shorelands Goal 17 covers many areas next to bodies of water such as the Necanicum River, Nehalem River, and areas near Youngs River Bay. This goal has policies related to water quality, development adjacent to bodies of water, and the health of rivers for the purposes of fish species.
• Beaches and Dunes Goal 18 is concerned with sandy areas near the ocean coast. This goal has policies focused on protecting natural dunes by limiting ground disturbance and other developments.

Regular review of these goals using up-to-date data and maps is important so the public and environment can be better served. 

• The Knappa School District is located at 41535 Old Highway 30, Astoria. Posted signs will direct you to the meeting located in the high school library.

For more information, visit ClatsopCounty.gov.

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Clatsop County Emergency Management is bringing back its 6 Weeks Ready campaign to help residents and businesses prepare for a disaster.  

“We are launching this campaign again this year because we want to help residents and businesses be prepared for a natural or human-caused disaster,” said Jen Munson, Emergency Management Community Engagement Coordinator.    

Coastal communities may be isolated for a longer period of time, and it may take longer for out of area emergency responders to help. “When folks are 6 Weeks Ready, the chances they’ll need emergency services decreases.  The reason that’s important is because our fire and police assets may already be at capacity during emergencies,“ she said. That’s why the 6 Weeks Ready campaign is focusing on personal preparedness, family preparedness and community preparedness. 

“When we are prepared, it can be easier to take care of yourself, loved ones and pets during intense storms, flooding, wildfires, earthquakes and tsunamis. A great place to come learn about that is the free Get Ready Event on Saturday, September 28,” Munson said. 

Each week of the campaign, preparedness themes and resources to guide residents toward becoming more prepared will be posted on the ClatsopCounty.gov website.   

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

The campaign ends with an earthquake drill called ‘the Great Shakeout’ on Thursday, October 19. “We encourage everyone to register online to participate. The more you practice, the more likely you will know what to do if an earthquake strikes our area,” she said. 

Week 1: Go-Kit and Personal Preparedness 

The focus of Week 1 is on putting together preparedness kits.  

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days or weeks. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to tide you over until help arrives. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. 

Personal preparedness and other emergency preparedness information is on the Clatsop County website. 

Save the Date: Free Preparedness Event Returns! 

Clatsop County Emergency Management is partnering with NW Natural and the City of Seaside for a free Get Ready Event scheduled for 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, September 28 at Warrior Hall at Camp Rilea in Warrenton.   

The event will help you and your family prepare for a natural disaster. Talk with local experts to learn about preparedness and get free survival tools (while supplies last) for all kinds of emergencies. The first 300 attendees will receive a free lunch.  

For more information, email Clatsop County Emergency Management or call 503-325-8645. 

(Astoria, OR) — The Columbia Outboard Racing Association is hosting the Cullaby II Battle at the Sea races at Cullaby Lake County Park the weekend of September 7-8, 2024. 

The boat ramp and the boat racecourse on the waters of Cullaby Lake will be closed for racing from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.  

The races are free for the public to view from the park and the park is open for picnicking and other activities, however, there is a $5 day-use parking fee for the County Park entry. 

For more information, contact Clatsop County Parks at 503-325-6452.

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Astoria Police Officers responded to Helping Hands at 286 W. Marine Drive in response to a stabbing call. Sergeant Randall arrived first and provided the name and description of the suspect to the responding officers.  Stephen G. Foxon, 58 years old, was located on the Riverwalk and taken into custody.

Stephen Foxon was residing at Helping Hands until he was trespassed on September 6, 2024, by Astoria Police Officers.  On September 7, 2024, at 2:15 am, several residents of Helping Hands awoke to the sounds of a struggle.  They observed Stephen Foxon stabbing the victim, called for assistance, and began rendering first aid to the victim until police and fire arrived. Sergeant Randall got pertinent information out to the responding officers quickly, and the suspect was located on the Riverwalk and taken into custody at 2:39 am.  Astoria Fire and Medix responded and transported the Victim to Columbia Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Stephen Foxon was charged with Murder 2, Assault 1, Burglary 1, and Unlawful Use Of A Weapon.

We thank the Clatsop County District Attorney's Office, Medical Examiner’s and Sheriff's Office, Warrenton Police Department, Astoria Fire Department, and Medix for their assistance. 

Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Detective Madyson Hanna of the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411 or by email at mhanna@astoria.or.us. 

Media Contact: Chief Kelly, skelly@astoria.gov or 503-325-4411

On Sept. 7, 2024, at approximately 12:36 a.m., officers with the Battle Ground Police Department responded to a traffic accident involving two motorcycles at the intersection of SE Eaton Boulevard and SE 17^th Avenue.

The preliminary details indicate that one of the motorcyclists turned in front of the other, which is believed to have caused the accident.  One of the motorcyclists sustained fatal injuries.  The second motorcyclist was transported to the hospital with significant injuries. 

It is unknown if speed or other factors contributed to the collision.  The investigation is ongoing and additional details are not currently available.    

This is the first fatal traffic accident within the City of Battle Ground this year.  The Battle Ground Police Department reminds all motorists to be mindful of their speeds, traffic control devices, and to obey all traffic laws. 

The Battle Ground Police Department served a search warrant at Relax Health Spa, located at 909 W. Main Street, Suite 102, in Battle Ground, following reports of alleged prostitution occurring at the business. 

Through the course of the investigation, detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for the business, which was served during the evening of September 4, 2024. Evidence was recovered during the search and the investigation is on-going. 

No further information is available at this time.

GRESHAM, Ore. – On behalf of the Tejedas family, the Gresham Fire Department is pleased to announce that Firefighter Spencer Tejedas is being discharged from the Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Tuesday, September 10 at 2 p.m., after more than 14 weeks of treatment. Spencer will be moving to a rehabilitation facility for the next two to three weeks, before returning home to his wife Melea, and their two boys. 

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support shown by our community during this difficult time,” said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. “The progress Spencer has made is truly remarkable and we are thrilled for him to make this monumental step forward.”  

Original message:  

GRESHAM, Ore. – At approximately 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, Gresham Fire Department and Portland Fire and Rescue responded to the reports of a duplex on fire at the 1300 block of Southeast 182^nd Street. Due to the quick work of the responding crews, the fire was able to be contained to a single duplex unit and no civilians were injured.  

This was a complex response as the nature of the fire evolved rapidly. During the incident, three Gresham Firefighters sustained injuries and were transported to the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Two of the Firefighters have been treated and released. However, Firefighter Spencer Tejedas remains hospitalized at this time.  

Firefighter Tejedas suffered severe burns on over 45% of his body. He is sedated and intubated at the Oregon Burn Center and is considered to be in critical condition.  

“Incidents of this nature are a harrowing reminder that despite our best efforts with robust training and protective gear just how dangerous the job of a firefighter is,” said Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis. “Our hearts go out to the entire Tejedas family.” 

The Gresham Fire Department would like to ask that the privacy of the Tejedas family be respected during this challenging time. All media inquiries can be sent to eshamFirePIO@GreshamOregon.gov">GreshamFirePIO@GreshamOregon.gov as the Gresham Fire Department will be speaking on the family’s behalf at this time.  

After further investigation, it has been determined that the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended candle.  

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Rose City Self-Defense is looking for volunteer instructors to teach empowerment-based self-defense skills in our community, youth, and LGBTQIA2S+ programs.

Any cis and trans women, non-binary people comfortable in women-centered spaces, and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to apply is September 30, 2024.

Volunteer Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age;
• Complete the volunteer training; and
• Commit to teaching for one year.

How to Apply

Visit the Rose City Self-Defense website and complete the online application.

About the Volunteer Training

New volunteer training takes place every other Saturday from early January through early March 2025. The training covers curriculum and teaching strategies as well as information related to the root causes, prevention, and intervention strategies surrounding gendered violence.

Questions?

Email oseCitySelf-Defense@portlandoregon.gov">RoseCitySelf-Defense@portlandoregon.gov or visit Rose City Self-Defense for more information about the program.

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is informing drivers who use High Street SE that the northbound lane will be closed beginning Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to allow access for vendors of the Salem Art Fair in Bush’s Pasture Park. The closure will continue Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.  

The Salem Art Fair is a three-day outdoor event from September 13 to 15. The event is open to the public and will be hosting one-of-a-kind artwork, musicians, performers, food, and drinks. Learn more about the Salem Art Fair at www.salemartfair.org.

Road Closure Details:

Location: High Street SE – Northbound Lane – from Miller Street SE to Bush Street SE

Date and Time: Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2024, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, September 15, 2024, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Affected Areas: High Street SE starting at Miller Street SE will be available for Salem Art Fair Vendors only. Local access will be allowed for southbound traffic only.

Caution: Thru traffic should use Liberty Street SE to avoid event activities and delays.

The Road Closure Map provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem.  To report issues, contact the City of Salem’s Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6211 or vice@cityofsalem.net">service@cityofsalem.net.

Salem, Ore. – On Tuesday, September 10, the City of Salem is launching a poll where we will ask questions about community service priorities and preferences for possible future funding. Residents may receive a text or call to invite their participation. Selection in this survey will be among likely voters.

Survey results will be reported to the Salem City Council at a work session on October 21.

# # #

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem is warning drivers who use Front Street NE that the road will be closed in both directions between Market Street NE and Hood Street NE for the removal of the sky bridge over Front Street starting Saturday, September 7, 2024, to Sunday, September 8, 2024. 

Location: Front Street NE closed to traffic between Market Street NE and Hood Street NE, Salem, OR.

Date and Time: Saturday, September 7, to Sunday, September 8, 2024.

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

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

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

Vancouver, Wash. – City Council will hold its next Council Community Forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23 at Educational Service District 112, 2500 N.E. 65th Ave., Vancouver, WA, 98661. Community forums are held throughout the year at locations across Vancouver.

All community members are invited to attend and share their questions, concerns and ideas directly with the City Council. The round table forum will include small-group discussions hosted by pairs of councilors, along with time for informal conversation. All community members are welcome to attend.

No RSVP or registration is required. For interpretation services or accommodations with a disability, please contact the City Manager’s office at 360-487-8600 or cityinfo@cityofvancouver.us. 

Vancouver, Wash.  – The City’s Community and Neighborhood Grants Program has awarded its next round of awards to support seven community groups. A total of $3,500 will support a diverse range of projects that help build community connections, foster a sense of belonging and inspire neighborhood pride for residents of all ages, including:

• Countryside Woods Annual Neighborhood Picnic, Countryside Woods Neighborhood Association
• Back to School at Fort Vancouver High School, Fort Vancouver High School Boosters
• FPVNA Special Events- Neighborhood Picnic/Block Party, Litter Clean Up and Bike Rodeo, Fourth Plain Village Neighborhood Association
• Monster Mash Bash for Under-Resourced Elementary Students, Hough Elementary PTSA
• McKibbins Commons Father Blanchett Neighborhood Picnic, Paulie Villard
• Vancouver ALS Support Group, ALS Northwest
• Grant House 175th Birthday, The Historic Trust

“This round of grants will contribute to community picnics, bike rodeos, an ALS support group and the Grant House’s 175th birthday celebration,” said City Neighborhood Program Coordinator, Koko Olszewski.  “The grants will facilitate community-building activities all aimed at bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging within Vancouver’s diverse neighborhoods.”

Funding available for $500 microgrants

The final round of $500 microgrants for the 2024 grant cycle can support educational programs, cultural events, community gatherings or smaller-scale projects. Applications are due Friday, Oct. 11. Visit www.cityofvancouver.us/communitygrants to apply. 

Portland, Ore.— Today, Sept. 11, 2024, Portland City Council unanimously approved the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) recommended portfolio for Request for Proposals (RFP) 3 of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), which consists of 71 grants totaling nearly $92 million.

PCEF received 230 proposals for projects in response to its third RFP, which was open from November 2023 through Feb. 15, 2024. 

RFP 3 portfolio grant funding categories

This third round of RFPs is part of the 2023 Climate Investment Plan (CIP). PCEF’s Community Responsive Grants program invests in nonprofit led projects that equitably address Portland’s climate action needs. RFP 3 marks the first community responsive grant funding opportunity under the CIP. As part of this initiative, PCEF staff recommended that City Council approve $91,916,334 to support 71 projects in the RFP 3 grant portfolio.

• Clean energy – 21 grants
• Transportation decarbonization – 14 grants
• Regenerative agriculture/Green infrastructure – 17 grants
• Workforce and contractor development – 10 grants
• Planning – 6 grants
• Other – 3 grants

Total requested funding authorization

The impact

Among the numerous testimonies given during the first hearing on Sept. 5, 2024, organizations spoke to the positive impact PCEF funding has created for climate justice work and the far-ranging community benefits. 

Workforce Development Manager for Oregon Tradeswomen Courtney Hamilton said that the many of their graduates from their pre-apprenticeship program have risen to leadership roles in their careers. “We have been breaking barriers for more than 25 years,” Hamilton said. “With the support of the PCEF fund, we will be able to continue breaking these barriers now and into the future.”

PCEF funding will also provide critical improvements in low-income, multifamily housing in Northeast Portland that will reduce energy costs, improve residents’ health and comfort, and increase the longevity of buildings to reduce displacement. “That’s real money in the pockets of low-income households that they can use for necessities such as groceries, childcare, and health care,” said Margaret Salazar, CEO of Reach Community Development. The impacts of PCEF funds are really about the long view, she explained. Making critical improvements today allows their organization to be good stewards for tomorrow. 

Application review process and scoring criteria

The application review process included eligibility screening, technical review, and applicant vetting prior to applications moving to scoring panels and ultimately, the recommended portfolio. Applications were scored on criteria specific to their project type. Scoring criteria and information is publicly available online.

Scoring panels 

Applications that passed the screening for eligibility, technical feasibility, and applicant vetting were assigned to a scoring panel. Each panel consisted of three members, including PCEF Committee members, program staff, and/or subject matter experts, with efforts made to ensure diversity and gender balance. Applications needed to receive more than half of the available points to be considered for funding. A calculated GHG impact score was also factored into the overall application score.

Recommended portfolio development 

The recommended portfolio was developed based on a ranking of application scores, the allocations for each fund area, and the strength of proposals. All eligible applications submitted for funding can be viewed on the online portal.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability 

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).

About the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund

The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) initiative was passed by 65% of Portland voters in November 2018. It provides a consistent, long-term funding source and oversight structure to ensure that our community's climate action efforts are implemented to support social, economic and environmental benefits for all Portlanders, particularly communities of color and low-income residents. The initiative was supported by a broad coalition of groups and individuals and represents the first environmental initiative in Oregon led by communities of color.

September 5, 2024

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt today announced that a grand jury returned a not true bill and found that the use of force by Portland Police Officers Sebastian Precup, Dewey Madison, Justin Thurman, and Jake Ramsey which resulted in the death of Richard Shawn Perez, 45, was not criminal under Oregon law.

Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kyle-Castelli presented the case to a grand jury on September 3rd and 4th, 2024. The grand jury, upon the conclusion of the presentation of evidence, returned a not true bill for all involved officers.

Previously released information regarding this incident is available here.

Pursuant to ORS 132.270, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will file a motion and request that the court authorize the release of a grand jury transcript for public review. If the court grants the motion, the DA’s Office will post the transcript on its website.
 

#MCDA#

PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal superseding indictment was unsealed Monday in the District of Oregon charging an Arizona man and three associates for conspiring with one another and others to devise and carry out a scheme that attempted to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration out of at least $178 million in loans intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eric Karnezis, 43, of Sedona, Arizona, is charged in the 23-count superseding indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, along with co-defendants Lynisha Wells, 47, and Nikkia Bennett, 43, both of Chula Vista, California, and Fredrico Williams, 48, of San Diego.

According to the superseding indictment, from January 2021 and continuing until at least March 2022, Karnezis carried out a scheme whereby he conspired with recruiters, including Williams, to gather fraudulent business information from customers, including Wells and Bennett, and used the information to submit fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). To facilitate the scheme, Karnezis and his co-conspirators created fictious documents to support their fraudulent loan applications, including false payroll information and tax documents.

In total, Karnezis submitted or caused to be submitted at least 1,300 PPP applications, which together attempted to obtain at least $178 million from SBA. Approximately $105 million in loans were funded in response to these fraudulent applications.

On September 6, 2024, following his arrest in Sedona the day prior, Karnezis made his initial appearance in federal court in the District of Arizona and pleaded not guilty. In a detention hearing held today, Karnezis was released on conditions pending his arraignment in District of Oregon on September 24, 2024.

Bennett and Wells made their first appearances and were arraigned in the District of Oregon on August 23 and August 29, 2024, respectively. Both were released on conditions pending a three-day jury trial scheduled to begin on February 11, 2025. Williams will be arraigned in the District of Oregon on September 20, 2024.

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison, three years’ supervised release, and fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense.

This case was investigated by the SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI), the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). It is being prosecuted by Meredith Bateman and Robert Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Since January 2021, more than 50 people have been charged in the District of Oregon for their roles in fraud schemes targeting federal COVID-19 relief programs. Together, these defendants attempted to steal more than $903 million in federal funds. 38 individuals have been convicted for their crimes and sentenced to a combined total of 631 months in federal prison and 1,194 months of probation and/or supervised release.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man, who for more than a decade claimed to be a successful foreign exchange currency trader to solicit millions of dollars in investments, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for wire fraud.

William Bennington, 53, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. 

According to court documents, from March 2012 until October 2022, Bennington knowingly and intentionally carried out a scheme to defraud victims out of more than $2 million. In order to solicit investments, Bennington claimed to be a wealthy foreign exchange currency trader that had written a proprietary trading algorithm, which he alleged was the source of his wealth.  

Over the course of the scheme, Bennington promised annual returns of up to 80 percent and repayment terms as short as six months. He also created a fake website and fabricated monthly statements falsely showing victims were earning significant returns. Instead of investing his victims’ money as promised, Bennington spent it on extravagant trips, a golf simulator, and personal expenses such as rent, vehicle leases and credit card payments. 

On October 17, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a five-count indictment charging Bennington with wire fraud. Later, on April 4, 2024, Bennington pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

This case was investigated by the FBI, and was prosecuted by Robert Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

HILLSBORO, Ore- On August 29, 2024, a Washington County jury found Patrick Mullane Miller guilty of sexual abuse in the first degree. On September 5, 2024, Judge Kathleen Proctor sentenced the defendant to 75 months in prison. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender and will be under post-prison supervision upon the completion of his sentence. Deputy District Attorney Christina Luedtke prosecuted this case.

On January 24, 2023, Tigard police responded to a call from a security guard. The guard reported that a woman flagged him down and told him she had just been sexually assaulted by the defendant. 

Police spoke with the woman and learned the defendant was giving her a ride home from an area bar when he unexpectedly pulled into a parking lot and demanded oral sex from her. She refused but the defendant threatened to kill her if she didn’t comply. The defendant then sexually assaulted her. The victim was eventually able to escape and ran to the security guard who was driving by at the time.  

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office wishes to commend the victim for her bravery shown throughout the legal process. This office also acknowledges the work of the Tigard Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office on this case.

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

Funding will expand pathways for Multilingual Teacher Candidates in Oregon

Salem, Ore., September 10, 2024 — Chemeketa Community College, Oregon’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), has been awarded a five-year, $3,497,045 grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the National Professional Development Program (NPD). This funding will support Project ABLE (Accessible Pathways for Bilingual Leaders in Education), a transformative initiative designed to recruit, prepare, and retain bilingual and multilingual educators.

The project will provide 202 bilingual teacher candidates with the support needed to succeed through accessible pathways to licensure, including stacked certificates, apprentice pathways, and alternative onramps. Through partnerships with George Fox, Linfield, Oregon State, Pacific, Portland State, and Western Oregon University, this funding will extend support through transfer and enhance the program's reach and impact.

“This federal grant will allow Chemeketa to build upon a decade of work to grow the number of bilingual/multilingual teachers in our region,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “Receiving this competitive award resonates deeply with our commitment to living up to our role as Oregon’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institution and supporting our local communities.”

Project ABLE aims to address the critical need for diverse educators by offering early on-ramps to educational careers, along with inclusive, proactive advising, and strategic financial support. The initiative will serve at least 202 students, focusing on first-generation and Pell Grant recipients, creating opportunities for students to thrive in the education sector.

Karla Hale, Director of Education at Chemeketa, expressed excitement about the program's potential, stating, “We are thrilled about the possibilities this federal grant provides for Chemeketa’s education students and to build on long-term efforts to diversify our K-12 educator workforce by increasing the number of bilingual and multilingual teachers in our region. This competitive award supports our enduring partnerships with local school districts and universities that will shape the next generation of educators representing our vibrant and diverse communities.”

The grant is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's broader efforts to increase access to high-quality education, particularly for underrepresented students. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has highlighted the importance of multilingualism, calling it a "superpower" that benefits students both culturally and economically.

Through Project ABLE, Chemeketa’s Grow Your Own (GYO) Pre-Service Program will leverage its robust network of support to prepare candidates for teacher licensure, engage in critical research, and provide valuable insights into the role community colleges play in training the next generation of bilingual educators.

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For 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

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

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Actor and filmmaker Clément Lagouarde will screen and discuss his films from 3 to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 in Multimedia Classroom Building, Room 6 at Washington State University Vancouver. The event is free and open to the public. 

Lagouarde, a member of the Natchitoches tribe of Native Americans, now lives in France, where he was born. He will discuss his two short films: “13 Octobre,” a satirical comedy about colonization from the point of view of the gods, and “Notre Père” (Our Father), in which a brother and sister pay tribute to their father, all three Indigenous expatriates in France.

Currently French ambassador of the Nachitoches tribe, Lagouarde only recently discovered his heritage. His great-grandfather, Thomas Dixon, was a member of the Natchitoches tribe in Louisiana who left the country to serve in World War I. Lagouarde is visiting North America to participate in the Vancouver, B.C., Indigenous Film Festival.

About WSU Vancouver

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134^th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-TRAN bus service. Find a campus map at vancouver.wsu.edu/map. Parking is available at meters or in the Blue Daily Pay lot for $4.

As one of six campuses of the WSU 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. 

WSU Vancouver is located on the homelands of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Peoples of the Lower Columbia Valley. We acknowledge their presence here. WSU Vancouver expresses its respect towards these original and current caretakers of the region. We pledge that these relationships will be built on mutual trust and respect.

# # #

The Centennial School District Governing Board will convene for a Regular Business Meeting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. 

The full board meeting packet is available for reference on the Centennial School District website at www.csd28j.org and can be found on the School Board page.

Board Members and Key Staff will attend in-person at CSD's District Office - 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR  97236.  The public and guests will join virtually via the Zoom App.

To join the meeting virtually, please click the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89843848373?pwd=Sm53eGJPbUJKTjFFSG54bzlIWFBRZz09
Passcode: 625036

Or Telephone, dial:
  +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 898 4384 8373
Passcode: 625036

To view the agenda and accompanying documents, click or paste this link into your browser: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1561. The meeting agenda and associated documents may be updated as necessary.

For information about the agenda email dan@csd28j.org">melissa_grindle@csd28j.org.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Superintendent Evaluation Committee will meet at 2:00 p.m. on September 12, 2024. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/81685089853?pwd=OciprTP7UJ4j1hDUzBDbVia0YiUBbo.1
Passcode: 711781

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on September 12, 2024. 
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.

https://multnomahesd-org.zoom.us/j/87556421306?pwd=h0iNfBR7cOXRl7rjovhg1PNZNhNYwP.1
Passcode: 137289

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Board Working Session Meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Parkrose School District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott Street, Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30pm.

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

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

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

The agenda is posted on our website at: LINK.

Agenda items include, but are not limited to: Board vacancy group interviews, board agreements, osba nominations, liaison roles, osba convention, may special election and district goals 

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

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

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

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

DATE: Monday, 9/9/24

TIME: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION: via Zoom (link on website) & Hockinson Community Center Meeting Room

ADDRESS: 15916 NE 182nd Ave, Brush Prairie, WA 98606

Washougal School District’s newest school board member, Jane Long, was sworn into service at the September 10, 2024 board work session.  WSD Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen administered the oath of office. 

Long was selected to represent Director District #2 through the end of 2025 when she may run for election to a four-year term if she chooses.

Quote from Jane Long “I’m excited to be part of the board and to serve the community. Washougal has amazing teachers and excellent schools, and I want to use this position to continue to make sure our teachers and schools help every student succeed.”

Long has served as a class volunteer, ReadNW mentor, and been an active member of the boosters at the school her children attend. She has also served as a volunteer with local organizations serving youth. She brings professional experience working in human resources and budgeting.  

“We are excited to welcome Jane to the WSD Board of Directors,” said Hansen. “Her perspective as a current parent and volunteer with experience in our schools will be an incredible asset in serving the community as part of our school board.” 
 

Evergreen Virtual Academy - 09/10/24
 

EVERGREEN VIRTUAL ACADEMY NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS September 10, 2024, 6:30PMEvergreen Virtual Academy Board Members are Hereby notified that a Work Session of the Board Will be held via Zoom Webinar athttps://evergreenvirtual-org.zoom.us/j/86346138790
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592

“No Place to Grow Old” Documentary to Spotlight Homelessness Among Older Adults

Premiere on September 27 at Newmark Theater

Portland, OR – “No Place to Grow Old,” a documentary shedding light on the rising issue of homelessness among older adults, will premiere September 27 at the Newmark Theater in Portland.

The film, shot locally, features personal narratives from older adults facing homelessness, accompanied by expert analysis on this expanding crisis. Produced by Humans for Housing, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness and finding solutions for homelessness, the documentary highlights a critical social issue through powerful storytelling.

Humans for Housing was founded by Michael Larson, 25, who grew up in the foster care system, moving through various homes with his siblings until they were finally adopted. His personal history led him to dedicate himself to work towards creating solutions for those experiencing homelessness, first as a volunteer and advocate, and now as the founder of Humans for Housing.

Tickets to the documentary are available on this link and a documentary trailer is available on this link. 

About Humans for Housing: Humans for Housing believes that every human has inherent worth and has a right to stable and safe housing. Through storytelling, community engagement, and advocacy for systematic changes, Humans for Housing aims to eradicate chronic homelessness in the United States and provide all people the home they deserve. Humansforhousing.org 

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Portland, OR - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO— its award-winning digital platform for small businesses — announced on September 5 that IRL Social Skills was chosen for the CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses list. This is the second consecutive year that IRL Social Skills has been honored with this award. 

IRL Social Skills was selected out of more than 14,000 applicants by a panel of judges for its overall growth driven by innovative ideas, resilience, and strong employee culture. The list includes a diverse array of small businesses of all sizes and industries located in 31 states and Washington, D.C. IRL Social Skills is one of three businesses honored from Oregon, and the only honoree from Oregon recognized in the micro-business category.

“We are thrilled to receive this honor for the second year in a row and for the opportunity to highlight our work. The award also gives us the chance to shine a light on how autistic and neurodiverse teens, adults, and their families need support navigating social, academic, and work situations. The work of IRL Skills contributes to their opportunities for personal and professional success, as well as improved mental health,” said founder, program director and speech-language pathologist, Mara McLoughlin, MS, CCC-SLP.

IRL Social Skill’s programs focus on relational, social, and communication skills. These skills help autistic and neurodivergent people forge social connections and advocate for their needs. Learning these skills can be life-saving, as autistic and neurodivergent people are nine times more likely to die by suicide than neurotypical peers. 

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

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For Immediate Release - Sept. 4, 2024

CONTACT: Lorren Sandt, ren@caringambassadors.org">lorren@caringambassadors.org;  Dianne Danowski Smith, info@answer2cancer.org  

PORTLAND, OREGON –A group of community-based disease and patient health organizations coming together to share their concerns about the Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s (PDAB) direction and work plan, are saying a grateful ‘thank you’ to the Board’s chair and its seven voting members for its June 26 unanimous decision to halt its current schedule of nine drug reviews. 

In the June 26 board meeting of the Oregon PDAB, Chair Shelley Bailey called on her colleagues to “pause our current affordability reviews.” Patient and health groups express appreciation to the board members for this opportunity to better collaborate. 

In her address to the board, Oregon PDAB Chair Shelley Bailey stated about her proposal the need to “implement additional processes’ improvements. We restart our efforts later in the year.” Chair Bailey added, “This is crucial for several reasons and I believe it will enhance the quality and impact of our work for years to come."

“We are grateful and encouraged, and we acknowledge this important decision will create the space we’ve been asking for to increase incorporation of patient input, experiences, and voices as well as expert clinical review in PDAB’s decision making,” said Lorren Sandt, executive director of Caring Ambassadors. “This was a courageous and timely decision, and it was the right thing to do.” 

Sandt is providing leadership to dozens of patients, advocacy groups and health organizations who have attended community forums, PDAB board meetings, solicited patient and caregiver engagement and reached out to the PDAB staff directly to support strategies of patient, caregiver and expert clinician input into the affordability reviews. 

The Oregon PDAB was created by the passage of the 2022 Senate Bill 844 with its mandate: The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is established in the Department of Consumer and Business Services to protect residents of this state, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in this state and other stakeholders within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs.

Advocates and patients have noted there is no verbiage in the legislation that specifically states how the PDAB’s work will directly impact out-of-pockets costs for consumers’ and patients’ much-needed medications and therapies. 

In mid-June, Caring Ambassadors and more than 20 patient organizations and health groups shared concerns about PDAB deliberations and its work plan, and about whether the PDAB efforts could create meaningful impact in lowering the cost of prescription drugs or improving patient access. Many of these patient and health organizations together submitted a letter last December (https://dfr.oregon.gov/pdab/Documents/20231213-PDAB-public-comment.pdf ">here on see pages 19-21). 

“Feedback and specific information from patients, families, caregivers, advocates, medical professionals and health organizations is crucial to address these affordability reviews,” said Sandt. “With the board’s pause, we are working hard to garner this crucial input. We are especially focused on those in vulnerable and/or diverse populations.” 

On June 26, PDAB Chair Bailey noted by pausing the review process, there is recognition of the work ahead. She said, “We faced significant challenges since our inception. We’ve been laser focused on meeting the timelines identified in statute. However, all the while working on the affordability reviews themselves, we’ve needed to create a structure for the board, learn about the supply chain, identify a list of drugs that may present affordability challenges, and pare down the list of drugs to conduct these affordability reviews. This has placed enormous pressure on our volunteer board members and has led to process challenges that could have been avoided."

The groups working together on this important issue include ALS Northwest, Answer2Cancer Inc., Caring Ambassadors Program, Chronic Disease Coalition, Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute, Disability Rights Oregon, Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living, HIV Alliance, International Cancer Advocacy Network (ICAN), National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation, Oregon Bioscience Association, Pacific Northwest Bleeding Disorders, Partnership to Improve Patient Care, Project Access Northwest, Project Access NOW, The Community for Positive Aging, Biomarker Collective, MET Crusaders, Exon 20 Group and PDL1 Amplifieds. 

Many health organizations and patients who have spoken out believe the board needs to create opportunities for genuine stakeholder engagement in the affordability reviews, not just public comment. This lack of direct patient engagement is starkly different from other states' PDAB operations, such as Washington state's PDAB, where stakeholder and patient inclusion is a specified key priority. 

Other states have called out engagement of patients and people with disabilities as a priority, such as in Washington state where it is listed on the website’s home page. In Oregon, there is no explicit or formalized process for patient engagement nor a stakeholder advisory council as in other states. 

Said Sandt, “We look forward to working with Oregon not only on meaningful engagement processes, but also on ensuring that input from patients and people with disabilities effectively translates into improved and transparent PDAB Board decisions.” 

#oregon #healthcare #pdab #mymedsmychoice #mymedsmyvoice

Tours/Interviews/Visuals/Audio: Media opportunities this week

MEDIA CONTACT: Dianne Danowski Smith, dianne@publixnw.com; m: (503) 201-7019

WHAT/WHY

Back to School: New Campus Expansion Opens at Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth in Vancouver Capturing Acoustics, Light and Awe – This week, deaf and hard of hearing students and staff are stepping and stomping into their new, accessible and innovative learning  and athletic spaces at the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth‘s Washington School for the Deaf.

• Students at this school ‘hear’ each other with their feet and their hands
• Come: Tours of the brand-new campus expansion/construction showing acoustics, sensory awareness and light for Deaf/HoH students and staff to learn and communicate.
• See: How floor acoustics are used to share and get attention – for example, the new state-of-the-art gymnasium where students ‘hear’ with foot stomps. See how the new wider hallways allow for side-by-side sign language. See the unique sensory-aware playground. See the new athletic center where the students will ‘hear’ through the floor.
• Meet: The principal/executive director and the students who helped plan these new spaces and the design and building experts who brought this special campus to life.
• Note: September is Deaf Awareness Month.

“This expansion means two brand new and much needed spaces for improved learning and for athletics in this unique student environment,” says Shauna Bilyeu, executive director at the CDHY, which is the state agency that oversees the Washington School for the Deaf. “The design and construction work here has ranged from the use of mass timber, acoustically-friendly flooring, important visual improvements with abundant natural lighting, wider-set hallways for active sign language communication and so much other care and concern for the needs of our unique community.”

WHAT/WHERE

Friday, Sept. 6 between 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Students, staff and design/building leads will be available for tours/interviews/visuals (to include sign language interpreters) at campus of the Washington School for the Deaf/Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth - 3107 E. Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver, Washington. Park in the open lot along E. Evergreen and proceed toward the covered walkway. Drone footage and still photos are available upon request.

WHO

• Shauna Bilyeu, Executive Director at the Washington School for Deaf and Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY) and student ‘ambassadors’ (+ their interpreters)
• Alan Halleck, Project Executive, Skanska, Co-lead on design-build team
• JoAnn Hindmarsh Wilcox, Mithun, Co-lead on design-build team

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2024 – BEND, OR — The 35^th annual High Desert Rendezvous—one of Central Oregon’s longest-running charitable events—set a new fundraising record this year, grossing more than $630,000 to support the programs and exhibitions of the High Desert Museum.

The record was set with help from the 2024 High Desert Rendezvous Honoree, The Bend Foundation. Founded in 1947 by Brooks Scanlon, Brooks Resources and its shareholders, The Bend Foundation has continuously invested in the health and vitality of Central Oregon. And The Bend Foundation has championed the Museum and the educational opportunities it brings to the region, from the initial idea for a museum to its grand opening in 1982 to today.

The Bend Foundation’s community support focuses on adding to the legacy of providing public art in Bend, promoting cultural, educational and intellectual enrichment programs, and enhancing or preserving our physical environment. 

“It is our pleasure to continue to support nonprofit and public organizations that work to enhance the cultural and intellectual experiences in our community,” said Romy Mortensen, Bend Foundation Trustee. “The High Desert Museum is a shining example of one of these organizations that is consistently providing opportunities for growth, discovery and enlightenment and we are proud to support it.”

“We are extraordinarily grateful to the generosity of Rendezvous attendees and this community in supporting the work of the Museum,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “The Bend Foundation in particular has provided continued leadership and commitment to the Museum throughout its 42 years, which is all the more vital as we consider what the next four decades will look like.”

The High Desert Rendezvous took place on Saturday, August 24 at the Museum. Funds from Rendezvous support the Museum’s exhibitions, wildlife encounters and educational programs that inspire wonder and learning about the High Desert region. The Museum every year opens up to nine new temporary exhibitions, cares for more than 120 animals and welcomes thousands of school children for field trips. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, nearly 225,000 people visited the Museum.

The 2024 High Desert Rendezvous was presented by Bonta Gelato and Ferguson Wellman Wealth Management with support from First Interstate Bank.

About The Bend Foundation

Established and funded by Brooks Scanlon, Brooks Resources and its shareholders, The Bend Foundation was originally formed in 1947 as a resource for injured loggers and mill workers, and to provide scholarships for industry workers. With its mission having evolved to assist in enriching the lives of the residents of Bend, Oregon, its key focus is to contribute to nonprofit and public organizations that add to the legacy of providing public art in Bend, promote cultural, educational and intellectual enrichment programs that benefit the community, and enhance or preserve our physical environment. www.bendfoundation.org

About The High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024

BEND, OR — Rick Bartow: Animal Kinship, an exhibition from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation by one of Oregon’s most celebrated artists, will open September 20, 2024 at the High Desert Museum.

This is the third art exhibition in a yearlong series of collaboration with the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation exploring the complex relationships between humans, animals and the world we share. The first was Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species, followed by Near, Far, Gone, which closes September 8, 2024.

Artist Rick Bartow (Mad River Band of the Wiyot Tribe, 1948-2016) was born in Newport, Oregon, where his family’s roots run deep, and grew up with close ties to the Siletz community. Though he traveled the world extensively in his lifetime, Bartow always returned to his family’s coastal home, and it was here that he eventually became one of the Northwest’s best-known and most celebrated artists. Bartow was a self-taught artist who considered himself a mark maker above all else. He is also highly regarded as a colorist. His application of color, like many of his processes, was intuitive and helped illustrate moments of transformation — between animal and self, light and dark, and dream and spirit.

“Rick Bartow’s diverse experiences enabled him to incorporate traditional Native themes and images into contemporary works that connect us with both the past and present issues facing Native nations. Bartow, through paintings, prints, or sculptures, is a master of the art of expressing his voice and contributing to the legacy of Native art and culture,” said renowned art collector Jordan Schnitzer.

Twenty-four artworks, including two-dimensional and sculptural pieces, have been selected for the exhibition. The works span the final three decades of Bartow’s career. Drawing from Indigenous stories and his interest in nature, Bartow moves freely between human and animal representations in his depictions. Coyotes, bears and birds are recurring subjects in the exhibition.

Themes of resilience, transformation and identity emerge as Bartow processes the most difficult aspects of humanity — war, trauma, loss and addiction. Through these works visitors to Animal Kinship will consider how their human identities are both shared with and derived from the animals that inhabit the landscape we share with one another.

Bartow’s sculptural process employs both traditional methods and his intuitive approach. “There are instances when I begin with a sketch and end as I wish,” he said in 1989. “There are also times when the wood directs and cuts and a human face becomes an owl, or a coyote becomes some other character.”

Bartow’s creative process was open to influence from around the world. An avid traveler and voracious reader, he studied varied spiritual, artistic and cultural practices. He describes Bear with Humor (2004, mixed media and wood), like many of his works, as an amalgamation of influences and processes. At the very top, a carved bear head, clad in hammered lead, smiles. Scarecrow hands combine to suggest a great belly laugh. 

Although widely celebrated for his paintings and works on paper, Bartow’s sculptural work also garnered significant recognition. His carving The Cedar Mill Pole was displayed in 1997 in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden at the White House, and his 2012 sculpture We Were Always Here, a pair of 20-foot-tall carved poles, is on permanent display in front of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian overlooking the National Mall. 

“We’re proud to highlight the role of art in exploring the natural world with this very special exhibition of the works of the late Rick Bartow, one of Oregon’s most revered artists and one of the most important leaders in contemporary Native American art,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D.

Rick Bartow: Animal Kinship, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, will be on view through February 9, 2025.

It’s made possible by Bend Magazine, the Ford Family Foundation, the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund with support from The Jackson Foundation, Oregon ArtsWatch and Travel Oregon.

About the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert region. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

About the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation

The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation’s contemporary art collection is one of the most notable in North America. The Foundation has shared its art with millions across the U.S. and internationally through groundbreaking exhibitions, publications, and programs. Founded by ARTnews Top 200 Collector Jordan D. Schnitzer—whose passion for art began in his mother's contemporary art gallery in Portland, Oregon—the Foundation has organized over 180 exhibitions from its collection and additionally loaned thousands of artworks to over 120 museums at no cost to the institutions. Schnitzer began collecting contemporary prints and multiples in 1988 and today is North America’s largest print collector. His Foundation’s collection consists of more than 22,000 works of art including a wide variety of prints, sculptures, paintings, glass, and mixed media works. To learn more visit JordanSchnitzer.org and follow us on Instagram. 

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Vancouver, WA – Clark County Historical Museum, Fourth Plain Forward, and Humanities Washington invite the community to an engaging in-person conversation with Shepherd Siegel, a member of the 2024-2025 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau program, on Thursday, October 3, 2024. This month’s CCHM Speaker Series presentation will take place at Fourth Plain Commons (3101 E 4th Plain Blvd Ste.101, Vancouver, WA 98661.) 

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Presentation begins at 7:00 pm.

What do Loki, Banksy, Bugs Bunny, Thelonious Monk, Mae West, Yoko Ono, Raven, Eshù Elégba, and Muhammad Ali all have in common? Whether deity or human, all bring Trickster magic to our world. 

The Trickster, a character who animates and enlivens humanity’s oldest stories, is frequently misunderstood. Wander and wonder with author Shepherd Siegel through the paradoxes, art, tricks, backfires, pranks, pratfalls, and messianic acts that together form this indestructible component of our collective psyche. From that common ground, we’ll share our own personal encounters with tricksterism and come to an understanding of how the journey from moral indeterminacy to moral discovery can inspire us to imagine and create a better world.

Shepherd Siegel (he/him) is an author and activist. He started off as a professional rock and jazz musician before becoming a teacher for incarcerated youth and students with disabilities. He earned his doctorate at University of California, Berkeley, with studies in anthropology and special education. His recent books, Disruptive Play and Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love (a Bronze Winner for an INDIES Book of the Year Award and Silver winner of a CIPA Evvy), explore the Trickster in politics and culture.

At a Glance

Who: Shepherd Siegel

What: The Trickster: How this Ancient Archetype Helps Us to Imagine a Better World

When: Thursday, October 3, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.

Where: Fourth Plain Community Commons (3101 E 4th Plain Blvd Ste.101, Vancouver, WA 98661)

The CCHM Speaker Series season is sponsored by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission. This month’s presentation is co-hosted with Fourth Plain Forward and brought to you by Humanities Washington. Admission is free and open to all. 

For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org. 

About Humanities Washington
Humanities Washington is a nonprofit organization dedicated to opening minds and bridging divides by creating spaces to explore different perspectives. For more about Humanities Washington, visit www.humanities.org.

About the Speakers Bureau Program
In communities throughout Washington State, Speakers Bureau presenters give free public presentations on history, politics, music, philosophy, spiritual traditions, and everything in between.

Their roster of over 30 Speakers Bureau presenters is made up of professors, artists, activists, historians, performers, journalists, and others—all chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their ability to inspire discussion with people of all ages and backgrounds. Hundreds of Speakers Bureau events take place each year. Find a Speakers Bureau event near you.

To reach as many Washingtonians as possible, Humanities Washington partners with a wide range of organizations, including libraries, schools, museums, historical societies, community centers, and civic organizations. Qualifying nonprofit organizations are encouraged to host a speaker.

The Speakers Bureau program is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Washington via the Office of the Secretary of State, the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University, and generous contributions from other businesses, foundations, and individuals.

About Clark County Historical Society and Museum

The Clark County Historical Society and Museum is committed to responsible collections stewardship, innovative collaboration and inspiring exhibitions and programs that engage the community in an exploration of Clark County’s past, present and future. Our purpose is to share an understanding of the past that will help to build a better future for generations to come.

About Fourth Plain Forward

Fourth Plain Forward is a place-based 501c3 nonprofit organization in central Vancouver focused on the Fourth Plain Corridor. 

We are committed to uplifting Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, alongside those facing resource limitations and exclusion from mainstream services.

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The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is thrilled to welcome Jay Redmond as its new Director of Development and Communications. In this pivotal role, Jay will lead the Foundation’s communication and fundraising efforts, working to amplify support for students and educators across the district.

Jay brings nearly 20 years of public social service and non-profit management experience. His career includes managing residential and vocational programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mentoring youth navigating the Juvenile Justice System, and supporting families involved with the public Child Welfare system. Jay has actively volunteered with the Etheridge Foundation and Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation, where he has contributed to significant fundraising and advocacy efforts. His recent volunteer work as a Camp Counselor for trans youth at the inaugural 2024 Camp Wildheart with the Wildheart Foundation was a dream come true, working alongside inspiring local community leaders.

As a public speaker, Jay has presented at major conferences, including the 2014 Oregon Disabilities Conference, the 2024 Children’s Justice Conference, and is slated for the 2024 Becca Conference at Central Washington University. He speaks on topics such as disability awareness, racial equity, and social justice. His series, titled Transcending Boundaries and Dare to Ask, leverages the power of lived experience to foster inclusion of gender diversity. As a transgender man, Jay is dedicated to being a visible role model, inspiring trans and gender nonconforming youth to envision and pursue a promising future.

Jay also owns Transformation Dynamics in Service, a business offering training, public speaking, and consulting services. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development. He has served as a postgraduate mentor and field instructor for MSW students completing their required practicum work. His creative passions include art and soccer, and he has recently taken up indoor rock climbing, thanks to an introduction from Foundation Executive Director Jenny Thompson. Outside of work, Jay’s love for live music, traveling, and outdoor activities fuels his creativity and resilience in his professional endeavors. He enjoys these experiences with his wife of 17 years and their children.

“We are excited to have Jay join our team and believe he will bring a welcomed perspective to the Foundation. His passion for our community is contagious, as well as aligns with the vision and mission of our organization which drives the Foundation daily. Good things are on the horizon, and we are excited for the future of the Foundation,” shares Executive Director Jenny Thompson.

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About The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools
The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools is an independent, 501(c)3 educational non-profit corporation established in 1988 to support Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). Governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of business, community, and education leaders, the foundation creates opportunities to cultivate and inspire student success. As an educational non-profit entity, the foundation serves students at all 40 VPS schools and programs, providing direct aid to students facing learning barriers due to economic need, as well as financial assistance for learning enrichment and mentoring programs that cannot be funded by the school district. The Foundation for VPS is supported by donations from school employees, parents, students, community members, businesses and foundations.

Date: Wed, Sept 25th, 2024

Time: 7 pm

Location: Alberta Rose Theatre

Tickets: $15-$45

Event Website: https://www.scienceontaporwa.org/events/alberta_25_mushrooms/

The hidden role of fungi inside and all around us.

From beneficial yeasts that aid digestion to toxic molds that cause disease, we are constantly navigating a world filled with fungi. Our health and well-being depend on an immense ecosystem of yeasts and molds inside and all around us.

Come on a guided tour of a marvelously unseen realm, describing how our immune systems are engaged in continuous conversation with the teeming mycobiome inside the body, and how we can fall prey to serious and even life-threatening infections when this peaceful coexistence is disturbed. Our speaker also sheds light on our complicated relationship with fungi outside the body, from wild mushrooms and cultivated molds that have been staples of the human diet for millennia to the controversial experimentation with magic mushrooms in the treatment of depression.

Drawing on the latest advances in mycology, Molds, Mushrooms, and Medicines reveals what scientists are learning about the importance of fungi to our lives, from their vital role in supporting the ecosystems on which we depend to their emerging uses in lifesaving medicine.

Nicholas Money is a mycologist and professor at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Get 15% off the book and your ticket when you buy them together! 

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

AMBOY, WASHINGTON – North Clark Historical Museum is in upper Amboy at 21416 NE 399^th St. in the renovated 1910 United Brethren Church. The Museum was incorporated in 1988 and opened to the public in June of 2000. 

REVISION: 2024 Raffle Quilt, “Winter Magic” will not be at the Battle Ground Community Library until October.  View it at the Museum through the end of September. Tickets are available to purchase for $1.00 each.

Open Days:

Saturday, September 14^th                            Open Noon  – 4:00 pm

Saturday, September 28^th                            Open Noon – 4:00 pm    

Tours are available upon request:           contact 360-247-5800 and leave a message to schedule 

or email museumnch88@gmail.com

Board meetings: 

Thursday, September 12^th            7:00 pm               via Zoom              Business Meeting            

Contact museumnch88@gmail.com for link

Wednesday, September 25^th       2:00 – 4:00 pm   In House             Business Meeting/Work Session 

First Friday Open Mic Music Night:          September 6^th                    6:30-7:00 performer sign up        7:00 Music          

Open Door Stitchery Circle          Saturday, September 14^th             1:00 – 4:00 pm

Bring your project to work on, visit with others, learn something new, share ideas, make a new friend.

OPEN HOUSE!   September 28^th                 Noon to 4:00 pm              See what your Museum has to offer.      

Door Prizes.       Refreshments.     Volunteer opportunities.

Visit our new website:  northclarkhistoricalmuseum.com

No Admission Fee.          Donations appreciated.                Wheelchair accessible.

For more information, please contact 360-247-5800 and leave a message or email museumnch88@gmail.com.

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The North Clark Historical Museum was founded in 1988 and is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The doors were opened in June of 2000. Mission Statement:   To preserve North Clark County’s natural and cultural history through collections and exhibits, and to sponsor educational programs and research opportunities for the enrichment of the public. 

 

Beer, brats, and bands take over Oaks Amusement Park this month during Oktoberfest 2024!

Oktoberfest 2024 happens September 20-22:

• Friday: 4-10 PM
• Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM
• Sunday: 11 AM-7 PM

Join us at our annual family fall festival for three fun days of authentic German food and beer, polka music, Bavarian dancing, kids' activities, wiener dog races, cooking shows, thrill rides, and more.

• This is an all-ages family-friendly event.  Kids are welcome in all venues, all hours.
• Gate-Only Admission: 48" & Taller: $7, Under 48" Tall: $4.
• Gate admission is now included with the purchase of a Ride Bracelet! Gate Admission + Rides: 48" & Taller: $43.95, Under 48" Tall: $22.95.
• Parking: $3-$5 per vehicle

Children under 3 are free. During this special event, all guests 3 and older must have either a Ride Bracelet or a Gate Admission Ticket to enter the park.

See https://www.oakspark.com/oktoberfest for tickets and full event details.
 

FAIRVIEW TRUST MAKES BIGGEST INVESTMENT TO DATE - Community Fund Infuses Major Grants in Projects that Serve People Living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Fairview Trust has distributed more than $5 million in grants across Oregon to build homes and advocacy programs that serve people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The funding for 11 organizations will expand integrated housing opportunities and improve the lives of the people they serve.

Collectively, the grants represent the Trust’s single largest investment since it was created after the closure of the Fairview Training Center in 2000. Funding was allocated this year through the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services. The Fairview Trust is a Community Advised Fund within Oregon Community Foundation, governed by an Advisory Board.

“As a provider of services promoting and supporting enhanced independence for people living with IDD, I am honored to be part of the expanding integrated housing initiatives supported by the Fairview Trust and Oregon Community Foundation,” said Terri H. Silvis, Ph.D., CEO of Horizon Project, Inc. in Umatilla County, Oregon and chair of the Fairview Trust Advisory Board. “This funding is having a significant and expanding impact on our communities. Together, we are forging new partnerships and furthering the work begun with the closure of the Fairview Training Center and other institutions. We collectively benefit from the talents and contributions shared by our neighbors experiencing IDD.”

“Once they are completed, the projects will have an immediate impact on residents and clients,” said Diane Scottaline, Executive Director of The Arc of Benton County.

“Funding from the Fairview Trust will allow us to construct 2 training units as hands-on, real-life settings for community living skills for adults with developmental disabilities,” said Scottaline.

“Accessibility features will be designed for the broadest utility and introduced after construction to show students how they can modify a space for their unique needs. The 6-8 program students will have one-on-one support and the use of technology for task prompts and instructions. The Fairview Funding has expedited this important program, bringing possibilities of increased community access to people with IDD for many years to come.”

OCF Program Officer Michael R. Oreste, who manages the partnership with Fairview Trust for OCF, added, "It was very exciting to collaborate with the committee members of the Fairview Trust to grant statewide dollars for an often-overlooked population of Oregonians. Being able to partner with experts in the field, while providing critical services for our community members, epitomizes the mission and values of Oregon Community Foundation.”

In addition to integrated housing opportunities, the grants also support advocacy programs, including Partners in Policymaking® by Disability Rights Oregon.

“People with disabilities and family members have been the driving force behind closing the Fairview Training Center, creating a service delivery system that is the envy of the nation, and developing paths to employment for everyone with disabilities in Oregon,” said Jake Cornett, CEO of Disability Rights Oregon. “Over eight months, we’ll work alongside national leaders to teach more than 20 participants leadership skills while developing strong relationships with elected officials and others who make policy decisions about services and supports we rely on. This investment in tomorrow's disability advocates will pay dividends long into the future."

The Fairview Trust originates from the closure and sale of the Fairview Training Center, a state-run institution for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that operated from 1908 until 2000. A U.S. Justice Department investigation unveiled life-threatening conditions at the facility. This finding, coupled with a federal civil rights lawsuit, catalyzed its closure, marking an end to nearly a century of institutionalization.

The Fairview Trust was initially overseen by the Oregon Department of Human Services but was restructured under the Oregon Community Foundation in 2019, guided by a newly constituted Advisory Board.

Integrated Housing Grants

Sammy's Place - Thompson Springs Project 
Location: Nehalem, Oregon Grant 
Amount: $744,325 
Description: An affordable housing community with 13 units to support independent living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Horizon Project Inc. - Theater Lane Apartments 
Location: Hermiston, Oregon 
Grant Amount: $800,000 
Description: A 22-unit integrated housing complex reserving up to five units of affordable, accessible housing to support independent living for people with IDD.

Northwest Housing Alternatives - Grace Housing 
Location: Northeast Portland, Oregon Grant 
Amount: $250,000 
Description: Grace Housing will bring approximately 100 new apartment homes to a half city block in Northeast Portland, 20 of which will be reserved for people with IDD and rented at well below market-rates.

Sabin Community Development Corporation - Avenue Redevelopment 
Location: Portland, Oregon 
Grant Amount: $500,000 
Description: An early-stage planning grant for a 78-unit net-zero energy building with 12 integrated units for people with IDD, incorporating both universal design and sustainability features.

Living Opportunities - Bennett Street Housing 
Location: Medford, Oregon 
Grant Amount: $147,500 
Description: An early-stage planning grant to develop 5 to 10 housing units to promote independent living and community integration for people with IDD.

Our Home, Inclusive Community Collaborative - Cathedral Park Cohousing 
Location: Portland, Oregon 
Grant Amount: $250,000 
Description: A 23-unit cohousing-inspired development with shared common spaces, fostering community interaction and independent living for people with IDD.

McMinnville Area Habitat for Humanity - Aspire Community Development 
Location: McMinnville, Oregon 
Grant Amount: $504,225 
Description: Two fully accessible homes for individuals with IDD and complete an inclusive community playground to promote integration.

Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunities (ALSO) - ALSO Apartments
Location: Gresham, Oregon 
Grant Amount: $550,000 
Description: This project will build a 39-unit residential building featuring Universal Design with up to 10 units reserved for individuals with IDD.

The Arc of Benton County - SLLEDD (Smart Living, Learning and Earning with Developmental Disabilities) Location: Corvallis, Oregon 
Grant Amount: $750,000 
Description: The Arc of Benton County will construct two training home units and renovate a community center to equip young adults with IDD with skills for independent living and community integration.

Advocacy Grants

Fair Housing Council of Oregon 
Grant Amount: $275,000
Description: This project will expand access to housing for people with IDD by advocating for policies that eliminate housing barriers. 

Disability Rights Oregon 
Grant Amount: $300,000 
Description: DRO and its partners will implement a leadership training series for self-advocates and parents of individuals with IDD to build advocacy skills and promote systemic change in affordable housing policy. 

The Fairview Trust is committed to promoting community integration and independent living for individuals with IDD. These projects exemplify our mission to create inclusive, supportive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these initiatives will have on communities across Oregon. For more information about the Fairview Trust and our grant programs, please visit fairviewtrust.org. 

Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. In 2023, OCF distributed $225 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org. 

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What: The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is holding a Vigil and Remembrance event to honor the life and memory of our friend and colleague, Melissa Jubane, RN. This event is open to all who wish to join us in paying tribute to her contributions, both as a nurse and as a member of the community, and to join in honoring her memory.

When: 
Monday, September 9, 2024 
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Where: 
Ridgewood View Park 
10001 SW Ardenwood St, Portland, OR 97225 
(Street parking is available or park at Cedar Hills Shopping Center across the Sky Bridge)

Details: 
The Vigil and Remembrance will include brief remarks and a short reading in Melissa’s honor at both 6:15 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a single rose to leave in memory of Melissa. The gathering will offer a space for reflection, solidarity, and support for those grieving the loss of our colleague.

Media Access: 
One of Melissa's nursing colleagues will be available for brief interviews with the press. Please coordinate any interview requests with Scott Palmer, ONA's Chief of Staff, via email at palmer@oregonrn.org.

We kindly ask that members of the media observe appropriate decorum, as this is a solemn event aimed at honoring Melissa’s legacy and providing comfort to those in attendance. 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 20,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

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Vancouver, WA – September 5, 2024 – Pacific Northwest Fundraising (PNWF), a leader in nonprofit fundraising strategy, is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Your Mission Possible. This partnership brings the Blueprint Fundraising Accelerator, a comprehensive 67-step process designed to manage every aspect of year-end campaigns for nonprofits, to organizations locally and nationwide.

As the year-end giving season approaches—a critical period when one-third of all annual donations are made—nonprofits often face the daunting task of creating, managing, and executing a successful fundraising strategy. PNWF’s Blueprint Fundraising Accelerator is designed to take that weight off their shoulders.

“We are thrilled to offer this proven system to nonprofits both locally and across the country,” said Eddie Allen, Owner and Lead Guide of Pacific Northwest Fundraising. “This Accelerator is a game-changer for organizations looking to elevate their impact during the crucial year-end giving season.”

The Blueprint Fundraising Accelerator provides nonprofits with full support to ensure their year-end campaigns are expertly managed. The 67-step process covers all essential activities—from crafting compelling appeals and segmenting donors to tracking campaign performance and stewardship. This allows organizations to focus on what matters most—building relationships with donors and nurturing their mission for long-term sustainability.

“Nearly 50% of nonprofits don't have a dedicated year-end giving strategy in place,” added Allen. “That’s a significant missed opportunity for growth and impact. Our comprehensive approach ensures nonprofits can focus on strengthening relationships while we take care of the rest, ensuring a seamless and successful campaign.”

By handling the logistics, PNWF’s Blueprint Fundraising Accelerator allows nonprofit leaders to save time and reduce stress during this pivotal season. With the right tools and support in place, nonprofits can dedicate their efforts to engaging their communities and inspiring support for their mission.

“We’re passionate about empowering nonprofits to not only meet but exceed their fundraising goals,” Allen explained. “The Blueprint Fundraising Accelerator allows organizations to focus on nurturing the relationships that will sustain their mission long-term, while we ensure the campaign runs like clockwork.”

Nonprofits interested in learning more about how PNWF’s Blueprint Fundraising Accelerator can elevate their year-end campaign are encouraged to reach out directly to Eddie Allen for more information.

About Pacific Northwest Fundraising
Pacific Northwest Fundraising (PNWF) is a leading nonprofit fundraising consultancy based in Vancouver, Washington. With a focus on providing customized strategies and hands-on support, PNWF helps nonprofits build sustainable fundraising programs that empower them to thrive. The team, led by Owner and Lead Guide Eddie Allen, works with organizations to create impactful campaigns that drive growth and strengthen community relationships.

MEDIA ADVISORY

PORTLAND METRO CHAMBER PROVIDES FORUM FOR MAYORAL DEBATE  

Portland Mayoral Candidates Will Discuss Important Topics Ahead of the 2024 Election at the PMC Breakfast Forum.

Live Candidate Debate Thursday, September 12^th at 8:30 am  

WHAT: Candidates will discuss their priorities for the future of the Rose City. Portland Metro Chamber will host a debate between Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez and President & CEO of Titan Freight Systems Keith Wilson at its monthly breakfast forum on Thursday, September 12^th from 8:30am-10am at the Downtown Portland Hilton.

WHEN: Thursday, September 12 @ 8:30am-10am

WHERE: Hilton Downtown Portland, 921 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204

MEDIA: Media interested in attending will have opportunities to film the debate, conduct interviews with candidates and attendees from the event.

RSVP: To RSVP and coordinate interviews, please contact:

Tina Sillers/Director of Media Relations, Portland Metro Chamber/tina@portlandmetrochamber.com

ABOUT PORTLAND METRO CHAMBER Founded in 1870, the Portland Metro Chamber is the older, largest and most diverse business organization in Oregon and SW Washington. The Chamber is the leading voice for business and represents more than 2,300 employer businesses advocating at all levels of government to support commerce, community health and vibrancy, and the region’s overall prosperity.

100 Years of Peace

The Grotto celebrates its 100^th Anniversary this Sunday, Sept. 15.

Since 1924, The Grotto (The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother) has been a place of peace, prayer and natural beauty for all people. The 54-acre sanctuary welcomes hundreds of thousands of people from around the world each year.

To celebrate, the Upper Gardens will be free to all from 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and take a stroll along paved pathways through gardens, shrines and exquisite art … surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. 

There will be a celebratory Mass at 12 noon, outside in The Grotto Plaza. Archbishop Alexander K. Sample will preside.

Additionally, the new Grotto Interpretive Center will open Sunday. Learn about the history of the area, how the sanctuary began, as well as its environmental importance.

All are invited to come and celebrate. The Grotto welcomes people of all faiths, or no faith. It is a sanctuary for the world.