September 25, 2023

Contact: Afiq Hisham, 971-273-3374, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory partially lifted for Willamette River

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has again updated the recreational use health advisory for the Willamette River in Multnomah County to now cover only Ross Island Lagoon.

OHA first issued the advisory for Willamette Cove on July 28.

Water monitoring has confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins in the Willamette Cove area of the Willamette River are below recreational guideline values for people.

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

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

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

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.

BOARD ON PUBLIC SAFETY STANDARDS AND TRAINING

MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in the Governor Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Shelby Wright at (503) 378-2191 or shelby.wright@dpsst.oregon.gov.

The meeting will be live-streamed on the DPSST Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/DPSSTOregon/ 

Agenda Items:

1. Introductions

2. Meeting Minutes

     Approve minutes from the July 27, 2023, Meeting

3. Fire Policy Committee

a. Fire Policy Committee Update – Brian Henson, Deputy Director

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Dakota Brotherton, DPSST #42387; Junction City Fire Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.

B. Scott Durocher, DPSST #42128; Lakeview Fire Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.

C. Andrew Lawrie, DPSST #42329; Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the FPC on August 23, 2023.

4. Criminal Justice Policy Committees

a. Police Policy Committee Update – Scotty Nowning, Chair

b. Telecommunications Policy Committee Update – Michael Fletcher, Chair

c. Corrections Policy Committee Update – Matthew English, Chair

d. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Kodie Carroll, DPSST No. 64023; Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 8, 2023.

B. Steven Larsen, DPSST No. 49075; Morrow County Sheriff’s Office – No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

C. Troy Page, DPSST No. 58639; Linn County Sheriff’s Office – Revoke

Unanimous vote with 1 (one) recusal, to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 8, 2023.

D. Peter Robinson, DPSST No. 48227; Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office– No Action

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

E. Maria Sanchez, DPSST No. 26550; DOC/Coffee Creek Correctional Facility – Revoke

7 (seven) to 3 (three) vote to recommend to the Board by the CPC on August 8, 2023.

F. Aaron Smith, DPSST No. 44175; McMinnville Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

G. Dennis Viereck, DPSST No. 36201; Scappoose Police Department – Revoke

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

H. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-008-0085

   Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PPC on August 17, 2023.

I. Law Enforcement Memorial Wall Nomination; Joseph W. Johnson, DPSST No. 48952 - Nyssa Police Department

Determine eligibility for addition to Oregon’s Law Enforcement Memorial Wall

5. Private Security/Investigator Policy Committee

a. Private Security Investigator Policy Committee Update – Chris Brodniak, Professional Standards Division Director

b. Consent Agenda (The following items to be ratified by one vote)

A. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-060-0025, 259-060-0060, and 259-060-0136

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.

B. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 259-061-0005 and 259-061-0240

Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.

c. Proposed Rule Changes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 259 Division

             Unanimous vote to recommend to the Board by the PSIPC on August 15, 2023.

             Presented by Jennifer Howald

8. Agency Updates - Agency Director, Phil Castle

9. Next Meeting Date: January 25, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
 

Administrative Announcement

This is a public meeting, subject to the public meeting law and it will be recorded. Deliberation of issues will only be conducted by Board members unless permitted by the Chair. Individuals who engage in disruptive behavior that impedes official business will be asked to stop being disruptive or leave the meeting. Additional measures may be taken to have disruptive individuals removed if their continued presence poses a safety risk to the other persons in the room or makes it impossible to continue the meeting.

SALEM, Ore. - The Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) are looking to fund collaborative groups engaged in forest restoration or stewardship on lands in Oregon managed by the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

The Forest Collaboratives Grant Program has half a million dollars to give to support work that increases the number, acreage and complexity of restoration projects on federal lands in Oregon. About half the land in Oregon - around 32 million acres - is managed by the U.S. Forest Service or BLM..

Some $200,000 is targeted to strengthen Collaborative Governance for established forest collaborative organizations. Another $300,000 is focused on advancing collaborative Zones of Agreement for restoration that includes vegetation projects on lands managed by the US Forest Service or BLM. For definitions and eligible project activities, please refer to the guidance document.

Read the guidance document for Federal Forest Restoration Collaborative Project Development for full eligibility requirements.

Application deadline: Monday, Oct. 23, 2023 by 5 p.m.

How to Apply
Federal Forest Restoration Collaborative Project Development applications are available via OWEB’s online application website: https://apps.wrd.state.or.us/apps/oweb/oa/.

An OWEB Online Grant Management System (OGMS) login is required to access the online grant application. Only one login per organization is allowed. If no login exists for the applicant’s organization, please email Leilani Sullivan at Leilani.sullivan@oweb.oregon.gov to request one. Include the following in your email:

• Organization name and address.
• Grantee contact information: name, title, email address, and phone number for the person who will receive all communication from OWEB and sign any grant agreements.
• Payee contact information: name, email address, and phone number for the person who keeps records and submits payment requests and documentation.
• FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number). OWEB may enter into agreements only with legally established entities. OWEB will review potential applicants prior to creating an OGMS login.

For general questions and questions about the Online Application, contact:
Kathy Leopold
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
971-345-7017 or Kathy.Leopold@oweb.oregon.gov

or

Eric Hartstein
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board
503-910-6201 or ic.Hartstein@OWEB.oregon.gov">Eric.Hartstein@OWEB.oregon.gov

For questions about Eligible Project Types, contact:
Kyle Sullivan-Astor
Oregon Department of Forestry
541-285-8685 or kyle.m.sullivan-astor@odf.oregon.gov

Salem, Ore. – Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, the founder of New Expressive Works and former Creative Laureate of Portland (2018 – June 2021), has been elected by the Oregon Arts Commission to succeed Jenny Green as Commission Chair. David Harrelson, the Cultural Resources Department manager for The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and a Grand Ronde tribal member, was elected Vice Chair. He succeeds Harlen Springer. Green and Springer served full terms as Chair and Vice Chair.

Ganesan-Forbes is a choreographer, curator and arts administrator whose contemporary works showcase the nuanced, universal emotive expressions of Bharatanatyam. Her recent choreographic works have been featured at Middlebury College (Vermont), University of Oregon, Portland Opera, Third Angle New Music, Ten Tiny Dances, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art and Portland Center Stage. In 2012 she founded New Expressive Works, a vibrant performing arts venue that supports diverse independent performing artists through residencies, artist conversations and performance seasons. 

In 2021, Ganesan-Forbes stewarded “Community Healing Through Art,” an arts-focused, community-informed project designed to leverage the power of arts and culture to support grieving and healing throughout Portland’s diverse communities. Currently she is an integral member of the Our Creative Future Steering Committee that is co-creating goals and strategies for a regional arts and culture plan. She serves as a Community Advisory Committee member of the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center and as a board member for the James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation. 

“Every time we engage with the arts we give ourselves the possibility to experience empathy, healing and our collective humanity,” said Ganesan-Forbes. “Through this new role, I look forward to collaborating with artistic communities across Oregon so that we can build greater opportunities for soulful and meaningful cultural exchange."  

Harrelson has championed the use of his people’s ancestral art forms for the purpose of public art. Recently he led the effort to create the Indigenous Place Keeping Artist (IPKA) Fellowship. He has worked in the field of cultural resources for 13 years. 

Besides supporting art in an administrative capacity, Harrelson currently approaches art as a hobby, believing that the process of creating art should be accessible to everyone. The primary areas of inspiration for his art include his indigenous heritage and the landscape of western Oregon. He is active in his community serving his second year as an Oregon Arts Commissioner and previously serving on the State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation, Chehalem Cultural Center Board in Newberg as well as the editorial board for Smoke Signals, a free and independent newspaper covering the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. 

"It is an honor to serve alongside qualified and diverse arts commissioners from across the state with a focus on increasing the availability of funding to support the arts,” said Harrelson. 

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The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, services and special initiatives. The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature and with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts as well as funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.

Evacuation Levels Updated for Petes Lake Fire on 09-25-23

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: September 25, 2023

UPDATE:

Due to cooler weather, recent precipitation and decreased fire activity, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is dropping all evacuation levels around the Petes Lake Fire.

Much of the area west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy south of Mirror Lake Trail and north of the Six Lakes Trail is still under a Forest Closure issued by the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. For information regarding forest closures, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices

As conditions change, evacuation levels may change.  Please follow us on social media and check www.deschutes.org/emergency for up-to-date evacuation notices.

END OF UPDATE

Evacuation Levels Updated for Petes Lake Fire on 09-21-23

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: September 21, 2023

UPDATE:

Due to moderating weather conditions, leading to decreased fire activity, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is lowering the Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notice for the areas around Elk and Lava Lakes to Level 1 (Be Ready).  

A Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:

Areas around Elk, Hosmer, Lava and Little Lave Lakes. This includes areas east of Cascade Lakes Hwy from Blue Lagoon north to Quinn Meadows.

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

The Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation notice is still in place for the following areas:

All areas west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy from the Lucky Lake Trailhead north to the Mirror Lake Trail. This includes the areas around Lucky Lake, Leech Lake, Doris Lake, Blow Lake and Mirror Lakes.

Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuation immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

As conditions change, evacuation levels may change.  Please follow us on social media and check www.deschutes.org/emergency for up-to-date evacuation notices.

END OF UPDATE

Evacuation Levels Updated for Petes Lake Fire on 09-18-23

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: September 18, 2023

UPDATE:

Due to increased fire activity and fire spread to the east over the last few days, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is issuing a Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notice for the areas around Elk and Lava Lakes.  

A Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:

Areas around Elk, Hosmer, Lava and Little Lave Lakes. This includes areas east of Cascade Lakes Hwy from Blue Lagoon north to Quinn Meadows.

Level 2: Means “BE SET” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

The Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation notice is still in place for the following areas:

All areas west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy from the Lucky Lake Trailhead north to the Mirror Lake Trail. This includes the areas around Lucky Lake, Leech Lake, Doris Lake, Blow Lake and Mirror Lakes.

Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuation immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

As conditions change, evacuation levels may change.  Please follow us on social media and check www.deschutes.org/emergency for up-to-date evacuation notices.

END OF UPDATE

Evacuation Levels Updated for Petes Lake Fire on 09-01-23

UPDATE:

The Level 1 (Be Ready) Evacuation notices for the area around Elk and Lava Lakes has been dropped.  There are currently no Level 1 (Be Ready) or Level 2 (Be Set) Evacuation notices in place around the Petes Lake Fire.

The Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation notice is still in place for the following areas:

All areas west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy from the Lucky Lake Trailhead north to the Mirror Lake Trail. This includes the areas around Lucky Lake, Leech Lake, Doris Lake, Blow Lake and Mirror Lakes.

Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuation immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

As conditions change, evacuation levels may change.  Please follow us on social media and check www.deschutes.org/emergency for up to date evacuation notices.

Both Elk Lake and Lava Lake Resorts and campgrounds are open. There is fire traffic in the area between Devil's Lake and Lucky Lake Trailhead, which may result in travel delays.

If you are traveling to Lava Lake, please consider using FS 40 from the Sunriver Area to Cascade Lakes Hwy and then travel north to Lava Lake.

If you are traveling to Elk Lake, please use Century Drive to Cascade Lakes Hwy past Mt. Bachelor.

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: August 27, 2023

A Level 3 (Go Now) Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:

All areas west of the Cascade Lakes Hwy from the Lucky Lake Trailhead north to the Mirror Lake Trail. This includes the areas around Lucky Lake, Leech Lake, Doris Lake, Blow Lake and Mirror Lakes.

Level 3: Means “GO” evacuate now. Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuation immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.

A Level 1 (Be Ready) Pre-Evacuation notice is issued for the following areas:

Areas around Elk, Hosmer, Lava and Little Lave Lakes. This includes areas east of Cascade Lakes Hwy from Blue Lagoon north to Quinn Meadows.

Level 1: Means “BE READY“ for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

This decision was made after consultation with fire managers and authorized by Sheriff L. Shane Nelson. We will continue to work with fire managers to

ensure public safety and prevent conflicts between citizens and fire operations. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of residents.

Follow the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-date information.

Current maps including evacuation areas can be found at: https://deschutes.org/emergency

For fire information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at: www.centraloregonfire.org

Make sure you are registered for Deschutes Alerts to receive evacuation and emergency alert and warnings in your area by going to www.deschutesalerts.org

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Date: September 24, 2023

Case #: 2023-00058889

Incident: Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Investigation

Date / Time of Incident: Sept. 23, 2023 / 11:42 PM 

Location: SE 15^th Street south of Bear Creek Road, Bend

Updated Information: 

Driver: Bryce Tanner Lupton, 23-year-old Bend resident

Deceased Passenger: Jacobic Lee Barnhill, 23-year-old La Pine resident

Second Passenger: Female, 22-year-old Redmond resident

The driver and deceased passenger information have been updated since the original release. Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in this crash. Any community members who witnessed the crash are encouraged to contact the Bend Police Department. 

A 23-year-old Central Oregon man died in a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of SE 15^th Street and Bear Creek Road. The deceased man had been a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The crashed vehicle was a 2012 Ford Focus that had been traveling on SE 15^th Street. The Ford left the roadway and rolled during the crash. 

Bend Fire and Rescue personnel responded and removed the driver and the second passenger. They were transported to St. Charles Medical Center for treatment.

Members of the Bend Police crash reconstruction team went to the area to investigate, and that area of SE 15^th Street was closed until 6:00 AM on September 24, 2023. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the crash.

UPDATE: The deceased motorcyclist has been identified as Ronald Michael Quinn.

Date: Sept. 22, 2023

Case #: 2023-00058543

Incident: Motorcyclist dies in crash on Knott Road

Date / Time of Incident: Sept. 22, 2023 / 9:45 a.m. 

Location: Knott Road & China Hat Road, Bend

Driver: 67-year-old Bend resident

Deceased: 74-year-old Central Oregon resident

A 74-year-old Central Oregon man died Friday after he crashed his motorcycle into another vehicle at the intersection of Knott and China Hat roads in Bend. 

An initial investigation determined that the 74-year-old was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle northwest on China Hat Road when he failed to stop at the stop sign and struck the passenger side of a blue Tesla sedan traveling northeast on Knott Road. 

Witnesses to the crash, as well as Bend Fire & Rescue medics, performed CPR on the motorcyclist, but he was declared dead at the scene at approximately 9:56 a.m. The motorcyclist is not being identified pending next of kin notification. 

The Tesla’s driver, a 67-year-old Bend resident, called 911 to report the crash, stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. The driver was not cited. 

Members of the Bend Police crash reconstruction team responded to the area to conduct an investigation, and the intersection of Knott Road and China Hat Road remained closed until approximately 1:25 p.m.  

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 4:59 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-34, near milepost 1, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Fusion, operated by Jimmie Eugene Beck Jr (19) of Newport, was westbound on Hwy-34 in the fast lane. The Ford left the fast lane, crossing the center turn lane and into the oncoming eastbound lane where it struck a silver Nissan Versa, operated by Jennifer Davina Gere (43) of Lebanon, head-on. 

The operator of the Nissan (Gere) was declared deceased, by responding medical personnel, at the scene. 

The operator of the Ford (Beck Jr) was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with serious injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation.  The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Benton County Sheriff's Department, Corvallis PD, and Corvallis Fire. 

Prineville, Ore. – Starting Friday (September 22) at 12:01 a.m., the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Central Oregon District will move down to a “Moderate” fire danger level and additional restrictions under Regulated Use Closure will be terminated for all lands protected by the district. In addition, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) will change to I (one) for MH-4 in Hood River County (west of Hwy 35) and for MH-1 (east of Hwy 35 in Hood River and Wasco Counties). 

While conditions have dropped to Moderate fire danger, backyard debris burning continues to be prohibited on ODF-protected lands within Central Oregon District. 

Under IFPL I (one), on ODF protected lands in Hood River and Wasco counties, the use of fire or power-driven machinery in any operation area is unlawful unless such use is following fire prevention requirements.

In addition, the fire watch requirement for this level is reduced from a minimum of three hours to a minimum of one hour during breaks and at the end of the operation period. 

Although there is rain in the forecast, Central Oregon District remains in fire season. As such, we encourage the public to be mindful of activities that could cause a wildfire, as conditions can vary across the district.

Additional fire restrictions or regulations may apply depending on the various fire risks. Check the full list of restrictions at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx.

For more information on the Central Oregon District and fire season regulations, visit https://odfcentraloregon.com/. For tips on wildfire prevention, visit www.keeporegongreen.org 

Multi-Vehicle Crash - Interstate 84 - Umatilla County

On Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 12:35 PM, Oregon State Troopers from the Pendleton area command responded to a multi-vehicle crash, with at least one commercial motor vehicle fully engulfed in flames, on westbound I-84, near milepost 227. 

The Troopers arrived on scene and determined the crash involved at least seventeen separate vehicles. Three of the involved vehicles were completely destroyed by fire; including two Commercial Motor Vehicles and one passenger car. 

One motorist was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and life flighted to Kadlec hospital in Washington, while several other motorists suffered minor injuries. 

The interstate was closed for approximately 8 hours as the vehicles were removed and the area restored to allow safe travel. 

The preliminary investigation determined the contributing factors to the crash were limited visibility due to fog and vehicle speed.

OSP is encouraging motorists to driver slower when visibility is limited or roadway conditions merit reduced speeds.

OSP was assisted by CTUIR PD, Fire, and Ambulance, Pendleton Fire and Ambulance, the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Echo Fire Department, and ODOT. 

OSP Arrests Sexual Abuse Suspect- Asking Additional Victims to Report - Deschutes County

On Friday, July 14, 2023, Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section initiated an investigation involving sexual abuse occurring at the May Spa on Bellevue Drive within Bend Oregon and the Deschutes County area.  The victim reported she had been sexually assaulted by her masseuse during a routine session.  Through the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Jianming Tang.

On September 15, 2023, an undercover operation occurred with the assistance of the victim and during that investigation detectives established probable cause of the crime of Sexual Abuse in the 3^rd Degree.  Jianming Tang was arrested and lodged into the Deschutes County Jail.

The Oregon State Police would like to credit the victim for her bravery in participating in the undercover operation. OSP would also like to thank the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team for their assistance, along with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. 

OSP understands there may be other victims who have not disclosed similar incidents.  To report any related or similar incidents involving the May Spa, please contact the Oregon State Dispatch Center at (541) 726-2525 or OSP and reference OSP case number SP23-216409.

Due to the on-going investigation and court proceedings, OSP does not have further information to release at this time.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at approximately 7:26 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 289, in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Jeep Cherokee, operated by Marci Ann Maples (51) of Klamath Falls, attempted to turn north (left) onto Highway 97 from Keno Worden Road. The Jeep entered the path of a southbound Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Charles Lavern Owens (55) of Los Angeles (CA), and was struck in the driver's side door. The operator of the Dodge attempted to avoid the collision, but was unable to do so. 

The operator of the Jeep (Maples) was life flighted to Sky Lakes Medical Center and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

The operator of the Dodge (Owens) was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center via ambulance with minor injuries. 

The highway was impacted for 2 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Keno Fire and ODOT.

September 22, 2023

Media contacts: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139,

PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Recreational use advisory issued for Lake Ewauna Sept. 22

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today issued a recreational use health advisory today for Lake Ewauna due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure. The lake is in Klamath County.

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

OHA encourages people to visit Lake Ewauna and enjoy activities such as catch-and-release fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking. Boating is safe as long as speeds do not create excessive water spray. Sprays could lead to the risk of inhaling cyanotoxins.

Drinking water

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

Not all private treatment systems are effective at removing cyanotoxins. OHA advises people to use an alternative water source if they do not use a well or public water system, and draw in-home water directly from an affected area.

Children and pets

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

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

Symptoms

Exposure to cyanotoxins can be serious and cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms may be similar to food poisoning such as stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may also be more serious, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness and shortness of breath. These symptoms may require medical attention. Dogs can experience weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, lethargy, loss of appetite and more. Pet owners should seek veterinary treatment as quickly as possible if their dog exhibits any of those symptoms.

Fishing

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

For health information or to report an illness, contact OHA at 971-673-0482.

ASTORIA, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) works with area schools and partner natural resource organizations to give Clatsop County sixth graders hands–on experience in possible careers related to the forest. The Clatsop County Forestry Days have been led by ODF since 1960 and bring together a group of local dedicated volunteers to share their professional expertise and enthusiasm.

“Our sole focus is on the students,” said Brad Catton, Operations Coordinator for ODF’s Astoria District. “We give them a hands-on taste of what type of careers they could have related to the forests.”

The two-day event held Sept. 20 and 21 at ODF’s Demonstration Forest and Arboretum adjacent to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds and ODF’s district offices features eight learning stations including: wildland firefighting, tree planting, wood products, wildlife rescue, fisheries, recreation, tree measurements and mushrooms.

“This is fantastic—getting the kids outside and to see the work people in their community do every day,” said O’Brien Starr-Hollow, a sixth-grade teacher in the Warrenton school district.  “Several of my students’ families make a living from the sea—so to have a fisheries station and then the other stations demonstrating how healthy forests support spawning salmon and other wildlife can really make an impact on them.”

That impact combines the physical actions of pushing on shovels to plant seedlings to pulling on a fire hose nozzle handle to put out a “wildfire” with the mental mindset that they can make a difference.

“We try to make it fun,” said Andres Lopez as he set up the cut out wooden flame the kids try to squirt and knock down with the water coming out of the fire hose.  Lopez, a Forest Officer for ODF’s Astoria district, also gave the students a hands-on demo of other common firefighting equipment.  “At the same time we talk about the hard work it takes to do these sorts of jobs well,” said Lopez.

“The hope is we get girls and boys interested in staying in their communities and finding careers they love based on everything the forest provides,” said Jenny Johnson, President of the local chapter of Oregon Women in Timber.    Johnson has a personal connection to Forestry Days since her next-door neighbor, John Christie an ODF forester, organized the first one.

“I knew John as a neighbor and attended this event when I was in sixth grade and it helped inspire me to get my Forestry Degree from Oregon State (University) and work in forestry,” said Johnson.  “John has passed away, but his vision and passion lives on through this event.”

Women in Timber have been one of the partners that make Forestry Days a success.

“This is truly a team effort,” said Catton.  “Women in Timber, Clatsop County Fisheries, Hampton Lumber, Coast Wildlife, ODF and many other organizations and people have contributed to the success of this program over the years, and we thank them for supporting our local students.”

Although this event is just two days the ODF Astoria Demonstration Forest is open year round and more information can be found in the Clatsop State Forest Guide.

Visit the Oregon Department of Forestry’s main website for more information on many forest related programs from recreation to timber harvesting to wildland firefighting.

Women in Timber provide free educational professionals to visit classroom by supporting the “Talk about Trees” program and many other outreach and education opportunities.  Visit their website for more information.

NOTE: Due to a technical issue, this press release was not sent, Thursday, September 21st via FlashAlert.

September 21, 2023

Media Contact: Jonathan Modie, OHA, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

Health experts urge vaccinations as respiratory virus season kicks off

OHA, Kaiser physicians say new shots give hope for preventing another surge

PORTLAND, Ore. — As respiratory virus season gets under way, infectious disease experts are urging Oregonians to take advantage of newly available, updated vaccines to stave off another COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) wave that besieged hospitals last fall.

Paul Cieslak, M.D., of Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Katie Sharff, M.D., of Kaiser Permanente Northwest – speaking to reporters during a virtual media briefing today – say updated COVID-19 and flu shots and new RSV vaccines could help blunt the effect of a respiratory virus trifecta, when cases of all three viruses simultaneously increase, as happened in late 2022.

They also are reminding people that use of masks in health care settings where patients at highest risk of severe disease are cared for, such as nursing facilities and hospitals, is “strongly recommended.”

“The potential for another respiratory surge that swamps our hospitals and health care system still exists,” said Cieslak, OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations. “Even before COVID-19, influenza and RSV could overwhelm hospitals in some regions of the state.”

The media briefing can be viewed in English at this link and in Spanish at this link.

Cieslak noted Oregon has seen a steady increase in COVID-19 test positivity since late spring – from 4.3% on May 27 to around 15% by Sept. 16 – and a doubling of COVID-19 hospitalizations since June 21, when the daily count was at 106. And while flu and RSV activity remains low, cases are expected to rise, as typical, during fall months, with students back in school, and people heading indoors to escape colder temperatures and gather during the holidays.

“Straining of hospital capacity will be an issue nationwide, and perhaps more so in Oregon, where we are additionally challenged by the fact that we have relatively few hospital beds per-capita,” Cieslak said.

Sharff, Kaiser’s chief of infectious disease, said the Southern Hemisphere, which epidemiologists monitor for flu activity to help predict the coming season, had an early flu season that significantly affected unvaccinated children.

“I think the pattern of COVID-19 is still uncertain. We’re not quite sure if COVID is considered a seasonal virus, as we see surges both during summer and winter months,” Sharff said. “The important thing is if we see an increase in all three viruses at the same time, that is when we could potentially see it crushing our currently strained health care system.”

Both physicians say vaccination is the best way for people to protect themselves and those around them from infection and reduce the risk of severe illness – particularly for vulnerable individuals like older adults, and those who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions – that could lead to hospitalization or death.

On Sept. 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend updated, COVID-19 monoclonal vaccines for the 2023–2024 respiratory virus season. They are designed to protect against circulating mutations of the virus, including the XBB-based Omicron XBB subvariants that account for more than 95% of cases.

The new COVID-19 vaccines, along with an updated version of the seasonal flu vaccine, are now available at some pharmacies and clinics, with more doses expected to arrive in Oregon over the next several weeks. A new RSV monoclonal antibody immunization for babies and toddlers called nirsevimab – known commercially as Beyfortus – will be released later this fall, and a new RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older is now available on the commercial market.

The vaccines for all three viruses have been extensively tested and are considered safe and effective.

In addition to recommending vaccinations, Cieslak explained that, for the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season, OHA is “strongly recommending” people wear masks in health care settings caring for patients at highest risk for severe disease. Recommendations for masking as a tool to protect those most at risk when respiratory virus transmission is high is not itself new guidance, but it remains relevant and important for this respiratory season.

The agency stressed that individuals most at risk for severe disease include those with compromised immune systems; with underlying health conditions; and who are 65 and older.

As a physician, parent and community member, Sharff said she’s discouraged to see a health care system like Oregon’s become overwhelmed during respiratory season, since it can lead to delayed care, canceled surgeries and long wait times in clinics and emergency departments.

“I urge all Oregonians to consider the tools available to them to prevent respiratory infections this season,” she said.

People can get the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, county public health clinic or federally qualified health center (FQHC). They can also search for a clinic by ZIP code by visiting vaccinefinder.org, or by calling 211 or visiting 211info.org.

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By Maureen Brakke

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently named Raeann Salchenberg as the new Director of Alumni Engagement effective September 25. This position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with Western’s former students, organizing alumni events and programs, and coordinating efforts to keep graduates connected and engaged with their alma mater. The position will also work to leverage alumni support for fundraising and student recruitment initiatives, fostering a sense of community and loyalty among the university's graduates.

“I am honored and excited to come back home and serve the students, alumni and community of my alma mater in the capacity as Director of Alumni Engagement,” said Salchenberg. “ I look forward to identifying and cultivating partnerships with alumni and enhancing the impact of the college alumni community.” 

Salchenberg was born and raised in Salem and is a first-generation college student, earning her degree in communication at Western. As a student, she served as a peer mentor, Student Organization Director, and was elected by the student body to serve as the Student Activities Board Director. After she graduated college, Salchenberg worked in development, community relations, leadership board management, volunteer recruitment, and event management.

“I am delighted to welcome Raeann back to campus to lead Western’s alumni engagement efforts," said Katie Wojke, vice president of advancement.  “Her enthusiasm and love of the university, passion for education, and experiences gained through working in the local nonprofit sector since graduating were apparent. Raeann’s collaborative nature, working with the alumni board, volunteers and campus partners, will help elevate Western’s alumni profile in the region and beyond.”

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The Western Oregon University Foundation was founded in 1965 and is the fundraising arm of Western Oregon University. A nonprofit corporation, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees with IRS 501(c)3 status, the WOU Foundation’s scholarship program includes more than 250 donor-funded scholarships. In addition, the foundation manages nearly 300 funds for academic and student programs. As of 2023, the WOU Foundation has approximately $26 million in assets and a permanent endowment of $22 million.

I-84 remains closed westbound between Exit 265 (5 miles east of La Grande) and Exit 216 (6 miles east of Pendelton) due to a multiple vehicle crash near milepost 227. I-84 eastbound is also closed between Exit 265 and Exit 216. OR 204 (Tollgate Highway) and OR 245 are closed to non-local traffic, as they are not viable routes for I-84. The highway is expected to be closed for a couple of hours. Continue to visit TripCheck.com or call 511 / 800-977-6368 for updates. Outside Oregon call 503-588-2941.

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: September 21, 2023

Location: Bi-Mart, La Pine, OR

Arrested: Boggs, Jeremy Scott 43-year-old, Yachats, OR

Charges: Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Unlawful Entry to a Motor Vehicle

Narrative:

On September 21, 2023, just before 10:00 am the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle from the Bi-Mart parking lot in La Pine. Initial reports detailed the owner was inside Bi-Mart when his Subaru Legacy was stolen.

Responding deputies attempted to locate the vehicle while enroute to the area. The Community Action Target Team (CATT) Sergeant located the stolen Subaru pulling into the parking lot of Gordy’s Truck Stop. The Sergeant opted to not initiate a vehicle pursuit out of an abundance of caution for the public and awaited other responding units to arrive in the area prior to attempting to make contact.

The suspect, later identified as Jeremy Scott Boggs, was witnessed by a citizen and employee fleeing from the stolen vehicle on foot. Responding deputies were able to establish a perimeter in the area with the goal of utilizing a K-9 to locate and ultimately apprehend the suspect.

Prior to the K-9 arriving, Boggs was witnessed crossing Highway 97 west towards Burgess Road. Deputies and the CATT Sergeant were able to apprehend Boggs without incident.

Boggs was transported to and lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on the above listed charges.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

OSP Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the unlawful waste of Deer- Hood River County (Photo)

 

On September 3, 2023, at about 6:20 P.M., a Trooper responded to a call of a dead buck that was shot and left on Hood River County property not far from Odell, Oregon. A second doe deer, which was also shot and left, was reported that evening in the same area. No meat was salvaged from either deer.    

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP23-281043.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Turn in Poachers (TIP) program offers preference points or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation, to a suspect, for the unlawful killing of wildlife, and or waste of big game. Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags, and for unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags. Learn more: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx

PREFERENCE POINT REWARDS:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

 Oregon Hunters Association Cash Rewards:

$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose

$1,000 Elk, Deer, and Antelope

$600 Bear, Cougar, and Wolf

$300 Habitat Destruction

$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags

$200 Unlawful Lending/Borrowing Big Game Tag(s)

$200 Game Birds or Furbearers

$200 Spotlighting

$200 Snagging/Attempting to Snag

$200 Game Fish and Shellfish

 Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:

Birds

$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey

All other protected avian species: see category below for listed species

Mammals

$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox

Species listed as “threatened" or “endangered" under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)

$1,000 (e.g. wolf, wolverine, kit fox, red tree vole, Canada lynx, sea otter, Columbian white-tailed deer, California brown pelican, western snowy plover, California least tern, northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, short-tailed albatross, streaked horned lark, yellow-billed cuckoo, leatherback sea turtle, olive ridley sea turtle, Oregon spotted frog, green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle) 

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced today that it has joined a multi-state settlement with Robinhood Financial LLC, which will pay up to $10.2 million in penalties for operational and technical failures that harmed investors, including some in Oregon.

The settlement stems from an investigation spearheaded by state securities regulators in Alabama, Colorado, California, Delaware, New Jersey, South Dakota and Texas coordinated through the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) regarding Robinhood’s operational failures with respect to the retail market.

The investigation was sparked by Robinhood platform outages in March 2020, a time when hundreds of thousands of investors were relying on the Robinhood app to make trades. In addition, before to March 2021, there were deficiencies at Robinhood in its review and approval process for options and margin accounts, weaknesses in the firm’s monitoring and reporting tools, and insufficient customer service and escalation protocols that in some cases left Robinhood users unable to process trades even as the value of certain stocks was dropping.

“This multi-state settlement is another example of states working together to protect investors,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “DFR is committed to holding companies like Robinhood accountable when it failed to protect those who have entrusted them.”

The order sets out the following violations:

• Negligent dissemination of inaccurate information to customers, including regarding margin and risk associated with multi-leg option spreads.
• Failure to have a reasonably designed customer identification program.
• Failure to supervise technology critical to providing customers with core broker-dealer services.
• Failure to have a reasonably designed system for dealing with customer inquiries.
• Failure to exercise due diligence before approving certain option accounts.
• Failure to report all customer complaints to FINRA and state securities regulators, as may be required.

Robinhood neither admits nor denies the findings as set out in the orders. Robinhood will provide access to a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)-ordered compliance implementation report to settling states. Robinhood retained an independent compliance consultant who made recommendations for remediation, which Robinhood has generally implemented.

One year after the settlement date, Robinhood will attest to the lead state, Alabama, that it is in full compliance with the FINRA-ordered independent compliance consultant’s recommendations or has otherwise instituted measures that are more effective at addressing the recommendations.

If you have questions or concerns about your investments or financial professional, please contact DFR at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov">dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and  www.dcbs.oregon.gov.​​

The ISOR-PH board will hold a regular board meeting on October 19, 2023 @11:30am 

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that a regular Meeting of the Board will be held on October 19, 2023 @11:30am.

Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Board Members are hereby notified that the Meeting of the Board will be held at:

1.Via Teleconference - using any of the following US phone numbers

+1 253 215 8782

+1 346 248 7799

+1 669 900 9128

+1 301 715 8592

+1 312 626 6799

+1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID is: 936 9648 8538

And

2. Via Zoom Meeting Link:

https://zoom.us/s/93696488538

The Public has been invited to the Board Meeting with notices posted at the following locations:

A. FlashNet Newswire

http://flashalertbend.net/press-releases.html

B. Insight School of Oregon Painted Hills Office

603 NW 3rd Street

Prineville, OR 97754

In the early 1920s, Willard Ayers Eliot hired a well-known natural history artist, R. Bruce Horsfall, to paint 56 works to illustrate Eliot’s book Birds of the Pacific Coast. Published in 1923, this popular and enduring bird identification book saw at least five editions. Eliot was deeply involved with the Oregon Audubon Society (OAS) (now Portland Audubon), and in 1941, he donated the Horsfall paintings to OAS. Portland Audubon donated 55 of Horsfall’s vibrant illustrations to the Oregon Historical Society in 2019, keeping a single illustration for themselves — the Rufous Hummingbird. 

Now, 100 years after the original printing of Birds of the Pacific Coast, OHS is proud to display all 55 Horsfall illustrations preserved in our museum collection as well as the Rufous Hummingbird, on loan from Portland Audubon, alongside information about many of the birds depicted in these paintings. Visitors will also learn more about how to start birding in their own parks and neighborhoods so they can enjoy the beautiful creatures that Horsfall has preserved on paper. This original exhibition, Birds of the Pacific Coast: The Illustrations of R. Bruce Horsfall, is on view now at the Oregon Historical Society’s museum in downtown Portland through May 21, 2024.

R. Bruce Horsfall was born October 21, 1869, in Clinton, Iowa. As a child he took an interest in art and was especially captivated in his family’s pets and wildlife around his home. As a teenager and young adult, Horsfall studied art, first in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later abroad in Germany. During his artistic career, Horsfall would become internationally known by having his work featured in magazines and books and through his work with natural history museums.

Between 1914 to 1924, Horsfall, along with his wife, Carra Horsfall, and son, Robert Bruce Horsfall, Jr., lived in Oregon. He became involved with the Oregon Audubon Society, a connection that lasted even after moving away from Oregon. Alongside William Finley and others, Horsfall participated in a survey of wildlife in and around Klamath Lake. His artwork also featured in OAS publications, including Birds of the Pacific Coast and Bluebirds Seven, published in 1978.

For those unable to visit the exhibition in person, all 55 illustrations preserved at OHS can also be found online through the OHS Museum Collection Portal. Launched in 2022, the OHS Museum Collection Portal (museumcollection.ohs.org) is a public, online database highlighting a selection of the incredible objects in the museum’s care. OHS’s museum preserves over 75,000 objects that document the history of the region, which includes clothing and textiles, Native American belongings, artworks, vehicles, equipment, and everyday items. To date, the Portal makes approximately 12,000 of these items accessible, with more records being added regularly. 

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week, Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 12pm–5pm. Admission is $10, with discounts for students, seniors, teachers, and youth. Admission is free every day for OHS members and Multnomah County residents. Learn more and plan your visit at ohs.org/visit.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, 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. 

BEND, OR — Imagine taking an intimate look into the lesser-known lives of wild wolves through the lens of a decorated National Geographic photographer. Set to debut at the High Desert Museum on Saturday, October 21, the travelling exhibition Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan offers Museum visitors that remarkable opportunity. 

The stunning exhibition, created by the National Geographic Society and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming, will feature Donovan’s images and videos of wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and on Ellesmere Island in the high Canadian Artic. Since 2014, the National Geographic Explorer and photographer has examined the relationship between wild wolves and humans to better understand the animals, our shared history and what drives the persistent human-wolf conflict.

“This exhibition is timely as the wolf population increases in the High Desert ecosystem,” says High Desert Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “After a decades-long absence, wolves are once again our neighbors. The work by Ronan Donovan gives us insight into how we might all coexist together.”

Wolves is the kickoff to a series of exhibitions and programs over the next year at the Museum that will explore the Endangered Species Act, which was signed into law 50 years ago.

Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan will introduce visitors to the daily lives of wolves in the Arctic with unparalleled intimacy — how they hunt, play, travel and rest in one of the harshest environments on Earth. By contrast, the wolves of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are fearful of humans, making it more difficult to document their daily lives. One of the distinctions made clear in the exhibit’s images is Donovan’s ability to get closer to wolf pups in the Arctic, which allowed the photographer to document behaviors he had never seen in Yellowstone. Donovan attributes these differences to the fact that Arctic wolves rarely experience negative encounters with humans or view them as a threat. 

“Wolves are such a fascinating animal to me because of how complex their relationship is with humans,” Donovan says in a statement from National Geographic. “Wolves were the first animals humans domesticated some 30,000 years ago and they have lived alongside us ever since as guardians, workers and companions. Yet as humans moved to more sedentary lives, raising what amounts to easy prey in the form of livestock, wolves have found themselves in conflict with humans.”

Donovan, a field biologist turned conservation photographer and filmmaker, hopes that his photos will provide people with a better understanding of these often-misunderstood animals.

“The way that a culture views wolves can reveal a lot about how a society interacts with their environment—is there a belief of power over animals, or is there a collective shared landscape?” Donovan says. “As a visual storyteller, my goal is to portray my subjects in their most authentic way by showing the challenges they face as well as the tender moments between family members in order to evoke a shared emotion that the viewer can connect with.” 

Through these emotional shared connections, Donovan hopes exhibition visitors will see wolves as they are: powerful, intelligent, social mammals that have evolved to live in family structures similar to humans.

“Our goal in exhibiting Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan at the High Desert Museum is to familiarize visitors with the past, present and future of gray wolves in the region,” says Museum Donald M. Kerr Curator of Natural History Hayley Brazier, Ph.D. “The recent expansion of wolf packs into their historic ranges can be a divisive issue, but it’s a timely topic that the Museum is equipped to facilitate a conversation about. We hope our visitors leave with a more nuanced understanding of wolves and their growing presence in the High Desert.”

In addition to the exhibition, the Museum will host three programs to further explore the topic of wolves. The first event, “An Evening with Ronan Donovan,” will be a talk by Donovan on Thursday, October 26 at the Museum. During this discussion, participants will spend the evening hearing the remarkable stories behind Donovan’s images and research. As a result, attendees can expect to participate in invigorating discussions surrounding this incredible species and their centuries-old relationship to humans. It begins at 7:00 pm and tickets are available at highdesertmuseum.org/ronan-donovan.

The next event, happening at OSU-Cascades on Friday, October 27, will focus on the lives of wolves in Oregon. This thought-provoking discussion titled “Face to Face with Oregon's’ Wolves: Expert Perspectives” will be moderated by Donovan and feature a panel of local experts: Cameron Krebs (rancher), Emily Weidner (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist), Aaron Bott (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf biologist) and Austin Smith Jr. (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs natural resources manager). As the evening unfolds, the panelists will unravel the complex relationships between wolves and humans in Oregon, encouraging further discussion surrounding the species’ future as a part of the High Desert ecosystem. It starts at 7:00 pm and tickets are available at highdesertmuseum.org/wolves-panel.

The final event, happening on Saturday, October 28 at the Museum, is one the whole family can enjoy. Together with Ronan Donovan, kids will learn about wolf pack dynamics and how to howl like a wolf. This interactive event, titled “Howling Around,” will act as the fun and family-friendly conclusion to the High Desert Museum’s weekend of wolves. It will take place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and is free with Museum admission.

The visuals presented throughout Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan were captured from Donovan’s National Geographic Society-funded work and featured in National Geographic magazine’s 2016 issue on Yellowstone and in the September 2019 issue, as well as the National Geographic WILD series Kingdom of the White Wolf in 2019, which is available on Disney+.

Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan is open through February 11, 2024. It’s made possible by the Visit Central Oregon Future Fund with support from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Tonkin Corp. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/wolves.

ABOUT RONAN DONOVAN

A field biologist turned conservation photographer and filmmaker, Ronan Donovan has explored the human relationship to nature and wildlife on all seven continents. Donovan's passion for conserving wild animals and wild places was ignited as a child growing up in Vermont and later during his years as a wildlife field biologist researching spotted owls and chimpanzees. He transitioned to visual storytelling as a way to amplify the wildlife researchers and conservationists that Donovan collaborated with. In addition to his National Geographic work on wolves, Donovan has documented human-chimpanzee conflicts in Uganda, and the legacy work of primatologist Dian Fossey 

focused on mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Donovan strives to reconnect viewers to the natural world through the lives of our fellow social mammals to highlight our shared past and interwoven future. 

ABOUT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

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

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 [HH1]Will create webpage using hte approved content and send along for subsequent review

Benton County is inviting qualified firms throughout Oregon, nationally, and internationally to submit proposals for the development of a Sustainable Materials Management Plan. This initiative aims to comprehensively address the environmental impact of materials throughout their entire lifecycle, necessitating collaboration across jurisdictional and geographical boundaries.

“Key elements of the plan include extensive community engagement, analyses, and recommendations to address material lifecycle impacts, and strategies for funding and administration,” said Benton County Community Development Solid Waste & Water Quality Program Coordinator Daniel Reddick. “The specific scope of work will be determined in collaboration with the selected proposer during the initial phase of plan development.”

The primary objective is to engage a firm to create a local/regional Sustainable Materials Management Plan for Benton County.

Responses to the RFP will undergo a rigorous review process, scored, and ranked based on defined criteria within the solicitation document.

The Request for Proposal document is available for download on the Benton County website: https://www.co.benton.or.us/rfps, or printed copies can be obtained by contacting Benton County Community Development at 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, or by phone at (541) 766-6819, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

For project inquiries or clarifications, please contact: Daniel Redick, Solid Waste and Water Quality Program Coordinator Email: edick@bentoncountyor.gov">Daniel.Redick@bentoncountyor.gov Phone: (541) 766-6819

An optional Pre-Proposal meeting is scheduled for September 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. PST. The meeting will be conducted virtually, and registration details are as follows:

Pre-Proposal Meeting Information:

• Date: September 27, 2023
• Time: 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)
• Register in advance for the meeting: Zoom Registration

Following registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with instructions on joining the virtual meeting.

All RFP responses must be sealed and clearly marked as "Benton County Sustainable Materials Management Plan Proposal." Submissions should be sent to Benton County Community Development Department, Attention: Daniel Redick, Solid Waste and Water Quality Program Coordinator, 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, by 2:00 p.m. local time on November 8th, 2023.

For further information, please contact: Benton County Community Development Department Phone: (541) 766-6819 Email: edick@bentoncountyor.gov">Daniel.Redick@bentoncountyor.gov Website: https://www.co.benton.or.us/rfps

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@co.benton.or.us.

One recovered firearm linked to 17 Portland shootings, including 2 homicides

PORTLAND, Ore.—A self-identified member of Portland’s Unthank Park Hustlers, a local Bloods gang set, was sentenced to federal prison today for straw purchasing more than five dozen firearms from area gun shops and trafficking many of the guns to individuals prohibited by law from purchasing or possessing them.

Edward Charles Green, 25, of Gresham, Oregon, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in May 2021, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) opened an investigation after receiving information from the Gresham Police Department (GPD) and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) describing several shooting incidents allegedly involving Edward Green and his twin brother, Thomas Green III, also 25 and from Gresham. At around the same time, ATF agents began receiving information alleging the brothers were also responsible for straw purchasing dozens of firearms from gun shops across the Portland metro area.

Early indications of the Green brothers’ straw purchasing activity were uncovered on April 23, 2020, when PPB officers responded to reports of a house struck by gunfire on Northeast Sumner Street in Portland. Officers observed that the gun appeared to have been fired from inside the Greens’ father’s nearby home, leaving a small hole in their father’s front window. After telling officers he threw a rock through his own window, the Greens’ father changed his explanation and claimed a gun accidentally fired when he was showing his son how to clean it. PPB located and seized three handguns and an AK-47 from the residence. ATF agents later determined Edward Green had straw purchased three of the four guns seized, indicating on a legally-required purchase form that the firearms were for himself and not purchased on behalf of another person.

Between August 25 and August 30, 2020, PPB officers recovered four more firearms straw purchased by Edward Green. One of the firearms was recovered after officers responded to a shooting incident outside the brothers’ southeast Portland apartment. Three others were recovered from a vehicle that had been involved in a shooting near Portland Adventist Hospital.

On November 11, 2020, MCSO deputies responded to a Fairview, Oregon car crash caused by gunfire involving Edward Green. After executing a search warrant on a backpack recovered from Green’s vehicle, the deputies found two more pistols Green had purchased and two pounds of packaged marijuana. A few months later, on January 23, 2021, MCSO deputies recovered another firearm straw purchased by Green during a traffic stop of other individuals.

In May 2021, GPD officers responded to two separate shooting incidents at a house shared by the Green brothers. During the first shooting, on May 12, 2021, an unknown assailant fired several rounds into the house. During the second shooting, on May 21, 2021, a drive-by assailant fired 14 additional rounds into the house. An unknown person in the house fired 30 rounds in response, some of which struck occupied neighboring houses. On June 3, 2021, members of the Metro Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant on the residence and found nine empty semi-automatic gun cases, several dozen spent bullets and cartridge casings, 27 firearm and rifle magazines, a range bag with more than 400 spent cartridges, and five receipts for recent gun purchases made by the Green brothers. Forensic analyses linked some of these items to at least 10 different shootings in the Portland area between April 6, 2020, and July 11, 2021.

In July and August 2021, two more firearms linked to the Green brothers were recovered by law enforcement. In total, between April 5, 2020, and August 30, 2021, area law enforcement officers recovered 12 firearms straw purchased by the Green brothers. A subsequent review of ATF and State of Oregon records revealed that in an 18-month period beginning April 1, 2020, the brothers straw purchased 82 firearms from Portland area gun shops.

On September 28, 2021, the Greens were charged by criminal complaint with falsifying information in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and making false statements to a federal firearms licensee. The next day, on September 29, 2021, Thomas Green III was arrested at the apartment of a gang associate in Portland. One week later, on October 6, 2021, Edward Green was arrested by ATF agents at his father’s northeast Portland residence.

On October 21, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging the Greens with 41 counts of making false statements during the purchase of firearms. After the Greens were charged with these crimes, police continued recovering firearms purchased by the brothers. One gun, a .45 caliber Glock pistol, was recovered during the execution of a search warrant on the residence of another known Unthank Park Hustler gang member and associate of the Greens. The firearm was linked to 17 shootings in and around Portland in a 13-month period, including two homicides.

On June 23, 2023, the Green brothers pleaded guilty. Thomas Green III will be sentenced on October 10, 2023.

This case was investigated by members of the Metro Safe Streets Task Force including ATF, FBI, GPD, MCSO, and PPB. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Straw purchasing firearms is a serious federal crime that involves buying guns for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one or for someone who does not want his or her name associated with the purchase. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 80 percent of criminals obtain their firearms from friends or family members or other illegal sources. To learn more about the public safety risks posed by straw purchasing firearms, please visit www.dontlie.org.

Formed in April 2021, the Metro Safe Streets Task Force is a multi-agency initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting gun crimes in Multnomah County. As part of this effort, federally-deputized officers from the Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Gresham Police Department work with agents from the FBI and ATF to investigate gun crimes after they occur and, where appropriate and supported by evidence, charge those responsible in state or federal court. Prosecutors from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon work closely with task force officers to determine if state or federal charges are warranted and which jurisdiction is most appropriate for adjudication.

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Portland, OR– State agencies will meet by teleconference on October 4 on a proposed chemical process gold mine in Malheur County.

The Technical Review Team (TRT) will meet by teleconference on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to noon PDT.

The public notice and related documents are available at: https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/mlrr/Pages/Calico-GrassyMtn_appResponseDocuments.aspx

The public and media can listen to the meetings by joining the Zoom Meeting online, or by phone. For online meeting details and call-in instructions, see the meeting agenda in the public notice. For further information, contact the DOGAMI Albany office at (541) 967-2083 or email: imation.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov">nformation.grassymtn@dogami.oregon.gov.

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

20 de septiembre de 2023

El aumento de  inscripciones en el programa de guarderías relacionadas con el empleo de Oregon crea una lista de espera después del 3 de noviembre 

Los participantes actuales en ERDC no se verán afectados

SALEM, ORE. - Hoy, el Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano de Oregon (DELC) ha anunciado que suspenderá la inscripción en el programa de guarderías relacionadas con el empleo (ERDC) y abrirá una lista de espera debido al aumento de la demanda y la limitación de los fondos. Las familias que crean cumplir con los requisitos para ERDC deberán solicitarlo antes del 3 de noviembre de 2023 a las 11:59 p.m.

Las familias que actualmente reciben ayudas del ERDC seguirán recibiendo beneficios después del 3 de noviembre de 2023.

La inscripción en el programa ERDC, que se financia con inversiones federales y estatales, ha crecido un 52% en el bienio 2021-2023 debido a la ampliación de la elegibilidad de las familias y a las mejorías del programa. La inscripción ha crecido un 22% sólo en los dos últimos meses debido a cambios que incluyen copagos más bajos, el pago basado en la inscripción a los proveedores de cuidado infantil, la apertura del programa a los estudiantes sin empleo, la ampliación de los plazos de elegibilidad y la reducción al mínimo del número de razones por las que una familia puede perder sus beneficios del ERDC.

Las familias con necesidades específicas descritas en la regla de Oregon pueden seguir inscribiéndose en el ERDC tras la puesta en marcha de la lista de espera: 

• Las familias que reciban recientemente o en la actualidad Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF) o Asistencia Temporal para Supervivientes de Violencia Doméstica (TA-DVS) podrán seguir inscribiéndose en el ERDC. 
• Las familias también evitan la lista de espera si son remitidas por la división de Bienestar Infantil del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Oregon (ODHS) o vuelven a solicitar el ERDC en los dos meses siguientes al concluir sus beneficios. 
• Las familias que actualmente reciben el ERDC continuarán recibiendo beneficios después del 3 de noviembre de 2023.

"Todas las familias deberían tener acceso a opciones alcanzables de cuidado infantil, y se ha hecho un gran trabajo para ampliar la elegibilidad de este importante programa", indicó la gobernadora Tina Kotek.  "Esto significa que necesitamos más financiamiento estatal para el ERDC -al menos 50 millones de dólares más este bienio- si queremos satisfacer la demanda de asistencia para el cuidado de niños en todo el estado. Ha habido conversaciones productivas con los líderes legislativos sobre cómo abordar el déficit de financiamiento en la próxima sesión."

"El programa de guarderías relacionadas con el empleo está funcionando mejor para las familias, lo que es algo realmente bueno", dijo Alyssa Chatterjee, directora de DELC, la nueva agencia estatal que empezó a supervisar el ERDC el 1 de julio de 2023. "La exitosa expansión y mejora del programa ha demostrado lo que las familias ya saben: Los habitantes de Oregon dependen del cuidado infantil para que nuestra economía siga funcionando. Cuando invertimos en educación temprana y en cuidado infantil, invertimos en las familias y en nuestra mano de obra actual, al tiempo que invertimos en nuestro futuro colectivo. Estamos trabajando estrechamente con la Legislatura para identificar más fondos y, mientras tanto, estamos centrados en conectar a las familias con otros programas disponibles."

El programa de ERDC ayuda actualmente a unas 14.000 familias de todo el Estado a pagar su cuidado infantil. Las familias que ganan hasta el 200% del nivel federal de pobreza (por ejemplo, hasta 5.000 dólares al mes para una familia de cuatro miembros) pagan un pequeño copago basado en los ingresos y pueden matricularse con un proveedor que acepte el ERDC.

Una vez que se disponga de más fondos y la inscripción descienda a un nivel sostenible, se seleccionará a las familias de la lista de espera en orden de la fecha en que se incorporaron. Los primeros en presentar la solicitud serán los primeros seleccionados para confirmar elegibilidad y la posible inscripción. Una vez que una familia sea seleccionada de la lista de espera, recibirá un aviso invitándole a solicitar el ERDC en un plazo de 45 días. Es probable que la lista de espera se mantenga durante al menos 18 meses, dependiendo del nivel de inversión y del ritmo al que las familias abandonen el programa. DELC proporcionará actualizaciones periódicas a las familias añadidas a la lista de espera. 

Las familias pueden solicitar ERDC antes del 3 de noviembre de 2023 a las 11:59 p.m.  de las siguientes maneras:

• Visite Benefits.Oregon.gov
• Acuda a su oficina local
• Llame al 1-800-699-9075

A las familias que necesiten ayuda para pagar el cuidado de sus hijos después del 3 de noviembre, 2023 se les invita a que se comuniquen con 211 o con su centro local de aprendizaje temprano Early Learning Hub para solicitar otros programas accesibles, programas de cuidado infantil y aprendizaje temprano de alta calidad a través de DELC, como Preschool Promise y Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten. Las familias con necesidades específicas enumeradas anteriormente pueden seguir inscribiéndose después del 3 de noviembre de 2023 y no se verán afectadas por la lista de espera. Vaya a Oregon.gov/DELC/ERDC para obtener más información.

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Acerca del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado en la Edad Temprana de Oregon

La misión del Departamento de Aprendizaje y Cuidado Temprano es fomentar servicios coordinados, culturalmente apropiados y centrados en la familia que reconozcan y respeten los puntos fuertes y las necesidades de todos los niños, familias y profesionales del aprendizaje y los cuidados tempranos. Tienen más información sobre DELC en Oregon.gov/DELC  Puede también conectarse con el DELC en Facebook o puede suscribirse a alertas y actualizaciones de noticias.

Contacto:

Kate Gonsalves, 503-428-7292

delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Growing Enrollment of Oregon’s Employment Related Day Care program Prompts Waitlist after November 3

Current ERDC participants will not be affected

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALEM, ORE. - Today, the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) announced they will pause Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program enrollment and open a waitlist due to increased demand and limited funding. Families who believe they are eligible for ERDC should apply by November 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Families currently receiving ERDC support will continue to receive benefits after November 3, 2023.

Enrollment in the ERDC program, which is funded by both federal and state investments, has grown by 52% in the 2021-2023 biennium due to expansions in family eligibility and program improvements. Enrollment has grown 22% in the last two months alone due to changes that include lower copays, enrollment-based pay for child care providers, opening the program to non-working students, extending eligibility timeframes, and minimizing the number of reasons a family may lose their ERDC benefits.

Families with specific needs outlined in Oregon rule can still enroll in ERDC after the waitlist is implemented:
● Families recently or currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) will still be able to enroll in ERDC.

● Families will also bypass the waitlist if they are referred by the Child Welfare
division of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) or are reapplying
for ERDC within two months of benefits ending.

● Families currently receiving ERDC will continue to receive benefits after
November 3, 2023.

“Every family should have access to affordable child care options, and there has been a lot of great work done to expand eligibility for this important program,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “This means we need more state funding for ERDC – at least $50 million more this biennium – if we’re going to meet the demand for child care assistance across the state. There have been productive conversations with legislative leaders about addressing the funding gap in the next session.”

“The Employment Related Day Care program is working better for families, which is a really good thing,” said Alyssa Chatterjee, director of DELC, the new state agency that began overseeing ERDC on July 1, 2023. “The successful expansion and improvement of the program has demonstrated what families already know: Oregonians depend on child care to keep our economy running. When we invest in early education and child care, we invest in families and our current workforce while simultaneously investing in our collective future. We are working closely with the Legislature to identify more funding and are focused on connecting families to other available programs in the meantime.”

ERDC currently supports about 14,000 families across the state in paying for child care. Families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (e.g., up to $5,000 per month for a family of four) pay a small copay based on income and can enroll with a provider that accepts ERDC.

Once more funding becomes available and enrollment drops to a sustainable level, families will be selected from the waitlist based on the date they were added. The first to apply will be the first selected for eligibility screening and potential enrollment. Once a family is selected from the waitlist, they will receive a notice inviting them to apply for ERDC within 45 days. The waitlist is likely to be in place for at least 18 months, depending on the level of investment and the rate at which families leave the program.
 

DELC will provide regular updates to families added to the waitlist.
 

Families can apply for ERDC by November 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. in the following ways:
● Visit Benefits.Oregon.gov
● Go to their local office
● Call 1-800-699-9075
 

Families who need support paying for child care after November 3, 2023 are encouraged to reach out to 211 or their local Early Learning Hub to apply for other affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs through DELC, such as Preschool Promise and Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten. Families with specific needs listed above can still enroll after November 3, 2023 and will not be affected by the waitlist. Go to Oregon.gov/DELC/ERDC to learn more.

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About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care
The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC You can also connect with DELC on Facebook or sign up for news alerts and updates.
 

Contact:
Kate Gonsalves, 503-428-7292
delc.media@delc.oregon.gov

Even though the weather is changing, and we are seeing some rain and colder temperatures, the fire danger is still high, outdoor burning is still closed. Fire danger levels have reduced to High from Extreme throughout Central Oregon, but we’re not done with fire season just yet. Warmer, dryer weather will return next week and the potential for wildfires return with those conditions. Multiple large fires still burn without full containment throughout Oregon. 

Central Oregon fire agencies are working collaboratively to determine the best time to open burning based on weather and fire safety factors. Escaped debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in Oregon. Once a debris burn escapes, there is instant threat to your home, neighboring properties and forest lands. Ensuring the conditions are good for safe burning is key to allowing burning to commence. At this time, we don’t anticipate opening debris burning any earlier than end of October here in the Bend area. 

Remember to always check with your local fire agency about specific regulations in your area. This includes what is allowed or not allowed while camping, hunting, wood cutting and similar fall forest trips. There are many cities and communities, like the City of Bend, that do not allow debris burning year-round due to air quality concerns. Be sure to always check before your fire, every time. Being sure burning is allowed and safe to conduct is a great first step in preventing escaped fires. Call 541-322-6335 for up to date burning information for anyone living in an area covered by Bend Fire Department. 

www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo 

www.centraloregonfire.org    

The City of Bend Police Department will host a First Responder Job Fair and Community Event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Riverbend Park in Bend. 

Learn more about careers in law enforcement and public safety and explore current job openings in local first responder agencies. 

The following agencies will be in attendance: 

• City of Bend Police Department 
• Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office 
• Redmond Police Department
• Crook County Sheriff’s Office
• Madras Police Department
• Oregon State Police
• Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division
• Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
• City of Bend Fire & Rescue
• Redmond Fire & Rescue
• U.S. Forest Service Fire
• Deschutes County 911 Service District
• Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office
• AirLink
• Deer Ridge Correctional Institution
• Oregon Air National Guard
• Central Oregon Community College Criminal Justice program

In addition to booths providing information about public safety and first responder careers and job openings, agencies will have a variety of public safety vehicles on site, and Bend Police will set up the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT) course. Bend Police will also provide demonstrations from its K9 unit and unmanned aerial systems (drones) pilots. 

The event is free to attend and open to the public. Families are welcome, and kids are invited to test the ORPAT and check out the police and fire vehicles that will be on hand. 

Note: A Spanish version of this press release is attached.

Se adjunta una versión en español del comunicado de prensa.

SALEM – Paid Leave Oregon released new data this week, and some helpful tips for Oregonians who plan to file a claim. 

The data through Sept. 17, which is on the Oregon Employment Department’s dashboard, shows about 19,000 people have applied for benefits since Aug. 14. This number is lower than the forecasted 41,000 applications the program expected to have within the first month of applications being open. So far, more than 5,800 applications have been approved and about $2.3 million in benefits have been paid. Benefit payments started going out to Oregon workers with approved claims on Sept. 13.

Paid Leave Oregon Director Karen Humelbaugh said there are a few things people can do to speed up their claim process. After submitting an application, employees should check their Frances Online account regularly and respond to any alerts or notifications. The program cannot approve benefits until it receives a complete application, which includes the correct supporting documents.

“When you don’t attach the correct supporting documents we need to approve your specific type of leave, it takes longer to process your claim,” Humelbaugh said. “Please use Paid Leave’s official forms whenever possible and make sure to use our employee toolkit to see what official documents you need to have ready.”

Employers also need to go into their Frances account and respond to their part of an employee’s benefits request. An employer’s timely response makes sure the program can process an employee’s benefits application quickly and accurately.  

Paid Leave Oregon covers paid family leave, medical leave, and safe leave for working Oregonians. Employees can apply through Frances Online for the following reasons:

• To care for themselves or members of their family during the birth of a child, or to bond with a child after birth, adoption, or placement of a child in their home through foster care
• To care for themselves during a serious health condition
• To care for a family member when they have a serious health condition
• If they or their child experience sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking

Detailed information for employees, including eligibility requirements, tutorial videos, a benefits calculator, and much more, is on the Paid Leave website at paidleave.oregon.gov.

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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. Everyone has a right to use OED programs and services. OED provides free help. Some examples are sign language and spoken language interpreters, written materials in other languages, braille, large print, audio and other formats. If you need help, please call 971-673-6400. TTY users call 711. You can also ask for help at OED_Communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Embargoed until Friday, September 22, 2023, at 9:35 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE), in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, will announce Dan Kernion as one of Oregon’s 17 2023-24 Regional Teachers of the Year! Kernion teaches manufacturing to students at Redmond High School.

Media are invited to the surprise announcement at Redmond High School on Friday, September 22, at 9:35 a.m., when Kernion will be honored at a school assembly.

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

“I am able to meet students where they are with their abilities and knowledge and create a path to success from the beginning of the project until completion,” Kernion is quoted from his application.

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

“Congratulations to every Regional Teacher of the Year. These impressive educators inspire possibility and promise both inside and outside the classroom,” stated Dr. Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education. “It's vitally important to recognize the essential role that teachers play in their communities and to honor the many contributions they make in the lives of students all across Oregon. Earning this recognition means that an educator has built strong relationships and partnerships with students and families and empowered students to reach their fullest potential.” 

Each Regional Teacher of the Year wins a $1,000 cash prize and is in the running for Oregon’s 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year – to be announced in October.

Since 1995, when: the Oregon Lottery began allocating revenue to public education, more than $9 billion has been transferred to school districts across the state. This past year, over $4 million dollars of Oregon Lottery funding went to the Redmond School District, and more than $17 million dollars went to Deschutes County.

“Oregon Lottery is proud to celebrate the work and dedication of our Regional Teacher of the Year recipients,” said Mike Wells, interim director of Oregon Lottery. “These educators have shown exceptional leadership through their strong relationships with students and ability to uplift their communities.”   

On Friday, September 22, 2023, once all 17 Regional Teachers of the Year are announced, the full list of statewide winners will be available on the Oregon Teacher of the Year website.

Do you know an outstanding teacher? Please nominate them as the 2024-25 Oregon Teacher of the Year by visiting oregonteacheroftheyear.org.

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

Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, the 2023-24 Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with an additional $5,000 going to their school) and serves as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.

On Monday, September 18, 2023, at approximately 11:38 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 44, in Jackson County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Mustang, operated by Charles Melvin Cole (85) of Central Point, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5. The Ford struck a Dodge Durango, operated by Carl Melborne Dewitt Jr (67) of Grants Pass, head-on. After the crash, a Dodge ProMaster, operated by Evan Ryle Miller (30) of Bellingham (WA), struck debris and was damaged.

OSP was responding to the report of a wrong way driver approximately 3 minutes prior to the crash being reported.

The operator of the Ford (Cole) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Dodge Durango (Dewitt Jr) and passenger, Jeffrey Adam Dewitt (43) of Grants Pass, were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment of what is expected to be minor injuries.

The operator of the Dodge ProMaster was not injured.

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

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