(Salem, Ore.) – Dennis Johnson, an infant born Nov. 14, 2019, went missing with his parents Kayla Burk and Joseph Johnson from Portland, Ore. on Oct. 20, 2020. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) believes that Dennis may be at risk and is searching for him to assess his safety.

ODHS asks the public to help in the effort to find Dennis Johnson. Anyone who suspects they have information about the location of Dennis Johnson or his parents Kayla Burk and Joseph Johnson should call 911 or the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). They are believed to be in the Portland metro area.

Name: Dennis Johnson
Date of birth: Nov. 14, 2019
Height: 29 inches
Weight: 20 pounds
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Blonde
Portland Police Bureau Case #20-319821
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1404759

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

###

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Recovery Update for Oct. 23, 2020, to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Recovery update here. 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Phoenix, Ore. - October 9, 2020 - Damage from the Almeda wildfire. Photo by David Yost/FEMA
File: 2020-09-10_4562_Phoenix_DLY_2428.jpg

Glide, Ore. - October 22, 2020 - New growth emerges from the remains of the Archie Creek Fire in the Umpqua National Forest. Photo by David Yost/FEMA
File: DLY_2509.jpg

GLIDE -- The 24-hour lane closures that have been in effect on Oregon 138E (North Umpqua Highway) between Idleyld and Steamboat (milepost 19-39) will be lifted at 5 p.m. today, Oct. 23.

Cleanup work related to the Archie Creek Fire will resume on Sunday, Oct. 25, and will continue each Sunday to Friday for the next several weeks. Motorists should expect daytime (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) lane closures and 20 minute delays between Idleyld and Steamboat. All lanes are expected to be open each Saturday.

Multiple work zones will be in place through this area. Flaggers will provide traffic control as needed.

All forest lands in this area are closed within the burn area. Motorists are advised to stay in their cars and avoid parking along the shoulder due to ongoing hazardous conditions.

Visit www.TripCheck.com for the latest information on road and travel conditions.

##ODOT##

October 23, 2020

Oregon reports 550 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 649, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 550 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 41,348. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (9), Clackamas (48), Columbia (3), Coos (5), Crook (7), Curry (1), Deschutes (11), Douglas (3), Grant (1), Harney (1), Hood River (4), Jackson (33), Jefferson (1), Josephine (1), Klamath (1), Lane (52), Lincoln (2), Linn (19), Malheur (13), Marion (57), Morrow (1), Multnomah (135), Polk (3), Umatilla (21), Union (1), Wasco (2), Washington (91), and Yamhill (23).

NOTE: Today OHA reported the highest daily case count since the beginning of the pandemic. Preliminary data show this increase is due to continued widespread community transmission resulting in small clusters and outbreaks across the state.

Today’s case count is again a reminder that Oregonians cannot let their guards down. OHA published new face covering guidance this week, which requires that people consistently wear face coverings while indoors at their workplace or all other places where they will be in contact with people from outside their household. OHA has also asked Oregonians to rethink Halloween – avoid traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, avoid costume parties with people outside their own households and wear a face covering, because a Halloween mask won’t protect against COVID-19.

“We all need to aggressively adhere to the face covering guidance and always wear a mask,” said Shimi Sharief, MD, OHA senior health advisor. “We know everyone is tired and we all wish this would go away, but the reality is this disease is spreading in Oregon and it’s on all of us to protect ourselves and each other.”

Video links

Here are links to videos regarding today's news release, in English and Spanish, with the Oregon Health Authority's Emilio DeBess, DVM, MPVM.

• OHA is reporting 550 COVID-19 cases today.
• OHA está reportando 550 casos de COVID-19.

Media availability today

With today’s case count, media are invited to join OHA senior health advisor Shimi Sharief, MD, at 2:30 p.m. to discuss causes. Please dial 877-226-8189 and enter access code 3589208.

Oregon’s 647th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old woman in Marion County who tested positive on Oct.12 and died Oct. 21 at Salem Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 648th COVID-19 death is a 79-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 21 and died Oct. 11 at Adventist Health Portland. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 649th COVID-19 death is a 68-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 27 and died Oct. 18 at Adventist Health Portland. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that an Astoria, Oregon man has been charged with Civil Disorder during protest activities in Portland.

            Ty John Fox, 23, is charged in a one-count indictment with Civil Disorder in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 231(a)(3).

            According to the court record, on the evening of September 6, 2020, Fox was part of a group protesting near the Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) East Precinct building. Fox was seen on video with other protesters, who had formed a line in the street across from PPB officers and Oregon State Police troopers. Fox can be seen, while walking behind the line of protesters, turning toward the camera, using a torch lighter to ignite a large, cylindrical firework, and throwing the device over the protesters toward the officers. Moments later, an explosion and flash occurred near the officers. He was arrested later that night.

             Fox made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You.  He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 29, 2020.

            The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.  It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

Former APANO Executive Director will succeed longtime anti-hunger leader Leslie Sampson, who retires in December  

Oregon Food Bank is delighted to announce that Chi K. Nguyen will serve as the organization’s Interim Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Nguyen will take on the new role beginning November 2, in preparation for the retirement of 15-year Oregon Food Bank veteran Leslie Sampson. 

A mission-driven leader and the former Executive Director of Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), Nguyen brings significant leadership experience from her work with APANO and as the founder of two small businesses. Nguyen has long been active in local and state government and policy, serving on the Governor’s Racial Justice Council and the Salem Area Mass Transit District Board. She has also represented King City, Oregon as a City Councilor.

“We are so honored to welcome Chi Nguyen to the Oregon Food Bank team — and couldn't be more excited about the combination of professional leadership and lived experience she brings to our efforts to emerge stronger from the crises our communities face,” shared CEO Susannah Morgan. “We are also saddened and overjoyed for Leslie Sampson to embark on her next chapter. The Oregon Food Bank community is incredibly grateful for her many years of dedication and accomplishment. We will continue to build upon the strong foundation she helped to create, pushing forward to end hunger for good.”

In addition to her leadership in the business, government and non-profit sectors, Nguyen brings important lived experience and perspective to the Oregon Food Bank leadership team — as an immigrant, an Asian-American and a multilingual speaker fluent in English, Vietnamese and French. She will play an integral role in advancing Oregon Food Bank’s mission to end hunger and its root causes.

Nguyen will serve through June 30, 2021 and will report to CEO Susannah Morgan. Her duties will include leading strategic implementation at Oregon Food Bank and overseeing two of OFB's departments, Operations and Partnerships and Programs. 

- ### -

About Oregon Food Bank

At Oregon Food Bank, we believe that food and health are basic human rights for all. We know that hunger is not just an individual experience; it is also a community-wide symptom of systemic barriers to employment, education, housing and healthcare — including racism, sexism and transphobia.

That’s why we work systemically to achieve our mission to end hunger and its root causes: we foster community connections to help people access nutritious food; and we build community power to dismantle systems and policies that drive hunger and poverty.

October 23, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission’s Governance and Frame Working Subcommittee.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m.

Where: By Zoom conference call at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 160 669 4177.

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

# # #

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

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

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

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. In compliance with Gov. Kate Brown’s directive on social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, this will be a virtual public meeting.

The meeting agenda includes:

• A landowner appealed their addition to the forest patrol assessment roll and requested a hearing before the Board
• An update on fire season
• A presentation on the Board’s statutory authority regarding rulemaking and policymaking for carbon and climate
• A series of guest presenters will provide information on topics relating to forest carbon accounting framework
• Information on the urban and community forestry achievements, and forestry research relative to human health and urban livability
• Information on the Oregon Global Warming Commission Executive Order 20-04

View the agenda for additional topics to be discussed at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

The meeting will be livestreamed and written public comment will be accepted. There is no live testimony for Board decision item one. Written testimony can be submitted before or after the meeting to oardofForestry@oregon.gov">BoardofForestry@oregon.gov. The board packet and livestream option are available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/bofmeetings.aspx.

Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200.

The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. More information about the Board is available at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/board/pages/aboutbof.aspx.

The Oregon State Marine Board met virtually on October 21 for their quarterly meeting which was live-streamed from the agency’s Salem office. The Board accepted a petition and opened rulemaking on Prineville Reservoir for a small, no-wake zone; adopted new rules for North and South Twin Lakes in Deschutes County and the Willamette River in the vicinity of Ross Island; and directed staff to propose additional rules for the Lower Willamette River.

In August, the Marine Board received a petition from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Prineville Reservoir State Park requesting the Marine Board establish a “No-Wake Zone adjacent to the Prineville Reservoir State Park Marina extending across the Reservoir to the west shore of West Robert’s Bay.” This slow no-wake zone would be in effect from May 1 through October 1. Local rules (Oregon Administrative Rule 250-020-0073) currently prohibit boaters from operating in excess of slow no-wake speed within 200’ of the shoreline on Prineville Reservoir, but the proposed rules would extend that restriction from shore-to-shore near the marina. The agency will solicit written public comments on the proposed rule language in the coming weeks.

The Board also adopted rules that allow for the use of electric motors on North and South Twin Lakes for boaters with disabilities. Boat Operations in Deschutes County (Oregon Administrative Rule 250-020-0091 is now amended to read, “A person must not use a motor to propel a boat unless the motor is electric, the boat is not operated in excess of slow no-wake speed, and the operator of the boat has a disability or operates the boat on behalf of a passenger who has a disability. Documentation of eligibility shall be produced at the request of any peace officer and includes any documentation of disability issued by a federal, state, or county governmental agency.” The proposed rule language reflects direction from the Board and the Board’s ongoing interest in ensuring boating opportunities for all Oregonians.  

After a vibrant and candid discussion on the multitude of stakeholder concerns on the Lower Willamette River, the Board took multiple actions. Rules were adopted that extend the Holgate Channel slow no-wake zone to include the entire channel, as it was previously unregulated north of the mouth of Ross Island Lagoon. The Board also adopted rules that create seasonal pass-through zones directly north and south of Ross Island. In these pass-through zones, boat speed is not limited, but towed watersports are restricted and personal watercraft (jet ski) operators are prohibited from prolonged use above 5 mph.

After adoption of the rules described above, the Board also directed staff to propose two additional regulations for the Lower Willamette. The first was to extend the adopted pass-through zones to also include the area between the two, therefore creating one large pass-through zone between the Hawthorne Bridge and the southern tip of the Waverly Marina. The second was to enact 100 ft. slow no-wake buffers around all docks and on-water structures between the Waverly Marina and Willamette Falls.

Additionally, wakeboarding and towing of inflatables would be restricted within 200 feet of these structures, and wake surfing would be restricted within 300 feet. The agency will solicit comments on the proposed regulations beginning on December 1, and the Board will formally vote, and potentially adopt, this second set of regulations at their next meeting scheduled on January 27, 2021

To view the agenda and other meeting materials visit https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx. The meeting can be viewed on the Marine Board’s YouTube channel.

                                                                       ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Anne Marie Moss, ie@oregonfb.org">annemarie@oregonfb.org, 503.399.1701

BREAKING: Governor subverts public process with last-minute Executive Order

October 23, 2020, SALEM, OREGON: Oregon Farm Bureau is dismayed by the Governor’s decision to release a last-minute Executive Order extending the rules for employer-provided agricultural housing and shocked that the Governor would add criminal penalties to the enforcement of these rules.

Adoption of the original temporary COVID-19 rules for agriculture allowed no meaningful public input and resulted from an activist petition, not from any public health or scientific experts. Using an Executive Order to extend these rules subverts the public process yet again.   

There has not been an identified “outbreak” of COVID-19 in agricultural housing since the beginning of the pandemic, even before the temporary rules were adopted. OR-OSHA’s data shows that of the 11,617 complaints made to the agency, and subsequent violations found, agriculture represents only 33. Almost all of these cases were minor, such as not having enough posters displayed. The Oregon Health Authority has made it clear that social gatherings off-site are the major driver of continued spread of COVID-19, not on-farm employment and housing.

Outbreaks are actively occurring off-site in community-based and other housing. Because of bed-spacing, prohibition of bunk beds, and other technical requirements, the temporary rules reduced the amount of safe on-farm housing and pushed employees out into unregulated environments. Farmworker advocates acknowledge that community-based and off-site housing doesn’t require social distancing, yet this housing has not been the subject of increased regulation, scrutiny, or criminal penalties. OFB agrees with the need to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in housing, but believes there is a way to protect employees without displacing them.  

The Governor’s staff informed agricultural leaders of the Executive Order less than 24 hours before it was to be issued and would not share the text of the order with just hours to go before implementation. The use of an 11th hour Executive Order guarantees that no official public comment will be heard, no stakeholder perspectives will be taken into account, and it also subverts the requirements of the Oregon Administrative Procedures Act.  

Oregon’s farm families and the organizations that represent them have been working to make a positive difference in the fight against COVID-19 since March, including proactively discussing with OR-OSHA how best to protect farmworkers during this crisis. The state’s unfounded focus on agriculture hurts both farmers and their employees, while also diverting resources away from areas where COVID-19 spread is actually occurring.

Executive Orders must be reserved for true public health emergencies, not the subversion of public process. We are disappointed with today’s release of an Executive Order that will do little to promote the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable communities and circumvents the required public process. 

###

“Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

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

Oregon Farm Bureau President Barb Iverson comes from a multigenerational family farm from Woodburn, raising industrial hemp, grass seed, squash, vetch seed, hazelnuts, wine and table grapes, and operating the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, which attracts over 160,000 visitors each year. Iverson is OFB’s 17th president.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2020

OHA releases 2021 capitation rates

The Oregon Health Authority has finalized the 2021 capitation rates for coordinated care organizations (CCOs). These rates are the per-member-per-month amounts the state pays CCOs to coordinate health care for Oregonians who are members of the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The rate increase represents a 3.4% rate of growth for 2021.

"As this public health emergency wears on, we are working to ensure we have the necessary funding to provide quality care to more than 1.2 million Oregonians," said David Baden, OHA chief financial officer. "Improving care while controlling costs is as important as ever, as more of our neighbors need access to health coverage through the Oregon Health Plan."

The average net payment in 2021 is $467, which is approximately 3.4% more than the comparable average per-member-per-month payment in 2020.

Due to the passage of HB 2267 in the Legislature’s 2019 session, 2020 rates were recalculated this summer and were applied retroactively to January 2020. The recalculation accounts for changes to CCO member enrollment during the transition from 2019 to 2020 contracts, as well as the unexpected increase in the OHP population due to the public health emergency and the limits the federal government put on Medicaid disenrollment.

There are 12 rate categories for CCOs, which take into account the average cost for members in these specific categories. For example, the state pays CCOs more for members who have disabilities than it does for children because members with disabilities generally have higher health care costs. The rates are also based on average provider rate costs in each region.

A full breakdown of final amended 2021 CCO rates can be found on OHA's website.

# # #

October 23, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Research and Leadership Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Nov. 12, 1-3 p.m.

Where: By Zoom conference call at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 160 898 0705.

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

# # #

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

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

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

Media are invited to attend a VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) event celebrating the renaming of the Bend VA Clinic after long-time Bend resident and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Robert D. Maxwell.

The invitation-only event is scheduled for October 26, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Bend VA Clinic located at 2650 Northeast Courtney Drive, Bend, Oregon 97701.

To ensure this is a small event and to help maintain proper COVID-19-related safety measures, we ask media to not promote this event prior to its start. All guests are asked to wear masks and maintain proper social distancing during the event.  The ceremony will take place in and around a large, open-sided tent in the clinic parking lot.

A bill was introduced by an Oregon congressional delegation to rename the clinic the Robert D. Maxwell VA Clinic. The bill was signed into law on October 13, 2020.

Maxwell, a World War II Veteran, earned the Medal of Honor in eastern France while under enemy fire, risking his life by falling on an enemy hand grenade to protect the lives of other soldiers. He survived the wounds from the grenade blast and was awarded the medal on April 6, 1945.

At the time Maxwell passed away on May 11, 2019, he was the oldest Medal of Honor recipient in the nation and one of four remaining Veterans from World War II to be awarded the Medal of Honor. After his military service, he worked as a teacher in Bend for many years.

The Bend clinic currently serves more than 6,800 Veterans with 40,000-plus outpatient visits annually.

The newly named Robert D. Maxwell VA Clinic is the second in VAPORHCS to be named after a Veteran; the first was The Dalles Clinic in 2016 named after WWII Veteran Loren R. Kaufman, also a Medal of Honor recipient.

Approximately one in eight of the 1,300-plus VA sites of care are named after individuals.

###

It’s getting cold outside and Shepherd’s House needs your help.

Drop off a new or gently used winter coat at Shepherd’s House during their

Winter Coat Drive for those experiencing homelessness.

Saturday, October 24 from 9 am until 4 pm. 

Drive through, drop-off service.

No need to get out of your car.

Located at 1854 NE Division Street. 

Please help men, women, and children who are cold and in need.

Or, make a monetary donation securely online at:

https://shepherdshouseministries.org/donate/

SEATTLE – DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 with 145 collection sites throughout the Pacific Northwest. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.  There are 16 collection sites in Alaska, 40 in Idaho, 33 in Oregon and 56 in Washington State. 

“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”

"Stop, drop and roll, no questions asked,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis. He further stated that, “With more people staying at home, we must remain vigilant, keeping our loved ones safe by cleaning out our medicine cabinets.” 

If you can’t find a Take Back Day drop-off site near you, there are other ways to keep your medications safe until the next Take Back Day, dispose of them, or drop them at a year-round collection location. Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.

In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year. For more information, visit: https://apps2.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1.

DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com

(Salem, Ore.) – Mya Miranda, age 16, a foster child who went missing from Boardman, Ore. on Oct. 17, 2020, was found on Oct. 22, 2020. The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division is thankful for the community support to find her.

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

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

###

Released by: Sgt. Jayson Janes

Release Date: October 22, 2020

Arrested Person: Phillips, RC Jakob Harley, 27 years of age, Sisters, OR

Charges: Felony Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Hindering Prosecution, and Felony Possession of Methamphetamine.

Arrested Person: Kamps, Leonard Louis, 40 years of age, Bend, OR

Charges: Warrant (probation violation), Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, and Misdemeanor Attempt to Elude.

Vehicle: 1985 Chevrolet C10 truck green and blue in color

NARRATIVE: 

On October 22, 2020 at approximately 3:30 AM a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Deputy observed a 1985 blue and green Chevrolet truck driving west bound on Highway 126 near NW 101st St. just west of Redmond. The truck was operating without headlights or taillights. The deputy attempted to stop the truck, and the truck continued driving attempting to elude the deputy. The deputy continued pursuing the truck until he lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Peterson Ridge Rd and FS Rd 4606. The deputy turned off his vehicle and heard two males talking nearby. The deputy located the truck at the intersection of FS Rd 4606 and FS Rd 901. While waiting for back up to arrive, the deputy began giving commands. One subject identified as RC Phillips walked to the deputy and was taken into custody without incident.  

With the use of a drone and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ezel and his handler Deputy Johnson, the second suspect Leonard Kamps was located about 120 yards from the location of the truck. Kamps was not complying with commands and was refusing to show his hands. Kamps was ultimately bit by K9 Ezel, and taken into custody.  

During the investigation it was determined that Phillips was the driver of the vehicle. A user amount of methamphetamine was also located inside the truck.  

After being evaluated by paramedics, Kamps was lodged in the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Jail on the above mentioned charges.  

Phillips was cited and released for the above mentioned 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 the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

October 22, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Health Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Nov. 10, 2-3:30 p.m.

Where: By Zoom conference call at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 160 096 5260.

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

# # #

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

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

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

October 22, 2020

What: A public meeting of the Patient Equity Subcommittee of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: TBD.

When: Nov. 5, 1-4 p.m.

Where: By Zoom conference call at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 933 7927.

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

# # #

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

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

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

October 22, 2020

What: A regular public meeting of the Oregon Cannabis Commission.

Agenda: Review and vote to finalize recommendation letter; legislative strategy; Cannabis Equity bill; OLCC update – legislative concept; Oregon Medical Marijuana Program procedure change on inspections; vote on amending bylaws; final remarks and next steps; voting on chair and co-chair for 2021; public comment.

When: Nov. 2, 1-4 p.m.

Where: By conference at 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161-464-4853.

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

# # #

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

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

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

October 22, 2020

What: An ad hoc meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board.

Agenda: Discuss the Health Equity Committee recommendations to the Oregon Health Policy Board related to equity and the COVID-19 response.

When: Oct. 27, 4-5 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Zoom conference call: 669-254-5252, meeting ID 161 427 7278.

Oregon’s Public Health Advisory Board provides guidance for Oregon’s governmental public health system and oversees the implementation of public health modernization and Oregon’s State Health Improvement Plan.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Cara Biddlecom at 971-673-2284, 711 TTY, or a.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us">cara.m.biddlecom@dhsoha.state.or.us, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

October 22, 2020

Media contact: Jonathan Modie, 971-246-9139, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA sees 70% increase in Oregon opioid deaths during April, May

Illicit fentanyl appears to be driving spike; connection to pandemic unclear

PORTLAND, Ore.—Oregon Health Authority saw an alarming spike in opioid overdose deaths in Oregon this past spring compared to last year, and public health experts believe use of illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine is driving the increase.

Analysts in the Injury and Violence Prevention Section at the OHA Public Health Division found that Oregon saw a nearly 70% increase in the number of overdose deaths during April and May 2020 compared to the same time in 2019. There also was a nearly 8% increase in the number of overdose deaths during the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

The preliminary data come from the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS), which includes combined and abstracted data from medical examiners and death certificates.

Additionally, the analysis found, between April and May 2020 there was a 28% increase in overdose deaths, and a more than 15% increase in overdose deaths between March and April. And opioid-involved deaths accounted for almost 73% of total overdose deaths in May 2020.

Of opioid-involved deaths, the data show, fentanyl and heroin continue to be the drugs most frequently involved, and fentanyl-involved deaths accounted for almost 40% of total overdose deaths in May 2020.

The analysis also uncovered a continuing alarming trend in methamphetamine use: Methamphetamine/amphetamine-involved deaths accounted for more than 40% of all overdose deaths in May 2020.

What’s unclear is what effect the COVID-19 pandemic may have had on opioid misuse in Oregon.

“Until more data become available, it is premature to say how much of the spike in overdose deaths is attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tom Jeanne, M.D., MPH, deputy state health officer and deputy state epidemiologist at the Public Health Division. “However, the realization that we will be dealing with COVID-19 for some time, and other stressors related to jobs, school and social isolation, may increase feelings of anxiety and depression, and that can lead to a harmful level of alcohol or other drug use.”

OHA continues to monitor and post finalized opioid data on its Prescribing and Drug Overdose Data Dashboard at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/substanceuse/opioids/pages/data.aspx.

Health officials are reminding people that opioid use disorder can be successfully treated. Those who need help to stop using opioids can talk to their health care providers or view OHA’s list of resources. In addition, Oregon law allows lay people to carry and use naloxone, a medication that can be used to reverse an opioid overdose, on other people. Learn more about naloxone.

Oregon-based nonprofit Lines for Life and OHA recently launched the Safe + Strong Helpline at 1-800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, 24-7 emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it—not only those experiencing a mental health crisis. The Safe + Strong Helpline is a response to needs for emotional support around disasters like COVID-19 and wildfires and was funded by the CARES Act. Callers are routed to a counselor who can provide emotional support, mental health triage, drug and alcohol counseling, crisis counseling or just connection.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University (WOU) has announced several admissions policy changes, effective immediately. There is no application fee for freshman and transfer students until Sept. 1, 2021. Also, high school seniors and transfer students can self-report their cumulative grade point average when completing their admissions application.

“Western Oregon University recognizes that students are facing challenges with regard to their college search process,” said WOU Admissions Director Rob Findtner. “Families across Oregon and beyond are dealing with financial hardship and uncertainty. The elimination of the application fee removes a financial barrier and encourages students to apply for admission.”

Admitted students will be required to provide final official transcripts prior to enrolling at WOU. Students who wish to receive consideration for WOU scholarships must provide official transcripts by February 1 as the WOU scholarship application is due March 1.

“WOU also recognizes the pandemic has impacted our K-12 and higher education partners on many fronts, including the processing of official transcript requests,” Findtner said. “The opportunity for students to self-report their cumulative grade point average will alleviate the concerns associated with providing WOU an official transcripts at the time of application. The policy change also expedites the processing and response time for the Admissions office.”

Freshman admission will be based upon a student’s self-reported cumulative grade point average and their high school courses. WOU does not require the submission of ACT or SAT scores for freshmen. Transfer students are asked to provide their cumulative grade point average for each college or university attended when completing their application. Transfer admission will be based upon a student’s academic performance and the successful completion of college-level mathematics and writing courses. The application fee waiver does not apply to post-baccalaureate, non-admit, international, or graduate students.

WOU’s Admissions office is hosting several online events. The events listing is available here: https://network.wou.edu/portal/campus_visit

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, founded in 1856 and located in Monmouth, is the state’s oldest public university. Serving approximately 4,500 students, WOU is a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution with nearly 75 percent of the student population being from Oregon. A significant portion of attendees are members of under-represented groups, veterans or non-traditional students. WOU is Oregon’s campus of choice for those seeking a transformative education in a supportive, student-centered learning community where classes are taught by faculty. Together we succeed.

A waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Disaster SNAP recipients in the following 23 counties to purchase hot or prepared foods from authorized SNAP retailers until Nov. 20.

Approved counties: Benton, Clackamas, Columbia Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill.

Normally, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase "hot food products prepared for immediate consumption." This restriction is being waived following the severe winds and wildfires that led to the displacement of many residents and left them without access to a kitchen to prepare meals. Examples of allowable prepared foods include hot deli foods, fountain drinks, including but not limited to coffee and tea, a slice of hot/prepared pizza, hot soup, salad bars, and sandwiches.

This waiver will last through Nov. 20 and allows SNAP and DSNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy prepared food at any participating retailer that accepts SNAP EBT cards. Restaurant purchases are still prohibited.

For more information about the hot food waiver, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/DSNAP-Hot-Foods-Waiver.aspx.

Emergency Allotment Update
Oregon also received approval from FNS to provide maximum emergency allotment benefits for SNAP recipients in November. The emergency allotments, see schedule below, will bring families not receiving the maximum SNAP allotment for their household size to the maximum for the seventh consecutive month.

Issuance date (SNAP recipients will see the benefit the following day)

• Nov. 10: Current SNAP households not receiving the SNAP maximum allotment
• Nov. 27: New SNAP recipients between Nov. 10 and Nov. 27

For more information about Emergency Allotments, and to view the maximum allotment amounts, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/About-SNAP.aspx.

Oregonians who receive SNAP can contact their local SSP, APD or AAA office for more information. Find a local office at oregon.gov/DHS/Offices/Pages/index.aspx

To determine the maximum allotment for your household and view the FAQ, visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/about-snap.aspx.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

October 22, 2020

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

Oregon reports 373 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 11 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed 11 more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 646, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 373 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 40,810.

The new cases are in the following counties: Benton (6), Clackamas (25), Clatsop (3), Columbia (1), Coos (2), Crook (6), Deschutes (13), Douglas (8), Harney (3), Hood River (1), Jackson (31), Jefferson (2), Josephine (3), Klamath (3), Lane (29), Linn (6), Malheur (18), Marion (37), Multnomah (81), Polk (3), Umatilla (13), Union (6), Wasco (10), Washington (59), and Yamhill (4).

Oregon’s 636th COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Baker County who tested positive on Oct. 4 and died on Oct. 18, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Idaho. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 637th COVID-19 death is a 74-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Aug. 26 and died on Oct. 13, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Idaho. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 638th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Sept.15 and died on Oct. 6, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Idaho. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 639th COVID-19 death is an 87-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 24 and died on Oct. 11, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 640th COVID-19 death is a 94-year-old woman in Lane County who tested positive on Sept. 24 and died on Oct.4. Presence of underlying conditions and place of death are being confirmed.

Oregon’s 641st COVID-19 death is a 96-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Oct. 6 and died on Oct. 20, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 642nd COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old woman in Linn County who tested positive on Oct.12 and died on Oct.15, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 643rd COVID-19 death is a 53-year-old man in Umatilla County who tested positive on Sept. 27 and died on Oct. 19, at Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 644th COVID-19 death is a 57-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on Sept.16 and died on Oct. 17, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Idaho. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 645th COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old man in Douglas County who tested positive on Oct. 19 and died on Oct. 17, in his residence. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

Oregon’s 646th COVID-19 death is a 75-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 11 and died on Oct. 18, at Kaiser Westside Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

Salem – Oregon OSHA has fined a general contractor in Roseburg more than $38,000 for multiple serious job safety violations, including repeatedly failing to follow the minimum requirements to protect workers from fall hazards that could kill them.

The division cited Mid Oregon Builders LLC following an inspection prompted by a confidential complaint. The inspection included an examination of work activity at residential construction sites in Sutherlin, Winston, and Roseburg; interviews of employees and a supervisor; and a review of the company’s recordkeeping practices.

In one violation, the company failed to follow requirements to implement adequate fall protection systems – such as personal fall arrest or guardrail systems – where workers are exposed to falling six feet or more to a lower level. One example involved roofing work at a jobsite in Sutherlin, where the company left employees in danger of potentially falling at least 13 feet.

The failure to comply with Oregon OSHA’s six-foot trigger-height requirements was a repeat violation by Mid Oregon Builders. In fact, it was the fourth such violation committed by the company since October 2018.

Under Oregon OSHA’s rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses. In this case, the division cited Mid Oregon Builders $36,000 for not ensuring employees are protected from falling when working six feet or more above a lower level.

Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.

“Our fall protection requirements are designed to prevent serious injury or death, and they have proven effective at protecting workers,” said Michael Wood, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “Repeatedly failing to take them seriously demonstrates a lack of responsibility and serves only one purpose – to further put lives at risk.”

The citation against Mid Oregon Builders proposes a total fine of $38,390. In addition to the repeat violation, the citation includes the following four serious violations:

• The company did not ensure employees were trained by a competent person qualified in the use and operation of fall protection systems, such as guardrail systems and personal fall arrest systems. Proposed penalty: $490.
• The company did not take all reasonable steps to provide adequate fall protection and to ensure employees used protective systems while working on elevated surfaces so they could safely accomplish their work. Proposed penalty: $1,400.
• The employer did not provide copies of injury and illness records for 2019 in a timely manner. Proposed penalty: $150.
• The employer did not enter each recordable injury or illness on the proper documents in a timely manner for 2018 and 2019. Proposed penalty: $350.

The citation issued against Mid Oregon Builders includes a standard penalty reduction based on the small size of the company. In addition to the increase in the penalty for the repeat violation, the fine amount reflects upward adjustments for the company’s poor faith and negative history. 

In addition to its enforcement activities, Oregon OSHA offers employers resources to help improve workplace safety and health. These resources include the division’s Fall Protection Suite of online video training and its A-to-Z topic page about fall protection.

Learn more about help provided by Oregon OSHA’s consultation services, technical staff, and additional education and training services.

###

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, visit osha.oregon.gov.

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

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Recovery Update for Oct. 21, 2020, to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Recovery update here. 

PHOTO CAPTIONS: 
File name: C:fakepathField crews in full PPE at property in Phoenix.jpg
Phoenix, Ore. --- October 19, 2020 -- EPA crews in full PPE gear removing hazordous waste at a propety in Phoenix, Ore. 

File name: C:fakepathAir monitor - RAD monitor - contractor in full PPE at property in Phoenix.jpg
Phoenix, Ore. -- A licensed EPA contractor in full PPE at a property in Phoenix, Ore.  

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Portland, Oregon man has been charged with Civil Disorder and Theft of Government Property during protest activities in Portland.

            Jeffrey Richard Singer, 33, is charged in an two-count indictment with Civil Disorder in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 231(a)(3) and, in a separate incident, Theft of Government Property in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 641.

            According to the court record, on the evening of October 4, 2020, Singer was one of a number of individuals protesting near the Portland City Hall in Downtown Portland.  Singer charged at two officers with his shoulder lowered.  He slammed into the officers, causing one of them to stagger backwards from the force of the impact and injuring that officer’s hands.  After colliding with the officers, Singer was arrested.  

In a separate incident on September 19, 2020, a group of individuals were protesting near the Gus Solomon Courthouse in downtown Portland. Singer is alleged to have stolen the U.S. flag from the Court’s flagpole.

             Singer made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 22, 2020.  While on release, he must abide by strict conditions, including a curfew from 8:30 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

            The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

Contact:   Mark MacIntyre/USEPA/206-553-7302/ e.mark@epa.gov">macintyre.mark@epa.gov

As the next step in Oregon’s wildfire rebuilding and recovery,  the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been asked by the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) and the State of Oregon to collect household hazardous materials from burned properties to protect residents and to ensure these materials are disposed of properly and safely.

To accomplish this task and aid Oregon’s recovery, EPA is now assembling teams and setting up a temporary equipment staging area to help residents in Marion County and surrounding counties recover from the fire and begin rebuilding their lives. This Response Staging Area will be similar to the one recently established in Central Point, Oregon, as part of EPA’s operations in Jackson County.

The Response Staging Area will occupy 5.4 acres of a parking area within the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center, located at 2330 17th Street NE, in Salem.  Additional, satellite “Transfer Station” areas are being planned for other areas as cleanup operations expand and accelerate.

The staging area is expected to be operational by October 26, 2020. EPA is deeply grateful for the State Fair, State of Oregon and City of Salem’s assistance and flexibility, allowing EPA’s Response Staging Area to temporarily share the fairgrounds property and assist the community in recovery.

EPA and their contractors will operate the facility, which will be secured 24 hours a day, where response workers will evaluate, organize and consolidate materials that EPA field teams will be recovering from burned properties in the area. It will also serve as the main assembly, assignment and dispatch point for agency responders and contractors each morning as they head to area worksites.

To protect workers and neighbors, air monitors will be used around the work site to be sure asbestos fibers and other harmful chemicals are not released to the air. In addition, locals may see the workers in HAZMAT suits to protect them from prolonged exposure to potentially harmful materials. EPA response officials ask everyone except authorized personnel to avoid the area due to the expected volume of vehicle traffic and construction activity over the next few months.

Fire-affected Oregon property owners now have a dedicated phone number - 541-225-5549 - to ask questions about EPA’s work at their property or to provide additional details about their property that will help speed the EPA removal work. The hotline offers service in both English and Spanish. Property owners now have another tool, the EPA Fire Recovery Story Map to view work progress in the area and get the latest information available about their property.

EPA and state officials want to stress that Response Staging Areas are NOT Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off centers for the community. Only authorized personnel will be allowed access to the site. Residents should contact their city or county recycling coordinators or public works departments to learn more about HHW collection services in their area.

Once the materials and containers arrive on site in sealed plastic containers and packaging, they will be inspected, organized and secured for shipment. They will be removed promptly by truck to be safely disposed of at a licensed & permitted disposal facility. Materials handled at the site may include:

• BBQ & outdoor stove propane tanks
• Cylinders, contents unknown, that can be transported safely
• Batteries, ballasts, full and partial containers of household chemicals
• Pool chemicals and household cleaners, polishes, varnish solvents and degreasers

The Response Staging Area is expected to operate between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, seven days a week, for approximately two months. EPA expects moderate levels of vehicle activity during operating hours, there will be bright lights illuminating the area for safety and unfortunately some unavoidable noise. Response officials are thanking local residents in advance for their patience and understanding during the construction, operation and dismantling of the facility when EPA’s work in the area is complete.

EPA’s Response Staging Area is part of federal, state and local actions responding to the recent tragic wildfires, aimed at helping Oregon residents recover and rebuild their lives.  For more information about the Wildfire Response please visit:  Wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup

#  #  #

Released by: Sgt. Jayson Janes

Date: October 21, 2020

Recently there has been misinformation being put out by the Central Oregon Peacekeepers claiming that the Sheriff’s Office is refusing to release emails to Michael Satcher.

The Sheriff’s Office has released emails and other public records to Mr. Satcher in the past. The request made for emails in August was a very broad request for the entire Outlook mailboxes since January 1, 2020 for the Sheriff and two additional DCSO employees which totaled over 39,443 emails (not including attachments).

Mr. Satcher was advised due to the time it would take to review the emails per Oregon law, the fee for this request would not be waived. Mr. Satcher was given options multiple times on narrowing his search. Mr. Satcher has declined to discuss these options to narrow his search.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office values transparency in government, and also is obligated to follow Oregon public records law. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office does not believe the cost and time of processing this broad public records request should fall on the taxpayers of Deschutes County.  

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 the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

October 21, 2020

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

OHA reports slight drop in weekly cases

The Oregon Health Authority released its COVID-19 Weekly Report today.

For the week of Monday, Oct.12 through Sunday, Oct.18, OHA recorded 2,327 new daily cases, a 4% decline from the previous week’s pandemic high of 2,418.

The number of newly tested Oregonians rose to 28,960, as did those who tested positively, to 6.5%.

Twenty-seven COVID-19 associated deaths were reported during the week—compared to 25 during the previous week. And people hospitalized with the virus remained the same at 143.

The age group with the highest incidence of reported infection has been in persons aged 20 to 49. They represent 39% of Oregon’s population and they account for 56% of COVID-19 cases.

Hospitalization and death rates increase with age, with persons 80 or older accounting for 51% of COVID-19 associated deaths.

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Minneapolis, Minnesota resident has been charged with engaging in multiple acts of vandalism and violence including throwing rocks at police officers engaged in lawful crowd dispersal during a civil disorder event.

            A federal grand jury in Portland has returned a one-count indictment charging Adrian Ruben De Los Rios, 32, with Civil Disorder.

            According to court documents, in the evening of August 5, 2020, a group of individuals blocked traffic on SE 106th Avenue outside of Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) East Precinct. By 9:40 p.m., people began tearing off the boards that were protecting the glass windows of East Precinct. An unlawful assembly was declared shortly before 10:00 p.m. and PPB made public address announcements telling the group to leave the area.

            A PPB officer inside the East Precinct witnessed an individual, later identified as De Los Rios, throw several chunks of concrete at the building’s glass, and strike the building’s glass with a hammer. Afterward, the same officer observed De Los Rios at a fire that was in a trash can approximately one foot away from the front door of the East Precinct. De Los Rios was seen placing a 2x4 piece of lumber into the fire and leaning it up against the building. Other PPB officers reported viewing videos on the internet that depicted De Los Rios engaging in the above-mentioned acts. A PPB officer also reported viewing a video that showed De Los Rios placing a 2x4 piece of wood through the exterior door handles of the East Precinct and ramming the doors with what appeared to be a 4x4 piece of wood.

Later in the evening, as PPB officers were dispersing the crowd, a PPB officer witnessed De Los Rios throw multiple baseball-size rocks at police officers. On one occasion, De Los Rios threw a rock at the officer while holding additional rocks in his opposite hand. The officer was able to continually observe De Los Rios while PPB officers were dispersing the crowd. De Los Rios was located later and taken into custody, wearing the same clothing as earlier in the evening. A search incident to arrest revealed two baseball-size rocks inside De Los Rios’s backpack.

Adrian Ruben De Los Rios made an initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You, was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and was ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 22, 2020.

            The FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

# # #

October 21, 2020

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

Oregon reports 331 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 635, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 331 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 40,443.

The new cases are in the following counties: Baker (1), Clackamas (27), Columbia (2), Coos (4), Crook (2), Deschutes (9), Douglas (7), Harney (2), Hood River (3), Jackson (36), Josephine (1), Lane (40), Linn (6), Malheur (8), Marion (43), Multnomah (56), Polk (2), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (19), Union (2), Wasco (1), Washington (55) and Yamhill (4).

Oregon’s 634th COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 10 and died on Oct. 16 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 635th COVID-19 death is a 60-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Sept. 26 and died on Oct.17 at Tuality Community Hospital. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon long-term care facilities can get no-cost COVID-19 vaccines when they become available

Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority are notifying long-term care facilities and small congregate settings that their residents and employees can get no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations when a vaccine becomes available, as part of a partnership between the federal government and two large, commercial pharmacies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Oct. 16 that it was partnering with CVS and Walgreens to provide on-site COVID-19 vaccinations for residents of long-term care facilities — nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, adult foster care homes and other community-based care facilities, such as group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Employees also could get the vaccine through this program, but the CDC says they likely would receive it earlier than residents based on a recommendation to prioritize vaccination for health care personnel; any employee who did not already receive the vaccine could be vaccinated through the on-site clinics.

The registration deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Oct. 29. Long-term care facilities that opt out of or don’t register for the clinics must provide an alternate plan, such as using their own on-site pharmacy to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to residents and employees, although these facilities would be responsible for all “end-to-end” processes and equipment, such as on-site storage, vaccination and reporting.

“This HHS program will be important in building our state’s vaccination capacity once a vaccine is approved, and it will help facilitate efficient vaccination of the long-term care population,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the OHA Public Health Division. “As a result, it will ease the burden on long-term care facilities for administering the vaccine to protect our most vulnerable population, and on local public health authorities that would otherwise be heavily involved in this process.”

Cieslak noted that 44% of the state’s COVID-19 deaths have been among residents of long-term care facilities.

Nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities can sign up for the on-site clinics at the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) website, but they must first be enrolled in the NHSN COVID-19 Module for Long Term Care Facilities, https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/ltc/covid19/enroll.html. All other facilities will sign up via this online sign up form. Facilities that opt out of the program may be able to opt in later by emailing eocevent494@cdc.gov.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

A new website and upcoming virtual events offer opportunities to learn more about the potential Elliott State Research Forest and provide feedback.

The State Land Board in December 2018 asked the Department of State Lands and Oregon State University to explore transforming the Elliott State Forest into a publicly owned research forest.

Over the past two years – with input from advisory committees, Tribes, state and local governments, stakeholders, and the public – key elements of a research forest proposal have been drafted.

Draft proposal elements are online now for viewing, feedback
Draft proposal elements are available now on a new Elliott State Forest Research Proposal website. The draft elements include information about:

• OSU’s approach to research, including the research design that will guide future experiments and management of the forest.
• OSU’s commitments to a research forest that supports conservation, recreation, education, and local and regional economies.
• OSU’s commitments to public accountability in forest decision-making and governance, as well as a proposed governance structure.
• How OSU will financially support the proposed research forest.

Written feedback may be provided via online form, .hansen@state.or.us?subject=Elliott%20State%20Research%20Forest%20Feedback">email, or by postal mail to ESRF Feedback, 775 Summer St. NE, Suite 100, Salem, Oregon 97301. Feedback may also be provided during upcoming virtual events. Feedback should be received no later than Friday, Nov. 13 to be considered.

Virtual events scheduled for October and November
DSL and OSU are hosting six virtual events via Zoom in late October and early November: two public forums and four drop-in events. These events offer two different ways to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and provide feedback.

Public Forums: The forums include presentations from DSL and OSU, a question and answer session, and time for public feedback. The forums are scheduled for Oct. 26 and Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Drop-In Sessions: The informal drop-in sessions are times when OSU and DSL staff will be available on Zoom to answer questions and receive feedback. Attendees can join in any time during the drop-in session. The drop-in events are scheduled for Oct. 27 and Nov. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 29 and Nov. 6 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Event links and additional information are available on the ESRF proposal website.

Land Board to consider OSU research forest proposal in December
OSU will present an Elliott State Research Forest proposal to the State Land Board for consideration on Dec. 8.

A successful proposal will be consistent with the Land Board’s vision for the forest, which includes keeping the forest publicly owned with public access; decoupling the forest from the Common School Fund and compensating the fund for the forest; continuing habitat conservation planning to protect species and allow for harvest; and providing for multiple forest benefits, including recreation, education and working forest research.

Salem – Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has proclaimed Oct. 19 – 23 as Community Bank Week. The week honors local banks and their employees for their economic and civic contributions in communities across the state.

Oregon community banks provide more than 7,200 family wage jobs, $3.7 billion in home purchase and refinance loans, and safeguards $35.5 billion in deposits.

Oregon’s community banks, most of which are chartered by the Department of Consumer and Business Services, play an essential role in promoting the economic health and prosperity of the state. In some communities, they are the sole provider of banking products and services and sometimes the largest employer.

“Our state banks are a major financing source for Oregonians in every corner of the state; they create jobs, support small businesses, and back 80 percent of the state’s agriculture,” said Andrew Stolfi, DCBS director. “Their commitment to this state is evident through the thousands of volunteer hours and the millions they have pledged to support people affected by COVID-19, the wildfires, and racial inequality.”

State-chartered banks throughout Oregon are celebrating Community Bank Week in their local neighborhoods. To learn more about Oregon’s state chartered banks, go to https://www.oregonbankers.com/local.html.

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

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 www.dcbs.oregon.gov and www.dfr.oregon.gov.

Portland, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Oregon and Washington is proud to announce the latest BLM Facts, our annual illustrated almanac answering the diverse and detailed questions one may have about public lands in the Pacific Northwest. 

BLM Facts has lots of numbers, and those figures do tell a story. In most cases, your public lands are located within an hour's drive from where you live or work. You can find an amazing array of resources and opportunities at almost any site you visit.

This 2019 report has the latest BLM news and updates – from wild and scenic rivers and exciting recreation sites to wildlife, cultural, and archaeological programs. BLM Facts also shares information about management plans for minerals and energy, forestry, mining, wild horses, and much more.

In addition to maintaining our commitment to delivering an updated volume every year, we continue to make improvements such as full-color maps, photos, and a plethora of timely, user-friendly data. You can read it online at:

https://www.blm.gov/documents/oregon-washington/public-room/fact-sheet/2019-blm-facts

You can also review BLM’s annual almanac library, going all the way back to 1963, at:

https://www.blm.gov/media/public-room/oregon-washington

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

On October 4th, 2020, the Bend Police Department provided a press release regarding the incident that occurred at the Pilot Butte Neighborhood Park on October 3rd, 2020, involving conflicts between two groups identifying as different ideologies.  During the incident, there were several acts of conduct that required follow up investigations to determine if crimes occurred.

The Bend Police Department assembled a team of 5 members who spent over 400 hours of personnel time to review all of the available evidence, reports and statements from the events that day. 

After review, on October 20th, 2020, members of the Bend Police Department investigative team met with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office to present the investigative material for their formal review and determination of formal criminal charges.

The Bend Police Department presented cases on 15 people to the District Attorney’s Office for potential criminal charges.  The following charges were requested to be considered by the District Attorney;

Male adult – Theft III, Disorderly Conduct II

Male adult – Riot, Disorderly Conduct II

Male adult – Riot, Disorderly Conduct II, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Use of an Electrical Stun Gun.

Male adult – Riot, Disorderly Conduct II 2 counts, Assault IV 3 counts, Harassment.

Male adult – Riot, Unlawful Use of Mace

Female adult – Riot, Unlawful Use of Mace 2 counts, Interfering with a Police Officer 2 counts, Harassment 2 counts, Disorderly Conduct

Male adult – Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing 2 counts

Male adult – Riot, Unlawful Use of Mace 2 counts

Male adult - Riot, Assault IV, Disorderly Conduct II, Harassment

Female adult – Interfering with a Police Officer 3 counts, Harassment 3 counts

Female adult – Unlawful Use of an Electrical Stun Gun, Disorderly Conduct II, Harassment, Interfering with a Police Officer 3 counts, Theft III

Female adult – Interfering with a Police Officer 2 counts, Harassment 2 counts, Disorderly Conduct II

Female adult – Harassment 2 counts, Interfering with a Police Officer 2 counts, Theft III

Male adult – Harassment

Female adult – Interfering with a Police Officer

Additionally, on October 4, 2020, a group of people held a protest event at the Bend Police Department. During this incident some of the individuals engaged in blocking traffic for periods of time on Hwy 20, in front of the Bend Police Department, holding traffic and causing significant delays. The evidence was reviewed for this incident and the Bend Police Department has also forwarded the investigation to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office for review and decisions on formal criminal charging. 

Seven individuals were presented with the following charges;

Female adult – Disorderly Conduct II

Female adult – Disorderly Conduct II

Female adult – Disorderly Conduct II, Criminal Trespass II

Female adult – Disorderly Conduct II

Female adult – Disorderly Conduct II

Male adult – Disorderly Conduct II

Male adult – Disorderly Conduct II

The Bend Police Department will continue to evaluate all events that fall under First Amendment protections.  However, rights to free speech do not include engaging in behavior that is defined as a crime under Oregon, federal or local law, and we will work to ensure that people who engage in criminal behavior will be held accountable.  We will thoroughly investigate alleged criminal conduct and when appropriate forward those investigations to the District Attorney’s Office for charging decisions. 

Submitted by: Lt. Juli McConkey

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that a Portland Oregon man with a previous felony conviction has been charged with possessing body armor during protest activity in Portland.

            Maurice Lonnie Monson, 30, is charged by indictment with one count of Felon in Possession of Body Armor in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 931.

            According to court documents, on the evening of September 4, 2020, a group of protestors were blocking traffic along North Lombard Street in Portland, Oregon, near the vicinity of the Portland Police Association (PPA) office. The PPA office has been targeted by violent protest activity numerous times throughout the summer. 

            At approximately 11:35 p.m., Portland Police declared an unlawful assembly after some within the protest hurled rocks, water bottles and cans at officers. As part of the unlawful assembly declaration, protestors were ordered to clear the roadway. Monson was arrested when he failed to comply with the order to disperse. When arrested, it was discovered that Monson was wearing a ballistic “bullet proof” vest. Additional investigation revealed that Monson has a previous felony conviction in Multnomah County, Oregon in 2009. As such, it is illegal for Monson to possess ballistic body armor.

             Monson made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a two-day jury trial scheduled to begin on December 22, 2020.

            The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

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

For Immediate Release                                        

October 20, 2020

Contact:      Mona Riesterer  
                   (503) 378-2431

Notice of Meeting Cancelation

The Fire Policy Committee meeting scheduled for November 17, 2020 @ 9:00 a.m. has been canceled. The next Fire Policy Committee meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. For further information, please contact Mona Riesterer at (503) 378-2431.

The next meeting of the Advisory Committee to the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs will be held Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, via Zoom. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.

The committee is made up of veterans appointed by the governor to provide counsel on veteran issues and represent veteran concerns across Oregon. Its nine members serve in a vital advisory role to the director and staff of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

ODVA’s October 2020 Report to the Advisory Committee has been presented and is available to the public as an attachment to this press release. It is also available here: https://issuu.com/odva/docs/sept_2020_odva_rpt_to_the_advisory_committee

This meeting is being held virtually due to travel and gathering size restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. The public is invited to attend.

To attend:

Join by Zoom via Videoconference: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtc-6srjojHtAOWKiGFZQT9eEyf-1ZMc9u Pre-registration is required.

Join by Zoom via Telephone: Dial 1 (253) 215-8782. When prompted, enter the meeting ID: 820 4740 1944# and password/participant ID: 310082#

You will be prompted to state your name. State your name (first and last), branch of service and organization(s) you are representing.

More information can be found online at www.oregon.gov/odva/Pages/advisory.aspx or to contact the Advisory Committee, please email vaac@odva.state.or.us.

SEATTLE – Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Timothy J. Shea today announced that the DEA will direct resources to help reduce violent crime in communities throughout the country.  Under this initiative, called Project Safeguard, DEA will identify and prioritize ongoing drug trafficking investigations with a nexus to violent crime.

“Drug trafficking and violent crime are inextricably linked,” said Acting DEA Administrator Shea.  “From the extreme levels of violence in Mexican cartels, to the open air drug markets in American cities, drug traffickers employ violence, fear, and intimidation to ply their trade.  Neighborhoods across our country are terrorized by violent drug trafficking organizations that have little regard for human life, and profit from the pain and suffering of our people. Along with our law enforcement partners, DEA is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of our communities.”

“Violence goes hand in hand with illegal drug trafficking and continually threatens the safety of our communities.” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis.  “While conducting investigations we continually  encounter individuals associated with violent actions that have included kidnappings, armed assaults, home invasions, murder for hire, weapons trafficking and  distributing the most dangerous drug we face –fentanyl.”

Working in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA’s Project Safeguard will comprise three focus areas to address the growing violent crime threat in many cities across the United States:

• Disrupting, dismantling, and destroying the most significant violent drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States;
• Increasing federal prosecutions of firearms traffickers associated with drug trafficking organizations; and
• Prioritizing the capture of DEA fugitives who employ violence as part of drug trafficking.

The traffickers that flood our communities with deadly drugs, including opioids, heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine, are often the same criminals responsible for the high rates of assault, murder, and gang activity in our cities.  These criminals employ fear, violence, and intimidation to traffic drugs, and in doing so, exacerbate a drug crisis that claims more than 70,000 American lives every year.   In recent months, violent crime has spiked in numerous cities and regions around the country, and drug trafficking is responsible, in part, for this violence.

Since August 1, 2020, the DEA Seattle Field Division and its state and local partners have conducted operations against these violent traffickers throughout the Pacific Northwest which have yielded:

• 146 arrests
• 95 weapons seized
• $3,559,107.00 in assets seized
• Seized drugs:

           120 pounds of heroin

           18.5 pounds of powder fentanyl

            571 pounds of methamphetamine

            37 pounds of cocaine

            41,200 pills containing fentanyl

The DEA Seattle Field Division has worked these high level investigations with the assistance of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. 

(PORTLAND, Ore.) Journey back 800 years and discover how a controversial leader and his family impacted history as they created the world’s largest land empire. Authentic artifacts, animated maps and immersive displays tell the story of one of the world’s most controversial leaders at The Life & Legacy of Genghis Khan, the latest exhibit to open at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). 

Explore the largest single collection of 13th-century Mongolian artifacts ever assembled—including gold jewelry, weaponry, silk robes, religious relics, and more—and see Mongolian culture brought to life with daily live music, artistic, and dance performances.

This world-class exhibit invites visitors to examine the facts and consider the many perspectives of Genghis Khan, who Time magazine and The Washington Post named "The Most Important Person of the Last Millennium.”

WHAT
OMSI is hosting an exclusive media-only preview event of its latest feature exhibition: The Life and Legacy of Genghis Khan. Media will have access to the exhibit prior to its opening to the public.

WHEN
Friday, Oct. 23, 9-10 a.m.

WHERE
The event takes place in OMSI’s Feature Hall. Media can meet with John Farmer in the main lobby between 8:45 and 9 a.m.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
For media attending the preview, please wear a face covering while in the building (we ask that you not remove it while interviewing) and maintain a respectful social distance from others (at least six feet).  
 

October 20, 2020

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

Oregon reports 346 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed six more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 633, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 346 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 40,136. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (3), Clackamas (28), Columbia (1), Coos (3), Crook (2), Deschutes (3), Douglas (9), Harney (2), Hood River (1), Jackson (10), Jefferson (4), Klamath (4), Lane (42), Linn (13), Malheur (11), Marion (38), Morrow (2), Multnomah (101), Polk (6), Umatilla (10), Wasco (2), Washington (44), and Yamhill (7).

Oregon’s 628th COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old woman in Washington County who tested positive on Oct. 2 and died on Oct. 17 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 629th COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old man in Josephine County who tested positive on Oct. 9 and died on Oct. 15 at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 630th COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old woman in Lane County who tested positive on Sept. 3 and died on Oct. 14 in her residence. She did not have underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 631st COVID-19 death is a 56-year-old man in Marion County who tested positive on Aug. 29 and died on Oct. 18 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 632nd COVID-19 death is an 83-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Oct. 10 and died Oct. 17 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 633rd COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old man in Washington County who tested positive on Sept. 29 and died on Oct. 17 at Providence Portland Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

WHO:              David Gerstenfeld, Acting Director, Oregon Employment Department

WHEN:            Wed., Oct. 21, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. PT

WHAT:            Oregon Employment Department Acting Director David Gerstenfeld will hold a video conference media briefing to share updates on unemployment claims processing on Wed. Oct. 21 at 1:00 p.m. PT.

WHERE:         Via Zoom video conference; Members of the media must RSVP for call information by emailing OED_Communications@oregon.gov by 12:00 p.m. PT on Wed., Oct. 21. Video conference information will be provided to all reporters who RSVP.

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

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

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody (AIC) died October 19, 2020. He was incarcerated at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution and passed away at a local hospital. He tested positive for COVID-19. He was between 50 and 60 years old. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. Department-wide, this is the sixteenth AIC to die who tested positive for COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19 cases inside Oregon’s prisons, please visit DOC’s COVID-19 website. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,000 adults in custody who are incarcerated in 14 institutions across the state.

DOC requires employees and AICs to wear masks if they cannot maintain six feet of social distancing. Wearing masks is mandatory at all times in health services areas, some work areas, and in food services areas. Face coverings have been provided to AICs and staff. If an AIC becomes ill and exhibits flu-like symptoms, CDC and OHA guidance for supportive care are followed.

Institutions continue to clean and disinfect numerous times a day. DOC asks AICs to report symptoms of COVID to medical staff. Posters are in all DOC institutions encouraging individuals to maintain proper hygiene and to uphold appropriate social distancing to the extent possible. Health screening processes are in place before staff are allowed to enter facilities. This screening includes a temperature check and a screening questionnaire. Visiting remains closed until further notice.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, DOC issued a press release when an AIC passed away. This notification would include the person’s name, county of conviction, sentence length, and date of death. However, no cause of death would be listed because the Medical Examiner makes that determination. In order to balance the desire for transparency with our legal obligation to protect personal health information, we have changed the AIC death notification process when someone dies who has tested positive for COVID-19. DOC is working with the Oregon Health Authority to publish COVID-19 related data and information on the OHA website.

####

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s (OPRD) All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Advisory Committee will meet 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5.

On the agenda: ATV program and safety updates, ATV permit sales and trends, proposed Class IV ATV classification and operator requirement changes along with other committee and legislative updates.

Members of the public will be able to listen to the call; instructions on how to attend will be available online prior to the meeting on the committee meeting webpage: oregon.gov/oprd/ATV/Pages/ATV-committee.aspx#2. Public comments can be received via email at atv.safety@oregon.gov until 5 p.m. Nov. 4, 2020.

The ATV Advisory Committee consists of 17 members who represent various state and federal agencies along with several user groups. Learn more about the Oregon ATV Program at OregonOHV.org.

Individuals who need special accommodations to listen to the presentation, or need information in alternative formats, should contact Jeff Trejo, OHV Safety Education Coordinator, at 503-586-9622 or ejo@oregon.gov">jeff.trejo@oregon.gov at least three days in advance.

Recovery work expected to take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week

(Salem, OR – October 20, 2020)  At the request of the State of Oregon and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has begun the work to survey, remove and dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) from properties in eight counties affected by the Oregon wildfires. This HHW removal is Step 1 of the overall response and is available at no cost to property owners.  

Fire-affected Oregon property owners now have a dedicated phone number - 541-225-5549 - to ask questions about EPA’s removal of household hazardous waste at their property or provide additional details about their property that will help speed the EPA removal work. The hotline offers service in both English and Spanish.

The removal of household hazardous waste is required before the property can be cleared of ash and debris. Property owners who have not already completed a “Right of Entry” (ROE) form with their county are strongly encouraged to do so to help speed cleanup operations in their area. See: Oregon’s Wildfire Cleanup website for more information on the needed forms.

EPA cleanup crews are now assessing and removing household hazardous wastes including products like paint, cleaners, solvents, pesticides, fuel, oil, batteries, and pressurized tanks.  

Once completed, EPA will post a sign indicating they’ve completed Step 1. See: Jackson County’s Wildfire Recovery website to sign your ROE for household hazardous waste removal.

EPA never asks for personal information like your immigration status, Social Security number, or bank account numbers. Property owners can visit Oregon’s Wildfire Resources for Home and Business Owners for tips on rebuilding after Steps 1 and 2 are complete. 

#  #  #

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. This week, reminders from the FBI’s Protected Voices campaign about misinformation and disinformation. 

We are just two weeks away from election day, and Oregonians have been receiving their ballots in the mail. As you are doing your research on the issues and the candidates, we encourage you to take a moment to consider whether the campaign information you are seeing online is truthful or the result of a foreign influence campaign. 

As foreign actors intensify their efforts to influence the outcome of the 2020 U.S. elections, they could use online journals and other platforms to advance and launder misinformation and disinformation to either denigrate or support specific candidates or political parties. Foreign actors could also target the U.S. elections by making claims of voter suppression, amplifying reports of real or alleged cyberattacks on election infrastructure, asserting voter or ballot fraud, and spreading other information intended to convince the public of the election's illegitimacy.  

One key factor to watch for: Is the information designed to create a strong emotional reaction? If so, that can indicate that the person or group posting the information is trying to manipulate you. Try to verify that information through independent means, such as a non-partisan fact checker. If you’re unable to verify the information, don’t click on the link or share the information further.? 

Here are some other ways to protect your vote: 

• Verify who produced the content and try to determine what that person’s intent is. Is the content trying to sow division? Erode trust in legitimate authorities? If so, that could be a red flag. 

• You should rely on state and local election officials as authoritative sources about how elections are conducted in their jurisdictions.  

• Make sure you verify through multiple reliable sources any reports about problems in voting or election results before sharing such information via social media or other avenues. 

• If appropriate, make use of in-platform tools offered by social media companies to report suspicious posts that appear to be spreading false or inconsistent information about election-related problems or results. 

The FBI is responsible for investigating malign foreign influence operations and malicious cyber activity targeting election infrastructure and other U.S. democratic institutions. Report potential federal election crimes—such as disinformation about the manner, time, or place of voting—to the FBI.?In Oregon, you can call us at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. 

Finally – learn more about how you can protect your vote with the FBI’s Protected Voices campaign. You can find more resources at www.fbi.gov/protectedvoices. 

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Arrested:

Darin S Marsden, 39 year old, Bend resident

Charges:

DUII, Reckless Driving, Hit and Run Property Damage

On 10/20/2020 at approximately 0107 hours, Officers from the Bend Police Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash on NW Newport near NW 3rd St.  It was reported a white pickup left the road and collided with a utility power pole, causing significant damage to the pole and utilities.  It was also reported the driver had fled the scene on foot.

Officers arrived in the area, where a 911 caller was following the fleeing driver on foot providing information.  Officers made contact with the driver about five blocks away, where he was taken into custody without incident. 

City of Bend Public Works employee responded to the scene and closed down a section of NW Newport between NW 3rd and NW 5th Streets. Pacific Power employees responded to the scene to remove and replace the damaged power pole and restore power to the area that had been knocked out.  At the time of this release, the power company was still on scene and the roadway was still closed. 

It’s getting cold outside and Shepherd’s House needs your help.

Drop off a new or gently used winter coat at Shepherd’s House during their

Winter Coat Drive for those experiencing homelessness.

Saturday, October 24 from 9 am until 4 pm. 

Drive through, drop-off service.

No need to get out of your car.

Located at 1854 NE Division Street. 

Please help men, women, and children who are cold and in need.

You can also make a monetary donation securely online at:

https://shepherdshouseministries.org/donate/

Arrested: 

Abbott, Zachary James Ray       32 year old Bend resident

Charges:

Hit and Run-property, Reckless Driving, DUII, Criminal Mischief I

Narrative:

On 10-19-20 at about 1944 hours, Bend Police Officers were dispatched to a single vehicle crash in the area just north of the Murphy Rd / Brookswood Blvd roundabout.  Witnesses advised the vehicle, a white 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, had struck a power pole causing the power lines to fall to the ground. The sparking power lines then caused fires in the grass area and ultimately started a fence on fire.

As neighbors worked to put the fires out, the suspect fled the area in his truck. A citizen was able to locate the truck and follow it to a residence in Deschutes River Woods, where Bend Police and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office made contact with the driver.

The driver was identified as Abbott and it was determined alcohol was a primary factor in the crash.  He was subsequently arrested on the above listed charges.

Some residences in the area of the initial crash are currently without power and some traffic control devices are being affected. Pacific Power is currently working to restore services.  A section of Brookswood Blvd remains closed.

The Bend Police Department was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Bend Fire.  

The Oregon Office of Emergency Management has posted the Oregon Wildfire Recovery Update for Oct. 19, 2020, to the Oregon Wildfire Resources page. See today's Wildfire Recovery update here. 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Gates, Ore. - October 1, 2020 - Utility workers working in and around the Gates Oregon area repairing telephone lines and rebuilding the electrical grid. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA
File name:  2020-01-10_4562_ORFires_GatesUtility_PL_03.jpg

Lyons, Ore. - October 16, 2020 - A volunteer at the Mari-Linn School distributes food donated by the Department of Agriculture for families in need in Lyons, Oregon. Photo by Patsy Lynch/FEMA
File name: 2020-16-10_4562_Mari-linnfood_PL_01.jpg

The Oregon State Police is requesting the public's assistance in locating the person(s) that shot and killed a doe Mule Deer on Hwy 26 near milepost 46 in Crook County.   

On October 11, 2020 at 7:15 P.M., Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers were notified that an unknown person(s) had shot and left to waste a doe Mule Deer. 

It is believed the shooting took place sometime earlier the same day.  Anyone who may have witnessed it would have been driving on Hwy 26 West of the Ochoco summit approximately one mile West of the Ochoco Christian Camp. 

OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers request that if you have any information regarding this incident to please contact the TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677) or TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)  - Trooper Barr is investigating.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Bighorn Sheep

5 Points-Rocky Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

Or the Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward fund also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, Furbearers, Game Fish and Shellfish.  Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags.

CASH REWARDS:

$1,000 Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction

$200 Illegally Obtaining License/Tag(s)

$200 Unlawful Lend/Borrow Big Game Tags(s) 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity: 

TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP(677)

TIP E-Mail: TIP@state.or.us (Monitored M-F 8:00AM - 5:00PM)

HINES, Ore. – Did you know the Bureau of Land Management has Resource Advisory Councils – made up of people just like you – that give citizen-based advice and recommendations on the management of public lands? These groups provide an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds and interests to have a stronger impact on the decisions made for public lands.

The Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC) currently has five vacant positions and six positions with terms expiring in 2021 open for public nomination:

• a person interested in fish and recreational fishing in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA);
• a person who is a grazing permittee on Federal lands in the CMPA;
• two persons who are recognized environmental representatives, one to represent the State as a whole and one from the local area;
• a person who has no financial interest in the CMPA to represent statewide interests;
• a person who participates in mechanized or consumptive recreation in the CMPA, such as hunting, fishing, or off-road driving;
• a recreation permit holder or representative of a commercial recreation operation in the CMPA;
• a person who regularly participates in dispersed recreation in the CMPA, such as hiking, camping, nature viewing, nature photography, bird watching, horse back riding, or trail walking;
• a person to serve as the State government liaison to the Council;
• a private landowner within the CMPA; and
• a member of the Burns Paiute Tribe.

If you are interested in public land management on Steens Mountain, this is a great opportunity to share your expertise and work with a collaborative group. The SMAC has been successful in bringing diverse and often competing interests to the table to deal with issues of mutual concern. This inclusive approach has shown great promise as a means to creatively and successfully deal with long-standing problems of public land management. Consensus-driven recommendations often lead to sustainable outcomes that benefit natural resources and have a high level of public support.

"Resource Advisory Councils provide the BLM with vital feedback on current issues, concerns and proposals, and enable us to engage local communities and stakeholders to improve our management of public lands," said BLM Burns District Manager Jeff Rose.

To nominate yourself or someone you know, submit a membership application and supporting letters of recommendation from the groups or interests to be represented to the BLM Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, Oregon. Nominees will be evaluated based on their training, education, and knowledge of the Steens Mountain area.

The application deadline is November 13, 2020. Nomination forms can be picked up at this same location,
by mail or phone request at (541) 573-4400, or online at: https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/apply

The specific category the nominee would like to represent should be identified in the nomination form and letters of reference. The BLM and the Governor of Oregon will review the applications and submit recommended nominees to the Secretary of the Interior, who has the responsibility for making the appointments.

Appointed members must reside in the State of Oregon. The SMAC generally holds quarterly meetings in Hines, Bend and Frenchglen. Although members serve without monetary compensation, travel and per diem expenses are reimbursed at current rates for government employees. SMAC members are normally appointed to three-year terms.
For more information on the SMAC, call Tara Thissell at (541) 573-4400.

- BLM -

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

October 19, 2020

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

Oregon reports 266 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed eight more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 627, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

Oregon Health Authority reported 266 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 39,794.

The new cases are in the following counties: Clackamas (24), Coos (8), Crook (2), Deschutes (15), Douglas (1), Jackson (18), Josephine (1), Lane (40), Linn (2), Malheur (5), Marion (39), Multnomah (68), Polk (3), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (9), Washington (25), and Yamhill (5). Updated information is available about Oregon’s 512th COVID-19 death, a 73-year-old woman in Washington County on Sept. 1.

Due to an updated death certificate, COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 is no longer considered as a cause or as a significant condition that contributed to her death. As a result, OHA is re-numbering our reported deaths starting with 620 today.

Oregon’s 620th COVID-19 death is an 89-year-old woman in Lane County who tested positive on Oct.13 and died on Oct. 17, at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 621st COVID-19 death is a 61-year-old man in Lane County who tested positive on Oct. 11 and died on Oct.16, at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 622nd COVID-19 death is an 89-year-old woman in Lane County who tested positive on Oct.11 and died on Oct.17, at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 623rd COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Crook County who tested positive on Oct. 12 and died on Oct. 17, at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 624th COVID-19 death is a 91-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct.11 and died on Oct. 15 at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 625th COVID-19 death is 69-year-old woman in Umatilla County who tested positive on Oct. 5 and died on Oct 14, at Good Shepherd Medical Center. She had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 626th COVID-19 death is a 71-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Sept. 21 and died on Oct. 12, at Adventist Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

Oregon’s 627th COVID-19 death is an 85-year-old man in Multnomah County who tested positive on Oct. 2 and died on Oct. 13, at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. He had underlying conditions.

OHA submits COVID-19 vaccine plan

OHA has submitted its draft plan to the federal government for allocating and distributing a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon, once a safe and effective vaccine becomes available. The draft plan, sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, Oct. 16, is posted on the OHA website.

The plan is centered around equity, reflecting the state’s values of recognizing historical and contemporary injustices toward communities of color and the disproportionate effects that COVID-19 has had on them. The document represents Oregon’s response to the CDC’s Sept. 16 request of all states to describe how they will manage the distribution of a vaccine.

OHA’s plan is intended to understand Oregon’s existing systems and structures for vaccine delivery. The next steps are to understand how those systems and structures need to be rebuilt to meet the needs of disproportionately impacted communities.

The draft plan prioritizes the need for strong community engagement through partnerships with public health, health care and community organizations that reach and support underserved populations, and addresses the roles that power, privilege and race have played in the state’s response to the pandemic.

OHA’s plan follows federal guidance of a phased approach that assumes a COVID-19 vaccine will be, at the outset, in limited supply and should be focused on individuals critical to the pandemic response, provide direct care and maintain societal function, as well as those at highest risk for developing severe illness.

The plan will allow for broadening of the vaccine’s distribution to other high-risk groups and the general population as more doses become available.

The plan OHA submitted Friday is not final. It is expected to evolve in the months ahead as more is learned about likely vaccines, including safety, effectiveness, side effects, storage, supply, distribution and administration.

OHA revises face covering guidance

OHA has revised its guidance on face coverings to include the following new provisions:

The guidance now requires that people wear face coverings in all private and public workplaces including classrooms, offices, meeting rooms and workspaces, unless someone is alone in an office or in a private workspace.

The revised guidance also requires that people wear face coverings in outdoor and indoor markets, street fairs, private career schools and public and private colleges and universities.

Finally, the revised guidance also recommends wearing a face covering instead of a face shield, except in limited situations when a face shield is appropriate such as when communicating with someone who is deaf or hearing impaired and needs to read lips. COVID-19 is surging again. Oregonians can to lower the risk to themselves, their families and their communities by:

• Wearing a face covering
• Keeping 6 or more feet away from others
• Avoiding large gatherings and limiting social gatherings
• Frequently washing our hands.

For more information about face coverings and face masks visit healthoregon.org/masks.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

Hazardous materials removal signals start of recovery and rebuilding for people with signed Rights of Entry forms.

(Salem) – EPA cleanup teams are starting to remove household hazardous waste in Jackson County. EPA Incident Commander, Randy Nattis will be available on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 - via Zoom - from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. IC Nattis will provide a brief overview of EPA’s role in Oregon’s fire recovery and describe the launch of the hazardous waste removal (STEP 1) work in southern Oregon. He will also touch on the Safety Protocols in place due to COVID-19.

Public information officers from the Oregon Debris Management Task Force and Jackson County will provide statements and be available for questions.

Available Officials:

• Randy Nattis,  EPA Incident Commander
• John Vial, Public Information Officer, Jackson County
• Lauren Wirtis, Public Information Officer, Oregon Debris Management Task Force

When: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 | 10:00AM to 10:30AM

Link:  Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89105436195?pwd=TERwR1FMem1Ja1F3dDZqRi9nWWFZZz09

Meeting ID: 891 0543 6195
Passcode: 292798

MEDIA CONTACTS

• EPA: Mark MacIntyre, 206-553-1019
• DEQ: Lauren Wirtis, 503-568-3295
• Jackson County: John Vial, 541-621-4641

Background  Information

Removal of hazardous waste is the first step in the wildfire cleanup process and available at no cost to property owners. Prioritized due to the immediate threat to health, safety and the environment, hazardous waste cleanup is funded by the State of Oregon and FEMA in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties. Fire-affected Oregon property owners now have a dedicated phone number - 541-225-5549 - to ask questions about EPA’s removal of household hazardous waste at their property or provide additional details about their property that will help speed the EPA removal work. The hotline offers service in both English and Spanish.

Each of these counties have begun collecting Right of Entry forms. Right of Entry forms should be submitted as soon as possible so cleanup crews can come to their house. Links to each county’s Right of Entry fillable and/or printable form are available at  wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup. There is also a Right of Entry helpline with assistance available in English and Spanish at 682-800-5737.

Household hazardous waste can include but is not limited to fuel and petroleum, pool chemicals, car batteries, antifreeze, used oil filters, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, propane tanks, high pressure cylinders, disinfectants, aerosols, paint, and bleach. Cleanup crews will also identify and dispose of bulk asbestos materials when possible.

The second step in cleanup is ash and debris removal. After this step is complete, property owners will be able to begin rebuilding. State, county and federal partners are developing funding and implementation options for Step 2: Ash and debris removal.  

The State of Oregon’s Debris Management Task Force consists of the Office of Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and is overseeing a coordinated effort by federal, state and local government agencies to address hazardous waste and debris removal.

#  #  #

SALEM, Ore. - Barring significant new wildfires, this will be the last regularly scheduled ODF fire situation report of this year. October rains have allowed the majority of ODF districts and fire protection associations to end fire season. The national fire preparedness level was lowered to 3 last week. With the Holiday Farm Fire now being managed by a Type 3 team, no ODF Incident Management Teams are currently deployed on wildfires.

Only one wildfire start was reported yesterday in Oregon, with no new acres burned reported.   

Check ODF's online public fire restrictions map to see what if any fire restrictions might still be in force for your area.  

2020 Fire Season On ODF-Protected Lands
This fire season there have been 2,027 fires across all jurisdictions in Oregon and 1,221,324 acres burned. On ODF-protected lands, there have been 912 fires, close to the 10-year average of 918. In the past 10 years the average number of acres burned on lands protected by ODF has been 41,426. More than 13 times that amount - 551,816 acres - has burned this year.  

Closures

Santiam State Forest is still closed to the public. Before heading out to hunt or recreate on other state or federal public lands, please check to see if there are any restrictions or closures due to the recent fires. There are still portions of some highways in wildfire areas that are closed. Use ODOT’s TripCheck to plan your route.

More Information

• ODF wildfire blog and Significant Fire Potential Map
• Oregon smoke blog
• Northwest Coordination Center – Regional Update and National Situation Report
• Inciweb (information on individual incidents)

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved a decrease in rates for Cascade Natural Gas customers due to the annual purchased gas adjustment – which goes into effect November 1, 2020.

The PUC approves adjustments annually to the rates of the three regulated natural gas companies, including Avista Utilities, Cascade Natural Gas, and NW Natural, to reflect changes in the actual cost of wholesale priced natural gas, known as the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA). This allows companies to pass through their actual cost of purchasing gas to customers without a markup on the price.

The PUC approved an overall decrease of $373,000, or 0.6 percent for Cascade Natural customers for the PGA annual filing when compared to 2019 company gross revenues. This adjustment is effective November 1, 2020. The result of this decision is a decrease in customer rates as indicated below:

• Residential Customers - The monthly bill of a typical customer using an average of 60 therms per month will decrease by $0.15, or 0.3 percent, from $48.69 to $48.54.
• Commercial Customers - The monthly bill of a typical customer using an average of 252 therms per month will decrease by$0.54, or 0.3 percent, from $166.11 to $165.57.
• Industrial Customers - The monthly bill of a typical customer using an average of 4,693 therms per month will decrease by $49.76, or 4.5 percent, from $1,097.30 to $1,047.54.

Cascade Natural Gas has a rate case filed with the PUC seeking additional revenues for non-gas costs. A decision on this filing, which is scheduled for early 2021, will further impact customer rates.

To increase energy efficiency and save on bills, customers are encouraged to:

• Turn down thermostats to save up to 3 percent for each degree. A programmable thermostat that reduces heat at night or when no one is home can lower heating bills by 5 to 10 percent.
• Update low-efficiency furnaces and water heaters with higher-efficiency models. 

• Fully insulate homes to realize up to 30 percent savings on a heating bill. 
• Clean or change the furnace filter once a month during the heating season. 

• Conduct an online Home Energy Review through the Energy Trust of Oregon.
• Ask their natural gas service provider about bill payment assistance programs.

Cascade Natural Gas serves more than 75,000 customers in the Bend region and parts of Northeast Oregon.  

About the PUC
The Public Utility Commission of Oregon (PUC) regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric, natural gas and telephone utilities, as well as select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregon utility customers have access to safe, reliable, and high quality utility services at just and reasonable rates. This is done through robust analysis and independent decision-making conducted in an open and fair process.

# # #

Released By:  Lt. Bryan Husband, Search and Rescue Coordinator

Date:  October 18, 2020 / 12:03 PM

Location:         North side of Broken Hand Summit

Rescued:         Bailey, Susan - 63 year old female from Hubbard, Or.

On 10-18-20, at about 12:03pm, 9-1-1 Dispatch recieved a report of an injured hiker near Broken Hand summit. GPS coordinates were received along with the 9-1-1 call, which placed the injured subject, Susan Bailey, on the trail that edges around the north side of Broken Hand (at about 8,400'). A Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Deputy immediately called the reporting person, Ms. Dorthy Abbott, who told him Bailey had fallen on the trail and had injured herself while attempting to arrest her fall.  Although Bailey's injury was reportedly not life threatening, she was in a tremendous amount of pain.  Abbott also reported the trail they were on was narrow and on a steep side hill.  Abbott did not think Bailey could be reached with a wheeled litter.  Abbott reported they had a sleeping bag on Bailey to keep her warm, as fog and clouds were rolling in with misting conditions at times.

At 12:12pm, an alert request was sent out for DCSO SAR volunteers to respond, including members of the medical team and members of the mountain rescue team. Initially, 13 DCSO SAR Volunteers responded to DCSO SAR in Bend and gathered the equipment and supplies needed to rescue Bailey from her remote location.  Life Flight agreed to fly two DCSO SAR Volunteers up to the area to reach the patient in a more timely manner. 11 more DCSO SAR Volunteers departed in vehicles, headed for the Broken Top trailhead.  Due to the previously described weather constraints, Life Flight had to drop off the two DCSO SAR Volunteers approximately three miles west of Bailey, at about 1:56pm.  DCSO SAR Volunteers traveling by vehicle, arrived at the Broken Top TH and departed up the trail at about 2:00pm.

The two DCSO SAR Volunteers flown in by Life Flight reached Bailey first, arriving at 3:16pm.  They reported the weather had continued to decline, winds were blowing 30 knots and gusting to 45 knots, and fog was continuing to blow in through the area.  They began to stabilize Bailey and confirmed teams would need to carry her approximately 250' before a wheeled litter option would be available.  DCSO SAR Teams hiking over three miles in from Broken Top TH began arriving at Bailey's location at about 4:15pm.  They had been tasked with carrying an assortment of rescue equipment, including multiple rescue ropes, "rock pro" rescue system equipment wheeled litter and additional patient packaging supplies.

With the potential of a long carry/litter out to the trail head looming, six additional DCSO SAR Volunteers were requested to respond and assist.  As SAR Volunteers began setting up the rigging systems needed to safely begin to move Bailey, they reported it appeared the cloud/fog layer was beginning to dissipate.  Ultimately, rescue teams decided to lower Bailey over 200', where they were able to more easily carry her to an open and likely landing zone location.  Teams further stabilized Bailey and provided additional warming supplies, until Air Link was able to respond and pick her up at approximately 8:36pm.  Air Link then transported Bailey to St. Charles Hospital in Bend for further treatment.

DCSO SAR Volunteers escorted Bailey's three hiking partners down to the Broken Top TH and provided them a courtesy transport back to their vehicles which were parked at the Tam Rim TH, near Three Creeks Lake.  All DCSO SAR Volunteers had returned to DCSO SAR base in Bend by 12:30am.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office would like to thank both Life Flight and Air Link for their assistance with this rescue.  We would also like to remind those individuals choosing to recreate in our back country during this time of year, to conduct additional research about the area you want to travel, including trail and forecasted weather conditions.  It is not uncommon at this time of year for weather conditions to be mild in and around town, but extreme in our higher elevations.

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 the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

DISASTER FEMA DR-4562-OR

Los trabajadores de los condados de Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, y Marion podrían ser elegibles para Asistencia de Desempleo por Desastre

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon anunció la disponibilidad de Asistencia de Desempleo por Desastre (DUA, por sus siglas en inglés) el 23 de septiembre de 2020 para personas que se encuentren desempleadas, o hayan rebajado sus horas de trabajo de manera substancial o para personas que trabajan por cuenta propia y se encuentren desempleadas como resultado directo de los incendios forestales y los vientos de dirección directa que ocurrieron el 7 de septiembre de 2020. Estas personas tampoco deben calificar para el desempleo estatal regular, para la compensación de Desempleo de Emergencia por la Pandemia (PEUC), otros programas de extensión, o para beneficios de la Asistencia de Desempleo por la Pandemia (PUA).

La Asistencia de Desempleo por Desastre (DUA) es un programa federal que brinda beneficios de asistencia por desempleo temporal a las personas cuyo empleo o trabajo por cuenta propia se ha perdido o interrumpido o cuyas horas de trabajo se redujeron considerablemente como resultado directo de un desastre mayor. El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon administra el programa DUA para el Departamento de Trabajo, Administración de Empleo y Capacitación de los Estados Unidos, en nombre de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA). Las personas elegibles para beneficios de desempleo regulares o Asistencia de Desempleo por la Pandemia (PUA) no son elegibles para DUA.

El DUA está disponible para personas elegibles durante semanas de desempleo a partir del 13 de septiembre de 2020. Los beneficios para este desastre estarán disponibles hasta el 20 de marzo de 2021, siempre y cuando su desempleo continúe siendo un resultado directo del desastre mayor. La fecha límite para presentar un reclamo de DUA relacionado con estos incendios es el 23 de octubre de 2020. 

Además de las personas que perdieron sus trabajos como resultado directo del desastre mayor, DUA puede incluir personas que:

• trabajaban por cuenta propia y se les impidió realizar dichos servicios como resultado del desastre y el trabajo o el trabajo por cuenta propia eran su principal fuente de ingresos,
• no pudieron llegar a su trabajo debido al desastre,
• estaban programadas y se les impidió comenzar a trabajar o trabajar por cuenta propia en el área del desastre,
• no pudieron trabajar debido a una lesión como resultado directo del desastre, o
• se convirtieron en jefe de familia debido a un deceso causado por el desastre,
• Han solicitado y utilizado todos los beneficios de desempleo regulares de cualquier estado, o no califica para beneficios de desempleo regulares o programas de extensión y siguen desempleadas como resultado directo del desastre.

El desempleo es un resultado directo del desastre mayor si el desempleo se debió a:

• el daño físico o la destrucción del lugar de trabajo;
• la inaccesibilidad física del lugar de trabajo debido a su cierre por parte del gobierno federal, estatal o local en respuesta inmediata al desastre; o
• la falta de trabajo o pérdida de ingresos, si, antes del desastre, el empleador o el negocio autónomo recibió al menos la mayoría de sus ingresos de un negocio en el área de desastre mayor que resultó dañado o destruido en el desastre o una entidad en el área de mayor desastre cerrada por el gobierno federal, estatal o local.

Para recibir los beneficios del DUA, toda la documentación requerida debe entregarse cuando presente la solicitud o dentro de los 21 días posteriores a la fecha en que se presentó su solicitud del DUA. Deberá proporcionar documentación adicional, que incluya, entre otros, prueba de empleo en el momento del desastre o prueba de trabajo por cuenta propia en el momento del desastre e información de ingresos para el año fiscal 2019. Específicamente, la documentación requerida incluye un número de Seguro Social y una copia del formulario de impuestos federales sobre la renta más reciente o talones de cheques, o documentación que demuestre que trabajaba o trabajaba por cuenta propia cuando ocurrió el desastre. La documentación para las personas que trabajan por cuenta propia se puede obtener de bancos o entidades gubernamentales, o declaraciones juradas de personas que tengan conocimiento de su negocio.

Se recomienda a las personas afectadas a solicitar DUA a través del Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED), que primero verificará si los solicitantes llenan los requisitos para los beneficios estatales de desempleo, PEUC, otros programas de extensión o beneficios del PUA.

Las solicitudes para el DUA están disponibles en inglés, español, ruso, vietnamita y chino simplificado en línea en www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster. Su solicitud puede enviarse por correo a la dirección que se indica a continuación, o puede enviarse en línea en unemployment.oregon.gov/contact-us. Incluya las semanas que le gustaría reclamar en su solicitud inicial. Más información está disponible en nuestro sitio web público y páginas de redes sociales. Si tiene preguntas adicionales o para solicitar una solicitud inicial, llame al: 503-570-5000.

Información de contacto:

Dirección:      Disaster Unemployment Assistance Unit

875 Union Street NE

Salem, OR 97311

Peléfono:       

503-570-5000

Información adicional:

www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Disaster

Presente su solicitude n línea:    unemployment.oregon.gov/contact-us

Colette S. Peters, Director of the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), recently announced the appointment of Rob Persson as the agency’s new Assistant Director of Operations, effective December 1. Mr. Persson will step into this role after the retirement of Assistant Director Michael Gower, who has dedicated the past 37 years to law enforcement.

Mr. Persson is a 25-year DOC veteran, beginning his career in 1995 as a Correctional Officer. He promoted through the ranks to Lieutenant at Santiam Correctional Institution and Mill Creek Correctional Facility. Persson served as Prison Term Analyst Manager and then Administrator for the Offender Information and Sentence Computation Unit. He later became Assistant Superintendent at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF), promoting to Superintendent at Oregon State Correctional Institution and then Superintendent at CCCF. Currently, Persson serves as the Westside Institutions Administrator for the Operations Division. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Oregon University and a Certificate of Public Management from Willamette University, Atkinson Graduate School of Management.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rob to the Executive Team as we continue our great work in these challenging times. Rob’s leadership, experience, and ingenuity – coupled with his relationships both internally and externally – will be invaluable as we persevere and move into the future,” stated Director Peters.

DOC employs 4,600 staff members at 14 institutions, two community corrections offices, and several centralized support facilities throughout the state. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 14,000 adults sentenced to more than 12 months of incarceration, and direct or indirect supervision of 31,000 offenders on felony supervision in the community. DOC is recognized nationally among correctional agencies for providing adults in custody with the cognitive, education, and job skills needed to become productive citizens when they transition back to their communities.

####

PRESS RELEASE

Date of Occurrence: Saturday, October 10, 2020 at approximately 1721 hours

Location: Spring River road/Lunar drive, Sunriver, OR, 97707

Charges: Failure to perform duties of driver (811.700)

On Saturday, October 10, 2020, at approximately 1721 hours, an officer from the Sunriver Police Department responded to a report of a hit and run motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Spring River road and Lunar drive, Sunriver, Oregon.

The reporting party was driving east bound on Spring River road when a possible green Ford Excursion with gold trim driving west bound on Spring River road attempted to turn left onto Lunar drive cutting off the reporting party. The reporting party’s vehicle contacted the suspect’s vehicle on the rear passenger side of the suspect vehicle. When the vehicles made contact the possible gold Ford Explorer fled from the scene continuing west bound on Spring River road. A witness followed the vehicle. The witness followed the vehicle onto Solar drive until the vehicle turned left onto Indio road. Indio road was the last known location of the suspect vehicle. Video footage of the hit and run was collected from Cannabis Nation located on the corner of Spring River road/Lunar drive. The suspect may live in the area in between Lunar drive and Solar drive.

Description of the vehicle: Possibly a green Ford Excursion with gold trim and black rims. The vehicle has a small black luggage rack on the top of it. The suspect vehicle has rear passenger side damage.

Attached are still images from the video footage collected. If you see a vehicle that matches the suspect vehicle description, please contact Sunriver Police Department at 541-593-1014 or the non-emergency dispatch number at 541-693-6911.

Oregon artists may now apply to a new Artist Relief Program created by the Oregon Arts Commission in partnership with The Oregon Community Foundation and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation. Awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be distributed until the program fund, totaling just over $1.25 million, is depleted.

“Without our artists, there would be no art in Oregon,” said Brian Rogers, executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission. “We feel strongly that, in addition to the significant relief we were able to provide to arts and cultural organizations through federal CARES Act funds allocated to the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Cultural Trust, we need to offer relief funding to struggling Oregon artists as well. We are extremely grateful to The Oregon Community Foundation and the Miller Foundation for joining us in that effort.”

The purpose of the Artist Relief Program is to provide relief funding to Oregon artists who have experienced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic due to cancellations of exhibitions, performances, rehearsals or other activities with a stipend, events, teaching opportunities, book signings or other professional presentation opportunities. Guidelines are now posted on the Arts Commission website.

“In times of crisis, artists help us make sense of our world and stay connected to one another,” said Martha Richards, executive director of the Miller Foundation. “The Miller Foundation stands with Oregon artists in this difficult time because we recognize the critical roles they play in our communities and our lives--they are the foundation of our state’s arts ecosystem.”

“Oregon Community Foundation is thrilled to be a partner in this new Artist Relief program,” added Jerry Tischleder, Oregon Community Foundation’s program officer for arts and culture. “We recognize that independent and freelance artists are vital to the recovery of our communities, bringing hope and inspiration to the world while using their creativity to help process the collective trauma, grief and loss we’ve all experienced in these unprecedented times.”

The program supports professional artists from specific disciplines who have experienced or anticipate experiencing loss of revenue of $1,000 or more between March 1 and Dec. 31, 2020.

The artistic disciplines supported are: Literature (creative non-fiction, fiction, play writing and poetry); dance (including choreography); music (composition and music performance); theatre and performance art; folk and traditional arts; visual arts (crafts, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media and new media); design arts; and media arts.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Awards must be spent by July 31, 2021.

Artists from underserved communities, including (but not limited to) rural communities and communities of color, as well as artists with disabilities, are especially encouraged to apply.

The Oregon Arts Commission provides leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of Business Oregon (formerly Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grantmaking, arts and cultural information and community cultural development. 

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. More information about the Oregon Arts Commission is available online at: www.oregonartscommission.org.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has released its Summer 2020 Grants Report.

• This report includes 65 grants to nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest totaling $12.2 million.
• In total, 20 grants were awarded to organizations serving the state of Oregon totaling $3.1 million.
• A list of sample grants can be found in the release below or on our website here.
• The full list of grants can be found here.

October 19, 2020

For Immediate Release

An Optimistic Spirit – Summer 2020 Grants Report

In many ways, it feels like 2020 just will not give us a break.

We’ve all discussed at length the unprecedented challenges this year has brought to our communities. As summer faded to fall, we were struck with yet another once-in-a-generation tragedy as the Pacific Northwest was ravaged by wildfires that caused destruction on a scale we’ve not seen in decades. Lives were lost. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Entire communities were decimated.

Yet in the face of painful moment after painful moment, we find reason for hope and optimism. As every new challenge has arisen, no matter how daunting, we have seen individuals and organizations lining up on the front lines to address it in ways that serve the common good of their community.

• Fire fighters and first responders rushing into harms way to serve and protect individuals and families.
• Providing shelter and emergency supplies to those forced to evacuate.
• Researching new vaccines and treatments for a deadly virus.
• Safely serving meals and providing to those who are hungry.
• Putting their own lives at risk to treat the sick.
• Collecting and sharing food with families who have lost income.
• Identifying ways to continue to offer safe facilities for vulnerable children and families.
• Finding innovative ways to keep educating and inspiring children and families in days of social distancing.

The resilient spirit of the Pacific Northwest and the commitment of individuals and families throughout our communities to stand up and contribute to the positive change we so desperately need is heartwarming and inspiring. We see this in innovative collaborations, like the partnership between ecologists and fire practitioners studying firefighting behavior at Sycan Marsh. We see this as communities have rallied to connect and bring resources to families in need through the My NeighbOR effort. We see this as our friends at the Foraker Group bring together business and nonprofit leaders to share strategies to move the nonprofit sector forward.

Our team recently had the opportunity to see this spirit on display as our board reviewed our most recent collection of grant applications, including dozens of incredible nonprofits finding innovative and sustainable ways to serve the diverse needs of our region. At this meeting our Trustees approved 65 grants totalling $12,252,138 to nonprofits serving Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and across the Pacific Northwest. We have pulled a few example stories below and you can find a full list of these grants here.

As we enter the final weeks of 2020 and prepare for a season of generosity and giving, we are hopeful for the future and eager to see what other ways individuals across our region can help partner and contribute to the common good.

To our newest grantees, our existing partners and all organizations and individuals that are tackling the difficult work of supporting individuals and families throughout our region so that all communities have an opportunity to flourish and thrive, we say THANK YOU!

- Steve Moore

Executive Director, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

Alaska

• Children and adults in Alaska will receive increased mental health support as Alaska Behavioral Health (formerly Anchorage Community Mental Health Services) expands and renovates its facility.
• The expansion of Camp K by Camp Fire Alaska will increase its ability to serve youth and teens while also improving the camp’s infrastructure to reliably serve future campers for generations to come.
• The Church of Love, a vibrant community gathering space, will be significantly renovated by Cook Inlet Housing Authority, increasing accessibility and strengthening the space to serve for generations to come.
• New equipment purchased by University of Alaska Fairbanks will help researchers gain increased precision in their work to better understand oceanic ecosystem productivity.

Idaho

• Trail access will greatly improve as Friends of Harriman State Park work to replace the Ranch Bridge which crosses the Snake River.

Montana

• Patients with serious illnesses and their families will have increased access to housing following the construction of the new Harold & Carmen Poulsen Legacy Housing space within the Great Falls medical corridor.
• Reach Out and Care Wheels will add a new Executive Director, helping expand its efforts to provide wheelchairs to those in need.
• New staff at Trust Montana will help steward properties and secure affordable housing and community assets for generations to come.

Oregon

• Camp Ukandu will be able to offer more children diagnosed with cancer and their families a true summer camp experience through the introduction of new staff.
• More girls will have the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship as the Girl Scouts of Oregon and SW Washington add new staff.
• In4All will hire new staff to help serve and support more students of color and students living in poverty.
• Preteen and teen girls in Lane and Linn Counties struggling with trauma and behavioral health challenges will receive increased support as Ophelia’s Place adds staff.
• New staff at St. Mary’s Home for Boys will help the organization help prepare young men to flourish and thrive after graduating high school.

Washington

• Students will have access to new equipment and training programs following a grant to Black Pilots of America.
• A new gymnasium built by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County will provide increased programming offerings for children and teens in Granite Falls.
• Vulnerable, at-risk and underserved youth will receive increased support as the Center for Children and Youth Justice adds new staff.
• New administrative technology will help College Success Foundation serve more underrepresented, low-income students as they seek to graduate high school, graduate from college and transition to a successful career.
• New staff at the Feiro Marine Life Center will help accelerate plans to expand its work and programming.
• Stolen Youth will add new staff, allowing the organization to increase its programs combatting human trafficking.
• The Woodland Park Zoo will update and expand their highly popular Northern Trail exhibit, serving more children and families.

Pacific Northwest

• Interfaith Youth Core will hire new staff to help bring a message of unity and collaboration to the Pacific Northwest.

About M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The Murdock Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington—that seek to strengthen the region’s educational, spiritual and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Since its inception in 1975, the Trust has awarded more than 6,700 grants totaling more than $1 billion. For more information, find the Murdock Trust on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and on our website.

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Case Number:  2020-00117545

Date and Time of Incident:  Monday, October 19, 2020 at approximately 03:09 AM

Type of Incident:  Assault, Arson, Criminal Mischief by same suspect

Location of Incident:  Transient encampment, Hunnell Road between Loco Road and Cooley Road

Victim of Assault/Arson:  Misty Andresen, 36-year old Bend Resident (transient)

Victim of Criminal Mischief 1: Advanced Commercial Cleaning on Empire Avenue (see photo)

Victim of Criminal Mischief 2:  Brock Olson, 66-year old Bend Resident

Suspect/Arrestee:  Elizabeth Butler, 32-year old Bend Resident (transient)

Victim Vehicle  (Arson):   Winnebago Chieftain Motor Home (total loss) (see photos)

Victim Vehicle (Criminal Mischief):  2014 Audi Q5

Crimes:        Assault in the First Degree

                      Arson in the First Degree

                      Criminal Mischief in the First Degree

                      Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree

                      Unlawful use of a weapon

NARRATIVE:

On Monday, October 19th, 2020 about 0309 hours Deschutes County 9-1-1 dispatch center received a 9-1-1 call from a citizen reporting a woman had come to their motor home at a transient camp on Hunnell Road between Cooley Road and Loco Road within the city of Bend, to report she had been assaulted with a bat and the suspect had lit her motor home on fire.  The suspect had reportedly fled the area on foot.  The female victim had run to a neighboring motor home to get help and to have police contacted.  Bend Police as well as Bend Fire and Rescue and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately.

Upon arrival officers found an older Winnebago Chieftain motor home was fully engulfed with flames.  It was believed all occupants were out of the motor home.  Officers contacted the alleged victim and she was identified as 36-year old Bend resident Misty Andresen.  Andresen told officers she had allowed a neighboring transient, Elizabeth Butler, an acquaintance, to sleep in her motor home for the night because it was going to be cold out and Butler sleeps in a tent.  Andresen slept in the rear of the motor home while Butler slept in the front.  Sometime around 0300 hours Andresen awoke to the smell of smoke.  She looked out to the main cabin of the motor home and found there was a blanket on fire.  She grabbed the blanket and began dragging it out the side door when she was attacked from behind.  Andresen was struck in the back of the head, the back and the left arm multiple times by a metal baseball bat being swung by Butler.  Andresen had no idea as to why Butler was attacking her.  Andresen fell out onto the sidewalk and dropped the burning blanket.  She then ran to a neighboring motor home to get help.  Paramedics responded to treat Andresen.  She was transported by ambulance to St Charles Medical Center in Bend where she is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Another Bend Police Officer who was responding to the fire and assault witnessed a female bashing out the window of a business in the area of Empire and Jamison with a baseball bat (Advanced Commercial Cleaning).  As the officer turned around to go contact the female the officer saw the woman begin beating on the window and door of a parked Audi Q5 with the baseball bat (belonging to Olson).  The officer contacted the woman and gave her verbal commands to drop the bat.  Initially the woman did not comply.  She eventually dropped the bat and was taken into custody without incident.  Her clothing was singed, at which time the officer realized the woman with the bat was the suspect from the fire and assault.  Her clothing and the bat were seized as evidence in the crimes.  She was taken to the Deschutes County Adult Jail in Bend, where it was discovered she had superficial burn marks to the backs of her legs.  She was treated by staff at the jail and lodged on the listed charges.

It was later learned that Butler had been given a ride by another neighboring transient to the area of 3rd and Empire.  Butler had told this witness that someone had a gun and she needed help so they dropped her off near the sheriff’s office.  It is believed that drugs are a factor in this incident.

A Bend Fire Arson Investigator responded to the scene.  Their investigation is ongoing.

The Bend Police Department would like to thank Bend Fire and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.

It was exactly one year ago today that a small American creamery from Oregon made national and international news.

On October 18, 2019, Rogue Creamery from Central Point, Oregon, earned the title of “best cheese in the world” for their Rogue River Blue Cheese at the World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy. It was the first time in the history of the competition that an American cheese was selected as grand champion.

In honor of Rogue River Blue’s historic win, Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued a proclamation designating October 18 as Blue Cheese Day.

Similar to the “Judgement of Paris” in 1976, when American wines triumphed over the best French vintners in a blind taste test, this was a statement win and a landmark moment for American artisanal and farmstead cheeses.

U.S. Dairy Export Council President, Tom Vilsack said, “This is more than a win for Rogue Creamery of Central Point, Oregon, The ‘Best Cheese’ title creates a halo effect that will cause global customers to look at all U.S. cheeses in a brighter light.”

This was no small feat. An international panel of 260 judges selected Rogue River Blue out of more than 3,800 cheeses from 42 countries.

The judges experienced the signature Rogue Valley terroir captured within each taste of the organic, cave-aged blue cheese wrapped in Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits, with flavors of sweet pine, wild ripened berries, hazelnuts, morels and pears. It earned their high praise and respect.

This special cheese is the product of seventeen years of hard work and refinement by President David Gremmels with support from his dedicated team at Rogue Creamery and their organic herd of Brown Swiss and Holstein cows. Rogue Creamery is a certified B-Corporation that serves as a model for sustainability in dairy, committed to leaving a positive impact on people, animals, and the planet.

“I am humbled and filled with gratitude. This is the greatest distinction a cheese can receive,” said Rogue Creamery President, David Gremmels. “What extraordinary validation of our commitment to quality, of the place that inspires our cheese – Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley – and of the excellence of the growing American artisan cheese industry.”

Since the 2020 World Cheese Awards were postponed to 2021, Rogue River Blue will have the rare distinction of continuing its reign as “best in the world” for two years running.

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October 18, 2020

Oregon reports 220 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 0 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — The state’s death toll from COVID-19 is unchanged from Saturday, Oct. 17, and remains at 620, Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 220 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 39,532. The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (3), Clackamas (8), Columbia (4), Coos (4), Deschutes (6), Douglas (2), Jackson (21), Josephine (1), Klamath (2), Lane (33), Lincoln (1), Linn (7), Malheur (2), Marion (33), Morrow (1), Multnomah (58), Polk (2), Umatilla (3), Wallowa (1), Washington (22), and Yamhill (6).

1This includes cases confirmed by diagnostic testing and presumptive cases. Presumptive cases are those without a positive diagnostic test who present COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. County of residence for cases may change as new information becomes available. If changes occur, we will update our counts accordingly.

2For additional details on individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Oregon, please refer to our press releases.

3This includes cases who test negative and are not epi-linked to a confirmed case.

Stay informed about COVID-19:

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

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

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

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