Seven people who were found illegally operating their All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on Longview Timber Company during archery season near Silverton in September 2009 have pled guilty in Marion County Justice Court.

In September 2009 an Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division trooper responded to complaints from archery hunters regarding a group of five people operating ATVs on Longview Timber property. The operation of ATVs on Longview Timber property is prohibited year round. The complainant confronted the riders and told them they were not allowed to ride their ATVs on the property. The five people ignored the warning and continued on their way. The trooper located the group approximately seven miles from the nearest locked gate. There were signs outlining the restrictions that the riders had driven past. The group had driven around a locked gate. Members of the group indicated that they didn't think it was a big deal because they were on gravel roads.

The following five defendants pled guilty to Criminal Trespass – 2nd Degree:

JAMES CULVER, age 49, Stayton, OR
RICHARD FRERES, age 32, Stayton, OR
CHAD HAFNER, age 33, Stayton, OR
THEODORE HAFNER, age 56, Stayton, OR
JACOB TOEPFER, age 32, Sublimity, OR

Each of the defendants was ordered to pay:

Court Fees $167
Fine $250
Restitution to Longview Timber $500

Personnel from Longview Timber Company were at the court appearance. They served the five defendants with notice that they are not allowed on Longview Timber Company property for five years.


Six days later, the trooper was patrolling the same area. The trooper heard ATVs approaching his location. He waited and then observed two ATV's. The riders told the trooper that a contractor had opened the gate and let them into the property. The trooper located the contractor, who told the trooper a totally different story. The contractor was leaving the property and met the riders at the gate. He had told the two riders that they were not allowed to ride their ATVs on the property. When the contractor opened the gate to leave, the two riders squeezed by him through the gate, and continued on.

The following 2 defendants pled guilty to Criminal Trespass – 2nd Degree:

CHRIS SCHUMACHER, age 53, Aumsville, OR
SHEILA ROGERS, age 46, Silverton, OR

Each of the defendants was ordered to pay:

Court Fees $167
Fine $250
Restitution to Longview Timber $500

Personnel from Longview Timber Company were at the court appearance. They served Ms. Rogers and Mr. Schumacher with notice they are not allowed on Longview Timber Company property for lifetime.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Contact Info:
Sergeant Mari Chambers
Salem Fish & Wildlife Division
Phone: 503-934-0322

Secondary Contact:
Sergeant Julie Wilcox
Acting Public Information Officer
Phone: (541) 296-9646
Media Pager: (503) 323-3195

At 11:50 AM an Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper from the Klamath Falls Area Command stopped a 2008 Mazda passenger car traveling north on Highway 97 near milepost 257 for several traffic violations. A consent search of the vehicle revealed 113 pounds of prepackaged marijuana concealed in the trunk.

The operator, RICARDO SANCHEZ, 26 years old, from Pasco, WA is in custody for Distribution of a Controlled Substance: Marijuana. Mr. Sanchez will be lodged in the Klamath County Jail.

The approximate street value of the Marijuana is $282,000.

Contact Info: Secondary Contact:
Lieutenant Jason Westfall Sergeant Julie Wilcox
Oregon State Police-Klamath Falls Area Command Acting Public Information Officer
Phone (541)883-5713 ext.234 Pager: (503) 323-3195


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1002/P2080053.JPG

An advisory committee to the Oregon Board of Forestry will meet Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Salem will continue discussing ways for improving administrative rules that define "greatest permanent value" and forest management planning.

The meeting will be held at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters (Santiam Room) at 2600 State Street from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The public is welcome to attend, but no formal comment period is planned.

The committee will apply the ideas generated at its Jan. 7 meeting into various scenarios that represent possible pathways for rule improvements.

The greatest permanent value rule is the standard that must be used – by law – to manage state forests for broad benefits. The Tillamook and Clatsop state forests in northwest Oregon are examples of state-managed forest lands.

The Board of Forestry observed the committee's Jan. 7 meeting. A report of outcomes from that meeting is being presented to the board at its Feb. 10 meeting. The board asked to have the committee formed to gain a wide range of input.

The committee will not make recommendations; instead, it will offer rule concepts and act as a sounding board for the Board of Forestry, which is reviewing the 10-year-old rules.

The 14-member committee is scheduled to conclude its series of meetings on March 17. A summary report will be delivered to the Board of Forestry in April.

In addition to examining at the greatest permanent value rule, the committee is looking at ways to improve the forest planning rule – how forest management plans are constructed and how they can be changed.

After receiving input from the advisory committee and other stakeholders, the board could choose to advance one or more of the developed concepts for further review through the administrative rule-making process.

Committee members are Cass Moseley (co-chair), University of Oregon; Barrett Brown, Oregon Motorcycles Association; Duane Cole, Clatsop County manager; Jeff Hickman, Sierra Club – angling/hunting; Dave Ivanhoff, Hampton Affiliates; Ray Jones, Stimson Lumber Co.; Ed Kamholz, citizen representative; Paul Levesque, Tillamook County administrator; Meryl Redisch, Portland Audubon; George Smith, Coquille Indian Tribe; Bill Street (co-chair), Woodworks District (union); Al Switzer, Klamath County commissioner; Bob Van Dyk, Wild Salmon Center; Joan Zuber, Mazamas (hiking); and ex-officio members Rod Krahmer, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and John Potter, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

The term "greatest permanent value" is defined in state law and administrative rule. It seeks a full range of social, economic and environmental benefits.

Examples of these benefits include timber harvest with resulting revenues for public services in local counties, healthy streams, wildlife habitat and recreation. The rule does not specify how much of each benefit is appropriate. It is up to the Board of Forestry to make that determination.

(PORTLAND, February 8, 2009) – Giving the gift of sight is as simple as checking a box on your 2009 tax return.

Ha Mi Da was born in Burma and within a few months was diagnosed with congenital cataracts. She never received the medical care she needed until she arrived in Oregon last year as part of the refugee program. Finally, at the age of 14 her dense cataracts were removed; however, she remained nearly blind because her brain did not "learn" to see as she developed. Through the Lions Low Vision Care program she now has the opportunity to learn Braille as well as utilize a closed circuit television.

Since 1959 the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation has been offering vital health solutions to Oregonians in need in the areas of sight, hearing and preventative health screenings, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Last year, over 86,000 lives were positively impacted by the Foundation programs. Your gift can make a life changing difference in the life of someone in desperate need of assistance.

The Charitable Checkoff program is an important way in which the Foundations is meeting critical community needs, especially now as 614,000 Oregonians, 118,000 of them children, live with little or no health insurance and turn to the Foundation and to Lions to meet their critical health needs. Thousands of adults and children in need can greatly benefit from the generosity of Oregon tax payers. Please turn your tax refund into life changing assistance by checking the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation on your Oregon state Tax Return.

For more information on the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, call (800) 635-4667 or go to our website at www.orlions.org.

###


Attached Media Files: Ha Mi's vision is improved by the use of a loupe. , Dr. J.P. Lowery examines Ha Mi's visual acuity.

Feb. 8, 2010

Contact: Perrin Damon 503-945-5738
Program contact: Dawn Rustrum 503-947-5104

Governor's Commission on Senior Services Executive Committee to meet Feb. 11
________________________________________

Who: Governor's Commission on Senior Services
What: Executive Committee Meeting
When: Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010
Where: Conference Room 167, Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR

Agenda

Call to order, 10 a.m.; working group reports, 10:05 a.m.; other items, 10:35 a.m.; member items, 10:50 a.m.; adjourn: 11 a.m.
Agenda is posted on the Governor's Commission on Senior Services Web site at www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/adv/gcss/gcss_2010.shtml.

The Governor's Commission on Senior Services is charged in Oregon statute with advising the Governor and the director of the Department of Human Services on needs of elderly persons. The commission is also charged with recommending appropriate actions by the Governor, the Department of Human Services, other governmental entities and the private sector to meet such needs.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for people requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing accommodation should call DHS at 1-800-282-8096 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

# # #

Feb. 8, 2010
Media contact: Christine Stone, 971-673-1282, desk; 503-602-8027, cell;
christine.l.stone@state.or.us

Parents reminded to get kids immunized by Feb. 17
Oregon students will be excluded from school without up-to-date immunization documentation

Public health officials are advising parents that children won't be able to go to school or child care starting Feb. 17 if their records on file show missing immunizations.

State law requires that all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities be up-to-date on their immunizations, or have a religious or medical exemption.

"The goal is to make sure children are fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. If school and child care shot records are not up-to-date, the child will be sent home," said Lorraine Duncan, immunization manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division.

If a child's immunization record shows that he or she has not received the required immunizations, parents or guardians will be sent a letter. Last year, local health departments sent 36,784 letters to parents and guardians informing them their children needed immunizations to stay in school. A total of 4,667 children were kept out of school or child care until the necessary immunization information was turned in to the schools or child care facilities. Most children who are excluded miss one or fewer days of school before turning in up-to-date records.

The number of exclusion letters increased last year because two more vaccines, Tdap and hepatitis A, were required. Tdap is a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster. Whooping cough is still a health issue in Oregon with 273 cases recorded last year. One dose of Tdap vaccine is required for seventh- and eighth-graders. Hepatitis A is a two-dose series. One dose of hepatitis A is required for children 18 months and older to begin child care, preschool, kindergarten and first grade; the second dose is required no later than one year after the first dose.

"Vaccination against childhood diseases is one of the most cost-effective preventive measures we have. Making sure kids have all their shots and don't miss school is a joint effort. Oregon Public Health provides technical help, but it's the hard work and dedication of local health departments, schools and children's facilities that really make this process work," said Stacy de Assis Matthews, immunization school law coordinator, Oregon Public Health.

Many parents receive exclusion letters because their children's school or day care records are not updated, even though they may have all their shots. School and child care staff may use Oregon Immunization ALERT, the statewide registry, to keep records current. However, parents are responsible for ensuring the school or day care has the required information. Public health officials advise parents to update their children's immunization record at school or child care after every shot.

Parents seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider or local health department, or call Oregon SafeNet at 1-800-SAFENET or 1-800-723-3638. No one can be turned away from a local health department because of the inability to pay for required vaccines. Contributions toward administration costs are always welcome. Additional information on school immunizations can be found at www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/imm/school.

###

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers had nearly the same number of DUII arrests this year compared to last year's Super Bowl weekend.

Preliminary statistics indicate between 12:01 a.m., Saturday, February 6th, and 6:00 a.m., Monday, February 8th, OSP troopers arrested 58 DUII drivers.

During last year's Super Bowl weekend, OSP troopers reported 50 DUII arrests during the same time period.

The OSP Springfield Area Command office noted the highest number with 14 DUII arrests, followed by Salem Area Command office (8), and Portland and Tualatin Area offices (7 each).

Information from ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) is not yet available, however OSP troopers did not cover any fatality crashes during this time period. The only fatality crash reported by OSP occurred just outside this time frame late Friday evening. A female pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 34 near Seven Mile Lane. Last year two people died in 2 separate fatal traffic crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Super Bowl Sunday has become one of the nation's most dangerous days on the roadways due to impaired driving. NHTSA statistics show nationally on Super Bowl Sunday (12:01 a.m., Sunday, to 5:59 a.m., Monday) 48 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 percent or higher.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

A two vehicle serious injury crash occurred on Highway 20 West near the Hoodoo Ski Resort, at approximately 10:00 AM today. Three persons were transported to St Charles Medical Center in Bend for treatment.

According to Sergeant Mitchell Meyer of the Oregon State Police (OSP), a 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV was eastbound on Highway 20 when the 71 year old operator, RUTH SPEAKER of Salem lost control. The Suzuki crossed over into oncoming traffic and collided with a westbound 2009 Pontiac Vibe operated by CATHERINE KELLY, age 49 from Kennewick, WA.

SPEAKER was seriously injured. Her two passengers were also transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Neither KELLY nor her two passengers required transport to a hospital.

At the time of the crash it was snowing and icy road conditions were present.

The investigation by OSP is still underway.

ODOT and Black Butte Ranch Police assisted at the scene.

Photographs courtesy of the OSP.

###www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Contact Info:

Sergeant Mitchell Meyer
Oregon State Police- Bend Area Command
Madras Worksite
Phone: (541) 388-6213

Secondary Contact Info:

Sergeant Julie Wilcox
Acting Public Information Officer
Oregon State Police-The Dalles
Phone: (541) 296-9646
Pager: (503) 323-3195


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1002/hoodoo.2.jpg , 2010-02/1002/hoodoo.1.jpg

A Madras-area man was seriously injured Friday morning when the car he was driving traveled off Highway 26 about 1/2 mile east of Rhododendron and crashed into a tree.

On February 5, 2010 at approximately 9:05 a.m. a 1989 Toyota Camry four-door driven by CRAIG ALBERT HEYING, age 24, from Madras, was eastbound on Highway 26 near milepost 45 when it traveled off the right shoulder, sideswiped a tree and then crashed head-on into another tree. HEYING was found lying on the ground outside of his car seriously injured.

HEYING was transported by AMR ambulance to the Welches area from where he was taken by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital. He was using safety restraints.

HEYING's pit bull dog, LEO, was missing following the crash. Last evening the dog was located, unfortunately he was deceased. The Oregon State Police would like to thank all those who attempted to find LEO so he could be returned to his owner.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

A female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and killed Friday night on Highway 34 just of east of Interstate 5.

On February 5, 2010, at approximately 10:25 p.m., a female and two companions had stopped their vehicle on the eastbound shoulder of Highway 34 near milepost 11. They were attempting to locate some property that had fallen from their vehicle.

The female. ANGELA SUE TRICKEL, age 23, from Albany, was crossing the roadway toward the north side of the highway and was struck in the westbound traffic lanes by a 1986 Dodge Caravan, driven by RUTH ANN WOOD, age 61, from Albany. TRICKEL was deceased at the scene. WOOD was not injured.

The Oregon State Police Albany Area Command is continuing the investigation. Troopers on the scene were assisted by the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Tangent Fire Department.

The westbound lanes of Highway 34 were closed for approximately 2 1/2 hours, but ODOT directed traffic through the scene.

There are no photographs available for release.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Contact:

Lieutenant Mark Cotter
Albany Area Command
541-967-2026 x2112

Secondary Contact:

Sergeant Julie Wilcox
Acting Public Information Officer
Oregon State Police-The Dalles
(541) 296-9646
Pager: (503) 323-3195

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will hold public hearings this month on proposed changes to land classification rules used to categorize forest and grazing lands for wildfire protection.

The hearings are scheduled as follows:
* Feb. 16, 1 p.m., Coos Forest Protective Association, 63612 Fifth Rd., Coos Bay
* Feb. 17, 9 a.m., Douglas Forest Protective Association, 1758 NE Airport Rd., Roseburg
* Feb. 19, 9 a.m., Oregon Dept. of Forestry, Bldg. C – Tillamook Room, 2600 State St., Salem

The proposed rule changes reflect revisions made by the Oregon Legislature through chapter 69, Oregon Laws 2009.

The draft changes include:
* How lands are to be classified
* Classification requirements and limitations
* Requirements for maps used in the process
* When to hold community meetings
* Requirements for the formal written order
* Limitations of the protection district and State Forester

The proposed rulemaking would also repeal the current rules.

At the hearings, ODF staff will explain the proposed changes, which were developed by a 29-member steering committee. The committee was made up of a broad cross-section of individuals and representatives of organizations that share an interest in protecting the forest resource and the expanding wildland-urban interface. ("Wildland-urban interface" refers to the area where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped land.)

The recommended rule changes were prompted by alterations to Oregon's landscape that have occurred in the more than 40 years since the forestland classification system was established. In particular, the increased presence of homes in the wildland-urban interface has complicated firefighting efforts and elevated wildfire risk in some forested areas.

The public is invited to attend and comment on the proposed rule changes. Comment can be made in person at the hearings or in writing via letter, email or fax to: Sabrina Perez, rules coordinator, Oregon Dept. of Forestry, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310, 503-945-7212 fax, sperez@odf.state.or.us. Deadline to submit comments is Feb. 22, 2010.

(Salem) – There is still time for aspiring student directors to enter their video, promoting young worker safety, in a statewide contest and win the top prize of $500. The contest, which requires creating a 45-second public service announcement, has a Feb. 15, 2010, deadline. The top three entries will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500 and will earn a matching amount for their school.

The contest's sponsors are the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[Yes]!), Oregon OSHA, SAIF Corporation, American Society of Safety Engineers, and DHS-Public Health Division's Occupational Public Health Program.

The contest is open to all high school students and is designed to increase awareness about safety on the job for young people. The videos must be created with the theme "Save a Friend. Work Safe" in mind. Specific video guidelines, contest rules, and tips for entries are outlined at www.orosha.org/psacontest/.

Bilingual or multilingual PSAs are welcomed, especially in languages commonly spoken in Oregon (such as Spanish and Russian).

Contest winners will be unveiled at an April screening event and entries will be posted to YouTube for voting next month.

###

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, go to www.orosha.org.

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

February 5, 2010

Salem, Ore.― Four forest land managers received awards at the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting today for their work to improve fish and wildlife resources through forest stewardship activities. Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Marla Rae and Board of Forestry Chair John Blackwell presented awards to three private-sector land managers and a public management district.

The awards are presented by the Oregon Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Forestry to recognize the efforts of landowners who contribute substantially to fish and wildlife through forest stewardship and who work for the long-term conservation of Oregon's native species in step with the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds and the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

The 2009 award winners are:

Bud Henderson, Hampton Resources, Astoria


Henderson was recognized for habitat improvements and innovative forestry practices that benefit fish and wildlife on lands managed by Hampton Resources. He played an integral role in the successful reintroduction of wild coho and winter steelhead near the Big Creek Fish Hatchery and completed a number of habitat improvement projects in Clatsop County, including off-channel habitat developments, native riparian vegetation restoration, stream channel reconnection, fish passage improvements through the replacement of stream crossings with bridges and fish passable culverts and large wood placements. One of Henderson's projects was featured on the History Channel's Ax Men series.


Tom Hoesly, Menasha Forest Products Corporation, North Bend and Joel Nelson, Plum Creek, Coos Bay

Over the past two years, Menasha Forest Products Corporation and Plum Creek partnered with the Coquille Watershed Association, ODFW and ODF to implement a large-scale habitat project that will improve habitat in 20 miles of streams in the North Fork Coquille watershed. According to the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the 2008 phase of the project is the largest-scale instream restoration project ever implemented in Oregon. The streams provide important spawning and rearing habitat for coho and chinook salmon, steelhead trout and resident cutthroat trout. The increase in large wood and pool complexity will be immediate and enhance through time.


Paul Stell, Bend Park and Recreation District, Bend

Paul Stell, Bend Park and Recreation District, was recognized for restoration work in Shevlin Park which, under his direction, has become a model of multi-resource management. Along Tumalo Creek, large diameter logs were placed to protect stream banks, narrow the creek channel and provide pool habitat for fish and other wildlife. Streamside vegetation was protected during habitat work and there is no sign of heavy equipment damage to soils. The forest is managed for uneven-aged stands and tree species diversity. Many snags support a variety of wildlife. Over-stocked stands of young ponderosa pine have been thinned to encourage tree growth and remove fuels that contribute to wildfire.


The award program, jointly administered by ODFW and ODF, was created in 1996. Since that time, 45 forest landowners have received the Steward Award for Forest Lands.

More information

Oregon's forests are a valued renewable natural resource, providing a balanced mix of social, environmental and economic benefits to the state. More information is available on the ODF website, www.oregon.gov/ODF

For information on the Oregon Conservation Strategy, visit ODFW's Web site, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/index.asp

Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watershed information is found on the Oregon Plan Web site, http://www.oregon-plan.org/

###

Forestland owner Gary Springer and conservation group director Sybil Ackerman have been appointed to the Oregon Board of Forestry. They replace board members Bill Hutchison and Larry Giustina, whose second terms will expire this spring.

"I immensely appreciate Gov. Kulongoski's timely appointment of the new board members," Board Chair John Blackwell said. "Sybil Ackerman and Gary Springer bring competent and knowledgeable leadership to the Board of Forestry."

Active in Oregon environmental causes since the 1990s, Ackerman is currently executive director of the Portland-based Lazar Foundation, which funds projects to protect the environment throughout the Pacific Northwest. Prior to her employment with the Lazar Foundation, she was legislative affairs director for the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. Her credentials also include positions with the National Wildlife Federation, the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society of Portland.

Ackerman has served on forest-related advisory committees including the Forestry Program for Oregon Revision Committee, State Forest Advisory Committee, and the State Forest Habitat Conservation Committee. She currently serves on Gov. Kulongoski's Nearshore and Environmental Justice task forces.

She holds an environmental law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School, a master's degree in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and a baccalaureate in environmental studies from Scripps College.

Springer is a staff forester with Starker Forests, Inc. of Corvallis and also handles policy and public outreach duties for the family-owned company. In addition, he owns and manages the 80-acre Chinquapin Point tree farm in Harlan. From the 1970s through the 1990s, he was a partner in Springer Logging, his family's contract logging business. Springer has served on a variety of forestry-related boards and committees, including the Forest Practices Advisory Committee and the Committee for Family Forestlands.

He currently serves on the Oregon Small Woodlands Association and Oregon Society of American Foresters executive committees, and on research advisory committees at the Oregon State University (OSU) College of Forestry. He was a member of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute board until his nomination to the Board of Forestry.

Springer holds a baccalaureate in general humanities from OSU.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski announced his nomination of Springer and Ackerman on Jan. 11, and the Oregon State Senate confirmed both appointees on Feb. 5. The board consists of seven governor-appointed members, with the Oregon State Forester serving as secretary. The term of office is four years, and no member may serve more than two consecutive full terms. The mission of the board is to lead Oregon in implementing policies and programs that promote environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable management of Oregon's public and private forests.

Attorney Bill Hutchison of Portland has served two terms on the board. His second term will expire on June 30 of this year. Larry Giustina, managing partner of Eugene-based Giustina Land & Timber Co., will leave the board on April 30 when his second term expires.

"Larry and Bill have given tirelessly during eight years of service to Oregon and Oregonians," Blackwell said.

More information on the Board of Forestry can be found at www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD.

EDITORS NOTE: Photos of Ackerman and Springer can be obtained by contacting Rod Nichols, 503-945-7425, rnichols@odf.state.or.us.

SALEM, OR - Business Oregon Director Tim McCabe has sent the following letter to Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley in response to his recent criticism of Oregon's business climate:

February 5, 2010

Dear Honorable Mayor Daley:

On behalf of all Oregonians, and in particular state business development officials such as myself, I want to thank you for your recent remarks about Oregon's business climate. We truly appreciate your good sportsmanship and sense of humor when you said the recent vote by Oregonians to raise business and certain income taxes was good news for the Windy City. In fact, you went as far as to vow to visit our state to snag a few unhappy Oregon companies and bring them back to the Land of Lincoln.

Let me welcome you by letting you know about a few things you might find upon your arrival. First, in case you have forgotten, we have no sales tax here in Oregon. Second, our property taxes, in particular those on commercial properties, are some of the lowest in the nation. Finally, I am sure you know that the Tax Foundation's recent 2010 Business Tax Climate report found Oregon to be the 14th best state in the nation in which to do business. And, yes, that was after our voters passed the tax increases.

Before you arrive, perhaps you can verify for me some facts about the business climate in your neck of the woods. Illinois ranks 30th in the same 2010 Business Tax Climate report, correct? You have some of the highest property taxes in the nation (12th) and a state sales tax (6.25%) that ranks as the 10th highest in the nation. Of course, Chicago has the highest sales tax (10.25%) of any major U.S. city and parts of Cook County levy an 11.5% sales tax. Illinois also has the 5th highest unemployment insurance tax in the U.S. I just want to make very sure I have my facts straight when Oregon business leaders ask me about the advantages they will enjoy when they join you in Illinois.

We here in Oregon want to thank you for highlighting our state's positive business climate. Did you think Oregon business owners would not realize how much more expensive it would be to operate in Chicago? We are happy to have you draw even more attention to the fact that Oregon is home to more solar manufacturers than any place in North America and was 4th in the nation last year in adding new wind energy capacity.

I look forward to meeting you and buying you a tasty Oregon beer during your visit (yes, the Portland metro area has more breweries than any place in the world) and telling you more of the many reasons why Oregon is a great place to live and to do business.

All the best,



Tim McCabe, Director
Oregon Business Development Department - Business Oregon


###

The Oregon Business Development Department – Business Oregon works to create, retain, expand and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living-wage jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding, and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and entrepreneurs. Visit www.oregon4biz.com for more information on doing business in Oregon.

During the first month of enforcing Oregon's new cell phone law banning most uses of mobile communication devices while driving a motor vehicle, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers statewide reported citing 41 drivers and warning over 250 others.

Effective January 1, 2010, with some exceptions, it is unlawful in Oregon for a driver to use a cell phone without using a hands-free accessory while operating a motor vehicle. Violation of the cell phone law is a primary offense, meaning that a police officer may stop a driver solely for observing the violation, is a class D traffic violation with a minimum base fine of $142.

Additional information about this law is available on our website at:

http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/docs/OSP_Cell_law.pdf

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1002/CellPhoneLaw.Message.JPG

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Thursday morning's fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of a Cottage Grove-area man on Highway 126 East about five miles east of Vida.

According to OSP Lieutenant Robert Edwards, on February 4, 2010 at approximately 10:45 a.m. a loaded commercial log truck driven by JIMMY RAY MARTIN, age 49, from Cottage Grove, was westbound on Highway 126 East near milepost 32. While negotiating a slight curve, for unknown reasons MARTIN drove off the northbound shoulder of the highway and impacted a steep embankment. The crash caused the logs on the trailer to shift forward, impacting the truck's cab and fatally injuring MARTIN and a small dog that was riding with him.

MARTIN was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Springfield Area Command office are continuing the investigation with the assistance of an OSP collision reconstructionist.

McKenzie Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene. Northwest Haz Mat was called out to assist with minor fuel leak resulting from the crash.

Traffic was limited to one lane, with intermittent complete closures, for about three hours.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1002/020410.fatal.hwy126emp32.JPG

Media Contact:
Tom Gauntt, Pacific Power Feb. 4, 2010
503-813-7291 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Roger Rees, Oregon HEAT
503-612-3790


Oregon HEAT and Pacific Power encourage customers to help neighbors by donating via special envelopes accompanying electric bills

TUALATIN, Ore. — Oregon HEAT is kicking off its second decade of helping the state's most vulnerable residents meet their energy needs. Pacific Power, which has been an Oregon HEAT partner since 1993, is urging customers who can afford it to donate to Oregon HEAT to help their neighbors who right now may be having trouble staying current with their energy bills.

"Oregon HEAT continues to be a tremendous asset to the state and that's why we are so proud to partner with them," said Pat Reiten, president of Pacific Power. "Fully 90 percent of the donations sent to Oregon HEAT end up warming the homes of our neighbors who need help. That's an extraordinary achievement and we encourage you to join us by donating whatever you can."

Pacific Power customers wil see blue-bordered Oregon HEAT envelopes with their February bills. These donations go directly to Oregon HEAT. Last year, more than $160,000 in donations came in from customers and Pacific Power employees and retirees. In addition, the company donated almost $236,000 from shareholder funds.

In the 12-month period ending June 30, 2009, Oregon HEAT helped pay energy bills for more than 5,700 persons in Oregon communities served by Pacific Power. That need is expected to be at least as great this year, according to recent national surveys.

"For 20 years, Pacific Power's support of Oregon HEAT has been outstanding," said Roger Rees, executive director of Oregon HEAT. "Customers, employees and shareholders have made such a difference with their contributions to Oregon HEAT. We couldn't meet our mission to keep the lights and heat on for struggling families without their tremendous support."

That need is felt directly at the 30 local community agencies that administer Oregon HEAT funds. Low-income families or individuals who need help apply at one of these agencies located throughout the state. Local agency staff reviews the applications for assistance, verifying eligibility to ensure that only people with a genuine need receive help from Oregon HEAT. Once a household is approved, Oregon HEAT pays the energy provider on their behalf, rather than giving cash directly to the individual requesting help.

Local agencies began taking applications and releasing Oregon HEAT funds in October. For a list of local agencies go to: http://www.oregonheat.org/19-partners

Contributions to Oregon HEAT are tax deductible and can be made by using donation envelopes included with February Pacific Power electric bills, by phone at 503-612-3790 or online at www.oregonheat.org. Credit cards can be used for online and phone donations. Pacific Power will make additional mailings in June. For more information, go to: http://www.pacificpower.net/Navigation/Navigation4217.html


-30-


About Oregon HEAT
Oregon HEAT is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to help low-income Oregonians become more energy self-reliant. In partnership with community agencies throughout the state, Oregon HEAT provides energy assistance and advocates access to energy resources for low-income Oregonians. Oregon HEAT's primary program objective is to prevent disconnection of utility service by providing bill payment assistance to low-income households in emergency situations. To donate to, or learn more about Oregon HEAT visit www.oregonheat.org, call 503-612-3790; or write to Oregon HEAT, P.O. Box 127, Tualatin, Ore. 97062.

About Pacific Power
In 2010, Pacific Power celebrates 100 years serving customers and communities. From our beginnings -- serving 7,000 customers in four Northwest communities -- Pacific Power now provides electric service to more than 724,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity, for another 100 years. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.7 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.

Portland, Ore. – Data released by the Oregon Small Schools Initiative illustrates that students from low income households enrolled in small high schools are making major strides in closing the achievement gap. In particular, recent analysis shows that progress in math achievement among economically disadvantaged sophomores at the Initiative's partnership schools outpaces that of similar students across the state.

"The numbers give us confidence that small schools are creating the conditions for significantly higher levels of student achievement, especially among students who have been underserved historically by the traditional education system," said Duncan Wyse, interim executive director of E3: Employers for Education Excellence.

According to analysis by ECONorthwest, an Oregon-based economics firm, 26% of economically disadvantaged sophomores at Initiative schools met or exceeded the state's math benchmarks when the Initiative began in 2005-2006. At that time, the state average for similar students was 29%. By 2008-2009, Initiative schools had experienced double-digit gains, with 42% of economically disadvantaged students meeting or exceeding math benchmarks, surpassing the state's current meet/exceed average of 38% for low income sophomores.

Addressing the causes and consequences of the persistent academic achievement gap has been one of the primary goals of the Oregon Small Schools Initiative.

"The Initiative targeted communities serving a disproportionately high percentage of disadvantaged students," said Kathy Campobasso, project director of the Oregon Small Schools Initiative. "We are thrilled by the major improvement in just four years, and by evidence that addressing equity in our small schools is benefiting all students. It opens the door for discovering each student's unique talents and gifts."

For the Oregon Small Schools Initiative, closing the achievement gap means ensuring equally high outcomes for all students. Toward that end, the Initiative adopted a multi-faceted approach to addressing ingrained inequities in education, including a staff position dedicated to equity leadership coaching in Initiative schools and districts. It also set the stage for education leaders to gain personal experience and insight into historical and institutional practices that reinforce inequities, and that are extremely difficult to interrupt. At the Initiative's Leading for Educational Equity institutes, education leaders learn about Oregon's timeline of racial and immigration history through Looking Back In Order To Move Forward, a compendium published by the Initiative. It highlights documented evidence of inequitable practices in Oregon dating from the 16th century to the present.

About the Oregon Small Schools Initiative
The Oregon Small Schools Initiative is administered by E3: Employers for Education Excellence, an Oregon based not-for-profit organization founded in 1996 by the Oregon Business Council. E3's mission is to dramatically improve student learning and achievement in Oregon schools. The $28 million Initiative was generously funded by Meyer Memorial Trust and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Although the Initiative concludes in 2010, participating schools will continue building on the foundations already laid to advance professional development and classroom teaching and learning. Currently there are 22 participating small high schools across the state located in Beaverton, Central Point, Eugene, Klamath Falls, McMinnville, Medford, Portland, Springfield and Woodburn. In celebration of the success of the Initiative and the schools, a statewide Initiative tour will take place in 2010. Locations and dates will be released as events are scheduled.

Information on the Oregon Small Schools Initiative is located at the E3 website, www.e3smallschools.org. The Oregon Timeline, Looking Back In Order To Move Forward, is available at www.e3smallschools.org/TR-Initiative_Toolkit.html

# # #

Feb. 4, 2010

Contact: Andrea Cantu-Schomus, 503-947-5027;
Tina Edlund, 503-781-7179

Oregon Health Policy Board to hold monthly meeting

What: Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) public meeting

When: Feb. 9, 2010, 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Market Square Building, 1515 SW 5th Avenue, 9th floor,
Portland, Oregon; seating is limited

The meeting will be streamed online at www.oregon.gov/OHA/

Agenda:

Board Chair Eric Parsons will begin by presenting the Health Incentives and Outcomes Committee's final charter. A letter to the federal delegation in support of state pilot projects will be presented.

Director Designee of the Oregon Health Authority Dr. Bruce Goldberg will present his report.

The board will confirm members of the Health Incentives and Outcomes Committee and appoint new members to the State Health Improvement Committee.

Nancy Turnbull will present on "The Massachusetts Exchange Experience." Nancy is a senior lecturer on health policy and the associate dean for educational programs at the Harvard School of Public Health Department of Health Policy and Management. She is also a member of the Massachusetts Health Insurance Connector board of directors.

The meeting will include a presentation about Health Insurance Exchange design considerations, followed by invited testimony.

Public testimony will occur during the last 30 minutes of the meeting.

If you plan to attend the meeting, please note that seating is limited. You are invited to watch the meeting via a live Web stream. You can also offer any questions during the meeting by e-mailing ohpb.info@state.or.us. Staff will answer as many questions as possible during the public testimony period and follow up on any questions that can't be answered during the meeting.

# # #

(Note: Last name spelling correction to read "BELL". Original release incorrectly listed "Ball")

A Central Point-area man died Wednesday night from injuries sustained when he was struck by a car while attempting to walk across Highway 101 in Harbor on the southern Oregon coast. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation.

According to OSP Sergeant Scott Punch, on February 3, 2010 at approximately 8:42 p.m. a 1990 Ford Tempo four-door driven by LARRY R. WATSON, age 57, from Crescent City, California was southbound in the left lane on Highway 101 near milepost 357 in Harbor. A pedestrian identified as LLOYD ANTHONY BELL SR., age 52, from Central Point, was attempting to cross the highway from a shopping center area on the east side to the west side when he was struck by the car.

BELL was transported by Cal-Or air ambulance to Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City where he was pronounced deceased about 30 minutes after he was struck.

WATSON was not injured.

Highway 101 at the scene of the fatal crash has four lanes, two in each direction, separated by a continuous left turn center median. The area is posted as a 45 mph speed zone, and except for business lighting there are no overhead street lights.

OSP troopers from the Gold Beach office are continuing the investigation.

Curry County Sheriff's Office, Harbor Fire Department, and Cal-Or Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1002/020310.fatal_ped.hwy101mp357.1.JPG

CORRECTIONS POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED

Notice of Regular Meeting

The Corrections Policy Committee of the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST) will hold a regular meeting at 1:30 p.m. on February 16, 2010. The meeting will be held in the Boardroom at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training located at 4190 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem, Oregon. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling Carolyn Kendrick at (503) 378-2358.

Agenda items:
1. *Minutes (November 17, 2009)
Approve the minutes of the November 17, 2009 Corrections Policy Committee meeting.

2. *OAR 259-008-0005(18) - Proposed Rule Change
Definition(s) - "Leave"

3. *OAR 259-008-0020- Proposed Rule Change Personnel Action Reports related to "Leave"

4. *OAR 259-008-0030 - Proposed Rule Change Extension of Time Limit related to "Leave"

5. *OAR 259-008-0060 - Proposed Rule Change Public Safety Officer Certification related to "Leave"

6. *OAR 259-008-0067 - Proposed Rule Change Lapsed Certification related to "Leave"

7. *Adelina Garcia - DPSST #48093
Determine whether or not GARCIA's Basic Corrections certification should be revoked based on violation of the moral fitness standards.

8. *Richie Goss - DPSST #17319
Determine whether or not GOSS' Basic Parole and Probation certification should be revoked based on his discretionary disqualifying misconduct.

9. *Tina M. Holbrook - DPSST #34808
Determine whether or not HOLBROOK's Basic and Intermediate Corrections certifications should be revoked based on violation of the moral fitness standards.

10. *Christopher G. Maestas - DPSST #40074 Determine whether or not MAESTAS' Basic and Intermediate Corrections certifications should be revoked based on violation of the moral fitness standards.

11. *Richard M. Mitchell - DPSST #41867
Determine whether or not MITCHELL's Basic Corrections certification should be revoked based on violation of the moral fitness standards.

12. *Lisa K. Phillips - DPSST #35703
Determine whether or not PHILLIPS' Basic Corrections certification should be revoked based on violation of the moral fitness standards.

13. *Shane Scarborough - DPSST #49815
Determine whether or not SCARBOROUGH's Basic Corrections certification should be revoked based on violation of the moral fitness standards.

14. *Mary M. Tanner - DPSST #34397
Determine whether or not TANNER's Basic Corrections and Police certifications should be revoked based on violation or the moral fitness standards.

15. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting - May 18, 2010 at 1:30pm


# Background Information about the Board and Department #

The Board consists of 24 members representing city, county and state public safety professionals representing each of the disciplines (police, fire, 9-1-1, corrections, private security), and a private citizen appointed by the Governor. The current Board Chair is Sheriff Andy Bentz of Malhuer County. The Board includes administrators as well as non-management representatives from statewide organizations. The Board represents more than 30,000 public safety professionals and establishes minimum standards for the training and certification of city, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security/private investigator providers, and makes determinations on waiver requests. The Board is supported by six policy committees and a number of sub-committees representing the public safety disciplines, which provide technical expertise and serve as vital links to public safety organizations. The Board operates in close partnership with the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) implements minimum standards established by the Board for training and certification of city, 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 20,000 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.

Feb. 3, 2010

Contact: Perrin Damon, 503-945-5738
Program contact: Max Brown, 503-945-6993

Oregon Disabilities Commission committees to meet Feb. 8
________________________________________

Who: Oregon Disabilities Commission
What: Executive Committee and Employed Persons with Disabilities (EPD) Subcommittee meetings
When: Monday, Feb. 8, Executive Committee, 10 a.m. to 12 noon; EPD Subcommittee, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. NE, Salem; Executive Committee – Conference Room 166; EPD Subcommittee – Conference Room 166.

Agenda: Executive Committee – Items include call to order, legislative review of bills, meeting planning and public comment.

Agenda: EPD Subcommittee – Items include call to order, discussion of asset portability, EPD training follow-up, other items and public comment.

The agendas are posted on the Oregon Disabilities Commission Web site, www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/adv/odc/index.shtml.

The Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC) is a Governor-appointed commission housed in the Department of Human Services (DHS). The commission is charged by state statute to advise the Governor, the Oregon Legislature and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving full economic, social, legal and political equity for individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations should call DHS at 1-800-282-8096 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

# # #

CONTACT:
Jim Scheppke
Oregon State Librarian
(503) 378-4243

February 2, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


The State Library Board Budget Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, at the Oregon Commission for the Blind in Portland. The meeting will be held in the conference room, beginning at 9:00 a. m.

The Budget Committee is a subcommittee of the State Library Board that is charged with developing a budget proposal for the State Library budget in 2011-13 that will be presented to the full Board at their meeting in June. The Committee will also consider possible statutory change proposals that the Board might want to submit to the Governor in April. This is the first of three planned meetings of the Committee. Committee members from the Board are Beth Pearl-Gent from Sisters (Chair), Richard Turner from Portland, and Sam Hall from Salem. State library managers and three staff members also participate on the Committee.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested prior to 48 hours before the meeting; notice prior to 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats prior to 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to April Baker at 503/378-2464.

(Salem) — Oregon homeowner insurance is among the least costly in the nation, averaging $496 a year, according to a nationwide survey. That compares to an average $822 nationwide and is lower than all states except Idaho and Wisconsin.

The 2007 data, the most recent available, was released recently by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

"Oregon's competitive insurance market helps keep premiums low, as does the lack of hurricanes and tornadoes in the state," said Teresa Miller, administrator of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services' Insurance Division.

Since the late 1980s, catastrophes have been occurring with greater frequency and severity, and, in the past decade, have become a bigger factor in the pricing of home insurance, according to the survey. Of the 10 most costly insured property U.S. catastrophes through 2008, eight were hurricanes. That includes Hurricane Katrina in 2005, according to Insurance Services Office (ISO) statistics. ISO's Property Claim Services (PCS) unit provides catastrophe loss information to insurance and other industries.

Flooding, earthquakes, and wildfire are more common concerns in the West.

"Homeowner policies typically don't cover floods or earthquakes but coverage can be purchased separately for both," Miller said.

Renters' insurance is also lower in Oregon compared to other states. The average annual cost in Oregon was $161 in 2007 compared to $182 nationally, according to the report. That amounts to less than $14 monthly for a policy that protects against everything from fire to theft.

Numbers reported in the survey are averages; premiums for individual homeowners and renters may be higher or lower. A particular homeowner's insurance costs, for example, depend on the amount of insurance purchased, the types of property covered, the types of perils covered and the limits and deductibles a policyholder chooses.

"Even though average premiums in Oregon are low, homeowners may see increases from time to time," Miller said. "It's always beneficial to shop around for insurance and make sure you're receiving any discounts that apply."

For more information on homeowners and renters' insurance visit: http://insurance.oregon.gov/publications/consumer/3253.pdf.

The Insurance Division also has consumer advocates who can help Oregonians who have questions about their insurance or believe they are being treated unfairly by insurers or agents. You can reach the advocates at 503-947-7984 or toll-free at 1-888-877-4894.

###
The Insurance Division is part of the Department of Consumer & Business Services, Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

Feb. 2, 2010

General questions: Andrea Cantu-Schomus, 503-947-5027
Technical questions: Mary Ellen Glynn, 971-673-1674

Work to develop Oregon's approach to drug and alcohol prevention continues


What: Public meeting of the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission's Subcommittee on Prevention

When: Feb. 5, 2010, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, Oregon,
room TBD

Agenda: The Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission's Subcommittee on Prevention drafted a prevention framework and principles during the past three months. On Friday the subcommittee will review the draft, which includes a description of these four levels: primary prevention, promotion, universal selective and indicated. These four categories describe which populations each strategy or program serves. The subcommittee will discuss next steps and identify the prevention policy or policies that will be presented to the full commission at its next meeting on March 18, 2010.

###

Contact: Alissa Bateman-Robbins; desk, 971-673-2296; cell, 503-490-6590; alissa.bateman-robbins@state.or.us

New Study Reveals National and Oregon Flu Data about Native Americans

Influenza update for Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010

Native Americans in Oregon haven't been hit as hard by the flu as indigenous people in other states. A study of 12 states, including Oregon, showed Native Americans died from flu at a much higher rate than the general population during the 2009 H1N1 season.

Last week, on Jan. 27, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) included a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report of deaths related to 2009 pandemic H1N1 among American Indian/Alaska Natives in 12 states between April
15 and Nov. 13, 2009.

"Nationally, it appears the rate of death from pandemic H1N1 among American Indians and Alaska Natives was four times higher than it was for the general population," says Richard Leman, MD, epidemiologist for Oregon Public Health, who contributed to the report.

Leman says it's not clear exactly why the death rate is higher for indigenous people, but it may be linked to higher rates of underlying health conditions such as diabetes, or healthcare access issues that may have delayed prompt medical care.

"Fortunately, we haven't seen this disparity in Oregon, but we're looking at the national information and taking it very seriously," Leman says. Only one Native American has died from pandemic H1N1 flu in Oregon since Sept. 1, 2009: a woman who had multiple underlying health problems.

Leman credits tribes and local health departments for their work to make vaccine available to Oregon's native populations. On the Warm Springs reservation, tribal health staff went to the homes of people at increased risk of severe complications from flu to encourage them to get vaccinated. Through this "Knock and Talk" program, they helped many people protect themselves from the infection. Tribes based in Oregon also worked with Oregon Public Health to secure supplies of vaccine and antiviral medication so that tribal members could be protected from H1N1 infection.

Though flu activity in Oregon has declined in recent weeks, public health officials warn that another spike could happen. Since Sept. 1, 2009, 1,307 people have been hospitalized with the flu, and 66 people have died.

Vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting yourself and those around you from the flu. The pandemic H1N1 vaccine is now widely available in convenient locations such as chain grocery stores and pharmacies.

For more information or to find the vaccine locally, visit www.flu.oregon.gov or call the Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline (1-800-978-3040). The hotline has discontinued its nurse triage line, but operators continue to offer valuable information — including assistance in finding vaccine — from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. For the latest news, connect with us at: www.facebook.com/FluOregon and www.twitter.com/fluoregon.

###

Media Notes:
* Contact your local law enforcement agencies to learn about any special enforcement efforts in their area
* Links to two videos of DUII driver-related incidents courtesy of Oregon State Police (#1 – Wrong way DUII driver nearly collides head-on with OSP trooper. #2 – DUII driver crashes in front of OSP trooper)
* Photograph Source - Oregon State Police

***

Today in Eugene, the Oregon Governor's Advisory Committee on DUII, in partnership with the Oregon State Police, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, and the Oregon Department of Transportation, announced that police officers statewide will be intensifying efforts Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th, as part of the national "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" campaign. The announcement involved a team of traffic safety partners at an alcohol impairment awareness demonstration at the Lane Event Center in Eugene. The goal: raise awareness about the importance of driving sober so we can save lives.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of America's biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and families gather to watch the big game. Yet, it has also become one of the nation's most dangerous days on the roadway due to impaired driving. According to ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), neither of Oregon's two traffic fatalities during last year's Super Bowl weekend involved an impaired driver. But, during 2008 a total of 136 people lost their lives in alcohol-impaired crashes.

"Make the right call before this weekend's game by designating a sober driver," said Governor Ted Kulongoski. "Play by the rules of the game out on our roads. Help everyone to safely travel wherever they may be going by making responsible decisions."

Tossing your keys to a sober driver should be a pass made all year, not just Super Bowl weekend. State, county and local police agencies will put extra patrols on area roads to defend against those dangerous and impaired drivers who aren't playing by the rules. Last year, OSP troopers arrested 50 DUII drivers over the weekend, twenty-one of which happened Sunday after 12 noon. Two years ago, troopers arrested 23 DUII drivers over Super Bowl weekend, of which thirteen happened after 12 noon. Annually, Oregon police officers arrest an average of 25,000 DUII drivers.

"The message is simple and to the point. Driving under the influence is a crime and just not acceptable. No matter what you drive — a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle — if you get caught driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be arrested," said Chuck Hayes, chair of the Governor's Advisory Committee on DUII and retired director of the Oregon State Police Patrol Services Division.

Irresponsible decisions can also have a bigger financial impact following an Oregon law change that went into effect January 1, 2010. Courts can now impose a minimum fine of $2,000 on those persons convicted of DUII with a blood alcohol content of .15 percent or more.

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 32 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday, 49 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes where a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.

Oregon State Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, ODOT and Mother's Against Drunk Driving stress that designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone's Super Bowl party list. Join their team and report possible intoxicated drivers to 9-1-1 or Oregon State Police dispatch at 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7856).

If you are hosting a Super Bowl party:

* Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired driving crash.
* Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers.
* Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
* Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
* Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:

* Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
* Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
* If you don't have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
* Use your community's Sober Rides programs;
* Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. Remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.
* Always buckle up – it's still your best defense against other impaired drivers.

For updated information on highway work and current travel information throughout Oregon, visit www.tripcheck.com, or call the Oregon road report at 5-1-1 or (800) 977-6368.

Law enforcement representatives present at Tuesday's awareness event were from the following agencies:

Oregon State Police
Lane County Sheriff's Office
Eugene Police Department

Additional tips and more information is also available at www.StopImpairedDriving.org .

NOTE: Media ride-along requests should be directed to your local OSP office and local police agencies. Questions regarding local OSP patrol plans should be directed to your local OSP office.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1002/TDO.I84.DUIIcrash.wmv , 2010-02/1002/PDO.I205.Wrongway.wmv , 2010-02/1002/020210.eugene.duii.5.JPG , 2010-02/1002/020210.eugene.duii.4.JPG , 2010-02/1002/020210.eugene.duii.6.JPG , 2010-02/1002/020210.eugene.duii.1.JPG

Mary Josephson Paintings Exhibited
in Governor's Office
Art work on View Through March 5, 2010

An exhibition of oil paintings and charcoal drawings by Portland, Oregon artist Mary Josephson is on display in the office of Governor Ted Kulongoski through March 5, 2010. Josephson's paintings make masterful use of a vivid color palette coupled with a strong design sense. Her works address the human character or spirit, conveying an everyday life that has been infused with a sense of resilience while remaining fragile. They retain a sense of humor while conveying goodness; and recognize an individual's ability to rise above adversity with a mythological-like strength.

Born in 1953 in Biloxi, Mississippi, Josephson grew up in a military family that moved frequently. As a result, she saw constant change in both the landscape and friends. Learning to "read people below the surface and make friends quickly," Josephson's artwork recalls her youth spent in the desert communities of the American southwest. Here, against a backdrop of Western movies and television shows, her childhood adventures discovered inspiring terrain and a land teeming with life. Josephson recalls that this early exposure to the juxtaposition of realism and fantasy in a landscape form prompted her to the revelation that "people and things may not be how they seem." This concept has prevailed in her artwork and become a life-long metaphor for her.

Josephson received a BFA from Pacific Northwest College of Art, and certificates from Parsons School of Design and Ecole National Superior Des Beaux Artes in Paris. She has been a teacher at Oregon College of Art and Craft and taught art to TAG and at-risk youth in Portland Public Schools. Her work is in major regional collections including the Portland Art Museum, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene; the Tacoma Art Museum, Portland Community College, and OHSU, among others. She is represented by the Laura Russo Gallery, Portland.

In 1994 she received an Oregon Arts Commission Artist Fellowship and in 2003, was awarded the Edwin Austin Abbey Fellowship for Mural Painting from the National Academy of Design in New York.

Mary Josephson's work may be seen in the Office of the Governor, 2nd floor, Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court Street in Salem, Mondays through Fridays from 8 am – 5 pm.

The Art in the Governor's Office Program honors selected Oregon artists with exhibitions in the reception area of the Governor's Office in the State Capitol. An exhibit in the Governor's
office is considered a lifetime honor. Artists whose work has been shown there include Gordon Gilkey, Sally Haley, Yuji Hiratsuka, Manuel Izquierdo, James Lavadour, Henk Pander, Michele Russo and Margot Thompson.
‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐ ‐

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 the 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 grant-making, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.

The Arts Commission is supported with general funds appropriated by the Oregon legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from the Oregon Cultural Trust.
‐ 30 ‐


Attached Media Files: Mary Josephson, Where I Live, 2008. Oil on wood, 60 × 48 inches. Courtesy of the artist and Laura Russo Gallery

Information agenda includes carbon market and estates program updates

Salem – The State Land Board will be asked to endorse measures the Department of State Lands can implement as part of the Mid-Columbia Steelhead Conservation and Recovery Plan. The bi-state plan affects steelhead populations in Fifteenmile Creek, and in the Deschutes, John Day, Umatilla and Walla Walla rivers in Oregon.

The department's measures include working with landowners to avoid impacts to wetlands and other state waters in the region, and conducting educational outreach for people interested in voluntary restoration projects.

The board also will discuss and be asked to approve a recommendation for managing the Elliott State Forest near Coos Bay. Public comment will not be taken on this agenda item. The key components of the recommendation include:

· In collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), initiate an independent scientific review of aquatic/riparian management strategies to help resolve differing viewpoints on protecting streams and aquatic habitat.

· Set a Dec. 31, 2011, deadline for completing approval of a revised Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that is acceptable to the Oregon Department of Forestry, Department of State Lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and NMFS. If a new plan is not approved by this date, the 1995 HCP will be terminated and a take avoidance strategy will be implemented to protect threatened and endangered (T&E) species on the forest.

· Concurrent with the above, develop a revised Forest Management Plan that would use take avoidance for management of T&E species on the Elliott, and have the revised plan in place by Dec. 31, 2011, if a new HCP is not approved.

· Concurrent with the above work, develop a sound understanding of carbon market opportunities for the Elliott State Forest. The overall goal is to achieve a 3-5 percent return on the forest's value, in conjunction with the preferred management strategy determined by Dec. 31, 2011.

The State Land Board owns about 91 percent of the 93,000-acre Elliott State Forest, which is an asset of the Common School Fund. Twice a year, the board sends distributions from the earnings of the fund to Oregon's 197 public school districts. The Oregon Department of Forestry manages the forest for the board and Department of State Lands.

In other business the board will hear an informational briefing on carbon markets and the annual report of the department's Estates Program.

The meeting will be held at the State Lands Building, 775 Summer St., NE in Salem, beginning at 10:00 a.m., in a facility that is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please notify Lorna Stafford at (503) 986-5224 (lorna.stafford@state.or.us) at least two working days prior to the meeting.


The State Land Board consists of Governor Theodore Kulongoski, Secretary of State Kate Brown and State Treasurer Ben Westlund. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon's Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit.

####
www.oregonstatelands.us

General questions: Andrea Cantu-Schomus, 503-947-5027
Technical questions: Darcy Strahan, 503-945-9722

DHS seeks volunteers for mental health housing committee

Oregon Department of Human Services Addictions and Mental Health (AMH) Division is in need of two volunteers to serve on its Community Mental Health Housing Fund Advisory Committee. Members of the committee recommend how millions of dollars are distributed from the Community Mental Health Housing Fund with the purpose of developing and building housing for people living with mental illness.

House Bill 3446 established the Community Mental Health Housing Fund in 1999. The fund was created using the interest earned from the sale of the Dammasch State Hospital property in Wilsonville. Over the last four years this renewable financial resource has helped create housing for more than 260 Oregonians with mental illness.

Committee members are asked to attend meetings held every other month in the Salem area; however, statewide representation is encouraged. Meetings are generally held the third Thursday of every month. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Appointments will be made by AMH Director Richard Harris and Residential Programs and Service Manager Darcy Strahan. Applicants will be notified by mail if they are selected for the committee.

If interested in volunteering, please contact Darcy Strahan at 503-945-9722.
###

BEND, Ore. — Wells Fargo donated $74,750 to 31 nonprofit groups in Central Oregon in 2009, including $43,850 to 17 groups in the second half of the year.

The grants from July to December 2009 included $25,000 to La Pine Middle School for a solar energy education program; $3,000 to The Kids Center in Bend; and $2,500 to High Desert Museum in Bend. Central Oregon Veterans Outreach in Bend received $1,500. Most of the additional grants made to community groups in Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville were for $1,000.

"Cash grants are just one facet of our community support," said Mike Sventek of Bend, Wells Fargo's Community Banking district manager. "We also help to sustain the economic well-being of our communities through our community development programs, support for diverse suppliers, our generous team members who volunteer and make personal donations, and our financial education and environmental programs."

Wells Fargo, which employs 150 team members in Central Oregon, has repeatedly been named one of the most philanthropic corporations in America. BusinessWeek magazine recently ranked the company as the second-most generous foundation in America.
United Way of Deschutes County awarded its "Pacesetter" award to Wells Fargo last year for starting its United Way campaign before the official kick-off and attaining a high percentage of involvement.

Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,000 stores and 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.

# # #

(Note name spelling correction victim to show it as DYLAN ROYLE AYER. We apologize for the initial incorrect spelling as "Dillon".)

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers, with the assistance of several local police agencies, is continuing the investigation into Monday morning's fatal traffic crash at the intersection of Highway 99E and Old Highway 34 east of Corvallis. A 2 1/2 -year old boy in a jogging stroller was killed after being struck by a commercial truck pulling a semi-trailer as it was in the process of turning onto Highway 99E from Old Highway 34.

OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation, including confirmation of where the jogging stroller was when it was struck. Initial released information that it was struck by the truck while being pushed across Highway 99E has not been confirmed. Anyone with information to assist in this investigation is asked to contact OSP Recruit Trooper Phil Van Leuven at (541) 967-2026 ext. 4310.

According to OSP Lieutenant Mark Cotter, on February 1, 2010 at approximately 10:00 a.m. a 2001 Freightliner truck pulling an empty semi-trailer driven by MARCUS D. COULTER, age 37, from Lebanon, was westbound on Old Highway 34. COULTER reportedly came to a stop for a red stop signal. He then was attempting to turn right from westbound Old Highway 34 onto northbound Highway 99E when the jogging stroller containing DYLAN ROYLE AYER, age 2 1/2, was struck. The stroller and victim came to rest in the northbound lanes.

Prior to the incident, COURTNEY B. AYER, age 35, from Tangent, was pushing her son's stroller while she jogged southbound on the northbound sidewalk. She came to a stop on the northeast corner of the intersection on the sidewalk prior to the stroller being struck.

DYLAN AYER was pronounced deceased at the scene.

COURTNEY AYER may have received some minor injuries to her hands and arms.

COULTER was not injured.

The Linn County Medical Examiner are assisting along with officers from Linn County Sheriff's Office, Albany Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, and Sweet Home Police Department.

Tangent Rural Fire Protection District and ODOT also responded and assisted at the scene. Traffic was coordinated through the area and was able to get through in both directions on Highway 99E during the investigation.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1002/020110.fatal.hwy99e.old34.1.jpg , 2010-02/1002/020110.fatal.hwy99e.old34.2.jpg

PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 1, 2010)--Five Oregon Air National Guard members from the 142nd Fighter Wing will assist with the ongoing earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

The airmen are scheduled to depart Portland International Airport tomorrow morning via a commercial flight.

The five citizen-airmen are members of the 123rd Weather Flight, a tenant unit of the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter Wing, based at the Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Ore.

The group will provide weather operations and support at the Port-au-Prince Airport in Haiti, as part of the military task force already in place.

According to Chief Master Sgt. Jim Hotaling, Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Combat Operations Group, the group will spend approximately three months in Haiti providing the task force with weather operations support.

Members of the United States military have been assisting with ongoing relief efforts following a series of devastating earthquakes which struck Haiti Jan. 12.

The Oregon Air National Guard has approximately 2,200 airmen in the state of Oregon, based at the 142nd Fighter Wing in Portland, Ore., and the 173rd Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Ore.

Semi-annual payments provide local funds for districts

Salem – Oregon's 197 K-12 public school districts received the first of two 2010 Common School Fund payments of $25,225,016.50. The funding was included in the 2009-2011 budget approved by the Oregon Legislature last year.

The State Land Board, composed of the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer, oversees the fund, which was established at statehood to provide funding from state lands for Oregon's "common" – or public – schools.

Due to declines in the value of investments held by the Fund, the market value of the Common School Fund decreased significantly in 2009 from over $1 billion to a low of $720 million. As a result, 2009-11 distributions were expected to be significantly lower than previous years.

At their April 2009 public meeting, the board adopted a new distribution policy to send 4 percent of the three-year rolling average of the fund's value to schools. In June, they adopted a resolution to increase the amount to 5 percent in the 2009-11 biennium to maintain the same distribution level of funds. With this change, the anticipated total distribution for the two-year period is $99.2 million. The 2007-09 biennium distribution was $95.8 million.

"At a time when the state's funding for education is strained, we hope this will even out the distributions to schools, and provide some level of consistency for state and local education budgets," said Gov. Ted Kulongoski, chair of the Land Board.

The two-year adjustment is temporary, said Department of State Lands (DSL) Director Louise Solliday, who noted that the board's long-range goal is to significantly increase revenue into the Common School Fund through strategic land-management actions, including investments in industrial, commercial and residential lands.

DSL transmits funds each December and June to the Department of Education for distribution to the state's 197 school districts. "The Common School Fund is a vital backstop for school funding during difficult economic times," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo. "This funding will help Oregon teachers in preparing our children for education beyond high school and family-sustaining jobs in our workforce."

The Constitution requires the Land Board to manage lands under its care to obtain the greatest benefit for Oregonians, consistent with conservation values and prudent land management techniques.

The State Treasurer, one of three members of the Land Board, and the Oregon Investment Council invest the fund. By law, the state dedicates the funds for "support and maintenance of common schools in each school district." The population of children ages 4-20 determines each county's share of the earnings.

More information about the Common School Fund is available on the DSL Web site: www.oregonstatelands.us.

EDITORS/REPORTERS: The attachment shows the January 2010 distribution from the Common School Fund.


###

www.oregonstatelands.us

www.ode.state.or.us


Attached Media Files: 2010-02/1074/2009_10_CSF_Jan._payment.pdf

Oregon Department of Forestry News Brief
Released: February 1, 2010


WHAT: Engaging Oregonians through collaborative efforts to advance understanding, assessment, and report of forest sustainability.

The Roundtable is an open, participant-driven network and a forum for discussion and action; a gathering place for anyone who is interested in Oregon's forests – to share information, evaluate and discuss forest conditions and trends, build common ground, and help shape a common understanding and vision for the future of Oregon's forests.

During this meeting, the Roundtable will hear a report on recent Board of Forestry discussion and action regarding the Roundtable concept; begin work on a draft charter; discuss short-term communications and outreach, and future meeting logistics; begin work on a draft shot-term work plan; and finalize agreement on next steps.

WHO: The Oregon Roundtable on Sustainable Forests

WHEN: 9: a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday, February 8, 2010

WHERE: Oregon Department of Forestry Salem Campus, Tillamook Conference Room - Building C, 2600 State Street

WHY: The Roundtable creates the opportunity to promote forest resource management in a manner that integrates environmental, economic, and social considerations, using the goals and objectives of the Forestry Program for Oregon and the Oregon Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management as common state frameworks.

MORE INFORMATION: More information about the Roundtable, including the February 8 meeting agenda, is available on the Roundtable's website at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/indicators/roundtable.shtml.

Contact: David Morman, Oregon Department of Forestry, at 503-945-7413 or dmorman@odf.state.or.us.

###

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers arrested a Eugene-area man Sunday afternoon who was wanted on felony warrants after a brief attempt to elude was brought to an end when his car caught fire north of Klamath Falls.

According to OSP Sergeant Patrick Trippett, on January 31, 2010 at approximately 3:16 p.m. OSP Trooper Travis Peterson stopped a Toyota Camry southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 281 for a traffic violation. The driver identified himself as JAMES LEE EMARY, age 39, from Eugene. Peterson returned to his patrol vehicle and upon running a wanted check learned EMARY was wanted on three felony warrants out of Klamath County Circuit Court. Peterson approached the Toyota to take EMARY into custody when EMARY fled southbound in his car.

Speeds were near 80 mph as Trippett joined Peterson to assist. After about three miles black smoke and flames were seen coming from underneath the Toyota's hood. Speeds dramatically slowed to about 30 mph for about one mile and then EMARY pulled onto the shoulder and stopped.

The highway was closed in both directions while EMARY was taken into custody from the car without further incident. The fire fully engulfed the vehicle and was subsequently extinguished by fire crews from Klamath County Fire District 1 and Kingsley Field. The highway was closed about 20 minutes.

EMARY was arrested and lodged in Klamath County Jail for:
* Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle
* (Warrant) Failure to Appear – Burglary
* (Warrant) Failure to Appear – Possession of a Controlled Substance
* (Warrant) Failure to Appear in the Second Degree

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
(Note: EMARY photograph not available)

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/013110.emary.elude.1.JPG

Food stamps now SNAP
New name recognizes importance of healthy, nutritious foods

In January, Oregon officially changes the name of its federal food stamp program to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Oregon joins 26 other states making this change to emphasize that nutritious and healthy foods are within reach of low-income households.

The Food Stamp program began in the 1960s under President Kennedy. The use of food stamp coupons in Oregon and other states was replaced long ago with debit-like cards. In fact, food stamp coupons are now part of the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Today's convenient and easy-to-use Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards maintain benefit balances safely and securely, and work in grocery store debit/credit card-scanning devices.

While the name has changed, the purpose of the program has not. SNAP benefits supplement a family's overall food budget, but are not intended to entirely cover it. For people with little or no income, SNAP benefits can make the difference between choosing healthy foods or those that have little nutritional value. SNAP benefits continue to be used to purchase foods such as breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish and poultry; and dairy products. Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, non-food items, vitamins, medicines, pet foods and other items are not allowed.

"The new name, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, highlights nutrition as a key ingredient in the recipe for being healthy and staying that way," said Vic Todd, administrator of the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Self Sufficiency Programs. "The SNAP program has a direct influence on the overall health of Oregon's low-income households. It is especially true for those households with children -- and children make up about 40 percent of all SNAP benefit recipients."

With the new name come new resources for families. For example, the SNAP program now offers, among other nutrition resources, a "Healthy Family Guidebook" that provides money-saving menus, recipes, and tips on buying and serving healthier foods. The guidebook is available at www.nal.usda.gov/fsn/Loving/HealthyFamilyGuidebookEnglish.pdf.

To be eligible for SNAP benefits, a family must have income less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level and meet other qualifications. For a family of four, the income limit is less than $3,400 per month. The maximum benefit for a household of four totals $668 per month. The overall average SNAP benefit per household is approximately $250 per month.

Approximately three-fourths of all SNAP households have some form of income, which results in the actual benefit level received being reduced from the maximum. In Oregon more than 675,000 people benefited from this program during December 2009.

To learn if you might be eligible for SNAP benefits, visit your local DHS office. You may also go online to the new Oregon SNAP Web site at www.snap.oregon.gov/. DHS also partners with SafeNet, 1-800-SAFENET (723-3638), to help people find local resources such as food pantries or other assistance.

###

Attached: new SNAP logo


Attached Media Files: New SNAP logo

A Union Gap, Washington woman reportedly driving to Mexico with possessions for needy people was seriously injured shortly after midnight Thursday morning when the pickup she was driving was struck by a commercial truck on Highway 97 next to the Chemult Rest Area. Freezing fog conditions were present at the time of the crash that closed the highway for nearly 3 hours. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation.

On January 28, 2010 at approximately 12:10 a.m. a 1993 Nissan pickup driven by CARMEN CISNEROS, age 58, from Union Gap, Washington was southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 207 followed by her uncle in a separate vehicle. Two commercial vehicles were following their two passenger vehicles.

The preliminary OSP investigation indicates CISNEROS missed the southbound Chemult Rest Area exit and attempted to turn left across the northbound lane into the northbound rest area entrance on the opposite side of the highway. While CISNEROS was attempting the turn, her uncle and the first commercial truck stopped in the southbound lane. The second southbound commercial truck driven by JUAN LOPEZ, age 80, from Fresno, California attempted to pass the first commercial truck and crashed into the left side of the turning Nissan pickup.

Upon impact, the Nissan pickup flipped upside down and came to rest on its top in the middle of the southbound lane. LOPEZ's commercial truck and semi-trailer continued past the pickup and stopped in the ditch along the southbound lane.

CISNEROS received serious injuries and was transported by Chemult EMS ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls. Safety restraint use information is not available. Information also indicated CISNEROS' pickup was loaded with clothes and other possessions that she was taking to Mexico to donate to needy people.

LOPEZ was not injured.

Highway 97 was closed in both directions until about 3:00 a.m. Traffic was detoured by ODOT through the northbound rest area entrance ramp.

OSP troopers from Gilchrist and Bend responded to the crash.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police (note: freezing fog conditions affected picture clarity)

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/012810.hwy97mp207.3.jpg , 2010-01/1002/012810.hwy97mp207.2.jpg , 2010-01/1002/012810.hwy97mp207.1.jpg

Tens of millions spent or committed for key priorities of food, water and shelter


WASHINGTON, Thursday, January 28, 2010 — In an operation that has involved more emergency response teams than any other single-country disaster in global Red Cross history, the American Red Cross has so far spent or committed more than $67 million to meet the most urgent needs of earthquake survivors in Haiti.

The American Red Cross is currently focusing on three areas through its emergency responders and partners:

1. Sending food to those in need, including 3 million pre-packaged meals and funding for World Food Program efforts that will enable them to feed up to 1 million people for a month.

2. Providing clean drinking water, including 3.5 million liters distributed to date in 68 settlements. Each day, the Red Cross is distributing enough water for 100,000 people.

3. Distributing shelter items, such as blankets, tarps, sleeping mats and tents, to families who have been left homeless.

The Red Cross is also meeting the health needs of Haitian survivors and providing support to Haitian families in Haiti and the US. This includes providing relief supplies, shipment of blood products, family linking services and providing Red Cross volunteers to the USNS Comfort, which have been in Haiti for one week.

To date, 79 percent of the funds have been committed or spent on food and water; 18 percent on shelter items; and the remainder on health and family services.

More than 49 flights carrying Red Cross aid have arrived in Haiti. Additional planes, ships and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are en route. For example, yesterday, 15 trucks of relief supplies arrived from Santo Domingo. A new Red Cross warehouse with more than 50,000 square feet of capacity is also now operational in Port-au-Prince, which means that relief supplies have a safe place to be stored ahead of distribution.

Although the current focus is on addressing urgent needs, the American Red Cross is also looking ahead and applying experience gained after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. For the past five years, the American Red Cross has been working with partners in Southeast Asia to construct water and sanitation systems, provide emotional support and health care, build shelters, restore livelihoods and prepare communities for the next disaster. The American Red Cross plans to offer a similar level of support in close collaboration with Red Cross partners and other international and local aid organizations in Haiti.

People can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. A $10 donation made through mobile giving can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, basic first aid supplies or a blanket appropriate to the climate.


###


You can help the victims of countless crises, like the recent earthquake in Haiti, around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

NOTE: Event organizers are seeking two more volunteers from the area media willing to be involved in the "wet lab". The individuals would be volunteer drinkers helping to illustrate the individual effect of drinking through field sobriety testing and interviews. Anyone interested who has a question can contact Senior Trooper Mike Iwai at (503) 934-0267.

***

The Oregon Governor's Advisory Committee on DUII, in partnership with the Oregon State Police, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, Oregon State Sheriff's Association and the Oregon Department of Transportation, announces that police officers statewide will be intensifying efforts Super Bowl Sunday, February 7th, as part of the national "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" campaign. To kick off the state's participation, traffic safety partners will hold an alcohol impairment awareness demonstration in Eugene. The goal: raise awareness about the importance of driving sober so we can save lives.

When:
February 2, 2010
12 noon – 4:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. – Event kickoff/Briefing with volunteer drinkers
12 noon – Media briefing and interviews with invited guests and law enforcement representatives
1:00 p.m. – Field sobriety demonstrations
3:00 p.m. – Final breath tests and event wrap-up

Where:
Lane Events Center (Fairgrounds)
796 W. 13th Avenue
Eugene, Oregon 97402
(Link to map & directions: http://www.laneeventscenter.org/maps.html)

What:
In what is called the "Super Bowl HVE Media-wet lab", volunteers will consume various amounts of alcohol and will be tested by police officers to demonstrate the intoxicating effects of alcohol and how these effects relate to driving. The field sobriety tests to be demonstrated at the event will include the horizontal gaze nystagmus eye test, the walk and turn test, and the one-leg stand test.

Who:
Several individuals will be present at the DUII awareness event to discuss some of the impaired driving legislation passed during the last session. Key area law enforcement personnel will also be present to discuss their agencies' special enforcement activities.

Additional:
Related information and two OSP in-car videos of DUII drivers will be made available to media for use following the event.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/DUIICrackdown_sign_1.jpg

In early 2009, ten Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) projects were selected for funding under the Go Oregon Stimulus Plan that was established by the Legislature last year to create jobs, correct deficiencies in critical systems and improve energy efficiencies. DOC was awarded $6,685,000 to complete several projects statewide.

Two Rivers Correctional Institution recently began work on the Solar Array project; one of two solar projects funded for the facility. The total budget for this project is $240,000. The system will be a supplemental solar power source for the laundry and food bank buildings located on the facility grounds, thus resulting in reduced electrical bills.

Christensen Electric of Portland, Oregon completed the majority of the project for just under $154,000. Remaining work, which is to be done by local contractors, includes installing gravel in the maintenance area, fencing and installation of a computer based trend analysis program to track the carbon dioxide avoidance the system provides.

DOC has entered into an exchange agreement with Umatilla Electric Cooperative to provide system output monitoring and reporting in exchange for renewable energy credits.

Date: Jan. 28, 2010

Low-income Oregonians have a chance for health care coverage

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are spreading the word to low-income Oregonians that they have an opportunity for health care. The 2009 Legislature provided funding for coverage for an additional 35,000 low-income Oregon adults through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). However, DHS estimates there are approximately 140,000 Oregonians whose incomes would qualify them for this coverage.

To ensure everyone qualified has an equal opportunity for the coverage, state health workers are trying to reach as many people as possible to let them know it is available. Anyone who contacts the state will be added to the Oregon Health Plan reservation list, which will be the source of monthly drawings for health care coverage. People who qualify, based on income status and other factors, will be able to join the Oregon Health Plan Standard insurance coverage.

"Everyone without health insurance is at greater risk for serious disease because of delayed treatment or lack of preventive care, which is a tragedy for them and a greater cost to society. Today we have the opportunity to lessen that burden, but we have to make sure everyone who qualifies has an equal chance," says Bruce Goldberg, M.D., director of DHS and the OHA.

DHS has set up a Web site and toll-free number for people to add their names to the reservation list. The agency is working with health care providers in local communities to help spread the word about the available health care coverage.

To add your name to the list, go to www.oregon.gov/DHS/open or call
1-800-699-9075. You can also go to a local Department of Human Services office to request a reservation packet. Local county health departments, most hospitals and health care clinics also have reservation packets.

"Every day at Central City Concern we see people who lack health insurance," says Carole Romm, MPA, RN, director, community partnerships and strategic development, Central City Concern in Portland. "Although OHP cannot help everyone who needs it, we're happy that the
list is open and more people will be able to get the health care they need."

The next drawing from the current list of names will be Feb. 1, and drawings will be held on a regular basis until all funded health care coverage is filled. Once a person's name is drawn, he or she will be sent an application packet to apply for the health plan. Eligibility is based on strict income limits of less than the federal poverty level, which is based on the number of people in a household. For example, the limit is $903 for an individual or $1,526 for a family of three.

The Oregon Health Plan is part of the new Oregon Health Authority. The OHA is the central location for publicly purchased health care in Oregon, including the Oregon Health Plan and coverage for teachers or public employees. The Health Authority's mission is to lower costs for everyone in the health care system while increasing access to care and improving the quality of care. As part of the reform efforts, the 2009 Legislature also passed health care funding for all Oregon children.

OHP-Standard covers physician services, prescription drugs, mental health and chemical dependency treatment, emergency medical services and limited dental, hospital and vision services.


# # #

The victim's name is being released following next-of-kin notification as Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers continue the investigation into Wednesday morning's two-vehicle head-on crash on Highway 201 North about one mile north of Ontario. Earlier in the morning there were icy conditions and multiple crashes were reported in the area, but at the time of this fatal crash the road conditions had thawed and were wet.

According to OSP Sergeant Jason Reese, on January 27, 2010 at approximately 10:09 a.m. a 1994 Kenworth commercial vehicle driven by JOSE MARTINEZ, age 42, from Caldwell, Idaho, was northbound on Highway 201 North near milepost 24. A southbound 1994 Ford F-150 pickup driven by BRETT BURTON, age 31, from Ontario, was southbound on Highway 201 when, for an unknown reason, the pickup drifted over the centerline and impacted the commercial vehicle head-on in the northbound lane. The pickup came to rest on the eastbound shoulder of the highway and the commercial vehicle pulling an empty flatbed trailer came to rest jackknifed on the westbound shoulder.

BURTON was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigating troopers have not been able to confirm his safety restraint use.

MARTINEZ had no visible injury but was transported by ambulance to Holy Rosary Medical Center for an examination. He was safety restraints.

Shortly after the collision a fire erupted from the pickup, fully engulfing it. Ontario Fire and Rescue responded with Hazmat resources for the fire and a small oil/ diesel spill from the commercial vehicle.

Highway 201 North is currently closed at the crash location and ODOT has set up detours. The highway should open up for traffic within the next few hours.

OSP troopers from the Ontario Area Command are continuing the investigation.

ODOT, Ontario Fire and Rescue and the Malheur County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/012710.hwy201n.2.JPG , 2010-01/1002/012710.hwy201n.1.JPG

Jan. 27, 2010

Oregon Home Care Commission to meet February 3 and 4, 2010

Who: Oregon Home Care Commission
What: Public meetings
When: Training Subcommittee, Feb. 3, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Full commission, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 676 Church Street NE, Salem, OR

Agenda items for the full commission meeting include workers' compensation update, OHCC budget update, HUBB update, STEPS update, training update, registry update, House and Senate bill review, and executive director's report.

The commission is responsible for ensuring the quality of publicly funded in-home care services. The commission has three major charges: (1) to define qualifications of homecare workers;(2) to create a statewide registry of home care workers; and (3)to provide training opportunities for home care workers and consumers. Beyond these responsibilities, the Home Care Commission is also the "employer of record" for purposes of collective bargaining for home care workers whose pay comes from public funds.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these accommodations should call the Department of Human Services at 1-800-282-8096 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

# # #

The results are in and Measure 66 and 67 have passed. Members of the Oregon Small Business Coalition (OSBC) believe our economy will suffer and the tax structure will actually harm small employers. We feel that Oregonians were led to believe that this was only going to affect wealthy businesses, but this will not be the case. A tax debate should have been about tax reform – instead we were treated to vilifying the very businesses that will be essential to economic recovery.
We do not fault many of our fellow Oregonians for supporting this measure. The legislature provided the people with a false choice - education and public service funding versus jobs and economic growth. In fact, we need both. The budget shortfalls are not over - state budget revenues are still dwindling. Business knows that the one way to get the state healthy again is by creating and maintaining jobs. We literally need to work our way out of this economic downturn.
OSBC continues to believe that business will be the leader in bringing economic recovery to the state. A thriving business community, both large and small, creates jobs, brings income to families, promotes economic stability and ultimately raises consumer confidence. The US unemployment rate has crested 10%, Oregon is a leader in that category and that is not something to be proud of. We all have had neighbors, family or friends lose their jobs. Government cannot hire them all – so it will be up to business.
Jeff Stone is President of the OSBC. The mission of the Oregon Small Business Coalition is to protect and enhance Oregon's small business environment and to serve as the "Voice for Main Street." The members of OSBC are proud to advocate on behalf of Oregon small businesses. We are YOUR voice. We can be reached at www.oregonsmallbusinesscoalition.com.


Attached Media Files: Jeff Stone

Oregon State Police (OSP) arrested a 21-year old Welches resident Tuesday afternoon in relation to a Sunday head-on traffic crash on Highway 35 south of Mt. Hood Meadows that injured two people, one seriously.

On January 24, 2010 at approximately 2:40 p.m. OSP, fire personnel from Parkdale and Hoodland Fire District, AMR ambulance and ODOT responded to a two vehicle head-on crash on Highway 35 about six miles north of Highway 26 near milepost 64. OSP investigation indicates a 1989 Honda CRX driven by JASON W. BENNETT, age 21, from Welches, was southbound on snow-covered Highway 35 passing a line of southbound traffic at speeds estimated by witnesses near 60 mph. While passing the traffic, an approaching northbound 1995 Toyota Celica driven by LENIDA BILANOVIC, age 20, from Beaverton, began to slow because of the oncoming Honda. BENNETT lost control while trying to get back into the southbound lane and collided head-on with the Toyota.

JASON BENNETT was using safety restraints and was not injured. His car's airbags deployed. A passenger in his car, MATT BENNETT, age 22, from Scappoose, was using safety restraints and was seriously injured. MATT BENNETT was transported by AMR ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

BILANOVIC and an unidentified male passenger were using safety restraints and transported by ambulance to Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. Her car's airbags deployed.

On January 26, 2010 at 5:18 p.m. OSP Trooper Scott McLeod arrested JASON BENNETT at his Welches residence for:

* Reckless Driving
* Assault in the Third Degree
* Assault in the Fourth Degree (2 counts)

JASON BENNETT was lodged at the Northern Oregon Regional Correctional Facility (NORCOR) in The Dalles pending an appearance in Hood River County Circuit Court.

No crash scene photos available for this release.

Photograph Source: NORCOR

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Jason Bennett

January 26, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Lisa Joyce, lisa.joyce@state.or.us, (503) 986-0951
Alyssa Cudmore, alyssa.cudmore@state.or.us, (503) 473-1050

Survey to identify barriers to fair housing choice

SALEM - Oregon Housing and Community Services and Oregon Business Development Department recently initiated an electronic survey to gather information from the public about barriers to fair housing choice in Oregon.

Every five years, the agencies develop a state Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. Under fair housing law, states that receive federal housing dollars must actively work to eliminate housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status or disability.

OHCS Director Victor Merced said, "The information we gather will help us achieve our vision that all Oregonians have access to the housing and services that meet their needs." He encouraged wide participation in the survey, which is available online at www.ohcs.oregon.gov.

Survey responses are anonymous.

The results of the survey will help OHCS and OBDD create an action plan to eliminate housing discrimination and expand equal housing opportunities. The plan will address all aspects of fair housing, including emergency shelter and transitional housing, rental and real estate sales transactions, lending, advertising, and any treatment or policies adversely affecting access to housing programs.

In addition to the survey, state agencies must conduct a comprehensive review of laws, rules, policies and practices, and how they affect the location, availability, and accessibility of housing, and how conditions, both private and public, affect fair housing choice. The results will allow policy makers to target education of property owners, draft new state policies, and allocate resources where the barriers are the greatest.

"Participation in the survey only takes a few minutes," said Merced. "Participants will help us locate those parts of the state where barriers to fair housing are most prevalent."

# # #


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1810/01-26-10-NewsRelease.pdf

The Board of Forestry on Wednesday, Feb. 10, will decide whether to approve a new state forest near Gilchrist and weigh in on future management of the Elliott State Forest between Coos Bay and Reedsport.

The meeting in Salem at the Oregon Department of Forestry's headquarters will begin at 8 a.m. Time for public comments is scheduled. Forestry's office is at 2600 State St.

A report on recent public discussions about the "great permanent value" administrative rule also will be presented to the board. A public advisory committee is studying this rule, a standard to be used to manage state forests for broad benefits.

The committee also is looking at the administrative rule for developing forest management plans. The group was established to provide a wide range of input on these rules. The board is expected to decide in the spring what rule concepts to move forward toward specific rule language.

Gaining board approval to acquire about 43,000 acres of forest land near Gilchrist in northern Klamath County represents one of the final stages of an administrative process to establish a new state forest, the first one in more than 60 years.

Lottery bonds totaling $15 million are being used to fund the purchase. The Oregon Legislature approved the use of lottery dollars for this purpose during its 2009 session. Acquisition has been strongly supported by the local community and the Klamath County Board of Commissioners.

Conserving the lands for forest values is the reason ODF sought to purchase the property east of Highway 97. The lands are at risk of being fragmented and sold separately for uses other than forestry.

Also on the agenda, the board is expected to make a decision on a management pathway for the Elliott State Forest. This action follows a similar decision by the State Land Board Feb. 9.

ODF and the Department of State Lands will recommend an alternative to the long-sought federal habitat conservation plan (HCP) to protect threatened and endangered species on the Elliott. Delays in a multi-year process with the federal agencies triggered the alternative planning, which may be necessary if current efforts to achieve an HCP are not met under expected timelines.

For more information, contact Jeff Foreman at 503-945-7506.

Following a year-long deployment to Iraq, 120 members of the Oregon Army National Guard's C/7-158 Aviation unit were officially welcomed home during a ceremony in Salem, Ore., Jan. 25.

Oregon's Governor, Ted Kulongoski, and Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard, presided over the ceremony, attended by more than 300 friends, family members and fellow Oregon Guard members.

"There is no higher calling than to risk your lives so that others may live," Kulongoski said, referring to the units' 375 life saving missions, which moved over 800 patients who needed medical care.

Nine soldiers received the Order of Saint Michael—named after two military saints; Saints Michael and George. Recipients must have demonstrated significant contributions in support of an Army aviation unit.

The Governor and Rees personally thanked each soldier following the official ceremony. Each soldier received the Governor's coin and the Adjutant General's coin.

While in Iraq, the unit assisted several other units in Tallil and Joint Base Balad. They also participated in three joint training exercises—two of which were at Balad, and one in Al Asad with the Oregon Army National Guard's 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, currently serving in Iraq.

-30-


100125-A-5611R-092.jpg
Spc. Michael Buchan, of Salem, Ore., holds his daughter Brooklyn, during the demobilization ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard's C/7-158 Aviation in Salem, Ore., Jan. 25. Buchan returned to Oregon on leave for the birth of his daughter. He said he "visited" with her almost every day online, until his unit's return last week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office).

100125-A-5611R-098.jpg
Family members join Oregon National Guard members at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., to welcome home the approximately 120 soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard's C/7-158 Aviation unit, who deployed to Iraq for one year. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric Rutherford, Oregon Army National Guard Public Affairs Office).

100125-F-1639C-310.jpg
Megan Lulay, wife of Oregon Army National Guard Capt. Adam Lulay, holds their daughter Abigail at the demobilization ceremony for C/7-158 Aviation at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Jan. 25. Approximately 120 soldiers of the unit, who deployed to Iraq for one year, returned to Oregon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office).

100125-F-1639C-325.jpg
First Sergeant Travis Powell, and his wife Jill, share a quiet moment following the demobilization ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard's C/7-158 Aviation, who returned from a one-year deployment to Iraq last week. Approximately 300 friends, family members, and fellow Oregon Guardsmen packed the Army Aviation Support Facility #1 in Salem, Ore., to welcome the soldiers home. The couple were married during Powell's mid-deployment leave, Sept. 27. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office).


Attached Media Files: First Sergeant Travis Powell, and his wife Jill, share a quiet moment following the demobilization ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard's C/7-158 Aviation, who returned from a one-year deployment to Iraq last week. Approximately 300 friends, famil , Megan Lulay, wife of Oregon Army National Guard Capt. Adam Lulay, holds their daughter Abigail at the demobilization ceremony for C/7-158 Aviation at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., Jan. 25. Approximately 120 soldiers of the unit, who , Family members join Oregon National Guard members at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Salem, Ore., to welcome home the approximately 120 soldiers of the Oregon Army National Guard's C/7-158 Aviation unit, who deployed to Iraq for one year. (U.S. Arm , Spc. Michael Buchan, of Salem, Ore., holds his daughter Brooklyn, during the demobilization ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard's C/7-158 Aviation in Salem, Ore., Jan. 25. Buchan returned to Oregon on leave for the birth of his daughter. He said

When Sharon Wood arrived home after vacation, she expected life to go back to normal – there were bills to be paid, laundry to be done and e-mails to read.

But "normal" had changed forever. While she was gone, a dryer fire sparked a massive blaze that took firefighters more than six hours to extinguish, killing a family pet and completely destroying the home in which she, her husband, niece and nephew and their two young children lived.

Wood's niece and nephew had immediately jumped into action, calling the American Red Cross for help. Within hours, they had a warm bed in a nearby motel, a hot meal and funds for clothing to replace what had been destroyed. For the children, diapers filled a practical need while stuffed animals provided comfort in the face of tragedy.

During these challenging economic times when insurance is a luxury many Oregonians can't afford, your donation can help rebuild the lives of those in desperate need of help -- just like the Wood family.

Oregonians can invest all or part of their refund in the critical assistance offered by the Oregon Red Cross by simply entering #27 under the "other charity" box in the Charitable Checkoff section of their tax return (line 68 on Form 40 or line 38 on Form 40S). Last year alone, the Oregon Red Cross provided food, clothes shelter and emotional support to more than 600 families following more than 500 disasters.

Thousands of adults and children in need can benefit from the generosity of Oregon tax payers. Let your tax refund help rebuild lives by checking #27 on your Oregon State Tax Return.

For more information, visit www.oregonredcross.org/checkoff.

###

In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon 's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.

Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Monday morning's fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of a Pine Grove-area woman on Highway 26 about ten miles east of Government Camp.

According to OSP Lieutenant Pat Ashmore, on January 25, 2010 at approximately 7:44 a.m. a commercial truck pulling two tankers loaded with malt driven by RONALD LEWIS JORY, age 63, from Olympia, Washington was eastbound on packed snow/ice covered Highway 26 near milepost 65. While coming downhill approaching a curve, JORY lost control and slid into the westbound lane where the truck collided head-on with a 2004 Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicle driven by ROBIN RAE UDEY, age 54, from Pine Grove. Both vehicles came to a stop on the shoulder of the highway.

UDEY was ejected from her vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Troopers investigating the crash believe she was using safety restraints.

JORY was using safety restraints and received non-life threatening injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Oregon Health Sciences University for treatment.

OSP troopers from The Dalles Area Command and Government Camp office are continuing the investigation with the assistance of an OSP collision reconstructionist.

Hoodland Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
(Note: Highway conditions improved to snow and slush by the time photos taken)

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/012510.fatal.hwy26mp65.6.jpg , 2010-01/1002/012510.fatal.hwy26mp65.5.jpg , 2010-01/1002/012510.fatal.hwy26mp65.3.jpg , 2010-01/1002/012510.fatal.hwy26mp65.2.jpg , 2010-01/1002/012510.fatal.hwy26mp65.1.jpg

State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson is encouraging communities across the state to honor the work of those in the fire service by conducting events for Fire Service Appreciation Day in Oregon, Wednesday, January 27.

"Communities have many opportunities to get involved and recognize the work and sacrifice of members of the Oregon fire service," says State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson. "From community groups hosting a breakfast, lunch, or dinner, to schools holding essay contests, this day is an opportunity for everyone to say thanks."

In 2007, the Oregon legislature passed a permanent resolution establishing January 27 each year as Fire Service Appreciation Day in Oregon.

Local recognition in past years included city mayors presenting fire chiefs with a certificate of thanks, fire district boards presenting commemorative coins and certificates to volunteers, and newspapers publishing articles and ads thanking members of the fire service

The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) will host a brief public ceremony at their office in Salem beginning at 11:00 a.m. with displays from each section of the agency thanking the fire service for their work and collaboration in 2009. At noon, the OSFM will dedicate a permanent memorial to employees who have passed away while serving at the agency.

For more information on Fire Service Appreciation Day in Oregon, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Fire_Service_Appreciation_Day.shtml.

####

(Note: Last name correction to read "MENDOZA")

A commercial truck driver was cited for Careless Driving after his vehicles rolled and a load of batteries spilled onto the shoulder of westbound Interstate 84 on top of Ladd Canyon. All westbound lanes were closed for about three hours before one lane was opened.

On January 25, 2010 at approximately 6:00 a.m. a commercial truck pulling semi-trailer transporting tractor batteries was westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 272. The truck's driver, STEVEN MENDOZA, age 38, from Atascosa, Texas lost control on the snow and ice covered roadway, rotated counter-clockwise and traveled off the left shoulder. The vehicles entered the center median where it rolled onto its right side. Upon rolling onto its side, the batteries were ejected out the back of the door onto the shoulder.

No batteries landed on the travel portion of the roadway. Due to the nature of the load contents and established criteria in dealing with this known product, the westbound lanes were closed for three hours before one lane was opened by 9:00 a.m. The left lane will remain closed until later today during the cleanup phase.

MENDOZA, who was driving for A & D Carriers out of Texas, was cited by OSP for Careless Driving. He was not injured.

OSP troopers from the La Grande Area Command responded with local emergency responders, ODOT and La Grande Fire Haz Mat team.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/012510.i84mp272.3.JPG , 2010-01/1002/012510.i84mp272.2.JPG , 2010-01/1002/012510.i84mp272.1.JPG

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) opened a 2010 Local Government Grant cycle today (Jan. 25) with $1.5 million in lottery funds available to help acquire, develop and rehabilitate community parks and outdoor recreation facilities.

Cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, port districts and park and recreation districts are eligible to apply for the grants, which have provided more than $45 million in local parks support during the past 10 years. Completed applications are due April 5.

OPRD is offering two workshops on how to submit effective project proposals in February. The workshops will be in Hood River from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 3 and in Salem from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 10. Registration for the workshop

More information about the state Local Government Grant program, including a grant manual and application materials, are online at www.oregon.gov/OPRD/GRANTS/local_apply.shtml.
###

Students from 25 Oregon High Schools Compete for Scholarships in
Nationwide Poetry Out Loud Competition
State Winner Will Represent Oregon at Nationals in Washington, D.C.

The Oregon Arts Commission, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, brings Poetry Out Loud to 25 high schools in 20 communities this year, reaching over 5,000 Oregon students. The program, now in its fifth year, involves the memorization and recitation of classic poetry and culminates in a statewide competition. Nationwide, more than 200,000 students are expected to participate. Participants compete for more than $50,000 in college scholarships awarded at the state and national levels.

After months of classroom study and preparation, students participate in school wide recitation contests, with each winner eligible to compete in the state contest to be held March 12-13, 2010 in Salem.

Oregon's 2009 State Champion, Tiffany Hill from Oregon School for the Deaf, was the first deaf student to compete in the national competition. Now a senior at Oregon School for the Deaf, she will serve as an advisor to that school's contestants and will perform at the 2010 Oregon State Poetry Out Loud Contest which will take be held:


Semi-Finals
Friday, March 12, 7 – 10 pm

Finals
Saturday, March 13, 9:30 am – noon
Salem Kroc Center
1865 Bill Frey Drive, Salem
Coordinator: Deb Vaughn
503-986-0085; deborah.vaughn@state.or.us

This year's competition will be judged by Lawson Inada, Oregon poet laureate; Susan Cormel, actor and theatre professor at Willamette University; and poets Renee Mitchell (Portland), Judith Montgomery (Bend), Collier Nogues (Enterprise) and Eleanor Berry (Eugene).

In addition to winning a $200 scholarship and $500 for the school library's poetry collection, the state champion receives an all-expense-paid trip, with a chaperone, to Washington, DC to compete in the national finals, April 25-27, 2010. April is National Poetry Month.

Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry – recitation and performance. The program builds on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement, and brings aspects of slam poetry, spoken word and theater into the English class.

"Learning great poetry by heart develops the mind and imagination," observed Dana Gioia, the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts who initiated Poetry Out Loud. "Poetry Out Loud isn't just an arts program. By immersing themselves in powerful language and ideas, students develop their ability to speak well, especially in public. This is a skill they will use in the workplace and the community for the rest of their lives."

The Oregon Arts Commission, the NEA and the Poetry Foundation partner to sponsor Poetry Out Loud. The Arts Commission has developed an Oregon Curriculum Guide that can be used to connect Poetry Out Loud classroom activities to Oregon's Content and Performance Standards in Language Arts and the Arts/Drama.

For more information on Poetry Out Loud, contact the Oregon Arts Commission at 503-986-0082, or visit the national website at www.poetryoutloud.org

Media: Please contact the school coordinator for permission to cover a contest.

*Indicates a new Poetry Out Loud School for the 2009-2010 school year.

Arlington High School
1200 Main Street
Arlington February 19, 2010
11:00 am Charles Van Gorder
cvangorder@arlington.k12.or.us
541-454-2632

Ashland High School
201 South Mountain Ave.
Ashland February 18, 2010
7:00 pm Jane Eisenberg
bill.street@ashland.k12.or.us
541-482-8771

Bandon High School
550 9th St. SW
Bandon February 19, 2010
3:30 pm
Library Ellen Howard
ellenh@bandon.k12.or.us
541-347-4413

Cascade Christian High School
855 Chevy Way
Medford February 5, 2010
1:00 pm Suzanne Ray
sray@gracechristian.org
541-772-0606

Centennial High School*
3505 SE 181st
Gresham February 11, 2010
3:00 pm Rita Ramstad
rita_ramstad@centennial.k12.or.us
503-762-6180

Center for Advanced Learning
1484 NW Civic Dr
Gresham February 16, 2010
6:00 pm
Forum Room Jeanne Sheets-Sagoo
jeanne_sheets-sagoo@thecenterforadvancedlearning.org
503-667-4978

Condon High School
PO Box 575
Condon Date & Time TBA Mike Keown
mkeown@condon.k12.or.us
541-384-2441

Crook County High School
1100 SE Lynn Blvd
Prineville February 23, 2010
7:00 pm
Eugene Southwell Auditorium Anita Hoffman
anita.hoffman@crookcounty.k12.or.us
541-416-6900

Grants Pass High School
830 NE 9th St.
Grants Pass February 9, 2010
Time TBA Tori Marshall
tmarshall@grantspass.k12.or.us
541-474-5710

Hidden Valley High School
651 Murphy Creek Rd.
Grants Pass February 3, 2010
6:00 pm
library Julia Richardson
julia.richardson@threerivers.k12.or.us
541-862-2124

Hood River Valley High School
1220 Indian Creek Rd
Hood River February 18, 2010
9:00 am
Columbia Performing Arts Center Regena Rafelson
rrafelson@hoodriver.k12.or.us
541-386-4500

Lake Oswego High School
2501 Country Club Rd
Lake Oswego February 18, 2010
6:30 pm
auditorium Jami Parcher Wray
wrayj@loswego.k12.or.us
503-534-2313

Lakeridge High School*
1235 Overlook Drive
Lake Oswego February 24, 2010
2:45 pm
auditorium Edward Derby
derbye@loswego.k12.or.us
503-534-2319

Madison High School
2735 NE 82nd Ave
Portland February 18, 2010
1:00 PM
library Erin McNulty
emcnulty@pps.k12.or.us
503-916-5220

Metropolitan Learning Center
2033 NW Glisan
Portland Date & Time TBA Stephen Lambert
slambert@pps.k12.or.us
503-916-5737

Oregon City High School*
18761 S. Beavercreek Rd.
Oregon City Date & Time TBA Patrick McDonald
patrick.mcdonald@orecity.k12.or.us
503-785-8900

Oregon School for the Deaf
999 Locust St NE
Salem February 4, 2010
9:30 am
gym Gayle Robertson
gayle.robertson@osd.k12.or.us
503-378-1328

Redmond High School Hartman Campus*
2105 W Arthur
Redmond February 11, 2010
Time TBA Hilda Beltran
hilda.beltran@redmond.k12.or.us
541-923-6680

Salem Academy
942 Lancaster Dr., NE
Salem February 4, 2010
7:00 pm
gym Sara Patrick
spatrick@salemacademy.org
503-378-1219

Sherwood High School
16956 SW Meinecke Rd
Sherwood February 16, 2010
3:00 pm Jared Jones
jjones@sherwood.k12.or.us
503-825-5500

Sprague High School
2373 Kuebler Road S
Salem February 1, 2010
1:00 PM Michael Curry
curry_michael@salkeiz.k12.or.us
503-399-3261

Springfield Academy of Arts & Sciences*
615 Main St.
Springfield Date & Time TBA Scott Crowell
scott.crowell@sps.lane.edu
541-744-6728

Veritas School
401 Mission Dr
Newberg February 10, 2010
Time TBA Megan Hills
mhills@veritasschool.net
503-538-1962

West Salem High School
1776 Titan Drive NW
Salem February 23, 2010
3:00 pm
auditorium Christina Eddy
eddy_christina@salkeiz.k12.or.us
503-399-5533

Woodburn Arts & Communications Academy
1785 N Front St
Woodburn February 17, 2010
8:00 am Mindy Brooks
mbrooks@woodburn.k12.or.us
503-982-3398


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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 the Business Oregon 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. For more information about the Oregon Arts Commission: www.oregonartscommission.org.

- 30 -

Offender visiting has been canceled today at the Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) because of a disturbance that occurred yesterday. The institution is on modified lock down. The Department of Corrections is investigating the incident. It is anticipated to have normal visiting hours on Wednesday. OSCI does not hold visiting on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Offender visiting has been canceled today at the Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) because of a disturbance that occurred yesterday. The institution is on modified lock down. The Department of Corrections is investigating the incident. It is anticipated to have normal visiting hours on Wednesday. OSCI does not hold visiting on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into a four vehicle crash that seriously injured two people on Highway 20 near Suttle Lake.

On January 23, 2010 at approximately 9:43 a.m. a Subaru station wagon driven by KIM BARRY, age 48, from Sisters, was westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 88 negotiating a curve prior to Suttle Lake when she lost control on the icy roadway. The Subaru traveled off the highway, overturned and came to rest on the highway's north side embankment. A westbound 1987 Ford Bronce driven by MARK WHITE, age 46, from Veneta, was following the Subaru and also lost control. It rotated into the eastbound lane and was struck in the passenger side by an eastbound Ford Explorer driven by WAYNE JOHNSON, age 81, from Eugene. A third eastbound vehicle, a Volvo four-door driven by CYNTHIA WORFFORD, age 53, from Corvallis, crashed into on of the involved vehicle.

All occupants of the Ford Broncos and Explorer were transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. WHITE may be treated and released. His two passengers identified as DOYLE FOSTER, age 48, and NELTY BURGGRAF, age 36, both from Veneta, were admitted with serious injuries.

JOHNSON and his passenger DEWAYNE WAFFORD, age 60, from Eugene, had non-life threatening injuries.

OSP troopers from the Bend Area Command office, with the assistance of an OSP collision reconstructionist, are continuing the investigation.

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Black Butte Police Department and ODOT assisted at the scene along with local fire and medical personnel. The highway was closed after the crash and re-opened to one lane about 12:20 p.m. It was completely re-opened at 2:30 p.m.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/012310.hwy20mp88.2.JPG , 2010-01/1002/012310.hwy20mp88.1.JPG

Tickets are now released for sale at the historic visit of Former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Frederik Willem de Klerk to Salem. He will be in the state capital for a fundraiser for the Medical Foundation of Marion and Polk Counties MedAssist and Project Access Program.

Topic: The Challenge of the Century: Managing Diversity

Benefit fundraiser for the MedAssist and Project Access programs of the Medical Foundation of Marion and Polk Counties.

WHEN: Friday, April 30, 2010. Doors open at 6:00 pm, and the program will begin at 6:30pm.

WHERE: Historic Elsinore Theatre, Salem, OR

WHO: Frederik Willem (F.W.) de Klerk, former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, continues the tradition of notable speakers to the Medical Foundation of Marion and Polk Counties, such as Dr. Jane Goodall, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Barbara Bush, Christopher Gardner and Duchess Sarah Ferguson. President de Klerk's topic, "The Challenge of the Century: Managing Diversity" explores what he feels are the primary sources of conflict in the modern world; religious, ethnic, and cultural differences among nations. Emphasizing that there is room and space for all of us on this earth, de Klerk discusses the important lessons of negotiation, management of change and leadership that led to the peaceful end of apartheid under his leadership. Focusing on the risks and sometimes leaps of faith involved in this fundamental agreement to bring lasting peace, de Klerk offers insights into how his success can be translated into any organization's business model.

Born the son of a senior cabinet minister in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1936, de Klerk was inaugurated as State President in 1989 after the resignation of President P.W. Botha. He served until Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994. During this period he initiated and presided over: The inclusive negotiations that led to the dismantling of "apartheid"; the freeing of imprisoned leader of the African National Conference (Mandela) the adoption of South Africa's first fully democratic constitution; the dismantling of the South African nuclear program to include its nuclear weapons and promotion of non-proliferation globally.

President de Klerk has received numerous national and international honors.
• 1981: South African Decoration for Meritorious Service
• 1992: Prix du Courage Internationale (Prize for International Courage)
• 1992: Prince of Asturias Prize in Spain
• 1993: Co-recipient of the Philadelphia Peace Prize and later the Nobel Peace Prize, with Nelson Mandela.
• 1999: Published, The Last Trek-A New Beginnings, his autobiography.
• 1999: Established the F.W. de Klerk Foundation, dedicated to the promotion of peace.
• 2004: Established the Global Leadership Foundation.

Elsinore Historic Theatre: 503-375-3574 or www.elsinoretheatre.com

TICKET INFORMATION:
Doors open at 6:00 pm, presentation from 6:30-8:00. Tickets are $20-$75 and can be purchased at the Elsinore Theatre Box Office beginning January 11, 2010, by phone with a credit card at all TicketsWest locations. To ensure seat availability, please purchase tickets in advance. Consult the Elsinore seating chart online at www.elsinoretheatre.com or call the theatre at 503-375-3574 for more information.

COMMENTS: The event will be a fundraiser for the MedAssist and Project Access Programs.

MedAssist provides access to life-saving prescription medications at no charge to qualifying residents of Marion and Polk Counties. To-date in 2009, the program has served 200 patients who live at or below 200% of the federal poverty line and cannot get these necessary prescriptions any other way. During the first 10 months of 2009 the free medications accessed through MedAssist had a total retail value of $1,133,577.34.

Project Access began in April 2009 to provide access to free healthcare for those in our communities most in need through a volunteer partnership of local physicians, hospitals, surgery centers and clinics. Those served are families and individuals who are uninsured, do not have high enough incomes to purchase health insurance on their own and do not qualify for government programs. In the first seven months of seeing patients, Project Access enrolled 210 patients who received free care valued at $1,783,877.20. This care was provided through the volunteer efforts of more than 200 local physicians, clinics, and ancillary medical service providers along with all four hospitals in Marion & Polk counties.

The event is open to the general public. Tickets will be available to the public after January 11, 2010. Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Dean Larsen at the Medical Society for more information.

For more information about the event or MedAssist, visit www.mpmedsociety.org.


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1853/de_Klerk_FW-Photo.jpg , 2010-01/1853/de_Klerk_FW-Photo_(&_Mandela).jpg

Jan. 23, 2010


Oregon Public Health officials are tracking cases throughout the state

Oregon Public Health Division officials today are warning consumers about a nationwide recall of approximately 1,240,000 pounds of a variety of pepper-coated salami products manufactured by Daniele, Inc., a Rhode Island company.

"Daniele brand salami has been identified as the source of a large and ongoing outbreak of salmonellosis," said William Keene, Ph.D., M.P.H., a senior epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division. Salmonellosis is an acute bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting. "Consumers and food service providers who have any of the recalled products should discard them immediately or return them for a refund."

As of today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 184 potentially outbreak-associated cases have been identified in 38 states, including eight from Oregon and 14 from Washington. Nationally, more than 35 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. The earliest recognized cases began in July 2009, and the CDC continues to report cases.

The recalled products are widely sold at groceries, warehouse stores and online. Vendors include Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, Amazon and other locations. Most products are sold under the Daniele brand name, but several items with the Boar's Head, Black Bear, or Dietz & Watson labels are also included. All of the recalled products carry a small round USDA mark that says "EST. 54" or "EST. 9992." Daniele products with other USDA establishment numbers are not being recalled.

"Many states have been working together to identify a source for these cases, which have been trickling in for months. This has been a very long and often frustrating investigation. We had gone down a lot of dead ends until the puzzle pieces finally started to fit together about this outbreak," Keene said.

As soon as Daniele was notified of the presence of salmonella in some of its products, the company agreed to voluntarily recall its pepper-coated salami and variety packs that contain any pepper-coating. Daniele continues to cooperate fully with the investigation. State and federal public health agencies are working with the Rhode Island-based company to determine if pepper is the source of the contamination.

Salmonellosis symptoms usually develop within one to five days after eating contaminated food. Oregon Public Health Division officials say cases resolve without the need for medical attention, and do not recommend antibiotics for persons with uncomplicated diarrheal illness. The risk of severe illness is particularly high among the elderly, the immuno-compromised, and the very young. Some people with salmonella bacteria develop serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Consumers who have questions about the recall can contact Daniele, Inc. at www.danielefoodscom or call 888-345-4160. People who have eaten these products and have developed severe symptoms should contact a health care provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted information about the multi-state outbreak on its Web site at www.cdc.gov/salmonella.


A complete list of products includes:
Daniele Deli Selection (20 oz)
Daniele Italian Brand Gourmet Pack (16 oz)
Daniele Italian Brand Gourmet Pack (8 oz)
Daniele Surtido Fino Italiano (454 g)
Dietz and Watson Artisan Collection Party Platter Pack (8 oz)
Daniele Gourmet Combo Pack (16 oz)
Daniele Surtido Fino Italiano (340 g)
Daniele Brand Gourmet Pack (Emballage Assorti Gourmet Italian) (500 g)
Boar's Head All Natural Salame Coated with Coarse Black Pepper (8 oz)
Daniele All Natural Salame Coated with Coarse Black Pepper" (10oz)
Daniele Pepper Salame
Black Bear Baby Genoa Pepper Salame (9 oz)
Dietz & Watson Artisan Collection Baby Genoa Pepper Salame
Daniele Gourmet Italian Deli Selection (600 g)
Daniele Salame Bites Pepper Salame (7 oz)
Daniele Natural Salame Coated with Coarse Black Pepper
Daniele Gourmet Deli Selection (Assortment De Fines Charcuterie Italienne) (400g)
Daniele deli Selection (32oz)

###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/973/Daniele_Deli_Selection.jpg

An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop in the Lakeview area Wednesday led to the arrest of an Idaho man following the discovery of about 12 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle.

On January 20, 2010 at approximately 8:00 p.m., an OSP trooper stopped a 2009 GMC Canyon driven by JACOB MORGAN LEE, age 37, from Eagle, Idaho on Highway 395 near milepost 142 for several traffic violations. Subsequent investigation during the course of the traffic stop led to the discovery of about 12 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $30,000.

LEE was arrested and lodged in the Lake County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/012010.hwy395.mj.JPG

Wells Fargo Customers in Oregon and S.W. Washington Can Donate at Wells Fargo ATMs

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Wells Fargo will commit $250,000 more to support nonprofit agencies that are mobilizing relief efforts for the victims of Haiti's earthquake. This is in addition to the $100,000 donation the company made last week to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund.

In this region, Wells Fargo customers can support the relief effort by making a donation to Mercy Corps at any of Wells Fargo's 244 ATMs in Oregon and southwest Washington. Wells Fargo provides the service for free so Mercy Corps receives 100 percent of any donation made.

In addition, Wells Fargo credit and check cardholders can redeem their Wells Fargo Rewards program points to help those impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. More information can be found at www.wellsfargorewards.com.

Local residents can also make donations to Mercy Corps at http://mercycorps.org or to the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org.

The additional $250,000 commitment from Wells Fargo will include a contribution to Florida's "Neighbors to the Rescue" program that was activated by Gov. Charlie Crist and administered by the Volunteer Florida Foundation. Contributions to this organization will be directed to local nonprofits across Florida serving Haitian communities. Contributions will also be made to area hospitals that will care for evacuees, including the University of Miami Hospital and Miami Children's Hospital.

Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.2 trillion in assets. It provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,000 stores and 12,000 ATMs and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.

# # #

WHAT: OSH Replacement Project Junction City Stakeholders' Meeting

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27

WHERE: Scandinavian Festival Hall
195 West 5th Ave.
Junction City, OR 97448

DETAILS: The 2007 Oregon Legislative Assembly approved funding to
replace the Oregon State Hospital (OSH) with two new facilities focused on treatment and recovery. The first facility, with 620 beds, is scheduled to open in fall 2011 on the existing OSH grounds in Salem. The second will be a 360-bed facility planned to open in 2013 near Junction City.

To date, the OSH Replacement Project team has focused on Salem, working closely with a committee of stakeholders who provide advice and input. With the Junction City project moving into the design phase, stakeholders' meetings will convene in and focus on Junction City. Accordingly, the membership is also changing to include more legislators, community members, advocates and consumers from the Junction City area. The committee plans to meet quarterly during the development of the facility and as needed throughout the remainder of its construction.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations should call 503-945-5935 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

####

PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 13, 2010) – Peaches ... pears ... mixed vegetables ... ground turkey ... chili ... macaroni and cheese. Hunger-relief agencies throughout the Oregon Food Bank Network will soon be able to replenish their shelves with nutritious food – thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust and a $250,000 grant from the Collins Foundation.

The grants will help Oregon Food Bank purchase almost one-and-a-half-million pounds of food to distribute throughout the statewide OFB Network, serving Oregon and Clark County, Wash.

"Our continued support of Oregon Food Bank reflects our concern for the large number of people in our communities who are still struggling in this economy," said Doug Stamm, chief executive officer, Meyer Memorial Trust. "While Meyer Memorial Trust's resources are not sufficient for the size of the problem, we hope our support will encourage others to keep helping feed hungry Oregonians."

"It saddens us deeply that more Oregonians are experiencing hunger," said Cynthia Addams, executive vice president, The Collins Foundation. "Oregon Food Bank and its regional network are working harder than ever to meet the growing need for emergency food. We hope this grant will provide some help, especially at a time when food supplies are traditionally at their lowest. It's a great time to give to Oregon Food Bank!"

"These funds will help Oregon Food Bank and its statewide network continue to respond to unprecedented need for emergency food," said Rachel Bristol, CEO, Oregon Food Bank. "On behalf of Oregon Food Bank, our statewide Network and the thousands of Oregonians we serve, I thank the Meyer Memorial Trust and the Collins Foundation for their tremendous support and for understanding the ongoing high level of need in our area."

Oregon ranks among the top states for hunger, just behind Mississippi, according to the most recent USDA hunger report.

Distribution of emergency food and the number of people served throughout the OFB Network escalated to historic highs during fiscal year 2008-09. Distribution of emergency food boxes increased 14 percent in fiscal year 2008-09. The number of people who ate meals from emergency food boxes through a member agency jumped 20 percent to an average of 240,000 per month. Of those, 36 percent are children.

"These extraordinary times present enormous challenges," Bristol said. "The Meyer Memorial Trust, the Collins Foundation and other loyal donors prove that by joining together we can provide nourishment and hope for those in need."

Every $10 donation enables OFB to move 50 pounds of food throughout the OFB Network. For more information or to donate online, visit www.oregonfoodbank.org.

About the Oregon Food Bank Network
The Oregon Food Bank Network is a cooperative statewide coalition of 20 regional food banks working to eliminate hunger and its root causes. Oregon Food Bank equitably distributes food from farms, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals and government sources throughout this network. Regional food banks distribute this food and additional resources from local donations to more than 935 programs serving low-income people in their communities. Sixteen of these regional food banks are independent nonprofit organizations. The other four are operated directly by Oregon Food Bank.
###

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Army National Guard is scheduled to hold a demobilization ceremony for C/7-158 Aviation at 3:00 p.m., Jan. 25 at the Salem Army Aviation Support Facility Hangar #1, located at 1921 Turner Rd., Salem, Ore.

Approximately 120 soldiers with the unit returned to Fort Lewis, Wash., last week to complete the demobilization process.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Major General Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon, are scheduled to be in attendance

During deployment, C/7-158 Aviation, flew 375 life saving missions, moving over 800 patients and flying 125 blood transport missions to hospitals in need. Additionally, 240 training, administrative and maintenance test flights were flown. They dispensed over 300,000 gallons of fuel and flew over 3,000 flight hours.

While in Iraq, the unit assisted several units in Tallil and Joint Base Balad. The flight medics conducted MEDEVAC 101, which provided training for approximately 370 Soldiers and Marines in Al Asad, 150 Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Normandy, and 400 at Joint Base Balad. This training led to three joint training exercises, two of which were in Balad, and one in Al Asad with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Additionally, 10 Iraqi Army flight medics were trained in MEDEVAC familiarization.

The event is open to the public, and media is encouraged to attend.

Two Hermiston-area men were arrested Wednesday by members of the interagency Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team (BENT) after an investigation led to the seizure of nearly 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine and over $8,600 cash.

On January 20, 2010 BENT detectives served a search warrant at 1215 SE 11th Street, Unit 45, in Hermiston related to a drug investigation. Subsequent search led to the seizure of approximately 98 grams of crystal methamphetamine and $8,641 cash. The estimated street value of the seized crystal methamphetamine is about $10,000.

Detectives arrested two individuals identified as:

* HUMBERTO GORROZQUIETA ANDRADE, age 28, for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Frequenting/Maintaining a Place Where Controlled Substances are Used, and Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

* CAITLAHUAC ANDRES GUERRA-PANIAGUA, age 29, for Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and a Failure to Appear warrant.

Both men were lodged in the Umatilla County Jail and currently have INS Holds placed on them.

BENT is comprised of detectives from Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement Section, Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Morrow County Sheriff's Office, Pendleton Police Department, Hermiston Police Department, Milton-Freewater Police Department, Umatilla Tribal Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

Photograph Source: Umatilla County Sheriff's Office

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/Guerra-Paniagua_Caitlahuac_Andres.jpg , 2010-01/1002/Gorrozquieta_Humberto.jpg

January 21, 2010

Winter weather and gray days in Oregon keep many of us indoors. However, these conditions are ideal for planting trees, around our homes or to help regenerate Oregon's forests.

Oregon has actively promoted replanting trees as a part of forest management since the Forest Conservation Act of 1941, and a key facet of Oregon's landmark 1971 Forest Practices Act requires landowners to complete replanting of forests within two years following timber harvest. According to the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, that means between 40 and 50 million tree seedlings are planted every winter and spring in Oregon on forest land owned by families, industrial timber companies or by federal, state and local governments.

Oregon law requires reforestation when timber harvesting reduces the number of trees per acre below density levels (also called ‘stocking levels') specified in Oregon Department of Forestry rules. The amount of trees replanted depends on site characteristics and the landowner's forest management plans, but at minimum 100 to 200 seedlings per acre must be planted to meet reforestation rules. Most Oregon forest landowners opt to plant about 300 to 400 tree seedlings per acre.

Reforestation is great for Oregon's future, as our forests provide a mix of environmental, social and economic benefits. Trees provide recreational opportunities, promote wildlife and provide wood products for consumers. Oregon's forests also make a positive contribution to our environment in many ways, including providing clean drinking water and absorbing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

The How-To's of seedling planting:

Step One – Planning ahead

Carefully plan, evaluate and prepare your planting site. Consider the condition of the planting site including the soil type, the direction the slope faces (also called aspect), any vegetation present, local wildlife and pests. Site characteristics affect the resources that new trees need for survival and growth, including water, sunlight, temperature and nutrients.

Step Two – Site Preparation

Choose an appropriate site preparation method, or combination of methods, for your land. Several methods are available to prepare sites for planting, including mechanical, manual or chemical. Costs for site preparation depend on site conditions, the methods used, existing vegetation and the amount of logging debris left behind from timber harvest.

Step Three – Selecting your tree seedlings

Not every tree can grow anywhere in Oregon – nor should it. Select the proper species and seedling stock-type for your area. Different tree species are adapted to different site conditions, so it's important to choose seedlings specifically for your seed zone and elevation. This also prevents an unwanted invasive species of tree or plant from potentially causing harm to a local ecosystem.

The Oregon Department of Forestry has additional information about selecting tree seedlings, seed zones and finding tree seedling nurseries on the ODF website at http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/privateforests/

Step Four – Plant a tree…or a thousand

Winter is the perfect time for planting. Plant conifer seedlings in western Oregon from January through March. In eastern Oregon – or higher elevations statewide - plant trees as soon as possible after snow melts and the ground thaws, generally late in March through April. Keep your seedlings cool (34 to 40 degrees F) and moist, and handle them gently at all times.

Site conditions will dictate the spacing between trees. In western Oregon, plan on spacing seedlings generally about ten feet apart; for central and eastern Oregon, trees are generally spaced about twelve feet apart. It's wise to select planting spots in good soil with mineral content that is free of weeds. It may look awkward at first to see 10-12 feet between a seedling and its neighbor; however, think a few decades down the road when the crowns of trees will reach out several feet.

Step Five - Tend to the growing tree

Most gardeners will tell you plants require maintenance and care. Once tree seedlings are planted, maintenance is needed to ensure their continued survival and growth. New tree seedlings require enough water to thrive, as well as protection from grazing wildlife and from weeds seeking to compete for water, space and nutrients. Maintenance during the first few years of the tree's life can be accomplished in a number of ways. Under Oregon law, the stand of trees must be "free to grow" (able to grow above surrounding grasses and brush) within the sixth year of the trees' planting.

Additional information about forestry and forest management is available on the ODF website, www.oregon.gov/ODF

(Audio files are by Kevin Weeks, public information officer with the Oregon Department of Forestry)
###


Attached Media Files: Weeks audio1 , Weeks audio 2 , Weeks audio 3 , Reforestation

Today at noon, Winnie Romeril, an American Red Cross volunteer will be providing an update from the ground in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She will talk about the latest situation on the ground: what aid and how much aid is coming in and what the biggest needs are on the ground. Winnie will also be available to answer any questions the media may have.

What: American Red Cross press briefing from Haiti

When: Noon PST (3pm ET), Thursday, January 21, 2010

Call-in Information: (800) 398-9379

Background on Winnie Romeril: Winnie has been volunteering for the American Red Cross since 1995 and has responded to hundreds of local, national and international disasters. Her first experience with the Red Cross was in 1990, when the Mexican Red Cross saved her life. She became ill in Mexico and didn't have enough money to pay for a doctor. The Mexican Red Cross gave her medicines and fluid resuscitation anyway and when she was well enough to walk, the Red Cross nurse sent her home saying, "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll pay us back someday." Winnie is fluent is Spanish and lives in Upstate New York.

B-Roll: NEW b-roll from Haiti has been uploaded to our video library. Use the link below and click on ‘Earthquake in Haiti, 2010'.

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=518b5032f953e110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission will meet Jan. 28 at the Oxford Suites, 75 82nd Drive, in Gladstone.

The meeting will begin at 10:45 a.m. after a commission planning workshop. A complete meeting agenda is posted at: www.oregon.gov/OPRD/documents/2010JanAgenda.pdf.

The commission has specific authority to establish policy and adopt rules for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, acquire property for state parks, and set fees for the use of park facilities. Its seven members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate.

The meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Special accommodations may be arranged up to 72 hours in advance by calling 503-986-0655. ###

(EDITORS NOTE: Meeting agenda attached for your convenience.)


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1303/Jan.28.doc

Oregon Public Health finds indoor air of Trainsong neighborhood homes not affected by vapors from contaminated groundwater

New state report issued today after year-long study of homes


Oregon Public Health officials have determined that the indoor air quality of homes in the Northwest Eugene Trainsong neighborhood is not affected by vapors released through nearby contaminated groundwater, according to a report released today.

State officials began studying the potential for indoor air contamination in 2006. Union Pacific Railroad operations that began more than 100 years ago contaminated the groundwater with volatile organic chemicals. Officials from Oregon Public Health and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) were concerned that these chemicals might be moving into the indoor air of homes located near the rail yard.

"We know that residents in this area have many concerns about pollution from the rail yard. This report looked specifically at whether the chemicals in the groundwater are affecting indoor air quality," said Sujata Joshi, epidemiologist for the Oregon Public Health Environmental Health Assessment Program.

Investigators measured and compared the chemical vapor levels in soil, crawlspaces, and outdoor and indoor air at nine Trainsong homes during the course of a year. The results indicated that these chemicals are not entering the indoor air of these Trainsong homes.

Seven of the nine study homes had levels of certain volatile chemicals that were below levels of health concern. However, two of the homes had indoor air levels that were above health guidelines. The investigators concluded the indoor air of these two homes is not affected by the contaminated groundwater, but instead by chemicals within the homes themselves.

"We are committed to working with these two homeowners to help them identify and remove the sources that are contaminating the air inside their homes. There are many commonly used household products that can contaminate the indoor air quality of people's homes," Joshi said.

The groundwater near the rail yard is contaminated with the chemicals
trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, also known as TCE and PCE. These chemicals can cause damage to the central nervous system, immune system, kidneys and liver, as well as cause an increased risk for certain types of cancer.

The chemical vapor levels in the soil beneath the Trainsong neighborhood have dropped dramatically in the past two years. However, until DEQ can verify that the levels will stay low, Union Pacific Railroad will maintain barriers against the vapors in the study homes as an added measure of safety.

With DEQ oversight, the railroad will also continue monitoring soil gas levels in the Trainsong neighborhood and will use this information to determine how long the vapor barriers will need to be maintained.

Even though the homes near the rail yard are not affected by the contamination, Oregon Public Health officials continue to recommend that residents in the area use caution when using irrigation wells. Residents with contaminated wells should limit their use of those wells to outdoor purposes only and not drink or use the water for cooking, cleaning or other in-home uses.

To link to the full report:
www.healthoregon.org/ehap

For information about clean-up in the Trainsong area:
Contact Don Hanson, 541-687-7349 or hanson.don@deq.state.or.us.

# # # # #

Oregon Public Health Division mission: To protect and promote the health of all the people of Oregon.

Jan. 20, 2010 --- OAHHS president and CEO Andy Davidson was part of a six-member emergency response team headed for Port-au-Prince, Haiti with Medical Teams International. Davidson, also a representative of the NW Hospital Partnership will discuss his first-hand experiences on his blog, which can be found at http://www.oahhs.org/haiti

About the NW Hospital Partnership:

Lake Oswego, Ore. (Jan. 15, 2010) --- The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) along with the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) partnered today with NW-based medical relief agency Medical Teams International to assist in their "on-the-ground" efforts to provide medical care to the Haitian people so deeply impacted Tuesday's earthquake.

"The devastation we have all seen in the region compelled us to do something significant as health care providers," stated Leo Greenawalt, WSHA president and CEO. "This partnership is a natural fit for our members to support the emergency relief efforts of Medical Teams International; we can provide the resources needed to provide the appropriate care in Haiti."

The two NW hospital associations have committed to raise $100,000 across their collective 156 hospital membership to sponsor 10 emergency medical response teams from Medical Teams International who will provide medical service in the devastated region. Each medical team requires $10,000 to cover travel, food and basic supplies for the volunteers.

Additionally, Medical Teams International has made a request to its hospital partners to provide medications for the ravaged area. Both OAHHS and WSHA have asked their members to also assist by helping to supply Medical Teams International with the medications necessary for each emergency medical response team. Each team will have enough medication for 3,000 Haitian victims.

"This is what we do best and we need to do all we can to pull our resources together as an industry and provide the critical support that is needed in these early days," stated Andy Davidson, OAHHS president and CEO. "Our goal is to raise more than our initial commitment so that Medical Teams International can focus on the work they do best, provide appropriate care, at the right time and at the right place."

ABOUT OAHHS: Founded in 1934, the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS) is a statewide, nonprofit trade association representing Oregon's 58 acute care hospitals. OAHHS also works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon's innovative health care industry. Online: www.oahhs.org

ABOUT WSHA: The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) is a membership organization representing 98 community hospitals and several health-related organizations. The association provides issues management and analysis, information, advocacy and other services. Online: www.wsha.org

ABOUT MEDICAL TEAMS INTERNATIONAL: Since 1979, Medical Teams International has shipped more than $1.3 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and lifesaving medicines to care for 45 million people in 100 countries around the world. More than 2,600 volunteers meet the needs of people worldwide each year. Online: www.medicalteams.org

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski to Receive
Americans for the Arts' Leadership Award

Americans for the Arts, a leading national arts advocacy organization, has selected Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski for its prestigious Public Leadership in the Arts Award. The awards recognize elected officials whose vision and leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts and arts education within their communities. In making the award, Americans for the Arts cited Governor Kulongoski's "leadership in establishing the CHAMP program and for his support of the merger of the fledgling Oregon Cultural Trust with the Oregon Arts Commission to ensure that the Trust survived its infancy."

"I deeply appreciate that Americans for the Arts recognizes the progress we are making re-investing in art and culture in Oregon. I hope to use this award as a catalyst for additional public support of the arts, especially in ways that will bring the arts to children both in and out of the classroom," said the Governor regarding the award.

The Governor will receive his award during the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, DC, on January 21, 2010.

"Governor Kulongoski has made more significant contributions in support of arts and culture than any other governor in the 150 year history of the state," said Christine D'Arcy, executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission, which nominated the governor for the award. "In his seven years in office, he has advanced both policy and budget initiatives, branding culture and creative endeavors as critical to the state's economy and future. His CHAMP initiatives have led to significant new investment in art, culture, history, movie production and preservation, fueling Oregon's creative economy and creating and retaining jobs."

Norm Smith, Chairman of the Cultural Trust board, commented, "Governor Kulongoski's tireless support of the Cultural Trust has demonstrated his commitment to art and culture – and his long term vision that Oregon's economy and the education of its children require a vibrant, well-funded, and broad-based cultural life."

"The Governor has demonstrated his solid support of Oregon's arts and culture since he took office – and then deepened that support in two successive sessions of the legislature. Now, in his last year of office as Governor, he is well deserving of national recognition for his work," said Virginia Willard, Executive Director of Business for Culture & the Arts, an affiliation of over 180 businesses that advocates for increased private and public support of the arts, heritage, humanities and historic preservation across Oregon.

The Arts Commission summarized the following accomplishments of Kulongoski's leadership in the arts in its nomination:

* In 2003, after five special sessions of the Oregon legislature to balance the state budget, Governor Kulongoski authorized the merger of the fledgling Oregon Cultural Trust with the Oregon Arts Commission to ensure that the Trust survived its infancy. Since then, Oregonians have contributed over $21 million to the Trust to support the arts, heritage and humanities.

* In 2005, Oregon ranked among the lowest among states in promotion of tourism, Oregon's third largest industry, despite great destinations such as Portland and Ashland that are vibrant centers of art and culture. Governor Kulongoski supported legislation that authorized a 1-percent statewide lodging tax dedicated to tourism promotion. With these dedicated funds, investment support moved from 47th in the country to near 25th. This tourism promotion has benefited cultural programming across the state.

* In 2007, Governor Kulongoski initiated and branded CHAMP, a unified cultural reinvestment effort to support the cultural and creative economy of the state. CHAMP represents Culture, Heritage, Arts, Movies, Preservation and Public Broadcasting. The Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Arts Commission, Cultural Trust, Oregon Public Broadcasting, the Governor's Office of Film & Television and the State Historic Preservation Office worked collectively to support the Governor's CHAMP package which ultimately resulted in the legislature passing a budget that increased public investment by $10.6 million dollars. The CHAMP funding was allocated over and above the base budgets of these entities.

* CHAMP funding of $2.9 million for the Commission's Creative Oregon initiative restored grant funds to arts groups and artists to provide programs for Oregonians across the state and began a new technical assistance program to build the capacity of Oregon arts organizations and artists.

* The other beneficiaries of CHAMP for the 2007-2009 biennium included the Oregon Historical Society, the Governor's Office of Film & Television, the development of a new Oregon Main Street program, and Oregon Public Broadcasting.

* During the 2009 session, Governor Kulongoski proposed CHAMP II, a follow-up cultural reinvestment package that resulted in both funding and policy achievements in the midst of a deep recession. Over $5 million in new funds was allocated to the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Historical Society, Portland Art Museum, Oregon Main Street Program and Oregon Public Broadcasting.

* In addition to the budget successes of CHAMP II, the Governor, in 2009, provided the leadership to advance and secure passage of legislation on the following arts and culture issues:

1. The Oregon's landmark Historic Properties Special Assessment program was renewed.
2. The sunset date of Oregon's innovative cultural tax credit was extended to 2014; the board of the Cultural Trust was expanded; and the use of license plate revenues for marketing and promotion of the Trust was extended for 10 years.
3. The Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF) increased from $10 million per biennium to $15 million. OPIF provides critical rebates to film productions that shoot in Oregon, provided they meet program requirements and spend at least $750,000 in the state. Since 2005, OPIF has been responsible for bringing over $140 million in revenue into the state.
4. Musicians are now allowed to be considered independent contractors, and persons or organizations that engage their services are no longer considered their employer for the purpose of paying unemployment insurance compensation taxes.

* Governor Kulongoski is the first Oregon governor to appoint a Policy Advisor specifically for art, culture and media production issues.

- 30 -


Attached Media Files: Governor Kulongoski presents the 2008 Governor's Film Advocate Award to the creative team of "Coraline," the debut production of Oregon-based Laika. Photo: Frank di Marco (c) 2009. LtR Governor Kulongoski, Claire Jennings, Travis Knight, Henry Sellick

State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson is encouraging communities across the state to honor the work of those in the fire service by conducting events for Fire Service Appreciation Day in Oregon, Wednesday, January 27.

"Communities have many opportunities to get involved and recognize the work and sacrifice of members of the Oregon fire service," says State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson. "From community groups hosting a breakfast, lunch, or dinner, to schools holding essay contests, this day is an opportunity for everyone to say thanks."

In 2007, the Oregon legislature passed a permanent resolution establishing January 27 each year as Fire Service Appreciation Day in Oregon.

Local recognition in past years included city mayors presenting fire chiefs with a certificate of thanks, fire district boards presenting commemorative coins and certificates to volunteers, and newspapers publishing articles and ads thanking members of the fire service

The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) will host a brief public ceremony at their office in Salem beginning at 11:00 a.m. with displays from each section of the agency thanking the fire service for their work and collaboration in 2009. At noon, the OSFM will dedicate a permanent memorial to employees who have passed away while serving at the agency.

For more information on Fire Service Appreciation Day in Oregon, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/Fire_Service_Appreciation_Day.shtml.

####

For Immediate Release

January 20, 2010



Contact:

Christine D'Arcy, (503) 986-0087, christine.t.darcy@state.or.us
Jillian Schoene, (503) 378-5040, jillian.schoene@state.or.us


Americans for the Arts, a leading national arts advocacy organization, has selected Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski for its prestigious Public Leadership in the Arts Award. The awards recognize elected officials whose vision and leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts and arts education within their communities. In making the award, Americans for the Arts cited Governor Kulongoski's "leadership in establishing the CHAMP program and for his support of the merger of the fledgling Oregon Cultural Trust with the Oregon Arts Commission to ensure that the Trust survived its infancy."



"I deeply appreciate that Americans for the Arts recognizes the progress we are making re-investing in art and culture in Oregon. I hope to use this award as a catalyst for additional public support of the arts, especially in ways that will bring the arts to children both in and out of the classroom," said the Governor regarding the award.



The Governor will receive his award during the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, DC, on January 21, 2010.



"Governor Kulongoski has made more significant contributions in support of arts and culture than any other governor in the 150 year history of the state," said Christine D'Arcy, executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission, which nominated the governor for the award. "In his seven years in office, he has advanced both policy and budget initiatives, branding culture and creative endeavors as critical to the state's economy and future. His CHAMP initiatives have led to significant new investment in art, culture, history, movie production and preservation, fueling Oregon's creative economy and creating and retaining jobs."



Norm Smith, Chairman of the Cultural Trust board, commented, "Governor Kulongoski's tireless support of the Cultural Trust has demonstrated his commitment to art and culture – and his long term vision that Oregon's economy and the education of its children require a vibrant, well-funded, and broad-based cultural life."



"The Governor has demonstrated his solid support of Oregon's arts and culture since he took office – and then deepened that support in two successive sessions of the legislature. Now, in his last year of office as Governor, he is well deserving of national recognition for his work," said Virginia Willard, Executive Director of Business for Culture & the Arts, an affiliation of over 180 businesses that advocates for increased private and public support of the arts, heritage, humanities and historic preservation across Oregon.



The Arts Commission summarized the following accomplishments of Kulongoski's leadership in the arts in its nomination:



§ In 2003, after five special sessions of the Oregon legislature to balance the state budget, Governor Kulongoski authorized the merger of the fledgling Oregon Cultural Trust with the Oregon Arts Commission to ensure that the Trust survived its infancy. Since then, Oregonians have contributed over $21 million to the Trust to support the arts, heritage and humanities.



§ In 2005, Oregon ranked among the lowest among states in promotion of tourism, Oregon's third largest industry, despite great destinations such as Portland and Ashland that are vibrant centers of art and culture. Governor Kulongoski supported legislation that authorized a 1-percent statewide lodging tax dedicated to tourism promotion. With these dedicated funds, investment support moved from 47th in the country to near 25th. This tourism promotion has benefited cultural programming across the state.



§ In 2007, Governor Kulongoski initiated and branded CHAMP, a unified cultural reinvestment effort to support the cultural and creative economy of the state. CHAMP represents Culture, Heritage, Arts, Movies, Preservation and Public Broadcasting. The Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Arts Commission, Cultural Trust, Oregon Public Broadcasting, the Governor's Office of Film & Television and the State Historic Preservation Office worked collectively to support the Governor's CHAMP package which ultimately resulted in the legislature passing a budget that increased public investment by $10.6 million dollars. The CHAMP funding was allocated over and above the base budgets of these entities.



§ CHAMP funding of $2.9 million for the Commission's Creative Oregon initiative restored grant funds to arts groups and artists to provide programs for Oregonians across the state and began a new technical assistance program to build the capacity of Oregon arts organizations and artists.



§ The other beneficiaries of CHAMP for the 2007-2009 biennium included the Oregon Historical Society, the Governor's Office of Film & Television, the development of a new Oregon Main Street program, and Oregon Public Broadcasting.



§ During the 2009 session, Governor Kulongoski proposed CHAMP II, a follow-up cultural reinvestment package that resulted in both funding and policy achievements in the midst of a deep recession. Over $5 million in new funds was allocated to the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Historical Society, Portland Art Museum, Oregon Main Street Program and Oregon Public Broadcasting.



§ In addition to the budget successes of CHAMP II, the Governor, in 2009, provided the leadership to advance and secure passage of legislation on the following arts and culture issues:



1. The Oregon's landmark Historic Properties Special Assessment program was renewed.

2. The sunset date of Oregon's innovative cultural tax credit was extended to 2014; the board of the Cultural Trust was expanded; and the use of license plate revenues for marketing and promotion of the Trust was extended for 10 years.

3. The Oregon Production Investment Fund (OPIF) increased from $10 million per biennium to $15 million. OPIF provides critical rebates to film productions that shoot in Oregon, provided they meet program requirements and spend at least $750,000 in the state. Since 2005, OPIF has been responsible for bringing over $140 million in revenue into the state.

4. Musicians are now allowed to be considered independent contractors, and persons or organizations that engage their services are no longer considered their employer for the purpose of paying unemployment insurance compensation taxes.



§ Governor Kulongoski is the first Oregon governor to appoint a Policy Advisor specifically for art, culture and media production issues.

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010

Media questions: Alissa Bateman-Robbins, 971-673-2296 (desk); 503-490-6590 (cell); alissa.bateman-robbins@state.or.us

Oregon influenza data released
Weekly influenza update for Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010

Oregon Public Health's Emerging Infections Program (EIP) network released preliminary updated findings on H1N1 activity in Oregon for the time period Sept. 1, 2009 through Jan. 11, 2010. The EIP network reviewed charts from patients hospitalized in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, and compiled a report on deaths from lab-confirmed influenza for the entire state. The final report should be released around Feb. 1.

"This information provides a good picture of who is getting hospitalized from the flu, which helps us to determine who is most at risk," says Mel Kohn, MD, MPH, director of Oregon Public Health.

The report, updated Jan. 12, reveals the following hospitalization trends in the tri-county area:
•82 percent of adults hospitalized with the flu had underlying health conditions, which were most commonly asthma, chronic lung disease and chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

•57 percent of hospitalized children had underlying health conditions, which were most commonly asthma and conditions resulting in decreased immunity.

•There were 33 pregnant women hospitalized for flu, compared with an average of less than one hospitalization among pregnant woman during the last five years. The rate of hospitalization among pregnant women aged 15 to 44 years is 4.4 times the rate of hospitalization among non-pregnant women in that age group.

The mortality figures show:
•Four children in Oregon died of flu-related illness; all of them had a neurological developmental disorder such as cerebral palsy.

•The median age of adult flu death cases in Oregon is 51. Over half (57 percent) of the deaths were male and 84 percent were white.

Nationally, visits to the doctor and hospitalization for the flu are declining, and deaths attributed to flu have decreased and are below what is expected for this time of year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost all influenza viruses identified so far continue to be pandemic H1N1. In Oregon, 1,309 people have been hospitalized from the flu since Sept. 1, 2009; 66 people have died.

For more information, visit www.flu.oregon.gov or call the Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline at 800-978-3040.

###

Governor's Commission on Senior Services to meet Jan. 20 and 21

Who: Governor's Commission on Senior Services
What: Public meeting
When: Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 21
Where: Comfort Suites, Oregon Conference Room, 630 Hawthorne Street SE, Salem

Agenda:
Jan. 20: Working committees will meet from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The working committees include Transportation, Geriatric Mental Health, and Health Care.
The full commission will meet from 2:40 p.m. to 5 p.m. The meeting agenda will include:
• Public comment, 2:45 p.m.;
• Transportation discussion, 2:50 p.m.;
• Restructuring of Licensing and Quality Care Unit, SPD, 4:15 p.m.;
• Adjourn 4:50 p.m.

Jan. 21: The full commission will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting agenda will include:
• Public comment, 9:20 a.m.;
• Presentation on Oregon State Plan on Aging for 2009-2013, 9:30 a.m.;
• Geriatric mental health discussion, 10:30 a.m.;
• Break for lunch, 12 noon;
• Commission business, 1 p.m.; adjourn, 3 p.m.

The agenda is posted on the Governor's Commission on Senior Services Web site.

The Governor's Commission on Senior Services is charged in Oregon statute with advising the Governor and the director of Human Services on needs of elderly persons. The commission also recommends actions by the governor, the Department of Human Services, other governmental entities and the private sector, appropriate to meet these needs.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations should call DHS at 1-800-282-8096 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

###

Nominations for Poet Laureate due February 15, 2010

In 2005, Governor Ted Kulongoski, Oregon's five statewide cultural partners serving heritage, the humanities and the arts, and the Oregon Cultural Trust joined forces to reinstate Oregon's poet laureate position, which had been vacant since the close of William Stafford's tenure in 1989. As a result, on February 17, 2006, Lawson Fusao Inada was appointed Oregon's fifth poet laureate and he will complete his second term in early 2010.

Recognizing that a poet laureate provides a bold and articulate voice for culture across the state and contributes thoughtful eloquence to our public life, Oregon seeks nominations for its next poet laureate.

The role of poet laureate is to foster the art of poetry, encourage literacy and learning, address central issues relating to humanities and heritage, and reflect appropriately on public life in Oregon. The poet laureate will provide up at least six and up to twenty public readings in settings across the state to educate community, business, and state leaders about the value and importance of poetry and creative expression. Additionally, the poet laureate will undertake a significant cultural project or projects throughout his or her term, sharing poetry with people or to a region of the state that might otherwise have little opportunity to experience it.

Nominations for the poet laureate are sought from Oregonians, including other poets and writers, as well as educational and cultural leaders. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Nominations will be accepted until February 15, 2010, and may be submitted by:

Email cultural.trust@state.or.us Subj: Poet Laureate Nomination
Fax (503) 986-0260
Mail Oregon Cultural Trust
775 Summer Street NE, Suite 200
Salem, Oregon 97301-1280

Nominations must include a cover letter describing the nominator, the name and a 300 word biography of the nominated poet, a statement indicating why the nominator considers the poet's work to be of high quality and representative of the State of Oregon and confirmation that the nominated poet agrees to be nominated. More details are available at www.culturaltrust.org/poet laureate nomination.html

Oregon's Cultural Partners have assembled a selection committee to review and rank the nominations. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the Governor for review. After the Governor names a laureate, the poet laureate will serve for a term of two years (renewable after the first year) beginning as soon as March 2010.

The partners of the Cultural Trust – Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Historical Society, the Oregon Heritage Commission, Oregon Humanities and the State Historic Preservation Office - are statewide cultural agencies offering leadership, programming, and services across the state. In addition to supporting and advising the Cultural Trust, each partner receives funds from the Trust annually. By statute, a portion of the Trust's grant funds is set aside for a project of statewide significance that the partners undertake collaboratively. These funds supported the reinstatement of Oregon's poet laureate in 2006 as well as Lawson Inada's extensive outreach as an ambassador of poetry across Oregon.

For more information, contact the Cultural Trust, cultural.trust@state.or.us,or Oregon Humanities, o.hm@oregonhumanities.org.

Oregon's poets laureate
Edwin Charles Markham (1921‑1940)
Ben Hur Lampman (1951‑1954)
Ethel Romig Fuller (1957‑1965)
William Stafford (1974‑1989)
Lawson Fusao Inada (2006-2010)

About the Oregon Cultural Trust
The Oregon Cultural Trust is an innovative, statewide private-public program raising significant new funds to support and protect Oregon's arts, humanities and heritage. In addition to the creation of a permanent endowment, funds are distributed annually through three multi-faceted, wide-ranging grant programs. Donors to the Trust are eligible for a 100% Oregon income tax credit for contributions of up to $500 for individuals, $1,000 for couples filing jointly and $2,500 for corporations. To motivate Oregonians to increase direct giving to cultural groups, Trust donors must also make matching gifts to one or more of nearly 1,300 cultural nonprofits in order to qualify for the credit. No other state in the nation has a program like the Oregon Cultural Trust, which has been ranked with the bottle bill and the vote-by-mail bill as among Oregon's most forward-thinking public policy measures. More information: (503) 986-0088 or www.culturaltrust.org.

In 2003, the Oregon legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Oregon 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 and the Cultural Trust are part of Business Oregon (formerly the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department) in recognition of the expanding role arts and culture play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities.

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***MEDIA ADVISORY: Any media wishing to attend Brig. Gen. Rosenbaum's service, beginning at 12:00 p.m., should meet at the main entrance gate on Cornfoot Road at 11:15 a.m. to be escorted onto Portland Air National Guard Base.***

The Oregon Air National Guard is scheduled to hold a public memorial service for retired Brig. Gen. Fred M. Rosenbaum, in the Rosenbaum Hangar (bldg. 375), at the Portland Air National Guard Base at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Rosenbaum, who retired from the Oregon Air National Guard in 1986, passed away in the early morning hours of Jan. 12, 2010. He was 83.

Rosenbaum served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and in both the Oregon Army and Oregon Air National Guard over his 42-year military career. His most recent position was as the Assistant Adjutant General (Air) for the Oregon National Guard.

He attended Reed College, Northwestern College of Law, and Portland State University, earning advanced degrees in political science and urban studies. He also served as the Chairman for the Housing Authority of Portland for 13 years, working closely with state, federal and local authorities to improve the livelihood of numerous residents in Housing of Urban Development neighborhoods.

He is best known for the founding of Rosenbaum Financial, LLC, a life insurance brokerage, in 1957, and the annual citizenship youth camp which bears his name, Camp Rosenbaum, in 1972.

Over his lifetime, he was involved in a very active civic life, serving in such positions as the Director of the Urban League of Portland, Chairman of the Human Relations Commission of Portland, President of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Trustee of the Boys Club of Portland, President of the National Guard Association of Oregon, and the Governor's Committee on Youth.

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard, said Rosenbaum lived a truly inspiring life.

"We have been blessed that his ardent interest in public service included the military and the Oregon National Guard," Rees said of Rosenbaum.

"Generations of the Oregon Guard can point to his leadership as key to our great success in all areas of fair and equitable treatment of all soldiers and airmen and our remarkable efforts to be of service to our communities," Rees added.

Rosenbaum is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, the former Jane Schlesinger, son Mark, daughter Lori Krasnowsky, and three grandchildren.

The public and media are welcome to attend the memorial ceremony at the Portland Air Base. The address is: 6800 SW Cornfoot Road, Portland, Ore.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family is requesting donations in his memory to the following charities:
1. Camp Rosenbaum Fund, c/o GREAT, 449 NE Emerson, Portland, Ore. 97211, ATTN: Erin Parks.
2. Portland State University Foundation, P.O. Box 243, Portland, Ore. 97043.
3. American Cancer Society, online at cancer.org,/Gifts in Memory.
4. Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders, Portland, Ore. 97209

Cards and letters can be sent to the family in care of Holman's Funeral Service, 2610 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, Ore. 97214. Phone: 503-232-5131.

Contact Info: Major Melinda Lapore, 142 Fighter Wing Public Affairs Officer: 503-504-3633.


Attached Media Files: Retired Brig. Gen. Fred M. Rosenbaum

(Correction to Curtis' first name to read JACOB)

A 19-year old Eugene resident was arrested by Oregon State Police (OSP) following a Sunday afternoon two-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 126E near Vida that resulted in serious injuries to a Eugene woman.

According to OSP Recruit Trooper Mike Pelkey, on January 17, 2010 at approximately 4:10 p.m. a 1995 Acura Integra driven by JACOB A. CURTIS, age 19, from Eugene, was westbound on Highway 126E near milepost 23 when it crossed the centerline and crashed head-on with an eastbound 1996 Nissan two door.

The Nissan's driver, CANDACE LEE CHITTY, age 63, from Eugene, was seriously injured. She was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend.

CURTIS was transported by ambulance with minor injuries to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. After being treated and released, OSP arrested CURTIS and lodged him in the Lane County Jail for the following charges:

* DUII
* Reckless Driving
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person
* Assault in the Third Degree

He was also cited for Failure to Drive Within a Lane, Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, and Refusing a Breath Test.

Safety restraint use information and photographs are not available.

One lane was closed for about one hour. OSP was assisted by local emergency responding agencies.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

Central Cascades MapGuide Encourages Authentic and Sustainable Travel in Washington and Oregon

WHAT: The National Geographic Society will unveil its latest Geotourism MapGuide Tuesday. Created from 1,200+ nominations by local residents and business owners, the MapGuide features more than 200 geotourism sites. Points of interest include cultural, recreational, agricultural, natural and geological attractions and activities that promote sustainable travel throughout the Central Cascades, as well as full-color photography from Northwest photographers and the famed National Geographic cartography. The Central Cascades MapGuide will be available via www.TheCentralCascades.com and other distribution channels.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 19, 9:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m. Refreshments provided.

WHO: Speakers: John Francis, PhD, Vice President for Research, Conservation, and Exploration,
National Geographic Society
Todd Davidson, CEO, Travel Oregon
Lenise Lago, Deputy Regional Forester, Pacific Northwest Region, U.S. Forest Service (Oregon and Washington)
Maui Meyer, owner, Celilo restaurant in Hood River (a MapGuide site)

WHERE: Heathman Hotel, 1001 SW Broadway, Portland, Ore.

WHY: Geotourism sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. According to a 2002 study by National Geographic Traveler magazine and the U.S. Travel Association, more than 55 million adults in the U.S. could be described as "geotourists," who travel to enjoy the distinctive character of places and are willing to help sustain and enhance those qualities for future visitors. These travelers control more than half the household income of all U.S. travelers. The new MapGuide will contribute to the economic health of communities by promoting sustainable tourism while acknowledging the sensitive balance between growth and conservation.

HOW: The National Geographic Society Center for Sustainable Destinations provided project direction. Lead partners included Travel Oregon, Washington State Tourism, and the Central Cascades Geotourism Stewardship Council, with regional coordination by Sustainable Travel International, Sustainable Northwest, and Rural Development Initiatives. Funding and support were provided by Travel Oregon, Washington State Tourism, U.S. Forest Service-Pacific Northwest Region, Bureau of Land Management Oregon State Office, Oregon Cultural Trust, Clackamas County Tourism Development Council, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Oregon Visitors Association, Southern Oregon Visitors Association, Greater Portland Regional Partners, Travel Lane County, and the Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association.

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening
economic impacts of the state's $8.4 billion tourism industry. Visit www.TravelOregon.com for details.
# # #


Attached Media Files: National Geographic Central Cascades Geotourism MapGuide

Two people were injured, one seriously, early Sunday morning after their vehicle traveled off Highway 126 near Prineville and collided with a power pole. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers from the Bend Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

According to OSP Trooper Todd Burke, on January 17, 2010 at approximately 01:57 a.m. a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by GARY THOMAS DAVIS, age 26, from LaPine, was traveling westbound on Highway 126 near milepost 12 when he lost control negotiating a right corner. The car crossed into the oncoming lane and traveled off the roadway as DAVIS lost control. The car continued off the right side of the roadway onto the gravel shoulder and collided with a power pole, coming to rest on its passenger side.

DAVIS received minor injuries and was self admitted to Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Prineville.

Passenger DAVID EVERITT RAVER, age 54, from Bend, received serious injuries and was transported by air-ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

Both occupants were reportedly using safety restraints.

Crook County Sheriffs Office, Crook County Fire and Medical personnel, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/011710.hwy126mp12.1.JPG , 2010-01/1002/011710.hwy126mp12.2.JPG , 2010-01/1002/011710.hwy126mp12.3.JPG

Nine people were injured, three seriously, Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle head-on crash on Highway 101 about five miles north of the Sea Lion Caves on the Oregon coast. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into the crash that closed the highway for about three hours.

According to OSP Sergeant Andy Kenyon, preliminary investigation indicates on January 16, 2010 at approximately 3:40 p.m. a 2003 Audi sedan driven by BRANDON SCHOOLEY, age 19, from Eugene, was northbound on Highway 101 near milepost 174. As SCHOOLEY was negotiating a sharp curve he crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a southbound 2001 Toyota Camry driven by HAN KIM, age 25, from Eugene.

OSP troopers from the Florence and Newport offices, Lane County Sheriff's Office deputies, a US Forest Service officer, and emergency responders from Siuslaw Fire Department, Western Lane Ambulance, South Lincoln County Ambulance, Lincoln county area EMS units, and ODOT all responded to the crash.

All nine vehicle occupants were using safety restraints and transported by ambulance to various hospitals.

SCHOOLEY and his three passengers were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where they were treated for minor injuries and released. Audi passengers are identified as:

* NICHOLAS A .TORRES, age 20, from Eugene
* SAMANTHA J. FRESE, age 17, from Cottage Grove
* FELICIA M. BALDWIN, age 17, from Cottage Grove

HAN KIM was transported to Peace Harbor Hospital in Florence where he was treated for minor injuries and released. Toyota passengers are believed to be living in the Eugene area and may be students at the University of Oregon. They are identified as:

* ESTHER KING, age 21, transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with serious injuries
* DAVID CHAI, age 25, transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with critical injuries
* BIN SEO, age 19, transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with serious injuries
* MINHYE PARK, age 21, transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis and treated and released with minor injuries

No other information available for release at this time.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/011610.hwy101mp174.1.JPG , 2010-01/1002/011610.hwy101mp174.3.JPG , 2010-01/1002/011610.hwy101mp174.2.JPG

A southeast Portland man was seriously injured Saturday night when he was struck by a car as he tried to cross Highway 26 on foot east of Sandy. Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation and asking any witnesses to contact OSP.

According to OSP Trooper Michael Reel, on January 16, 2010 at approximately 7:50 p.m. a 2006 Jaguar driven by REGINALD BOYLE, age 77, from Sandy, was eastbound on Highway 26 near milepost 26 when he struck a pedestrian trying to cross the highway from the north side to the south side. The pedestrian, identified as ALAM SALOIS, age 31, from southeast Portland, was seriously injured and transported by AMR ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital. His injuries are non-life threatening.

BOYLE was using safety restraints and wasn't injured.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Sandy Fire Department and other local emergency responding agencies.

Any witnesses to the crash or who saw the pedestrian before the crash is asked to contact Trooper Reel at (503) 731-3020 ext. 402.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

An 18-year old Vida-area girl was seriously injured Saturday morning in a two vehicle traffic crash on Highway 126E west of Vida.

According to OSP Senior Trooper Jamin Van Meter, on January 16th, 2010, at approximately 10:35 a.m. a 1996 Saturn sedan driven by JENNIFER LEIGH HANCHETT, age 18, from Vida, was turning westbound onto Highway 126E from Goodpasture Road. As HANCHETT pulled out to make the turn her car was struck by an eastbound 1999 Ford pickup driven by CHARLES JULES De SULLY III, age 33, from Springfield. After impact DE SULLY was able to move the pickup from the road.

A Lane County Deputy was in the area and arrived shortly after the crash occurred, rendering aid to HANCHETT. McKenzie Fire and Rescue responded and HANCHETT was transported to Riverbend Hospital by ambulance. She was using safety restraints.

DE SULLY was not injured.

OSP troopers from the Springfield Area Command office were assisted by the Lane County Sheriff's Office, McKenzie River Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.

The highway was limited to one lane of travel for approximately 2 hours.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/011610.hwy126E.goodpasture.JPG

Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Wasco County Medical Examiner are continuing the investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of an ODOT employee found early Saturday morning in a creek bed below Interstate 84 just east of the Mosier interchange. The man's name is being released after his body was found by an OSP trooper and ODOT employee following a brief search in the area where his unoccupied ODOT vehicle was found. There is no indication the death was the result of a crime and an autopsy is going to be scheduled.

On January 16, 2010 at approximately 4:36 a.m. OSP Northern Command Center dispatch was contacted by ODOT after an employee found one of their vehicles unoccupied in the right eastbound lane of Interstate 84 near milepost 69 with the driver's door open and the rotating yellow beacon light activated. The location was in a highway construction work zone about 200 yards east of the Mosier interchange where the freeway bridges a creek bed.

An OSP trooper was called out from their residence to respond and investigate. Additional information indicated PAUL E. EWERS, age 55, from Mosier, was scheduled to go off duty at 3:00 a.m. and was last seen by another employee about 2:00 a.m. in The Dalles at which time he left driving west to check the freeway lanes prior to ending his work schedule. When EWERS had not been heard or seen from at the end of his shift, another ODOT employee drove west in an attempt to locate him and found the unoccupied vehicle.

The trooper and ODOT employee searched the area and spotted EWERS' body at 5:24 a.m. approximately 36 feet below the freeway lanes in Mosier Creek. He had fallen through a gap between the east and westbound lanes where the freeway spans Mosier Creek. The trooper went down and confirmed EWERS was deceased.

OSP troopers from The Dalles Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

Anyone who was traveling on Interstate 84 in the Mosier area early Saturday morning between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. that may have seen the ODOT vehicle and/or an ODOT employee wearing a reflective vest near the parked vehicle is asked to contact OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.

Questions for ODOT should be directed to Peter Murphy, ODOT Public Affairs, at (541) 325-2258.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/011610.i84mp69.odot.4.JPG , 2010-01/1002/011610.i84mp69.odot.3.JPG , 2010-01/1002/011610.i84mp69.odot.2.JPG

SALEM—The Assessment and Taxation subcommittee of the Task Force on Effective and Cost-efficient Service Provision will hold its second meeting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at Beaverton City Hall, 4755 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton.

The meeting is open to the public.

House Bill 2920 charged the task force with reviewing state and county shared services in four areas: assessment and taxation; elections; human services; and criminal justice. The task force will focus on restructuring government to be more effective and cost efficient.

At the meeting, the subcommittee will:
• Review invited comments and suggestions for system improvements.
• Identify possible recommendations to full task force.

Subcommittee members include: Chair Elizabeth Harchenko, director, Department of Revenue; Multnomah County Commissioner Judy Shiprack; Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle; Tualatin Valley Rural Fire District Board member Clark Balfour; and Sarah Miller, Oregon Business Development Department.

-30-

March of Dimes Greater Oregon Chapter was pleasantly surprised with a check for $15,000 from Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. The money came from the 2009 Chubb Charity Challenge golf tournament, where March of Dimes Board Member Jeremy Andersen and his team came in 10th of 44 teams.

Andersen, vice president of Durham and Bates in Portland, has been on the board of the Greater Oregon Chapter of March of Dimes since 2007. He and his team won the local qualifying tournament and got to compete nationally at the famed Pinehurst No. 2 course in North Carolina. They chose March of Dimes as the beneficiary of their winnings.

The 2009 annual Chubb Charity Challenge raised in excess of $840,000, bringing the golf tournament's decade-long contributions to charities across the United States and Canada to more than $8 million.

"It's really about what we can do locally here in the community," said Jill Abere, vice president and branch manager of Chubb & Son in Portland, as she presented the check to Michael O'Reilly, 2009 March of Dimes Board Chair.

About March of Dimes
March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

About Chubb
The member insurers of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies form a multi-billion dollar organization providing property and casualty insurance for personal and commercial customers worldwide through 8,500 independent agents and brokers. Chubb's global network includes branches and affiliates throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia.

Photo: (left to right) Michael O'Reilly, principal Vista Capital Partners and March of Dimes 2009 chair; Jeremy Andersen, vice president of Durham and Bates and March of Dimes board member; Jill Abere, , vice president and branch manager of Chubb & Son; Sean McCarthy, senior vice president of Durham and Bates.

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Attached Media Files: Chubb & Son presents check to March of Dimes

Salem, Oregon – As we offer our support and help to the victims of the Haiti earthquake, Oregonians may also be thinking about how to protect themselves in the event of an earthquake. Although Oregon is among the states at highest risk for a major earthquake, only about 20 percent of Oregonians have earthquake insurance, according to a Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) survey.

Standard homeowner policies do not cover earthquakes but optional earthquake coverage is readily available and relatively inexpensive, the 2009 survey indicated.

"Consumers may want to think about their ability to rebuild if their house is destroyed in an earthquake," said Cory Streisinger, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. "Insurance should be weighed as part of other earthquake preparations."

Later this month, on Jan. 26, Oregon marks the 310th anniversary of the last, great Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. This magnitude 9.0 earthquake was centered about 75 miles offshore and damaged the coastline from Northern California to Southern British Columbia, according to the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.

A 10,000-year geologic record shows these mega-quakes occur every 300 to 600 years, putting Oregon within the window of a major earthquake, said James Roddey, earth sciences information officer with that agency. Damaging earthquakes have also occurred within the past 16 years in different parts of the state, causing tens of millions of dollars worth of damage.

"Earthquake and tsunami preparedness should be a part of everybody's emergency plan," said Roddey. "We live in earthquake country. You need to be prepared."

The DCBS Insurance Division last year surveyed 20 insurance companies that account for 80 percent of the homeowner insurance premium in the state. The findings:
• Homeowners generally can buy earthquake insurance as an endorsement (addition to their policy) or as a separate policy. The few companies that do not offer earthquake insurance in Oregon typically refer clients to a company that sells stand-alone earthquake policies.
• Earthquake coverage is relatively inexpensive - often less than $300 a year for a $300,000 wood-frame home. Masonry homes are more expensive to insure. And, if you live in an older home, you may need to bolt your home to the foundation or make other seismic upgrades before you can buy earthquake insurance.
• To keep premiums low and because it is designed to cover catastrophic loss, earthquake coverage generally features high deductibles. These typically amount to 10 percent or 15 percent of the amount covered by insurance. A homeowner with a house insured for $300,000 and a 10 percent deductible would pay $30,000 before the policy would pay. Coverage for contents is separate.

Consumers who wait to buy insurance until after a tremor will be too late: Insurance companies typically suspend sales of earthquake insurance for a period of time after a seismic event.
"No one knows for sure when a major earthquake will strike but Oregon homeowners may want to at least talk to their insurance agent about this coverage," said Teresa Miller, administrator of the Insurance Division.
Studies by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) show the bulk of the nation's annual losses from earthquakes are expected to occur in California, Oregon and Washington – with most of that loss in California.

Although quake-prone California collects more earthquake premiums than any other state, the insurance costs significantly more than in Oregon and only about 12 percent of Californians are covered for earthquakes. The state created the California Earthquake Authority to ensure homeowners could buy earthquake insurance after the 6.7-magnitude Northridge Earthquake of 1994, the costliest quake in U.S. history.

The majority of economic loss is along the West Coast but earthquake risk is nationwide. About 35 percent of Missouri residents, who are part of the New Madrid seismic zone in the central Mississippi Valley, are insured for earthquakes. The last major earthquake in that area, a magnitude 8, occurred in late 1811 and early 1812 and caused some sections of the Mississippi River to appear to run backwards and church bells to ring as far away as Boston.

For additional information

Earthquake insurance tips: http://insurance.oregon.gov/consumer/consumer-tips/4845-5_earthquakes.pdf

Oregon Department of Geology & Mineral Industries (DOGAMI): http://www.oregongeology.org/sub/earthquakes/earthquakehome.htm

DOGAMI map of earthquakes in Oregon since 1841: http://www.oregongeology.org/sub/earthquakes/EqEpicentermap.htm

Federal Emergency Management Agency:
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtm

U.S. Geological Survey (historical earthquakes, interesting facts)
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/faq.php

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
www.floodsmart.gov




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The Insurance Division, part of the Department of Consumer & Business Services, helps ensure the financial soundness of insurers, the fair treatment of consumers, and the affordability and availability of insurance products. For more information, visit www.insurance.oregon.gov.

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

Friday, January 15, 2010 — The aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake has posed logistical challenges for all humanitarian organizations, including Red Cross responders, who are working around the clock to meet the challenges and ensure aid reaches the survivors.

The difficulties include damaged transportation and power systems; an unreliable airport tower, which had led to many flights being diverted; and damaged cranes at the capital city's port, which is not expected to reopen until January 18. Some roads are also covered with debris, making travel within the capital city difficult.

Despite these challenges, the American Red Cross has dozens of disaster specialists in Haiti, assessing the damage, addressing urgent needs and establishing the foundation for a long-term recovery operation. These individuals joined the 15-person staff who were already in country, and 12 Red Cross teams from other countries who arrived on Thursday. Among these teams are engineers, surgeons and family linking specialists. These teams will establish field hospitals, restore water and sanitation systems, distribute supplies and restore family links facilities.

Two planes carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are due to land Friday afternoon in Port-au-Prince. The first carries a field hospital, and the second carries tarps, blankets, hygiene items, buckets, shelter supplies and kitchen sets.

The American Red Cross is also working today with airport authorities to transport additional items from its warehouse in Panama into Port-au-Prince.


An Outpouring of Support

The American Red Cross and other relief organizations have seen an incredible outpouring of support in response to the Haiti earthquake.

So far, the American Red Cross has received $37 million in donations, breaking records for pledges to the Red Cross made within the same time period after a disaster. More than half of the donations have been through online contributions, with strong support from corporations and record-setting activity in mobile giving.

First Lady Michelle Obama also released a Public Service Announcement asking people to join her in supporting the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. You can see the video here: http://newsroom.redcross.org/2010/01/15/video-first-lady-public-service-announcement/


HOW TO HELP
While the American Red Cross appreciates heartfelt offers to travel to Haiti or to donate household items, at this time, what the Red Cross needs the most are financial contributions – whether by check, online or by phone.

You can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at http://www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors can designate their gifts to Haiti relief. You can also donate $10 to Haiti relief by texting HAITI to 90999.


HOW TO GET HELP
The International Committee of the Red Cross is helping to reconnect separated families within the country. They have established a special Web site, enabling persons in Haiti and abroad to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake: http://www.icrc.org/familylinks.

If you're trying to reach a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Haiti, you should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 1-888-407-4747.

SALEM—If the Oregon Department of Revenue approved your tax amnesty application, the deadline to file your amnesty tax returns is less than a week away. All amnesty tax returns must be postmarked by January 19, 2010.

"If you don't file your amnesty tax returns by January 19, you won't get the amnesty benefits," said Steve Purkeypile, amnesty project manager. "And the law won't allow you to file for an extension."

Taxpayers who file tax returns under the amnesty program are charged half the interest and no penalty on back taxes owed.

"Under Oregon law, if you don't file by the deadline, the state may add an additional 25-percent penalty to any other penalties owed," Purkeypile said.

The 2009 Legislature created the one-time amnesty period to give Oregonians who owe back taxes an incentive to get caught up. Applications for the program were due November 19, 2009.

State taxes help fund education, public safety, health care, and other public services.

For more information on tax amnesty, visit www.oregontaxamnesty.com.

Visit www.oregon.gov/DOR for general tax information, forms and instructions, and to check the status of your refund, or call 1-800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or e-mail questions.dor@state.or.us. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 1-800-886-7204.

-30-

State Web sites now offers information in 25 more languages

Salem—Oregon state government has added a powerful language translation feature to its official Web sites, giving users the ability to view those sites in 25 languages in addition to English, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services announced Friday.

A product of Google, the translation feature—Google Translate—is available on Oregon.gov, said Wally Rogers, Oregon's E-Government Manager. "Our goal was to find a translation service that's both reliable and accurate while minimizing the cost, and Google Translate fills the bill," Rogers said. "We are able to offer Google's page translation service for over 40,000 pages without spending a dollar. By adding this feature to our Web sites, we can make important government information available to more people who need it. Here in Oregon we have many residents who speak languages other than English, and we have increased our ability to reach out to them through Oregon.gov."

Visitors to Oregon.gov will now find a "drop-down" box in the upper right corner of every state Web site for which the address ends in "Oregon.gov". The label on the box is "Select Language." The user simply activates the box by clicking on it and selecting any one of the 25 available languages. The page then quickly appears in the selected language.

The following languages are now available on the state Web sites, in addition to English:

Arabic
Chinese (simplified and traditional)
Danish
Dutch
Filipino
Finnish
French
German
Greek
Hindi
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Malay
Norwegian
Persian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Swahili
Swedish
Thai
Ukrainian
Vietnamese

(note: Typo in TANF statistics. Two statistics corrected in news release and one in summary section of file attached by link)

Sustained long-term unemployment means demand for food and other assistance will stay high


[Salem]-State forecasters for the Oregon Department of Human Services today released data showing that demand for food and cash assistance will stay at record levels through 2010 and will not peak until January 2011. Need for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits (formerly known as food stamps) is predicted to surpass 750,000 Oregonians, more than 19 percent of the population. Demand for the Oregon Health Plan, long-term care for seniors, and other services is also predicted to increase.

Increases in need for assistance are being driven largely by the economy. With Oregon's unemployment rate at double digits for 11 months in a row, an increasing number of families are finding themselves in the ranks of the long-term unemployed.

"When people lose their jobs, they often lose not only their income, but also their own health insurance and their ability to help support their aging or vulnerable relatives," says Dr. Bruce Goldberg, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority.

Here is a summary of some of the most notable caseload predictions:

Due to economic forces, high demand for services will last into 2011
There are currently 675,838 Oregonians counting on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) for food support, an increase of 30 percent over last year, and it is predicted to continue growing to a peak of 756,000 people in June 2011 before demand begins to decline. Demand for the Oregon Health Plan, long-term care, and cash assistance will also continue to increase.

A record number of very low income families are receiving cash assistance for rent and other basic needs through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Currently there are 25,669 families on TANF, and that total should continue to grow to 26,000 families by January 2011. However, the level of increase in the numbers of families relying on TANF began to slow in 2009 due to budget cuts to the program.

The economy is beginning to affect seniors
After four years of steady decline, demand for long-term care is growing in response to the economic downturn and is predicted to increase 2 percent over this forecast period to 27,658 people in June 2011. Not only does this demand reflect the growing demographic of seniors in Oregon, but also, according to survey respondents, the financial crisis is propelling baby boomers sooner to long-term care. Economic problems increase the demand for publicly funded long-term care because of seniors' depleted resources, loss of pensions, loss of health care coverage, and other changes in conditions.

Health care demand continues to be unmet
There are currently 510,590 people enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, and that number is predicted to rise to 645,200 people, an increase of 26 percent. Some of the new growth will be attributed to Healthy Kids, which provides expanded coverage for children, but much of it is driven by economic factors. Additionally, more than 600,000 Oregonians are currently uninsured and there is unmet need for substance abuse and mental health treatments. Lack of treatment is a major factor influencing other DHS caseloads.

Field surveys tell the story of the recession in Oregon
The DHS caseload forecast includes surveys of public and private providers of services. Respondents say more people need more services for a longer period of time than ever before, and clients of nearly every economic and demographic group are increasing their demand for services. The most frequently mentioned new clients included two-parent and two-income households, those experiencing the end of unemployment benefits, and seasonal workers. Local providers told of families struggling to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and health care. They expect clients' anticipated end of unemployment benefits and related uninsured status to increase demand in 2010.

Background
Through the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Oregon Health Authority, and local providers, low-income Oregonians receive basic economic assistance and health care coverage. Seniors and people with disabilities also receive important care and assistance care to help them stay safe and independent. DHS and OHA bundle state, federal and other dollars to pay for the services, most of which are delivered through private partners in the communities.

"As we enter another year of record demand, we will continue to work with our local partners to ensure that we maximize every dollar to get services to the greatest number of people possible," says Dr. Goldberg.

For more detail, click here: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/data/forecasts/2009/fall-review.pdf


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/973/2010-0115.pdf

For immediate release
Jan. 15, 2010

Contact:
Rich Malloy, (503)986.6142, rich.malloy@state.or.us
Dona Lanterman, (503) 986-2120, dona.lanterman@state.or.us
Lisa Joyce, (503) 986.0951, lisa.joyce@state.or.us

Recovery Act funds to turn Oregon's vacant homes from eyesores into assets

Salem - New federal dollars will help reverse the state's housing crisis with funding from HUD's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) phase two.

A consortium lead by Oregon Housing and Community Services received a grant for $6.8 million in Recovery Act funds from the federal government. The funds will allow the agency to administer the NSP, enacted to help communities stabilize neighborhoods and rebuild economies.
The NSP is a key part of the Obama Administration's comprehensive approach to address the national housing crisis, according to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

Oregon's application was one of 56 approved, and the only award in the Northwest United States. HUD received more than 480 applications during the competitive process.

"High rates of foreclosure can have many negative consequences, beyond declining property values and blight," OHCS Director Victor Merced said. "Reductions in tax revenues can hamper local government's delivery of needed services."

Congress enacted phase one of the NSP to help communities during the housing crisis and recession. The program provides funds to community consortia and nonprofit developers dedicated to turning vacant homes into community assets.

OHCS will be the lead agency is this effort, which includes a consortium of counties and cities located within the qualifying areas:

* Clackamas County
* City of Bend (representing Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties)
* City of Medford (representing target areas in Jackson County)
* City of Salem (representing target areas in Marion County)
* Washington County

Additional partners include the Department of Human Services and non-profit organizations.

"The funds will be used to help with down payments, mortgage buy-downs, and closing costs for low- and moderate-income families to purchase a foreclosed home," Merced said. The agency projects the funding will impact nearly 150 homes.

"Funds will also help developers and nonprofit agencies to acquire and rehabilitate abandoned or foreclosed homes, providing safe, affordable housing for hardworking Oregonians," Merced said.

OHCS proposes to use a portion of the NSP phase two award to develop permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness, and to support Gov. Ted Kulongoski's 10-year Plan to End Homelessness in Oregon.

As of December, approximately $2 million in NSP phase one funds have been obligated throughout the state's larger cities and urban counties. OHCS staff has obligated another $400,000 in NSP loan funds throughout Oregon's small cities and rural areas.

"These new NSP dollars will help to stabilize local housing markets, reduce vacancy rates, and improve homes," Merced said.

# # #


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1810/01-15-10-NewsRelease.pdf

WHAT: Public Meeting of the Oregon State Hospital Advisory Board

WHEN: 1 to 5 p.m., Thursday, January 21

WHERE: Callan Conference Room
Oregon State Hospital
2600 Center Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Building 29-Administration

DETAILS: The Oregon Legislature established this 16-member citizen-led
board to provide accountability and oversight as it moves forward with its mandate to conduct a comprehensive review of hospital laws, rules, policies and procedures related to the safety, security, and care of patients.

The agenda includes identifying educational topics, emerging issues and presenters for future meetings. Future meetings will focus on mental health legislation, OSH mission and values, the Psychiatric Security Review Board, anti-stigma issues, and the community mental health system.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 18.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations should call DHS at 1-800-282-8096 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/973/2010-0114a.pdf

Many Oregon eighth graders know about, even participate in this potentially fatal activity

Oregon Public Health officials want parents and healthcare providers to be aware of a dangerous and potentially fatal activity in which many young teens are engaging.

According to the Oregon Healthy Teens Survey, conducted every other year by Oregon Public Health, as many as 2,600 eighth graders in the state have participated in the "choking game," also sometimes called Pass-Out, Space Monkey, Flat Liner and Blackout. The survey also found that one in three eighth graders had heard of someone participating in this activity and that 6 percent reported participating themselves.

Oregon is the first state in the US to systematically assess this behavior. "The Oregon Healthy Teens Survey is a key tool for monitoring health behaviors among our youth, and without public health conducting this kind of surveillance study most people would be unaware of this threat to the health of our children," said Kohn. Kohn also noted that injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults.

The "choking game" is an activity in which people strangle themselves using a belt, tie, scarf or similar item, or teens strangle each other using their hands to achieve euphoria. After a short time people can pass out, which can cause injury, long-term disability or death.

"Many people will be surprised at how widespread this dangerous behavior is," says Mel Kohn, MD, MPH, acting director at Oregon Public Health, "so parents, healthcare providers and others who work with teens should be alert for signs of participation in strangulation activities, particularly in young teens."

Sarah Ramowski at Oregon Public Health, the lead author of a report on these data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, says that warning signs that a child may be participating in this activity include:
• Unexplained marks on the neck
• Bloodshot eyes
• Ropes, scarves, belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs
• Unexplained presence of leashes or bungee cords
• Pinpoint bleeding spots under the skin on the face, especially the eyelids
• Discussion or mention of this activity
• Disorientation especially after spending time alone.

According to the CDC report there have been 82 deaths occurring in 31 states from this activity from 1995 to 2007. In Oregon, an Eagle Point sixth-grader died in 2006 due to this activity.

To read the full report please visit: www.cdc.gov/mmwr.


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/973/2010-0114.pdf

Many news organizations have generously linked to donation information for the American Red Cross. Please make sure to use the links below -- though we are able to accept donations at the Oregon Trail Chapter, these are the preferred methods for giving.

Direct link for donating to Red Cross Haiti relief:
https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=780412253&df_id=4437&4437.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=3l2a77kuc3.app195a

Shortened version:
http://www.oregonredcross/haiti

Web Banners (English & Spanish):
https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=780412253&df_id=4437&4437.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=3l2a77kuc3.app195a

Text:
Text HAITI to 90999 to send a $10 donation to Red Cross Haiti relief efforts. 100% goes to the Red Cross; cell carriers keep nothing.

Phone:
1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
1-800-257-7575 (Spanish)

Mail:
American Red Cross P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013

PORTLAND, Ore. – With estimates that as many as three million people may be affected by the catastrophic earthquake which hit Haiti Tuesday, the American Red Cross is releasing an additional $9 million for earthquake relief, bringing its total commitment so far to $10 million to support relief efforts in Haiti.

Priority needs in Haiti are food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. American Red Cross Disaster management specialists are scheduled to arrive today from the United States, Peru and Mexico to join local Red Cross staff already on the ground in the disaster zone. At this time, the American Red Cross is only deploying volunteers that are specially trained to manage international emergency operations. We are not accepting new volunteers to travel to Haiti.

As soon as airports begin accepting relief shipments, tarps, hygiene items and cooking sets for approximately 5,000 families will come from the Red Cross warehouse in Panama.

The American Red Cross is also helping the injured who may need blood. More than 100 units of blood and blood products were shipped to the U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, and then on to Guantanamo Bay to help Haitian evacuees and patients.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a plane full of mostly medical items on the way to Haiti from Geneva. ICRC staff, including engineers, a surgeon and family linking specialists are expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince this morning. Other Red Cross partners have deployed a mobile hospital, medical teams, and 40 staff to help with sheltering, providing water, sanitation, and telecommunications.

ICRC is helping reconnect separated families in Haiti through a special web site (www.icrc.org/familylinks) which enables people in Haiti and outside the country to search for and register the names of relatives missing since the earthquake. In the first twenty-four hours, more than 6,000 people have been registered.

Countless requests have come from people wanting to help. The best way to do that is to make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors can designate their gifts to Haiti relief.

In addition, several hundred thousand people have chosen to make a mobile donation. Donors can text HAITI to 90999 on their cell phone to send a $10 donation to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. The mobile giving effort raised more than $3 million by Thursday morning, and all money raised goes to support Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

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In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon 's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.

(Salem) - The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined Americold Logistics a total of $740,400 for extensive safety and health violations found during a Sept. 16, 2009 inspection at the company's Milwaukie facility. By not having proper safeguards in place to contain ammonia, the company was putting workers in serious danger of injury or death due to a major chemical release or explosion, Oregon OSHA found.

"Ammonia carries significant risks to workers, particularly in large quantities," said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA administrator. "Due to the size of this facility, there is the potential for a large-scale release."

Oregon OSHA cited Americold Logistics, a national refrigerated warehouse operation, for 10 willful violations, four serious repeat violations, and 22 other serious violations of the Oregon Safe Employment Act. The bulk of the violations are related to the company's system for handling the hazardous chemical anhydrous ammonia, which is common in commercial warehouses and can be explosive. Ammonia can also cause severe alkaline chemical burns to skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. If a chemical leak occurs, ammonia released from such a system will expand rapidly, making it difficult to contain

Among other issues, the inspection identified excessive ice build up, creating the potential for system damage and in some cases encasing valves, making it difficult, if not impossible, to close them in the event of an emergency. The inspection also identified significant corrosion of pipes and missing drain valve plugs, making ammonia release more likely.

Oregon OSHA previously conducted an accident investigation at the Milwaukie location in 2007, after two employees were sent to the hospital following an ammonia compressor explosion. As a result of that inspection, which was limited in scope, 18 violations were issued.

"Protecting workers from highly hazardous chemicals should be the result of a credible program of inspections, hazard identification, and preventive maintenance to ensure the system's integrity," Wood said. "The safety of the facility's workers must not be left to chance."

Another critical component in such a complex facility is accurately documenting regular inspections and testing, to allow for appropriate tracking and follow-up. In the Americold facility, the inspection found that company managers had documented the presence of safety measures that were not in place.

Oregon OSHA also cited the employer for violations of asbestos safety standards, due to damaged insulation.

The company has 30 days to appeal the citation.

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


Attached Media Files: An example of one of several corroded pipes in the plant. , One of several ice encased valves found in the facility.

There is still time to register for the Oregon Horticultural Society (OHS) Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 26 at the Portland Expo Center. The OHS will offer specialized blueberry programming along with pesticide certification and general sessions that will appeal to all horticulturalists. Attendance is free with pre-registration and membership dues of $40. $50 at the door. Lunch is an additional $15 and the program will be a panel discussion on Spotted Wing Drosophila featuring: Denny Bruck and Jana Lee, USDA Research Entomologists; Amy Dreves, OSU Extension; Stuart Olson, President OHS; and Tom Peerbolt, Peerbolt Crop Management. Attendees also receive free admission to the popular Northwest Ag Show.

The Oregon Horticultural Society is an organization of growers and horticultural professionals committed to providing educational opportunities about agriculture to Oregonians with the goal of strengthening the viability of Oregon Agriculture.

Six people involved in the unlawful taking of four bull elk near Cottage Grove in October 2009 pled guilty to numerous wildlife violations in Lane County Circuit Court. The sentence for the person responsible for shooting the elk includes jail time and a lifetime suspension of his hunting privileges.

Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division troopers began an investigation into the unlawful shooting of four bull elk on October 20, 2009 in the Melrose wildlife management unit south of Cottage Grove. During the late morning hours the four bull elk described as a 3 point, 5 point, 6 point, and a 6x7 point, were shot on private property south of London Road. Immediately following the incident, OSP Senior Troopers Martin Maher and Marshall Maher had contact with area landowners who reported hunters trespassed on private lands to retrieve the poached bull elks which were part of a year-round herd.

The investigation identified JOHN K. ATWATER, age 50, from Cottage Grove, as the person responsible for shooting the four bull elk. The elk season was not open for the unit in which the elk were killed. After shooting the elk, ATWATER was assisted by his son and four others in retrieving the elk by trespassing onto several different pieces of private property. Some of the elk were removed after they drove their vehicles onto the property where the elk were killed.

During court appearances in late December and early January, the six men pled guilty to several charges related to the investigation. The other men were identified as DUSTIN ATWATER, HOMER RHODES, DAVID PRUITT, BRYAN SHEPARD, and CHRISTOPHER STEVENS. All are from the Cottage Grove and Creswell areas.

JOHN ATWATER pled guilty to:
* Four (4) counts of Unlawful Take of Bull Elk
* Two (2) counts of Hunting on the Enclosed Lands of Another
* Two (2) counts of Borrowing a Big Game Tag
He was sentenced to:
* Forty (40) days in the Lane County Jail
* 24 months probation
* Ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution to ODFW
* $6,674 fine
* Ordered to forfeit his rifle
* Lifetime suspension of hunting privileges

DUSTIN ATWATER, age 26, pled guilty to:
* Aiding in Game Violation
* Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree
He was sentenced to:
* Fifteen (15) days in the Lane County Jail
* 18 months probation
* Ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution to ODFW
* $892 fine
* 48 month hunting license suspension

DAVID PRUITT, age 78, pled guilty to:
* Aiding in Game Violation
* Loaning Big Game Tag
* Hunting while in violation of Criminal Trespass
He was sentenced to:
* 24 months probation
* Ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution to ODFW
* $2,304 fine
* Complete 100 hours of community service
* 36 month hunting license suspension

HOMER RHODES, age 74, pled guilty to:
* Two (2) counts of Aiding in Game Violation
* Loaning Big Game Tag
He was sentenced to:
* 24 months probation
* Ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution to ODFW
* Complete 60 hours of community service

CHRISTOPHER STEVENS, age 35, pled guilty to:
* Aiding in Game Violation
He was sentenced to:
* 24 months probation
* Ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution to ODFW
* $1,202 fine
* Complete 160 hours of community service
* 36 month hunting license suspension

BRYAN SHEPARD, age not available, pled guilty to:
* Aiding in Game Violation
He was sentenced to:
* 24 months probation
* Complete 100 hours of community service
* 24 month hunting license suspension

At the time of the incident the unlawfully killed four bull elk were salvaged by the troopers and the meat was taken to the Eugene Mission.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police (Three photos previously sent with original news release in October)

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/102109_cottagegrove_elk_4.jpg , 2010-01/1002/102109_cottagegrove_elk_3.jpg , 2010-01/1002/102109_cottagegrove_elk_2.jpg

Oregon Influenza Vaccination Week January 10-16

As National Flu Vaccine Week continues, Oregon Public Health reminds everyone that H1N1 vaccine is widely available and recommended to prevent this potentially serious infection. Vaccination against seasonal flu is also a good idea.

"Vaccination is the best way to prevent another wave of flu in Oregon," says Mel Kohn, MD, MPH, Oregon Public Health director. "Flu activity will continue into the winter and spring. It's time for everyone who hasn't been vaccinated to do so now, and we have programs in place to make sure everyone can get a flu shot."

For many people, getting a flu shot means a quick stop at a pharmacy or visit to a clinic. But for some, vaccination is hindered by obstacles such as no health insurance, being confined at home, living on a limited budget or speaking a language other than English. Two statewide coalitions are committed to ensuring all people in Oregon get the vaccinations they need. Oregon Public Health is affiliated with both these groups: the Oregon Adult Immunization Coalition (OAIC) and the Oregon Partnership to Immunize Children (OPIC).

OAIC's Free, Local, Underserved (FLU) project gathers donated vaccine and clinical supplies for people who otherwise would not likely get a vaccination.

"The FLU project reaches people in need through a variety of agencies such as non-profit groups, local health departments, community coalitions and schools," says Bryan Goodin, OAIC coordinator and Oregon Public Health's adult vaccine coordinator. "We recruit volunteers to administer the vaccine."

This year, Goodin says, the FLU project anticipates giving 6,500 doses of several different vaccines to clients of more than 50 agencies across Oregon. Eight professional schools provide students to help vaccinate at more than 60 scheduled clinics. OAIC began more than 10 years ago and today has more than 1,000 members, all volunteers except for the coordinator, who is provided by Oregon Public Health. OAIC welcomes volunteers as well as donations of vaccine and medical supplies.

OPIC, established in 1992, is a collaboration of public and private partners to protect Oregon's children against vaccine-preventable illnesses.

"We provide access to science-based immunization information so parents will be completely informed," says Karen Elliot, OPIC coordinator. "We also promote the use of ALERT, Oregon's award-winning childhood immunization registry, and the Vaccines for Children program."

OPIC's many public and private partners cast a wide net across the state to ensure that children are protected against diseases that once killed, sickened or disabled thousands of children and adults every year before vaccines became widely available.

This week, the focus is on flu shots for all. On Monday, January 11, 2010, Governor Ted Kulongoski proclaimed Jan. 10-16 National Influenza Vaccination Week in Oregon. He urges all Oregonians to join in this observance because vaccination can prevent the spread of influenza in our state.

People who need to be vaccinated against seasonal and H1N1 flu, but can't afford it, can call the Oregon Public Health Flu hotline at 800-978-3040 for a location or use the flu locator at www.flu.oregon.gov.

For more information on Oregon's vaccine coalitions, visit http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/imm/adults/OAIC.shtml or http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/imm/opic/index.shtml.


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/973/2010-0113.pdf

Detectives from the Oregon State Police (OSP) Criminal Investigations Division arrested a Garibaldi-area man Tuesday afternoon on two charges related to an unlawful sexual relationship with a juvenile female that had occurred in Douglas County. The investigation indicates the man, who is a registered sex offender, has traveled in the past months to Deschutes and Klamath counties. The lead detective is looking into the possibility that there could be other victims.

On January 12, 2010 at approximately 1:25 p.m. OSP detectives arrested DEREK LEON ELLWOOD, age 43, at his place of employment in Garibaldi for Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree. ELLWOOD, who is a registered sex offender in Oregon following a 1989 conviction for Rape in the Third Degree, was lodged in the Tillamook County Jail. He was working at an area hotel when arrested.

The criminal investigation began in November 2009 into allegations ELLWOOD had been having an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year old female. The investigation by OSP detectives out of the Roseburg Area Command office led to Tuesday's arrest on allegations that the inappropriate contact occurred in Douglas County.

ELLWOOD has also traveled in the past months to Deschutes and Klamath counties. There is a possibility there could be other victims of similar circumstances. Anyone with information on ELLWOOD is asked to contact OSP Detective Teresa Bowersox at (541) 440-3349.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: Ellwood

Jan. 13, 2010

To help victims of the earthquake in Haiti, Wells Fargo & Company is contributing $100,000 to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund to assist with recovery efforts.

"On behalf of all our 280,000 team members I want to express our sympathy for the victims and their families of this major earthquake," said John Stumpf, Wells Fargo chairman and CEO. "We have a substantial number of team members and customers in Florida and throughout the East Coast with families in Haiti. As Haiti continues to assess the damage from this horrifying disaster, we want to do what we can to support relief efforts."

Customers can make donations to the American Red Cross by visiting http://www.redcross.org.

Serving Oregonians since 1852, Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $1.2 trillion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through more than 10,000 stores and 12,000 ATMs and the Internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.

# # #

Send a $10 Donation by Texting ‘Haiti' to 90999


PORTLAND, Ore. – The American Red Cross is sending money, supplies and staff to Haiti to support relief efforts there after yesterday's earthquake, which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life.

According to reports, as many as three million people may have been affected by the quake, which collapsed government buildings and caused major damage to hospitals in the area.

The Red Cross is contributing an initial $1 million from the International Response Fund to support the relief operation, and has opened its warehouse in Panama to provide tarps, mosquito nets and cooking sets for approximately 5,000 families.

In addition to Red Cross staff already in Haiti, six disaster management specialists are being deployed to the disaster zone to help coordinate relief efforts. At this time, the American Red Cross is only deploying volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. Currently, there are no plans to deploy volunteers or supplies from Oregon.

There has been an outpouring of support from the public. To help, people can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The public can also help by texting "Haiti" to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

Debris and collapsed bridges are making access to many areas extremely difficult. Telephone service and electricity are out in many places. Haitian Red Cross staff worked throughout the night to rescue people still trapped in their homes and provide first aid. The priority remains to provide food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.

The American Red Cross already had fifteen staff in Haiti providing ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster preparedness programs. All are reported to be safe and responding to the disaster.

To date, there have been no requests for blood products from the government of Haiti. However, some patients at an affected facility in Haiti have been moved to a Guantanamo Bay hospital, and the Armed Services Blood Program has asked both the Red Cross and Florida Blood Services for support for those patients. In addition, the American Red Cross will be sending a shipment of blood products to the United Nations Mission in Haiti.

While communication with those in Haiti is still difficult, people should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 if trying to reach a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Haiti. If trying to reach a Haitian citizen, callers should continue to call or contact other family members who live nearby.

###

In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon 's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.

March of Dimes Greater Oregon Chapter is once again looking for special women who live or work in Oregon and have made exceptional contributions to our community. The organization is now accepting applications for the 28th Annual White Rose Award—A Salute to Women of Achievement.

White Rose honorees are selected on the basis of volunteerism, professional excellence and contributions to the community as a whole. Honorees must live or work in Oregon and have excelled in one or more of the following areas:


• Arts
• Human Services
• Business
• Politics/Government
• Community Service
• Professional Services
• Education
• Volunteer Efforts
• Health & Sciences


March of Dimes is excited to add a youth award component to the luncheon this year. A female youth (under age 24) will be honored based on her own volunteerism and contributions to her community.

Award recipients will be recognized at the White Rose Luncheon, Thursday May 27, at the Portland Marriott Downtown.

Nomination applications are available by calling (503) 222-9434 in Portland, 1-800-811-0805 outside Portland, or online at www.marchofdimes.com/oregon. Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29th to the March of Dimes Portland office. A selection committee will review all nominations, and the 2010 White Rose Honorees will be announced in February.

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.

About March of Dimes
March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

###

The American Red Cross already has seen an outpouring of support and concern from the public.

People who want to help those affected by the Haitian earthquake can make a donation to the American Red Cross International Response Fund at http://www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Donors can designate their gift to "Haiti Relief and Development," if they choose to do so.

The Red Cross is also receiving money through a third party mobile fundraising effort sponsored by Mobile Accord. Mobile donors can text "Haiti" to 90999 to send a ten dollar donation to the Red Cross. The funds will go to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

At this time, we are only deploying Red Cross volunteers specially trained to manage international emergency operations. We don't expect to deploy volunteers or supplies from the Portland area.

For ongoing news updates, photos and video, please visit http://newsroom.redcross.org/.

Jim Scheppke
Oregon State Librarian
(503) 378-4243

January 13, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The State Library Board's Benchmark #38 Strategy Committee will hold its third meeting in Salem on January 28th, at 1 p.m. in Room 306 at the State Library.

This committee has been formed to develop recommendations to the full Board about how the State Library might help bring about progress on Oregon Benchmark #38. This benchmark measures the percentage of Oregonians with adequate public library service. At present only 81% of Oregonians have adequate public library service according to standards set in the Oregon Benchmarks. Nineteen percent of Oregonians either have no public library service or the services they receive fall below the minimum standards.

The members of the Benchmark #38 Strategy Committee are Sue Burkholder of Eugene, Cliff Trow of Corvallis, and Sam Hall of Salem.

This is a public meeting, but no public testimony will be taken at the meeting.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested prior to 48 hours before the meeting; notice prior to 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats prior to 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to April Baker at 503-378-2464.

Jim Scheppke
Oregon State Librarian
(503) 378-4243
January 14, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Executive Committee of the Oregon State Library Board of Trustees will meet by phone on
Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Sue Burkholder of Eugene will chair the meeting, which will begin at 4:00 p. m.

Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting may come to Room 306 of the State Library where a conference phone will be provided.

Sign language interpretation will be provided for the public if requested prior to 48 hours before the meeting; notice prior to 72 hours before the meeting is preferred. Handouts of meeting materials may also be requested in alternate formats prior to 72 hours before the meeting. Requests may be made to April Baker at 503-378-2464.

A Nehalem-area man was arrested by Oregon State Police (OSP) during a traffic stop near Eugene after he was found in possession of approximately 1/2 lb. of marijuana and Psilocybin mushrooms. In addition to the drug seizure, firearms, a machete, and Samurai sword were also found inside the man's car.

On January 12, 2010 at 1:50 p.m. and OSP trooper stopped a 1991 Acura four-door driven by GARY MORTENSEN, age 26, from Nehalem, northbound on Interstate 5 near Eugene for an expired vehicle registration and improper lane change violation. Subsequent investigation during the stop led to the discovery of the following:

* two firearms, one of which was an assault style rifle
* knifes
* a machete
* a Samurai sword
* 1/2 lb. of marijuana
* Hashish
* Psilocybin mushrooms
* Digital scales, packaging materials and drug paraphernalia

An OSP drug detection canine assisted during the traffic stop.

MORTENSEN was arrested with incident and lodged in the Lane County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Marijuana, and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Psilocybin Mushrooms.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/011210.i5.mortensen.3.JPG , 2010-01/1002/011210.i5.mortensen.2.JPG , 2010-01/1002/011210.i5.mortensen.1.JPG

***UPDATE: The time for the service is scheduled for Noon on Jan. 19.

The Oregon Air National Guard is scheduled to hold a public memorial service for retired Brig. Gen. Fred M. Rosenbaum, in the Rosenbaum Hangar (bldg. 375), at the Portland Air National Guard Base at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Rosenbaum, who retired from the Oregon Air National Guard in 1986, passed away in the early morning hours of Jan. 12, 2010. He was 83.

Rosenbaum served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and in both the Oregon Army and Oregon Air National Guard over his 42-year military career. His most recent position was as the Assistant Adjutant General (Air) for the Oregon National Guard.

He attended Reed College, Northwestern College of Law, and Portland State University, earning advanced degrees in political science and urban studies. He also served as the Chairman for the Housing Authority of Portland for 13 years, working closely with state, federal and local authorities to improve the livelihood of numerous residents in Housing of Urban Development neighborhoods.

He is best known for the founding of Rosenbaum Financial, LLC, a life insurance brokerage, in 1957, and the annual citizenship youth camp which bears his name, Camp Rosenbaum, in 1972.

Over his lifetime, he was involved in a very active civic life, serving in such positions as the Director of the Urban League of Portland, Chairman of the Human Relations Commission of Portland, President of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Trustee of the Boys Club of Portland, President of the National Guard Association of Oregon, and the Governor's Committee on Youth.

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, The Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard, said Rosenbaum lived a truly inspiring life.

"We have been blessed that his ardent interest in public service included the military and the Oregon National Guard," Rees said of Rosenbaum.

"Generations of the Oregon Guard can point to his leadership as key to our great success in all areas of fair and equitable treatment of all soldiers and airmen and our remarkable efforts to be of service to our communities," Rees added.

Rosenbaum is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, the former Jane Schlesinger, son Mark, daughter Lori Krasnowsky, and three grandchildren.

The public and media are welcome to attend the memorial ceremony at the Portland Air Base. The address is: 6800 SW Cornfoot Road, Portland, Ore.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family is requesting donations in his memory to the following charities:
1. Camp Rosenbaum Fund, c/o GREAT, 449 NE Emerson, Portland, Ore. 97211, ATTN: Erin Parks.
2. Portland State University Foundation, P.O. Box 243, Portland, Ore. 97043.
3. American Cancer Society, online at cancer.org,/Gifts in Memory.
4. Congregation Beth Israel, 1972 NW Flanders, Portland, Ore. 97209

Cards and letters can be sent to the family in care of Holman's Funeral Service, 2610 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, Portland, Ore. 97214. Phone: 503-232-5131.


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/962/Rosenbaum-BG_press.jpg

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training (BPSST) will hold a regular meeting and possible Executive Session at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010 in the Boardroom at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made before the meeting by calling Charlene Barber at DPSST at (503) 378-2043.

Agenda Items:
1. Chair's Report and Administrative Announcements

2. *CONSENT AGENDA (The following items to be ratified by one vote)
A. *Minutes - Approve minutes from the October 22, 2009 Board meeting.
B. *OAR 259-001-0017 - Proposed Rule - Records Retention
C. *OAR 259-008-0025(1)(k)(c) - Proposed Rule (HB 3466)
Mental Illness Training/Medical Health Database
D. *OAR 259-008-0040 - Proposed Rule Period of Service
E. *OAR 259-008-0075(8) -
Proposed Rule Sheriff eligibility for election or appointment to office
F. *OAR 259-009-0005 - Proposed Rule - Definitions
G. *OAR 259-009-0062(2) - Proposed Rule Definitions
H. *Laure D. Akers DPSST #19823 –
Unanimous vote by CPC on November 17, 2009 to recommend to the Board
that certifications be revoked.
I. *Steven J Fast DPSST #40295 -
Unanimous vote by CPC on November 17, 2009 to recommend to the Board
that certifications be revoked.
J. *Andrew Harris DPSST #34656 –
Unanimous vote by CPC on November 17, 2009 to recommend to the Board
that certifications be revoked.
K. *Jeff S Yates DPSST #40640 –
Unanimous vote by TPC members on November 5, 2009 to recommend to the Board
that certification NOT be revoked.
L. *Donald W Gabbard DPSST #F24874 –
Unanimous vote by FPC on September 15, 2009 to recommend to the Board that
certifications be revoked and denied. On October 22, 1009 the Board did not
approve, issue was sent back to FPC for more review. On November 20, 2009 FPC
unanimously voted to recommend to the Board that minimum period of
ineligibility to re-apply for certification to be January 1, 2014.
M. *Joseph D Defrates DPSST #F12335 –
Unanimous vote by FPC on November 20, 2009 to recommend to the Board
that certification be revoked and denied.
N. * Police Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved –
Marc Tisher - Non Management Police Officer (HB 2790)
O. * Police Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved –
Jeremy Humphrey - Non Management Police Officer (HB 2790)
P. * Corrections Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved
David Nelson - Non Management Corrections Officer (HB 2790)
Q. * Corrections Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved
Amanda Rasmussen - Non Management Corrections Officer (HB 2790)
R. * Corrections Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved
Erik Douglass - Non Management Corrections Officer (replacing Bryan Goodman)
S. * Corrections Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved
Diana Simpson - OSSA Representative (replacing Mitch Southwick)
T. * Private Security/Investigators Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved
William Geiger - Unarmed Security (replacing Brandon Mak)
U. * Telecommunication Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved
Mike Kee - OACP Representative (replacing Brain Casey)
V. * Telecommunications Policy Committee New Member - To Be Approved
Pam Collett - APCO Representative (replacing Bob Cozzie)
W. * Second Term Renewal for Committee Members - To Be Approved
TPC - Jack Jones, Oregon State Sheriff's Association
TPC - Tom Clemo, Oregon Fire Chief's Association
TPC - Tami Atkinson, Association of Public Safety Communications Officer
CPC - Mike Gower, DOC Security Manager
CPC - Ida Rovers, DOC Women's Correctional Facility Employee
CPC - Raimond Adgers, Oregon Sheriff's Jail Command Council

3. Director's Report

4. Committee Reports
* Corrections Policy Committee - Todd Anderson, Chair
* Fire Policy Committee - Jim Whelan, Chair
* Police Policy Committee - Andrew Bentz, Chair
* Private Security Policy Committee - Jeff Martin, Chair
* Telecommunications Policy Committee - Rob Poirier, Chair


# Background Information about the Board and Department #

The Board consists of 24 members representing city, county and state public safety professionals representing each of the disciplines (police, fire, 9-1-1, corrections, private security), and a private citizen appointed by the Governor. The current Board Chair is Sheriff Andy Bentz of Malhuer County. The Board includes administrators as well as non-management representatives from statewide organizations. The Board represents more than 30,000 public safety professionals and establishes minimum standards for the training and certification of city, county and state law enforcement officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers, fire service personnel, telecommunicators, emergency medical dispatchers and private security/private investigator providers, and makes determinations on waiver requests. The Board is supported by six policy committees and a number of sub-committees representing the public safety disciplines, which provide technical expertise and serve as vital links to public safety organizations. The Board operates in close partnership with the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) implements minimum standards established by the Board for training and certification of city, 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 20,000 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.

Somewhere in communities all across the state there are examples of excellence for efforts on behalf of Oregon's heritage, and the Oregon Heritage Commission and State Historic Preservation Office wish to recognize those individuals, businesses and organizations for such outstanding efforts.

Nominations for Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards are encouraged for exceptional and meritorious work; special consideration is given to the development of new ideas, approaches and innovations in heritage-related activities. The awards are also intended to honor those who have made the most from available resources and skills.

Award nominations should be postmarked no later than Jan. 25. A complete nomination package, which includes an application and other supporting material, is available at
http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/HCD/OHC/award_info.shtml. The site also lists previous Heritage Excellence Award recipients.

The 2010 Oregon Heritage Excellence Awards will be presented at an Oregon Heritage Regional Roundup April 9 by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's Heritage Programs Division.

For more information contact David Bogan at Heritage.Programs@state.or.us or (503) 986-0671.
###

The reward to help Oregon State Police in the investigation into this weekend's vandalism to the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse has now increased to $5,000, according to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department officials. Additionally, The Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge is accepting donations to help pay for costs to repair the damage previously estimated at over $50,000.

According to Chris Havel, Associate Director for Oregon Parks & Recreation Department, the reward fund jumped overnight after their department put in $1,000 to go with donations given to The Friends of Cape Meares increasing their organization's amount to $4,000. The reward is for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible in this case.

The investigation indicates on the afternoon of January 9 and noon on January 10, 2010 an unknown vehicle reportedly drove down a blocked maintenance road to the Cape Meares Lighthouse viewing area ten miles west of Tillamook. Several rounds were fired breaking 15 windows of the lighthouse and several pieces of a historic Fresnel lens. Additional rounds were fired into an active Coast Guard light and surrounding equipment. While driving off the maintenance road the suspect vehicle caused significant damage to a grassy area.

Cape Lookout State Park Manager Pete Marvin reported the lighthouse lenses were very old with much historical value and are irreplaceable.

Cape Meares Lighthouse went into service January 1890. The lighthouse lens was manufactured in Paris, France and shipped around Cape Horn up to Oregon, arriving for installation prior to the date the lighthouse went into service.

Havel confirmed the park remains closed and that The Friends of Cape Meares are accepting donations for repairs through their website:

http://www.capemeareslighthouse.org/html/news_events.html

Representatives from the State Historic Preservation Office are heading to the site today to inspect the damage.

Information about the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewing area, which is currently closed in response to this incident, is available at:

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_181.php

Anyone with information to help in the OSP investigation is asked to call the OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.

Link to the first news release with photographs is available on the OSP website at:

http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/01_11_2010_capemeares_lighthouse_vandalism.shtml

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

What: Public Meeting of the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission

When: January 13, 2010 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Barbara Roberts Human Services Building 500 Summer St., NE, Salem Oregon Rooms 137 A-B

Agenda: Oregon Attorney General John Kroger, the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission chair will launch the meeting by delivering a report on the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director's visit and an upcoming trip to Washington D.C. Members will then discuss a timeline for the Commission's work and the progress of a grant for a statewide rural methamphetamine coordinator. Chairs for the Commission's four subcommittee's will then present reports on their recent work and discuss their upcoming goals. Lastly, Kroger will conclude the 90 minute meeting with a strategy session.
###

(Salem) — When Chris's older sports model BMW was totaled in a collision, he began a two-month long, bewildering process of trying to negotiate the amount he should receive from his insurer for the car. The first offer, which was supposed to be based on the fair market value of the car before the damage, seemed low to Chris.

In the end, his automobile insurance company paid about $1,000 more than originally offered. But the Beaverton resident said he spent that much on the appraisals that resulted in the final offer. "After all the time and money I spent, it was a wash," he said.

House Bill 2190, which took effect Jan. 1, 2010, will help consumers like Chris by giving them more information and leverage when negotiating a settlement for their totaled cars. The Department of Consumer and Business Services' Insurance Division brought the bill to legislators in the 2009 session based on the hundreds of calls and complaints it receives annually from consumers whose cars are totaled.

"Consumers often feel like they have no power when negotiating with insurance companies over totaled cars – they disagree with the offer but they receive little information about how the company determined the value," said State Rep. Paul Holvey, (D-Eugene), who chairs the House Consumer Protection Committee. "This new law gives consumers some of the tools they need to pursue a fair deal."

The new law requires insurance companies to do the following:
• Give car owners a written notice that explains total loss, including how car values are determined and what to do if the owner disagrees with an insurer's offer.
• Give consumers the valuation or appraisal reports used to set the vehicle's value. Currently, a consumer must ask for a copy. (Chris, for example, said the company's first offer was based on other vehicles that were not comparable to his damaged car.)
• Pay car owners the amount not in dispute while negotiations over value continue. For example, if an insurer offers $4,000 and the car owner seeks $5,000, the insurer must pay the $4,000 upfront.
• Reimburse consumers for reasonable appraisal costs. This applies when the owner has the right to an appraisal and the final appraised value is greater than the insurer's last offer.
"Having insurers pay the undisputed amount is particularly important because many people need to buy a new car right away to get to work," said Teresa Miller, administrator of the Insurance Division. "This fact of life forces some consumers to give up any thoughts of researching their vehicle's value and negotiating a settlement."
Chris was able to borrow a car after his 30-day rental reimbursement period ended while he negotiated his vehicle's value, something not all consumers can do. When his case bogged down, Chris called the Insurance Division's consumer advocates to complain that his insurer was not returning his phone calls. After the division contacted the insurer, Chris said a regional manager contacted him and he received prompt service from then on. He received payment for his total loss vehicle more than 60 days after the accident.

More information
The Insurance Division's consumer advocates are available to consumers with questions or complaints about insurance issues. Consumers can be reached toll-free at 888-877-4894 or 503-947-7984 in the Salem area.

A fact sheet explaining more about total loss is available at: http://insurance.oregon.gov/consumer/consumer-tips/4845-4_vehicle-total-loss.pdf

###
The Insurance Division is part of the Department of Consumer & Business Services. For more information, visit www.insurance.oregon.gov. The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.dcbs.oregon.gov.

A routine Oregon State Police disabled motorist assist Friday evening near Bend led to the arrest of two people on marijuana possession charges. Three pounds of marijuana and other evidence were seized related to the arrests.

On January 8, 2010 an OSP trooper stopped to assist a disabled motorist alongside Highway 97 south of Bend. The vehicle was occupied by CONSTANCE WHEALE, age 43, and JEFFERY CARLSON, age 33, both from Shady Cove. During the contact the trooper ended up discovering 3 pounds of marijuana, packaging materials and other evidence.

WHEALE was arrested and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail for Unlawful Possession, Delivery and Manufacture of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana.

CARLSON was cited to appear in Deschutes County Circuit Court for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana.

Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $7,500.

OSP Drug Enforcement Section detectives are continuing the investigation.

Photograph Sources:
Wheale photo – Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
Marijuana photo – Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/Wheale_Constance.jpg , 2010-01/1002/010810.hwy97.mj.JPG

Thirteen years since the abduction and murder of Amber Hagerman in Arlington, Texas, January 13, 2010, commemorates the nation's fourth AMBER Alert Awareness Day. Since that tragic day in 1997, AMBER Alert programs have played a role in the recovery of nearly 500 children. Last year there were 3 AMBER Alert activations in Oregon, all of which ended in the safe recovery of a child.

Nationwide, there are 29 regional, 38 local, and statewide plans in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In November 2002, the State of Oregon announced its implementation of a statewide AMBER Alert Plan. Oregon's AMBER Alert Plan - America's Missing Broadcast Emergency Response - is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies and local broadcasters to send an emergency alert to the public when a child has been abducted and it is believed the child's life is in danger.

Oregon's AMBER Plan Criteria are:

1. Law enforcement confirms a child has been abducted (*)
2. The child is 17 years or younger
3. The child may be in danger of serious bodily harm or death
4. There is enough descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect's vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help.
5. The child's name and other critical data elements - including the child abduction (CA) and AMBER Alert (AA) flags will/have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system.

(* This alert system is not to be used when a child runs away or involves a custodial situation.)

Oregon State Police is the designated law enforcement agency which local law enforcement agencies contact to initiate an AMBER Alert. When all the AMBER guidelines and criteria have been met, the AMBER Alert Plan is activated using the AMBER Web Portal. Since Oregon's AMBER Alert plan implementation, there have been 15 activations and the successful recovery of 17 children.

The following is a brief review of Oregon's 2009 AMBER Alert activations:

* On March 2nd Oregon launched an AMBER Alert related to a reported abduction of a 3-year-old girl in Yreka, California. The child was found safe by California Highway Patrol in northern California and her alleged abductor arrested.
* On April 22nd an AMBER Alert was activated in Oregon related to the reported abduction of a 5-year-old boy in Hines. The child was found safe by Humboldt County Sheriff's Office and Nevada Highway Patrol after being sighted near Denio, Nevada just across the border. Both suspects were detained.
* On July 22nd an AMBER Alert was activated in Oregon related to a reported missing 12-year-old girl believed to be in danger. The girl was found safe in Myrtle Creek and her 40-year old father was arrested on a felony child abuse charge.

Oregon's AMBER Alert plan sends out alerts through radio and television, highway advisory signs, email and to wireless subscribers who opt to receive the text messages on their wireless devices. Anyone may sign-up at no cost to be notified of Oregon's AMBER Alerts through the AMBER Alert Web Portal.

Unfortunately, Oregon and many states around the country noted several incidents of false text message alerts during the last couple years. Many of these so-called AMBER Alerts that circulate by text message and e-mail involve cases that had already been resolved or were outright hoaxes.

Oregon's co-AMBER Alert Review Committee chairs, Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger and OSP Lieutenant Molly Cotter, reminds everyone that AMBER Alerts coming from an official source provides initial notification, updates, and a cancellation.

"AMBER Alerts from unknown sources could lead to a delayed response from the public and jeopardizes the integrity of the entire AMBER Alert plan. Forwarding text messages can circulate indefinitely without a cancellation, so don't forward this message if you receive something similar without knowing it is a confirmed AMBER Alert" said Evinger and Cotter.

Oregon joins the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children encouraging all wireless subscribers to sign up for Wireless AMBER Alerts. More information about Wireless AMBER Alerts and national AMBER Alert Awareness Day is available at:
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&Pageld=3902

Information about the AMBER Alert Plan in Oregon is available at the Oregon State Police web site at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/AMBERLERT/index.shtml

More information about Amber Alert's is available at www.amberalert.gov

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/amber_alert.jpg

Oregon State Police (OSP), with the assistance of the interagency Coos County Crash Team, is continuing the investigation into Monday morning's fatal auto / pedestrian crash that resulted in the death of a Bandon man on Highway 42S east of the Bandon city limits. According to ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), this is the first traffic fatality in Oregon for 2010.

According to OSP Recruit Trooper Khris Brandon, on January 11, 2010 at approximately 6:22 a.m. a 2005 Dodge Stratus four-door driven by BRENDA RAE WILSON, age 46, from Bandon, was westbound on Highway 42S near milepost 1 traveling through a slight right curve when her car struck a man walking in the westbound lane. The conditions were dark and the man, identified as RANDALL EARL TOURNEY, age 49, from Bandon, was wearing dark clothing.

TOURNEY was pronounced deceased at the scene. He lived about 1/2 mile from the scene.

WILSON was not injured. She was using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from Coos Bay Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

Bandon Police Department, ODOT and the Coos County Crash team assisted. Representatives of the interagency crash team were from Coos County Sheriff's Office, Coos Bay Police Department, North Bend Police Department and Coquille Police Department.

The highway was closed to one lane until about 9:45 a.m.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/011110.fatal.hwy42s.bandon.JPG

(Salem) - The newly created Oregon Broadband Advisory Council is scheduled to meet in Salem on January 28, 2009. The Council's mission is to develop and ensure the implementation of statewide broadband strategies with a focus on extending broadband access to underserved and underserved populations across Oregon. The Council is also charged with reporting to the legislature on the affordability and accessibility of broadband technology in all areas of the state and on the extent of broadband technology use in healthcare, energy management, education and government.

The Council members represent leaders from Oregon's cities, counties, telecommunications service providers, Tribes, educators, economic development organizations, public safety agencies, healthcare providers, e-government, the Public Utility Commission, and the Oregon Legislature.

The January 28 agenda will include Council mission and legislative charge, federal broadband stimulus programs, Oregon broadband initiatives and strategic planning. State Rep. Jefferson Smith will also address the Council. The meeting will be held in the State Division of Lands Building at 775 Summer Street NE in Salem.

The members of the Council are:

Rich Bader – EasyStreet Online Services
Ray Baum – Public Utility Commission
Jonathan Dolan – Oregon State University
Miles Ellenby – Oregon Health and Science University
Joe Franell – Eastern Oregon Telecom
Kathy George – Yamhill County Commission
Adam Gryzbicki – AT&T
Mary Beth Henry – City of Portland
Jeff Johnson – Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue
Lonny Macy – Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Dugan Petty – State of Oregon, Chief Information Officer
Dave Sabala – Douglas Electric Cooperative

Other Council members include State Senator Ted Ferrioli appointed by the President of the Senate and State Representative Tobias Read appointed by the Speaker of the House.



# # #


The Oregon Business Development Department works to create, retain, expand and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living-wage jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding, and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and entrepreneurs. Visit www.oregon4biz.com for more information on doing business in Oregon.

Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the suspect(s) responsible for the illegal kill and waste of four deer about ten miles east of Paulina in central Oregon. A reward of up to $500 is offered by the Oregon Hunter's Association (OHA) for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

According to OSP Senior Trooper Amos Madison, on January 9, 2010 a rancher in the Rager area about ten miles east of Paulina contacted OSP to report he found two deer that had been shot. The reporting rancher said the deer were not there the previous afternoon. Initial response and investigation led to the discovery of a total of four deer were illegally killed and left to waste. All were does and at least two were pregnant.

Madison believes the deer were shot from Pruitt Road, most likely in the late afternoon / early evening of January 8th with the use of a spotlight.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Senior Trooper Madison at (541) 419-1654.

The reward is offered by the OHA Prineville and State chapters.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/011109.ragerdeer.1.JPG

OMSI Ongoing Calendar of Events
January-June 2010

OMSI REGULAR HOURS
9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Tues.–Sun.
(Open Mondays when Portland Public Schools are closed)

OMSI CONTACT INFO
Phone: 503.797.4000
Website: www.omsi.edu

PRICING
Museum Admission: $11.00 Adults, $9.00 Youth 3-13 and Senior 63+
OMNIMAX Dome Theater, Matinee: $8.50 Adults, $6.50 Youth 3-13 and Senior 63+
OMNIMAX Dome Theater, 6:00 p.m.–close: $6.00 Adults, $5.00 Youth 3-13 and Senior 63+
Submarine: $5.75 (Tours are for ages 3 and above)
Planetarium: $5.75
Evening Laser Light Shows: $7.50


FEATURED EXHIBITS

Space: A Journey to Our Future
Opens Jan. 30–May 31, 2010
OMSI offers space exploration enthusiasts the opportunity to touch a piece of Mars, see a real Moon rock up close, take a spin on a space bike, or tour a full-scale future lunar habitat and more in the new exhibit Space: A Journey to Our Future. The exhibit brings to life current projects in space exploration – satellites, space telescopes, living in space – and provides a glimpse of future human space travel through highly advanced interactive displays and state-of-the-art projection and audio technology. Space: A Journey to Our Future is one of the largest touring exhibitions ever produced on space exploration.

SAMSON: The Colossal T. rex Discovery
Now open through Sept. 6, 2010
A magnificent 40-foot-long fossil of one of the most fearsome carnivores ever to walk the face of the Earth is now on display in OMSI's Earth Science Hall. The 66-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton known as SAMSONSM, one of the three most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens in existence, is making its world-wide museum debut at OMSI. 56% of SAMSON's original bones, including its nearly complete skull, are on exhibit.

Einstein
Opens June 26
The most comprehensive presentation ever mounted on the life and theories of the most famous scientist of the 20th century.





EVENTS

NASA Lecture by Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon
January 22, 7:00 p.m. in the OMSI auditorium
Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon, the book that inspired the popular mini-series, From the Earth to the Moon, returns to OMSI to discuss the results of NASA's LCROSS lunar-impact mission and take visitors on a guided tour of the Moon.
Lecture is free with a suggested donation of $2. No RSVP required.

FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Qualifier
February 6, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the OMSI Auditorium
Don't miss the action when high school robotics teams converge on OMSI for a day of mechanical madness at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) regional competition, Hot Shot! Get an up-close look as two teams of robots race to move 9" plastic balls into different goals around the playing field. Each team is given a kit and a LEGO NXT brain to design and build robots to compete in the challenge. Winners of the FTC regional competition will go to the state championships where they may qualify for the national competition. Event is free and open to the public, but does not include museum admission.

Darwin Lecture
February 11, 7:00 p.m. in the OMSI auditorium
Celebrate Darwin Day 2010 with Dr. Steve Austad, a professor at the Barshop Institute for Longevity Aging Studies and the Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center. Listen to Dr. Austad as he discusses his studies about the evolution of aging and his various hypotheses for why organisms age.
Lecture is free with a suggested donation of $2. No RSVP required.

59th Annual Agate and Mineral Show
February 12-14 in the OMSI auditorium
Explore the wonders of geology at the 59th Annual Agate and Mineral Show. Enjoy a wide array of beautiful cabochons (cut, shaped, and polished rocks) including agate, jasper, and obsidian from the Northwest. Presented by the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society (OAMS), 30+ exhibits will be on display. Event is included with museum admission.

Brain Fair
March 13
Learn about the amazing adaptive power of the brain when the largest Brain Fair in the country returns to OMSI March 14. The free fair is the grand finale of Oregon Health & Science University's (OHSU) Brain Awareness Season 2010. This year's cerebral celebration will include interactive exhibits, real human brains, crafts, demonstrations, prizes, and OHSU neuroscientists explaining their groundbreaking research. Event is included with museum admission.

45th Annual Shell Show
April 23-25
Discover the beauty of the ocean at the 45th Annual Shell Show. Enjoy a wide variety of rare and beautiful shells from around the world, including conch, mollusk, oyster, and clam. Presented by the Oregon Society of Conchologists (OSC), 20+ exhibits will be on display. Event is included with museum admission.

National Lab Day
May 2-8
A national barn-raising for hands-on learning, OMSI joins more than 200 organizations nationwide to celebrate National Lab Day, a new initiative aimed to inspire future innovators by improving the quality of STEM education in the U.S. OMSI's Chemistry, Physics, Technology, Laser Holography, Paleontology, Watershed, Life Science, and Discovery labs will be featuring special hands-on activities to celebrate the kick-off year of this important campaign.

60th Anniversary of the OMSI Planetarium
June 5
The OMSI Planetarium celebrates its 60th anniversary with astronomy activities, trivia, and more!


OMSI After Dark
Shoot off water rockets, concoct chemical creations, and explore the wonders of OMSI with no kids in sight! Enjoy a glass of wine while learning about robots, tornados, or fossils. Talk to a brewer about the science behind beer, or taste how an extra 10% cacao can make a difference in chocolate. All that and more with OMSI After Dark, a night at the museum for the 21-and-over crowd filled with food, drink, and science fun!

OMSI After Dark is held the fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Admission is free for members and $10 for non-members. Visitors 21-and-over only; ID will be checked at the entrance.
February 3
March 3
March 31
April 28
May 26
June 30


Teen Science Night
A special free evening at OMSI just for visitors ages 13–18. Teens can explore the museum, rock out to a live DJ, ride the Segway, play games, and more! Teen Science Night is a quarterly event on Saturdays from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Admission is free; food and beverages are available for purchase.
March 6


$2 Days at OMSI
Explore the museum for only $2 the first Sunday of every month.

January 3
February 7
March 7
April 4
May 2
June 6


OMSI Science Pub
Meet with researchers and scientists at these monthly, informal science education events held in Portland, Eugene, and Corvallis. Science Pub is a relaxed gathering with expert speakers discussing cutting-edge advances in science and technology that directly affect people's lives. No scientific background is required—just curiosity, a sense of humor, and an appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge. Science Pub is casual, interactive, and fun! Visit http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepub for more information. Pubs are free with a suggested cover charge of $2.

Portland Bagdad Theater:
First Monday of every month at Bagdad Theater, 3702 SE Hawthorne, Portland, 7:00 p.m.

A Hitchhiker's Guide to Cyber-Science
January 11
With Cherri Pancake, PhD, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Oregon State University

Brain Chemistry for Lovers
February 9
With Vocalist Valerie Day, pianist Darrell Grant, and neuroscientist Larry Sherman, PhD
(Please note: tickets are required for this event, $15.00 each. Purchase at Bagdad Theater or Crystal Ballroom box offices or online at Ticketmaster.com)

"The Ghost Map" and the Future of Cities
March 2
With Steven Johnson, best-selling author of The Invention of Air and Everything Bad is Good for You

Seeing Time: Geologic Clues to Our Ancient Earth
April 5
With Marli Bryant Miller, PhD, senior instructor and research associate professor in the geology department at the University of Oregon

TBD
May 3


Portland Mission Theater:
Last Tuesday of every month at Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan, Portland 7:00 p.m.

Hot Rocks: Oregon's Volcanic Past…and Future!
January 26
With Kathy Cashman, PhD, head of the geology department at the University of Oregon

Snowflakes, Stress, and Semiconductors: Do You See a Pattern Here?
February 16
With Richard Taylor, PhD, professor in physics, psychology, and art at the University of Oregon

Sex, Relationships, and Technology
March 30
With L. Kris Gowen, PhD, EdM, sexuality educator and research associate at Portland State University

Crime Lab Confessions: A Forensic Scientist Tells All
April 27
With Kori Barnum, a scientist at the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory

What's Eating You? People and Parasites
May 25
With Eugene Kaplan, PhD, Axinn Distinguished Professor of Conservation and Ecology, Hofstra University


Eugene:
The second Thursday of every month at Cozmic Pizza, 199 W 8th Ave., 7:00 p.m.

Living in a Quantum World
January 14
With Michael Raymer, PhD, and Steven van Enk, PhD, both from the physics department at the University of Oregon

TBD
February 11

The Cheese Stands Alone: The Science behind Oregon's Acclaimed Artisan Cheeses
March 11
With Lisbeth Goddik, PhD, associate professor of Food Science and Technology at Oregon State University

Dr. Stan's Science Show: The Physics of What Surrounds You!
April 8
With Stanley Micklavzina, physics educator, demonstration expert, and faculty member in the physics department at the University of Oregon

Dangerous Liaisons: Sexual Selection and Sexual Conflict
May 13
With Patrick C. Phillips, PhD, professor of biology and director of the Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Oregon


Corvallis:
The second Monday of every month at Old World Deli, 341 SW 2nd St., 7:00 p.m.

Getting Inside Your Head: Empathy, Stress, and First Impressions
January 11
With Frank Bernieri, PhD, associate professor and former chair of the OSU psychology department, and Sarina Rodrigues, PhD, assistant professor in the OSU psychology department

TBD
February 8

TBD
March 8

TBD
April 12

TBD
May 10


OMNIMAX FILMS: OMNIMAX Hotline 503.797.4640

Roving Mars
Opens January 30
Chronicling the design, launch, and successful landings of NASA's robotic Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, Roving Mars offers unprecedented visuals and amazing computer-animated depictions of the rovers' arrival on the Martian surface. Narrated by Paul Newman, this celebration of science and technology dramatically portrays the considerable obstacles NASA faced in launching and landing the rovers on time and within budget. Winner of the 2008 National Academy of Sciences award for best science film.

Hubble
Opens March 19
Experience the gripping story of the most important astronomical instrument since Galileo's original telescope and the greatest success in space since the Moon landing – the Hubble Space Telescope. Movie-goers accompany space-walking astronauts on their final mission to the telesope as they attempt some of the most difficult and important tasks in NASA's history. Journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings in Hubble.

OMSI Film Festival
May 4-June 27
Bringing together 18 remarkable and thought-provoking films, the 2010 OMSI Film Festival will highlight films designed to celebrate the IMAX experience on the five-story screen of the OMNIMAX Dome Theater. Films scheduled to be featured during the eight-week-long festival include: Everest, Wild Ocean, Adrenaline Rush, Sea Monsters, Amazon, Hurricane on the Bayou, Solarmax, Lewis & Clark, Dolphins, Coral Reef, Mystery of the Nile, and Journey Into Amazing Caves. Current OMNIMAX favorites, Hubble, Deep Sea, and Roving Mars will also play during the festival.

Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk
Now showing
Go inside the exciting world of skydiving and base jumping on the giant screen in Adrenaline Rush. With breathtaking views of skydiving over the Florida Keys, the Mojave Desert, and the magnificent Fjords of Norway, explore the psychological and physiological forces behind risk taking and the physics involved in high-risk activities.

Bugs: A Rainforest Adventure
Now showing through March 18
Explore the extraordinary hidden world of insects where a leaf weighs more than a car and a blade of grass soars like a skyscraper. Shot on location in the Borneo rainforest, Bugs brings the beautiful and dangerous universe of its tiny stars up close and personal with cutting-edge technology that magnifies them up to 250,000 times their normal size. Don't miss this unforgettable, stunning film that reveals the dramatic and awe-inspiring lives of these fascinating creatures.

Deep Sea
Now showing
Dive beneath the ocean's surface to witness some of the most unique, dangerous and colorful creatures on the planet. Narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, Deep Sea is an immersive, underwater adventure featuring never-before-seen, up-close encounters with a wide range of exotic undersea life. Audiences will be introduced to a colorful cast of characters and observe at arm's length these creatures living out their lives in a variety of unique and often humorous relationships... some predatory, some symbiotic, yet all ultimately dependent upon one another for survival.

Dinosaurs Alive!
Now showing
A global adventure of science and discovery that uses state-of-the-art CGI to bring dinosaurs, their behaviors and their ancient environments to life. Viewers witness dinosaurs locked in mortal combat, nesting in colonies, protecting their young, and facing catastrophic forces of nature. Interwoven throughout the film is a real-life scientific adventure that looks at the field of paleontology and the finds that have revolutionized our understanding of these creatures that once dominated the earth.


PLANETARIUM SHOWS: Planetarium Hotline: 503.797.4610

Ice Worlds
Now showing
The delicate balance between ice, water and the existence of life has been a topic of exploration and discovery in science for generations. In travels to the Arctic and Antarctic regions of our planet, we'll examine the ecosystems that live and thrive there and see how their survival is connected with our own. Beyond Earth, we'll see how the existence of ice shapes the landscape and the natural systems on other planets and moons in our solar system.

STARS
Now showing
Every star has a story. Some are as old as time, faint, and almost forgotten. Others burn bright and end their lives in powerful explosions. New stars are created every day, born of vast clouds of gas and dust. Through every phase of their existence, stars release the energy that powers the Universe. Journey to the furthest reaches of our galaxy and experience both the awesome beauty and destructive power of STARS.

Starry Nights LIVE!
Now showing
Learn about the interesting stories of the constellations and others in this live presentation in OMSI's Kendall Planetarium. It is not just stars everyone can see in the night sky—planets, constellations, zodiac, shooting stars, and satellites are all there if you know when and where to look. Navigate by the stars and discover how you can become a backyard astronomer. Topics will change monthly and graphics will be programmed accordingly.


DAYTIME LASER SHOWS:

Laser Space Odyssey
Now showing


EVENING LASER SHOWS (Fridays and Saturdays only):

January—
8:15 p.m. Laser Michael Jackson
9:30 p.m. Laser Hendrix
10:45 p.m. Laser Floyd: The Vision Bell

February—
8:15 p.m. Laser Michael Jackson
9:30 p.m. Laser Green Day
10:45 p.m. Laser Floyd: The Vision Bell

March—
8:15 p.m. Laser Michael Jackson

9:30 p.m. Laser KORN
10:45 p.m. Laser Floyd: The Vision Bell

April—
8:15 p.m. Laser Michael Jackson
9:30 p.m. Laser Ragefest
10:45 p.m. Laser Floyd: The Vision Bell

May—
8:15 p.m. Laser Michael Jackson
9:30 p.m. Laser Nirvana
10:45 p.m. Laser Floyd: The Vision Bell



###

Jan. 11, 2010

Weekly influenza update – National Influenza Vaccination Week

The flu is still with us and Oregon Public Health is participating in National Influenza Vaccination Week (Jan. 10-16) with a reminder: it's not too late to vaccinate.

Influenza in Oregon has declined from the height of the recent outbreak in October and has remained steady for several weeks. Hospitalizations have slowed down and deaths in Oregon from pandemic H1N1 have been less frequent. Across the country, however, influenza activity is increasing in many areas.

"Pandemics come in waves," says Mel Kohn, M.D., M.P.H., Oregon Public Health director. "As flu activity continues to increase in other states, Oregon has an opportunity to prevent illness by continuing our vaccination efforts."

In other words, says Kohn, "It's not too late to vaccinate." That's the message for Oregon during National Influenza Vaccination Week and beyond.

Kohn says supply is not an issue. Oregon's supply of H1N1 vaccine is keeping up with demand. The vaccine, manufactured the same way as the seasonal flu shot, has been proven to be very safe and effective for everyone, including pregnant women and children older than 6 months.

Every day this week, flu fighters across the United States, from the federal to local level,
will encourage different groups to get vaccinated:

• Monday, January 11: Health care workers.

• Tuesday, January 12: People with chronic health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, that put them at high risk for complications from the flu.

• Wednesday, January 13: Pregnant women and caregivers of infants less than 6 months old.

• Thursday, January 14: Young adults ages 19 to 24 years old.

• Friday, January 15: Seniors


"The more people vaccinated this week, the better our chance of preventing H1N1
hospitalizations and deaths. It's the best way to protect yourself and those you care about," says Kohn.

Since September 1, 2009 in Oregon, 1,307 people have been hospitalized with the flu; 65 people have died.

For more information, visit www.flu.oregon.gov or call the Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline (800-978-3040). Beginning Jan. 16, the hotline will change its hours to 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. – noon weekends and holidays.


2009-2010 pandemic H1N1 influenza in Oregon:
First case: April 30, 2009
First hospitalization: May 3, 2009
First death: June 8, 2009
First vaccine shipped to Oregon: Sept. 30, 2009
Priority restriction lifted, vaccine available to everyone: December 14, 2009

# # #

Oregon State Police (OSP), working in cooperation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, is seeking the public's help with an investigation into significant vandalism to the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse over the weekend. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered by The Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible in this case.

According to OSP Sergeant Todd Hoodenpyl, between the afternoon of January 9 and noon on January 10, 2010 an unknown vehicle reportedly drove down a blocked maintenance road to the Cape Meares Lighthouse viewing area ten miles west of Tillamook. Several rounds were fired breaking 15 windows of the lighthouse and several pieces of a historic Fresnel lens. Additional rounds were fired into an active Coast Guard light and surrounding equipment. While driving off the maintenance road the suspect vehicle caused significant damage to a grassy area.

Cape Lookout State Park Manager Pete Marvin reported the lighthouse lenses were very old with much historical value and are irreplaceable.

Cape Meares Lighthouse went into service January 1890. The lighthouse lens was manufactured in Paris, France and shipped around Cape Horn up to Oregon, arriving for installation prior to the date the lighthouse went into service. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department estimates damage to be over $50,000 dollars.

Information about the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewing area, which is currently closed in response to this incident, is available at:

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_181.php

Anyone with information to help in the OSP investigation is asked to call the OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police / Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2010-01/1002/CapeMearesLighthouse.3.jpg , 2010-01/1002/CapeMearesLighthouse.4.jpg , 2010-01/1002/CapeMearesLighthouse.6.jpg , 2010-01/1002/CapeMearesLighthouse.5.jpg , 2010-01/1002/CapeMearesLighthouse.1.jpg , 2010-01/1002/CapeMearesLighthouse.8.jpg