MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore. 24 April 2024 – On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 4:25 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 20 near milepost 235 in Malheur County. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer, operated by Hunter Brucker (22) of Redmond, was traveling eastbound when it entered the westbound lane to pass an eastbound commercial motor vehicle. A westbound Ford Maverick, operated by a 17-year-old male, swerved onto the westbound shoulder to avoid a collision with the Chevrolet. The Chevrolet also swerved onto the westbound shoulder and collided with the Ford Maverick. 

The driver of a Ford Maverick (a 17-year-old male) was pronounced deceased at the scene. A juvenile passenger (a 13-year-old female) was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with reportedly serious injuries. 

The driver of the Chevrolet (Brucker) sustained minor injuries and was not transported for medical care. 

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. 

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Treasure Valley Paramedics, Vale Fire and Ambulance, Life Flight, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 24 April 2024 – On Monday, April 22, 2024, at 5:39 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy. 101 near milepost 143 within the Newport city limits. 

The preliminary investigation indicated a red Chevrolet Monte Carlo was driving southbound on Hwy. 101 when it crossed the middle lane into the northbound lane for unknown reasons and collided with a white Honda Odyssey. 

The driver of the Chevrolet, Heidi Fay Rock (74) of Waldport, was transported to a local hospital where she later died from injuries sustained during the crash. 

The driver of the Honda, Celeste Diana Paulson (38) of Newport, and two juvenile passengers (a 6-year-old and a 4-month-old) were transported to a local hospital with reportedly minor injuries. 

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours. 

OSP was assisted by the Newport Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. 

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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Central Oregon drug trafficker who conspired with others to traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine to Madras and Redmond, Oregon, and surrounding areas, was sentenced to federal prison today.

Israel Sarabia, 30, of Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, as part of a joint drug trafficking investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE), investigators learned that a Central Oregon drug trafficking organization was using a courier to transport bulk quantities of drugs from either Southern California or Mexico into Oregon. On December 10, 2022, investigators located and stopped the courier in Klamath Falls, Oregon. While searching the courier’s vehicle, investigators located three packages containing approximately 30,000 counterfeit Oxycodone pills that later tested positive for fentanyl.

Further investigation revealed that the courier was traveling to Sarabia’s residence and that he had been tasked by Sarabia with bringing him fentanyl from Southern California or Mexico. On March 15, 2023, investigators located and arrested Sarabia near his residence in Culver. On the same day, investigators located and seized 519 grams of methamphetamine, more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, 41 grams of cocaine, and nine firearms from the residence of a co-conspirator who was working for Sarabia and storing drugs on his behalf.

On March 15, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Sarabia and an accomplice with conspiring with one another to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, and distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. A third individual was also charged with conspiracy. 

On August 21, 2023, Sarabia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by DEA and CODE. It was prosecuted by Lewis S. Burkhart, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. CODE includes members of the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments; the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department; the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices; the Oregon State Police; the Oregon National Guard; DEA; and the FBI.

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EUGENE, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to torture, mutilate, and murder monkeys, and then produce and distribute videos of those acts in exchange for money raised by an online animal abuse group.

David Christopher Noble, 48, of Prineville, Oregon, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

“The victims in this case cannot speak for themselves, but the impact of the grotesque violence brought upon them is unmistakable. At the direction of David Noble and his co-conspirators, the producers of these animal abuse videos not only killed monkeys but did so in a way that extended their pain and suffering as long as possible,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices. “Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in this heinous conduct that they will be held responsible for their crimes.”

“David Noble's depraved actions not only inflicted unspeakable agony upon innocent creatures but also tainted the very essence of humanity’s moral fiber,” stated Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “Under Noble's direction, the production and distribution of grotesque animal abuse videos represented a dark descent into the abyss of cruelty and exploitation. Today’s sentencing underscores our unwavering commitment to holding individuals like Noble accountable for their reprehensible crimes against compassion and decency.”

According to court documents, from January 2022 through February 2023, Noble conspired with others in the District of Oregon and elsewhere to send multiple online payments to co-conspirators overseas to fund the production of videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Noble administered an online group wherein members would raise funds to produce, discuss ideas for, and share animal abuse videos.

In Noble’s messages to the group, he expressed his enjoyment of videos depicting the torture and murder of long-tailed macaques, which members of the group, including Noble, referred to as “rats.” In one message to the group sent in June 2022, Noble expressed that the only thing he did not like in abuse videos was when the torturers “kill the rats too quickly,” and he further expressed a desire that they “keep it alive make it suffer make sure it knows to fear you and that you end its existence at any time.” In another message, Noble claimed “the noises they make from pain and abuse are some of my favorite sounds.”

In 2006, Noble, a former United States Air Force officer, was dismissed from the Air Force and ordered to serve six months in military custody following a court martial for fraud and an unprofessional relationship. In early February 2023, following the investigation in this case, investigators executed a search warrant on Noble’s residence and found approximately 50 videos depicting animal abuse, along with several firearms and ammunition.

On May 18, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Noble with conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos, creating animal crush videos, and illegally possessing a firearm as a dishonorably discharged person.

After his home was searched, Noble relocated from Prineville to Henderson, Nevada, and, on June 13, 2023, was arrested in Henderson. The next day, he made his first appearance in federal court in Las Vegas and was ordered detained pending his transfer to Oregon. On July 21, 2023, after arriving in Oregon, Noble was again ordered detained based on the nature of his offenses, including the extreme violence associated, and his possession of firearms.

On January 10, 2024, Noble pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and prosecuted by William M. McLaren and Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, James T. Birchard, passed away April 22, 2024. Birchard was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. 

Birchard entered DOC custody on September 5, 1989, from Umatilla and Morrow Counties with no parole date. Birchard was 70 years old. 

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

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

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Released by: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: April 24, 2024

Location: 15000 Block of Twin Drive, La Pine, OR

Arrested: Cody O’Neal, 32-year-old male, La Pine, OR

Charges: ORS 163.684 Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (10 counts), ORS 163.686 Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (10 counts) 

NARRATIVE:

In January of 2024, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of an IP address that was actively distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material through Peer to Peer (P2P) networks in Deschutes County. The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) in Medford, Oregon was able to connect directly to a computer that was actively distributing this material and shared this information with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit.

ICAC detectives initiated an investigation and obtained a large amount of evidence over the last several months. Detectives also determined that the IP address that was distributing this Child Sexual Abuse Material was operated by Cody O’Neal of La Pine.

On April 24th, 2024, detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office ICAC unit, as well as detectives with the Street Crimes unit, Digital Forensics unit, Oregon State Police ICAC detectives, and Bend Police Department Digital Forensics unit served a search warrant at O’Neal’s residence. Several digital devices were seized from the residence. 

O’Neal was arrested and transported to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Adult Jail, where he was lodged on the aforementioned charges.

Further search warrants will be sought for the analysis of the seized digital devices, which may result in future charges being filed.

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 over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

April 24, 2024

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), in partnership with Neighborhood Partnerships (NP), announce $11.5 million in funding to support the Individual Development Account Initiative statewide. 

An Individual Development Account (IDA) is a matched savings account, where the money participants save is multiplied up to five times by the program. As Oregonians face inflation and rising housing costs, IDAs provide a crucial resource for those with lower incomes to address financial needs such as down payment savings, higher-education costs, microenterprise investments, emergency savings, and investment in other wealth-building assets, supported by financial education and literacy. 

IDAs are offered by a statewide network of community organizations, housing authorities, schools, and colleges.

“The Oregon Individual Development Account Initiative serves as a powerful example of collaboration between state governments and community-based organizations to build more inclusive, resilient, and equitable communities across the state,” said Andrea Bell, OHCS executive director. “The additional investment underscores the state’s commitment to facilitate solutions that advance social and economic mobility.”

To date, the IDA program has empowered more than 17,000 Oregonians in 35 of the state's 36 counties, distributing $68 million in matching dollars to savers. Through its network of providers, the Initiative makes IDAs accessible to Oregon residents who have been excluded from opportunities to build lasting financial stability, including residents from Black, Native American, Latinx, and Asian communities throughout the state.

“As the longtime administrator of the Oregon IDA Initiative, Neighborhood Partnerships and our network of community-based partners are thrilled to receive an additional $5 million from the Legislature, which will be used by Oregonians with lower incomes to increase the power of their own savings to reach self-determined financial goals, including first-time homeownership, higher education, and entrepreneurship,” said Luke Bonham, IDA program manager.

This funding is being distributed through fiduciary organizations to aid Oregonians in achieving their financial goals through matched savings. The addition of $5 million in General Funds allows a two-phased funding approach in 2024-25 to help support the IDA Initiative’s continued growth and success. The approach aims to increase reach in underrepresented counties, graduate BIPOC savers at rates that promote racial equity in asset building.

For more information about the IDA Initiative and how to get involved, please visit https://oregonidainitiative.org/.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)  

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.  

24 de abril de 2024 

El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios junto a Neighborhood Partnerships anuncian que $11.5 millones apoyarán a ahorradores con una Cuenta de Desarrollo Individual   

SALEM, Ore. — El Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregón (OHCS, por sus siglas en ingles), junto a Neighborhood Partnerships, anuncian que $11.5 millones serán destinados para apoyar la Iniciativa de Cuenta de Desarrollo Individual en el estado. 

Una Cuenta de Desarrollo Individual (IDA, por sus siglas en inglés) es una cuenta de ahorro igualada, en la que el dinero que ahorran los participantes es multiplicado hasta cinco veces por el programa. A medida que los habitantes de Oregón se enfrentan a la inflación y al aumento de los costos de la vivienda, las cuentas IDA constituyen un recurso crucial para que las personas con ingresos más bajos puedan hacer frente a necesidades financieras como el ahorro para el pago inicial para una vivienda, la educación superior, las inversiones en microempresas y el ahorro de emergencia, con el apoyo de la educación financiera. 

Los programas IDA son ofrecidos por una red estatal de organizaciones comunitarias, autoridades de vivienda, escuelas y universidades.

"La Iniciativa de Cuenta de Desarrollo Individual de Oregón sirve como un poderoso ejemplo de colaboración entre los gobiernos estatales y las organizaciones comunitaria para construir comunidades más inclusivas y equitativas en el estado", dijo Andrea Bell, directora ejecutiva de OHCS. "La inversión adicional muestra el compromiso del estado para facilitar soluciones que promuevan la movilidad social y económica". 

Hasta la fecha, el programa IDA ha apoyado a más de 17,000 residentes de Oregón en 35 de los 36 condados del estado, distribuyendo $68 millones en fondos igualados a los ahorradores. A través de su red de proveedores, la Iniciativa hace que las cuentas IDA sean accesibles a los residentes de Oregón que han sido excluidos de las oportunidades de construir una estabilidad financiera duradera, incluidos los residentes de las comunidades afroamericana, nativa americana, latina y asiática.

"Como administrador desde hace mucho tiempo de la Iniciativa IDA de Oregón, Neighborhood Partnerships y nuestra red de socios comunitarios están muy contentos de recibir $5 millones adicionales de la Legislatura, que serán utilizados por los residentes de Oregón con ingresos más bajos para aumentar el poder de sus propios ahorros para alcanzar sus objetivos financieros, incluyendo la compra de la primera vivienda, la educación superior y el convertirse en empresarias", dijo Luke Bonham, director del Programa IDA de Neighborhood Partnerships. 

Estos fondos se distribuyen a través de organizaciones fiduciarias para ayudar a los habitantes de Oregón a alcanzar sus objetivos financieros mediante ahorros igualadas. La adición de $5 millones en fondos generales permite un enfoque de financiación en dos fases en 2024-25 para ayudar a apoyar el crecimiento y el éxito continuo de la Iniciativa IDA. El enfoque tiene como objetivo aumentar el alcance del programa en los condados donde la participación es baja, y graduar a los ahorradores de comunidades de color a tasas que promuevan la equidad racial en la construcción de activos.

Para más información sobre la Iniciativa IDA y cómo participar, visite https://oregonidainitiative.org/. 

Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios de Oregon (OHCS)   

OHCS es la agencia de financiación de viviendas de Oregón. La agencia estatal proporciona apoyo financiero y de programas para crear y preservar oportunidades de vivienda a precio asequible y de calidad para los habitantes de Oregón con ingresos bajos y moderados. OHCS administra programas que proporcionan estabilización de la vivienda. OHCS ofrece estos programas principalmente a través de subvenciones, contratos y acuerdos de préstamo con organizaciones locales y proveedores comunitarios. Para obtener más información, visite: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

April 24, 2024

Media contacts:

Erica Heartquist, Oregon Health Authority, ica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov">Erica.J.Heartquist@oha.oregon.gov, 503-871-8843

Jake Sunderland, Oregon Department of Human Services,  land@odhs.oregon.gov">Jake.Sunderland@odhs.oregon.gov, 503-877-0170

One year after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, Oregon among top states keeping people covered

More than one million people are keeping their Oregon Health Plan benefits due to Oregon’s efforts to expand coverage options

SALEM, Ore. — With more than 90 percent of the state’s 1.5 million renewals complete, more than 4 out of 5 Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits.

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), which ended one year ago in April 2023, the federal government allowed states to keep people on Medicaid benefits. This ended when the pandemic emergency ended, so over the last year Oregon has been making sure everyone on OHP is still eligible.

At this point in the PHE unwinding process:

• Just 1,078 members, about 0.07 percent, still need to respond to renewal requests 9,573 members, about 0.65 percent, have responded to their renewal but are awaiting state action on the response.
• The remaining renewals, about 8.72 percent of the total, will occur over the summer.

Oregon’s 81.8 percent renewal rate continues to be the third highest in a national comparison of state renewal rates by KFF, a nonpartisan health policy organization. Oregon’s high renewal rates are due to proactive efforts by the state to keep people covered, including extended response timelines, and adding the upcoming OHP Bridge program for adults with higher incomes.

Members who have not received a renewal yet should:

• Keep their address and contact information up to date.
• Check their mail or ONE Online account for their renewal letter.
• Do what the renewal letter asks as soon as possible. Anyone concerned they missed their letter should get help with their renewal via one of the ways to find help listed below.
• Members who did not respond to renewals can still re-open their case three months after it closes if they are still eligible, and they can reapply at any time.

Although most people are keeping coverage, approximately 240,000 people will lose or have reduced medical benefits and need to consider other coverage options.

• People who do not have coverage through an employer or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and get financial help. Most people who enroll through HealthCare.gov qualify for this help.
• The Marketplace is sending information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits, advising of other potential coverage options.
• People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until November 30, 2024, or within 60 days of their benefits ending.
• For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare, or employer coverage, see “What to do if OHP is ending” below.

Remaining renewals

On Feb. 13, 2024, the federal government approved a revised plan for Oregon’s remaining 126,000 post-pandemic renewals.

Many of these renewals were affected by a federal request for more than 30 states to review automated renewal processes or restorations of some Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) benefits. A May 2024 technical update to Oregon’s ONE Eligibility system  will enable Oregon to use the new automated  process  for the remaining renewals.

Renewal letters will be sent to members in four waves between June and September. Members will still have 90 days to respond, and 60 days’ advance notice before any termination or reduction in benefits. This means the final responses would be due in December 2024, and the final closures will happen in February 2025.

Data about pandemic unwinding renewals appears in the Medical Redeterminations Dashboard.  The dashboard data and these press releases will not include renewals for OHP members who have already renewed early in the unwinding process, who are coming up for renewal again. Over time, Oregon is switching to renewing most OHP members every two years instead of annually.

April OHP renewal data

As of March 19, 2024, 1,317,810 people have completed the renewal process. This represents 90.6 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.

• 1,077,765 people (81.8 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
• 226,042 people (17.2 percent) were found ineligible.
• 14,003 people (1.1 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.

Find help renewing your benefits

1. Learn more about how to renew your Oregon Health Plan medical coverage.
2. Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m.
3. Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
4. Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda(Spanish).

What to do if your OHP is ending:

• First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state via one of the options above If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings.
• Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse, or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
• If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding and choosing the right Medicare options, go to https://OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). You can also call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.

If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

• Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions, find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
• Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians as the agencies continue to track the programs. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.

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BEND, OR — Calling all writers! Submissions for the 10th annual Waterston Desert Writing Prize close May 1, 2024. This prestigious award, a program of the High Desert Museum, celebrates proposals for outstanding literary nonfiction dedicated to the literal and figurative exploration of desert landscapes. 

This year’s winner will receive a $3,000 cash award and be recognized with a reception and reading at the Museum in Bend, Oregon on September 26, 2024. Tickets are available now at highdesertmuseum.org/2024-waterston-ceremony. The winner and finalists will be selected by the 2024 guest judge Sam Waterston – renowned actor and brother of Prize founder Ellen Waterston.

Known for his work in theater, television and film, Sam Waterston gained stardom portraying DA  Jack McCoy on the NBC crime series Law & Order (1994–2010, 2022–), for which he has received a Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe Award and Emmy Award. Waterston will announce the 2024 winner and address attendees during the Waterston Desert Writing Prize ceremonies either on video or in person alongside the 2024 Prize winner and the 2024 keynote speaker, Tucker Malarkey, who will attend in person.

Nationally bestselling author of the critically acclaimed and national bestselling novels An Obvious Enchantment and Resurrection, Malarkey’s first major work of nonfiction, Stronghold, describes one man’s journey to save salmon habitat in the U.S. and Russia. Stronghold was an editor’s pick for The New York Times, National Book Review, Outside and Forbes. With a career that began at The Washington Post, Malarkey’s love of human culture and wilderness have since taken her all over the world.

The Prize was established in 2014, inspired by author and poet Ellen Waterston’s love of the High Desert — a region that has been her muse for more than 40 years. The Waterston Desert Writing Prize celebrates writers whose nonfiction book proposal reflects a similar connection to a desert, recognizing the vital role deserts play in ecosystems and the human narrative.

Emerging, mid-career and established nonfiction writers who illustrate artistic excellence, sensitivity to place and desert literacy with the desert as both subject and setting are invited to apply. The award supports literary nonfiction writers who are completing, proposing or considering the creation of a book-length manuscript. It is recommended that the writing sample submitted is part of the proposed project or closely represents it in content and style.

To learn more about the Waterston Desert Writing Prize and how to submit an entry, visit highdesertmuseum.org/waterston-prize. The Prize is possible with support from The Source Weekly. Submissions will be accepted through May 1, 2024.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

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

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The new board will guide management of the nation’s largest research forest, shaping research, conservation, and economic outcomes 

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of State Lands is accepting letters of interest for the Elliott State Research Forest Board of Directors. 

Ensuring accountability, transparency, and meaningful engagement is critical to establishing and operating the Elliott as a public research forest. In April 2024, the State Land Board approved a research forest oversight structure that includes appointment of an ESRF Board of Directors. 

The ESRF Board will guide management of the research forest, with authority to shape management, research, conservation, economic and social outcomes of relevance at the local, statewide, national, and international level.  

The ESRF Board will consist of seven or nine voting and one nonvoting member designated by the ESRF’s lead research entity. Voting members are appointed by the State Land Board. The DSL Director will review letters of interest and develop a list of candidates for State Land Board consideration at its June 11, 2024, meeting. 

Individuals interested in being considered for the ESRF Board should review the recruitment flyer and submit the required interest materials no later than Sunday, May 12, 2024. 

The following statement was provided at this evening's news conference in Eugene. 

Captain Kyle Kennedy, Oregon State Police

I want to start by sending our heartfelt support to the community in West Richland, Washington, a community dealing with senseless tragedy. My prayer is their community will come together to provide support and strength during this grievous time.

The conclusion of this search has been the culmination of the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners in Washington and Oregon, as well as federal contributors. Since the start, our goal has been simple—to bring Roman Santos home safely. We did it. Roman is in the care of Oregon officials.

Last evening, the Oregon State Police issued an AMBER Alert at approximately 11:35 p.m. at the request of the Washington State Patrol. This AMBER alert was in response to the murder of two women in West Richland, Washington, and the kidnapping of a 1-year-old infant - Roman Santos.  The suspect in these murders and kidnapping was identified as Elias Huizar. The suspect was reportedly driving a 2009 Toyota Corolla with Washington plates.

Today, at approximately 2:40 p.m., Oregon State Police troopers were observing Interstate 5 for the suspect when he located the vehicle southbound near milepost 221. OSP initiated a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle fled southbound. Two troopers engaged in a pursuit with the suspect vehicle at high speeds heading southbound.

Near milepost 209, there was a minor collision and the suspect vehicle lost control. An exchange of gunfire occurred prior to the vehicle fleeing again southbound. No known injuries occurred as a result of the gunfire.

Near milepost 197, the suspect crashed into a stopped CMV and stopped in the median. As troopers contacted the suspect vehicle, he was deceased of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The infant was located uninjured and removed from the vehicle.

Involved in the exchange of gunfire, was Superintendent Casey Codding and Sergeant Orly Johnson of the Oregon State Police.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office has been asked to lead the investigation.

We are very proud of the efforts of the troopers involved in this pursuit today. Their dedication and courage are a hallmark of the character of an Oregon State Trooper. Their efforts today were paramount in bringing Roman home safely.

I want to thank our partners:

WASHINGTON: Kennewick PD, Paso PD, Richland PD, Prosser PD, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Benton Fire Districts 1 and 4, FBI, US Marshal’s, Fish and Wildlife

OREGON: PPB, OSP, Hillsboro, and Portland FBI.                     

PURSUIT: OSP, Linn County Sheriff's Office    

ON SCENE: Lane County Sheriff's Office, Eugene Police Department, Coburg Police Department

UPDATE

OSP is setting up to stream the news conference on Facebook and will send a news release following the news conference. 

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/OSPsocial/

OSP News Conference regarding AMBER Alert suspect from Washington

Date: April 23, 2024 at 6 p.m. 

Location: Public Safety Building, Harris Hall, 125 E 8th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401

Media may begin staging at 5:45 p.m. for the 6 p.m. news conference. OSP will provide an overview of the incident. It's uncertain whether OSP will take any questions at that time. 

Salem, OR – It’s a day to remember those who died on the job. It’s a day to grieve with families, friends, and communities. It’s a day to renew our responsibility to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces for all workers in Oregon.

Oregon workers who died on the job will be honored with a ceremony at noon Friday, April 26, in Salem. The Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) – part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) – and Oregon AFL-CIO invite all Oregonians to attend the Workers Memorial Day observance.

The event will take place at the Fallen Workers Memorial outside the Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter St. NE, on the Capitol Mall. The memorial service, coordinated by Oregon AFL-CIO, will feature remarks from union leaders, safety and health advocates, and elected officials.

“Every day, people across Oregon leave their homes and go to work to provide for themselves and their families – and to help make the state a thriving place to live,” Gov. Tina Kotek said. “Today, we honor the Oregonians whose lives were tragically lost doing their job and offer our deepest condolences to their families. Going forward, we will continue our efforts to make working conditions safer, so all workers are better protected.”

During the ceremony, Sen. Deb Patterson and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman will read the names of Oregon workers who died on the job in 2023.

Oregon OSHA Administrator Renée Stapleton and Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor will serve as event speakers. The event will also include remarks from PCUN Representative Liz Marquez Gutierrez and a reading of Gov. Kotek’s proclamation by Vince Porter, the governor’s deputy chief of staff for public administration. 

Oregon workplaces are safer and healthier today than in previous decades. Yet, there are still far too many preventable on-the-job deaths each year. 

“Every worker and their family deserves to know, without question, that they will return home safely at the end of a shift,” Trainor said. “This year, we read the names of 56 fallen workers, which is an increase from last year and the absolutely starkest reminder that workplace safety must be taken seriously. Oregon unions will advocate for safety improvements on the job until there are no names to be read aloud on Workers Memorial Day. This is our most critical mission, and, while we’ve made significant progress, we must always strive for perfection when it comes to keeping working people safe on the job.” 

Through a partnership of labor, business, and government working together to bolster workplace safety and health, Oregon’s fatality and injury and illness rates have steadily declined for decades.

Nevertheless, there is room for improvement.

“As we honor the memories of the lives tragically taken from us, we must also summon our courage, skill, and ethical duty to rekindle our commitment to protecting the safety and health of all workers in Oregon,” Stapleton said. “Everyone who plays a role in the safety and health of Oregon workplaces – employers, managers, safety and health professionals, employees, co-workers – must do this with urgency and clarity. Through our actions and words, we must carry the message forward that workers have an indisputable right to a safe and healthy workplace and that employers are obligated – not just legally, but morally – to protect their workers from harm.”

The annual Workers Memorial Day serves as a nationwide day of remembrance. The observance is traditionally held on April 28 because the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on that date in 1970.

Resources are available to workers and employers to advance on-the-job safety and health in Oregon, including:

Oregon OSHA

• Rights and responsibilities
• Protect against retaliation 
• Keeping employees safe
• Education and training

DCBS Multicultural Communications Program

• Providing outreach to communities with limited English proficiency

Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers

• Independent advocate for Oregon workers, including guidance on workers’ rights and responsibilities in workers’ compensation and workplace safety and health

###

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 Oregon OSHA. 

The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit DCBS. 

The Oregon AFL-CIO is the statewide federation of affiliated unions, representing more than 300,000 working Oregonians.  For more information, visit Oregon AFL-CIO.

Over 4,000 SOLVE volunteers celebrated Earth Day across 126 Oregon Spring Cleanup events over the span of ten days

Portland, Ore., April 23, 2024 – The Oregon Spring Cleanup, in partnership with Portland General Electric, concluded on Earth Day yesterday with resounding success. Between April 13 and April 22, more than 4,000 volunteers across Oregon and SW Washington gathered for a celebration of Earth Day, where they collectively picked up 21,981 pounds of litter and marine debris and removed 21,900 square feet of invasive plant species such as English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry. Families, community members, neighborhood associations, youth groups, and environmental enthusiasts once again made the Oregon Spring Cleanup the highlight of SOLVE's annual calendar. 

Oregon Spring Cleanup History

Rooted in SOLVE's longstanding traditions, the Oregon Spring Cleanup merged two of the organization's most cherished events—the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup, dating back to 1986, and SOLVE IT for Earth Day, which began in 1990.

Oregon Spring Cleanup event highlights

SE Portland Eco-Disco: Litter Cleanup & Silent Disco, April 20th:

In collaboration with Heartbeat Silent Disco, this unique Earth Day celebration, in partnership with Portland General Electric, drew 114 volunteers to Portland’s Central Eastside. Following the cleanup in the Buckman neighborhood, where 800 lbs of litter got collected, the festivities continued with a free silent dance party, adding an extra layer of celebration to the cleanup efforts. Volunteers were provided with wireless headphones with personal volume control and adjustable fit, allowing everyone to enjoy the music while respecting the natural surroundings.

Cityscape Sparkle: Earth Day Cleanup at Sport Oregon, April 22nd:

This litter cleanup event took place on Earth Day and went beyond tidying up the neighborhood streets. 100 participants came together for a day of community, cleanliness, and local love at Sport Oregon to foster a sense of unity and enhance the local environment. 

“Once again, we were thrilled to witness the vibrant array of events orchestrated by our community, showcasing the power of collective action in honoring Earth Day," enthuses Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "This annual event series continues to serve as a beacon, drawing together volunteers and SOLVE partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a joyous celebration of our planet. From the shores of Oregon’s northernmost tip in Astoria, down the coast to Brookings, and extending to riverside locations such as Cascade Locks, Sandy, and Breitenbush, as well as reaching Baker City in Eastern Oregon, the spirit of Earth Day resonated through every cleanup endeavor." Carico highlights the diverse range of initiatives, including the impactful efforts of the Portland chapter of Women Who Explore, bringing together 20 women for a Pre-Earth Day Riverside Cleanup at Kelley Point Park. A Girl Scout group also picked up trash along the Molalla River in Clackamas County and the Clark County Master Gardener group held an impactful Service Day in Vancouver, Washington. "These events exemplify the spirit of community and environmental stewardship that lies at the heart of SOLVE," Carico adds. 

Photo Contest

There is still time for volunteers and event leaders to send in the pictures they have taken during their cleanup events and habitat restoration projects. Everyone who submits their photos and videos by 
April 28 will enter the SOLVE photo contest with chances to win a 1-year AAA membership. Ways to enter include tagging SOLVE on Facebook or Instagram, using #OregonSpringCleanup2024, or sending us their footage via email to info@solveoregon.org. SOLVE likes to see volunteers in action, before and after cleanup shots, the largest and tiniest items you've picked up, and most importantly, your smiling faces!

Anyone who couldn’t attend an Oregon Spring Cleanup event this year can support SOLVE by individual giving. A donation of any size helps SOLVE to host more events year after year and to provide volunteers with free supplies, event leader training, and all the support they need to run a successful event.

Oregon Spring Cleanup Sponsors 2024

Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Oregonian, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, TriMet, PepsiCo, and Wells Fargo.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

UPDATE

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Arrested: Baer, Edward Alexander, 32-year-old male, Bend

Charges: ORS 163.185 Attempted Assault in the First Degree, ORS 163.190 Menacing, ORS 166.190 Pointing a Firearm at Another, ORS 164.055 Theft in the First Degree, ORS Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Narrative:

As a result of the investigation into the shooting near China Hat Road, Edward Alexander Baer was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Adult Jail. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office deputies and detectives worked diligently during the investigation which resulted in the arrest of Baer without incident. 

END OF UPDATE

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: April 22, 2024

Location: China Hat Road near mile post 2.

Subject #1: Name withheld, white male, 32-year-old, Bend.

Subject#2: Name withheld, white male, 36-year-old, Bend.

Narrative:

On April 21^st, 2024, at 4:00 pm, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of a subject who had been shot south of China Hat Road, near mile post 2.

The reporting party, who was not cooperative with Deschutes County 911 Dispatch, refused to provide any other information than a subject had been shot.

Deschutes County 911 Dispatch was able to provide responding deputies with an approximate location of the incident. Upon arrival it was determined a 32-year-old male subject had been transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles Bend, with non-life-threatening injuries. The injuries were sustained as a result of a single gunshot.

During the course of the investigation it was determined two males, who live in the area, were involved in an altercation, when a firearm was presented by Subject #1. As a result, subject #2 also armed himself with a firearm, discharging it, striking Subject #1 in the hand and abdomen.

A non-involved third party transported Subject #1 to China Hat Road, where he was contacted and transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles, Bend.

Investigators located all evidence related to the incident and were able to contact and interview all witnesses.

At this time the investigation is on-going, and further information will be released when it becomes available.

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 over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Over 4,000 SOLVE volunteers celebrated Earth Day across 126 Oregon Spring Cleanup events over the span of ten days

Portland, Ore., April 23, 2024 – The Oregon Spring Cleanup, in partnership with Portland General Electric, concluded on Earth Day yesterday with resounding success. Between April 13 and April 22, more than 4,000 volunteers across Oregon and SW Washington gathered for a celebration of Earth Day, where they collectively picked up 21,981 pounds of litter and marine debris and removed 21,900 square feet of invasive plant species such as English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry. Families, community members, neighborhood associations, youth groups, and environmental enthusiasts once again made the Oregon Spring Cleanup the highlight of SOLVE's annual calendar. 

Oregon Spring Cleanup History

Rooted in SOLVE's longstanding traditions, the Oregon Spring Cleanup merged two of the organization's most cherished events—the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup, dating back to 1986, and SOLVE IT for Earth Day, which began in 1990.

Oregon Spring Cleanup event highlights

SE Portland Eco-Disco: Litter Cleanup & Silent Disco, April 20th:

In collaboration with Heartbeat Silent Disco, this unique Earth Day celebration, in partnership with Portland General Electric, drew 114 volunteers to Portland’s Central Eastside. Following the cleanup in the Buckman neighborhood, where 800 lbs of litter got collected, the festivities continued with a free silent dance party, adding an extra layer of celebration to the cleanup efforts. Volunteers were provided with wireless headphones with personal volume control and adjustable fit, allowing everyone to enjoy the music while respecting the natural surroundings.

Cityscape Sparkle: Earth Day Cleanup at Sport Oregon, April 22nd:

This litter cleanup event took place on Earth Day and went beyond tidying up the neighborhood streets. 100 participants came together for a day of community, cleanliness, and local love at Sport Oregon to foster a sense of unity and enhance the local environment. 

“Once again, we were thrilled to witness the vibrant array of events orchestrated by our community, showcasing the power of collective action in honoring Earth Day," enthuses Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. "This annual event series continues to serve as a beacon, drawing together volunteers and SOLVE partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a joyous celebration of our planet. From the shores of Oregon’s northernmost tip in Astoria, down the coast to Brookings, and extending to riverside locations such as Cascade Locks, Sandy, and Breitenbush, as well as reaching Baker City in Eastern Oregon, the spirit of Earth Day resonated through every cleanup endeavor." Carico highlights the diverse range of initiatives, including the impactful efforts of the Portland chapter of Women Who Explore, bringing together 20 women for a Pre-Earth Day Riverside Cleanup at Kelley Point Park. A Girl Scout group also picked up trash along the Molalla River in Clackamas County and the Clark County Master Gardener group held an impactful Service Day in Vancouver, Washington. "These events exemplify the spirit of community and environmental stewardship that lies at the heart of SOLVE," Carico adds. 

Photo Contest

There is still time for volunteers and event leaders to send in the pictures they have taken during their cleanup events and habitat restoration projects. Everyone who submits their photos and videos by 
April 28 will enter the SOLVE photo contest with chances to win a 1-year AAA membership. Ways to enter include tagging SOLVE on Facebook or Instagram, using #OregonSpringCleanup2024, or sending us their footage via email to info@solveoregon.org. SOLVE likes to see volunteers in action, before and after cleanup shots, the largest and tiniest items you've picked up, and most importantly, your smiling faces!

Anyone who couldn’t attend an Oregon Spring Cleanup event this year can support SOLVE by individual giving. A donation of any size helps SOLVE to host more events year after year and to provide volunteers with free supplies, event leader training, and all the support they need to run a successful event.

Oregon Spring Cleanup Sponsors 2024

Along with Portland General Electric, other event sponsors include Clean Water Services, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, KOIN, The Oregonian, The Standard, Swire Coca-Cola, Holman, Demarini-Wilson, TriMet, and PepsiCo.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE is a statewide non-profit organization that brings people together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

April 23, 2024

Media Contact: Erica Heartquist, ica.j.heartquist@oha.oregon.gov">erica.j.heartquist@oha.oregon.gov, 503.871.8843

Report: As health care costs increase, Oregon patients are paying more in deductibles and copays

Oregon Health Authority furthers commitment to helping make healthcare more affordable across state

(PORTLAND, Ore. –) According to an Oregon Health Authority (OHA) report out today, the amount that Oregonians with commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance paid in deductibles, copays and co-insurance increased more than 17 percent from 2015 to 2022. As health care costs continue to grow, the amount that people with health insurance pay for their care – known as patient responsibility or patient cost sharing – is also rising.

On average, in 2022, people in Oregon with commercial health insurance were responsible for 13.4% of their total health care costs, and people with Medicare Advantage insurance were responsible for 9.1% of their total health care costs. This does not include how much people pay for their health insurance premiums.

Over the past several years, patient cost sharing increased by 17.4% for commercially insured Oregonians and 17.7% for those with Medicare Advantage insurance. That growth was driven primarily by increasing deductibles in the commercial market and co-insurance for prescription drugs in the Medicare Advantage market.

At least 28 percent of Oregonians were considered underinsured in 2021, meaning that even though they have health insurance, it was too expensive for them to use.

“Too many Oregonians are struggling to afford their health care, even as more than 95 percent of people in the state now have health coverage,” said OHA Director, Dr. Sejal Hathi. “This report provides more information about how much people in Oregon are paying for health care and the reasons for those cost increases. Health insurance should open the door to care, but instead, we know that even moderate increases in cost sharing can thwart access for those who need it most. OHA will continue to work both to rein in health care costs and to protect and expand access to care.”

What is Patient Cost Sharing?

When an individual or a household buys healthcare insurance, they agree to a certain set of arrangements for services are covered by the health plan and how much of the cost the health plan will pay. The portion of the cost of covered services that the patient is responsible for is “patient cost sharing.”

Unlike health insurance premiums, which are paid to the health plan whether any services are used or not, cost sharing only applies when services are used. Examples of patient cost sharing are deductibles, copays and co-insurance.

Report Findings

The report shows that people in Oregon with commercial health insurance paid for 13.6% of their total health care costs on average in 2022, with more than half of that going toward deductibles. Commercial deductibles grew 31.9% between 2015-2022, faster than the growth in commercial co-insurance (19.2%) and copays (4.3%).

This is in part due to the increase in number of people who have a high-deductible health plan. People with high deductible health plans are responsible for 22.9% of their total health care costs, even though their average annual health care costs were lower.

The report also shows that in 2022, people in Oregon with Medicare Advantage insurance paid 9.1% of their total health care costs, on average. More than 60 percent of Medicare Advantage cost sharing was in the form of copays and less than 5 percent was paid in deductibles.

In the commercial market, almost 40% of the cost sharing in 2022 was for professional services like a doctor’s visit. In the Medicare Advantage market, almost 40% of the cost sharing in 2022 was for prescription drugs, with people paying increasingly more in co-insurance for specialty drugs.

For More Information

OHA presented preliminary findings on patient cost sharing in an educational webinar in March. The recording from that webinar is available online here. View the patient cost sharing analysis webinar slides here.

The Cost Growth Target Advisory Committee meets each month to discuss and plan strategies for increased health care affordability.

Explore the patient cost sharing data in an interactive online dashboard and find the full patient cost sharing report online  here.

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Location: Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, 63333 W. Highway 20, Bend, 97703

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the 2024 Youth Academy, held on July 16th & 17th, between 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Youth Academy is a cooperative activity in which all participants must work together to make the program safe and successful. The program’s training is accomplished primarily in a classroom setting, although some trainings take place outdoors. The program involves some physical activity such as training in self-defense tactics.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office does its best to make this a positive experience, which emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and community service; it provides participants with the opportunity to learn about careers in law enforcement and related agencies.

The training program involves instruction in the areas of:

· Criminal Law overview

· Patrol Division procedures

· Investigations Division procedures

· Crime Scene Investigations

· Custody Division orientation

· Defensive tactics

· K9 presentation

· SWAT

· Search and Rescue – presentation and practical exercises

· Practical Scenarios

For further details, and applications for this academy please visit the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and click on the provided link.

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 over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 263 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 178 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently added a new position of Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support efforts to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. After a search, Cristian Mendez Garcia has been selected for this role and officially started on April 22. 

Mendez Garcia's journey began in the early 1990s when he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, settling in the Monmouth-Independence community. His educational path led him to Western, where he pursued his passion for art, graduating with a degree in graphic design and fine art photography. As the son of migrant workers, Mendez Garcia deeply appreciates the transformative power of higher education in opening doors to a brighter future. Drawing from his own experiences, he has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for others. With a wealth of experience in the business sector, Mendez Garcia served as a business operations manager for T-Mobile, honing his skills in strategic planning and project management. In addition, he played a pivotal role as the Chapter Chair for T-Mobile’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in the Oregon region, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. His dedication to Western extends beyond the classroom and workplace. Mendez Garcia has served on the WOU Foundation board and most recently held the position of Trustee member on the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees, where he continues to champion initiatives aimed at enhancing the university's mission and impact.

“I am incredibly thrilled to continue my work with Western Oregon University and am proud of our emerging HSI status,” shares Mendez Garcia. “Higher education is transformative and I love being in a position where I can help WOU achieve its HSI designation to help our students and the institution succeed.”

“I am excited to have Cristian join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support our university efforts to become a Hispanic Serving Institution,” says Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dominique Vargas. “Cristian has a broad scope of diversity, equity, and inclusion experience combined with strategic planning, community engagement, and program development. He also has a clear passion for and investment in the Western Oregon University community. We will collaboratively vision our path forward as an emerging Hispanic institution, and work across stakeholder groups to better serve our students and community.” 

This Friday, April 26, Western is hosting its third annual Hispanic Serving Institution Summit, where state and national partners join the university and greater community to share ideas and best practices and discuss why becoming an HSI is critically important to student success and the greater community. This year’s summit will feature two keynote presenters, Patrick L. Valdez, Ph. D., and Marissa Vasquez, Ph. D., who will focus on the history, policy, and current context of Hispanic Serving Institutions, and discuss operationalizing servingness. There will also be a student panel, an afternoon of concurrent sessions, and networking time for attendees.

Learn more about the summit.

###

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.

Salem, Ore. - The Oregon National Guard’s Biak Training Center, in Powell Butte, is scheduled to host active-duty Army rotary wing night training missions, outside of normal operations hours over April 24-29, 2024. The visiting unit is located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Tacoma, Washington.

Army rotary wing aircraft are scheduled to conduct intermittent nighttime air operations at Biak’s

Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training site in order to maintain pilot and crew proficiency necessary to support real world military operations. 

“Night training missions are a critical component for pilots to maintain their readiness for real-world missions,” said Michael Paul, Biak Training Area Manager. “We understand that this type of training can be disruptive to the local community and appreciate their support for mission readiness.”

Night flying operations will occur from sundown until approximately midnight and may include low-level flying and refueling stops at the Redmond Airport.

Information regarding Biak Training Center may be found on the Oregon Military Department website at https://www.oregon.gov/omd/programs/Pages/Biak-Training-Center.aspx

-30-
 

Salem, Ore. – Tucked away with a stack of other tickets in a Tupperware container was this year’s $1 million Raffle ticket. Leslie Carr, 52, of Portland claimed the prize on Monday after she brought her pile of tickets to the retailer where she buys them – the Fred Meyer in Happy Valley. 

“I had no idea I was the winner,” said Carr, who works as a medical receptionist. “If it weren’t for the billion dollar Powerball winner making news, I would have forgot. We don’t check our tickets.”

After scanning a few dozen tickets for other draw games in the store, the last one was the winning Raffle ticket, drawn on March 15. When the machine came up with a message that she needed to go an Oregon Lottery office, she asked a staff member at the store to double check. 

“I heard him say, ‘Oh, I can’t cash this because your prize is worth over $1,000,’” she said. “That’s when I started getting butterflies.” 

Carr plans to use the money to pay off the mortgage on the home she shares with her husband, calling it “a dream come true.” A new truck to replace the one she currently drives with a broken windshield is also on her wish list, along with a vacation to Hawaii. 

Carr said she regularly plays the annual Raffle and has never won. Prizes for the Raffle include the $1 million top prize, along with 300 prizes of $500, and 1,500 prizes of $100. The Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game to win $1 million – 1 in 250,000. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 138.8. The Oregon Lottery’s Raffle game went on sale December 31, 2023, and all 250,000 tickets were sold out by March 8, 2024. 

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

WHAT
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is hosting its eighth annual Oregon Prepared Conference for the emergency management community this Tuesday through Thursday in Sunriver.

WHY
The annual conference serves as a vital gathering for emergency management professionals, providing a forum for stakeholders from various sectors to exchange ideas, discuss current trends, and share information about the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security. Attendees include partners with a role in preparedness, response, recovery and resilience from tribes, counties, cities, special districts, state and federal emergency management agencies, public safety and health preparedness sectors, non-profit organizations, and private sector businesses.

WHO
Oregon Department of Emergency Management Director Erin McMahon and Deputy Director Patence Winningham will be available for interviews about the state of emergency management in Oregon. Media may also visit a workshop session for B-roll footage.

WHEN
Media Avail from 9:45-10:15 a.m., Today, April 23

WHERE
Great Hall Conference Center
Sunriver Lodge
57081 Great Hall Loop, Sunriver, Oregon

OTHER INFORMATION
Website: Oregon Prepared Emergency Preparedness Workshop
Program: Oregon Prepared Emergency Preparedness Workshop Program

SOCIAL
@oregonOEM on Facebook, X and LinkedIn

ONSITE MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Crabb (she/her)
OEM Public Affairs Officer
971-719-0089 (talk or text)
Please text upon arrival

PORTLAND, OREGON– On Friday, April 19, 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray presented the Interfaith Peace and Action Collaborative (IPAC) with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for their service to the Portland area. Lisa Broderick accepted the FBI Portland 2023 Director’s Community Leadership Award on behalf of IPAC. IPAC is a united group that proactively gathers as members of faith, community, business, and law enforcement to discuss and create action around bringing peace to Portland’s streets. The group researches best practices and identifies appropriate actions, technology, and street-level solutions to address violence at a grassroots level. IPAC is also working to become a model for, and share information with, other cities that are struggling with an uptick in crime. 

“IPAC is intentional about promoting restraint on the street and creating and maintaining dialogue between the community members it represents and law enforcement. This directly intersects with the FBI’s national mission of protecting the American people, and FBI Portland’s local mission of keeping the people of Oregon safe,” said Douglas A. Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “FBI Portland is proud to work with the leaders of IPAC as they devote countless hours to addressing the crisis of violence on Portland streets and are working toward solutions for a safer, shared community.”

The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence. Each year, one person or organization from each of the FBI’s 56 field offices is chosen to receive this prestigious award.

"Our success as both a law enforcement and an intelligence agency hinges on our ability to foster and maintain genuine partnerships with people in all communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “People like this year’s Leadership Award recipients not only identify what others need, but they are willing to roll up their sleeves and provide services. They are building bridges and relationships while putting in the work to have hard conversations and find common purpose. They do it out of kindness and compassion with a sincere belief that justice – in its many forms – requires all of us to do the right thing in the right way."

Director Wray hosted the 2023 DCLA winners in a special ceremony at FBI Headquarters on April 19th, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in keeping our shared communities safe. These partnerships – as exemplified by the breadth of the work by the DCLA recipients – have led to a host of crime prevention programs that protect the most vulnerable in our communities, educate families and businesses about cyber threats, and work to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods. Learn more about the Director's Community Leadership Award, IPAC, and the FBI Portland Field Office online DCLA 2023 Winners — FBI. Learn more about the FBI’s general outreach efforts, and the Portland Field Office online About — FBI.

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Attached photo: Lisa Broderick accepted the FBI Portland 2023 Director’s Community Leadership Award on behalf of the Interfaith Peace and Action Collaborative. 

PORTLAND, Ore.— Every April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) to honor crime victims, promote their rights and recognize victim advocates. This year’s observance, the 43^rd annual commemoration, takes place April 21-27, 2024, with the theme: Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office joins its federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners in taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of providing necessary services at the earliest possible stage of victimization and litigation. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the criminal justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.

“Through the work of our victim services team, our new special victims unit, and all our staff who work on victim cases, seeking justice on behalf crime victims is central to our mission and continues to be a top priority for our office,” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local, and tribal agencies host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services.

OVC and U.S. Attorney’s Offices encourage widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov. For ongoing updates from OVC and ideas for how you can support crime victims throughout the year, please subscribe to OVC’s email notifications at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/subscribe/.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe you have been the target or victim of a crime, please contact your local law enforcement agency or your nearest FBI field office immediately. The FBI Portland Field Office can be reached at (503) 224-4181 or by submitting tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

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REDMOND, OR – On April 18, 2024, Redmond Police officers arrested 28-year-old Redmond resident Michael Moran, and 25-year-old Sister’s resident Christien Richardson. The arrest took place in the parking lot of Dairy Queen.  The pair were arrested on cases involving burglaries at La Frontera and the Redmond Tap House. La Frontera was burglarized four times with a large multitude of items stolen, and the Tap House was also a victim of theft. 

Moran and Richardson were lodged at the Deschutes County Jail and charged with First and Second Degree Theft, Second Degree Burglary, and possession of Burglary tools. The Redmond Police are releasing photographs of Richarson and Moran and asking the public if they have purchased any items from the two. Stolen items were listed for sale on websites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.  Some items have been recovered, however bracelets, watches and other jewelry stolen from La Frontera remain outstanding. 

If you have purchased any items from Richardson or Moran, please contact Detective Sergeant Tyler Kirk at 541-504-3400. 

The four $25,000 investments are part of OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative to protect the Pacific Northwest’s environment and fight climate change

PORTLAND, Ore., April 22, 2024 — In celebration of Earth Day 2024, OnPoint Community Credit Union has donated $100,000 to local nonprofits working to preserve and protect the environment, natural resources and wildlife in Oregon and SW Washington. 

The donation is part of OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative, which launched in 2021 to help empower the credit union’s members and employees to care for the planet. This year’s beneficiaries are The Nature Conservancy in Oregon, Friends of Trees, McKenzie River Trust and Columbia Slough Watershed Council. Each organization will receive $25,000.

“Earth Day is a powerful reminder of how critical it is to preserve our planet for future generations,” said Rob Stuart, President and CEO, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “The Green Horizons initiative is OnPoint’s commitment to giving our community the opportunity to make a difference, while amplifying the work of local organizations dedicated to protecting our planet. We are proud to support these four incredible organizations that are at the forefront of environmental conservation.” 

OnPoint’s Green Horizons provides members with financing discounts on electric or hybrid vehicles and solar panels, partners with local environmental nonprofits, and offers employees telecommuting programs, volunteer opportunities and environmental education. Since its launch, OnPoint has donated more than $500,000 to local nonprofits working to create a more sustainable future.

Supporting Oregon’s conservation with local nonprofit support

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon (TNC) brings people together to solve the most significant conservation challenges of our time. Since 2017, OnPoint has donated more than $340,000 to help fund projects, including forest restoration, ensuring vibrant and resilient coastal communities and sustainable fisheries, and protecting existing soil and underground carbon in Eastern Oregon. In 2021, OnPoint pledged up to $250 to TNC for every approved electric or hybrid vehicle loan with OnPoint. The campaign resulted in 1,474 approved green auto loans and a $226,750 donation to TNC. 

“We are so grateful for OnPoint’s continued support of our mission,” said Derek Johnson, State Director of The Nature Conservancy in Oregon. “This generous contribution will help us further our progress in tackling urgent environmental challenges while strengthening Oregon’s natural defenses against climate change.”

Friends of Trees partners with local communities to plant trees creating a healthier environment for local communities. Friends of Trees has planted over 950,000 trees and native shrubs in neighborhoods and natural areas in Oregon and SW Washington since 1989. Friends of Trees contributes to a greener, more sustainable future through its planting efforts and fosters a deep connection between community members and their environment. 

“Our partnerships help make it possible to engage community members in tree planting projects in neighborhoods and natural areas throughout Oregon,” said Yashar Vasef, Executive Director for Friends of Trees. “OnPoint’s partnership and generous donation will bring people together to take real climate action in their communities.”

McKenzie River Trust has brought communities together to protect and restore western Oregon’s land and waters since 1989. The McKenzie River Trust has protected over 7,000 acres of special lands, conserving critical habitats for wildlife, clean water and natural landscapes while promoting a climate-resilient and sustainable future. The Trust works to reestablish native vegetation and natural water cycles to ensure these lands withstand and adapt to environmental changes. It also safeguards the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region and engages the community in sustainable practices, contributing significantly to a healthier planet.

“Partnering with organizations like OnPoint helps us achieve our mission to protect and care for Oregon’s lands and rivers,” said Elizabeth Goward, Community Engagement Manager for the Trust. “We are grateful for the supportive partnership and look forward to continuing our work protect important places, connect people to the outdoors, and ensure a vibrant future for the land, water, and people of western Oregon.”

Columbia Slough Watershed Council partners with community members to enhance the Columbia Slough and its watershed through community engagement, education and restoration. Columbia Slough Watershed Council has worked in response to rampant development and loss of open space to fight pollution since the early 1990s. A key component of their strategy is the Slough School program, which offers free environmental education to K-12 students. This initiative educates students about the ecosystem’s history and ecology through hands-on learning and fosters a sense of stewardship and connection to their local environment.

“Our goal is to ensure our urban watershed is rich in clean water and healthy habitats that support the needs of fish, wildlife, plants and people,” said Heather King, Executive Director for Columbia Slough Watershed Council. “Everything we do is made possible by community partners like OnPoint, and we are so grateful for their generosity and shared commitment to creating a cleaner environment.”

Increasing accessibility with auto and home special rate discounts

OnPoint’s Green Horizons offers special rate discounts for members to make going green more accessible. The Green Auto Discount offers 0.25%¹ Annual Percentage Rate (APR) off auto loan rates for new or used electric or hybrid vehicles financed through OnPoint. People in the market for electric or hybrid vehicles can also find additional incentives through Oregon, Washington and federal programs.

OnPoint’s Green Horizons also makes it more affordable for homeowners to produce their own solar electricity. When homeowners apply for an EquityFlex Line of Credit for home improvements, they can fix a portion of their line of credit for the purchase of solar panels and receive a 0.25%² discount off the EquityFlex Fixed Portion APR. Homeowners can find even more savings by looking at incentives and rebate programs in Oregon and Washington.

For more information about OnPoint’s investment in building a greener future, such as telecommuting programs, employee volunteer opportunities, and other donations to environmentally-focused organizations, please visit onpointcu.com/green-horizons.

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 554,000 members and with assets of $9 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

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1. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Vehicles meeting OnPoint’s Green Auto Discount standards receive a 0.25% discount off stated APR (Annual Percentage Rate). All OnPoint loans are subject to credit terms and approval. Discount does not apply to existing OnPoint auto loans.
2. Receive a 0.25% discount off stated EquityFlex Fixed Portion APR when proceeds are used to purchase solar panels. Review of purchase order or invoice required to qualify. Discount applies to invoice/purchase order amount, not to exceed $12,000. All OnPoint loans are subject to credit terms and approval.

Salem, Oregon – Next week, 18-year-old Katie Lineburg of Hillsboro will embark on the greatest adventure of her lifetime. As Oregon’s 2024 champion, Lineburg will travel to Washington D.C. to compete in the Poetry Out Loud National Competition on Wednesday, May 1. Her D.C. itinerary also includes meetings with Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Sen. Jeff Merkley.

“I am so filled with thankfulness, anticipation and awe as I prepare for my trip to Washington D.C.,” said Lineburg. “This experience has been such a whirlwind of blessing, growth and new opportunities, and I will forever be grateful for the chance to represent my home state of Oregon as well as my school and everyone who has made this adventure of a lifetime possible as I compete at Poetry Out Loud nationals.”

A senior from St. Stephen’s Academy, Lineburg will compete in the national semifinals from 2 to 5 p.m. (PDT) on Wednesday, May 1. The competition will be live-streamed on the National Endowment for the Arts website. The top nine students will advance to the national finals at 4 p.m. (PDT) on Thursday, May 2, also to be live-streamed.

Lineburg is the oldest of five siblings who loves music and spending time with friends and family. She is a member of the St. Stephen’s Academy Festival Choir and loves poetry because “it allows her to connect with people and express emotions in a deeper way.” She has also loved public speaking since a very young age.

“The reading of poetry can transform the written word into a deeply felt shared experience,” said First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, who attended the Poetry Out Loud State Contest on March 9 at Salem Public Library. 

“Poetry Out Loud is a wonderful program that allows young people to connect with the human experience through the power of words,” First Lady Kotek Wilson added. “Congratulations to Katie Lineburg for representing Oregon in the national competition. We are all rooting for you!”

The poems Lineburg will perform for the national competition are "The Pulley" by George Herbert, "Beginning" by James Wright and “A Noiseless Spiker” by Walt Whitman.

Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest for high school students, organized in Oregon by the Oregon Arts Commission in collaboration with the NEA and the Poetry Foundation. Participants memorize and present poems, practicing public speaking skills while exploring the complexity of poetry.

See video of Lineburg performing and being announced as Oregon’s champion.

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.

WHAT
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is hosting its eighth annual Oregon Prepared Conference for 500 emergency management professionals this Tuesday through Thursday in Sunriver.

WHO
Oregon Department of Emergency Management Director Erin McMahon and Deputy Director Patence Winningham will be available for interviews about the state of emergency management in Oregon. Media may also visit a workshop session for B-roll footage.

WHEN
Media Avail from 9:45-10:15 a.m., Tuesday, April 23

WHERE
Great Hall Conference Center
Sunriver Lodge
57081 Great Hall Loop, Sunriver, Oregon

WHY
The annual conference serves as a vital gathering for emergency management professionals, providing a forum for stakeholders from various sectors to exchange ideas, discuss current trends, and share information about the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security. Attendees include partners with a role in preparedness, response, recovery and resilience from tribes, counties, cities, special districts, state and federal emergency management agencies, public safety and health preparedness sectors, non-profit organizations, and private sector businesses.

OTHER INFORMATION
Website: Oregon Prepared Emergency Preparedness Workshop
Program: Oregon Prepared Emergency Preparedness Workshop Program

SOCIAL
@oregonOEM on Facebook, X and LinkedIn

ONSITE MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Crabb (she/her)
OEM Public Affairs Officer
971-719-0089 (talk or text)
Please text upon arrival

Date: April 21, 2024

Case #: 2024-00021461

Incident: Reckless driver eludes law enforcement, taken into custody on roof of Bend home

Date / Time of Incident: April 21, 2024 / 12:30 p.m.

Location: 20000 block of SW Sunny Way, Bend

Arrested: Nicholas Michael Wood, 42-year-old Idaho resident

Offenses: Assault II – 2 counts, Felony Hit & Run, Reckless Driving/Reckless Endangering (multiple counts – total number to be determined), Elude – Felony, Elude – Misdemeanor, DUII 

Bend Police took an Idaho man into custody after a long standoff on Sunday afternoon. 

At approximately 12:30 p.m., on Sunday, April 21, an off-duty Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputy called 911 to report a reckless driver traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 20 near Millican. The gold Toyota Sequoia was passing illegally, speeding, swerving and nearly causing crashes. 

An Oregon State Police trooper spotted the vehicle, and the trooper and a Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputy attempted a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as 42-year-old Nicholas Wood, eluded the deputy and trooper, who pursued the suspect vehicle but discontinued their pursuit before entering Bend. Deputies deployed a spike strip outside city limits, but were unsuccessful. 

The driver turned southbound on NE 27th Street, then westbound on Knott Road. Wood continued speeding, ultimately heading north on Brookswood Boulevard. Bend Police and Sheriff’s deputies staged in a variety of locations but did not pursue Wood. At approximately 1:08 p.m., a Bend Police officer successfully deployed spike strips, but Wood continued to drive recklessly northbound on Brookswood. He crossed into oncoming traffic and hit an approaching vehicle head-on. The two people in the vehicle Wood hit remain hospitalized at this time. 

Wood ran from his vehicle and at approximately 1:24 p.m., he climbed onto the roof of a detached garage in the 20000 block of SW Sunny Way. For approximately two hours, officers and deputies negotiated with Wood, to no avail. Officers and deputies then used multiple less-lethal options, including firing pepper balls containing chemical irritants and 40-millimeter less-lethal ammunition. Wood was taken into custody at approximately 3:39 p.m. 

Bend Police wish to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police for their assistance, as well as Bend Fire for providing a ladder truck to help remove Wood from the roof. 

Wood was transported to St. Charles Bend for evaluation, where he remains at this time. When released, he will be lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on the above offenses. 

During this incident, Brookswood Boulevard was closed between Murphy Road and Reed Market Road for several hours. 

Douglas County, Ore. 19 Apr. 24- On Friday, April 19, 2024, at 7:58 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 146, in Douglas County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Jaguar F-Pace, operated by Paul William Jordison (23) of Rochester (WA), veered off the right-hand shoulder of the roadway for unknown reasons. The Jaguar left the roadway, traveled airborne for approximately 100 feet down an embankment, and struck a tree approximately 15 feet above the ground level before falling to the base of the tree.

The operator (Jordison) was declared deceased at the scene.

Before the crash, the Jaguar was reportedly driving at high speeds.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by North Douglas County Fire and ODOT.

# # #

About the Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Caden R. Griffith, age 14, a child in foster care who went missing from Hillsboro on March 25. He is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Caden and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see him.

Caden is often spends times in the parks of Hillsboro, Tigard and Aloha. 

Name: Caden R. Griffith
Pronouns: He/him
Date of birth: May 28, 2009
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 167 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eye color: Brown
Other identifying information: Caden often wears a black beanie. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black pants. 
Hillsboro Police Department #24-0007407
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #2018671

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess 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. 

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Prineville, Ore. — Portions of the Cline Buttes/Buckhorn Motorized Recreation Area will be closed Saturday, April 20, 2024, for the Technical Endurance Challenge hosted by Bend Racing. The racecourse will be closed at multiple points of entry for the safety of participants and the public. The start and end point for the race is the Buckhorn Staging Area.

Runners and bicyclists will race on portions of the off-highway vehicle trail systems on both sides of Highway 126 and the Cascade View Trail System, located west of Redmond. The closure will mostly affect the Buckhorn area, as participants traverse portions of trails 99, 93, 95, 85, 90 and Buckhorn Road. They will cross Highway 126 from Buckhorn to Barr Road, continue down Barr Road, and move into the Cascade View Trail System. Within the Cascade View Trail System, the race will use Blue Belly, Blue Belly Stem, and Stringer trails. 

OHV trails south of Highway 126, accessed from Barr Road North Staging Area, will not be closed. However,  the public should be aware of runners/bicyclists on Barr Road. Cascade View Trail System will not be closed during the race. Security will be staged at entrance points into the racecourse throughout the weekend. Flaggers and signage will also be present along both Buckhorn and Barr roads and staging areas. 

“We manage several hundred miles of trails within the Millican Plateau, North Millican, and South Millican OHV Trail Systems,” said Lisa Clark, Deschutes Field Office Manager. “This allows us the unique opportunity to permit a multi-sport race like this while also ensuring numerous other trails are still available to the public during the event.” 

Mountain bikers and hikers can use the nearby Maston trail use area. The Millican Valley OHV Trail System is an alternative site  for motorized use. It is  most easily from George-Millican Road south of Prineville.

The high-quality trails and facilities within the Cline Buttes/Buckhorn Motorized Recreation Area are collaboratively managed by the Central Oregon Combined Off Highway Vehicle Operations (COHVOPS). COHVOPS is a partnership which includes the Prineville District BLM, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, and Oregon Parks and Recreation ATV Program. 

For more information about the race, please visit Bend Racing’s website. For questions about the trail closures, please contact the Prineville District office at (541) 416-6700. 
 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 19th, 2024

Released by: Sergeant Kent Vander Kamp 

Crescent Lake, OR – 

On April 18th, 2024, at approximately 10:00PM, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, in collaboration with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, concluded a long-term investigation with the arrest of Mario Michael Fivecoats, age 35, and Rebecca Ann Toepher, age 31, both of La Pine, Oregon. 

During the investigation, drug agents identified Mario Fivecoats as a fentanyl trafficker in the south Deschutes County, Oregon, area. The initial investigation alleges Mr. Fivecoats imports fentanyl pills from Portland into central Oregon, where he distributed them throughout the Deschutes County community. 

Following an overnight multi-county surveillance operation, CODE Detectives, with the assistance of the Oregon State Police, stopped Mario Fivecoats and his passenger, Rebecca Toepher, in the Klamath County community of Crescent Lake while he was driving a 2009 Honda Civic. The traffic stop was made on Highway 58 at the Crescent Lake Junction. Also inside the car was Ms. Toepher's 6-year-old son. 

During the stop, CODE Drug K9 “Bonnie” alerted to the presence of a controlled substance coming from within the Honda. Using the investigative information, detectives applied for, obtained, and executed a search warrant from the Klamath County Circuit Court. 

While executing the search warrant, CODE Detectives gathered and seized a commercial quantity of fake pharmaceutical tablets made of fentanyl along with methamphetamine from within the Honda. 

Drug agents contacted Oregon DHS - Child Welfare to assist with caring for Ms. Toephfer's 6-year-old. DHS was able to contact and later released the young boy to responsible relatives. 

A “commercial quantity” is defined by statute as five grams or more of a mixture of a detectable amount of fentanyl substance conta or any substituted derivative of fentanyl as defined by the rules of the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. This is not a separate criminal charge, but rather an increase in the sentencing guidelines. 

The greater Portland area is a central transshipment hub where illegal drugs coming from the southwest border are stored in local warehouses, storage units, and residential properties. Bulk shipments of drugs are usually broken down into smaller quantities and transported to other states or distributed to local dealers. The Portland area has an international airport, interstate highways, and bus and train lines that make it easy for shipments to be smuggled to other destinations around the Pacific Northwest.

Recently DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said, “Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered.  Fentanyl is everywhere.  From large metropolitan areas to rural America, no community is safe from this poison. We must take every opportunity to spread the word to prevent fentanyl-related overdose death and poisonings from claiming scores of American lives every day.”    

Mr. Fivecoats and Ms. Toepher were lodged in the Klamath County Sheriff’s Jail with the following criminal charges.

Unlawful Possession and Attempted Distribution of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) 

Unlawful Possession and Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine (Felony)

Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

CODE Detectives were assisted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, Oregon DHS - Child Welfare, and Klamath County 9-1-1. 

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:   Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp, 541-550-4869 or kentv@deschutes.org 

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and the following Central Oregon law enforcement agencies:  Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department,  Prineville Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras Police Department, Oregon State Police, Sunriver Police Department, Black Butte Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Warm Springs Tribal Police Department, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s, and the Oregon National Guard.

The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement task forces to disrupt or dismantle local, multi-state and international drug trafficking organizations.

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April 18, 2024

Media contact: Timothy Heider, 971-599-0459, timothy.heider@oha.oregon.gov

Latest Measure 110 data show new highs in client engagement with highest quarterly gains in substance use treatment, peer support services

SALEM, Ore. — Measure 110 Behavioral Health Resource Network providers reported increases in client engagement over all service areas, according to recently released quarterly reporting data.

As providers continue to establish and expand services, the most recent data revealed a 346 percent client gain in screening services since the program’s start – indicating that more providers are seeing new clients for the first time. Supported employment showed the highest overall percentage gain at 422 percent.

Client screening is an important first step for people seeking substance use treatment and recovery. As a result, network providers have reported increased numbers of people are accessing low-barrier treatment services and supports.

The latest data also show a 258 percent increase in people accessing peer services, in addition to other supports.  Many peer service providers reported meeting people in their homes or in community settings and using other measures to lower service barriers such as providing childcare and securing transportation to treatment.

Measure 110 network providers report the number of clients they serve and the number of encounters they have with their clients as a measure of overall engagement. Some clients may receive multiple services within a network or within multiple service networks.

The latest report covers network activities from July 1 through Sept. 30, 2023. Collectively, Measure 110 providers have now reported five quarters of data and expenditures from July 1, 2022, when the first network was established, through Sept. 30, 2023.

Overall, Measure 110 providers reported 267,000 encounters for people seeking peer support services and more than 220,000 encounters for substance use treatment over the 15 months of operations from July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023.

OHA continually updates a comprehensive Measure 110 data reporting dashboard that includes quarterly data, expenditures, key demographic information, and aggregated narrative summaries for the 42 statewide service networks.

The dashboard also contains a section that shows how providers are conducting community outreach to directly connect individuals to services in their communities.

“Public awareness campaigns and community engagement activities play a pivotal role in dismantling social stigmas, misconceptions, and discrimination related to specific health services and conditions,” reported one provider. “By challenging and dispelling these stigmas, we empower individuals to seek care comfortably, which in turn, lowers the hurdles to accessing services.”

Other providers focused on reaching populations that historically have been under supported.  “Our peers and navigators have been able to do community outreach on a regular basis…with peer support referrals and health screenings,” reported one provider. “[Our] outreach focuses primarily on the houseless, unstably housed, incarcerated, transitional, and marginalized BIPOC communities.”

Another provider described the value of providing supported employment services to people in need. “The housing portion of our services has helped build tangible life skills as our tenants work to remodel and create a beautiful space while earning a paycheck.”

Despite the reported growth in service access, nearly one-third of providers continue to report challenges around building their workforce.

The deadline for the next round of reporting for expenditure and program data is in April and will cover the time from October 1 - December 30, 2023. OHA expects to publish that data in Summer 2024.

Background: In November 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act of 2020, which became effective Dec. 4, 2020, to better serve people actively using substances or diagnosed with a substance use disorder. In July 2021, the legislature passed SB 755, which amended the act and made it more feasible to implement.

People who provide drug treatment and recovery services and advocates for criminal justice reform wrote Measure 110 in response to the high rate of drug addiction and overdoses in Oregon, and the disproportionate impact of those outcomes on Oregon’s communities of color.

Their goal was to establish a more equitable health-based and effective approach to substance use disorder.

OHA is continuing to develop and sharpen strategic parameters around data collection, establishing standards for the type that is appropriate to collect, modifying internal systems and processes to capture data outcomes, metrics, and reducing administrative burden on providers.

The Measure 110 program continues to refine service data collection for communities of color and other disproportionately affected communities, as the networks transition toward implementing Race Ethnicity and Language Disability (REALD) standards in their data collection.

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Heavy wind and rain from winter storms cause trees to plunge into Oregon rivers. Trees become obstructions, a risk for all boaters, including paddlers, rafters, and drift boats. Some of these obstructions will become more dangerous as river levels drop, requiring boats to portage around the obstructions for safe navigation.

“We urge every boater to plan ahead. River conditions can change daily which is why checking river levels is critical. Always look downstream as you navigate allowing time to react and maneuver to the safest course,” says Brian Paulsen, Boating Safety Program Manager for the Marine Board.

The Marine Board urges the following precautions:

• Visit the Marine Board’s Boating Obstructions Dashboard to view reported obstructions.
• Learn about and how to report obstructions you encounter while boating.
• Scout ahead and look for the safest route for each section of the river before committing. When in doubt, portage out.
• Stay clear of partially submerged trees and limbs. Strong currents can quickly carry you in, potentially leading to capsizing and entrapment.
• Wear a life jacket. Oregon’s waterways are cold year-round. Boaters are encouraged to wear a properly fitting life jacket and to dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
• If you’re using a Stand Up Paddleboard, be sure to wear a quick-release leash on moving water, especially in rivers where obstructions are present so you can disconnect from the board if you are drawn into one.
• Boat with others and stay within sight of one another. Do not separate far from one another so you can respond quickly to help.
• Know your limits and how to self-rescue. Be sure your skills and experience are equal to the river difficulty and the conditions.
• Fill out a float plan and let others know where you are boating and when to expect your return.

Visit Boat.Oregon.gov for everything you need to know about recreational boating in Oregon.

ASTORIA, Ore. — A giant 208-foot tall and estimated 200-year-old grand fir tree in Clatsop State Forest was inducted into the Oregon Heritage Tree Program in a ceremony April 12. The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Travel Information Council and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee held the ceremony at the base of the tree which is part of ODF’s Northrup Creek Horse Camp Big Tree Trail at Northrup Creek Horse Camp. The grand fir became the 84^th Oregon Heritage Tree. 

“A heritage designation recognizes trees with statewide or national significance,” said Craig Leech, Chair of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee. “The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is the first state-sponsored heritage tree program in the country. It was established in 1995 to increase public awareness of the important contribution of trees to Oregon’s history and the significant role they play in the quality of our daily lives.”

ODF created the Big Tree Trail in 2012 when they identified numerous large conifer and deciduous trees near one another.

“Inducting the Big Tree Trail as an Oregon Heritage Tree helps honor this special trail of trees that are believed to be among the top five largest in the state,” said Dan Goody, ODF’s District Forester for the Astoria District. “Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to learn localized Oregon history and honor the vital role Oregon’s forests plays in our lives. In addition to viewing a sample of exceptional trees, The Big Tree Trail’s connection to the creation of Oregon’s modern forestry program makes it particularly notable.”

The Northrup Creek Horse Camp Big Tree Trail is located inside what used to be The Northrup Creek Grazing Experiment. The Experiment started in 1936 to study the seeding, fertilizing, grazing, and management of logged-off and burned-over timberlands and the effects of grazing on reforestation. The goal was to make burnt-up land profitable again. The project was overseen by the John Jacob Astor Experiment Station outside of Astoria and continued until the early 1950s. 

The Experiment ultimately “failed” as it determined grazing was not the solution for burned over timber lands. However, in 1939 Governor Charles Sprague gave a stump speech in the area at the time he was actively promoting the State Forest Acquisition Act. The legislation included conservation requirements for loggers to re-seed the forest by leaving seed trees and reforestation efforts for burned areas, particularly those affected by the repeated Tillamook burns of 1933, 1939, and 1945.

Former Clatsop County Judge Guy Boyington, one of the original framers of the state forest arrangement, envisioned that the foreclosed lands could be made productive if forest land management was available. Clatsop County became the first county to participate. 

You can visit the Big Tree Trail inside the Northrup Creek Horse Camp, located between Jewell and Birkenfeld four miles north of Highway 202. The trail is just under one mile and is open year-round for hiking. Hikers must start at the gate during the seasonal closure of the camp, which adds two miles. The horse camp will open May 17. The address is 87644 Northrup Creek Road, Clatskanie, Oregon. 

For more information regarding the Heritage Tree program visit www.oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees. 

For more information on recreation opportunities in Oregon’s state forests visit Oregon Department of Forestry : Recreation : Recreation : State of Oregon

Funds include $10 million for developing early care and education facilities co-located with affordable housing

Salem, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and BuildUp Oregon announce the launch of the OHCS Co-location Fund aimed at expanding access to early childhood education and affordable housing across Oregon.

“Families face a pile of cost burdens that limit their access to afford housing, and one of these burdens is the high cost of early childcare. These investments set out to change the trajectory for Oregon families, allowing for increased stability and a better quality of life,” says OHCS Director Andrea Bell.

BuildUp Oregon will administer the $10 million in OHCS funds allocated by the Oregon legislature through House Bill 5011 to support co-locating early care and education (ECE) facilities with affordable housing. 

These resources will help bring affordable housing developers and ECE providers together to open and expand childcare services within or on the grounds of affordable housing developments. The funding awarded will depend on each project's needs, size, and costs. 

Funds provided through BuildUp Oregon can be used for: 

• Technical assistance to ECE providers and affordable housing developers on how to co-locate 
• Relationship building between ECE providers and housing developers to identify potential collaboration opportunities and facilitate communication 
• Financial support to ECE providers and developers to build or expand operations within or adjacent to affordable housing developments 

The goal of the OHCS Co-location Fund is to create or preserve 600 ECE slots throughout Oregon. 

OHCS is a funding partner with Multnomah County for the BuildUp Oregon program. Earlier this month, Multnomah County launched the Preschool for All Facilities Fund. That fund offers comprehensive support to early care and education providers in Multnomah County participating in Preschool for All (PFA) who are looking to enhance the quality of care at existing facilities, expand to serve additional families or open a new location.

"The Facilities Fund will provide crucial support to early care and education providers and help build up the infrastructure we need to ensure universal access to preschool by 2030," said Preschool and Early Learning Division Director Leslee Barnes. "This initiative represents a vital step towards all children having access to high-quality childcare in safe and nurturing environments."

Interested developers and providers can learn more about BuildUp Oregon by visiting www.BuildUpOregon.org. BuildUp Oregon will also provide further information about the OHCS Co-location Fund through a webinar in May. Details and updates on the webinar will be available on BuildUp Oregon’s website. 

About BuildUp Oregon

BuildUp Oregon is composed of four Community Development Financial Institutions. Its members are Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), Craft3, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Low-Income Investment Fund (LIIF). Together, these organizations are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to high-quality childcare and supporting the growth and development of early care and education providers.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate-income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

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PORTLAND, Ore.—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that it will join 10 other U.S. Attorney’s Offices in establishing a multi-agency task force to address carjacking, an important public safety threat impacting communities in Oregon and beyond.

“We are pleased to join our Justice Department colleagues from across the country in taking this important, targeted step to address carjacking, a dangerous, violent crime. We thank all our law enforcement partners for their ongoing commitment to protecting Oregonians through this and other violent crime reduction efforts.” said Natalie Wight, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

“The Justice Department has no higher priority than keeping our communities safe. We do so by targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime and by acting as a force multiplier for our state and local law enforcement partners. We’re seeing results — with violent crime declining broadly nationwide,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today, we are launching seven new carjacking task forces across the country to build on the success of task forces in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Tampa, where available data shows that carjacking rates are now falling. When prosecutors, officers, agents, and analysts come together to crunch data, share intelligence, and apply best practices, we can make real progress in the fight against all forms of violent crime, including carjacking.”

In keeping with the Justice Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, the District of Oregon carjacking task force will focus federal resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals responsible for committing carjackings and related crimes throughout the state. 

Carjacking task forces have proven to be an effective part of successful violent crime reduction strategies by focusing on a significant driver of crime and taking violent offenders off the streets. For example, carjackings in Philadelphia declined by 31 percent from 2022 to 2023, and armed carjackings are down 28 percent in the District of Columbia so far this year compared to the same period in 2023. In Chicago, carjackings decreased 29 percent from their high in 2021 through the end of 2023.

Local efforts to combat carjacking have already produced positive results. On Tuesday, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging, Raheim Carter, 41, a Portland resident, with carjacking, using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On March 15, 2024, Carter and an accomplice are alleged to have stolen a vehicle at gunpoint from a North Portland resident. Carter and the accomplice are alleged to have approached the victim while he was unloading groceries from his vehicle, demanded he hand over his keys at gunpoint, and drove off with the vehicle. The case was investigated by the Portland Police Bureau with assistance from the FBI.

The newly formed carjacking task forces will be led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with state and local law enforcement partners.

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MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees convened on April 16 and 17 to consider and approve several items, including the tuition & fees for the 2024-25 academic year.

The Tuition Advisory Committee, which includes students, staff, and faculty, submitted a proposed five percent tuition increase, which was accepted by President Jesse Peters and presented to the Board of Trustees on April 17. The trustees approved the five percent increase to resident undergraduate tuition and a 4.86 percent increase to nonresident undergraduate tuition. Graduate tuition will increase by five percent, and is assessed at the same rate regardless of residency. Summer 2024 tuition rates are included at the same rates as the 2024-25 academic year.

"We firmly believe that higher education should be accessible to all, and affordability is a cornerstone of our mission,” shares Board of Trustee Chair Betty Komp. “While a slight increase was necessary, it enables us to continue delivering quality education and support to our students, ensuring their success and fulfillment throughout their academic journey."

Western Oregon University remains among the most affordable public higher education institutions in Oregon, offering the second-lowest tuition rate in the state. Western is also a member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange, the largest regional interstate tuition savings program, where students from participating states can attend Western and pay no more than 150 percent of the in-state resident tuition rate. 

“Students choose Western because it’s a special place. We take pride in offering students a tailored educational experience, fostering a sense of belonging, and delivering quality support services,” said President Jesse Peters. “We have worked hard to maintain affordability without compromising the exceptional quality of education and services that define Western. This slight tuition increase reflects our dedication to sustaining the excellence that makes us truly extraordinary.”

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon's oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.

https://wou.edu/2024/04/18/western-oregon-university-board-of-trustees-approves-tuition-increase/
 

SALEM, Ore. – April 18, 2024 – On April 13, President Joe Biden approved Governor Tina Kotek’s request for a federal major disaster declaration for severe winter storms, straight-line winds, landslides, and mudslides that occurred throughout the state from Jan. 10-22 (view a GIS StoryMap of the event).

The declaration will provide supplemental grant funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program, a reimbursement program for public infrastructure damage and response costs to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations in designated counties impacted by the event. This disaster declaration covers Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook, and Wasco counties and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

FEMA Public Assistance is a supplementary financial assistance program for emergency work and the repair or replacement of public facilities and infrastructure damaged by the winter event. Financial assistance is available on a cost-sharing basis; reimbursement is 75% federal share of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration costs and 25% is the applicant's responsibility. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM) administers the Public Assistance program in the state.

All eligible applicants with eligible projects within the designated counties and tribes can apply for public assistance. Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments, special districts, state agencies, and certain private nonprofits that have incurred costs for response activities or sustained facility damage as a direct result of the January event. Private nonprofits are those entities that provide a governmental type of service and have a 501(c), (d) or (e) tax exception status (see page 43 of the FEMA Public Assistance Program and Guide regarding eligible facilities and required documentation). Certain private nonprofits with damage to their facilities should apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration loan first.

ODEM and FEMA will work with each applicant to develop their projects, scope and costs that can be reimbursed. Potential applicants in the designated counties must complete a Request for Public Assistance in the FEMA Grants Portal by May 13.

The Major Disaster Declaration does not provide FEMA Individual Assistance and will not reimburse funds for repair or replacement costs by individuals to their property.

Learn more about the Public Assistance program at https://www.oregon.gov/oem/emresources/disasterassist/Pages/Public-Assistance.aspx.

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Captions

2024 January storm damage clean up in Linn County (courtesy Linn County).
2024 January storm damage to trees and power lines in Lane County (courtesy Lane Electric).
Oregon Department of Emergency Management Logo (white background).
Oregon Department of Emergency Management Logo (no background).
FEMA Logo (Horizontal).
FEMA Logo (Vertical).

Salem, Oregon - The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council will meet at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The meeting will take place remotely via the internet on Microsoft Teams and is open to the public. The agenda and handouts will be posted on the Council’s website.

What:    Meeting of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council  

When:   Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Where: Microsoft Teams (Click here to join the meeting)

Meeting ID: 259 221 087 88 Passcode: JyPqSX

Who:     State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council 

The State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is established by Governor Kotek’s Executive Order 23-26, Establishing a State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council. 

The purpose of the Council is to recommend an action plan to guide awareness education, and usage of artificial intelligence in state government that aligns with the State’s policies, goals, and values and supports public servants to deliver customer service more efficiently and effectively. The recommended action plan shall include concrete executive actions, policies, and investments needed to leverage artificial intelligence while honoring transparency, privacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Meetings of the State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council are open to the public. 

Public comment may be made during the meeting.  Sign-up for public comment is required as spots are limited. Sign-up closes Monday, April 22 at noon. Written comment will also be accepted. Written comment can be submitted by mail to the Council Support Office, 550 Airport Rd SE Suite C, Salem, OR 97301 or online.

Accommodations can be arranged for persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please contact Enterprise Information Services at 503-378-3175 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to request accommodations. Closed captioning is included on the Microsoft Teams meeting.

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Links

State Government Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/eis/Pages/ai-advisory-council.aspx

Executive Order 23-26: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/eo/eo-23-26.pdf

Meeting link: (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_NDRmZjdkY2QtNTk0My00ODcxLWE3NjMtNTczODQwYmVlM2Uy%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522aa3f6932-fa7c-47b4-a0ce-a598cad161cf%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%252234556cff-59ab-4761-8d66-f5c4ccec23c6%2522%257d&data=05%7C02%7CJessica.MADDOX%40das.oregon.gov%7Cd6650f0adfa94351bfa108dc5d6ca6ac%7Caa3f6932fa7c47b4a0cea598cad161cf%7C0%7C0%7C638487968427705959%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=piNCX%2BUreNnFcpCHLpY%2FtoJul%2FVU7OgApUabPW8teuM%3D&reserved=0)

Sign-up for public comment: https://forms.office.com/g/8NPeQbXRrA

Online comments submission:https://forms.office.com/g/5ecMVUWbbi

BURNS, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry recently hosted the 2024 Rangeland Fire Protection Association Summit in Burns, Oregon. The annual summit provides a forum for the 28 Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs) to meet with each other and partners in the spirit of helping each other be more effective at fighting wildfire on Oregon’s range. 

RFPAs are an integral part of the complete and coordinated wildfire protection system in Oregon. Oregon’s 28 rangeland associations across eastern Oregon provide initial attack response to wildfires on nearly 17.5 million acres of public and private ownership. Association members have a unique interest in suppressing wildfires since the lands they protect impact their livelihoods and those of their neighbors. 

During the summit the rangeland associations share information such as current membership, planned prevention and mitigation strategies, and lessons learned from the previous year’s wildfires. 

“The summit is an invaluable resource for association members and partners to advance wildfire suppression capability on Oregon’s rangeland, cropland, sage grouse habitat, and livestock forage that are crucial to the local economy,” said Allison Rayburn, ODF’s Rangeland Fire Coordinator.

An important part of the summit is the presentation of the Outstanding Neighbor Award, given to association members who are instrumental in supporting and growing their association. This year’s Outstanding Neighbor Award was presented to John O’Keeffe, president of the Warner Valley RFPA. O’Keeffe has represented local land interests and worked on ecological issues locally as a member of Oregon’s Wildfire Programs Advisory Council and the Oregon Cattleman’s Association, and nationally as a member of the Public Lands Council and National Wildland Fire Mitigation Management Commission.

“The people in this room are what makes this work. We want to have another generation, and another generation after that on the landscape and advocacy in far-away places is a large part of making that happen. I’ve been fortunate to have the local support to participate,” said O’Keeffe.

The history of RFPAs in Oregon started with legislation enacted in 1963 that allowed the formation of associations. In 1964, the Ironside RFPA was formed in northern Malheur County. For many years they were the lone association in the state. However, in 1998, a new era of RFPA interest emerged. Between 1998 and 2001, five additional RFPAs were formed and new associations have continued to form since then. There are currently 28 associations with over 1,200 volunteers. Association partner agencies include ODF, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon’s Office of the State Fire Marshal, Oregon State University Extension Service, county emergency managers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.