Kelso/Lexington area- Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a reported pickup truck fire at the intersection of Westside HWY and Early Bird Drive at 3:35 AM, this morning. Dispatchers updated that the driver of the vehicle was injured with bystanders attempting to pull him out of the vehicle.

C2FR responded with 2- Fire Engines, 1- Ambulance and a Battalion Chief from the Lexington and Kelso Stations. Initial units arrived on scene within 6 minutes and located the pickup which had completely rolled over, struck trees and was fully involved with fire. Bystanders, including a St. John RN that had just left from her shift, were with the driver who had received potentially serious injuries.

The driver was transported emergently, by C2FR Paramedics to St. John Emergency Department

Fire was extinguished within 10 minutes and all C2FR units returned to service by 4:55 AM

WSP will be investigating

C2FR, WSP and CCSO Deputies responded

PIO Officer Brad Walther plans on providing another interviewl on July 3rd, 2020 at 4:00pm regarding the Hit & Run fatality/Case 20-4502. For media interested, please meet Officer Walther out front of the public safety building located at, 3200 SE Harrison Street Milwaukie, Oregon 97222 at 4:00 pm tomorrow. Thank you.

(End)

CASE:20-4502

UPDATE

Milwaukie Detectives continue to follow multiple leads during the hit and run investigation. Detectives no longer believe a white truck was involved.  Detectives are still working the case and are asking the community for their help in this investigation. If you have information you believe directly connected to this investigation, or have vehicle information related to the case, please call the non-emergency dispatch number 503-786-7500 and ask for detectives.

(End)

Seaside, Ore. – July 2, 2020 – On Thursday, July 2, 2020, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Seaside dispatch received a call of a man in the water at the Seaside Estuary. Upon arrival, Seaside Fire & Rescue quickly located the victim thanks to help from the caller. Resuscitative efforts were unsuccessful, and the adult male appears to have succumbed to the elements.

An autopsy has been scheduled by the medical examiner and the identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities want to remind those spending time in the water this holiday weekend that despite warmer conditions, the ocean and nearby waterways are just as dangerous as ever. Today’s conditions were no exception and the waterways were quite turbulent.

Additional information will be released when it becomes available.

end of release

On June 10th, 2020, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to the 3600 block of 47th Avenue NE after a family residing in a duplex reported a foul odor coming from underneath the residence.  While investigating the odor, deputies located human remains in the crawl space.  Detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation.

On June 12th, 2020, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the remains, determining the manner of death to have been homicide.  After initial efforts to identify the victim were unsuccessful, on June 24th, the Sheriff’s Office released a sketch of one of the victim’s tattoos in an effort to get the community’s help identifying the victim.  After receiving many tips from community members, the victim was positively identified as Josiah Bagnall, 18, of Salem.

Detectives continued to follow up on community tips and investigative leads, identifying Alexander Mosqueda-Rivera-Burdette, 18, as a suspect in Bagnall’s death.  Through the investigation, detectives learned Bagnall was killed in early 2020 at an apartment in the 4600 block of Silverton Road NE.  On July 2nd, 2020, Mosqueda was arrested by detectives at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Building and lodged at the Marion County Jail for the charge of Murder in the second degree.

Due to this being an open investigation no further details will be released at this time.  Investigators do not believe there is any continued danger to the community related to this incident.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our community members for providing tips which led to identifying Mr. Bagnall.  During this investigation, the Sheriff’s Office has been assisted by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, Keizer Police Department, Oregon State Police, Salem Police Department, and the Woodburn Police Department.

Mosqueda is currently scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, July 6th, 2020, at 1:30 pm at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex. 

On June 10th, 2020, investigators with the Marion County Sheriff's Office recovered human remains in the crawl space beneath a duplex in northeast Salem.  Initial efforts to identify the deceased were unsuccessful.  On June 24th, 2020, a sketch of one of the victim’s tattoos was shared with the public in an effort to help identify the victim.  After receiving many community tips, the victim in this case has been positively identified as Josiah Bagnall, 18, of Salem.

Detectives are continuing to investigate Mr. Bagnall’s death.  We are asking anyone who has information about Mr. Bagnall and the events leading to his death to call our tip line at 503-540-8079. 

Due to this being an open investigation, no additional information will be provided at this time.

On June 10th, 2020, investigators were called to investigate human remains discovered in the crawl space beneath a duplex in northeast Salem.  Following an autopsy, the death was determined to be a homicide.  Investigators are asking for the community’s help identifying the victim.

The victim is an unknown race male, under 50 years of age, approximately 5’8”, 130 lbs, and appears to have dark colored hair.  The victim has two visible tattoos; “Baby Boy” is tattooed above the right knee and a second small unidentifiable tattoo is on the right side of the rib cage.  When discovered, the victim was wearing a Champion brand t-shirt.

If anyone has information which may help identify the victim they are being asked to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 503-540-8079.

Detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the human remains discovered beneath a duplex in northeast Salem on June 10th, 2020.  An autopsy was conducted on Friday afternoon at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office where the manner of death was determined to be homicide.  Investigators are still working to identify the victim who is believed to have been deceased for multiple weeks.  Investigators are asking community members who may have information about the identity of the victim or the investigation to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

On June 10th, 2020, deputies received a call from a family residing in the 3600 block of 47th Avenue NE reporting a foul odor coming from beneath the duplex they live in. When deputies assigned to the East Salem Service District went to investigate they discovered human remains underneath the duplex. The remains appear to be that of an unknown age male.

Detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene and have taken over the investigation. Investigators are working to identify the deceased. At this time the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, an autopsy is scheduled for Friday, June 12th.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about this case contact the Sheriff’s Office. Community members can submit anonymous tips:

• Online at https://www.co.marion.or.us/SO/Pages/tip411.aspx

• Text TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411

• Call our Tip line at 503-540-8079

Thursday, July 2, 2020 – Ridgefield, WA – Attached is a letter from the Ridgefield School Board addressed to the community today regarding the district’s bond program which will be on the ballot in the upcoming Special Election in August.

OREGON CITY - At the July 1, 2020 City Commission meeting, the Oregon City Commission took the unprecedented action of passing a vote of no-confidence in Mayor Dan Holladay for his detrimental actions that have negatively impacted the City and have led to a loss of faith in his abilities to effectively lead the community and the Commission. Commissioners expressed ongoing concerns about the leadership and direction of the Mayor following several recent events as well as his actions to pursue his own interests above those of the Commission and the safety and welfare of the community. 

The unanimous vote followed a decision at the June 17, 2020 City Commission meeting to censure Mayor Holladay for taking actions that injured the good name of the City of Oregon City, disturbed its well-being, and hampered its work.  The Letter of Censure was read by Commission President Rachel Lyles Smith at the July 1, 2020 City Commission meeting and outlined the Mayor’s actions that counter the interests of the Commission. Most notably were his actions to contravene Governor Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” Executive Order 20-12 which resulted in a letter from the Attorney General, violating the City’s rules of procedures, soliciting private donations for a fireworks show and social media comments downplaying the significance of the death of Black citizens in police encounters and concerns about racial injustice.

At this meeting, the Commission President provided an update to the community on their decision to hire a third-party investigator to further examine the actions of the Mayor.

The Commission is dedicated to the principle and practice of a City government that fosters partnership, equity, inclusion and accountability to best serve the Oregon City community.

###

July 2, 2020

District Attorney releases Untested Sexual Assault Kit Project Grant Report

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill is releasing the Untested Sexual Assault Kit Project grant report.

To view a copy of the report, please click here.

District Attorney Underhill said:

Our success of becoming one of the first states to fully eliminate its sexual assault forensic evidence kit backlog and to also implement legislative policies that ensure consistent testing practices in the future is significantly tied to the investment and commitment of Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.

Eliminating Oregon’s backlog of sexual assault forensic evidence kits does more than just pushing a reset button. It recognizes the mistakes of the past and helps to restore confidence in our public safety system. For too long, survivors of sexual assault were left fighting for a voice. Today, through our trauma informed practices, we work with survivors of sexual assault every day to ensure they understand their rights as crime victims. We make sure they are informed of every step of the process. We make sure that their voice is not only heard, but that we listen and that we are responsive.

Locally, we achieved our success quickly because of the shared dedication of local law enforcement including the Oregon State Police Forensic Crime Laboratory. This combined effort highlights the positive outcomes possible in the criminal justice system. I am proud of the current and past members of our Untested Sexual Assault Kit Team. Their passionate commitment to public safety and victims makes our community safer and stronger.

Finally, we honor Melissa Bittler – a 14 year old girl raped and murdered in Portland. The

DNA in her case identified a serial rapist and propelled significant changes with how law enforcement processes DNA evidence. “Melissa’s Law,” which, among other things, requires the timely testing of sexual assault forensic evidence kits passed in 2016, and was named after Melissa. This report is dedicated to and honors her and all other victims of sexual assault.

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 the 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.

Under the DANY grant, nearly 3,000 sexual assault kits from around the state were tested.

In 2018, Oregon became one of the first five states in the country to clear its backlog of Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) kits.

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’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Workgroup, which was created in 2015, is comprised of victim-centered and trauma-informed members of the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Results from the kits continue to be investigated and survivors of sexual assaults are being notified. The Portland Police Bureau’s Sex Crimes Unit 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 July 2, 2020)

• State of Oregon vs Jose Oscar Rosales - 17CR29317 - Convicted in February 2018
• State of Oregon vs Curtis Clint Williams - 17CR37474 - Convicted in June 2018
• State of Oregon vs Steven Guy Tubbs - 17CR08640 - Convicted in August 2018
• State of Oregon vs Jihad Eldeen Moore - 18CR13996 – Convicted in October 2018
• State of Oregon vs Chanh Van Tran - 18CR25167 - Convicted in November 2018
• State of Oregon vs Jesse Ryan Moser – 19CR53575 – Convicted in February 2020
• State of Oregon vs Ricky Alexander Harrison - 18CR59141 - Pending trial
• State of Oregon vs Richard Timothy Ward – 19CR25495 – Pending trial
• State of Oregon vs Donnie Michael Willis Jr. – 19CR55777 – Convicted in March 2020
• State of Oregon vs Leslie L. Thornton – 11-11-34868 – Pending trial
• State of Oregon vs Timothy Nathaniel Hogue - 11-11-34868 – Pending trial
• State of Oregon vs Frank Domont Hall Jr. – 19CR77675 – Pending trial
• Secret Indictment

COVID-19 Notice

The health and well-being of all employees and community members we serve is a top priority for the Multnomah County District Attorney. Our office is working with the court, defense bar, local law enforcement and other system partners to carefully balance the needs of public health and public safety.

For information about the operational changes implemented by the District Attorney’s Office in response to the novel coronavirus, please click here.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director | Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

Case 20-4502

SE Wichita Ave has been re-opened to vehicle traffic.

This is an ongoing investigation and detectives are looking onto multiple leads. Anyone with information regarding the hit and run are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch number 503-786-7500 and request to speak with detectives.

(End)

CASE:20-4502

UPDATE

Milwaukie Police are asking for the communities help regarding todays earlier hit and run in the 9500 block of SE Wichita Ave which resulted in a two-year-old boy’s death. Detectives are following multiple leads to include the previous mentioned vehicle of interest, a white 2 door truck.

The name of the two-year-old boy and family members are not being release at this time. This is a very difficult time for family and our hearts and thoughts are with them.

If you have information regarding this case, please call the non-emergency dispatch number 503-786-7500 and ask for detectives.

(End)

SALEM, Ore – Fire season will officially be in effect on all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) protected lands Monday, July 6. The North Cascade and West Oregon protection districts are the last two to declare fire season. ODF’s Southwest Oregon District was the first to declare fire season May 1.

Fire season is declared based on conditions at the local district level, with restrictions intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires. Fire season generally runs through mid-October and ends based on local conditions.

For residents within ODF’s 12 fire protection districts, the arrival of fire season means the end of unregulated outdoor debris burning, a leading cause of wildfires. While permits to burn may be issued in some areas, debris burning is generally prohibited throughout the summer due to increased wildfire risk. Violators burning without a permit will be cited and held liable for fire suppression costs.

Other public use fire restrictions are also in effect in several areas. The use of fireworks, tracer ammunition and exploding targets are illegal within ODF protection boundaries, as well as other state and federal lands. Campfires, the mowing of dry, cured grass, cutting and welding, power saw use and other spark-emitting activities are regulated at the local level, depending upon the conditions and fire danger. For example, during low fire danger, mowing may be allowed all day. However, during moderate, high and extreme fire danger mowing may be restricted to early morning or prohibited entirely until conditions improve.

ODF encourages the public to stay informed of current fire restrictions by visiting the agency’s Fire Restrictions & Closures website or calling their local ODF or protective association office. To learn more about preventing human-caused wildfires, visit Keep Oregon Green on the web at www.keeporegongreen.org.  

Forest operators are required to follow fire season requirements, including providing a water supply, fire tools, spark arresters on equipment, and fire watch. Similar to fire danger restrictions for the public, operators must follow rules under the four-tiered Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) system.  

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state and federal land.

###

The Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens Council 47013 request that Clark County, Washington as well as the cities of Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground and Ridgefield formally declare Racism a Public Health Crisis.

Racism is a detriment to public health. On top of that, people of color are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In WA state Hispanics are 44% of confirmed cases while accounting for 13% of the population. Here in Clark County, Hispanics make up over 24% of confirmed cases and 10% of county population – a death rate of 7 times that of the white population, based on reporting by the Clark County Department of Health.

The roots of racism impact the health of people of color in every aspect of their lives, including access to education, housing, and job opportunities. We are
seeing this play out during the COVID-19 pandemic, with communities of color being infected with the virus at disproportionately high rates due to lack of
access to adequate health services, including coronavirus testing and treatment. In addition, thousands of Clark County residents and families were not able to benefit from state or federal level financial assistance.

Experiencing systemic racism throughout a lifetime is a chronic stressor and negatively impacts physical, emotional, and mental health, which ultimately impacts an entire society. Latin@s, Black, Indigenous and People of Color are literally risking their lives simply because of skin tone, cultural history and way of speaking.

Recognizing how racism affects public health is an important first step to dealing with it. In order to begin alleviating healthcare disparities in Clark County, there must be an investment in public health and education that acknowledges, documents, and addresses the adverse health outcomes associated with systemic racial injustice. The authority for local health officers and boards are expanded in 

Washington Law chapter 70.05 RCW and allows for advancing funds and oversight that we need here.
Addressing racism as a public crisis will help every single person in Clark County because it is about fighting oppression and hatred. By declaring racism as a public health crisis, we can begin to eliminate racism, which is at the root of so many horrific policies. Officially recognizing the role that race plays in public health is a crucial first step.

With this as the background we are asking our SWWA counties, cities, towns and villages to start treating systemic racism for what it is, a public
health crisis. I look forward to your reply and the opportunity to dialogue about next steps.

In Solidarity,

Ed Hamilton Rosales

President
SW WA LULAC Council 47013

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s application to move into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan has been put on pause. This afternoon, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a statewide two-week pause on the reopening process, following an increase in new COVID-19 cases and the percentage of tests coming back positive.

As a result, Clark County will remain in Phase 2.

“Public Health supports the governor’s decision to pause the reopening process,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “We’re seeing a dramatic increase in the number of new cases in Clark County. I’m worried that our rising case numbers will lead to increase in hospitalizations and, potentially, deaths.”

From June 23 to June 30, 162 Clark County residents tested positive for COVID-19, for an average of more than 20 new cases per day. In the first three weeks of June, 164 people tested positive, for an average of more than seven new cases per day. Today, Public Health announced another 18 new cases.

“We must take steps now to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community if we want to be able to safely move to Phase 3,” Melnick said. “Wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distancing are easy things we can do to help keep our community open and our residents healthy.”

Other important ways to keep yourself and others healthy include washing hands frequently, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, covering coughs and sneezes, not touching your face with unwashed hands, frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces and staying home when sick.

In addition to the two-week pause on reopening, Gov. Inslee announced a new face covering requirement. Beginning Tuesday, the state will require all businesses to refuse service to customers who are not wearing face coverings. This requirement expands the current order in Yakima County to the rest of the state.

Public Health submitted its application to move into Phase 3 of the state’s four-phased reopening plan on Friday, June 26. Clark County residents and businesses should continue to follow the Phase 2 guidance outlined by the governor until the county is approved to move to Phase 3.

For more information about COVID-19 and the Public Health response, visit the Public Health website.

At 1:10 p.m. this afternoon (7/2/20), Tigard Police officers responded to the report of an attempted carjacking at the Washington Square Mall. A woman reported two young men with a gun tried taking her car near the JC Penney store, but were unsuccessful.

Officers set up containment in the area and began a K-9 track to search for the suspects. Investigators determined the suspects went back into the mall through another store, then left the area on a TriMet bus heading for the Beaverton Transit Center. Despite an extensive search involving partner agencies, officers were not able to immediately locate the suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing. We’d like to thank our partners at Beaverton Police and King City Police for their quick assistance today.
###

Salem, Ore. — On Saturday, July 4, 2020, beginning at 11:00 a.m., a Black Lives Matter Solidarity Rally is scheduled. A portion of Court Street will be closed as a result.

The event, coordinated by Salem Community Organizers, is expected to draw up to 1,000 people. They plan to gather on the State Capitol steps and begin with speakers and performances at noon. The group does not plan to march on city streets and has reserved the State Capitol steps and Capitol Mall through Oregon Legislative staff and Oregon State Parks respectively.

Vehicles will be prohibited on Court Street from 12th Street to Cottage Street during the planned event.  Court Street is expected to reopen by 5:00 p.m.

Please see the Road Closure Map attached for a visual representation of the planned Salem area street closure.  Drivers are encouraged to avoid this area and to find alternate routes. 

July 2, 2020
  
The next Housing Stability Council meeting will be on Friday, July 10, 2020.  The meeting will be a call-in meeting only due to the current COVID-19 health crisis.
 
Call-In: 1-253-215-8782 or Toll Free: 1-888-788-0099
Meeting ID: 943 7928 6967 Password: 402403
 
AGENDA:
9:00 Meeting Called to Order - Roll Call 
9:05 Public Comment 
9:15 Meeting Minutes Approval - June 5, 2020
9:20 Report of the Director
10:00 Homeownership Division Updates
- Oregon Homeowner Stabilization Initiative Update
10:30 Affordable Rental Housing Division Updates 
- Orchards Plaza/Solhaven Preservation
- Glenhaven Park Apartments
- LIFT Homeownership NOFA Awards
- LIFT Rental NOFA Awards
- MWESB Final Report and Implementation Plan
11:45  Report of the Chair
12:00  Meeting Adjourned

Access the meeting materials packet at:

https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/OSHC/Documents/07-10-2020-HSC-Meeting-Packet.pdf

July 2, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board's Incentives and Funding Subcommittee.

Agenda: Approve Feb. 3 meeting minutes; finalize recommendations for changes to funding principles; discuss changes to the funding formula for 2021-2023.

When: July 6, 1-2 p.m. A public comment period is offered at the end of the meeting.

Where: Members of the public may join remotely via phone at 253-215-8782, meeting ID 968 1183 5805; or via computer, tablet or smartphone at https://zoom.us/j/96811835805.

Background: Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan. The Incentives and Funding Subcommittee develops recommendations for the board's consideration.

For more information, see the board's website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/About/Pages/ophab.aspx.

Program contact: Sara Beaudrault, 971-645-5766, a.beaudrault@state.or.us">sara.beaudrault@state.or.us

# # #

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

• Sign language and spoken language interpreters.
• Written material in other languages.
• Braille.
• Large print.

Audio and other formats.

If you need help or have questions, please contact Sara Beaudrault at 971-645-5766, 711 TTY, a.beaudrault@state.or.us">sara.beaudrault@state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Vancouver, Wash. – Vancouver Police Public Information Coordinator Kim Kapp will be out of the office Monday, July 6, 2020.  

Lt. Kathy McNicholas will handle PIO duties that day, during office hours (8am-5pm), and can be reached at (360) 487-7442 or at kathy.mcnicholas@cityofvancouver.us.

As always for inquiries outside of business hours or on weekends or holidays, please call dispatch on the media line and request a call back from on duty personnel.

###

(Salem, Ore.) – Zion Gallaher, age 16, is a foster child who went missing from Portland, Oregon on June 7, 2020. is still missing He is believed to be in serious danger. Because of his mental health and behavioral challenges, he may present higher functioning than he actually is, or may behave erratically.

The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Program, asks the public to help in the effort to find him and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him. He knows the downtown Portland, Sandy and Independence, Oregon areas well.

Name: Zion Gallaher
Date of birth: Jan. 8, 2004
Height: 5’10
Weight: 180 pounds
Portland Police Case #20-185646
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1392960

Anyone who suspects they have information about Zion Gallaher’s location should call 911 or local law enforcement.

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As DHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

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

###

CASE:20-4502 

On 7/2/20 at 12:06 pm, Milwaukie Police responded to the 9500 block of SE Wichita Ave. in Milwaukie regarding a hit and run involving a two-year-old having been struck. Police are currently investigating the incident and SE Witchita Ave is closed between SE Firwood Street and SE Hazel Street.

A vehicle of interest is: White, two-door pick-up truck.

Milwaukie Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to please call 503-786-7500.

(End)

On June 24, 2020 at approximately 3:45 P.M., a shooting occurred at Pinecrest Drive and Tiffany Way in Grants Pass OR. Detectives located Theodore Homer Robison (55) from Josephine County there shot several times and he was pronounced deceased..

Investigators have identified Bret Alan Hagenno as a suspect and believe he could be armed and dangerous.

Hagenno is described as 6 foot tall, approximately 250 pounds and balding. He may or may not have a beard and is known to frequent Josephine and Jackson Counties.

Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Hagenno who is wanted for Murder II in Josephine County. If anyone has seen Hagenno or knows his whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-664-4600 and reference case SP-20-173329.

Hagenno is considered to be armed and dangerous. If located, do not contact and call the police (911).

Previous Release from June 15, 2020

On June 24, 2020, at approximately 4:00 P.M., Josephine County law enforcement responded to the area of Pinecrest Drive and Tiffany Way for a homicide investigation. 

The deceased has been identified as Theodore Homer Robison (55) from Josephine County.

Investigators are asking for the public's assistance.  If anyone in the area of Pinecrest Drive and Plumtree Lane has video surveillance cameras, they are asked to contact investigators.  

The Oregon State Police are the lead investigators and are being assisted by the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Josephine County Sheriff's Office and the Josephine County District Attorney's Office.  

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at 541-664-4600. Reference case number SP20-173329.

Due to the ongoing water emergency in the City of Newport, Newport Fire Department is ending burn season early. Back yard debris burning is closed starting today for the City of Newport and the areas of Newport Rural Fire Protection District that are North and East of the city limits of Newport.

Only the portion of the Rural Fire District located South of Newport will be allowed to continue back yard debris burning through July 5th. This is because that area’s water is supplied by Seal Rock Water District, which is not under any water restrictions.  

All back-yard debris burning in all areas will be closed for the summer starting Monday, July 6. Debris burning season will open back up this fall, usually around October 1, when the fall rains return. Please call Newport Fire Department at 541-265-9461 if you have any questions.

July 2, 2020

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

Oregon reports 375 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 209, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 375 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 9,294.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (22), Columbia (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (9), Douglas (2), Jackson (15), Jefferson (8), Josephine (8), Lane (15), Lincoln (3), Linn (3), Malheur (16), Marion (32), Morrow (8), Multnomah (64), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (88), Union (5), Wasco (2), Washington (67), and Yamhill (5).

Oregon’s 209th COVID-19 death is 73-year-old woman in Klamath County who tested positive on June 20 and died on June 30. Her place of death s being confirmed. She had underlying medical conditions.

Today’s case count is Oregon’s largest single day total since the beginning of the pandemic, following the previous largest on Wednesday.

Oregon has experienced five weeks of case growth and cases are rising faster in our rural communities and in central and eastern Oregon. The largest county case count today was in Umatilla County with 88 new cases attributed to outbreaks and community spread.

Earlier this week, Governor Kate Brown ordered face coverings to be worn in all indoor public places throughout the state. Masks and face coverings, along with maintaining 6-feet of distancing between people has been shown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Note: Dr. Paul Cieslak will hold OHA’s regular weekly media briefing today at 3 p.m. To participate the media is invited to call 844-291-6358, participant code 2584655.

Slight data change to Public Health Indicators Dashboard

Due to technical issues in processing negative COVID-19 tests this week, many negative tests reported on June 25, were processed on later days, causing a spike in the percent positivity metric for that day on the Public Health Indicators Dashboard.

This week's trends in positive tests percentages should be interpreted with increased caution. To present more accurate information, the total percent over the last seven days is provided in parentheses.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

July 2, 2020

Human sex trafficking investigation results in 24-count indictment

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill is announcing the filing of a 24-count indictment against 55-year-old Tracy Steven Rasberry following a human sex trafficking investigation.

A Multnomah County grand jury charged Rasberry with 24 counts of promoting prostitution.

According to court records, the alleged crimes occurred in January and February of 2019.

Under Oregon law, a person commits the crime of promoting prostitution if, with intent to promote prostitution, they knowingly: own, control, manage, supervise or otherwise maintain a place of prostitution or a prostitution enterprise; induce or cause a person to engage in prostitution or to remain in a place of prostitution; receive or agree to receive money, goods, property, services or something else of value, other than as a prostitute being compensated for personally rendered prostitution services, pursuant to an agreement or understanding that the money, goods, property, services or something else of value is derived from a prostitution activity; or engage in any conduct that institutes, aids or facilitates an act or enterprise of prostitution.

Police located and arrested Rasberry on July 1, 2020 in the 1800 block of Northeast 122nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon.

Like in all criminal and civil matters, electronic copies of court documents, which are not subject to a protective order, are available to the public through the Oregon eCourt Information (OECI) system.

No additional information can be released by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office at this time pursuant to the Oregon Rules of Professional Conduct.

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

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Team is litigating this case. The team includes two attorneys, an investigator and a victim advocate. Additionally, an attorney assigned to the MCDA gang unit is available to help prosecute cases and support the team as trafficking routinely intersects with gang violence.

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

If you are involved in sex trafficking, or know of someone who is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or 9-1-1.

COVID-19 Notice

The health and well-being of all employees and community members we serve is a top priority for the Multnomah County District Attorney. Our office is working with the court, defense bar, local law enforcement and other system partners to carefully balance the needs of public health and public safety.

For information about the operational changes implemented by the District Attorney’s Office in response to the novel coronavirus, please click here.

#MCDA#

Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director | Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office

Phone: 503.988.6567 | Email: rent.Weisberg@mcda.us">Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us

In advance of the July 4 holiday weekend, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) reminds visitors that fireworks are prohibited in state parks and on Oregon’s ocean beaches at all times, including the Independence Day holiday.

“Fireworks can hurt people, cause wildfires, harm wildlife and create litter and debris,” said OPRD Associate Director Chris Havel. “We are asking visitors to do their part and respect fireworks rules.”

Keeping fireworks out of state parks is critical for preventing human-caused wildfires. Dry conditions are already present in many areas of the state, and a few parks have campfire restrictions in place. Check stateparks.oregon.gov for information about restrictions in state parks.

“One of the best ways to prevent wildfires while enjoying the outdoors is to practice safe habits when building and extinguishing campfires,” Havel said. “This is critical now more than ever, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, when a revenue shortfall means fewer rangers are available to patrol and respond to incidents.”

Information about basic wildfire safety is at keeporegongreen.org.

On 7/1/2020 at 11:49 pm, CCSO deputies and EMS personnel were dispatched to a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in the 12700 block of NE 359th Street.  Upon arrival, first responders discovered a man lying in the roadway.  He had been struck by a Ford Transit work van traveling west on NE 359th Street.  NE 359th Street is a 50 mph two-lane rural roadway with no shoulder located north of Battle Ground.

The driver, identified as Aleksandr Kechick, stated that the male crossed directly into his path from the south side of the roadway.  After the collision, Kechik and a passerby provided aid to the male until EMS personnel arrived.  The male, later identified as Jordan A. Soliday, was transported to an area hospital with critical injuries.  Kechik provided a statement to deputies and remained at the scene.  Kechik was not arrested nor was he issued any citations.

Sadly, Soliday succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital at around 5:30 am on 7/2/2020

Soliday, age 23, was a resident of north Battle Ground.  Kechik, age 57, is a resident of Brush Prairie.

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

The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet by conference call at 1 p.m. on July 16. Its agenda includes a heritage bulletin on marking unmarked graves, a position paper on the Confederate flags in historic cemeteries, and outreach efforts to support the preservation of historic cemeteries. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oregon.gov. The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986?0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Marion County Health & Human Services has announced that reproductive health services will not resume as the department begins to reopen its Public Health Clinic, which has been closed since March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision follows months of careful assessment that began in 2019 when the county engaged a consultant to evaluate its service offerings in comparison to the needs of the community. The process incorporated input from employees, community partners, and individuals receiving services. The full report can be viewed on the Health & Human Services website.

The assessment found that the number of individuals seeking services from Marion County’s Reproductive Health Program had declined in recent years and that adequate alternatives exist to support the needs of the community were the program to close. In recent years, a shift in funding models for these services has led to an increase in access to and availability of primary care providers.

Marion County Health & Human Services will continue to coordinate with providers throughout the county to assist them in partnering with the Oregon Health Authority’s Reproductive Health Program and will work to ensure equitable access to care for all of the county’s residents.

Marion County’s Public Health Division Director, Katrina Rothenberger, said, “As the local public health authority, we take our responsibility to ensure equitable access to high quality healthcare for everyone in our community very seriously. As we begin to move away from direct service, we are eager to focus more of our time on creating change at the systems level.”   

Immunizations and STD/HIV services will continue at the county’s Salem Public Health Clinic located at 3180 Center St. NE and the county will work to assist community members in finding a healthcare provider if they do not already have one.

Due to fire risk and the presence of construction material and equipment at several schools, fireworks are again prohibited on all VPS grounds and parking lots this summer. The discharge or use of fireworks is not allowed on any district or school property, whether it is located outside of or within the limits of the city of Vancouver, which has an ordinance preventing the sale and use of consumer fireworks. Increased security patrols will monitor activity.

Date:      July 2, 2020             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Sheriff Curtis L. Landers

                 (541) 265-0652

                 lcsheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

                                                                               YOUNG DRIVERS

Each year thousands of young people obtain their driver’s license and join the ranks of the motoring public.  Most of these young people are prepared and their parents took a vested interest in their training in becoming responsible drivers.  However, there are still a small percentage of young people who need to be reminded about being a responsible driver. 

Here are some simple tips for today’s young drivers:

Slow Down!  There is never a good reason to travel faster than the posted speed limit.  This is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes involving young drivers.  It seems as though young people feel a need to show off to their friends on how fast their car can go.  They get into their car with a group of their friends, the music volume goes up and the gas pedal goes down.

Pay Attention!  Don’t take for granted that everyone is watching out for the other guy.  There are still people who drink and drive.  There are pedestrians who are crossing the street or walking along the roadway.  There are people riding their bicycles or walking with their child or their dog.  All of us should pay attention while we are operating a motor vehicle.  This is not a good time to be calling friends on your cell phone and looking for what music to play.  By paying attention to the road in front of you as well as what may be coming up from behind, the risk of a mishap is significantly reduced.

Turn Down the Music!  Playing your favorite music as loud as you can with your friends in the car seems fun, but the risk of distraction to the driver and everyone around them is tremendous.  Aside from being rude and disruptive to others, it is illegal for any sound amplification system to be audible outside the vehicle from 50 feet or more when the vehicle is on a public highway or premises open to the public.  It is important that all of our senses are utilized to determine what is occurring around us.  Horns and sirens on emergency vehicles are intended to be heard for the safety of everyone on the road. 

Be Cautious and Courteous.  This time of the year there is more traffic than usual.  Plan ahead and start earlier if necessary.  There are going to be a lot of people visiting our coastal area who may not be familiar with the roads, so they will be driving slower.  Plan on taking a few minutes longer to arrive at your destination.  Avoid conflicts with other drivers and be courteous to one another.

Please remember when you are driving, that you are responsible for your actions and the safety of your passengers.  Make sure everyone is properly seated and wearing their safety belt.

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

Greetings from Pacific University, where we approach the Independence Day weekend with a heightened sense of awareness, gratitude and especially, community. 

Here's what's going on here:

Pacific's Eugene Campus moves to Lane Community College grounds

Dr. Helen Sharp honored by American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association

Remembering former basketball coach and Athletic Director Bob Bonn

Alumna Bridgett Pride seeks to emphasize Black voices in library science

Alumnus Ryan Moore honored by employer, The Queen's Medical Center

Here's to a safe and meaningful weekend.

— pacificu.edu —

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

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) — the country’s largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to the field of aging — has bestowed the Clark Tibbitts Award to Portland Community College instructor Jan Abushakrah.

Abushakrah, who serves as PCC’s Gerontology Program faculty chair, was honored for her contribution to the advancement of gerontology and geriatrics education by GSA’s Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.

“I will forever cherish this highest, annual award because I was secretly nominated by my PCC team, and then was in tears and speechless when I learned that I had been selected by the award committee,” Abushakrah said. “Our program has guided hundreds of students to complete their first college experience, additional college degree, or certificate in preparation for meaningful careers that make a positive difference in the lives of older persons.”

Abushakrah said she is most proud of her program’s wrap-around student support efforts and its “Ending Ageism” and “Flipping Mindsets” campaigns for encore or older learners entering college. The long-time faculty member played a significant role in the development of the international Gerontology Education Competencies as part of a new Gerontology Program Accreditation process, and she served on the nation’s first Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council Board of Governors.

PCC’s Gerontology Program (based at the Sylvania Campus in Southwest Portland) offers five career pathways certificates that prepare graduates to enter existing jobs and provide them with the skills needed to create new positions and directions through self-employment. Graduates work in a wide range of entry-level and advanced positions in aging services, long term care and community programs. This includes serving as life enrichment coordinators, health and wellness specialists, aging life care managers, advocates, horticultural therapists, and many more.

“In the Portland Metro area and around the globe, our graduates are having a profound impact on the quality of life of diverse older persons,” she added.

Her own staff have said that Abushakrah, who founded the program, has made the college’s Gerontology Program what it is today. She transitioned it into a fully online format to meet the needs and demands of busy students, which helped to ensure the long-term viability. Through her community-wide outreach and mentoring, Abushakrah has helped to build an affinity for the program by students and faculty.

“Jan’s passion and commitment to advancing gerontology programs across community colleges has demonstrated a leadership that is both collaborative and heartfelt,” stated Mike Faber in the award application. “Jan is a real pioneer in the field of gerontology education at the community college level.”

The award presentations will take place at GSA’s November 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia, either in-person or virtually. The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is the nation’s oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging.

About Portland Community College: Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to nearly 70,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, eight education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

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

Blues Fest 2020: Listening Together presented by Bank of America officially kicks off this weekend, featuring a 2-hour television special, a 2-day radio broadcast and the Blues Fest Bandwagon, July 3-5, 2020

Portland, Ore. (July 2, 2020) – On what would have been opening day for the 33rd annual Waterfront Blues Festival, event organizers are putting the final touches on their new plans for 2020, including the Blues Fest Bandwagon, which hits the road on Friday, July 3.

The Blues Fest Bandwagon will bring live music to driveways, front yards and porches in the Portland Metro Area. Fans were able to nominate their favorite friend, frontline hero, or family member to be the recipient of this socially-distanced fun, and event organizers narrowed down the nearly 200 nominations to eight lucky winners. The stops on the Bandwagon will include visits to nurses, teachers, senior care workers, a veteran, a mom fighting cancer and of course, some Blues Festival super fans.

“The response to the Blues Fest Bandwagon has been simply amazing,” says Festival Producer Christina Fuller, and “the stories shared really show how cherished and impactful the Waterfront Blues Festival is.” Some snippets from the winning nominations demonstrate just that:

• “My mama has been battling cancer for the past year and will have her final treatment shortly after the 4th!! She’s always among the first people to purchase the four day Blues Fest pass and always THE first one through the gate for the best spot.”
• “’K’ is currently a nurse at Prov Portland hospital and treating COVID patients in the ICU. Her hard working and self sacrificing attitude is very admirable and deserves recognition in all forms. ‘B’ and ‘C’ are both working for the school district to support the future generation getting an education through this difficult climate. All three of these individuals are beautiful and selfless and I would love for them to experience this once in a life time opportunity.”
• “For my Dad, attending the Blues Festival is a yearly ritual. He was so disappointed when the usual Waterfront festival was canceled (and he brings it up frequently!). It's been a challenging time for my Dad, as it has been for everyone. I know a visit from the Blues Fest Band Wagon would cheer him immensely!”
• “She has been a volunteer for 20 years, she is a native Oregonian and never misses a festival.”

Beyond the Bandwagon, music lovers and Blues Fest fans will be able to virtually spend their July 4th weekend together enjoying some of the most electric, exciting past performances from the Waterfront. Livestreams of a 2-hour TV special on KOIN.com on July 4 at 9pm, and two days of music on KBOO.fm on July 4 and 5 starting at noon each day, will bring the music to houses and backyards across the country.

COVID-19 put an immediate halt on the live music and event industries, leaving musicians and industry personnel out of work and with no foreseeable return to ‘normal.’ Throughout July 4th weekend, the Festival will be promoting MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy, that “provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need.”

The festival's three-decade effort to fight hunger locally continues with a focus on Meals on Wheels People. Serving seniors in Multnomah and Washington Counties in Oregon, and Clark County in SW Washington, Meals on Wheels People has seen skyrocketed demand over the past several months due to Covid-19. By providing food, human connection and social support during these times of heightened isolation, loneliness and uncertainty, Meals on Wheels People are on the frontlines serving our neighbors.

The Blues Fest 2020 programs are made possible thanks to engaged festival sponsors, including Bank of America as this year's Presenting Sponsor.

In addition to Bank of America, long-time local sponsors Buick GMC of Beaverton, NW Natural and Bud Light affirmed their commitment to the Waterfront Blues Festival, ensuring that festival fans will have music in their homes and hearts this July 4th weekend.

For more informaiton, visit waterfrontbluesfest.com.     

About Waterfront Blues Festival:

Over the past 33 years, the Waterfront Blues Festival has become a treasured Portland tradition for locals and visitors alike, annually attracting over 80,000 attendees. Since 1988, this flagship festival has served as downtown Portland’s signature Fourth of July Celebration.

Voted “Best Festival” and “Best Outdoor Event” last year in Willamette Week’s annual “Best of Portland” Readers Poll, it is the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi, the second-largest blues festival in the nation, and one of the most revered festivals of its kind in the world. It is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Memphis-based Blues Foundation’s coveted Keeping the Blues Alive Award for ‘Best Festival.’ Since its inception, the festival has been committed to elevating the presence of local non-profits through fundraising and exposure.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 production of the full festival was canceled.

Presenting Sponsor: Bank of America

Supporting Sponsors: Buick GMC of Beaverton, Bud Light, NW Natural, KBOO 90.7FM, KOIN 6

Special thanks to: Pioneer Waterproofing, Portland Community College, The Let it Ride Group, The Oregonian | OregonLive

www.waterfrontbluesfest.com

On Wednesday, July 1, at approximately 10:46 p.m., Multnomah County Sheriff’s patrol deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the 4400 Block of SE 302nd Ave. in unincorporated Multnomah County. When deputies arrived, they located one adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital. He is expected to survive.

Deputies learned the alleged shooter was still on the property and repeatedly hailed for the man to surrender. When he did not immediately exit the home, deputies requested available SWAT members to assist. After 45 minutes, shortly after midnight, the man, identified as Robert Raymond Gillis Jr., 66, exited a building on his own and was arrested without incident. Gillis was booked on charges of attempted murder, assault in the first degree and unlawful use of a weapon.

There is no threat to the public. This an ongoing investigation. We’d like to recognize the outstanding work by MCSO patrol deputies and Gresham Police officers to bring this to a peaceful end. No further information can be released at this time.

CORRECTION: Indicent happened Thursday, June 25, not Saturday. Corrected below.

Two juvenile accomplices sought; witness driver available for interviews

Please reference CCSO Case # 20-013258

Dash-cam video of deputies arriving on-scene (.mp4 format)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/88qf6hfhyyyvspj/20-013258-DashCamVideo-EDIT.mp4?dl=0

At about 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2020, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the report of a theft in progress at the Eagle Creek Jackpot, located at 29629 SE Hwy. 224.

A young adult male and two unidentified juveniles were attempting to steal beer when their plans went significantly sideways.

The two juvenile suspects ran out of the Eagle Creek Jackpot carrying cases of Keystone and Coors beer. They then jumped into a waiting suspect vehicle, a 1997 Acura CL driven by Caleb Scott Mitchell, 18, of Wilsonville.

A gas attendant attempted to stop the teens from leaving. Mitchell reportedly accelerated the getaway vehicle toward the attendant.

A customer in the parking lot saw this and believed the suspect driver was attempting to hit the attendant with the Acura.  Thinking fast, the customer pulled his Honda Civic in front of the suspects.

The Acura collided with the passenger side of the Honda Civic, then fled east on Hwy. 224 and then on SE Currin Road.

The customer in the Honda Civic followed them.

The occupants of the suspect vehicle reportedly realized they were being followed by the Honda -- and made a U-turn and started traveling in the opposite direction.  As the suspect vehicle passed the Honda, the Acura sideswiped the the Honda Civic, damaging it a second time. 

The Honda's driver -- now a hit-and-run victim -- continued to follow the Acura in his Honda ... only to find the suspect vehicle had flipped over in the middle of Currin Road near Eagle Creek Road.

The suspects were seen getting out of the upside-down vehicle and fleeing the scene on foot. Before fleeing, one of the juvenile suspects reportedly approached the Honda and threatened to punch a female victim in the passenger seat before running away. 

As seen in the above-lined dash-cam video, deputies arrived on scene and investigated.

The female passenger had an injured elbow from the hit and run, but declined medical attention. They estimated about $2,500 damage to the Honda.

A short time later, the suspect driver -- 18-year-old Caleb Mitchell -- returned to the crash scene, driven by his mother. 

Mitchell was detained without further incident.

Mitchell admitted to being the driver, but declined to identify his two juvenile accomplices.

Mitchell was booked at the Clackamas County Jail on charges of Robbery II and Hit and Run with an Injury. His booking photo is attached.

The stolen beer was worth $30.78.

Photos from the crash scene are attached.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: The witness driver of the Honda Civic is available for media interviews. Contact PIO Sgt. Mendoza for contact information.

TIPS SOUGHT: The Sheriff’s Office is seeking the two juvenile suspects in this case, who ran out of the Eagle Creek Jackpot carrying the purloined beers. Anyone with information 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://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip . Please reference CCSO Case # 20-013258.

[END]

Beginning tonight at 8 p.m., TVF&R has enacted a High-Fire Danger Burn Ban. Outdoor burning will be banned throughout TVFR’s jurisdiction, which includes portions of Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill counties. (See jurisdiction map on page two.) It’s likely the ban will remain in place until fall.

The burn ban prohibits all of the following:

             1. Backyard or open burning (branches, yard debris, etc.).

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

             3. Any other land clearing or slash burning.

The burn ban does not prohibit:

             1. Small backyard recreational fire pits (maximum three feet in diameter and two feet               

                  high) in a safe location. Use only clean, dry firewood.

             2.  Outdoor fireplaces, grills, portable fireplaces (chimineas, etc.) and similar appliances  

                   with clean, dry firewood, briquettes, propane or natural gas.

             3.  The use of fireworks as allowed under Oregon law.

If you intend to use fireworks, keep them legal and safe. TVF&R fire crews will be driving through neighborhoods to monitor firework use on July 4. Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or travel on the ground more than six feet — this includes bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s. Purchase all fireworks at a licensed Oregon firework stand. Fireworks purchased by mail order, or in the state of Washington or at a Native American reservation, may be illegal in our state. Even legal fireworks are dangerous and can cause injuries and burns. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees. See tvfr.com for more firework safety information.

Individuals needing to report a fire or medical emergency should call 911. To report a nuisance or concern about illegal fireworks, call non-emergency dispatch 503-629-0111. These situations will be logged, passed on to local law enforcement, and responded to as resources allow.

In light of the pandemic, please consider staying home and avoiding large gatherings.

###

UPDATE (Wednesday, July 1, 2020): RELEASE OF POLICE REPORTS

In accordance with Sheriff's Roberts' June 18 statement, police reports and other relevant material from the Aug. 5, 2019 incident can now be downloaded from this Dropbox address:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zasrlrv5nivb49e/AACXadavVFMtt-dgRn7yx0tba?dl=0

A FAQ on Sheriff's Office hiring, training, policy and discipline is here ( https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/trainingfaq.html ), our joint statement on racial violence is here ( https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/2020-05-28-CCSOPR-JointLEStatement.html ), and Sheriff Roberts' original June 18 statement is below.

"I’m glad County Counsel has decided to honor my request to release all the records in this case," said Sheriff Roberts. "Transparency is needed to build trust with our communities. I’m proud of my deputies and the professionalism they show on a daily basis. I stand by our internal investigation and the facts on this matter."

EARLIER (June 18, 2020 5:07 p.m.):

STATEMENT FROM SHERIFF ROBERTS REGARDING AUG. 5, 2019 INCIDENT AND PENDING LAWSUIT

I can only imagine the fear a parent has for their child of color engaging with police. I know that there is nothing I can say to make their worry go away.  What I can say is: I will do my part to make sure that we use appropriate force and that every use of force continues to be reviewed by my agency. 

Due to public interest, here is the information we can share at this time, pending litigation. 

On Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, deputies responded to the mall, following a 911 call from mall security reporting a fight in progress involving a large group of juveniles following and physically assaulting a female juvenile. Deputies contacted the juveniles in the mall parking lot to investigate the alleged assault. All complied with deputies when asked to remain except one male juvenile, who refused to comply. He pulled away from deputies. They briefly placed him on the grass and then in handcuffs. He was questioned and released to his guardian. 

On Aug. 6, the Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from the juvenile's mother regarding this incident. Our Professional Standards Unit (PSU) immediately started an investigation. This involved an extensive review of reports, video and photographs from the scene, and interviews with witnesses and deputies. 

PSU did not find that any deputy placed a knee on the juvenile's neck. We do not train deputies to restrict a person's airway or impede their ability to breathe. It was determined the involved deputies followed training and policy.

We also participated in community discussions arising from this incident. On Oct. 8, 2019, we engaged in a community listening session organized by Representative Janelle Bynum and facilitated by Clackamas County Resolution Services. 

I will be asking Clackamas County Counsel to release police reports concerning this case.

For more information on our stance on racial violence, our recent joint statement is here:

https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/2020-05-28-CCSOPR-JointLEStatement.html

-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts

Joint news release // Oregon Parks and Recreation Department + Tillamook County Board of Commissioners // FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE // July 1, 2020

Cape Kiwanda beach parking restrictions remain in effect through September

Pacific City, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), in cooperation with Tillamook County, will limit vehicles parking on the beach from Cape Kiwanda south to the Nestucca River. Vehicles involved in launching or retrieving commercial or recreational boats will be allowed to park on the beach, but all other vehicles will have to park in designated lots or parking spaces along surface streets this summer.

The change is necessary due to increased congestion on the beach posing a health and safety risk to pedestrians, and reduced OPRD state park ranger staffing available to manage the traffic. On a sunny summer day, hundreds of vehicles enter the beach through a county-owned gate and boat ramp. Both OPRD and the county agree the change is necessary.

As provided under Oregon Administrative Rules 736-024-015(2)(g)(A) and (B), and 736-021-0040(7)(a) and (c), motor vehicles will be allowed only for operating or parking while towing boat trailers or launching boats, and information on accessing the beach through the county gate can be obtained from Tillamook County Parks at 503-322-3477 or OPRD at 541-563-8506 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Requests for access should be made well in advance of any trip.

Extra local parking and shuttle services are being arranged by the county, but visitors need to be prepared for the fact there will be times this summer when all parking is full. In those cases, visitors will need to divert to other destinations or return after enjoying other Tillamook County attractions.

Reducing congestion is both a short- and long-term goal for OPRD and Tillamook County.

“We want people living in Pacific City, and the businesses in south county, to succeed,” says Tillamook County Commissioner David Yamamoto. “Protecting the quality of life here means adapting to the fact more people want to enjoy what the people in PC have already discovered: this is a beautiful place.”

“Traffic patterns have grown to the point that visitor experience is now diminished and has created a very unsafe condition,” says OPRD Coast Region Manager Dennis Comfort. “I believe it is time to partner with Tillamook County to address limiting vehicles on the beach. That many cars mixed with hundreds of people is a recipe for tragedy.”

“Pacific City continues to be a destination community and is extremely popular during the spring and summer months,” says Tillamook County Sheriff Jim Horton. “We see a significant number of visitors to the area and we want to continue to work with community partners and OPRD to ensure the safety of those who live in and visit the area.”

People who aren't boating and park on the beach are subject to warnings and citations.

The restriction will only affect vehicles on the beach south of Cape Kiwanda. For the time being, barricades will remain in place at the end of Pacific Avenue near Bob Straub State Park to prevent vehicle access over the dune, but pedestrians will still be able to access the beach at that spot.

# # #

WASHINGTON – One year ago, the Trump Administration released a strategic plan through the Departments of Commerce and the Interior designed to ensure the nation has a secure and reliable supply of critical minerals necessary for our economic and national security. In the year since, the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management have worked with partner agencies to identify prospective areas for critical mineral deposits on public lands, and to accelerate review and approval of critical mineral exploration and development projects.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Casey Hammond highlighted some of the successes and milestones achieved over the past year in an op-ed published last week in the Elko, Nevada Daily Free Press. These include the approval of multiple critical minerals mining projects, and the expansion of many other operations. The full article is below.

Critical Minerals: Securing America’s Future

At no other time in recent memory has the United States needed to invest domestically and be less dependent on foreign products and natural resources. America’s manufacturing and technology sectors are among the highest-paying and fastest growing in the country, and their raw materials could and should be sourced from the United States by American workers. The impacts to consumers and the nation’s economy from the disruptions caused by the coronavirus illustrates the need for domestic production of critical minerals.

In response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13817, A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals, the Department of the Interior established a list of 35 minerals essential to the economic and national security of the United States. The list includes rare earth elements and other metals such as lithium, indium, tellurium, gallium, and platinum group elements. They are used in the smartphones in our pockets, the cars we drive, the computers and televisions we rely on for work and entertainment, alloys for the aerospace and defense industries, integrated circuits and optical devices, medical imaging and research, and hundreds of other applications.

In 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated the total value of critical mineral resources produced to be $82.2 billion. Our nation is a major exporter of some of these minerals, however we rely on other countries for more than 50 percent of most of the minerals that are vital to our economy and security. In fact, the United States relies on imports to meet 50 percent or more of the domestic demand for 31 of the 35 designated critical minerals. We have no domestic production and rely completely on imports to supply the nation’s demand for 14 of those critical minerals, including rare earth minerals, manganese, and cesium – all vital for technology manufacturing and dozens of other applications. In 1984, this total was 11. Today, China dominates the market and supplies the largest number of critical minerals to the United States.

Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt and the Department of the Interior have been working to ensure the Nation has a reliable supply of critical minerals necessary for our economic prosperity and national security by identifying areas for discovery of new deposits of these minerals and accelerate their possible development on public lands. Other agencies are advancing research and development into recycling and reprocessing technologies for critical minerals, as well as enhancing the nation’s workforce and downstream manufacturing capabilities.

We are one of the few nations who will smartly and efficiently develop these resources responsibly and limit the environmental impact. We’ve made it a priority to streamline the review and approval of critical minerals development projects on BLM managed lands including:

• Approving the Panamint Valley Lithium Exploration Project in Inyo County, California, which is drilling exploratory wells to locate lithium deposits last August.
• Releasing the analysis of the proposed Thacker Pass Lithium Mine in Nevada in the next few weeks, which if approved, would employ over 300 employees and contribute approximately $145 million in combined tax revenues.

Full production capacity for the Thacker Pass mine is projected to be 60,000 metric tons per year – which, at current levels, would represent nearly 44 percent of global lithium production and become the second largest lithium project in the world. Global demand for lithium is skyrocketing due to its importance in high-capacity batteries for electric cars, laptops, smartphones and other products. As of now, almost 96 percent of production is concentrated in just four countries: Australia, Chile, Argentina and China.

• Holding a virtual public meeting to discuss the development of an environmental analysis for a proposed dolomite quarry mine in Luna County, New Mexico. Dolomite, a form of Magnesium, is used for multiple applications, including in the construction, metal processing, and chemical industries, and as an ingredient in the production of glass, bricks, and ceramics.
• Approving the expansion of the Lost Creek uranium in-situ recovery project in Sweetwater County, Wyoming in March. The decision allows the mine to expand uranium recovery into the next deeper layer of minerals and onto 5,751 additional surface acres ,for a total project area of 10,005 acres, enabling the company to expand operations and sustain employment for an additional six to eight years, until around 2032.

Through these projects and many others, we continue to champion investment in American industry and infrastructure, by encouraging innovation and responsible multiple use of our public lands. Projects like these underpin our nation’s strong and diverse minerals and energy portfolios, and their benefits will multiply as this Administration encourages new development of our natural resources to embolden American economic growth and national security.

Ending our dependence upon foreign sources for critical minerals will make America safer, more secure, and more prosperous in the years ahead. We are proud to help lead the way.

Casey Hammond is Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management.

--BLM--

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

Follow the BLM on Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr @BLMNational

https://portlandalliance.com/news/2020-07-01/welcome-to-our-new-board-and-executive-committee-member.html

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Business Alliance welcomes 18 new board members and executive committee leaders, including newly elected Chair Mike Golub, President of Business, Portland Timbers & Thorns for the new fiscal year.

The board of greater Portland’s Chamber of Commerce now has a waiting list.

These new board members join more than 70 directors who represent a diverse group of employers, industries, and organizational interests for the greater Portland region.

Of the new board members and leaders, nine join our executive committee, four begin service as voting members of the board and five as ex-officios.

Under leadership of our executive committee, the board of directors are actively involved in decision-making regarding advocacy, financial health, programming, and membership for the Portland Business Alliance.

“We are thrilled to welcome these incredible leaders to our board at such a pivotal time, offering fresh perspectives that will guide our efforts as we navigate the challenges facing our region in the year ahead,” said Mike Golub, Board Chair, Portland Business Alliance and President of Business, Portland Timbers & Thorns.

View full list of Portland Business Alliance Executive Committee and Board of Directors for 2020 - 2021

We welcome new executive committee members:

We welcome new board members:

We welcome new ex-officio board members:

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The Portland Business Alliance is greater Portland’s chamber of commerce and represents the largest, most diverse business network in the region. Our mission is to create opportunity and advance well-being for all who live and work in the greater Portland and SW Washington region. Our vision is a healthy and resilient business ecosystem. Learn more at PortlandAlliance.com.
 

Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports yesterday, June 30, his Detectives served a search warrant in the 700 block of Virginia Street in Stayton, related to several thefts, burglaries and property crimes from Linn and Marion Counties.

Linn County Sheriff’s Office received several reports beginning in May, of a male using a face covering to steal from remote areas in Linn County. In May, deputies responded to a hydroelectric plant east of Sweet Home where United States Forest Service had multiple items stolen. In June, deputies took a burglary report at the Santiam Ski Lodge near Hoodoo where a male and female broke into the ski lodge. A Nissan Pathfinder was used at both locations. Through the investigation, deputies were able to identify the male associated with the vehicle as Anthony Fennimore, 30, from Stayton.

On June 28, deputies investigated several reports of vehicles that had been broken into in the Marion Lakes area of Linn County.  That same day, deputies also investigated a report of a vehicle stolen from the Pacific Crest Trailhead off Hwy 20 near Hoodoo.  The investigations revealed thousands of dollars’ worth of items were stolen during these thefts, including a firearm. 

On the morning of June 30, deputies located the Nissan Pathfinder and the vehicle stolen from the Pacific Crest Trailhead, parked at a residence located in the 700 block of Virginia Street in Stayton Oregon.  Deputies served a search warrant and recovered the stolen vehicle, in addition to nearly 200 items believed to be stolen from both Marion and Linn Counties. 

Anthony Fennimore and Brittany Davidson, 32, were contacted at the location, arrested and transported to the Linn County Jail in connection with multiple cases.  Anthony Fennimore was charged with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, Burglary II, Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, two counts of Theft I, Theft 1 of a Firearm, and two counts of Criminal Mischief II.  Brittany Davidson was charged with Burglary II and Criminal Mischief II.  Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. 

Linn County Deputies were assisted by the Stayton Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. 

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Steve Frambes at 541-967-3950. 

The Oregon State Marine Board annually receives complaints from boaters grounding on shoals and sandbars on the Willamette River, especially near Willow Island and New Era Bar, located at RM 32 near Canby. From the surface, the river can be deceiving. The channel is narrow and takes an intentional effort to learn how to navigate. Here are some pointers on finding the channel in this stretch of the river for motorboats:

• Line up the range markers on the banks of the river (to the north and south) to identify the channel.
• Seasonal red and green buoys are maintained by the US Coast Guard and mark the channel at its narrowest point.
• Depth finders and chart plotters are a valuable aid in determining underwater obstructions, hazards and shoals that exist in many areas of the river.
• Digital charts are available from NOAA for the Willamette River. Paper charts are also available at nautical supply stores, many fishing tackle shops, and will show historically shallow areas. Local boating retailers are an excellent source of information as well.
• Note that all charts and all other references can become out-of-date quickly depending on winter flows and moving sands and debris.

Large trees with root balls and shifting sand bars can become obstructions upon which an operator can ground a boat, damage a propeller or break an outdrive unit at any time, at any location, on any Oregon River. It is incumbent on the boat operator to start slow to observe the conditions, survey the area, and use these tried-and-true tools.

A question agency staff are routinely asked is, “Why doesn’t the Marine Board better mark these areas with buoys?” The decision to place a waterway marker is based, in part, on the geography of the area and existing navigation markers. This shallow area at river mile 32 on the Willamette River is already marked with range markers, US Coast Guard buoys, and is well-described on nautical charts. Plus, it changes little from year to year. In addition, the shallow areas are primarily bedrock and river currents make it very difficult to permanently affix buoys, even with heavy anchors.

Oregon’s rivers are dynamic and ever-changing. Boaters assume the obligation to know the waterway and operate responsibly. Operators should understand that an area has hidden obstructions until they have surveyed it, especially in tidally influenced areas and rivers or areas with stronger currents.
A good primer and tutorial on navigation aids can be found at https://www.uscgboating.org/images/486.PDF.

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Salem, Ore. — Construction is set to begin Monday, July 6, 2020, on ground work for the new Gerry Frank | Rotary Amphitheater and Stage.

Emery and Sons Construction, a Salem firm, is the general contractor on the project.

The projects are Phase 1 of improvements outlined in the Salem Riverfront Park  Master Plan that describes the addition of new amenities to the 26-acre downtown park residents describe as “Salem’s Living Room.”

The plan guides management and development of the urban park for the next 20 years. Development of the plan occurred over several years and included open houses and outreach efforts to get input and feedback from the community.

Park improvements

An 8-unit restroom between the North Meadow and the existing Rotary Pavilion is under way and scheduled for completion in October.

Ground work for the amphitheater will continue through October and includes:

• Grading the ground for the amphitheater and stage,
• 55 added parking spaces
• A new entry plaza at the south end of the park.

The amphitheater work will be on 3.8 acres of park property acquired from Boise Cascade at the south end of Riverfront Park.  Construction of the amphitheater stage and cover by the Salem Rotary will follow in November after completion of the City’s ground work project. 

A project long in the planning

“This has been a collaborative effort over the last three years to get this going,” said Aaron Kimsey, City Project Manager on the project.

Originally, Salem Rotary had planned to have the facility open this summer, but issues in design and Riverfront Park master planning made that impossible.

“The end result is fantastic,” Kimsey said. “We’ll have a new plaza entry, a new event area, food truck hook-ups and 55 additional parking spaces. There’s a huge positive to this. We’ve just got to get through the next three to four months of construction impacts.”

Park Visitor Impact

Some impact at Riverfront Park is unavoidable, but efforts are being made to limit those impacts whenever possible:

• Visitors can expect most of the south parking lot near the carousel to be open Fridays through Sundays to make room for weekend activities, but closed Monday through Thursday for construction.
• The north parking lot will remain open and we will provide a golf cart to help shuttle people with mobility issues from the north lot to the carousel.

Estimated Costs

North Meadow Restroom: $846,690

Amphitheater Ground Work: $3.8 million

#          #          #

Portland, OR – After nearly four months closed, the Oregon Historical Society plans to re-open its museum to the public on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 10am. Following re-opening, public museum and store hours will be Wednesdays – Saturdays from 10am – 5pm and Sundays from 12pm – 5pm. The OHS Research Library remains closed for renovations that began in January 2020. More information on library services that are available during the renovation can be found at ohs.org/libraryreno.

Following the guidance and requirements of the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) for cultural attractions and museums, the Oregon Historical Society has implemented important safety protocols for the health of our staff and visitors. New safety protocols are detailed at the bottom of this press release as well as at ohs.org/reopening.

When the Oregon Historical Society closed on Saturday, March 14, the museum was about to debut a new original exhibition, Nevertheless, They Persisted: Women’s Voting Rights and the 19th Amendment, which chronicles the complicated history of woman suffrage and broad voting rights and profiles the brave activists who fought for woman suffrage. Now extended through mid-2021, this exhibit shows the many ways Oregon history connects to the national history of woman suffrage and to the complex history of American democracy.

“In this election year, Nevertheless, They Persisted will prompt visitors to reflect on voting rights and the many ways that activists have fought to universalize this basic right of citizenship,” said OHS Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “We were excited to open this exhibition in March, and four months later, the important messages of the power of activism shared in Nevertheless, They Persisted feel even more relevant today.”

Oregon women gained the right to vote in 1912, the initiative passing with a 52% majority after five prior failed attempts spanning nearly 30 years. It was not until the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, however, that women across the country gained the right to vote in local and national elections. Even then, these rights did not extend to all women — restrictions on citizenship continued for Native Americans and first-generation Asian Americans well into the twentieth century, and frequently used voter-suppression methods were outlawed by the 1965 Voting Rights Act (itself weakened by the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder).

Nevertheless, They Persisted, and the Oregon Historical Society’s recently renovated permanent exhibition, Experience Oregon, give visitors an honest, and often difficult, look at our state’s history. In a recent statement on racial justice and equality, Tymchuk and OHS Board President Mary Faulkner wrote, “The Oregon Historical Society recommits itself to being a valuable resource by documenting, preserving, and sharing our state’s history, from all perspectives, and in all its complexities. We hope that everyone will continue to help guide us in providing knowledge of the past and working to build a more just and equitable society in the future.”

The Oregon Historical Society is excited to re-open its museum to share these exhibitions with visitors, while continuing its efforts to provide programs and content virtually for those who are not able to visit in person. For a full schedule of upcoming virtual programs, visit ohs.org/events, and to read up on what has been keeping OHS staff-members busy during our closure, visit ohs.org/blog.

New Health and Safety Protocols

Visitors to the Oregon Historical Society will be asked to adhere to the following guidelines in an effort to keep our staff and visitors as safe as possible: 

Wear A Face Covering: Pursuant to the Governor’s executive order, all visitors age twelve and older are required to wear a face covering. In compliance with ADA requirements, guests who have a physical or mental health condition, including disability, that prevents them from putting on, taking off, or wearing a face covering or are unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons will be exempt. If visitors do not have a face covering, single-use face coverings will be provided at no charge.

Maintain Distance: Signage through the museum will remind visitors to keep six feet of distance between themselves and visitors outside of their party. Per OHA guidelines, groups of up to 10 within the same party are not required to maintain six feet of physical distance.

Modified Exhibit Access: For the safety of our visitors, high touch hands-on interactive features in open exhibitions are closed until further notice. Our History Hub exhibit will be closed due to the hands-on nature of this exhibition, as will our Photo Hallway gallery due to the inability for visitors to easily maintain six feet of distance. 

Museum Store: The Oregon Historical Society Museum Store will maintain the same public hours as the museum. During this time, there will be a limit of four customers in the store at one time. We are eager to welcome shoppers back to the museum store, as all sales in our store provide critical funding in support of our mission.

Other Safety Precautions Include:

• Additional hand sanitizing stations installed at the museum’s entrance and throughout the building;
• Plexiglas sneeze guards installed at point of sale stations;
• Designated one-way paths to maintain required distancing as visitors enter, exit, and enjoy our exhibitions;
• Limited contact transactions; at this time, we will be discouraging cash/check transactions; and
• Limiting building capacity to a maximum of 150 visitors in the museum at one time.

About the Oregon Historical Society
For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

NOTICE OF WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JULY 7TH, 2020 @ 6:30 p.m.

1-346-248-7799 passcode 638792021# and via Zoom at

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/638792021

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is pleased to announce the graduation of its 118th Basic Telecommunications Class.

The three-week course includes emergency call handling techniques, stress management, civil liability, ethics, criminal law, overview of fire-rescue and law enforcement operations, and a number of other topics. Upon completion of the course, students will return to their employing agency to continue their training for a number of months with a field training officer.

The 9-1-1 training program began in 1993 when the Oregon Legislative Assembly enacted legislation which requires that individuals who receive emergency calls for assistance from the public, meet professional standards for training and certification. There are approximately 950 men and women across the state who work in this profession in city, county, tribal, regional, and state public safety communications centers.

Basic Telecommunications Class #118 graduation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020, at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, in Salem, Oregon. Telephone: 503-378-2100.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, the graduation will be closed to the public.  However, we would like to publicly congratulate Basic Telecommunications Class #118 for a successful completion of their basic training.
 
Members of Basic Telecommunications Class #118:

Dispatcher Brooke Allen - Malheur County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Tera Asboe - Clackamas County Communications

Dispatcher Kelly Berkey - Warm Springs Police Department

Dispatcher Brie Blankenship - Yamhill Communications

Dispatcher Kathleen Clardy - Reedsport Police Department

Dispatcher Joseph Crawford - Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon

Dispatcher Dand'e Ennis - Willamette Valley Communications Center

Dispatcher Katie Frederick - Willamette Valley Communications Center

Dispatcher Alexandria Ishihara - Willamette Valley Communications Center

Dispatcher Ashley Larsen - Central Lane Communications Center

Dispatcher Jessica Lindley - Linn County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Moriah Mahoney - Brookings Police Department

Dispatcher Kristen McDonnell - METCOM 9-1-1

Dispatcher Rebecca McLaughlin - Josephine County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Bailey Nepean - Klamath 9-1-1 Communications District

Dispatcher Randee Randall - Linn County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Steve Reutov - Yamhill Communications

Dispatcher Arnold Sicairos - Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon

Dispatcher Katrina Sizer - Prineville Police Department

Dispatcher Michelle Stacey - Oregon State Police

Dispatcher Darian Storm - Grant County Emergency Communications

Dispatcher Hillary Trotter - Josephine County Sheriff's Office

Dispatcher Christine Turner - Clackamas County Communications

Dispatcher Kylee Welch - Springfield Police Department

Dispatcher Ashley Whitten - Portland State University DPS

Dispatcher Ashley Wolgast - Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon

## 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 Darren Bucich, Chief of McKenzie Fire & Rescue serves as the Chair of the Board. The department implements minimum standards established by the Board for the training and certification of more than 40,000 city, tribal, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security providers.

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

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at approximately 10:46 A.M., a Douglas County Deputy attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle south of Reedsport on Hwy 101.  The vehicle fled and eventually crashed on Hwy 101 near milepost 217.  

The operator of the vehicle is deceased.  

What appeared to be explosive devices were located at the scene and the Oregon State Police Explosives Unit is heading to the scene.  

Oregon State Police is investigating the crash. 

Hwy 101 will be closed for several hours with no detour available.     

More information will be available when appropriate.

July 1, 2020

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

Oregon reports 281 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 208, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 281 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 8,931. It is the highest daily case count since the beginning of the pandemic.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (2), Clackamas (20), Clatsop (1), Columbia (1), Deschutes (4), Douglas (2), Jackson (3), Jefferson (7), Klamath (4), Lake (2), Lane (12), Lincoln (12), Linn (7), Malheur (16), Marion (27), Morrow (2), Multnomah (38), Polk (8), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (42), Union (5), Wallowa (2), Wasco (4), Washington (48), and Yamhill (7).

Oregon’s 208th COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 18 and died on June 29. Her place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying medical conditions.

More information is available about Oregon’s 192nd death, which was initially reported June 22. Oregon’s 192nd death is a 90-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 18 and died on June 21, in her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

OHA to report outbreaks in child care facilities

Starting today, the COVID-19 Weekly Report will include names and case counts for child care facilities that enroll 30 or more children and have five or more cases. The Weekly Report also will include the total number of facilities statewide—no matter how many children they enroll—that have five or more cases.

Today’s Weekly Report covers data from June 22-28. In the report, most indicators point to a resurgence in COVID-19 transmission. OHA recorded 1,402 new cases of COVID-19 infection, an 11 percent increase from the previous week (1,263 new cases). In addition, 12 Oregonians were reported to have died, the same number as the preceding week.

The number of COVID-19 tests reported (28,359) decreased by 11 percent and the percentage of tests positive increased to 4.2 percent from 3.7 percent in the preceding week. Meanwhile, large outbreaks have contributed a diminishing proportion of recent cases, and sporadic cases have increased consistent with diffuse community spread.

Lastly, the report notes that about 75 percent of recent cases have been diagnosed in people younger than 50 years old. Since hospitalization is less common among younger people with COVID-19 infection, statewide hospital capacity remains sufficient for now.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland General Electric Company (NYSE: POR) announced this year’s PGE Drive Change Fund is now accepting applications in support of transportation electrification projects for community-based organizations. This year’s $2.25 million in grants are funded by sale of Oregon Clean Fuels Program credits, which PGE aggregates on behalf of customers who charge their electric vehicles at home. Last year’s winners represent organizations delivering important community benefits, including food assistance, health care, affordable housing and other social services.

“Oregon’s electric transportation future is for everyone,” said John McFarland, Chief Customer Officer for Portland General Electric. “We thank customers who charge their electric vehicles at home and the Oregon Clean Fuels program for making these community-focused grants possible. The PGE Drive Change Fund is one piece of what must be a concerted effort to make electric vehicles and other forms of transportation available to all as we build Oregon’s clean energy future.”

Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) Executive Director Paul Lumley said of the 2019 Drive Change Fund award they received, “It has been transformational for NAYA to be awarded the PGE Drive Change grant and to receive this new fleet of all electric and hybrid plug-in electric vehicles, knowing that we will be doing our part to affect climate change. Having to change our operations due to COVID-19, these energy efficient vehicles are even more important to us–we can provide our community with socially-distant food-delivery services while lifting up the spirits of our employees who are driving these vehicles.”

Quick Facts:

• The PGE Drive Change Fund supports projects that benefit residential customers in PGE’s service territory and advance transportation electrification in one or more of these categories:
  • The acquisition of electric vehicles,
  • Education and outreach campaigns,
  • The installation of EV charging infrastructure, or
  • Other innovative projects that advance transportation electrification.
• The fund has $2.25 million available, and a single project can receive no more than 1/3 of the total available funds ($750,000).
• The grants provide up to 100% of eligible project costs, although projects that leverage other funding sources are preferred.
• Applications can be submitted between July 1, 2020 and September 1, 2020.
• Successful projects will provide a direct community benefit and meet the needs of underserved communities while advancing electric transportation options for everyone.
• Grants are awarded through an open and competitive application process and evaluated by third-party vendors in accordance with eligibility guidelines, preferred project standards and established evaluation criteria.
• For more information about eligibility and the application process, please visit the PGE Drive Change Fund website.

The PGE Drive Change Fund started in June 2019 as part of PGE’s participation in the Oregon Clean Fuels Program. PGE participates in the program as a provider of low-carbon transportation fuel, and the funds from the sale of credits PGE receives are used to promote and support transportation electrification. The Oregon Clean Fuels Program, administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, aims to reduce the carbon intensity of Oregon’s transportation fuels. Under Governor Kate Brown’s recent Executive Order to address climate change, the Clean Fuels Program became the most ambitious in the nation, with goals to achieve reductions in average carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in Oregon by at least 20% (relative to 2015) by 2030, and at least 25% by 2035.

About Portland General Electric Company: Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the state. The company serves 899,000 customers with a service area population of 1.9 million Oregonians in 51 cities. PGE has 16 generation plants in five Oregon counties, and maintains and operates 14 public parks and recreation areas. For over 130 years, PGE has delivered safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. PGE and its 3,000 employees are working with customers to build a clean energy future. In 2019, PGE, employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $4.7 million and volunteered 32,900 hours with more than 700 nonprofits annually across Oregon. For more information visit portlandgeneral.com/cleanvision.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is urging people to stay home this Fourth of July weekend as the county experiences an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Today, Public Health is reporting 40 new cases – the highest number of cases reported in a single day in Clark County since the pandemic began.

From June 23 to June 30, 162 Clark County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, for an average of more than 20 new cases per day. In the first three weeks of June, 164 people tested positive, for an average of more than seven new cases per day.

 “Clark County’s case numbers are going up. This is a dangerous time for gatherings,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “We cannot disregard physical distancing simply because it’s a holiday weekend.”

COVID-19 is primarily spread through close contact with respiratory droplets expelled when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or talks. Even people who do not have symptoms may be infected and can spread the virus to others.

Gathering with others presents an opportunity for the virus to spread. Preliminary data from 72 completed interviews of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week, shows that 15 percent of cases were most likely exposed at private social gatherings of one to 10 people.

Public Health is urging Clark County residents to celebrate this Independence Day at home. Any gatherings should be limited to no more than five people from outside of the household – the largest gathering size allowed under Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.

Clark County residents can also take steps to keep themselves healthy and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Everyone should continue to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings in public. Remember to wash hands frequently, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces and stay home when sick.

Clark County remains in Phase 2 and does not have a timeline for entering Phase 3. Public Health submitted an application for Phase 3 to the state on June 26. Public Health has notified the state about the increase in local cases since submitting the application and will provide an update on the county’s application status when additional information is available.

Portland, Ore. – Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials have updated the 2020 prohibitions regarding the use of fire-causing materials on BLM lands to include the prohibition of using metal targets throughout Oregon and Washington. This is in addition to the original prohibition of using fireworks, exploding targets, and tracer or incendiary devices. The prohibition is effective May 10, 2020, until October 31, 2020.

“We need everyone to take an active role in preventing human-caused wildfires this year since the Pacific Northwest is predicted to have an extremely dry summer. To prevent these fires, we all have to follow these prohibitions,” said Barry Bushue, State Director, BLM Oregon/Washington.

BLM Officials recommend the following fire safety precautions for recreational target shooting:

• Avoid target shooting on days with hot, dry, and/or windy conditions.
• Ensure target areas are clear of dry grass, vegetation, and rocks for at least 20 feet around the target.
• Have a proper backstop.
• Bring water, a fire extinguisher, and a shovel.
• Do not use prohibited items:  metal targets, tracer or incendiary devices, and exploding targets.

For updated information on public use restrictions on BLM OR/WA public lands, please visit the BLM OR/WA fire restrictions page.

People violating these prohibitions can be fined up to $1,000 and/or receive a prison term of up to one year. In addition, people responsible for starting wildland fires on Federal lands can be billed for the cost of putting out the fire. An incendiary device is defined as any firebomb or device designed or specially adapted to cause physical harm to persons or property by means of fire, consisting of an incendiary substance or agent and a means to ignite it. Examples include, but are not limited to, flamethrowers, Molotov cocktails, or accelerants.

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

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver’s July Business Growth MAP Alliance forum is part two of a two-part series on digital marketing. July’s forum will focus on social media strategy. Learn how to understand your target market based on demographic data and create a social media plan to reach them.

The forum will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. July 15 via Zoom. The forum is open to all at no cost, but advance registration is required. Register online at business.vancouver.wsu.edu/bgmap and click the link under “Upcoming events.”

Speaker Kate Holland is the digital content producer for the Office of Marketing and Communication at WSU Vancouver. She has more than 10 years of experience working in design, content creation and marketing. Holland is a positive, creative and resourceful professional who is passionate about finding meaningful ways to engage diverse audiences through social media platforms.

The Business Growth MAP Alliance brings together small businesses and entrepreneurs to learn from each other, industry experts and WSU Vancouver faculty.

About WSU Vancouver

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

# # #

During the final week of June 2020, two serious incidents involving people in crisis were resolved peacefully by Sheriff’s Office deputies, saving the lives of two individuals in our community.

Shortly after 11pm on Monday, June 29th, a 16-year-old girl was reported to be at the top of the parking structure across the street from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office location at 215 SW Adams Avenue in Hillsboro. Before police arrived, several deputies from the Washington County Jail quickly responded to the location. After several minutes of speaking with the girl, our deputies were able to secure her from the outside railing where she was preparing to jump. The quick actions by these jail deputies undoubtedly saved her life.

The following afternoon, another female was on the top floor of the parking structure in similar circumstances. WCSO Jail Commander Caprice Massey was first on the scene and discovered the woman in crisis communicated using sign language. Commander Massey, who luckily knows sign language, was able to communicate with her along with a member of our Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU). They were eventually able to convince the woman to climb back over the railing to safety.

We are grateful for the good work our jail deputies and staff did this week to save the lives of two people experiencing a mental health crisis.

There are compassionate resources available in our community. Washington County has experienced mental health professionals ready to support you or a loved one at no cost. Just call 503-291-9111.

Learn more about mental health support in Washington County: bit.ly/WC_Crisis

In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Evergreen School Board of Directors last night passed a resolution condemning racism and committing to being an anti-racist school district. The two-page resolution, in keeping with the school board’s commitment to equity and inclusion, provides a strong framework for the Board’s upcoming work in creating a specific Equity policy.

“This resolution is reflective of the work we have been undertaking over the last several years. We believe it is important for our staff, students, family and the public to have our comprehensive statement of beliefs and expectations in one place,” stated School Board Vice President Victoria Bradford.

School Board President Julie Bocanegra reiterated the district’s commitment to the urgency of the work needed citing the start of an equity audit later this summer. “I am glad we have the resolution now in place, but now we must turn the resolution’s words into action.”

The resolution in its entirety can be found on the Evergreen Public Schools web site: (https://sites.google.com/evergreenps.org/school-board/home?fbclid=IwAR0PoDCumq53Iz0p5wVGq9deMP4Q0BKwf90c5VVMNkq0Pyv40fhsXXIHsZs#h.p_HKFfVrQMDwgy)

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

.

Camara Banfield has been appointed to fill the vacant position on the Vancouver Public Schools Board of Directors. The board interviewed 13 candidates and voted unanimously for Banfield to fill the vacant seat left by board director Mark Stoker, who resigned June 1.

“I am honored to be chosen to serve our school district and I look forward to adding yet another new perspective,” said Banfield. “I am passionate about making a positive impact for our students with the assistance of our ever-growing diverse community and the other directors of the board.” 

Banfield has practiced law in Clark County for nearly 20 years. She has served the community as a deputy prosecutor and has worked as a supervisor for the past 12 years. She currently serves as the chief criminal deputy prosecuting attorney. Banfield grew up in Vancouver and attended public schools in this community. She has three children who have attended, or currently attend, schools in the district.

“Camara is an outstanding applicant, and we are excited to work with her,” said Board President Wendy Smith. “She will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board. I also want to thank all of the other applicants. This was a difficult decision as we had many exceptional candidates. We look forward to finding opportunities to work with them and include their voices in the future.”

Banfield will be sworn in at the July 14 board meeting. The appointment will be temporary until the November 2021 general election, when a permanent board member will be elected to the position.

Salem, OR – Today the Oregon Secretary of State released an audit report of the Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division. The report concludes that effective preventive services can support child and family wellbeing by helping keep children at home safely.

“We appreciate the report and its acknowledgement that the work of supporting Oregon’s children and families is a community effort that depends on effective partnerships and preventive services,” said Rebecca Jones Gaston, director of the Oregon Child Welfare Program. “DHS Child Welfare is developing a Child Welfare Vision for Transformation. With contributions from partners, families and youth, our goal is to achieve true transformation built on core values and a belief that children do best growing up in a family. Our vision is for all children to experience safe, stable, healthy lives and grow up in the care of a nurturing family and community.”

DHS Child Welfare will achieve this Vision for Transformation through effective partnerships and shared responsibility within the child welfare system, including both the Oregon Health Authority and community partners. DHS Child Welfare and its partners are committed to providing services that support child and family wellbeing, prevent abuse and neglect of children, and reduce the use of foster care.

DHS Child Welfare will also:

1. Ensure that when foster care is needed, it will be family-based, short-term and culturally responsive. Foster care should be designed to better stabilize families, rather than just serving as a placement for a child.
2. Establish that children will be placed in the care of family, friends, and neighbors whenever possible, and help children maintain connections to their cultures, communities, and Tribes. 
3. Support our workforce and provide the resources, training, coaching, and services needed to support our children, families and communities.

DHS agrees with nine of the ten recommendations and partially agrees with one. Work is already underway to implement five of the 10 recommendations. 

As of June 30, 2020 no Oregon children are placed in out-of-state treatment facilities, down from a high of 88 children placed out-of-state in March 2019.

Children in foster care in Oregon fell to 6,692 in June 2020, the lowest number in at least four years.

In May 2020 there were 4,983 screened reports of abuse or neglect that were documented and either closed at screening or assigned for assessment.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).

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The Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee’s scheduled meeting for July 10 in Salem has been canceled by Chair David Yamamoto due to commissioners' ongoing responsibilities related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The next meeting of the FTLAC is scheduled for August 28, 2020, in Salem.

Fourth of July is a celebratory time.  Albany Fire wants you to have a safe holiday for your family and for your community.  

1. Keep your fireworks legal.  Illegal fireworks are a fire risk and can stress the mental health of your neighbors and pets.
2. Light one firework at a time and keep all children at a safe distance.
3. Keep a water bucket and a charged garden hose ready.
4. Never relight unburnt fireworks.
5. Be courteous.  Lighting fireworks late at night can cause unnecessary strain on your relationship with your neighbors and community.  
6. Wear a mask if you cannot maintain six feet of physical distance.

Albany Fire will again collaboratively respond to firework complaints with Albany Police Department while we also assist Linn County Sheriff's Office in Millersburg with firework related calls.  If illegal fireworks are present, Albany Fire Department will be confiscating them.   APD and LCSO can and may cite individuals.  

Leaving 911 lines open for priority emergencies is important.  Please use the following non-emergency lines for illegal firework complaints:

            Albany Police Department 541-917-7680

            Linn County Sheriff’s Office 541-967-3950

(NEWSROOMS: Video is available for download here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e-89_s87ESLpoZy-AzJZXM309Ca1YRdg/view?usp=sharing. It includes roughly 1:30 of raw sound from Lt. Neil Charlton followed by roughly 2:00 of edited b-roll of these two intersections.)

Photo speed enforcement begins today, July 1st, 2020, at two intersections in Tigard: 
•    Pacific Highway (99W) and 72nd Avenue
•    Pacific Highway (99W) and Hall Boulevard

This expands our existing photo enforcement program, which began earlier this year for red light violations. No additional cameras or equipment are needed to bring the speed enforcement component online.

The goal of the program is to improve safety, not only for drivers but also for pedestrians and cyclists. Previous traffic safety studies have shown these intersections to be among the most dangerous in Tigard in terms of volume of traffic, crashes and violations.

Potential violations will be reviewed by both a technician from the camera vendor company and a Tigard Police officer before citations will be issued. Under Oregon law (ORS 810.437), photo speed violations begin at 11 mph over the posted speed limit. Depending on how fast a driver is going, a ticket could cost anywhere from $165-440 and will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Where does the revenue go?
Under Oregon law (ORS 153.650), a combined $66 from every ticket must be paid to the county and state. Remaining revenue will then go back into the photo enforcement program, to pay for vendor contracts, camera equipment and maintenance and staff costs. If any revenue remains, the Tigard City Council has directed that it go to support a future police facility and be invested in traffic safety programs.

To learn more, please visit our Photo Traffic Enforcement webpage at https://www.tigard-or.gov/police/photo_traffic_enforcement.php and our FAQ page at https://www.tigard-or.gov/police/PTE_FAQs.php#speed.  

For additional questions or comments about the program, please email AskTigardPolice@tigard-or.gov.  
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Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting public comments on proposed changes to rules governing how the state protects important historical places.                                                  

The state is proposing updates to the Oregon Administrative Rules that govern how the state administers the federal National Register of Historic Places Program, which lists buildings, districts and other sites important to local, state or national history. The Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) — an office of OPRD — administers the local program, which is run by the National Park Service.

In the last several years, proponents nominated several high-profile, controversial properties that exposed discrepancies between federal and state laws and rules governing the National Register Program and gaps in administrative processes. Proposed changes will better align state rules with the federal requirements.

“We’re moving to fix those issues and refine the state rules to work better for Oregonians,” said Ian Johnson, associate deputy state historic preservation officer.

OPRD developed draft rules with the help of a committee of appointed members from state, county and local governments; preservation and natural resource organizations; and citizens with an interest in the National Register program.

OPRD will accept public comments on the proposed changes through 5 p.m. August 14, 2020. Comments can be made online, in writing or via email:

• Online: oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
• In writing: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn. Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.publiccomment@oregon.gov">OPRD.publiccomment@oregon.gov
• Via video or telephone in a public hearing on July 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Information on registering to provide comments during the public hearing will be available at: oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

After reviewing public comments, OPRD staff plan to present a final recommended rule for consideration to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

The full text of the proposed change is available online: oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/Pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Learn more about the National Register of Historic Places program in Oregon at oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/national-register.aspx

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (OPRD) All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Highway Access Routes Advisory Committee will meet via conference call 10 a.m. - noon July 7 to discuss the proposed ATV access route designation for a segment of Spinreel Road, located West of Lakeside.

The call is open to the public, but there will not be time for public comments during the meeting. The committee will also give an overview of the proposed designation.

How to access the conference call:

• Listen only: dial 1 (914) 614-3221, access code ID: 429-669-815.
• Register online to listen and view the presentation via web browser.

The proposed segment of Spinreel Road is a ½ mile stretch that runs from the U.S. 101 overpass to Airport Way. If designated, the segment would provide ATV access between Lakeside and the Spinreel dunes.

A public comment period for the proposed designation is open through July 6. Send comments via email to ian.caldwell@oregon.gov and ic.S.LEAMING@odot.state.or.us">Eric.S.LEAMING@odot.state.or.us.

Individuals who need special accommodations to listen to the call, or to request information in alternative formats, should contact Ian Caldwell, OPRD grants and community programs representative, at 541-410-5512. 

Learn more about the Oregon ATV Program at www.OregonOHV.org

June 30, 2020

Clark County Council

Clark County Government

PO Box 5000

Vancouver, WA 98666-5000

Dear Members of the Clark County Council,

Standing in solidarity with our partners, NAACP Vancouver and SW WA LULAC, YWCA Clark County would like to take this opportunity to address County Chair Eileen Quiring's statement of not believing systemic racism exists in Clark County. We implore Chair Quiring to learn about systemic racism in our country and in the county she oversees. We strongly recommend Clark County Council make a plan for how all elected officials will contribute to addressing systemic racism throughout its leadership, services, programs, and staffing. 

We support our partners, NAACP Vancouver and SW WA LULAC, as they call attention to Quiring's offensive and wholly inaccurate assertion. Our organizations, joined by Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program, are collectively requesting that Clark County Council hold a Listening Session with representatives from each organization to hear about the systemic racism that exists in Clark County and how it affects everyone in our community.

The time is now to acknowledge the systemic racism that communities of color have faced in our county and across the nation. It is incumbent for Chair Quiring to recognize and acknowledge systemic racism is real. We request all elected officials actively work to dismantle racism in every form. Our community needs leaders with integrity who are able to work together to bring equity to our community and fight against racism. 

We look forward to engaging in difficult but necessary conversations so we can all learn, grow, and move forward together. We await your reply to our invitation for a listening session.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Yarie

Director of Services and Mission Impact

YWCA Clark County

Portland, OR – For the second year running, Portland sophomores Kyler Wang and Alan Zhou won gold at the annual National History Day® contest in the Senior Group Documentary category for their film, Breaking the Curfew: The Story of Minoru Yasui. Wang and Zhou won first place in the same category in the 2019 contest for their documentary, Echo of Falling Water: The Inundation of Celilo Falls — the first time in several years that Oregon students have medaled at the national contest, which this year drew over 3,000 students from across the country.

Even amidst a pandemic, 141 students from across the state came together virtually to participate in Oregon History Day, the statewide qualifying competition for the annual National History Day® contest. Working from home, middle and high school students developed their research projects, in the forms of papers, documentaries, websites, performances, and exhibits, persevering through hurdles that the new virtual format presented. Fifty volunteer judges evaluated over 70 projects online, and 56 students advanced to the National History Day® contest, which took place online from June 14–20.

As veteran Oregon and National History Day® participants, the switch to a virtual format provided new hurdles for the documentarians, according to Zhou:

Competing virtually was definitely a change for us, as we had gotten used to flying to Maryland for the national competition the past two years. Fortunately, we were able to complete most of our research and personal interviews before the COVID-19 quarantine began. We did conduct a few interviews over the internet. Although this affected the visual quality, we still learned a lot from them. Our work process was also altered —we were unable to meet in-person to write our script and revise the project. Despite these challenges, the overall experience of participating in NHD and conducting historical research remained fulfilling. We are extremely grateful that Oregon History Day continued, as we would not have the chance to tell our story and view projects created by other students. 

While the students clearly persevered, Wang noted that he, “definitely missed some of the yearly traditions at Nationals, like exchanging state-themed buttons and the parade before the award ceremony.”

Breaking the Curfew profiles Hood River, Oregon, born Minoru Yasui, who intentionally violated the military curfew imposed on Japanese Americans during World War II. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, to Yasui for challenging the incarceration of Japanese Americans in concentration camps during World War II and for his leadership in civil and human rights. He is the first Oregonian to receive that Medal.

“Through our documentaries, we've always tried to give a voice to powerful stories that have been mostly untold or forgotten,” remarked Wang. “Even as Oregonians, Alan and I had never heard of Minoru Yasui, nor Celilo Falls.”

Zhou further shared:

We first came across Minoru Yasui during our visit to the Oregon Historical Society museum's Experience Oregon exhibition in September 2019. We were instantly captivated and inspired by his powerful story. Here was an Oregonian, born and raised just 60 miles east of our high schools, who dared to stand up against the full force of the United States government in his fight against the discriminatory military orders imposed on his community during World War II. After doing some more research, we knew that Minoru Yasui fit the theme of this year's National History Day competition (Breaking Barriers in History) perfectly. Mr. Yasui not only broke barriers by intentionally violating the curfew during WWII, but by serving as a champion of justice throughout his lifetime. He stands as an example of what it means to be an Oregonian —and an American. 

Other Oregon students recognized at National History Day® include Anja Jolin, now a student at St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon. Jolin first participated in the Oregon History Day program three years ago when she was a student at Laurelhurst K–8. Still mentored by her middle school teacher, Lindsay Gebbie, Jolin has won the Outstanding Oregon Entry for her projects three years running, this year recognized in the senior category for her paper, Chipping Away at the Bulletproof Glass Ceiling: Portland Women Breaking Barriers in Policing. When asked why she continues to participate in the program, Jolin says:

Oregon History Day has given me the chance to delve into topics that interest me and explore the intricate details and mysteries of historical events. I enjoy connecting local history to broader issues with national significance, such as immigration and systemic gender barriers. Oregon History Day has given me a chance to take my learning outside the classroom and learn about events and people in history and the impact that they have made to society as a whole.

Evelyn Chen, Flora Huan, and Rachel Wang from Beaverton, Oregon’s, Stoller Middle School won the Outstanding Oregon Junior Entry award for their Junior Group Documentary, Fighting for Change: The Integration of Women in the Armed Forces.

Other notable projects that represented Oregon at the National History Day® contest included:

• Breaking the Child Labor Barrier: Looking through Lewis Hine’s Lens at Lost Childhood, a senior paper by Alexa Rose from Echo School
• Women Entering a Male Dominated Field, a senior exhibit by Kaylan Ma from South Salem High School
• Soaring Above Segregation: The Story of Bessie Coleman, a junior website by Jaiden Smith from Seven Peaks School in Bend

For the first time, students can already begin working on their 2021 National History Day® projects, following the new annual theme, Communication in History: The Key to Understanding. National History Day® provides an excellent project-based learning opportunity for all middle and high school students; educators interested in bringing this program to the classroom should contact Oregon History Day Coordinator Kristen Pilgrim at isten.pilgrim@ohs.org">kristen.pilgrim@ohs.org.

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About Oregon History Day:

Oregon History Day, part of National History Day®, is a renowned, evidence-based middle and high school program where students across the state develop historical research projects based on an annual theme. Facilitated by the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon History Day encourages students to nurture their curiosities by researching topics from any time period or place, and by analyzing a historical event that connects to the annual theme. Students present their work in one of five categories — paper, website, exhibit, documentary, or performance —that can be developed independently or in groups of up to five students for each category (except paper).

Open-ended topic selections and student-directed inquiries give participants ownership over their projects and give educators the flexibility to adapt the program to fit their curriculum. Educators can narrow the scope of topic selections to align with themes they are covering in the classroom, such as focusing on the diversity of the many people who have shaped Oregon’s history. As students move through the process, they learn to collect, organize, and analyze information through a historical lens by evaluating primary and secondary sources.

Over half a million students across the nation participate, and for the first time ever, the National History Day® office is allowing students to begin work on their 2021 projects now! The 2021 theme is Communication in History: The Key to Understanding. For more information on National History Day®, visit www.nhd.org.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms & website (www.ohs.org), educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

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

•Traffic Stops

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

•Restoring the Peace

•Premise Checks

•Welfare Checks

•Flagged Down by Citizen

The Parkrose Board of Education of School District No. 3, Multnomah County, Oregon, will convene in a Virtual Organizational Board Meeting on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 online virtually with Zoom at the hour of 6:30 pm. The Board will elect a Chair and Vice Chair for 2020-2021 and take action on many annual organizational business items. They will also receive a Reopening Update from the Superintendent. The AMENDED agenda is posted on the Parkrose School District Website at https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicAgenda.aspx?ak=1000205&mk=50380502.

Virtual ZOOM Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83917232860?pwd=a2ZCYmhZUTFiZDJkQUtoSTZlRTJYUT09

Please note: If you wish to make a public comment during the Organizational Meeting follow the Zoom meeting URL listed above and fill out this electronic public comment form before Agenda Item #9 Reading of Public Comment: https://forms.gle/KAeuLwiQxoh9CKiY9

For those of you who cannot participate virtually we will post a recording of the meeting on our website at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXajhxrPxMclOQ6J00JUszQ.

Questions welcomed, please email: questions@parkrose.k12.or.us or leave a voice message at 503-408-2100.  

The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) serves two important roles in our state’s criminal justice system. The first, establishing minimum state standards for training and certification of more than 41,000 public and private safety professionals.  The second, providing a comprehensive basic training program for all newly hired law enforcement professionals, and supporting professional development by offering advanced and leadership training opportunities.  DPSST accomplishes its work in partnership with the 24-member Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST or Board) which is made-up of various public safety stakeholders including a citizen member.

The tragic death of George Floyd due to the actions of Minneapolis police officers has led to lots of discussions, both in Oregon and around the nation, regarding police training and accountability.  The actions of the Minneapolis police officers are inexcusable.  While DPSST has always actively engaged with stakeholders, it was of the utmost importance for us to pause our work as we mourned the death of Mr. Floyd and listened to the questions and concerns being raised about policing in our state and nation.  Many of the questions within our state have been regarding the training and accountability of Oregon law enforcement officers.

To address these questions, to share information, and to answer questions, over the past two weeks DPSST held a number of virtual sessions specifically for local community leaders, elected officials, state legislators, and media.  One session addressed Oregon’s criminal justice professional standards system.  Another focused specifically on police use of force training in Oregon offered by DPSST.  And the last covered the basic police training program offered at DPSST to all newly hired city, county, state, tribal, and university law enforcement professionals.  Participants had the ability to ask questions of DPSST staff during each of these sessions.

Each of the sessions were recorded and have been posted for viewing on the DPSST webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/CJ/Pages/InformationalFiles.aspx   While each of the presentations covered the same information, each generated different questions based on the background and specific interests of those participating.  We have also posted the responses to the questions that were asked and are in the process of completing this document as we gather the information for those questions that need an answer.

DPSST’s new and improved webpage now includes the content of the 16-week DPSST Basic Police Course. This link https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/CPE/Pages/curriculum-facilitator-development.aspx#curriculum_overviews will take you to the accordion where the information can be found.

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

This afternoon at 1:20pm, Gaston Firefighters were dispatched to a reported residential fire in the 47000 block of SW South Road, this is about a mile west of the city of Gaston in rural Washington County. While responding to the scene, fire crews were advised that this incident location has residents that are not friendly with responders and that Sheriff Deputies need to respond in first to make sure there was no one hostile at the location. Fire crews arrived in the area and staged about a quarter mile away until deputies could deem the scene was safe, this took less than 10 minutes. While staged away from the scene, it was evident that the structure was on fire and a full first alarm response was requested bringing additional units.

Once able to enter the property, firefighters were met with a downed power line at the entry of the driveway, preventing them from parking closer and having to avoid that section of the property. It was unknown if any residents were in the structure, therefore once flames were knocked down, a search was conducted to look for any occupants. Thankfully no occupants were located. It took approximately 30 minutes to get the fire under control and several hours of putting out hot spots. During the incident, two firefighters were evaluated and treated on scene for heat exhaustion. Due to extended time on scene for hot spots and firefighters with heat injuries, additional resources were requested to the scene.

This incident was located in a rural area with no hydrants readily available, therefore we had to bring water to the scene using Water Tenders. They're large water trucks that carry 3,000 gallons of water. They supply the water to the scene and then go to a hydrant and fill up, and repeat the process until the fire is out. Today's closest fire hydrant was over a half mile away.

The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

Gaston Fire District was assisted on scene by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, Cornelius Fire Department, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Banks Fire District, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Yamhill Fire District, Dundee Fire/Rescue, Metro West Ambulance and Washington County Sheriffs Office.

Incident Information
Engines - 10
Water Tenders - 5
Chiefs - 3
Investigators - 2
Ambulances - 3

Total Fire/Medical Personnel - 53

# # #

Vancouver, Washington – City Manager Eric Holmes today issued civil emergency order 2020-15, which amends order 2020-11 and allows playgrounds in city parks to reopen, effective immediately. The amendment will be reviewed by Vancouver City Council at their regular meeting Monday, July 6.

The city has also reopened Wintler Community Park to public use. The park is especially popular in the summer due to its beach access. Visitors are reminded to choose a different location if the park is crowded and to continue to practice physical distancing.

At all city parks, the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department has reopened playgrounds; sports courts; the Leverich Park disc golf course; Swift Skate Park; and public restrooms. Picnic areas, barbeques and shelters are open on a first come, first served basis; shelter reservations will resume Aug. 1. The water play features at Esther Short Park and Vancouver Waterfront Park remain closed at this time.

Park users are asked to stay home if they are sick or experiencing any symptoms of illness, or have been in contact with someone diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 in the last 14 days. They should wash or sanitize their hands before and after visiting the park and when using park equipment or structures. There is no regular sanitizing schedule for park amenities at this time and the Vancouver Parks and Recreation cannot guarantee that they are free from the COVID-19 virus.

Visitors should continue to practice physical distancing of at least six feet between themselves and others. Groups should not exceed five people while Clark County is in Phase 2 of the Safe Start Washington reopening plan, or 50 people when the county enters Phase 3. In compliance with the Washington state mandate, face coverings should be worn in areas where physical distance is difficult to maintain, including on playgrounds.  

Organized and drop-in games are now allowed on sports courts. Continue to practice physical distancing and wear face coverings when that is not possible. Visitors should avoid physical contact during sports or fitness activities.

The full text of the city’s civil emergency orders are available online at www.cityofvancouver.us/coronavirus.

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As we head into the July 4th holiday, it is extremely important that all residents of our community are aware of the fire danger we are facing in the city and surrounding areas.

With no professional fireworks displays this year due to COVID-19, we expect household firework use to be far greater than usual. All of us at PF&R are concerned about your safety and we would like you to please pay close attention to the following advice:  

• Only call 911 if there is an emergency, such as a fire or other urgent life safety issue. Do  not call 911 to report illegal fireworks.
• If you use fireworks that you cannot control or predict, such as: aerials & travelling fireworks -i.e. mortars, bottle rockets -there is a VERY high probability you will start a building or brush fire.
• If you start a fire or hurt someone, you can be held personally liable and face criminal prosecution.
• DAMAGE CAUSED BY YOUR FIREWORKS IS YOUR RESPONSBILITY.

Please only use fireworks that you purchased in Oregon, use them safely and have a fun July 4th!

MEDIA FIREWORKS DEMO: Members of the media are invited to see a demonstration of how to safely use fireworks, how to dispose of them and talk about common household dangers during fireworks season. Demo’s will happen Wednesday July 1st and Thursday July 2nd between 12pm-3pm.

Email your demo request to fireinfo@portlandoregon.gov for location and time.

Short fireworks demo video: https://twitter.com/PDXFire/status/1278084321690054656?s=20

(Salem, Ore.) — Public notice is provided by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), on a rate change.

The Oregon Legislature provided ODDS with $30 million General Fund (approximately $92 million total funds) to help bring direct support professionals’ wages as close as possible to $15 per hour by the end of the 2019-21 biennium and implement new rate models over the course of the biennium.

Per legislative direction in Senate Bill 5026 and the related Budget Note ODDS implemented selected rate increases in 2019.

Following the 2019 rate increases, approximately $10 million remained available for implementing new rate models. Due to an unexpected data issue and COVID-19, transition to the new rate models has been postponed. However, ODDS did get approval to use the remainder of the funds for 5% rate increases to help bring up wages on July 1, 2020.

Starting July 1, 2020, the rates for the following services will increase by 5%:

• Day Support Activities
• Job Coaching
• Small Group Employment
• Employment Path
• Attendant Care Support
• Discovery
• Supported Living
• Kids Foster Care
• Adult 24-hour (The temporary 10% rate increase granted to this group of providers to address COVID-19 ends on June 30, 2020. This 5% increase is not in addition to the temporary 10% increase.)

Two provider categories will receive increases for wages based on the collective bargaining agreement between SEIU and the state of Oregon:

• Adult Foster Care, at 7.15%
• Personal Support Workers, at $0.77 per hour

Details about the increases are included in the updated Expenditures Guidelines. 

About ODDS:  The Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Disabilities Services provides leadership to support persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live as full participants in their communities. Oregon is recognized nationally as an innovative leader in developing community-based services for individuals with I/DD. Oregon’s system has the benefit of a strong advocacy community, one that has a long history and firm commitment to supporting people with I/DD to live as independently as possible in their communities.

###

DATE: 6/30/2020

CASE: 20-4434

UPDATE ON MONDAYS MISSING CHILD (LOCATED SAFE WITH MOTHER).

Anna was located Monday night by law enforcement in North Portland. She was with her biological mother and grandmother at a friend’s apartment. Anna appeared to be safe and was playing with other children when police contacted the family. Due to a complicated custody arrangement, law enforcement did not take Anna into custody at that time.  Law Enforcement will continue to work with DHS Child Services and the courts to evaluate legal custody and we appreciate the community concern and support.   

(END)

WHO:              David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department

WHEN:            Wed., July 1, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT

WHAT:            Oregon Employment Department Acting Director David Gerstenfeld will hold a video conference media briefing to share updates on unemployment claims processing on Wed., July 1 at 1:00 p.m. PT. Gerstenfeld will provide an update on claims processing progress, both for regular unemployment claims and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.

WHERE:         Via Zoom video conference; Members of the media must RSVP for call information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12:00 p.m. PT on Wed., July 1. Video conference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP.

OTHER:          The Oregon Employment Department is updating a claims processing progress data dashboard daily. Visit this link for week day updates. A recording of the video conference will be sent out shortly after the media briefing concludes. 

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

Just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, Multnomah County Sheriff’s deputies assigned to a security detail at the Justice Center in Downtown Portland heard people banging on the plywood protecting the west entrance of the building. When the deputies stepped outside, they smelled smoke. Deputies exited the portico and found a man, identified as Ronald James Connolly, 19, next to a fire on the steps of the Justice Center. Deputies noticed the fire was beginning to grow and used a fire extinguisher to stop the fire from causing significant damage. Connolly was arrested without incident and booked on a charge of Arson in the First Degree. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, JUNE 30, 2020

Fourth of July Fireworks Presentation Canceled at Riverfront Park

Salem, Ore. — The City of Salem wants to wish our community a safe and happy holiday weekend. As a reminder, our Fourth of July fireworks presentation at Riverfront Park has been canceled this year.  Phase 2 guidance continues to require limits to outdoor gatherings to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19. 

Please continue the safe and responsible use of our public parks. This includes maintaining adequate social distance, refraining from smoking, and keeping pets on their leash. All City parks close at dark and the use of fireworks is prohibited anywhere on park grounds.  

We encourage Salem families and friends to celebrate safely. Please visit the State Fire Marshall webpage for updated tips on firework safety and regulations, and always remember to:

• Store fireworks out of children’s reach
• Keep pets safe indoors
• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water
• Properly dispose of soaked fireworks in the trash

###

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 207, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

The Oregon Health Authority reported 181 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 8,656.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (19), Coos (1), Deschutes (10), Jackson (5), Jefferson (12), Josephine (2), Klamath (3), Lake (2), Lane (7), Lincoln (3), Linn (4), Malheur (7), Marion (25), Multnomah (38), Polk (2), Umatilla (9), Union (10), Wasco (1), Washington (18), and Yamhill (3).

Oregon’s 205th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 18 and died on June 29, in his residence. He had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 206th COVID-19 death is a 93-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 19 and died on June 29, at Salem Hospital. He had underlying medical conditions.  

Oregon’s 207th COVID-19 death is a 66-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 12 and died on June 27, at Salem Hospital. She had underlying medical conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

Salem, OR–The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority are upgrading the eligibility system Oregonians use to apply for health coverage.

The upgrade is the first milestone in a larger project to make it easier for Oregonians to apply for health and human services benefits.

As we transition from the old system to the new one, there are two important considerations to be aware of:

1. The online application will be unavailable from July 2-5 while the upgrade is in progress.
2. Online applications that are not submitted by 4:00 p.m. PDT on July 2, 2020, cannot be transferred to the new system during the upgrade and will have to be restarted.

For Oregonians applying for Oregon Health Plan benefits online, it is important to complete those applications by July 2 or wait to start the application after July 6. Paper applications and applications completed over the phone are not impacted.

Oregonians can contact customer service at 1-800-699-9075 (TTY 711) to apply over the phone or request that an application be mailed to them. They can also download, print and mail a paper application. Both options are available in multiple languages.

After July 6, Oregonians can apply for the Oregon Health Plan online.

The Oregon ONE system will continue to be upgraded, in phases, through February 2021. Once the system is fully updated, all Oregonians will be able to use a single online application to apply for cash, childcare, food and medical benefits. They will also have the option to apply for any of these programs over the phone or in person at any local Aging and People with Disabilities, Area Agency on Aging or Self-Sufficiency Programs office that provides those benefits.

“This upgrade is just the first step in improving the way the state delivers health and human services benefits to Oregonians and their families,” said DHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht.

Please visit the DHS Benefits and Assistance page to learn more about the programs available to qualifying Oregonians.

Social media cards are attached.

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Portland, Oregon (June 30, 2020) – Active Recovery TMS, a Portland-based clinic specializing in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to treat depression, is proud to announce that they have successfully completed a $2 million private placement round from 3x5 Partners, a growth-oriented life sciences and natural resources venture capital firm headquartered in Portland. The funds will support further expansion of clinics across the Portland metro area, the Willamette Valley, and the greater Pacific Northwest region.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, nearly half of all Americans feel the current pandemic is affecting their mental health. The crisis has exacerbated mental health issues, and the burden will be felt for months and years to come. With this new investment, Active Recovery TMS can improve geographical reach and access to this valuable treatment option during COVID-19 and beyond, particularly to patients who have not responded to antidepressants or talk therapy in the past — as TMS can reduce symptoms of depression or bring depression under control with minimal side effects. 

“Our company ethos is to ‘invest in what the world needs.’ Active Recovery TMS is a natural fit – providing critical mental health services in a time when the need couldn’t be greater,” shared Tony Arnerich, Managing Director of 3x5 Partners. “Relationships have been the key to our success. We’ve been fortunate to work with Dave and Matt on the Active Recovery leadership team on previous projects and are impressed by what has been accomplished in such a short period of time. We’re thrilled to work together again under a shared vision to improve patient outcomes for those suffering from depression.”

“As we plan for future expansion, including a fourth new clinic opening in Salem this August, we do so knowing this investment will help us further our mission of bringing TMS treatment to communities all over our region, “ said Dave Grano, CEO and Managing Member of Active Recovery TMS. “We’re excited to have a proven partner on board that provides us not only expansion capital, but who is also as passionate about our life-changing therapy as we are.”

Active Recovery TMS, which provides TMS treatment exclusively, has grown significantly since its inception in 2017. Last year the clinic augmented its staff of four with eight new hires, and due to the demand for the clinic’s services, the practice will add 12 new hires and four clinics by the end of 2020.

About Active Recovery TMS

Active Recovery TMS seeks to provide a safe and effective alternative treatment for depression with transcranial magnetic stimulation, a compelling option for those who have not had success with standard depression treatments like medication and/or psychotherapy. Co-founded by Dr. Jonathan Horey to fill a void of TMS clinics in the Portland area and to introduce patients to this ground-breaking approach, Active Recovery TMS has been treating patients since January 2017. TMS is an FDA-cleared procedure that uses a highly focused, pulsed magnetic field (similar to an MRI) to target the regions of the brain involved in regulating mood with short 20-minute treatments. It is covered by almost all insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, enabling more patients to get the help and support they need in managing their mental wellbeing. More information can be found at activerecoverytms.com.

About 3x5 Partners

3x5 Partners is a growth-oriented venture capital firm dedicated to investing in solutions addressing our global health and climate crisis. We partner with and invest in passionate entrepreneurs pioneering innovative and impactful solutions in the life science and natural resource sectors. Founded in 2011, the 3x5 team has a track record of delivering proven returns for its investors and a reputation of being a patient and trusted partner. The firm has offices in Portland, OR and Minneapolis, MN.

Salem, Ore. — The Salem Police Department’s partnership with Oregon Impact and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will continue through the month of July. These ongoing projects to apprehend impaired drivers ahead of any potential serious or fatal crashes are crucial to the safety of community.

The traffic safety campaigns are grant-funded efforts of specialized patrols dedicated to looking for drivers under the influence of intoxicants.

The May campaign resulted in the following arrests and citations:

• 32 arrests for DUII
• One referral for minor in possession of alcohol
• 32 citations for driving with a suspended license
• 32 citations for seatbelt violations
• 16 citations for distracted driving
• 589 citations for speeding
• 697 other traffic citations and warnings

LT Treven Upkes who oversees the focused enforcement program shared, “Every time we prevent an impaired motorist from driving on our city streets, we make gains for the safety of our community. Officers working these efforts are also able to address other traffic safety issues.”

The Salem Police Department is committed to keeping our community and roadways safe through traffic enforcement and education along with our partners at Oregon Impact and NHTSA.

Please do your part to keep Salem streets safe. Remember: Do not drink and drive. Wear your seatbelt whether you’re the driver or the passenger. Use a handsfree device when driving.

# # #

The City of Fairview is offering Small Business Assistance Grants to provide financial support to businesses with 10 or fewer employees that have been adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program, a collaboration between Business Oregon and the City of Fairview, will provide a total of $30,000 in grants, with a minimum award of $2,500. Applications will be available online at the City’s website: www.fairvieworegon.gov/SBAG, and will be accepted beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. The grant application window will close once all available funds have been awarded, or on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at 5:00 pm, whichever occurs first.   Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Fairview Mayor Brian Cooper, "Our small business community plays a vital role in Fairview and we are excited to offer these grants just as many businesses are planning to re-open.”

Fairview encourages applications from every part of our business community including non-profits (with registered 501(c)(3) status), sole proprietors, minority-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. Fairview is committed to ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of grant awards to local businesses.

Business owners with questions can contact City of Fairview Covid-19 Response Specialist, Cristal Otero at oc@ci.fairview.or.us">oteroc@ci.fairview.or.us or (503)674-6236; or PlayEast! Recreation Manager Jairo Rios-Campos at ios-camposj@ci.fairview.or.us">rios-camposj@ci.fairview.or.us or (503)674-6202. Jairo Rios-Campos will act as the Latino business owner liaison and is bilingual in Spanish.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking an applicant to fill one of three Clark County at-large positions on the seven-member Fort Vancouver Regional Library District Board of Trustees. This position is for a partial term that will begin Aug. 1, 2020, and ends Dec. 31, 2021. 

This position is designated for someone living in Clark County outside of both Vancouver city limits and Camas city limits. Residents from all eligible areas are encouraged to apply. The Clark County Council seeks applicants who can bring a broad range of perspectives and experiences to the role. 

Library trustees are responsible for policies and fiscal oversight regarding FVRL's operations including 13 branch libraries, two self-serve locations, two bookmobiles and centralized library support services for about 500,000 people. The service area is more than 4,200 square miles and includes all of Clark County (except the city of Camas), all of Skamania and Klickitat counties, and the city of Woodland. FVRL also provides contract services to the Yale Valley Library District in Cowlitz County. 

The appointment must be approved by the boards of commissioners of Skamania and Klickitat counties and the Clark County Council.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and résumé to Michelle Pfenning at the Clark County Council Office, PO Box 5000, Vancouver, Washington 98666-5000, or to michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov.  

Application deadline is 5 pm Friday, July 31, 2020.

Application letters should address the applicant’s understanding of the challenges of serving on a public library board; perspectives concerning public library services, facilities, and library materials (i.e. books, CDs, DVDs, etc.); the value of public libraries in communities and funding for the library district.

More information about the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District is available on its website at www.fvrl.org under About Us.

On Thursday, July 2 at 12:30 PM, PeaceHealth St. John volunteers furloughed since early March due to COVID-19 safety precautions will return to the hospital to take part in a socially distanced parade around the hospital. The volunteers will drive through the PeaceHealth St. John campus waving from their vehicles to say "hello, we miss you" to the PeaceHealth St. John staff.

"We have 270 volunteers on our team, and we have really missed having them here at PeaceHealth St. John for the past four months," said Crystal Rhodes, Volunteer Coordinator at PeaceHealth St. John. "They not only provide tremendous help to us in accomplishing important day-to-day functions, but they also bring a bright, positive energy that never fails to lift our spirits. It will be wonderful to see them again, even if it is at an appropriate social distance. I know the volunteers are looking forward to the day when they can return to their work serving our patients."

PeaceHealth St. John anticipates approximately 30 volunteers will participate in the parade, including a number of teen volunteers who also recently graduated from local high schools and will wear their caps and gowns. Hospital employees will gather along the parade route holding signs with expressions of appreciation for the volunteers.

The parade will begin at 12:30 PM in front of the PeaceHealth St. John Emergency Department, move west past the Cancer Center, then north to Delaware Street before finishing in the parking circle in front of the hospital. The public is welcome to attend.

About PeaceHealth St. John volunteer opportunities
PeaceHealth St. John provides volunteer opportunities for adults and teens in a variety of hospital areas including the Cancer Center, Emergency Department, Surgical Services, Gift Shop, Information Desks, Rehab, and Lobby area. For more information about volunteer opportunities visit our volunteer website.

The Oregon Department of Forestry will host a webinar meeting open to the public on Monday, July 13 to provide an update and solicit feedback on the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Planning process.

This meeting will focus on aquatic and terrestrial conservation strategies developed to protect covered threatened and endangered species on state forest lands over the lifetime of the HCP. RSVP is requested. This effort focuses on a potential HCP on state forestlands west of the Cascades and is primarily intended for those with an interest in management of Oregon’s forests.

Date: Monday, July 13
Time: 1–3:30 p.m. meeting, followed by informal discussion period to discuss issues of most interest to participants from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
RSVP: Please RSVP by clicking here
Where: Please see webinar and call-in information below.

• To view and participate in the webinar from your computer go to https://odf.zoom.us/j/94494505473.
• For quality audio, please call in from your phone using the following call-in information:
  • Dial: 253-215-8782
  • Meeting ID: 944 9450 5473
• A post-meeting recording will be posted on the ODF YouTube channel.

For more information on the Western Oregon State Forest HCP project, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/AboutODF/Pages/HCP-initiative.aspx.

June 30, 2020

What: A conference call for the Governance and Frame Working Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD

When: July 15, 10 a.m. to noon.

Where: Conference call line: 877-848-7030, access code 753428.

Background: The Oregon Cannabis Commission was established in the 2017 legislative session through HB 2198. The commission consists of the state health officer or designee and an eight member-panel appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the senate. The commission is tasked with determining a possible framework for future governance of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, steps to address research on cannabis in areas of public health policy and public safety policy, agronomic and horticultural best practices, and medical and pharmacopoeia best practices. The commission also advises the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission regarding statutes governing medical and retail cannabis. Visit www.Healthoregon.org/cannabiscommission for more information.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Shannon McFadden at 971-673-3181, 711 TTY or shannon.m.mcfadden@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Public Safety Memorial Fund Board Meeting 

The Public Safety Memorial Fund Board will hold a WebEx meeting on Wednesday July 8, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. in the Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Linsay Hale at (503) 378-2427 or via email at linsay.hale@state.or.us

Teleconference Information:

Dial-In: 888-273-3658

Participant Code: 4711910

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Agenda

1. January 23, 2020 -  Approve minutes (requires vote)
2. Malcus Williams (DPSST #33171) – Ashland Police Department; Supplemental Application for Discretionary PSMF Benefits (requires vote)  Presented by Linsay Hale
3. Next meeting – TBD

# # Background # #

Established by the Legislature in 1999, the Oregon Public Safety Memorial Fund is administered and staffed by DPSST, in conjunction with a Governor-appointed PSMF Board of public safety constituents. The fund provides financial assistance to public safety officers who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of a line of duty injury, and to family members of the public safety officers who have been killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty. For more information please go to https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/BD/MFB/Pages/default.aspx

PORTLAND, Ore., June 30, 2020 – As Tualatin Valley businesses reopen and the community adapts to the challenges in our current health and financial environment, OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today it will open its first branch in Sherwood on Monday, July 13, 2020. OnPoint's new Sherwood Branch, located at 16798 SW Edy Road., Suite 118, is its fourth branch in Washington County and 36th overall. 

"OnPoint works every day to support the financial well-being of local families, businesses and the overall economy," said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "Sherwood businesses and residents have been hit hard by the ripple effect of COVID-19, and we are ready to support our new neighbors, nonprofits and business partners as we all move forward."

OnPoint’s Sherwood Branch will offer the community a robust suite of financial services, including membership enrollment, consumer and commercial lending, mortgages, financial planning, ATM, a coin machine and notarization. The branch will be led by Branch Manager Josh Peterson, who has been with OnPoint for eight years and Assistant Branch Manager and Sherwood resident Marina Mijares, who has been with OnPoint nearly 10 years. 

“We are thrilled to open OnPoint’s newest branch in the thriving Sherwood community,” said Branch Manager Josh Peterson. “Our experienced team brings with it an extraordinary combination of knowledge and banking expertise to serve the gateway to Oregon’s wine country. We look forward to providing a quality banking experience for both consumers and businesses while developing lasting relationships in the community for years to come.” 

In addition to adding eight jobs to the Sherwood economy, OnPoint’s new branch will support the financial health of the community through customized financial education and advice. OnPoint also invests in the communities it serves by forging deep relationships to understand and address their most urgent needs. In 2019 alone, OnPoint donated $1,052,836 to nonprofits in Oregon and Southwest Washington and allocated 12,080 paid volunteer hours to its employees.

With growing families making up almost 80 percent of Sherwood households, OnPoint will donate $2,500 to In Kind Boxes. In Kind Boxes is run by four Sherwood mothers who are dedicated to ensuring every new mom and baby receive the same high standard of care by donating high-quality personal care and essential items to families in need. Click here to learn more about In Kind Boxes.

“In Kind Boxes is grateful to OnPoint Community Credit Union for the support of the Sherwood community,” said President, Maria Berglund. “Because of its generous donation, we will be able to purchase enough supplies to donate 45 gift boxes to families in need. Every dollar that is donated to In Kind Boxes, or made from sales, goes directly back to furthering our mission to provide every mother and child with the same standard of care. We are so thankful to local businesses like OnPoint who are dedicated to giving back to the community.” 

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 400,000 members and with assets of $7.2 billion. OnPoint membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at http://www.onpointcu.com or 800-527-3932.

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Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week: fraud related to COVID-19 antibody testing.  

Scammers are marketing fraudulent or unapproved COVID-19 antibody tests, potentially leading consumers to receive false results. In addition, fraudsters are trying to gain access to victims’ personal information, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. They are also seeking personal health data, including Medicare and private health insurance information, which can be used in future insurance or identity theft schemes.

Researchers are trying to develop testing methods that can quickly and easily test large numbers of people for COVID-19 antibodies. However, the FDA has not approved all COVID-19 antibody tests nor has it determined the efficacy of all tests. 

Here are some indicators of fraudulent activity:

• Claims of FDA approval for antibody testing that you can’t verify
• Ads for antibody testing through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited or unknown sources
• Marketers offering “free” COVID-19 antibody tests or providers offering incentives – including cash – if you undergo testing
• Individuals contacting you in person or by phone or email to tell you the government or government officials require you to take a COVID-19 antibody test

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

• Check the FDA’s website (fda.gov) for an updated list of approved antibody tests and testing companies
• Consult your primary care physician before undergoing any at-home antibody tests
• Use a known laboratory approved by your health insurance company to provide the antibody testing
• Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals
• Check your medical bills and the “explanation of benefits” (EOBs) that your insurance company sends you for any suspicious claims and promptly report any errors to your insurance provider
• Follow guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted medical professionals

If you believe you have been the victim of a COVID-19 fraud, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) at www.IC3.gov or call your local FBI office.

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Seaside, Ore. – June 30, 2020 – The City of Seaside encourages everyone to enjoy this unique Independence Day holiday safely. While our annual July 4th festivities and fireworks are canceled due to COVID-19 precautions, Seaside is in Phase 2 of Oregon’s reopening framework. To ensure locals and visitors have a good experience, here are six tips to keep in mind.

TIP 1: Bring Masks and Social Distance. Stay at least six feet from those outside your party and wear a mask when downtown, when visiting indoor spaces open to the public or in close proximity to others. Masks have been shown to reduce risk of contagion for yourself and others. If you’re sick, please stay home.

TIP 2: Use Only Legal Oregon Fireworks. Illegal fireworks explode, behave in an uncontrollable and unpredictable manner, eject balls of fire, or travel more than six feet on the ground or one foot into the air.

TIP 3: Share The Beach. and keep your area safe for everyone. No tents on the beach, avoid digging large fire pits (nothing larger than three feet in length, width or depth), and pallets are not allowed in any circumstance as they litter the sand with hidden nails and other sharp metal objects. Please keep fires at least 50 feet from the beach grass and do not start fires in drift wood.

TIP 4: Stash Your Trash. Use the public garbage receptacles posted at entry points to the beach along the Promenade. 

TIP 5: Come Prepared. Seaside restaurants are a great option for meals during your visit – dine-in options are limited, take-out is plentiful – but consider bringing all groceries with you to lessen the burden on our local supply chains, which residents depend on.

TIP 6: Be Responsible. Police, fire, and city officials work around the clock to keep services in town running as smooth as possible with the large numbers of holiday visitors. If you need assistance with a non-emergency or want to report something, don’t hesitate to contact authorities at (503) 738-6311. If you see something, please say something. 

On behalf of Seaside’s City Council and public safety officials, Seaside thanks you for spending Independence Day with us.

end of release

Milwaukie Police are currently searching for 4-Year-Old Anna Devoll. She was last seen around 5:00 p.m., near Angela Way in Milwaukie. 

Anna is approximately 3'9" and 38 pounds. She has shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes. 

Please call Milwaukie Police immediatly if you see her. 503-786-7500. 

3Cs for July 4 Fire Safety    Cautious    Careful   and Courteous

On Monday, June 29, 2020, the Street Crimes Response Team (SCRT) along with Lincoln City Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and Newport Police executed a residential search warrant in Otis (76 N Holiday Lane).

Quentin Zeller-Nelson (26), of Otis, was arrested after a lengthy investigation into the distribution of illegal narcotics by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Lincoln City Police Department. During the warrant execution the SCRT seized a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia such as smoking devices.

Zeller-Nelson was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for Delivery and Possession of Methamphetamine and Frequenting or Maintaining a Place Where Drugs are Used. His bail was set at $165,000.00.

The Street Crimes Response Unit (SCRT) is a county-wide team designed to augment the Patrol Division.  This team specializes in the handling of community impact crimes, such as narcotics investigations, burglaries, and repeat offenders and does so by investigating these crimes thoroughly.

The SCRT is made up of members of the Lincoln City Police and the Newport Police Departments and routinely obtains assistance from the Toledo Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

LCPD would like to express our thanks to Newport Police drug-detection K9 Zoe and her handler. K9 teams are essential to these investigations.

The Lincoln City Police Department encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they witness, as it may assist law enforcement. The LCPD Drug Tip Line is available at 541-994-9800.

Submitted By:  Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

On Monday, June 29, 2020 at approximately 11:40 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision on Hwy 26 near milepost 85.

Preliminary investigation showed that a white Mercedes Benz SUV, operated by Kathy Rayborn (73) of Welches, OR. was traveling eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lanes and collided with a motor home operated by Richard Rydman (76) of Vancouver, WA. 

Rydman and his passenger, Janice Rydman (73) of Vancouver, WA. were transported to St. Charles Hospital in Madras.

Rayborn sustained fatal injuries as was pronounced deceased. 

OSP was assisted by the Warm Springs Police Department, Warm Springs Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Treasurer Alishia Topper reminds taxpayers that 2020 first-half property taxes were due June 3 and accounts with the first-half payment outstanding will incur 1% interest beginning Wednesday, July 1.

The deadline was extended for individual residential and commercial taxpayers due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The due date extension to June 3 eliminated the standard interest accrual occurring in May and June and a 3% penalty usually assessed on June 1.  

Taxpayers still past due on their 2020 first half taxes will incur 1% interest on July 1 and will continue to be assessed monthly interest until the first-half’s taxes are paid. Interest is assessed on the entire year’s bill amount, not only the past due balance.

Payments can be made:

• Online at www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer/payment-options (transaction fees for online payments may apply)
• By mail using a check or money order addressed to Clark County Treasurer, PO Box 35150, Seattle, WA 98124-5150 (cash should not be sent through the mail)
• Via check or money order using the specially marked secure dropbox at the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. (cash payments may not be deposited in the dropbox).  As of June 26, masks are required for all individuals entering the Public Service Center.

Past due notification postcards were mailed to individuals with past due amounts. Taxpayers who need to obtain their amount due can visit the online Clark County Property Information Center and search for their account using their Property Account Number or address:  https://gis.clark.wa.gov/gishome/property/. 

Taxpayers can also contact the Clark County Treasurer’s Office at datamgmt@clark.wa.gov or by leaving a voicemail at 564.397.2252. Treasurer’s Office staff will respond on the same day if the voicemail is left before 4 pm, Monday – Friday.

In-person payments at the Clark County Public Service Center second floor Joint Services Lobby are still suspended until further notice.

For updates on tax deadlines and payment plans please visit the treasurer’s website www.clark.wa.gov/treasurer or facebook.com/ClarkWaTreasury/.  

Correction

The home where the party was allegedly occurring was rented through VRBO, not Airbnb. 

We apologize for the error. 

Vancouver, Wash. –On June 28, 2020, at approximately 2:47 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to multiple shots fired calls in the 1000 block of NE 151st Ave.  An additional 9-1-1 call came in from a victim who reported that her vehicle was shot at while she was delivering newspapers.  The victim, who was driving her vehicle at the time, sustained multiple gunshots through the front windshield of her vehicle, with the bullets barely missing her. She was evaluated by on-scene emergency medical personnel and was determined to be uninjured.  An occupied home in the area was also shot multiple times during this incident, with no injuries to occupants reported.  

This incident appears to be associated with a home rented through Airbnb in the 1100 block of NE 151st Ave. where a large party was allegedly occurring.  Police recovered over 25 bullet casings in the street near that residence.

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

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

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OREGON CITY – A total of 383 students made the Clackamas Community College honor roll and 878 students made the president’s list for spring term 2020.

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

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

Monday, June 29, 2020-Woodland, WA-Woodland Public Schools staff celebrates graduates of all ages throughout the district with commencement ceremonies that respect social distancing while still celebrating students’ accomplishments. From students just beginning their academic careers to those proceeding on to the final four years and this year’s graduating class, Woodland saw a lot to celebrate in spite of the limiting factors presented by the historic pandemic.

Just Starting Out – Preschool Graduation

Columbia Elementary School’s Early Intervention Special Education Preschool staff put on their annual graduation with an added twist – this year, the staff visited their graduates. For each graduate, the staff held car parades featuring their seven decorated cars and carefully-planned routes. At each home, Patricia “Patty” Morgan, the classroom teacher, along with her three assistants Kathleen Bottemiller, Mary Stumbaugh, and Shannon Tracy (all in separate cars) cheered each graduate and brought balloons and blew huge bubbles throughout yards and driveways.

Patty makes a point of acknowledging her students’ accomplishments at the end of every school year, and she wasn’t about to let the pandemic get in her way. “Our posse of seven cars had everything you can imagine dangling outside of our cars,” said Patty. “we drove all through Woodland and up to Amboy to make certain every child who was available could be celebrated as they each very much deserved.”

Headed to High School – Lewis River Academy’s first full-program graduate

Woodland Public Schools’ homeschool program, Lewis River Academy (LRA), serves students from Kindergarten through eighth grade, and this year brought a very special graduate: Caleb Osorio is the first student to attend the program since kindergarten.

Caleb greatly appreciated the flexibility of the program combined with the ability to still participate at school. “I found it really awesome as I take part in a variety of extracurricular activities,” he said. “LRA gave me the flexibility to take part in my activities while working at my own pace.”

While only at the very beginning of his high school experience, Caleb already has plans for college. “I’m really looking forward to preparing for college at Woodland High school,” he said. “Although it’s a few years off, I’m thinking about attending Walla Walla University after I graduate.”

TEAM High School Commencement – An All-Day Affair

The commencement ceremony for TEAM High School, Woodland Public Schools’ alternative high school, tends to be a very intimate affair with one of the staff members giving a speech about what makes each individual graduate special and unique to the program. Not wanting to abandon this long-held tradition, the staff came up with a new approach to still hold the ceremony but also respect social distancing – one graduate at a time with only their family would come to the high school, attend a mini-commencement with a speech from a staff member, and receive their diploma.

The commencement ceremony took place on Saturday, June 27 beginning at 10:00 a.m. With more than 30 graduates walking in the ceremony this year and only one graduate every 15 minutes, the entire commencement took hours, ending after 6 p.m. that evening. “One of the benefits of being a small school with a manageable size of graduates is that we have some flexibility with our ceremony options,” said Elizabeth “Liz” Vallaire, TEAM’s math and science teacher. “Rather than having a very limited big ceremony, we wanted to give each student a specialized experience with a dedicated mini-commencement for each grad.”

In between each graduate, a team of staff members sanitized the area to ensure proper precautions took place to prevent the potential spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. After having their graduate portrait taken and the ceremony, graduates and their families had the opportunity to take photos at the dedicated “selfie station,” a specially-decorated area just outside Woodland High School.

For the entire TEAM staff, the transition to remote learning meant not seeing their students each day. “One of my favorite things about our small school is how well we get to know our students as those personal relationships are crucial to our students’ success,” said Liz. “Email is so much less personal and not getting to watch my students work through problems in-person makes it much more difficult to gauge what kind of learner a student is.”

In addition to teaching, Liz also serves as the school’s senior advisor and graduation coach. “I feel personally responsible for making sure everyone who wants to graduate finishes on-time,” she said. “Having to rely on students checking emails, voicemails, or responding to texts rather than seeing them 4-5 days a week has caused me a lot of anxiety; I’m particularly grateful to have a dedicated work text phone since that’s the easiest way to get ahold of students these days.”

Over the course of the year, TEAM High School lost a student who passed away suddenly in February, Noah Gray. In order to honor his memory, the staff held an honorary commencement ceremony for his family with Mary Burnett, one of the school’s institutional aides, giving the speech about Noah and his impact on the school. An empty chair with a cap and gown was placed on the speech to commemorate his passing and his contributions as a student at the school.

Woodland High School – Virtual Reality Commencement

Woodland High School’s Class of 2020 will graduate on Friday, July 10, 2020. Unfortunately, given the phased requirements facing Clark and Cowlitz counties, the ceremony cannot be held in-person and will be held live online streamed via YouTube.

The commencement ceremony begins at 7 p.m. and can be watched from Woodland High School’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fFKm7p6PMs 

To learn more about how Woodland Public Schools educates our students and serves the community, visit our dedicated news webpage at https://www.woodlandschools.org/news/wsd

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Portland, Oregon – The Bonneville Power Administration issued today a decision to suspend its financial reserves surcharge through September 2021.

“This decision is the result of a strong collaborative partnership with our customers,” said BPA Administrator and CEO Elliot Mainzer. “The steps we have taken in recent years to sustain BPA’s financial health make it possible for us to provide some measure of relief to our power customers as they work to address the economic consequences of the pandemic.”

The suspension of the surcharge, once approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is expected to provide relief to BPA’s power customers totaling about $3 million per month for the remainder of FY 2020, and $30 million over FY 2021. The relief could come as early as July 1 if FERC issues an immediate interim rate approval.

BPA uses financial reserves as a tool to maintain financial health and mitigate financial risk, as it allows BPA to continue to meet all payment obligations when its sales revenues fall short of forecast. Financial reserves, which are defined as cash on hand, short-term investments and deferred borrowing, also plays a role in how agencies determine BPA’s credit rating.

“Maintaining reserves is a staple of financial strength,” said Michelle Manary, BPA Chief Financial Officer. “But given the significant challenges customers are facing, we agree this is not the time to be building up cash reserves.”

This is not the only relief measure BPA is offering its customers. BPA also is streamlining the process for customers to request payment extensions if they are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are unable to pay their bills. This is available to all power and transmission customers on a case-by-case basis. This is not a waiver of the bill, but extends the payment out, with interest, for up to three years. BPA Power Services also has the Flexible Priority Firm Rate Option through the end of FY 2020, which is available to Regional Dialogue customers interested in shaping a portion of their FY 2020 bills into FY 2021.

“We offer these measures to our customers to be a responsive business partner,” said BPA Chief Operating Officer John Hairston. “We believe we have found a range of options that help customers without harming our bottom line in the long term.”

BPA established the financial reserves policy surcharge in its BP-20 rate proceeding as a way to build up cash reserves when they fall below a certain threshold. The surcharge triggered for BPA power customers for FY 2020 and was expected to trigger again in FY 2021.  The surcharge did not trigger for BPA’s transmission customers in FY 2020 and was not expected to trigger for FY 2021. BPA’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and its Financial Plan provide a framework for how the agency maintains and strengthens financial health, which is foundational to its long-term commercial success.

The suspension of the surcharge occurred through an expedited rate proceeding, which concluded today with the publication of the Administrator’s Final Record of Decision.

 About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 261 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 300 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

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The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has received approval by the Food and Nutrition Service to provide an additional $30 million to eligible Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in July 2020.

“Oregonians continue to face economic instability and food insecurity,” said Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Dan Haun. “Providing another month of emergency assistance will help address ongoing food needs.”

With the additional funds, all eligible Oregon SNAP households will receive the maximum benefit amount in July. They will receive the extra allotment in the same way they receive their current benefits. For most customers this is an EBT card. The additional benefit amount will be disbursed on the schedule below to all eligible SNAP households. Households that already receive the maximum allotment will not receive an emergency allotment.
 

No additional action is needed from Oregonians already enrolled in SNAP.

The table below shows the maximum SNAP benefits based on the number of eligible people in the household.

This allotment will not permanently change a household’s monthly benefit amount. It is a temporary supplement to help during the current health crisis. DHS will not be sending individual notices to households about the emergency allotments.

In addition to continuing the emergency allotment, Oregon DHS will continue to do telephone interviews for new SNAP applications and recertifications. The health and safety of the community is a priority and getting people the benefits they need without them having to visit a local branch office maintains physical distancing efforts.

All new SNAP applicants and current SNAP recipients who need to recertify July 1 or after must complete an application and interview. Current SNAP recipients were mailed a notice and application to their address on file.

Questions?

Learn how to apply for SNAP and other benefits online or by phone at https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/COVID-19/Pages/Home.aspx.

SNAP customers can contact their local DHS SSP or AAA office for more information. Find a local office at: oregon.gov/DHS/Offices/Pages/index.aspx

For other ways to connect with DHS, contact 211info:

• By calling 2-1-1 from any phone
• Text your zip code to 898211
• By email at help@211info.org
• 211info.org

Find other food resources at https://oregonhunger.org/covid-19/.

Salem, Ore. — City Manager Steve Powers has released Police Chief Jerry Moore's report regarding the actions taken by the Salem Police Department to maintain public safety during recent demonstrations. 

The 10- page report provides details on events from May 30, 2020, to June 1, 2020, and why decisions were made by Salem police officers. The published report is an essential, transparent step in the City's commitment to understanding and improving police services.   

“Salem police officers are trained to evaluate each unique situation and respond with the least force necessary to maintain our community's safety,” said Salem City Manager Steve Powers in a recent letter introducing the report to City Council and Mayor Bennett.  “If errors or lapses in judgment are made, we have a rigorous internal affairs process and Community Police Review Board standing ready to investigate these concerns and act as justified by the evidence.”  

The after-action report contextualizes events and decisions made by Salem police during demonstrations that were unlike any other in Salem’s recent past. For the first time, a curfew was enacted to protect the community. For the first time, peaceful assemblies were paired with individuals who sought to harm police officers and damage public and private property. 

Salem Residents may review the full report here  

While the City is preparing to reopen some offices that have been closed to in-person service, we’re mindful of the guidance from public health agencies about slowing the spread of the virus by maintaining social distancing, frequent cleaning of shared surfaces, and wearing masks.  To keep track of Oregon Health Authority and Governor’s guidance on re-opening, see: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19

Many City services were unchanged by COVID-19, keeping our community healthy, safe and clean.  City parks remained open.  Police and Fire responded to calls.  Public Works maintained streets, kept our drinking water flowing, and made sure our toilets flushed.  About two thirds of our employees kept serving our community in-person. 

For services impacted by COVID-19 and Stay Home, Save Lives executive orders, the City quickly improved our on-line services and telework capacity.  We knew customers needed to do business with the City regardless of whether or not an office was open.  On-line building permits, bill paying, and other applications have all kept going at high levels.   The Library introduced curbside pick-ups in late May.

What is the City’s plan for reopening?

For some residents, on-line services are not a choice.  Our plan is to slowly re-open in-person services to protect our community by limiting the spread of the Coronavirus.  We’re starting with our highest-volume in-person services at the Civic Center

Beginning July 6, we will open in-person cashier windows for bill payment, permit application center, and parks reservations service. 

How will public health be protected as the City reopens?

Our primary concern is the health and safety of our community and of our employees.  The City of Salem’s plan to reopen City offices and facilities centers on the Governor’s public health framework for reopening Oregon.  The State’s Re-Opening Framework uses robust testing and contact tracing, considers healthcare system capacity, and plans for health and safety. 

Our customer-facing spaces now have barriers to reduce the transmission of COVID19.  Customers will be asked to maintain social distancing.  Masks will be required when conducting business indoors.  We’ll ask for your name so we can help with contact tracing should anyone else who visits the Civic Center that day become ill or come into contact with anyone who may be ill with the virus.  We’ll be doing voluntary self-checks, wearing gloves if we’re handling cash, and cleaning shared surfaces frequently.

What comes next?

The City’s next group of services with in-person customers and high volumes of interaction are Municipal Court and the Police Department’s lobby. Both will reopen sometime after our primary customer serving operations.

Because Center 50+ and the Library serve populations vulnerable to COVID-19 and the spaces present challenges for social distancing, we don’t have a specific reopen date for Center 50+ and the Library.  We understand the importance of both in our community.  Please visit Center 50+ and the Library virtually.  Center 50+ has remote bingo, online fitness, online computer, music, history, and arts and craft classes.  While in-person services and spaces are not available, Salem Public Library offers Virtual Library services, available 24/7 from wherever you are. You can download free ebooks, audiobooks, stream movies, do research, find information, study, and more.

What services are available on-line?

Get information about accessing the following City services online:

• Center 50+
• Building permit applications
• Land use applications
• Municipal Court forms
• Pay parking tickets
• Reserve a park
• Salem Police Records Requests
• Salem Public Library
• Sign up for a recreation program
• Submit a police report
• Utility bills

Go to the City’s webpage and the COVID-19 banner for information on how to sign up for on-line services.

What happens if the number of cases increases and emergency measures are re-introduced for our counties by the State of Oregon?

Along with public health agencies, we will be monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases in our region.  If the public health agencies determine more restrictive measures are needed to ensure our safety, should another outbreak occur, we will respond to their direction to limit exposure and reduce the spread of the Coronavirus.  Stay up to date on the status of City services and programs on our home page at cityofsalem.net. 

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Celebrating Independence Day may look a little different this year. Although annual festivals and summer activities have been canceled or restricted due to COVID-19, there are still ways to enjoy summertime celebrations while managing your risks and keeping Oregonians safe.

As we are all aware, COVID-19 is present and on the rise in our communities. Simple actions such as keeping a 6 ft. distance from others, regular hand washing and wearing a face covering are all ways to manage the risk of spreading COVID to others.

Consider other ways to celebrate – with family and in small groups. If fireworks are a tradition you must maintain, keep a bucket of water or hose nearby, and maintain a safe distance from people, pets and buildings. Always purchase legal fireworks and use them only in areas where they are allowed. Remember, all fireworks are prohibited on Oregon State beaches, parks, campgrounds, and state and federal forest lands; check your local jurisdiction for restrictions.

Multiple areas in Oregon are abnormally dry with much of the state experiencing severe drought. This makes for elevated wildfire conditions and increased risk. Help manage the risk of human-caused wildfire by practicing basic wildfire safety at home, at work, and when you are out and about – hiking, camping and enjoying Oregon scenic areas. If you do travel for the holiday weekend, plan to stay close to home.

“Show your independence this 4th of July and make choices to keep you, your family and your community safe,” says Andrew Phelps, director of Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management. “Stay informed about fireworks safety to mitigate fire danger; maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings when socializing during holiday celebrations. It’s up to each of us to make the small changes that make a big difference.”

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Northfield, (503) 329- 1989, thfield@oahhs.org">dnorthfield@oahhs.org

Oregon Hospitals Support Governor’s Statewide Face Covering Requirement

With a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, OAHHS urges Oregonians to wear face coverings to fight the spread  

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- June 29, 2020 -- Becky Hultberg, President and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, released the following statement in support of Governor Kate Brown’s statewide public face covering requirement.

“The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems stands in support of Governor Kate Brown’s statewide public face covering requirement. We know that when we all make the choice to wear a face covering in public, we are doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With cases on the rise rapidly across the state, it is now more important than ever to take this step to protect our loved ones, our neighbors, and our communities. Further, if we are to coexist alongside the disease, wide adoption of public face coverings is an essential factor in keeping our businesses and public spaces open. OAHHS urges all Oregonians to wear a face covering in public, and to help reinforce this critical message by talking to your friends and family about the importance of wearing a face covering in public.”

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

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 204, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 146 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 8,485.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Clackamas (18), Deschutes (2), Douglas (2), Jackson (3), Jefferson (3), Josephine (1), Klamath (5), Lake (2), Lane (6), Malheur (5), Marion (14), Multnomah (29), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (15), Union (5), Wasco (6), Washington (27), and Yamhill (1).

Oregon’s 203rd COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on June 18 and died on June 27. Her place of death is being confirmed. She had underlying medical conditions.

Oregon’s 204th COVID-19 death is a 72-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on June 17 and died on June 27. His place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying medical conditions.

Note: Starting today and moving forward, epidemiologists are using a new method for reporting daily cases. The new method assigns a date to each case when the case is first known to the state or to local health department as confirmed or presumptive. This is a better representation of the number of cases reported on any given day. 

Previously, the method was to subtract today’s case counts from the previous day’s count.

Today only, the daily numbers from the weekend press releases will not add-up. Weekend numbers were calculated using the previous method. Moving forward, every day will use the date each case is first known to the state or to local health departments.

OHA releases weekly testing summary

Today, OHA is releasing its Weekly Testing Summary, showing that 33,624 tests were reported through June 27. Oregon’s cumulative positive testing rate is 4.3 percent of tests conducted, which is considerably lower than the national average of 9 percent.

The number of tests performed has been steadily increasing, but the number of positive cases and the test positivity rate have increased significantly over the past two weeks.

This suggests increasing numbers of individuals with COVID-19, which is expected now that all counties are in Phase 1 or Phase 2 of reopening. Recent large outbreaks around the state also have contributed to these increases.

OHA will continue to monitor these trends. Additionally, as of early June, Oregon has reached the threshold of testing 2 percent of the Oregon population each month, a national benchmark set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Weekly Testing Summary was delayed Friday due to a technical glitch. As a result, today’s Weekly Testing Summary covers an 8-day period. OHA will continue to publish the report weekly.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

On Mon., Jul. 6, 2020, the City of Salem will begin work on constructing a curb extension at the southwest corner of Ferry Street SE at Liberty Street SE and removing the second right turn lanes from Court Street NE to Liberty Street and from Liberty Street NE to Center Street NE.  This is one of several Traffic Safety Improvement Projects underway this summer in Salem.  Pedestrians and motorists are asked to use caution and plan for some delays during the construction. All improvements are anticipated to be complete by the end of July 2020.

There will be intermittent closures of far-left lanes on Liberty Street SE and Ferry Street SE during the construction of the curb extension between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work.

The removal of the second right turn lanes will occur at night between the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Residents and businesses within the area will be able to access their properties from the side streets.

These improvements are part of the Central Salem Mobility Study approved by City Council in 2013 to improve travel, safety, and accessibility in Downtown Salem. The project budget is funded through the City of Salem’s Urban Renewal Agency.

Additional information and maps of the summer construction projects across Salem can be found online on the City’s new Construction Season 2020 hub.  Please contact James Suing, Program Coordinator at Jjsuing@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6211 for additional information.

Vancouver, Wash. – Fireworks remain potential sources of fire, injury and pollution long after they light up the night sky. Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations.

Fireworks debris, if not properly cleaned up, can be washed into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and lakes. Fireworks contain heavy metals and other chemicals that can harm fish and wildlife. Residents must sweep up and dispose of fireworks debris as soon as possible and avoid using fireworks near waterways.

Failing to clean up fireworks residue is littering, a violation of Washington law and Clark County ordinance. Clark County Public Works does not provide additional street sweeping after Independence Day.

Tips for proper disposal of used fireworks:

• Do not place any fireworks or any part of fireworks in your recycling cart. All used fireworks should be treated as garbage and disposed of as follows:
  • Put used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight. Remove them from the water and put them in a garbage bag and into your garbage can.
  • Dump the water onto grass, dirt or other landscape where it won’t flow into a storm drain or waterway. Do not pour onto pavement or into the street.

Tips for proper disposal of unused fireworks:

• Do not put in your garbage or recycling; they are explosives and can cause serious harm to workers and the environment.
• Do not take them to the transfer stations; workers cannot accept explosives.
• Do take unused legal fireworks to a designated drop-off site. Availability of the following locations may change. Call before visiting these locations to see when they are accepting fireworks for disposal.

Fireworks must be given directly to personnel, not left in a lobby or outside unattended. Check in with office staff prior to bringing fireworks into the building.

• • Clark County Public Safety Complex, 505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield. 360.397.2186. By appointment only.  
  • Camas-Washougal Fire Marshall’s Office, 605 NE Third Ave., Camas. 360.834.6191. By appointment only.

Do not attempt to move or transport homemade explosive devices or altered fireworks for disposal. They will not be accepted at the above locations. Call 911 and report them for removal.

If a firework fails to ignite, an adult should approach it carefully after at least 15 minutes and place it in a bucket of water. After soaking overnight, remove it from the water and treat it as an unused firework.

Residents should use fireworks only during legal discharge times, which vary across the county. It is illegal to discharge any fireworks in the city of Vancouver.

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that July 15 is the deadline for filing a tax return and paying tax due. Oregon extended the deadline when the IRS extended the deadline to file and pay federal taxes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For personal income taxpayers:
• The Oregon return filing due date for tax year 2019 is July 15, 2020.
• The Oregon tax payment deadline for payments due with the 2019 tax year is July 15, 2020.
• The tax year 2019 six-month extension to file until October 15, 2020, if requested, extends only to the filing (not payment) deadline.
If you have questions about your personal income tax, contact questions.dor@oregon.gov.

For corporate income/excise taxpayers:
• The Oregon return filing due date for tax year 2019 is July 15, 2020.
• The Oregon tax payment deadline for payments for the 2019 return, normally May 15, 2020, is now July 15, 2020.
• Fiscal year returns and related payments due after July 15, 2020 are not extended at this time.
Interest and penalties:
• Because of the extension of the due dates for filing returns and making payments, any interest and penalties with respect to Oregon tax filings and payments begin accruing on July 16, 2020.
• No automatic extension is provided for the payment or deposit of any other type of Oregon tax or for the filing of Oregon information returns.

Kicker reminder
If your 2018 return is amended or adjusted after you file your 2019 return, we will automatically adjust your kicker amount.

Department of Revenue offices
All Revenue offices remain closed to drop-in visitors. If you need to speak to one of our representatives in person, you must make an appointment. Go to www.oregon.gov/dor and click on Contact Us to schedule an appointment.

Electronic filing continues to be the easiest and fastest way for taxpayers to file and pay any taxes due. You can also make payments on Revenue Online.

You can find resources, such as forms and publications, information regarding filing as an individual or business, and helpful tools like Where’s My Refund and What’s My Kicker, on the Department of Revenue webpage. Also, keep up to date with the latest developments and news surrounding impacts of COVID-19 to your taxes.

You can visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get forms, check the status of your refund, or make payments. You can call 503-378-4988 or 800-356-4222 (toll-free) or email questions.dor@oregon.gov for additional assistance. For TTY for hearing- or speech-impaired, call 800-886-7204.

Today, the Supreme Court struck down a medically unnecessary Louisiana abortion restriction in a 5-4 decision in June Medical Services v. Russo. This means access to safe, legal abortion in Louisiana is protected for now, but attacks on our reproductive rights continue. The court ruled that Louisiana’s abortion restriction, which is identical to one it struck down four years ago in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, cannot stand under that precedent — it is unconstitutional to impose medically unnecessary laws that burden a person’s right to safe, legal abortion.

Though today’s ruling is a victory for access to abortion in Louisiana, the onslaught of attacks on our healthcare access is far from over. Sixteen other cases on abortion access are still one step away from the Supreme Court — and any one of them opens the door to restrict or nullify Roe v. Wade altogether. For Black people in particular, there can be no reproductive freedom until there is freedom to live without fear of persecution or violence. Had the court allowed the state’s restriction to stand, more than 850,000 women of reproductive age in Louisiana — a quarter of whom are Black women — would find abortion virtually inaccessible. 

“Today’s decision reinforces that abortion is essential and that reproductive health care is essential,” says Lisa Gardner, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon. “It’s a matter of having control over our bodies, our lives and our futures. All of us deserve to have access to reproductive health care — including abortion.”  

The Louisiana law would have required abortion providers to have the ability to admit patients at local hospitals. The court struck this law down because these requirements are medically unnecessary and will force abortion clinics to shutter, rendering abortion inaccessible throughout Louisiana.

Though we have a victory in this one case, the onslaught of attacks on our access to health care is far from over. Far too many people — particularly people of color and people with low incomes — already live in a world where access to abortion is nearly impossible. And, even in a public health crisis, politicians are still fighting at the Supreme Court to restrict access to birth control and to eliminate protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

“We are in the middle of a public health crisis, and people need more access to health care, not less,” says Anne Udall, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette. “We’ve already seen the devastating consequences when states used the COVID-19 crisis to restrict access to abortion, even temporarily. Restrictions to abortion forced people to drive unthinkable distances and put themselves at risk, if they were able to access health care at all.”

29 de junio de 2020

Reuniones de los subcomités del Plan Estatal de Mejoramiento de la Salud 2020-2024

Qué: Los subcomités del Plan Estatal para el Mejoramiento de la Salud 2020-2024 (State Health Improvement Plan o SHIP, por sus siglas en inglés), se encargan de identificar estrategias y medidas, y desarrollar planes de trabajo para implementar el SHIP. Cada uno de los cinco subcomités se centra en una de las siguientes áreas prioritarias:

• Acceso a atención de la salud preventiva equitativa.
• Adversidad, trauma y estrés tóxico.
• Salud del comportamiento
• Impulsores económicos de la salud.
• Parcialidad institucional.

Agenda: Finalizar actividades y medidas, y proporcionar recomendaciones para la implementación.

Dónde: Las reuniones están disponibles de forma remota. Para conocer las opciones de asistencia a reuniones remotas, visite la página de reunión del subcomité:

• Parcialidad institucional.
• Adversidad, trauma y estrés tóxico.
• Impulsores económicos de la salud (incluidas las cuestiones relacionadas con la vivienda, el salario digno, la seguridad alimenticia y el transporte).
• Acceso a atención de la salud preventiva equitativa.
• Salud del comportamiento (incluida la salud mental y el uso de sustancias).

Cuándo:

• Subcomité de Adversidad, Trauma y Estrés Tóxico: martes 15 de julio, de 2-4 p.m.
• Subcomité de parcialidad institucional: miércoles 15 de julio, 10 a.m. al mediodía.
• Subcomité de salud del comportamiento: miércoles 15 de julio, 2-4 p.m.
• Subcomité de Acceso a Atención Médica Preventiva Equitativa: lunes 29 de julio, 1-3 p.m.
• Subcomité de Impulsores Económicos de la Salud: jueves 30 de julio, 2-4 p.m.

Las reuniones están abiertas al público. Habrá un período de comentarios públicos de cinco minutos cerca del final de cada reunión. Los comentarios están limitados a un minuto.

Antecedentes: el SHIP de Oregón identifica intervenciones y estrategias para abordar las prioridades relacionadas con la salud en el estado. El SHIP sirve como base para tomar medidas colectivas con socios intersectoriales para mejorar la salud de las personas en Oregón. El SHIP se basa en los resultados de la Evaluación de Salud del Estado.

Contacto del programa: Christy Hudson, 971-678-4347, isty.j.hudson@state.or.us">christy.j.hudson@state.or.us

# # #

Todos tienen derecho a conocer y utilizar los programas y servicios de Oregon Health Authority (OHA, por sus siglas en inglés). OHA brinda ayuda gratuita. Algunos ejemplos de la ayuda gratuita que puede proporcionar la OHA son:

• Intérpretes de lenguaje de señas y lenguaje hablado

•   Materiales escritos en otros idiomas.

•   Braille

•   Letra grande

•   Audio y otros formatos

Si necesita ayuda o tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Catherine Moyer al 971-673-1132, ine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us">Catherine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us, al menos 48 horas antes de la reunión.

June 29, 2020

What: Subcommittees of the 2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) are tasked with identifying strategies and measures, and developing work plans for implementing the SHIP. Each of the five subcommittees is focused on one of the following priority areas.

• Access to equitable preventive health care.
• Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
• Behavioral health (including mental health and substance use).
• Economic drivers of health (including issues related to housing, living wage, food security and transportation).
• Institutional bias.

Agenda: Subcommittees will finalize activities and measures, and provide recommendations for implementation.

Where: Meetings are being held remotely. For remote meeting attendance information, visit the subcommittee page links in the following section.

When:

• Adversity, Trauma and Toxic Stress Subcommittee: July 7, 2-4 p.m.
• Institutional Bias Subcommittee: July 15, 10 a.m. to noon.
• Behavioral Health Subcommittee: July 15, 2-4 p.m.
• Access to Equitable Preventive Health Care Subcommittee: July 27, 1-3 p.m.
• Economic Drivers of Health Subcommittee:  July 30, 2-4 p.m.

All meetings are open to the public. A five-minute public comment period will be held near the end of each meeting; comments are limited to one minute each.

Background: Oregon’s SHIP identifies interventions and strategies to address health-related priorities in the state. The SHIP serves as a basis for taking collective action with cross-sector partners to improve heath of people in Oregon. The SHIP is based off findings of the State Health Assessment.

Program contact: Christy Hudson, 971-678-4347, isty.j.hudson@state.or.us">christy.j.hudson@state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Catherine Moyer at 971-673-1132, ine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us">catherine.moyer@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), which includes the Oregon Main Street Network and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), has awarded $615,000 in federal grant funding for the preservation of historic theaters.  

Eight theater projects were selected in a competitive grant process.

• Dallas Downtown Association, for roof, masonry, and other repairs on the Dallas Cinema in Dallas.

• Egyptian Theatre Preservation Association, for roof repair on the theater in Coos Bay.

• Lakeview Community Partnership, for electrical and lighting repair, fire door replacement, and curtain and rigging work at the Alger Theatre in Lakeview.

• Little Theater on the Bay, to replace the roof and missing Moorish roof domes on the Liberty Theater in North Bend.

• Newberg Downtown Coalition, to update seats and acoustical drapes in the auditorium and repair exterior lighting on the Cameo Theatre in Newberg.

• OK Theatre, to restore façade and store fronts, update the concessions area, and add a bar service area to the theater in Enterprise.

• Rex Theater, to restore the marquee neon and reader board, paint the exterior, repair the roof and ceiling, and install HVAC in the Theater in Vale.

• The Dalles Main Street Program, to install new fire doors, HVAC, and awnings on the Granada Theatre in The Dalles.

The grants were funded through a grant to OPRD from the National Park Service. It was one of nine awarded nationally through the Historic Revitalization Subgrant Program. Funding also covers the cost for the preparation of National Register of Historic Places nominations for four of the theaters not currently listed. These include the Dallas Cinema, Liberty Theatre, Rex Theatre, and Alger Theatre.

“These projects will significantly impact the local communities,” said Chrissy Curran, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. “We are pleased to have been awarded this funding so that we can support local theaters and foster our vibrant rural communities in Oregon.”

Restore Oregon, a statewide nonprofit, was also funded to help promote the program and assist theaters in the application process.

To learn more about the grant, contact Kuri Gill at i.Gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.Gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

###

The July Willamette Water Supply System Commission Board meeting will be held Thursday, July 2, 2020, at 12:00 noon.

A WWSS Board executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation will be held July 2, 2020 at 11:30 a.m.

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

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

Timothy Sinatra will lead the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Sinatra will continue the work of Sam Carroll, who is retiring in October after five years of service. Sinatra begins July in an interim CEO capacity to work alongside Carroll to ensure a seamless leadership transition. 

"On behalf of the board of directors of the Y, I want to thank Sam Carroll for the outstanding job he has done as our CEO under the most trying of circumstances," said YMCA Board Chair Dan Moore. "His leadership and hard work have enabled the Y to be in a unique position of strength. We look forward to the opportunity to make an ever-increasing positive impact on our community. We wish Sam the very best of a well-earned retirement."

Sinatra is a highly experienced non-profit CEO noted for innovation in programs to support youth, family, and community development; collaborating with community organizations to meet local, regional and statewide needs; and bringing strategic focus, financial stability, and growth to organizations.

"A YMCA in South Florida took a chance on me when I was just starting out. It's where I found my life's purpose. I'm pleased to be returning to the organization where my career began and give back what I have learned along the way," Sinatra said.

"This is an exciting time to be joining the Y. This organization has been in the Willamette Valley for more than 128 years. This is a pivotal time in its unfolding history. We have a new building going up and a new opportunity to define how the Y can be a critical part of how families and our community rebuild in this pandemic. I look forward to working with the community to build the Y's future," he added.

Sinatra currently serves as the director of organizational development for the Oregon Department of Human Services, the largest state agency serving 1.5 million Oregonians. Before that, he was the CEO of Eliada Homes in Asheville, NC, which provides services to children and families ranging from early learning to foster care to residential psychiatric treatment. Sinatra spent 23 years with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, serving as CEO of organizations in California, Virginia, and here in Salem. During his time as the CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties, Sinatra was named the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Western Region Professional of the Year and served as the president of the Oregon State Alliance which conducted state and federal lobbying efforts.  

"My years at the YMCA have been nothing short of amazing," said Carroll. "I am looking forward to working on the construction of the new facility as the owner’s representative for the Y. I consider myself truly blessed to have been able to work for this incredible organization, board, and staff in such a wonderful, supportive community. I know the Y is in capable hands with Tim Sinatra, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Y do great things in the future."

###

The Salem Family YMCA has served the community in "spirit, mind, and body" since 1892. In recent years, the Y has become the largest childcare provider in Marion and Polk Counties, serving more than 600 children daily at 22 different sites. It meets the health and fitness needs of over 5,000 members. The full-service facilities provide opportunities in Salem, Keizer, Silverton, Stayton, Sublimity, Monmouth, and Independence. The Y currently is building a new flagship facility in downtown Salem. Learn more at theyonline.org.

Date: 6/28/2020

 Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Firefighters rescue a resident from a tree house accident

Kelso- Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to the Mt. Pleasant area this afternoon for a female that had fallen over 20 feet from a tree. Initial arriving Fire engine and ambulance crew immediately called for an additional engine and a Chief Officer when they found the patient had fallen from a tree house that was 75 feet down an embankment and the patient had sustained a probable leg fracture.

With additional assistance from family members, as well as a safety rope and ladder, C2FR firefighters extricated the patient up the embankment, to the awaiting ambulance. The patient was on the way to the hospital within 30 minutes from the arrival of the 1st C2FR units.

This incident demonstrated the effectiveness of the new Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue station deployment plan which allowed for the rapid deployment and arrival of multiple units. The plan also allowed the shifting of personnel and apparatus around the Fire District to provide protection of the community during the incident.

10 personnel, 2-fire engines, 1-ambulance and 1-Chief Officer responded

A LifeFlight helicopter was placed on standby but canceled

Date: 6/28/2020

 Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Firefighters rescue a resident from a tree house accident

Kelso- Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to the Mt. Pleasant area this afternoon for a female that had fallen over 20 feet from a tree. Initial arriving Fire engine and ambulance crew immediately called for an additional engine and a Chief Officer when they found the patient had fallen from a tree house that was 75 feet down an embankment and the patient had sustained a probable leg fracture.

With additional assistance from family members, as well as a safety rope and ladder, C2FR firefighters extricated the patient up the embankment, to the awaiting ambulance. The patient was on the way to the hospital within 30 minutes from the arrival of the 1st C2FR units.

This incident demonstrated the effectiveness of the new Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue station deployment plan which allowed for the rapid deployment and arrival of multiple units. The plan also allowed the shifting of personnel and apparatus around the Fire District to provide protection of the community during the incident.

10 personnel, 2-fire engines, 1-ambulance and 1-Chief Officer responded

A LifeFlight helicopter was placed on standby but canceled

June 28, 2020

Oregon reports 247 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 0 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from yesterday and remains at 202, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today. 

Oregon Health Authority reported 247 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 8,341.

The new cases are in the following counties: Clackamas (18), Clatsop (1), Columbia (1), Deschutes (8), Jackson (9), Jefferson (3), Josephine (1), Lane (3), Lincoln (3), Malheur (11), Marion (43), Morrow (8), Multnomah (52), Polk (3), Umatilla (48), Union (2), Wasco (3), Washington (29), Yamhill (1).

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

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

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

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

COVID-19 Update moving to interactive dashboard

Starting tomorrow, Monday, June 29, the Oregon COVID-19 Update will be published in a new, interactive format as part of OHA’s COVID-19 data dashboard.

The new COVID-19 Update will contain the same information, will look similar, and will move from a static PDF to an interactive Tableau dashboard.

Here are a few things to note about the change:

• The COVID-19 Update dashboard will be updated Monday-Friday at noon. It will not be updated on Saturday and Sunday.
• On Monday the COVID-19 Update dashboard will report the cumulative total of statewide case counts and deaths, reflecting data from 12:01 a.m. Friday to 12:00 a.m. Sunday.
• The COVID-19 Update will be archived daily along with historic updates, on the OHA website.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

# # #

On Saturday, June 27, 2020 at approximately 5:57 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a shooting incident on Interstate 82 near milepost 10 - east bound. 

Preliminary investigation revealed an adult male identified as Steven Dario Quiriconi (62) of Hermiston, was operating a 2017 Land Rover,  when it pulled along side a 2011 Ford F-150 pickup, occupied by two adults and two minor children, and discharged a firearm into the the cabin of the Ford pickup. 

The occupants of the Ford pickup were not injured.  

Law Enforcement located the Land Rover traveling west bound on Interstate 84 and Quiriconi was taken into custody without incident.

Quiriconi was lodged at the Umatilla County Justice Center on the following charges: Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon by certain Felons, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Pointing a Firearm at Another, Recklessly Endangering, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Menacing, Reckless Driving, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

OSP was assisted by the Morrow County Sheriff's Office, Boardman Police Department and the Irrigon Ambulance.

Link to Quiriconi information from the Umatilla County Justice Center  http://www.umatillajailroster.org/Umatilla_County_Jail_Roster.html

Please reference CCSO Case # 20-013340

B-roll video of chopper hoist from rescue operation (.mp4 format):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/r6hsw5i5b1zyu84/2020-06-27-SAR-Broll.mp4?dl=0

At about 7:30 a.m. on Saturday June 27, 2020, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue (SAR) Coordinators responded to a climbing accident on Mt. Hood.

A climber -- Katie Howard, 23, of Portland -- had called 911 to report her climbing partner -- Von Donald Houvener, 26, of Portland -- had fallen and was presumed to be seriously injured.

Houvener had fallen about 300 feet down to the White River Canyon and was located at approximately 9,100' elevation.

Clackamas County SAR was activated and called on special teams including Portland Mountain Rescue (PMR), Mountain Wave, American Medical Response's Reach and Treat Team, and the U.S. Forest Service. SAR Coordinators from the Hood River Sheriff's Office also responded to assist, as the area the climber fell was located is near the border of Clackamas and Hood River Counties. Due to the seriousness of the injury, special permission was requested and obtained from USFS to enter the Wilderness Area with motorized equipment. SAR Coordinators also contacted the Oregon Office of Emergency Management to request a helicopter from the Army National Guard out of Salem for support.

Rescuers used a snowcat to travel above Palmer Lift into the Wilderness Area below Crater Rock. Rescuers then traversed east to the edge of White River Canyon and onward to the patient.

The first team of rescuers reached the patient about 11 a.m.

They assessed Houvener. He had serious injuries but was conscious and alert.

The Oregon Army National Guard helicopter arrived soon after. The patient was stabilized and prepared to be hoisted by the helicopter. The rescue chopper hoisted Houvener and transported him to an area hospital just after noon.

All the rescuers made it down off the mountain safely. The Sheriff's Office thanks  all the rescue teams and organizations involved for their support and assistance during this successful rescue op.

Photos from the rescue operation are attached, and B-roll video of the chopper hoist can be downloaded from this Dropbox address:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/r6hsw5i5b1zyu84/2020-06-27-SAR-Broll.mp4?dl=0

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: Katie Howard -- Houvener's climbing partner who made the 911 call -- is available for media interviews. Contact PIO Sgt. Marcus Mendoza for contact information.

SPECIAL CORONAVIRUS SAFETY NOTE: Volunteer rescue crews are taking what precautions they can in the age of COVID-19 -- but they're also asking climbers to consider this before summiting the mountain. To ensure quick and safe rescues, volunteers must often move in confined spaces, working as a team in close proximity. These close quarters have rescuers concerned about COVID-19 exposure -- if a patient or rescuer contracts COVID-19, everyone in the rescue group would have to quarantine, which would diminish our response in future rescue missions.

[END]

On Friday, June 26, 2020, at approximately 7:30 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy 101 at milepost 152.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, operated by Christopher Paschall (50) of Cottage Grove, was traveling northbound when for unknown reasons left the roadway, went over the embankment on the east side of the roadway, and crashed into a tree.. 

Christopher Paschall was transported to the hospital with injuries.

Front seat passenger, James Paschall (20) of Cottage Grove, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Seal Rock Fire, and PACWEST Ambulance. 

Alcohol is being investigated as a contributing factor to the crash. 

Vancouver NAACP calls for the resignation of County Council Chair Eileen Quiring. The attached letter was sent to Quiring and other members of the County Council today Saturday June 27th. 

June 27, 2020

Oregon reports 277 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed one more life in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 202, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 277 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 8,094.

The new cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (16), Columbia (1), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (3), Jefferson (3), Josephine (2), Lake (1), Lane (14), Lincoln (2), Linn (4), Malheur (12), Marion (32), Morrow (5), Multnomah (59), Polk (2), Umatilla (56), Union (11), Wasco (2), Washington (44), Yamhill (4).

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

Oregon’s 202nd COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old man in Multnomah County who became symptomatic on June 21, after close contact with a confirmed case, and died on June 22. His place of death is being confirmed. He had underlying medical conditions.

Correction: On Friday, OHA erroneously reported that Oregon’s 202nd COVID-19 death was a woman who tested positive on June 22. We regret the error. The total number of COVID-19 deaths in Oregon is 202.

Note:

• One case previously reported in Jackson County was determined to not to be a case; county case counts have been adjusted to reflect this change.

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

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

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

COVID-19 Update moving to interactive dashboard

Starting Monday, June 29, the Oregon COVID-19 Update will be published in a new, interactive format as part of OHA’s COVID-19 data dashboard.

The new COVID-19 Update will contain the same information, will look similar, and will move from a static PDF to an interactive Tableau dashboard.

Here are a few things to note about the change:

• The COVID-19 Update dashboard will be updated Monday-Friday at noon. It will not be updated on Saturday and Sunday.
• On Monday the COVID-19 Update dashboard will report the cumulative total of statewide case counts and deaths, reflecting data from 12:01 a.m. Friday to 12:00 a.m. Sunday.
• The COVID-19 Update will be archived daily along with historic updates, on the OHA website.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

# # #

It survived the most severe floods, winds, drought, ice and snow, but not 2020. For all practical purposes, Vancouver’s venerable Old Apple Tree has died at the age of 194.

This past week, dying leaves suddenly appeared throughout the tree, symptoms that sparked the City of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry staff to do a quick checkup on its health.

Arborists conducted a thorough evaluation and observed that the cambium layer of the tree, which serves as the arteries that transport water and nutrients to the canopy, had been cut off. Their assessment was that the tree appeared to have shifted slightly earlier this month, disrupting the cambium layer that keeps the tree alive. Add to that the hot weather earlier in the week, which pulled water from the leaves quickly, and the result was the sudden dry, shriveling leaves.

The Old Apple Tree has a significant spiral crack in the trunk that had been expanding over the last several years, leading to decay and rot in a large part of the tree trunk. Even during this time, however, the canopy (leaves and branches) of the tree were healthy and growing. The tree continued to flower and produce apples, as well.

With the help of the Old Apple Tree Research Team, the City has been planning for this day by nurturing several of the root suckers, which are now small trees growing around the Old Apple Tree.

The team has been meeting since 2009, and is comprised of professionals from Bartlett Tree Experts, which has donated services to the tree for years, The National Park Service, Joe Beaudoin, Arborscape Tree Care, and Charles Ray, the City’s Urban Forester. The Old Apple Tree Research Team will reconvene to plan for the management of the tree and next steps to assure its legacy lives on.

The Old Apple Tree served as a tangible reminder of the power of trees to bridge generations and provide continuity between the past and the future. Planted from seed in 1826 at the historical Fort Vancouver, the Old Apple Tree is considered the matriarch of the apple industry in Washington State. In 1830, it provided Clark County's first apple harvest - one apple.

The long celebrated tree was witness to many, many historical events – including the influenza pandemic of 1918 – and has been featured in stories, photos and artwork. In September 2010, Robert Cromwell, Archeologist with the National Parks Service and Fort Vancouver, wrote a detailed history of the Old Apple Tree for the Northwest Cultural Resources Institute.

The Old Tree also lives on in offspring planted around the community. Cuttings obtained by arborists have been handed out to the public during the City’s annual Old Apple Tree Festival for many years. Plans for this year’s annual festival are still pending due to potential COVID-19 considerations.

Vancouver Urban Forestry invites the community to share stories and photos of the Old Apple Tree through Letters to Trees program.

For more about the Old Apple Tree and other tree information, visit the Urban Forestry webpage, or www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry, or call 360-487-8308.