On Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies serving the City of Cornelius responded to a head-on crash at Tualatin Valley Highway and NW 341 Avenue.

Deputies found a 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat had been driving west on Tualatin Valley Highway and crossed over the center median, where it hit a 2003 Honda Accord.  The high-speed crash left both vehicles heavily damaged and the Honda briefly caught fire.

There were four people in the Honda and two people in the Dodge and all were taken to Portland hospitals with injuries.  Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, 25-year-old Al Hera Islam, who was a passenger in the Honda, died of her injuries at a local hospital.  Ms. Islam was from New Jersey and her family members there were notified of her death. 

A 29-year-old man who was also a passenger in the Honda was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.  The other two occupants of the Honda, a man and woman, and both occupants of the Dodge, also a man and woman, remain hospitalized with injuries varying from serious to critical.

The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) responded to the scene.  Investigators are looking at high speed as a factor in the crash and criminal charges are possible in the future.

For Immediate Release                          Contact: Courtney Dodds                                                  

November 13, 2018                                 503-274-4483 ex. 505

                                                                 971-275-2334 (cell)

25 Volunteers Will Pack 400 Food Baskets at Union Gospel Mission to Help Provide Local Families a Turkey for Thanksgiving

Portland, Ore., - Union Gospel Mission will be distributing 400 Thanksgiving baskets to families in need in partnership with local churches and other non-profits. Each basket includes a certificate for a turkey that can be redeemed at a local grocer and all the fixins for a complete Thanksgiving meal.   

Volunteers will be packing the Thanksgiving baskets at 15 NW Third Avenue in Portland on Saturday, November 17th from 9am-11am. Baskets will be distributed from 11am- 2pm the same day.

One of our non-profit partners said, “The warm and personal piece you bring to our partnership is greatly appreciated, and everyone here at The Center for Family Success wants to say Thank You!” 

Anthony a recipient of a Thanksgiving basket expressed his gratitude, “It meant to me having a Thanksgiving. Turkeys for lower income families is not something that is in reach sometimes, it’s something I will always cherish.”  

If you would like to provide a turkey or full Thanksgiving meal to a family need in visit www.ugmportland.org/paper-turkey. $25 provides a certificate that can be redeemed for a turkey at a local grocer and $65 provides a whole meal with all the trimmings, including dessert for a family of 4-6 people.

There will be opportunities for interviews and photos.

About Union Gospel Mission: Union Gospel Mission’s purpose is “Feeding the hungry, restoring the addict and loving our neighbor.” Union Gospel Mission has been serving Portland since 1927. Union Gospel Mission provides meals and care to the homeless, and operates LifeChange -- a transformative recovery program for men, women and children. Contact Union Gospel Mission at 503-274-4483 or ugmportland.org and @ugmpdx.

# # #

When: 

Media invited from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17

Where:

Kaiser Permanente Interstate Medical Office Central Campus – North Parking Lot

3600 N. Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227

What: 

Kaiser Permanente Northwest will host its first-ever drive-through flu clinic, where eligible members can get vaccinated from the comfort of their car.

Why:

• The clinic makes it faster and easier to get vaccinated because you don’t need to get out of your car, which is especially helpful for people with limited mobility. Plus, it’s on a Saturday, which helps those who are unable to visit a nurse treatment center Monday-Friday.
• Getting a yearly flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu, and it's especially important to remind people how to avoid getting sick with Thanksgiving and holiday travel coming up.

Interviews:

• Dr. Rahul Rastogi, Innovation and Transformation Officer for Northwest Permanente
• Ruthie Berrell RN, BSN, MSN, Assistant Department Administrator, Primary Care

Visuals: 

Opportunities for photos and video of patients receiving their flu shots while in their vehicles. 

Background:

• Getting a yearly flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Even healthy people can develop serious complications or even die from the flu, so it’s important to protect for people to protect themselves and loved ones.
• There are many dangerous misconceptions and myths about flu vaccines that prevent individuals from getting their flu shot. But recent studies by the CDC show that vaccination can reduce the risk of flu illness between 40% and 60% when the vaccines are well-matched against the viruses.
• Learn more about our drive-through flu clinic pilot at kp.org/flu.

Disaster responders from the local chapter of the American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on Friday November 16, 2018 at approximately 2130 hours in the 2600 block of Maple Avenue Ne Salem, Or.

This multi-family fire affected 20 adults. The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing personal hygiene including toiletrie items along with recovery services health and mental healt resources as needed. 

Additional information if available can be obtained through the local first responder agencie/fire department. 

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

PHOTO OP: Take a photo with Curly, the very friendly tobacco-free camel

WHAT
In celebration of the Great American Smokeout, Tobacco-Free Youth is hosting a day of games and an opportunity to take a photo with Curly the Camel, because we all know real camels don’t smoke. Learn about the resources in your community, connect with others and celebrate a day of tobacco-free living.

WHEN & WHERE
November 17, 2018
2:00 – 6:00 pm
Clark County Event Center, Hall C
FREE

WHY
The Great American Smokeout was started over 40 years ago by the American Cancer Society to challenge people to stop smoking and teach them about the many tools they can use to quit smoking and stay tobacco- free.  More than 34 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths. More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease. Quitting smoking improves health immediately and over the long term – at any age. Stopping smoking is hard, but you can increase your chances of success with help. Getting help through counseling and medications doubles or even triples your chances of quitting successfully. 90 of adults begin smoking as teenagers.

WHO
Madison Langer, a National Ambassador for Tobacco-Free Youth, is hosting this Great American Smokeout event to encourage a smoke-free generation and to share resources available in the community to keep our youth from abusing substances. National Youth Ambassadors are high school students who have demonstrated leadership in fighting tobacco in their communities. These advocates are chosen annually as representatives of their state through a competitive application process. They receive training at a week-long Youth Advocacy Symposium in Washington, D.C., and participate in activities throughout the year.

The Oregon National Guard hosted a delegation from Vietnam's National Committee for Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM) this week, Nov. 13-16, 2018, as part of the ongoing State Partnership Program.

The visit included dialogues to discuss the relationship between VINASARCOM and the Oregon National Guard as emergency managers and to reaffirm their commitment to an enduring and constructive State Partnership. The delegation also toured Oregon National Guard, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, and U.S. Coast Guard facilities related to emergency management and emergency response.

The relationship between VINASARCOM and the Oregon National Guard as state partners and the lead military agencies for emergency management in their respective country and state was established in September 2011 with a memorandum of understanding to advance bilateral defense cooperation through U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and Vietnam Bilateral Defense Dialogue (BDD). The relationship recognizes that building and maintaining capabilities as emergency managers in times of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) is for the benefit of all countries and promotes stability, prosperity and domestic resiliency in the entire region.

The partnership between the Oregon National Guard and VINASARCOM was made official in November 2012 as part of the National Guard Bureau-sanctioned program. The State Partnership program complements broader U.S. engagement with Vietnam in pursuit of shared priorities such as disaster relief, education, health, trade and the environment. The program directly supports the broad national interests and security cooperation goals of the United States by engaging partner nations via military, socio-political, and economic conduits at the local, state, and national levels.

PHOTOS:
181116-Z-IW846-0062: Vietnam Sr. Lt. Gen. Pham Ngoc Minh (left), Deputy Chief of the General Staff, and Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel (right), Adjutant General, Oregon, sign the State Partnership Program Dialogue Joint Minutes, outlining initiatives and desired focus areas for the Oregon National Guard’s continued partnership with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM), at the Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Oregon, Nov. 16, 2018. The Oregon National Guard hosted the Vietnamese delegation to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. The delegation toured facilities around the state of Oregon to gain insights into disaster response. (National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Steven Conklin, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

181115-Z-CH590-079: Sr. Lt. Gen. Pham Ngoc Minh (left), Deputy Chief of the General Staff, and other visiting dignitaries from Vietnam receive a briefing at the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Warrenton, Oregon, Nov. 15, 2018. The Oregon National Guard hosted a delegation with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM), to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. The delegation toured facilities around the state of Oregon to gain insights into disaster response. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181115-Z-CH590-237: U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer AMT2 Stu Esham (left) gives a demonstration of rescue equipment to visiting dignitaries from Vietnam and members of the Oregon National Guard during a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Warrenton, Oregon, Nov. 15, 2018. The Oregon National Guard hosted a delegation with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM), to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. The delegation toured facilities around the state of Oregon to gain insights into disaster response. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181114-Z-OT568-008: Sonya Pedersen (left) and Kelly Jo Craigmiles (center), both with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, brief a delegation of officers with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM) on how the Emergency Communications Center works during disaster response, Nov. 14, 2018, in Salem, Oregon. The Oregon National Guard hosted the VINASARCOM delegation to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

181114-Z-OT568-011: A delegation with Vietnam’s National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue (VINASARCOM), led by Sr. Lt. Gen. Pham Ngoc Minh (center left), Deputy Chief of the General Staff, pose for a photo with Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel (center right), Adjutant General, Oregon, and other Oregon National Guard leaders in front of a UH-72 Lakota helicopter during a tour of the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Oregon, Nov. 14, 2018. The Oregon National Guard hosted the VINASARCOM delegation to discuss disaster response initiatives as part of the State Partnership Program. The delegation received an overview on how the Oregon National Guard uses helicopters to assist civil authorities during emergencies. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Friday, November 16, 2018 – Ridgefield, Washington – The National Merit Scholarship program is designed to recognize academic excellence, and its standards are extremely high.  About 1.6 million high school juniors across the country take the PSAT; only 1% of those students achieve test scores high enough to become National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. 

For the first time in sixteen years, one of the semifinalists for the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program is from Ridgefield High School:  Ian Abrams.  Abrams will be the twelfth student from Ridgefield High School named as a semifinalist.  RHS’ last National Merit award winner was Ian Vanwyhe in 2002.

Interestingly, Abrams didn’t hear that he was a semifinalist from the school, which is how semifinalists are usually notified.  “They were supposed to send a message to the school but somehow that got lost in the mail or something.  I found out by reading it in the Seattle Times,” he laughed.

Busy as he is with academics, athletics and community projects, Abrams is able to manage all of his commitments quite well.  Abrams is enrolled in AP courses and maintains a 4.0 GPA.  Currently, he volunteers as a peer tutor for the high school’s Spudder Academy twice a week during some of his lunch breaks.  He is also a varsity athlete and captain of the cross-country team.  Last summer, he traveled to Belize to help build a school library with a humanitarian group.  His Eagle Scout project involved setting up an annual book sale and constructing decorative trees for the Lakeside Community Library.  On the day we interviewed him for this story, Abrams was emceeing the high school’s Veterans Day assembly.

The National Merit Scholarship semifinalist award is sure to be one of many recognitions for Abrams’ hard work.  Ridgefield High School and the Ridgefield School District proudly congratulates Ian Abrams on this remarkable achievement. 

###

Here is a copy of the letter sent to Heritage High School families about a law enforcement action adjacent to the school today. Any additional information about the incident would be released from the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

Dear Heritage Families:

I want to make you aware of a lockout incident at our school today.

Our campus was temporarily placed in lockout by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office due to a report of an incident in the area.  The lockout was in place for about 45 minutes and was lifted as soon as we were given clearance by law enforcement.

Our students were safe and never in danger. The lockout was a precautionary measure by our local law enforcement and school personnel.

Please know we take these situations very seriously, and the safety of our students is always our top priority. 

Derek Garrison, Heritage High School Principal

The Grotto’s 31st Annual Christmas Festival of Lights opens Friday, Nov. 23. This Portland tradition runs nightly through December 30 (except Christmas Day.)

Guests stroll among 1.5 million colorful lights, which line the scenic pathways. New this year, a spectacular 150-ft living Christmas tree at the entrance at NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.

The festival features 196 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church and civic choirs. Five concerts are scheduled each night and will perform in the 600-seat chapel, known for its cathedral-like acoustics. It’s the world’s largest Christmas choral festival!

The Festival also features a petting zoo, nightly puppet shows, and a chance to sing along with The Grotto Carolers.

Holiday foods and beverages are also available, as is seasonal shopping in The Grotto Gift Shop.

The Festival is open from 5-9:30 p.m. nightly, with the grounds closing at 10 p.m.

Tickets are sold at the gate. All proceeds support The Grotto, helping maintain its beautiful grounds throughout the year.

Admission prices:

General $12

Senior $11

Military $11

Youth (3-12) $6

Children 2 and under are free

Parking is free on site.  Thanks to a partnership with Tri Met, an overflow parking lot with free shuttle is located at the Parkrose/Sumner Park & Ride and MAX station on Sandy Blvd.

For more information, go to thegrotto.org.

Today, just before 10:00 a.m., the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office activated the Yamhill County Major Crimes Response Team after a severed human foot was located in a dumpster at the top of the boat ramp at Roger’s Landing Park just outside Newberg. The foot was located by a citizen looking for returnable bottles.  

It is believed at this time that the severed foot is the match to a foot found on the shore of the Willamette River near Champoeg Park in July of this year. 

Based on the types of trash items located with the foot, and the fact the foot was inside a gray Nike running shoe, investigators believe it may have been collected by a person or group cleaning up a beach or other area nearby. All items were found in a large, clear plastic trash bag. It is feasible that the shoe may have been picked up without anyone knowing a foot was inside.

Investigators are asking for assistance from the public at this time.  If you collected trash in the vicinity of Roger’s Landing or a nearby beach on the Willamette River within the last two weeks or are aware of anyone who has please contact Detective Todd Steele at steelet@co.yamhill.or.us or 503-434-7349.  

The case is ongoing at this time.

The McLoughlin House Unit of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Oregon City, Oregon, has announced a free, family friendly holiday event on Saturday, December 1, 2018. The McLoughlin House will be open from 10 am to 4 pm as part of Oregon City’s multi-site Heritage Holidays Celebration. 

The McLoughlin House, 713 Center Street, will host two regular tours scheduled for 10 am and 11 am, followed by an open house from 1 pm to 4 pm. There will be refreshments and music. Docents will be dressed in costumes of the period as they explain the significance of Dr. McLoughlin and his family, and take guests through the house with holiday decorations reminiscent of England in the 1850s. The house will close for the season at the conclusion of the event, and will reopen on February 16, 2019. Please join us then to celebrate the birthday of the State of Oregon!

“It is always our pleasure to participate in Oregon City’s Heritage Holidays Celebration, and welcome visitors as they tour several historic homes in Oregon City,” said Fort Vancouver National Historic Site’s Chief of Interpretation, Bob Cromwell. “The holiday decorations give the house a cozy atmosphere.” 

Visitors are encouraged to visit several other museums in Oregon City on that date, also hosting special events: the Stevens-Crawford House Museum, the Ermatinger House, the Rose Farm, and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. The Heritage Holiday Celebration will end with festivities and the official Christmas tree lighting in downtown Oregon City between 4:30 and 6 pm. 

Additional information and is available at https://www.mcloughlinhouse.org and www.nps.gov/fova. 

What: Heritage Holidays Celebration at the McLoughlin House

When: Saturday, December 1, 2018, 10 am-4 pm

Where: McLoughlin House National Historic Site, 713 Center Street, Oregon City, OR 97045

Cost: Free! 

Celebrate the holiday season by joining family, friends, and neighbors for the holiday tree lighting at Riverfront Park on Fri., Nov. 30. This free community event is one of Salem's most loved community traditions. Festivities begin at 6 p.m.

• Enjoy musical performances by a local handbell group and the Grant Community School Grizzly Youth Choir.
• Participate in seasonal craft activities hosted by Gilbert House Children’s Museum and the City of Salem’s Clean Streams Team.
• Sip hot chocolate and nib cookies provided by Roth's Fresh Market.
• See Santa and live reindeer, and take photos in the newly created winter wonderland

At 6:30 p.m., Mayor Chuck Bennett will lead the tree-lighting ceremony with one lucky child in attendance selected to help “flip the switch” and light the holiday tree.

Riverfront Park is located at 200 Water Street NE in downtown Salem. This annual holiday event is sponsored by City of Salem Parks and Recreation and Comcast.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) strike teams (ST) continue critical work on the Camp Fire Incident burning in Butte County, California.  The OSFM currently has 75 engines and approximately 300 personnel from throughout the Oregon Fire Service currently assigned to the incident.   The Camp Fire is the nation’s deadliest wildfire in a century and although cooler weather is helping firefighters to gain ground, we know that the search for people will continue.  As the number of fatalities increase, we continue to monitor the effects this has on our first responders and to provide the necessary peer support.  The safety and well-being of our firefighters is, and will remain, our number one priority.

Thirteen OSFM ST are working 24 hour shifts on the fire constructing direct lines and holding control lines to mitigate the threat of fire escaping.  They are also engaged in mop up and patrol. Two OSFM ST are assigned to the Rescue Division, working 12 hour shifts. Their assignments involve securing water lines, gas lines, and LPG storage and lines, as well as working to clear structures and assisting search and rescue recovery efforts.

Chief Deputy Ruiz-Temple states, “Oregonians can take great pride in the sacrifice of our firefighters during this time of year. We also keep their families in our thoughts who will certainly miss them during the upcoming holiday. When giving your thanks next week, please keep everyone affected by the fires in your thoughts as they face the grim task of rebuilding their property and lives”.

The Oregon strike teams are expected to remain on the fire through Friday, November 23rd; however as conditions improve their return home may change.

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry welcomes visitors to its Salem campus on Saturday, Dec. 1 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the historic State Forester’s Office. The public can tour this Works Progress Administration (WPA)-built facility from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Current and retired ODF staff will be available to share the building’s history. The State Forester’s Office, located at 2600 State Street in Salem, opened for business on Dec. 1, 1938 and remains in use today.

The building was designed by architects from the US Forest Service in the National Park Style. In addition to administrative offices, it houses the State Forester and includes the original meeting room for the Board of Forestry. Recognizing the long-standing connection between Oregonians and their forests, 18 different Oregon woods were used in its construction, representing every forested region of the state. A plaque in each room names the types of wood as well as the donating company. The building also features hand-wrought iron door plates and decorative hand-carved wooden accents.

The Forest History Center, also located on ODF’s Salem campus, will be open for public viewing as well. The Center, which is housed in a building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936, serves as a place to preserve and interpret the history of forestry in Oregon. It is staffed and operated by volunteers and funded through donations and grants.

Volunteers from the Forest History Center will prepare photo displays to interpret construction of the State Forester’s Office, along with other milestones in the building’s history. Current and retired ODF staff will provide tours, share the building’s lore, and talk about their own experience working for the Agency. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 16, 2018

SALEM, OREGON: The Oregon Farm Bureau Health & Safety Committee is pleased to partner with Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) to offer two free workshops aimed to keep farmers and ranchers safe and compliant with state laws. Both will be offered on Tuesday, Dec. 4 and are taking place as part of the 86th Oregon Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Salem.

• Workshop 1: Pesticide recertification CORE credits for applicator’s license

What: Join us for this training for four CORE credit hours approved by the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s “Worker Protection Standard: What You Should Know” program.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Salem Convention Center in Salem

• Workshop 2:  Small Agriculture Employer Exemption

What: Take this four-hour workshop to meet the training requirements for Oregon OSHA’s Small Agriculture Employer Exemption. This will include instruction on a variety of agricultural safety and health rules, from managing cultural differences to hazard identification.

When: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Salem Convention Center in Salem

REGISTER SOON! Cost for both free, but both workshops are limited to 50 participants. Refreshments will be provided for Workshop 1.

Limit two registrants per farm or ranch. Participants do not need to be Farm Bureau members to attend.

How to register: Email annemarie@oregonfb.org with your name, farm name, e-mail address and phone number.

###

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver’s voter-approved Affordable Housing Fund has received 16 applications requesting funding for projects that support construction, acquisition and rehabilitation of multifamily housing for low-income residents and people experiencing homelessness.

The Affordable Housing Fund, approved by voters in Nov. 2016, is now in its second year. In 2017, $5.61 million was granted for affordable housing and rehabilitation projects resulting in an estimated 237 new rental units and the rehabilitation of 20 existing units.

“We’re excited to see double the number of applications for affordable housing fund projects this year,” said Peggy Sheehan, City of Vancouver community & economic development programs manager. “We also received applications from for-profit developers for the first time this year.”

A total of $6.04 million is available for the current funding period. In January 2019, the Vancouver City Council will determine which projects will receive Affordable Housing fund dollars. 

For more information about Vancouver’s Affordable Housing Fund and to view a complete list of the project proposals received, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/AffordableHousingFund.

UPDATED INFORMATION, 11/16/2018 at 1140 am

The deceased driver of the vehicle in this collision is identified as Andy W. Kubbe, age 36.  Kubbe was a resident of Woodland, Washington.  He was driving a 1993 Ford Ranger pickup. 

Also, as a note of correction, the posted speed for NE 174th Street is 40mph, not 50mph as previously mentioned.

###

On 11/15/2018 at 7:47am Clark County Fire District 3 personnel and Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a single vehicle collision in the 18800 block of NE 174th Street, in the Hockinson area of Clark County.  A resident had contacted 911 to report a pickup had collided with his fence and tree.  The resident reported that the male driver of the truck was unresponsive.  Upon arrival, medical personnel attempted to resuscitate the driver, but was later pronounced dead at the scene.

NE 174th Street is a rural, two lane 50mph roadway.  Scene evidence indicates that the vehicle drove off the south side of the roadway, then collided with a fence and tree on private property.  Proximate causes of this collision are being investigated by the CCSO Traffic Unit. 

The driver's identity is being withheld pending the notification of relatives.  This release will be updated once that has been accomplished.

###

Portland, OR—State agencies will meet by teleconference November 27 and 28 on a proposed gold mine in Malheur County. 

The Technical Review Team (TRT) Tailings Storage Facility Subcommittee will meet by teleconference on Tuesday, November 27 at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. PST. The TRT will meet by teleconference on Wednesday, November 28 from 9 a.m. to noon PST. 

The meeting agendas are available at https://www.oregongeology.org/mlrr/chemicalprocess_Calico-GrassyMtn.htm

The public and media may listen to the meetings in person at the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) office at 229 Broadalbin Street SW, Albany or by phone. For call-in instructions, see the agendas. 

The TRT is an interdisciplinary team of state agencies that reviews information related to a proposed mine during all phases of the application process, and ultimately develops consolidated permit conditions that conform to Oregon regulations. 

###

Battle Ground's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting features live music, selfies with Santa, and a spirit of giving

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be the honored guests again this year at Battle Ground’s 29th annual Holiday Tree Lighting.   This year’s free community event to kick-off the holiday season will take place on Friday, December 7 at the Battle Ground Community Center located in historic Old Town at 912 East Main Street.

Festivities begin at 5:30 pm with caroling led by the Battle Ground High School Jazz Choir.  To the delight of all who are young and young-at-heart, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by Fire District 3 Engine to light the tree. 

After the tree lighting, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, the celebration moves indoors to the warmth of the community center where Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with children and pose for pictures – be sure to bring your cameras!   

The North County Community Food Bank will serve free warm and tasty refreshments.   Please join us in the spirit of giving by donating to the food bank - your cash donations help individuals and families right here in our community.   Learn more at https://nccfoodbank.org.  

The outdoor caroling and tree lighting will warm your heart, but the weather outside may be frightening so be sure to dress for rain, shine, or snow!    

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

November 20, 2018 @ 6:00 p.m.

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

 http://tinyurl.com/BoardORVA

November 16, 2018

 For more information: Peter Murphy

ODOT Public Information Officer

541-388-6224

Oregon DOT Carries “People’s Tree” on Statewide

Well-wishing Highway Enroute To D.C.

(Travel to Capitol Will Retrace Oregon Trail)

BEND – Oregon is sending the 2018 U S Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. for the holidays.  The first stops on the route that will retrace the Oregon Trail were within the state and the “People’s Tree” is now on a multi-state journey that will end in the Nation’s Capitol on Monday, November 26.

Video clips produced by the Oregon Department of Transportation about the in-state sendoff are available for unlimited use at:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1til3llcod4au6y/u.s. capitol christmas tree tv.mov?dl=0

##ODOT##

(Wilsonville, Ore.) - The Quality Measurement Council will meet from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018, in Training Rooms 1 and 2 at the Oregon Child Development Coalition, 9140 S.W. Pioneer Court, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070.

The Quality Measurement Council was formed with the passage of House Bill 3359 in 2017. The council meeting is open to the public.

Agenda items include will include a discussion on collecting and reporting metrics.

Sign language interpreters and live captioning will be provided. Those who are unable to attend in person, may join by calling toll-free phone number, 1-888-363-4735, and using Conference ID #3439085. 

The meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities. For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact Rebecca Mapes at 1-541-735-0058 or Rebecca.Mapes@state.or.us  Requests should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting.

For questions about this meeting, please contact: Rebecca Mapes at 1-541-735-0058 or Rebecca.Mapes@state.or.us

About the Quality Measurement Council

The council was established to create and maintain a system through which community-based, long-term care facilities report reliable and meaningful data that will make possible a system for measuring a facility’s performance compared with other long-term care providers in the state.

                                                                                                # # #

At 11:40pm last night a fire broke out in single family residence at 11826 NE Brazee. Firefighters reported seeing heavy fire coming from the front of the home and threatening a home next door. Firefighters were told that all residents were out but that one dog may still be inside. After the threat to the nearby home was eliminated, crews searched for and found a dog in a bedroom of the home. After a quick evaluation the dog was returned to his family. Fire crews declared the fire was extinguished at 11:58pm.

A fire investigator was called to the scene to determine cause and extent of the damage. The fire is still currently under investigation but the damages were concluded to at approximately $80,000. The Red Cross Cascade Chapter was called to help with the finding shelter for 6 adults 2 kids and one dog. It was unclear if working smoke alarms were activated in the home. 

When: 

Media invited from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17

Where:

Kaiser Permanente Interstate Medical Office Central Campus – North Parking Lot

3600 N. Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227

What: 

Kaiser Permanente Northwest will host its first-ever drive-through flu clinic, where eligible members can get vaccinated from the comfort of their car.

Why:

• The clinic makes it faster and easier to get vaccinated because you don’t need to get out of your car, which is especially helpful for people with limited mobility. Plus, it’s on a Saturday, which helps those who are unable to visit a nurse treatment center Monday-Friday.
• Getting a yearly flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu, and it's especially important to remind people how to avoid getting sick with Thanksgiving and holiday travel coming up.

Interviews:

• Dr. Rahul Rastogi, Innovation and Transformation Officer for Northwest Permanente
• Ruthie Berrell RN, BSN, MSN, Assistant Department Administrator, Primary Care

Visuals: 

Opportunities for photos and video of patients receiving their flu shots while in their vehicles. 

Background:

• Getting a yearly flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Even healthy people can develop serious complications or even die from the flu, so it’s important to protect for people to protect themselves and loved ones.
• There are many dangerous misconceptions and myths about flu vaccines that prevent individuals from getting their flu shot. But recent studies by the CDC show that vaccination can reduce the risk of flu illness between 40% and 60% when the vaccines are well-matched against the viruses.
• Learn more about our drive-through flu clinic pilot at kp.org/flu.

NCSD Announces School Board Vacancy

Applications Accepted until December 19, 2018

Milwaukie, OR (November 16, 2018)—North Clackamas School District (NCSD) announces that Position 3 on its School Board is currently vacant due to the resignation of Director Trisha Claxton. NCSD’s School Board declared the position vacant at their November 15, 2018 meeting, and approved the following timeline to fill the vacancy:

November 16            Open and advertise the position

December 19            Deadline for applications

January 7-18             Convene a special public meeting to interview applicants

January 24                 Appoint the new member to the Board

Individuals interested in serving on the School Board must meet the qualifications outlined in Board Policy BBBA.

“Persons will be eligible to serve as members of the Board if they are qualified voters of the district and have been residents within the district for one year immediately preceding the election or appointment. The individual must be 18 years of age or older, registered to vote at least 20 calendar days immediately preceding any election in the manner provided by law.

No person who is an employee of the district will be eligible to serve as a member of the Board while so employed. A person who is an employee of a public charter school may not serve as a member of the Board of the district in which the public charter school that employs the person is located.”

Complete information about the position’s role and responsibilities is available here, and application logistics can be found on NCSD’s website.

The newly appointed Director will finish the remainder of the previous Director’s term, which expires on June 30, 2019. In order to continue in the position, the appointed Director would need to run for the office in the May 2019 election.

NCSD sincerely appreciates Director Claxton’s contributions and dedication to the school district. 

EDITORS: Steve Robison, lead author of the study, is available for interviews after 11 a.m. today. To set up an interview, call 971-246-9139 or email PHD.Communications@state.or.us.

November 16, 2018

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us

High-dose flu vaccine reducing hospitalizations in seniors, study shows

Researchers examined vaccine with four times antigen level of typical vaccine

PORTLAND, Ore.—High-dose influenza vaccine reduces hospitalization for the virus among Oregon seniors, a new Oregon Health Authority study has found.

The study of more than 144,000 seniors, ages 65 and older, living in the Portland metropolitan area showed that high-dose flu vaccine was 31 percent more effective at preventing senior flu-related hospitalizations than the standard-dose flu vaccine during the 2016-2017 season, according to the study appearing in the scientific journal Vaccine.

A high-dose vaccine contains four times the antigen of a standard flu vaccine. Antigens are the molecular structures on the surfaces of viruses that trigger the body’s immune response. Seniors typically have a weaker immune response to standard influenza vaccines than younger adults, and benefit from vaccines that are high-dose or "adjuvanted" specifically for seniors.

Putting another chemical, an adjuvant, into the vaccine helps create a stronger reaction to the antigen of the vaccine. Seniors should get a vaccine that is intended to boost their immune response.

Steve Robison, epidemiologist in the Oregon Immunization Program, is the lead study author. Co-author is Anne Thomas, M.D., public health physician in the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. They say protecting vulnerable seniors during flu season each year is a constant challenge.

"Seniors are at greater risk of severe illness from flu," Thomas said. "What’s more, typical flu vaccine doses aren’t adequately protective for many seniors. We wanted to know whether a widely used high-dose flu vaccine would benefit a large population of seniors, particularly in reducing hospitalizations."

For their study, Robison and Thomas focused on seniors who reported receiving a flu vaccine by Dec. 11, 2016, which is roughly four weeks before the typical onset of substantial local flu disease activity. It also ensured that seniors who received the vaccine had enough time to achieve full "seroconversion," which is when flu antibodies develop and become detectable.

The study population consisted of 78,602 seniors who received high-dose flu vaccine and 65,705 seniors who received the standard vaccine dose.

Robison and Thomas found that senior use of high-dose flu vaccine, compared with standard-dose vaccine, was associated with a "substantial reduction in the risk of hospitalization" with laboratory-confirmed influenza.

"The message is: do not give the standard flu vaccine to seniors. Give the high-dose vaccine or adjuvanted vaccine," Robison said. He said that while the adjuvanted vaccine was not addressed in the study, it also is a good alternative to the standard-dose vaccine for seniors.

Robison explained that because adult influenza is not a reportable disease in the United States, only limited data on actual amounts of disease exist. However, due to funding from CDC’s Emerging Infections Program, the OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention program tracks influenza hospitalizations in the Portland metro area.

"We are fortunate here in Oregon to have accurate data on flu hospitalizations," Robison said. "Coupled with a strong immunization registry in our state, we have the ability to use our hospitalization and vaccination data to figure out how well vaccines are working. In this case, our study tells us at least one of these vaccines may be working better than we think."

The study is available on the Science Direct website at www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X18313197?dgcid=author.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Local flu clinics can be found by using the flu vaccine finder tool at http://www.flu.oregon.gov/. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is promoting National Influenza Vaccination Week on its website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/nivw/ to highlight the importance of flu vaccination.

# # #

November 16, 2018 - Salem, Ore. –  Someone who purchased a Powerball ticket on November 25, 2017 has, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, one extra day to claim their $1 million prize. But time is running out!
Lottery prizes are good one year from the date of the drawing. Since the one-year anniversary of the unclaimed $1 million Powerball ticket falls on Sunday, Nov. 25, Lottery rules stipulate that the prize can be claimed the next business day. In this case, Monday, Nov. 26. Since the prize is more than $50,000, it can only be claimed at the Lottery’s Salem Headquarters, at 500 Airport Road SE in Salem. The Salem office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The ticket was sold in the Southeast Portland area, and the winning numbers are 08-13-27-53-54 with a Powerball of 04. The player matched five numbers but missed the Powerball number.
All unclaimed prizes go into the state’s Economic Development Fund. Each year approximately $5 million in unclaimed prizes goes into the fund. In fiscal year 2016, more than $5.3 million in unclaimed prizes were transferred to the fund. In fiscal year 2017, more than $5.4 million was transferred.
The Oregon Lottery also recently released new mobile phone applications for both iPhone and Android phones. One of the features of the new app, available at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, is the ability to scan Lottery tickets to let players know if they’ve won a prize.
Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. 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 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.
Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned more than $11 billion for economic development, public education, state parks and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
 

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 16, 2018) – Give the gift that lasts all year! Starting Friday, Nov. 23, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is offering 15% off all memberships during their annual membership sale, which runs through Jan. 1. 

OMSI members receive a wide array of benefits:
- Sneak peeks to big exhibits
- Chinook Book App access (with exclusive OMSI coupons)
- Discounts on summer camps, movie tickets, sub tours, food, events and more
- Reciprocal access to more than 325 museums across the country (see entire list)
- Tax deductible expense

Membership levels and sale price:

OMSI for 2 - $84
•    1 named adult + 1 guest or 2 named adults
•    2 theater or submarine vouchers

Family - $97.75
•    2 named adults + 4 children

Family Plus - $123.25
•    2 named adults + 4 children
•    1 guest per visit
•    4 theater or submarine vouchers

Friend - $144.50
•    2 named adults + 8 children
•    2 guests per visit
•    8 theater or submarine vouchers
•    Unlimited Planetarium Matinee showings

Patron - $191.25
•    2 named adults + 10 children
•    3 guests per visit
•    Unlimited Planetarium Matinees
•    2 OMSI After Dark attraction passes
•    Free Parking Pass
•    10 theater or submarine vouchers

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

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross dispatched to a home fire disaster on Friday November 16, 2018 at approximately 0100 hours in the 10000 block of Ne Brazee Street in Portland, Or.

This single family fire affected 6 adults and 2 children. The Red Cross provided resources to help address immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food clothing and comfort kits including toiletry items and resources about health care and mental health as needed. 

Additional information about this incident if available may be obtained through the local first responders/fire department. The Red Cross in Oregon and Sw Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by home fire disasters every day. The Red Cross Advocates emergency Preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www,redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross dispatched to a home fire disaster on Friday November 16, 2018 at approximately 0100 hours in the 10000 block of Ne Brazee Street in Portland, Or.

This single family fire affected 6 adults and 2 children. The Red Cross provided resources to help address immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food clothing and comfort kits including toiletry items and resources about health care and mental health as needed. 

Additional information about this incident if available may be obtained through the local first responders/fire department. The Red Cross in Oregon and Sw Washington (the Cascades Region) helps an average of three families affected by home fire disasters every day. The Red Cross Advocates emergency Preparedness and offers the installation of free smoke alarms in our community. Residents may call (503) 528-5783 or complete an online form at www,redcross.org/GetAnAlarm to schedule an appointment.

South side community organizer was selected from three finalists to receive $1 million award for social entrepreneurship and faith-based filled community improvement.

Dr. Rami Nashashibi has been awarded the prestigious 2018 Opus Prize for his inspirational work as founder and director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) in Chicago, Illinois. The award was announced Thursday night, November 15 during a ceremony hosted by the University of Portland and the Opus Prize Foundation at the Earle A. and Virginia H. Chiles Center on the University campus.

IMAN is a nonprofit organization that fosters health, wellness, and healing in some of the Chicago’s most challenged neighborhoods. The organization was founded in 1997 by Nashashibi and others directly affected by and deeply invested in social issues affecting communities of color living on Chicago’s South Side. The nonprofit’s endeavors include organizing for social change, cultivating the arts, and operating a holistic health center, corner grocery store initiative, and job-training program. Since its founding, IMAN has steadily grown and, in 2016, opened a second office in Atlanta to continue mobilizing a cross-section of people committed to their mission. More at www.imancentral.org/

“The million-dollar Opus Prize award will allow IMAN to significantly expand its Green Re-entry program which provides life coaching, healing and dynamic job-training in the construction trades for returning citizens and young men who are potential victims of neighborhood violence,” Nashashibi said. “It will also reinforce our team’s efforts to exemplify prophetic compassion and mercy for all of the IMAN family.”

“IMAN has spent nearly two decades as the lynchpin implementing grassroots programs serving vulnerable families in some of Chicago’s most violent neighborhoods,” explained Don Neureuther, Executive Director of the Opus Prize Foundation. “Rami Nashashibi and his team exude ‘mercy,’ a Muslim virtue and tradition that embodies the values of the Opus Prize as they offer vulnerable families a ray of hope and inspire others through their work.” 

“IMAN’s holistic business model and spirit of inclusion of all ethnicities and faiths is a key to their success,” Neureuther added. “They identify a need and creatively respond to it, whether it’s a lack of housing and healthcare, poor nutrition, a dearth of arts opportunities, or providing a skill set through job training for at-risk young men. The working partnerships they establish with other neighborhood faith leaders is really impressive and intentional.”

About Dr. Rami Nashashibi
Dr. Rami Nashashibi has served as the Executive Director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) since its incorporation as a nonprofit in 1997. He has a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago and is a Visiting Professor of Sociology of Religion & Muslim Studies at the Chicago Theological Seminary. He has worked with several leading scholars in the area of globalization, African American studies and urban sociology and has contributed chapters to edited volumes by Manning Marabel and Saskia Sassen.

Nashashibi has lectured across the United States, Europe, and Asia on a range of topics related to American Muslim identity, community activism and social justice issues and is a recipient of several prestigious community service and organizing honors. He and his work with IMAN have been featured in many national and international media outlets and in 2009, Chicago Public Radio selected him as one of the “Top Ten Chicago Global Visionaries”. In 2014, the Center for American Progress profiled Nashashibi as one of the “14 Faith Leaders to Watch in 2014” and he was named one of the “500 Most Influential Muslims in the World” by The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center in concert with Georgetown’s Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. He lives with his wife and three children on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

To arrange interviews with Dr. Rami Nashashibi or the two finalists, please contact the Opus Prize at info@opusprize.org

Two other Opus Prize finalists, Daniel and Avitha Victor of Agape Rehabilitation Centre in Chennai, India, and Rev. Daniel Panchot, CSC, and Jose Antonio Patron of Yancana Huasy in Lima, Peru were awarded $100,000 each.

The two finalists were also honored for their faith and dedication to those in need. Daniel and Avitha Victor are a married couple whose life’s work in Chennai, India is supporting and educating an array of teens and adults with special needs.  Through compassionate care, they develop a professional skill set and support system for each person, promoting personal confidence, independence and success. Many served by Agape learn computer skills by completing a one-year diploma course leading to employment as software engineers in Chennai’s IT corridor. Others have the opportunity to start their own small businesses. The Victors hope to eventually build their own facility, expanding the number of people they serve.

In 1981, a small group of Peruvians with motor disabilities sought help from Fr. Daniel Panchot, a Holy Cross priest working in Lima, Peru. With a call to serve as an ‘educator of the faith in mind and heart with a preference for people who are poor,’ Fr. Panchot established Yancana Huasy. Now directed by Jose Antonio Patron Quispe, Yancana Huasy is one of Peru’s leading NGOs, working to integrate children and families with special needs into public schools, faith communities and neighborhoods. They are primary advocates in ensuring the disabled have access to public transportation and facilities, and focus on training parents of children with disabilities to meet the physical and emotional needs of their child. Yancana Huasy’s staff—many who have worked there for more than 20 years—help parents understand that ‘it takes a special parent to care for a child with special needs.’

The Opus Prize is one of the world’s largest faith-based awards for social entrepreneurship. In the face of improbable odds, its laureates are creating change in their communities and demonstrating faith and creativity through their work. Their leadership and dedication is transforming the lives of people around the world.

The University of Portland was selected by the Opus Prize Foundation to administer this year’s award because of the school’s commitment to educating the hands and heart – in addition to the mind – of its students, many of whom are dedicated to service and social justice. The 21-month process to identify, nominate and review candidates was made possible by the involvement of University of Portland students, faculty, alumni and administration.

About the Opus Prize and the University of Portland
The Opus Prize is an annual celebration of individuals working anywhere in the world, whose faith-filled, entrepreneurial leadership helps people in need transform their lives. The Prize is awarded to the recipients’ organizations not only to expand their humanitarian efforts, but also to further inspire people to pursue service to others. Each year, the Prize partners with a Catholic university to identify worthy recipients, host the awards events, and involve committed students at every level of the process and celebration. More at www.opusprize.org.

The University of Portland was selected by the Opus Prize Foundation to administer this year’s award because of the school’s commitment to educating the hands and heart – in addition to the mind – of its students, many of whom are dedicated to service and social justice. The 21-month process to identify, nominate and review candidates was made possible by the involvement of University of Portland students, faculty, alumni and administration. More at www.up.edu/opusprize.

# # #

UPDATE

Mirium Smith has been located and returned home safely.

The Vancouver Police request assistance in locating a missing twelve year old, Mirium Smith. She left home approximately 1415 hours and has not returned home. Mirium is a White female, 5 foot 2", 110 pounds with Brown shoulder length hair and Blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a Black hooded sweatshirt and Black pants with Burgandy Vans shoes. If located please call 9-1-1 or if in Clark County, WA 3-1-1. Mirium has no known health issues.

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross responded to a home fire on Thursday November 15, 2018 at approximately 1815 hours in the 100 block of Wallace Road, in Cowletz county, Washington. The single family fire affected two adults.

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

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

Tigard Police is asking the help of the public to locate a missing adult with developmental disabilities. Martha Brown, 57, was last seen earlier today at 10 a.m. when she left her home in the area of Hall Blvd near Sattler Street. Martha is 5'2" and approximately 135 lbs. She was last wearing a purple plaid jacket (as seen in the provided picture). Martha frequents shops in the Durham/Pacific Highway area or at the Tigard Plaza located on Pacific Hwy at Hall Blvd. She is prone to falls which can cause her to be disoriented. Martha has familiarity with Tri-Met and could be traveling on that system.

If anyone spots Martha, please call 9-1-1 immediately to report.

See attached bulletin.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

NOVEMBER 15, 2018

Vesther J.J. Brown found to be Guilty Except for Insanity, sentenced to Psychiatric Security Review Board

Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 21-year-old Vesther J.J. Brown appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Nan Waller on November 14, 2018 and was found to be Guilty Except for Insanity (GEI).

Brown was committed to the Oregon State Hospital and placed under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) for a time not to exceed 20 years.

For additional information on the PSRB, please click here to visit the State’s website.

At the Nov. 14, 2018 hearing, Brown waived his right to a jury trial. Instead, he agreed to a stipulated facts trial, which allowed both the State of Oregon and Brown’s criminal defense attorney to present exhibits to the judge to make a conviction determination. This was not a change of plea hearing.

Judge Waller, upon reviewing the exhibits, found Brown to be Guilty Except for Insanity on all 22 counts listed in the indictment, which can be obtained by clicking here. In her ruling, Judge Waller found Brown to be suffering from a qualifying mental disorder.

This investigation started on August 21, 2017 when officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau responded to calls of a person being stabbed with a pen and reports of shots fired in the area of Southeast 162nd Avenue and Southeast Division Street.  During this investigation law enforcement spoke with an individual who told them that he was driving and that the defendant was in the passenger seat of his vehicle. While the vehicle was in motion, Brown stabbed the driver, an acquaintance, with a pen in the neck.  

As officers were conducting the initial assault investigation, they received information that shots had been fired from a nearby apartment complex. Law enforcement responded to the area and observed an apartment door ajar, blood in the apartment and a person who was bleeding and holding a towel over her chest wounds.

The female in the apartment told law enforcement that her brother, the defendant, shot her. The victim also reported that Brown shot his eight year old brother. Inside the apartment, law enforcement located evidence that multiple gunshots had been fired. Police learned that after the shooting, Brown fled the apartment in a blue truck with his younger brother who was suffering from a gunshot wound.

While the Portland Police Bureau continued to investigate the stabbing and shooting, the PPB Major Crash Team responded to the scene of an injury crash at Southeast 156th Avenue and Southeast Division Street. There, law enforcement found a van and a blue truck with extensive damage. According to previously filed court documents, based on the physical evidence collected by the Portland Police Bureau, the blue truck stuck the van from behind at high speed, potentially 55 miles per hour to 75 mph. Police determined there were eight people in the van at the time of impact.

Paramedics responded to the crash and Brown seen standing over his brother. The child was conscious but bleeding from his back and stomach. Police learned from the child that his brother, Brown, shot he and his sister.

At the crash scene, defendant told police that he had gun in his pocket, according to court documents. The officer recovered a.357 revolver. Law enforcement determined three of the five rounds had been fired.

This case was prosecuted by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team (CAT). MDT and CAT unit is responsible for reviewing and coordinating all child abuse and neglect cases in Multnomah County. To learn more about the MDT and CAT unit, click here.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

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

OREGON CITY – As the holiday season nears, Clackamas Community College music students will bring music to your ears. From jazz to choral to acoustic, there’s a performance for all tastes. Get in the holiday spirit by attending one or more concerts. Unless otherwise noted, all performances are at the Niemeyer Osterman Theatre, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, and admission is $5.

Instrumental Jazz Night

Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.

The Clackamas Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo will perform a night of pieces from the traditional and modern jazz repertoire. Guests will also enjoy an original composition that has roots in an old Bob Dylan song from local composer Charley Gray.

Contemporary Music Ensemble Concert

Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m.

The Contemporary Music Ensemble explores the genres of contemporary music: pop, rock, blues and electronic. Students come from diverse musical backgrounds to collaborate and perform.

Classical Guitar Ensemble and Wind Ensemble Concert

Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.

The CCC Wind Ensemble will play music from Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town,” as well as traditional and modern works from composers, including Camphouse, Gillingham and Maslanka. The CCC Guitar Ensemble will perform Catalan folk songs and put a new spin on an old classic.

Mainstream and Chamber Choir

Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m., Niemeyer room 119

Come celebrate the holidays with CCC’s Chamber and Mainstream choirs. Performances include a combined set of familiar carols and new takes on old favorites. Both ensembles will also perform classic non-holiday pieces from Franz Schubert and Rogers and Hart.

For more information about any of these events, contact Ami Collofello at ami.collofello@clackamas.edu. See a complete listing of CCC upcoming performances at www.clackamas.edu/art.

-30-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

NOVEMBER 15, 2018

Three suspects in the death of Jose Morales plead guilty, receive prison sentences

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced that the three individuals involved with the homicide of Jose Morales were sentenced in Multnomah County Circuit Court. 

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney David Hannon, who prosecuted this case, read an impact statement that was prepared by Mr. Morales’ mother.

“No one understands how difficult this has been for me. …I have to be strong for my children and haven't had the opportunity to grieve. …This whole process has been very painful and in fact, painful is too small of a word to describe the loss. …I was robbed of the opportunities to celebrate my son's accomplishments: to know my son as an adult, as an uncle, a father and as a husband."

Following the death of Mr. Morales, the Gresham Police Department and East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team arrested Cristian Martinez-Chavez, Isai Guzman-Ramirez, Francisco Martinez-Chavez and Obed Garcia-Antonio.

Law enforcement responded to the intersection of Southeast 187th Avenue and Southeast Stark Street on July 29, 2017 where they located Mr. Morales on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound. At the scene, a single shell casing from a .22 caliber firearm was recovered.

During the initial investigation, detectives learned that a Gresham Police officer had conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle a few blocks from the homicide scene. According to previously filed court documents, the officer was on routine patrol when a vehicle passed him at a high rate of speed. The officer saw the driver of the vehicle blow through a stop sign. As the officer was conducting the traffic stop, he started hearing reports over his police radio about a shooting.

According to court documents, Garcia-Antonio was the driver of the vehicle stopped by law enforcement. Guzman-Ramirez was found in the front passenger seat. Cristian Martinez-Chavez was seated in the rear passenger seat. His brother, Francisco Martinez-Chavez, was seated behind the driver.

During the traffic stop, law enforcement recovered a .22 caliber rifle inside the vehicle, according to court documents.

The investigation revealed that the shooting stemmed from a fight that occurred earlier in the evening that involved Cristian Martinez-Chavez and Mr. Morales. Detectives learned that following the fight, all four suspects agreed to go to the residence of Guzman-Ramirez to obtain a firearm. According to court documents, upon obtaining the firearm, all four individuals got into a vehicle that was driven by Garcia-Antonio and returned to the area where the fight between Mr. Morales and Cristian Martinez-Chavez had occurred. The four individuals started looking for Mr. Morales.

Upon locating Mr. Morales, Cristian Martinez-Chavez fired a single round from the rifle, while the vehicle was in motion, and stuck Mr. Morales, which resulted in his death.

Cristian Martinez-Chavez, the shooter in this case, pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree with a firearm. He received a 16 year prison sentence.

Isai Guzman-Ramirez, the individual who obtained the firearm used to kill Mr. Morales, pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree. He received a 14 year prison sentence.

Obed Garcia-Antonio, the individual who drove the three other suspects, pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the second degree. He received a 6 year, 3 month prison sentence.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to recognize the Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the East Metro Gang Task Force, the East County Major Crimes Team, and the victim advocates from the District Attorney’s Office for their roles in bring justice to the family of Mr. Morales.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

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

A digest of recent news from Pacific University:

College of Optometry Dean Jennifer Coyle Receives National Honor

Pacific University Enrollment Edges Closer to Year 2020 Goal

High school students find pharmacy is a balm for the lips — and maybe a life's pursuit

Healthcare On the Go

Performing Arts Series Features John Jorgenson Quintet on Sunday, Nov. 18

Coming Attractions

Autumn Choreographers Concert – Nov. 15-17

Pacific University Symphonic Band Concert – Saturday, Nov. 17

Performing Arts Series Presents John Jorgenson Quintet – Sunday, Nov. 18

Women’s Basketball vs. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps – Sunday, Nov. 18           Athletics Schedule  

Cawein Gallery of Art Exhibit: Richard Cutshall – through Nov. 20 (M-F, 1-5 p.m.)

                                                                                                                                         -pacificu.edu-

Pacific University is a small, but diverse learning community, where students thrive in a personal academic environment. Tracing its roots to 1849, when it was chartered as a school for orphans of the Oregon Trail, Pacific has long been devoted to making a difference in the world. Today, 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. At Pacific University, students and faculty develop close, nurturing relationships that provide an extraordinary educational experience.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites people to play for free Nov. 23 in celebration of “Green Friday.” The agency will waive day-use parking fees in 25 state parks the day after Thanksgiving.

"We started Green Friday four years ago to encourage people to opt outside and the response has been very positive," said Lisa Sumption, OPRD director. "We’re thrilled that many families now include a state park outing as part of their holiday tradition.”

Parking is free year-round at almost all state parks; the waiver applies to the 25 parks that charge $5 daily for parking. The waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 23, except at Shore Acres State Park, where it expires at 3 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. A list of parks that require day-use parking permits is available online.

Driving directions and more info about state parks is on oregonstateparks.org.

[Adapted from a Facebook post by Happy Valley Police....]

Please reference reference CCSO Case #18-030675

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, an alert deputy contracted to the Happy Valley Police Department observed a small, tan pickup roll through the stop sign at SE King Rd and SE 129th Ave.

When the deputy stopped the truck, the driver admitted he rolled through the stop sign, explaining he had defective brakes and possibly a flat tire.

While talking to the driver, 26-year-old Patrick David Kennedy, the deputy heard a radio broadcast: A neighbor in the area of SE Idleman and Tyler Roads had reported seeing a suspicious male on his neighbor's property who left the area in a small tan pickup.

The deputy asked a few more questions -- and did not buy Mr. Kennedy's story that he was just taking a nap in his truck after randomly driving here. Kennedy denied being on anybody's property.

The deputy noticed several power tools and a small motorcycle in the truck.  He asked about the items and Mr. Kennedy said he bought them on "Offer Up."

The deputy continued to investigate these suspicious circumstances. He soon learned that the citizen who called in the suspicious vehicle awakened his neighbor -- and learned that his neighbor had in fact had a small motorcycle stolen from his property.

That neighbor arrived on scene and positively identified the motorcycle as his.

Patrick Kennedy was arrested on Theft and Trespassing charges and booked into Clackamas County Jail. A booking photo is attached.

Happy Valley PD appreciates the alert resident who made a timely call to 911 with a good description of a suspicious person and then contacted his neighbor.  His willingness to get involved led to an arrest and a neighbor being reunited with his motorcycle.

Happy Valley PD is still investigating this case and attempting to identify owners of the tools.  Most notably, were three nail guns and two grinders.

TIPS, TOOL OWNERS SOUGHT

If you have any information or had tools stolen on or around Tuesday, Nov. 13, please contact Happy Valley PD at 503-760-0123 and reference case #18-030675.

Three Clackamas County cities -- Happy Valley, Estacada and Wilsonville -- contract with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office to provide municipal police services.

EUGENE, Ore. – Eric L. Scully, 35, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to endangering human life and illegally possessing and manufacturing marijuana after a November 2017 butane honey oil (BHO) explosion in Cottage Grove.

“Manufacturing hash oil is extremely dangerous and poses a grave risk of injury or death to producers and unknowing, innocent victims. Federal authorities will continue targeting BHO producers and the illicit distribution networks providing them with butane gas. Together with our local partners, we will put an end to this severe public safety threat,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“This investigation highlights the significant dangers that these extraction operations pose,” stated Keith Weis, DEA Special Agent in Charge of the Pacific Northwest Region. He further added, “This explosive event in Cottage Grove’s community was caused by highly reckless criminal activities surrounding butane honey oil (BHO) production, this time we were very lucky that lives were not lost.”

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

Two days later, Cottage Grove Police and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents executed a search warrant at the storage facility. Inside, they found a large, sophisticated, and unlicensed BHO extraction lab. BHO is a concentrated form of marijuana extracted using highly flammable or combustible solvents. During the search, agents found more than 1,900 pounds of marijuana bud and shake, 728 marijuana plants and over 80 pounds of marijuana extract. Each plant was either mature or had leaves and readily observable root formation.

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

Scully faces up to 40 years in prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence, a $5 million fine and a mandatory four-year term of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and defense counsel are jointly recommending a non-binding, 87-month sentence for Scully who will be sentenced on February 21, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane.

As part of the plea agreement, Scully agrees to pay restitution to each victim as determined by the court, including payments for property damage, physical injuries caused by the explosion and the reimbursement of insurance companies. Scully also agreed to forfeit $25,980 in criminal proceeds and a pickup truck and trailer used to facilitate his crimes.

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

# # #

On Thursday, November 15, 2018, at 12:48 p.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a robbery at Wells Fargo Bank, located at 13485 Northwest Cornell Road in the Cedar Mill community. The location is inside of a Safeway store.

Witnesses reported that an unknown male approached the counter and passed a note to a teller demanding money. The suspect then fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Deputies, assisted by Beaverton Police, conducted an extensive search of the area but the suspect was not located. Sunset High School and Terra Linda Elementary were briefly placed in lockout during the search. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a 40 to 50-year-old white male, 5-foot-9 tall, medium build, clean-shaven, wearing a black sweatshirt, blue jeans, black shoes, and a black cap.

Security footage of the incident is not available for release at this time.

Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to investigate and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was notified of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Washington County Sheriff’s Office detectives by calling (503) 846-2700.

November 15, 2018

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us (media inquiries)

Marisha Childs, 971-673-0389, isha.childs@dhsoha.state.or.us">marisha.childs@dhsoha.state.or.us (meeting information and accommodation)

Nurse Staffing Advisory Board Acuity Subcommittee meets November 21 in Portland

What: A public meeting of the Nurse Staffing Advisory Board's Acuity Subcommittee.

Agenda: Overview of the acuity cross-walk, subcommittee members’ discussion and questions. The agenda is available on the OHA’s nurse staffing website.

When: November 21, 3-4:30 p.m. No public comment period is offered.

Where: Portland State Office Building Room 368, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland; or by conference call at 877-336-1829, access code 2075141.

Background: The Nurse Staffing Advisory Board's acuity subcommittee advises the Oregon Health Authority on acuity measuring and how acuity is measured on a nurse staffing survey. Board members serving on the subcommittee will review the acuity cross-walk and advise OHA for future nurse staffing surveys.

For more information, see the OHA nurse staffing website at http://www.healthoregon.org/nursestaffing.

# # #

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 Marisha Childs at 971-673-0389, 711 TTY or isha.childs@dhsoha.state.or.us">marisha.childs@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

SALEM, OR – Today Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) released the draft Breaking New Ground: the OHCS Statewide Housing Plan, a five-year look at the agency’s priorities, goals, and strategies in ensuring a stable and affordable housing landscape. Drafted after combining robust statewide outreach and partner input sessions with quantitative data analysis, the document reflects what is needed to address the housing and service needs of both rural and urban communities across Oregon. OHCS will seek feedback over the course of the next month to clarify strategies and strengthen the Plan.

Director Margaret Salazar will be releasing a video interview later this month, ahead of five public meetings to introduce the draft plan and seek feedback on the strategies. The five meeting dates and locations are listed below.

• La Grande – November 29th 1 PM – 3 PM at Cook Memorial Library
• Eugene – December 10th 10 AM -12 PM at a location to be determined
• Redmond – December 11th 12 PM – 1 PM at Redmond City Hall
  • Part of the Housing For All meeting
• Forest Grove – December 11th 1 PM – 3 PM at Forest Grove City Hall
• Newport – December 13th 1 PM – 3 PM at Oregon Coast Community College

Additional details about the Statewide Housing Plan, including details about 2017 outreach and county profiles, are available online.

The Oregon State Board of Nursing has approved Warner Pacific University’s proposal to offer the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Warner Pacific Dean of Nursing Dr. Linda Campbell and Associate Dean of Nursing Dr. Gary Laustsen received the news at an OSBN board meeting earlier today in Portland. The approval comes after nearly a year of preparation and close correspondence with the nursing board by Warner Pacific administrators and faculty.

“Thanks to excellent work by our Dean of Nursing, Associate Dean of Nursing, and our highly collaborative faculty, the Oregon State Board of Nursing has approved Warner Pacific University’s proposal for the pre-licensure BSN,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Dr. Reginald T.W. Nichols. “Warner Pacific is immensely grateful to Dr. Campbell and Dr. Laustsen for their leadership during this process. The University also appreciates the dedicated support from the faculty and for their partnership in the development of curriculum.”

Warner Pacific President, Dr. Andrea Cook, believes that the nursing board approval provides a significant opportunity for the University to advance its mission to provide students from diverse backgrounds with an education that prepares them for a constantly changing world. “With 63% of our students identifying as persons of color, Warner Pacific is ready to help meet the vital need in our community for diverse, baccalaureate prepared nurses,” said Cook. “Our Christ-centered community and liberal arts curriculum will prepare the next generation of nurses with caring, faith, and intellectual inquiry.”

The BSN program is expected to be very popular among current and prospective students, said Dale Seipp, Jr., Warner Pacific University's vice president for enrollment and marketing. “We are so excited that students who want to follow their calling to become nurses can now pursue that at Warner Pacific,” said Seipp. “Celebrating diversity and a focus on serving the community is at the heart of the Warner Pacific experience. It makes our program the perfect fit for students who want to impact the world through the profession of nursing.”

The Warner Pacific University Nursing Program has been community focused from the beginning, with an advisory council providing critical insight into what future nurses will need to provide quality and compassionate care. “In addition to unwavering internal support to launch our pre-licensure BSN Degree Program, we received timely and expert contributions from the Warner Pacific Nursing Advisory Council,” said Dr. Linda Campbell, dean of nursing.  “Since 2015, this 11-member council has been shaping a mission-driven vision of higher education for nursing. We are profoundly grateful to our advisory council members for their collaborative support, guidance, and encouragement during this necessarily rigorous process.”

What’s next? Here is a helpful guide to the Warner Pacific Nursing Program.

When will BSN classes begin?
Currently enrolled Warner Pacific students who have reached junior status and transfer students who have completed associate level studies toward their RN may enter the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the spring 2019 semester, with classes beginning in January.

Incoming first-year students may declare a nursing major as early as fall 2019 semester. During the spring semester of their sophomore year, these students will complete a rigorous process to gain admission to the Warner Pacific Nursing Program. Once admitted to the program, students will start Bachelor of Science in Nursing coursework in the fall of 2021.

Who teaches in the program?
The primary faculty members in the Warner Pacific University Nursing Program are Dr. Linda Campbell and Dr. Gary Laustsen. Additional prospective faculty members have been identified and will be employed as the program grows.

Campbell, appointed to the Dean of Nursing role in November 2017, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Arizona State University, and attended the University of Colorado-Denver, where she earned a Master of Science in Community Health Nursing with a focus in Nursing Administration and a Ph.D. in Nursing. Prior to coming to Warner Pacific, she spent thirteen years serving the Loretto Heights School of Nursing (LHSON) in the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions at Regis University in Denver.

Laustsen, who joined the Warner Pacific faculty in 2018, received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Regis University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Colorado-Denver Health Sciences Center. He has worked as a registered nurse (RN), family nurse practitioner (FNP), and nurse educator at the baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels. Most recently, he served as an associate professor in the School of Nursing at Oregon Health & Sciences University.

Does Warner Pacific offer any other pathways to the BSN degree?
In addition to the newly approved pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Warner Pacific University offers the RN-to-BSN degree program. This program is designed for working RNs who want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in a convenient, one night a week format.

For more information about the Warner Pacific University Nursing Program, visit www.warnerpacific.edu/nursing.

# # #

About Warner Pacific University

Founded in 1937, Warner Pacific University is Oregon’s most diverse four-year institution. Offering associate, bachelor, and master degrees, Warner Pacific University empowers students through personalized attention, relational support, and career-focused liberal arts education. Degrees are available in the traditional undergraduate format, as well as one night a week, and online. Earlier this year, Warner Pacific announced tuition reductions for all undergraduate degrees as part of its mission to provide equitable access to higher education for every student. Warner Pacific was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Most Ethnically Diverse Campus in the West, as a Best College in the West (10), and a Best Value School (8). Warner Pacific is the only university in Oregon to be named a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Department of Education. Learn more about Warner Pacific University at www.warnerpacific.edu.

The Police Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST) held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting today, November 15, 2018.  The meeting was held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon.

To increase the public's trust, the Oregon legislature has mandated the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training establish minimum standards that are required to be met and maintained by Oregon's providers of public safety, including police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, telecommunicators (9-1-1), emergency medical dispatchers, public safety instructors, and OLCC regulatory specialists. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is responsible for certifying public safety professionals who meet all of the Board-established intellectual, physical and moral fitness standards and for denying, suspending or revoking the certification of those who do not meet or fall below these standards.

Note actions listed below are not final and parties involved in professional standards cases may request a context case hearing.

Meeting Recap

Approval of Changes to the Basic Police Curriculum - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training to approve the proposed Phase 2 changes to the DPSST Basic Police curriculum.

Proposed Rule Changes for OAR 259-008-0085; Updates the Rule for Consistency and to Reflect the Current Regulatory Specialist FTM Version - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training to approve filing the proposed rule change with the Secretary of State as a permanent rule if no comments are received.

White, Larissa DPSST #52624 – Basic Police Certification; Turner Police Department -Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training to revoke Ms. White’s certifications for gross misconduct and dishonesty with a 10 year period of ineligibility to hold certifications.

Craig, Stephen DPSST #37427 – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certification; Bend Police Department - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that no action be taken against Mr. Craig’s certifications.

Charpilloz, Jeffrey DPSST #32160 – Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Supervisory Police Certifications; Mt. Angel Police Department - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that no action be taken against Mr. Charpilloz’s certifications.

Knudson, Kelvin DPSST #16989 – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Police Certifications; Not Affiliated - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that no action be taken on Mr. Knudson’s certifications. 

Humphrey, Matthew DPSST #37988 – Basic Police Certification; Washington County Sheriff’s Office - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training to revoke Mr. Humprey’s certification for gross misconduct and dishonesty with a 3 year period of ineligibility for gross misconduct and a 10 year period of ineligibility for dishonesty to hold certifications.

Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination- Deputy Sheriff Robert “Bobby” Anderson; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office- Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training to approve adding Multnomah County Deputy Robert Ray “Bobby” Anderson to the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall during the 2019 Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Ceremony.

## Background Information on the BPSST and 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.

The Portland Water Bureau received results from ongoing monitoring from the Bull Run Watershed intake for Cryptosporidium, a potentially disease-causing microorganism. One Cryptosporidium oocyst was detected from 50-liters collected on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. Prior to this detection, Cryptosporidium was last detected from the Bull Run Watershed intake on Oct. 11, 2018, when one oocyst was detected in a 10-liter sample. 

The bureau is serving 100 percent Bull Run water as its source of drinking water. The Portland Water Bureau does not currently treat the Bull Run for Cryptosporidium, but is required to do so under the drinking water regulations. Portland is working to install filtration by 2027 under a compliance schedule with the Oregon Health Authority. In the meantime, the Portland Water Bureau is implementing interim measures such as watershed protection and additional monitoring to protect public health. Consultation with public health officials has concluded that at this time, customers do not need to take any additional precautions.

Exposure to Cryptosporidium can cause cryptosporidiosis, a serious illness. Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. People with healthy immune systems recover without medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with severely weakened immune systems are at risk for more serious disease. Symptoms may be more severe and could lead to serious or life-threatening illness. Examples of people with weakened immune systems include those with AIDS; those with inherited diseases that affect the immune system; and cancer and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.

The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that a small percentage of the population could experience gastro-intestinal illness from Cryptosporidium and advises that customers who are immunocompromised and receive their drinking water from the Bull Run Watershed consult with their healthcare professional about the safety of drinking the tap water. The Portland Water Bureau and Burlington, City of Gresham, City of Sandy, City of Tualatin, Green Valley, GNR, Hideaway Hills, Lake Grove, Lorna Portland Water, Lusted, Palatine Hill, Pleasant Home, Raleigh, Rockwood, Skyview Acres, Tualatin Valley, Two Rivers, Valley View and West Slope Water Districts receive all or part of their drinking water supply from the Bull Run. To learn if your drinking water comes from Bull Run, please contact your local drinking water provider.

The public and the media are encouraged to view all sampling results posted to the City’s website at portlandoregon.gov/water/cryptoresults. The bureau will notify the media and public immediately should further test results indicate a risk to public health and precautions are necessary.

Customers with questions regarding water quality can call the Water Line at 503-823-7525.

On Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at approximately 6:15 AM Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 89.

Initial investigation revealed that a 2000 Dodge Ram PU, operated by Zachary Rivera (32) from Mulino, OR, was westbound on Interstate 84 when the vehicle hit the guardrail, crossed both lanes, and went down an embankment on the south side of Interstate 84.  

Rivera was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.  He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Oregon State Police were assisted by Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue and ODOT.

CORRECTION -  Richard Hillmann 

On November 22, 2017, Richard Hillmann attended a day before Thanksgiving gathering at a friend’s house on Pleasant Valley Road in Josephine County.  He left the party between 8 - 9 PM in his green 1997 Toyota SR5 pickup (OR License VWT 361) and has not been seen since.

Hillmann's residence is within 5 miles of the Pleasant Valley gathering.

The Oregon State Police adopted the case in March of 2018 and has interviewed many witnesses, friends, and neighbors. Hillmann had few close associates and primarily stayed to himself.

Investigators believe that Hillmann is the victim of foul play and the person(s) involved were known to Hillman.

Oregon State Police investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating Hillman and/or his vehicle. If anyone has seen Hillmann, the vehicle,  or have any information regarding his disappearance they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-776-6111 or OSP and reference case number SP18-076662 / Detective John Anderson.

FOREST GROVE -- Pacific University College of Optometry Dean Jennifer Coyle ‘90, OD ‘93, MS ‘00, FAAO has been honored as the recipient of the 2018 Women in Optometry Theia Award of Excellence for Education.

Coyle was among seven optometrists the publication honored for their contributions to the profession and recognized at the annual American Academy of Optometry Meeting held in San Antonio on Nov. 8.

The Theia Awards of Excellence are named for Theia, the Greek goddess of vision or sight.

“Jenny is a wonderful colleague with unique education and leadership skills and a willingness to give her many talents to help advance her students, the college and the profession,” said Dr. Stanley Yamane ‘65, OD ‘66, who nominated Coyle for the honor.

Coyle received the honor with several Pacific alumni, faculty and staff colleagues in attendance, including doctors Yamane, Tad Buckingham '92, OD '94, Michela Kenning OD '12, James Kundart OD '99, Hannu Laukkanen '83, OD '84, MEd/VFL '94, JP Lowery OD '93, MEd/VFL '96, Bree McGhee OD '17, Col. Carol Rymer OD '92 and staff members Marcie Brown, Miki Buckingham and Nora Garfias-Lopez.

“I am truly humbled by this honor,” Coyle said. “I have had an amazing 25-year career at Pacific, advocating for our constituents in optometry, and to be honored for what I love to do is a bit surreal.”

Coyle said she is most proud of the accomplishments of the approximately 2,100 Pacific optometry students she has had the pleasure of meeting and working with during her tenure at Pacific, as well as alumni who “routinely find their bliss” through a profession that helps.

“I’m very blessed to have such great friends and colleagues,” she added. “I couldn’t do what I do without the support and passion each of them exhibit on a daily basis.”

The award is just the latest in a long list of honors for Coyle, who has also been selected as the first female president of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (2013), Oregon Optometrist of the Year (2010), chair of the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association Advocacy Committee (2009), and one of Vision Monday’s 50 Most Influential Women in Optical (2006). She is also a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry, Diplomate in the AAO Section on Cornea, Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. 

Pacific University's College of Optometry prepares engaged learners to be optometric leaders and vision scientists through a diverse education while advancing professional and ethical eye care, scholarship and service to the community.

Under Coyle’s leadership, Pacific optometry students have excelled academically, routinely scoring significantly higher than the national average on national board exams. Students also serve communities locally and globally by providing vision care services to underserved populations through the EyeVan, EyeSmile and AMIGOS programs. The Pacific University College of Optometry also was named the 2018 School of the Year by the National Optometric Association.

                                                                                                               -pacificu.edu-

Pacific University is a small, but diverse learning community, where students thrive in a personal academic environment. Tracing its roots to 1849, when it was chartered as a school for orphans of the Oregon Trail, Pacific has long been devoted to making a difference in the world. Today, 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. At Pacific University, students and faculty develop close, nurturing relationships that provide an extraordinary educational experience.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Aubrey Richardson, died today, November 14, 2018. He was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) and passed away at the institution. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,900 men and women who are incarcerated in the 14 institutions across the state. Richardson entered DOC custody on November 22, 2016 from Linn County.  His earliest release date was September 19, 2021. He was 76 years old. Next of kin have been notified.

TRCI is a multi-custody facility in Umatilla that houses more than 1,800 men.  It delivers a range of correctional services and programs including education, work opportunities, and cognitive programming.  The minimum facility opened in 1998 and the medium facility opened in 2000.

On November 12, 2018 at about 3:34 pm, Lincoln City officers responded to 950 SE 32nd St on a report of a gunshot victim. The victim reported he had been walking along SE 32nd St when a car pulled up, the driver of the car fired a gun at him, and the bullet hit the cell phone he was carrying in his hand. LCPD detectives recovered the cell phone, which did in fact have damage appearing to be caused by a bullet.

In the days following the initial report, LCPD detectives conducted on-going follow up in order to determine the identity of the alleged suspect who fired from the vehicle. During the investigation, detectives determined the victim, 21-year-old Isaiah Padron of Lincoln City, made a false report to police in reference to the “drive by shooting.” Padron admitted to causing damage to his cell phone and minor injuries to himself when he accidentally discharged a firearm while in the bedroom of a family member’s home.

During this investigation, LCPD recovered the handgun used in the incident and determined it to be listed as a stolen firearm taken during the burglary of a Central Oregon home.

On November 14, 2018 Padron was taken into custody for Filing a False Police Report, Reckless Endangering, Theft I by Receiving, and Disorderly Conduct, and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail.

The Lincoln City Police Department appreciates the community’s support and all the information provided, which helped bring this case to a close.

On Wednesday November 14, 2018 at approximately 8:44 pm Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a vehicle striking a pedestrian on Hwy 99 milepost 4.5.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Ford F150 PU, operated by Jordan Abbasi (33) of Missouri City,
Texas, was traveling northbound on Hwy 99 near milepost 4.5 when he hit a pedestrian in the roadway.  The pedestrian , identified as Bonnie Weyburn (52) from Vancouver, WA.  was transported to the hospital but later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Abbasi was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation.

OSP was assisted by EMS, Jackson County Fire, and ODOT.
 

For Immediate Release                                                            Contact: Courtney Dodds

November 15, 2018                                                                   503-274-4483 x505

                                                                                                   971-275-2334 (cell)

Union Gospel Mission Preparing to Serve More Than 800 Meals on Thanksgiving Day

Portland, Ore., - Union Gospel Mission is starting to cook turkeys now in order to be prepared to serve over 800 meals on Thanksgiving Day.

Union Gospel Mission’s Thanksgiving Day event takes place on Thursday, November 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Union Gospel Mission at 15 NW Third Avenue. Meals are served in a large heated tent in front of the mission. Guests will also enjoy live music and receive a gift bag with hand warmers, a first aid kit, hygiene items, and a blanket. New this year will be a resource table with staff and volunteers ready to help guests connect to community resources as well as provide coaching to build long-term goals.  

In addition to turkey, the menu includes 350 lbs. each of real mashed potatoes, stuffing and fresh candied yams, 75 gallons of turkey gravy, 72 lbs. of cranberry sauce, 240 pumpkin pies with whipped cream, 1200 dinner rolls with butter and 100 gallons of coffee.

“We can still use donations of frozen turkeys and coffee, ground or whole bean, to make sure we are ready to serve over 800 meals,” said Lori Quinney, Food Service Coordinator for Union Gospel Mission.

Turkey and coffee donations can be dropped off at 3 NW Third Avenue in Portland. Union Gospel Mission is also seeking financial support for Thanksgiving events. Donations can be made online at www.ugmportland.org or mailed to 3 NW Third Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97209.

About Union Gospel Mission: Union Gospel Mission’s purpose is “Feeding the hungry, restoring the addict and loving our neighbor.” Union Gospel Mission has been serving Portland since 1927. Union Gospel Mission provides meals and care for the homeless, and operates LifeChange -- a transformative recovery program for men, women and children. Contact Union Gospel Mission at 503-274-4483 or ugmportland.org and @ugmpdx.

# # #

Please reference CCSO Case # 18-030413

At 3:20 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, a Patrol deputy was flagged down by a man in the 29000 block of S. Dryland Road, south of Heintz Road in Canby. The man was yelling that there was "a crash at the pond."

The deputy drove another 50 yards north -- and saw a black car against a tree in the middle of a duck pond.

There was debris everywhere, and the water was still rippling from the impact.  The deputy had missed the crash by seconds.

Skid marks (93 feet of them, by later measurements) were visible on the roadway, from the top of the hill on the north side of the road leading across the road and off the roadway. A trail of broken trees led to the partially submerged vehicle. Authorities would later determine that the car had entered a slide, traveled into the oncoming lane and left the road, knocking over trees and going airborne for approximately 20 feet before coming to a stop in the pond.

The deputy made his way down an embankment to the vehicle. A debris field of car parts and golf clubs ranged 20 yards back to the roadway.

The wrecked car -- a 2018 Tesla -- was resting on a dead tree trunk. The Tesla's front end was partially submerged in approximately 4 feet of water. An ejected golf bag floated nearby.

The deputy cut away an airbag to assess the driver and vehicle interior. The injured driver was slumped to the side, but breathing. The passenger side floorboard was filling with water.

The driver regained consciousness and was able to identify himself to the deputy.

Fire and medical arrived. Canby Fire personnel cut away the driver's-side door to extract the driver. (A photo is attached.) Life Flight then airlifted the driver to an area hospital for treatment of significant injuries, including multiple fractures.

Speed and alcohol are considered factors in the crash. The driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) was reportedly later measured at .174%; motorists will fail a DUII field test if their BAC reading is 0.08% or higher. The case will be referred to the Clackamas County DA's Office for consideration of criminal charges.

The driver is identified as Eric John Loechle , 44. He was driving alone, and no other property was damaged in the crash.

Photos from the crash scene are attached.

[END]

November 15, 2018

Contacts: Saerom England, 971-239-6483, om.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us">saerom.y.england@dhsoha.state.or.us (media inquiries)

Daphne Peck, 503-373-1985, c.info@state.or.us">herc.info@state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Chronic Pain Task Force meets December 5 in Lake Oswego

What: A public meeting of the Health Evidence Review Commission's Chronic Pain Task Force

When: December 5, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Crowne Plaza hotel, Plaza 2 & 3, 14811 Kruse Oaks Drive, Lake Oswego. The public also may attend via a listen-only conference line by calling 888-204-5984, participant code 801373.

Agenda includes: Review opioid tapering evidence evaluation by Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Evidence-based Policy; review results of CCO survey of implementation of previous back and neck pain coverage changes and implementation of other potential coverage changes related to chronic pain; review and discuss potential alternatives to task force proposal; public comment will be accepted for 30 minutes starting at about 11 a.m.

For more information about the meeting, visit the committee’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/DSI-HERC/Pages/Meetings-Public.aspx. The meeting agenda and materials will be available one week before the meeting.

# # #

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 Daphne Peck at 503-373-1985, 711 TTY or c.info@state.or.us">herc.info@state.or.us at least 48 hours before the event. Written comments are also welcome at C.info@state.or.us">herc.info@state.or.us.

On November 8, 2018 at 2:56 a.m. Beaverton Police officers responded to 7-Eleven, located at 9510 SW 125th Ave, Beaverton, Oregon regarding an armed robbery. 

The suspect held the store clerk at gun point and demanded the clerk put money and cigarettes in a black backpack the suspect brought with him.  The gun was described as a small black and silver handgun.  The suspect fled the store on foot headed toward SW Longhorn Lane.  A K9 track was conducted but the suspect was not located. 

The suspect was described as a younger white male adult, approximately 5’5” tall with a smaller build.  The suspect was wearing black pants, black coat, black sunglasses, one black glove, a white bandana covering his face and black/white shoes.  It is probable the suspect smokes Newport 100 cigarettes because he demanded that specific type of cigarettes during the robbery. 

Beaverton Police detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.  If anyone has information regarding the robbery, or the suspect, please call 503-629-0111 and speak to a Beaverton Police officer.

##BPD##

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants to fill three vacancies on the Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) Board of Commissioners. The deadline to apply for these open positions is Monday, Dec. 17.

The six-member volunteer board is appointed by the mayor to establish policy for the operation of various low-income rental housing assistance programs and low-income homeownership programs offered in the city and Clark County.

The open positions are currently held by individuals whose terms are expiring. These individuals may or may not reapply for their positions. Per Vancouver City Council policy, all incumbents who wish to reapply for their positions will be re-interviewed along with any other qualifying applicants.

VHA board commissioners serve five-year terms. One of the three vacancies is for the Resident Commissioner position on the board. Applicants for that position must be receiving Section 8 or public housing subsidy to be considered, and it is strongly encouraged that they be involved in resident activities.

Regular board meetings are held from 10 a.m. to noon on the fourth Thursday of the month, with executive sessions often beginning at 8 a.m. Meetings are customarily held at the VHA office at 2500 Main St., Vancouver. Occasionally, the chair of the board calls special meetings and work sessions with a 48-hour notice and, from time to time, meetings are held elsewhere.

VHA commissioners are identified as public officials under Washington state law. Therefore, people with personal business conflicts of interest may not be eligible to serve. Such conflicts would include landlords with a rental assistance contract, or vendors, individuals or developers doing business with the VHA.

Applications may be submitted online at www.cityofvancouver.us./board. To request an application or for further information, contact Michelle Bartley by mail at Vancouver City Hall, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, by email at artley@cityofvancouver.us">michelle.bartley@cityofvancouver.us, or by calling 360-487-8607.

Visit https://vhausa.org/about-vha/board-of-commissioners for more information about the VHA Board of Commissioners, including links to past meeting minutes and agendas.

###

November 15, 2018

Contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@state.or.us

OHA reminds public to practice safe food handling with parody ‘Salmonella’ Twitter account

Oregonians encouraged to keep food safety in mind this holiday season

Nothing ruins a holiday gathering quite like an unwelcome guest, particularly when that guest is a bout of food poisoning.

That’s what the Oregon Health Authority hopes to help Oregonians avoid this holiday season by sharing prevention messages through Salmonella, a parody Twitter account personifying the salmonella bacteria.

Through his tongue-in-cheek tweets, Salmonella (inadvertently) highlights ways Oregon cooks can make their kitchens less welcoming to the illness-causing contaminant.

In his messages, Salmonella enthusiastically tells people that using the same cutting board for both raw meats and vegetables is a great way to invite him to dinner; cooking stuffing inside the turkey appeals to his sense of living dangerously; and not to believe the nay-sayers—eating raw cookie dough really is a great way to get sick.

"We want people to know salmonella can have serious consequences for your health," said Emilio DeBess, DVM, state public health veterinarian and an Oregon Health Authority salmonella expert. "But you can keep it off your menu by taking simple steps as you prepare your food."

Each year 400 to 500 cases of salmonella are reported in Oregon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates salmonella causes 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths in the United States each year.

OHA offers the following tips for preventing food poisoning at home:

• Wash hands and surfaces often.
• Don’t cross-contaminate.
• Cook foods to the proper internal temperature.
• Refrigerate foods promptly.

Although cases of salmonella are most common during the summer months, food is often a central part of holiday preparations, making Thanksgiving and the winter holidays a good time to raise the subject.

Children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to foodborne illnesses and should take extra precautions to practice safe food handling.

Popular social media platforms handle billions of messages each day and are effective ways for people to share information. Robb Cowie, OHA communications director, said the Salmonella social media campaign offers a new way of getting attention for an important public health issue.

"If health experts always deliver food safety messages in the same way, we run the risk that people will tune them out," Cowie said. "Social media can help spread the word, but it means we have to take a different approach. Our intent with Salmonella’s light-hearted tone is to reach more Oregonians and warn them: Don’t take Salmonella lightly. He can ruin your holiday—or worse."

Through the campaign, the Salmonella parody account will respond to Oregon-based audiences posting on social media about preparing or consuming food and deliver a timely food safety message. In its first 72 hours, Salmonella has reached nearly 50,000 Oregonians.

Using social media to deliver public health messages is an emerging health communications practice and similar campaigns have shown positive results. In its "Melanoma Likes Me" campaign, Melanoma Patients Australia created a Twitter persona for Melanoma to reach young Australians, the group most at risk for the lethal cancer. Over the summer of 2014-2015 the campaign reached 2 million people and helped generate a 1,371-percent increase in unique visits to the Skincheck mobile site, a site that helped users check their moles and marks for signs of cancer.

Oregonians can follow Salmonella at @SalmonellaOR.

For more information on safe food handling practices, visit the Oregon Health Authority website at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/HEALTHYENVIRONMENTS/FOODSAFETY/Pages/tips.aspx.

# # #

At 7:51 PM on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, Newport Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a motor home on fire in front of a mobile home in the 8600 Block of SW Abalone Street in South Beach. Upon arrival, the first in fire engine reported flames coming from the motor home.

Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire in the motor home and prevented it from spreading to the nearby mobile home. The mobile home was not damaged. One victim of the fire was evaluated by on scene medical personnel with minor burns to their hand and minor smoke inhalation. They were later transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital for further treatment. One dog was found deceased on scene.

Newport Fire Department received mutual aid assistance from Seal Rock Fire District, Toledo Fire District, and Pacific West Ambulance. Newport Fire Department responded with two fire engines, one rescue truck, two chief officers and 15 firefighters.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Newport Fire Department reminds you to always have a working smoke detector and never leave candles unattended.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will begin offering classes in Salem beginning January 2019 at the Willamette Education Service District building on Pringle Road.

The number of WOU offerings in Salem will increase gradually, with a much larger range of classes available starting fall term 2019. WOU:Salem courses are designed to help working adults get the higher education they seek, whether it is their first degree, an advanced degree or professional development needed to qualify for a promotion in their current employment.

“We are so excited to announce WOU’s presence in Salem in partnership with WESD,” said President Rex Fuller. “We’ve been working on this expansion for some time, and I’m proud that we will be able to serve the educational needs of working adults. Our convenient location and class formats will make it much easier for students to achieve their academic and career goals.”

WOU:Salem classes will take place in the WESD Professional Learning Center at 2611 Pringle Road SE two nights per week. The courses will be taught by faculty in a hybrid format, with half the meetings online and the other half in person. Enrollment for Salem classes is open to current students. New students can learn how to apply to WOU at wou.edu/admission.

“We already work closely with WESD for our Willamette Promise program for high school students, so this seemed like a great partnership for our presence in Salem,” said Associate Provost for Program Development Sue Monahan. “Now, working adults who want an affordable option for a four-year degree can take practical classes in a location that’s convenient to them.”

For more information about WOU:Salem, visit wou.edu/salem or email Monahan at smonahan@mail.wou.edu or Academic Affairs Operations Manager Hilary Holman-Kidd at holmankh@mail.wou.edu

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 and located in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving approximately 5,200 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with nearly 80 percent of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

# # #

PROTECTING PETS IN WINTER WEATHER

Winter is a time we should pay close attention to the safety of our pets.  Here are some safety tips to follow:

1. With the change in weather, it’s a good time to monitor your pet’s food intake. Pets who live outdoors should be fed a bit more in the winter because they need the extra calories to stay warm. Indoor pets typically receive less exercise during cold weather and may require fewer calories.  
2. Oregon law requires all companion animals be provided shelter from the elements. They also should have fresh water put out a couple of times a day, or consider a special bowl that prevents the water from freezing. In severe weather, allow your pet in your house or garage.
3. If your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the temperature.  Pets can get frostbite very easily on the ears, tail and paws.
4. When walking your dog in freezing conditions, check the paws to make sure that ice is not building up between the toes and that salt or gravel from the roads is not irritating the skin.
5. If your dog is a swimmer, keep them on a leash around open water or unstable ice.  Hypothermia can set in quickly and your dog may be unable to get out of the water.
6. Before you start your car, ensure no kitties have decided to nap in a warm spot by honking the horn or banging on the hood.
7. If you are decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets.  Remember that poinsettias, holly, mistletoe and other plants can be toxic if ingested.
8. Ingesting anti-freeze can be fatal for your dog or cat.  It has a sweet taste and even a tiny amount can cause severe kidney damage and even death. You can use a pet-safe antifreeze--look for brands containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. If you spill anti-freeze, soak it up immediately.  (Clay kitty litter works well and discard the litter once the anti-freeze has been absorbed.)

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

SALEM, Ore. – The County Opportunity Grant Program Advisory Committee will meet 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 510 Hawthorne Ave. SE, Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

The bulk of the agenda will feature County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) applicants presenting their proposed projects to the committee for review. Project presentations will run 9:40 a.m. – 2 p.m. For specific presentation times, refer to the full meeting agenda on the grant program website.

The committee will evaluate and score all applications and create a priority ranking list of projects to be funded. The priority ranking list will be forwarded to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for final review and approval.

The COGP Advisory Committee consists of seven members who represent counties, recreational vehicle owners, people with disabilities and the general public. They also represent various geographic areas of the state. 

The COGP provides grant assistance on a project basis for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and planning of county park and recreation sites that provide camping facilities. The program was established in 1983 to direct a portion of revenue from recreational vehicle registration fees to counties for park and recreation sites and programs. All Oregon counties are eligible to apply to the COGP. The program is administered by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). 

For more information about the COGP, visit oprdgrants.org.

Individuals who need special accommodations to attend the meeting must contact Mark Cowan, OPRD grant program coordinator, 503-986-0591 or k.cowan@oregon.gov">mark.cowan@oregon.gov, at least three days in advance.

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Fed Cross responded to a home fire disaster on Thursday November 15, 2018 at approximately 0030: hours in the 4500 block of Arago Street n Florence, Oregon.

This single family fire affected 1 adult. The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits including toiletry items along with recovery services health and mental health resources as needed. Additional informatiion about this incident if available, ma6 be obtained through the local first responders/fire department.

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

Disaster responders with the local chapter of the American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on Wednesday November 14, 2018 at approximately 2340 hours in the 8600 block of SW Abalone  Street in South Beach, Or.

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

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

Disaster responders with the local chapter of American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on Wednesday November 14, 2018 at approximately 2045 hours in the 18400 block of NW Chemeketa Lane in Portland, Oregon.

This multi family fire affected 4 adults. The Red Cross provided resources to meet the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits including toiletry items, information regarding recovery services, health and mental health resources an needed. 

Additional information about this incident if available may be obtained through the local first responder/fire department.

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

It’s the season of giving and the holiday season is a time when many non profits make their annual request for donations. But just as important is the need for volunteers, said AARP Oregon State Director Ruby Haughton-Pitts.

The founder of AARP, Ethel Percy Andrus, noted that “It is only in the giving of ourselves of others that we truly live.” She believed in community service. It’s part of the DNA of AARP. "We are proud that we have more than 150 community volunteers statewide, but we also help with other AARP family programs such as AARP Tax Aide, The AARP Smart Driver Course and Experience Corps, hosted in Portland through Metropolitan Family Services. All of these programs and many more are looking for volunteers and offer meaningful ways to give back and make a difference!" Haughton-Pitts said.

Volunteering is great for the community, but it’s valuable to volunteers as well! Psychology Today ran a story a few years ago about some of the benefits of volunteering. Did you know people who volunteer are healthier and live longer?  Health and longevity gains from volunteering come from establishing meaningful volunteer roles before you retire and continuing to volunteer once you arrive in your post-retirement years.  Another great aspect of volunteerism, is that it helps us develop and maintain social connections and make new friends. It gives us a sense of purpose.

And for people who are still in the workforce, volunteering can help develop new skills and abilities. It can be great for your career! You meet key people and can learn new skills – and open up possibilities such as leading teams.

Here are some of the great organizations serving older adults. Volunteers receive training and support from staff.

Elders in Action. As our community of older adults grows, their needs grow as well. Elders in Action is looking for volunteers to give presentations and advocate in the community to raise awareness about the problem of elder abuse and to provide direct services to low-income adults. Elders in Action provides training to new volunteers every month. Please contact Laura Berrutti to learn more about volunteer opportunities and trainings: a@eldersinaction.org">Laura@eldersinaction.org and 503-595-7533, or visit:  http://eldersinaction.org/volunteer/  

Ride Connection Volunteer Drivers help their neighbors stay active, independent, and connected with the places that mean the most to them. Whether you’d like to drive an older adult to the senior center, a neighbor with a disability to a medical appointment, or a Veteran to visit a loved one in a care facility, we’ll match you with riders in need of transportation at times that are most convenient for you.For more information on our flexible volunteer opportunities, contact Pam Monahan, Volunteer Outreach Specialist, at (503) 528-1738, pmonahan@rideconnection.org, or visit our website: https://rideconnection.org/

Store to Door is a local nonprofit that supports independent living for Portland area seniors and people with disabilities by providing an affordable, personal, volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service.  Store to Door looks for dedicated volunteers to help take weekly nourishment and social connection to homebound seniors in Portland.  Currently, they have a critical need for volunteers to help as weekly Delivery Volunteers and/or Order Takers.  Email Volunteer@Storetodooroforegon.org or call 503-200-3333 ext 106 More information can be found at www.storetodooroforegon.org/volunteer

Meals on Wheels – The most common volunteer job is delivering meals and friendly greetings to homebound seniors.  The program helps stop senior hunger and social isolation. Find a local place to volunteer through https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/americaletsdolunch?sign-up=1

AARP Smart Driver Program – Driver Safety volunteers teach and organize the award-winning AARP Smart Driver™ classroom course curriculum in their local communities throughout the state. Learn more at https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/volunteer/

AARP Foundation Tax is looking for help in putting $50 million in refunds back in the pockets of Oregonians in 2019. You can help by training as a Tax-Aide volunteer. To find an opportunity near you in Oregon and apply, sign up at:  https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/

Long Term Care Ombudsman volunteers will respond to concerns of residents in nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, and adult foster care homes. https://www.oltco.org/ltco/volunteer

State Health Insurance Benefits Assistance volunteer counselors help people in their community understand their Medicare insurance choices and their rights through individual counseling, education, and referrals. Ehttps://healthcare.oregon.gov/shiba/volunteers/Pages/volunteer.aspx

AARP Oregon volunteer – We’re currently looking for individuals who would like to learn about AARP issues and become advocates. Write to aarp@aarp.org">oraarp@aarp.org to learn more.

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on Wednesday November 14, 2018 at approximately 1730 hours, in the 0 block of Ashwood Street in Glide, Oregon.

This single family fire affected 2 adults. The Red Cross provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits which include toiletry items, information about recovery services, health and mental health services as needed.

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

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

On 11/14/18 at approx. 4:30pm SWAT and Crisis Negotiators (CNT) responded to a residence on the report of a barricaded wanted subject.  29 year old Cody Delaplaine, was wanted on a Department of Corrections warrant for Escape from Community Custody and Dangerous drugs.  Detectives received information Delaplaine was at the residence and he was allegedly armed with a handgun.  Delaplaine refused to exit the residence.   CNT and SWAT eventually made contact with Delaplaine and he was taken into custody with further incident. 

No Further Information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

NOVEMBER 14, 2018

Robert Moran-Vasquez receives 7.5 year prison sentence for randomly attacking bus driver along I-84

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 33-year-old Robert Moran-Vasquez received a 7.5 year prison sentence after he attacked a bus driver along Interstate 84 in East Multnomah County.

This investigation started on November 29, 2017 when the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a stabbing on a Greyhound bus that was traveling eastbound on I-84 near the exit for the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site.

The driver of the bus, Mr. Clint Lawson, appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Gregory F. Silver on November 14, 2018 for Moran-Vasquez’s change of plea and sentencing hearing.

“I had a good career before the dreadful night of November 29, 2017 when Mr. Moran-Vasquez decided to try and crash the bus that I was driving with 28 passengers on board and then stabbed me in the neck causing my career to come to a halt at that time,” Mr. Lawson said in his victim impact statement, which was read by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Lawson’s statement included, “Yes, Mr. Moran-Vasquez brought me and my wife to our knees, but with God’s grace, we will rebound and restart. I am very grateful to God for giving me the strength to bring that bus to a safe stop, saving those 28 other people from harm.”

"This case has two other heroes,” Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney David Hannon said in court.

SDDA Hannon credited Mr. Stephen Danca who was a passenger on the bus when the attack started. Mr. Danca suffered injuries trying to wrestle the defendant away from Mr. Lawson.

Mr. John Owens was also recognized for the steps he took to aid Mr. Lawson and Mr. Danca.

“Mr. Owens came charging in just like Mr. Danca did to protect and defend Mr. Lawson as well as the 28 other people on that bus,” SDDA Hannon said in court.  "Those three people saved lives…and this could have gone much worse."

The investigation revealed that while the bus was in motion, Moran-Vasquez approach Mr. Lawson and demanded that he pull over. When Mr. Lawson refused, Moran-Vasquez threatened to kill Mr. Lawson. Witnesses told detectives that Moran-Vasquez grabbed the steering wheel and tried to drive the bus off the road during the attack.

According to previously filed court documents, during an interview with law enforcement, Moran-Vasquez admitted he was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the attack and that he had a warrant out for his arrest.

Through the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office’s Victim Assistance Program, Mr. Lawson’s wife said it has been “horrifying” to watch her husband experience the trauma and impact of what happened to him.

“Their lives have been changed forever and the future they planned together has been completely altered,” SDDA Hannon said in court. “It has been a challenging and difficult road for them.”

Moran-Vasquez pleaded guilty to two counts of assault in the second degree, one count of attempted assault in the second degree and two counts of recklessly endangering another person. Upon his release from prison, he will be on three years of post-prison supervision.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the East Multnomah County Major Crimes Team, the Gresham Police Department and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and the victim advocates who worked on this case.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

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

At approximately 7:15 a.m. on November 14, a 9-1-1 call alerted Tigard Police that an intruder was attempting entry into a residence located at 11075 SW Sage Terrace in Tigard. The caller advised the police dispatcher that he confronted the suspect and a gun was discharged. Tigard Police were on-scene within minutes.

Upon arrival police were met by the homeowner. Further checking, officers located two teen occupants in the three-story townhouse and escorted them to a safe place. The Washington County Major Crimes Team was called to investigate the shooting death of the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Jose Luis Gonzalez Jr.  There is no known address for the suspect. The suspect is known to the Tigard homeowner. The motive is unclear as to why Gonzalez made attempts to enter the Tigard property. The homeowner is fully cooperating with police.

Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and probe further into the shooting.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Officeparticipated in an extra DUII saturation patrol, October 25 through November 1, 2018, to coincide with Halloween and the weekend leading up to the holiday.  

During those dates, deputies arrested eight drivers for DUII (alcohol), completed one Drug Recognition Expert Evaluation, and issued two Minor in Possession of Alcohol citations.  Deputies issued 28 citations for traffic violations, with seven of them for speeding and three for driving while suspended.

The Sheriff’s Office will be participating in extra DUII saturation patrol November 23 through November 24, 2018 to coincide with the Oregon State University and University of Oregon Civil War football game.

Driver impairment and speeding are the most common causes of injury crashes.  Oregon’s DUII enforcement program is committed to reducing the amount of crashes and impaired drivers on our roadways by keeping them off the roadway, and arresting them when they choose to drive.  For more info on impaired driving, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.com.  

END

Wednesday, November 14, 2018 – Ridgefield, Washington – Every school in the Ridgefield School District held a Veterans Day assembly to honor our fallen veterans and those still serving.  Each assembly was unique--performed largely by the students themselves.

South Ridge Elementary opened their assembly with a song titled Thank You Soldiers performed by third- and fourth-graders, followed by a short talk from guest speaker, Robert Anderson, a veteran who served in the Army and Army Reserve and parent of two South Ridge students.  A slide show honored veterans from families of South Ridge students and staff.

At Union Ridge Elementary, each grade participated.  Musical performances included a song in sign language and patriotic songs along with poetry readings and a slide show.  Handmade poppies of remembrance and thank you cards were distributed to veterans in the audience, and the Ridgefield American Legion led the presentation of colors.

Sunset Ridge Intermediate School’s assembly presented patriotic songs from the chorus and the national anthem sung by a student.  The poem In Flanders Fields was read, and the band performed two group numbers.  Thank you cards were distributed to veterans, who were then asked to introduce themselves and offer advice to the students.

At View Ridge Middle School, the Lewis and Clark Young Marines led the presentation of colors.  A flute duo performed the national anthem, and the chorus performed.  A student essay was read thanking veterans for their service.  In memory of fallen, missing or imprisoned military service members, the Missing Man Table ceremony, a symbolic single place setting at a table, was presented.  Finally, a slide show displayed photos of students’ family members who had served.

Ridgefield High School featured a presentation of the colors by the Boy Scouts.  Speeches were given by a veteran and by the event’s student emcee.  The high school choir performed the national anthem, and the symphonic band led patriotic songs.  A video remembering our soldiers concluded the assembly.

These moving ceremonies reminds us all to thank the veterans in our lives and to honor those who have passed.  Many thanks to the students and teachers who helped commemorate this special day.

###

On Tues., Nov. 13, 2018, a proposed ordinance to reduce the use of plastic carryout bags was presented to Salem City Council. The City Council is considering an exemption from the 5 cent fee for paper bags for businesses who currently restrict use of plastic carry out bags at check out. Staff will return with a revised ordinance for a second reading on Nov. 26.

If approved Nov. 26, the ordinance Salem City Council is considering would do the following:

Beginning Apr. 1, 2019, large retailers will no longer be distributing plastic carryout bags at checkout in order to help protect the environment, animal and human health, and to reduce litter. All retail businesses, including grocery and convenience stores, apparel and department stores, and local markets will be impacted. Retailers can provide recyclable paper bags, charging a fee of not less than five cents per bag, or reusable bags for customers to carry away purchases.

Restaurants and prepared food providers can still distribute plastic carryout bags. For stores that sell both retail items and prepared food, plastic carryout bags can only be given at checkout for prepared food items.

For further details, view the proposed plastic carryout bag ordinance: https://bit.ly/2zRpBTP

Small charge for paper bags

To encourage reusable bags and to offset the higher cost of paper bags, retailers will charge at least five cents per paper bag given at checkout. This charge is called a pass-through cost and will be shown on a customer's itemized receipt.

Retailers must provide a free carryout option to low-income customers who request a bag and show an Oregon Trail Card or food assistance voucher.

Some plastic bags still allowed

Any plastic bag without handles provided to a customer for use within a retail establishment to get products to the point of sale is still allowed. Examples include bags to:

• Transport produce, meat, baked goods, and bulk items to the point of sale
• Contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other items where dampness is a concern
• Segregate food or merchandise that could damage or contaminate other items

Until September 1, 2019, small retailer businesses can still distribute plastic carryout bags to customers.

Background

On May 14, 2018, City Council passed a motion directing staff to research and prepare an ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags in the City of Salem, and schedule a public hearing before City Council.

The public hearing for the proposed ordinance was opened on Sept. 10, 2018 and was continued until Oct. 22, 2018.  Second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for Nov. 26, 2018.  Typically, ordinances become effective 30 days after approval.

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – Businesses are invited to participate in Washington State University Vancouver’s Career and Internship Fair from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13 in the Firstenburg Student Commons on campus.

The fair provides an opportunity for business representatives to meet WSU Vancouver students and alumni to discuss career and internship possibilities. Last year, more than 80 employer organizations attended.

Each day highlights a different industry:

• Tuesday, Feb. 12 - General business
• Wednesday, Feb. 13 - Nonprofit, public service and government organizations

Registration entitles employers to use of a six-foot display table, fair entrance for two representatives, two parking permits and access to the Employer Lounge, where snacks and beverages will be provided. Cost to register is $200 for for-profit; $150 for government; and $75 for nonprofit organizations. Register online at http://bit.ly/Spring2019CareerFair.

For more information, contact Career Services at eer@wsu.edu">van.career@wsu.edu or 360-546-9155.

To request accommodations for a disability, contact the Access Center, van.access.center@wsu.edu or 360-546-9238.

About WSU Vancouver

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

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. 

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The Oregon State Marine Board recognized marine law enforcement from around the state for seven water-related rescues during their post-season Marine Law Enforcement Conference, held in Redmond on October 16.  The Marine Board also recognized individuals for outstanding service that went above and beyond in helping improve boating safety on Oregon’s waterways.

Life-Saving Recognition

The agency’s annual lifesaving awards recognize personnel who have exhibited heroism, going above and beyond the call of duty, by directly attempting to rescue one or more persons involved in a water-related incident.  These awards are open to all law enforcement, boating safety volunteers, and other marine partners.  Seven rescue events occurred during the boating season with nine lives saved.    

On January 22, OSP Trooper Aaron Miller was conducting a boat patrol with the Oregon State Police on Tillamook Bay.  Trooper Miller was actively monitoring the dive cockle fishery in the bay due to reports of violations.  On this day, Trooper Miller was invited to conduct a boat patrol with Deputy Paul Fournier who is assigned with the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol.  The officers located a dive boat in an area commonly known as Crab Harbor and they noticed visible violations.  The officers tied up to the dive boat and were talking with the captain when one of the divers showed signs of distress and fell unconscious underwater.  Due to quick thinking by another diver to drop the gear, the diver in distress was able to surface.  The officers recovered the unconscious diver, blue in color, and not breathing.  As Deputy Fournier operated the boat in an effort to get the diver to medical personnel, Trooper Miller started chest compressions.  While on-route to the docks, the diver regained consciousness and started breathing on his own.  The diver was transferred to medical personnel immediately upon arriving at the docks. 

On March 27, shortly after midnight, Deputy Ron Osborn and Deputy Scott McLellan received a call of a car stopped and blocking one of the eastbound lanes of the Steel Bridge in Portland.  The Portland Police Bureau asked the Multnomah County River Patrol to do an area check in case there was a jumper.  No one had been seen attempting to jump from the bridge.  From the marine patrol boathouse, it took nearly 30 minutes for the deputies to arrive on-scene.  Once the deputies arrived, they were able to spot a face and hands sticking out of the water.  The person was located next to an ocean-going grain ship at the grain terminal downriver from the Steel Bridge. 

They pulled next to the person and were able to get him on the boat, then transported him to the Fire Bureau dock where they met AMR medics.  The person was unresponsive by that time and was transported to OHSU where he regained consciousness and survived his injuries.  Rescues of this type are very difficult in the dark under quickly changing wind and weather conditions.  Deputy Osborn and McLellan’s keen vision and expertise helped locate the person just in time.

At noon on May 27, Deputy Jerry Williams and Deputy Dave Young from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling the North Santiam River, just upstream from the confluence where the North and South Fork of the Santiam River meet, near Jefferson.  While patrolling the river, Williams and Young spotted two young men in inner tubes.  Neither of the floaters was wearing a life jacket and they were approaching a sizable tree snag that was above the waterline and extended below the waterline like a chain link fence of wood, maple vines, and debris.  One of the floaters was able to make it to the other side of the river to safety without incident, but the other person in the inner tube was entangled in the snag and the tube overturned.  The man was pinned underwater and was pulled by the current under the snag.  Deputy Williams drove the boat as Deputy Young grabbed the wrist of the man, held on as hard as he could, and pulled the man up to keep his head out of the water so he could breathe.  Deputy Williams and Deputy Young instructed the man to climb the snag until they could pull him into the jet boat safely.  They transported the man to Jefferson Fire Department medics. 

In August, Lane County received a call of a water rescue on Fern Ridge Reservoir.  There were six family members that were boating and enjoying their afternoon when tragedy hit.  A nine-year-old child called to report that their mother and father were both in the water and that they were in critical need of help.  The child also reported that the father was underwater.  Deputy Guy Pease and Deputy Jon Bock were on Fern Ridge at the time of the call but on the other side of the reservoir.  The conditions were very rough, with three-foot swells and high wind conditions.  Another call came in that an eight-year-old and 11-year-old were also in the water.  Deputies Pease and Bock responded from across the lake and began the search.  They quickly spotted two boys who were hysterical and struggling to keep their heads above the large waves.  One of the boys was screaming that his dad was dead.  Both of the boys were pulled from the water and brought to safety.  Deputy Pease saw the mother in the water, holding the father.  The mother had one arm through a life jacket and was struggling to hold onto the father.  The mother was hysterical and kept sinking below the surface.  Deputies brought the father onto the boat and Deputy Bock began chest compressions.  Deputy Pease grabbed a CPR mask and took over compressions as Deputy Bock pulled the mother into the boat.  All of the individuals involved were taken to the boat launch at Orchard Point.  Regrettably, the father was unable to be revived, but the heroic actions of Deputies Pease and Bock, the other three people were rescued. 

On September 10, Deputy Mike Cahill from the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office dove into the Columbia River to rescue a suicidal woman.  Deputy Cahill responded to a call at 3:23 pm after launching his patrol boat roughly ½ mile downstream from Channel Marker 40 near Boardman.  Deputy Cahill spotted a woman in the water about 50-75 yards out.  There were three to four-foot swells with visible whitecaps, as she struggled to keep her head above the water, moving further out into the river.  There wasn’t time to deploy a boat, so Deputy Cahill immediately dove into the water in an attempt to rescue the woman.  The woman went underwater several times and didn’t resurface, but not before Deputy Cahill was able to get a visual on her and get close enough to grab her by one of her elbows.  He identified himself and told her he wanted to take her back to shore.  She tried to break loose, but the deputy was able to maintain good contact with her.  As Deputy Cahill was attempting to get the woman back to shore, she begged him to let her go.  Deputy Cahill spoke calmly and reassured her as he swam them both back to shore.  The woman repeated she wanted to be let go and tried to escape, but Deputy Cahill didn’t give up.  He was working against the water, the wind, the strong current and the woman he was attempting to rescue.  Deputy Cahill was able to swim her to shallow water where Boardman Police entered the water to assist.

On July 18, a man attempted to take his own life by jumping from the Fremont Bridge into the Willamette River, more than 380 feet below.  On any other day, this would be a short and sad story, but just a half a mile away was River Deputy Kevin McAfee from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol.  As soon as the call was broadcast, McAfee immediately motored to the location –by himself.  There’s a brief moment after a person enters the water where the body’s survival instinct and body chemistry take over.  If a person is conscious and had the ability to move at all, they will automatically try to breathe.  Those moments are fleeting as a person’s body is instantly impacted by cold water shock, in addition to any severe injuries that can lead to drowning.  After 20 years with the sheriff’s office marine patrol and several years of service on the Dive Team, and Search and Rescue, McAfee knew this reality all too well.  Portland Police, Portland Fire, and the Coast Guard were all notified and responding to the call.  The patrol boat, “Munson” is equipped with cameras and recorded the event as McAfee approached the Fremont Bridge in search of the man.  The camera was not immediately able to detect the man in the river.  Portland Police located the man’s vehicle on the bride, giving McAfee a better idea of where to begin looking, just past the center of the bridge.  The traffic unit was able to spot the man, struggling in the water toward the middle of the river.  The man had very little capacity to hold on to life.  McAfee spotted the man and using extreme skill and care, adjusted the boat speed, dropped the front gate on the boat and pulled the man on board –with perfect timing.  This is exceptionally difficult to do, let alone solo.  The Portland Fire Bureau boat 6 Rescue Craft personnel arrived moments later, boarded the boat and started rescue medical attention.  They took the man to a waiting ambulance and on to the hospital.  The medical lifesaving procedures performed by fire, ambulance medics, nurses and doctors were equally as miraculous and deserving or recognition.  But if not for Deputy McAfee’s dedication to protect and serve the public, this man may not be alive today.  

On a chilly October afternoon, Deputy Scott McDowell and Sergeant Steve Dangler from the Multnomah County River Patrol were dispatched to assist Vancouver Police Department with a female suspect who had fled into the Columbia River.  The woman was in the river ranging from knee-high to the center of her chest.  As she continued to move around, she stumbled and eventually fell into the river. As the officers got closer, Sergeant Dangler dropped the front door of the boat.  This gave Deputy McDowell a clear view of the woman and would allow them to pull her aboard.  While in the river, she kept talking to herself and yelling out.  The goal was to corral her to the shore so she did not go under water.  This part of the river drops off substantially and given the mental state of the woman currently fighting to evade them in the river, the deputies were certain she would not be able to swim. The high winds made it challenging to maintain the boat position or move with her. Underwater pilings and high wind and waves put the woman, the officers, and the patrol boat at risk.  Sergeant Dangler decided that they had to act immediately or risk damaging the boat or losing the subject in the river.  He stripped some of his gear and told Deputy McDowell to position the boat on the next approach for him to hop off and securely grab her.  Sergeant Dangler jumped in the water, grabbing the subject under her right arm and tightly holding her against him so she could not turn out and away.  Once Sergeant Dangler got his footing, he positioned her to the left to pull her off balance.  Sergeant Dangler carried the woman to shore where two more Vancouver Police Officers were waiting. Vancouver took the woman into custody without further incident.  Due to the quick actions by all, the woman was able to get awaiting medical attention despite her resistance.

Marine law enforcement officers from 32 county sheriff’s offices, tribal representatives and the Oregon State Police train for swift water rescue, boat maneuvering, and a myriad of other life-saving scenarios each year during the Marine Board’s Law Enforcement Academy.  Academy training, in addition to the Marine Board’s drift and jet boat training schools, has proven to be well worth the time and effort in the number of lives saved each year.  

The Marine Board is sincerely grateful for every marine officer who puts their own lives at risk every time they patrol Oregon’s waterways and the thousands of people they impact through their presence.   

Program Awards

Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Wade Holom –Boat Maintenance Award

Marine law enforcement boats and equipment are purchased for marine programs using recreational motorboat dollars from the Marine Board, in addition to funding for boating safety education and patrol hours.  Boats and equipment require maintenance, and depending on the areas of patrol, some boats can experience extreme wear and tear from season to season.  In the first award of its kind, the Marine Board recognized Deputy Wade Holom of Malheur County with a Boat Maintenance Award.  Deputy Holom takes exceedingly good care of the county boat by conducting and verifying all of the required maintenance, communicating regularly with the agency’s Waterway Program Coordinator, Brian Paulsen about needed repairs, and finding creative solutions to get the maximum value and life out of the watercraft.  Deputy Holom’s dedication and efforts to ensure the boat is well maintained to prolong the life of the boat, deserves commendation.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Rayce Belmont -Rookie of the Year

This award recognizes a top performing marine officer who completed the current year’s marine academy and dives in as an active and effective new recruit.  Deputy Belmont’s excellent attitude, stellar boat operation skills, positive energy and easy-going demeanor helped garner him 639 boater contacts, where he issued 136 warnings and citations, along with some boating education. 

Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Charles Douglass –Most Valuable Contribution

The Most Valuable Contribution Award is one that is selected by unanimous consent of the Oregon State Marine Board’s Boating Safety Program staff.  A combination of action and attitude, Douglass has both character attributes.

Deputy Douglas was hired in 1999 by Lane County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the Marine Patrol on September 20, 2008.  Douglass is a top performer in boater contacts year to year, is a top jet boat operator, one of our foundational instructors, and finds time every year to teach at the Marine Law Enforcement Academy, Drift and Jet Boat Schools. He also serves on the state’s Boating Accident Investigation Team and holds many advanced certifications that make him one of the top, if not the top, boat accident investigators in the state.  For the Marine Board’s “Operation Ship Shape” during the 2018 boating season, Douglass contacted 68 boaters addressing 80 violations in a single weekend and claimed over 200 documented boating violations between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  The Marine Board is incredibly grateful to have a deputy of Douglass’ caliber, setting the standard for others. 

Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Daren Krag –Officer of the Year

The annual Officer of the Year Award is the Marine Board’s top award, selected by the Law Enforcement Advisory Group, recognizing someone with outstanding skill, attitude, and exceptional service to Oregon’s boaters over the last 12 months. 

Dep. Daren Krag, of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, is a renowned Boating Under the Influence (BUII) detection expert.  Krag is also an educator, an excellent instructor and boat operator, and is beyond dedicated to the cause of boating safety. 

As a corporal of the Marine Unit, Krag is responsible for all the administrative tasks as well as the job of Marine Deputy. His interactions with the public are charismatic.  Most citizens he contacts – even those he arrests – will tell you he is a great guy, fair, honest and caring.

Daren’s program consistently ranks at the top for boater contacts.  Most noteworthy, Krag averages well over half of all BUII arrests in the state, and during the 2018 season was nationally recognized for his specific contributions to the region to ensure the waterways are safe for everyone.  Krag is also an instructor at the Marine Law Enforcement Academy, Drift and Jet Boat Schools, and teaches boating safety in the local schools and to community groups. The Small Boat Rescue Team, under his leadership, is an effective, efficient resource that benefits all of Klamath County.  Krag’s willingness to aid other counties with tools and equipment such as side-scan-sonar has helped families of victims find closure.  The Marine Board is indebted to the service of Deputy Krag, the example he sets for others, and the kindness he shows to everyone he encounters. 

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The Marine Board is funded by registration, title fees and marine fuel taxes paid by motorized boaters.  No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees are used to support the agency or its programs.  Boater-paid fees go back to boaters in the form of boating safety services (on-the-water enforcement, training, and equipment), education/outreach materials, and boating access facility grants (boat ramps, docks, parking, restrooms, and construction and maintenance).  The Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit program is dedicated funding to pay for border inspection stations, decontamination equipment, inspectors, and signage/outreach materials.  The Mandatory Education Program is self-supporting and revenue helps pay for education materials and boater education cards.  For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

What: Re-Wrap
When: Sunday, November 25th, 10-2
Where: Within the Vancouver Holiday Market, Hilton Hotel, 301 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660
Cost: FREE!

Let us help you start a new tradition of fun, easy to use, fabric gift wrapping bags for your gifts this holiday season-for FREE!

Did you know waste generation increases by at least 25% around the holidays? One often overlooked culprit is wrapping paper. We will help you start a new tradition of fun, handy, fabric gift wrapping bags!

Repair Clark County sewing pros will transform fabric into reusable holiday gift wrapping bags. Bring your own treasured fabric (vintage table cloth, linens or tree skirt for example) or choose from a limited selection of recycled holiday fabric. 

Drop off your fabric/choose from our fabrics, enjoy the market and pick up your finished bags on the way out. Limit of 3 bags per person.

Email us at epair@columbiasprings.org">repair@columbiasprings.org or call us at 360-882-0936 X224.

You can learn more about Repair Clark County events at: columbiasprings.org/repair. Repair Clark County is a program of Columbia Springs and is funded by a Washington State Department of Ecology grant.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Michael Krajeski died on November 10, 2018. He was incarcerated at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) and passed away in the institution’s end of life care program. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Micheal Krajeski entered DOC custody on July 25, 2012 from Multnomah County.  His earliest release date was August 17, 2019. He was 60 years old.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,900 men and women who are incarcerated in the 14 institutions across the state. Next of kin has been notified.

EOCI is a multi-custody prison located in Pendleton that houses over 1,700 male inmates. The institution is known for its Oregon Corrections Enterprises industries, including a garment factory that produces Prison Blues©, whose products are sold in and outside the United States. Other industries are its embroidery and laundry facilities. EOCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, religious services, and inmate work crews. The buildings that make up EOCI were constructed in 1912 and 1913 and were originally used as a state mental hospital. After two years of renovation, EOCI received its first inmates in June 1985.

Please reference CCSO Case # 18-030709

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported strong-arm robbery -- in which one suspect threateningly brandished a pair of scissors -- at the JCPenney at Clackamas Town Center. Two suspects were arrested right in front of Sheriff's Office headquarters, where they had fled.

The incident began shortly before noon on Tuesday, when JCPenney loss-prevention personnel confronted two women and a man. They'd seen the male -- Mateo George Emerson, 22 -- select a white pair of Nike gym shoes from a display and conceal them in a black backpack. One of the two women -- Aracelly Medina-Parker, 19 -- reportedly selected a pair of Adidas gym shoes from a display and put them on her feet, leaving the yellow sales tag on the Adidas and her old shoes behind.

During the confrontation, Mateo Emerson reportedly pulled a pair of scissors from his pocket and began waving it at the loss-prevention officers while telling them, "Get back." Emerson, Medina-Parker and the third woman then fled the mall.

Responding deputies quickly spotted the trio running down the street -- conveniently, the suspects were fleeing on Sunnybrook Boulevard, right in front of Clackamas County Sheriff's Office headquarters.

A search produced additional stolen loot, including a JCPenney brand watch and necklace/pendant set. Madina-Parker was caught wearing a different pair of shoes entirely, a pair of maroon Puma gym shoes; she admitted to deputies that the Puma shoes had been concealed in a bag, and she put the Pumas on after she fled the mall.

Mateo Emerson and Aracelly Medina-Parker were taken to Clackamas County Jail and booked. Emerson was charged with Robbery III and Theft II; Madina-Parker was charged with Theft II. Their booking photos are attached. The second woman was not arrested.

Mr. Emerson is well-known to authorities, with additional Clackamas County Jail bookings this year on Oct. 12 (on Menacing and Harassment charges), August 19 (Disorderly Conduct II) and April 18 (Menacing).

ADDITIONAL INFO SOUGHT

Anyone with additional information on Mateo Emerson and/or Aracelly Medina-Parker 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 # 18-030709.

[END]

The Multnomah Education Service District Board of Directors will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on November 20, 2018, in the Board Room at 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, OR 97220. 

On November 14, 2018 Beaverton Police officers arrested 18-year-old Sebastian Whitaker-Pendarvis and a 15-year-old juvenile for multiple charges in connection with a stolen vehicle and vehicle pursuit.

On November 14th at 11:28 a.m. Beaverton Police officers responded to a suspicious vehicle at West Sylvan Middle School.  School officials called to report a vehicle behind their school with subjects inside smoking marijuana.  School officials stated the vehicle sped off when they tried to contact the occupants.  School officials said the driver drove recklessly on their field and around a number of students before he left the school property.  School officials were able to provide officers the license plate of the vehicle.

Officers learned the vehicle was a 1995 Toyota Corolla which had been stolen out of Washington County on November 13th.  Officers located the vehicle on SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy/ SW 100th Ave.  Officers tried to stop the vehicle on SW Denney Road but the driver and passenger fled in the vehicle.  The driver then hit a parked car and both occupants fled on foot.  Officers located and arrested the 15-year-old driver and Mr. Whitaker-Pendarvis with the help of a community member near SW Cynthia St/ SW 103rd Ave.

The 15-year-old will be charged with Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, DUII-Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Zanex), Reckless Driving, Attempt to Elude-Felony, Attempt to Elude-Misdemeanor and multiple counts of Recklessly Endangering Another.  More charges may be added later. 

Mr. Whitaker-Pendarvis will be charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.  Mr. Whitaker-Pendarvis was taken to Washington County Jail.

 ##BPD##

Metropolitan Performing Arts presents:

JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS!

Based on the book series by Barbara Park
Adapted by Allison Gregory

November 30th through December 2nd, 2018
The Sherman Auditorium, Vancouver WA

This play is for everyone ages 3 and up.

 Photo Credit: Heather Skogen

Vancouver, WA (November 5th, 2018)- Metropolitan Performing Arts (MPA) rings in the holiday season by bringing to the stage everyone’s favorite first-grader, the famously feisty and irrepressible Junie B. Jones. With plenty of laughs and life lessons, “Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” is the perfect holiday treat for the whole family. Performances are November 30th-December 2nd at the Sherman Auditorium inside the Washington State School for the Blind. Directed by recent New York transplant, Jessica Hirschhorn, this hilarious yet heartwarming holiday show is based on the popular children’s book series by Barbara Park and adapted by Allison Gregory. Tickets can be purchased online at www.MetropolitanPerformingArts.org or by phone at (360) 975-1585.

‘Tis the season in Room One and Junie B. is a mix of emotions. While visions of goodies from the school’s holiday gift shop frolic about her mind, the dreaded holiday sing-along looms (who could forget the great Columbus Day Disaster!?). Things get even worse when Junie gets stuck with her nemesis Tattletale May for the Secret Santa gift exchange. But wait – maybe the Secret Santa exchange is the perfect opportunity to give May exactly what she deserves...  Join us for this delightful family show that captures the spirit of the holidays with a lesson about giving, seen through the eyes of spunky Junie B!

Cast members include 12 young performers part of the Musical Theatre Program at MPA. The cast features one adult, camas resident Georel Niles, in the role of the teacher, Mr. Scary.  

Jason Lee 6th grader Molly Jung plays the iconic role of Junie B. Jones. Molly is no newbie to the stage. Some MPA credits include Charlie in MPA’s production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr and Biblo Baggins in the Hobbit.  “This show has a really important message about friendship.” Says Maggie Cole who plays the nemesis of Junie B. Jones, May. “One of the things I love about the show is how much our cast has grown into a family. We are always helping each other to make it a better show.” -Norah Skogen, who plays Jocy a classmate.

 “Junie B. in Jingle Bells Batman Smells” is the kick off to MPA’s 9th season.

Tickets start at $10 and may be purchased online at www.MetropolitanPerformingArts.org or by phone at 360-975-1585. Performance dates: opening Friday, November 30th at 7:00pm. Saturday, December 1st at 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Sunday, December 2nd at 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Run time is approximately 90 minutes including intermission.

Special event includes a red-carpet opening night! Friday, November 30th at 6:00pm with activities before the show. Dress in your party best and meet Junie B and other characters after the show on the red carpet. VIP tickets holders receive a polaroid photo on stage with Junie B Jones, a cup of hot chocolate and one complimentary food item from concessions.

Metropolitan Performing Arts (MPA) is a Vancouver based non-profit academy and community theater that offers professional, technique driven classes in acting, dance, music and tech. Their mission is to enrich the community by providing performance and educational opportunities in the live arts. The cast of Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells is part of the Musical Theater Program. The program’s focus is to train ‘Triple Threats’- talented individuals who can sing, dance and act with equal accomplishment. For more information, visit www.MetropolitanPerformingArts.org.

Held at City Hall, the Happy Valley Youth Council’s 9th Annual Youth Town Hall is a special event that invites teens from the Happy Valley and Clackamas areas to connect and share concerns. Through interactive activities and guided discussions, the participating teens voice their ideas and develop solutions to issues that are especially meaningful to them. Topics have often included issues related to safety, health and initiatives the teens would like to see established in their community.

The Happy Valley Youth Council was established in 2010 and serves as the City’s platform for bringing to light the voice of the area’s youth. Comprised of 12 council members, the Happy Valley Youth Council provides dynamic leadership and has pioneered such integral programs as an annual prescription drug take back event, teen driver safety awareness, and educational opportunities related to mental health.

The Youth Town Hall is free to participants and all local high school students are encouraged to attend. Happy Valley resident and business owner, Eric Post, will moderate this year’s activities. Students will have the opportunity to get to know fellow teen citizens and engage in both large and small groups.

The City of Happy Valley prides itself on the ability to offer purposeful and thoughtful ways for the youth of the area to be involved in the community and government happenings.

“This event is a time for kids to get together, share ideas and talk about issues they see or feel are affecting their teen community.  With the only adult in the room being the moderator, these teens tend to truly open up and feel safe amongst their peers.” – Stephani Hern, City of Happy Valley Community Involvement Specialist and Youth Council advisor

While registration for the event is closed, if any additional Happy Valley/Clackamas area teens would still like to attend tonight’s event, they are encouraged to contact Stephani Hern at 503-783-3819. Happy Valley City Hall is located at 16000 SE Misty Drive, Happy Valley, Oregon 97086.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2018

CONTACT:

Ariel Nelson                                       

Government Relations and Communications Liaison

Oregon Housing and Community Services

503-949-0201, iel.Nelson@oregon.gov">Ariel.Nelson@oregon.gov    

State to announce 10 communities selected for Operation Welcome Home

Operation Welcome Home Launch will take place November 15th at 2 PM at Seavey Meadows in Corvallis.

SALEM, OR – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will formally announce ten communities selected to participate in Operation Welcome Home tomorrow at 2 PM. OHCS, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA), will support communities by providing technical assistance in their initiative to end veterans’ homelessness. The selected communities will gather for the Operation Welcome Home Launch at Seavey Meadows (1099 NE Sorrel Place Corvallis, OR 97330), a veterans’ affordable housing community funded with state resources.

“It’s unacceptable that any veteran would experience homelessness,” said OHCS Director Margaret Salazar, “but we know that veterans are more likely to face these challenges. Operation Welcome Home centers the goal of ending veterans’ homelessness and uses national best practices and clear goalposts to advance that goal. The ten communities selected demonstrate a desire and ability to address veterans’ homelessness, and we are proud to support them in this effort.”

Operation Welcome Home is a campaign to address veterans experiencing homelessness that will run from November 2018 to May 2019. This initiative is supported through Measure 96 lottery funds allocated by the 2017 Legislature, and represents the first stage in supporting local communities as they work to end veteran homelessness. Throughout the course of this campaign, OHCS and ODVA will provide communities the support needed to house 500 veterans across Oregon. This investment will not only support local community efforts, but it will create a lasting infrastructure to make an impact well into the future.

“Veterans and their families deserve stable housing,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “This technical assistance will help communities create a by-name list of veterans experiencing homelessness that will allow multiple services providers to coordinate and leverage resources to help each veteran experiencing homelessness. This approach ensures we are looking at the person experiencing homelessness rather than another statistic.”

The selected communities are listed below. Additional details about Operation Welcome Home available online.

• NeighborImpact and Central Oregon Veterans Outreach: Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties
• Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agencies: Marion and Polk Counties
• ACCESS: Jackson County
• Yamhill Community Action Partnership: Yamhill County
• Oregon Coast Community Action: Coos and Curry Counties
• United Community Action Network: Douglas and Josephine Counties
• Community Action Partnership of Oregon: Baker, Grant, Harney, Hood River,
• Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Sherman, Union and Wasco Counties
• Community Services Consortium: Benton, Lincoln and Linn Counties
• Clackamas County Social Services: Clackamas County
• Lane County Human Services Commission: Lane County

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – On Thanksgiving Eve 1971, somewhere over Southwest Washington, D.B. Cooper parachuted from the rear of a hijacked passenger jet airplane with $200,000 tied to his body. Years later, a small amount of the money was found. Cooper and the rest of the money never were.

Cooper’s hijacking of Flight 305, enroute from Portland to Seattle, is the only unsolved air piracy case in America. It is celebrated in movies, television and song. Now this story will be told on the radio as part of the Re-Imagined Radio project, led by John Barber, professor of Creative Media and Digital Culture at Washington State University Vancouver.

The live performance of “Skyjack ’71—The D.B. Cooper Transmissions” will be presented at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Purchase tickets in advance for $8 by visiting kigginstheatre.com. Tickets will be available at the door for $12. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Written by Dan Wyatt Jr., owner of Kiggins Theatre, the radio drama features the many communications between multiple agencies and individuals as they attempted to resolve a tense situation, keep citizens safe and informed, and uphold the law. Local actors will perform, including Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Steve Becker, director of Vancouver’s Downtown Association.

"Whether or not you agree with Cooper's exploit, the story is rich and part of the legends that make our part of the Pacific Northwest special," Barber said.

Tickets are available online through the Kiggins website or at the door the night of the performance. Concessions, beer and wine will be available for purchase before and during the performance.

The performance date is the anniversary of the actual event. Audience members are encouraged to dress in Cooper-like costumes, such as black pants and jacket, white shirt with black tie, black overcoat and wraparound sunglasses.

Re-Imagined Radio is a partnership between Barber, Kiggins Theatre, KXRW Radio, Vancouver's community radio station, and Metropolitan Performing Arts, a local school and resource for aspiring actors, dancers and singers.

About the Kiggins Theatre

The theater has been a landmark in downtown Vancouver since 1936. It is owned and operated by WSU alumnus Dan Wyatt Jr. Learn more at kigginstheatre.com.

About Metropolitan Performing Arts

Metropolitan Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization providing performing theater arts education and community theater for Southwest Washington. Learn more metropolitanperformingarts.org.

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. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

NOVEMBER 14, 2018

Man sentenced to jail, probation after DUII crash injures two law enforcement officers

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 54-year-old Ken Neely received a jail and probation sentence for the vehicular assault of two officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau.

On October 23, 2018, Neely pleaded guilty to two counts of felony assault in the third degree and one count of driving under the influence of intoxicants. On November 14, 2018, he was sentenced to 36 months of probation and 20 days in jail. The judge ordered that he make a payment of $8,675.45 in restitution. As part of his sentence, Neely will have his driver’s license revoked for five years. 

This investigation started on January 13, 2018 when law enforcement responded to reports of a disabled vehicle on northbound Interstate 5, just south of the Interstate Bridge. The vehicle was reported to be a hazard to other drivers because it was blocking the right lane of traffic. Additionally, as officers were responding, they learned the driver may have been impaired.

When law enforcement arrived, they took the driver into custody. As police were waiting for a tow truck to arrive on scene, another driver, Neely, crashed into one of the police patrol vehicles, injuring Officer Kimberly Adams who was inside her patrol vehicle and Sgt. Nick Newby who was outside his patrol vehicle.

According to previously filed court documents, Sgt. Newby reported that he was walking behind his vehicle to put out several flares to help direct traffic. Both Sgt. Newby and Officer Adams had their overhead emergency lights activated. Sgt. Newby also had his amber lights on informing traffic to move to the left.

“Sgt. Newby saw Ken Neely’s vehicle coming right for them so he moved as fast as he could in an attempt to get over the jersey barrier,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Jergovic said. “The defendant’s vehicle hit Sgt. Newby and nearly pinned him against the jersey barrier. Sgt. Newby's decision to turn his patrol vehicle’s steering wheel all the way to the left when he parked prevented this from being a more serious crash. Had he not done that maneuver, his patrol vehicle would have launched straight into the two officers.”

Other law enforcement officers responded to the scene to assist the two injured officers and to conduct a crash investigation. During that investigation, officers spoke with the defendant and noticed that he had thick and slurred speech and that his responses were slow and that they could smell an odor of alcohol. Approximately 90 minutes after the crash, Neely provided a breath sample with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .07%. Based on dissipation rates, it is estimated that the defendant's BAC was likely .09% at the time of the crash.

“We are thankful that neither police officer in this case was critically injured,” Jergovic said after court. “This incident shows what could happen if someone chooses to drive while impaired. It also serves as a reminder for all other drivers that when you see emergency vehicles on the side of the road, you must abide by Oregon’s move over law.”

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

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

(Salem) – The State of Oregon has launched a new optional energy-efficient code to help achieve increased energy efficiency in commercial structures.

This week, the Oregon Zero Code Efficiency Standard was approved by the Building Codes Structures Board and adopted by the Building Codes Division for use throughout Oregon.

The code is based on nationally developed standards and establishes a predictable and efficient path for achievable energy-efficiency improvements. Adopting fully vetted, cost-effective, and federally recognized standards provides Oregon businesses with predictability and creates a more efficient regulatory framework.

“This continues Oregon’s national leadership in providing innovative construction regulatory options. The adoption of the Oregon Zero Code Efficiency Standard creates a framework for ongoing improvement in energy efficiency, while providing predictability and regulatory efficiency to Oregon businesses,” Building Codes Division Administrator Mark Long said. “Providing businesses with an additional regulatory path helps Oregon meet our overall energy-efficiency goals.”

The code is a statewide alternate method, which provides additional options for Oregon businesses.

“Oregon is fortunate to have the ability to make these efficient options available to industry working through our advisory boards,” said Long. “This is another example of regulatory success in Oregon.”

The code is based on a federally recognized energy standard that establishes robust, but achievable, construction standards that align with Oregon’s energy goals. The standard also  includes a fully programmed online tool, allowing builders to enter their construction choices for ventilation, windows, and other elements in order to confirm compliance with Oregon code.

Builders who want to use the Oregon Zero Code Efficiency Standard will document compliance with the standard using an Oregon-specific tool and Architecture 2030’s Zero Code Energy Calculator to help designers identify potential renewable energy sources to improve efficiency. The information will be recorded as part of the permit file for the building.

Review the Oregon Zero Code Efficiency Standard statewide alternate method.

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The Building Codes Division (BCD) adopts statewide construction standards, which ensure a uniform and predictable regulatory environment in Oregon. For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/bcd.

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

On October 19, 2018, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies received information regarding possible animal neglect occurring on a property in the 19000 block of Southwest Pacific Highway outside of Sherwood.

During the initial investigation, deputies learned that two pit bull puppies had been surrendered from the property to an animal rescue organization in late September. After speaking with a woman who had picked up the puppies, deputies learned that they had been kept in deplorable conditions. Upon evaluation by a veterinarian, the dogs were found to be in malnourished and had an abnormal gait, likely as a result of being kept in small cages for the majority of their lives.

On November 13, 2018, deputies executed a search warrant on the property. Four dogs were located and found confined to sheds and or wire crates. Deputies found that none of the dogs had access to water and little food was found on the property. Some of the dogs were lying in their own waste. Paraphernalia commonly associated with dog fighting was also seized. All four dogs were taken to local animal hospitals for further evaluation.

54-year-old Russell Fernandez, who resides on the property, was arrested on two counts of first-degree animal neglect, four counts of second-degree animal neglect, and possession of dog fighting paraphernalia.

Two donkeys and two goats were also removed from the property. Their health is being evaluated by a veterinarian and additional criminal charges related to their care are possible.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Washington County Animal Services and Sound Equine Options.

Anyone with information is asked to contact deputies by calling non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

NOVEMBER 14, 2018

Man, 49, receives prison sentence following Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination investigation

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced 49-year-old Chanh Tran received a 30 month prison sentence after he pleaded guilty in a Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project case.

“The plea in this case was reached with all parties, including the victim, being in agreement as to the resolution of this case,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Tara Gardner, who prosecuted this case, said after sentencing. “I know the victim is appreciative that this case is finally resolving, without the re-traumatization of trial, and that the defendant is taking responsibility for his actions, which had a significant impact on her life.”

The Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit released the following statement: “Investigators with the Portland Police Bureau are pleased with the fifth conviction related to cases identified as part of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). We continue to work diligently to bring more cases forward. Investigators are grateful for the willingness of the victims, their families, witnesses and others with case knowledge to help bring closure to cases where justice has been delayed.”

On November 8, 2018, Tran pleaded guilty to one count of rape in the third degree and sodomy in the third degree.

The initial investigation began on September 26, 2012, when Portland Police responded to a motel in the 2600 block of Northeast 82nd Avenue in Portland Oregon on a report of a female found hiding in a vacant motel room.

The investigation revealed that Tran and the victim did not know each other prior to September 25, 2012 when the defendant had sexual contact with the victim, who was a minor at the time, in Southeast Portland.

As part of the initial investigation, a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) kit was collected the day the sexual assault was reported. The SAFE kit was tested in 2016 using grant funding provided by the District Attorney’s Office of New York. A profile was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and matched on July 10, 2017 to Tran. The Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit contacted the victim and conducted investigative follow up on the case, which resulted in a grand jury returning an indictment.

The victim in this case has requested privacy and does not want media contact.

Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Project

In 2015, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill, along with the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory collaboratively initiated a project to process thousands of untested Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits in Multnomah, Marion and Lane counties.

District Attorney Underhill and others quickly identified funding from the New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) and worked collectively with the Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit after the City of Portland received a grant from U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Grant Program.

DANY awarded the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office a total of $1,995,453 in September 2015. Using those funds, a coordinated effort involving local law enforcement and the Oregon State Police was launched to send SAFE kits, dated 2014 or older from Multnomah, Lane and Marion counties, to a private lab in Utah for testing.

In early 2018, an additional 302 SAFE kits from 13 other Oregon counties were sent to the lab using funds from the DANY grant. In total, nearly 3,000 SAFE kits from Oregon were sent to be tested. As of September 2018, all of the SAFE kits identified under the DANY grant, have been tested.

In Oregon, Senate Bill 1571, known as "Melissa's Law," was the Oregon Legislature's response to ensuring all sexual assault kits, except for anonymous kits, are sent to the Oregon State Crime Laboratory for timely testing.

The Portland Police Bureau implemented a full submission policy in February 2015 that mandates every SAFE kit, with the exception of anonymous kits, be sent to the OSP Forensic laboratory.

Results from the kits continue to be investigated and survivors of sexual assaults are being notified through the Rose Project. The PPB Sex Crimes Unit, a victim-centered and trauma-informed detail, encourages those who have had a SAFE kit collected prior to 2015 to contact the oseproject@portlandoregon.gov">roseproject@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0125.

Current Multnomah County SAFE kit criminal cases (as of November 14, 2018)

State of Oregon vs Jihad Eldeen Moore - 18CR13996 - Convicted in November 2018; pending sentencing

State of Oregon vs Chanh Van Tran - 18CR25167 - Sentenced to 30 months in prison

State of Oregon vs Curtis Clint Williams - 17CR37474 - Convicted in June 2018; pending sentencing

State of Oregon vs Steven Guy Tubbs - 17CR08640 - Convicted in August 2018; Sentenced to 100 months in prison

State of Oregon vs Jose Oscar Rosales - 17CR29317 - Sentenced to 210 days in jail, 60 months of PPS

State of Oregon vs Ricky Alexander Harrison - 18CR59141 - Pending arraignment

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director

Phone: 503.988.6567

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

PORTLAND, Ore. (November 14, 2018) –  This holiday season, jingle all the way to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to see towering sculptures, sweet science demonstrations and build-it-yourself workshops at the third annual Gingerbread Adventures, opening Nov. 17.

Local architecture firms and bakeries have teamed up to design and build gingerbread sculptures focused on the theme “Egypt”:

•    Soderstrom Architects & Bon Appetit Management Company with “Despicable Megypt”
•    Lewallen Architecture & New Seasons with “Fa La La La Ra”
•    Scott Edwards Architecture & Sugar Cubed Cakes with “Sweet AfterLife”
•    LRS Architects & Love Bites by Carnie with “Under Wraps”
•    Walker Macy & Sarah’s Cookies with “Khepri Rising”
•    LEVER Architecture & Pix Patisserie with “Ain’t No Party Like an Afterlife Party” 
•    WRK Engineers & Ankrom Moisan Architects & Delice Chocolate & Confections with “A Game of Cat & Mouse-oleum”

Gingerbread Adventures, sponsored by New Seasons with support from Bob’s Red Mill and Macy’s, highlights the innovation and food science that goes into assembling elaborate gingerbread sculptures. Food science intertwines biology, technology, engineering, architecture and physics in the creation of these artistic creations showcasing Portland’s diverse cultural experience, innovative food scene, and architectural expertise. 

“The last two years of Gingerbread Adventures have been so much fun, and I’m always impressed by the creativity of the teams,” said Melony Beaird, OMSI events manager. “The architect firms really push the boundaries of what the bakers can accomplish with edible materials, and you will see new and innovative ways to use gingerbread and sugar.” 

There will be more than just amazing sculptures on view. Located in OMSI’s Auditorium, guests can learn how to make an origami Sphinx, decode hieroglyphs, design a winter scene and more. Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice Award,” selecting their favorite gingerbread sculpture.

Returning this year is the popular food science workshop: How Does the Cookie Crumble? Adults will spend an evening learning how buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes. Then, they’ll have a chance to design, build and test their own quake-proof gingerbread house. Workshops will be held Dec. 13, 18 and 20; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per gingerbread house (up to 2 people per house).

Gingerbread Adventures is included with general admission to the museum and will be on view in the OMSI Auditorium from Nov. 17 through Jan. 1, 2019. For more information, visit omsi.edu.

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

Vancouver Public Schools’ board of directors authorized two replacement levies for the Feb. 12, 2019, ballot. The district’s education and operations levy (formerly called the maintenance and operations levy) and the technology levy both expire in 2019. The board unanimously approved the resolutions at its Nov. 13 meeting.

Replacement levy for education and operations
The replacement levy for education and operations would provide funding for schools for four years: 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. A local levy has been in place in Vancouver Public Schools for more than 50 years (since 1964).

Earlier this year, Washington legislators developed a state budget to meet the requirements of the Supreme Court (McCleary v. State) decision. As a result, the state increased its schools levy rate and redistributed the money across all Washington school districts.

In 2018, local district levy rates were not affected. However, in 2019, the state will maintain its schools levy rate, and local district levy rates will be scaled back to $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Even after the new state funding as a result of McCleary decision, the state still only funds approximately 78 percent of the district’s general fund budget. The local levies are necessary to make up ongoing gaps in financial support for services and priorities designated by the Vancouver community. 

“As a teacher for more than 35 years, I know that levy dollars are crucial to our students, classrooms and schools,” said Board President Rosemary Fryer. “If approved, these levies will help ensure Vancouver students are prepared for the future.”

At the capped amount of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, local levy dollars make up about 12 percent of the district’s general fund budget. The education and operations levy pays for classroom supplies, textbooks and equipment; school safety and security; maintenance of buildings and grounds; teachers and support staff; classroom programs; extended day/year learning; education for students with special needs; extracurricular activities and intramural sports; and utilities, insurance and fuel.

The district is requesting authorization of approximately $32.8 million for collection in 2020, $35.4 million for collection in 2021, $38.2 million for collection in 2022 and $41.3 million for collection in 2023.

On a median-priced home of $334,000, the replacement levy for education and operations will cost $501 in 2020 (based on the levy rate of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value). The rate for 2018 was $2.64 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Replacement levy for technology
The replacement levy for technology, which voters approved in 2013, would provide funding for 2020 through 2025. The technology levy would help prepare students to enter the workforce. It would fund technology that supports students’ creativity, innovation and problem-solving. Technology levy dollars would provide training for teachers so that they can educate students on the skills required for success in their future careers. The levy also would maintain or renew iPads and laptop computers for all students in third through 12th grades.

The estimated cost for the technology levy is approximately $0.31 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The levy would collect approximately $7 million in 2020, $7.4 million in 2021, $8 million in 2022, $8.4 million in 2023, $8.8 million in 2024 and $9.3 million in 2025.

On a median-priced home of $334,000, the replacement technology levy will cost $103.54 in 2020 (based on the levy rate of $0.31 per $1,000 of assessed property value).

The education and operations levy must pass for the technology levy to pass.

For more information, go to the VPS website.

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Visibility and Communications Committee will meet on Monday, November 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the main headquarters, 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, Oregon  97220. 

On February 9th, 2018 Beaverton Police detectives started an investigation regarding the sex trafficking of an underage female.  The advertisements for prostitution with the underage female were posted on the website www.backpage.com.  On February 14th detectives arrested 28-year-old Mario Deshawn Hoggatt after he delivered the 17-year-old victim to a residence where she was to engage in prostitution.  Evidence showed the victim would pay Mr. Hoggatt after each prostitution date and Mr. Hoggatt placed the prostitution ads on Backpage using his cell phone.     

On the day trial was set to start, November 6, 2018, Mr. Hoggatt entered a guilty plea in Washington County Circuit Court to one count of Compelling Prostitution which is a Class B felony.  Mr. Hoggatt was sentenced to 70 months in prison and he may not be considered for any form of reduction in sentence.  After his prison sentence, he will be on Post-Prison supervision for 3 years.  Mr. Hoggatt will also be required to register as a sex offender per Oregon Revised Statutes.    

Human sex trafficking is a form of slavery and involuntary servitude. Sex trafficking involved individuals profiting from the sexual exploitation of others and has severe physical and psychological consequences for its victims.

Sex trafficking comes in many forms, including forcing victims into prostitution, subjecting victims to slavery or involuntary servitude and compelling victims to commit sex acts for the purpose of creating pornography.  The average age that teens become victims of sex trafficking is between 12 and 14.  Statistically, over 70% of victims are female and over half of them are children.  Many victims are runaways or previous victims of physical or sexual abuse.  However, any person, male or female, adult or child, regardless of their background, can potentially become a victim. https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/human-trafficking-prevention

##BPD##

Women’s Leadership Center is pleased to announce the upcoming workshop Taking Action: Creating a Culture of Consent. The Women’s Leadership Center recognizes the timely an important conversation of consent. This dynamic four-session workshop series is inspired by the #Me Too movement with the acknowledgment that many of us have not yet had the opportunity to fully explore consent and its impact. So, for many of us we are navigating the waters of consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships without a guide. This leaves opportunity for misinterpretation and miscommunication.

#Metoo has provided a clear visual of how pervasive rape culture is. Education around consent is a crucial next step. [As] “consent is the basis and foundation for all healthy and respectful relationships and interactions. Everyone should feel like they understand what consent really means and why it’s important. Creating a culture of consent is crucial to preventing interpersonal violence and creating safer communities.” (Jessie Spinney, YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention Specialist)

To engage in the next steps practice consent conversations with loved ones (including youth and teens), speak to your representative and encourage your state to make consent education mandatory in schools, and join the Women’s Leadership Center for Taking Action: Creating a Culture of Consent.

Taking Action: Creating a Culture of Consent

Join us in this dynamic four session workshop series as we engage in conversation together, expand our knowledge and develop skills to strengthening our approach to this important and timely topic.

Mondays and Wednesdays, November 26 – December 5

 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Registration available at: ywcaclarkcounty.org/wlc

Questions? Contact WLC coordinator Cheyanne Llanos Bare at are@ywcaclarkcounty.org">cllanosbare@ywcaclarkcounty.org and 360.906.9157

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Taskforce Committee will meet on Friday, November 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Black United Fund of Oregon, 2828 NE Alberta St. , Portland, Oregon  97211. 

Vancouver, Wash. –On July 30, 2018, Vancouver Police responded to a found property call at the Goodwill located at 6425 NE Fourth Plain Blvd. An employee going through donations located an urn used to contain cremated human remains.  The urn is a wooden box with the name “Stephu Rutledge” on the bottom.

The Vancouver Police Department Evidence Unit has been attempting to locate anyone associated with the urn and is now is seeking assistance from the public so that it can be turned over to family members, as it is believed this item was inadvertently donated.

Anyone with information regarding this urn is asked to contact the Vancouver Police Department Evidence Unit at (360) 487-7404.

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The Vancouver Police Department is seeking applicants for Entry and Lateral Police Officers. If you are interested in a career with us, visit http://www.cityofvancouver.us/police/page/careers.

Oregon Adds 4,600 Jobs in October

In October, Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment grew by 4,600 jobs, following a revised gain of 4,700 jobs in September. Monthly gains in October were widespread, with nine of the top 13 industries adding jobs, led by professional and business services (+1,500 jobs); wholesale trade (+1,000 jobs); and government (+1,000 jobs). Only two major industries cut jobs substantially in October: private educational services (-800 jobs) and financial activities (-900 jobs).

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in October, the same as in August and September. These were Oregon’s lowest unemployment rates since comparable records began in 1976. The U.S. unemployment rate held steady at 3.7 percent in both September and October.

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 38,100 jobs, or 2.0 percent, since October 2017. In that time, construction remained the fastest growing industry, with a gain of 8,200 jobs, or 8.2 percent. Health care and social assistance added 6,200 jobs, or 2.6 percent. Professional and business services also grew rapidly, adding 5,400 jobs, or 2.2 percent. However, three of Oregon’s major industries slowed recently, with gains close to one percent since October 2017: financial activities (+1,000 jobs, or 1.0%); leisure and hospitality (+1,700 jobs, or 0.8%); and retail trade (+1,200 jobs, or 0.6%). And two industries declined over the year: information ( 100 jobs, or -0.3%) and private educational services (-800 jobs, or -2.2%). 

Over the past two years, retail trade has seen multiple store closures and the bankruptcies of several major national retailers. These closures and other factors contributed to a moderation in overall retail employment growth. Since October 2016, Oregon’s retail employment grew at an annual rate of only 1.0%, which was about half the growth rate of Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment. Somewhat counterbalancing retail’s slowing was moderate growth in wholesale trade (up 2.8% in the past 12 months) and in transportation, warehousing, and utilities, which grew consistently close to a three percent annual rate over the past six years. 

Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the October county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, November 20th, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for November on Tuesday, December 18th. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five schools in Vancouver, Battle Ground and Longview are among just 91 identified as 2018 School of Distinction winners. The award recognizes sustained improvement over a five year period in English language arts (ELA), math and graduation rates.

In Battle Ground, River Homelink was named a School of Distinction for the third time. In Vancouver Public Schools, Benjamin Franklin Elementary (a three-time winner) and Lewis and Clark High School received the honor. R.A. Long High School (a four-time winner) and Monticello Middle School, both in the Longview School District, round out the list of this year’s winners in the ESD 112 region. They are among the top five percent of improvement of all high middle and elementary levels, respectively.

“This honor is reflective of the incredibly hard work and dedication of staff and students,” said ESD 112 Superintendent Tim Merlino. “These schools are proof that through dedication and perseverance we can overcome barriers to dramatically improve outcomes for all students,” he added. Merlino plans to present the schools with their award banners during specially scheduled arrangements at staff and/or board meetings this winter.

The School of Distinction Award is sponsored by the Center for Educational Effectiveness in partnership with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD), the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) and the Washington State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (WSASCD).  This award is the only one of its kind in the state that recognizes schools for sustained growth and improvement over time.

Vancouver, Wash. – Give thanks this holiday season, not foodborne illness.

Every year, one in six Americans is sickened by contaminated food or beverages, often from food that’s not prepared safely. Proper food storage and preparation are important in order to prevent illness.

Don’t take any chances with the health of your family and friends this holiday season. Follow these tips as you prepare for holiday gatherings, and visit the Clark County Public Health Facebook page for more food safety tips throughout the month.

Thawing

A fresh turkey should be cooked within two days of purchase. But if your turkey is frozen, never thaw it on the counter. Here are three safe ways to thaw a turkey:

• In the refrigerator: Allow 24 hours of thawing for each four to five pounds of turkey – about three days for a 12-pound turkey or five days for a 20-pound turkey.
• In a bowl or sink filled with cold water: Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and allow 30 minutes per pound. Change water every 30 minutes.
• In the microwave: Check the manual for directions. When thawed, cook immediately.

Preparation

Wash hands and surfaces often. After working with raw turkey, always wash your hands, utensils and work surfaces to prevent bacteria from contaminating other foods. Use only clean kitchen cloths and towels and wash them promptly after wiping up meat juices.

Stuffing

For optimal safety and uniform doneness, cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish. If you place stuffing inside the turkey, do so just before roasting and use a food thermometer. Make sure the center of the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. Bacteria can survive in stuffing that has not reached 165 degrees and cause foodborne illness.

Cooking

Prior to cooking, be sure the turkey is completely thawed. When cooking, use a food thermometer to check the temperature in the center of the stuffing, the wing joint and meaty portions of the breast and thigh. All pieces must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Don’t leave food on the counter to cool down. Refrigerating foods quickly keeps most harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying. Eat refrigerated leftovers within three or four days.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has issued a cease-and-desist order against Helen Kyung Lee and Joany Inc., also known as Impact Health Inc., for forging consumers’ signatures on insurance documents, which violates the Oregon insurance code. The department, through its Division of Financial Regulation, is pursuing fines and seeking to revoke the licenses of Lee and Joany Inc.

Lee and Impact Health Inc. offered consumers a $50 gift card for filling out an insurance survey through either Facebook or Craigslist. The survey required consumers to provide a copy of their health care identification card with a valid effective date and member number. Lee, or representatives of Impact Health Inc., then forged consumers’ signatures on a form that identifies the consumers’ insurance agent, also known as an agent of record form. This allowed Lee to receive commissions from insurance companies without the consumers’ consent or knowledge.

Approximately, 1,600 Oregonians completed the survey in 2017, and more than 900 agent of record forms were filed as a result. The division has attempted to contact several consumers who filled out the survey. At least 12 have confirmed that their signatures were forged, and that they did not ask Lee nor Impact Health Inc. to be their agent. 

“The division takes attempts to deceive both consumers and companies that serve Oregonians very serious,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner. “We encourage everyone to be on alert for attempts like this to dupe consumers and businesses for financial gain, and to contact our consumer advocates if you believe you have been harmed.”

The division wants anyone that filled out a survey from Impact Health Inc. to do two things:

1. Contact your insurance company to confirm it has the correct agent on file for you. If you filled out the survey, but do not have an agent, confirm that your insurance company does not have one listed for you.
2. Oregonians who learn that the agent of record is not correct, contact the division’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) to report it.

This was a multi-state scheme. If you live outside Oregon and filled out a survey from Impact Health contact your state's insurance department to report it.

The division believes similar efforts exist to obtain consumers’ personal information. Be mindful of these schemes, and avoid them with these steps:

• Be suspicious of offers to receive gift cards or similar prizes for providing personal information. If it seems too easy to earn a prize, it is probably a trick. 
• Do not give out your personal information by phone, email, or text. Government agencies, insurance companies, banks, and credit unions typically do not ask for this information unprompted.

To learn more about protecting yourself and your finances visit, dfr.oregon.gov.

Oregonians who have questions, concerns, or problems with an insurance or financial services company, agent, or broker can contact a consumer advocate at 888-877-4894 (toll free).

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GALES CREEK, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have teamed up to enhance habitat in upper Gales Creek for threatened steelhead and other aquatic life.

Winding through the Tillamook State Forest and flowing into the Tualatin River, Gales Creek serves as critical habitat for upper Willamette steelhead, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. ODF and ODFW have led a years-long cooperative project to improve habitat in the Gales Creek basin. The latest step was a project in fall of 2018 enhancing a mile-long stretch of Gales Creek, with plans in place to complete a second mile in the summer of 2019. This work was funded in part by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation as well as in-kind services from both agencies. 

“When I do projects like this, it’s more than my professional duty,” said Mark Meleason, aquatic and riparian specialist for ODF’s State Forests Division. “Our model for state forests is we want to do the right thing, and this is doing the right thing for the environment. We’re providing good habitat, and we’re enhancing it.”

The agencies worked with a contractor to strategically cut and place 100 trees from the riparian forest into the stream to increase the complexity of the aquatic habitat. Logs create pools and side channels where fish can spawn, while their offspring can find shelter from predators and refuge from strong creek flows in the winter. The trees were selected from a mixed conifer / hardwood forest where hardwoods, mainly alder, are nearing the end of their lifespan. These trees used for the enhancement will be replaced ten-fold in the spring, when ODF will plant approximately 1,000 seedlings along the creek bank.

“Logjams are the most important part of stream habitat for fish,” said Dave Stewart, a stream restoration biologist for ODFW. “When you have wood in the stream, it creates habitat for juvenile fish, spawning and amphibians. All the fish and wildlife species need this wood – we’ve documented that with many studies.”

This portion of Gales Creek is in the Tillamook State Forest and was part of the Tillamook Burn, a series of catastrophic forest fires from the 1930s-50s that, decades later, still leave a mark on the land – in this case, less wood available for stream enhancement. Projects like this mimic the natural pattern of trees falling into streams as they age or are knocked down by storms.

This cooperative effort is just one of many cooperative projects conducted by ODF and ODFW under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds to restore healthy salmon populations and their watersheds. 

On November 17, 2018, Beaverton Police Department, along with Safe Kids Coalition of Washington County and Kuni Auto Center, will be offering a free child safety seat clinic.

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

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

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

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

##BPD##

Vancouver, WA – The 15th annual "Christmas with Jim Fischer and Friends" concert will take place at 3 pm on Saturday, December 1st at First Presbyterian Church, 4300 Main St, Vancouver.

The concert is a benefit event for Friends of the Carpenter and is open to the public. No ticket required, but donations gladly accepted as a good will offering.

“The holiday season is joyful time of year to spend with family, friends and neighbors and to reflect on the past year,” said Tom Iberle, executive director. “We invite the community to celebrate with us through the beautiful music of pianist Jim Fischer & Friends and to support our mission of changing lives with love.”

Special guests include Tracy Harris, vocalist; Northwest Harmony Chorus; and King’s Way Knight Sounds Choir.

Thanks to concert sponsors Collins Family & Implant Dentistry, Davidson & Associates Insurance, Dick Hannah Dealerships and The Real Estate Group.

For more information, call 360-750-4752 or visit friendsofthecarpenter.org.

About Friends of the Carpenter

Friends of the Carpenter was incorporated in Vancouver, WA in Oct. 1998 and began as a vision of a practical outreach of simple welcome and personal interaction between volunteers from the church and people living in poverty. Since the beginning, regular contact has been made with the homeless and poor persons of our community through woodworking events scheduled throughout the community and which, today, are held at FOTC’s Friendship Center. Our mission: Friends of the Carpenter is a non-profit, faith-based day facility that provides safety, structure and purpose for vulnerable members of our community. Learn more at friendsofthecarpenter.org.

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On Saturday, November 17, 2018, the City of Cornelius, in partnership with Centro Cultural de Washington County and the Washington County Sheriff's Office, will provide a holiday dinner to members of the community during the Fifth Annual Cornelius Community Thanksgiving Dinner. This hot meal will be offered at no cost and is expected to feed over 400 people.

The holiday dinner will be held on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cornelius Elementary School (200 North 14th Avenue, Cornelius). In addition to a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner, the menu for the evening will also include tamales.

“This is an event that is built on cooperation and compassion from our business and community partners,” said Al Roque, Cornelius Police Chief. “Sharing a meal is a great way to kick off the holiday season with outreach and support for our residents.”

“Centro is proud to partner with the Sheriff’s Office and the City of Cornelius every Thanksgiving to share a meal and create community,” said Maria Caballero Rubio, Executive Director of Centro Cultural de Washington County. “Our partnership grows stronger every year as we support each other’s efforts.”

The dinner is made possible through many volunteer hours as well as generous donations by community partners in Cornelius, listed at the bottom of this release.

Members of the public who would like additional information or to find out how to help are asked to contact the City of Cornelius at (503) 357-9112.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend the event. Representatives from participating groups will be available for interviews. Media is asked to RSVP by contacting Daisy Santillan, Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Specialist, at (503) 277-8134 or Daisy_Santillan@co.washington.or.us.

Photos from the 2017 event are provided in this release.

Sponsors:

• Bimbo Bakeries USA
• Bunny Girt, State Farm
• Forest Grove School District
• Fred Meyer
• Reser’s Fine Foods
• Shari's Cafe & Pies
• Sonrise Church
• Starbucks
• Swallowtail Waldorf School
• Tienda El Porvenir
• Walmart
• Washington County Police Officers Association
• Western Washington County Firefighter’s Association

After a lengthy standoff, deputies have arrested John Leonard Rousseau, age 51.  Mr. Rousseau is being taken to the Salem Hospital to be treated for minor injuries he sustained during his standoff with deputies.  Rousseau held SWAT members at bay while armed with a knife and what appeared to be a small caliber rifle. 

Once Rousseau has been treated for his injuries he will be taken to the Marion County Jail for two outstanding warrants for the charges of criminal mischief and the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.  Additionally deputies also arrested Mr. Rousseau for three counts of menacing and the unlawful use of a weapon.   

Deputies were assisted on scene by the Stayton Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Mobile Crisis Response Team, the Marion County Inter-Agency SWAT Team and the Stayton Fire District. 

The scene around the home is still closed but is expected to open within the next hour. 

Photo of Rousseau is from a prior booking

Today at 2:19 p.m., deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic disturbance in the 5900 block of Stayton Road SE.  When deputies arrived and attempted to contact the involved parties an adult male at the residence brandished a kinfe and hatchet at the deputies.  Deputies were able to back away and call for assitance.

Through thier investigation deputies identified the man and found he has outstanding felony warrants for his arrest.  SWAT is on scene and negotiators are attempting to descalte the man who is highly aggitated.  The man is believed to be alone and the residences close to the house have either been evacuted or the residents are sheltering in place.  

The road remains closed and will remain closed until the situartion can be resolved.     

Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office are on scene and attempting to deescalate a man with felony warrants on Marion Road SE near Stayton Road SE.  The man has barricaded himself inside of the residence and is refusing to come out.  A small section of Marion Road is currently closed and will remain closed until the incident can be resolved.  The Sheriff's Office SWAT Team is responding.  This is an ongoing tactical incident and no other details are being released at this time. 

On November 13, at about 5:34pm, Forest Grove Police and Fire personnel responded to Hwy 47 near Pacific Avenue regarding a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.

Upon arrival officers located a driver who was attending to their disabled vehicle in a northbound lane and was struck by another northbound vehicle. The disabled vehicle was struck as well.

The driver of the disabled vehicle, identified as George Davidson age 71 of Portland, was transported via Life Flight to a local hospital. The driver of the other vehicle was identified as Esteban Gomez-Guzman age 49 of Forest Grove. Gomez-Guzman stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation and was subsequently issued a citation for Careless Driving.

Davidson is currently in stable but serious condition.

At tonight’s regular Board meeting (November 13), the Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors approved two levy resolutions for the February 12, 2019 election ballot. Voters within the district’s boundaries of will be asked to vote on a replacement maintenance and operations (M&O) levy along with a technology levy.

Although the state of Washington has taken on more responsibility for paying for basic education, there are still funding gaps. The state now allows each school district to ask for $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value to cover programs either partially, or not funded at all, by the state, as well as other special designation levies. This year, Evergreen is asking for the $1.50 as a partial M&O replacement levy, as well as $.37 per $1,000 assessed value to fund school technology. Together, the two measures still ensure local taxes are less than the current expiring M&O levy of $3.23 per $1,000 which was voted on in 2016.

Under the new legislation, the proposed three-year levy must be designated and reported to the state to be spent in non-basic education categories. If passed, levy dollars will ensure the continuation of athletics and activities; support performing arts such as band, choir, orchestra and theater programs, productions and performances; safety programs such as security officers and sworn police officers/deputies School Resource Officers (SRO); and smaller class sizes.

Although nearly every other school district in the region has previously run a technology levy, Evergreen has not, instead relying on general fund dollars. However, with the decrease in available M&O levy funds, a technology levy is needed to maintain and enhance technology in the schools. Funds will be designated over a six-year period for digital curriculum, keeping resources (devices) current, enhanced security technology and to secure and maintain network infrastructure.

“Evergreen continues to efficiently and effectively spend the levy dollars authorized by our voters. We have one of the lowest administrative and central office costs in the state and among peer districts. We continue to ensure the money is spent on programs and supports that have direct student impact which has led to our higher graduation rates,” said Board President Todd Yuzuriha.

In order for the technology levy to be implemented (even with a 50 percent or more yes vote), the M&O levy must also pass with more than a 50 percent yes vote. Additional information on the levies will be available on the Evergreen Public Schools web site (www.evergreen ps.org), and in an informational mailer to be sent to all property owners in January 2019. Last year, Evergreen voters passed a $695 million capital facilities bond to replace, rebuild and repair all schools in the district, plus build an additional elementary school. The new measure did not raise the bond portion of the property tax, but are not allowed to be used for daily maintenance and operations.

Evergreen Public Schools, with over 24,000 students and 3,300 staff members, is the sixth largest school district in the state, and the third largest employer in Clark County

Tuesday, November 13, 2018 – Ridgefield, Washington – On November 13, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the November Employee and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting.  

The Employee of the Month is Sarah Roberts, Special Education paraeducator at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School.  Said one staff member, “Sarah is an exceptional person.  Without fail, she daily shares her gift of spirit and generosity with the entire Ridgefield School District community.  It is no exaggeration to say that everyone loves her.  Sarah brings a heart, joy and enthusiasm to her daily life that is infectious and contributes to a spirit that has made our schools and our district a unique and special place to teach and learn.”

Another staff member described Roberts as a consummate professional.  “She is always diligent and creative in her delivery of lessons while individualizing her support to ensure success for her students.  Nearly without exception, her students have always shown tremendous growth under her tutelage.  Sarah is also naturally curious and is always reading and researching how to best provide instruction for her challenging students as well as her students with challenges.  On more than one occasion, I have suggested and encouraged Sarah to return to school to get a teaching certificate so she can lead her own classroom and share her natural gift as a teacher to a larger audience.”

While students love Mrs. Roberts, the school and district staff love and appreciate her as well.  For years, she has been a vital member of the school staff at South Ridge Elementary School, and now at Sunset Ridge Intermediate.  Her joyous and sincere interactions with each person makes them feel valued and important.  The staff at Sunset Ridge Intermediate is proud to name Sarah Roberts as November’s Employee of the Month.

Students of the Month

Mason Roberts, a third grader, is November’s Student of the Month at South Ridge Elementary School.  The South Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Mason.  They write, “Mason Roberts is a young man that always follows the 3R’s.  He is respectful to his classmates and adults.  He is responsible in everything he does—doing his classwork, returning homework, assisting others and always speaking kindly to all.  His resilience shines through in his problem-solving abilities, he does not give up when presented with any kind of problem, and he is willing to compromise with the partners he is working with.  Most of all, he is a joy to be around.”

Nolan Erickson, a fourth grader, was selected at Union Ridge Elementary.  The Union Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Nolan.  They write, “Nolan consistently demonstrates respect, responsibility and resiliency.  He is extremely kind and polite with his classmates and teachers.  He consistently comes to school with a positive attitude and is a classroom leader.  Nolan helps other students during recess and lunchtime.  He is an excellent example of a kind, caring, thoughtful and hard-working student.  Nolan represents Union Ridge Elementary with a great sense of integrity and academic excellence.  Union Ridge Elementary’s Student of the Month award is well-earned by Nolan Erickson.”

Roman Matthiesen, a fifth grader, is November’s Student of the Month at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School.  The Sunset Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Roman.  They write, “Roman is a very hard worker.  He is kind, considerate, sweet and funny.  He always is up for a challenge and will not move onto even the “fun” stuff until his work is done.”

Jordyn Davies, an eighth grader, was chosen at View Ridge Middle School.  The View Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Jordyn.  They write, “Jordyn Davies is very studious and is a wonderful example of how to get the most out of your education.  Jordyn takes pride in her work and thinks outside the box.  She is creative, inventive and ready to challenge her skills in all of her endeavors.”  Another staff member writes, “I have had the pleasure of working with Jordyn for two years in a row, and I am truly impressed with her growth in art and the thought she puts into her drawings.  We can’t wait to see where life takes Jordyn!”

Levi Hipple, a sophomore, was chosen from Ridgefield High School.  The Ridgefield High School teachers and staff are very proud of Levi.  They write, “Levi Hipple has a perfect 4.0 GPA.  Levi takes advanced classes in both science and math.  In addition, he is involved in tennis and soccer, is the vice president of the Leo’s club and is active in 4H.  The reason he was chosen Student of the Month is not because of what he does but because of who he is.  Teachers describe Levi as “exactly the kind of kid you love to have in class.  He makes other students better.”  Another teacher says of Levi, “He is a polite student who strives for excellence,” and another says “Levi is a positive student who raises the bar for all students.”  We are proud of students like Levi Hipple and are honored that he represents Ridgefield High School as the November Student of the Month.

Ridgefield School District is grateful to its sponsor, the historic Sportsman’s Restaurant and Lounge, a local Ridgefield business owned and operated by Terry Hurd.  This is the fifth year that Hurd has provided funding to support the district’s recognition program.

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The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST) held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting this afternoon, November 13, 2018.  The meeting was held in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon.

To increase the public's trust, the Oregon legislature has mandated the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training establish minimum standards that are required to be met and maintained by Oregon's providers of public safety, including police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, telecommunicators (9-1-1), emergency medical dispatchers, public safety instructors, and OLCC regulatory specialists. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is responsible for certifying public safety professionals who meet all of the Board-established intellectual, physical and moral fitness standards and for denying, suspending or revoking the certification of those who do not meet or fall below these standards.

Note actions listed below are not final and parties involved in professional standards cases may request a context case hearing.

Meeting Recap

Quarterly Review of DOC BCC: Information Only - Report accepted.

Proposed Rule changes for OAR 259-008-0085; Update of the Course Testing Standards for the Basic Parole & Probation Course - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training to approve changes.

Poe, Chance DPSST #58554-Application for Training and Subsequent Certification; Department of Corrections – SRCI - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that no action is warranted.

Escobar Mateos, Neftali DPSST # 58912-Application for Training and Subsequent Certification; Jackson County Sheriff’s Office - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that no action is warranted.

Yetter, Manuel DPSST #56427- Application for Certification; Department of Corrections-TRCI - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certification be denied for three years for gross misconduct.

Foster, Leanne DPSST #49948-Basic Corrections Certification; Department of Corrections -EOCI - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that no action is warranted.

Gerken, Aaron DPSST #59138-Application for Certification; Department of Corrections-OSP - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that no action is warranted.

Copple, Matthew DPSST #48237-Basic and Intermediate Corrections Certifications; Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office - Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training that certification be revoked for 10 years for gross misconduct and misuse of authority

Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination – Deputy Sheriff Irving Lawrence Burkett; Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office – Recommendation to Board on Public Safety Standards and Training to approve addition of name during 2019 memorial ceremony.

## Background Information on the BPSST and 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.

Update (11/14): Added restitution and forfeiture figures and co-counsel.

PORTLAND, Ore.—Ronald Eugene Stover, 64, of Tualatin, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property criminally derived from wire fraud and a scheme to defraud investors.

According to court documents, beginning in 2010, Stover began soliciting short-term loan investments to fund various Xtreme Iron capital projects. Stover claimed to have a long track records of success in real estate development, business and banking and relied heavily on investor introductions made by other professional intermediaries to establish his credibility. Xtreme Iron owned a heavily-leveraged fleet of Caterpillar and John Deere heavy equipment in Frisco, Texas and maintained an office in Wilsonville, Oregon.

At Stover’s urging, investors sent funds to Tri-Core Funding Group, an entity wholly owned and controlled by Stover. Stover falsely claimed the company had a sound business model, strong growth opportunities and manageable debt exposure. In addition to Stover’s many false claims about the business’s health and viability, he advanced many falsehoods about the nature of the investment opportunity including, but not limited to: investor funds would be used exclusively for business purposes, Stover himself would provide additional capital sourcing from his own funds and investors would receive short-term repayment of their loan notes plus interest.

As alleged in the count of conviction, Stover emailed a victim in May 2012, soliciting funds to purchase heavy equipment from Caterpillar. In response to the solicitation, Stover executed a 30-day loan note promising repayment plus interest. The victim wired $175,000 to Tri-Core Funding Group the next day. Unbeknownst to the victim, Stover never intended to use the money as promised. Immediately after receiving the funds, Stover used the funds to make over a year’s worth of mortgage payments on his residence in Tualatin, which was on the brink of foreclosure. Stover never repaid his victim.

Stover faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on February 25, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken. As part of the plea agreement, Stover has agreed to pay more than $3.2 million in restitution and nearly $169,000 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgement.

The IRS and FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Donna Brecker Maddux and Julia E. Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

# # #

Tigard Police are asking for help to identify and locate a suspect who allegedly robbed the Tigard Key Bank on Tuesday, November 13th. The bank is located at 11665 SW Pacific Highway in Tigard. A 9-1-1 call at approximately 2:20 p.m. alerted police of the robbery who quickly set up containment and searched the area. The suspect remains at large.

According to witness statements, the suspect, described as a white male in his 50s, entered the bank and presented a demand note for money to an employee. No weapon was seen or implied. The suspect then fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. It is unknown if the suspect departed the area in a vehicle.

Tigard Police were able to obtain surveillance photos of the suspect. If anyone has information regarding the suspect, they are urged to contact Detective Hockin at 503-718-2553 or email at David.hockin@tigard-or.gov

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home fire disaster on November 13, 2018, at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Rye Street in Woodburn, Oregon. The fire affected one family, including 3 adults, 2 children and pets.

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

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

OSBA has released a “A Time to Listen,” a potent documentary on Oregon’s chronic education funding problem and the legislative drive for a solution.

“The American dream is ‘I want to make a better life for my kid,’” Rep. Barbara Smith Warner says on the video. “Education is the most important part of that.”

OSBA unveiled the video Saturday at its 72nd Annual Convention in Portland. The video, part of “The Promise of Oregon” education advocacy campaign that OSBA began in 2014, explains recent school funding history and why the state needs revenue reform.

Both the full video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0DCBcB5Wts) and a shorter web version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au7DamK3jW8) can also be viewed at the Promise of Oregon website (www.promiseoregon.org).

“We need to get the message out that our schools need to be fully and adequately funded,” OSBA Board President LeeAnn Larsen (Beaverton SD) says on the video.

Through interviews with students, school board members, legislators, parents, business leaders and others, the videos describe the chronic underfunding of the state’s education system. They also offer a sense of hope about Oregonians’ shared commitment to young people and the continuing work of a legislative committee dedicated to identifying solutions.

The videos are part of a campaign focus for 2018-19 on the need for revenue reform and cost containment, with a goal of sustainably and fully funding public schools.  

OSBA is a non-profit member services agency for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges.

Website: promiseoregon.org
Twitter and Instagram: @PromiseOregon
Facebook and YouTube: ThePromiseofOregon

Klamath Falls, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Oregon/Washington office announced today the Lakeview Veterans Fire Crew has achieved certification as the Lakeview Veterans Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC).  Of the 112 IHCs throughout the nation, Lakeview Veterans is the tenth BLM-funded hotshot crew, and the only one focused on recruiting and developing veterans.

Interagency Hotshot Crews are the most highly trained and experienced type of hand crews and they must meet and maintain stringent requirements to achieve the IHC status. Their primary mission is to provide a safe, professional, mobile response to all phases of fire management and incident operations. IHCs are staffed, conditioned, equipped and qualified to meet a variety of strategic and tactical wildland fire assignments, and they are typically relied upon for the most challenging fire assigments.  When not committed to fire assignments, IHCs provide a workforce to accomplish a variety of resource management objectives while maintaining availability for incident mobilization.

In 2016, Lakeview Crew 7 and the Lakeview BLM fire organization requested that the Lakeview Veterans Crew begin the process to be certified as an IHC. Over the subsequent two years, the Lakeview Veterans Crew took steps to meet the IHC requirements before being formally certified at the national level.

“We’re proud of the Lakeview crew and the continued efforts to develop a workforce of Veterans. We recognize the diligence and tenacity required to meet Hotshot crew standards, which demonstrates the exemplary quality and performance ingrained in this crew,” says Jeffrey Fedrizzi, BLM Deputy Director, Fire and Aviation.

The Lakeview Veterans IHC will provide an opportunity for veterans to work in a team environment and build skills and experience. Team members will also learn about opportunities to work for and become competitive for employment with the Federal Government in other natural resource arenas.

“What makes this crew unique is our ability to work together through stressful situations, including long-duration fires. Vets are used to that,” said Michael McGirr, Lakeview Veterans IHC Superintendent. “The ability to lead and follow is apparent from their military time. And the medical experience on our crew is well above standard. Several of our vets have combat paramedic experience,” continued McGirr.

The Lakeview Veterans IHC also has four drone pilots, who flew more than 100 missions on fires in 2018.  These drone missions provided everything from mapping and scouting fire lines to spot fire detection and aerial ignitions.

Photos of Lakview Crew 7 are available at:  https://flic.kr/s/aHsjZpTc1t

-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. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 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.

FOREST GROVE -- Pacific University's student enrollment continues to march toward to its ambitious Year 2020 goal of 4,000 total students, to be evenly split among those pursuing undergraduate and graduate/professional degrees (2,000 and 2,000).

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment recently released the university's Fall 2018 enrollment summary, which shows Pacific's total student headcount at 3,985, an increase of 48 from the previous year (3,937).

The number includes 2,069 students pursuing a graduate or professional degree, the second consecutive year that figure has exceeded 2,000.

Pacific's undergraduate enrollment also increased — by 11 students to 1,904 — on the strength of perennially popular majors business, biology and exercise science, as well as the rapid growth of the university's music program.

For the first time, the number of music majors at Pacific exceeded 100 following the addition of more than 20 music therapy transfer students from recently closed Marylhurst University. Pacific's music therapy program is now the only one in Oregon for the emerging field.

Pacific offers a vast array of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs across five colleges (Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Professions and Optometry), providing a plethora of career pathways for students while enabling the university to sustain itself as a leader in contemporary higher education — all the while maintaining a close, nurturing learning environment for students.

Pacific's mission of serving the global community through education is contingent on university's commitment to keeping higher education accessible and affordable to prospective students of all backgrounds.

The steady growth of Pacific's endowment, which now stands at $74 million, has increased financial aid opportunities across the university. The endowment has been bolstered by the initial success of the university's $80 million Lead On campaign, of which $50 million has already been secured through gifts and pledges.

Following is a breakdown of Pacific's Fall 2018 enrollment by college:

• Arts & Sciences | undergraduate: 1,577; graduate/professional: 120
• Business | undergraduate: 114; graduate/professional: 37
• Education | undergraduate: 137; graduate/professional: 278
• Health Professions | undergraduate: 75; graduate/professional: 1,236
• Optometry | undergraduate: 0; graduate/professional: 378
• Other | undergraduate: 1; graduate/professional: 20; non-degree/certificate: 12
• FALL 2018 TOTAL: 3,985 (undergraduate: 1,904; graduate/professional: 2,069; non-degree/certificate: 12).

Fall 2017 Total: 3,937 (undergraduate: 1,893; graduate/professional: 2,026; non-degree/certificate: 18).

                                                                                                                         -pacificu.edu-

Pacific University is a small, but diverse learning community, where students thrive in a personal academic environment. Tracing its roots to 1849, when it was chartered as a school for orphans of the Oregon Trail, Pacific has long been devoted to making a difference in the world. Today, 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. At Pacific University, students and faculty develop close, nurturing relationships that provide an extraordinary educational experience.

Legacy Health receives highest honor for therapeutic garden design;

Newly published research provides promising evidence of

nature’s potential to alleviate burnout among nurses
 

PORTLAND, ORE. – At the Healthcare Design Expo & Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, November 12, representatives of Legacy Health and landscape architect Quatrefoil, Inc., received The Center for Health Design’s Evidence-Based Design Touchstone Award Platinum – the highest level – for the Evidence-Based Design (EBD) and Evaluation of the second-floor terrace garden at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.

The award recognizes the use of an EBD process in the pursuit of increasing value, improving outcomes and engaging stakeholders. Awards were presented to projects that showed exemplary achievement through collaboration, evaluation and sharing: the touchstones of the EBD process.

“The natural environment can foster well-being and enhance people’s ability to function,” said Teresia Hazen, Med, HTR, QMHP, coordinator, Therapeutic Garden Program at Legacy Health. “The garden is such a peaceful place and the perfect antidote from the stress in a hospital environment.”

Located near the hospital’s Family Birth Center and Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, the 6,800-square-foot open-terrace garden is accessible round-the-clock to all hospital patients, visitors and employees. Called “A Nature Place,” the garden incorporates the elements of portal, path, destination and surround.

New study out: micro-doses of nature reduce symptoms of nurse burnout

The Legacy Emanuel garden was also the setting for an in-depth research investigation on nature to combat stress and burnout among nurses. The groundbreaking study was published in the November 2018 American Journal of Critical Care: Impact of Nurses Taking Daily Work Breaks in Hospital Garden on Burnout.

“To our knowledge, this is the first controlled study to investigate the influence of taking work breaks in a garden on nurse burnout,” said co-investigator Serene Perkins, M.D., FACS, Director of Surgical and Clinical Research for Legacy Research Institute. “In short, taking work breaks in the Legacy Emanuel garden significantly reduced burnout in nurses working in high-stress environments.”

The takeaway

Nature presents us with a very real means to address workplace burnout. In this study, once daily, nurses spent a brief break, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, in a hospital garden; and a positive effect was noted after just 6 weeks. Meaningful green spaces represent an achievable means to help tackle burnout - and not just in hospitals, but in all kinds of workplaces.

                                                                          -MORE-

PAGE: 2 of 2 – Legacy Health receives highest honor for therapeutic garden design

Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., EDAC, co-project investigator and a pioneer in landscape design, said “There is a pattern of evidence that suggests that well designed gardens can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and relax people.” Dr. Ulrich is a guest professor of architecture at Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden and Emeritus Professor at Texas A&M University.

According to Dr. Ulrich, anything that can be done to improve staff morale and help nurses cope with intense job demands and stresses can potentially help hospitals and other health care providers deliver better quality care.

The power of Philanthropy
The in-depth study of the restorative benefits of therapeutic healing gardens was funded by a $560,000 Open Spaces Sacred Places grant from the TKF Foundation, which supported a cluster of studies at Legacy Emanuel, including the one described here.

“Philanthropy is a vital spark for innovation and scientific breakthroughs. Taking findings and transforming them directly to improve medical care. . . that’s what Legacy Research does best,” said Joe Frascella, Ph.D., vice president of Legacy Research Institute.
 

Why this research matters

A recent Gallup survey found that burnout impacts as many as two-thirds of American full-time workers to some degree, with 23 percent reporting feeling burned out often. Among nurses, a third are believed to experience high levels of burnout. It is a pressing problem that cuts across occupations of all kinds, industries and settings. For workers, it can eat away at their mental and physical health in a myriad of ways and can even shorten lifespans. An estimated $125 - $190 billion in health care spending is attributed to burnout each year.
 

 “Heart of the Hospital” film features Legacy Emanuel Terrace Garden
The short film, “Heart of the Hospital,” explores the design and healing role of the therapeutic garden at Legacy Emanuel to improve patient care and outcomes. It was selected by the SHIFT Festival film committee to screen at their October 2018 conference.

About Legacy Health

The area’s largest, local nonprofit health system, Legacy Health’s role in caring for the community is extraordinary. Legacy has six medical centers, dedicated children’s care at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, a trauma and burn center, and more than 70 primary care, specialty and urgent care clinics. A regional leader in providing charity care, Legacy also offers a wide range of community health and wellness programs. And, we are partners in the Unity Center for Behavioral Health and CARES Northwest. To learn more about supporting any of Legacy Health’s hospitals or programs, visit www.legacyhealth.org/giving.

About TKF Foundation

The TKF Foundation is a private grant-making foundation whose mission is to provide the opportunity for a deeper human experience by inspiring and supporting the creation of public green spaces that offer a temporary place of sanctuary.

# # #

VANCOUVER, Wash.—The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the Monoceros Leader, commanded by Capt. Pavan Peter D’Lima of India, on her maiden voyage Nov. 8.

Capt. D’Lima and his 23-member Indian and Filipino crew were welcomed to Vancouver by representatives from NYK Line (North America) Inc., Subaru of America, Auto Warehouse Company, Jones Stevedoring and the Port of Vancouver USA.

The Monoceros Leader is a Pure Car Carrier (PCC) built in Japan. PCCs are distinctive vessels designed for the efficient transport of high quantities of vehicles from source to market. The largest PCCs can carry thousands of vehicles across several decks.

The Monoceros Leader is 656 feet long with a deadweight capacity of 19,159 metric tons. She can transport up to 7,100 units. She is owned by Nancy Ship Holding S.A. and operated by NYK Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd.

The vessel departed Japan for the U.S. in October 2018. Once berthed at the Port of Vancouver USA, International Longshore and Warehouse Union crews discharged 2,270 Subaru vehicles to be processed at the port and shipped to buyers across the Northern U.S.

After discharging Subaru vehicles at the Port of Vancouver USA, the Monoceros Leader will sail to other ports on the U.S. West Coast. Port Hueneme, California, is the final destination on her maiden voyage.

Photo credit: Port of Vancouver USA

Top of stairs, left to right: Alex Strogen, Port of Vancouver USA; Nino Benedetti, Jones Stevedoring; Jenelle Bule, Inchcape Shipping Services; Tim Oltmann, Port of Vancouver USA; Chris Fallon, Port of Vancouver USA; Capt. Pavan Peter D’Lima; Aaron Cohen, Jones Stevedoring; Ann Tetreault, Subaru of America; James Tully, NYK Line (North America) Inc.

On stairs, top to bottom: Joseph Fanning, Subaru of America; Fikrit Brkic, Auto Warehousing Company; Mike Repman, Auto Warehousing Company; Casey O’Dell, Port of Vancouver USA; Josh Allen, Port of Vancouver USA.

                                                                                                                                                                            – POV –

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

Join us and act now to turn on the heat for others

PORTLAND, Ore. — This year, NW Natural customers and shareholders gave more than $150,000 to help pay for the heating bills of low-income families. For the past three decades, NW Natural customers and shareholders have recognized this community need by raising funds for the company’s Gas Assistance Program (GAP).

“GAP was started as a way for neighbors to help neighbors,” said Von Summers, NW Natural community relations manager. “We know the need is out there, and we’re fortunate to have the support of our customers in giving this gift of warmth.”

Over the past 36 years, NW Natural’s GAP has raised about $6 million for community action groups that distribute the funds directly to those in need. NW Natural covers the program’s administrative costs so that 100 percent of the funds are donated. 

The new giving season is now underway, and NW Natural shareholders will match the first $60,000 in contributions to GAP. Tax-deductible donations can be made via United Way through August 31, 2019: https://connect.unitedway-pdx.org/comm/SinglePageRegPledge.jsp?DA=183376

Donation funds are distributed to community action networks, which screen all low-income recipients. The agencies receiving funds include:

• Clackamas County Social Services Division, Clackamas County
• Clark Public Utilities District, Clark County
• Community Action Organization, Washington County
• Community Action Team, Inc., Clatsop and Columbia Counties
• Community Services Consortium, Benton, Lincoln and Linn Counties
• Human Solutions, Inc., Multnomah County
• Impact Northwest, Multnomah County
• Lane County Human Services Commission, Lane County
• Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties
• Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action, Marion and Polk Counties
• Self Enhancement, Inc., Multnomah County
• Yamhill Community Action Partnership, Yamhill County

Donations to GAP may also be made by mailing a check to:

Gas Assistance Program

619 SW 11th Ave., Room 300

Portland, Oregon 97205-2646

About NW Natural
NW Natural serves approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through 740,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It has one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. A 159-year-old regulated utility, NW Natural is expanding its storage in Oregon to support renewables. More information is at nwnatural.com.

# # #

On November 12, 2018 at around 3:34 pm, Lincoln City Police Officers responded to the area of 950 SE 32nd St on a report of a gunshot victim. The victim, a 20 year-old-male, reported he had been walking along on SE 32nd St when a black, 4-door sedan pulled up and the driver fired a gun at him. The suspect was reported as being a white male. 

The victim ran to the apartment complex at 950 SE 32nd St and reported the incident. The victim, whose name is not being released at this time, was taken to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital and treated for minor injuries before being released. 

LCPD Officers closed down SE 32nd St for several hours to investigate and conduct interviews.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please call the Lincoln City Police Department at (541) 994-3636.

PORTLAND, Ore. – William Borges, 20, of Otis, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count of distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, investigators identified Borges in September 2016 as part of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office into the use of Dropbox, a cloud-based file sharing application, to distribute media depicting the sexual exploitation of children. A federal search warrant issued to Dropbox produced the email address Borges used to create a Dropbox account identified by investigators as containing child pornography. Investigators later matched three video uploads to Dropbox depicting the sexual abuse of young children to the IP address of Borges’ home in Otis. During a search of Borges’ home, he admitted to possessing child pornography and trading images and videos using Kik Messenger and Dropbox.

Borges faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime term of supervised release. He will be sentenced on February 11, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken.

The FBI Sacramento Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) and FBI Salem Resident Agency investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Amy Potter, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The FBI’s CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations—many of them undercover—in coordination with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The 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.

# # #

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports his deputies were involved in a pursuit yesterday morning at 9:02 a.m., deputies contacted a male in a parked vehicle near the intersection of High Deck road and Cascadia drive in Cascadia.  Deputies recognized him as David Russell Coats ,36, of Sweet Home,  who is wanted on several outstanding warrants, including Robbery in the First Degree and pending charges from additional cases.

The deputy told Coats to step out of the vehicle, Coats put the vehicle in reverse and rammed the front of the deputy’s patrol vehicle twice, before fleeing.  Deputies pursued Coats onto Highway 20, where speeds reached 90 mph.  Deputies momentarily lost sight of Coats after he turned onto Latiwi Creek road.  A quarter-mile up Latiwi Creek road, deputies found the vehicle had rolled over.   They looked in the vehicle, but found he had already fled the scene.  Deputies, including a K-9 unit looked for him for over two hours, but were unable to locate him.  He was last seen wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt.

The deputies in the rammed vehicle were not injured and it is unknown if Coats sustained any injuries.  The vehicle Coats was driving was a 2008 gold Chevrolet Equinox and was later found to be stolen from the Sweet Home area.

Sheriff Yon would like to warn the public not to approach Coats.  Anyone who believes they see him or has any information on Coats’ whereabouts please call (541) 967-3911.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver invites community members to learn about Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebration. Enjoy dance performances, Indian cuisine, rock painting and get a henna tattoo. The free event will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 27 in the Firstenburg Student Commons on the WSU Vancouver campus.

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” During the five-day celebration homes, temples, shops and businesses are brightly lit.

Today, Diwali is a national festival that is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith: Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs. Each religion marks different historical events and stories, but all focus on a theme of the victory of good over evil, and celebrate with fireworks and family feasts.

About WSU Vancouver

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

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. 

# # #

Vancouver, Wash. – The City of Vancouver is seeking applicants to fill two (2) vacancies on the Salary Review Commission. This five-member volunteer commission studies the relationship of salaries to the duties of Mayor and City Councilmembers and establishes the salary for the Mayor and City Council.

Applicants must be City of Vancouver residents and registered voters. No City officer, official, employee or immediate family member of any City officer, official or employee shall be eligible for membership.

Commission members are appointed by the Mayor, subject to approval of the City Council. These appointments are for full-term vacancy, which will begin retroactively Jan. 1, 2019, and expire Dec. 31, 2022. The Salary Review Commission meetings will be held January-May 2020.

Completed applications must be received by the City Manager’s Office by 5 pm, Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Applicants may apply on-line at: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/boards. For an application or further information, contact Michelle Bartley at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W 6th St., P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995, or by phone 360-487-8607, email, artley@cityofvancouver.us">michelle.bartley@cityofvancouver.us.

On November 13, 2018 Beaverton Police officers arrested 24-year-old Ashley Lazorchak for DUII, Hit and Run and Reckless Driving.  She was taken to Washington County Jail.

At 12:13 a.m. on the 13th, Beaverton Police officers were called to the scene of a traffic crash at SW Murray Blvd/ SW Allen Blvd.  A witness told officers the female driver fled the crash scene on foot.  A K9 track was conducted and Ms. Lazorchak was located near SW 150th Ave/ SW Village Lane. 

A witness told officers Ms. Lazorchak was driving west on SW Allen at approximately 80 mph and her vehicle left the roadway just west of the intersection near the Rite Aid store.  A member of our Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team evaluated the roadway evidence and calculated Ms. Lazorchak’s minimum speed between 82-83 mph. Allen Blvd east of SW Murray is a 30 mph zone and west of SW Murray is a 25 mph zone.

We believe, Ms. Lazorchak wearing her seatbelt properly, was a major contributing factor in surviving this crash.  There were no other occupants in the vehicle.  After taking Ms. Lazorchak into custody, she was transported to a local hospital where she was medically cleared.  Ms. Lazorchak gave a blood sample which will be analyzed at the Oregon State Crime Lab to obtain a blood alcohol level.      

Portland, Oregon – Join Willamette Riverkeeper as we host the 2018 Wild & Scenic Film Festival! 

Enjoy 12 environmental and adventure films that illustrate the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet and the work communities are doing to protect the environment. Through these films, Wild & Scenic both informs people about the state of the world and inspires them to take action.

Our program will also include four special big screen premiers from prominent documentary filmmakers, including Uncage The Soul Productions and Freshwaters Illustrated, all focusing on Pacific Northwest themes.

Pre-sale tickets are available now at REI Portland ($12), or at the door of the Hollywood Theater the night of the event ($15).

Your ticket includes eligibility for one FREE raffle entry, and this year’s raffle prizes are off the charts! You have a chance to WIN an REI Co-op tent, packs, camp chairs, Patagonia fleeces and duffles, and our grand prize— a tandem canoe package (boat, paddles, PFDs & water trail maps)! Raffle tickets available for sale in the lobby the night of the event.

When: Thursday, Nov. 29

Where: Hollywood Theater, NE Sandy & 41st

Doors open at 6 p.m., films begin at 7 p.m.

About Willamette Riverkeeper
Willamette Riverkeeper’s sole mission is to protect and restore the Willamette River.  We believe that a river with good water quality and abundant natural habitat, safe for fishing and swimming is a basic public right.  The Willamette River belongs to all of us and should be protected as such. 

We work to enable the Willamette River Watershed to function more naturally with cold, pure water, meandering backchannels, and dynamic habitat for fish and wildlife.  The health of this natural ecosystem is inseparable from the quality of life of our communities who live and work in its surrounding watershed; each is dependent on the other. To learn more, visit https://willamette-riverkeeper.org/

Pacific Power media hotline, 800-570-5838 

PGE and Pacific Power raise awareness about scams targeting utility customers

PORTLAND, Ore. Nov. 13, 2018 — Portland General Electric and Pacific Power are participating in Utilities United Against Scams Awareness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 14. During this national campaign, local utilities are working together to spread awareness on how to avoid becoming a victim of scams targeting utility customers.

Thieves impersonating electric company employees typically target customers via phone calls, texts, social media messages, emails and by knocking on doors. A common tactic used by impostors is to threaten to disconnect service immediately if payment is not made, usually with a prepaid credit card. Prepaid cards are not traceable and give the scammer instant access to the victim’s money.

Scammers are getting smarter every day, finding convincing ways to target those who are most vulnerable in local communities. They often prey on senior citizens, low-income families, non-English speakers and small business owners. With the right information, customers can learn to detect fraudulent activity.

PGE and Pacific Power encourage customers to be aware of these tips to protect themselves against scams:

• Legitimate utility companies will never ask for payment via prepaid credit card. Utility companies offer a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online or by phone. However, payment via prepaid card will never be demanded and customers should never agree to the immediate purchase of a prepaid card.
• Contact the utility company if someone threatens immediate disconnection. Customers will never receive just a single notification with one hour or less to respond. They can take their time and ask questions. A legitimate utility company employee will allow customers to call the office to discuss arrangements.
• Ask to see the employee’s badge if they come to the door. The badge will have their name, photo, company logo and a verification number that customers can use to confirm they are an official employee. If customers feel threatened or uncomfortable, they should not open the door or hand over money. They should call 911 if at any point they are concerned about their safety.
• Call the utility company to verify account information using the number on the monthly bill or company website. Customers should avoid calling the phone number provided by a suspected scammer.
• Contact the utility company and local law enforcement if a scam is suspected or to report suspicious behavior.

For more information on tactics used by scammers and how customers can protect themselves, visit PortlandGeneral.com/Scam and PacificPower.net/Scam.

For additional tips from Utilities United Against Scams and details about the week-long national advocacy campaign, visit UtilitiesUnited.org or join the conversation by using #StopScams.

Este miércoles 14 de noviembre, Portland General Electric y Pacific Power celebran el Día de la Concienciación de los Servicios Públicos Unidos en Contra de Fraudes. Durante esta campaña nacional, empresas de servicios públicos locales trabajan juntos para compartir información sobre cómo prevenir ser víctimas de estafas y fraudes dirigidos a clientes de servicios públicos.

Los ladrones se hacen pasar por empleados de empresas de servicios de electricidad y generalmente contactan a las víctimas por teléfono, mensajes de texto, redes sociales, correo electrónico o incluso llaman a sus puertas. Una práctica común es amenazar con desconectar el servicio si la persona no paga la factura de inmediato. En la mayoría de los casos, piden que utilicen una tarjeta prepagada, pues estas no pueden ser localizadas y dan acceso instantáneo al dinero de la víctima.

Los estafadores están usando métodos cada vez más sofisticados para convencer a la población más vulnerable. Generalmente buscan a personas mayores de edad, familias de bajos ingresos, clientes que no hablan inglés o dueños de pequeñas empresas. Con la información correcta, los clientes podrán detectar si se trata de una actividad fraudulenta.

PGE y Pacific Power quieren compartir estos consejos para proteger a los clientes de fraudes y estafas:

• Las empresas de servicios públicos nunca pedirán que el cliente haga un pago con una tarjeta prepagada. Estas compañías ofrecen varios métodos para pagar una factura — por ejemplo, a través de sus sitios web o por teléfono — pero no pedirán el uso de una tarjeta prepagada. Nunca acepte la compra inmediata de una tarjeta prepagada.
• Si alguien amenaza con desconectar su servicio de inmediato, llame a su empresa de servicios públicos. Nunca va a recibir una única notificación sobre sus facturas vencidas, ni tendrá solo una hora o menos para responder. Puede tomar su tiempo y hacer preguntas. Los empleados oficiales de las empresas de servicios públicos permitirán que el cliente llame a la oficina para poder confirmar su cuenta o hacer consultas.
• Si alguien se presenta ante su puerta solicitando un pago, pida ver la identificación del empleado. La credencial incluirá el nombre del empleado, su foto, logotipo de la compañía y un número de verificación al que puede llamar para confirmar que la persona es realmente un empleado oficial. Si se siente amenazado o incómodo, no abra la puerta ni entregue dinero. Llame al 911 si teme por su seguridad.
• Para verificar su información de cuenta, llame al número de teléfono que se encuentra en su factura mensual o en el sitio web de la empresa de servicios públicos. Evite llamar al número telefónico que le provea el presunto estafador.  
• Si sospecha que puede ser víctima de fraude, repórtelo a la empresa de servicios públicos y a las autoridades locales.

Para más información sobre las tácticas que utilizan los estafadores y recomendaciones sobre cómo protegerse de ellos, visite PortlandGeneral.com/Fraude y PacificPower.net/Scam.

Si desea obtener consejos adicionales por parte de Servicios Públicos Unidos en Contra de Fraudes (Utilities United Against Scams, en inglés) y detalles sobre la campaña nacional, visite UtilitiesUnited.org. Use #StopScams para unirse a la conversación.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.

The position represents Clark County at-large. The three-year term begins Jan. 1, 2019.

The commission advises the county council on solid waste issues, such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste-reduction programs.

The commission meets at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November. Meetings are at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd.

Members of the Solid Waste Advisory Commission represent a variety of interests, including the solid waste industry, the business community, agriculture, and city and county residents.

Applicants should send a résumé and letter of interest to Alyssa Weyhrauch, County Manager’s Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver 98666-5000.

Applications also can be sent by email to auch@clark.wa.gov">Alyssa.Weyhrauch@clark.wa.gov or fax to 360.397.6058.

The letter of interest should include:

• How you can represent the interests of Clark County residents.
• Your personal or professional experience related to solid waste.
• Your vision for the future of solid waste management in Clark County.

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, Dec. 14.

Visit the Solid Waste Advisory Commission website for more information.

Portland General Electric and Pacific Power are participating in Utilities United Against Scams Awareness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 14. During this national campaign, local utilities are working together to spread awareness on how to avoid becoming a victim of scams targeting utility customers.

Thieves impersonating electric company employees typically target customers via phone calls, texts, social media messages, emails and by knocking on doors. A common tactic used by impostors is to threaten to disconnect service immediately if payment is not made, usually with a prepaid credit card. Prepaid cards are not traceable and give the scammer instant access to the victim’s money.

Scammers are getting smarter every day, finding convincing ways to target those who are most vulnerable in local communities. They often prey on senior citizens, low-income families, non-English speakers and small business owners. With the right information, customers can learn to detect fraudulent activity.

PGE and Pacific Power encourage customers to be aware of these tips to protect themselves against scams:

• Legitimate utility companies will never ask for payment via prepaid credit card. Utility companies offer a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online or by phone. However, payment via prepaid card will never be demanded and customers should never agree to the immediate purchase of a prepaid card.
• Contact the utility company if someone threatens immediate disconnection. Customers will never receive just a single notification with one hour or less to respond. They can take their time and ask questions. A legitimate utility company employee will allow customers to call the office to discuss arrangements.
• Ask to see the employee’s badge if they come to the door. The badge will have their name, photo, company logo and a verification number that customers can use to confirm they are an official employee. If customers feel threatened or uncomfortable, they should not open the door or hand over money. They should call 911 if at any point they are concerned about their safety.
• Call the utility company to verify account information using the number on the monthly bill or company website. Customers should avoid calling the phone number provided by a suspected scammer.
• Contact the utility company and local law enforcement if a scam is suspected or to report suspicious behavior.

For more information on tactics used by scammers and how customers can protect themselves, visit PortlandGeneral.com/Scam and PacificPower.net/Scam.

For additional tips from Utilities United Against Scams and details about the week-long national advocacy campaign, visit UtilitiesUnited.org or join the conversation by using #StopScams.

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense for our veterans.

This week is a time set aside to honor and celebrate those who’ve stood guard through the years to protect their fellow Americans. As we remember and recognize their service, we want to make sure that we are protecting them from financial predators.

Last week, we talked about helping veterans avoid falling victim to deceitful schools and programs that target their education benefits. This week, we are sharing some information from our partners at the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs about scams targeting veterans later in life.

One concern – investment and benefit scams. In this case, dishonest financial advisors, attorneys and insurance agents will offer to help retired military folks move their money around in an effort to make them eligible for more government benefits. They may convince a vet to transfer assets to a trust or to invest in insurance products in an effort to qualify for a VA pension or Aid and Attendance Benefits. There are certainly plenty of reputable professionals out there to help veterans with these pension claims and benefit requests, but if someone wants to charge you an up-front fee of thousands of dollars for the help – watch out. The VA can provide a list of approved attorneys and advisors who will help you for free.

Also of note - this type of scam is usually targeted at seniors who don’t actually qualify for VA pensions or Aid and Attendance benefits. If you get caught up in this scam, you may end up having to re-pay the government. Also, in some cases, the unscrupulous advisors don’t fully educate the senior on the long-term consequences of money transfers and insurance purchases – resulting in loss of funds or loss of eligibility for Medicaid down the road.

Another type of scam targets seniors who are having cash flow issues. These fraudsters offer you an advance on your pension or disability payments. They will give you a lump sum payment if you just sign over your pension checks for the next five to ten years. The fees are often high and the original cash buy-out is typically a fraction of the overall value of the pension.

Finally – watch out for scam artists who say they want to help you update or check your military records. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the VA and they say they need to update your personal information – hang up. Contact the VA yourself using a validated system to confirm whether any update is needed. Likewise, if someone tries to charge you for accessing your own military records or government forms – don’t bite. Contact your local VA office to get your records for free.

As always, if you have been victimized by a cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your local FBI office.

On November 9, 2018 a local auto dealer in Albany posted a vehicle for sale on an online marketplace.   The dealer received a message from a potential buyer requesting to trade a substantial amount of marijuana for the vehicle.     

The auto dealer contacted the Linn Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Taskforce for assistance.  An investigator from LINE made contact with the purchaser and an agreed upon amount was established in trade for the vehicle. 

At about 6:40 PM, 38 year old Matthew Theron Franks, of Independence, Oregon arrived at a predetermined meet location and was apprehended by the Taskforce.  Over 5 pounds of marijuana was seized and Franks was arrested for Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana for Consideration.  He was lodged at the Linn County Jail.

Anyone with narcotics trafficking information is encouraged to contact LINE at 541-791-0102.

The LINE Taskforce was established as a result of Linn County being designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in 2016. The team is comprised of investigators from the Linn County Sheriff's Office, Albany Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, Sweet Home Police Department, Oregon State Police, Eugene office of Drug Enforcement Administration and Oregon National Guard Counterdrug Task Force.

The mission of LINE is to reduce illegal drug trafficking in the Linn County area by identifying, disrupting, or dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering organizations through cooperative efforts, enforcement, and intelligence sharing by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

#  #  #

On November 12th and 13th, 2018, Newport Police Department conducted an investigation involving subjects transporting large amounts of Methamphetamine and Heroin from the State of Washington, to the Newport area.

On November 13th, 2018 at approximately 0315 hours, a vehicle associated with the investigation was stopped by Newport officers in the area of NW 58th Street and Hwy 101. During the stop, officers had contact with Roberta Raenna Schafer, 32, and Jonathan Tad Wilson, 35, both from Longview, Washington. Newport Drug Detection K9, Nero, conducted a search on the exterior of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

Officers searched the vehicle and located a commercial quantity of Methamphetamine and Heroin inside the vehicle.

Further investigation revealed both Schafer and Wilson had valid outstanding warrants for their arrests out of Washington State.

Arrested at the scene and lodged in the Lincoln County Jail were the following persons for the following charges;

Roberta Raenna Schafer, 32

• Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin
• Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance – Heroin
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – Heroin
• Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
• Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
• Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine
• Felony Warrant from Washington State

Jonathan Tad Wilson, 35

• State of Washington Parole Board Warrant

November 13, 2018

Contact: Danna Drum, 971-673-1223, um@state.or.us">danna.k.drum@state.or.us (meeting information or accommodation)

Conference of Local Health Officials meets November 15 in Eugene

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

Agenda: Committee appointments; update on the Environmental Public Health Modernization Plan; Tobacco Reduction Advisory Committee recruitment; update on Tobacco Prevention and Education Program funding work group; presentation on Family Connects home visiting program; 2020-24 State Health Improvement Plan engagement update.

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

When: Thursday, November 15, 9:30-11 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. No conference call option is available for the public.

Where: Lane County Health & Human Services (Charnelton) Building, Room 530, 151 W. Seventh Ave., Eugene

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

# # #

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

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

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

http://bit.ly/2B3p0jz

The Multnomah Education Service District Board Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 14, at 2:30 p.m. at the main headquarters, 11611 NE Ainsworth Circle, Portland, Oregon  97220.

Summary: Stay home—work can wait.

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It’s flu season, which means you know the drill: If you get sick, stay home from work. But what if you have a big meeting, or an important deadline?

“Most people know they should stay home, but still find reasons to go into work,” said Liz Hill, SAIF’s Total Worker Health® adviser. “Not only does this expose your co-workers to an illness, it also makes it a lot harder for your body to recover.”

Hill suggests managers can help set expectations during flu season. This includes:

• Encouraging workers to use their sick leave. Oregon law requires employers with 10 or more employees to provide 40 hours of paid leave per year.
• Making it easy for workers to wash their hands. Consider having alcohol-based hand sanitizer available on worksites where handwashing facilities are not available.
• Planning for flu season. When employees are out, extra work can fall to other staff members—increasing their likelihood of getting sick or injured. Have a contingency plan for being short on employees.

Most importantly, managers should lead by example.

“It sometimes seems managers are the least likely to take a sick day,” said Hill. “Remember, you are setting the tone for the whole team—if you get sick, stay home.”

For more information on flu prevention at work, visit saif.com/flu.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com. 

OREGON CITY, OR (Nov. 13, 2018) – Agencies are promoting water preparedness and asking for voluntary water curtailment, Nov. 14-16, out of abundance of caution for a waterline installation and repair in Oregon City.

The City of Oregon City and Clackamas River Water (CRW) encourage residents to plan for events – small and large that could impact local water supplies. Build an emergency kit which starts with water, and have your emergency water supply in place year round. For more information about steps you can take to create an emergency water supply visit: www.regionalh2o.org/emergency-preparedness

The water provider, South Fork Water Board (SFWB), discovered a low pressure/low volume leak in their 30-inch waterline located along Hiram Avenue in Oregon City which provides water to CRW’s Clairmont (South) Service Area, the City of West Linn, and Oregon City. The leak in the current waterline has been continuously monitored since discovery. As part of the repair process, South Fork Water Board is constructing a new 42-inch waterline that will allow for the leak to be fixed while maintaining a water supply to customers. To reduce the risk of major service disruptions to customers, the new 42-inch waterline will be installed first and activated. The leak in the existing 30-inch waterline will then be repaired.

During the 42” pipeline installation, pump stations in CRW’s South Service Area and Oregon City will be temporarily shut down and the water systems will rely on water stored in reservoirs. It will be important to minimize the demand on the water system during this period. Agencies do not anticipate any service disruptions or complications during the installation process, however, curtailment of water use by avoiding any non-essential water use November 14-16 is requested. Residents are asked to refrain from any outdoor watering, recreational outdoor water use, construction water use or other water use that can be postponed.

All agencies involved in this project are prepared to activate emergency water operations should any major issues arise with the installation of the new transmission line that may result in extending the curtailment timeline. Additional information regarding water quality and additional actions by customers will be shared on our websites at crwater.com, orcity.org, sfwb.org, Facebook, and Twitter in the event of an emergency.

All residents are also urged to enroll in the county emergency notification system at www.clackamas.us/publicalerts. By providing contact information, county residents can opt-in to receive critical emergency messaging via email, phone call, and text during times of disasters. For more information regarding this project, please see www.orcity.org/publicworks/project/SFWB-Emergency-Bypass. 

The Lincoln City Police Department is pleased to announce they have recently been awarded three traffic safety grants for 2018-2019. The grant funds in the amount of $6500.00 are for Enhanced DUII Enforcement, Distracted Driving Enforcement, and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement. 

The Enhanced DUII Enforcement funds, in the amount of $2,500.00, will be utilized to put extra patrol officers out on patrol during dates and times when higher numbers of impaired drivers are likely to be on the roadways. The enforcement operations will occur in conjunction with the national High Visibility Enforcement event time periods, which are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking out drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them from the roadways. DUIIs continue to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries throughout the nation.

The Distracted Driving Enforcement funds, in the amount of $2,000.00, will be utilized to put extra officers out on patrol specifically looking for drivers who are using their cell phones or other electronic devices while operating their vehicles. The goals of these operations are to raise awareness to the dangers of distracted driving, and to reduce distracted driving by enforcement action and education. The effort is to change the behaviors of drivers and make distracted driving unacceptable. The end goal is to increase the safety of everyone on the roadways and reduce crashes caused by distracted driving.

The Pedestrian Safety Enforcement funds, in the amount of $2,000.00, will be utilized to conduct specific operations where a decoy pedestrian will cross the roadways in a designated crosswalk while an officer acting as an observer will watch for violators of the applicable pedestrian-related crosswalk laws. The observing officer will notify other officers in chase vehicles, who will then conduct a traffic stop on the violator of the crosswalk law and take the appropriate educational or enforcement action. The primary focus of the operations is to raise pedestrian safety awareness in motorists with an emphasis on enhancing the safety for pedestrians crossing our roadways.  

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors, and these grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. These grant funds were made possible through Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

SALEM, Oregon – Members of the Oregon National Guard’s 102nd Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) - Civil Support Team (CST) and Oregon Department of Corrections are scheduled to participate in a training exercise on Wednesday, November 14, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at 200 North Ross in Coos Bay, Oregon. 

The training exercise will enhance incident response capabilities by furthering interoperability and coordination between agencies.

The 102nd CST, based in Salem, can be rapidly mobilized to an incident anywhere in Oregon to assist civil authorities with early-detection and analysis capabilities of a chemical, biological or nuclear incident. The goal is to minimize the impact on civilian populations and facilitate requests for follow-on emergency and military support by civil authorities.

PHOTO CAPTION (180712-Z-CH590-060): Members of the Oregon National Guard’s 102nd Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) - Civil Support Team (CST) work together to identify hazardous materials as part of a joint interagency training exercise, July 12, 2018, at Autzen Stadium, University of Oregon, in Eugene, Oregon. The 102nd CST is scheduled to participate in another joint incident response training exercise with the Oregon Department of Corrections on Nov. 14, 2018, in Coos Bay, Oregon. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

At this weekend's prestigious Murdock College Science Research Program Conference, several professors and students from across the Pacific Northwest were recognized for their work, including science students at Corban University and Linfield College. Please see below release for full details and all honorees.

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Northwest Educators and Students Earn Top Honors at 2018 Murdock College Science Research Program Conference

Whitworth and Whitman professors headline awards given for outstanding efforts in science research and education

For Immediate Release

November 13, 2018 – A pair of Washington professors have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in the fields of scientific research and education. This week, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announced Dr. Kraig Wheeler, Hugh W. Johnston Professor of Chemistry at Whitworth University, as the 2018 recipient of the Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award. Dr. Moira Gresham, Associate Professor of Physics at Whitman College received the Lynwood W. Swanson Promise for Scientific Research Award.

The two prestigious honors were established in 2016 to honor two exemplary educators from the Pacific Northwest. The “Swanson Award” recognizes a senior faculty exemplar with an established, productive and nationally recognized research program, while the “Swanson Promise Award” highlights a junior faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional potential in these areas through early research and work with students. Both awards were named in honor of noted educator, entrepreneur, and former trustee, Dr. Lynwood Swanson, upon his retirement from the Murdock Trust.

“The exploration of science and education of youth were two passions that our benefactor, Jack Murdock, held dearly throughout his life,” said Steve Moore, executive director, Murdock Trust. “In every phase of his career, Dr. Swanson has helped inspire and engage students and young people through his own passion for science. He believes strongly in the ability of science to solve real world challenges and for educators to serve as mentors to the next generation of researchers. We are so proud to be able to honor Dr. Swanson’s legacy and recognize the outstanding work of Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Gresham.”

Dr. Kraig Wheeler will receive a $15,000 cash prize as part of his award and Dr. Moira Gresham will receive a $7,500 cash prize. A portion of each cash award is set aside specifically to help fund further student research and supplies.  

Both awards were formally presented at the 2018 Murdock College Science Research Program (MCSRP) Conference in Vancouver, WA. The annual conference drew hundreds of college students and science educators from across the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to the two Swanson awards, The Murdock Trust also honored more than two dozen college students for research presentations delivered at the event. They include:

• The 2018 John Van Zytveld Award in the Physical Sciences: Annie K. Lamar (University of Puget Sound)
• The 2018 John Van Zytveld Award in the Life Sciences: Simran Handa (Lewis and Clark College)
• The 2018 Murdock College Science Research Program Poster Prize Winners:
  • Ecology-Evolution-Biodiversity: Erin Stewart (University of Puget Sound)
  • Ecology-Evolution-Biodiversity: Tessa Nania (University of Puget Sound)
  • Developmental Biology-physiology: Cole Malibiran and Allegra VanderWilde (University of Portland)
  • Molecular and Cell Biology: Natalie Klee (Lewis and Clark College)
  • Molecular and Cell Biology: Katareanna Coen, Dallyce Vetter, Joel Johnson, Levi Miles, Cassandra Davis, James Donnell, and Tessa Nelson (Corban University)
  • Neuroscience-Psychology-Exercise Science: Katie Wentz (Heritage University)
  • Biochemistry: Zachary Sherlock (Linfield College)
  • Biochemistry: Liza Briody-Pavlik (Whitman College)
  • Organic Chemistry: Madeleine Duncan (Whitman College)
  • Analytical-Inorganic-Physical Chemistry: Geneva Diepenheim, Christopher Harb, and Stephen Gift (Pacific University)
  • Analytical-Inorganic-Physical Chemistry: Efrain Venegas-Ramirez (University of Portland)
  • Environmental Science-Geology: Shannon Hansell and Anna Wood-Gaines (University of Portland)
  • Microbiology: Anna Miller (Northwest University)
  • Physics and Engineering: Melissa Kohl (Whitman College)

For more information about the MCSRP Conference and how the Murdock Trust invests in science education and research, please visit www.murdocktrust.org. Photos available upon request.

About the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington—that seek to strengthen the region’s educational and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. For more information, find the Murdock Trust on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and the web.

About Dr. Lynwood Swanson

After starting his career as a professor and administrator at Linfield College, Dr. Swanson moved to Oregon Graduate Institute before co-founding FEI, a world-leader in electron optics and focused ion beam technologies in scanning and transmission electron microscopies. In conjunction with his extensive career in science education and research, Dr. Swanson served as a tireless advocate for these fields as a trustee for thirty years.

#####

At this weekend's prestigious Murdock College Science Research Program Conference, several professors and students from across the Pacific Northwest were recognized for their work, including Portland-metro science students from Lewis and Clark College, University of Portland and Pacific University. Please see below release for full details and all honorees.

------

Northwest Educators and Students Earn Top Honors at 2018 Murdock College Science Research Program Conference

Whitworth and Whitman professors headline awards given for outstanding efforts in science research and education

For Immediate Release

November 13, 2018 – A pair of Washington professors have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in the fields of scientific research and education. This week, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announced Dr. Kraig Wheeler, Hugh W. Johnston Professor of Chemistry at Whitworth University, as the 2018 recipient of the Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award. Dr. Moira Gresham, Associate Professor of Physics at Whitman College received the Lynwood W. Swanson Promise for Scientific Research Award.

The two prestigious honors were established in 2016 to honor two exemplary educators from the Pacific Northwest. The “Swanson Award” recognizes a senior faculty exemplar with an established, productive and nationally recognized research program, while the “Swanson Promise Award” highlights a junior faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional potential in these areas through early research and work with students. Both awards were named in honor of noted educator, entrepreneur, and former trustee, Dr. Lynwood Swanson, upon his retirement from the Murdock Trust.

“The exploration of science and education of youth were two passions that our benefactor, Jack Murdock, held dearly throughout his life,” said Steve Moore, executive director, Murdock Trust. “In every phase of his career, Dr. Swanson has helped inspire and engage students and young people through his own passion for science. He believes strongly in the ability of science to solve real world challenges and for educators to serve as mentors to the next generation of researchers. We are so proud to be able to honor Dr. Swanson’s legacy and recognize the outstanding work of Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Gresham.”

Dr. Kraig Wheeler will receive a $15,000 cash prize as part of his award and Dr. Moira Gresham will receive a $7,500 cash prize. A portion of each cash award is set aside specifically to help fund further student research and supplies.  

Both awards were formally presented at the 2018 Murdock College Science Research Program (MCSRP) Conference in Vancouver, WA. The annual conference drew hundreds of college students and science educators from across the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to the two Swanson awards, The Murdock Trust also honored more than two dozen college students for research presentations delivered at the event. They include:

• The 2018 John Van Zytveld Award in the Physical Sciences: Annie K. Lamar (University of Puget Sound)
• The 2018 John Van Zytveld Award in the Life Sciences: Simran Handa (Lewis and Clark College)
• The 2018 Murdock College Science Research Program Poster Prize Winners:
  • Ecology-Evolution-Biodiversity: Erin Stewart (University of Puget Sound)
  • Ecology-Evolution-Biodiversity: Tessa Nania (University of Puget Sound)
  • Developmental Biology-physiology: Cole Malibiran and Allegra VanderWilde (University of Portland)
  • Molecular and Cell Biology: Natalie Klee (Lewis and Clark College)
  • Molecular and Cell Biology: Katareanna Coen, Dallyce Vetter, Joel Johnson, Levi Miles, Cassandra Davis, James Donnell, and Tessa Nelson (Corban University)
  • Neuroscience-Psychology-Exercise Science: Katie Wentz (Heritage University)
  • Biochemistry: Zachary Sherlock (Linfield College)
  • Biochemistry: Liza Briody-Pavlik (Whitman College)
  • Organic Chemistry: Madeleine Duncan (Whitman College)
  • Analytical-Inorganic-Physical Chemistry: Geneva Diepenheim, Christopher Harb, and Stephen Gift (Pacific University)
  • Analytical-Inorganic-Physical Chemistry: Efrain Venegas-Ramirez (University of Portland)
  • Environmental Science-Geology: Shannon Hansell and Anna Wood-Gaines (University of Portland)
  • Microbiology: Anna Miller (Northwest University)
  • Physics and Engineering: Melissa Kohl (Whitman College)

For more information about the MCSRP Conference and how the Murdock Trust invests in science education and research, please visit www.murdocktrust.org. Photos available upon request.

About the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington—that seek to strengthen the region’s educational and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. For more information, find the Murdock Trust on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and the web.

About Dr. Lynwood Swanson

After starting his career as a professor and administrator at Linfield College, Dr. Swanson moved to Oregon Graduate Institute before co-founding FEI, a world-leader in electron optics and focused ion beam technologies in scanning and transmission electron microscopies. In conjunction with his extensive career in science education and research, Dr. Swanson served as a tireless advocate for these fields as a trustee for thirty years.

#####

Salem, Ore. -- A committee advising Oregon Department of Forestry staff on forest operations, projects and activities is currently seeking applications to fill three vacancies.

Formed in 2001, the State Forests Advisory Committee provides input on the implementation of forest management plans in northwest and southwest Oregon. The committee represents a diverse range of forestry interests and serves as a forum to discuss agency opportunities for achieving forest management goals in these areas.

The committee specifically covers issues related to ODF district Annual Operations Plans, best practices for balancing a range of forest benefits, strategies for improving public outreach and participation, and other technical forest management topics.

The three new members will serve three-year terms beginning in March 2019. There is one vacancy apiece for members from the timber industry, tribal community and a non-affiliated position.

“This is an opportunity for Oregonians to take a seat at the table of today’s forestry conversation and provide insight and perspectives on how we are implementing the forest management plans. We look forward to hosting a diverse and experienced committee in the coming months,” said Andy White, Northwest Oregon Area Director for the Oregon Department of Forestry.

SFAC members attend three meetings per year and a summer field tour, and agendas are usually scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.   

To apply, complete a questionnaire (http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Working/Documents/SFACApplicationQuestionnaire2018.pdf) by December 14, 2018 and submit to April Davis at the Oregon Department of Forestry by email to il.r.davis@oregon.gov" target="_blank">april.r.davis@oregon.govor mail to 801 Gales Creek Road, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

For specific questions about the committee, please contact Andy White at 503-359-7496 or ew.t.white@oregon.gov" target="_blank">andrew.t.white@oregon.gov. Additional SFAC background information can be found here (http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/SFAC.aspx).

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home disaster at 12:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 in the 3000 block of NE 100th Circle in Vancouver, Clark County, Wash.

This single-family fire affected three adults, five children and four pets.

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

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

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

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

Disaster responders with the local American Red Cross responded to a home disaster at 12:00 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 in the 10000 block of NE Irving Street in Portland, Multnomah County, Ore.

This single-family fire affected two adults and one pet.

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

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

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

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

The Northwest Regional Education Service District Foundation, under the direction of President Dr. Joseph Christy, awarded $29,726 in grants to educators November 7.

The grants will support teaching and learning for over 3,500 children with disabilities and those who are at-risk, birth to age 21, in the Northwest corner of Oregon (Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties).

Since 2006, the Foundation has awarded 430 grants totaling $377,400, making a difference in the lives of 50,600 young children, students, and their families.

Grants are awarded based on their impact in one of four areas:

1. Birth to 5 Special Education
2. Early Learning/Kindergarten Readiness
3. School?age Special including alternative, at-risk, and behavioral programs through age 21
4. English Language Learners and Migrant Education

View the full list of awards on the Foundation's web site at www.nwresdfoundation.org/awards

Monday, November 12, 2018-Woodland, WA-More than 700 students learned about career opportunities right in their home region from more than 40 businesses at the inaugural Woodland Days Career Fair, a partnership between Woodland Public Schools and the Port of Woodland to offer a career fair specifically designed for students considering living-wage careers after high school not necessarily requiring a college degree or additional education.

Partnerships lead to successful futures for students

The partnership between the Port of Woodland and Woodland Public Schools stemmed from a renewed focus at the district level to align Career Technical Education (CTE) classes offered by Woodland’s schools with the needs of local businesses in Clark and Cowlitz counties. “The job market outside the walls of our schools is rapidly changing,” explained Asha Riley, Assistant Superintendent for the district. “Putting our students in touch with professionals in our workforce while still in school is one of the best ways to help our kids think about future career opportunities.”

Bill Marcum, CEO of the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce, gave a motivating keynote speech before each grade of students entered the fair. “With the ‘silver tsunami’ of retirees that will be leaving jobs in the next 6-7 years, there will be a wide variety of job opportunities available to students who are attending high school right now,” Marcum told the students. “The companies attending this career fair offer you an amazing opportunity to research what you could be doing in the future, including jobs right here in Woodland or anywhere else you want to live.” Marcum shared opportunities not requiring four-year college degrees including a story about his niece who now works as a dental hygienist after completing a two-year program to earn a starting salary of $80,000 a year.

Following his keynote, Marcum shared tips for local businesses to reach students, too. “Businesses need to partner with their local high schools to give students hands-on experience with different kinds of careers,” he explained. “It’s not all our educators’ responsibility to teach kids about jobs after graduation – businesses can cultivate their own group of potential employees by speaking to students about the different careers available to them before they even graduate.”

The Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce is developing the Cowlitz-Business Education Connection, a website specifically designed to offer ways for students to connect with businesses (www.cowlitzbec.com).  “Our database provides local CTE teachers opportunities to line up job shadowing, internships, and more for their students,” said Marcum. “Since it’s a work in progress, we’re always looking for businesses, teachers, professionals, students, and other community members to help us make the site an even better resource for both employers and students alike.”

Inaugural Woodland Days Career Fair exceeds expectations

The event far exceeded the expectations for both Woodland Public Schools and the Port of Woodland. “Our goal was to have 25 businesses attend and over 40 participated,” said Jennifer Keene, Executive Director for the Port of Woodland. “Woodland Days was beyond our expectations and truly hit on what we are trying to achieve for both the school district and the Port – creating a place for our kids in the future by providing them opportunities for a successful future right here in our region.”

Organizations attending the career fair raved about the opportunities to reach students and potential future employees. “Employers were extremely positive about the caliber of the students at Woodland High School with several planning a follow-up hiring event for summer positions and internships,” said Keene. “One of the Port Commissioners, Paul Cline, is a retired teacher from Woodland, attended the event, and spoke about how positive and exciting the event was – all of us at the Port were thrilled with the turnout.”

Riley shared Keene’s gratitude toward participating businesses. “For our local companies to send employee representatives during a workday to speak with our students was a huge sacrifice that we appreciate so much,” she said. “I can’t overstate what a blessing that was for our students and kids in a small town where there aren’t many opportunities to learn about the wide variety of careers we have right in our local region.”

Local businesses and organizations chipped in to ensure the career fair’s success. Woodland’s Burgerville donated 50 gift cards to use as raffle prizes while the Grace Community Church lent 12 tables for businesses to use as displays. “Feedback from the event has been off-the-charts with all attending businesses wanting to return for future events,” said Sarah Hadaller, the district’s coordinator for the career fair. “Several organizations are interested in other opportunities to contribute including guest speakers to visit classrooms, mock interviews for students, resume review, and many more.”

Attending employers offer valuable advice to future graduates

For Rob Rich, Vice President of Marine Services for the Shaver Transportation Company, the opportunity to participate in the Woodland Days Career Fair hit close to home. “Not only do I live in Woodland, but many of our crewmembers are graduates from Clark and Cowlitz county schools with several from Woodland, Ridgefield, and Kalama,” he said. “We want to help students understand the importance of dedicating themselves to their own futures by developing skills vital to their success such as learning how to get along with others; asking how to take on more responsibility; and figuring out how to be more of an asset to their employers which will ensure their success in the workplace.”

Rich went on to discuss how a graduate’s first position after high school likely won’t be their last. “Look at your first job as the opportunity to learn and move up within a company to help you land your dream job,” he advised. “Think of your first job as the first step in a career, not just a job, as many of the opportunities for graduates today offer good pay, great benefits, and high job security right from the start – working on skills will ensure new employees have a successful career for their future.”

Eric Thwaites, Chief Operations Officer for Tribeca Transport, attended Woodland Days to encourage students to consider careers in trucking and transportation. A starting truck driver for Tribeca Transport can earn more than $40,000 a year with full medical and retirement benefits as well as paid time off and career development education opportunities. “The entire United States is experiencing a huge driver shortage currently so there are a wealth of jobs for high school graduates right here in Cowlitz County,” he said. “Many graduates may feel intimidated about the idea of driving trucks or a career in trucking, however the trucks are easier to operate than ever before and our drivers are home every day – it’s not a life on the road.”

Thwaites was thrilled with the turnout of both students and employers to the Woodland Days Career Fair. “This is the biggest career day I’ve attended with the largest number of employers attending as well as truly engaged students who are very interested in the different opportunities,” he said. “We want to get as many students as possible interested in trucking as a career because they’re our company’s future.”

Currently, Tribeca Transport needs both additional mechanics and drivers with a fleet of 17 trucks and 26 trailers. “There’s a lot of growth in our company as we’re very specialized in what we do,” explained Thwaites.

Heather Kavanagh, Communications Supervisor for the Washington State Patrol, attended Woodland Days Career Fair to encourage students to consider careers in law enforcement. Although students don’t need any additional schooling beyond a high school diploma to work as a state trooper or dispatch, a two-year Associates Degree will earn graduates an additional 2% salary increase. “We need graduates interested in helping others in their time of need who want to help people handle emergency situations,” she said. “Personally, I love helping out and giving back, but I also want to be behind the scenes so working as a dispatcher was a perfect fit for me.”

Future plans for partnerships between schools and businesses

Woodland Public Schools and the Port of Woodland are already working on plans for future partnership opportunities after seeing the success of the inaugural career fair. “The level of dedication from the school district to make a successful event was incredible,” said Keene. “Plus, the fact so many businesses participated in our inaugural event is simply humbling to me; these businesses took time out of workdays to speak with students one-on-one – it was amazing to see the spark in students’ eyes as they learned about the possibilities for their future.”

As a parent of two children attending Woodland’s schools, Keene is proud of the district serving her community. “We are so blessed have such great schools with amazing students and staff offering programs that reach out to all students, not just those who are college-bound,” she said. “It is amazing to think my own kids may have this same opportunity to be exposed to these industries and businesses in the near future.”

Career Technical Education at Woodland Public Schools

Students attending Woodland High School can select from a wide variety of Career Technical Education (CTE) courses specifically designed to help students develop the skills they need for careers and trades following graduation which will offer living-wages to support families.

Woodland Public Schools has partnered with local businesses and organizations to continually align the district’s course offerings with the need of employers seeking high school graduates looking for good jobs. “We want to regularly review what we do to ensure our students receive the opportunities to learn skills they need in the workforce,” said Riley. “We currently have a partnership with the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Network to help better line up what we do as schools with what businesses need from employees.”

Currently, Woodland High School offers the following CTE courses:

• Automotive Maintenance
• Computer Applications
• Computer Science
• Culinary Arts
• Digital Arts
• Early Childhood Education
• Financial Fitness
• Floral Design
• Horticulture
• Independent Living
• Maritime Trades
• Marketing
• Medical Science
• Metals
• Office Aide
• Programming
• Publications
• Robotics
• Website Design
• Woodworking Foundations

Businesses, professionals, and community members interested in partnering with Woodland Public Schools can contact the district office at (360) 841-2700 or email Asha Riley, Assistant Superintendent of Woodland Public Schools, at ileya@woodlandschools.org">rileya@woodlandschools.org.

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Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed two strike teams with equipment and personnel to assist in suppression efforts for the devastating wildfires in California. This deployment was coordinated with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

Using the EMAC system, California fire officials originally requested additional resources to support suppression efforts in the southern portion of the state. The two ODF strike teams, consisting of five Type 6 engines each, two strike team leaders and an agency representative, departed early Sunday morning. In addition to ODF districts in eastern and southern Oregon, resources include engines and personnel from the Douglas Forest Protection Association.

While en route, the ODF teams received new orders to divert to the Camp Fire near Chico, CA due to the evolving and emergent situation. Both strike teams arrived at the Camp Incident Command Post Sunday evening and will be joining suppression efforts on the front line Monday morning. 

“Oregon and California have a long-standing relationship of mutual aid wherever suppression resources are needed,” said Oregon’s State Forester, Peter Daugherty. “California has come to our aid during our challenging fire seasons and Oregon is now able to help California during this tragic time of need.”

At the time of arrival, the Camp Fire was reported at 111,000 acres and 25 percent containment, with approximately 6,453 residences destroyed and an additional 15,000 structures threatened. An estimated 31 people have lost their lives and an additional 200 are listed as missing.

The ODF teams will join their Oregon State Fire Marshal counterparts, adding to the growing number of out of state resources joining suppression efforts during these devastating wildfires impacting much of the state. The team anticipates a full 14-day deployment.

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Gresham, Ore.— On November 7, 2018 at around 7:15 p.m., Gresham police officers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on SE Burnside Rd. near SE 3rd St. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital and later died from injuries sustained in the crash. The pedestrian has now been identified as 72-year-old Patricia Dryden of Troutdale.

If you witnessed the crash and have additional information to provide to the police, please call 503-618-2719.

Beaverton School Board member Anne Bryan’s passion for public education has earned her the first Oregon School Board Member of the Year award.

Bryan was recognized Saturday at the Oregon School Boards Association’s 72nd Annual Convention in downtown Portland. OSBA launched the Oregon School Board Member of the Year (http://www.osba.org/About-OSBA/OregonSchoolBoardMemberOfTheYear.aspx) award this year to recognize outstanding volunteers who make a difference in their communities.

"Through her dedication she epitomizes what a school board member should be," said OSBA Executive Director Jim Green. 

Bryan joined the Beaverton board in 2013 and became board chair in 2015.

“She models for all of us what a school board member looks like,” said Becky Tymchuk, who took over the Beaverton chair position in July.

Bryan has been instrumental in aligning board work with strategic objectives and long-range planning, creating a district rainy-day fund, increasing community engagement, expanding course offerings, and shepherding the 2014 passage of Beaverton’s $680 million construction bond.

Tymchuk said Bryan made sure the board received proper training and resources and she helped keep the board working together. She described Bryan as a great collaborator and a tough act to follow.

“She provides leadership in a way that you want to follow,” Tymchuk said.

Bryan says it’s a team effort. She said she takes pride in knowing the community believes the school board is working together on behalf of students. She credits community support, district staff and her fellow board members for the school board’s successes. 

Bryan graduated from Stanford with degrees in history and math and computational sciences. She is chief of staff at Circle Media and volunteers with a half-dozen school-related organizations. Bryan’s husband, John, works at Intel, and she is a mother of four: Peter, 23; Tom, 21; James, 18; and Matthew, 15. The three oldest graduated from Beaverton’s Westview High, and Matthew is a sophomore there.

Although her four sons have certainly influenced her desire to serve on the school board, Bryan said her passion for public education predates becoming a parent.

“I have a fundamental belief in the power of public schools and that board work is important and that it can make a difference,” she said.

Beaverton Superintendent Don Grotting said the board’s character under Bryan’s leadership helped persuade him to take the job in 2016. The board’s engagement and personal touch with the community impressed him.

Grotting pointed to Beaverton’s 86 percent graduation rate and narrowing achievement gap as well as equity programs as proof of Bryan’s leadership. Bryan follows current education trends and issues and she does her homework, he said.

“Her tremendous work ethic and her heart and compassion for education are among the biggest I’ve ever seen,” he said.

Nominees for the new statewide award were considered for their advocacy efforts, leadership and support for student achievement.

A panel of out-of-state school board association executive directors chose Bryan from among four finalists. Bryan’s name will be placed on the OSBA website and engraved on a plaque in OSBA’s Salem office. Bryan also will be able to register for OSBA events free for a year.

Green reminded school board members to keep an eye out for fellow members’ accomplishments and begin considering nominations when they open in January 2019.

OSBA is a non-profit member services agency for more than 200 locally elected boards serving school districts, education service districts and community colleges.

Fifteen volunteers from Oregon and SW Washington to help provide disaster assistance in California

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 12, 2018 – As multiple wildfires continue to rage in California, the Red Cross Cascades Region (serving Oregon and Southwest Washington) has deployed 15 volunteers to assist in the massive response effort. With nearly a quarter million people displaced, the Red Cross is working to provide shelter, food and comfort for those forced to leave their homes with little notice.

Overnight, more than 2,100 people were cared for in 18 Red Cross and community evacuation centers across the state of California. In addition, the Red Cross has provided shelter supplies for over 7,000 people and begun mobilizing emergency supplies to serve over 15,000 households. Supplies include sifters, personal protective equipment, respiratory masks, rakes, shovels, work gloves, tarps and other resources. Also, nearly 3,900 people have registered on Safe and Well, a free Red Cross website that allows people to let their loved ones know they are safe.

Fifteen Red Cross disaster responders from Bend, Grants Pass, Gresham, Gold Beach, Junction City, Medford, Newberg, Portland, Salem, Summerville, and Wolf Creek, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are either already on the ground or making their way to California. In coordination with government and community partners, Red Crossers are preparing strategic shelter and warehouse locations and stocking food, cots, blankets and other relief supplies to help people affected by the fires.

In addition, a dozen Red Cross Cascades Region volunteers continue to assist with the recovery efforts of Hurricane Michael in Florida and Hurricane Yutu in the Mariana Islands.

In order to be ready to assist in the relief efforts related to these disasters, the local Red Cross Cascades Region is always looking for volunteer disaster responders. People interested in volunteering for the Red Cross as a disaster responder are encouraged to visit redcross.org/volunteer for more information.

CONNECT WITH LOVED ONES
The Red Cross has two ways to help you reconnect with loved ones. The free Red Cross Safe and Well website allows people to register and post messages to indicate that they are safe, or to search for loved ones. The site is open to the public and available in Spanish. Registrations and searches can be done on the website or by texting SAFE to 78876.

The Red Cross Emergency App “I’m Safe” button allows users to post a message to their social accounts, letting friends and family know they are out of harm’s way. The Emergency App is in English and Spanish and is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

MAKE A DONATION Entire communities and families have been left reeling from deadly wildfires. Help people affected by the California wildfires by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCasc.

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On 11/11/18 at approximately 1300 hours, Deputies responded to malicious mischief call at the Willow Creek apartments located at 8500 NE Hazel Dell Avenue.  The suspect in that call was Ester J. Mitchell, DOB 02/14/1969.  Immediately upon Deputies arrival it was discovered a male had been stabbed while sitting in his vehicle outside the apartment building of Ester Mitchell.  Responding Deputies discovered the adult male was sitting in his vehicle when an arm reached in through the open window with a knife and cut him across his neck.  The male then attempted to move his vehicle when the female suspect reached back inside the vehicle and attempted to cut the victim again.  At that point he was able to get the knife away from the female and she left the scene.

While speaking with the victim, Deputies discovered the suspect in the stabbing was also Ester Mitchell.  During the interview, Ester excited her apartment building and was armed with a butcher knife.  She was approaching the Deputy and was told to drop the knife, which she immediately did.  Ester was then taken into custody.

The male suffered minor injuries to the neck and Ester Mitchell was booked into the Clark County Jail on charges of Assault in the First Degree.

Corbett Fire Announces Winners of Heini Ziegler Award

PORTLAND, November 10, 2018 – The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (‘OLSHF’) held its annual awards dinner and fundraising gala this evening at the Elysian Ballroom in downtown Portland. 

Among the gala’s awards and award recipients were the following:

The ‘ROAR Hearing Provider of the Year’ award was presented to Gateway Hearing Aid Center.  Owner and hearing specialist Max Clark has been in the hearing aid business for over 25 years. Gateway Hearing partners with over 15 Lions Clubs and
has dispensed 250 hearing aids in the last 3 years. Together they have helped thousands of Oregonians with life changing hearing aid assistance. The partnership between Gateway Hearing Aid Center, OLSHF, and the Oregon Lions is invaluable and crucial to the health of our communities.

The ‘Patient Care/Mission Cataract Provider of the Year’ award was presented to Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute.  Over the years, PCLI has provided many free cataract surgeries for Oregonians in need at their Portland, Kennewick and Tualatin locations. Their doctors and staff treat patients with the utmost compassion and without any bias. The comfortable atmosphere they provide reassures patients and minimizes their fear of the surgery.

The ‘Community Partner of the Year’ award was presented to Central City Concern – Community Volunteer Corps and Old Town Clinic. CCC provides “comprehensive solutions to ending homelessness and achieving self-sufficiency”. Thanks to our partnership with CCC, we sorted thousands of donated glasses that have been collected by Oregon Lions. We organize sorting parties with CCC at our warehouse and then send the glasses to Coffee Creek Correctional Facility where through the Eyeglass Education Program the glasses are recycled and calibrated. Further, OLSHF’s LEAP Optical Finishing Lab also partners with the Old Town Clinic to provide new eyeglasses to people in need. This partnership provides sight not only for people in our community but, through international mission trips, to people all over the world.

The ‘Vision Provider of the Year’ award was presented to Dr. Barbara Briscoe/ Founders Clinic-Volunteers in Medicine Clackamas. Since our partnership began in 2015, Dr. Briscoe has ordered more than 300 pairs of glasses for patients at her clinic and to patients referred by the local Lions Clubs. Because of her dedication to help people who are uninsured or underinsured and below the 200% poverty level, she volunteers as an optometrist at the Founders Clinic where hundreds of Oregonians have received complete, free eye exams and received low cost glasses through the Optical Finishing Lab.

The ‘Funder of the Year’ award was presented to Eugene Hearing and Speech Center.  For nearly 60 years, the Eugene Hearing & Speech Center served clients with a wide range of speech and audiology needs. As a result of closing their practice, a generous gift in the past year for hearing services will sustain the OLSHF hearing aid program for many years. The EHSC Board’s belief in our mission speaks to our reputation not only in Lane County but statewide. These funds will be stewarded with great care in order to help as many people as possible.

About OLSHF:

Our mission is to screen, treat, save and restore sight and hearing in partnership with Lions Clubs. Our School Vision Screening Program has screened over a million Oregon children since 1994. In 2015, OLSHF launched its own Optical Finishing Lab and we now edge over 2,500 new eyeglasses for people who qualify every year. Our ROAR Hearing Assistance Program provides low cost new or refurbished hearing aids to people in need. We also provide the gift of sight to people in developing countries with eyeglasses shipped and distributed through international mission work. Please visit www.OLSHF.org or www.facebook.com/OLSHF to learn more about our programs!

About Lions Clubs International:

Lions Clubs International is a service organization with 1.35 million members in 46,000 clubs around the globe. Started in 1917, Lions Clubs aim to provide services to blind and visually impaired individuals, as well as provide other services and humanitarian projects for local communities. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

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