The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is once again joining agencies throughout Oregon in a "safety blitz" to enforce and educate the public about safety-belt and child-seat laws.

The "Oregon Safety Belt Overtime Enforcement Program" continues through Sunday, June 2. It uses federally funded overtime to allow for increased traffic enforcement — with a focus on seat belts, child restraints, distracted driving, and excessive speed.

The statewide effort is organized by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), in partnership with the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association (OSSA) and Oregon State Police (OSP).

Learn more about safety belts and child seats from ODOT at https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/Belts-Seats.aspx

THE STATS: SAFETY BELTS AND CHILD SEATS SAVE LIVES

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2015, seat belts saved an estimated 13,941 people from dying nationwide. From 2011 to 2015 seat belts saved nearly 64,000 lives --  enough people to fill a large sports arena. (An NHTSA seat-belt fact sheet is attached as a PDF.)

ODOT crash data for 2015 shows lack of safety-belt or child-restraint use was a factor in 79 of a total 289 (or 35% of) motor vehicle occupant fatalities.

Motor-vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages 1-12. In 2015, 1,353 children under age 9 were injured in Oregon traffic crashes; six children died.

It's estimated that car seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under 1 year old, and by up to 59% for toddlers ages 1-4. And booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among 4- to 8-year-olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone.

Safety belts, used correctly, can reduce the risk of major crash injury or death by up to 65%. ODOT estimates that at least half of those who died unbelted in 2015 -- 40 persons -- could have been saved if everyone used safety belts and child-safety systems on every trip.

THE LAW: CHILD-SEAT SAFETY

Oregon law now requires that children under age 2 use a child seat with harness in a rear-facing position, unless the child turned 1 year of age prior to May 26, 2017.

A child over age 2 (or who turned 1 year of age prior to May 26, 2017) must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age 8 or 4'9" in height and the adult belt fits them correctly.

Adherence to the law better protects the child's head, neck and spine from potential crash injuries.

HELP WITH CHILD CAR SEATS

For help selecting or installing car seats, consult the seat manufacturer's instructions, your vehicle owner's manual, or visit a local child-seat fitting station listed here: http://oregonimpact.org/car-seat-resources.htm

[END]

Law enforcement agencies across the country commemorate National Missing Children's Day each year on May 25th. This year, the FBI is recognizing three long-term investigations involving Oregon children. The FBI continues to partner with local law enforcement agencies to provide requested assistance and investigative support in each of these cases.

Kyron Horman disappeared from Skyline Elementary School on June 4, 2010. Kyron was 7 years old at the time. Kyron’s “FBI Missing Person” poster can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/kyron-richard-horman.

The FBI's Portland Division is also recognizing two cases involving sisters Shaina Ashley Kirkpatrick and Shausha Latine Henson. Shaina was 3 years old and Shausha was just 2 months old when they disappeared on April 4, 2001. The girls were last seen with their mother en route to Sacramento, California. On April 29, 2001, their mother's body was found outside of Fernley, Nevada, while the whereabouts of the two girls remain unknown. Shaina’s “FBI Missing Person” poster can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/shaina-ashley-kirkpatrick. Shausha’s “FBI Missing Person” poster can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/shausha-latine-henson.

In 1932, the FBI was given jurisdiction under the "Lindbergh Law" to immediately investigate any reported mysterious disappearance or kidnapping involving a child of "tender age"—usually 12 or younger. However, the FBI can become involved with any missing child under the age of 18 as an assisting agency to the local police department. There does not have to be a ransom demand, and the child does not have to cross the state lines or be missing for 24 hours.

Research indicates the quicker the reporting of the disappearance or abduction, the more likely the successful outcome in returning the child unharmed. The FBI is fully committed to support local law enforcement partners investigating missing and endangered children.

More information regarding these children and others missing across the country can be found on the FBI's website. If you have any information regarding a missing child, please contact your local FBI field office or your local police department or call 9-1-1. Tips may also be submitted to the FBI through tips.fbi.gov.

###

Yesterday, 52 year old Michael John Wolfe was taken into custody by investigators from the Salem Police Department in connection with the disappearance of Karissa and William Fretwell.  He was booked into the Yamhill County Jail on two counts of Aggravated Murder and two counts of Kidnapping in the First Degree.  He is being held without bail.

At this time, searchers are continuing to look for Karissa and William in the rural Hopewell area.  Due to the venue of the search and the criminal prosecution taking place in Yamhill County, media is asked to direct enquiries to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office from this point forward. 

The Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and Salem Police Department have no plans to release any additional information on this case unless something of significance develops in the search for Karissa and William.  The next planned media release will take place after Michael Wolfe’s arraignment, which is currently scheduled for this coming Tuesday.

Oregon City man arrested after shooting roommate

At about 3:30 pm yesterday, an Oregon City man called 9-1-1 and told dispatch he had been shot by his roommate, 31-year-old Daniel Craig Wiese, inside their apartment at the Mt. View Apartments, 1840 Molalla Ave.  Officers arrived a short time later.  We were able to determine the victim was in a bedroom.  Our officers and Clackamas County deputies were able to break out the bedroom window and enter the bedroom not knowing were the gunman was.  The officers and deputies were able to evacuate the victim through the window and he was transported to OHSU with life threatening injuries.

The Clackamas County Inter-Agency SWAT and CNT teams responded.  The team deployed gas in an attempt to get Mr. Wiese to peacefully surrender.  During the deployment one team member fired a shot but Mr. Wiese was not hit.  Mr. Wiese ultimately exited the rear of his apartment but was not cooperating.  Less lethal weapons were deployed and Mr. Wiese was ultimately taken into custody.  Mr. Wiese was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and then lodged at the Clackamas County jail.  Mr. Wiese is being held without bail on one count of Attempted Murder, one count of Assault I, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

The Oregon City Police Department along with the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team is investigating the initial shooting.  The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and the Major Crimes Team is investigating the officer involved shooting.

At just after 7:30 pm police and rescue units were dispatched to the intersection of Highway 99 and NE 99th Street on a report of a multiple vehicle accident.  When responding units arrived they located four vehicles involved in the collision.

Occupants in three of the four vehicles were suffering from injuries, and were transported to local area hospitals for serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

Initial investigation indicates that the causing driver was suffering from a medical condition.  The causing driver drove through a red light and collided with the other three involved vehicle's.

The Clark County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit is investigating the collision.

No further details will be released at this time

At about 3:30 pm this afternoon, an Oregon City man called 9-1-1 and told dispatch he had been shot by a known suspect at the Mt. View Apartments, 1840 Molalla Ave.  Detectives have confirmed the men were roommates.  Officers arrived a short time later.  We were able to determine the victim was in a bedroom.  Our officers and Clackamas County deputies were able to break out the bedroom window and enter the bedroom not knowing were the gunman was.  The officers and deputies were able to evacuate the victim through the window.  The victim was transported to OHSU with life threatening injuries.

The Clackamas County Inter-Agency SWAT and CNT teams responded.  The team deployed gas in an attempt to get the suspect to peacefully surrender.  During the deployment one team member fired a shot but the suspect was not hit.  The suspect ultimately exited the rear of the residence but was not cooperating.  Less lethal weapons were deployed and the suspect was ultimately taken into custody.  The suspect was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

The Oregon City Police Department along with the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team is investigating the initial shooting.  The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and the Major Crimes Team is investigating the officer involved shooting.

UPDATE: May 24, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.

Salem, Ore.— 

The Salem Police Department has Michael John Wolfe in custody.

Wolfe is being charged with two counts of Aggravated Murder and two counts of Kidnapping. Final charges will be determined by the Office of the District Attorney of Yamhill County.

Salem Police investigators and other law enforcement partners continue the search for Karissa and William Fretwell in rural Yamhill County.

We still need the public’s help in locating Karissa and William. Please refer to the images previously released. Anyone with information regarding this case should call the Salem Police Department Tips Hotline at 503-588-8477.

# # #

_____

UPDATE on May 24, 2019 at 3:25 p.m.

Salem, Ore.— The Salem Police Department is holding a presser on the Fretwell case today, Friday, May 24, 4:30 p.m. at Salem city hall, 555 Liberty ST SE.

News outlets interested in participating should meet in council chambers located on the second floor.

Outlets who may find themselves delayed in traffic should call the PIO so we can make adjustments.

# # #

_____

UPDATE on May 23, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

Salem, Ore.— The Salem Police Department has developed a person of interest in the disappearance of Karissa and William Fretwell.

Michael John Wolfe, age 52 of Gaston, Oregon, is sought for questioning by the Salem Police Department and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office.

Wolfe is a white male adult, 6’ 2” tall, and weighs more than 200 pounds. He has thinning brown hair and hazel eyes.

Investigators ask the public for help in locating Wolfe. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call the Salem Police Department Tips Hotline at 503-588-8477.

# # #

_____

On May 17, 2019, the Salem Police Department was contacted by family members of Karissa Alyn Fretwell, age 25 of Salem, to file a missing persons report. Karissa’s family told police they had not seen or heard from her or her three-year-old son, William (Billy) Fretwell, since May 13.  

Karissa is a white female, 5 feet 9 inches tall, and weighs approximately 135 pounds. She has blue eyes and naturally blond hair that she dyes red.  

Billy is a white male, approximately 3 feet tall, and weighs approximately 30 pounds. He has blond hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about the case should call the Salem Police Tips Hotline at (503) 588-8477 and leave a message for Detective Jake Burke. If you know where Karissa and Billy are,please call the Salem Police Department non-emergency number at (503) 588-6123.

# # #

Next Wednesday, the Hillsboro Police Department is conducting a pedestrian safety enforcement operation to raise awareness of crosswalk safety for drivers and pedestrians. Motorists must stop and yield to pedestrians waiting to cross or crossing the roadway, and at all crosswalks when a vehicle is stopped in an adjacent lane.

Drivers should give pedestrians space and slow down. It is the pedestrian’s responsibility to stop, look, and listen while at a crosswalk. 

Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 16% of all Oregon fatal crashes in 2017. Pedestrian injury is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children. 

This operation is grant-funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact. For more information, please contact Sgt. Jincy Pace at 503-615-6665.

The Deputies involved in yesterdays incident are identified as:

Deputy Eric Churchill

Hired in 2002

currently assigned to the Police Services Division

Deputy Michael Hudson

Hired in 2003

Currently assigned to the Police Services Division

Further releases will come from the Lane County District Attorney's Office.

On Thursday, May 23, 2019 at approximately 9:45 am, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop involving a stolen Ford F350 truck on Hwy 99 near Milliron. The driver of the vehicle increased speed and deputies pursued the driver southbound on Hwy 99, onto Greenhill Road, Clearlake, and Lawrence before the suspect fled on foot on Dalewood Drive. During the pursuit the suspect rammed occupied Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles and deputies discharged their firearms.

No injuries have been reported.

The suspect, identified as 34 year old Keith Newsome, has been taken into custody.

The Interagency Deadly Force Investigations Team (IDFIT) has been assigned to investigate the incident.

Further information will be provided following the investigation when more facts are known.

MAY 24, 2019

Deandrea Sanders pleads guilty to for causing the death of Anthony Jackson Jr.

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 29-year-old Deandrea Sanders pleaded guilty for causing the death of Mr. Anthony Jackson Jr.

Sanders appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court on May 24, 2019 and pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree with a firearm and one count of attempted aggravated murder with a firearm.

Sentencing will be held June 21, 2019 in Multnomah County Circuit Court with Judge Eric Bergstrom.

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

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

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

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

No additional information can be released on this case pending sentencing.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

On Thursday, May 23, 2018, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies serving the City of Cornelius were notified of an attempted abduction of a 14 year-old female. Staff at Neil Armstrong Middle School contacted deputies after learning that one of their students was grabbed by an unknown male while walking home from school on the afternoon of Tuesday May 21, 2019.

During the investigation deputies learned that the victim was walking home after getting off a school bus. While walking in the area of North 21st Avenue and North Holladay Street, the victim was grabbed from behind by an unknown male. The victim was able to get away from the male and thankfully is not injured.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male, approximately 5’08” and 200lbs, with black curly hair and a full black beard. He was seen getting into an older white van with a sliding door and tinted windows.

Deputies are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the van and identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111.

TO:    All Media

Friday, May 24, 2019

For Immediate Release

House Fire 183 SE 116th Street

At 12:33 AM on Friday, May 24, 2019, Newport Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in a residence at 183 SE 116th Street, South Beach. Upon arrival observed heavy smoke coming from the interior of the residence.

Fire crews made access and extinguished the fire, which had just started to extend into the attic. Crews remained on scene for about 2 ¼  hours overhauling the structure.

Newport Fire Department received mutual aid assistance from Depoe Bay Fire District, Seal Rock Fire District and Toledo Fire Department.  Newport Police Dept., LCSO and Pacific West Ambulance provided assistance. Newport Fire Department responded with 2 fire engines, 1 chief officer and 7 firefighters.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Newport Fire Department reminds you to have a working smoke detector and test it regularly.

Newport Fire Department

541-265-9461

May 24, 2019 – Salem, Ore. – Jennifer Jones and Lowell Hill, both of Hillsboro, have been friends for 40 years. The two friends like playing Video Lottery, and for the first time they both won jackpots on the same day.

“We were out visiting friends and decided to stop to play Video Lottery,” Jennifer said. “We play two separate machines and will share money sometimes.”

Lowell was first to hit a $1,500 jackpot when two friends stopped at a Dotty’s. “I put in $5 and on the second spin playing Big City 5s, I start seeing lights and it’s not sinking in what’s going on,” Lowell said. “It was exciting.”

The couple then went and visited other friends and decided to have dinner later in the day at Elmer’s. While waiting for their meal, it was Jennifer’s turn to win, after she put $5 in and hit a jackpot.

I couldn’t believe it when I won $1,500!” Jennifer said.

Jennifer said she was going to pay bills with the winnings, while Lowell said his winnings were going for a newer car, and  parts for his classic car.

“We had a lot of fun, we should do this more often!” Jennifer said. “The winning that is!”

During the 2018 fiscal year, the Oregon Lottery awarded more than $2.6 billion in prizes and $725 million to state and local programs.

During the 2015-17 biennium, more than $69.6 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement in Washington County, where Jennifer and Lowell live and played Video Lottery. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

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

MAY 24, 2019

Human sex trafficking investigation results in 75 month prison sentence for Christopher Iverson

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Team announced that 50-year-old Christopher Iverson received a 75-month prison sentence for sexually abusing a minor.

Iverson previously pleaded guilty to one count of using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct, one count of sexual abuse in the first degree and one count of purchasing sex with a minor.

By pleading guilty, Iverson admitted that on or between January 22 and January 23, 2018, he knowingly employed a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct; that he subjected the victim to sexual abuse by touching an intimate part of her body and that he paid money to engage in sexual contact with the minor.

As part of Iverson's sentencing, he will be required to register as a sex offender.

This investigation started in January 2018. The Washington County Sheriff's Office, the agency that investigated this case, learned that when these crimes occurred Iverson was 49 years old and the victim was under the age of 14.

Law enforcement learned that Iverson and the victim had communicated over the internet. During that time, Iverson arranged to meet with the victim, which resulted in him sexually abusing her at a condominium in Portland, Oregon.

"We remain fully committed to identifying individuals who seek to sexually exploit the children of our community. The demand for children is unacceptable, and we continue to aggressively prosecute buyers and traffickers, said Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney JR Ujifusa, who prosecuted this case.

Iverson, who is already a registered sex offender, was convicted of sexual abuse in the third degree and unlawful delivery of marijuana after law enforcement learned that he provided drugs to minors in exchange for sex.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office recognizes the Washington County Sheriff's Office for their dedicated efforts working this case.

This case was litigated by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Team, which includes two attorneys, an investigator and a victim advocate.

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

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

Friday, May 24, 2019 – Ridgefield, WA – Police officers are showing up at school libraries—to read books to students.  Union Ridge Elementary School uses the readings as a reward for good behavior, and students are really enjoying the chance to meet the officers. 

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support is a positive reward system used district-wide to encourage and teach positive behavior.  At Union Ridge Elementary School, students earn Tater Bucks tickets when they follow the three R’s:  Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience.  Then students can use the Tater Bucks for prizes and drawings of their choice.  There are also bonus awards an entire classroom can earn, including a recess award, lunchroom award, and library award. 

Librarian Jubilee Roth explained the program with the Ridgefield Police Department.  “I select two classes a month that have shown the three R’s in the library, and they earn a visit from a police officer who reads them a story during library class.”  The students get the chance to meet a police officer one on one, and it also rewards the classes for good behavior. 

The police officers read a story, then lead questions and answers.  The students can ask about the book, information about police work, or even personal likes and dislikes. 

Sergeant Cathy Doriot and Officer Jason Ferriss are working the library beat in addition to their regular duties.  So if you see a police car parked at the school, the officer might be in the library, happily reading Dr. Seuss to a room full of students.   

###

FOREST GROVE -- Pacific University has acquired a touch of silver, earning a silver ranking for sustainability from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education as part of its STARS program. STARS, which stands for Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System, is a program that encourages colleges and universities to benchmark their sustainable practices in academics, engagement and operations.

For Pacific’s STARS submission, the university’s Center for a Sustainable Society reviewed the 2017-2018 academic year, covering all activity on the Forest Grove and Hillsboro campuses and the accomplishments of students, faculty and staff on the Eugene and Woodburn campuses. The new silver ranking is an improvement on the university’s previous ranking of bronze, earned in 2012.

The full report, available on the STARS website, ranks Pacific in such categories as air and climate, wellbeing and work, transportation practices, academic research and campus engagement. Pacific scored the maximum, for example, in the categories of student life, outreach publications and campus biodiversity, among others.

The STARS ranking gives Pacific an important tool to track progress and develop new priorities. And, for the first time in the school’s history, Pacific is eligible to be included in the annual Princeton Review of best Green Colleges in the nation, and the Sierra Club’s Cool Schools. These rankings take a broad view at a school’s commitment to sustainability in academics and operations, and are another way Pacific University is distinguishing itself regionally. Of participating schools in the Northwest Conference, Pacific’s STARS score is second only to Lewis and Clark College’s.

Michelle Larkins, director of Pacific’s Center for Sustainable Society, says the school will complete the STARS audit every two years. “We believe this biennial cycle will help us to deeply evaluate what we are doing, determine priority areas, strengthen our sustainability teaching and research, and continue on the path toward gold,” she said.

                                                                                                                                                                             -pacificu.edu-

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

Please reference CCSO Case # 19-009740

Video of attempted robbery (.mp4 format):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rn6b4qr1ygyefhd/19-009740-SueveillanceVideo.mp4?dl=0

Were you attempting to rob a Plaid Pantry just before 1 a.m. on April 28?

We'd like to reunite you with the hatchet you left at the scene after the clerk responded with a handgun and a 911 call and you fled the scene.

At approximately 12:56 a.m. on Sunday, April 28, an employee of the Oak Grove Plaid Pantry called 911 to report an attempted armed robbery. 

As seen in the above-linked video, a masked robber showed up at a local convenience store on April 28. The suspect looked in store windows and checked the scene before entering the store.

The suspect then pulled a 12-inch hatchet from his pants at the convenience-store counter.

The clerk responded by pulling a concealed handgun, and then called 911 while holding the suspect at gunpoint.

The suspect then placed the hatchet on the counter and reportedly told the clerk, "I'm sorry. I'll leave."

The suspect got on his knees with his hands in the air, then abruptly fled the store. He was last seen running eastbound on SE Roethe Rd.

Deputies responded to the scene and performed a K9 track, but were unable to locate the suspect.

Can you help us ID the suspect and make an arrest in this case?

The suspect was described as follows:

• Hispanic male adult
• Age estimated as early 20s
• Approximately 5-foot-5
• Wearing dark/black jacket with hood, some sort of dark-green or olive ski mask, khaki pants, and dark sneakers with white soles

Video of the confrontation can be found at this Dropbox link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/rn6b4qr1ygyefhd/19-009740-SueveillanceVideo.mp4?dl=0

Photos of the suspect taken from the video are attached.

NOTE TO MEDIA: The clerk is NOT interested in media interviews.

TIPS SOUGHT

Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line -- by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at https://web3.clackamas.us/contact/tip.jsp . Please reference CCSO Case # 19-009740.

[END]

Courtney Tolan has been located and is safe. Thanks for everyone’s assistance. 

After taking public input into consideration, VPS officials will recommend on May 28 that the school board address an $8 million budget shortfall for 2019-20 in ways that preserve direct services to students. But a district advisory group is concerned that the use of one-time money from the state and the district’s financial reserve will result in another large shortfall for 2020-21.

VPS initially projected a total budget shortfall of $16.8 million for next year. Approximately $2.3 million was due to a forecasted decline in student enrollment. District officials said that they would adjust staffing to cover that part of the deficit. A one-time appropriation of $6.5 million in state levy equalization assistance further reduced the shortfall to $8 million.

Over the past few weeks, VPS conducted an online budget survey with more than 1,800 respondents, solicited written correspondence to the superintendent and the board of directors, listened to constituents testifying at board meetings and met with a district advisory group composed of parents and business and community leaders. Based on that input, a preliminary/recommended list of $8 million in potential budget reductions was revised to include mainly cuts from central administrative services and a drawdown of the district’s financial reserves.

The VPS management task force, a longstanding district advisory group chaired by John McDonagh, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and associate publisher and owner of the Vancouver Business Journal, concluded that the final budget recommendations are consistent with the community survey results. Survey respondents showed a strong preference for minimizing the impact of budget reductions on direct services to students.

But the district advisory group noted that VPS is relying on $6.5 million in one-time state levy equalization assistance and $3.75 million in one-time district money from the ending fund balance to close the funding gap.

“The task force supports the final budget recommendations, but we are concerned that the use of $10.25 million in one-time money only pushes much of this problem down the road for a year,” said McDonagh. “We advise the superintendent and his team to identify a sustainable revenue source, including a possible supplemental levy measure, to meet the district’s financial needs in 2020-21 and beyond.”

The final budget recommendations include the following:

• One-time use of ending fund balance, or financial reserves ($3.75 million)
• 10 centrally budgeted teachers on special assignment ($1,266,667)
• 5% reduction in central office/support services budgets ($1.2 million)
• 15% reduction in central office administrative positions ($800,000)
• 5 central office professional-technical positions ($450,000)
• 50% reduction in travel for professional development ($400,000)
• 1 grounds maintenance position ($75,000)
• 1 wing clerk position ($58,608)

The superintendent and his team will present the final budget recommendations to the board on May 28 at a work session scheduled for 4 p.m. in the Bates Center for Educational Leadership, 2921 Falk Rd.

Related: District receives clean audit report

Date:               Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Time:               6:00 p.m.

Location:         Hockinson School District Office

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

NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific

Danielle Kane, Portland Marketplace Manager | 503-833-2301

Dawn Johnson, Eugene Marketplace Manager | 541-514-8697

Tracy Vedder, Director of Communications | 208-519-6922

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife: Michelle Dennehy | (503) 947-6022 | Michelle.N.Dennehy@state.or.us

BBB, OR Fish & Wildlife Warn of Phony Fishing, Hunting Licenses

Online Scam Hooks Consumers With False Advertising 

Portland, OR – May 24, 2019 – For Oregon consumers looking to hunt and/or fish this season, be careful when purchasing licenses as Better Business Bureau Northwest + Pacific has learned of an ongoing online scam pushing out phony licenses.

Oregon Department Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) contacted BBB NW+P to share that its employees have been made aware of at least two people who recently purchased items from the website www.fishinglicense.org after searching online for an Oregon fishing license. BBB has also confirmed two Oregonians filed a complaint and Scam Tracker report against fishinglicense.org just within the last month.

This is not the first time BBB has alerted consumers to this website, but concerningly, the page is still up and running. ODFW and other state fish and wildlife agencies have been hearing about customers mistakenly buying items from this website since 2017.

“While it’s not a widespread problem, it’s unfortunate that even one person would be misled when trying to buy an Oregon fishing license,” said Linda Lytle, ODFW License Services Manager. “This is not the first time we have heard about this and it isn’t just happening in Oregon.”

Fishinglicense.org, which claims to operate out of Coeur d’Alene, ID, has no office. The company operates under the umbrella organization, “Orange Grove LLC”, which claims to help consumers with a variety of services including travel planning, registrations and drivers’ licenses

Within the last year, there have been 20 complaints regarding the company mostly related to false adverting and fraudulent sales. There have also been numerous negative reviews left on the company’s BBB profile, which has garnered an F-rating. It appears representatives for fishinglicense.org have been responding to some of the recent complaints, though BBB cannot confirm at this time whether any refunds have been issued.

BBB cautions consumers not to use any websites associated with Orange Grove LLC, including fishinglicense.org or driverslicenseonline.org. This issue has been brought to the attention of the Federal Trade Commission.

Oregon fishing or hunting licenses can be purchased via the ODFW landing page. Consumers can also purchase a license at one of the sale agents listed on the site. On the website, Oregonians will be guided to the proper licensing processes and procedures for fishing, crabbing, bird hunting and big-game hunting.

For consumers who have purchased a fake license somewhere else, head to the ODFW website for help. For hunters, please note the deadline to apply for a valid license is June 1.

For ODFW, combating this issue is imperative to protect consumers from losing money and to prevent them from going out with improper licenses, which can lead to further problems.

“We would just like consumers to be aware of this issue and not get tricked into buying something when what they really want is an Oregon fishing, hunting or shellfish license,” said Lytle.

BBB NW+P offers the following tips for consumers to protect themselves from online scams:

• Check a site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its URL should start with “https://” and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping cart page
• Shop with a credit card. In case of a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protections; it’s easier to dispute charges. Debit cards, prepaid cards or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card.
• Think before your click. Be especially cautious about email solicitations and online ads on social media sites that bring you to a website. Many sketchy retailers can easily “spoof” an existing website to appear legitimate, when really, it’s a fake page all together.

###

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

Jailine Moreno-Solario has been located and is safe. Thanks for everyone’s assistance. 

On the evening of Tuesday, May 14, 2019, a Clackamas County Sheriff's Office supervisor became aware of allegations of domestic violence that had occurred during a Clackamas County Jail deputy's recent trip to Las Vegas, Nevada.

That employee -- Brandon Kearns, 34, of Oregon City -- was immediately placed on administrative leave upon reporting to work in the morning on Wednesday, May 15. A criminal investigation was immediately launched by Sheriff's Office investigators working with detectives from Milwaukie PD. The Clackamas County District Attorney's Office was also notified and consulted on the matter.

As a result of their investigation, detectives determined there was probable cause to arrest Kearns on one charge of Strangulation stemming from a separate incident that allegedly occurred in Clackamas County in January 2019.

The incidents in Las Vegas and Clackamas County both involve Kearns' ex-girlfriend.

This evening (Thursday, May 23, 2019), Brandon Kearns was arrested and booked at the Clackamas County Jail on one count of felony Strangulation. Bail was set at $100,000. A booking photo is attached.

Detectives continue to investigate the local case, and are working with investigators from Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to investigate the alleged crimes that occurred in LVMPD's jurisdiction.

Kearns has worked at the Jail since September 2008. Once charges are filed by the Clackamas County DA’s Office, his administrative leave will become unpaid, per county policy.

STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF ROBERTS:

"We take all domestic violence allegations seriously. These allegations are being swiftly and thoroughly investigated by our detectives, working with our partners at Milwaukie PD, the DA's Office and in Las Vegas. I urge anyone impacted by domestic violence to contact A Safe Place Family Justice Center or Clackamas Women's Services."

A Safe Place Family Justice Center:
https://www.asafeplacefjc.org

Clackamas Women's Services:
https://www.cwsor.org
24-hour crisis line: 503-654-2288

[END]

Gresham, Ore. – Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 18-year-old woman. Jailine Moreno-Solario was last seen today around 9:00 a.m. after being dropped off at Reynolds High School. Moreno-Solario has brown hair, brown eyes, is approximately 5-feet tall and 120 pounds. Moreno-Solario is having mental health issues and her family is worried about her. She may be in the Rockwood area.

Anyone who knows of Moreno-Solario’s whereabouts is asked to call Gresham Police.

Update

Levi has been located and is safe.

The Vancouver Police Department is requesting the help of the public, with locating a missing twelve year old child. Levi Hand. He is a White male, approximately 4'11 75lbs  with Brown eyes and Brown hair. He was last seen wearing a Red T Shirt Blue jeans and sneakers.  He was last seen leaving home at approximatley one hour ago from a group home. He has no known medical or mental health issues. Has frequented parks around NE 9th Street between NE 112th and NE 137th ave in Vancouver, WA.

Gresham, Ore. – Gresham Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 28-year-old woman. Courtney Tolan was last seen yesterday around 2:00 p.m. leaving her Gresham residence near 162nd Ave. and Glisan St. Tolan has red/pink died hair, hazel eyes, is approximately 5-feet-5-inches tall and 185 pounds. Tolan is having mental health issues and her family is worried about her. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, black pants, and carrying a large white and red purse. There is no known vehicle information.

Anyone who knows of Tolan’s whereabouts is asked to call Gresham Police.

PORTLAND, Ore.—Daniel Stewart Gregg, 67, of Ashland, Oregon, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison and two years’ supervised release for engaging in a conspiracy to traffic Oregon-grown marijuana across state lines.

According to court documents, in 2015, Illinois law enforcement seized a 354-pound load of marijuana originating in Southern Oregon, valued at approximately $885,000. Following the seizure, investigators seized more than $153,000 from the courier’s residence in North Carolina. Further investigation revealed that Gregg had coordinated this shipment and other later out-of-state shipments of marijuana.

On June 8, 2018, Gregg waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.

Gregg has a long history with controlled substances. He was convicted of marijuana possession in 1970 and 1975, of distributing a hallucinogen in 2004 for which he served 15 months in federal prison and of selling marijuana in 2012.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Julia E. Jarrett and Steven T. Mygrant, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.

# # #

After taking first place in the state History Day competition at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., Chief Umtuch Middle School eighth grader Ellie Durgarian is headed to the national finals. Only the top two finishers in each category advance to the national finals. By placing first, Ellie will compete at the University of Maryland in College Park, just outside of Washington, D.C., June 9-13.

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

Durgarian’s winning project was a website titled “The Glowing Dark History of the Hanford Nuclear Site.” Her thesis is that due to the pressures from both WWII and the Cold War, the proper handling and disposal of nuclear waste was not a priority. Consequently, the triumph of ending the war with nuclear power brought with it human and environmental tragedies thatstill impact Washington today.

“I find it exasperating that there isn’t more public outrage about what’s happened at Hanford,” Durgarian said. “By not properly cleaning up the site, the government is failing those who have suffered the worst consequences and public trust has been betrayed repeatedly. In order to have a healthy democracy, people must stay informed, and nothing is going to change unless the public becomes more educated and involved.”

“I am so incredibly proud of Ellie’s accomplishments,” said Chief Umtuch history teacher Beth Doughty. “Ellie is tremendously passionate and cares deeply about those affected by the situation at Hanford, and she is more than deserving of this recognition. I know she’s going to do an amazing job representing Chief Umtuch at the national competition in June.”

Durgarian said that she’s thrilled to be heading to the nation’s capital with her mom, grandparents, and Mrs. Doughty. Beyond the competition itself, she is looking forward to visiting important cultural and historical sites like Mt. Vernon, the African American  Smithsonian, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, and Washington Monument.

“I feel so lucky to have Mrs. Doughty and Mr. Nesbit as teachers,” Durgarian said. They’re both amazing and make history and literature come alive. My project wouldn’t have been nearly as successful if it wasn’t for both of them.”

In addition to Ellie Durgarian’s first place finish, several other students either placed or were the recipients of special awards at this year’s state History Day competition:

• Pleasant Valley Middle School eighth grader Reagan Lund placed fourth in the state in the Individual Website category for his “Battleships at Pearl Harbor: From Tragedy to Triumph” project. Reagan also won the National Maritime Historical Society Award for this project.

• Pleasant Valley Middle School eighth grader Rachael Wyman received the State Archivist's Award for her project, "The Centralia Massacre."

• Pleasant Valley Middle School eighth graders Hunter Dang and Anthony Huynh were the recipients of the Chinese or Chinese American History Award for their project, "Vietnam War: The 1968 Tet Offensive."

• Pleasant Valley Middle School eighth grader Jasdeep Atwal won the Preservation of Archaeological and Historic Properties in Washington State Award for her "Celilo Falls: a Two-Sided Coin, a Triumph and Tragedy” project.

• Chief Umtuch seventh graders Riley Elwess and Sora Tolley received the Ruth Kagi Award for their "Cherokee Trail of Tears" project.

The latest news from Pacific University:

May Commencement 2019: More Than 900 Graduate In Front of Families and Friends            Mother, Daughter Earn Teaching Degrees Together

Pacific Gains Silver in STARS Sustainability Ranking

Pharmacy Students Push Medication Translation App Toward Market

Music in May Grand Finale Concert on Saturday Afternoon Sure to Delight

Pacific Trustees Elect New Faculty, Undergraduate Reps

Boxer Athletics: Track & Field - Brooke France ’22 Wins Women’s Javelin National Championship - First in program history

                                                                                                                                                                             -pacificu.edu-

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

This week the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Team conducted an enforcement operation in the French Prairie area in northern Marion County.  The focused patrol efforts were done during a four hour window on Monday morning and again for four hours during the afternoon commute on Tuesday.  Deputies focused their efforts on dangerous driving habits which are known to contribute to serious injury and fatal motor vehicle crashes such as speeding, cell phone usage and following too close. 

The Traffic Safety Team made 106 total traffic stops while issuing 146 citations and 15 warnings.  Below are some additional notable statistics from the operation:

20 citations were for speeds between 75-90 miles per hour

93 total citations for speeding

17 citations for no operator’s license or driving while suspended

The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to collaborate with Marion County Public Works, the Oregon Department of Transportation and other community stakeholders to promote traffic safety in the community.  The efforts earlier this week were funded by a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

As the holiday weekend approaches, the Sheriff’s Office would like to remind drivers to slow down and to drive responsibly.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Team will be focusing their efforts in the French Prairie area of Marion County on May 20th and 21st during the morning and evening commutes.  The French Prairie area of Marion County sees a heavy amount of commuter traffic along multiple roadways such as Highway 219, River Road, French Prairie Road, McKay Road, Yergen Road, and Ehlen Road.  These roadways have also been the site of multiple serious injury and fatal motor vehicle crashes.

Dangerous driving behavior including speeding, cell phone use, and following too close have been identified as contributing factors to serious injury and fatal crashes throughout Marion County.  During this operation our goal will be to educate drivers about these dangerous driving habits and to enforce violations which are known to result in crashes.

This is part of an ongoing collaboration with our community partners to reduce motor vehicles crashes throughout Marion County.  This operation is being funded by grants provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The City of Vancouver’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program has been recognized as one the Best Neighborhood Programs across the country by Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA), a national, non-profit organization committed to building and strengthening neighborhood organizations.

Vancouver’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program, which tied for second place in the Social Revitalization/Neighborliness category, received the award during a May 18 ceremony at the 44th annual NUSA Conference.  

“This is a great honor,” said Ross Montgomery, Chair of the independent, resident-led Neighborhood Traffic Safety Alliance (NTSA). “The award is a tribute to the NTSA volunteers and to our partnership with the City of Vancouver and the many departments that support community efforts, including Community and Economic Development and Public Works.”

Vancouver’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program explores innovative ways to help residents throughout the city address concerns and raise awareness about traffic speeds and volumes. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to champion projects and become actively involved in the process of proposing and selecting traffic calming projects that provide the most benefit for neighborhoods and community. A hallmark of the successful program is its collaboration between the NTSA and the City.

“Through the years, this program has continued to evolve and improve, reflecting the needs of the community,” said Jennifer Campos, Principal Planner with Community and Economic Development. “We appreciate the support and interest all have shown in making this collaboration successful.”

In 2019, the Neighborhood Traffic Calming program will allocate approximately $270,000 for traffic calming projects. Funding is made available through a combination of resources, including Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) and Vancouver Street Funding Strategy revenues. Vancouver’s Street Funding Strategy, a long-term solution adopted in late 2015, is designed to improve and take care of the community’s street system.

 “The City of Vancouver has worked with the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Alliance for almost 20 years to promote traffic safety in residential areas,” said Department of Public Works Director Brian Carlson. “This award reflects the dedication of NTSA members and City staff to this truly neighborhood-based program. An even greater reward is seeing all the positive outcomes we’ve been able to accomplish together over time.”

Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) is a national, non-profit organization committed to building and strengthening neighborhood organizations. Created in 1975 to share information and experiences used to build stronger communities, NUSA continues to encourage networking and information-sharing to facilitate the development of partnerships among neighborhood organizations, government and the private sector for the ultimate goal of strengthening every neighborhood.

More details regarding Vancouver’s Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program can be found on the City’s website: www.cityofvancouver.us/TrafficCalmingProgram.

Construction begins on May 28, 2019

Salem, Ore. — On Tues., May 28, 2019, the City of Salem will begin widening Brown Road NE from Sunnyview Road NE to San Francisco Drive NE. The project includes building sidewalks and bike lanes, and adds a dedicated left-turn lane at Sunnyview Road NE. The project will also make streetlight, stormwater, and water system improvements. The work is scheduled to be completed by November 15, 2019.

Motorists are asked to use caution and plan for delays due to a northbound lane closure and flagger-controlled delays southbound on Brown Road NE. Motorists should consider alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion such as Hollywood Drive NE or Cordon Road NE.

The improvements are part of the 2020 Capital Improvement Plan. A combination of Federal funds, City bond savings, transportation system development funds, and water rate funds have been allocated for this construction project.

This project adds to the list of ways the City is making it safer to walk and bike in Salem. Other pedestrian safety and bike improvements currently under way include:

• Speed bumps within the Winter-Maple Neighborhood Greenway will be completed by the end of May 2019;
• Pedestrian safety crossing at the Commercial Street SE and Royvonne Avenue SE intersection will be completed by September 2019.

Other projects completed in the past year include:

• New speed signs along the Winter-Maple Neighborhood Greenway;
• Rapid-flashing beacons on Portland Road;
• Stop signs and radar speed signs along Fisher Road NE;
• Stop signs at the intersection of D Street NE and Winter Street NE, and at six intersections along Maple Avenue NE, completing the first phase of the Winter-Maple Neighborhood Greenway;
• Improvements to sidewalks and street lighting on 12th Street SE Southbound.

Contact City of Salem Public Works at 503-588-6211 for more information.

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. — The Regional Forest Practice Committees for Northwest Oregon and Southwest Oregon will meet Wednesday, May 29 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3528 Gateway St., Springfield 97477.

The committee will discuss and receive updates on the following topics:

• Siskiyou Streamside Protection Review
• Marbled Murrelet Rule Analysis Update
• Updates to Smoke Management Rules
• Emerald Ash Borer, Invasive Species
• Implementation Study
• Fish passage Memorandum of Understanding

This meeting is open to the public with opportunity for public comment. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at 503-945-7502.

Regional Forest Practice Committees are panels of citizens - mandated under Oregon law - that advise the Oregon Board of Forestry on current forestry issues and forest management approaches. Three Regional Forest Practice Committees, serving the Northwest, Southwest and Eastern Oregon regions of the state, were created by the 1971 Oregon Forest Practices Act. Under Oregon law, a majority of Regional Forest Practice Committees members must be private forest landowners and logging or forest operations companies.

Oregon’s forests are among one of the state’s most valued resources, providing a balanced mix of environmental, economic and social benefits.  Additional information about ODF’s Regional Forest Practice Committees is available on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s web site: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/RFPC.aspx.

Vancouver, Wash. –  Clark County Historical Museum will kick off its 2019 History Walking Tours with a weekend exploring Vancouver’s Officers Row on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1. This annual and popular series offers Clark County residents and visitors the opportunity to visit several of the area’s most fascinating neighborhoods and city centers.

“Summer is the right time to wander through and learn the stories of people who have lived, worked, and carved out their places in Clark County,” said Brad Richardson, CCHM executive director. “Our history tours are a fascinating glimpse through the windows of time, offering a mix of memories, research, and architectural details.”

Guides will lead up to 25 people for approximately a mile, making frequent stops along the way to view buildings, tell stories, and answer questions. Good walking shoes and balance aids are recommended; terrain varies and consists mostly of city sidewalks.

Most tours begin at 12 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. Saturdays, with each week highlighting a different destination. Details for each event can be found by visiting the CCHM Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cchmuseum.

Vancouver tours highlight the following locations: Officers Row (May 31-June 1), Esther Short Neighborhood (June 6-8), Lower Main Street (June 21-22), Middle Main Street (June 28-29), Uptown Village (July 12-13), Hough Neighborhood (July 19-20), Arnada Gardens (July 21), and Old City Cemetery (July 26-27).

Tours around the county include Downtown Ridgefield (Aug. 2-3), Downtown Camas (Aug. 9-10), and Downtown Battle Ground (Aug. 16-17).

All are welcome on the tours, though they are best suited for those 13 years and older. A reservation is required for all individuals over the age of six, and tours happen rain or shine. Please dress and hydrate appropriately. There are no restroom stops on the tours.

Reservations are $10.00 for CCHM members and $12.00 for non-members. For residents within the Ridgefield zip code, the Downtown Ridgefield tours are free of charge.

To make your tour reservation, visit https://cchmuseum.ejoinme.org/summer_walking_tours. For more information, visit the CCHM Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cchmuseum, or contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or events@cchmuseum.org.

###

May 23, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Health advisory for water contact at D River Beach lifted May 23

Testing shows fecal bacteria levels have subsided

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with marine water at D River Beach, located in Lincoln County. The health authority issued the advisory May 22 after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

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

State officials continue to encourage other recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect. Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call the OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.

# # #

https://bit.ly/2K5hABz

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department // NEWS RELEASE // May 23, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS: Chris Havel, Associate Director // Desk: (503) 986-0722 Cell: (503) 931-2590 // is.havel@oregon.gov">chris.havel@oregon.gov

Christine Curran, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer // Desk (503) 986- 0684 Cell: (503) 510-6226 // issy.curran@oregon.gov">chrissy.curran@oregon.gov

Eastmoreland Historic District Nomination resubmitted to National Park Service, recommends listing

Salem, Ore. Thursday, May 23, 2019 -- The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has resubmitted a nomination to list Portland’s Eastmoreland neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places and recommends it be listed. Following a third review of the nomination, SHPO staff determined fewer than 50% of owners have filed an objection to the nomination. Had objectors been in the majority, the nomination would have stopped. The SHPO resubmitted the document to the National Park Service (NPS) on May 23, 2019.

The nomination document and all materials submitted to the National Park Service are online at http://bit.ly/eastmorelandhistoric.

Applying federal and state laws and rules, the SHPO determined that the total number of property owners is 1,988, with 956, or 48%, objecting to listing the District. An April 3 decision by the Oregon State Court of Appeals held that SHPO could not follow federal guidance to count trusts as owners without first adopting state administrative rules. Since the state has not adopted those rules, trusts were not included as either owners or objectors in the totals.

The State Advisory Commission on Historic Preservation, a governor-appointed volunteer commission of people with interest and skill in Oregon history, first reviewed and recommended approval of the nomination in February 2017. SHPO staff concurred, but were unable to accurately establish the number of owners, and submitted it to the NPS in May 2017 noting this problem. The NPS returned the nomination for further work in June 2017. After a court-ordered delay, the SHPO and Oregon Department of Justice staff worked on ownership questions.

During the SHPO’s second review, four residents in the Eastmoreland neighborhood transferred ownership of their four properties and created 5,000 new trusts, then registered objections for them as allowed under federal guidance for the program. The SHPO resubmitted the nomination in May 2018, noting that with objections from the new trusts, more than 50% of the owners objected to the nomination. The NPS returned the nomination again in June 2018, and directed the Oregon SHPO “to ascertain whether these trusts are valid and whether they have a fee simple ownership in the properties at issue.”

Applying the Court of Appeals’ April decision, SHPO did not count trusts as either owners or objectors under the current review. As an exercise applying federal guidance, SHPO staff also provided a mock count to the NPS that includes trusts, counting the 5,000 new trusts as one single objection for each of the four properties. Even with the trusts hypothetically included as owners, objectors would still have fallen below the required 50% threshold to stop the process.

The NPS will make the final decision about listing the district, and may review and sign the document immediately upon receipt, or may choose to allow additional time for further consideration, at its own discretion. Additional comments may be sent to the National Park Service at:

National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Eastmoreland Historic District, Multnomah Co., OR
1849 C Street, NW (7228)
Washington, DC 20240

Or

By email to ernathy@nps.gov">Alexis_Abernathy@nps.gov.

The Oregon SHPO requests that all correspondence be copied to the office at

Eastmoreland Historic District
State Historic Preservation Office
725 Summer Street NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301

Or

By email to SHPO.NationalRegisterProgram@oregon.gov">ORSHPO.NationalRegisterProgram@oregon.gov

# # #

The driver is identified as Joey Vandenhey (60) of Lakeside, OR.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at approximately 9:45 P.M. Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 101 mile post 223 near Lakeside.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a Ford pickup was traveling on Hwy 101 when for unknown reasons left the roadway and rolled.  

The operator, and lone occupant, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Name is being withheld pending notifications.

OSP was assisted by Lower Umpqua Ambulance, North Bend Chapel, and the Coos County Sheriff's Office.

Since learning of their disappearance, the Salem Police Department has continued to work on locating Karissa Fretwell and her son William Fretwell.  Information gathered during the investigation has led investigators to a property in rural Yamhill County.  Law enforcement officers are searching this property in hopes of locating Karissa and William, or discovering evidence which may lead to their location.

The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office is assisting the Salem Police Department, along with members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oregon State Police, Yamhill County Search and Rescue and other Yamhill County law enforcement entities.  The search is only being conducted by law enforcement and trained volunteers and no additional searchers are needed.

Officials continue to ask for the public's help in locating Karissa and William.  Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to contact the Salem Police Tips Hotline at 503-588-8477.

Karissa and William have been missing since May 13th when Karissa did not report for work.  Karissa has sole custody of William and the two reside in West Salem.

Vancouver, Wash. ??' Mosquito season has arrived. As Clark County Mosquito Control District crews work to control the mosquito population, Public Health officials are encouraging everyone to take steps to eliminate mosquito habitats and avoid mosquito bites.

Earlier this spring, Clark County Mosquito Control District crews began monitoring floodwater areas and wetlands, which are common mosquito breeding areas. Recent sampling at those locations revealed significant numbers of mosquito larvae, with the potential for as many as 8 million mosquitoes per acre.

Over the next several days, the Mosquito Control District will use a helicopter to treat 800 to 1,000 acres of floodwater areas and wetlands. The aerial treatment will occur at 20 to 30 locations between Ridgefield and the area south of Vancouver Lake. Aerial treatment is not occurring in residential areas.

The aerial treatment uses a naturally occurring soil bacterium effective at killing mosquito larvae present in water. Treating larvae as they hatch is more effective at reducing mosquito populations than attempting to eliminate adult mosquitoes.

Clark County residents can do their part to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their property by taking these simple steps:

• Drain standing water from old tires, flower pots, buckets, plastic tarps and wheelbarrows.
• Change water in bird baths, ponds, wading pools, pet bowls and animal troughs twice a week.
• Repair leaking faucets and sprinklers; clean clogged gutters.
• Properly maintain swimming pools.
• Check for containers or trash in hard-to-see places, such as under bushes.
• Report standing water to the Mosquito Control District by calling 360.397.8430 or submitting a service request online.

Clark County health officials are also urging residents to take these steps to avoid mosquito bites:

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.
• When practical, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, socks and hats outside, especially in wooded areas.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents, including those with DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Use especially at dawn and dusk.

The Clark County Mosquito Control District will continue surveillance and abatement activities throughout the active mosquito season, which usually runs through the end of September. Mosquito control crews are also trapping adult mosquitoes and testing certain species for West Nile Virus. While West Nile Virus has been found in other parts of the state, Clark County has never had a positive test result in a mosquito sample.

Saddle Mountain State Natural Area will be closed to public access May 28 – 31 for various maintenance projects in the area. The park is expected to reopen at its usual time on June 1.

Park staff will be working with a contractor to remove a dilapidated garage, repair park facilities and clear debris from the park’s access road and day-use areas.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) hired Warrenton-based Custom Excavating to complete the work, at a cost of $9,000.

More information about Saddle Mountain is on the park’s webpage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2019

Oregon Farm Bureau seeks calendar photos

Oregon Farm Bureau (OFB) invites all photography enthusiasts to enter their best images of Oregon agriculture in the annual OFB Calendar Contest.

Twelve selected photographers will have their work featured as month images in the 2020 Oregon’s Bounty Calendar.

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

“Spring is a fantastic time to look for photo opportunities within Oregon agriculture,” said OFB Communications Director Anne Marie Moss. “Farmers markets are in full swing, fields are blooming, farmers are preparing for summer harvest, and young farm animals abound.” 

Horizontal-format, high-resolution images — both close-ups and panoramic views — are needed of all types of agriculture in all seasons.

Subject ideas include scenes from farmers markets, close-ups of ag products or crops in the field, planting and harvesting crops, panoramic scenes of farmland, people enjoying Oregon-grown ag products, portraits of farmers/ranchers/families, farm animals, state or county fairs, 4-H and FFA events, on-farm festivals, to name just a few.

Photographers with images selected for month pages in Oregon’s Bounty will receive a photo credit in the 2020 calendar, which is mailed to 67,000 Farm Bureau members, and copies of the calendar. Everyone who submits an image will receive a complimentary copy of the calendar ($20 value), provided they include their mailing address.

The deadline for entries is Sept. 15, 2019.

Photographers do not need to be Farm Bureau members to participate and there is no limit to the number of photos that can be submitted.

Photo specifications and contest rules are attached and are at www.oregonfb.org/calendar.

The state’s largest general farm organization, Oregon Farm Bureau is a grassroots, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing the interests of the state's family farmers and ranchers in the public and policymaking arenas. The calendar is mailed to 67,000 members around the state and thousands more are distributed throughout the year. 

For more information and to see previous years of the Oregon’s Bounty Calendar, visit www.oregonfb.org/calendar.

Project contact is Anne Marie Moss, OFB Communications Director, at ie@oregonfb.org">annemarie@oregonfb.org, 503.399.1701.

###

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

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

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

PORTLAND, Oregon – The 142nd Fighter Wing out of the Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Ore., will conduct Memorial Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon.

Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle fighter jets are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the following community locations at, or around, the designated times on Monday, May 27, 2019. 

10:10 a.m. Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Ore.

10:15 a.m. Mountain View Cemetery, Oregon City, Ore.

10:30 a.m. Downtown District, Wasco, Ore.

11:10 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, Beaverton, Ore.

11:15 a.m. Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Portland, Ore.

Additionally, the 142nd Fighter Wing will be conducting a funeral flyover at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham, Ore., at approximately 1:30 p.m. today, May 23.

All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.

The Oregon Air National Guard has been an integral part of the nation's air defense since 1941. 

About the 142nd Fighter Wing:

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

Photo Caption:

An F-15 Eagle from the Portland Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing flies over Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., April 9, 2019. Operations specialists, aircraft maintainers, weapons loaders, and pilots from the 142nd Fighter Wing, Ore. participated in a two-week long Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) purposed to assess pilots and equipment in air-to-air combat scenarios. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Steph Sawyer, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), in partnership with the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) are proud to host the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) in Salem. The class began on Sunday evening, May 19, 2019 and concludes on May 24, 2019

The IACP’s Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) is a 40-hour course, focused on the unique challenges facing women leaders in law enforcement. The course develops current and future leaders and the curriculum focuses on enhancing the business, leadership, and personal effectiveness skills of female leaders.  The class is open to both male and female law enforcement agency leaders.

This interactive program uses senior women instructors and mentors from United States and Canadian law enforcement agencies and operates in an intensive, experiential learning environment. It is open to female and male, sworn and non-sworn personnel serving in supervisory positions, and senior patrol officers aspiring to become supervisors. The week-long class hosted at DPSST’s Oregon Public Safety Academy had 49 participants from 10 law enforcement agencies in Oregon.

The IACP has offered the WLI around the nation and since the program’s inception in 2013 this class has been offered by IACP at more than three dozen locations around the nation and also in Kathmandu, Nepal and Cape Town, South Africa. This delivery of the WLI class is unique as it’s only the second-time a state has hosted the class with all participants from city, county, and state agencies from the hosting state.  Oregon hosted this important training as a state both times, the first time in 2017.

The WLI curriculum includes the following topics: Individual Differences; Emotional Intelligence; Motivating Success; Leading Teams; Organizations and Change; Crucial Conversations and Counseling; Strategic Career Planning; Fair, Impartial & Ethical Policing; Understanding Human Bias; Leadership and Wellness; Financial Management; Networking and Mentorship; etc.

Two seasoned instructors delivered the class.  Miami Beach PD Chief of Staff Wendy Rich-Goldschmidt (former police chief in Colorado as well) and Retired Austin, TX Commander Cathy Haggerty, both members of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute training cadre.

Local women in leadership roles in Oregon law enforcement agencies participated in the program in both panel discussions and as mentors.  Captain Erica Hurley of the Portland Police Bureau, Lieutenant Caprice Massey of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Jennifer Bills of the Eugene Police Department, Chief Kathy McAlpine of the Tigard Police Department, Chief Kris Allison of the Central Point Police Department and President of the Oregon Association of Chiefs Police, Captain Stephanie Ingraham of the Oregon State Police and Captain Ronda Groshong of the Beaverton Police Department.

As city, county, tribal, state and university law enforcement agencies look to fill more than 1,000 vacancies statewide that are expected over the next two years as seasoned employees get ready for retirement we encourage interested applicants to look at www.OregonPoliceJobs.com.

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

TILLAMOOK, Ore. – The parking lot at the Cape Trail trailhead in Cape Lookout State Park will be partially closed May 24-30 because of construction in the area. Visitors will still be able to park in specified sections of the lot and on the shoulder of Cape Lookout Road. Access to the Cape Trail trailhead will remain open during this time.

The lot will fully close May 31; construction crews will be using a crane and other heavy equipment to install a new concrete vault toilet near the lot. Parking on the road shoulder will be prohibited and visitors will not be able to access the trailhead.

The lot and trailhead will reopen with full access June 1.

Cape Trail will be open during the entire project, May 24-31. Visitors that want to hike the trail on May 31 can access it by parking in the day-use lot near the park’s campground, and hike the 2.3 mile North Trail south to where it connects with Cape Trail. A $5 day-use parking fee applies.

More information about the park, including maps, is on the park’s webpage.

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Community College Foundation’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign is receiving its largest gift.

Led by local philanthropists Irving Levin and Stephanie Fowler, The Renaissance Foundation has donated $500,000 to the PCC Foundation’s “Campaign for Opportunity.” The grant focuses on growing innovative workforce development programs at PCC and will leverage additional federal reimbursement to support and grow the SNAP 50/50 Training Employment Program (STEP) -- a statewide consortium of community colleges led by PCC.

“We believe community colleges are a vital gateway to educational opportunity, especially for those with fewer financial resources,” said Fowler.

Levin agreed and said, “PCC has a long track record in developing creative partnerships. We are hopeful that this gift will leverage opportunity in many ways.”

STEP’s goal is to increase college access, completion, and career opportunities for low-income students around Oregon. The funds will go toward hiring additional staff members in STEP to assist students who are receiving food stamp benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It will also boost recruitment and outreach to hundreds of additional eligible students.

Programs like STEP are vital. In Oregon, there are 442,000 adults who are older than 25, don’t have postsecondary degrees, are unemployed, and/or are working for $15 or less per hour.

“Education is the civil rights issue of our time, and the Renaissance Foundation’s generous gift of support for PCC’s workforce programs, like STEP, will help provide a bridge out of poverty for many Oregonians,” said PCC President Mark Mitsui.

Students in STEP have many opportunities to cross that bridge. They can enroll in adult basic skills, career and technical education, and have access to more than 50 career pathways that lead to jobs and degrees. These students also receive holistic coaching and connections to resources that have resulted in a completion rate of 90 percent in programs such as welding, manufacturing, healthcare and others.

“STEP increases equitable student success and economic mobility by connecting students to college programs that lead to living-wage, middle-skill jobs,” said Marc Goldberg, PCC’s associate vice president for Workforce Development and Continuing Education. “This also helps to close the skills gap and meets the needs of industry for a diverse and skilled workforce.”

The Renaissance Foundation was created in 2000 and has provided philanthropic support in Oregon and the United States.

PCC Foundation’s “Campaign for Opportunity” has set out to raise $30 million to support student success by June 30, 2020. The campaign has four focus areas -- scholarships, urgent need, student mentoring and workforce development. To find out more, contact the PCC Foundation at (971) 722-4382 or visit pcc.edu/opportunity

For more information about PCC's STEP program, contact Kate Kinder, director of Career Pathways and Skills Training, at (971) 722-6271 or skinder@pcc.edu.

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

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

KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. – The 173rd Fighter Wing out of Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore. will conduct Memorial Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon.

F-15 Eagle fighter jets are scheduled to conduct flyovers at the following community locations at, or around, the designated times on Monday, May 27. 

11:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park, Klamath Falls, Ore.

11:15 a.m. Eagle Point National Cemetery, Eagle Point, Ore.

11:30 a.m. Roseburg National Cemetery, Roseburg, Ore.

11:45 a.m. Memory Gardens, Medford, Ore.

11:53 a.m. Hillcrest Memorial Park, Medford, Ore.

12:00 p.m. Siskiyou Memorial Park, Medford, Ore.

12:15 p.m. Riverside Park, Grants Pass, Ore.

12:30 p.m. Brookings Harbor Port, Brookings, Ore.

12:40 p.m. Curry County Veterans Memorial, Gold Beach, Ore.

All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.

The Oregon Air National Guard has been an integral part of the nation's air defense since 1941.  The 173rd FW is home to the sole F-15C pilot training facility for the United States Air Force.

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A PET’S LICENSE IS THEIR TICKET HOME

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

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

While happy reunions are the most important consideration, failure to obtain a dog license can result in a $265 fine.  All dogs in the county are required to be licensed within thirty days of residence, whether or not you live in the city and whether or not your dog leaves your property.  While cat licenses are not required, they help the animal shelter reunite families with their feline friends, too.

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

WHY LICENSING IS IMPORTANT

• License tags allow us to contact you as soon as possible--providing you peace of mind, leaving space at the shelter for another animal in need, and saving the community tax-payer money.
• License fees support shelter programs and operations which provides approximately 1,000 animals with food, veterinary care, safe shelter, training, behavior enrichment, foster and adoption services each year.
• License fees support field services and investigations to address loose pets, aggressive dogs, and bite reports.
• License fees allow Animal Services to investigate, seize, and care for animals who are victims of cruelty and neglect.
• Fees support our pet retention programs, including distribution of over 1,000 pounds of pet food from our food bank each month, to help people keep pets in their homes.
• Last year, our redemption rate was over 90% for dogs, well above the national average, but only 4% for cats. Our goal is to reunite all lost pets with their families.
• If your animal is found injured and wearing its license, it is much easier for us to obtain emergency medical attention for him or her and contact you with the details.
• Identification is critically important for your pet in the event of a manmade or natural disaster.
• If your dog is impounded and is current on its license and altered, then the first $30 impound fee is waived (but if they are impounded again, the second impound fee must be paid).
• License fees are an important way the community supports our policy of not euthanizing for space and finding new homes to as many animals as possible.

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore., May 23, 2019—OnPoint Community Credit Union has announced its Educator of the Year award winners. Francesca Aultman was named the K–8 Educator of the Year and Tori Sharpe was named the 9–12 Educator of the Year. Both winners will have their mortgages paid for one full year, and a $2,500 donation will be awarded to their schools for resources and supplies.

The OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education is an annual award that recognizes educators throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington for their exceptional work to inspire students and positively impact their schools and communities. Currently celebrating its 10th year, the campaign has awarded more than $365,000 in prizes to over 275 local educators and schools. 

“Even beyond their direct work with students, inspiring and innovative teachers have a positive impact on our entire community,” said OnPoint Community Credit Union President and CEO Rob Stuart. “We have a rich history supporting educators, having been founded by 16 schoolteachers more than 85 years ago, and the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education is one way we showcase the exceptional work they continue to provide today.”

K – 8 Educator of the Year

Francesca Aultman- 5th Grade; Gilbert Heights Elementary School; Portland, Oregon

Francesca is a beacon of equity at Gilbert Height Elementary. She helps her students overcome their struggles, build confidence and achieve their goals. She has shifted her curriculum to reflect the diverse student groups through incorporating texts such an Esperanza Rising and lessons that are relevant to her students. During the most recent school year, 89 percent of her students passed the SBAC English Language Arts test. She has demonstrated a track record of above-average student growth for both gifted and struggling students. Francesca inspires other educators to do their best work. She also serves on four different school improvement teams and has served as a member of Gilbert Height’s Building Leadership Team, 21st Century Site Council, Student Support Team and as a teacher representative for the Core Literacy Team.

9- 12 Educator of the Year

Tori Sharpe- English, AVID, ELL; Skyview High School; Vancouver, Washington

As an English, AVID and ELL teacher, Tori strives to create mutual respect among her students. She empowers her students to share their needs, assess their own learning and display their knowledge in the way that is best for them. Tori utilizes international exchange, videos, music, pop culture, traditional essays, reading, classroom collaboration and presentations as creative teaching tools. A few of the incredible projects Tori’s students have completed include six-word memoirs, a This I Believe speech unit and a Edgar Allen Poetry Off. She works to build community inside and outside her school by facilitating volunteer opportunities at the Vancouver Bike Parade and Randall Children’s Hospital. She acts as a leader at Skyview through the expansion of the school’s English Language Development Classes, leading professional development on ELL techniques, acting as the girls wrestling coach and implementing family engagement nights. Tori inspires learning and creativity through her teaching.

Educator of the Year Finalists

OnPoint will award $5,000 to the following 2019 finalists and make a $1,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies:

• Nadia Boria – K-8 Finalist; 3rd grade; Scouters Mountain Elementary School; Happy Valley, Oregon
• Joe Minato – 9-12 Finalist; AP Physics I and Science Research; Wilson High School; Portland, Oregon

Circle of Excellence

Six additional teachers have been named to the Circle of Excellence. These educators will each receive a $1,500 cash prize and a $1,000 donation to their school.

• Michelle Colbert – Art, Fir Ridge Campus Alternative School, Portland, Oregon
• Stephanie Fitzgerald – 7th and 8th Grade Math, Colton Middle School, Damascus, Oregon
• Brandon Ramey – Health and PE, Newberg High School, Newberg, Oregon
• Myron Ryan – Metalworking and Manufacturing, Franklin High School, Portland, Oregon
• Kellie Tichenor – 1st Grade, West Tualatin View Elementary, Portland, Oregon
• Greg Wognild – Drama, Coding/Computer Science, Woodshop, Sky View Middle School, Bend, Oregon

2019 Community Builder Award Recipients:

OnPoint also announced the recipients of the Community Builder Award. The following four schools will receive a $1,000 donation to help fund a special school project. One school, selected by community votes, will receive a $2,000 donation.

• Bridger Elementary School – Portland, Oregon – Bridger Scholars Program
• Molalla High School – Molalla, Oregon – Friendship Courtyard
• Prescott Elementary School – Portland, Oregon – SUN School Homework
• Tucker Maxon School – Portland, Oregon – Special Needs Projector/Sound System
• Vose Elementary – Beaverton, Oregon – Ballet Folklorico After School Club

Learn more about the OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education and our winners at www.onpointprize.com.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

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

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Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the volunteer Planning Commission.

This position is for an unfinished term that begins immediately and ends Dec. 31, 2023.

The Planning Commission is a seven-member group that makes recommendations to the council on land-use planning, zoning and development in areas outside cities and about issues such as growth management, roads, public facilities, development regulations and applicable county ordinances.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest and résumé to Alyssa Weyhrauch, Clark County Council, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000. Applications also can be emailed to auch@clark.wa.gov">alyssa.weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov.

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, June 28, 2019.

Today Lyft announced that it will be partnering with Portland General Electric to provide its qualifying electric vehicle drivers with a subscription to charge at all locations in PGE’s Electric Avenue network. Following its launch of Green Mode — a ride option that lets passengers choose an EV or hybrid — earlier this month, Lyft hopes this new offering will encourage current gas-combustion drivers to consider making the switch to an EV.

“We’re thrilled to partner with PGE to provide this service for our EV drivers,” said Nathan Lawless, Lyft Oregon Market manager. “Supporting our electric vehicle fleet reinforces our commitment to a sustainable future and will reduce the amount of emissions created by vehicles on the Lyft platform.”

Lyft will purchase these charging subscriptions and provide them to EV drivers for free. The subscriptions will go into effect on July 1. Drivers with qualifying vehicles will receive an email from Lyft, which will allow them to fill out a brief survey to opt into the program. Drivers will be able to access charging stations in several locations throughout the Portland region, including Downtown Portland, Milwaukie and the newest station in Hillsboro. Having access to these stations will reduce stress for EV drivers, while continuing Lyft’s work to minimize its impact on the environment.

“There is no greater imperative right now than fighting the effects of climate change, which requires addressing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation,” said Dave Robertson, vice president of Public Policy at PGE. “We’re proud to fuel Lyft’s mission to minimize its impact on the environment with a robust and healthy EV charging network, as it aligns with our goal to help deploy electric transportation that serves everyone — regardless of how they choose to move throughout our region.”

This collaboration is another example of stakeholders working closely to electrify transportation to achieve a clean energy future. To learn more about the Electric Avenue public charging network and our sustainability efforts, visit portlandgeneral.com/ev or lyft.com/city.

About Lyft: Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation, and is available to 95% of the United States population as well as select cities in Canada. Lyft is committed to effecting positive change for our cities by offsetting carbon emissions from all rides, and by promoting transportation equity through shared rides, bikeshare systems, electric scooters and public transit partnerships.

About Portland General Electric Company: Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, serving approximately 887,000 customers in 51 cities. For more than 130 years, PGE has been delivering safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. With approximately 3,000 employees across the state, PGE is committed to helping its customers and the communities it serves build a clean energy future. For more information, visit portlandgeneral.com/cleanvision.

On May 30, 1948, the Vanport Flood killed 15 people, left over 18,000 homeless, and displaced a large African American community in what is now North Portland. There is much we can learn from what happened at Vanport as we work to build a more disaster-resilient and equitable community.

Today the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) is hosting an event at Portland City Hall to commemorate the flood's 71st anniversary and to kick off the annual Vanport Mosaic Festival (May 21-June 5). The festival offers several opportunities to learn about Vanport's history, including the Spirit of Vanport Lives On - a full day of tours, exhibits, and screenings at the Portland Expo Center on May 27. Full program details are available at www.vanportmosaic.org.

Local media are invited to attend from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring remarks from Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, PBEM Interim Director Kristine Artman, Vanport flood survivors, Vanport Mosaic "memory activists," and free food from Kashrootz Catering.

• WHAT: Vanport Flood event
• WHEN: Thursday May 23, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• WHERE: Portland City Hall, First Floor (1221 SW 4th Ave, Portland OR 97204)
• CONTACT: Dan Douthit (503-793-1650)

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EUGENE, Ore.—Benjamin Jaramillo Hernandez, 69, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for committing a hate crime targeting St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene in September 2018 and illegally possessing ammunition. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams of the District of Oregon.

“Threats of violence and hateful intimidation will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Dreiband. “As demonstrated by this case, the Civil Rights Division will vigorously prosecute those who violate the right of individuals or entire communities to freely exercise their religious beliefs.”

“Mr. Hernandez used intimidation and threats of violence to terrorize a single congregation, but the harm from hate crimes like this extends beyond the specific individuals or group targeted. These crimes threaten the security, freedom and well-being of entire communities,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “No conviction can reverse the harm caused by Mr. Hernandez, but we hope it provides some measure of justice to St. Mary parishioners and the entire Eugene community.”

“Our right to worship freely and without fear is fundamental to life in America,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Whatever your faith, the FBI and our partners will work to protect your right to express your beliefs and live in peace.”

According to court documents, on Sept. 9, 2018, Hernandez was escorted from St. Mary property following an angry outburst during the sacrament of communion. Five days later, on September 14, a church employee reported to the Eugene Police Department that someone had dispensed pepper spray on the exterior door handles and through the mail slot of the St. Mary office front door. Employees reported burning sensations in their fingers and respiratory distress. A Eugene police officer and FBI agent identified Hernandez in church surveillance footage as the person responsible for both incidents.

On Sept. 16, 2018, Hernandez was again spotted near St. Mary. A witness saw Hernandez across the street from the church when he stopped near the Eugene Public Library and shouted at the witness, “I’ve got something for you right here,” while pointing to a bag he was carrying.

A few days later, on Sept. 20, St. Mary employees reported finding a threatening note and seven 10mm Sig hollow point bullets left in the office. The note threatened the church with “2 MP5s w/ 50 rounds each,” a type of submachine gun. The note concluded: “Eugene is going on the [expletive] map.”

A Eugene police officer again reviewed church surveillance footage and identified Hernandez as the individual who dropped off the note and bullets. On September 21, 2018, Eugene Police arrested Hernandez at the Eugene Public Library. During a search of Hernandez’s person, officers located a partially empty can of pepper spray, three .410 shotgun shells, and thirteen 10mm Sig hollow point bullets. The 10mm bullets were the same brand and caliber as the bullets left at St. Mary with the threatening note.

On Feb. 12, 2019, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with obstruction or attempted obstruction of persons in the free exercise of their religious beliefs and unlawful possession of ammunition.

St. Mary Catholic Church staff and parishioners have reported that Hernandez’s threats have left staff and churchgoers physically injured, frightened, concerned about their own safety and unable to participate freely in the exercise of their religious beliefs. The harassment has not only affected individual parishioners, but the parish as a whole. Multiple members of the St. Mary community have reported that the church has experienced a drop in attendance and in weekly collections after Hernandez’s conduct.

This case was investigated by the Eugene Police Department and the FBI and prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division.

For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to department hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.

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The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in an Executive & Regular Board Business Meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 in the Boardroom at the Parkrose District Office located at 10636 NE Prescott St., Portland, Oregon at the hour of 6:30 pm. The Board will recognize the Parkrose High School Girls Basketball Team and the Associated Student Body. Hear reports from ASB, Superintendent’s office, Teaching & Learning, Technology, Human Resources and the Business office. Take action on consent agenda items and a revised 2019-2020 district calendar. They will report/discuss items of Board Business including regional equity, color caucus, ed foundation, legislative update, graduation and board retreat. Twice during each Regular Board Business meeting time is set aside to hear Citizen Comments, see policy attached to the agenda for further details. The agenda is posted on the Parkrose School District Website at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicAgenda.aspx?ak=1000205&mk=50326258.  

Please also join us for the annual Retiree Recognition from 6:00-6:30pm

Corbett Fire takes delivery of new water tender

May 22, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Advance Directive Adoption Committee meets June 3

What: The first public meeting of the Advance Directive Adoption Committee.

Agenda: Review required work of committee, based on statute; elect a chair of the committee; review advance directive form.

When: June 3, 9 a.m. to noon. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

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

Oregon’s Advance Directive Adoption Committee provides guidance to the Oregon Health Authority on necessary revisions to Oregon’s Advance Directive form. The committee convenes for the first time in the spring of 2019. The committee reviews the Advance Directive form every four years.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Krasimir Karamfilov, 971-673-1222, 711 TTY, or asamir.karamfilov@dhsoha.state.or.us">krasamir.karamfilov@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

May 22, 2018

Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us

CCO Metrics Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meets May 23

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics Technical Advisory Group.

When: May 23, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Five Oak Building, Suite 850, Mary Conference Room, 421 SW Oak St, Portland. Limited space is available. The public also may join remotely through a webinar and conference line at 415-655-0060, listen-only code 383-191-215.

Agenda: Welcome and introductions; updates; TAG input – updated obesity metrics specifications; review stakeholder survey results; Clinical Quality Metrics Registry (CQMR) update, and TAG input on continuous enrollment for electronic health record (EHR)-based measures; adjourn.

Program contact: Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us.

For more information, please visit the committee's website.

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund, 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, or .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Come join us Saturday, June 1 from noon to 2:00 PM for the Community Mural Project at the Salish Ponds Trail - Fairview Parkway underpass. Come leave your mark and help beautify Fairview! This is a hands-on experience, so come prepared for paint. All ages welcome. 

The nearest trail access is behind Target or the trail may be accessed at Fairview Community Park. Directional signs will be posted the day of the event. 

Event is hosted by the Fairview Community Engagement Committee with donations from Sherwin-Williams Paint Store (NE 223rd Ave.) 

Questions: (503) 674-6224 or d@ci.fairview.or.us" target="_blank">leymasterd@ci.fairview.or.us. 

Join us, Saturday, May 25 for the first PlayEast! 5K Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser Event. All proceeds go to provide recreational and enrichment activities for the children and youth in our community, including scholarships. 

The race will begin at Fairview Community Park and will wind through the Village and the trail around East Salish Pond, finishing at the Community Park gazebo. 

To register online visit playeast.org, youth 14 and under run free. If you have any question, would like to volunteer for the event, or would like to donate please contact Jairo Rios-Campos Program Manager at (503) 674-6202 or email at ios-camposj@ci.fairview.or.us" target="_self">rios-camposj@ci.fairview.or.us.
  

MAY 22, 2019

Road rage shooting results in five year prison sentence for Southeast Portland resident 

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 39-year-old Garvin Franklin Jr. received a 60 month prison sentence for his involvement in a road rage shooting. 

Franklin pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

This investigation started on October 23, 2018 when Portland Police responded to reports of a shooting near Southeast 151st Avenue and Southeast Yamhill Street. 

During the investigation, law enforcement learned that the victim and Franklin were traveling through the Centennial neighborhood in separate vehicles. The victim told police that Franklin yelled at him, stopped his vehicle in the middle of the road and then pointed a gun at the victim. 

The victim told police that he heard two gunshots as he accelerated passed Franklin’s vehicle. The victim was not injured. Other witnesses also reported hearing gunshots. 

Officers determined this was a stranger-on-stranger incident.

Law enforcement located a bullet strike to the driver’s side portion of the victim’s vehicle. Police also recovered two shell casings from the scene. A photo of one of the shell casings is being included with this press release. 

On December 28, 2018, Portland Police were dispatched to Franklin’s address to investigate the report of gunfire. Officers located shell casings that were later forensically analyzed. Law enforcement determined the gun used on December 28, 2018 was the same gun used on October 23, 2018.

By pleading guilty, Franklin admits that he was a felon in possession of a firearm and used that weapon during the road rage incident on October 23, 2018.

Upon his release from prison, Franklin will be on 36 months of post-prison supervision. 

This case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau’s Gun Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) and litigated by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Shawn Overstreet. 

#MCDA#

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

PORTLAND, Ore.—Juan Carlos Ramon, 33, of Portland, pleaded guilty today to two counts of production of child pornography after sexually exploiting two minor victims, aged six and eight, using musical.ly, a social media application now known as TikTok.

According to court documents, on or about June 28, 2017, Ramon began communicating with two minors using the musical.ly app. He used the screen name “@lexithetiger” and pretended to be a minor female. Ramon encouraged his victims to play a “Simon Says” type game where he would send sexually explicit photos of a minor female and ask his victims to take and send him photos imitating the positions and acts depicted. The minor victims agreed and sent Ramon a series of progressively more explicit self-produced images. A relative of the two victims later discovered the communications and reported it to law enforcement.

Each count of production of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum, a $250,000 fine, a $5,000 special assessment and a life term of supervised release with a five-year mandatory minimum. Ramon will be sentenced on September 5, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Jones.

As part of the plea agreement, Ramon has agreed to pay restitution to his victims identified by the government prior to sentencing and as ordered by the court.

This case was investigated by FBI Portland’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) and is being prosecuted by Natalie Wight, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations – many of them undercover – in coordination with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The Portland FBI’s CETF consists of agents and task force officers from the Beaverton Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Tigard Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI’s CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering underage victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov/tips.

# # #

Today, Oregon State Police Trooper Nic Cederberg received the National Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor presented by the President of the United States. This is the highest national award for valor a public safety officer can receive. 

Nic was awarded this honor for his bravery shown on December 25, 2016, Christmas Day. Trooper Cederberg, on patrol alone and without cover, attempted to arrest a craven and desperate murder suspect. The suspect engaged Nic in a close quarters gun battle, with our OSP family member sustaining a dozen gunshot wounds and left clinging to life. That Christmas morning, Nic provided us all with the greatest gift imaginable, his determination and will to survive in the face of impossible odds.

Nic, who was a US Army veteran and who was a seven year veteran of the Oregon State Police at the time, has not yet been able to return to work due to the injuries sustained. Nic initially spent 48 long days in the hospital and continues to fight for a full recovery.

“The greatest gift the Oregon State Police has received is Nic’s pure determination to survive. Trooper Cederberg typifies the grit and perseverance of an OSP Trooper, humbly serving with distinction in the face of difficult circumstances. Nic, we love you and honor your service. All of Oregon celebrates your award of the Medal of Valor and the personal story it symbolizes.”- Superintendent Travis Hampton

“I am proud to have our Oregon State Police represented at the White House today by Trooper Cederberg. On Christmas Day 2016, he showed enormous courage in the most difficult of circumstances, and exemplified the kind of service and bravery the Medal of Valor represents. His life and community will be forever impacted by that night, and his experience is part of why I feel strongly that we need more troopers on Oregon’s highways. I wish Nic the best on his continued recovery and congratulate him for this distinguished recognition.” Governor Kate Brown

Every day, public safety officers risk their lives to protect America’s citizens and communities. To honor that commitment, Congress passed The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001 (https://www.bja.gov/programs/medalofvalor/valor.html), which created the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded annually to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life

Portland, Ore.-St. Mary’s Academy celebrates 20 student-athletes from the Class of 2019 who will go on to compete for their selected college/university.  Reception and photo opportunity will be held in the St. Mary’s Academy Commons on Friday, May 24 at 8:00AM.  Coaches, families and media are invited to attend. 

EUGENE, Ore.—Jeffrey Robert Cotton, 45, the former Manager of the Burns Municipal Airport in Burns, Oregon, was sentenced today to 4 years’ probation and 300 hours of community service for stealing thousands of dollars of equipment that rightfully belonged to the City of Burns, by converting to his personal use property acquired through the Federal Personal Property Utilization Program.

The Federal Personal Property Utilization Program is intended to benefit state and local governments and eligible organizations by giving them property the federal government no longer needs at no cost.

According to court documents, between 2014 and 2016, Cotton acquired, allegedly on behalf of the airport, numerous pieces of federal excess property including a heater/air conditioner, commercial lighting sets and various trucks and vans, tractors, and other heavy equipment.

Throughout the acquisition process, Cotton failed to fully inform or notify the City of Burns, its mayor, city manager or city council of the federal excess property obtained on its behalf. Instead, Cotton illegally converted much of the property to his personal use, either by titling property in his own name or transferring the property to Emergency Equipment Solutions, Inc. (EES), a nonprofit fully owned and operated by Cotton.

When confronted with the theft, Cotton lied and misrepresented information regarding how he had obtained the property. Additionally, Cotton signed phony bills of sale falsely representing that EES had purchased the property. Records show thousands of dollars were transferred from EES to Cotton personally.

On April 11, 2019, Cotton pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a local government receiving federal funds.

This case was investigated by the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the FBI, and was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will be providing extra patrols over the Memorial Day weekend to keep impaired drivers off the road.

In addition to the extra patrols looking for drunk or high drivers, deputies will also be looking for drivers that are speeding, following too closely, and distracted drivers using mobile phones or other devices.

This weekend’s enhanced patrols also coincides with the national seat belt enforcement campaign “Click It or Ticket” involving law enforcement agencies across the nation.

During holiday weekends, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office typically responds to numerous traffic-related incidents that could have been avoided.

Deputies would like to remind the public to designate a sober driver, slow down, avoid distractions, and allow adequate following distances.

This weekend’s enhanced patrols are in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like everyone to have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

The results of the enhanced patrol will be provided after the holiday weekend.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is seeking applicants for one open position on its Commission on Aging. The commission manages and implements the county’s Aging Readiness Plan and fosters countywide awareness, dialogue and insight into challenges and opportunities for residents of all ages, incomes and abilities.

The term would be three-years beginning immediately and continuing through May 31, 2022. This is an at-large position. Residents from all areas of Clark County are encouraged to apply.

The county is looking for people with an interest in issues and advocacy for older adults, related to: housing; transportation/mobility; supportive services; healthy communities; and community engagement, which are the five elements of the Aging Readiness Plan. The county also is looking for applicants who can bring ethnic, cultural and social diversity to the group.

The commission will focus on healthy communities in 2019 and will explore how the built environment can provide opportunities for better physical and mental health for all ages.

The commission meets 3-6 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Additional meetings may require an extra 10 hours per month.

Applicants should submit a résumé and letter of interest to Alyssa Weyhrauch, County Manager’s Office, at auch@clark.wa.gov">Alyssa.Weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov. Applications also may be mailed to P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000.

Submission deadline is 5 pm Friday, June 14.

The Aging Readiness Plan covers access to housing, transportation, a variety of lifestyles, support services and civic or social engagement. For more on the plan and commission, see www.clark.wa.gov/aging.

The Educational Service District 112 communications team was awarded nearly two dozen state public relations, marketing, graphic design and website awards, including four “Best in Category” winners at the Washington School Public Relations Association’s (WSPRA) awards program.

ESD 112 received more awards than any other single award winner this year. More than 180 award recipients received state recognition for creative and effective work in district and education communications. The awards program is broken into two divisions: districts with more than 10,000 students and districts with fewer than 10,000 students.

ESD 112 provides communication services for many small school districts that would not otherwise have the resources for a communications program.  Among the 18 awards ESD 112 received, 14 were projects for schools districts with fewer than 10,000 students.

“One of our primary goals at ESD 112 is to equalize education opportunities,” said ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino. “Our communications team and their award-winning work for small districts clearly demonstrates this commitment.”

ESD 112's award-winning work supported the following districts and entities:

• Schools across the state implementing changes to school funding as a result of the McCleary decision (in collaboration with Puget Sound ESD)
• Battle Ground School District
• Camas School District
• Cascadia Tech Academy
• Chehalis School District
• Ellensburg School District
• Ferndale School District
• Hockinson School District
• Kelso School District
• Longview Public Schools
• Washougal School District

The full list of ESD 112 awards and winning entries are available on the ESD 112 website. 

PORTLAND, Ore.—Quan Jiang, 30, a Chinese national and former engineering student at Linn Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods, specifically fake and altered Apple iPhones. Jiang would import the counterfeit devices from Hong Kong and submit them to Apple in exchange for genuine warranty replacement phones to be sold on the Chinese market.

“Counterfeiting undermines commerce and inevitably leads to increased prices for goods enjoyed by millions of consumers,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “The investigators who worked this case and others like it provide an invaluable public service to American companies, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike in preserving a competitive market free of criminal interference.”

“Individuals who deal in counterfeit goods would have you believe that these are victimless crimes,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle. “Do not be fooled, they’re not. Not only do they hurt the economy and legitimate businesses, but they also impact consumers directly. HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to fight counterfeiting across all industries.”

According to court documents, between January 1, 2016, and February 1, 2018, Jiang would regularly receive packages containing between 20 and 30 counterfeit iPhones from associates in Hong Kong. Using various assumed names, Jiang would submit each iPhone to Apple individually in person or online for a warranty replacement; he would then ship the genuine replacement devices he received back to China for resale. In exchange for his service, Jiang’s associate would pay Jiang’s mother, also residing in China, who would in turn deposit the money into Jiang’s bank account.

Jiang later admitted to investigators that he knew the devices were counterfeit and that it was illegal to submit them to Apple as genuine products still under warranty. In just over two years, Jiang imported more than 2,000 inoperable counterfeit iPhones. He ultimately obtained approximately 1,500 genuine replacement iPhones, each with an approximate resale value of $600.

Jiang faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a $2,000,000 fine or twice his proceeds, whichever is greater, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 28, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Anna J. Brown.

As part of the plea agreement, Jiang has agreed to pay $200,000 in restitution to Apple.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and prosecuted by Ryan W. Bounds, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

# # #

May 22, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Health advisory issued May 22 for water contact at D River Beach

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at D River Beach, located in Lincoln County.

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

https://bit.ly/2Hvf99v

Firefighters from Clark County Fire and Rescue and Clark County Fire District 6 battled a smokey shop fire this morning about one mile northwest of the Clark County Fairgrounds. The blaze was first reported shortly after 8 this morning at 18218 NW 28th Avenue, Ridgefield. A black plume of smoke was visable a mile away from the blaze, which appeared to start in a shop housing lawnmowers, propane tanks, and other materials. Fire engines from Clark County Fire District 6 arrived and because of the property's rural location was assisted by water tenders from Clark County Fire and Rescue. About 15 firefighters extinguished the blaze within 20 minutes. Two nearby RV's sustained heavy damage from the fire, but a nearby home was untouched. The Clark County Fire Marshall's office is investigating and will be reporting the cause and damage estimate of the fire. The following link provides video and still images at the end that were taken by Clark County Fire District 6. Media has full right to use images.      https://youtu.be/yqwi7GlIwIA

Hundreds of artists from 11 Oregon counties participated in the Oregon Health Authority’s statewide art contest for middle school students. Designs from three Marion County youth were chosen among the top 12 to be featured in the 2020 Problem Gambling Awareness calendar. The calendar contest is held annually during March – Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Walea Tombleson, a 7th grade student from Claggett Creek Middle School in Keizer, was awarded the top state prize and will see her work featured on the cover of the calendar. Artwork from 7th grade students Kelsey Schauer from Whiteaker Middle School in Keizer and McKenna Morales from Waldo Middle School in Salem will be featured in the calendar as well.

The state estimates that about 1-in-37 youth ages 10 to 18 and 1-in-13 adults may have a potential gambling problem. As with alcohol or drug use, problem gambling can turn into an addiction. A person with a gambling disorder is at higher risk of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, relationships with loved ones can suffer. Although most youth do not participate in gambling activities and most adults do not have a gambling problem, it is important for everyone to know it is an activity that carries risk. Free help and treatment is available by calling 1-877-MYLIMIT.

Eighty-five middle school students from Keizer, Salem, Mt. Angel, Jefferson, and Sublimity used these concepts to create their artwork. Marion County awarded prizes for the top five entries that moved on to the state contest and included their artwork on awareness posters. These included the three state award winners, as well as Jarrod Kohler, Marion County’s top prize winner, from Whiteaker Middle School and Emmanuel Sandoval from Mt. Angel Middle School.

Printing and distribution of the 2020 calendar is scheduled for fall 2019. For more information about problem gambling prevention or to request a free calendar or awareness poster, please contact Michael Keuler, Marion County Health & Human Services, at (503) 576-2867 or visit www.co.marion.or.us/HLT/PH/PS/gambling/. 

May 22, 2019 - Salem, Oregon – For the 11th consecutive year, the Oregon Lottery has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The award is presented each year by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Oregon Lottery received the award for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, watershed enhancements, veteran services and Outdoor School.

###

At 3:27 AM on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, Newport Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in the second story of an apartment on NE 60th Street. Upon arrival observed fire coming out of the back deck area of a corner unit.
Fire crews made access and extinguished the fire, which had just started to extend into the attic. The adjacent unit was checked for damage. There was some water damage to this unit and the unit below the fire. Crews remained on scene for about 2 ½ hours overhauling the structure. Residents from 4 units were displaced and are being sheltered by the Red Cross. One resident was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Newport Fire Department received mutual aid assistance from Depoe Bay Fire District, Seal Rock Fire District, Toledo Fire Department and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue. Newport Police Dept. and Pacific West Ambulance provided assistance. Newport Fire Department responded with 2 fire engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 chief officer and 10 firefighters.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Newport Fire Department reminds you to have a working smoke detector and test it regularly.

The small town of Union, Oregon hasn’t had a local financial institution since the banks left town in 2012.

TIGARD, OR — (May 21, 2019) Old West Federal Credit Union has new friends in Union Oregon – a lot of them! 

The N.E Oregon-based, $172 million asset sized, credit union opened a branch in Union this month, a community that has not had a local bricks and mortar financial institution since Community Bank and Umpqua Bank left town seven years ago.

“The 2,000 people who live, farm, and own businesses in Union have been driving almost 30 miles round trip every time they need cash or need to make deposits,” said Ken Olson, Old West FCU President and CEO. “Now they have their own, local credit union. We’re so honored to bring financial services back to Main Street.”

He means that literally. The new branch is located at 539 Main Street. Old West purchased a former Community Bank branch building, remodeled it, and had a “soft launch” in early May.  The Grand Opening is scheduled for May 23, and Union residents and business owners are already welcoming their new Credit Union with open arms!

“In anticipation of Old West opening the branch here in Union, we opened several accounts at the La Grande branch,” said Charlie Morden, owner of the Historic Union Hotel. “It really does make life easier for us.”

Old West FCU’s commitment to Union is in alignment with the findings of an independent analysis by ECONorthwest, detailing Oregon credit unions’ $1.8 billion impact. The report, released early in 2019, documented how credit unions are financial services partners to consumers in both large metropolitan areas, and in small rural communities where out-of-state, for-profit financial institutions have closed branches.

Wait. There’s more.

With the opening in Union, Old West FCU now serves more than 12,000 members through a network of eight branches.

In each of the communities they serve, the credit union gives each full-time employee eight hours per month to volunteer. Employees donated more than 900 hours to volunteer for community organizations in the first quarter of this year alone.

“Good things happen because great people like Old West’s team members are willing to get involved,” said Bob Kavanaugh, VP, Business Development and Member Engagement. “They’re living our Power of Community brand, day in and day out.”

                                                                              <END>

The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing over 180 not-for-profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 7.3  million consumer members. Those members are served by a professional workforce of 18,700 professionals. According to an independent analysis by economists at ECONorthwest, Northwest credit unions drove a positive economic impact of $7.8 billion last year. For information on how to join a credit union, please visit: https://yourmoneyfurther.com

The Centennial School District Governing Board will meet Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in the district office board room - 18135 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, OR 97236. Agenda items of interest include reports from principals of Parklane Elementary School and Centennial Transition School. 

An executive session will follow the the regular meeting under ORS 192.660(2)(i) to review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer (superintendent).

Representatives of the news media and designated staff shall be allowed to attend the executive session.  All other members of the audience will be asked to leave the room.  Representatives of the news media are specifically directed not to report on any of the deliberations during the executive session, except to state the general subject of the session as previously announced. 

To view the agenda and accompanying documents please follow this link: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicMeetingMaterials.aspx?ak=1001533&mk=50311226 

Please contact Pamela Jordan, Board Secretary, at dan@csd28j.org">pamela_jordan@csd28j.org OR 503-762-3601 for more information.

This evening, TVF&R voters approved Measure 34-286 which allows the Fire District to continue levying 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation for another five years. The current levy expires in June 2020. For a residential property assessed at $300,000, about the average in TVF&R’s service area, the cost of the local option levy will be about $135 per year or about $11.25 a month.

The levy funds 92 of 432 firefighter and paramedic positions as well as several staff positions that support operations. Levy funding will also be used to purchase land for future fire stations, fire hose, firefighting tools, and medical equipment to ensure effective emergency response.

“We are so grateful for this show of support from our community. We know that our residents often have to make tough decisions about how their money is spent, so we don’t take their support for granted,” states Fire Chief Mike Duyck. “Our community has consistently told us that their top priority for TVF&R is fast and effective emergency response. We will continue to use their investment wisely to fulfill this commitment.”

Voters also chose representatives to serve on TVF&R’s board of directors. Incumbent Randy Lauer was selected for Position 4 and Justin Dillingham was selected for Position 5 to replace Brian Clopton who has served on TVF&R’s board since 1998. Board members set policy and serve on the budget committee. All TVF&R board positions are at large, which means that they are not assigned to represent a specific geographic area of the district. They are simply required to reside or own property in TVF&R’s service area.

In anticipation of Wednesday’s City Council session on the proposed budget, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty will be offering several budget amendments on several community priorities, including:

1. Increase Portland Parks & Recreation funding to avoid layoffs through a one-time one-year freeze of cost of living increases (COLA) for all non-represented City employees, including Commissioners; or
2. Increase Portland Parks & Recreation funding to avoid layoffs through a one-time reduction in Portland Police Bureau’s vacancy savings and reduction in the Body Worn Camera Program
3. Eliminate the Police Bureau’s Gun Violence Reduction Team (formerly Gang Enforcement Team) and transferring officers to patrol
4. Increase funding for Portland Fire & Rescue, Portland Housing Bureau, and Office of Community & Civic Life

City Council will be convening two sessions on Wednesday, May 22nd: 9:30am – 1:00pm, and 2:00 – 5:00pm. While the city budget will be discussed during the afternoon session, Commissioner Hardesty notes the morning council vote on cost of living increases will affect the afternoon budget discussion.

Commissioner Hardesty proposes to move the wage increase agenda item to the afternoon council session with the intention of introducing one of the two options to save Parks & Recreation jobs: one-time wage increase freeze for Non-represented city staff.  Should the item not be moved to the afternoon session budget discussion, she will be forced to vote ‘no’ on a wage increase for commissioners, their offices, and other non-represented city employees.

Her other proposed option is to avoid Parks & Recreation layoffs by re-appropriating police hiring vacancy savings and body camera program funds.

On the proposal to fund Parks & Recreation through a one-time wage increase freeze, Commissioner Hardesty says, “Our budget is a moral document, and in no way can I vote yes for a raise at the expense of 56 people’s lives. There is fundamental issue if council votes to increase our own wages, at the same time when 56 people are slated to lose their jobs. Although I know that there are many hard working city employees that deserve this increase, many of these increases live at the higher end of the city’s salary scale – while these layoffs live at the bottom.”

In her amendment to defund the Gun Violence Reduction Team and move those officers to patrol, Hardesty says, “From small business owners to community members, many have made clear their concerns in police response time due to the force being stretched thin. If the team is not effective in meeting its stated purpose but exists at the community’s expense, I say it’s time for it to be defunded and officers move back to patrol, where they’re most needed.”

She continues, “in addition to filling a need of putting more officers back on patrol, the City Auditor’s 2018 audits confirmed what many community members suspected: the team conducts its work by profiling communities of color, especially the African American community. More concerning though, is that the Auditor found that not only were the team’s tactics ineffective in reducing crime, but it did a poor job of record-keeping to explain why their traffic stops disproportionately targeted African Americans.

Just this week the City Auditor published a follow-up to the 2018 report and concludes ‘substantial work remains’ in documenting reasons for stops and showing the effectiveness of those stops."

Commissioner Hardesty will be available immediately for press following the afternoon council session for thirty minutes in front of council chambers.

May 21, 2019

What: A hearing to take public comments on Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division’s proposal for the use of funds from the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant.

Agenda: Review of Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant proposal for October 2019 through September 2020. Public comment will be taken. Draft proposal will be posted at http://www.healthoregon.org/lhd.

When: June 4, 11-11:30 a.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 915, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland. A call-in option is available for remote attendance. Conference call number is 877-873-8017, participant code 767068#.

Program contact: Danna Drum, 503-957-8869, um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us

# # #

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

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

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

http://bit.ly/2Hw7XtV

Sheriff Chuck Atkins is pleased to announce the Clark County Corrections Branch and partner agency Columbia River Mental Health Services have been selected to present two presentations at the 2019 Crisis Intervention Team International Conference in Seattle, WA August 26-28, 2019.

Presentations entitled “CIT for Corrections: In-Custody Risk Avoidance” and “Medication Assisted Treatment in Clark County Jail” will be paneled by Corrections Staff and members of our partner agencies. 

Both presentations highlight coordination with the jail’s Reentry Program.  Started in 2014, the Reentry program offers a range of in-custody services through community partnerships including Medicaid sign up, housing assessments, chemical dependency assessments, sober supports, peer mentoring, education, employment and more. 

CIT International, Inc. is a nonprofit membership organization whose primary purpose is to facilitate understanding, development, and implementation of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs throughout the U.S. and worldwide in order to promote and support collaborative efforts to create and sustain more effective interactions among law enforcement, mental health care providers, individuals with mental illnesses, their families, and communities and to reduce the stigma of mental illness.  http://www.citinternational.org

This afternoon shortly before 3 p.m. firefighters with Clark County Fire District 6 were called to Bortolamis Pizza to a report of a car into a building.

When they got to 9901 NE 7th Avenue in Hazel Dell they indeed found a car inside the pizza restaurant and a woman pinned between the car and a counter.

The driver reportedly mistook the gas pedal for the brake while attempting to park in front of the restaurant. One patron suffered slight injuries. Firefighters were able to get the car into neutral and roll it back, freeing the other customer. She was transported to Legacy Salmon Creek hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Electrical power has been restored to the building and there are no further traffic restrictions in the area. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash and will have any additional information.

Just before 3pm on Weds May 15th PF&R crews were sent to a reported house fire at the 4100block of N. Foss Ct. The first arriving crews found heavy fire and smoke showing from all windows of a 2 story addition to a previously built home. The addition appeared to be in the construction phase and was heavily damaged by fire and smoke. One adult male was home at the time but was able to make it out safely. Thankfully no one was injured in this fire as firefighters performed an interior attack of the fire preventing spread to the established part of the home. Investigators were called to the scene from the PF&R Arson Investigation Unit and after a close look at the evidence at the scene they have determined that this fire was in fact arson.

The Arson Investigation Unit is soliciting your help. If you live in or happen to be in the neighborhood of this fire when it happened and have any information that may help investigators please call our tip-line at 503-823-INFO (4636).

A short video of the fire as crews first arrived can be seen by clicking the following link: 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2bpclv19x619ii7/Video%20May%2015%2C%203%2016%2004%20PM.mov?dl=0

SW Washington’s 24-hour online giving marathon set for September 19, 2019

Vancouver, Wash., May 21, 2019— The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington hosted more than 75 nonprofit representatives at a launch party last week to announce plans for its sixth-annual Give More 24! This online giving event is designed to create awareness and raise funds for nonprofits that serve Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties. Organizations can sign up to participate at GiveMore24.org before the June 28, 2019 registration deadline.

Over the past five years, Give More 24! has empowered local nonprofits to raise more than $4.5 million dollars in online donations from generous individuals. The online giving day runs from midnight to midnight each year and encourages southwest Washington residents to support their favorite causes by donating to any of the participating nonprofits. Last year, 155 organizations participated and encouraged donors to help them win prizes and fulfill matching funds. By midnight, contributions exceeded $1.3 million thanks to 3,697 donors.

Area nonprofits can learn more about how to participate in the 2019 event by visiting the event website at GiveMore24.org before Friday, June 28. Many local nonprofits have found great success from participating in past years. Clark County Food Bank raised more than $19,600 dollars during the 2018 event to alleviate hunger and its root causes in our community.

“As a nonprofit who has participated in Give More 24! from the very beginning, we LOVE the community connection that this event provides,” said Alan Hamilton, President of Clark County Food Bank. “It feels like our entire community rallies together to support all of our local causes, organizations, and missions.”

Once registered, nonprofits can invite their supporters to make tax-deductible gifts via the website’s secure donation form during the 24-hour period on Thursday, September 19. The giving day website will tally donations in real-time so that everyone can watch the dollars add up and cheer on their favorite cause. Social media has been a driving force in garnering support for causes, and GiveMore24.org provides the opportunity for donors to easily post messages in support of their chosen charities, asking friends and family to pitch in and give back as well. This year, the website will also feature business fundraising pages, empowering local businesses to support nonprofits and engage their employees to participate.

Give More 24! was created by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington as a local “giving holiday” that brings attention to the charitable needs of our region and the nonprofits addressing them. In that spirit, every gift given during this event will stay local, because each of the participating nonprofits serves Clark, Cowlitz or Skamania Counties. Give More 24! is a simple, fun and rewarding way for residents to give.

This event would not be possible without the continuous support of our Presenting Sponsor, Davidson & Associates Insurance representing PEMCO Insurance. “As a local business, we are committed to the mission of bettering our community,” said Emily McCoy, Digital Marketing Coordinator for the organization. “That mission is heard loud and clear when remarkable nonprofits band together during Give More 24! to achieve this goal one conversation, one donation and one step at a time.”

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps southwest Washingtonians build a more vibrant community by inspiring investments in local philanthropy. The Foundation holds more than 300 distinct funds, which are actively invested to generate growth and income for granting purposes. Governed by an esteemed volunteer board, the Community Foundation offers benefits and services to donors, nonprofits and the community at large. Learn more at www.cfsww.org.

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(Hillsboro, Oregon) On May 20, 2019, the Joint Water Commission (JWC) donated twenty life jackets to the Safe Kids of Washington County Coalition, a child safety focused program that is led by the Hillsboro Fire & Rescue Department.  These life jackets will be located at Hagg Lake kiosks for visitors to borrow during recreational activities on the water. 

Safe Kids Washington County provides the loaner life jackets each summer in an effort to prevent drowning accidents from occurring. 

Area citizens have contributed both cash and children’s life jackets to support the effort.  Citizens interested in donating new or serviceable used life jackets to the program can drop them at any fire station in Washington County.

Safe Kids Washington County, led by Hillsboro Fire Department, is a coalition of citizens and public safety educators whose mission is to reduce unintentional injuries and deaths in children ages 0-18 years.

Safe Kids Washington County urges parents to:

• Keep your eyes on your children at all times when they are near or in the water
• Stay within arm’s reach of very small children when they are near or in the water
• Have your children wear U.S. Coast Guard – approved life jackets in and around open water.
• Watch your children even if they have had swimming lessons
• Have adults take turns being the “water watcher” when with a group of adults and children
• Learn swimming and safety skills, like Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation also known as CPR
• Have a cell phone with you when children are swimming.  However, refrain from texting or talking while supervising children in swimming areas.

For more information on fire and life safety information, visit www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/fire or call 503-681-6166.

It’s called the “Do Your Best Today” scholarship and is named after Taylur DeWolf, a former Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) student who always strived to help others and to do her best as well.

“The name of the scholarship comes from something we talked about in our home and encouraged her to do,” said Harry DeWolf, Taylur’s father and MHCC instructor. “‘Just do your best today. You may not always feel fully prepared or feel 100 percent, but just do your best. Don’t give up on your plans, don’t quit on yourself, and always finish strong.’”

Taylur passed away in a tragic accident in 2012 while snowboarding on Mount Hood with friends. Her parents created the endowed scholarship in her memory and to encourage others to do well.

“She always liked helping people,” described her father. “She could always tell when a person needed words of encouragement or a hand on his or her shoulder.”

Growing up in Sandy, Taylur volunteered frequently within her community. She tutored elementary school students, participated in church missions, and completed volunteer projects with her Girl Scout troop. In 2007 she was selected as a member of the Sandy Mountain Festival’s Queen’s Court in recognition of her community service. She loved Sandy, even winning a national Fujifilm photojournalism award for her work chronicling the construction of a new disabled veterans’ home in 2010.

“She would have wanted us to help others, to give others this opportunity,” said Grettel DeWolf, Taylur’s mother. “This new scholarship will ensure that she continues to make a difference in the lives of many more deserving and hard-working students in the pursuit of their goals.”

There’s no doubt that Taylur made a difference. Now thanks to her parents, Taylur’s drive to do good and help others, will live on in perpetuity through this scholarship.

You can learn more about scholarships available from the MHCC Foundation at mhcc.edu/Scholarships.

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On May 20, 2019, a Washington County jury found Todd Allen Wymer guilty of First-Degree Sodomy, Second-Degree Sex Abuse and three counts of Luring a Minor. Deputy District Attorney Chris Lewman prosecuted the case against Wymer in Judge Ricardo Menchaca’s courtroom.

The victim in this case was known to Wymer and was just 14-years-old when he began grooming her to be sexually abused. The victim told investigators that Wymer would give her alcohol, marijuana and other drugs and ordered her to keep this arrangement a secret from others.

Eventually, Wymer began withholding these items unless the victim agreed to engage in sexual conduct with him. That abuse began with kissing and touching but quickly escalated.

The victim first made a disclosure of abuse in 2011. At the time, Wymer admitted to the drug use but denied any sexual abuse occurred. The victim then moved out of state and indicated she did not want to move forward with the case.

In 2017, the victim contacted King City Police once again. She reported she was suffering from the trauma of the abuse and was ready to pursue charges against Wymer. Her testimony proved vital in securing a conviction against him.

This case demonstrates the complexity and difficulty associated with prosecuting crimes involving sexual abuse. These cases can be especially challenging to prove and often times victims are not able or ready to proceed right away. We commend the victim in this case for coming forward and showing the courage to confront her abuser in court.

The Washington County District Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the investigative work on this case by King City Police Chief Ernest Happala and Officer Shelby Thatcher.

Sentencing is set for July 10, 2019. Wymer will remain in custody until that time.

MAY 21, 2019

Hate crime indictment filed against Southeast Portland resident

Today, Multnomah District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the filing of a five-count indictment against 19-year-old Camar Livingstone.

The indictment charges Livingstone with one count of unlawful use of a weapon, one count of menacing, one count of harassment and two counts of intimidation in the second degree.

Intimidation is one of Oregon’s bias crimes laws.

Court documents allege that Livingstone unlawfully and intentionally, because of his perception of the victim’s sexual orientation, subjected that person to offensive physical contact; unlawfully and intentionally carried, with the intent to use, a machete; unlawfully and intentionally harassed the victim and unlawfully and intentionally placed the victim in fear of imminent serious physical injury.

According to court documents, on May 6, 2019, the victim, an adult male, was working at a local department store as a loss prevention officer when he saw Livingstone engaged in suspicious behavior. The loss prevention officer attempted to contact Livingstone, who then quickly approached the victim and started using homophobic language and made threats to harm the loss prevention officer, according to court documents. At one point, Livingstone, as he moved around the store, threw merchandise towards the loss prevention officer.

The victim requested assistance from other loss prevention officers, according to court documents. During the altercation, Livingstone punched the victim in the face. A second loss prevention officer arrived and tried to get Livingstone away from the victim.

When this occurred, according to court documents, Livingstone grabbed a machete from his pants and started to wave it around. Livingstone approached both the victim and the second loss prevention officer who responded as backup.

Livingstone fled the store, but was arrested a short time later by members of the Portland Police Bureau.

Livingstone was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and then released to Multnomah County Pretrial Release Service the next day.

He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment May 21, 2019 at approximately 2 p.m.

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

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with its law enforcement partners to investigate all bias crime allegations that occur in the Multnomah County. Any person who believes they have been the subject of a hate crime is urged to contact law enforcement to file a police report.

#MCDA#

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

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will honor some of their most dedicated volunteers this week at the agency’s 2019 Making a Difference National Volunteer Awards. Volunteers play a critical role in helping the BLM welcome millions of visitors annually to more than 245 million acres of public lands across the American West.

The annual awards, which recognize exceptional volunteer service on BLM-managed lands, will be presented during a special awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 22 at 1:00 p.m. EDT in Washington, D.C., and live via video teleconference on www.blm.gov/live. 

“It’s important to recognize and celebrate the contributions made by our dedicated volunteers,” said Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. “I’m continually humbled and inspired by the enthusiasm and hard work of these outstanding individuals as each of you have made a lasting impact on our public lands. Thank you on behalf of the places you safeguard for all Americans, and thank you on behalf of the people whose lives you’ve touched through your generosity.”

In 2018, over 30,000 volunteers contributed nearly one million hours of service, providing the equivalent of more than $24 million in labor and enabling BLM to help more Americans experience their public lands. These hard-working volunteers help monitor trails, manage wild horses, keep campers safe, and provide environmental education, interpretation, and other visitor services.

“The BLM has only about 9,000 employees to sustainably manage hundreds of millions of acres of public lands for a range of multiple uses. While our employees are exceptionally dedicated, the support they receive from our volunteers is essential to helping our agency achieve its mission for the American people,” said Casey Hammond, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management, exercising the authority of the BLM Director. “It is a privilege to recognize these incredible people for their tireless efforts.”

The 2019 awardees and their BLM nominating offices are:

• Tracy Greenwood, Lifetime Achievement, Mother Lode Field Office (CA), for consistent management of the Briceburg Visitor Center at the Merced River Recreation Area since 2000.
• Walt & Kathy Horsfall, Lifetime Achievement, Safford Field Office (AZ), for their service to the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area, collecting data on hundreds of miles of roads around the Gila Box Riparian NCA.
• Phil & Chriscinda Jamison, Lifetime Achievement, Northeastern States District (ES), for more than 15 years in support of the Wild Horse and Burro Program in the BLM Eastern States Office.
• Thomas Parkinson & Peter Kearns, Outstanding Achievement, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (AZ), for 400 hours of volunteer service in 2018, contributing to multiple programs on the Parashant.
• Pedal United Chapter of IMBA, Group Excellence, Billings Field Office (MT), for helping to develop more than 28 miles of mountain bike trails and a trailhead facility over the last four years.
• Blake Ramos-Manz, Sergio Ramos-Manz, & Dylan Brennan, Outstanding Achievement, Wild Rivers Recreation Area (NM), for helping to manage the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, including five campgrounds, 27 campsites, and over 36 miles of trail.
• Roy Thornton, Outstanding Achievement, Cottonwood Field Office (ID), for his volunteer service at  the BLM's Cottonwood Field Office recreation sites and campgrounds over the last eight years

A national panel of BLM specialists and partner organization representatives selected the winners for their exceptional contributions to conservation and management of public lands. 

For more information, please contact Linda Schnee, BLM National Volunteer Program Lead, at (202) 912-7453 or lschnee@blm.gov. 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

On Saturday, June 1, 2019, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office Foundation, will hold the 14th Annual K-9 Trials at Hillsboro Stadium.  This is Oregon’s premier police K-9 competition where K-9 units from throughout the region compete for the coveted prize of “Top Dog.”

This free, family event is a great opportunity for the public to connect with local public safety agencies and learn about the talented K-9 units protecting our communities.

Competition events include: area search, agility course, suspect apprehension, handler protection, vehicle extraction and fastest dog.  Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the top three dogs of each event, based on the fastest times.  The “Top Dog” designation will be awarded to the overall winner based upon a point system for each event.

In addition to the entertaining competition, spectators will enjoy a safety fair consisting of local public safety agencies, food and drinks available for purchase, and a meet-and-greet with the K-9s after the competition.

Bring the whole family, but please leave pets at home (service animals are okay).

The competition begins at 11 a.m.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

Media interested in arranging a K-9 demonstration or interviews the week before the event (including early morning) should contact the Sheriff’s Office Communications Sergeant Danny DiPietro at 503-969-9924 or email WCSOPIO@co.washington.or.us

Video Promo: bit.ly/2Eik4bZ

At 0239 hours of May 21st, 2019 Cowlitz County Deputies were dispatched to a reported burglary in progress in the 1200 block of Ostrander Rd, Kelso.  The homeowner, who was not on scene, advised dispatch his surveillance cameras showed a male suspect was inside the garage.  Deputies, assisted by Kelso Police and a Longview Police K-9 unit, responded to the scene.  As the deputies began moving up the driveway on foot, the suspect was seen leaving in the homeowner's Ford F-350 truck.  Deputies identified themselves and ordered the suspect to stop.  The suspect disregarded their commands and accelerated down the driveway, striking an unoccupied CCSO patrol vehicle as he fled the scene.  Damage to the patrol vehicle was estimated at $2,000.  The suspect also struck the homeowner's gate, causing thousands of dollars in damages.  

The suspect was pursued by Castle Rock, Kelso and Longview police officers .  The suspect drove recklessly and rolled the stolen truck at the intersection of Cowlitz Way and N. 4th Ave in Kelso.  The suspect was taken into custody and was given medical treatment.  He initially refused to identify himself and spit on a Cowlitz County Corrections Officer during the booking process.  The suspect was later identified as 26-year-old Tylor Jordan Sanchez.  Sanchez has a previous address of record in Gig Harbor.

Tylor Sanchez was booked on charges of Residential Burglary, Theft of Motor Vehicle, Driving with Suspended License 3rd Degree, Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer, Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, Hit and Run - Unattended, Attempt to Elude Police Vehicle and Custodial Assault. 

No deputies or officers were injured during this incident. 

(Update - location has been corrected to Ostrander Rd)

MAY 21, 2019

Shawn Martin receives 12 year prison sentence for duplicating more than 30,000 files of child pornography

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 50-year-old Shawn Martin received a 12 year prison sentence for being in possession of more than 30,000 images and video files of child pornography.

“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney BJ Park, who prosecuted this case. “The harm done to a child victim is compounded and made worse each time someone like Shawn Martin uploads, sends, trades or views these appalling files. We must do everything possible to stop this behavior and to protect our children. The District Attorney’s Office recognizes the technology industry for implementing safeguards to identify child pornography files that are distributed over the internet on a daily basis and to notify law enforcement immediately.”

This investigation started in 2017 when a video uploading website discovered one of its users was uploading child pornography onto his account. The company made a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Using that information, law enforcement traced the account to Martin. 

When the cybertip was received, Martin was on post-prison supervision after previously being convicted of sodomy in the first degree, attempted sodomy in the first degree and attempted sexual abuse in the first degree. Law enforcement received consent to search Martin’s electronic devices and discovered more than 30,000 images and videos of child pornography, including files depicting sadistic sexual abuse of children as young as two years old.

The forensic exam also revealed that Martin was in possession of written accounts of child molestation fantasies that had been downloaded from the internet, written manuals that gave tips on how to have sexual encounters with children, and written literature advocating how adult-child sex is not harmful to a child.

By pleading no contest to two counts of encouraging child sexual abuse in the first degree, Martin acknowledges that he knowingly duplicated, published, displayed and exchanged a visual record of sexually explicit conduct and that he knew and consciously disregarded the fact that the creation of those recordings included sexually explicit conduct of child abuse.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office for its dedicated efforts working this case.

#MCDA#

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

March 21, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Early results show fewer youth started smoking since Tobacco 21 took effect

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority announced promising short-term outcomes of Senate Bill 754, which raised the age of purchase for tobacco and vaping products in Oregon from 18 to 21 years.

OHA found a significant decrease in youth (aged 13-17) and young adults (aged 18–20) who have started using tobacco since the law took effect Jan. 1, 2018. The evaluation also shows a decrease in young adults’ perceived ease of access to tobacco and vaping products.

"Tobacco 21 was enacted to help prevent young people from starting to use tobacco, and it’s working," said Tom Jeanne, MD, deputy state health officer and epidemiologist. "With this and our strong Indoor Clean Air Act, Oregon is a national leader in protecting youth from tobacco use."

In August 2017 Governor Kate Brown signed Senate Bill 754, making Oregon the fifth state to increase the age to purchase tobacco. To ensure compliance with the law, businesses that sell tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems such as e-cigarettes must post signs prohibiting sales of these products to persons under the age of 21.

Ending youth access to tobacco is only a minor cost for retailers but a huge gain for reducing tobacco-related deaths and diseases in Oregon’s next generation, Jeanne says.

Fewer current youth tobacco users reported purchasing tobacco products from convenience stores, grocery stores, or tobacco or vape shops after the legislation went into effect. However, statewide requests for proof of age by retailers did not change significantly, especially outside the Portland metro area. This is, in part, because Oregon is one of only nine states that does not have tobacco retail licensure.

"Nicotine is a poison and tobacco is sweet, cheap and easy to get in Oregon," Jeanne said. "Enforcing Tobacco 21 is vital, and there are other actions we can take to keep our momentum going. For example, we know that raising the price of tobacco keeps kids from starting and encourages people to quit. Our Legislature is considering several bills this session to increase the price of tobacco, e-cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products."

The evaluation of Tobacco 21 assessed short-term outcomes of the law in communities throughout Oregon. OHA contracted with RMC Research, an independent evaluator, to conduct the evaluation through online surveys with youth and young adult tobacco users before and nine months after the law took effect.

The report is available as a PDF at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/PREVENTIONWELLNESS/TOBACCOPREVENTION/Documents/Oregon-Tobacco-21-Impact-Evaluation-Report.pdf.

# # #

https://bit.ly/2WXeGSV

Vancouver, Wash. – The Police Activities League of SW Washington hosts literacy events each month during the school year in elementary schools in both the Vancouver and Evergreen School Districts throughout the county. These events provide free books to kids, encourage reading, and create positive connections between kids and cops.  PAL will host the next literacy event:

          Date:             Wednesday, May 22, 2019

          Time:             9:15 a.m.

          Location:         Peter S Ogden Elementary (8100 NE 28th St.).

Each literacy event includes a safety presentation from the Vancouver Police Department, or Clark County Sheriff’s Office, (depending on the location of the school), time for kids to pick out a free book, reading time with police officers, and a tour of specialty police vehicles. These literacy events are fun for both the officers and the kids. Literacy is one of the key educational programs the Police Activities League focuses on.

Members of the media are always invited to attend any PAL events to see first-hand the positive impact that programs such as PAL can have on a community. Members of the media who want to attend a literacy event should check in at the school office to receive a visitor badge. Be prepared for great visuals and high energy!

For more information on the Police Activities League visit www.palofswwa.org.

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Linda Maddy of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) was honored recently by the Port of Portland Police Department with a Community Partner Award.

Linda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than a decade of service, is one of two Coordinators assigned to DPSST's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) / Mental Health Program which provide training to first responders around the state through Oregon's Crisis Intervention Team Center of Excellence (CITCOE).

The Community Partner Award is given by the Port of Portland Police Department to individuals and organizations who work with the police department to support the safety and security of those who work and travel through Portland International Airport (PDX).   

Over the past year, Linda has spent countless hours, and has delivered dozens of classes at PDX, in the area of mental health first aid, working with people in crisis, and other mental health topics for law enforcement officers and 9-1-1 telecommunicators at the airport.  In addition she has worked with Port of Portland Police to deliver a variety of classes to employees who work at the airport ranging from PDX staff, airline ticket and gate agents, and even rental car company staff who encounter people in crisis on a daily basis as PDX serves more than 19 million travelers each year.

DPSST's Director Eriks Gabliks said "Linda’s commitment to training excellence is appreciated and is one example of the great work done by the men and women at DPSST on a daily basis.  Linda's work with veterans, and public safety professionals, around the state is making a difference in how we respond to incidents involving people in crisis."

 ## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

Youth leaders recognized for academic accomplishments at Senior Celebration, including a surprise $5,000 scholarship presentation for one grad 

For Immediate Release, May 17, 2019

PORTLAND, OR - Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro (BGCP) proudly welcomed community members from across the Portland Metro Region on Thursday, May 16th, to recognize a group of exceptional graduating teens during our annual Senior Celebration. 

These remarkable youth will be pursuing a wide range of career interests, including social justice, nursing, psychology, and video game design. Loy Msafiri, a graduate who will be heading to Warner Pacific University to study pre-med with a full-tuition scholarship, expressedher desire to help provide medical care in refugee camps. During their time at the Clubs, many of the graduating seniors have organized events, volunteered in their communities, and been awarded scholarships for their academic excellence and leadership skills. 

Another teen, Leslie Bojorquez-Quintero, was surprised at the Senior Celebration with a $5,000 Judgement Free Generation Scholarship from Planet Fitness for her commitment to kindness and inclusion, and for going above and beyond to make others feel accepted.  Leslie has helped run the Unidos en Poder club at La Salle Prep, which provides space for Hispanic and Latino students to feel safe, heard, and accepted for who they are. The award was presented by local franchise owners Kalpana and Ocatavio Lubrano. Leslie is a long-time member at the Wattles Club in SE Portland and has interned with our YouthForce program in partnership with the Portland Timbers & Thorns. She will be heading to PSU in the fall and has plans to become a film director. 

This diverse group of teens has come together to work, travel and learn in our Clubs and KeyBank YouthForce Program. Graduates come from across the metro area and represent eight area high schools, including; Hillsboro H.S., La Salle College Prep, Liberty H.S., Reynolds H.S., Lincoln H.S., David Douglas H.S., Milwaukie H.S., and Benson Polytechnic. Class of 2019 will be attending Portland Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Warner Pacific University, Portland State University, and trade school. BGCP has been privileged to provide these passionate, dedicated, and driven teens with the academic support, workforce training, and other opportunities for learning and growth and are excited to see all the amazing things they are sure to accomplish next. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area (BGCP) has been serving youth, ages six to 18, since 1946. The Clubs are located in under-served communities and are uniquely equipped to provide enrichment programs while empowering them with a sense of belonging and security. BGCP operates six facilities throughout the metropolitan area along with four school sites in partnership with the North Clackamas and Reynolds School Districts. Learn more at bgcportland.org.

About the Senior Celebration 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area’s Senior Celebration is an annual event recognizing the accomplishments of our graduating Club members and KeyBank YouthForceinterns. Each graduate is awarded an alumni pin and inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s alumni network, which provides career opportunities for new graduates along with ways to get involved and give back to Clubs and their community. Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro Associate Board members contribute to organizing and compiling gift bags for the event, as well as the Alumni pinning ceremony. This event has been generously hosted for the past three years at the beautiful Daimler Trucks North America Headquarters in North Portland.

Learn to Save Lives - Make Community Safer

(Portland, OR.) – During the week of May 20, local EMS provider American Medical Response (AMR) will provide coaching to local residents to teach them to save lives through compression-only (aka Hands Only) CPR. The CPR Challenge event is part of AMR’s nationwide observance of National Emergency Medical Services Week with events being held nationwide.

Hands Only CPR allows bystanders to keep life-saving blood flowing through a victim’s body just by pressing on the chest in a hard, fast rhythm. Bystanders who provide this compression-only CPR can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival. Several locations throughout Portland are participating in the 2019 CPR Challenge event.

For a third year, AMR is collaborating with both ACEP (American College of Emergency Physicians) and IAFC (International Associations of Fire Chiefs) at events throughout the nation this week. For more information about AMR’s CPR Challenge, please visit www.amr.net/CPR .

WHAT:                 AMR to provide free CPR training as part of a nationwide event

WHEN:                May 22 - David Douglas High School 

                            May 22 -  Clackamas Community College

                            May 23 - OMSI    

                            May 24 - Oregon Zoo                                                                    

VISUALS:            AMR EMT’s and Paramedics providing free training, members of the community learning a life-saving skill.

OTHER:               Venues will also be introducing Stop the Bleed hemorrhage control training for lay rescuers.  Visit

                             www.dhs.gov/stopthebleed for more details. 

Event times and additional information on AMR's Facebook page! https://link.zixcentral.com/u/1638bdfd/jHmQ8eh76RGDlY9mNByh5A?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAMRMultnomahandClackamasCounties

                                                                                                ###

About American Medical Response

American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to transport more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. AMR also provides fire services through Rural Metro Fire Department, www.ruralmetrofire.com, and managed transportation services through Access2Care, www.access2care.net. AMR is a subsidiary of Global Medical Response, www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net and follow American Medical Response on Facebook @AMR_Social on Twitter and Instagram. Locally, AMR provides ambulance services in Multnomah, Clackamas and Clark Counties. AMR and its predecessor companies have served Portland area communities since 1913.

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

The kids are almost out of school, and the weather is warming up… definitely a good time to start planning your next escape out of town. It seems like it has never been easier to find the perfect space in the perfect place to take your family. Want to rent a condo for a few nights in the big city? A cottage in the woods? Or a bungalow by the beach? There are tons of options for every kind of possible vacation, and you can find them all with a few quick clicks on the keyboard. 

Our friends at the Federal Trade Commission, though, have some advice to help make sure that your quest for rest and relaxation doesn’t lead you to a rental scam. 

Here’s how it can work: you find a great house or apartment listed for rent on the internet. The photos look great, and the rates are somewhere between very low and reasonable. You make contact with the person you think is the owner, book a date and pre-pay some or all of your fee. In some cases, a fraudster may have just lifted the info and pictures from a real listing and re-posted them elsewhere. He changes the contact info so you come to him, not the owner, and now he’s making money. 

In other cases, the fraudster posts a phantom listing… the rental doesn’t really exist. He promises all kinds of amenities, and you think you’ve just snagged a great option at a low price. All he has to do is get you to pay up before you figure things out. 

Here’s how to protect yourself: 

• Be wary if the owner asks you to pay by wire transfer. This is like sending cash – you likely will never get your money back if there’s a problem. Use a credit card. 

• Watch out if the owner says he is overseas and wants you to send a deposit to a foreign bank. If you are traveling overseas, again, your best bet is to use a credit card. 

• Consider only using a reputable travel website to book your stay. Look for sites that use secure payment portals and/or those that don’t release the payment to the owner until you’ve checked in. 

• Use mapping apps – like Google maps or similar – to confirm that the property really exists. 

Remember - if you have been victimized by an online scam, you can report your suspicious contacts to the FBI. You can file an online report at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office. 

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The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) will present Vancouver's Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 27, 2019, at 11 am, at the Bandstand on the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground. CMAC organizes this annual event with the support of its partners: the City of Vancouver, National Park Service (NPS), Clark County, Waste Connections, and 40 et 8.

The Memorial Day Observance ceremony and the NPS Soldiers’ Bivouac living history cultural demonstration are adjacent to the historic band stand and garrison flagstaff on the historic parade grounds. Resting 80-feet above the parade ground, the garrison flag is raised in honor of significant national events and holidays. 

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Superintendent Tracy Fortmann said, “Vancouver Barracks is an incredibility special place and a crucial part of this national park. The post is much more than just a collection of buildings. They are a visible reminder of our shared 19th and 20th century military history. Superintendent Fortmann added, “It is an honor to care for this historic site. Our responsibility goes beyond caring for the buildings and landscapes. We preserve and share our nation’s history, including the service of the many soldiers and their families.”

As a part of the planned event, weather permitting, the impressive garrison flag will be raised. NPS Facility Manager Alex Patterson shared, "I am proud to be a volunteer board member of CMAC, and to help preserve the resources of the historic site. Events like Memorial Day showcase the enduring connection between the military post and this community."

Retired Army Colonel Larry J. Smith will be the Master of Ceremonies. Speakers at the event will include Superintendent Fortmann, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, with a keynote by Clark County Council member, Gary Medvigy. There will be special remarks by Meredith McMackin, a Gold Star mother. Vancouver Police Officer Rey Reynolds will sing the National Anthem. There will be a dove release and color guards, as well as military medleys played by the 204th Army Band. 

Complimentary hot dogs and light lunch items will be available to the public, courtesy of the Vancouver Lions, Red Cross Cascades Region, and the Military Officers Association of America.

Larry Smith stated, “The Memorial Day Observance honors those who have given their lives for our country, and the event also provides us with an opportunity to show our respect and support for the men and women of our armed forces.”

C-Tran busses #25, 32, and 37 will provide transportation directly to the Bandstand that day. Parking is available at Hudson's Bay High School, where attendees may ride a C-Tran shuttle to and from the event site.

There will be a National Park Service Soldiers' Bivouac re-enactment on the Parade Ground after the ceremony until 2 pm. This re-enactment will showcase costumed volunteers portraying many periods in the site's military history. Additionally, the Vancouver Barracks Military Association will display antique military vehicles.

CMAC is an all-inclusive group composed of members representing youth, education, civic, military, veterans groups, and local governments. CMAC executes and plans community-wide events, such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Our Community Salutes, and POW/MIA Day ceremonies, as well as recognition and support of military families of all services. Learn more about CMAC at www.cmac11.com.

For Immediate Release

2019 Rose Princesses

Final Judged Event

          It's finally here for the Rose Princesses . . . .

the last judged event before one of them is selected Queen of the 2019 Rose Festival!

            The Greater Portland Area Lions Clubs sponsor a luncheon and Q & A session for the 15 princesses. Representing their high schools and local communities, they answer questions and give impromptu answers in front of judges and business leaders. Immediately following the luncheon, judges meet in a closed door session and decide which princess will become the 2019 Queen of Rosaria.

            The selection and coronation will be announced just before the Grand Floral Parade, Saturday morning, June 8th.

Event is: Thursday May 30th, 11:30 am- 1:30 pm, at the Doubletree Hotel - Lloyd Center,  Cascade Ballroom, 1000 N.E. Multnomah, Portland. Luncheon is open to the public. Please let us know in advance to help with photo/interview arrangements.

Schools & Princesses in order of selection:

(In order of selection)

Lincoln High School - Sophia Zhang

Metro East  - LaSalle Catholic College Prep -  Olivia Keepes

Metro West - Tigard High School - Tori Lopez

Roosevelt High School - Makenzie Espinoza

David Douglas High School - Aleena Thammavong

Cleveland High School - Lindsey Hausafus

St. Mary's Academy - Mya Brazile

Franklin High School - Christina Liu

Wilson High School - Chloe Unflat

Central Catholic High School - Ellie Hylland

Parkrose High School - Amy Bonilla

Madison High School - Gabrielle Ferroggiaro

Benson High School - Melissa Davila

Grant High School - Stella Monteverde-Cakebread

Jefferson High School - Daria Stalions

Luncheon is $40 per person

For more Information Contact: Jeanine Jensen at  (971) 506-9729 or j4jensen@comcast.net or Fae Lloyd at (503) 771-1711 or lionsserviceteam4@gmail.com

Drowning Prevention through Education, Vigilance and Rescue

(Portland, OR.) – American Medical Response (AMR) River Rescue Team is completing their training academy in preparation to kick-off its 21st season this week.  Media is invited to attend the annual Kick-off event on Friday, May 24, 2019, at Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale. River Rescue Technicians (lifeguards trained in swiftwater rescue) will provide lifeguard services at Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale, and High Rocks Park in Gladstone, starting Saturday, May 25, of the Memorial Day weekend. River Rescue Technicians will monitor the river at the parks seven days a week during the following hours:

• Glenn Otto Park, Troutdale:   10:00 am to 8:00 pm
• High Hocks, Gladstone:         11:00 am to 7:00 pm 

Springtime in Oregon means high water levels from mountain snowpack, fast, cold currents, and unexpected debris and drop-offs. AMR’s River Rescue Team strongly recommends anyone on, in, or near the water wear life jackets. 

Before AMR’s River Rescue Program began in 1999, the rivers at Glenn Otto and High Rocks Parks previously claimed two to four lives each year. The mission of AMR’s River Rescue Team is to prevent drowning by providing visitors with water safety and water condition information, to identify and alert swimmers and park visitors of potential hazards, and to rescue swimmers in distress.  

Drowning is preventable.  Being aware of hazards can save lives. AMR’s River Rescue Team recommends you:

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket in the proper size when you are in, on, or near water - including docks and beaches
• Are aware and prepared for the hazards before you go in (swift currents, cold shock, debris)
• Know your swimming abilities – If you cannot swim, do not go in!
• Keep children within arm’s reach and provide constant supervision in and around water 

Event:             AMR's River Rescue Program Kick-Off and Media Event

Date:               10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm Friday, May 24, 2019

                         Contact us for earlier or later hours

Attending:     AMR's River Rescue Team and Leah Gordon, AMR River Rescue Program Coordinator

Location:       Glenn Otto Park, Troutdale, Oregon

                        1106 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060

Photo, video & audio opportunities available during River Rescue training demonstrations.

2018 River Rescue Season Totals:

Glenn Otto Park          32,614 visitors

High Rocks Park         28,376 visitors

Total                           60,990 visitors

                                                                                                ###

About American Medical Response

American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to transport more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. AMR also provides fire services through Rural Metro Fire Department, www.ruralmetrofire.com, and managed transportation services through Access2Care, www.access2care.net. AMR is a subsidiary of Global Medical Response, www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net and follow American Medical Response on Facebook @AMR_Social on Twitter and Instagram. Locally, AMR provides ambulance services in Multnomah, Clackamas and Clark Counties. AMR and its predecessor companies have served Portland area communities since 1913.

The Oregon Heritage Commission will meet via teleconference at 10 a.m. on June 3. A public listening room will be provided in Room 146 of the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE, Salem. Its agenda includes approval of Oregon Museum Grants and approval of minutes. Call +1 (646) 749-3122 and use access code 725-625-509.

The Heritage Commission is comprised of nine people representing Oregon's heritage and geographical diversity who have been appointed by the Governor. There are nine advisory representatives from state agencies and statewide organizations. The mission of the Oregon Heritage Commission is to secure, sustain, and enhance Oregon's heritage by ensuring coordination of heritage initiatives by public and private organizations; advocacy on its behalf; education of the public about its extent and value; and promotion and celebration of its diversity. For more information, contact coordinator Beth Dehn at 503-986-0696 or Beth.Dehn@oregon.gov

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via teleconference at 1 p.m. on June 7. Its agenda includes approval of Oregon Historic Cemeteries Grants. A public listening room will be provided in Room 146 of the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE, Salem. Call +1 (224) 501-3412 and use access code 549-452-845.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oregon.gov.

Commission meetings are open to the public and their agendas include opportunities for public comment. The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For more information about the commissions, visit www.oregonheritage.org

Park rangers at Champoeg State Heritage Area will assemble 4:30 p.m. May 26 at the visitor center flagpole for a short ceremony honoring persons who have died serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Staff will lower the flag while bagpipes will sound “last call.” The public is invited to join park staff for the annual ceremony.

For more info about the ceremony, contact ranger Dan Klug: 503-678-1251 or Daniel.Klug@oregon.gov

More information about the park, including maps and driving directions, is on the Oregon State Parks webpage.

UPDATE

Fiona Belden was found and returne home along with her friend Desiree Collazo-Romayor

END UPDATE

The Vancouver Police Department is requesting the help of the public, with locating a missing twelve year old child. FIONA RIAN BELDEN is a White female, approximately 507 175lbs  with Blue eyes and Blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a Black hoodie with (possibly blue jeans)  She was last seen leaving home at approximatley 8:30 P.M. to pick up coffee at a Dutch Bros on NE 138th Ave.  She has no known medical or mental health issues. She is likely in the company of another reported missing twelve year old; Desiree Collazo-Romayor.

UPDATE 2.0

Desiree Collazo-Romayor was found along with her friend Fiona Belden. Both were returned home.

END UPDATE

UPDATE

A second missing twelve year old has been reported missing and is likely in the company of Desiree Collazo-Romayor. Her name is BELDEN, FIONA RIAN. A separate Newsflash is to follow.

END UPDATE

The Vancouver Police Department is requesting the help of the public, with locating a missing twelve year old child;  DESIREE M. COLLAZO. She is of Hispanic descent with light skin. She is approximately 5'4...130 lbs with Brown curly frizzy hair and Brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a Black sweater and Black leggings. She was last seen leaving home at approximatley 7:45 P.M. She has no known medical or mental health issues.

After reviewing community, staff and student input, the Kelso School Board announced the name and mascot of the new elementary school being built in the Lexington neighborhood at the Monday, May 20, board meeting. Of the three options forwarded to the board in March, Lexington Elementary School Eagles was selected. The colors of the new school are green and silver with a black accent.

“This new school will be a gathering place for learning, athletics and community events and we wanted the name to connect the school to the neighborhood. Eagles are not only a patriotic symbol of America, they are frequently seen along the river blocks away from the school,” said Leah Moore, school board president. “We hope that the name will inspire Kelso kids!” 

The district began the process with a public survey to gather community suggestions, and followed designated guidelines for naming a new school (as outlined in Board Policy 6970). Survey suggestions were compiled for a committee of stakeholders to review. The committee was made up of representatives from Beacon Hill and Catlin (teachers, classified staff, secretaries, parents, kids), community members and local business representatives.  The Naming Committee narrowed selections and presented the board with the top three choices: Lexington Eagles, Riverside Otters and Cowlitz River Otters.  The board then asked all the students in Beacon Hill and Catlin, the two elementary schools that will be combining into the new school, to vote for their favorite of the three options.

“The Board believed it was important that the students have a voice in choosing the name of the new school,” said board member Howard Sharples. “We want our students to know their opinions have value.”

Two special guests, an eagle mascot and an otter mascot, were in attendance at the board meeting anxiously awaiting the final decision, which, according to policy, must be at least 30 days after being presented with options. The mascots, Kelso High theater students Levi Redmill and Lauren Cramton, were interviewed (pre-game style) by Maekaili Russel, also a KHS theater student, prior to the reveal. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/YuHRsAqIx9A.

Salem, Ore .– The Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (ODHHS) Advisory Committee will hold a town hall in the large meeting room of the Medford Library, 205 S. Central Ave. in Medford, Oregon, from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 21.

The ODHHS Advisory Committee will also hold its full advisory committee meeting prior to the town hall from 2 to 4 p.m., May 21. The executive committee meeting will follow from 9 to 11 a.m., May 22, in the Carpenter Room at the Medford Library, 205 S. Central Ave., Medford, Oregon.

All three meetings are open to the public.

Agenda items for the full advisory committee and executive committee meetings will include: public comment, announcements, an update on the Office of Aging and People with Disabilities, brochures for the Advisory Committee and the ODHHS program, new membership discussion, retreat planning and discussion about bylaws.

Sign language interpreters, FM assistive listening devices and live captioning will be provided for each meeting. Those who are unable to attend in person may view real-time captioning at https://zoom.us/j/416452805 for the Advisory Committee meeting, https://zoom.us/j/795840168 for the Town Hall, and https://zoom.us/j/321918652 for the executive committee meeting.

For questions about these meetings, please contact: Barbara Robertson at 503-509-9550 or the ODHHS program at odhhs.info@state.or.us.

About the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Advisory Committee

The committee assists the Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (ODHHS) program by providing  issues affecting individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and those with additional disabilities.

# # #

See Attached Bulletin.

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

• Traffic Stops
• Advising/Referring a Person to the Proper Agency to handle their request
• Restoring the Peace
• Premise Checks
• Welfare Checks
• Flagged Down by Citizen

Monday, May 20, 2019-Woodland, WA-Woodland High School’s SkillsUSA team members dedicate themselves to honing their areas of expertise, and this dedication certainly shows as four students brought home six medals from the 2019 State Conference held in Yakima. In addition, organizers selected Kimberly Miller, a Woodland High School teacher who also serves as the team’s adviser, as the SkillsUSA Adviser of the Year for Washington State.

SkillsUSA, a national program, offering high school students the opportunity to compete in 100 different workplace categories. Categories focus on technical, workplace and personal skills including early childhood education, culinary arts, computer literacy, customer service, professional development and public speaking among many others.

During the regional, state and national competitions, students in each category compete in events which may include a combination of written and practical activities. For example, students competing in Customer Service must take a written test followed by a demonstration of their skills during real scenarios with challenging customer service activities such as helping a disgruntled customer return a purchase while managing phone calls, other employees and additional customer inquiries, all at the same time.

The Restaurant Service competition took more than six hours and included both written and practical tests as well. Following the written test, students met with a chef who provided a menu and table plan. The students set up the “front of the house” which included properly sanitizing the food area, setting tables to the chef’s detailed specifications, serving food as waitstaff and even taking payment for meals. “The team members must demonstrate the skills needed to manage every element of a restaurant,” explained Miller. “Add in that the category’s lengthy timeline and the competition can get pretty intense.”

In addition to fending off student teams from dozens of other Washington schools, three Woodland team members competed against each other, eventually dominating the Restaurant Service category by taking home the bronze, silver and gold medals.

Woodland High School’s team won a total of six medals in four categories:

• Camila Avelar won the silver medal in Early Childhood Education.
   
• Caleb Mouat won medals in two events. He received the gold medal for Prepared Speech and the bronze medal for Restaurant Service.
   
• Katelyn Paulson won the gold medal in Restaurant Service.
   
• Brooke Schimmel won medals in two events. She won the gold medal for Customer Service and the silver medal for Restaurant Service.

The state champions now head to the National Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky from June 24-29. Miller particularly looks forward to the annual national competitions. "I love taking the kids to the different competitions because a lot of our students haven't seen much of the country outside of Woodland," said Miller. "It's great getting to see the kids experience different areas of the state and throughout the country."

In addition to the competitions, Miller teaches her SkillsUSA students the value of giving back to the community. The SkillsUSA team caters and serves food at fundraisers, manages food drives and performs other forms of community service. "Our team organizes community service projects both in the school and also around the community," said Miller. "The kids put in a lot of time and effort to give back to Woodland."

Miller first learned about the SkillsUSA program from teachers in neighboring school districts more than eight years ago. "When we first started, we only competed in one category, but now we compete in restaurant service, job interview, community service, chapter excellence, medical terminology, pin design, extemporaneous speech, job demo and so much more," she said. "In order for the team to succeed, I'm at the school a lot after hours helping the students; I make the time commitment because I see the difference the program makes for our kids."

Miller’s dedication to Woodland’s SkillsUSA team earned her recognition at this year’s conference as the organizers selected her as the Adviser of the Year for Washington State. “It was quite the surprise and a big honor,” she said. “I had no idea the organizers were considering me!”

The SkillsUSA team is holding a fundraiser on Friday, May 24 featuring a free presentation of Disney’s “Lion King” movie at Woodland High School with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the movie starting at 7:30 p.m.

All of Woodland’s families and community members are invited to attend. The team will be preparing and selling snacks including popcorn, candy and cupcakes with funds raised from concession sales going to pay for transportation and other expenses incurred from going to and from the team’s regional, state and national competitions.

Woodland High School students interested in joining SkillsUSA can attend any of the meetings which take place on Thursdays during advisory period. They can also reach out to Kimberly Miller via email at millerk@woodlandschools.org or visit the SkillsUSA website at www.skillsusa.org for more information.

###

Camas, Wash. – This Thursday, May 23rd, PAL of SW WA is hosting it's 6th Annual Hoopin' with Heroes Charity Basketball game at Camas High School. For this year's game local law enforcement has joined up once again with local fire in the Camas/Washougal area to play a friendly game of basketball against Camas High School teachers and staff. The game this year was part of Carson Bonine's senior project, so we are doing our best to get everyone out to the game!

The Camas Hoopin' with Heroes game will be held at Camas High School, with tip-off at 6pm. At 4:15pm though there is a FREE youth skills clinic open to kids in 4th-7th grade led by the Camas High School Basketball team.

Entry into the game is a suggested $5 donation to support the local leukemia and lymphoma society.

Press and media are invited to attend.

Learn more about PAL by visiting https://palofswwa.org  and be sure to follow PAL on all our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter) using the handle @palofswwa.

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Memorial Day is nearly here and for many Oregonians the holiday weekend is the start of their camping season in Oregon’s natural places. However, dry conditions are already present in many areas and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds visitors to enjoy their campfires responsibly.

“Regularly reviewing campfire safety practices, even if you’re a seasoned camper, is a good habit to get in to,” said Chris Havel, OPRD associate director. “It’s especially important if you’re camping with children or folks that are learning about responsible outdoor recreation.”

Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable campfire:

• Know before you go: research conditions for the area surrounding your campground. Fire restrictions may be in place at the park, county or state level.
• Maintain campfire flames at knee height, or roughly two feet high. This helps prevent ash or embers from becoming airborne, especially during the dry summer months. If you see wind stirring up embers from your fire, play it safe and extinguish it.
• Only build campfires in the existing fire ring in your campsite. Fire ring locations are carefully picked and park rangers clear vegetation around rings to create a safe buffer zone.
• Always keep plenty of water nearby to extinguish your campfire. To put out your fire, drown the flames with water and stir the embers to make sure everything is wet. The stirring step is important: ash and wood debris often maintain heat and embers unless they are drowned out.
• Beach campfires should be started on open sand, away from driftwood or vegetation. Use water to extinguish your beach fire, not sand. Covering the fire with sand will insulate the coals, keeping them hot enough to burn unsuspecting beachgoers hours or even days later.
• For propane fire rings, follow the same safety precautions you would with a log-based campfire. Propane fire rings should be placed in, on or directly next to installed park fire rings.
• Make sure everyone in your campsite, even children, is familiar with campfire safety. Always keep an eye on your campfire; many accidental fires are started because campers left their fire unattended for “just a minute.”

To reserve your stay at an Oregon state park, head to oregonstateparks.org.

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May is Wildfire Awareness Month. During May, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, the Office of Emergency Management, Keep Oregon Green, the U.S. Forest Service, OPRD and other federal, state and local emergency and response agencies are promoting programs and messages encouraging the public to work together in their local communities to prevent the risk of wildfire.

Two separate committees will meet to score and rank applications for the Preserving Oregon and Diamonds in the Rough Grant programs. The recommendations from the committees will be forwarded to the State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation for final review and approval on June 21 in Cottage Grove. Both meetings will be at the North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer Street, NE, and can also be accessed by phone.

The Diamonds in the Rough Grant committee will meet June 5, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in room 124A. Call in information is 1-877-402-9757, access code 4605348.

The Preserving Oregon Grant committee will meet June 10, 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. in room 124A. Call in information is 1-877-402-9757, access code 4605348.

For information about the grants contact Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail: i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov . The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

Two Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adults in custody died recently. Both were incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, Oregon State Police have been notified.

Ovid John Teixeira died May 18, 2019. He entered DOC custody on January 9, 2018, from Linn County with an earliest release date of October 13, 2020. Teixeira was 55 years old.

Nickolas John Kasemehas died May 20, 2019. He entered DOC custody on November 13, 2014, from Multnomah County with an earliest release date of May 20, 2022. Kasemehas was 78 years old.

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

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

####

MAY 20, 2019

Parkrose High School student Angel Granados-Diaz charged in Multnomah County Circuit Court

Today, Multnomah District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that a four-count charging document was filed in State of Oregon v. Angel Granados-Diaz.

Granados-Diaz, 19, a Parkrose High School student, is charged with two counts of possessing a firearm or dangerous weapon inside a public building, one count of being in possession of a loaded firearm in public and one count of recklessly endangering.

In court documents, it is alleged that Granados-Diaz, did unlawfully and intentionally possess a loaded firearm while inside Parkrose High School, a public building. It is further alleged that Granados-Diaz knowingly, and with reckless disregard for the safety of others, attempted to discharge the firearm inside the school. Additionally, it is alleged that Granados-Diaz did unlawfully and recklessly create a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person.

On May 17, 2019, members of the Portland Police Bureau along with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies responded to Parkrose High School after receiving information about a person on campus with a firearm, according to information previously released by the Portland Police Bureau. Law enforcement arrived and located an individual, later identified as Granados-Diaz.

Granados-Diaz was taken into custody without incident.

The Portland Police Bureau previously released a photo of the loaded shotgun that was allegedly in Granados-Diaz’ possession while on campus.

There is no probable cause affidavit filed in this case. A probable cause waiver was filed on May 20, 2019.

Today, Granados-Diaz appeared before Judge Michael C. Zusman in Multnomah County Circuit Court. His next court date is scheduled for May 29, 2019.

On May 17, 2019, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Amy Holmes-Hehn signed an order to increase Granados-Diaz’ bail to $500,000.

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

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver’s Charter Review Committee will discuss election of city councilmembers by district and several other proposed changes at their next meeting Thursday, May 30. The meeting will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Vancouver City Hall, Aspen Conference Room, 415 W. Sixth St.

All six Vancouver City Councilmembers and the Mayor are currently elected at-large through a citywide vote. The Charter Review Committee is recommending the city be split into three districts with two Councilmembers elected from each district in the primary and then all Councilmembers elected through a citywide vote in the general election.  The Mayor would continue to be elected at-large.   There are a series of additional proposals being considered by the Committee including changes to the process by which Council and Mayor’s salaries are set, not permitting a councilmember to hold another salaried elected office while on Council and corrections of some minor miscellaneous errors.

Vancouver residents are invited to provide input on the proposed changes during citizen communications at the May 30 Charter Review Committee meeting, or by email to vancmo@cityofvancouver.us.

Vancouver’s charter was originally approved by voters in 1952. It forms the “constitution” of the city government and guides its structure and operations. Every five years, a committee of 15 citizens meets to review the charter and make recommendations for changes to Vancouver City Council. If the changes are approved by council, they are then placed on the ballot for a public vote at the next general election.

For more information about the City’s charter, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/citycouncil/page/city-charter.

For more information about the Charter Review Committee, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/charterreview.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver’s Carson College of Business celebrated the ninth anniversary of its Business Growth Mentor and Analysis Program May 8 with an event to recognize the businesses, volunteers and students involved in the program.

Created in 2011, Business Growth MAP is a pro-bono student-led consultancy. Student teams of four or five help local businesses in the areas of growth, marketing and accounting. Volunteer mentors from the business community meet with student teams weekly during the semester-long project to offer advice and feedback. Faculty members from the Carson College of Business oversee each project.

This year three student teams were recognized for outstanding work. All team members are 2018/2019 graduates.

OUTSTANDING GROWTH ASSESSMENT PROJECT

Slumberkins

• Kamyar Abtin
• Molly Bartley
• Shannon Leininger
• Shelby McGuffey
• Sarah Moe

Slumberkins is a Vancouver-based company and has become a leading educational children’s brand working to promote positive social/emotional life skills for both children and parents. They came to Business Growth MAP seeking assistance in ways to handle their extreme growth, particularly when it came to inventory management and e-commerce. The student team recommendations included a product line profitability model, a marketing budget solver and three executive dashboards.

OUTSTANDING GROWTH ASSESSMENT PROJECT

Self Balance Massage

• Garrett Behrman
• Gerardo Guevara
• Taylor Scukanec
• Zachary Torson

Self Balance Massage is a Vancouver-based massage and spa business with most revenue generated from medical and chiropractic referrals. The owner had recently acquired the business and came to Business Growth MAP for analysis and recommendations to formalize internal processes. The team’s recommendations included a comprehensive plan to restructure operations through renegotiating contracts, strategies for decreasing operational costs and collecting outside receivables.

OUTSTANDING MARKETING PROJECT

Human Services Council

• Tosha Bryant
• Daniel Cordova
• Samuel Etter
• Savannah Penland
• Jaason Wilson

Human Services Council is a Vancouver-based nonprofit that has a “Volunteer Connections” program focused on promoting and providing volunteer opportunities to the public. They came to Business Growth MAP looking for ways to engage the next generation of volunteers. The team’s recommendations included implementing a user-friendly, efficient volunteer management tool, website redesign, launching social media and setting up new ways to gather revenue.  

Businesses that would like to apply for Business Growth MAP services may call 360-546-9533, email gmap@wsu.edu">bgmap@wsu.edu or visit business.vancouver.wsu.edu/bgmap. New projects begin in late August.

About WSU Vancouver

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

# # #

CAPTIONS TO ACCOMPANY PHOTOS

Team Slumberkins - From left:

back row - Mike Pawlowski (mentor), Kelly Oriard (client), Callie Christensen (client), Molly Bartley, Jerry Petrick (mentor)

front row - Kamyar Abtin, Shelby McGuffey, Sarah Moe, Shannon Leininger

Team Self Balance Massage - From left:

Jack Bothwell (mentor), Richelle McMann (client), Garrett Behrman, Gerardo Guevara

Team Human Services Council - From left: 

back row - Jaason Wilson, Samuel Etter, Professor Alberto Sa Vinhas

front row - Daniel Cordova, Savannah Penland, Marcia Hale (client), Tosha Bryant, Laura Chester (mentor)

May 20, 2019 - Salem, Ore. – Mark Bennett of Eugene hadn’t even won so much as free ticket while playing Oregon’s Game Megabucks – until last week when his monthly ticket purchase was worth $3.2 million.
“I like the game, but I had never won anything,” Bennett said. “I always get the 26 draws, then put the ticket away until it is up and get another one.” Players can purchase Oregon’s Game Megabucks tickets for up to 26 draw dates.
Bennett said he purchased a ticket in April from the Jasper’s on Coburg Road in Eugene, and put it away, until recently when he couldn’t sleep. Officials from Jasper’s said it was their first big win at that location.
"To hear one of our guests won the Megabucks jackpot was incredible news!” said Tezra Kong, Director of Operations for Jasper’s. “This will be something our team will be talking about for years to come.  We are very excited for our lucky guest, and his good fortune.  We look forward to sharing some of the seller's bonus with the team that provided the exceptional guest service at Sheldon Jasper's."
For selling the winning ticket Jasper’s will receive a 1-percent selling bonus, $32,000.
Bennett took the opportunity to bring the ticket to the Oregon Lottery for validation before he claimed his prize. A little-used option allows players to bring in a winning jackpot ticket to Lottery headquarters to have the ticket validated. The Oregon Lottery will then hold the winning ticket up to 60 days while the winner determines to the best option for them to claim the jackpot.
A few days later Bennett came back to the Lottery office after talking with his accountant. He took the bulk sum payment of $1.6 million. After taxes he took home $1.08 million.
“I am going to use the money to set up education funds for my grandchildren,” Bennett said.
During the 2015-17 biennium, more than $50 million in Oregon Lottery proceeds were directed to economic development, parks, education and watershed enhancement in Lane County, where Bennett lives and purchased the ticket. Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won more than $38 billion in prizes.
The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 are advised to contact the Lottery office and schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, Veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
 

On May 20, at about 5:00 a.m. Yamhill County deputies were dispatched to a menacing that was occurring at 747 NW Evans Street in the City of Sheridan.  Witnesses at the house advised the son of the resident was there brandishing a knife and threatening occupants, including his handicapped father.  That man was identified as 47 year old Sheridan resident, Kenneth Lee Sundrud.

Deputies responded to the location, and were accompanied by officers from the McMinnville Police Department and Grand Ronde Tribal Police Department.  Sundrud refused to comply with orders to drop his knife and was struck with a 40mm less than lethal projectile while law enforcement was evacuating residents.  He continued to present threatening behavior and refused to comply with lawful commands.

Supervisors on scene requested the assistance of the Oregon State Police SWAT unit who responded while Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office investigators prepared a search warrant affidavit.

Oregon State Police SWAT attempted to get Sundrud to voluntarily surrender but he refused to exit the house.  At about 12:15 p.m., Oregon State Police Swat breached the door to the residence.  Sundrud then cooperated and was taken into custody without incident.

The search warrant service is still occurring and the case is still under investigation.  Sundrud will be transported to the hospital for clearance and charges are expected to be filed.

The Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Hickmann as Chief Executive Officer effective August 1, 2019. Mr. Hickmann was selected after a rigorous, nationwide search and thoughtful deliberation by the Board of Commissioners.

Tom Hickmann is currently serving the City of Bend as the Director of Engineering and Infrastructure Planning, where he oversees water, sewer, stormwater and transportation capital investments and planning functions. He worked in a variety of leadership roles for the City of Bend starting as Water Utility Manager in 2005. During his tenure, he led efforts to obtain City Council and community approval for over $250 million in water and sewer system investments. Prior to working at the City of Bend, Tom worked in engineering positions for David Evans and Associates, and MBK Engineers.

Tom Hickmann earned an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Portland State University in 2015 and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University Sacramento.

“Tom Hickmann will offer a breadth and depth of water industry and infrastructure development experience at a critical juncture in the construction of the Willamette Water Supply Program,” said TVWD Board of Commissioners President Bernice Bagnall. “Throughout the selection process, the Board of Commissioners was impressed by Tom’s unwavering commitment to deliver quality water, customer service, and value.”

“Tom’s departure is a loss to our organization, and a gain for the Tualatin Valley Water District,” said Bend City Manager Eric King. “Over the years here, he has raised the bar in innovation, creativity and public engagement to our engineering projects, and our City as a whole. He has set an example for project management and has provided valuable insight and leadership to others in our City. I’m proud to have worked with him and sorry to see him go.”

TVWD provides high quality drinking water and excellent customer service to more than 215,000 people in Washington County, Oregon. The service area covers more than 42 square miles and includes portions of the cities of Hillsboro, Beaverton and Tigard. More information about TVWD can be found at www.tvwd.org

Updated with call-in information

May 20, 2019

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

Oregon Opioid Taper Guidelines Taskforce to meet May 23 in Portland

What: Oregon Opioid Taper Guidelines Taskforce

Agenda: Welcome, taskforce purpose and outcomes, agenda review, introductions, background on formation of the Taskforce, principles for guidelines, key components for inclusion in the guidelines, next steps and summary

When: Thursday May 23, 2019 from 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building (PSOB), 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland Oregon Conference Line: 1-888-278-0296 Public Meeting ID: 843163.

.For more information, please visit the Opioid Prescribing Guidelines Task Force website.

Program contact: Lisa Bui, 971-673-3397, ootg.info@dhsoha.state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Lisa Bui, 971-673-3397, 711 TTY, or ootg.info@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Recycled Arts Festival is looking for volunteers to serve during next month’s popular family event in Esther Short Park.

The eco-conscious event draws about 40,000 people to downtown Vancouver to see art and wares created by more than 130 different artists using at least 75 percent recycled materials. The two-day festival also features kids’ activities, live music, stilt walkers, jugglers, robots, a parade and much more.

Clark County Public Health and the Clark County Green Neighbors program count on volunteers to help make the festival a success. This year’s event is 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, June 29 and 9 am to 4 pm Sunday, June 30.

A variety of volunteer roles are available, including positions as greeters, picking up litter, providing breaks to vendors, surveying visitors about their experiences, and assisting with kids’ crafts.

Volunteers receive a free Recycled Arts Festival T-shirt, and those who volunteer three hours or more will receive a $10 voucher to use at a festival food vendor.

Youth volunteers are welcome but require a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Those younger than 15 years must be volunteering with a parent or guardian. Contact the Green Neighbors program at 564.397.7352 for more information on youth volunteers.

To learn more about volunteer positions and to sign up, visit the Recycled Arts Festival website.

This year marks the 14th year of the Recycled Arts Festival. The festival aims to educate and excite Clark County residents about waste reduction, reuse and recycling, and to inspire everyone to see things they may consider as trash in a new way.

School and community leaders throughout Southwest Washington came together last week to celebrate honorary community leadership awards, outstanding educator awards, years of service and retirements.

The annual event drew attendees from the 30 school districts across ESD 112’s six-county region.

“Schools cannot do it alone and those in the room today reflect the huge commitment of our business and community leaders who volunteer hundreds of collective hours to help our schools thrive,” said ESD 112 superintendent Tim Merlino.

The Community Leadership awards, sponsored by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), are presented to community members or groups to recognize their outstanding contributions to education. The recipients are nominated for providing services to students, leadership, motivation, success, partnerships with local districts, and history of service in the community.

The Golden Gavel award is presented to an individual, association or firm that has made an outstanding contribution to public education in the state of Washington. The Student Achievement Leadership Award recognizes innovative programs for the improvement of student achievement. The Award of Merit represents outstanding longtime educational leadership.

The 2019 WASA Award Recipients are:

Battle Ground School District

Mavis Nickels for her longtime service on the Battle Ground School Board, where she served on numerous committees at both the local and state level and always made decisions on “what’s best for kids.”

Ken Root for his service on the Battle Ground School Board after spending many years volunteering in the schools and community. Ken has a passion for the district’s homeless student population and is a tireless advocate for students in need.

Camas School District

Veronica Copeland for her commitment to serving students through participation on the Math Pathways Committee and District Equity Team. She currently chairs the Community Equity Board and has been instrumental in developing a district equity policy for positive change in Camas schools.

Heather and Rocky Fresh, who started the non-profit Camp Upward when they moved to Camas in 2014. The program provides students with positive summer activities and thoughtful skill building about choices and building community. The program has served nearly 300 students since its inception in Camas.

Centerville School District

Travis Gray for his dedication to volunteering for both student and staff activities at the school. Nicknamed the “assistant principal,” Travis volunteers in Centerville every Friday and serves in numerous capacities.

Lyle School District

Di Childers, a Lyle parent and grandparent for taking on a leadership role in helping to pass the district’s recent levy, resulting in over 70% passage rate.

Educational Service District 112

Washington Green Schools for their leadership in supporting professional development in climate science as a part of the ClimeTime statewide initiative.

Bill Marcum, President, Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce, for his advocacy of Career Connected Learning for students. With Career Connected Learning as his catalyst, Bill has already created over 35 new jobs locally.

Longview School District

Longview Rotary Literacy Committee, which distributes thousands of books each year to the children of the Longview community. Their commitment to literacy matches that of the Longview Public Schools where "Literacy is the most important thing we do."

Ridgefield School District

Georgianna Jones for her service on the district’s foundation and as campaign manager for the Citizens for Ridgefield Schools.

Scott Rose, the district’s construction manager (through R&C Management Group) for his leadership in shepherding the largest capital facilities plan in district history.

Stevenson-Carson School District

3 Squares Program for helping coordinate a program to provide meals and snacks to children in need. The program, through Shepherds of the Hills Lutheran Church, helps address hunger in the Gorge communities. Church and community volunteers pay for all expenses and manage administration of the program.   

Vancouver Public Schools

Dr. Alan Melnick and the team from Clark County Public Health who led efforts to contain a fast­

spreading measles outbreak that primarily affected youth. The outbreak resulted in 850 Southwest Washington students being excluded from school.  The public health team also worked to stem the outbreak by providing education to the public about the dangers of the measles and sharing

information about vaccinations.

Golden Gavel Award

Dr. Gene Sharratt for his contributions to public education over his distinguished 47-year career.  Gene has served as teacher, principal, superintendent, Associate Professor and led the Partnership for School Improvement, Washington Student Achievement Council and AESD/OSPI Network.  Beyond his professional leadership, Gene has been a positive, inspirational role model for many who serve public education today. Gene's legacy and impact on public education will carry on through the educational organizations he served, more importantly, through all the lives that have been touched by his mentorship. 

Student Achievement Leadership Award

Bill Oman, director of secondary schools for Evergreen Public Schools, for his leadership in the district’s growth of the graduation rate. Through creative programming, persistent support, and a focus on equity, EPS has improved their overall graduation rates from 80.1% (2014) to 87.5% (2018). In its hardest to serve populations, Mr. Oman and his team, have reformatted the district's alternative high school program, increased rigor and attendance standards, and have seen student success jump from a graduation rate of 17.1% in 2014 to 57.1% for the class of 2018. Evergreen has also accelerated the rate of growth for black students 70.1% to 80.7% and Hispanic students 70.3% to 84.8%.

Award of Merit

Doug Dearden, Superintendent of Trout Lake Schools, for his dedicated leadership for equal educational opportunities and adequate funding for small schools. As a member of the WASA Legislative and Finance Committee and Chair of the WASA Small Schools Committee, Doug's advocacy for students in our state's smallest schools has been passionate and effective. Doug is highly respected by his peers for his insight, collaboration, transparency and commitment to providing a quality public education, especially in rural school districts.

On 5/14/19 around 7:00am, Tigard Police along with federal and local law enforcement agencies served multiple search warrants in Beaverton, unincorporated Portland, and Oregon City. The search warrants related to ongoing criminal activity where scammers operating out of the country demanded payment by Apple gift cards while criminal intermediaries located in the Portland metro-area quickly used the funds at stores in the Portland metro-area, specifically in Tigard. The following locations were searched:

• 7700 block SW Cirrus Dr, Beaverton
• 7800 SW Nimbus Ave, Beaverton
• 6500 SW Firlock Way, Portland (unincorporated WA County)
• 12200 block NW Barnes Rd., Portland (unincorporated WA County)
• 13000 block SW Tapadera Street, Beaverton
• 400 block of Roosevelt Street, Oregon City

The following people, operating as intermediaries, were arrested in connection with the 5/14/19 search warrant:

• Ying Zhang, Portland woman, 26 year-old, Theft I-other and Computer Crime (felony)
• Yiran Liang, Portland man, 29 year-old, Theft I-other and Computer Crime (felony)
• Gongchao Liu, Beaverton man, 23 year-old, Theft I-other and Computer Crime (felony)
• Can Wu, Beaverton woman, 24 year-old, Theft I-other and Computer Crime (felony)
• Yu Sun Johnson, Oregon City woman, 26 year-old, Computer Crime (felony)

Additionally, over 300 devices were seized including Apple watches, iPhones, AirPods, and iPads. Hundreds of used gift cards were also discovered. 

This operation relates to a trend in the last few years where scammers ask victims to pay them with gift cards. Whether it involves a social security, IRS, jury, computer support, or emergency scam, the fraudster instructs the victim to purchase a gift card and relay the card number over the phone, by email or text. By the time the victim realizes they have been defrauded, the gift card balance has already been depleted and they are unable to recover their money.

Early in 2019, Tigard Police Commercial Crimes Unit (CCU) Detectives reviewed multiple police reports where victims, residing in Tigard and other jurisdictions in Oregon and other states, reported fraud involving Apple gift cards. By the time they realized they were being scammed, the gift card balances had already been spent at Apple stores in the Portland metro-area, specifically in Tigard.

Working with Apple and federal agents, CCU determined that scammers often operating out of the country were using paid intermediaries located in United States to spend balances obtained from stolen Apple gift cards on bulk purchases of iPhones and other products at Apple stores. The intermediaries, claiming to be legitimate electronics resellers, would then ship the devices out of the country. Detectives were able to identify several individuals and businesses located in Clackamas and Washington Counties involved in this scheme. These individuals were the subjects of the 5/14/19 search warrant.

Tigard Police would like to thank the Portland office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Oregon City, Tualatin and Beaverton Police Departments; and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for assisting Tigard Police in the service of these search warrants.

Scammers use high-pressure tactics to coerce victims to act before they have time to think or do their research. These schemes may include threats of arresting victims who fail to pay immediately. Tigard Police reminds the public to be wary of receiving calls, emails, or texts from people claiming that you owe money and must pay now with gift cards, prepaid credit cards, or wire transfers; these payment methods are chosen because they are difficult to recover once the information is provided to the scammers. Additionally, government agencies will not call you unsolicited demanding payment. If you are concerned that you do owe money, please find the contact information for the agency using a reputable source and call the agency directly to verify.

For media inquiries regarding this press release, please contact Commander Robert Rogers at 503-718-2551.

Photo Attached: Sample of items seized at locations.

Update for news stations: Raw sound on tape and B-roll https://youtu.be/YRWZfA3iEF4

Spanish / Español

May 20, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7174, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Keep your family safe from the West Nile Virus this summer

As the weather continues to warm up, health officials say it’s important for people to protect themselves from disease-carrying mosquitoes. One of the illnesses to avoid is the potentially deadly West Nile virus.

About one in five infected people may show signs of West Nile virus. People at risk of serious illness include individuals 50 and older, and people with immune-compromising conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

West Nile symptoms may include fever above 100 degrees and severe headache, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, shaking, paralysis or rash. People should contact their health care provider if experiencing any of these symptoms.

Health officials are advising people to take precautions against mosquitoes to avoid the risk of infection, including preventing mosquito bites. West Nile is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

"It’s very easy for people to prevent bites from mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus," said Dr. Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division. "Although the risk of contracting West Nile virus is low, people can take simple precautions to keep these insects at bay if they’re headed outdoors."

To prevent the spread of West Nile virus:

• Eliminate sources of standing water that are a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This includes watering troughs, bird baths, clogged gutters and old tires.
• When engaged in outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, protect yourself by using mosquito repellants containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or Picardin, and follow the directions on the container.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas.
• Make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair and fit tightly.

In 2018, there were two human cases of West Nile virus in two Oregon counties: Harney and Clackamas. The virus was found in one bird, 58 mosquito pools — samples of about 50 mosquitoes each — and two horses. In 2017, seven humans, 92 mosquito pools, five horses and one bird tested positive for West Nile. The virus also can be found in chickens, squirrels and dogs.

Climate change, particularly effects such as increased temperature and changes in rainfall, have led to longer mosquito seasons and are contributing to the spread of West Nile virus, health officials say. They agree these and other climate change indicators must be considered to help people better prepare for future transmission of the disease.

Additional information about West Nile virus is available on the Oregon Health Authority website, and from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

# # #

https://bit.ly/2wbuwxv

West Nile virus overview from Dr. Emilio DeBess, OHA Public Health Veterinarian

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Saturday afternoon’s multi-vehicle fatal crash on 126W near Veneta. 

On May 18, 2019 at about 3:30 PM, OSP and first responders were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 126W near milepost 50.

Preliminary investigation revealed that several eastbound vehicles were stopped on 126W near the intersection of Lake Side Drive waiting for a vehicle to make a turn.  A Chevrolet pickup operated by Thomas HILL, age 39, from Eugene, was eastbound and failed to observe traffic coming to a stop.  The Chevrolet pickup rear ended a Dodge pickup, operated by Christopher STUART, age 29 from Florence.  The impact caused the Dodge pickup to go into the westbound lane where it crashed into a  Ford Focus operated by Jennifer STEPHENSON, age 37, from Noti. 

STEPHENSON suffered fatal injuries from the impact.  STEPHENSON’s passenger, Matthew MARCUERQIAGA, age 39, from Noti, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend.  STUART sustained critical injuries and was also transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend. 

Highway 126W was closed for about two hours during the investigation.

OSP was assisted by Lane County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT and Veneta Fire. 

Photograph provided by OSP. 

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

For Immediate Release                                        

May 16, 2019

Contact:    Staci Yutzie
                 503-378-2426

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Basic Police Revision Advisory Panel for Phase 3 will hold a regular meeting on June 6, 2019 from 10:00a-2:00p.  The meeting will be held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling the contact listed above. 

Agenda Items:

I.   Welcome- Ryan Keck

II.  Basic Police Revision Overview- Ryan Keck and Staci Yutzie

1. Phase 1 & 2 Product
2. Phase 3 Goal
3. Phase 4 Plan

III.  Metrics- Dr. Stephen James

IV.  Advisory Panel Tasks

Administrative Announcement

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

HILLSBORO, Ore.- On May 20, 2019, Brian David Couture pleaded guilty to Initiating a False Report. Judge Beth Roberts ordered Couture to perform 80 hours of community service and to pay restitution. Deputy District Attorney Thomas James Belesiu prosecuted the case against Couture.

On March 6, 2019, Couture called Forest Grove Police to report a robbery at his residence. He told law enforcement at the time that someone broke into his home and assaulted him. Arriving officers found the home was ransacked and spotted blood strewn about the residence. Couture’s work laptop was damaged and approximately $700 was missing from a jar containing his daughter’s cookie sale proceeds.

Investigators quickly spotted inconsistencies in Couture’s story and began to challenge his account of what happened. Eventually, Couture admitted he falsified the report. Couture told police that he stole the money from his daughter to pay for an erotic massage and faked the robbery when he realized he couldn’t explain the missing funds.

Judge Roberts imposed a $100 fine on Couture and he will also be placed on probation. The amount of restitution to be paid will be determined at a later date.

On May 30, 1948, the Vanport Flood killed 15 people, left over 18,000 homeless, and displaced a large African American community in what is now North Portland. There is much we can learn from what happened at Vanport as we work to build a more disaster-resilient and equitable community.

On Thursday, May 23 the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) is hosting an event at Portland City Hall to commemorate the flood's 71st anniversary and to kick off the annual Vanport Mosaic Festival (May 21-June 5). The festival offers several opportunities to learn about Vanport's history, including the Spirit of Vanport Lives On - a full day of tours, exhibits, and screenings at the Portland Expo Center on May 27. Full program details are available at www.vanportmosaic.org.

Local media are invited to attend Thursday's event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring remarks from Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, PBEM Interim Director Kristine Artman, Vanport flood survivors, Vanport Mosaic "memory activists," and free food from Kashrootz Catering.

• WHAT: Vanport Flood event
• WHEN: Thursday May 23, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• WHERE: Portland City Hall, First Floor (1221 SW 4th Ave, Portland OR 97204)
• CONTACT: Dan Douthit (503-793-1650)

# # #

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Friday morning’s two vehicle fatal crash on Territorial Highway and High Pass Road near Junction City. 

On May 17, 2019 at about 10:20 AM, OSP troopers and first responders were dispatched to a two vehicle fatal crash at the intersection of Territorial Highway and Highway Pass Road. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Chevy Cavalier, operated by Russell Lee NICKERSON, age 81, from Eugene was traveling westbound on High Pass Road when for unknown reasons he failed to stop at the intersection.  NICKERSON’s vehicle was struck by a  Ford Econoline Van, operated by Cary Allen RAMSAY (male), age 55, from Eugene. 

NICKERSON suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  RAMSAY was transported to Riverbend Hospital with serious injuries. 

Territorial Highway was closed for approximately four hours following the crash. 

OSP was assisted by Lane County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Junction City Fire and Lane Fire Authority.

Photograph provided by OSP.

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

Committee of diverse business owners will give voice to Portland’s small business community

Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty announces the creation of a Small Business Committee, a team of small business owners throughout the city, to help inform policy and direction to keep Portland thriving and our regional economy strong.

The committee, comprised of eight members and two co-chairs, includes businesses located in all five quadrants of Portland.

“As a former small business owner, there is much the city can learn from the hard-working families who run Portland’s small businesses. From café’s to hardware stores, I promised small businesses they would have a voice at city hall,” said Commissioner Hardesty. “I want to hear directly from them on what matters most and what we can work on together that will sustain the health and well-being of our city.”

The committee will meet quarterly and conduct public listening sessions for small businesses throughout the year. Committee members were recommended based on their roles as business owners and operators from across Portland (name, business, location, industry):

Small Business Committee members include:

• Dave Chown, Chown Hardware, Nob Hill (NW Portland), Construction, Hardware, Wholesale & Event Space
• Peter Emerson, Bipartisan Café, Montavilla Neighborhood (SE Portland), Restaurant
• Andy Frazier, Frazier Wealth Management, Beaumont Neighborhood, (NE Portland), Financial Services
• Dana Highfill, Float North, NE Broadway Business District (NE Portland), Health & Wellness
• Steven Lien, underU4men, Downtown Portland (SW Portland), Retail
• Rosa Martinez, Professional Minority Group Asbestos Abatement Contractor, Contractor Services
• Rosalind McCallard, Snackrilege, North Portland, Wholesale
• Marci Pelletier, Shwop, Sellwood Neighborhood (SE Portland), Retail

Two chairs will serve temporarily in setting up protocols and process for this group, then step down to allow space for respective members to lead. Co-chairs include:

• Andrew Hoan, president  and CEO, Portland Business Alliance
• Iris Hodge, Oregon State Lead, Main Street Alliance

"Main Street Alliance applauds Commissioner Hardesty for bringing together the voices of real small business owners to help her make informed policy decisions,” said committee co-chair Iris Hodge, Oregon State Lead, Main Street Alliance. “This collaboration is a step in the right direction for making City Hall a more inclusive space for small business owners and working families in Portland to participate in our local government.”

“Hearing directly from the families who open their doors for business every day, allows Commissioner Hardesty and her peers, real-time perspective on what’s happening for Portland’s small business community and what we can all work together on to keep our city an affordable and friendly place to do business,” said co-chair Andrew Hoan, president and CEO of Portland Business Alliance.

What:

• Second Annual Taste of Woodburn

When:

• Saturday, June 1st - 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday, June 2nd - Noon to 6:00 p.m. 

The city of Woodburn invites all Oregonians to enjoy a family-friendly weekend of live entertainment, vendors and lots of great cultural food at the  2019 Taste of Woodburn in the heart of downtown. The city held its first “Taste” in 2018, and it was a huge success with more than 2,000 visitors attending the event to dance, eat and enjoy the fun-filled atmosphere of downtown Woodburn.

“We are looking forward to bringing this event back to our community in 2019 and to all of those visitors who enjoyed the great tastes of Woodburn,” says Jamie Johnk, the city’s Economic Development Director.

Features of the event include:  

• The Food: Pick up a Passport and learn about the different regions of Mexico represented by restaurants in the downtown core. After you’ve enjoyed the happenings in the plaza, follow the signs to many of the nearby restaurants, where owners are cooking up and selling special dishes that represent their regions.

• The Entertainment: Music and entertainment ranges from traditional Mexican music and dancing, to rock bands, and acoustic music. On Saturday, groups include Woodburn High School Mariachi Band, Woodburn School District’s Ballet Folklorico, Jay Lawson, Billy and the Rockets, Reedy3000, and Los Rebeldez. On Sunday, groups include Aztec dancers, Gypsy Marshall Duo, Chemeketa salsa dancers, and Dina y Los Rumberos.

• The Vendors: Vendors from around the region will be selling their hand-crafted items and gifts. There will be informational booths, and more.

• The Car Show: This year, the event will include a car show from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 2nd.

Meet your friends downtown, or make new ones, as the community comes together to enjoy the best that Woodburn has to offer!

For information on parking, admission, restaurant lists and more, visit:

https://www.travelwoodburn.com/taste-of-woodburn

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MAY 20, 2019

Gregory Stockert receives 120 month prison sentence for sexually abusing child

Today, Multnomah District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that 69-year-old Gregory Stockert received a 120 month prison sentence for sexually abusing a child.

On April 23, 2019, Stockert pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. By pleading guilty, Stockert admitted that he unlawfully and knowingly subjected a child under the age of 14 to sexual contact on multiple occasions between the years of 2012 and 2017.

Stockert will have to register as a sex offender and must pay a total of $2,568.40 in restitution.

This investigation started in December 2017 when the victim disclosed being sexually abused to a mandatory reporter.

This case was litigated by Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Chuck Mickley who is assigned to the Multnomah County Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team, which includes representatives from local law enforcement, public schools, hospitals, courts, health departments, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), and the Oregon Department of Employment Child Care Division.

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

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

When: Monday, May 27, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Mountain View Cemetery, 500 Hilda Street, Oregon City, OR 97045
Contact: Cemetery office at 503-657-8299, cemetery-info@orcity.org

OREGON CITY, OR – The City of Oregon City invites you to attend the Cities annual Memorial Day Commemoration Service on Monday, May 27, 2019, held at the Mountain View Cemetery at 10 a.m.
We invite the community to join in this tribute to veterans and other public servants who have died while serving our nation.
This year’s event will feature guest speaker Retired Naval Commander JJ Morell, a 21-gun salute and other military honors and floral tributes, Oregon City High School Junior ROTC, with music provided by Gardiner Middle School and a very special fly-over by the Oregon Air NationalGuard.

Eighth annual event supports programs to help people live better with Parkinson’s disease

Portland, Ore. (May 20, 2019) – More than 250 people came together to support the Brian Grant Foundation's Shake It Till We Make It gala at Castaway Portland on Friday, May 17, 2019. The event raised more than $260,000 to support the organization's programs to help people live better with Parkinson's through exercise, nutrition and a supportive community. To date, people in 23 countries around the world have used the Brian Grant Foundation's online programs.

"With Parkinson's, exercise and nutrition can have a positive and major impact on your life," says former NBA player Brian Grant. "But it takes more than exercise and nutrition – you have to have a support group too. My support group starts with my kids, my family and my friends here in Portland."

Notable attendees included former Trail Blazer players Damon Stoudamire and Bobby Gross as well as Academy Award-nominated singer, songwriter and record producer Raphael Saadiq. Grant and Stoudamire both played on the last Blazers team to make it to the western conference finals in 2000. Members of the Lillard family were also in attendance.

"From the moment I found out Brian had Parkinson's I knew he'd take on this new challenge. The relentless way he played the game, I knew he'd attack this the same way," says Stoudamire. "I’m just happy that after supporting him from afar I'm able to attend this beautiful event and see first hand the amount of work he's put into fighting this disease."

Attendees had a chance to hear from Grant about living with Parkinson's. Grant retired from the NBA in 2016 and was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's in 2018 at the age of 36. He started the Brian Grant Foundation in 2010 to support Parkinson's research and has since redirected the organization's efforts to provide tools to improve the well being of people with the disease.

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps to control movement. The outward signs of Parkinson's may include tremors, slowness of movement, balance problems and rigidity. Though there is no cure for Parkinson's, research has shown that healthy eating and social connections are important aspects for managing the condition and improving quality of life with the disease.

###

Founded in 2010, the Brian Grant Foundation (BGF) empowers people impacted by Parkinson's to lead active and fulfilling lives. BGF's efforts focus on wellness, specifically exercise, nutrition, and emotional health programs. Visit www.briangrant.orgto learn more.

When: 
Media invited from 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday, May 19

Where:
Laurelhurst Park
Kaiser Permanente "Music Is Medicine" booth at Southeast 37th Avenue and Oak Street

What: 
Kaiser Permanente returns for the 12th year as Presenting Sponsor of Portland Sunday Parkways, kicking off the season in Southeast Portland. Visit Laurelhurst Park from 11 a.m. to noon for highlights including a silent dance party with Trail Blazers’ DJ O.G. One, a flash mob of doctors in white coats on bikes, and “prescriptions” for healthy food, exercise, dance and play at four Kaiser Permanente event booths. Participants visiting all five Kaiser Permanente and Biketown booths will get a prize and a donation to mental health organizations in our community.

Why:
Kaiser Permanente is deeply committed to the total health and wellness of the communities we serve. Being active, eating nutritious food, and playing with friends and neighbors at Sunday Parkways is part of our investment in keeping Portland healthy.

Interviews:

• Dr. Imelda Dacones, President and CEO for Northwest Permanente (the physician group of Kaiser Permanente)
• Dan Field, Executive Director of Community Health for Kaiser Permanente’s Northwest region

Visuals: 

• Opportunities for photos and videos of Portlanders (last year’s attendance 24,000) coming together to bike, walk and run a 7-mile traffic-free route, while enjoying food, live music, fun and games.
• Doctor Flash Mob ride: Approximately 25 doctors in white lab coats will depart on bikes from the Kaiser Permanente Booth at Laurelhurst Park at 11:30 a.m.
• Silent Dance Party with Trail Blazers’ DJ O.G. One at Kaiser Permanente's “Music Is Medicine Booth” at Laurelhurst Park.

Background:

• Kaiser Permanente is the founding and Presenting Sponsor of Portland Sunday Parkways for the 12th year, and is proud to support the City of Portland in contributing to the total health of the city -- where Kaiser Permanente had its beginnings back in World War II.
• There is a strong link between physical activity and health and mental wellness, so encouraging people to walk, ride and bike Sunday Parkways with friends and family is a great way for everyone to get out, get active and get to know their neighbors, while also allowing us to improve the mental health and resilience of our local communities.
• Players who complete the Kaiser Permanente Sticker Hunt at Sunday Parkways will earn a collectible neighborhood enamel pin and a donation to mental health organizations in our community.

More Information:

Visit kp.org/sundayparkways for route maps and info.

Officers from the Beaverton Police Department and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon will be working a Click it or Ticket Seatbelt Enforcement Campaign during the month of May. This campaign will begin Monday, May 20, 2019, and will continue through Sunday, June 2.

The focus of this campaign is seatbelt use, distracted driving involving cell phones and speeding. The goal of this campaign is to reduce traffic injuries and deaths by increased education and enforcement. It's as simple as just buckling up everyone in your car, keeping your eyes and concentration on the road and following the speed limit.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. Child car seats increase crash survival by 71% for infants under one year old and by up to 59% for toddlers aged 1 to 4. Booster seats reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among four to eight-year-olds by 45% compared to safety belts alone.

The Beaverton Police Department holds free child safety seat clinics throughout the year. The next clinic will be on Saturday, June 15, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Kuni Auto Center, located at 3725 SW Cedar Hills, Blvd. Beaverton, OR 97005. The last car will be accepted at 11:30 a.m. unless demand necessitates an earlier cut off time. You can find dates for future clinics on our Facebook page.

The Beaverton Police Department will continue to strive to keep our community safe, reminding you that car seats, seat belts and following the posted speed limit are effective ways to protect you and your family. Our enforcement efforts will be ongoing as we work with the community to save lives.

Click it or Ticket campaigns are funded through grants provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

##BPD##