On November 12th 2019, detectives with the Bend Police Department received information from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force regarding a Bend resident that uploaded, over the past six months, at least 27 images / videos to the internet depicting children engaged in explicit sex acts.

Through this investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 20 year old Wyatt Anthony Carrell who resides at 20325 Sonata Way in Bend Oregon.

On November 12th at 3:28 PM, officers and detectives with the Bend Police Department contacted Carrell during a traffic stop at NE Purcell Boulevard and NE Highway 20 in Bend. Carrell was taken into custody and transported to the Bend Police Department.

On November 12th at 7:00 PM, officers and detectives with the Bend Police Department executed a search warrant at 20325 Sonata Way and another search warrant on his vehicle, a 2001 Toyota Avalon, which was secured at the traffic stop location.

Evidence was seized during the search warrants and Carrell was transported to the Deschutes County Jail where he was lodged on the below listed charges.

No other occupants of the residence are believed to be involved in the crimes.

Suspect:

Wyatt Anthony Carrell / 20 year old Bend resident.

Charges:

Encouraging Child Sex Abuse in the First Degree / 27 counts

Criminal Possession of a Forgery Device / 1 Count

 

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing over 4,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. These agencies are continually engaged in proactive and reactive investigations and prosecutions of persons involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the Internet.

Arrested:

Herbert Laurin- 63 year old Hermiston, OR resident

            Charges: Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle, Fail to register as a sex offender

Nikole Barclay- 21 year old Bend, OR resident

            Charges: Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV)

Henry Duran- 34 year old Bend, OR resident

            Charges: UUMV, Possession of Methamphetamine, Parole Violation

Ashley Manahan- 28 year old Bend, OR resident

            Charges: UUMV, Parole Violation

Lillyanne Kostelecky- 22 year old, Nice, Ca resident

            Charges: UUMV

 

On 11-12-19, the Bend Police Department recovered three separate and unrelated stolen vehicles with suspects inside of them.

At about 1232 hours, Officers took a report of a stolen Motorhome that was stolen from the 300 block of NW Georgia.  The victim had last seen his 2004 Winnibego Motorhome in his driveway at about 1145 hours and when he realized it was gone, he immediately reported it stolen.

While Officers were investigating the stolen report, the Winnibego was involved in a crash in the area of NW Greenwood and NW Hill St where the driver, Herbert Laurin, struck a parked vehicle, causing damage.  When Officers arrived, further investigation revealed that Laurin had stolen the vehicle. Laurin was transported to the Deschutes County Jail where he was lodged on the above listed charges.

At about 1334 hours, a Bend Police Officer observed a white Toyota Echo fail to obey a traffic control device at NE 4th and NE Greenwood Ave. The Officer initiated a traffic stop and learned the vehicle was reported stolen on 11-6-19 from the NE Bend area. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office had taken the original report.  Nicole Barclay immediately exited the vehicle and advanced towards the Officer and said, “What now?” The Officer was able to detain Barclay without incident. Barclay became uncooperative and Officers placed her in a WRAP restraint for her safety and theirs. She was subsequently lodged at the Deschutes County Jail on the above listed charges.

Later in the day at 1625 hours, a Bend Police Officer observed a 2011 Toyota Tundra getting gas at the Quickway Market (690 NE Butler Market Rd). The Officer recognized an occupant from numerous prior contacts and knew the occupant was often involved in criminal activity. 

The Officer did a routine records check on the Tundra and learned it was reported as stolen out of Harney County, Oregon.  The vehicle had been reported as stolen on 11-5-19.

When the Tundra left the gas station, the Officer conducted a traffic stop, with several other Officers, using a high risk approach. The vehicle came to a stop at 490 NE Butler Market Rd. Henry Duran (driver) and a male passenger were detained without incident.  The passenger was determined to not be involved with the stolen vehicle and was released.  Duran was in possession of methamphetamine and was arrested for the above listed charges.

Additional investigation revealed that Duran was given the vehicle to drive by Ashley Manahan and Lillyanne Kostelecky. The investigation revealed that Manahan and Kostelecky had stolen the vehicle from Harney County and driven it to Bend.  Kostelecky and Manahan were located at a residence on NE Wichita Way and taken into custody on the above listed charges.

Date: Sunday, November 10th, 2019

Case #2019-366952

Date and Time of Incident: November 10, 2019 @ 8:24 pm 

Location of Incident: NW Olney Avenue @ NW Wall Street

Victims:

Vehicle #1

26 year old male Bend Resident 

Vehicle #2 

49 year old female Bend Resident 

(2) Juvenile passengers 

Vehicle #3

73 year old male Bend Resident 

Suspect:

Katie Elizabeth Hall 

26 year old female Bend Resident 

Charges:

Felony DUII

Felony Hit and Run 

Misdemeanor Hit and Run 

Child Neglect II 

Reckless Endangering, 5 Counts 

Narrative:

On November 10th, 2019 at about 8:24 pm Officers from the City of Bend Police Department responded to a reported Hit and Run motor vehicle crash in the area of NW Olney Avenue and NW Wall Street. Officers arrived in the area of the crash and determined a silver in color Chevy passenger car operated by a female driver caused a collision that involved three other vehicles. The female driver fled in her vehicle from the crash scene. Moments later a citizen caller to Deschutes County 911 reported a Chevy passenger car was crashed facing the wrong way (northbound) on the southbound exit to the Parkway at NW Revere Avenue. The citizen caller reported the female driver fled from the crashed vehicle. A description of the female driver was provided by the citizen caller. 

The female suspect was contacted by an assisting Oregon State Police Trooper. Bend Police Officers arrested the female for suspicion of DUII and Hit and Run. Through subsequent investigation Bend Police Officers learned the female suspect, identified as Katie Hall, had an infant child at her home. Officers conducted a welfare check on the two month old. Officers found the child home, alone on the hardwood floor of the residence. It appeared to the Officers that the child may have fallen from the bed where it had been left unattended. Paramedics responded and evaluated the child. The child did not require immediate medical attention. 

The City of Bend Police Department was assited by the Oregon State Police, The Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Division. 

####End of Release####

Prepared by Sgt. R.C. Bigelow 

 

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office 63333 Highway 20 West Bend, Oregon 97703 541- 388-6655

UPDATE

James Fisher was located at approximately 6:00am in the Sisters area.  Fisher contacted a resident in the 16000 block of Perit Huntington Road in Sisters and sought shelter from the temperatures.  The resident immediately contacted Deschutes County 911 and provided the information.  Deschutes County Sheriff's Office deputies responded and verified that the subject was James Fisher.  

Fisher was transported by EMS to the hospital for evaluation.

 

MEDIA RELEASE  

DCSO Searching for Missing Sisters Area Man

 

Released by: Sgt. Deke DeMars

Release Date: November 16, 2019

 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a Sisters area man, last seen around 10:00 pm on Friday November 15th, 2019 at his residence in the 400 block of N Songbird Street in Sisters.

 

James Fisher, age 89, is believed to have left his residence on N Songbird Street on foot, sometime after 10:00 pm November 15th, 2019.  His whereabouts are unknown and investigators have learned Fisher has difficulty hearing and suffers from memory loss. Fisher is described as a white male, 6’2”, 165 lbs, with gray colored hair and green eyes.  Fisher is possibly wearing a black plaid flannel long sleeve shirt, light blue jeans with black shoes and might be wearing a black Oregon State University baseball hat.

 

Fisher does not have a phone with him and has difficulty walking.  He is familiar with the areas of downtown Sisters, the Timber Creek Subdivision, and the shopping center near Bi-Mart and Rays Food Place in Sisters. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information or that has seen James Fisher to call into non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and speak with a deputy.

 

A photo of Fisher is attached to this release for reference. 

 

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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

 

 

## End of Release ##

Released by:          Dep. Josh Westfall, Assistant Search and Rescue Coordinator

Occurred:              11/15/2019     1:40 PM

Location:               Smith Rock State Park

Rescued:               Roth, Jennifer, Sutherlin, OR, 48 year old female

NARRATIVE:

On 11/15/19 at about 1:41 PM, Deschutes County dispatch received a 911 call regarding an injured hiker, later identified as Jennifer Roth, who had slipped and fell on the trail while hiking on top of Misery Ridge at Smith Rock State Park. While the injury was reportedly non-life-threatening, it had left Roth immobilized and stranded on top of Misery Ridge.

One Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and 13 Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Volunteers responded to the scene to assist. Redmond Fire and Rescue also responded to the scene and were the first to make contact with Roth, tending to her injuries until DCSO units could arrive.

The DCSO Deputy and SAR volunteers, along with the assistance of Redmond Fire, transported Roth down the Misery Ridge trail on wheeled litter. Roth was handed over to a member of her party at her request and was reportedly intending on seeking further treatment of her injuries at St. Charles.  

 

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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Updated November 13, 2019 at 9:00 am by Sgt. William Bailey - Public Information Officer

Detectives have been able to positively identify the human remains located on November 7th as belonging to 57 year old Anita C. Presley.  Her next of kin has been notified.  The Medical Examiner will likely list the cause of death in this case as "undetermined", however no foul play is suspected in her death.

## End of Updated Release ##

Updated November 8, 2019 at 3:15pm by Sgt. William Bailey - Public Information Officer

Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) have been actively working this case since yesterday.  Today, nineteen DCSO Search and Rescue volunteers assisted with an extensive grid search of the area where the remains were located.  Based on the results of the investigation up to this point, an autopsy is not planned and no foul play is suspected in this death.  Detectives are still working to positively identify the remains and locate a next of kin.  Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

## End of Updated Release ##

Released by: Sgt. William Bailey – Public Information Officer

Release Date: November 7, 2019

NARRATIVE:

On November 7, 2019, at approximately 3:19 pm, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) were dispatched to a report of human remains that had been discovered in an open field in the 21000 Block of Butler Market Road.  An employee of the property owner discovered the human remains while checking the field in preparation for upcoming disc work to the property. 

Deputies and DCSO detectives arrived at the location and confirmed the discovery of decomposed human remains, likely belonging to that of an adult female.  Deputies and detectives worked throughout the afternoon, assisted by the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Deschutes County Medical Examiner, and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, to document, collect evidence, and recover the human remains.

Additional information will be released as 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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today lead by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

Released by:  Sgt. William Bailey – Public Information Officer

Release Date:  November 12, 2019

Location:  Hawks View Apartments; 51750 Little Deschutes Lane, La Pine

 

Arrested: Andrew L. Framel, 31-year-old male, La Pine resident

Charges: Possession, Delivery, Manufacturing of Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Carrying of a Concealed Weapon

 

Arrested/Cite in Lieu of Custody: Jessica M. Adams, 31-year-old female, La Pine resident

Charges: Possession of Controlled Substance and Frequenting a Place where Drugs are Used, Sold or Kept

Narrative:

In September 2019, patrol deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office initiated a narcotics investigation as the result of multiple citizen complaints at Hawks View Estates Apartments, in La Pine.  Deputies learned that residents Andrew L. Framel and Jessica M. Adams in apartment 605 were involved in the possession, manufacturing, and delivery of controlled substances, i.e. methamphetamine.  During the investigation, deputies also learned that Andrew Lee Framel was known to be in possession of firearms while conducting illicit drug transactions at the apartment.

During the month-long investigation, deputies utilized various investigative tactics and obtained sufficient evidence to be granted a search warrant for the listed crimes above at the Hawks View Apartments #605. Today at approximately 4:50 pm, members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, along with DCSO patrol deputies and detectives, executed the search warrant and located Andrew L. Framel in possession of a user amount of suspected methamphetamine and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. During a search of the residence, additional suspected methamphetamine was located along with packaging material, scales, and an additional loaded firearm.

Adams was also contacted at the residence during the search warrant and subsequently arrested with a citation in lieu of custody for Possession of Methamphetamine and Frequenting a Place where Drugs are Used, Sold or Kept.

Framel was arrested and lodged in the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail for Possession, Delivery and Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and, Carrying of a Conceal Weapon.

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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

Updated on November 12, 2019 at 3:39 pm by Sgt. William Bailey

After thousands of name suggestions and over 2600 votes on the twenty top names, Copper has been selected has our new K9’s official name.  Copper came out at the top with 870 voters selecting it as their favorite name.  Many that suggested the name Copper referenced the movie Fox and the Hound as inspiring their name selection.  Other community members recommended this name based on the color of his fur.  Additionally, the name could also refer the slang term “Cop” being short for Copper, which is said to originate from the copper buttons that officers once wore on their uniforms.

We would like to thank everyone that helped us with the naming process.  It is very apparent to us that our community loves our newest K9 and everyone is looking forward to his many years of service to the citizens and visitors of Deschutes County.

K9 Copper and his partner Deputy Donny Patterson will be in California this week, where they will begin their training together.

## End of Updated Release ##

Released by: Sergeant William Bailey - Public Information Officer

Release Date: November 4, 2019

NARRATIVE:

Today, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is excited to introduce our newest K9.  The fifteen-week-old Bloodhound was donated to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office by Tamaron Ranch Bloodhounds in September.  Since then, a process occurred to identify and select a handler for him.  Deputy Donny Patterson, a twelve-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was recently selected to be that partner.  They officially became partners on Halloween and both will head to Riverside, California next week to begin the training and certification process.

As our Bloodhound does not have a name yet, we are asking for name suggestions from the community.  If you have a name idea related to law enforcement, please visit our Facebook page where you will find a post to submit your name suggestion(s).  The most popular names will be put to a vote later this week for final selection and official naming.  You can visit our agency Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/DeschutesCountySheriff/

Tamara Thomas, the owner of Tamaron Ranch Bloodhounds in Chowchilla, CA, said, “We just love that we are able to donate one of our dogs to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, where he will be utilized to search and locate missing people.  This bloodhound will be an incredible addition to the Sheriff’s Office K9 program.”

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to give a special thank you to Tamaron Ranch Bloodhounds for their generous donation, but also to the founder and owner of Whistles for Life, Bob Cameron, for coordinating this very special new member of the Sheriff’s Office.

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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

## End of Release ##

Released by:  Sgt. William Bailey – Public Information Officer

Release Date:  November 9, 2019

 

Location:  21500 block of Bear Creek Road, Bend

Arrested: Christopher A. Honey,  Age: 51        Home: Bend, Oregon

Victim: 40 year old male   Home: Biddeford, ME

NARRATIVE:

On November 9, 2019, at approximately 2:49 pm, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) were dispatched to a report of a person that had been shot in the 21500 block of Bear Creek Road.  A DCSO SWAT team and a team of DCSO negotiators were also dispatched to the scene based on the call information.

Deputies arrived and located an adult male with a gunshot wound to the back of his head and neck area.  A deputy placed the male victim in his patrol vehicle and quickly transported him to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for apparent non-life threatening injuries.

Additional deputies, City of Bend Police Officers, Oregon State Police Troopers, and the DCSO SWAT team arrived at the residence and established a perimeter around the residence to contain the suspect, while ensuring public safety.  At 3:26 pm, 51 year old Christopher A. Honey of Bend surrendered to the DCSO SWAT team without incident.

During the initial stages of this investigation, detectives have learned Honey and another adult male were at the residence watching the LSU and Alabama college football game.  A verbal, then physical dispute occurred which lead to Honey obtaining a shotgun with a birdshot shell and then shooting the male victim one time in the head and neck area as the victim was walking away.

Honey has been lodged inside the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail on charges that include Attempted Murder, Assault II, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing.  Honey also lodged on an outstanding Deschutes County warrant for DUII and Criminal Driving while Suspended.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this incident.  We would like to thank the City of Bend Police and Oregon State Police for their assistance in the case.

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, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with four K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

 ## End of Release ##

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment.? Today:? Building a digital defense ?for those who have given so much to defend our country.? 

Veterans Day allows us to celebrate the service of U.S. military members and honor the sacrifices that they – and their families – have made. It is also a time to educate military families about those who wish to profit off their service.  

Unfortunately, military families may be more vulnerable to scams than the average American. A 2018 study by the Federal Trade Commission showed service members lost more than $25 million to just imposter scams over the course of a year. The median loss for a military member: about $700… $200 more than the median loss for the average person. 

Imposter fraud is a pretty simple scam. The bad guy pretends to be someone else, gains your trust, and convinces you to send money. He can pose as a potential employer offering a much-needed job, a lottery official promising a big prize, or even a government agent threatening arrest. No matter who he impersonates, his goal is to always get you to pay up. 

What can you do to protect yourself? 

• Be wary of any call from someone claiming to be from the government who requests personal info or money. 

• Think twice before paying any supposed debt or fee with a wire transfer or gift card.  

• Don’t trust caller ID or the name on the email address or user ID. All can be faked. 

• If in doubt, call the business or agency back from a publicly-available number to confirm what you’ve been offered or threatened with. 

Finally – some good news for veterans. Our friends at the FTC announced just a few weeks ago that the three major U.S. consumer reporting agencies will soon start offering free credit monitoring to active duty U.S. military members and members of the National Guard. To qualify as an active duty member – you must be assigned away from your usual duty station. All members of the National Guard will qualify regardless of where you are stationed. 

As always, if you have been victimized by a cyber fraud, be sure to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at? www.IC3.gov ?or call your local FBI office.? 

###

These are the links service members can use to access the credit reporting agencies' military programs:

https://www.experian.com/lp/military.html 

https://www.equifax.com/personal/military-credit-monitoring/ 

https://www.transunion.com/active-duty-military-credit-monitoring 

On Friday, November 15, 2019 at approximately 4:52 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel  responded to a pedestrian that had been struck on Interstate 5 near milepost 174, in Cottage Grove, OR. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian, identified as Andrew Evans (43) from Cottage Grove, entered the road from the southbound shoulder and into the path of a CMV operated by Ignacio Moncada (46) of Winton, CA.

Evans sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Moncada was not injured.

One southbound lane was closed for 2.5 hours. 

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Cottage Grove Police Department,  South Lane Fire and EMS, and ODOT.

.

On Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at approximately 6:00 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel  responded to a report of a vehicle that struck a pedestrian on Hwy 99 near milepost 11 in Phoenix, Oregon. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Honda Accord, operated by Bonnie Knudsen (58) of Medford, was northbound on Hwy 99 when a male pedestrian, identified as Mark Cooper (57) no home town known,  walked in front of the vehicle and was struck.

Cooper was transported to Rogue Regional Hospital in Medford where he was pronounced deceased.

OSP was assisted by Talent Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office and ODOT.

  

On Wednesday November 13, 2019 at approximately 7:54 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two vehicle crash on Hwy 99E near Concomly Rd NE. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a silver 2002 GMC Envoy, operated by Nicolas Martinez-Rivera (56) of Woodburn, was traveling northbound on Hwy 99E near Concomly Rd NE when for unknown reasons the Envoy veered into the southbound lanes.  The Envoy collided head-on with a 2009 Ford F-150 pickup operated by Kaleefa Chernishoff (26) of Brooks. 

Chernishoff suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Hospital. 

Martinez-Rivera suffered critical injuries and was transported by air to Legacy Emmanuel in Portland.

OSP was assisted by Woodburn Fire and Medics and ODOT.

 

On Wednesday,  November 13, 2019 at approximately 1:45 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 20 near mile post 84.5.

Preliminary investigation revelealed that a 1992 Chevrolet Corvette, operated by Gerald Gates (75) of Salem, was westbound on Hwy 20 when it left the roadway and struck a tree.  

Gates sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

OSP was assisted by the Hines Fire Deparment, Harney County Sheriff's Office,and ODOT 

The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for shooting and leaving to waste a doe deer in Adrian, OR.  

This occurred within a few days prior to November 9, 2019. 

The deceased deer was located in a cornfield near the intersection of Miller Rd. and Red Top Rd..

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact OSP Sergeant Isaac Cyr through the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or OSP.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators 

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

Preference Point Rewards:

5 Points-Mountain Sheep

5 Points-Mountain Goat

5 Points-Moose

5 Points-Wolf

4 Points-Elk

4 Points-Deer

4 Points-Antelope

4 Points-Bear

4 Points-Cougar

The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Furbearers. Cash rewards can also be awarded for the unlawful take of Game Fish and Shellfish and for Habitat Destruction.

CASH REWARDS:
$1,000 Mountain Sheep, Mountain Goat and Moose 
$500 Elk, Deer and Antelope 
$300 Bear, Cougar and Wolf 
$300 Habitat Destruction 
$100 Upland Birds and Waterfowl 
$100 Furbearers 

$100 Game Fish and Shellfish 

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

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

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

On Monday, November 11, 2019 at approximately 5:45 pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash involving a pedestiran on I-84 near MP 104.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a red and white 2016 Peterbilt Commerical Motor Vehicle, operated by Keith Allen Hille, age 31, of Moscow Mills, Missouri, was traveling westbound on I-84 in the slow lane, when he noticed a reflective vest moving around in the lane of travel. He initially thought the vest was blowing around then realized the vest was being worn by a pedestrian, identified as Alejandro Lozano Rivas, age 33, of Biggs Junction, Oregon. Hille swerved to avoid Lozano Rivas, but was unable to avoid striking him. Lozano Rivas suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Hille stopped immediately after the collison and is cooperating with the investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Sherman County Sheriff's Office, the Sherman County District Attorney's Office and ODOT.  

On Saturday, November 9, 2019, at approximately 2:45 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Hwy 38 near mile post 25 approximately 10 miles west of Elkton.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2016 GMC Canyon Pickup, operated by John Norlin (84) of Roseburg, was traveling on Hwy 38 when for unknown reasons left the roadway and struck a tree.

Norlin sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

One lane of Hwy 38 was closed for approximately four hours after the crash.

OSP was assisted Scottsburg FD, ODOT, and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

(No photos are available)

 

On Saturday, November 9, 2019, at approximately 10:48 P.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 97 near mile post 281. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a red Honda Civic, operated by William Ogle (23) of Klamath Falls, was traveling north on Hwy 97 when for unknown reasons left the roadway and rolled several times.

Ogle sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Hwy 97 was reduced to one lane for approximately one hour following the crash.

OSP was assisted by Klamath County Fire District #1 and ODOT.

 

 

UPDATE - 

Redmond, OR – On Tuesday, November 12, 2019, Redmond Officers received a tip from the public about the location of the black VW, which was stolen on November 10.  Following up on the tip, the vehicle was recovered in the area of SW Obsidian Ave and SW 63rd Street.  The car was hidden in trees and brush, just outside Redmond city limits.  

 

Officers also were able to identify the individual suspected of stealing the VW and bring charges against him associated with car theft and the pursuit that followed. The suspect, Mr. Jeffrey Collins, 37, of Redmond, was already in Deschutes County Jail after previously being arrested on November 11 for unrelated charges associated with violating a restraining order.

 

Collins has been arrested for numerous crimes stemming from vehicle theft and pursuit.  They include Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Attempt to Elude a Police Officer – Felony, Burglary in the First Degree, Violation of a Restraining Order, and other misdemeanor crimes.  Collins remains at the Deschutes County Adult Jail. 

 

The Redmond Police Department is very appreciative of all the information received from the public relating to this investigation.  

 

===================

PREVIOUS RELEASE - 

 

Redmond, OR – At 10:00 AM on Sunday, November 10, 2019, Redmond Police took a report of a stolen 2012 black Volkswagen EOS passenger car from the 2900 block of SW 24th Court in Redmond.  Officers took a report and, at approximately 3:45 PM, found the vehicle in the Walmart parking lot in Redmond.  A suspect was painting the tires/wheels in the parking lot.

 

Officers attempted to contact the suspect and vehicle.  However, while attempting to do so, the suspect and vehicle exited the parking lot and drove west on NW Maple Ave and then north on Northwest Way into Terrebonne.  The vehicle eventually went back south towards Redmond on Hwy 97 and then started driving southbound in the northbound lanes of Hwy 97 in the area of exit 119 (N Canal Blvd & NW 6th Street).  During the pursuit, speeds exceeded 80 miles per hour. 

 

In the interest of public safety, the officers stopped pursuing the suspect.  Many variables are taken into account when officers are pursuing a vehicle/suspect and in this case, terminating the pursuit was the safest decision. 

 

The stolen vehicle and driver were last observed driving south on N Canal Blvd in the area of Redmond St Charles Medical Center.

 

At this time, the incident remains under investigation.  Officers are actively investigating leads and seeking the public’s assistance.  If you observed a Volkswagen convertible with a damaged front bumper, please contact Deschutes County 911 Dispatch and requestion to speak with the Redmond Police Department.

SALEM, Ore. - Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in Veterans Day ceremonies and special events around the State of Oregon, honoring the service of military veterans of the armed forces, Nov. 11, 2019. 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

191111-Z-CM403: Oregon Army National Guard Col. Alan Gronewold, Director of Aviation and Safety for the Oregon National Guard, delivers remarks to veterans and guest attending the Vietnams Day ceremony held at the Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial, Canby, Ore., Nov. 11, 2019. Gronewold served as the guest speaker for the ceremony. (National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

191111-Z-CM403-170: Two U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle fighter jets, assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing base at the Portland Air National Guard Base, perform a Veterans Day ceremonial flyover at the Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial, Canby, Ore., Nov. 11, 2019. (National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

191111-Z-LM216-001: Veterans, and members of Mt. Angel American Legion Post #89 color guard post the colors during a Veterans Day celebration hosted by post #89, Mt. Angel, Ore., Nov. 11, 2019. Veterans Day began 100 years ago as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

191111-Z-LM216-002: Veterans observe as the colors are posted during a Veterans Day celebration hosted by the Mt. Angel American Legion post #89, Mt. Angel, Ore., Nov. 11, 2019. Veterans Day began 100 years ago as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

191111-Z-LM216-003: Oregon Air National Guard Lt. Col James E. McDonald (left), deputy director of the Oregon National Guard's State Partnership Program, speaks with Col. (ret.) William Mercer Harris IV, during a Veterans Day celebration hosted by the Mt. Angel American Legion post #89, Mt. Angel, Ore., Nov. 11, 2019. Mercer, a veteran with 40 years of service, started flying bombers with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, and later flew fighter jets with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zach Holden, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

191111-Z-PL933-002: Oregon National Guard Full-time Support Chaplain, Maj. Cody Roach, leads a crowd of gathered veterans, family members and others during the traditional moment of silence and playing of taps during the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs ceremonial wreath laying on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2019. (National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

191111-Z-PL933-003: Oregon National Guard Full-time Support Chaplain, Maj. Cody Roach, leads a crowd of gathered veterans, family members and others during the traditional moment of silence and playing of taps during the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs ceremonial wreath laying on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2019. (National Guard photo by, Tech. Sgt. Jason van Mourik, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

191111-Z-AJ128-1001: 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery, Oregon Army National Guard perform a gun salute during the Albany Veterans Day Memorial Service at Timber-Linn Park on Nov. 11, 2019. The Service consisted of guest speakers; Albany Mayor Sharon Konopa and Oregon Army National Guard Col. Karl Pond, laying of the Gold Star and POW/MIA wreaths, and a detachment of "Oregon's Own" 234th Band Army National Guard playing all the military service songs. (National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

191111-Z-AJ128-1002: A Color Guard team and members of the Oregon Army National Guard assemble and stand ready to participate and march in the Albany Veterans Day Parade in Albany, Ore., Nov. 11, 2019. The Parade is largest Veterans Day Parade ‘West of the Mississippi River,’ and the third largest in the country. The first Albany Veterans Parade stated in 1951 and the Oregon National Guard has been a part a central part from the beginning. (National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

191111-Z-AJ128-1003: A team member of the 102nd Civil Support Team (WMD) Oregon National Guard “High-Fives” many of the spectators watching the Albany Veterans Day Parade, Albany, Ore., Nov. 11, 2019. The mission of the 102nd Civil Support Team is to support civil authorities at domestic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) incident sites by identifying, assessing, advising and assisting during incidents involving the intentional or unintentional release of CBRNE. (National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)

Vancouver, Wash. — The Bonneville Power Administration’s innovative approach to recycling saved Northwest electric ratepayers nearly $3 million in 2018, with more savings projected for 2019. The agency’s sustainability efforts – from recycling transmission conductor and tower parts to auctioning off used equipment – are winning national sustainability awards.

One of BPA’s innovative approaches to recycling is its use of a machine known as the linear chopper. The device’s technology uses magnets to separate the aluminum and steel components of used high-voltage conductor wire – something BPA has a lot of. The agency owns 15,000 miles of transmission line across the west.

Once the used line is fed into the chopper, bits of steel and aluminum are separated and spewed out on opposite sides of the machine. The metal is then sent to regional smelters where it can fetch a healthy price. Since March of 2018, the machine has recovered more than 375 tons of aluminum valued at $700,000. That’s a lot of aluminum when you consider the Statue of Liberty weighs 225 tons.

“Our sustainability efforts go hand-in-hand with our commitment to being responsible stewards of the environment and accountable to our ratepayers,” says Robin Furrer, BPA’s chief administrative officer. “We recover approximately 90% of our used materials, so we throw away very little.”

Aside from the chopper, the agency’s other recycling efforts include auctioning off used equipment, recycling components from computers and electronic waste and donating used furniture.

In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored BPA with the Federal Green Challenge Materials Management Award. The EPA is honoring BPA again in 2019 for its outstanding sustainability efforts and care for the environment.

Video of the linear chopper is available upon request.

Contact David Wilson at wilson@bpa.gov">dbwilson@bpa.gov

About BPA

The Bonneville Power Administration, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit federal power marketer that sells wholesale, carbon-free hydropower from 31 federal dams in the Columbia River Basin. It also markets the output of the region’s only nuclear plant. BPA delivers this power to more than 140 Northwest electric utilities, serving millions of consumers and businesses in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of California, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. BPA also owns and operates more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines and 262 substations, and provides transmission service to more than 500 customers. In all, BPA provides nearly a third of the power generated in the Northwest. To mitigate the impacts of the federal dams, BPA implements a fish and wildlife program that includes working with its partners to make the federal dams safer for fish passage. It also pursues cost-effective energy savings and operational solutions that help maintain safe, affordable, reliable electric power for the Northwest. www.bpa.gov

Medford OR - The Bureau of Land Management and United States Forest Service are hosting the biennial Rogue River User Meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PST at the BLM/Forest Service Interagency Office, 2164 NE Spalding Avenue, Grants Pass, Oregon.

This meeting is for permitted commercial guides, outfitters and private parties that utilize the Rogue River. Potential meeting topics include permitting, Leave No Trace, user etiquette, trail use, animal interaction, and how to get involved.

Teleconference participation is available for the first 25 callers for the first hour of the meeting. Phone lines open 5 minutes before the meeting starts.  The call-in number and other pertinent information will be available the day before the event on the BLM Rogue River Recreation web page: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-passes/lotteries-and-permit-systems/oregon-washington/rogue-river

We appreciate your interest in the Rogue River and look forward to your participation in the upcoming meeting. If you have questions, please contact BLM Commercial Permit Administrator,

For additional information please contact Patrick Kollodge, at 541-471-6648 or BLM_OR_MD_Rogue_River_Mail@blm.gov.

-BLM-

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

The Private Security/Private Investigators Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will hold a WebEx/Telephonic meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem, Oregon.  The public is welcome to view the meeting through Facebook Livestream on the Department of Public Safety Standards & Training page. For more information, contact Mona Riesterer at (503) 378-2431.

Committee Members:

Thomas Thomas, Chair, Private Security Industry

Myron Sanders, Investigator, OSB Appointed

Jeremy Grahn, Retail Industry

Fred Kuest, Private Business or Governmental Entity That Utilizes Private Security Services

Daniel Lenzen, Hospitality Representative

Melvin Levinson, Alarm Monitor Industry

William “Mac” McKnight, Armed Security Representative

Steven Swenson, Private Investigator

Edward Sharpe, Health Care Industry

Richard Valencia, Unarmed Security Representative

Les Youngbar, Public Member

 ?>

Administrative Announcement

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

1.  Introductions

2.  Minutes – August 20, 2019

Approve the minutes of the August 20, 2019 Private Security/Private Investigations Policy Committee   

meeting.

3.  Review of Public Comment for the Proposed Rule Changes to OAR Chapter 259 Division 60 Adding the Event & Entertainment Private Security Professional Certification to the Private Security Provider Administrative Rules

Presented by Jennifer Howald

4.  Department Update

5.  Subcommittee Reports

6.  Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting – February 18, 2020 at 1:30 p.m.

## Background Information on the DPSST ##

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

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

 

For Immediate Release                                        

November 12, 2019

Contact:  Linsay Hale   
               (503) 378-2427

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Criminal Justice Background Investigation Workgroup will hold a meeting on November 19, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the Victor G. Atiyeh Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. For further information, please contact Linsay Hale at (503) 378-2427.

Teleconference Information:

Call-In: 888-273-3658

Access Code: 4711910

Agenda Items:

1. Issues/Discussion Points (Continued)

  Presented by Linsay Hale

• Establishing/Defining Moral Fitness for Applicants
• Process for Reviewing Professional Standards Cases involving Applicants
• Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Checks: Employment vs. Certification
• Disclosing Records from Previous Employment – CA/CO Laws

2. Next Workgroup Meeting: TBD

Administrative Announcement

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

Salem, Oregon – Harlen Springer, the chair of the Florence Public Arts Committee and a founding member and past president of the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, has been appointed to the Oregon Arts Commission by Gov. Kate Brown.

Springer is a retired corporate executive with extensive experience leading artistic and consumer products companies including Portal Publications, Numi Organic Tea and Boing Designs. Prior to that, Springer held senior management positions at Fortune 500 companies such as Procter and Gamble, Clorox and Unilever.

As a founding member and the current Chair of the City of Florence Public Arts Committee, Springer has worked with city government, local utilities, civic groups and private individuals to complete 10 projects over the past four years, including sculptures, murals and youth projects. The group received the “Innovation in Business” award for 2018 from the Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their contributions to the city.

Springer also helped to found the Florence Regional Arts Alliance, which now has more than 175 members and sponsors, and operates a gallery where they conduct classes and workshops in all visual mediums, in addition to literary events.

“Since his retirement, Harlen has devoted his time and significant business acumen to the development of the Florence arts community,” said Commission Chair Anne Taylor. “We are incredibly grateful to him and fortunate to enlist his energy in our statewide effort to enrich the lives of Oregonians through the arts.”

“I am honored and humbled by this appointment,” said Springer. “My work in Florence has given me the opportunity to interact with several current Arts Commissioners and it is clear the Commission attracts strong people with a passion for the arts combined with a practical approach to strengthening communities by utilizing the arts to stimulate economic vitality. I share this same passion and desire to have the arts touch the lives of all Oregonians.”

Springer holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Oregon and an MBA from Seattle University. He began his four-year term on Nov. 7.

                   

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.

 

(Salem) – Employers and workers in Oregon’s roofing industry now have a free and convenient way to boost their ability to address fall hazards, thanks to an online video training course launched by Oregon OSHA.

The course, “Fall Protection for Roofing,” is the latest in a series of online educational offerings created by the division to help address fall hazards across specific industries and different on-the-job situations.

“Whether you’re interested in strengthening an existing safety program or just getting started, our roofing course – just like our other online fall protection courses – provides a solid foundation to build on,” said Roy Kroker, consultation and public education manager for Oregon OSHA.

The course, which includes insights from industry leaders, covers a full range of topics. Those topics include hazard identification, fall protection equipment and systems, safe access, and training.

The human and economic costs of failing to account for fall protection are clear. In 2017, for example, there were 5,780 accepted disabling claims in Oregon due to slips, trips, and falls. The average cost of those claims was $23,570.

The roofing course includes the opportunity to receive a certificate of completion. It is the third of five planned online courses about fall protection. The other two that are available are “Fundamentals of Fall Protection” and “Ladder Safety.”

“Fall Protection for Roofing” is available online

Explore the “Fall Protection Suite,” which encompasses the roofing course, and the fundamentals and ladder courses.

Oregon OSHA encourages the use of online training. 

Oregon OSHA’s technical staff members can answer questions to help employers understand how to apply rules to their workplace:

Phone: 503-378-3272

Toll-free in Oregon: 800-922-2689

Email: tech.web@oregon.gov

Online contact form 

Employers may also contact Oregon OSHA’s no-cost consultation services for help with safety and health programs:

Phone: 503-378-3272

Toll-free in Oregon: 800-922-2689

Field office locations and phone numbers 

Email: consult.web@oregon.gov

###

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 www.osha.oregon.gov.

 

 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services will be hosting its first hearing on prescription drug prices on Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oregonians are encouraged to participate in this inaugural event in two ways.

Make your voice heard. The department set up a brief survey for consumers to ask questions and share their stories regarding rising prescription drug prices. Drug prices play a major role in the health care decisions of Oregonians and the cost of prescription drugs have steadily increased in the past 10 years. The department wants to know what questions you have about the increase in prescription drugs and how has it affected you and your family.

For example: Have you had to skip medication in the past 12 months due to the high cost, or have you experienced a heavy hit to your savings in order to pay for prescription drugs?

Submit your questions as soon as possible and they will be included in the public hearing.

Tune in to the hearing. The department is providing multiple ways to tune in to the hearing on Tuesday:  

1. You can attend the event at the Capitol in Salem
2. Watch a live stream at community locations in Astoria, Medford, and Pendleton
3. Watch online, Oregon State Legislature live feed

Ask your questions today and visit dfr.oregon.gov for hearing location information and access to the live stream. 

###

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Martin Lucien Sanders, died the morning of November 14, 2019. Sanders was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Sanders entered DOC custody on January 17, 2013, from Washington County, with an earliest release date of March 14, 2021. Sanders was 61 years old. Next of kin has been notified.                                                                       

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 14,700 individuals who are incarcerated in 14 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 Oregon's only maximum-security prison, located in Salem, and houses over 2,000 individuals. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including death row, 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, inmate work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon's only prison.

####

SALEM, Ore. – The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet Thursday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Salem. The meeting will be in the Santiam Room of Building D on the campus of the Oregon Department of Forestry, 2600 State Street.  The committee’s agenda includes:  

• Private Forest Division update
• Update on availability of tree seed and seedlings
• Update on Governor’s Council on Wildfire Response
• Review of draft changes to the committee’s charter and discussion of vacancies
• Monitoring program updates
• Outreach for House Bill 2469

The meeting is open to the public. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting after approval of the minutes. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by calling Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. You can find more information at  https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/CFF.aspx

                                                               # # #

SALEM, Ore. – The Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee will meet Monday, Nov. 18, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Tillamook Room, Building C on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Salem headquarters campus, 2600 State Street.

The committee will discuss the following topics:

• Forest Legacy Program updates
• Updates from the Private Forests Division
• State Forest Action Plan updates
• Stewardship Program updates
• Coordinating with the Committee for Family Forestlands

This is a public meeting, everyone is welcome. The meeting space is accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting. For more information about attending the meeting please contact Susan Dominique at 503-945-7502.

The Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee advises the State Forester on policy and procedures for the U.S. Forest Service State and Private Forestry programs, such as Forest Legacy and Forest Stewardship. The committee consists of representatives from state and federal natural resource agencies, private forest landowners, consulting foresters, and forest industry and conservation organizations. You can find more information at: www.oregon.gov/ODF/Board/Pages/SCC.aspx.

                                                                                               # # #

Unemployment tax rates for employers subject to Oregon payroll tax will move to tax schedule two for the 2020 calendar year. Tax schedule two includes an average rate of 1.73 percent for the first $42,100 paid to each employee. The specific rate each employer will pay under the new schedule depends on how much they have used the unemployment insurance system. 

Oregon adjusts employer tax rates annually using eight tax schedules based on the solvency of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Movement between the eight schedules of tax rates represents part of the self-balancing aspects of Oregon’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund law. Each September, a formula contained in statute, determines how much should be collected during the next year to maintain a solvent fund. Each schedule has a range of tax rates based on an employer’s previous unemployment insurance experience. Employers with more unemployment insurance claims have a higher tax rate than those with fewer claims. 

As a result of this approach, Oregon has one of the strongest trust funds in the nation. The trust fund provides support for temporarily unemployed workers, their families, and communities while minimizing the impact on employers. This approach allows support without having to reduce benefits to workers, increase employer taxes, or borrow from the federal government, as most other states had to do for the Great Recession. 

Because of Oregon’s innovative Unemployment Trust Fund model, we are well positioned to pay benefits in the next recession. Unlike other states, where employers had to pay additional taxes or surcharges when states borrowed to pay benefits, Oregon’s trust fund is earning interest. This reduces the amount that needs to be collected from Oregon employers to maintain the trust fund. 

Oregon’s unemployment rate has fluctuated slightly, generally remaining at or near a record low for three years. The low number of unemployed workers reflects a very tight job market. This creates some challenges for employers growing their workforce, and means far fewer Oregonians who unable to find a job. The jobs employers provide contribute to a vibrant Oregon economy and support the quality of life for Oregonians.

The Oregon Employment Department mailed notifications to businesses regarding their individual tax rates and encourages employers to wait until they receive their individual notice before attempting to contact the department with questions. Any employer who has not received their notice within the next couple of weeks should contact the Oregon Employment Department Unemployment Insurance Tax Section. Contact information may be found online at www.oregon.gov/employ.

###

Oregon Employment Department is an equal opportunity employer/program.

Oregon Employment Department es un programa/empleador que respeta la igualdad de oportunidades.

(Salem, OR) — On November 14, 2019, Director Kay Erickson of the Oregon Employment Department announced the members of a committee charged with advising the department on implementing the new paid family and medical leave insurance program in Oregon.

“All Oregonians should have access to paid family and medical leave insurance. We all need time to give or receive care at some point in our lives. The new program is designed to help Oregonians take paid time off when it’s most important, and to help Oregon businesses support their workers while thriving and growing through increased workforce participation and employee retention,” said Director Erickson.

Oregon is the ninth state (including Washington D.C.) to pass legislation and work to implement a paid family and medical leave insurance program. “Oregon is at the forefront of implementing this critical program, serving as a model for the nation. This new program will help support workers as they bond with their children during the first year after that child’s birth or adoption, care for a family member who has a serious health condition, deal with their own serious health condition, or issues related to the need for ‘safe leave’ such as domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or sexual assault,” added Director Erickson.

The advisory committee includes: a chair from the Oregon Employment Department, four members representing employee interests, and four members representing employer interests, at least one of whom represents employers that have fewer than 25 employees. This citizen and stakeholder led advisory committee was established by House Bill 2005, passed during the 2019 legislative session.

“More than 50 people submitted interest in participating on the advisory committee. It is encouraging to see such strong interest in, and commitment to, this new program and it was a difficult process to choose members from a qualified group of candidates. We sought people who could bring forward their perspectives, represent those in other groups of workers and businesses, and who can collaborate on difficult issues to help make paid family and medical leave insurance work for all Oregonians,” said David Gerstenfeld, Interim Director of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program.

The department also anticipates that the advisory committee will sponsor workgroups that will involve more people beyond committee members. “It simply is not possible to fully represent all of the situations Oregon workers and businesses face with only nine committee members. We hope the many qualified people who expressed interest in serving on the advisory committee, along with other citizens and stakeholders, will help by providing their suggestions and insights as the department continues to implement this exciting new program,” said Gerstenfeld.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Advisory Committee:

• David Gerstenfeld, Oregon Employment Department, Chair
• Amanda Dalton, Dalton Advocacy
• Jenny Dresler, Public Affairs Counsel
• Linda Herrera, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN)
• Eric Hunter, CareOregon
• Andrea Paluso, Family Forward Oregon
• Eva Rippeteau, Oregon American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
• Paloma Sparks, Oregon Business & Industry
• Jessica Giannettino Villatoro, Oregon American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

For more information on the new paid family and medical leave insurance program in Oregon, to sign up for updates, and follow the advisory committee, visit the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance page on the Oregon Employment Department’s website. 

 

###

The Oregon Employment Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services, and alternate formats are available to individuals with disabilities, and language services to individuals with limited English proficiency, free of cost upon request. TTY/TDD - dial 7-1-1 toll free relay service. Access free online relay service at: http://www.sprintrelayonline.com/

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by the Oregon Employment Department.

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Has Stayed Near 4 Percent for Three Years  

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in September and October. The rate has been between 4.0 percent and 4.4 percent for an unprecedented 36 consecutive months dating back to November 2016. The U.S. unemployment rate ticked up from 3.5 percent in September to 3.6 percent in October.

Other measures of Oregon’s labor force also indicated a tight labor market in recent months. Fewer individuals are remaining unemployed for extended periods: The number of individuals unemployed for 52 weeks or more dropped to 6,000 in October, which was the lowest level in a dozen years and well below the peak of 70,000 in 2010. The number of unemployed who lost their job has remained close to 32,000 for the past three years, which was less than one-quarter of those unemployed due to a job loss in 2009. Meanwhile, the number of people who were unemployed due to leaving their job voluntarily has recently risen above 16,000, up from an average of 12,000 during the prior six calendar years. The increase in the number of people leaving their jobs voluntarily could indicate increasing confidence among workers of being able to easily find another job if they quit their current job.

Oregon’s nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,400 jobs in October, following an upwardly revised gain of 3,300 jobs in September. Gains in October were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+2,400 jobs), government (+2,300), and wholesale trade (+1,000). These monthly gains were partially offset by job losses of 700 each in construction and health care and social assistance, and a loss of 900 jobs in retail trade.

In addition to the strong monthly gains in September and October, quarterly revisions boosted the level of reported employment by 6,400 jobs for June and subsequent months.

Oregon’s payroll employment grew by 27,800 jobs, or 1.4 percent, over the past 12 months. This growth rate was slightly slower than the 1.7 percent average annual growth rate Oregon’s economy experienced over the past 19 months. During the five years prior to that, employment grew much faster—at an average of 2.8 percent per year. Oregon has added jobs at the same pace as the U.S. over the past year.

 

Next Press Releases

The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the October county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, November 19th, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for November on Tuesday, December 17th.

 

Notes: 

All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted.

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

The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this Official Oregon Series data unless noted otherwise. This month’s release incorporates the April, May, and June 2019 tax records data. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS.

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

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

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

November 14, 2019

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

New Seasons expands ground beef recall prompted by E. coli illnesses

PORTLAND, Ore. -- New Seasons Market has expanded its recall of fresh ground beef sold at Portland-area stores after new tests show some of the meat contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 was available for sale as recently as Nov. 8.

New Seasons is recommending customers who bought the ground beef between Oct. 19 and Nov. 8 return the recalled product for a full refund; receipts are not required for the return. Consumers with questions may contact the company at talktous@newseasonsmarket.com.

An additional illness, closely associated with one of the three confirmed illnesses, has been identified. That brings the total number of people who reported illness after eating ground beef purchased at different New Seasons outlets to four. All have recovered.

The implicated products include New Seasons Market’s fresh in-house ground beef and ground beef products sold at all New Seasons Markets Oregon, Washington and California locations, in bulk from the meat cases and packaged from grab and go cases. The ground beef and ground beef products are marked with three days' shelf life from purchase. The recalled products were sold with “Packed On” dates of Oct. 19, 2019, to Nov. 8, 2019, and “Sell By” dates starting Oct. 23, 2019, up to and including Nov. 11, 2019.

OHA identified the outbreak after tests conducted at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory determined that an identical strain of E. coli O157:H7 was present in all three patients. On Nov. 13 OHA received preliminary laboratory results of tests on product samples that were positive for E. coli O157:H7.

New Seasons Market has suspended sale of the product while the Oregon Department of Agriculture and OHA continue their investigation into the cause of the outbreak.

To be sure all bacteria in ground beef are destroyed, cook it to a safe minimum internal temperature of at least 160 F (71.1 C). Use a food thermometer to check that they have reached a safe internal temperature.

E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The condition is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly, and it can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

People who ate the product but did not get sick do not need to do anything. If you developed diarrhea after eating it, you should consult your health care provider and tell him or her about the exposure.

For more information on the recall, E. coli, and food safety please visit:

• New Seasons Market recall page.
• CDC E. coli page.
• Foodsafety.gov.

November 14, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

Public Health Advisory Board meets November 21

What: A public meeting of the Public Health Advisory Board.

Agenda: Discuss public health modernization funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) during the 2019-21 biennium; discuss public health modernization work underway with local public health authorities; discuss the use of syndromic surveillance to determine hepatitis C prevention activities in Eastern Oregon.

When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2-5 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. A public comment period will be held at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Also available remotely by telephone at 877-873-8017, access code 767068, and by webinar.

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

# # #

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

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

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

November 14, 2019

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

Nurse Staffing Advisory Board meets in Portland November 20

What: The quarterly public meeting of the Nurse Staffing Advisory Board.

Agenda: Review of minutes from August 28 meeting; membership updates; status updates on surveys and complaints; committee updates; open action items; nurse staffing surveyor discussion; emerging issues in nurse staffing; public comment. The agenda is available on the OHA nurse staffing website.

When: Nov. 20, 1-5 p.m. A public comment period will be at the end of the meeting.

Where: Portland State Office Building, Room 177, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland; by conference call at 877-336-1829, access code 2075141.

Background: The board advises the Oregon Health Authority on the administration of Oregon’s nurse staffing laws; identifies trends, opportunities and concerns related to nurse staffing; makes recommendations to the Oregon Health Authority on the basis of those trends, opportunities and concerns; and reviews the enforcement powers and processes under Oregon’s nurse staffing laws.

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

Program contact: Matt Gilman, 971-673-2317, matt.s.gilman@dhsoha.state.or.us

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Matt Gilman, at 971-673-2317, 711 TTY or matt.s.gilman@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Spanish / Español

November 12, 2019

Media contact: Delia Hernández, 503-422-7179, phd.communications@dhsoha.state.or.us

2020-2024 State Health Improvement Plan subcommittee meetings

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

• Access to equitable preventive health care.
• Adversity, trauma and toxic stress.
• Behavioral health.
• Economic drivers of health.
• Institutional bias.

Agenda: Continue identifying key indicators and exploring possible strategies.

Where: All meetings are held at the Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St., Portland. Meetings are also available remotely. For remote meeting attendance, visit the subcommittee meeting page:

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

When:

• Institutional Bias Subcommittee: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m. to noon, Room 915.
• Behavioral Health Subcommittee: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.
• Economic Drivers of Health Subcommittee: Friday, Nov. 22, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.
• Access to Equitable Preventive Health Care Subcommittee: Monday, Nov. 25, 1-3 p.m., Room 900.
• Adversity, Trauma and Toxic Stress Subcommittee: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2-4 p.m., Room 900.

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

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

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

# # #

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

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

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

Nov. 13, 2019

Media contact: Rebeka Gipson-King, 503-945-7141, ebeka.gipson-king@dhsoha.state.or.us">rebeka.gipson-king@dhsoha.state.or.us

Program contact: Jacee Vangestel, 503-945-2852, jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us

Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board meets November 21 in Salem

What: A public meeting of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board.

When: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Oregon State Hospital, Callan Conference Room, 2600 Center Street NE, Salem. The public can also attend via toll-free conference line at 888-278-0296, access code 4294893.

Agenda: After the public comment period, topics will include maintaining mental health stability for staff, maintaining confidentiality in an open landscape environment, employment requirements for nursing staff and a report by the Peer Advisory Council.

Details: The Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board advises the superintendent, Oregon Health Authority director and legislators on issues related to the safety, security and care of patients. Members include consumers, providers, advocates, legislators, community members, consumer families and OSH union members.

For more information, see the board’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/oha/osh/Pages/advisory-board.aspx.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Jacee Vangestel at 503-945-2852, 711 TTY or jacee.m.vangestel@dhsoha.state.or.us at least 48 hours before the meeting.

November 12, 2019

Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us

Health Plan Quality Metrics Committee meets November 14

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s Health Plan Quality Metrics Committee (HPQMC).

When: November 14, 1-3:30 p.m.

Where: Clackamas Community College Wilsonville Training Center, Room 210, 29353 SW Town Center, Loop E., Wilsonville. The public also may join remotely through a webinar and listen-only conference line at 877-336-1828, access code 9657836.

Agenda: Welcome and roll call/introductions; review agenda and approve minutes; discussion: extend meeting time to three hours beginning in December; public comment 1:20-1:30 p.m.; update from obesity evidence-based measure development workgroup; update on health equity measure development work; Oregon’s health system transformation; adjourn.

For more information, please visit the committee's website.

# # #

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

 

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.u">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.u, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

November 12, 2019

Media contact: Allyson Hagen, 503-449-6457, allyson.hagen@dhsoha.state.or.us

CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee meets November 15

What: The regular public meeting of the Oregon Health Authority’s CCO Metrics and Scoring Committee.

When: November 15, 9 a.m. to noon.

Where: Five Oak Building, Suite 775, Transformation Training Room, 421 SW Oak St., Portland. The public also may join remotely through a webinar and listen-only conference line at 888-204-5984, access code 1277166.

Agenda: Welcome, consent agenda, and general updates; committee feedback on HPQMC new and innovative measures criteria; public testimony (10-10:10 a.m.); performance improvement projects (PIPs); 2020 continuous enrollment specifications; kindergarten readiness strategy update; equity measure update; adjourn.

For more information, please visit the committee's website.

# # #

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

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

If you need help or have questions, please contact Pete Edlund at 503-931-8873, 711 TTY, .m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.us">peter.m.edlund@dhsoha.state.or.u, at least 48 hours before the meeting.

November 11, 2020

Contact: Robb Cowie, 503-421-7684; obb.cowie@dhsoha.state.or.us"> robb.cowie@dhsoha.state.or.us

OHA reassigns Oregon Health Plan members in 5 counties to new coordinated care organizations for 2020 to preserve access to care

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members in 5 counties will be reassigned to different coordinated care organizations (CCOs), when new contracts for Medicaid health plans begin on January 1, 2020. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is moving members because the CCOs to which some OHP members were originally assigned (or members had chosen during the current member choice period) do not have health care provider contracts in place to serve them.

The changes include:

• Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties: Trillium Community Health Plan will be ineligible to enroll members until at least April 1, 2020. All members currently slated to be enrolled in Trillium beginning January 1, 2020 (approximately 40,000 members) will be reassigned to Health Share of Oregon, the other CCO that is contracted to operate in the tri-counties at the start of 2020. The Oregon Health Authority is taking this action because Trillium Community Health Plan does not have a hospital in its provider network.
  • On November 8, 2019, the Oregon Health Authority notified Trillium Community Health Plan that the CCO will have until June 30, 2020 to contract with a hospital and meet other network requirements. If not, the CCO would lose its ability to serve the tri-county region over the next 5 years.

• Jackson County: More than 10,000 members of AllCare CCO will be reassigned to Jackson Care Connect CCO, starting January 1, 2020. Members will be shifted between CCOs to preserve their current provider relationships: the provider network that currently serves the AllCare members affected by this change will no longer have a primary care contract with AllCare at the start of the new year, but will continue to contract with Jackson Care Connect. AllCare will retain OHP members who are served by other providers in Jackson County.

• Lane County: Members of Trillium Community Health Plan who are served by a primary care provider network, which will no longer have a contract with the CCO in 2020, will be moved to Pacific Source of Lane County. The move is effective January 1, 2020. This change will ensure members continue to have access to their current providers. Trillium will continue to serve other OHP members in Lane County who are not affected by this change in Trillium’s Lane county network.

OHA will notify all affected members of changes in their enrollment in coming weeks, before new CCO contracts take effect on January 1, 2020.

OHA Director Patrick Allen said, “Our top priority during the transition to new CCO contracts has been to make sure OHP members continue to have access to high-quality, well-coordinated health care. OHP members depend on their CCOs to offer the doctors, counselors and other providers they need to ensure health and well-being for themselves, their families and their communities. We are doing everything we can to make sure nothing disrupts those vital provider relationships.”

On July 9, 2019, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced its intent to award 15 organizations contracts to serve as coordinated care organizations (CCOs) for the Oregon Health Plan’s nearly 1 million members. CCOs have been undergoing “readiness review,” which includes examination of their updated provider networks, since the summer. CCOs signed new contracts, totaling more than $6 billion for the 2020 contract year, prior to October 1, 2020. Contracts remain contingent on successful completion of the readiness review process.

About coordinated care organizations: Oregon first established CCOs in 2012 to transform health care delivery in the state. CCOs bring together physical, behavioral, and oral health providers to coordinate care for people on the Oregon Health Plan. They improve health and reduce costs by providing more coordinated, flexible and innovative services. CCOs are rewarded for achieving specific health outcomes and quality measures.

PORTLAND, Ore.—New Seasons Market is recalling fresh ground beef sold at meat counters in three of its stores because it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Three people in the Portland metro area have become ill with E. coli O157:H7 infection after having eaten ground beef purchased at different New Seasons outlets. All are recovering from the illness.

E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The condition is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly, and it can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The recalled fresh ground beef was sold at the company’s North Lombard, North Interstate and Cedar Hills locations. The product comes in 5%, 10% and 20% fat content varieties and is ground at the stores prior to sale. The products implicated were purchased between Oct. 19 and Oct. 23. OHA recommends customers who purchased the ground beef between these dates throw it away immediately.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) identified the outbreak after laboratory tests conducted at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory determined that an identical strain of E. coli O157:H7 was present in all three patients.

New Seasons Market has reported to OHA that it suspended the sale of the product while Oregon Department of Agriculture continues its investigation into the cause of the outbreak.

People who ate the product but did not get sick do not need to do anything. If you developed diarrhea after eating it, you should consult your health care provider and tell him or her about the exposure.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at talktous@newseasonsmarket.com.

• New Seasons Market recall page: https://www.newseasonsmarket.com/product-recalls/new-seasons-market-fresh-bulk-ground-beef-and-ground-beef-products/
• CDC E. coli page: https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/
• Foodsafety.gov: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/meat-preparation/ground-beef-and-food-safety

State Announces Winter Shelter Awards and Homelessness Data

OHCS distributed over $1.7 million statewide to strengthen winter shelter capacity

 

SALEM, OR – Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) provided over $1.7 million to organizations across the state that provide shelter to those without homes. To help ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of Oregonians experiencing homelessness, these investments will strengthen winter shelters by securing facilities to operate shelter, increasing the number of shelter beds, expanding operating hours, providing extended outreach, funding shelter staff, and purchasing bedding, mats, and blankets.

 

“Temperatures have dropped below freezing across the state, and I am heartbroken for those without a roof over their heads,” said Director Margaret Salazar. “These resources will bring in Oregonians from the cold and allow local communities to address local needs.”

 

OHCS made the following awards:

• Central Oregon Continuum of Care (Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties), NeighborImpact – $150,000
• Clackamas County Continuum of Care – $150,000
• Jackson County Continuum of Care – $150,000
• Lane County Continuum of Care – $150,000
• Portland/Multnomah County Continuum of Care – $150,000
• Washington County Continuum of Care – $150,000
• Rural Oregon Continuum of Care (Balance of State) – $877, 696 total
  • Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (Marion and Polk Counties) – $150,000
  • Yamhill Community Action Partnership – $145,000
  • Community Connection of Northeast Oregon (Baker, Grant, Union, and Wallowa Counties) – $55,790
  • Oregon Coast Community Action (Coos and Curry Counties) – $100,000
  • United Community Action Network (Douglas and Josephine Counties) – $75,000
  • Hood River Shelter - $11,000
  • Community Services Consortium (Linn, Benn, and Lincoln Counties) – $141,454
  • Community Action Team (Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook Counties) – $86,500
  • KLCAS (Klamath and Lake Counties) – $27,952

• Helping Hands (Tillamook, Clatsop, Yamhill, and Lincoln Counties) – $85,000

 

These funds are from a one-time allocation of $5 million made to OHCS during the 2019 Legislative Session to address statewide winter shelter capacity. OHCS will release the remainder of these funds through a competitive process in 2020, using the recently released Statewide Shelter Study to prioritize investments. The Shelter Study found that Oregon needs an additional 5,814 shelter beds to provide relief to Oregonians experiencing homelessness identified in the Point-in-Time Count.

 

The Point-in-Time Count attempts to capture both sheltered and unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness to provide a snapshot of homelessness in the United States. The 2019 Point-In-Time Count data demonstrates the continued need for shelter across the state. While the Point-in-Time Count provides critical information about those who cannot find a permanent place to call home on a given night in January, it does not tell the full story of homelessness in each community. Counting those impacted by homelessness is difficult due to a variety of factors and the intention of the Count is to give a general sense of homeless trends in Oregon and across the country.

The Oregon State Marine Board mailed approximately 37,000 boat registration renewal notices to boaters whose motorboat registration expires on December 31, 2019.  Each renewal notice is unique to the owner and their boat. Additionally, registration renewals will also be sent electronically to 38,000 boat owners with emails on file in an effort to encourage online renewal.      

Renewing online using the Marine Board’s online store is fast and easy.  After completing the transaction, boat owners can print a temporary permit and go boating right away.  There is no transaction fee when using a credit or debit card online.  Another option is to mail the payment and coupon to the Marine Board. Registration decals are mailed within 7-10 business days from the date of receipt but may take an additional 2-4 weeks to arrive by US Mail.

Any watercraft with a motor or sailboats 12 feet or longer are required to title and register with the Marine Board. Registration fees vary based on boat length. The average boat length in Oregon is 16 feet, so the cost of a two-year registration is $100.20. 

Boat owners who renew their boat registration online receive their registration decals through the mail, faster. This method is also more cost-efficient, allowing the agency to leverage registration dollars toward boating facility improvement projects and on-water marine law enforcement services. Fees also support the aquatic invasive species prevention and abandoned derelict vessel programs

Access the online store directly at https://www.boatoregon.com/store. View the registration fee table at https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/Pages/Boat-Fees.aspx.

###

The Marine Board is directly funded by boaters in the form of registration, title, and permit fees, as well as through marine fuel taxes. No lottery, general fund tax dollars or local facility parking fees support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees support the boating public through boating safety services (on-the-water law enforcement, training, and equipment), boating safety education, grants for the construction and maintenance of boating access facilities, and environmental protection programs. For more information about the Marine Board and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.

Oregon Heritage Commission has awarded $379,785 in grants to 32 organizations throughout the state. The grants will help fund a variety of projects including collection preservation and access, research, education, exhibits, and film projects. Award amounts ranged $2,020 - $20,000.

Funded projects:

• Abernethy Elementary School PTA, in Portland, for conservation of a WPA mural.
• Architectural Heritage Center, in Portland, for an exhibit about the evolution of South Portland in the 20th century.
• Astoria Scandinavian Heritage Association, in Astoria, for construction of a Nordic Heritage Park.
• Bend Parks and Recreation District for collections care and interpretation of the Hollinshead-Matson Historic House.
• Clackamas County Historical Society, in Oregon City, for proper storage of the textile collection at the Museum of the Oregon Territory.
• Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, in The Dalles, for digitization of The Dalles Chronicle photographs, dating from 1940s to 1970s.
• Four Rivers Cultural Center, in Ontario, to provide folk arts programming.
• Frazier Farmstead Museum, in Milton-Freewater, to publish history booklets.
• Harney County Library Foundation, in Burns, to digitize local oral history interviews.
• High Desert Museum, near Bend, to develop an interpretive pan for the renovation of the museum’s permanent exhibition on the Indigenous Plateau.
• Independence Heritage Museum, in Independence, to catalog and digitize the archival collection.
• Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, in Joseph, to catalog and digitize the collections.
• Lincoln County Historical Society, in Newport, to produce three videos.
• METRO historic cemeteries, in Portland, to research historic records that highlight the history of women buried in METRO historic cemeteries.
• Nehalem Valley Historical Society, in Manazanita, to complete a heritage memoir film about Mary Gerritse.
• City of Oregon City to purchase and implement cemetery management software at Mountain View Cemetery.
• Oregon Historical Society, in Portland, to provide teacher training through workshops.
• Oregon Jewish Museum, in Portland, to create and install the “To Bear Witness: Extraordinary Lives” exhibit.
• Oregon Paleo Lands institute, in Fossil, to create and install the exhibit “John Day, A River Flows Free.”
• Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation, in Portland, to install a historic turntable.
• Portland Japanese Garden to purchase whisper touring devises and design a new map and brochure.
• Portland Youth Philharmonic to preserve sound recordings.
• Restore Oregon, in Portland, to complete phase one of the Jantzen Beach Carousel preservation project.
• City of Salem to stabilize the Ben Maxwell digital image collection.
• Save the PT Boat, Inc., in Portland, to expand interpretive programming.
• Southern Oregon University, in Ashland, to develop the Rogue Valley Women’s Movement Oral History project.
• Talent Historical Society to develop local history curriculum.
• The Vanport Mosaic, in Portland, to hold a gathering of people and organizations documenting Oregon’s past.
• City of Tillamook for conservation of a mural and an art exhibit.
• Tillamook County Pioneer Museum to create and install “Her-Story, The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Oregon and What It Means Today” exhibit and companion book.
• University of Portland to digitize the student-run paper, The Beacon.
• Vanport Placemaking Project, in Portland, to develop design content for interpretation at the Vanport site.

This competitive grant program is for qualifying organizations, and is offered once per biennium for projects that conserve, develop or interpret Oregon’s heritage. It is a program of the Oregon Heritage Commission. The Commission works to secure, sustain and enhance Oregon’s heritage. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and nine agency advisors. Members are chosen from state agencies and statewide organizations, and represent diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds.

The Commission is part of Oregon Heritage, a division of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about the Oregon Heritage Grant or the Oregon Heritage Commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org or contact Kuri Gill at i.gill@oregon.gov">Kuri.gill@oregon.gov or 503-986-0685.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites Oregonians to ditch the shopping bags and lace up their hiking boots to celebrate “Green Friday” Nov. 29. OPRD will waive day-use parking fees that day in 25 state parks across Oregon. 

“Fall weather brings a different flavor to many state parks and we’re encouraging folks to get outside and explore,” said Lisa Sumption, OPRD director. “This is our fifth year celebrating Green Friday and we’re excited to continue the post-holiday tradition.”

Parking is free year-round at almost all state parks; the waiver applies to the 25 parks that charge $5 daily for parking. The waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 29, except at Shore Acres State Park, where it expires at 3 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. A list of parks that charge the $5 parking fee is available online.

Learn more about Oregon State Parks on oregonstateparks.org.

Editors: follow the link for an online gallery of fall photos from Oregon State Parks: link. Feel free to download and use any photos; credit Oregon State Parks.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Governor’s Task Force on the Outdoors will hold their fifth meeting of the year 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at Running Y Ranch, 5500 Running Y Road, Klamath Falls. The meeting is open to the public.

On the agenda: agreeing on a process timeline, including an overview of outcomes from future meetings; refining strategic plan framework and reviewing actions; consideration of adding a fourth strategic goal; and time for public comments. View the full agenda online.

The meeting is the latest in a planned series; subsequent meetings will be held throughout Oregon. The group met for their inaugural meeting in May at Silver Falls State Park, near Silverton. 

Gov. Brown established the task force earlier this year, with the directive to explore long-term strategies for elevating outdoor recreation in the state. Task force members were appointed by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. The governor tapped the Office of Outdoor Recreation, established in 2017 within the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), to guide the task force.

The task force is composed of private and public sector representatives and is chaired by Commissioner Jon Blasher of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. Cailin O'Brien-Feeney, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, will manage the task force. View the full membership list online: oregon.gov/orec/Pages/Governors-Task-Force.aspx.

Building on and uniting other statewide outdoor recreation efforts, the task force will deliver its final report in April 2020 on recommendations for legislation, investment of existing public and private resources, future funding, and high-level management strategies. Top recommendations will be presented to the governor, state legislature and the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Individuals who require special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Carrie Lovellette, OPRD support specialist, Carrie.Lovellette@oregon.gov or 503-986-0733 at least three days in advance.

Initiative emphasizes enforcing gun prohibitions based on domestic violence convictions and mental health denials

WASHINGTON—Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a new initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Specifically, Project Guardian focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.

Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.

“Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across America. Today, the Department of Justice is redoubling its commitment to tackling this issue through the launch of Project Guardian,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Building on the success of past programs like Triggerlock, Project Guardian will strengthen our efforts to reduce gun violence by allowing the federal government and our state and local partners to better target offenders who use guns in crimes and those who try to buy guns illegally.”

“We are pleased to join Attorney General Barr in announcing Project Guardian—a critical initiative aimed at reducing gun violence in communities across the country. Oregonians are no strangers to the heartbreaking impact gun violence has on the lives of its many victims. Enough is enough; continued violence on our streets is simply unacceptable,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We will work closely with our Justice Department colleagues to ensure a speedy rollout of Project Guardian so it can begin saving Oregon lives immediately. I believe it will.”

“ATF has a long history of strong partnerships in the law enforcement community,” said Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Make no mistake, the women and men of ATF remain steadfast to our core mission of getting crime guns off of our streets. ATF and U.S. Attorneys nationwide will leverage these partnerships even further through enhanced community outreach initiatives and coordination with local, state, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to cut the pipeline of crime guns from those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities. Project Guardian will enhance ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, to include identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.”

Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles:

1. Coordinated Prosecution

Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.

2. Enforcing the Background Check System

United States Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.

Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials.

3. Improved Information Sharing

On a regular basis, and as often as practicable given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.

4. Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials

Each United States Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. ATF should engage in additional outreach to state and local law enforcement on how to use this denial information to better assure public safety.

Additionally, United States Attorneys will consult with relevant district stakeholders to assess feasibility of adopting disruption of early engagement programs to address mental-health-prohibited individuals who attempt to acquire a firearm. United States Attorneys should consider, when appropriate, recommending court-ordered mental health treatment for any sentences issued to individuals prohibited based on mental health.

5. Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination

Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.

Federal law enforcement represents only about 15% of all law enforcement resources nationwide. Therefore, partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the communities they serve are critical to addressing gun crime. The Department recognizes that sharing information with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners at every level will enhance public safety, and provide a greater depth of resources available to address gun crime on a national level.

For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore.—Jared Elias Case, 26, of Umatilla, Oregon, was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release after repeatedly assaulting his significant other.

According to court documents, on July 19, 2018, Case punched his then-significant other in the face, breaking her nose and causing other injuries. Case was charged and later convicted of fourth-degree misdemeanor assault in Umatilla County Circuit Court and a domestic abuse protection order was issued by the Umatilla Tribal Court. The protection order prohibited Case from having contact with the crime victim pending a full hearing.

One month later, on August 22, 2018, Case went to a party with the crime victim in violation of the protection order. He began drinking and started arguing with her. While she was seated in a chair, Case put his hands around her neck and strangled her until she blacked out. When she regained consciousness, she got up to leave. Case followed her outside, grabbed her by the shoulders and repeatedly punched her in the face until she again lost consciousness. Case fled, abandoning the crime victim who was lying unconscious in a driveway. He later turned himself in to the Umatilla Tribal Police Department.

On July 9, 2019, Case pleaded guilty to one count of assault by strangulation. As part of his plea agreement, Case will pay restitution his victim as ordered by the court. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for February 10, 2020.

This case was investigated by the Umatilla Tribal Police Department and FBI Portland’s Safe Trails Task Force. It was prosecuted by Jennifer Martin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

Domestic violence is a serious violent crime that includes both physical and emotional abuse. It is frequently hidden from public view. Many survivors suffer in silence, afraid to seek help or not knowing where to turn. The traumatic effects of domestic violence also extend beyond the abused person, impacting family members and communities.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you need assistance or know someone who needs help, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Many communities throughout the country have developed support networks to assist survivors in the process of recovery.

The StrongHearts Native Helpline offers culturally specific support and advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence. Please call 1-844-762-8483 or visit www.strongheartshelpline.org for more information.

The Safe Trails Task Force (STTF) unites FBI and federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in a collaborative effort to combat the growth of crime in Indian Country. STTF allows participating agencies to combine limited resources and increase investigative coordination in Indian Country to target violent crime, drugs, gangs and gaming violations.

# # #

PORTLAND, Ore., November 12, 2019—OnPoint Community Credit Union announced today that Jackie Dunckley will serve as Chief Talent Officer, a new position that serves on the credit union’s Executive Team. OnPoint, the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon with more than 383,000 members and $6.1 billion in assets, created the position to demonstrate its dedication to employee and member experiences during the company’s incredible growth.

“We believe investing in our people makes us even better at serving our members and community. The Chief Talent Officer will ensure that commitment is met as we grow well into the future,” said OnPoint President and CEO Rob Stuart. “Jackie has demonstrated purpose and excellence in leading OnPoint’s Human Resources team over the past five years, and she is uniquely qualified for this role.”

Since joining OnPoint in 2014, Dunckley has made important contributions to OnPoint as Vice President of Human Resources, including building partnerships across the organization, as well as developing systems and practices to support effective talent management. As part of her new role, she will lead efforts to promote OnPoint’s work around diversity, equity and inclusion. She will also lead the Member Services team, which includes more than 70 team members in OnPoint’s Contact Center. With more than 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Dunckley will continue to cultivate talent and provide excellent service to members.

“Our members and employees are the heart of OnPoint, and when we do what’s right for our employees, they are empowered to do what’s right for our members,” said Dunckley. “That is why the commitment to grow and retain OnPoint’s exceptional talent is at the core of our five-year strategy and I’m proud to be leading that effort.”

Prior to OnPoint, Dunckley earned her B.S. from Northern Arizona University and her Juris Doctorate from the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. She was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 1998. Following a brief legal career, she took her expertise in-house to develop a diverse HR career in the newspaper, high tech, biotech and finance industries.

Dunckley also has a strong passion for education and serves as chair of the Board of Trustees at De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland. Dunckley lives in Beaverton with her husband Curtis and three children.

The OnPoint Executive Team is comprised of the following members:

• Rob Stuart, President/Chief Executive Officer
• Jim Armstrong, Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer
• Jackie Dunckley, Senior Vice President/ Chief Talent Officer
• Veronica Ervin, Senior Vice President/Chief Risk Officer
• Jim Hunt, Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
• Steve Leugers, Senior Vice President/Chief Credit Officer
• Tory McVay, Senior Vice President/Chief Retail Officer

ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 383,000 members and with assets of $6.1 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 13 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at: 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

Contact: Colby Reade, APR

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

yr@murdocktrust.org">colbyr@murdocktrust.org

360.694.8415

 

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Honors Standout Educators and Students in Science Fields

 

Pacific Lutheran and Reed professors headline awards given for outstanding efforts in science research and education

Students from Whitworth University, University of Puget Sound, Walla Walla University, University of Portland, George Fox University, Whitman College, Trinity Western University, Pacific Lutheran University, Eastern Washington University, Willamette University and University of Alaska Anchorage recognized for outstanding research

 

For Immediate Release

 

November 11, 2019 – This week, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust continued its commitment to support and honor the important work of scientific research at predominantly undergraduate Pacific Northwest Universities at the twenty-eighth annual Murdock College Science Research Program Conference.

 

This year’s conference, themed “Collaboration–A Key to Success in Undergraduate Research,” included multiple awards for outstanding college and university educators as well as exciting news about a new program designed to increase collaboration among scientific institutions.

 

“Our benefactor, Jack Murdock, believed deeply in the importance of scientific research as a source of innovation and inspiration to help improve the lives of all individuals, families and communities,” said Dr. Steve Moore, executive director, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to recognize, honor and celebrate the tireless work of the outstanding researchers and educators who seek to serve the common good of our region through science.”

 

Pacific Lutheran and Reed Professors Honored

 

Dr. Dean Waldow, Professor of Chemistry, Pacific Lutheran University received the Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award for his exemplary research in the field of polymer chemistry and his commitment as a mentor to students over more than 25 years. Dr. Alison Crocker, Assistant Professor of Physics, Reed College was honored with the Lynwood W. Swanson Promise for Scientific Research Award for her research regarding the relationship between star formation and galaxy structure and for her investment in involving undergraduate students in her work.

 

The prestigious honors were established in 2016 to recognize two exemplary educators from the Pacific Northwest. The “Swanson Award” highlights a senior faculty exemplar with an established, productive and nationally recognized research program, while the “Swanson Promise Award” calls out a junior faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional potential in these areas through early research and work with students. Both awards were named in honor of noted educator, researcher, entrepreneur, and former trustee, Dr. Lynwood Swanson, upon his retirement from the Murdock Trust.

 

“It is an honor to recognize the valuable work of both Dr. Waldow and Dr. Crocker,” said Dr. Moses Lee, Senior Program Director for Scientific Research and Enrichment Programs, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. “Throughout his career, Dr. Swanson inspired and engaged students and young people through his own passion for science and discovery. He believes strongly in the ability of science to solve real world challenges and for educators to serve as mentors to the next generation of researchers. We are so proud to be able to honor Dr. Swanson’s legacy and recognize the outstanding work of those who seek to continue that effort, such as Dr. Waldow and Dr. Crocker.”

 

Dr. Dean Waldow will receive a $15,000 cash prize as part of his award and Dr. Alison Crocker will receive a $7,500 cash prize. A portion of each cash award is set aside specifically to help fund further student research and supplies.  

 

The awards were formally presented at the 2019 Murdock College Science Research Program (MCSRP) Conference in Vancouver, WA. The annual conference drew hundreds of college students and science educators from across the Pacific Northwest.

 

In addition to the two faculty awards, The Murdock Trust also honored several college students for research presentations delivered at the event. They include:

 

The 2019 John Van Zytveld Award in the Physical Sciences

“A transparent UVA-1 biocompatible photoresin towards 3D printed lab-on-a-chip”

Name: Samartha Shrestha and Christopher Roberts

Institution: Whitworth University

Mentor: Dr. Philip Measor

 

The 2019 John Van Zytveld Award in the Life Sciences

 “Song recognition and hybridization in a new secondary contact zone of white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys”

Name: Will Brooks

Institution: University of Puget Sound

Mentor: Dr. Peter Wimberger

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Ecology-Evolution-Biodiversity

“Potential Factors Impacting the Severity of Seagrass Wasting Disease in the Salish Sea”

Name: Kallan Richards (presenter) and Noah Cline

Institution: Walla Walla University

Mentor: Dr. Cecilia Brothers

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Ecology-Evolution-Biodiversity

“Structural and spatial characteristics of Acer macrophyllum influence epiphyte communities in the Hoh temperate rainforest”

Name: Kaela Hamilton

Institution: University of Puget Sound

Mentor: Dr. Carrie Woods

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Developmental Biology-physiology

“Identifying How Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Affects Cardiac Neural Crest Migration Following Fetal Alcohol Exposure”

Names: Pia Fornell

Institution: University of Portland

Mentor: Dr. Laura Dyer

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Molecular and Cell Biology

 “Regulation of Functional hERG Isoform Expression by Poly(A) Binding Protein N1”

Name: Laney Search and Rachel Drgastin (co-presenters)

Institution: George Fox University

Mentor: Dr. Matthew Stump

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Neuroscience-Psychology-Exercise Science

“'The Role of Endolysosomal Trafficking protein Rab7A in DLX 5/6 Interneuron Development”

Name: Andrew Neumann

Institution: George Fox University

Mentor: Dr. Jim Smart

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Biochemistry

“Quantitative NMR Analysis Reveals New Trends in Substrate Specificity of Benzoate Dioxygenase”

Name: James Bent

Institution: Whitman College

Mentor: Dr. Jon Collins

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Organic Chemistry

“A practical synthesis of fluorinated catechol derivatives using silver(I) fluoride”

Name: Alan Brooke

Institution: Trinity Western University

Mentor: Dr. Chadron Friesen

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Analytical-Inorganic-Physical Chemistry

“Physicochemical properties of 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-quinones appended with phosphonato groups”

Names: Kailin Mooney

Institution: University of Portland

Mentor: Dr. Eugene Urnezius

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Analytical-Inorganic-Physical Chemistry

“Endothermic singlet fission in di-benzoic acid perylene oligomers”

Name: Jennica Kelm

Institution: Pacific Lutheran University

Mentor: Dr. Nadia Korovina

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Environmental Science-Geology

“sUAV Mapping of the Porcupine Bay Road Landslide Complex”

Names: Ethan Ducken

Institution: Eastern Washington University

Mentor: Dr. Chad Pritchard

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Microbiology

“Microbial community composition of Oregon marine sediment: In search of novel archaea”

Name: Helen Madeen (presenter), Cassie Cosler, Jamie Smith, Mayely Polanco, and Alexandra Bless

Institution: Willamette University

Mentor: Dr. Rosa Leon Zayas

 

Murdock Poster Prize 2019 - Physics and Engineering

“PIC Simulations of Multipole Plasma Trap Diagnostics and Loading Methods”

Name: Henrique Miller

Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage

Mentor: Dr. Nathaniel Hicks

 

Inspiring Collaboration

 

In addition to honoring work completed by faculty and students, the 2019 MCSR Conference introduced a renewed commitment to inspire and support new research that has yet to begin. Leaders from numerous scientific institutions joined together to unveil RAISE (Research Across Institutions for Scientific Empowerment).

 

Formerly known as the Collaborative Research Alliance, RAISE seeks to create opportunities for researchers at mainly private colleges and universities and a few public research-active, primarily undergraduate institutions around the Pacific Northwest to connect and collaborate on new projects.

 

“Science does not exist in a vacuum,” said Dr. Lee. “The best research and findings often come when teams working on similar areas of research are able to combine their efforts, share their findings, and inspire one another to pursue new and cutting-edge tracks of discovery. RAISE will present a variety of opportunities for educators and researchers around the Pacific Northwest to grow and expand their work.”

 

For more information about the MCSRP Conference and how the Murdock Trust invests in science education and research, please visit www.murdocktrust.org.

 

About the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The Murdock Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest—Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington—that seek to strengthen the region’s educational and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. Since its inception in 1975, the Trust has awarded more than 6,700 grants totaling more than $1 billion of which about $200 million supported projects in scientific research. For more information, find the Murdock Trust on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and on our website.

 

About Dr. Lynwood Swanson

After starting his career as a professor and administrator at Linfield College, Dr. Swanson moved to Oregon Graduate Institute before co-founding FEI, a world-leader in electron optics and focused ion beam technologies in scanning and transmission electron microscopies. In conjunction with his extensive career in science education and research, Dr. Swanson served as a tireless advocate for these fields as a trustee for thirty years.

 

#####

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Animals Shouldn’t Be Able to Sue Owners says Farm Bureau

Oregon Farm Bureau issues statement on Justice the horse’s lawsuit against its former owner.

SALEM, OREGON, Nov. 14, 2019 — Last week, the Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, and Oregon Dairy Farmers Association partnered to draft a friend of the court brief on precedent setting litigation pending in the Oregon Court of Appeals. The case squarely addresses whether a horse has a right to sue his owner in court for damages relating to the horse’s neglect. The case, Justice, an American Quarter Horse v. Gwendolyn Vercher, is an attempt by the Animal Legal Defense Fund to set precedent in Oregon that animals have legal personhood, including the right to sue humans in court. This case could open the door to expansive and significant litigation regarding the ability to own and manage livestock, produce meat or dairy products, participate in rodeos or FFA, and even have working dogs. It could even subject pet owners to private rights of action and allow activist groups to bring lawsuits under the guise of animals seeking to vindicate nonexistent rights.

If successful, this case puts the livestock industry and rural Oregon at risk. Moreover, Oregon would become the first state in the country to grant animals legal personhood, which would have a profound impact on our society and legal system. Our organizations got involved to ensure that the Court understands the history and context of Oregon’s animal welfare statutes and to ensure the Court understands the expansive, far reaching implications of this case for the livestock industry.

To be clear, the facts of this case were abhorrent, and the defendant was rightfully prosecuted for the neglect of her horse. However, Oregon law already has severe consequences for those who abuse and neglect animals and there is a mechanism for those who rescue neglected animals to be compensated for their care. But these legitimate concerns are not what this case is about. This case is simply an effort by animals rights activists to pull the ultimate thread in a longstanding effort to unravel and halt livestock operations in Oregon. We will continue to stand strong to protect the livestock industry from the significant precedent set by this case.

###

Note to Editors: “Farm Bureau” is a registered trademark; please capitalize in all cases.

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

Oregon Farm Bureau President Sharon Waterman is an OFB Hall of Fame honoree and operates a Century Ranch raising sheep, cattle, and timber in Bandon. She is OFB’s 16th president.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Farmers, ranchers, and foresters are invited to a free farm and ranch succession planning workshop on Dec. 10 as part of the Oregon Farm Bureau Convention at the Salishan Resort in Gleneden Beach. 

Changing Hands: Succession Planning Workshop

It’s never too early or late to begin planning for the future of your farm or ranch. With proper planning, you can provide for the future harmony of your family and viability of your farm business. Whether you have heirs or a business successor yet or not, this workshop will give you the legal, financial, and interpersonal tools you need to take the next step in succession planning. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and foresters to learn from the state's leading experts in the field:

• Maria Schidlkofer, Attorney at Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt PC
• Diana Tourney, Accountant and Farm Succession Coordinator at Clackamas Small Business Development Center
• Mark Wickman, Founder and Counselor at Family Business Counsel
• Nellie McAdams, Staff at Oregon Agricultural Trust

The event will take place as part of the 2019 Oregon Farm Bureau Convention.  

When: Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

Workshop from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Happy Hour from 4:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Salishan Lounge for farmers of all generations thinking about non-family succession and business partnerships.

Where: Salishan Lodge 7760 North Highway 101, Gleneden Beach

Who: All are welcome. Please RSVP! 

RSVP to Nellie McAdams, nellie@oregonagtrust.org, 971.409.6806

###